POLICE have made an arrest as part of an investigation into graffiti which appeared in Sherborne over the weekend occurred some time over the weekend of April 26 and 27 “Sherborne Neighbourhood Policing Team officers made an arrest this morning for the offence of criminal damage and further investigation is ongoing,” a Dorset Police spokesperson said Report crime to Dorset Police on 101, or via www.dorset.police.uk READ MORE: Crime news from your New Blackmore Vale Follow us on Facebook Subscribe to the Newsletter Salisbury &Avon Magazine The New Stour & Avon Magazine The Purbeck Gazette The final week of June will see Sherborne School host its third annual Ruth Strauss Foundation Cricket Week with a fundraising target of £5,000 for this wonderful charity Alongside some thirty matches in five days and sponsorships from local businesses – all raising money to support research and bereavement counselling for families affected by cancer.  The week begins with four matches against Blundell’s School on Saturday 21st June followed on Sunday by the 1st XI’s declaration game against the Sherborne Pilgrims.  Mini Colts and Sherborne Prep sides before the 1st XI returns to the fray on Tuesday against the Giles Reynolds XI: this game will also provide an opportunity to say farewell to our long-serving History teacher and former Housemaster as he heads off to India after 36 years at Sherborne Wednesday is given over to the Jimmy Adams Prep Schools’ Tournament before the evening sees the Bow House (staff) XI playing their final match of the term against Sherborne CC.  Then the week comes to its climax as the 1st XI closes its season in an all-day game against MCC.  This will also be the occasion of the prize draw which has seen Sherborne recognised in ‘The Cricketer’ magazine’s Top 100 schools as well as being chosen as a performance centre for Dorset Cricket I am absolutely delighted that we will again be going Red for Ruth Our Ruth Strauss Foundation Cricket Week has quickly become established as one of the highlights of the season and this year’s will be a real community affair Do join us on The Upper to support this wonderful cause.”      To keep in touch with the fundraising efforts, enter the prize draw or make a donation, please go to: Ruth Strauss Foundation - Sherborne School The Cricketer would like to thank Durant Cricket for their ongoing support of our schools cricket coverage. For more on Durant Cricket, including booking a site visit, please click here. Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport ONE of England’s finest cricket captains will be telling tales from the crease and beyond in Sherborne next month Mike Brearley will appear at Sherborne School to give a talk presented by Sherborne Literary Society (SLS) It comes as his memoir – Turning Over The Pebbles – is released telling stories of his life in and out of cricket taking on the role in 31 of his 39 Test matches for his country He retired with a first-class batting average of 37.81 READ MORE: Events from your New Blackmore Vale Since his retirement from professional cricket he has pursued a career as a psychoanalyst and psychotherapist as well as giving motivational speaches and writing the Bleacher Report ranked him as England’s greatest-ever cricket captain The talk gets underway at 7pm and people are advised to arrive at 6.30pm Book online at sherborneliterarysociety.com/events or buy in-person from Winstone’s Books CAMPAIGNERS have criticised plans to close day centres that offer “vital” services for elderly residents and adults with special needs across Dorset This comes as Dorset Council looks to reorganise the way it delivers adult services across the county with it considering closing several centres and replacing these with a ‘hub and spokes’ model There are currently 11 day centres operating throughout the county – but only five would be retained under the new model These hubs would provide a place to meet friends and sign up for activities while the ‘spokes’ would connect people to specialist services But campaigners say that removing these centres could leave people isolated with Stour Connect in Sturminster Newton becoming the hub for north Dorset cabinet portfolio lead for adult social care said the proposals would give people greater choice and opportunity and reduce “the need for sometimes old and draughty buildings that are no longer fit for purpose.” the council is facing a wave of opposition to the plans with campaigners concerned over the immediate and local impact on its users – some who have been attending the same centres for decades READ MORE: Shock and sadness as elderly friendship clubs face the axe across Dorset READ MORE: Shaftesbury man arrested after falcon has its head and legs removed Many day centre users and their families got in touch with your New Blackmore Vale to express their shock and concern over the plans as they say that the centres are not only well-used but are vital to users’ wellbeing whose father attends the Shaftesbury Trinity Centre in Bimport She said her father is not in a position to drive to Sturminster Newton should the Trinity Centre close and like many of the people who depend daily on the support of the day centre even slight changes to his routine have a tremendous impact on his mental and physical health,” she said “He walks with crutches and cannot walk far; the next closest day centre would be too long a drive for him and he cannot park close enough to walk from the car to the door – at the Trinity Centre he can stop right outside Dr Briant is concerned over the impact the potential closure could have on her father Picture: Dr Briant “The council are claiming the day centre is underused but I have been there many times and it is always busy and full of elderly people “The council needs to understand how devastating closing this centre will be to some of the most vulnerable people in Dorset Dorset Council claims the Trinity Centre only sees a maximum of four attendees a day A spokesperson said: “We appreciate that the current consultation might be a cause of concern to current users of the building in Shaftesbury but want to assure everyone that no decision has been taken and we are actively working with people to find the best way of supporting not just those who use the building at the moment but also those that might have additional needs within the community “Our aim over the three-month consultation is to find better ways of enabling users to actually have greater choice and flexibility in what they can do and ideally as close to their home as possible.” They added: “In the most recent weeks there have been eight Dorset Council users and three self-funders across the week (we are only aware of the self-funders who use DC transport) there is a maximum of four people attending at any given day (usually a Friday) but the majority of days there are approximately two to three people attending per day Dr Briant said the Trinity Centre provides key services such as checking that people are taking their medication and making sure they are looking after themselves he feels useful and helpful,” she added “The day centre isn’t just about ‘activity provision’ it creates a close community of people with relationships connections that revolve around meeting in that place every day… those relationships will be torn apart and lost if the council closes the day centre “They seem to think because these people are disabled and elderly the continuity of their relationships is irrelevant The people this will impact are terrified.” There is no direct bus between Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton making attending the proposed hub difficult for those unable to drive MP Simon Hoare (Conservatives/North Dorset) wrote about the proposed closures in his latest column in the last issue of the New Blackmore Vale He said his inbox is full of people anxious over the plans adding that he is doing all that he can to ensure that these “vital local services are continued” He said: “The council’s plans are fundamentally wrong youngsters with very complex needs and a growing population through new housebuilding locally.” These worries have been echoed by many readers who volunteers at the Blandford Connect Centre at Heddington Drive Mary says that the new model means changing a system that is “working well” and that her son would struggle to understand the need to change his routine “For people that have been going to the same centre for 20 years you can imagine – especially if they have a disability – its very difficult to understand why their services are being moved,” she said The Blandford Connect Day Centre could close under the proposals Picture: Google “This is even more difficult as a parent and many who have been told about the proposed closures are quite upset She added that the changes would break up tight-knit community groups that have developed over the years parents and other users of the Blandford Connect Centre believes Dorset Council views the money as cost-cutting measures They said the council should focus on making the centre more financially viable with increased efforts to get other community groups to use it rather than go down the route of closures to save money “The way they are suggesting is not acceptable which will put extra pressure on already stressed parents “They are suggesting the centre is underutilised and costing the Dorset Council money in upkeep.” They added: “We see alternatives to making the centre work and made it known to Dorset Council instead of disrupting a community of people of varying ages and personal needs taking into account some of this community have been there for over 20 years and have made friendships.” the authority directly commissions places for 21 people for the Blandford Connect Centre with 12 to 14 people attending on its most popular day these users would have to travel roughly 20 minutes by car to the proposed hub in Sturminster Newton with many of the users then reliant on carers/family members for a lift rather than accessing a centre close to their