Alfred - News From Shaftesbury

Alfred - News From Shaftesbury Alfred is a community radio for , & . We broadcast on 107.3 FM

Alfred what's ons:Today: Santa is at the Spar Shop on the Maltings from 3:30 pm.This Evening:Carols by Candlelight at So...
19/12/2024

Alfred what's ons:

Today: Santa is at the Spar Shop on the Maltings from 3:30 pm.

This Evening:
Carols by Candlelight at Sorelle Café Bar in Motcombe, starting at 6 pm. This will also take place tomorrow evening. It features professional singers

Quiz night at the Copperidge in Motcombe begins at 7:30 pm. Entry is £3 per person, with teams of up to eight. The £50 prize proceeds go to Motcombe Primary School.

Tomorrow (Friday):
The last Shaftesbury Emporium Market is in the Town Hall from 9 am to 4:30 pm, raising money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Weldmar Hospicecare. Items on sale include cards, pickles, preserves, eggs, lap trays, coasters, cheese, chutney, and sheepskin products.
Carols on the Green in Enmore Green starts at 6 pm.
Free car parking in Shaftesbury’s town centre car parks, including Angel Lane, Bell Street, Coppice Street, and the Barton Hill car park, which is always free.

Carols on the Green in Enmore Green start at 6 pm.

Mark the Winter Solstice with meditation and music by Andy Royd, with words from Dr Karen Janes, at Donhead St Mary Village Hall at 7 pm.

Christmas prize draw at Donhead Sports Club begins at 8 pm, with the draw at 9:30 pm.

Saturday:
Antiques Fair by the New Forest Antiques team in the Town Hall from 10 am to 4 pm.

Carol singing at the Grosvenor Arms Hotel at 11 am, raising money for the Children’s Society.

Shaston Club’s children’s party starts at 2:30 pm, with an entry fee of £3 per child.

Sunday:
Christmas at Hilltop Cinema: The Muppet Christmas Carol (U) from 5 pm to 6:30 pm.
Live music with ska band Press Gang at Ye Olde Two Brewers from 4 pm to 6 pm.

The Shaftesbury Carnival illuminated Christmas tractor run begins at the Motcombe Turnpike Showground at 4:30 pm, passes through Gillingham at 4:45 pm, Motcombe at 5:15 pm, and Shaftesbury High Street around 5:30 pm. Up to 100 illuminated tractors are expected.

• Carol services at:
• St Andrew’s Church, Donhead St Andrew, at 6 pm.
• St Mary’s, East Knoyle, at 6 pm.
• St Peter’s, Shaftesbury, at 6

19/12/2024

Yes, we know Vodafone is down in the Shaftesbury area. We have contacted Vodafone Press Office. It's their mast at Longmead, and we'll let you know what they say—even if it's rude. Other networks are down as well, including O2. And for that matter, we've not heard from anybody using CellNet, Orange, T-Mobile, or Mercury One-to-One for a while. Are you okay, huns?

19/12/2024

Alfred Traffic 12:37 There remains significant disruption on the A350 north of Shaftesbury due to planned maintenance work by Openreach, which is expected to continue until around 3:30 pm. Traffic has been intermittently allowed through at various times.

However, Butler’s Lane was congested with cars earlier this morning. Drivers were reportedly out of their vehicles, chatting and enjoying the Christmas spirit.

If you’re travelling to or from Shaftesbury, consider finding an alternative route. Those coming in from East Knoyle or Semley during the early afternoon should plan accordingly to avoid delays.

19/12/2024

Morning, Shaftesbury! We're told there's a closure of the A350 this morning north of Shaftesbury. Through Semley Hollow, between 9.30 and 3.30, for work by Openreach. That is the only item on our road work list. Alfred's never seen it so quiet. It's like Gregg Wallace's inbox.

19/12/2024

Morning. It's almost Christmas. Let's try and be positive. Give us your reasons to be cheerful because there's no mobile phone signal for Vodafone and other network customers in Shaftesbury currently. We'll start you off!

No scam phones calls.... over to you for more!

