The countdown is on – the Dorset County Show returns on 6th & 7th September, and we’re delighted to bring you the official pre-show magazine, created in partnership with the Show team.
This year’s issue is full of stories, previews and insider tips to help you get the most out of your visit. From big-ring thrills to the quieter corners of the showground, it’s a celebration of everything that makes the Dorset County Show such a favourite in the rural calendar.
Here’s just a taste of what you’ll find inside:
Ben Atkinson’s Liberty Horses – back by popular demand after last year’s runaway success.
Paul Hannam’s ATV Stunt Show – Britain’s quad daredevil brings jaw-dropping jumps and the UK’s only multicar rollover quad.
59 free things to do – proof that some of the best parts of the Show won’t cost you a penny.
The Sheep Show – music, laughter and education from one of the UK’s most-loved arena acts.
C&O Tractors’ Matthew Holland – 47 years in the business, loyalty, tractors, and why the Show is a fixed date in his calendar.
Plus the map (screenshot it for the day), timetables (DITTO!), food & drink highlights, the Fun Dog Show, and much more.
Whether you’re here for the animals, the machinery, the food or just the atmosphere, the magazine is your guide to making the most of the weekend.
📖 Read the magazine above – free and easy on any device, just make it full screen and flip the pages.
🎟️ Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance – discounted prices end Friday 5th September. Get tickets here.
Not quite … but it’s changing the game, says expert Karen Geary
I’m currently trialling four different AI tools. My background before nutrition was in technology, so I’ve always seen software as an enabler. It feels a lot like the early wave of digital transformation – only now, it’s coming for healthcare. So, can AI replace me? It’s a question I hear more and more – and I’ve even asked it of myself. After all, AI can write diet and fitness plans, identify nutrient gaps, summarise research in seconds and calculate macros (though it doesn’t yet access the most accurate food databases). It can explain how magnesium affects sleep and how vitamin C supports iron absorption. Tasks that used to take practitioners hours can now be completed in seconds. So: am I obsolete? Not quite. But the ground beneath us is shifting. And frankly – it’s exciting!
The rise of the data-literate client We are entering an era where clients are no longer passive recipients of advice – we’re becoming data-literate, AI-supported decision-makers. Many are already wearing Oura rings, logging meals in Cronometer, and asking ChatGPT which supplements might help their energy. And that’s a good thing. Functional nutrition has always emphasised empowerment and root-cause thinking. AI simply accelerates access to that information. What used to be specialist interest – continuous glucose monitors, gut microbiome tests, HRV tracking – is now becoming mainstream. My clients aren’t just arriving with questions anymore. They’re arriving with data and sensible hypotheses too.
What AI can do well I use AI daily. It has become my virtual assistant: Explaining concepts: From methylation to mitochondrial health, it quickly turns jargon into plain English Recipe ideas: Give it a list of allergies, macros, and time limits – et voilà, lunch Protocol support: It can suggest food lists, flag nutrient gaps, and cross-reference emerging research Time-saving: From draft handouts to generating meeting notes—it’s like having a research assistant on call Used wisely, it frees up time for deeper, more meaningful conversations with clients.
What it can’t do (and why I still have a job) Here’s what AI still cannot do: Contextual thinking: It can’t notice that your bloating worsens only during business travel, or that your fatigue appeared after grief Pattern recognition over time: It won’t link a trail of “unconnected” symptoms across decades or recall what you said six sessions ago Emotional nuance: It can’t catch the hesitation in your voice when you say you’re “fine” but clearly aren’t Clinical discernment: It can’t distinguish a histamine issue from a trauma loop – or flag that a low FODMAP diet may be unnecessary Understanding contraindications: Unless you prompt it with absolute precision, AI lacks context around medications, interactions and medical nuance And it certainly can’t sit with you while you untangle years of confusing symptoms and self-blame. Nutritional therapy isn’t just data. It’s dialogue. The clues are often in what’s not said – and in the health history you didn’t think mattered, but your practitioner does.
Ethical considerations As AI becomes more deeply embedded in nutrition, it raises important ethical questions. Data privacy is paramount – AI tools often require access to sensitive health information, which must be handled securely and transparently. There’s also the risk of bias: if training data lacks diversity, recommendations may not be equitable or appropriate for all populations. Transparency is crucial. Practitioners must inform clients if their data (even anonymised) is shared with third-party tools, especially AI platforms. Clients also deserve to understand how AI generates suggestions and be empowered to question them. Addressing these concerns is essential to building trust and ensuring AI enhances, rather than undermines, nutritional care.
The future is a partnership I don’t think AI will replace nutritionists. I think it will expose poor practice – and elevate good ones. My job now is interpreter, not gatekeeper, helping clients make sense of the flood of information they carry into the clinic.
