Country Matters 2019

Who was Cecil Chubb?

Sir Cecil Herbert Edward Chubb
(1876-1934) was born at Shrewton,
four miles west of Stonehenge. He
gained a double first in science and
law at Christ’s College Cambridge
and became a barrister, amassing a
considerable fortune.

On auction day, the New Theatre in Salisbury was full of local Cecil Chubb’s donation
people eager to bid or witness the sale, but when the auctioneer in writing
offered lot 15 he struggled to get a bid. He was stuck at £6,000
but took the buyer up to the reserve of £6,600 and the gavel was ‘’Stonehenge is perhaps the best known
brought down. and the most interesting of our national
monuments and has always appealed strongly
The buyer, who it is believed only went to the auction to buy a to the British imagination. To me, who was
set of dining chairs, was Cecil Chubb, a local man who, as legend born close to it and during my boyhood and
has it, thought the lot might be a good present for his wife. youth visited it at all hours of the day and
night, under every conceivable condition
of weather – in driving tempests of hail, rain
and snow, fierce thunderstorms, glorious moonlight and
beautiful sunshine, it always has had an inexpressible
charm. I became the owner of it with a deep sense of
pleasure… [but] it has… been pressed upon me that the
nation would like to have it for its own.”

Apparently, she was unimpressed and, in 1918, he gave the
monument to the nation and was made a baronet by Lloyd
George. Since then, the iconic monument has become one of
the most visited and beloved historical sites in the world.

Conditions of the gift

The public to have free access on payment of such
reasonable sum, not exceeding one shilling. The
monument to be preserved in present condition. No
buildings to be erected within 400 yards of the milestone
“Amesbury 2”.

With thanks to English Heritage Senior Properties Historian,
Susan Greaney and to Guardian Reporter, Steven Morris.

Cecil Chubb pictured with his wife Jim Rowe
Bridport 01308 459564
[email protected]

51

What’s in

the bag?

When our property auctioneer Mark Lewis arrives at an auction he always carries
two briefcases, but what lies within?

Two gavels the whole of the auction together with an extract from the
Auctions (Bidding Agreements) Act 1927 and 1969. This
A client once honed a gavel for me out of a yew tree. It has forbids any dealer from giving or offering any inducement
been with me for many years and has been brought down not to bid for any lot at an auction; it is also an offence to
on more than 2,100 properties totalling over £375m. It is accept or attempt to obtain any such inducement. An
smooth, very tactile and fits perfectly into my palm. agreement not to bid is sometimes called rigging or a
bidding ring. I went to a London auction recently and was
I also carry my late father’s gavel, which has lost its handle. offered £5,000 to ‘step down’ from bidding for a property. I
I rarely use it but, being superstitious, I always believe it declined!
brings me good luck.
Blank memorandums of sale
A tape recorder
There is inevitably a solicitor who has forgotten to bring the
It is quite a cumbersome, old-fashioned item which sales memorandum to the auction so the blank forms are
records the auctions on cassettes. A few years ago a buyer invaluable.
telephoned me and said that I had publically guaranteed
that a field, in the middle of nowhere, would get planning Common Auction Conditions
permission for several houses. He had witnesses including a
QC and proposed that I pay him compensation. I knew that A copy is occasionally part of the legal pack but I had to refer
I had not made the promise and suggested that he visit the to the CAC recently when there was a bidding dispute. It
office and we could listen to the recording of the auction states that the auctioneer is entitled to resolve any dispute
together. I did not hear from him again! and our decision is final.

Auction bidding book Spare pens, scissors, sellotape, blank
paper and buyer’s sheets:
One of the auction team sits on the left of my rostrum
recording each individual bid. It is invaluable if I lose my All invariably required at every auction.
place in the bidding and is an extra record of the sale price
if there is a dispute. I have Symonds & Sampson’s bidding Mark Lewis
books from 1910 and they are a fascinating read. Sturminster 01258 473766
mlewis@@symondsandsampson.co.uk
Auction Bidding Agreements 1969

This is the notice draped over my portable rostrum. Under
the Auctioneers Act 1845 my name must be displayed for

52

A question of contract

Emma Northover of solicitors Beviss & Beckingsale explains the essentials of a contract

T he questions“have I entered into a contract?”and Intention to create legal relations
“what are the terms of that contract?”are ones that
we are often asked and which can lead to much A contract cannot be made without a mutual intention to create
heartache, dispute and litigation. From a lawyer’s a legally binding arrangement. Where no such intention can be
perspective, basic questions of contract law crop up on a daily attributed to the parties, there is no contract.
basis, and almost regardless of any particular practice area.
Practical questions relating to the formation of contracts keep The message is:
on occurring in case law. For example: get it in writing

• Is there a binding contract between the parties? Certainty of terms
• Is there no contract at all?
• What terms have been incorporated into the contract? For a binding contract to exist, and to be enforced, the terms
• Has the party entered into a contract on the other party’s must be certain. Parties must ensure that:

terms, or with no detailed terms? • Their agreement is complete – that is, not lacking in some
• Has the party entered into a contract accidentally or essential term.

prematurely? • Their agreement is not otherwise uncertain, for example,
vague or ambiguous.
Widespread use of emails and the internet has placed new
importance on the principles of contract formation. The Is an oral contract enforceable?
message for all clients is that an enforceable contract can be
created more easily than you might think. A contract may be wholly oral, wholly written, or a mixture of the
two. Although there is no doubt that oral contracts are legally
When is a contract formed? enforceable, it is always desirable to record in a document (or
other written retrievable format) terms which have been agreed
A contract is a legally enforceable agreement which gives rise to orally. This is because oral evidence can always be contradicted
the new rights and duties among those who agree to its terms. by other oral evidence.
A contract is formed when the following key elements coincide:
There is a presumption that, where the parties record their
• Offer agreement in writing, the parties intend the written agreement
• Acceptance to be the complete contract between them. So the message is:
• Consideration get it in writing. There are situations where a written contract is
• Intention to create legal relations required by law. Common examples are:
• Certainty of terms
• The assignment of the benefit of contractual rights.
Offer • A contract for the sale of land.
• A transfer of shares.
An offer is a promise by one party to enter into a contract on • Guarantees.
certain terms. It must be: • An agreement whereby a current or former employee or

• Specific. worker agrees to waive or settle a claim.
• Complete.
• Capable of acceptance. Conclusion
• Made with the intention of being bound by acceptance.
This article is a brief summary of the complex law as it affects
Acceptance contracts and should not be relied upon. The message to be
learnt is that all agreed terms should be included within a written
In almost all cases, a binding contract is formed only if an offer contract, preferably with the assistance of professional advice.
is accepted. Acceptance is a final and unqualified assent to an
offer. If you wish to discuss any issues raised in the article, please
contact your nearest Beviss & Beckingsale office – details at
Consideration www.bevissandbeckingsale.co.uk

Contract law is based on the notion of reciprocity. That is, a Emma Northover
promisee cannot enforce a promise unless he has given or 01404 548050
promised something in exchange for it. The legal term for that [email protected]
“something”is consideration. However, consideration must
have some value in the eyes of the law, even if it is not adequate.
In the past, a peppercorn was considered to provide adequate
nominal consideration. The more common contemporary
equivalent is usually the sum of £1.

53

Buying at

auction

Auctions are a great way to buy • VAT
property. But be warned – as Some sellers will have made an “option to tax” land
soon as the hammer falls you’re whereby VAT is payable in addition to the purchase
locked into paying, so make sure price. This is invariably 20% and for the purposes of
you’re prepared for the costs VAT, the term “land” includes any buildings or structures
permanently affixed to it. Please take advice from an
In the run up to an auction, we are inundated with accountant on this issue.
enquiries from buyers. We usually end up with
800–900 emails sent or received for each sale and • Contribution to Vendor’s Legal Fees
one of the most frequently asked questions is “what This is becoming more popular especially with solicitors
costs will be payable in addition to the 10% of the purchase outside our region. We have seen charges of £500–
price on the sale day?” £2,000 plus VAT, but occasionally it is a percentage of the
hammer price.
Buyer’s Administration Fee
• Local Authority Search Fees
This can vary between auctioneers and is a charge payable This is now a standard charge and is usually around
by the purchaser on exchange of contracts as a payment £200–£350.
separate to the deposit which is also payable at this time. This
is usually a fixed amount – Symonds & Sampson’s at the time • Overage/Uplift Clauses
of writing is £660 including VAT. Please check the auction There may be a clause that allows the seller to claw
notes in the catalogue and the guide to buying at auction on back some of the profit that may be realised if planning
our website. permission is granted for further dwellings on the
property. This will be a percentage of any gain and
Buyer’s Premium could last for 20–25 years.

