The BV: from the heart of Dorset

Dorset food fights, housing plans and Christmas trees

From housing battles to Christmas trees, the first BV podcast of December is packed! Hosts Terry Bennett and Jenny Devitt explore the controversial housing development in West Wincanton to the challenges facing the local food and drink sector—and they dive into the fascinating world of Dorset Christmas tree farming.
Housing Crisis – Growth vs Greenbelt
"Dorset doesn’t need sprawling estates—it needs modest, affordable homes for locals who actually want to live and work here."
Fanny Charles investigates the West Wincanton Development, a proposed 650-home project that’s sparking debates about balancing housing needs, greenbelt preservation, and community infrastructure. While some see it as an opportunity for affordable homes and modern amenities, others fear the loss of farmland and the strain on local resources.
Fanny discusses the importance of brownfield development, ensuring affordable housing provisions, and holding developers accountable for promises like green spaces and biodiversity net gains. The episode highlights the need for local voices in planning decisions to prevent short-sighted urban sprawl.
Food and Drink Sector – Overlooked and Underfunded?
"Dorset’s food and drink producers are invisible in the council’s plans—yet they’re the backbone of our local economy."
This month’s anonymous Grumbler column asks Does Dorset Council care about its thriving food and drink sector? Dorset’s producers are celebrated for their quality and innovation, yet critics argue that they’re underfunded, overlooked, and absent from local growth strategies.
With Wiltshire’s food fairs serving as an example of success, the call for better support, events, and funding for Dorset’s producers rings loud and clear. The podcast emphasizes the sector’s potential to boost economic growth and tourism, provided the council invests in the right strategies.
The Secret Life of Christmas Trees
"People don’t realize the sheer work involved—each tree gets 10 touch points a year to create that perfect Christmas shape."
Pete Hyde reveals the magic (and hard work!) behind Dorset’s finest Christmas trees. From trimming techniques to pest management and needle retention secrets, Pete shares tips on picking and caring for the perfect tree this holiday season.
He also reminds listeners why real trees are a greener option than artificial ones—and how buying local supports Dorset’s economy while reducing environmental impact.
These interviews were based on articles found in December’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?
The BV is Dorset’s go-to magazine – named ‘Best Regional Publication in the UK’ (ACE Awards) and ‘Regional News Site of the Year’ (Press Gazette) in 2024. Brimming with Dorset’s people and places, it’s too good to miss!
 

Spotting scams and Buffy the Dorset nursing legend | BV Podcast

From practical advice on scams to thought-provoking discussions on local environmental issues, and talking to a local community nurse – hosts Terry Bennett and Jenny Devitt bring you the latest BV podcast
Staying Scam-Savvy
Terry sits down with Rachel Rogers from Dorset’s Citizens Advice, who provides crucial tips on avoiding some of the most common current scams. From investment scams to romance fraud and even sneaky QR code traps in parking lots, Rachel highlights how to stay vigilant in an increasingly digital world. Her advice? Always think twice, verify sources, and don’t let pressure tactics sway you!
Dinah’s Hollow: A Road Controversy
Next, Jenny delves into the ever-ongoing debate over Dinah’s Hollow, an ancient Holloway in North Dorset. Fanny Charles updates us on the controversial plans for tree felling and slope stabilisation aimed at preventing landslips. With a hefty price tag of £8 million, the proposed project has drawn local opposition, citing its impact on biodiversity and the area’s historic character. As Fanny explains, alternative solutions, like the Red Rock proposal, could potentially address all the safety concerns with less environmental damage and lower costs.
Buffy Wareham: A Nursing Legend
This month also marks a major milestone as Buffy Wareham, a practice nurse at the Blandford Group of surgeries, celebrates 50 years in nursing. Buffy reflects on her journey from training in 1970s London to her current role in Dorset. Through anecdotes of resilience, adaptability, and compassion, she shares insights on how the field has evolved—and why she’s still passionate about it today.“You have to be interested in people, and you have to be kind. Good qualities like listening are so important. Sometimes, people just need to see a familiar face and know someone is there for them.”
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!

The Tenant Farmer's Take: Like it or lump it

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", as well as editor Laura's letter.
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 prioritise affordable housing in urban areas.
A Farmer’s Take: Inheritance Tax and Food Security
In an insightful interview, Jenny 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!

