Harvest wraps up but there’s always a new challenge

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17 November 2024

A challenging harvest done but new TB cases to consider, and James Cossins pushes Rawston Farm through to finish planting for next season

This month’s pictures from Rawston Farm both capture the same autumnal task of sowing wheat, which 60 years ago was a far simpler method: in 2024, it involves direct drilling into stubble, guided precisely by GPS technology.
The cost of the 1960s machinery was probably less than £1,000 – approximately £21,000 today. The 2024 version opposite is worth nearly £200,000!

The final part of this year’s rather protracted harvest is finally complete, with the forage maize crop now clamped ready to be used for our cattle feed for the winter months. We have probably harvested a couple of weeks late, but the weather conditions have not been in our favour. Luckily our soils were not punished too much by the farm machinery taking the crop out of the fields, and we’re fortunate that it also involved very limited public road use. I know that in some parts of the county it has been very challenging to get the maize out of the fields without bringing a large amount of mud onto the roads. In such cases contractors always do their best in brushing the roads to keep them clean and safe for other traffic.
We have progressed reasonably well in getting next year’s crop into the ground too: grass seeds, oilseeds and winter barley sowing have all been completed. Hopefully we’ll see some late autumn dry weather so that the winter wheat drilling can be completed.
A lot of this year’s malting barley has left the farm, headed to either Burton on Trent for Molson Coors, or to Southampton for temporary storage before being loaded onto a boat heading for Europe.
So far we’ve not seen too many financial claims for quality issues – the specifications to meet the quality requirements for barley intended for beer-making are very strict.

Back to TB again
On the cattle side of the farm we had yet another TB test, resulting in two reactors, much to every one’s frustration. Once again the post mortems on the two animals didn’t show any visible lesions within the carcases.
We now face a difficult decision – do we carry out a more sensitive test to determine whether there are any cattle in the herd carrying the disease and are not being picked up by the existing skin test?
The more sensitive test involves collecting a blood sample from every animal, which will be quite an undertaking. We have been told that we may lose up to ten per cent of our cattle, and the Government‘s animal and plant health agency may insist that we carry out this test anyway. Personally, I feel the best solution would be to go down the vaccination route – but we have been told for years now that it is just “five to ten years away”, with no signs of it coming any closer.
It is very frustrating to cattle keepers – we are close to eradicating this disease, having made such good progress in the last few years.
New beginnings
On a happier note for the Cossins family – we celebrated the birth of a granddaughter to Barbara and I in October. What an interesting world she has been born into!

The controversial tenant farmer: George Hosford on the inequities of land ownership | BV Podcast

By

LauraHitchcock

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16 November 2024

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In this episode of the BV Podcast, hosts Terry Bennett and Jenny Devitt dive into some of the hottest topics affecting Dorset’s communities. From the housing crisis to farmers grappling with recent policy shifts, there’s plenty to unpack.

Terry and Jenny kick off the podcast with letters from readers—an eclectic mix of perspectives on everything from barn owl chicks to concerns about Dorset Council’s “Litter Lotto.” These letters showcase the BV’s ability to connect with the pulse of Dorset life, whether it’s wildlife conservation or rural planning concerns.

Dorset’s Politicians Speak Out

As usual for the first episode of the month, the spotlight turns to Dorset’s political voices:

Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset, critiques Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget and warns of its potential consequences for small businesses and rural economies.
Ken Huggins of the Green Party tackles the global implications of Trump’s presidency alongside local concerns about Labour’s economic policies.
Edward Morello, MP for West Dorset, offers a thoughtful perspective on the Assisted Dying Bill, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
Gary Jackson of the Lib Dems advocates for stronger trust between central and local governments, calling for meaningful devolution.

Housing Crisis: A Rural Perspective

The new Grumbler column shines a light on Dorset’s housing dilemma, challenging the push for new builds on greenbelt land while thousands of homes sit empty. The anonymous writer passionately argues for sustainable solutions that preserve the countryside and prioritize affordable housing in urban areas.

A Farmer’s Take: Inheritance Tax and Food Security

In an insightful interview, Terry sits down with tenant farmer George Hosford, who unpacks the recent budget’s implications for agriculture. From inheritance tax changes to the abrupt end of farming subsidies, George offers a candid look at the challenges facing small farms. He questions whether current policies truly support food security or merely increase dependence on imported goods.

As George puts it, “We’re almost certain to reduce the amount of food being grown in this country, while making it harder for small farmers to stay in business.” His nuanced views – touching on tenant farming, environmental commitments, and the inequities of land ownership – make for essential listening.
“…that’s pretty controversial, and a lot of landowners won’t like to hear me say that, but that’s my belief. Like it or lump it.”