home Dorset Council says the proposals came about as a result of asking people who use these centres about their experiences as they say many would like a “wider choice of local activities with more flexible options” as well as activities during the weekend and evenings People have until June 9 to have their say on the online consultation To view the consultation, click here. A petition calling for Dorset Council to reconsider their proposal has reached 1,804 signatures. which has been described as “drop dead gorgeous” has been crowned one of the best places to live in the southwest for 2025 The market town on the edge of the Blackmore Vale has long been praised by residents who have fostered a strong sense of community over the years – and now the town is in the national spotlight for just this The Sunday Times has released its annual Best Places to Live in the Southwest guide today (March 21)- and Sherborne has been included thanks to its “deep community spirit” has highlighted the “inspiring” work of the Sherborne Community Kitchen and praised how there are more than 200 community groups for “every conceivable interest” READ MORE: Sherborne surgery asks people to stop parking in turning space for bin lorry READ MORE: Sherborne misses out on becoming Town of Culture for 2026 The judges also highlighted the “lively” high street as well as the increasing number of start-ups which they say points to how the town has transformed from a retirement destination to a bubbling hub for families and entrepreneurs They said: “True beauty really is more than skin deep in this historic honey-coloured town surrounded by rolling countryside “It’s a drop-dead gorgeous address with a lively high street impeccable schools (both private and state) and “There are more than 200 groups covering every conceivable interest “The inspiring Sherborne Community Kitchen “So too has the number of start-ups — evidence that an influx of families and entrepreneurs during the pandemic has freshened up Sherborne’s reputation as a retirement destination.” READ MORE: Man from Sherborne completes seven marathons across seven continents – in just five days READ MORE: New owners take on the reins at Sherborne’s Three Wishes café The Sunday Times’s expert judges assessed factors from schools to transport broadband speeds and mobile signal to culture as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street Southbourne in Bournemouth was also included in the list while The Chew Valley in neighbouring Somerset was named as the regional winner in the annual guide Saffron Walden in Essex was named the overall best place to live in the UK Visit www.thetimes.com/best-places-to-live for the full list. YEOVIL man Benjamin Charles Foster has been jailed for four years after he admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving after a crash near Sherborne the 35-year-old pleaded guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving as well as charges of driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance The charges came after a crash involving a red Ford Transit minibus a red Toyota Yaris and a red Volkswagen Polo on the A30 Sherborne Road at Purse Caundle at around 6.15pm on September 7 Foster – who was driving the red Ford Transit minibus – was crossing into a filter lane as if to turn right before continuing onward towards oncoming traffic and colliding head on with the red Toyota Yaris A man in his 60s was taken to hospital by air ambulance with serious injuries were also taken to hospital with serious injuries.A road closure was put in place to enable emergency services to safely deal with the incident Foster was arrested and subsequently charged He was jailed for four years and banned from driving for seven years of the Serious Collision Investigation Team said: “Foster’s dangerous driving and failure to have a valid licence and insurance showed utter contempt for both the law and the victims who sustained serious injuries due his reckless actions we were able to identify Foster as the driver responsible for this collision and ensure he was brought to court to face the consequences of his actions “We continue to urge motorists to make sure they have valid a licence and insurance to ensure they can drive legally on Dorset roads.” AFFORDABLE homes for rental in Sherborne could be built – and residents are being urged to have their say The Sherborne Community Land Trust (CLT) is set to host a drop-in event next month to gain community views on plans for a development – potentially in the School View Close area Properties built by a CLT do not qualify for the Right to Buy scheme of other social homes so would be permanently available for rent said: “The Community Land Trust was formed to help provide housing for local people to rent “As the Right to Buy scheme doesn’t apply to properties provided through a CLT our homes would always be available to rent “There are currently 200 people on the Dorset Council register looking for accommodation in Sherborne READ MORE: More property news from your New Blackmore Vale He said the group had “some ideas about a small development of homes to rent at the end of School View Close” but wanted to get the views of residents “before we go further” The event will be held from 3pm to 7pm on Tuesday and One50studio will be on hand to give information and answer questions Formed in late 2021 and registered as a Community Benefit Society in March 2022 the initial aim of the Sherborne Community Land Trust (SCLT) is to provide affordable housing for people who have a local connection with Sherborne or Castleton the group has had discussions with landowners over potential sites ahead of a first development They have been supported in their activities by a Community Interest Company who specialise in supporting community-based housing It has now agreed a memorandum of understanding with the Sherborne Town Council over a possible land option and a potential Housing Association provider People attending the drop-in can find out more about the possible scheme as well as discussing the criteria for consideration as a tenant As a resident of school view close I’m against this proposal development MYSTERIES surrounding a historic work of art housed at Sherborne’s St John’s Almshouse Chapel are being investigated by experts has been removed as building work takes place at the site to convert the space into a tea room experts have travelled from London to appraise the piece It was created by an so-far unknown artist with debate surrounding when it was produced and if it is Flemish or French said: “The painting was moved to keep it safe and out of harm’s way during the building work that is currently ongoing and that is why we have taken the opportunity to find out more about it.” The triptych depicts five miracles of Christ including the raising of Lazarus in the central panel “The artwork has been dated on stylistic grounds to the late 1400s,” Richard said “There is some debate over whether it is Flemish or French and the artist is unknown We are hoping that expert analysis will help us to fill in some of the blanks “Once we know more about the origins and attribution also have an assessment of the value of the painting WORK on new almshouse accommodation in Sherborne has been completed – and a new tenant has moved into another property Sherborne’s St Johns’ Almshouse charity has unveiled the first stage of its project to remodel part of the building to provide independent affordable accommodation Charity trustees said they are “delighted” to have made the new property – Garden Cottage – available It is the first part of work to remodel the premises after previous almshouse accommodation was shut and staff made redundant Now, the property is being redeveloped to create accommodation, alongside tea rooms and community space, in partnership with neighbouring Sherborne Abbey said: “Last year saw some really positive developments for the Almshouse we agreed our new collaboration with the Abbey which will breathe new life into the building through the Abbey’s community work while enabling us to provide townsfolk with much needed affordable accommodation “We also opened our doors for a public open day and received overwhelming support for our plans from the people that came Our new MP Edward Morello has visited twice the laundry room at the Almshouse housed washing machines Now it has been transformed into a kitchen diner Rooms have been redecorated and the windows repaired too providing a much-needed new home in the centre of the town which has remained open since the main House was temporarily closed The collaboration involving the Almshouse and Sherborne Abbey was announced last year and will see some rooms remodelled to enable affordable independent living for people from the area the Abbey will use downstairs space for a traditional tearoom and a suite of rooms upstairs to provide a support centre for young people and separate space for community projects Richard added: “2025 will be a very important year for the Almshouse We need funds to make our vision a reality “We all know that affordable accommodation is badly needed and we hope that before too long we will be offering more new homes to local people.” The Almshouse is encouraging both donations and legacy giving and any person or organisation interested and able to help should contact the Almshouse on 01935 813245 You are viewing your 1 free article this month A new £10,000 prize for travel writing was unveiled at the Sherborne Travel Writing Festival on Sunday 13th April The annual prize will be awarded to a published British or European author whose work “encourages understanding between peoples and across societies countering the division and isolation of the present day” “as well as the boldness of the author’s ambition and the quality of writing emphasis will be placed on books that enable readers to cross borders and so to draw together – on the page at least – our divided worlds” non-fiction (including creative non-fiction) travel book written by a British or EU national and published in English in 2024 or 2025 is eligible for the award; entries must be made by the author’s publisher or literary agent Full terms and conditions will be detailed on the award website The award is being funded by a private donor who wishes to remain anonymous Authors Colin Thubron and Sara Wheeler and literary agent Emma Paterson are the judges of the 2026 award a shortlist will be announced by the judges The winning author will be revealed at the Sherborne Travel Writing Festival in April 2026 Author and festival curator Rory MacLean said: “Travel writers are bridge builders venturing out into the world to understand different peoples Empathy lies at the heart of our work and the fundamental belief that through better understanding others we can better know ourselves.” POLICE are appealing for witnesses to come forward after reports a fox was illegally pursued by a hunt near Sherborne Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team is investigating reports that some time between 2pm and 2.30pm on Saturday offences were committed under the Hunting Act 2004 where a fox was pursued by hounds in fields surrounding Bishops Caundle and Alweston said: “We are carrying out enquiries into the report to establish what happened “I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area and either witnessed the incident or captured something of relevance on camera footage.” Anyone with information about the incident should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55250015395. