Jane Adams on the dawn chorus and Shaftesbury Indie market’s Jules Bradburn
Wildlife writer Jane Adams grew up in the suburbs, and vividly recalls the first time she shared her morning tea with the waking birds "In the past, I didn’t understand why people got so excited about the dawn chorus. Wasn’t it just a bunch of birds singing ridiculously early in the morning?" Jane sat down with Jenny and they chatted about the early morning birds - and their unreliability when you go to all the effort of getting out of bed to listen!
Roger Guttridge tells the story of Dorset’s first newspaper and the ‘Sherborne Men’ who ‘rode Sherborne’ to distribute it
There’s a major new independent market in Shaftesbury – the launch event had more than 70 stalls, and was a resounding success with almost 6,000 people visiting. The monthly event will boost tourism and trade, says market director Jules Bradburn, who already runs the hugely popular independent Sherborne market which she has grown to 200 stalls. She spoke to Jenny about how it’s going, and about some of the incredible artisans, producers and traders that are finding a new audience.
Jim Bettle makes a living from an ancient craft, fuelling his passion for a more sustainable country. One of very few British charcoal producers, by the end of August he’ll produce more than 35 tonnes of sustainable British charcoal from within his North Dorset woodland 'office'.
Tivoli Theatre’s Charlie North-Lewis selects his Dorset Island Discs
You can’t interview Charlie North-Lewis without a steady stream of name-dropping; his long and winding career is a musical tour through 40 years of popular culture.
Charlie was working at BAFTA in 2002 when he decided it was time to go back to his professional roots after long years managing band tours, and look for a theatre job. ‘I just happened to see the advert. It said: “Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne, Dorset, is looking for a general manager.” I’m sure it said something along the lines of 'knowledge of the area useful' or helpful or something. And I just thought, well, I went to school in Dorset. That’ll do ...’
This month the Tivoli's theatre manager sat down with Tracie Beardsley to choose his Dorset Island Discs – highlights are in the May issue of The BV magazine here, but in this extended edition of the BV podcast you can listen to the unedited full conversation, with all the bits we had to chop out!You can listen to all Charlie's music choices in his Dorset Island Discs playlist here(Apologies for any background sounds - Charlie and Tracie met at the Crown Hotel in Blandford!)
Small shop, big heart – plus all the letters
The May BV Podcast begins, as it does every month, with this month’s letter from the editor and all the latest reader’s letters. Next we hear from our local political party representatives, and their timely commentary on the state of the world. Lastly we have an interview with Carole Jones, who gives us a peek behind the scenes of a social supermarket in North Dorset.
Letter from Laura, the editor
Letters to the editor
Populism in politics always over-simplifies issues. Effective and lasting political change requires active listening across divides, says MP Simon Hoare
Mike Chapman of North Dorset LibDems urges us and the government to do more ...
Pat Osborne of North Dorset Labour questions whether the coronation of a new monarch should prompt a wider deabte about our British head of state, and the implications for democracy
Ken Huggins of the Green Party says it's time to wake up and see the flood
The Vale Pantry in Sturminster Newton is a new breed of community service, offering food and practical help to those who are struggling. Jenny spoke to Carole Jones to hear its story.
In conversation with Natalie Wheen
In a BV exclusive, our own Jenny Devitt sat down with Natalie Wheen, one of the nation's favourite broadcasters, for a wide-ranging conversation around Natalie's Dorset Island Disc choices. Eavesdrop on their chat as Natalie shares the remarkable stories of how and why each piece of music has stuck in her life (you can find links to the specific pieces that Natalie chooses on the website here)
After a lifelong career presenting music to the nation, writer and radio presenter Natalie Wheen found it a challenge choosing just eight discs. For more than 30 years, she was an ever-present voice on our radios, with weekly shows ranging from presenting classical music on BBC Radio 3, and a broad selection of Radio 4 shows from the arts review Kaleidoscope to The Food Programme. Moving from the BBC to Classic FM in 1999, she was charged with ‘spicing up the repertoire’ – which she did for four hours a week for more than ten years. Her disc choices are a fun, naughty and surprisingly moving wander through the personal stories that have filled her years with the greatest names in the world of classical music.