These interviews were based on articles found in November’s BV, which can be read here … grab a coffee and jump in to the Dorset-ness. News, opinion, people, wildlife, art, farming, what’s on, horses … and frankly stunning photography.
Did we mention it’s FREE?

(We’re proudly 100% digital, so the only way to read us is right here online.)

The BV is Dorset’s go-to magazine – this year named ‘Best Regional Publication in the UK’ (ACE Awards) and ‘Regional News Site of the Year’ (Press Gazette). Brimming with Dorset’s people and places, it’s too good to miss!

Deepest darkest Dorset: preserving our night sky heritage

By

Editorial team

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16 November 2024

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Seeking sanctuary under the stars: CPRE’s Dr Richard Miles looks at the push for a dark sky reserve to safeguard our natural nightscapes

Light pollution impeding the view of Orion and Taurus rising over Piddletrenthide (courtesy Kevin Quinn)

One of the attractive features of Dorset is the way it has avoided many of the pressures of modern development that affect so many English counties. And, along with just Norfolk and Cornwall, Dorset does not have a motorway running through any part of the county.
Driving back to Dorset from London at night, I sometimes follow the A303. The route winds westwards through Wiltshire, passing the brightly illuminated services above West Knoyle before crossing Charnage Down where it reaches a height of more than 700 feet before bending leftwards and dropping down towards Mere. Here, the Blackmore Vale comes into view for the very first time as an expanse of darkness, telling me I am nearly home.
Darkness is our heritage – and it is in danger of being lost.
Being frightened by the dark as a child may be a relic of our ancient past, when there was no artificial light. We survived because of our innate instinct to seek sanctuary at night, not knowing what creature may have lain in wait for us, hidden from view.
Here in the UK we no longer need fear the night. Indeed, the opposite is true: darkness can be an escape from the interminable lights in our towns and cities, an opportunity to seek rest, recreation and sleep.
Dark skies have become something under which we and fellow creatures can seek sanctuary – an escape from the spotlight of the modern world, a chance to return to nature and to see the world as our ancestors saw it, wild and wonderful.

Benefits of dark skies
Having light in the right place, at the right time and in the right amount, saves money and energy, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. It also supports biodiversity, allowing for thriving habitats for mammals like bats, owls, and hedgehogs, along with insects such as moths and glow-worms.
Loss of biodiversity is a serious problem the world over. Depriving people of the emotional connection with a night sky full of stars is one concern, but light pollution also has direct effects on human health.
Darkness is essential for the natural release of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, regulates our sleep cycles and acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Visitor attractions and star parties
Our Blackmore Vale inheritance has historically been a dark one – and it’s one we are well-advised to preserve. Dark skies attract visitors, as demonstrated by the many dark sky parks in Scotland and elsewhere. Nearer home there is the example of Stourton Caundle, where visitors can go Starlight Glamping, free from light pollution and staying in luxury bell tents with immediate access at night to starry skies.
The website Go Stargazing helps people find the best places to stargaze in the UK – some of our local viewpoints, including Fontmell Down near Compton Abbas and the Cerne Giant viewing area on the edge of Cerne Abbas, are featured.
Stargazing events, including popular Star Parties, bring together enthusiasts who arrive, equipped with telescopes and binoculars, in their camper-vans, set up tents or stay in local accommodations. The inaugural Cerne Abbas Star Party took place this September at the local brewery and, despite challenging weather, was deemed a success – it will return next year. The event featured speakers like Steve Tonkin, Dark Sky Adviser for Cranborne Chase National Landscape, an officially recognised International Dark Sky Reserve since 2019. Steve assisted in the bid to win this status by serving as a volunteer, taking sky quality readings and supporting stargazing evenings through giving talks and showing people the night sky.

A Dorset Dark Sky Reserve
Naturally, the idea that Dorset might also benefit by having an area set aside as a dark sky reserve was discussed. Would ‘reserve status’ help to conserve our county’s dark skies?
The Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, renamed Dorset National Landscape in 2023, comprises some 436 square miles. Some of the skies in this protected area suffer from excessive illumination, as shown by the accompanying light pollution map, but there still remain areas that are properly dark, shown edged in red. Part of this area extends north into the Blackmore Vale.
Unlike other forms of lasting pollution in the natural environment, the effect of lighting can be removed at the flick of a switch.
Tom Munro, manager of Dorset National Landscape, recently stressed that ‘Dark night skies are one of the Dorset National Landscape’s special qualities, one of the important elements that add up to this area’s nationally-important stock of natural beauty which is protected for future generations. We fully support the CPRE’s campaign to preserve the few dark skies we have left, particularly in southern England, and work guided by our partnership to that end.’
In the meantime, in the words of Hodges: ‘Put that light out!’