What you can do now Start a health timeline: Record your history – not just diagnoses, but symptoms, stressors and family patterns Own your data: Use the NHS app to gather your blood work history, track your wearables and keep records of medications and supplements. Bring data with you to appointments. By all means use AI to try and help you make sense of things, but you need to have the right background to know what you are looking for in order to prompt AI in the right way. Use AI … wisely: It’s great for reflection, learning and ideas. But it’s not a diagnostic tool – and no substitute for personal advice. Stay curious, but cautious: AI is only as good as your input. If you don’t know what to ask, you might not like the answer. Take the information with a grain of salt and always fact check.
Final thought AI is transforming healthcare. But healing still happens in a client-practitioner relationship. ChatGPT can suggest zinc-rich foods, but it can’t assess how well you absorb them. It can summarise biochemical pathways, but it can’t sense what’s missing between the lines. So yes, AI is remarkable. But you – your body, your story, your goals – are more than an algorithm. And for now, at least, I still have a job. And it’s a privilege.
• Part time – £12.25 to £13.50 per hour depending on experience.
• Minimum of 20 hours per week (flexibility needed) Monday to Friday
• Plus additional evenings and weekend working as needed
We are looking for a proactive and practical person to join our friendly team as Caretaker. The Exchange is a vibrant, community-led arts and activity centre, home to a 300-seat theatre, six meeting and activity rooms, a community café, gallery/exhibition and market spaces in the heart of Sturminster Newton.
Main responsibilities include assisting the General Manager and Team in facilitation of variety of activities—including live music, theatre, and general community events, and ensuring an excellent experience is had by all who use The Exchange.
As Caretaker, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining the premises to a high standard inside and out. This will also include setting up event spaces, supporting technical and backstage needs, maintaining high standards of cleanliness, upholding security & health and safety measures in a timely manner and taking overall care of the building.
Other duties involve setting up rooms for bookings/events and packing down afterwards, plus carrying out general maintenance and cleaning duties and supported by two part-time Cleaners.
This role requires flexibility & willingness to regularly work some evenings and weekends in agreement with the General Manager. Lone working will also be expected in certain situations. As the public face of The Exchange on occasions, an ability to work competently & graciously with all users of the building is essential.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
Caretaking, cleaning, facilities support
• Basic IT knowledge (emails, spreadsheets, logging safety checks).
• Good communication skills and ability to work well with hirers, performers, and colleagues.
• Ability to take initiative, manage own time, and maintain high standards of work.
• Awareness of theatre and live event operations would be a bonus (e.g., stage setup, backstage etiquette).
The role involves regular manual tasks, including lifting, carrying, and moving equipment and furniture. Candidates should be capable of undertaking these duties, with reasonable adjustments made where required.
This is a practical, hands-on role, ideal for someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys variety, and is comfortable in a lively community and performance environment. Your contribution will help make our events happen and ensure every visitor, performer, and community member has a positive experience.
Benefits:
• Employee ticket discount
• Company sick pay
• Company pension scheme
• On-site free parking
A job description is available – if you’d like a copy please contact [email protected]. We will send a copy of the job description to those candidates that are selected for interview.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to be our Caretaker, please send a copy of your CV witha covering letter telling us why you’d be a great addition, to [email protected].
Are you an experienced farmer with a passion for cows and all animals?
We are looking for an experienced farmer to join our team at our Care Farm near Sherborne.
This is a permanent full-time role
52 weeks of the year, 28 days leave
40 hours a week average over a two-week rotation with alternative weekends
A good degree of flexibility may be possible for the right candidate
Proposed range of hours across a fortnight rotation:
Week 1 8am-4:30/5pm Tuesday-Friday, plus 7 hours each day Saturday Sunday,
Week 2 8am-5pm Tuesday-Friday
Leave can be taken as required within the hours given
Please get in touch if you are interested. We would love to meet you, show you our farm and talk to you about the role and we can send you an application pack.
Please contact Julie Plumley on 01963 210703
Email: [email protected] to arrange a visit and to get an application pack.
Applications closing date: 1pm on Tuesday 30thSeptember
For many sports fans, betting is as much a part of the experience as the game itself. In cities, the choices are obvious, with betting shops and well-known online brands dominating the conversation. Rural fans, though, are taking a slightly different path. With fewer local outlets and a stronger connection to community clubs, they are turning to alternative betting sites that reflect their own preferences. It’s not just about the biggest leagues or most visible operators. It’s about convenience, value, and feeling connected to sport on a level that fits everyday life in the countryside.