Lastly, in the final item from April's BV, Terry shares Rachael Rowe's investigation into why there is such an enormous lack of NHS dentists in Dorset.
The BV podcast goes beyond the pages of the magazine, providing you with exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and in-depth conversations with our guests. If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to take a look at the April issue of the BV here or visit our website to explore the articles and stories featured.
Lady Carnarvon and Dorset’s poisoned birds of prey
In politics this month, Mike Chapman, for the North Dorset Lib Dems, is looking at the innate risks involved when one party stays in power too long. Pat Osborne, for North Dorset Labour, discusses the need for a clear roadmap for change on climate action. And Ken Huggins from the North Dorset Green Party is calling 'total greenwash tosh' on the government.
The Countess of Carnarvon is our Random 19 guest this month – Jenny chatted to her about her latest book 'The Earl and The Pharoah' - exploring the fascinating life of the fifth Earl of Carnarvon, famous for the discovery of the tomb of the young Pharaoh, Tutankhamun.
Lastly, Terry spoke to journalist Andrew Livingston to hear more on his story about the numbers of birds of prey being posioned in Dorset, following the news that the RSPB say Dorset is one of the worst counties for raptor persecution.
The BV podcast brings you highlights from the latest issue, as well as exclusive extras you won't find in the magazine. If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to take a look at the April issue of the BV here or visit our website to explore the articles and stories featured. But don't forget, our podcast goes beyond the pages of the magazine, providing you with exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and in-depth conversations with our guests.
Letters, pigs and the effect of the oil spill
The April BV Podcast begins, as we do every month, with this month’s Letter from the Editor and all the latest Reader’s Letters. This month we then move on to three interviews. Jenny Devitt chats to Giles Simpson, Chairman of the G&S Show ahead of this weekend's Spring Countryside Show. Next Terry spoke to journalist Andrew Livingston as he discusses the current outcomes on the Poole Harbour oil spill. Lastly, we hear from local farmer Lillie Smith as she tells BV listeners about her rare breed pigs
The Spring Countryside Show is BACK! The first show of the year in Dorset’s rural events calendar is this weekend, and Jenny chats to Giles Simpson, the Gilingham & Shaftesbury Show Chairman, about what's in store at Turnpike Showground.
Journalist Andrew Livingston as he discusses the current outcomes on the Poole Harbour oil spill. Although initial fears around the spill were quickly calmed, the long-lasting effects are still unknown.
For Lillie Smith, it all began with Cynthia. A huge Gloucester Old Spot pig, Cynthia lived on a farm where Lillie, a student at the time, had a weekend job mucking out horses. The young farmer takes a break from her farm in Shillingstone where she lives with husband Morgan, their four children ranging from two to eleven and seven of the rarest of pig breeds, Oxford Sandy and Blacks.
If you're not already signed up to the BV magazine, you can do so here https://bit.ly/SubscribetoTheBV . The BV podcast is based entirely on articles that have featured in the BV magazine – interviews are often exclusive expansions on those features, which are necessarily limited on the page. At the very least you should dip in occasionally to see the gorgeous photography that often accompanies the features!
West End star Joanna Woodward and the reality of farming in 2023
With a growing need for food banks, what effect does food poverty have on a family’s youngest members, asks Dorset Mind’s Marie Glen.
Based on the best-selling novel by Audrey Niffenegger, the musical adaptation of The Time Traveller’s Wife is scheduled for a West End run at the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue this autumn. Joanna Woodward, who grew up in Glastonbury, will play the female lead, Clare. And just for The BV, West End star Joanna this month takes on the Random 19 questions
You dutifully throw your rubbish in your household bin, and put it out on the kerb on collection day. But have you ever wondered what happens to it? Behind every rubbish lorry is a sophisticated team of experts says Cllr Laura Beddow, who holds the portfolio for rubbish and recycling at Dorset Council.
Jenny interviews NFU county advisor Gemma Harvey after Minette Batters calls for a prosperous food and farming sector, delivering a secure, safe and affordable supply of British food.