Is it a scam?

By

Editorial team

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15 November 2024

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A local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues.

Q: ‘I keep reading about people losing money in scams and I am worried that it might happen to me. What can I do to minimise the risk?’

A: It’s not easy to spot financial scams so it’s important you know what to look out for. Here is a quick guide to six financial scams:

Investment scams: scammers often use fake celebrity endorsements to promote false investments on social media. Scammers can also make fake investment firms seem legitimate by setting up clone websites of real companies. Check for a padlock icon next to the URL in the address bar, and instead of relying on a clickable link in an email or text, search on Google for the company – official websites are positioned higher in the search results since they have existed longer and have more links from other websites.
Friend-in-need scam: be wary if a friend or relative messages you urgently asking for money as it could be a scammer pretending to be your loved one to exploit your willingness to help. Before responding to unexpected messages requesting financial help, call your family member or friend directly to confirm the request. Many families choose a simple, memorable password to protect more vulnerable members from scammers posing as loved ones, posting urgent messages.
Romance scams: be wary if someone you met on a dating platform avoids video calls and meeting you in person, but starts asking for urgent money due to emergencies.
Pension scams: the two main types of pension scam are pension review scams and early pension release scams. Remember that professional advice on pensions is not free – any unexpected calls for reviews or offers are more than likely a scam. Hang up and find a reputable professional locally.
Debt help on social media: some financial influencers use social media to promote debt solutions in a misleading way. The solutions may give inaccurate advice which can put your finances at risk.
Parking QR codes: QR phishing is where fake QR codes are placed in areas such as car parks where you might scan and pay for your parking at ticket machines. If you find a QR code for payments at car parks, watch out for any tampering signs, and pay attention to the website you’re led to – be sure the QR code takes you to a legitimate site. When in doubt use one of the parking apps, and only pay through those.

If you’ve been scammed:
• Don’t feel embarrassed — scams can happen to anyone
• Report the scam as soon as possible
• Check if you can get your money back by contacting your bank immediately
• For more information, check our website https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/

Godmanstone | THEN AND NOW

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Editorial team

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14 November 2024

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Step back in time with our ‘Then and Now’ feature, where vintage postcards from the Barry Cuff Collection meet modern-day reality. Explore the past and present on the same page, and see the evolution of familiar local places. ‘Now’ images by Courtenay Hitchcock

The Street is remarkably unchanged on the left, though the wall on the right has been replaced by garden hedges.

Today’s large village green is not there in the old postcard. At that time, the river extended into a large pond

The Smith’s Arms in Godmanstone dates back to 1420 and originally served as a smithy. According to local legend, the pub’s licence was granted by Charles II, who requested some refreshment when his horse had thrown a shoe and he stopped at the smithy. When the smith explained he had no licence to serve ale or porter, the King instantly granted one by Royal Charter, starting a 350-year career for ’the smallest pub in England.’
The tiny public house measured just 11ft 9ins by 15ft, the ceiling barely clearing the head of patrons over six foot tall and it had just six tables. In the 1960s, the pub was sold to John and Linda Foster. John had been a top jockey who rode in three Grand Nationals, but had to retire from racing after a serious riding accident. The couple ran The Smiths Arms very successfully until the mid-2000s when John’s deteriorating health forced the couple to retire.

Sun, not floods, for the 29th Stickler!

By

Editorial team

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14 November 2024

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The Stickler – officially The Dorset Three Peaks – involves 1,500 ft of gruelling climb as runners ascend Okeford Beacon, Hod Hill and Hambledon Hill.