The Alfred Daily- your local Shaftesbury news- starts with what's ons for 18th Dec:CLICK TO LISTEN: https://traffic.libs...
18/12/2024

The Alfred Daily- your local Shaftesbury news- starts with what's ons for 18th Dec:
CLICK TO LISTEN: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/17122024.mp3

Neighbourhood Plan Changes Protect Green Spaces and Suggest Future Housing Sites
CLICK TO LISTEN: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/17122024.mp3 =02:32

Tyres Slashed, Bus Shelter Smashed - Dorset Police Urge Anti-Social Behaviour Reporting
CLICK TO LISTEN: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/17122024.mp3 =17:00

Shaftesbury Road Closures
CLICK TO LISTEN: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/17122024.mp3 =27:37

Grant For Shaftesbury Refugee Group Will Fund Social Events and Support
CLICK TO LISTEN: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/17122024.mp3 =18:28

The Shaftesbury Businesses Surprisingly Busy Before Christmas
CLICK TO LISTEN: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/17122024.mp3 =28:12

Tikka Not Turkey - Chutneys’s First Christmas Day Opening
CLICK TO LISTEN: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/17122024.mp3 =31:02

100 Years of Shaftesbury Abbey's Ancient Monument Status: Julie Wood on the Herb Garden
CLICK TO LISTEN: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/17122024.mp3 =41:51

Events Within One Hour’s Drive of Shaftesbury 18th of December
CLICK TO LISTEN: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/17122024.mp3 =46:50

Shaftesbury Christmas Memories : The Town’s Longest-Serving Shopkeeper Steve Hodson
CLICK TO LISTEN: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/17122024.mp3 =48:04

Jan Walls Highlights Holly in Her Gardening Guide
CLICK TO LISTEN: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/17122024.mp3 =53:58

Bournemouth Visitors’ Love of Shaftesbury - View from the Hill
CLICK TO LISTEN: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/17122024.mp3 =37:34


Recently, many locals’ mobiles wouldn’t work due to an issue with the mast at Longmead. Kerry, a Vodafone customer, comp...
17/12/2024

Recently, many locals’ mobiles wouldn’t work due to an issue with the mast at Longmead. Kerry, a Vodafone customer, complained, and her complaint was successful. She received £50 in compensation—a credit to her account—which amounts to seven days of lost service.

She contacted Alfred to say:

“Following the issues with the mobile mast a couple of weeks ago, I logged a complaint with Vodafone. It’s worth taking the time. Email details to [email protected] with a brief description of the issue. I was given reference number INC000005381533.”

One of the Dorset councillors who represents Motcombe, Councillor Carl Woode, has asked Dorset's Police and Crime Commis...
17/12/2024

One of the Dorset councillors who represents Motcombe, Councillor Carl Woode, has asked Dorset's Police and Crime Commissioner about the likelihood of reopening Shaftesbury Police Station to the public. "Shaftesbury police station is closed, and you don't often see police walking around patrolling," Cllr Woode told Mr Sidwick during a joint council meeting of Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils that scrutinises policing.

Commissioner David Sidwick was presenting his plan for the force.
One of his priorities is to make policing more visible and connected.

David Sidwick told the meeting that some forces have reopened their front desks, but budgetary constraints exist here.
"I would love to have been in the position of other forces where I'm reopening more. But actually this has given us an opportunity to look at the usage of front offices and actually see if there's a better way more people will come to a contact point."

Based on his experience at Verwood, he believes that the pop-up police meetings outside Shaftesbury Town Hall or the recent outreach when officers visited Father's house for an hour could be more successful for public engagement than opening a front desk at a police station.
"There was a trial at the police station opening, and nobody went. They put a community contact point outside Morrison's on a Saturday morning and they were inundated with people," said David. "So there is something about changing the method of working to fit with something for the people."

It seems that Mr Sidwick still needs to do more work to meet his goal of making Dorset Police more visible and connected. 64% of people who replied to his own policing survey felt the force did a good job in the area where they lived. His target is 80%. David Sidwick has also been trying to reduce the wait time for anybody ringing the non-emergency 101 number to report a crime or suspicious activity. Callers are hanging on for an average of 18 minutes before their call is answered. He says he's determined that people feel the police are accessible. "I'm going to make certain that they are with the people and talking to them because that's what they want", he told councillors.

Yay. We could be a winner!The Alfred team was surprised and delighted to receive an unexpected award nomination from the...
16/12/2024

Yay. We could be a winner!

The Alfred team was surprised and delighted to receive an unexpected award nomination from the Lux Awards this morning. To our amazement, we’ve been shortlisted in the Restaurant and Bar category—despite not being a restaurant or a bar!