Local legends you probably don’t know, affordable housing, and the bee-fly
Three interviews for you this week - Jenny chatted local history with Roger, Terry discussed new housing developments and wildlife writer Jane Adams is back talking to Jenny!
Roger Guttridge recalls three local legends: a minister who upset early women’s libbers, Marnhull’s bull-baiting habit and the legendary toad doctor of Pulham
Planning permission was awarded to the Dorset-headquartered AJC Group for a collection of 13 open market homes and eight affordable dwellings (40 per cent). However, the company has an ambition to change the face of social housing, and AJC Group worked with developers Abri to provide 100 per cent affordable housing across the scheme. David Cracklen, director of AJC Group, spoke to Terry about the development.
Wildlife writer Jane Adams is looking forward to her own personal sign of spring – what she says is her Mary Quant of the insect world, the bee-fly. Jane also has a book out this month! Nature’s Wonders: Moments That Mark The Seasons, is published in conjunction with National Trust. You can see the BV review in Book Corner on the website , and Jenny chats to Jane about the book.
If you're not already signed up to the BV magazine, you can do so here https://bit.ly/SubscribetoTheBV . The BV podcast is based entirely on articles that have featured in the BV magazine – interviews are often exclusive expansions on those features, which are necessarily limited on the page. At the very least you should dip in occasionally to see the gorgeous photography that often accompanies the features!
The BV talks to Tim Laycock and gets the inside track on the Council Tax levy
In this episode:
Folk musician, singer, actor, storyteller, historian, Thomas Hardy expert ... Dorset’s Tim Laycock is a man of many talents, and Jenny has his answers to the Random 19 questions.
Terry has been talking to Cllr Peter Wharf as he gets to grips with Dorset Council's additional council tax levy on second homes, and the pros and cons of the arguments surrounding a heated debate.
Reggae, Strauss and Gershwin? It must be Dorset Island Discs. Pauline Batstone has spent a lifetime working with ex-offenders as a probation officer, and spends retirement working for her community
Jenny reads this month's column by wildlife writer Jane Adams, who is missing her early morning alarm call – but feels there may be signs of hope for mavis, as Chaucer named the British song thrush.
The BV podcast is brought to you every month by the wonderful Terry Bennett and Jenny Devitt.
All based on articles from the February issue of The BV magazine - never printed, it's only available right here online. Subscribe (it's free!) here https://bit.ly/TheBVsubscribe and receive it direct to your inbox every month**
The legless marshall and complaints about farmers
Terry talks to Steve Tarrant, a north Dorset man who suffered life-changing injuries at Goodwood in 2000. He has recently has been awarded the highest honour in motorsport for his courage and commitment. Previous winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award have included Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart. SUCH an interesting conversation - I suspect Terry will be back to talk more to Steve.
Jenny talks to farmer and BV journalist Andrew Livingston, who says that thanks to our national newly-sanitised view of Countryfile-d farming, complaints about animal welfare are on the increase. SO interesting hearing Andrew discuss in far more depth than we have space for in the magazine. Also 'rain makes cows look sad'
In this month's A Country Living column, Tracie Beardsley met Richard Lee, Dorset craftsman, founder of Plankbridge and pioneer of a global revival of shepherd’s huts
Rachael Rowe shard the story of the Dorset surgeon who changed the worlds of art and science. The famous Hogarth paintings which hang above the Hogarth Stair at St Barts Hospital in London are undergoing restoration. But what do they have to do with a surgeon from North Dorset?
The day the dam burst! In this month’s Looking Back column, Roger Guttridge describes a disastrous – and yet miraculous – day in North Dorset’s memory when the dam at Gasper Bridge burst and the flood waters rushed through the bomb factory at Bourton, and on to Gillingham, over a century ago.
The BV talks to broadcast legend Henry Blofeld
The February BV podcast begins, as always, with this month's letter from the editor and all the reader's letters - moving on to two interviews; one with the principal of Kingston Maurward college, and the other with Henry 'Blowers' Blofeld.