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111 I was driving and slowed down to allow the hunt to pass but it is very poor quality and no one is identifiable We live in stour row and have witnessed the hounds chasing a live fox here too a few weekends ago WELLINGTON RFC Vixens played Sherborne Ladies in the club’s gala weekend Day of Rugby - and triumphed before a big home crowd 57-17. Kicking off after the men’s Vets game which began only two hours earlier, the Vixens won the toss and opted to play up the slope. From the whistle both teams attempted to play open running rugby. The next try again came from some great defensive play seeing the ball turned over and scrum half Natalie Anderson fed the ball wide at speed along the back line until it reached the hands of Pontin who raced 40 metres to score wide out. The extras were missed. The Vixens then went on the offensive and from a fine passage of play the Vixens forwards driving up the field released outside centre India Davey who drove over to score wide out. The extras were missed. It was then the turn of Sherbourne who were awarded a penalty five metres from the Vixens try line and the ensuing quickly taken tap and go the Sherbourne forwards drove over wide out. The extras were missed. From the restart Sherborne attacked at every opportunity and were awarded a penalty 15 metres from the Vixens try line for a high tackle, seeing the Vixens player receiving a yellow card. Sherborne then scored their second from the ensuing penalty under the posts, the extra two points were added. The Vixens forwards and backs linked well to find Pontin on the wing who raced through the Sherborne defence to score just wide of the posts before adding the extras. The half time whistle went seeing the score stand at Vixens 24, Sherborne 12. From the restart of the second half Sherborne kicked off to the Vixens. Hooker Min Beer gathered the ball at speed and raced through a number of attempted tackles before passing to inside centre Lisa Jenkins who raced in just wide of the posts to score. Pontin kicked the extras. The Vixens worked their way up the field finding Wetherall in the back line who drove over to score a fine try just wide of the posts. The extras were added by Pontin. From the restart the Vixens went on the attack and some aggressive forward attacking play saw captain Wetherall receive the ball to dive over for her hat trick and the Vixens seventh try. Pontin added the extras. Next on the score sheet was centre India Davey scoring her second and the Vixens eighth. Pontin added the extras. Sherborne showed great character to keep attacking, a superb passage of play saw them score a great try wide out, with the extras missed. In the dying minutes winger Libby Rowlands raced in to score wide out, with the extras again missed on a splendid afternoon for the Vixens. Comments Tel: 01823 662439[email protected]Follow us Further Links Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 THE football season is drawing to a close – but as the Premier League giants battle it out in the Champions League two Dorset/Somerset rivals are set to finish their year with a delightful derby Sherborne Town and Wincanton Town will finish their Wessex League Premier Division programmes with a derby-day match-up will get underway at 3pm and promises to be an eventful game currently sit in guaranteed ninth position in the league table with their Somerset neighbours Wincanton in 15th spot move up the table if other results go their way The Premier Division title was secured by AFC Portchester last weekend Sherborne picked up a 1-0 win at home to Cowes Sports saw the Somerset side pick up a 2-1 victory Sherborne will take on Laverstock & Ford Let’s start in the National League South SIX teams who can still win the league with a single game to go Jordan Thomas started both of their Easter weekend games against high flying Truro and low lying W*ymouth Will Buse had a less enjoyable time for The Terras our claret and blue friends gave up a 2-0 lead against Salisbury before getting a pasting from Torquay on Monday 💜2-1🤍 #TerrasTogether — Weymouth FC (@theterras) April 18, 2025 Into the regional league now and as the headline suggests Sherborne and Yeovil have continued their relationship with plenty of minutes for plenty of young Glovers across  plenty of games Weds 16th and Saturday 19th since the last update Jaydon Biss & Blake Watts got time both from the start and the bench but I’ll pick out Blake Watts getting MOTM in one of the game here’s a picture of the 17-year old being presented with a bottle of (Non alcoholic – honest — Sherborne Town FC (@SherborneTownFC) April 16, 2025 After the final game of the season at the weekend Sherborne Town 1st Team Manager Neil Waddleton told the Gloverscast: — Wellington AFC (@Wellington_AFC) April 21, 2025 Sol Padmore and George Geraghty were both in their first team squad for a 4-2 win over Axminster on Good Friday to wrap up their league campaign Padmore has been involved pretty much the entire season whilst Geraghty’s goals for the U18s has seen his progression into the first team come as the campaign grew on was used from the bench as Shaftesbury and Larkhall played out a draw which was enough to secure them both safety in that division there have been so many cool moments of young players getting out on deals and playing locally many of the regional divisions are now finished with the National League South duo still with work to do I hope you’ve enjoyed reading these updates they’re not always easy to put together so I’d like to say thanks to the people that have helped along the way John Hallett and Sam Bowers who have sent information and line ups and to those who have allowed us to use images of the lads in action Joe Tizzard perfectly warmed up for his quest for Scottish Grand National victory this weekend when Sherborne maintained his red-hot form in the 2m5½f handicap chase The nine-year-old was the Grade 1-winning trainer's only runner of the day which worked the trick as he scored under Tizzard's nephew Freddie Gingell by two and a half lengths He took Tizzard's strike-rate in the last fortnight to 31 per cent and continued his career-best campaign in terms of winners and prize-money which could be capped by Rock My Way in Ayr's big race on Saturday Tizzard said: "Sherborne's been in good nick but some scratchy jumps which cost him victory last time so it was good to get him back doing it again nicely He rarely runs a bad race and stayed on strongly today "All the horses are in good nick and we've a couple of nice runners in Scotland to look forward to Like all yards at the moment we could do with a drop of rain but whatever happens we've had a cracking season no matter what." He's A Latchico landed the 2m1½f handicap hurdle but television viewers could not watch it after the pictures from the track on Sky Sports Racing were temporarily lost Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more Published on 11 April 2025inReports Copyright © 2025 Spotlight Sports Group Limited or its licensors, all rights reserved There’s only one lawyer that the A-list call upon when it comes to matters of defamation, privacy or confidentiality, and that’s David Sherborne. The barrister, who previously represented Princess Diana was a prominent figure in the Leveson Inquiry arguing the case for celebrities whose privacy had been violated via phone hacking orchestrated by newspapers including The News of the World His floppy-haired good looks and omnipresent tan have also drawn comment: indeed the Evening Standard once quipped that he could be mistaken for a celebrity himself A faltering fairytale? Everything you need to know about the first year of King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark's rollercoaster reignBy Ben JureidiniRead MoreThe settlement was announced after Sherborne asked the judge to delay the start of the High Court trial on Tuesday as the two sides were involved in talks over a potential settlement Sherborne described the settlement as a ‘monumental victory’ and said NGN had been ‘finally held to account for its illegal actions and its blatant disregard for the law’ Prince Harry even became the first member of the royal family to give evidence in court for 130 years when he was questioned for two days – with David Sherborne by his side Coleen Rooney leaves the High Court with her husband Wayne Rooney and her barrister David Sherborne after the first day of her case against Rebekah Vardy Johnny Depp and David Sherborne QC depart the Royal Courts of Justice Hugh Grant arrives David Sherborne to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry at The Royal Courts of Justice The scintillating histories of the Mitford sisters, as anticipation for Outrageous reaches fever pitchBy Clara StrunckRead More‘David is a leading barrister in the field of media and communication as well as matrimonial and sports law,’ his professional profile on the 5RB website explains ‘He is particularly well-known in the industry and press for his extensive reputation management practice as well as his ground-breaking pre-publication injunction work.’ It continues: ‘He is currently Lead Counsel for the victims in the multi-million pound hacking group litigation against both News Group Newspapers and Mirror Group Newspapers and represents several hundred individual clients having obtained record damages in the trial of eight representative claims and successfully upheld the media challenge to these awards in the Court of Appeal He was also Lead Counsel for the victims of press intrusion at the Leveson Inquiry.’ Sienna Miller and David Sherborne arriving at the high court during the Leveson Inquiry The Trumps have solidified themselves as one of the most notable modern American dynasties; but in this feature first published in December 2024, sources revealed who holds the cards now Mr Sherborne is once again at the forefront of public life – don’t expect to see his name out of the headlines any time soon Prince Harry and barrister David Sherborne leave after giving evidence at the Mirror Group Phone hacking trial A CHARITY which supports families with young children has moved into new offices in Sherborne Home-Start Blackmore Vale (HSBV) took up residence at its new base in the town council building guests and more invited to a gathering at Sherborne House to mark the occasion The Chair of Trustees started off the proceedings followed by a short video showing the work done by Home-Start while a home visiting volunteer and parent explained the importance of the group’s efforts were present to show their support of the Yeovilton project funded by The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity working with service families for home visiting and group sessions HSBV chair of trustees Paul Makenzie with Mayor of Sherborne “Our thanks to everyone who attended and to Sherborne House who gave us the beautiful venue free of charge,” a spokesperson said “In the last 12 years HSBV have supported 1,800 children and over 1,000 families “The move to Sherborne brings the administrative hub to the centre of our enlarged patch – now stretching from Beaminster and Maiden Newton in the West to Blandford in the East and Shaftesbury in the North of the county.” The charity is keen to hear from anyone who may be able to volunteer to help families in need of support Training is provided and volunteers commit to two to three hours each week to work with a family For more information on HSBV – and volunteering opportunities – visit www.homestartblackmorevale.org.uk or email office@homestartblackmorevale.org.uk bistro and bar is set to come under new ownership Owners of The Three Wishes are bidding a fond farewell to the café on Cheap Street after 18 “wonderful” years They are passing on the reins to new owners Paul and Nicky expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their “incredible” staff and colleagues – both past and present – as well as their loyal customers and the community for its support over the years READ MORE: Experts hope to solve Sherborne triptych mysteries from 14th or 15th century They say their 25 years offering hospitality to the residents and visitors of Sherborne at both the Eastbury Hotel and The Three Wishes has been a memorable time in their lives Nicky said: “Sherborne has given us so much “While it is bittersweet to say goodbye we know The Three Wishes is in excellent hands with Steve Joss and Charlie who share our passion for great food and hospitality.” The Carrick family says they are excited to take on this new chapter and look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new visitors to The Three Wishes “We’re thrilled to continue the legacy that Paul and Nicky have built and can’t wait to get to know the wonderful community of Sherborne” Paul and Nicky want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has supported them over the years and they hope that The Three Wishes continues to be a cherished part of Sherborne for many years to come SHERBORNE Fire Station will continue to have two fire engines at its disposal This comes after the on-call fire station received confirmation from the Dorset Fire and Rescue Authority last week that they will remain a two-appliance station meaning two fire engines will be housed at the fire station This can be particularly useful for large fires or for multiple callouts Crews were recently called out to a fire at Mappowder following a static caravan fire. READ MORE: New farm shop planned for Sherborne’s Blackmarsh Farm READ MORE: Top authors at Sherborne Travel Writing Festival 2025 READ MORE: ‘This is our Everest’ Sherborne Town Band Ladies raise £3,000 through charity walk The fire station is now appealing for people that live or work in Sherborne to become on-call firefighters “If you fancy a new challenge and career it’s the perfect time to make a difference in your community,” a spokesperson said “If you’ve been looking for a meaningful career with flexible hours becoming an on-call firefighter could be your next step “We’re currently seeking individuals who live or work in Sherborne to join our dedicated team and provide vital cover make a direct impact on your community’s safety and enjoy a flexible and rewarding part-time role “Ready to take on a role that truly matters Whether you’re looking for a career change or want to start fresh this year this is your opportunity to make 2025 count!” Anyone interested in becoming an on-call firefighter is asked to visit the station at Coldharbour on Wednesday evenings between 7pm and 9.30pm for a casual chat about the role The Sherborne in Dorset has appointed LIZ GILMORE as its first CEO She will take up the post at the recently-reopened gallery performance and visitor space housed in a Grade II listed Georgian house in March 2025 Gilmore has led Hastings Contemporary in East Sussex – previously Jerwood Gallery – for 14 years and held roles at Arts Council England and the National Gallery Gilmore said: “I am thrilled to be taking on this new role and all the opportunity it brings to create a new and inspirational artistic programme blending The Sherborne’s ambitions for excellence “The meticulous restoration of the stunning Sherborne House and the creation of new gallery performance and visitor spaces has been an act of love generous and inclusive vision of the difference the arts can make in contemporary life and communities.” added: “We are absolutely delighted that Liz will be joining us After an outstandingly successful period at Hastings Contemporary she will bring invaluable experience as well as the flair and energy she is known for in the arts world “Liz’s appointment reflects the level of ambition we have for The Sherborne and its role as a centre of artistic excellence and a vibrant creative and community hub.” You must be logged in to post a comment ALMOST £2,000 has been raised via donations to pay for the funeral of a well-known figure in Sherborne has been taking care of people’s shoes and cutting keys for families in Sherborne’s Cheap Street for 28 years announced on social media that Ivan had died last week resulting in an outpouring of love and support An online fundraiser was set up to help pay for the cost of his funeral, with a £3,000 target. a customer of Ivan’s Susan Hurst said: “He was not only a true gentleman but a friend to hundreds of people who had the good fortune to know him and to go into his shop to seek his professionalism with his shoe repairs “He has looked after the people of Sherborne for 28 years repairing all sorts of things other than shoes and always with a smile and a dry sense of humour “We are hoping to help his family in their time of need and distress to raise enough money to give Ivan the send-off that he truly deserves “Funds raised will be used to pay for Ivan’s funeral and a wake “Ivan had so much more to give and share with the world” Heather said: “The tragic passing of Ivan the Cobbler in shock as we reflect on the incredible impact he had on all our lives brother and a very devoted grandad to his five-year-old grandson Thomas “Ivan and Thomas were totally inseparable; they were like me and my shadow together “Those of you who were lucky enough to know him knew that Ivan had so much more to give and share with the world “He was truly one of the best and always ready to lend a hand and would make us laugh with his strange sense of humour His love and admiration for his family was boundless.” To donate, visit https://shorturl.at/pb6Zu How come he didn’t have money for his funeral A new £10,000 prize for travel writing has just been announced at the Sherborne Travel Writing Festival Awarded to a British or European author whose ‘work encourages understanding between peoples and across societies countering the division and isolation of the present day’ any full-length non-fiction travel book published in English in 2024 or 2025 is eligible Books translated into English can also be submitted for consideration the award-winning author best known for Behind the Wall (1987) and In Siberia (1999) author of Terra Incognita: Travels in Antarctica (1996) emphasis will be placed on ‘books that enable readers to cross borders and so to draw together – on the page at least – our divided worlds’ Entries must be made by the author’s publisher or literary agent with no more than two entries per publisher’s imprint and only one per literary agent Entries need to be made by the end of September 2025 with a shortlist announced in January 2026 The winning author will be announced at the Sherborne Travel Writing Festival in April 2026 The Sherborne