It is rare for the buyer at a property auction to pay a buyer’s Prospective buyers
premium but it is becoming more common place especially often ask whether
where some larger organisations are selling. Fine art there is anything
auctioneers often charge as much as 22% of the hammer onerous in the
price plus VAT, and buyers at our property auctions are legal pack. Our
relieved to learn that will not be the case with us! You should, simple advice is
however, always check the catalogue and special conditions to read it, or even
of sale as a charge of 1–3% plus VAT may have been included. better get a lawyer
There may be a minimum fee, especially with online auctions. to check it, so that
you know exactly
Special Conditions of Sale what you are
buying and what
If nothing else, you should check this part of the legal pack extra costs will be
as the terms and costs will be set down and it forms part of involved.
the contract for the sale of the lot. There may be important
clauses and you should look out for: Marlise Jolliffe
Sturminster Newton 01258 473766
54 [email protected]

It’s a bit of a project...

Renovating a former 18th-century inn on the outskirts of Sturminster Newton
has been a labour of love for Ashley and Clare Burt

Walking through Symonds & Sampson’s straight away, not anticipating the problems we were
Sturminster sales office one day, a property going to find. As we started peeling back layer after layer of
listed for auction caught my eye and I took the wallpaper, we noticed the plaster was cracked and coming

particulars home. away in places. So the budget
increased and the renovations
Have we enjoyed the project? Yes.To my delight, my husband was
equally smitten and we decided Would we do it again? Definitely began.
to bid. We ended up having to remove

Brewers is a detached cottage all the plaster, replace floorboards

on the outskirts of Sturminster Newton and had been in and roof beams, rewire the house, replace plumbing and

the same family for 20 years. Formerly an inn, as the name radiators, relay the flat roof and rebuild the garage – more

suggests, the house dated from the 18th century and had than two years later, work is still ongoing.

three bedrooms, a study, sitting room, dining room and galley

kitchen. There was also a narrow single garage, delightful

lawned garden and it adjoined open fields.

We organised finance, set our budget, employed a solicitor

to read the legal pack and waited for auction day.

We were quite calm until we arrived at the sale room and

saw so many people – we assumed they were all after our

dream cottage! Luckily, the auctioneer relaxed everyone with Before After
some light humour and we waited impatiently for our lot.

As Brewers was introduced, the nerves kicked in as we had Have we enjoyed the

both set our hearts on the property. The bidding started at project? Yes, although it

£240,000. We bid £242,000 and finally managed to secure has been a little daunting

the cottage at £254,000. We were ecstatic – we’d bought our at times. Would we do

dream home and stayed within budget. Little did we know it again? Definitely. We

that sitting in the auction room was only the start of the have done a fair amount

project and the expense! of the work ourselves and

Once we had the keys in our hand we decided to decorate it has been so rewarding.

Our advice for anyone

bidding at auction? Do your

homework, have a budget

and stick to it and do not

be seduced by Symonds &

Sampson’s smooth talking

auctioneer!

Before After Clare Burt
Poundbury (Burraton) 01305 236566
cburt@@symondsandsampson.co.uk

55

Property auctions throughout Dorset,
Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire
and Hampshire.

The leading property auctioneers
throughout the region for 14 years.

(As shown on the Essential Information Group website)

Renovations Town Houses Building Plots

Barn Conversions For Improvement Paddocks

We sell properties for
renovation, barns for

conversion,
building plots,
investments, shops
and agricultural land.

Opportunities Investments

56

2018 AUCTIONS

‘The Symonds & Sampson pre-auction process is clearly well honed to reach out to the
maximum potential buyers culminating in an overflowing auction hall with tension and

excitement. The auction was conducted with smooth professionalism and a touch of
humour resulting in our land achieving the maximum market value for our family’

‘Marlise was a brilliant help and answered all of our questions’

‘The phone bidding very easy and the lady that was dealing with me on the phone was very helpful and
took away all the stress’

‘The auctioneer was engaging and entertaining on the rostrum’

‘We simply could not fault you’

Dates for 2018

Friday 16 March Thursday 12 April Friday 27 April Friday 1 June

SHERBORNE AXMINSTER SHERBORNE SHERBORNE

Thursday 14 June Friday 27 July Friday 21 September Thursday 11 October

AXMINSTERThe Digby Hall SHERBORNEThe Guildhall SHERBORNEThe Digby Hall AXMINSTERThe Digby Hall

Hound Street Sherborne DT9 3AB West Street Axminster Devon EX13 5NX Hound Street Sherborne DT9 3AB Hound Street Sherborne DT9 3AB

Friday 26 October Friday 14 December The Digby Hall Entries invited
ContactThe Guildhall
SHERBORNEThe Guildhall SHERBORNEThe Memorial Hall Hound Street Sherborne DT9 3AB
West Street Axminster Devon EX13 5NX
West Street Axminster Devon EX13 5NX Digby Road Sherborne Dorset DT9 3NY

Mark Lewis 01258 473766

57

58

Archive
1991–1995

59

NEW FOREST WILD AND
EXOTIC MUSHROOMS

Richard Sawden is the founder and Director of
New Forest Mushrooms and is one of the very
few people able to offer fresh wild local truffles
in the whole of the UK. These are gathered by
hand from private land, as are the fresh wild mushrooms he
has been picking from this private estate for the last 8 years.
We supply local wild and cultivated mushrooms and
truffles collected in and around the New Forest as well as
hosting New Forest mushroom forays and seminars. We

are members of The New Forest Marque and
Hampshire Fare. No pesticides or chemicals
are used in the growing of our mushrooms
which are vigorously checked to ensure
they are of the highest quality. Some of
the more popular varieties are: cepes/
porcini, morels, chanterelle/girolle and
truffles to name just a few.
Visit the website
newforestmushrooms.co.uk or
telephone 07970 470334

AGRICULTURE

61

The farmland market

Andrew Tuffin, Head of Farm Agency, looks at the market trends in our region

We experienced a bumper year of farm sales in from gains tax rollover funds from development land sales.
2017, selling a significant range of farms and Also high net worth individuals, some of them foreign
bare land to a wide cross-section of buyers. nationals, benefiting from the weak pound, have been
This has put us in a
active. Both these types prefer

particularly strong position to advise Larger blocks over 200 acres large arable acreages or estates
on values, market sentiment and find buyers readily as they on which contract farming
trends. arrangements can be put in place.
appeal to investors Residential buyers seeking lower
Supply acreage properties are price

Nationally, the supply of land has sensitive. Falling values in the
been broadly similar to the five-year average. Although capital has seen London buyer strength wane, but we are
Symonds & Sampson has enjoyed a larger market share, receiving more enquiries for residential farms from buyers in
regional supply has been in line with this national position. the south-east, south and eastern counties.

Perhaps surprisingly, Brexit and market uncertainty have not Values
been drivers for sale, retirement and death have been the
Nationally, prices have checked since the 2015 peak with
main reasons, as has been the norm in recent years. The
welcome rise in most commodity prices has meant very few arable land now at an average of £8,400/acre and pasture
at £6,700/acre (RICS opinion based measure). As with many
forced sales.
statistics, using averages mask the full picture. We have seen

Demand prices from £5,600/acre to £12,000/

Location is becoming increasingly acre in the general market, and
private sales to “special purchasers”
A building footprint offersimportant. Compared to other areas (usually wealthy individuals looking
to enlarge their properties for
in the UK, our region has a relatively strategic reasons) have achieved
significantly higher sums. Our
potential for a differenthigh number of dairy and livestock average for all land types over 10
agricultural use and oftenfarms and a significant number of acres for 2017 has been £8,800/acre.

these compete strongly with landed Larger blocks over 200 acres
find buyers readily as they appeal
permitted development forestates, investors and residential to investors. These more commercial blocks also warrant
non-farming usebuyers for good farms and land in a farmer travelling and erecting farm buildings. Parcels of
30-60 acres are much more in the hands of location-specific
the best locations. This has resulted factors, with some land selling extremely well to strong local
in many properties selling well over
guide prices. Some properties in less favoured locations
with a lack of strong local farmers have been more difficult
to place.

