The BV: from the heart of Dorset

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.

Sneaky crab spiders and the case of the rubble fly-tipping that wasn't

The first of July's Podcast is a packed one – from hiding spiders and cancer-causing protein (or does it?) to the scourge of fly-tipping and the essential art of the hedgerow lifecycle...
Editor’s Letter from Laura - “…Hiding behind the idyllic facade of thatched roofs and high hedgerows lies an issue that has been overlooked, avoided and ignored by successive governments … the rural tax. Living in a rural area is significantly more challenging than urban living for those who are on a low income.”
Wildlife Writer Jane Adams talks to Jenny, about the amazing crab spider, which you may have spotted on some of the flowers in your garden ... or maybe not..."Crab spiders are amazing – I've occcasionally wondered why a fly was upside down on a flower, thinking what on earth is that doing? And it had actually been caught by a crab spider. But even looking at it, I couldn't actually see the spider."
Terry talks to Nutritional Therapist Karen Geary, looking at the real science behind the current trendy view that eating too much protein may cause cancer. "What I get concerned about more than anything else with people with cancer is they're actually not eating enough protein: it is crucial for maintaining muscle and overall health during treatment."
Farming columnist Andrew Livingston is talking to Jenny about the increasing problem of fly-tipping in rural areas, its impact on the environment, and the efforts made by farmers to combat it: "At the end of the day, we just clear it up, and it goes unreported - I don't think we know the real scale of the issue."And he shares the case of the rubble's mistaken identity: "It was dumped on the Thursday and we went on the Friday to move it, spread it and roll it ... and it had disappeared!"
Lastly, Jenny reads Andrew's interview with John Calder on the importance of hedgerow lifecycles: "if you go back a few generations they’d be laying hedges every year, but on different parts of the farm. And that means that there are hedges in different stages all over the farm. Turns out that’s what’s ideal for nature."
All from the July issue of The BV magazine  – the UK's Regional Publication of the Year.
Grab a coffee and jump in to the Dorset-ness. News, opinion, people, wildlife, art, farming, what's on, SO many horses ... and frankly stunning photography. Did I 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.

From Seals to Skies, via some cheese: Dorset Stories

Discover the Dorset seals with expert Sarah Hodgson, join terminally-ill 75-year-old Marilyn McDonald's attempt at a daring wing walk, dip into Peter Morgan's award-winning cheese, and uncover the debates around Yeovil’s Stroke Unit. Plus, discover the inspiring journey of Sarah Rampton and the work of her charity, In Jolly Good Company.
 
Encountering seals on the Dorset shore is increasingly common – Dorset Wildlife Trust's seals expert Sarah Hodgson chats to Jenny about why there is technically no Dorset population, what you should do if you see one and why certain frisbees should be avoided when on the beach.See the full article in the June issue here - https://bvmag.co.uk/DorsetSeals
 
In spite of her terminal illness, 75-year-old Marilyn McDonald planned a daring wing walk to raise funds for Dorset charity Countrymen UK. She talks with Terry about the charity, and why she decided to try standing on top of an aeroplane instead of simply having a cake sale ('Possibly not one of my better ideas! But it's about raising awareness as much as money, and you wouldn't be interviewing me if I'd just sold some cakes!'. See the full article with pictures of Marilyn in the June issue here – https://bvmag.co.uk/wingingit
 
Peter Morgan of Cranborne’s Book and Bucket Cheese Company talks to Jenny about his award-winning cheesemaking – made from very local milk which is from cow to cheese in under 24 hours. Peters talks to Jenny about setting up the business just as Covid hit, the joy of seasonal cheese, and his most recent launch of a new cheese, Stowaway – you might say it was literally launched, as the new product has been created specifically for the Queen Anne cruise ship, the latest addition to the Cunard fleet.
 
Yeovil’s Stroke Unit controversy – amid the public debate, Rachael Rowe looks at the pros and cons of NHS Somerset’s plans to centralise services (Terry reads)
 
Sarah Rampton's tenacity stood her in good stead when she was made redundant from the Alzheimer’s Society. She promptly set up her own charity, In Jolly Good Company and now supports more than 200 people (open to all, not just those with dementia) across groups in Wimborne St Giles, Wimborne, Blandford, Shaftesbury, West Moors and Kingston Lacy.  She talks to Jenny about what happens on a Jolly Day, from yoga sessions to a guided walk. See the story here https://bvmag.co.uk/InJollyGoodCompany
 

William Fox-Pitt, and the real insider's guide to Dorset open air theatre

In this episode:
William Fox-Pitt bids a quiet farewell to 5* Eventing – Jenny and Terry read Sally Cooper's interview as she talks to Dorset's own Olympian about his reasons for retiring, ('To be honest, the biggest difference in lifestyle will be accepting that perfection is no longer essential … That “pretty good” is now perfectly fine.'), his plans for training and breeding, his love for his chickens … and his thoughts on what his children may ride: 'I’m certainly not buying them in outside yaks – they can jolly well ride things that I produce at home!’
*See the full article with Williams answers to the Random 19 Questions, plus photographs of William in his yard here https://bvmag.co.uk/WilliamFoxPitt
 
This month The BV has been awarded the prestigious NMA’s Regional Publication of the Year 2024. Terry sat down with Laura and Courtenay Hitchcock to talk about award's night, and just what the award means to the pair who started the BV in 2020.*See the full article about the award win here  https://bvmag.co.uk/NMA2024 
Jenny chats to Gay Pirrie-Weir, the county's best-known, longest standing and most prolific theatre critic, who talks about this summer's open air theatre season. She shares her favourite locations, the best theatre companies to look out for, the proliferation of Shakespeare, and the peacock participation. All with the sporadic assistance of Kate the Cat! 
*See Gay's full guide to this summer's open air theatre in Dorset here - https://bvmag.co.uk/DorsetOpenAirTheatre24 

Wakely Cox on lonely farming & The Squat Thrusters of Sherborne | BV Podcast

Terry speaks to Ian Girling to discover just what the Dorset Chamber of Commerce does – and also to find out the insider guide to the prestigious Dorset Business Awards.
Jenny vists Alex Woodhouse to find out about the popular summer pop up restaurant at Supper at Pleck  
Terry spoke to Dick Bennet about the Sherborne Squat Thrusters, a 50-year-old circuit training group with an average member age of 73: 'the circuit has admittedly got a little more gentle as we've got older... and the rehydration in the pub afterwards is just as important!' They are always happy to welcome new members – they get particularly excited if it drops their average age a bit. People in their 50s and 60s and even younger are very welcome – it is requested that they just don’t show up the older members too much.
Wakely Cox is a fourth generation farmer just outside Dorchester – and a hugely respected  advocate for Dorset farming. He's the current chair of Dorset NFU, and one of his other roles is as chair of the Poole Harbour Agricultural Group, challenging the Environment Agency and the apportioned ‘farmer nitrate pollution’ of Poole Harbour. He talks to Jenny about how farming has changed since his grandparents time.