Travel Writing Festival is now in its third year with a programme that runs over two-and-a-half days Previous speakers have included this year’s judges cultures and times,” said author and festival curator Rory MacLean and the fundamental belief that through better understanding others we can better know ourselves.” More information: sherbornetravelwritingprize.com Sign up to our newsletter for free with the Wanderlust Club For best viewing experience of this website Please enter a place name in the search bar After provisionally the warmest May Day on record in the UK higher than average temperatures will subside over the weekend Environment Agency Updated: 05:04 (UTC+1) on Tue 6 May 2025 Fine and settled under the influence of high pressure A chilly start but with plenty of clear skies bringing long spells of sunshine Cloud thickening from the west later in the afternoon but remaining dry for all with light winds Evening cloud gradually clears away leaving a dry night with clear spells Wednesday brings a mixture of sunny spells and cloudy skies A few spots of rain may be felt in the far southwest Widely dry and settled with high pressure dominating this week Dry across the vast majority of the UK with clear or sunny spells but also some patchy cloud Cloud will likely thicken across the far north and northwest during the weekend with some outbreaks of rain for a time There is also a small risk of some heavy showers in the far south or southwest high pressure will be dominant across the UK This will bring predominantly fine and dry weather for the majority of places Temperatures are likely to be slightly above normal for the time of year although there is a chance of some cold nights Fairly typical weather for the time of year is most likely through this period fine and dry weather is more likely to dominate although this will be interspersed with occasional spells of rain and showers with a risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms in places temperatures will most likely be near to or slightly above average 1fr);}@media screen and (min-width: 960px){.css-bx5zaa{grid-template-columns:70% 1fr;}}.css-wqlq84{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;min-width:0;display:grid;grid-gap:20px;}.css-1xo53a1{line-height:1.5em;}.css-1xo53a1 a{color:inherit;}.css-1b0tyu6{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;min-width:0;font-size:16px;line-height:1.5em;line-height:1.5em;}.css-1b0tyu6 a{color:inherit;}Forest Green Rovers Women defeated Sherborne Town 3-0 to complete a perfect trio of matches at The New Lawn Rhian Robbins and Leilani Ryder secured the victory as the home side moved to third in the table and above their opposition The home side looked to take the control of the match early on with the first chance coming from Tyra Wilson’s cross which was spilled by Emily Wilkinson but unable to be turned in by Williams Williams managed to put Forest Green in front when she picked the ball up in midfield and drove at the defence slotting the ball into the bottom right-hand corner Sherborne had a glorious chance to level the match and Wilson was released for Rovers but couldn’t apply a finishing touch the lead was doubled as Robbins bundled Williams’ corner into the back of the net by Wilkinson in goal The second half started slowly with the closest chance going to Wilson when she decided to go for goal from 30 yards out with the ball ultimately going over Substitute Ryder made an instant impact in the match after she blocked a kick from Wilkinson and then when the ball fell to her feet she managed to control her finish by the goalkeeper for the third of the game It could’ve nearly been four soon after as Williams got the ball on the right-hand side Sherborne could’ve pulled one back when Chloe Snook was released one-on-one with Flo Stiddard Kimmi Tanner-Joyce saw her effort go wide off target which then started a flurry of chances for both sides in added time which didn’t result in anything will know the magnificent mural that this English master of baroque decorative painting created in the 1720s in his native Dorset which illustrates the epic Calydonian boar hunt from Ovid’s "},"children":[]},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Metamorphoses"},"children":[]}]},{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"."},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Swirling up around a staircase of inlaid oak the mural is now the centrepiece of the Sherborne a venue that is a “new destination for the arts” But it shows plenty of promise."},"children":[]}]}]},{"name":"paywall","children":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Dorset has been better known for festivals (such as B-Side on the Isle of Portland) than actual venues according to the Sherborne’s acting creative director The Sherborne has a very different feel to Hauser and Wirth: part meticulously restored Georgian townhouse (at present hosting exhibitions curated by Dorset Visual Arts) part airy contemporary extension with a restaurant a compact town surrounded by rolling countryside beautiful heritage buildings in golden hamstone a fizzing antiques scene and an amazing community oozing positive energy and inclusiveness it’s a great option."}}]},{"name":"ad","children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"To be fair it is on the map already — and has been since AD705 when Sherborne Abbey was founded as a Saxon cathedral its exquisite fan-vaulted ceiling admired by all during the annual music festival in May."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Another historical gem is 20 minutes’ walk away across the river and railway He transformed its hunting lodge into what would become the New Castle and the Old Castle was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s men during the Civil War."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"It opens to visitors only in summer when tours feature “all the Kodak moments of history” as the owner Maria Wingfield Digby puts it while showing me the Algonquin pipe Raleigh smoked on the scaffold one of Capability Brown’s first commissions red and gold."}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"e77e92e0-e22c-43ae-a336-d1187f1fd64b","display":"fullwidth","caption":"Sherborne “New” Castle while in 1854 the Victorian actor William Macready invited his friend Charles Dickens to give a reading of "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"A Christmas Carol"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" here then a poetically dilapidated arts venue — but by 2018 rainwater was coming through the roof and spent a fair few of those millions restoring the Georgian house."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"When I was there the oak-beamed Art Room and extravagantly colourful scarlet purple and gold Georgian rooms — all with high ceilings wood panelling and carpet designs from pattern books of the period — were hung with covetable semi-abstract landscapes of the south coast by Jeremy Gardiner Next up is "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Making Dorset"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" a celebration of Dorset craft and design including furniture by the influential designer maker and educator John Makepeace (October 26 to January 12 “The idea is to build a progressive and forward-looking contemporary programme that responds to the building and its incredible history,” Martin says."}}]},{"name":"inlineAd1","children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"After admiring some beautiful prints of graphite birds by Paul Newman in the shop I had a tasty supper (of twice-baked goat’s cheese soufflé whose walls are covered in Georgian caricatures It was heaving — as was Sherborne’s high street home to a collection of largely independent shops There’s the Green for a smart lunch (two courses £37; greenrestaurant.co.uk); Oliver’s for gooey homemade cakes in the glow of vintage lamps (oliverscoffeehouse.co.uk); the Circus for Paige jeans silk shirts and jewellery (thecircusboutique.com); and the Swan Gallery for 18th to 20th-century art (swangallery.co.uk) Around the corner on Half Moon Street the Jerram Gallery sells paintings by collectable contemporary British artists (jerramgallery.com) while on Digby Road birthday guests are serenaded with a tambourine at the deservedly popular Italian restaurant Tamburino Gold (pasta dishes from £13; tamburino.co.uk)."}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"4cda1cea-1912-44d5-882b-d1c11dc6854e","display":"fullwidth","caption":"Sherborne’s high street the locals were quick to extol Sherborne’s virtues: how easy it is to get around Not everyone is a wealthy retiree or here for the schools (state or private); there are plenty of people who grew up in the town or moved here to work Sherborne Antiques Market has more than 40 dealers — I spent a good hour poring over vintage Shelley plates (£4 each) fluted glass pendant lamps (£60 each) and a ghostly oil painting of a lighthouse (£185)."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"At the bottom of the high street in a soaring three-storey building that was once part of the abbey D’Urbeville sells antique and vintage French furniture and there’s a popular café offering vegetarian lunches and homemade croissant cake as well as fireside cocktails on Friday nights went to school in Bruton and says “there’s more to see and do” in Sherborne sending me across the road to what locals nickname “Sherditch” featuring the trendy café Bean Shot and the record shop the Beat & Track."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"There’s a similar feeling of creative energy and renewal at the Old Yarn Mills a regular on "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Salvage Hunters: The Restorers"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" The former industrial site has five other antiques dealers the Parachute Tap Room and Bar (where parachutes were made during the Second World War) and Vineyards organised Sherborne’s inaugural Pride event — the only one for miles around she loves the town’s strong sense of community The arrival of the Sherborne should only cement that."