Buyer Type competition while other parcels struggle. Local knowledge is
key for us in providing a sensible price forecast to prospective

Commercial farmers continue to be dominant in the market, vendors.

making up approximately 50% of buyer type. However, this Moving down the scale it is unusual for parcels under 10

market share has fallen in the last 10 years from 70%. The acres not to sell well when value per acre is less relevant.

competition is wide ranging; these include re-investment Sometimes the rougher and more remote the better, with

62

trees and slopes proving no deterrent to (and in many cases Bare Land Values – South West
enhancing) the chances of achieving strong prices. Land 10000
with farm buildings also create more interest than bare land.
Whether old or new, a building footprint offers potential for a 8000
different agricultural use and often permitted development
for non-farming use. 6000

New to our armoury are solar parks, of which we have sold 4000
two, achieving prices which reflected rental yields of between
5.5% and 6.5%. 2000

The Future 0 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2017

Despite current economic and Brexit uncertainty, the RICS
fundamentals for an active land market remain – low supply,
good demand, tax breaks and food requirement. Values may Acres of publicly marketed farmland in the UK
fluctuate to reflect commodity prices more than in the past,
however land will continue to be seen as a safe long-term 350,000
asset. Rather like a view, how does one place a value on the
emotional draw of owning a piece of our green and pleasant 300,000
land? So as we continue down the bumpy route of Brexit, land
values will also have their bumps, but they will level out and we 250,000
anticipate that level will not be far from current values.
200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Farmers Weekly

The Farm Agency Team

Jack Edwards Will Wallis Andrew Tuffin Nick Rymer Rebecca Kaye Ross Willington
01722 334323 01305 236572 01258 474268 01202 882103 01935 382901 01297 33122
South Dorset Devon
Wiltshire Dorset Hampshire Somerset

63

Rural properties...
A selection of farms and land

sold in 2017

From country estates to pony paddocks and everything
in between, we have sold it all.

Somerset 409 acres South Dorset 538 acres

Mid Dorset 210 acres Wiltshire 285 acres

West Dorset 130 acres North Dorset 126 acres
64

Mid Dorset 415 acres Wiltshire 223 acres

East Devon SSTC SSTC175 acresEast Dorset 245 acres

North Dorset 128 acres Mid Devon 73 acres

LET

Dorset 217 acres Somerset 79 acres
65

Plough ahead

Ploughing matches are a marvellous rural spectacle, with competitors from far and
wide vying for the honours – including Nick Rymer from our Wimborne office

When I was 16, I bought my first vintage tractor It involves an enormous amount of skill and patience which
– a 1959 Fordson Dexta, and a few years later the seasoned ploughmen of this world make look effortless.
I decided that I ought to have a go at match
ploughing. After hunting for a suitable two- Everyone knows that ploughing has been around since
the Egyptians were building pyramids, but how long has

furrow plough, and with some Sounds easy, but as a novice ploughing as sport (for that is what
trepidation, I entered my first ploughman I can say with it is) been going on?
ploughing match.
After the advent of steel ploughs
This was a nerve-racking in the 19th century, horse-drawn

experience, as the majority of some certainty – it isn’t ploughing matches began to
the other 60 entrants were all occur throughout Britain but were

experienced ploughmen. Fortunately very much a parish affair. The

my concerns were misplaced and, at that match and others mechanisation of the tractor and plough in the 20th century

since, I have been heartened by the amount of advice and paved the way for the sport to become more widespread.

guidance I have received from my fellow competitors. Today, the sport is so popular among rural communities

The premise is straightforward enough. Each competitor that there are national and international ploughing

is assigned a plot and has a certain amount of time to plough championships. The 2017 World Championships took place in

it. This is then judged on a number of criteria such as firmness, Kenya, and the 2018 will be in Germany.

uniformity and straightness. Sounds easy, but as a novice In the UK, the National Ploughing Championships, which

ploughman I can say with some certainty – it isn’t. began in 1951, see more than 250 ploughmen and women

compete with both tractor and horse-drawn ploughs. In

Ireland, the National Championships attract over 200,000

visitors each year!

Many of the more modern local ploughing societies were

formed after the Second World War and organised matches to

raise money for the Red Cross and other such organisations.

The tradition continues to this day, with many matches

organised each year to help raise money for local charities –

Symonds & Sampson is proud to have supported a number of

these.

Over the last 40 years or so, one of the main changes in

these ploughing matches has been the type of machinery

used. At one time, competitors would have brought their

new tractors and ploughs to these matches to show off

their latest pieces of kit. These days, competitors largely use

66

vintage or classic tractors – machinery they would have used Judge’s viewpoint
in their youth and now take great pleasure in using again.
Bill Jolliffe has judged at every level,
In my view, these matches are a fine example of rural from the Melplash Show to the
communities doing what they do best – coming together to British Championships
enjoy the countryside, its traditions and its people, all in the
name of a good cause. After many years competing in ploughing
matches, I was asked if I would like to try my
I think I can leave my hopes of reaching the World hand – and eye – at judging. I started at the
Ploughing Championships to one side for the time being, but Melplash Show in the mid-1970s and have continued to
I will still enjoy competing in this very skilful sport. judge a variety of classes since, including trailer, mounted
reversible, horticultural and horse.
Nick Rymer
Wimborne 01202 882103 My judging duties have taken me from local matches
[email protected] near my village of Leigh in Dorset, to Devon, Surrey and
Kent where I’ve judged qualifying rounds for the British
National Ploughing Championships. A busy judge can
find themselves at six or seven matches a year, from
spring to November.

I have attended four judges’ seminars organised by the
Society of Ploughmen. The aim is to get judges on the
same level of marking as the ploughing can vary so much
from end to end. Society rules stipulate that there must
be a judge at each end of the plot, judging to the midway
point. Both judges’ scores are then combined to give the
placings. I’ve judged in this way a number of times, but
when the points from each judge are added together the
overall placing usually works out the same!

It was a proud moment for me when I was
nominated to judge at national level and, in 2017, I was
asked to judge at the 67th British National Ploughing
Championships in
Taunton.

As judges, we see
each plot from start
to finish. We work
in pairs and use the
point system set by
the Society. Classes
can have 20-plus
ploughmen, so it’s
an all-day job – and
I love it!

67

Rymer’s Rally

The inaugural Symonds & Sampson charity tractor rally was a roaring success,
says Immy Robinson

It was the summer of 2016 when I picked up a call After convincing ourselves no one was going to turn up, we
from Nick Rymer. anxiously waited. Slowly, tractor after tractor kept appearing
“Immy… I’ve been thinking.” on the farm until there was a continuous stream of over 50
Naturally, my heart filled with dread. fabulous vintage machines and some 200 spectators who
“Do you reckon we can organise a vintage charity tractor rally?” had arrived for a trailer ride around the beautiful Shaftesbury
Although my first thought was “Nick are you mad?” I Estate.
answered, “Yes why not”, safe in the knowledge that it would
never actually happen and that it was the best way to end An incredible team of Symonds & Sampson staff, local
the conversation. Fast forward to June 2017 and I find myself villagers and even a few guests fed and watered some 320
flipping burgers for a crowd of 320! people when they returned.

It is fair to say We were overwhelmed by the turnout and the generosity
that Nick himself of our attendees.
didn’t quite believe
it was going While this was a team effort, it was called Rymer’s Rally
to happen and for a reason and the time and effort Nick put into the day is
although it was commendable. However, all our hard work paid off as we
discussed in detail raised over £3,000 for charity!
over a number of
beers, we never Although Nick and
suspected the I had agreed Rymer’s
partners would Rally would be a
actually agree to biennial event we have
let two 20-somethings, with no experience in such event had many people
organisation, do it – but they did. demanding it takes
place again in 2018.
After somehow convincing the Earl of Shaftesbury to lend So watch this space…
us his estate for the day and persuading Nick’s parents, Philip Rymer’s Rally Reloaded
and Rosemarie, to let us invade their garden, Rymer’s Rally was may well be on the
well and truly underway. cards! As Nick says,
“Why would you want
We called in all our favours to borrow tables and picnic to wait two years for a
benches and to obtain some fabulous raffle prizes, generously day of tractor-fuelled
discounted food and drink and a number of very smart shenanigans, when you
passenger trailers. The list of people to thank is endless. could just wait one!”

There were times when we thought we had a bitten off Lucky me.
more than we can chew. One such moment was when we
broke down on the dual carriageway in an over-heating Immy Robinson
tractor, towing a borrowed trailer after a four-hour journey, the Poundbury (Burraton) 01305 236578
day before the event! [email protected]

68

Join the club

If you’re aged between 10 and 26, love rural life and want to get involved in
something new, then Young Farmers is for you

ith over 25,000 members and 644 clubs, the
National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs
(NFYFC) is one of the largest rural youth

Worganisations

Every Young Farmers’ Club isin the UK. The first Young
establishment of farm business tenancies was much
influenced by this group.

Young Farmers’ Clubs were encouraged by government,
financial institutions, business
and academia to continue their

Farmers’ Club opened in 1921 unique. Some help out in the pioneering role, and many
in Hemyock, Devon, where local community, some take part members went on to represent
the United Dairies milk factory in competitions and others want their communities as MPs, MEPs
set the children of local milk
producers the task of calf rearing,

with competitions and prizes to travel. Your county organiser
for those achieving the highest will help find a club for you
standards.