While this paves the way for potential nominations for a Nobel Peace Prize or Sports Personality of the Year, we’re trying not to count our chickens just yet. In the meantime, we’re heading down to Weldmar’s furniture section at Longmead to see if they’ve got a second-hand trophy cabinet. Best be prepared. Stay tuned!

The Farm Soap Company on Bell Street has new owners. Silvana has moved on to new opportunities, and Shillingstone-based ...
16/12/2024

The Farm Soap Company on Bell Street has new owners. Silvana has moved on to new opportunities, and Shillingstone-based couple Chrystianne and Tom White have taken over. While the soap brand will continue, changes are ahead, including a new name – Frank Living. The rebrand focuses on well-being, offering hands-on learning experiences like candle-making and soap-production workshops.

“I first bought soap from Silvana when she set up the business,” Chrystianne said. “It’s a product we’ve always loved, and my husband and I thought, let’s give it a go.”

The couple has acquired Silvana’s soap recipes, while putting their stamp on the business. “We’ll continue with Farm Soap products, but we’re introducing new wellness items like herbal teas, bath-time essentials, and even self-help books,” Chrystianne shared.

Future plans include workshops on candle-making, tea-blending, and wellness activities. “We’ve added a large trestle table to the shop for hosting sessions that bring the community together,” Chrystianne said.

The couple, who have three young children, are excited about their new venture. Tom will spend much of his time on administration, while Chrystianne will take on the shopfront role. “This is all we’re focusing on now – family life, soap-making, and Frank Living,” Chrystianne said.

Listen to our full report – CLICK HERE
https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/14122024.mp3 =00:13:02


Shaftesbury Town Council has agreed to find a contractor for Dorset Council to repair the Shooters Lane wall who would s...
15/12/2024

Shaftesbury Town Council has agreed to find a contractor for Dorset Council to repair the Shooters Lane wall who would send the bill to the landowner. Some town councillors are fed up with ongoing delays and what they believe to be excuses over the lack of progress in repairing the high retaining wall that runs alongside the steep path from Cranborne's store on the High Street down to Layton Lane.

Locals first raised concerns about stones becoming dislodged at the foot of the wall five years ago, and its integrity has been a concern ever since. Three years ago, following contact by the Town Council, Dorset Council’s Rangers closed off half of the handrail-divided pathway, and it has remained partially blocked ever since.

The wall has been identified as the responsibility of the adjacent property owner, but the building has been unoccupied for several years, with a patch of wilderness beneath the landowner’s home and the neighbour below. The ownership of that section remains unclear. The wall owner applied for planning permission and building consent for the repairs over a year ago. The Town Council has been told that neither the landowner nor the senior Dorset Council ranger has been able to secure a contractor to complete this work.

Further stones have fallen out, and leaves and dirt have accumulated on half of the pathway. Back in July, Shaftesbury Town Council wrote to Dorset Council’s Head of Place, saying the situation creates an impression of apathy, disinterest, and disregard for the safety and well-being of residents and visitors. Shaftesbury’s Town Clerk Bree Logan described the state of the thoroughfare as “a disgrace” in that communication.

At the December Town Council planning meeting, Chair Virginia Edwyn-Jones expressed apparent frustration at the lack of progress, saying, “He’s got permission, Dorset Council say they’re pressurising him, he says he can’t find a contractor. I’ve always said that’s his absolute codswallop.”

Virginia told the council she had spoken to a builder working on nearby properties who had experience with similar wall works. “I told him, I want you to go up Shooters Lane, assess what you think it will take to rebuild it. Obviously, he would have to comply with what’s been agreed in terms of the planning. But I said, give me a price.”

The builder has agreed to assess the job and could start work in the spring. Virginia told the meeting, “That’s nowhere near as long as people have been waiting for activity from Dorset Council or the landowner.”

Once the contractor provides a quote, it will be sent to Dorchester. Virginia hopes this will prompt some form of action, adding, “If we can then go to Dorset Council and say, look, we can send somebody who can do the work, that legally might give us a bit of leverage.”

Listen to our full report – CLICK HERE
https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/14122024.mp3 =00:07:20

Twenty-nine residents of Long Cross have written to Shaftesbury Town Council and Shaftesbury’s two Dorset councillors, J...
15/12/2024

Twenty-nine residents of Long Cross have written to Shaftesbury Town Council and Shaftesbury’s two Dorset councillors, Jack Jeanes and Derek Beer, calling for improved road safety on the A30. An accident last week and reports to the police alleging excessive speeding on 3rd October, which locals claim put young lives at risk, has prompted this call for action.