Could the weather have been any more perfect for this year’s Stickler race? Now in it’s 29th year, regular runners have come to expect flood-like conditions and some were apparently disappointed by the lack of wading required! But nobody was disappointed by the beautiful sunshine and the opportunity to run in a vest at the end of October.
The Dorset Three Peaks involves more than 1,500ft of gruelling climb, beginning with the infamous Stickle Path. Runners ascend three locally-renowned peaks along the beautiful Stour Valley – Okeford Beacon, Hod Hill and Hambledon Hill.
This year more than 570 runners registered, and there were 510 finishers. Local runner Dave Hewes from North Dorset Triathlon Club was under very strict instructions to get around safely as it was his stag do – he was getting married the next day! Luckily he achieved both, and we wish huge congratulations to him and his new wife. The Doddlers’ own Jane Feather ran it as a birthday present to herself (it takes all sorts – Ed), and what better way to spend the day?
The 2024 winner was Charles Ford, who completed it in a time of 1:06:02. First female over the line was Anna Philps from Purbeck Runners in 1:19:20. Second and third males were Christopher Peck from Egdon Heath Harriers (1:06:44) and Matthew Harris from Oxford University AC (1:08:32).
The second and third females were Emma Hines from Swindon Harriers (1:20:02) and Ali Young (1:21:16). The winning female team was from Chippenham Harriers, consisting of Liliano Soto, Juliette Hatt and Julia Maddocks. Winning men’s team was the Dorset Doddlers team of Christopher Wright, Rich White and Tom Mitchell. Well done all!
The race organisers would like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who made the 29th Stickler such a success. The race is only ever as good as its volunteers (the Stickler has more than 80), and the consensus is that these are the best.
The organisers send special thanks to the Dorset Doddlers running club, local community volunteers, Ann Powell and all at the Shillingstone Church Centre, Shillingstone Station, the residents of the local villages who are always so patient and supportive, and the amazing sponsors Hall and Woodhouse, Honeybuns and Up and Running Bournemouth.
Keep Sunday 26th October 2025 free for next year’s event when Adam Frampton will be stepping up for his first Stickler as Race Director.

An evening with Harry Meade

By

Editorial team

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13 November 2024

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Kingston Maurward Equestrian Centre will be hosting a lecture demo evening with one of Britain’s leading event riders, Harry Meade, on Wednesday 20th November. Harry will be bringing some of his own horses, as well as coaching a group of local riders on their own horses. The Kingston Maurward team say ‘This is a one-off event, and not to be missed!’
Harry is widely respected for his quiet and sympathetic riding style and ability to produce young horses to he very top level. He has completed 24 5*events, with multiple top placings.
Born into an equestrian family (his father Richard was a triple-Olympic gold medallist), Harry spent most of his childhood in the saddle, developing a natural feel and instinct that would become key in his later successes. He has built enduring partnerships with a number of sensitive but talented horses that have gone on to thrive at top level. Harry is driven by the challenges and the excitement of competing at top level and representing his country.
‘Early bird’ tickets (£25) are available until 13 Nov. After this, tickets will cost £29.
Booking via Equoevents or call 01305 215016

Second-hand book fair returns to Dorset Museum

By

Editorial team

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13 November 2024

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Book lovers, collectors and bargain hunters alike can look forward to thousands of high-quality books on sale at unbeatable prices, just in time for Christmas: Dorset Museum & Art Gallery is thrilled to welcome back its popular second-hand book fair on Saturday, 23rd November from 10am to 4pm in the museum’s Victorian Hall.
In addition to the museum’s own bookstands, the fair will feature stalls from the Hardy Society and Nangle Books, offering a rich selection of titles across various genres, including Dorset history, travel, music, art and gardening. With both fiction and non-fiction available, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast or simply looking for a great read.
Entry to the fair is free, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own bags as part of the museum’s commitment to sustainability. All proceeds from the museum’s bookstands will support the upkeep of Dorset Museum & Art Gallery and its collections, preserving Dorset’s heritage for future generations.
In preparation for the fair, the museum is accepting donations of quality second-hand books until Monday, 18th November 2024. Every donation is appreciated and contributes to the success of this popular annual event.

North Dorset Railway is making tracks!

By

Editorial team

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13 November 2024

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North Dorset Railway in Shillingstone has reached a major milestone, with the first new track being laid north of Haywards Lane since 1967.
Volunteers have prepared the trackbed with stone, ballast, sleepers and track, which will eventually connect back to the station’s existing track. Contractors have also started work on a new car park, set to relieve parking pressure on the industrial estate and enable larger events at the station.
Shillingstone Station was featured in the first programme of Channel 4’s recent Abandoned Railways from Above series, showcasing its scenic views and historical appeal. Visitors are always welcome to explore the station, enjoy exhibits, visit the museum and signal box, and relax in the Mark 1 carriage cafe when the weather is not so good.

Christmas is coming
Santa’s annual visit will take place on Sunday, 15th December, from 11am to 3pm. Children can meet Santa and receive a gift for £4.50 per child, with proceeds supporting the railway’s restoration. Bookings are essential by phone or in person at the station.
northdorsetrailway.co.uk
Shillingstone Station is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and select Bank Holidays from 10am to 4pm.