Over the next decade more and within the realms of

clubs opened to provide agricultural education, with the agri-politics both nationally

focus on tending calves, pigs, poultry, bees – and gardens!  and in Brussels, where John

By the 1980s, membership was at record levels and the
organisation had to find a way of neither becoming a narrow, Lee (Devon) was elected
single purpose organisation, nor a general youth organisation; president of the European
Council of Young Farmers.
of retaining its countryside and farming traditions, and yet

being sophisticated enough to appeal to a wide spectrum of

young people.

Throughout How to join
the golden
years, morale in Joining your local Young Farmers’ Club could be the
clubs was good gateway to a whole world of opportunities. From
and members meeting new friends, to discovering a skill you never
were keen to knew you had, there is so much more to Young Farmers
participate. They than wellies and tractors! Go to www.nfyfc.org.uk and
raised large follow the ‘Join Us’ link. Your county organiser will be in
amounts of money touch to help you find the best club for you.

for local and

national charities

and provided labour and leadership for community projects.

The NFYFC Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee Ann Rossiter

became a very effective force. Conservation, land use President of South West Area
and agribusiness programmes were devised and the Young Farmers’ Clubs  2015–2017

69

Get to grips
with greening

The biggest update to the 2018 Basic Payment Scheme is the change to greening
requirements. Alison Hall from our Sherborne Office has the latest

T he European Commission has published Remember the crop diversification rules
updated greening rules, effective from 1 January
2018. We’ve detailed the main changes below so • If you are growing between 10 to 30 hectares of arable
you can consider these updates in any cropping crops, you’ll need to grow at least two different crops,
decisions you’re making for 2018. with one being no more than 75% of the arable area.

1. Ecological Focus Area (EFA) • If growing more than 30 hectares of arable crops, you
There is a complete ban on the use of sprays or plant need to grow at least three different crops with one
protection products on fallow land, EFA catch and cover being no more than 75% of the arable area, and two not
crops and EFA nitrogen–fixing crops such as peas or greater than 95%.
beans. This applies from time of sowing and includes seed
dressings. This will affect the ability to control weeds and • Exemptions apply if growing less than 10 hectares of
diseases on legumes so will have a dramatic impact on the arable, organic, or 75% of your farm is grass and your
area harvested in 2018. arable area is less than 30 hectares.

2. Crop Diversification Remember the EFA rules
The crop code known as “mixed crops” can include small
areas of different crops grown next to each other which is • Equate to 5% of the arable area.
important for vegetable growers as, combined, the crop • Situated on arable land.
areas are greater than the minimum claimable area of 0.01 • Exemptions apply if growing less than 15 hectares
hectares.
of arable, organic, or 75% of the arable area grows
3. EFA hedge option now includes trees in a line where you legumes.
have management control over both sides of the hedge.
Alison Hall
4. EFA buffer strips now include field margins which count Sherborne 01935 814488
towards your EFA. [email protected]

5. EFA catch crops must be maintained for a minimum of
eight weeks starting on 20 August 2018 and retained to at
least 14 October 2018.

6. EFA cover crops remains at 1 October to 15 January 2019.
7. EFA nitrogen–fixing crops can include mixtures of legumes

or greater than 50% legume with other crops.

70

Famous ancestors

Lewis Carroll Hugh Bertie Campbell Pollard H B C Pollard

Philip Pollard’s family tree has links to Lewis Carroll, MI6 and the Spanish Civil War

T hose of you who He had a habit of letting off have never done – even though I have
read last year’s Country revolvers in any office he felt like doing it in some meetings!).
Matters, will know that I happened to visit
wrote briefly about my When considering Pollard for a place
grandfather’s brothers who were killed in SOE, one officer wrote: “Certain jobs
Pollard apparently could do well, but he

in the First World War. was definitely unreliable where money

Now, on the subject of famous ancestors, I once again turn and drink was concerned”. My wife, Derryn, might say that is

to the Dodgson family because my grandfather was a second another characteristic I share with my relative!

cousin to Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, otherwise known as Andy Wakinshaw writes
Lewis Carroll.

That family link is one that is, of course, recorded in our family William Wycherley is an
history. When my daughter, Alice, was born, she was given an ancestor of mine (c. 1641
early edition of Alice in Wonderland with a note telling her that – 1 January 1716) and was
she was a second cousin, four times removed, to the author! an English dramatist of the
Restoration period, best known
I also have a well-known ancestor called Major Hugh Bertie for the plays The Country Wife
Campbell Pollard who was a fire arms expert and prolific writer, and The Plain Dealer.
and clearly quite a character! He was working under cover
for MI6 in the Irish uprisings of the 1920s when he became, I He may have coined the
believe, the originator of “fake news” because he published expression “nincompoop”
a fake edition of the Irish Bulletin, the gazette of the Irish (certainly, the word occurs in The
republicans, in order to get across propaganda. So Donald Plain Dealer). The Oxford English
Trump and his fake news is about 100 years behind the Pollard Dictionary also cites Wycherley
family! as the first user of the phrase
“happy-go-lucky”, in 1672.
Once he had finished in Ireland, he then became involved in
Spanish affairs. It was Hugh Pollard who flew to Tenerife – using He wrote a song in praise of
his 20-year-old daughter and a friend as a cover, so the Spanish harlots and their offspring and
thought they were just going on holiday – to collect General attracted the attention of King Charles’ mistress, Barbara
Franco and fly him to Morocco. There, Franco joined up with Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland. She was impressed and
the Spanish armies which implemented the coup which took he lost no time in calling upon her, and was from that
Franco to power in Spain. moment the recipient of those “favours” to which he
alludes with pride in the dedication in the play.
Hugh Pollard, in many respects, instigated the Spanish Civil He is buried in the vault of the church in Covent Garden.
War and the assent of Franco.

Pollard wrote a number of books about shooting and

hunting, including The Mystery of Scent: a practical contribution

to its solution, for all hunting people, and Game Birds: rearing,

preservation and shooting. It was said that he looked and Philip Pollard
behaved like a German crown prince and had a habit of letting Salisbury 01722 334323
off revolvers in any office he happened to visit (something I [email protected]

71

Green
shoots

The agricultural industry needs innovative ideas to help it grow. Luckily, our region has
its fair share of young rural entrepreneurs

The Dorset Dairy Co Martyn Eastham & Claire Chippindale

Dan is the third generation of the family to embrace the world For Martyn and Claire, it’s all about looking to the future:
of dairy farming and started working full-time on the farm in “After starting out share-farming in January 2015, we have
Stalbridge when he was 18 years old. He met Alex a few years recently taken on a 132-acre Dorset County Council farm
later and she didn’t take much convincing to quit her job in the tenancy near Sturminster Newton. We milk 100 cows on a
City and move to the country. split-block grazing system, selling our milk to Barbers.

Both Dan and Alex wanted to do something different – Dan “We feel really positive about the industry and, after
wanted to turn the farm’s milk into something special and Alex surviving the 2015–16 downturn during which lots of lessons
wanted to promote a return to unprocessed, natural, farm-fresh were learned, we think we’re well placed for the future.
foods.
“The dairy industry is an exciting place to be right now
They found that, by straining set yoghurt through cheese with lots of young minds entering and wanting to ‘get
cloth, they could achieve a thick, creamy texture which was an on’. Once Brexit takes hold, and depending if subsidies are
instant success with family and friends. As a result, The Dorset removed or harder to access, more opportunities should
Dairy Co developed its first product, Dorset Strained Yoghurt, arise. You can only take what’s available at the time.
otherwise known as Dorset’s answer to Greek yoghurt, which
won two stars in the 2017 Great Taste Awards. “As long as we keep learning and growing as a business as
well as individuals, and enjoy ourselves along the way, we’ll
Made using milk from the farm’s herd of Friesian-Holsteins, have achieved what we set out to do.”
the main ingredient is of the highest quality and comes from
high-welfare cows, born and bred on the farm. Nothing is
added but culture, including probiotics.

You’ll find The Dorset Dairy Co products in over 100 stores,
restaurants and hotels across the south-west and they are soon
to launch in London.

72

The Real Cure T & L Hiscock Ltd

The Real Cure is a British charcuterie company specialising in After leaving school in 2005, Tim started an agricultural
pork and venison. They handcraft their entire range, creating contracting business, buying his first tractor and
unique flavours by combining herbs, spices and British slurry tanker in 2007. He began by working for other
foraged fare with traditional processes of smoking, curing and contractors and farmers until he built up his own
dehydrating. regular customer base.