Racing at Wincanton image Courtenay Hitchcock The BV
Community Games and New Platforms
Rural supporters often follow village cricket, county rugby, or non-league football more closely than they follow top-tier matches. These games bring people together and strengthen local pride. They also inspire betting activity, but not always in ways that match the traditional model. Fans looking for more control and variety increasingly point toward the best exchange betting site options, where they can back or lay outcomes rather than being limited to fixed odds. The appeal lies in the freedom to act like both punter and bookmaker. That kind of flexibility has perks: better odds, direct peer-to-peer interaction, and a sense that the system rewards knowledge rather than just luck.
Such platforms have become popular in rural areas because they adapt well to the interests of smaller communities. Punters may use them to bet on larger matches but also appreciate that the structure aligns with how they talk about sport—debating outcomes, making predictions, and enjoying the back-and-forth that comes with competition. The personal element is important. It feels closer to the energy of placing a small wager at a local fair or race day, but with the added convenience of modern technology.
In many cases, these sites fill a gap left by the absence of high street bookmakers in smaller towns. Instead of travelling long distances to place a bet, fans can take part from home. The connection between the digital and the rural is strengthened by mobile access, giving punters a chance to play along while attending a match, sitting in the clubhouse, or catching up with friends at the pub after the game.
Value Over Hype
Supporters in rural settings are less swayed by constant advertising tied to the Premier League or other elite competitions. For them, betting is less about glossy campaigns and more about finding value. Alternative sites appeal because they don’t just push the most obvious markets. They provide broader coverage, often extending to smaller leagues and international contests that matter to punters who pay attention beyond the headlines.
The lack of constant hype gives these platforms a different tone. Fans who feel overwhelmed by aggressive marketing find comfort in sites that focus more on odds, stats, and practical use. They can follow the teams they care about without feeling pressured by promotions that focus on matches they may not watch. It makes betting feel more like a personal choice and less like a broadcast designed for mass consumption.
This search for value also reflects the frugal approach often found in rural communities. People want to get the most from their money. If an exchange or alternative operator offers higher returns or lower margins, it becomes an attractive option. That mix of pragmatism and loyalty to local sport creates a fertile ground for platforms outside the mainstream.
Blending Tradition and Technology
For many countryside fans, betting has long been tied to traditional events such as horse racing or village fêtes. Those gatherings are not just about sport but about community and ritual. The move toward online platforms might seem like a departure, yet it often works as an extension. Fans who once placed small bets on local races can now access a wider pool of events while retaining the same sense of involvement.
Technology makes it possible to carry that spirit into modern routines. Mobile apps, cash-out features, and detailed statistics give fans new ways to engage. At the same time, the rhythm of betting remains familiar. The same discussions about form, history, and local rivalries take place, only now they are paired with digital tools that add convenience. This blending of old and new reflects the adaptability of rural culture. People keep what matters while adopting what works.
This hybrid model also appeals to newer fans. They may not share the nostalgia for physical betting shops but appreciate that alternative platforms give them an interactive experience that matches how they already use technology. For them, betting becomes just another extension of following sport on their phones—checking scores, streaming highlights, and joining social discussions.
Looking Ahead for Rural Fans
As sports betting grows in complexity, rural communities continue to carve their own path. Alternative sites, especially exchanges, offer the kind of flexibility that matches their needs. These platforms thrive where high street shops are absent, giving fans more control and better odds. They also align with the culture of local sport, where pride and participation matter more than high-profile campaigns.
The appeal of these sites suggests that rural betting habits will continue to diverge from mainstream trends. While urban fans may stick with the biggest names, countryside punters will favour platforms that reward attention to detail and give them the freedom to approach sport on their own terms. That independence keeps betting tied to community, tradition, and practical value—qualities that ensure rural fans stay engaged no matter how the wider industry shifts.
Barn owl chicks are surprisingly noisy. Now, thanks to a project based in Dorset, their hissing chatter might be the key to protecting them – without anyone needing to peek inside the nest. Bournemouth University PhD student Kavisha Jayathunge is developing artificial intelligence that can listen to young barn owls and work out how many are in the nest – just from their calls. Each chick has a slightly different hiss, and while a human couldn’t tell them apart, the software can. It can even track which owlet is which … and may one day be able to estimate how hungry they are based on how they call for food. ‘We’re using AI to count baby barn owls by sound instead of disturbing them with video cameras,’ says Kavisha. ‘It means we can monitor natural nest sites as well as nestboxes – and do it all without stressing the birds.’
The research is being carried out with Dorset-based engineer and biologist Brian Cresswell, who specialises in using technology to support conservation. Their prototype has already successfully identified three chicks from one North Dorset nest recording. Brian added: ‘It’s a great research tool – and might help us understand more about what the hissing actually means.’ Because the sound of a barn owl chick carries so far, the idea is that conservation volunteers could one day simply place a recorder in a nearby hedge and leave the AI to do the clever bit. The work could be particularly valuable in hard-to-reach natural sites, where checking nests isn’t feasible – or legal. ‘This could be brilliant for citizen science,’ said Kavisha. ‘It’s inexpensive, non-invasive, and it’s using technology for something genuinely good – helping barn owls thrive.’