From local agri-legend Matthew Holland to baby-saving Dr. Michael Fernando | BV Podcast

In this episode of the BV Podcast, hosts Terry Bennett and Jenny Devitt bring us conversations with three Dorset locals, each with their own unique story.
Terry speaks with Dr. Michael Fernando, consultant paediatrician at Yeovil Hospital, about his work in Afghanistan. Michael shares how his team navigated complex cultural and logistical challenges to deliver life-saving neonatal training. He reflects on the power of collaboration and local resilience, saying, “People’s hopes for their children can overcome almost any obstacle.”
Jenny catches up with Anne Dearle, organiser of a special 30th-anniversary concert in Sherborne attended by Princess Anne. Anne looks back on decades of fundraising for Save the Children, highlighting the significance of the event and the royal visit.
Lastly, Terry sat down with local agri-legend Matthew Holland, who started working for C&O Tractors in Blandford as a 16-year-old in 1978. He's still at the firm, and has grown into a local institution for the Dorset agricultural community. He talks to Terry about his passion for vintage tractors, firefighting (he’s been a part-time firefighter for Blandford station for the last 39 years), and making top-quality cider with his family.
 
These interviews were based on articles found in October'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?
Why wouldn’t you take a look?
(We’re proudly 100% digital, so the only way to read us is right here online.)
The BV is Dorset’s go-to digital 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!

Dorset Voices, Big Issues: Housing, Farming, and Hidden Science

Welcome to the first October episode of the BV Podcast! In this episode, hosts Jenny Devitt and Terry Bennett cover key stories from Dorset.
Covering the most recent political columns, they discuss the economic challenges facing local pensioners and farmers, with MP Edward Morello calling for urgent changes. Ken Huggins explores the issue of electoral reform and political donations.
We also hear from Gary Jackson, who talks about the need for more affordable housing, and Simon Hoare MP, who shares his thoughts on the role of the state and citizen responsibility.
Jenny chats with author Rachael Rowe about her new book, The Science Lover’s Guide to London. Rachel shares intriguing stories about lesser-known scientific wonders in the capital, including a revolving door shaped like DNA and that the first plastic ever made was in Hackney. As Rachael puts it, “There’s science hidden around every corner – you just have to look for it!”
Our readers also get involved in this episode, with the month's letters to the editor. We hear from a passionate farmer defending the future of Dorset’s wildlife, and a frustrated resident sharing concerns about dangerous traffic on local roads. One reader wonders if ti's time to raise the alarm over a potential threat to our sycamore trees.
These interviews were based on articles found in October'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?
Why wouldn’t you take a look?
(We’re proudly 100% digital, so the only way to read us is right here online.)
The BV is Dorset’s go-to digital 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!

Sails to charcuterie, via dancing mice and asian hornets

In this episode of the BV Podcast, Terry Bennett and Jenny Devitt explore fascinating local stories from Dorset. Topics include the historical significance of Coker Cloth with Professor Terry Stevens, Jane Adams' adventure with mice in her attic, the alarming spread of Asian hornets with Andrew Livingston, and the inspiring story of James and Lucy Smart’s charcuterie business, The Real Cure, celebrating 10 years of success.
Coker Cloth and Global Exploration – Interview with Professor Terry Stevens“From these small villages with ordinary people doing remarkable things, we changed the world.”
Professor Terry Stevens discusses his new book, "Bucked in the Yarn," which uncovers the rich history of Coker Cloth – sailcloth made in the tiny villages of East, North and West Coker in Somerset. From Charles I's flagship, to Nelson's favourite and influencing the America's Cup, this sailcloth played a key role in maritime history. Terry shares anecdotes about his upbringing in East Coker, the process of researching the cloth's history, and the innovations that made Coker Canvas the best sail material in the world for more than 300 years.
Mice in the Attic – Jane Adams’ Wildlife Story“It did sound like a mini herd of elephants up there... and when I got up there all I found was a few mice droppings.”
Jane Adams recounts her humorous experience with mice that made their way into her attic. Her humane efforts to relocate them were not altogether successful initially! She also discusses the differences between wood mice and house mice, as well as their nesting habits and unique characteristics.
The Threat of Asian Hornets – Andrew Livingston’s Insight“Where they have established in Europe, they are predating on pollinating insects including honeybees. It’s like a supermarket for them – just a massive ready-to-eat supply.”
Asian hornets pose a significant threat to Britain’s pollinators, including honeybees. Andrew Livingston talks about how they got here, and highlights the growing concerns around their spread across the UK and how the public can help spot and report these hornets. The Somerset Beekeepers Association's president provides details on the hornets’ identification and emphasizes the importance of public vigilance to prevent further spread.
The Real Cure – James and Lucy Smart’s charcuterie  business“It’s easy to make good charcuterie once… It’s much more difficult to do it week after week. Consistency is the key.”
James and Lucy Smart are the founders of The Real Cure, a successful North Dorset charcuterie business celebrating its 10th anniversary. They share insights into their sustainable practices and commitment to quality in producing charcuterie. The business has grown from a weekend hobby to an award-winning producer, using venison, pork, and beef from local sources. James and Lucy discuss the principles guiding their production, sustainability efforts, and their journey from farmer's markets to being stocked in outlets like Fortnum & Mason.
These interviews were based on articles found in September'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?
Why *wouldn't* you want a flick through?
(*don't forget, we're proud to be purely digital. The only way to read us is right here online!)
Frankly, it's so jam-packed with Dorset goodness, it'd be rude not to.
The BV is the rural monthly digital magazine from Dorset, this year named 'Best Regional Publication in the UK' (ACE Newspaper & Magazine Awards) and also 'Regional News Site of the Year' (Press Gazette's Future of Media Awards)