The company was established in 2014 out of a farm Since then, the business has steadily grown and
diversification project. Disused barns have been converted to now he and his wife operate five tractors and a digger,
create a full production unit with production room, packing with several subcontractors.
room, smokehouse and salami-drying facility. ​
Alongside contracting, they also rent and farm 450
The Real Cure uses wild Dorset deer and locally sourced acres – 230 of which is used for beef cattle bought as
heritage-breed pork, together with age-old techniques and weaned calves and reared to either forward store or
cutting edge recipes. fat cattle. The remaining 220 acres have recently been
taken on and provide a block of arable land.
“We’re very lucky to have access to such top quality raw
ingredients in Dorset – from Sika deer in the Arne Forest, to Tim and Lucinda say the farming industry will be
Berkshire pigs raised just down the road,” says co-founder James hard after Brexit but, as other countries such as New
Smart. “We use wild sloes from our farm in the Sloe and Garlic Zealand have adapted, they’re sure they can follow
Venison Salami, and Dorset Blue Vinny from Woodbridge Farm suit.
at Stock Gaylard in our Blue Vinny and Fig Salami.”
Their aim is to expand the contracting and beef
The multi-award winning range of salamis and cured enterprise in the short term, but the long-term vision is
meats has scooped prizes in the 2017 Great Taste and Taste to have their own dairy herd.
of the West Awards. Order direct from the website at www.
therealcure.co.uk, or find the products in store at Turnbulls in Help in growing the business has come from loyal
Shaftesbury, Dike & Son in Stalbridge, and Fortnum & Mason. customers, professionals... and Lloyds bank!

Ruffled Feathers “I created Ruffled Feathers when I moved away from the
family farm, Cary Fitzpaine, after graduating from the Royal
Ruffled Feathers offers handmade-to-order feather wreaths, Agricultural University and wanted to take some of the
pictures and accessories crafted in the Somerset countryside, as countryside into my new home.
owner Olivia Crang explains.
“I started by making two wreaths from both partridge and
pheasant feathers shot on the farm for myself, and posted
pictures of these on my personal social media. From that, I
had several people asking if I could make one for them – and
Ruffled Feathers took off from there!

“All my products are handmade to order in Somerset, using
feathers sourced from shoots that would otherwise be wasted,
and used cartridges from the local clay shooting ground.
There are now many different beautiful wreaths, pictures,
bow ties and accessories available to buy online at www.
ruffledfeathersco.co.uk, or if you have a bespoke idea in mind
that you would like to become a reality, then please do contact
me at [email protected].”

73

Over 100 years at

Manor Farm

Not many families can lay claim to a century in the same spot. Andrew Tuffin
looks back on the enduring legacy of one Dorset farm

On Monday 9 December 1918 at 3pm, Mr Senior of The particulars refer back to a bygone age with references to
Senior & Godwin stood in front of a large audience a “motor garage or coach house” and an “exceptional fine spring
in The Phoenix Hotel, Gillingham, to auction Manor of temperate water” with the promise that the holding could

Farm, West Stour, Dorset. become “one of the finest dairy
farms in the southern counties”.
Walter, who had the first tractorDescribed in the particulars as
a “very choice grazing, dairy and in the village, took over the The farm was let on a Lady Day
arable farm” it included a “pleasant farm in 1944 tenancy expiring on 25 March 1919
and picturesque old farmhouse, for £62 16s per annum with the
fine homestead and four cottages” timber to be bought at £153 1s 6d.

and, according to the tithe rent charge apportionment, “206 A mortgage was available at 5.5%, or 4% free of income tax.

acres of well-watered very fine dry grazing, meadow and Interest was strong and Mr Senior started the bidding at

pasture lands with sound corn producing arable land”. £7,000 with the bids in £250 increments, these slowed to £100

bids before a Mr Tucker was outbid by Ernest Cox of Silton and

the hammer fell at £9,050, some £50 above the reserve.

So started the Cox’s era which was to last through

three generations.

Ernest employed four farm workers and kept six

carthorses, a pony and trap, 65 milking cows and 60 horn

ewes as well as pigs. His son Walter, who had the first

tractor in the village, then took over the farm in 1944 and,

as well as running the farm, defended the nation in case

of invasion by joining the Home Guard as sergeant. They

built a machine gun emplacement and guarded Sandley

tunnel, but as the brigade was based at The Ship Inn a fair

amount of time was spent there!

Walter also joined the Auxiliary Fire Service and the fire

appliance was a Buick car towing a trailer pump with ladders

positioned on the roof rack, but steam was still in use for

Bidding book and catalogue cover from 1919 threshing.

74

Aerial photo 1970s Walter and his wife
Mary had four children
Walter could have been but as Peter was the
called out at any time only son, he took over
and the farm, therefore, the farm and bought it
needed extra hands so from his father, subject
boys over the age of 12 to his tenancy, in 1970.
were allowed out of school This was a period of
to help with the harvest, great change in British
with payment made by agriculture and grants
the Dorset War Agriculture were available to put
Board. Land girls, however, drainage across fields,
even though they were erect farm buildings
working on other farms did and update milking
not arrive at Manor Farm. facilities. The farm
changed a great deal
and 170 cows were
milked on the farm
with 290 total head
of cattle including
followers and calves
were housed.

Walter died in 2007,
the dairy cows were
sold in 2002 and the
traditional buildings
were converted to residential dwellings, but this still left the
farmhouse, farm buildings and 178 acres of agricultural land
which Symonds & Sampson sold in 2016 to a local farming
family.
Peter retained some land, and built a house, so that he can
enjoy the same view of the Blackmore Vale that his parents and
grandparents enjoyed, and he can still boast that his family will
have been at Manor Farm for over 100 years.

Walter in overalls

Manor Farm when sold by S&S in 2016

Family photo Ernest middle centre, Walter second right, Peter third left Andrew Tuffin
Sturminster Newton 01258 472244
[email protected]

75

Wessex Water

pipeline compensation

Not the most glamorous of subjects, but
don’t let that mean you miss out on receiving

full compensation for new water mains,
replacement mains and leaks

Did you know that Wessex Water pays Symonds
& Sampson’s professional fees to calculate your
compensation?
We act for owner-occupiers, landlords and tenants who
are affected by water, gas or electric utility providers. According to Lester
Williams, Partner at our Sherborne Office, Wessex Water is the most active
utility provider in our area, regularly renewing or installing new water
mains, and we are negotiating claims on a weekly basis to ensure our
clients are fully compensated.

We are negotiating claims on a
weekly basis to ensure our clients

are fully compensated

It is also not too late to submit claims for leaks from Wessex Water pipes
on agricultural land which have occurred over the last few years.

We ensure compensation claims for the following:
• Early entry consent payments where early access is required.
• Easement payments for the capital depreciation of the freehold for
landowners.
• Current year crop loss payment.
• Future years’ crop loss payments until the land has fully restored
fertility.
• Reinstatement costs.
• Disturbance and inconvenience losses.

During the scheme works, the land agent is a vital point of contact
between the utility provider and the claimant, keeping records of
works which contribute towards final compensation. It is beneficial
to instruct your chartered surveyor at the outset (when notices are
served or pre-entry enquiries made) to ensure all possible issues are
considered, including the route, new valve chambers, compound areas,
accommodation works, working with stock-proof fencing and water
supplies to severed areas. If you are affected by the above, we look
forward to assisting you.