In the autumn, four young children were "nearly hit" by a speeding car as they were being driven into a driveway, John Massink, one of the signatories of the letter to councillors, told Alfred.“We’re making about eight or nine suggestions.” Residents are calling for reinforcements of the 30 mph limit and extra measures, including road markings, rumble strips, home zone or road narrow signs, and more frequent use of speed cameras.
John noted a previous campaign led by Richard and Karen Tippins that successfully reduced the speed limit to 30 mph: “As a rough estimate, more than half of drivers go beyond 30.”

A device that flashes motorists' speeds is sometimes located at Long Cross. Last autumn, Shaftesbury Town Council dismissed a second-speed indicator device (SID) previously offered by Dorset Council. Councillors argued that the device could be better used elsewhere in Shaftesbury, including Pound Lane and Mampitts Road.

Shaftesbury Town Council is likely to discuss this request in the new year. In the meantime, John Massink says he’d like anybody who’d like to support the campaign to contact him. You can find him on Facebook or email [email protected] for details.

Listen to our full report – CLICK HERE
https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/14122024.mp3 =00:01:18

Shaftesbury Town Council will be making some significant decisions in the coming weeks. The poorly attended public budge...
15/12/2024

Shaftesbury Town Council will be making some significant decisions in the coming weeks. The poorly attended public budget meeting on Wednesday revealed that several councillors are considering increasing the precept—the town council’s share of the Dorset council tax—by around £44 per household, per annum, based on a Band D property. This represents a 25% rise. Councillors still need to vote on this, but part of the investment is earmarked for the council-owned open-air Lido pool at Barton Hill. And that will be the hot topic at the Town Hall on Tuesday.

On 17th Dec, members will decide whether to commit ratepayers’ money to replace the pool’s filtration system and liner. Lido supporters have been encouraged via social media to attend the meeting, share their views with councillors, and canvas support.
Around £70,000 of ratepayers’ money would be committed at this stage, although the council says they will pursue grant funding options. Councillors may decide to stagger the investment, too. Shaftesbury Town Council will also ask neighbouring parish councils to chip in. Although Alfred was at Motcombe and Melbury Abbas and Cann parish meetings this month, it doesn’t seem like that appeal will be successful.

One town councillor doesn’t want more public money spent on the pool and would prefer it if a third-party trust took on the council’s asset. Fans say it’s the only open-air pool in Dorset, and that's worth supporting. And with added events and cold-water swimming, Wednesday's meeting heard that the Lido is almost breaking even now.
What’s your view?

You can attend and tell the councillors at 7pm on Tuesday.
Alfred will attend the meeting and let you know what the councillors decide.

Why does Chris Rea take the car and put himself through that misery on the 24th of December? Simple. He must live on Sou...
15/12/2024

Why does Chris Rea take the car and put himself through that misery on the 24th of December? Simple. He must live on South Western Railway, because it seems travel to Gillingham and Tisbury will be as challenging as some masochistic Japanese game show.

The Farnborough to Woking line is closed on Monday, December 23, and Tuesday, December 24. This affects travel from Tis and Gill to London.
London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids services will start from Basingstoke. Ugh.
London Waterloo to Salisbury stopping services will start from Reading.
Additional services will run between London Waterloo and Woking.
London Waterloo to Basingstoke stopping services will terminate at Woking.

Christmas Eve, the 24th, will be an amended Saturday service. They haven’t said which Saturday they’re modelling that on. One reminiscent of the week after the first lockdown? Services will end earlier than usual. Check before you set off and take shiny things with you so you can barter and buy a pack horse if you need to get anywhere.

Understandably, there’s no Christmas Day service or Boxing Day.

Then, from the 27th, the Farnborough to Woking line remains closed until the 4th of January. Happy New Year, by the way. Then, the line between Basingstoke and Woking will be closed on the 4th and 5th.

Shaftesbury private chef Philippa Davis will host her second Channel 5 TV food show tonight. The festive special, Aldi v...
15/12/2024

Shaftesbury private chef Philippa Davis will host her second Channel 5 TV food show tonight. The festive special, Aldi vs M&S: Who Does Christmas Best, will air at 8 p.m. and see Philippa compare festive treats and campaigns from both retailers.