Charles Church's 19 questions, and Dorset Council on its 'Nature Emergency'

As ever for the first episode of the month, we start with Laura's 'letter from the editor'. Then we hear from the local politicans – Terry and Jenny read the latest columns from Ken Huggins of the Green Party, Gary Jackson of North Dorset LibDems and Edward Morello, MP for West Dorset.
In the September BV's equestrian section, Sally Cooper interviewed Charles Church. She asks him about his journey to becoming one of the world's leading equestrian painters, from washing dishes in Newmarket to Royal commissions. Charles also takes on the Random 19 questions.
(see the interview and photographs of Charles Church in his studio on the BV website)
Interview © Gee Fox at Zizzy Studios
 
As Dorset Council tackles biodiversity loss, the BV has looked at its recent declaration of a Nature Emergency. Jenny sat down with Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland to understand exactly what this means, and how effective it can be. Jenny also tackles Nick on the council's continued use of glyphosate.
 
September's BV 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?
Why *wouldn't* you want a flick through?
(*don't forget, we're proud to be purely digital. The only way to read us is right here online!)
Frankly, it's so jam-packed with Dorset goodness, it'd be rude not to.
The BV is the rural monthly digital magazine from Dorset, this year awarded 'Best Regional Publication in the UK' (Newspaper & Magazine Awards)

Farming frustration, Sturminster Cheese Fest, Riversmeet and a refugee family’s journey

This month we hear from farmer Andrew Livingston - frustrated with a new government showing the same poor understanding in their approach to subsisides. Helen Lacey, town mayor and member of the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival committee, fills us in on what's in store for the event this year. 
Terry talks with Phil Silvester, the  chair of trustees of Riversemeet, Gillingham's not-for-profit leisure centre, about the difficulties they're facing - some of which were borne out of embracing new tech just a little too quickly. 
Lastly, Jenny chats to Stuart Twiss about the Shaftesbury Refugee Group, with a warm and insightful look at the case of one of the local refugee families, the Hammouds.
Andrew Livingston on why Labour's silence on farm subsidy payments is a huge worry: " ... the way supermarkets currently dictate shelf price it's impossible for farmers to make enough money to keep the farm running, get the bills paid and pay their staff. Subsidies keep the farm ticking over, allowing them to plan forward. "Payments used to be done by the amount of land that you owned, but that's changed: the new scheme encourages farmers to farm in the right way, supporting nature and adding benefit to the local community. That could be maintaining footpaths or hedges, or increasing the biodiversity in and around your farm. So if you're a potato grower, you're not just growing potatoes, you're encouraging bees onto your land, and you're even encouraging people to walk onto your land – which is something that that most farmers probably don't really want to do! But it's important that farming is for everyone in the community, and not just the farmer."
Sturminster Cheese Festival is not to be missed! Jenny talks to Helen Lacey who was involved in the very first show back in 1997, about how the event has evolved over the years. The first was over four days, Sturminster Creamery was still in business and running tours, and on the rec there were two scout tents! There was a  tea dance, cookery comp, and a fashion show on Saturday night in the scout marquee - they had to clear it for a catwalk! Now it's possibly one of the biggest food festivals in the South West! As always, the weekend will feature a wide variety of food and drink from across the West Country, including (you guessed it) the star of the show – cheese! The festival is an amazing showcase, with 18 award-winning cheesemakers from across the South West. But it’s not all about the cheese – with almost 40 local artisan food producers to discover, from chillies to jams, doughnuts to fudge, pepper to brownies, curry sauces to local trout … and of course there’s gin, vodka, rum, liqueurs and plenty of locally brewed cider and beer too.
Outside the food marquees there will be aisles of local crafts to tempt you, as well as free children’s entertainment provided by the utterly brilliant Betty Boffin and Strawberry Jam (plus there’s a traditional Punch & Judy show too). The Real Ale & Cider Tent provides plenty of refreshment and places to sit and enjoy the live bands who will be playing throughout the two days…
cheesefestival.co.uk
Riversmeet is a non-profit, community owned, community-managed leisure centre in Gillingham. Run by a board of trustees who manage the centre and its team of 70+ staff for the local community."We were early adopters of air source heat pumps in 2020 and that's another important feather in our green credentials. Unfortunately, the company that installed those went bankrupt a year or two afterwards, and we've since discovered they have some design flaws - when the weather is too cold, the air source heat pumps can't cope! Through crowdfunding we've now raised enough to purchase the gas boilers needed to provide a back up, but long term we need to replace them. We don't want any more breakdowns and loss of refrigerant gas – it's the equivalent to 40 trees each time. Engineers tell us it might happen once in 10 years: it's been happening to us once every four or five months! We have 'wasted' almost £100,000 on repairs and maintenance due to the equipment being poorly designed."
This month's BV has a moving account of the Syrian refugees who arrived in Shaftesbury in 2017, knowing no one, not speaking the language and not knowing what their life would be. Stuart Twiss of the Shaftesbury refugee Group tells a little of their story:"they had had a small farm, and in many senses, it was an idyllic existence. But the war moved closer – the government forces took most of the men, kidnapped them, killed many, tortured others – obviously without trial – and they were held for unknown periods of time. When Amar was finally released, he and his wife samar and their two children, one a baby in arms, the other just six, walked from Malula to Lebanon, sleeping in ditches, literally walking with what they could carry. And when they finally arrived in Lebanon, they slept in a bombed-out building ..."Read the Hamoud's story in the BV here - bvmag.co.uk/SyriatoShaftesbury
August's BV 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?
Why *wouldn't* you want a flick through?
(*don't forget, we're proud to be purely digital. The only way to read us is right here online!)
Frankly, it's so jam-packed with Dorset goodness, it'd be rude not to.
The BV is the 'glossy' rural monthly digital magazine from Dorset,  this year awarded 'Best Regional Publication in the UK'(Newspaper & Magazine Awards)
 