August’s BV podcast – from lockdown dog imports and unregulated rescues to a planning system stretched to its limits, and the voices still shouting for British farming. Oh – and we turned five. That too.
Editor’s Letter: Five Years of the BV
Laura marks the magazine’s 60th issue with a frank and grateful look back at how it all began – one idea on a hill, one pandemic, two people … and now a nationally award-winning corner of rural media.
“The BV started as a wild idea on a hill. Five years later, it’s better, louder, braver … and somehow still just as scrappy behind the scenes.”
Dog Rescues in Crisis: Josh Heath of Dogs Trust
Jenny speaks to Josh Heath, Senior Public Affairs Officer at Dogs Trust, about their urgent campaign to regulate dog rescue centres – and the serious risks of unlicensed overseas imports.
“Some of these dogs are swept up off the street, put in a van for 30 hours and then dropped off at your door. No assessments. No support. No protection for the dog or the family.”
Josh explains the health risks, behaviour problems, and biosecurity concerns linked to international rescue dogs – and why the UK needs to follow Scotland’s lead with national licensing.
The Dorset Insider: A Local Plan Built on Sand
This month’s anonymous Insider column is a scathing, insightful account of Dorset Council’s presentation to the county’s parish councillors of its Local Plan – and how it’s asking rural parishes to cope with twice the housing, zero details … all presented with a lot of “slopey shoulders”.
“Where there were plans for 25,000 houses, it’s now 50,000. And we don’t even know where the grey belt lands yet.”
From disappearing infrastructure plans to greenwashing gestures, it’s a no-nonsense call for proper answers – and better thinking.
Minette Batters: Farming Needs a Roadmap
Former NFU President Minette Batters – now Baroness Batters – talks exclusively to Laura Hitchcock about why Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show still matters, and why farmers can’t plan for the future without long-term political vision.
NFU President Minette Batters at her farm in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England on Thursday, Sept 02, 2021.
Credit: Lawrence Looi / NFU
“We need a farming roadmap that’s bomb-proof – something that won’t flip-flop with every election cycle.”
She reflects on the morale crisis in farming, and why we need younger voices at the table if agriculture is going to thrive in a changing world.
This episode is based on stories from August’s BV, which you can read here. News, people, places – and beautiful Dorset photography, every single month.
The BV– named 2024’s Best Regional Publication in the UK (ACE Awards) and Regional News Site of the Year (Press Gazette). Always worth your ears.
Following a debilitating illness, passed away peacefully on 2nd July 2025 in Chestnut Lodge Nursing Home, Ealing aged 84. Her love and kindness is missed already by family and friends. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Melbury Osmond Church on Saturday 27th September 2025 at 3.30pm. Donations if desired can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society at http://www.alzheimers.org.uk.
Cheese and onion scones are one of my favourites when I am craving comfort food for lunch. They really are quick to make and are just wonderful fresh from the oven and slathered with cold butter. Perfect with a cup of tea when the British summer isn’t as warm as it should be! Heather x
Ingredients
225g self raising flour
60g butter (soft)
60g caster sugar
milk
200g strong Cheddar cheese (or blue cheese)
4 or 5 spring onions
egg to glaze
Heather Brown is a special officer for the Guild of Food Writers and has worked in the food industry for 20 years. She is a food writer and photographer, offering one-to-one help to local businesses for content and websites.
Method
Line two baking sheets with greaseproof paper and preheat the oven to 180º fan/gas 6.
Add the flour and sugar to a large bowl. With your hands, add in the butter and rub it into the flour and sugar mixture. This involves rubbing your fingers together in the butter and flour mixture until the butter is entirely combined and the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Grate all the cheese and add ¾ of it into the mixture. Slice the root off the spring onions, and then chop them into the mixture too (discarding the top of the leaves). Stir the mixture together until the cheese and onion pieces have been integrated.
Pour in a little milk and stir the mixture together with your hands. Continue to add milk a splash at a time until the mixture comes together to form a soft dough (you don’t need to knead the dough).
Tip out onto a floured surface. Gently press out the mixture with your hands until it is about an inch thick. Using a cutter (you can just use a knife), cut out the scones and place on the trays.
Gently reform the dough and repeat the cutting until all the dough is used up. It should give you six to ten small scones (depending on how big your cutter is). I often make savoury dough into triangles so as to differentiate from sweet scones.
Beat the egg in a small bowl with a fork and brush the beaten mix onto the top of the scones. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
By all means leave them to cool … but they taste fantastic straight from the oven!