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"This article contains affiliate links and the friendly team serve a good breakfast "}},{"name":"break","children":[]},{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Details"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" B&B doubles from £140 (theeastburyhotel.co.uk)"}}]},{"name":"heading3","children":[{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Clare Cottage Sherborne"}}]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"This 1650s cottage between the Abbey and Old Yarn Mills has a boutique-style Blue Room with a roll-top bath and a more traditional-feel Garden Room this countryside pub is both a great base or stopover and a destination in itself with its buzzy dining room stylish interiors and gorgeous views and walks this museum of natural history and archaeology has evolved to encompass the contents of Thomas Hardy’s study and an important collection of sculptures prints and drawings by Dame Elisabeth Frink The gothic-style building was recently transformed courtesy of the National Lottery Heritage Fund (£14 on the door tickets valid up to a year for repeat visits dorsetmuseum.org)."}}]},{"name":"inlineAd3","children":[]},{"name":"heading3","children":[{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Sladers Yard West Bay"}}]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"This former Georgian rope warehouse is at once a showroom for the steam-bended furniture of the Norwegian Petter Southall (who studied at John Makepeace’s Hooke Park campus) a private gallery of contemporary art and craft (including Alex Lowery’s landscapes of the Dorset coast) and a popular café for wine and seafood coffee and cake (sladersyard.co.uk)."}}]},{"name":"heading3","children":[{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Bridport Arts Centre screenings of documentaries and Met Opera productions music and spoken word (Luke Wright’s "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Joy"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" on October 25 should be good) this multi-arts venue in a Wesleyan Methodist chapel runs the Bridport Prize literary competition every autumn (bridport-arts.com)."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Become a subscriber"}}]}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/"}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" and along with unlimited digital access to The Times and The Sunday Times you can enjoy a collection of travel offers and competitions curated by our trusted travel partners beautiful buildings and antiques troves to occupy a weekend awayThe Sherborne is in a meticulously restored Georgian townhouseLisa JohnsonSaturday October 19 2024 The TimesAnyone who has gazed at the Painted Hall in Greenwich or the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral might be familiar with the name of Sir James Thornhill which illustrates the epic Calydonian boar hunt from Ovid’s Metamorphoses Swirling up around a staircase of inlaid oak, the mural is now the centrepiece of the Sherborne, a venue that is a “new destination for the arts”, free to all, and another feather in the cap of the vibrant and hospitable market town that was recently voted the best place to live in the southwest by The Sunday Times Whether it will galvanise the art scene and wider area as the Hauser and Wirth gallery did in nearby Bruton — and turn Sherborne into every Londoner’s new favourite weekend getaway — remains to be seen Dorset has been better known for festivals (such as B-Side on the Isle of Portland) than actual venues At the moment it feels rather shiny and new — just like the giant bluebell and agapanthus sculptures by Jenny Pickford at the front — but there’s much potential The mural of the epic Calydonian boar hunt is now the centrepiece of the SherborneSherborne itself its exquisite fan-vaulted ceiling admired by all during the annual music festival in May and the Old Castle was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s men during the Civil War originally a hunting lodge in the grounds of the “Old” Castle.ALAMYIt was against this scenic and historic backdrop that in 1720 the politician Henry Seymour Portman commissioned Thornhill to create a mural for Sherborne House while in 1854 the Victorian actor William Macready invited his friend Charles Dickens to give a reading of A Christmas Carol here and spent a fair few of those millions restoring the Georgian house When I was there the oak-beamed Art Room and extravagantly colourful scarlet “The idea is to build a progressive and forward-looking contemporary programme that responds to the building and its incredible history,” Martin says After admiring some beautiful prints of graphite birds by Paul Newman in the shop while on Digby Road birthday guests are serenaded with a tambourine at the deservedly popular Italian restaurant Tamburino Gold (pasta dishes from £13; tamburino.co.uk) is home to a collection of largely independent shopsPETER TITMUSS/GETTY IMAGESEverywhere I went fluted glass pendant lamps (£60 each) and a ghostly oil painting of a lighthouse (£185) featuring the trendy café Bean Shot and the record shop the Beat & Track There’s a similar feeling of creative energy and renewal at the Old Yarn Mills a regular on Salvage Hunters: The Restorers The arrival of the Sherborne should only cement that The Garden Spa at the Eastbury Hotel & SpaRICHARD BUDDThis central five-star has 21 traditional rooms in the listed Georgian townhouse and higgledy-piggledy buildings behind it Details B&B doubles from £140 (theeastburyhotel.co.uk) This 1650s cottage between the Abbey and Old Yarn Mills has a boutique-style Blue Room with a roll-top bath and a more traditional-feel Garden Room Cooked breakfasts are served at a polished antique table.Details B&B doubles from £198 (clarecottagebandb.co.uk) The Queen’s Arms is a coutryside pub with ten rooms and a two-bedroom cottageA ten-minute drive north of Sherborne It has ten rooms and a two-bedroom cottage.Details B&B doubles from £120 (thequeensarms.com) The Dorset Museum & Art Gallery was founded in the 1840sFounded in the 1840s to protect Dorset’s heritage This former Georgian rope warehouse is at once a showroom for the steam-bended furniture of the Norwegian Petter Southall (who studied at John Makepeace’s Hooke Park campus) The Bridport Arts Centre is a multi-arts venue in a Wesleyan Methodist chapelGRAHAM SHACKLETONAs well as hosting exhibitions at the luminous Allsop Gallery music and spoken word (Luke Wright’s Joy on October 25 should be good) this multi-arts venue in a Wesleyan Methodist chapel runs the Bridport Prize literary competition every autumn (bridport-arts.com) Become a subscriber and Sign up for our Times Travel newsletter and follow us on Instagram and X By NOTICEBOARD · 12 April 2025 COOKING: The Friendly Food Club charity’s latest sessions are geared towards helping men feel more confident with cooking The Friendly Food Club is offering men of all ages the opportunity to learn basic cooking skills Breakfast and Banter will run in conjunction with Sherborne Food Bank on Wednesdays for six weeks on May 7 at West End Hall Friendly Food Club Tutor and Chef Dr said: “Having talked with men attending Sherborne Food Bank, Sherborne Men’s Shed and other local groups would like to be more confident in cooking.  “Reasons for a lack of cooking experience can be generational or just down to feelings of self-consciousness "Some men may already cook but would simply like more knowledge.  we are looking forward to welcoming them to enjoy some easy and enjoyable cooking inexpensive ingredients before cooking them into a healthy and nutritious meal.” added: “We often get told by our male older clients they simply haven’t picked up cooking knowledge people have suddenly found themselves having to cook for themselves - perhaps because they are widowers unexpected carers or now live alone.”  The Friendly Food Club charity provides fun friendly and free cooking programmes for adults participants at the men’s group will be encouraged to sit and eat what they cook with their fellow group members.   as well as being guaranteed to widen your culinary horizons.”  Breakfast and Banter is funded by Communities Against Cancer and will cover healthy eating and cooking for health conditions with the aim of also breaking down barriers about NHS cancer screening programmes Friendly Food Club CEO Liz Guilmant-Cush added: “We hope this will be first of many new and free cooking courses in Dorset available to men and would like to hear from organisations and companies interested in funding sessions in their own communities.”  