Rebecca Kaye
Yeovil 01935 423526
[email protected]

76

Land Agent’s view

Philip Pollard reflects on the agricultural tenancy regime – then and now

As I look back on slightly more than 30 years It was an incredibly laborious task, and quite often all the
working as a land agent, one of the most minuses cancelled out the plusses. The outgoing tenant
significant changes has been to the agricultural usually came out with a small balance but it enabled us to
tenancy regime and, in particular, the work get into the dark art of valuation – and a good negotiator

that we do on behalf of tenants or landlords of agricultural always got a better deal.

holdings. The cost of doing these very labour-intensive valuations

When I started my career, the Agricultural Holdings Act soon outweighed the benefits. If I were asked to do one

ruled everything, and the law bringing in succession had now, I would have to scratch my head pretty hard before I

only been in existence for a few years. All agricultural tenants started!

could look forward to three generations of security on their These days, if a tenant with a secure Agricultural Holdings

farms. How that has changed! Act tenancy is thinking of giving up, the landlord is usually

We now exist under the Farm Business Tenancy regime so pleased to get back possession that they are often

where, except on traditional landed estates, the majority prepared to offer the tenant a surrender payment. Of

of tenancies are for just a few years. In many respects, the course if we are instructed to act by the tenant, but they

tenanted sector has changed have revealed their true intention

beyond recognition from being I remember walking around to surrender before we become
a significant part of the farming involved, the job of securing a

industry to being almost an adjunct livestock farms, invariably decent sum becomes somewhat
to farmers who already have an in the rain, shaking every harder!
owner-occupied core unit.
So, the work we do on behalf of

Farm business investment fencepost to see how many landlords and tenants has changed
tends to be for the long term, so needed replacing! significantly over the last 30 years,

it is sometimes difficult to see but is the tenanted sector better
how tenants holding a short-term for the introduction of the farm

agreement can justify the outlay in business tenancy regime or not?

costly long-term improvements. That is a very complex question and one that is very difficult

The other thing that has changed has been the work to answer.

we do on behalf of our clients in the rented sector. When The old tenancy regime had to change, but there is now a

I started work, each Michaelmas we would do about five huge temptation for landlords to look at short-term lettings

or six end-of-tenancy claims. Each was laborious, lengthy which do not give the tenant the opportunity to invest

and full of paperwork. It involved a full “tenant right claim” significantly in the infrastructure needed to run the farm –

which included tenant improvements and a counter claim which is why, on many occasions, the farm business tenancy

for dilapidations, and that meant a detailed inspection of the regime now runs alongside the owner-occupied sector,

farm. I can remember, with a certain amount of amusement, except on the larger, traditional estates.

walking around livestock farms, invariably in the rain, shaking It will be fascinating to see the changes that occur over

every fencepost to see how many needed replacing! the next 30 years. I hope I’ll be around to watch some

Then, of course, there were the residual manurial value come through, but there is no doubt the pressures that face

claims for fertiliser applied and, to go alongside those, farming now are as great as they ever were.

the unexhausted manurial value claims for feeding stuffs I just hope the government recognises the significant part

consumed by livestock. Finally, if you knew how to work it the agricultural industry plays in the wellbeing of the nation

out, the claim for “sod fertility”. The ability of the outgoing and makes the right decisions to support the industry as a

tenant to keep detailed records was paramount. whole, and the tenanted sector in particular. That way it can

Once you had recorded the feed consumed by the cattle become a dynamic and thriving part of the economy.

and sheep, you then had to work out whether it was fed

to cattle that were out-wintered, or whether it was fed to

cattle in the building. Each one had a different value, so all Philip Pollard

I can remember is my desk being covered in receipts while I Salisbury 01722 334323
prepared the claim! ppollard@@symondsandsampson.co.uk

77

Best of Few farmers are happy to give
up the farm completely
both worlds
surplus is usually then split in a pre-arranged ratio between
Want to ease back on the farm work both parties once the variable costs (seed, fertiliser, spray, etc.)
but not ready to sell? Will Wallis have been accounted for.
weighs up the options
Pros:
With an air of uncertainty around Brexit and the • The landowner retains status as an ‘active farmer’, in
potential loss of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), control and occupation of land. The landowner claims
along with the volatile commodity market, we BPS, CSS etc..
are more often asked by farmers: what are the • Potentially more tax efficient than an FBT. Allows the
options? Should I sell, rent out the farm or keep going? release of capital by sale of surplus machinery.
• May provide a better overall return than an FBT in
Many of those concerned are either reaching retirement favourable years.
age, looking to release capital or focusing on a new business
venture. Few farmers are happy to give up the farm completely Cons:
and fortunately there are other options apart from selling. • Income level inconsistent and dependent on yields and
management.
By retaining ownership and a varying degree of control • More complicated to set up (but still possible) with
of your land or farm there are taxation benefits alongside a livestock enterprise.
continuing income stream.
Share Farming Agreement
Farm Business Tenancies
The landowner provides the land, fixed equipment and
FBT’s are common and a convenient arrangement if you are sometimes the machinery or livestock, and the ‘share farmer’
happy for a tenant to have control and occupation of your land. provides the labour. The net profit from the agreement is then
They allow both parties the freedom to agree their own terms split, usually in line with investment of time and money from
including the rent, length of term, restrictions on use and any the parties involved.
other provisions you may wish to include.
Pros:
Pros: • Landowners remain in control and occupation of their
• Consistent income stream. farm and continue to claim BPS, CSS etc. Potentially more
• Little day to day involvement by the landowner. tax efficient than an FBT.
• A formal bespoke agreement that should minimise • Allows younger farmers who cannot afford a farm
potential disputes. themselves to get a foot on the ladder.

Cons: Cons:
• Potentially less tax efficient across income tax, inheritance • More dependent on the ‘share farmer’ managing well.
tax and capital gains tax assessments. • Landowner’s investment in stock and fixed equipment is
not necessarily reduced.
Contract Farming Agreements
There is a usually a suitable alternative option for everybody if
These are generally more common for arable farming and sale is not on the cards. However, we urge you to consult your
have become more frequently used in recent years. Unlike agent, and your financial and legal advisers before entering into
hiring a contractor for one operation, this is an agreement for any agreement.
the contractor to carry out the entire process from “stubble to
stubble” and is typically for a fixed period of time, usually three Over the years we have been brought in to deal with
to five years. It works well for those looking to take a step back a number of poorly arranged agreements. Investing in
from day to day field operations, for example to concentrate on professional advice at the beginning to achieve a suitable and
a new business venture. watertight contract can save both parties a lot of time and
money both during and at the end of an arrangement, and you
The landowner pays an agreed fee per year to the contract can enjoy the numerous lifestyle and financial benefits these
farmer and provides the land, buildings and fixed equipment, options can provide with peace of mind.
while the contractor provides the labour and machinery.
Will Wallis
At year’s end, the landowner usually takes a fixed figure Poundbury (Burraton) 01305 236572
per acre to reflect their land ownership and investment, and [email protected]
the contractor is paid their yearly fee for field operations. Any

78

Charity 2018
Throughout the year we will be raising money for two fantastic local charities.

Embracing farming and the Founded to help save lives
countryside to provide an effective and promote well-being by
solution to health and social raising awareness of cancer and
problems. specifically Bowel Cancer in young
people aged 18-30 in Dorset

www.futureroots.net www.ducksdrakescancertrust.org.uk

We are holding a number of fundraising events this year and hope to see
you there. Keep an eye on our social media to find out what's on.

Anything but standard

Secured against your land, AMC’s Standard Loans can offer you more.
Available for 5 to 30 years and without ann*u, ayol ure’rveiefwrese to
get on with what you do best.

Edward Dyke Andrew Robinson Greg Ridout A-J Monro
01258 474261 01202 882103 07817 517467 07867 555838

*Subject to AMC credit criteria and your obligations to AMC continuing to be met. 79
The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation plc. AMC loans available for business purposes only, provided on a secured loan basis.
Minimum AMC Standard Loan £25,001, minimum Flexible Facility £30,000. To meet customer requirements, lending criteria
will vary. Lending is subject to status.

Deep in the heart of the beautiful village of Branscombe,
nestles the multi award winning Branscombe Vale Brewery,
founded in 1992 by Paul Dimond and the late Graham Luxton,
within the barns of The National Trust owned property, Great
Seaside Farm. Today the brewery is under the watchful eye of Head Brewer
Paul, Brewery Manager Alistair Smith and a small team of hard working
quality control experts!! It produces some of the finest well balanced real
ales in the West Country. ‘Summa This’ won Gold in the best bitter category
at SIBA Southwest beer competition in 2016, and ‘Mild’ has featured on
the champions stillage at the London based Great British Beer Festival on
numerous occasions. The brewery also markets two locally produced cyders
blended specially for us. Wicked Weasel is 4.7% and lightly sparkling, and Pip
is a 5% clear filtered scrumpy.

In 2010 we invested in our own bottling plant and four beers are bottled
regularly and sold in local independent and farm shops.

We have extensive experience of running outside bars from small weddings
to events for several thousand people. Paul is committee chairman of Tuckers
Maltings beer festival (the largest beer festival of West Country Ales). Look
out for us at The Devon County Show, Axminster Festival, Honiton’s Sausage
and Cider festival and Torbays Festival of Steam.

Why not check out our Brewery Video, which can be found on our website
www.branscombevalebrewery.co.uk it really gives you a good idea
what we’re all about.