Alpacas to Action Horses ... and advocating for children

Inside this issue:
After the usual Letter from the Editor, we move straight into the local politicians columns, the first since the General Election...
Simon Hoare MP talks of feeling 'survivor's guilt'. Ken Huggins of the Green Party is excited by the Green Surge, with more than 2m votes for the Green Party nationwide. Gary Jackson of the LibDems tells of the crisis in Further Education, noting that the sector is currently both underfunded and woefully ignored. Lastly, Labour's Guy Perkins seeks to reassure non-Labour voters, explaining how experts and experience lie at the heart of the new government.
Next, Show Organiser James Cox sits down with Terry to talk about this year's Dorset County Show. It's the county's traditional end-of-harvest celebration of the countryside.James talks about how, post-covid, the County Show was re-invented to breathe new life into the 170-year-tradition. In the 2024 show he's excited about the display of horsemanship from the Atkinson Action Horses. The Imps Motorcycle Display Team will be roaring their way around the main arena, always a crowd favourite. And there will be some brand new sections – visitors can meet 50 alpacas, and the fun dog show is sure to meet with everyone's approval. Is your dog up for best catcher, waggiest tail or prettiest rescue? And labeled as Dorset's biggest larder, this year's Food & Drink area is the biggest yet, with more than 60 stands in the food hall, while outside there's plenty more plus hot food and live music under the festival flags.dorsetcountyshow.co.uk
Mosaic, a Dorset charity founded in 2007 to support bereaved children, has launched a major fundraising appeal to continue supporting children struggling with the death of someone close to them. Jenny talks to CEO Jo Revill about the charity's work to provide qualified counsellors for children and young people struggling with grief.mosaicfamilysupport.org
 
August's BV 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?
Why *wouldn't* you want a flick through?
(*don't forget, we're proud to be purely digital. The only way to read us is right here online!)
Frankly, it's so jam-packed with Dorset goodness, it'd be rude not to.
The BV is the 'glossy' rural monthly digital magazine from Dorset,  this year awarded 'Best Regional Publication in the UK'(Newspaper & Magazine Awards)

From Attenborough to Affordable Housing

Terry chats with Kate Fry, a local wildlife photographer, about her letter from Sir David Attenborough. The Reverend Andrew Gubbins talks with Jenny about some of the challenges facing Dorset's rural churches – and what he sees as possible answers to those challenges. And Terry has a fascinating and thought-provoking talk with Jez Hughes from the CPRE about what more genuinely-affordable housing in Dorset could look like.