LISTEN: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/07122024.mp3 =22:26

“I’m bringing my expertise as a food judge and chef to look at festive sweet treats, their Christmas campaigns, and the history of these iconic stores,” Philippa said. “It’s not just about the food but the whole retail experience. M&S offers soft lighting and elegant displays, while Aldi is functional and fun, especially with its quirky middle aisle!”

Philippa’s talents have been recognised with several national TV appearances recently. She also starred in A Taste of Dorset, her Amazon Prime series filmed locally, showcasing incredible food and drink producers. “It’s important to connect consumers with the people behind their food and show how it forms part of our identity,” she said. The series featured businesses like Breezy Ridge Vineyard in West Melbury and Motcombe’s community shop and producers countywide.

Philippa’s growing TV presence builds on her work as a food columnist for The Field and her passion for championing local produce. Be sure to tune in tonight and listen for her Christmas Shaftesbury food shopping tips on Alfred 107.3 FM
Shaftesbury

UPDATE: Phew. Emu is safe and behind a closed gate again. We all know how these birds can wreak havoc. Look at what one ...
15/12/2024

UPDATE: Phew. Emu is safe and behind a closed gate again. We all know how these birds can wreak havoc. Look at what one did to the late Sir Michael Parkinson on live telly. Panic over. And relax, Shaftesbury.

EARLIER, in the weird world of Alfred....

SUNDAY- MIDDAY: Ok, Shaftesbury..we've not been drinking or using magic markers in a poorly ventilated space. But we did a double take after reading this message: June says, "There is an ostrich walking down the road in Melbury Abbas, so please be careful." And she adds, as a thought, "What stuffing would you have?"

Work is underway to create Shaftesbury’s newest town centre car park on the former ATS garage site, opposite the King’s ...
14/12/2024

Work is underway to create Shaftesbury’s newest town centre car park on the former ATS garage site, opposite the King’s Arms pub. Local resident Phil Proctor, who owns the site, plans to open the car park by April, with 70 spaces, including areas for motorhomes.

Listen to our full report - CLICK HERE https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/14122024.mp3 =00:13:44

Phil explained he’s been responding to feedback from locals, saying, “The initial idea was 44 spaces, but there’s a waiting list for season tickets, so we’ve added more capacity.” Landscaping is currently underway, with boundary hedges and trees being planted to help the car park look established by spring.

The car park will use card payment systems only—no cash—and visitors will register a payment card to make parking quick and easy. Phil confirmed there will be no need for a height restriction barrier, making the site more accessible for larger vehicles, including motorhomes.

The site had been identified by Shaftesbury’s Neighbourhood Plan as suitable for housing development, but Phil said he is committed to using it for community parking. “I’m doing it for the good of the community. Bell Street car park has lost 15 spaces, the cattle market parking has gone, and Tesco reduced their free parking from three hours to two hours. The top of the town has lost around 300 spaces. This is a good start.”

An archaeological investigation during the project could shed light on the infamous Shaftesbury tunnels. Phil previously uncovered a tunnel near Kings Hill, describing it as “40 metres long, built with rough-cut stone about five feet high and three feet wide.” A geophysical survey expert is set to examine the site in February to locate the tunnel and determine if it connects to other areas.

Listeners are invited to suggest a name for the car park by emailing [email protected].

PIC: Phil Proctor (l) with James and Alan from Floramor Gardeners

Dorset Police say they mean business in tackling shoplifting. On market day, Thursday, plain-clothes officers patrolled ...
14/12/2024

Dorset Police say they mean business in tackling shoplifting. On market day, Thursday, plain-clothes officers patrolled Shaftesbury Town Centre to detect and deter shop thefts. The police plan more of these operations over the Christmas period.

Listen to our full report - CLICK HERE https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thealfreddaily/14122024.mp3 =00:02:52

During a Facebook Q&A, Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick described shoplifting as “a heinous crime which affects not only the people in the shop, the shop staff, but also our communities generally.”

Chief Inspector Alyssa Forrest explained that their ‘incident resolution centre’ now processes 65% of shoplifting reports. “This is a robust, whole-system approach,” she said. “Rather than presenting offences piecemeal and not getting the true flavour of what’s going on, we really bring everything together in one place and work closely with the courts and the CPS.”

Chief Inspector Forrest dismissed claims that police ignore thefts under £75 as “absolutely incorrect.” “We care very much. We know shoplifting has a massive impact on businesses, and we want every opportunity to deal with this.” She encouraged local businesses to report all incidents.

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