Letter from the editor, Laura Hitchcock
Reader's letters
Following a local outcry based on inaccurate information, Jenny Devitt speaks to Luke Rake, principal of Kingston Maurward College about the rumours surrounding the cancelation of apprenticeships
Legendary cricket commentator and broadcaster, Henry Blofeld OBE, known amongst his many fans as Blowers and famed for his plummy tones and all-round good humour, invites you to join him in a brand new show, My Dear Old Things - coming to the Exchange in Sturminster Newton in March. Terry Bennett has a chat with Henry to find out about what's in store.Click here to win tickets to one of the shows!
EXCLUSIVE interview with Rupert Hardy and the most haunted house in England. Probably.
Another exclusive interview just for podcast listeners this week - Terry has a fascinating conversation with Rupert Hardy from the CPRE about the 'rooftop vs. field' solar panels debate. Then in Roger Guttridge's column we hear the brilliant story behind the most haunted house in England (allegedly), Sandford Orcas manor. And to finish off we have the wildife and farming sections - the ones everybody asks for :)
Rupert Hardy, chairman of the North Dorset CPRE, takes a long look into the case for solar panels on roofs or in fields - and says 'do not be deceived by the frequently misleading data issued by solar trade associations, whose members are unsurprisingly more concerned with profit than saving the planet.'
In this month’s Looking Back column, Roger Guttridge questions the spooky stories that have long been associated with a Dorset Manor. Mid-16th century Sandford Orcas Manor near Sherborne is among the most exquisite in the county. Google it, however, and it’s not its fine Tudor architecture that makes the headlines but its reputation as a haven for ghosts and poltergeists.
This winter, Dorset Wildlife Trust has been deliberately installing dead trees in a valley near Ansty, says conservation officer Stephen Oliver. ‘This exciting partnership project involved two kilometres of river restoration work on Devil’s Brook, a long watercourse rising in the chalk hills near Higher Ansty and flowing south to join the River Piddle near Athelhampton.'
Wildlife writer Jane Adams is trying hard not to be stuck in the January gloom, and instead to look for the signs of new life 'When I stumble in through the back door and my husband asks if I’ve seen anything on my walk, it’s really no surprise he gets a glare from under my sopping wet fringe.'
Blandford farmer George Hosford abandons the stats and checks his crystal ball to see if his profit calculations will be accurate this year 'It depends on when you sell the grain and when you buy the fertiliser,
Letters and houses and the state of our world
We start the first podcast of 2023 with all the letters before we listen to what the local experts say about the Dorset property market this year (plus some fascinatingly honest tales of houseselling generally!), and the latest thoughts from all four of our local political representatives.
Letter from the editor, Laura Hitchcock
Reader's letters
Prices may be falling and mortgage lenders nervous – but house hunters are still looking to move. Local experts take a look at the Dorset housing market in 2023
Simon Hoare MP compares our current economic climate of strife with the original winter of discontent.
Mike Chapman of the LibDems looks back at his highs and lows of the last year
Ken Huggins from the Green Party looks for the positives amid a pretty gloomy outlook
Pat Osborne form North Dorset Labour discusses the ongoing strike action.
The coffin in the crypt, a walk in the woods and some Dorset Yuzucello
It’s a perfect half hour’s listening to start the new year – we catch up with the latest political thoughts before Roger shares the tale of the 18th century death that may not have have happened. We explore the winter woodland landscape with Dorset Wildlife Trust, and Jane Adams has some fascinating insight into our winter bees.Lastly, in yet another podcast exclusive, Terry has a chat with the always-interesting Caz from Dorset Food & Drink:
Almost 250 years after the funeral of the young Milton Abbey heir, questions remain about whose “body” was actually buried.
As winter sets in, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Reserves Ecologist Steve Masters urges us all to go down to the woods today
Wildlife writer Jane Adams is on the lookout for a winter wild bee fix - even in December you can find them, she says
Dorset is known as a natural larder, from meat to dairy and veg to cakes. Caz Richards chats to Terry about the work of Dorset Food & Drink, how they're supporting local producers and businesses - and shares her personal tips on some Dorset-produced highlights!