Email: [email protected] Tel: 01297 680511

AND
FINALLY

81

Sport and charity

Raising money for good causes and taking part in sporting events –
it’s an active life at Symonds & Sampson

Beach Volleyball The ‘Great’ Burraton Bake Off

After a brave, but not overly successful, attempt at the Roger Excell
Battens Solicitors beach volleyball tournament in 2016, the and Immy
team could be found most Wednesday evenings training Robinson were
at Weymouth beach. Well, practice makes perfect and the Poundbury’s
team triumphed – sailing into the quarter finals in 2017, even answer to Paul
beating a number of rival estate agents which made things and Prue and
interesting! Jan Merriott from our Dorchester Office gave a a bake was
notable performance, kicking more balls with his feet than his brought in
hands. Bring on 2018! weekly for four
months for
Skittles rigorous taste-testing. The judges and staff were particularly
impressed with Richard Miller’s rum baba, until it was
With a league player on our team this was one sporting discovered he had used a cake mix and was unceremoniously
fixture we had to win. Even though Trudi Gumbrell and Chloe disqualified. In joint first position was Clare Burt and Camilla
Hooper both managed to throw the ball outside the lane White, and Patrick Woodford bagged the dark horse award
numerous times, Will Wallis, our resident professional skittle- with his flapjacks. Nearly £300 was raised in the process.
er, was able to keep us just ahead of our competitors and we
pipped them to the post.

Pimms & Punch!

Cricket The Beaminster Office ensured few people in the town went
without a glass of Pimms on a glorious summer’s day in Peter
It is fair to say that, after a number of years of and Maggie Brook’s gorgeous garden at their annual tea party.
underperforming, cricket is not our sport and against much The generosity of the guests was phenomenal and, through
younger – and fitter – opposition, the score is not one to raffle ticket sales and donations, the event raised a mammoth
be repeated here. Even the exceptional bowling of Rickey £1,000.
Stoodley couldn’t save us, especially after our ‘star’ player, Greg
Ridout, was out for a duck! Let Them Eat Cake!

Peter Grout-Smith excelled himself this year with another
fabulous coffee and cake morning, while the staff really raised
the bar and produced some truly fantastic bakes. As they say,
the proof is in the pudding and the event raised a staggering
£750 in just two hours!

82

Going For Gold On 15 July
2017 the
Jeremy Smith, Trudi Gumbrell, Dan Magee, Andrea Proudfoot Sherborne
and Kate Wiscombe all put their running shoes on this year Classic car
for charity and tackled the Bridport 10K. Although there was and super car
some controversy that it may have been a tad further, all five show was held
of them ran, walked or limped over the finish line, raising in the grounds
£598.84 for our charities. of Sherborne
Castle in
Dorset.

Now in its 15th year, Classic & Supercars can be regarded as
certainly one of the premier classic and supercar shows in the
South of England with upwards of 2,000 cars on display, from
veterans to the latest supercars.

Andy Wakinshaw is a trustee of the not for profit limited
company and was delighted to hand over the cheques to our
two sponsored charities “It is always a terrific event and the
number of people who attended the show was amazing, it
attracts a crowd from all over the UK.”

Universally Challenged All for a good cause

The young professionals of the firm have held a number of Our charities in 2017 were Go Girls, who support women
‘wine and wisdom’evenings for young farmers and other young with gynaecological cancers, and Mosaic who offer a
professionals in the area. Immy Robinson set some fiendishly pathway of support to bereaved children and their families.
difficult questions and there may have been more wine and A total of £7,866.32 was raised.
less wisdom in the room! More than £500 was raised.

Steep challenge

Caroline Gosney – our star trekker – recalls her fundraising trip to Machu Picchu

Iwas asked in 2016 if I would like to participate in a with my walking, completing an average of 20 miles per
fundraising trek for our local hospice, St Margaret’s week. The real challenge would be walking at altitude. My
in Yeovil, to take place in April 2017. The trek in walks took me to different parts of Somerset and Dorset,
Peru would take me via the Salkantay trail, leading exploring many picturesque places that I would not have
to the world heritage site of Machu Picchu – highest altitude otherwise visited.
15,200ft. To participate, I had to raise a minimum of £3,500.
To acclimatise to the altitude in Peru, we helped a local
Fundraising began – I hosted dinner parties, packed bags school by redecorating their classrooms. Doing the trek was a
in local supermarkets and held a charity car wash. My eldest huge challenge for me and I suffered with altitude headaches
son also ran the Bournemouth marathon. – but would I do it again? Absolutely! And I’m very proud to
say I raised over my target. Challenge accomplished.
While very busy fundraising, I stepped up the pace

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Show
Attractions

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Axe Vale
Show

Show Date 2018
24 June

85

86

Honiton
Show

Show Date 2018
2 August

87

88

Gillingham
& Shaftesbury

Show

Show Date 2018
15 August

89

90

Melplash
Show

Show Date 2018
23 August

91

92

Dorset County
Show

Show Dates 2018
1–2 September

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Young
Handlers

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The voice But surely you’re telling farmers
what they already know?

The six rings show different breeds, from

of the show dairy and native beef breeds to continentals,
so it’s important to let the public know
which breeds, and which classes within

each breed, are being shown so that they

When the Melplash Show can get involved and see what the judges
are looking for. There’s always something

committee needed a cattle new – we never stop learning as different
commentator, our very own breeds come to Melplash. A highlight from
Lester Williams was the ideal 2016 was PM & DS Ford’s Riggit Galloway,
and 2017 saw Wessex Lowlines showing the

man for the job original Aberdeen Angus, known as Lowlines,
which are indigenous to the UK but were

developed by Australians through the 1900s.

How did you get the job? Do you have a favourite breed?

I’ve been an auctioneer for over 30 years, so I’ve got a good I have several favourites but the native breeds always provide
knowledge of livestock, breeders and rearers. The Melplash a wonderful taste. I traditionally always tried to get Aberdeen
Show committee asked if I’d be willing to donate a day to
the show as I knew a lot of the exhibitors – and I was happy Angus or Hereford and
to oblige. then was introduced to
the full flavour of Dexter.

So you know a lot about cattle? Overall, the Red Ruby
Devon meat has to be
I do! I’ve been selling cattle at Frome Livestock Market for the one of the best and was
last 10 years, and at Yeovil Market before that. Along with won this year by Messrs RL
rearing a suckler herd on Exmoor with my brother, and being Jones & Sons.
schooled at Brymore Agricultural School, I think I can safely

say I have a useful working knowledge of cattle. Is there still a grand parade?

Do you do a lot of research before the show? It’s the highlight at the end of the show. It’s held in the
main ring and all the class winners are invited to take part.
I like to keep good records of the previous shows to refresh The Champion Beef Breed 2017 went to Mr & Mrs A White’s
my memory of who’s who and what they show. Charolais cow, Balbithan Iona, shown by Jane Haw, and

How far do the cattle I commentate on all six rings Reserve Champion to Sid Hollier’s
travel? Speckle Park bull, Long Ash Cream.
at the same time, which is The Dairy Champion went to Richard
The majority come from Dorset and when the fun starts Norman’s Holstein cow, Holmead
the surrounding counties. The judges, Rustler Roxy Red 2.

on the other hand, travel from as far afield What is your favourite part of the show?
as Middlewich in Cheshire.

Talk us through your day. Seeing so many young handlers enter each year. They have to
convince the judge they’re in control of their animal and show
On the way to the show I collect as many Symonds & it off to its best, while keeping constant eye contact with the
Sampson staff as I can fit in the car. Upon arrival I report to judge. The crowd always gives a big cheer to the youngest
the show rings where I make sure the microphone is working handlers and this year we had two terrific six-year-olds –
William Honeybun and Oswald Loder.
and ask the judges to
take their positions. I I bet the show committee gives you a
commentate on all six good lunch!
rings at the same time,
which is when the fun I managed to make it to lunch for the first time this year! It was
starts as the judges are good to talk through the day with other committee members.
often awarding their
rosettes at the same Lester Williams
moment, so I run back Sherborne 01935 814488
and forth trying to keep [email protected]
up and sound consistent.

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Pecking order

Chris Cary introduces us to the weird and wonderful world of poultry showing

Very much like Crufts, there is a world of poultry such as best of
showing where poultry fanciers from around the breed, show
country come together to showcase their birds, with champion
the aim of being crowned top dog – or top bird in and reserve

this case. champion, but

You may have experienced a taste of this weird and there are also

wonderful world from visiting agricultural shows, where a more unusual

poultry tent can often be found. To the general public it may categories such

all seem like fun at first glance, but to the exhibitors this is as best laced

serious business. and best egg.

There are shows held all around the UK, with the National Lastly come

Poultry Championship being the jewel in the crown. It is not the photos,

simply a case of catching the birds on the morning of the when the

show, rocking up and putting them in a cage. People have best birds are

put in a lot of work getting to that point. Years of selective professionally photographed in a custom built, bird-sized

breeding to create a bird of perfect ‘type’, hatching the birds at photo booth. Most winning birds stand there proud and calm,

the right time of year so they’re as if they know how good they

in prime condition for the day Next up is washing them, are, having done it all before.
of the show, and months and plucking any stray feathers and But there is always an escapee
months of preparation. even giving them a pedicure! – usually a bird new to the
showing scene – which causes
During the run-up to the a moment of panic as people
show, most birds are kept inside

to keep them clean and group together to catch it.