The first session starts at 9.30am on May 7 at West End Community Hall, in Littlefield,  Sherborne and people can book now by calling 01202 057100 or via: https://www.thefriendlyfoodclub.org/events/173/sherborne-mens-breakfast-and-banter?d=2025-05-07  friendly and free cooking programmes for disadvantaged and marginalised adults and children healthy eating and therapeutic cooking sessions and community meals for older people and those with additional needs For details of all Friendly Food Club events please visit: www.thefriendlyfoodclub.org LoadingDaily Email Updates {{contentTitle}} RESIDENTS got the chance to check out plans for the Sherborne Almshouse during a recent open day event Proposals for redevelopment of the property were on display with visitors also having the chance to discuss the plans with trustees and Abbey officials a collaboration between the Almshouse and Abbey was announced providing affordable accommodation and community facilities at the historic building It comes after the town was left shocked when it was announced tenants at the Almshouse had been evicted as the property struggled to survive financially The open day event was a chance for residents to see the plans and have their say said: “We were really pleased that so many people were able to join us at the Open Day to find out more about our vision for the future of the building and to share their views “We announced in September that the Almshouse will develop space to provide affordable independent living for locals and that the Abbey will create a traditional tearoom support centre for young people and space for community projects.” And he said the scheme had been well received by visitors on the day “After looking carefully at all the options we remain confident that this exciting plan will benefit our community by providing much needed affordable accommodation; will benefit local young people by providing a safe space to share and will benefit the town by returning our incredible building to the heart of community life,” he added “Local people liked the fact that the building will come alive again and be used to provide affordable accommodation to people who need it.” The message was echoed by the Rector of Sherborne Abbey “The Almshouse has cared for local people for many years and we are looking to continue that tradition,” he added “We hope that the town will support us in helping to make our vision a reality.” The Almshouse is encouraging both donations and legacy giving. For more information, visit www.stjohnshouse.org This is appalling- after hundreds of years and who apparently take all the stall rents from Pack Monday Fair- not a penny of which goes to the town Dorset-based architecture practice SPASE has unveiled its completed work on the astonishing restoration and transformation of Grade I listed Sherborne House which has opened to the public as ‘The Sherborne.’ A landmark building within the town the building was originally a significant residential address before being used as Lord Digby’s School for Girls from 1931 – 1992 falling into disrepair and listed as a ‘heritage building at risk’.Now the home of Dorset Visual Arts the property has been sensitively repurposed into a landmark events and arts venue to inspire the community and beyond which was awarded the 2024 Structural Timber Award for Commercial Project of the Year involved the meticulous renovation of the Georgian mansion – featuring a two-storey mural painted in the 1700s by Sir James Thornhill – the restoration of the medieval wing and the construction of a striking new glulam pavilion with copper roof has been involved as lead architects since 2018 working closely alongside Historic England and Dorset Council and bringing their wealth of expertise in architectural conservation to this once-in-a-lifetime project.“This building is of such historical significance and has been a landmark in Sherborne for centuries – it even played host to Charles Dickens who was a regular visitor in the 19th century Preserving its historical integrity whilst ushering it into a new era for the town is a huge honour what has made the work so interesting is that it combines several projects in one: creating the new pavilion exterior landscaping and restoring the period wings and house During our work we have uncovered many historical artefacts and features including the original Tudor kitchen ovens and Victorian water chambers,” commented Stefan Pitman Founder of SPASE.A legacy project by the late British entrepreneur Michael Cannon the vision for The Sherborne has always been to create a building for the local community which celebrates the artistic talent of the South West.“In keeping with this philosophy we have worked predominantly with local partners and craftspeople including Stonewood Builders Buckland Timber and have involved artisans from the area via SPAB (Society for Protection of Ancient Buildings) and our extensive knowledge of the highly skilled craftsmen We have also referenced local architectural vernacular throughout our design using sustainable materials in keeping with nearby historic buildings to ensure The Sherborne sits peacefully within its surroundings,’ continued Pitman.SPASE brought on board other notable project partners including Adam Ellis responsible for creating bespoke wallpapers for the building Avena Carpets and IFACS (International Fine Art Conservation Studies Ltd) alongside Sands & Randell who have undertaken the painstaking restoration of the Sir James Thornhill mural Thornhill was the first British artist to be knighted and is known for painting the dome in St Paul’s Cathedral and The Painted Hall at The Royal Naval College in Greenwich Thornhill’s mural at The Sherborne depicts a Caledonian boar hunt scene from Greek mythology SPASE commissioned an artist to hand-paint each individual rendered stone to give the effect of the original stone – all 2,500 of them.A truly standout element of the project is the new purpose-built pavilion which stands as a testament to SPASE’s commitment to innovative and sustainable design bespoke curved structure seamlessly connects the main house to the garden and is crafted from eco-conscious glulam SPASE worked with Buckland Timber to design the self-supporting roof structure and ceiling formed of 17-metre pieces of laminated European spruce joined together with hidden steel flitch plates and secured with hidden dowels was specifically chosen as it is light in colour and won’t dominate the overall colour scheme or surroundings sits atop the glulam pavilion and floor-to-ceiling windows look out to the garden beyond.Aside from using sustainable and natural materials wherever possible SPASE has upcycled and reused materials including joinery panelling and lighting and incorporated air source heat pumps and rainwater recycling systems to ensure the building runs efficiently.Within the grounds The Sherborne has commissioned a series of botanical sculptures designed by award-winning contemporary blacksmith Jenny Pickford her collection – including ‘Agapanthus’ and ‘Bluebell’ – will be the biggest collection of her sculptures in a public setting in the UK The surrounding landscape will also host the works of horticulturist Angela Morley whose sculptural willow weaving uses natural materials that will mellow and return to nature over time.Sally-Ann Cannon the former Sherborne House sat empty and unused Michael immediately saw the potential and didn’t need much encouragement to begin the project of bringing it back to life Stefan had been working on another project with Michael at the time and after being shown the building was very enthusiastic to be a part of the revival of this beautiful Grade I listed property Stefan was qualified to take on the task and had experience in the conservation and preservation of Historic Buildings so Michael was confident SPASE would be the perfect practice to fulfil his vision Stefan and his team have been dedicated to creating this very special and unique space for the Arts and local community.” £90,000-worth of items taken and damage inflicted during break-in THE Team Rector of Sherborne Abbey, the Revd Martin Lee, has expressed his shock and sadness at the theft of £90,000-worth of silver items and the damage inflicted during a break-in at the Abbey overnight on 6-7 August Local residents have been asked to check home CCTV and doorbell cameras for anything that might be relevant Dorset Police confirmed in an update that enquiries were ongoing The Rector spoke on Tuesday of the Abbey community’s distress it is a complete violation of the property,” he said “One thing is quite clear: they cased the joint and they would have had a warm welcome from the people on the door when we now know that their intention was to see how they could steal from us.” The thieves knew what they were looking for They took only solid silver: a processional cross although they inflicted a great deal of damage in the attempt To conceal their entry through the Abbey Close end of the building they cut off the light sensors to the floodlights Sherborne Abbey is renowned in particular for the earliest “We are deeply saddened to hear of the theft at Sherborne Abbey and the damage that has being incurred on one of the most significant and beautiful churches in the diocese and wider Church of England “Such actions are deeply upsetting for the community who have lost items of value to both the town and the Abbey Our thoughts and prayers are with the community at this distressing time.” The theft had left the Abbey community feeling more vulnerable “We’re trying to stop ourselves going down this stupid line that says someone has been in the vestry at some stage and seen that little safe; have they picked someone’s brains It’s possible that anyone could have been in at any time “But one of the lovely things has been the generosity of people One church has offered us a processional cross to use until Christmas and the diocese and our bishops couldn’t have been more supportive Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, or by phoning 101, quoting occurrence number 55240120614. Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at crimestoppers-uk.org Nicholas Reed Langen examines the Supreme Court ruling on gender We are a partnership of six diverse and welcoming congregations in the northern districts of Milton Keynes offering a rich tapestry of worshipping traditions – Anglican The Bishop of Gloucester seeks to appoint a prayerful and collaborative priest to lead these vibrant and active sister benefices on the southwestern edge of the diocese The Bishop of Gloucester seeks to appoint a priest to serve in this diverse and vibrant benefice This is an exciting and unique opportunity for two full-time ordained ministers to work alongside deanery colleagues in shaping a new approach to team ministry in beautiful coastal area within the Witham Deanery We are seeking an inspiring and compassionate Vicar to lead our parish community in faith run jointly by Sarum College and The Church Times tickets available This online seminar, run jointly by Modern Church and The Church Times discusses the theology underpinning the drive for growth tickets available Non-subscribers can read four articles for free each month completing just one marathon would be a memorable achievement – but an ex-Sherborne man has blown this out of the water who attended Sherborne Prep School before eventually moving to Dubai is celebrating after he managed to conquer seven marathons in just five days across seven continents James was joined by his friend Paris Norriss as they took on the World Marathon Challenge. This challenge asked them to complete seven marathons on seven continents in seven days – but the pair set a new record as they finished in just five days and 19 hours The gruelling challenge was no mean feat as James ended up crossing the finishing line on crutches – and he even broke the world record for the fastest time to complete a marathon on crutches The challenge saw them travel to Novo in Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Brazil, and Miami to raise money and awareness for Strides for Good – a campaign to raise support for underprivileged children through The Sovereign Art Foundation James says that while the challenge was exhausting it was rewarding to know they were raising money to make a difference to many children’s lives and we never wavered from our goal,” he said “To push yourself past your comfort zone is the only way to grow which was compounded by doing it for such a great cause makes you realise that humanity is alive and well and we should all push ourselves to help less fortunate souls.” but both ran a strong marathon before getting back into a Soviet Ilyushin 76 cargo plane to Cape Town to start the next marathon – just 15 hours after without any sleep It was here when a previous injury that had cursed James for months ruined his day and reduced him to walking before he eventually finished the race on crutches he committed to finishing the whole challenge on crutches with his mind set on his higher purpose to raise support for underprivileged children through the Sovereign Art Foundation A spokesperson for the challenge said: “This not only established him as a hero among on competitors but he also broke the world record twice in a week for the fastest time to complete a marathon on crutches.” The runners faced harsh conditions Picture: pnorriss The challenge was as much an athletic feat as it was a logistical task whereby the runners were only able to rest during flight times with only two to three hours between landing and starting the next race With the help of the Brain Performance Centre in Dubai they were able to perform a rapid recovery pit stop where the pair underwent intense physiotherapy treatment whilst in a hyperbaric chamber with 100% oxygen Paris was at a breaking point at this stage but was able to be back on track the next day “I would not have been able to run in Madrid if we hadn’t had The Brain Performance Centre there to put me back on track,” he said Paris reached the finish line in Miami in five days and 19 hours followed shortly after by James Elliot-Square on crutches The success of the challenge means the pair are the first people from the United Arab Emirates to complete this challenge To donate, click here. A SUPERB line-up of travel writing experts will share their experiences at this year’s Sherborne Travel Writing Festival The festival is returning for its third year at the Powell Theatre from April 11 to 13 a travel writer of more than a dozen books has put together an exciting programme of talks to motivate and excite armchair and intrepid travellers alike This includes the globe trotting music PR Guru Alan Edwards who will open the festival by spilling the beans on what life was like travelling the world with rock icons -including hitching a lift in the Rolling Stones private jet READ MORE: Appeal after reports hunt pursued fox illegally near Sherborne set amidst the murky world of treasures stolen from excavated archaeological sites Sophy Roberts will close Saturday’s proceedings discussing The Training School for Elephants which charts her investigation of a hitherto untold story of a 19th-century colonial expedition through Tanzania Jonathan Lorie will host ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Travel’ on Sunday morning and share his tips on how to get work published drawing on his personal experience as a prolific travel writer travel magazine editor and leader of the UK’s only MA in travel writing cost £100 for Sherborne Literary Society members and £120 for non-members Individual session tickets cost from £10 per member and from £12 for non-members Membership of the Sherborne Literary Society is only £10 a year, which includes a discount on books bought from Winstone’s Bookshop in Sherborne. Visit www.sherborneliterarysociety.com Accommodation recommendations can be found at www.sherbornetown.com Sherborne has an hourly train from both London Waterloo and the Powell Theatre is an easy 10-minute walk from the station Sherborne is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from London and approximately an hour’s drive from the Jurassic Coast To find out about the weekend programme of talks and to buy tickets, visit www.sherbornetravelwritingfestival.com Tickets can also be bought from Winstone’s Bookshop in Sherborne For further information about the Sherborne Travel Writing Festival contact Helen Brown at sherbornelitfest@gmail.com or call 07515 554549 Play Brightcove videoWatch teachers and fundraisers in Sherborne talk to ITV News' Ben McGrail A project in Sherborne to support families living in deprivation has been expanded to support more across the town For the past five years Sherborne Primary School has been putting together boxes filled with food and supplies for the families of children who receive free school meals the project has now been expanded to include three other schools with the aim of another being added next year The 2024 project was launched at the school by actor Lord Fellowes said: "Sherborne is a leafy beautiful town - it's a sort-of archetypal leafy beautiful town in the wonderful countryside of England that's quite deceptive because you think everyone here must have more than enough and everything's fine but everything's not fine for a great many people." Executive headteacher of Sherborne Primary School Ian Bartle said: "All the boxes represent a family that have a measure of deprivation in our school it's indicative of the cost of living crisis and it's something that all schools are facing across the country is to spread joy and love and care at Christmas It doesn't matter where you're from - we just love you and we want to help you." Coach John Stevens and Head Coach Murray Westren have been mightily pleased with their charges this season Playing their Round 2 match in the ‘Papa Johns’ Community Cup the Pirates won convincingly at home on Saturday against Dorset side Sherborne After home prop James Lambourn emerged first from the tunnel for his 100th appearance on a wet Mennaye Field pitch the Pirates scored all but from the very start of this contest it was skipper Stan Somers who the crossed the line for game’s opening try which was well converted by full-back Ben Wragg The ‘Ams’ certainly impressed in the early stages with Wragg soon on the scoresheet again when he converted his own try scored at the Newlyn posts One or two chances also went begging before prop Joe Best powered over for another converted try The visitors were struggling to get into the game although full-back Sonny Staunton strived to test the Pirates defence and prop Oscar Whittaker appeared as a nuggety and able young forward there was no stopping the Cornish side who Both were scored at the Newlyn gate corner which followed a clever kick out of hand by man of the match fly-half Sam Cahill Sherborne impressed at the start of the second half and to rub salt into their wounds the Pirates then added to the 31-0 halftime scoreline Replacement Sam Coogan set up a try-scoring opportunity that was taken by scrum half Jake Hole and space was created for centre Josh Semmens to follow up with another the efforts of the Dorset side were eventually rewarded when after Whittaker and Staunton had again played a part it was fly-half Chris Reed who lent support and crossed at the scoreboard corner The Pirates responded with a converted try scored by number 8 Archie Pilcher and then there was a second try scored by Sherborne’s Reed though it was the ‘Ams’ who had the last say when Evans stretched to score his second try of the afternoon after the match Pirates Amateurs’ head coach Murray Westren said: “We didn’t know what to fully expect from our opponents and having experienced poor weather in the build-up pitch conditions were a little difficult in places we overall managed to play some very good rugby and scored one or two excellent tries.” Pirates Amateurs:   15 Ben Wragg 14 Dec Marshall 13 Josh Semmens 12 Harris Eddy 11 Dan-Rhys Evans 10 Sam Cahill 9 Jake Hole; 1 James Lambourn 2 Wes Eddy 3 Joe Best 4 Stan Somers (captain) 5 Ben Martin 6 Eli Williams 7 Sam Carroll 8 Archie Pilcher Replacements:  S1 Dave Penrose S2 Dylan Arthur S3 Nick Nowell S4 Zak Chenoweth S5 Rhodri McAtee S6 Sam Coogan Sherborne:   15 Sonny Staunton 14 Cawley Maynard 13 Ben Austin 12 Thomas Williams 11 Sky Foster 10 Chris Reed 9 Ryan Hunt; 1 Oscar Whittaker 2 Archie Whittaker 3 Stephen Vincent 4 Simon Ryall 5 Henry Nias 6 Charlie Gunning 7 Deklyn Bane 8 Finlay Nias Replacements:   S1 Joe Chandler S2 Owen Summerhayes S3 William Henderson S4 Cameron Small S5 Max O’Loughlin Pirates Amateurs – tries: Dan-Rhys Evans (2)                                                                                                                                                                                             Sherborne – tries: Reed (2) (In Round 3 of the competition the Pirates Amateurs have earned themselves a tough away tie against Brunel University Coached by former Cornish ‘Pirate’ Marlen Walker they won 89-15 away to Gosport & Wareham on Saturday.) and website in this browser for the next time I comment Follow CornishStuff on Facebook - Like our Facebook page to get the latest news in your feed and join in the discussions in the comments. 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