Mr Cockerel is taken away from Dotted around the show

his ladies so that no funny business can happen as this often there are some unusual sales stands, selling everything from

damages hens’ back feathers. Next up is washing them, gourmet poultry feed to chicken walking leads, chicken

plucking any stray feathers and even giving them a pedicure! jewellery and even miniature chicken saddles for those hens

Show day is an odd experience. Walking into the hall, with amorous husbands back home!

you are greeted by an eruption of noise – squawks, cockle-

doodling and quacking. As you move around, you see people

tending to their precious birds, and there are always a few Chris Cary
eccentrics with a head full of sawdust. Sturminster Newton 01258 472244
[email protected]
Just like any other livestock show, there are coveted awards

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How I survived the
Three Peaks Challenge

Richard Miller, Managing Partner at our Burraton House office, took on the challenge
to climb the highest peaks in Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike) and Wales

(Snowdon) in under 24 hours. Fancy following in his footsteps? Here are his tips

Ihadn’t quite grasped the enormity of the task Decent boots are essential. The
when the headmaster of Sunninghill Prep School in rest of it doesn’t really make you
Dorchester invited me to join the team of teachers walk any quicker, but you feel a
on this adventure. I am currently chair of governors, whole lot better about yourself
the chosen charity was Guide Dogs, and it would have been
poor form to refuse. Anyway, the old middle-aged spread 5 Take loads of anti-inflammatories. My knees are dodgy at
required a little attention. the best of times but a few of these beauties kept the knee
straps from being pulled from the bag. Mind you, they
Suffice to say that, although we did the whole thing in more didn’t do much for my stomach for days afterwards. (No
like 26 hours, due to traffic “issues” around Manchester and liability accepted, always read the label, etc...)
North Wales (and a pretty slow minibus to boot), the whole
team completed the walking part of the challenge in very 6 Support a really good cause. When we were stumbling
creditable 14 hours – and in remarkably good shape, too. If you around in the dark and fog at the top of a mountain in the
are contemplating something similar, my tips for survival are: Brecon Beacons on our final practice trek, it really hit home
how blessed most of us are to have good (only reasonably
1 Surround yourself with a team of “can do-ers”. This lot are good in my case) eyesight. John, the husband of our very
so used to drumming home the message to their pupils own Sue Bradshaw in the Sherborne office, is blind and
that they apply the same philosophy to their own activities this connection allowed the school to ask him to come
out of school. It’s scary stuff. and share his own experiences with us. We raised well over
£4,000 towards the training of a guide dog.
2 Purchase the very best hiking apparel money can buy. Would I go back and do it again? Probably not. But I do try
Decent boots are essential. The rest of it doesn’t really to walk one evening a week with the same teacher gang, and I
make you walk any quicker, but you feel a whole lot better walked the South Downs Way with my wife, Mandy, and friends
about yourself. Lycra should be on prescription for middle- this summer (with more trips planned). Watch this space – my
aged layabouts (sorry kids, I know it’s embarrassing). rather obsessive fishing habit may have some competition for
my spare time.
3 Find a good driver or two. In our case, our leader crocked
his knee on an earlier ski trip and had to drop down to Richard Miller
driving duties, along with one of the regular school bus Poundbury (Burraton) 01305 236574
drivers. They also supplied excellent honey sandwiches rmiller@@symondsandsampson.co.uk
and hot tea at critical moments.

4 Eat plenty of power bars. Again I’m not sure if these are
totally necessary if you eat well between mountains,
but they make you drink more water – and that really is
essential.

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Favourite films

Marlise Jolliffe Simon Clothier Georgie Garrett Alison Hall

Gone with the Wind Gladiator Sense and Sensibility The Holiday
Apollo 13 Titanic Love Actually Crocodile Dundee
West Side Story Saving Private Ryan Mary Poppins War Horse

Mark Lewis Sam Brown Tim Bennett Caroline Childs

The Godfather High Society Intouchables The Green Mile
Little Miss Sunshine The Note Book A Good Year Crouching Tiger
Kind Hearts and Home Alone Django Hidden Dragon
Coronets Babe
Joanne Osborne Andy Wakinshaw
Steve Allen Val White
Meet Joe Black Shawshank Redemption
The Godfather As Good as It Gets Gladiator  The Glenn Miller Story
High Society Matilda Love Actually  The Vanishing Prairie
The Two Towers Mamma Mia!
Andrea Barnett Joe Hutchings
Richard Taylor Julie Baker
The Green Mile Minions
A Good Year In Bruges Kevin & Perry Go Large Dirty Dancing
From Russia with Love White Christmas Fantastic Mr Fox Australia
The Bourne Supremacy Truly Madly Deeply
Clare Burt Carol Moran
Jon Summers Chloe Hooper
Harry Potter Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Top Gun Fast & Furious Mary Poppins Pearl Harbour
Mission Impossible Polar Express Mrs Doubtfire Captain Phillips
Parental Guidance Inglorious Bastards
Amanda Rankin Danielle Biddell
Neal Wilson Levi Musselwhite
Love Actually Little Women
A few Good Men Pretty Woman I Married a Witch Goodnight Mr Tom
Men of Honour Fifty Shades of Grey! Die Hard The Notebook
Awakenings Mrs Doubtfire
Rickey Stoodley Kathy Kitcher
Daniel Magee Becky Stimpson
Return of the Jedi Mamma Mia!
Remember the Titans Top Gun Butch Cassidy and Pulp Fiction
Step Brothers Anchorman the Sundance Kid Memoirs of a Geisha
The Dark Knight Moulin Rouge Pretty Woman
Hilary Stockley
David Meaden Jeremy Smith Lucy Nolan
Close Encounters of
The Thomas Crown the Third Kind Heat Up
Affair (1968) Paddington Bear 2 Shawshank Redemption Saving Private Ryan
Butch Cassidy and the The Mechanic Life Is Beautiful Forrest Gump
Sundance Kid
Bonnie and Clyde Ross Willmington Richard Miller

Diane Denham True Grit No Country for Old Men
Zulu Schindler’s List
Cast Away Four Weddings and Toy Story
The Day after Tomorrow a Funeral
Sleeping with the
Enemy Jan Merriott

Jane Moir Blade Runner
Oblivion
Butch Cassidy and the Brazil
Sundance Kid
Out of Africa
Australia

98

Roger Excell Kathryn Brooks
It’s a Wonderful Life
Top Gun
James Shapland Grease Mamma Mia!
A United Kingdom The King’s Speech
Back to the Future
Chris Drake
Brazil Judith Hubbard Edward Dyke
Who Framed Roger Top Gun
Rabbit? See No Evil, Hear No Evil  Batman Begins The Man with Two
Cool Runnings Rush Brains
The Terminator
Michelle Powell  Horton Hears a Who! Jane Crabb The Interview

Hot Fuzz Andrew Carless Eldorado Patrick Woodford
Airplane Dirty Dancing
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Amadeus Four Weddings and The Life of Brian
The Pianist a Funeral The Guns of Navarone
The Good, the Bad and
Andrea Lowden              Untouchable Peter Grout-Smith the Ugly

Toy Story Linda Edwards Coming to America Karen Mitchell
Castaway The Hangover
Jason Bourne The Holiday Home Alone Mamma Mia!
The Bridges of Madison The Holiday
Calton Stockley Dirty Dancing
Naomi Garner County
Pride and Prejudice Pulp Fiction Stephen Hennessey
Despicable Me Quadrophenia 
Live and Let Die Rio Bravo
Harry Potter Jim Rowe Shawshank Redemption
Jumanji Sue Bradshaw Jaws
The Green Mile The Deer Hunter
Kate Wiscombe
Trudi Gumbrell Shawshank Redemption Once Upon a Time
Gladiator in the West Amores perros
Notting Hill Hacksaw Ridge Aliens
Volver
Towering Inferno                          Greg Ridout Bradley Towell
The Jungle Book Jack Edwards
Beverly Hills Cop The Great Gatsby
Catch Me If You Can Up
Adam Taylor Shrek Airplane! The Departed
Bad Boys Jurassic Park
Billy Elliot Giles Wreford-Brown
Andrew Tuffin
Apocalypto Street                     P   Ma   m a  s  t W e  rianndduCsotmmander Shawshank Redemption
The Wolf of Wall Skyfall Platoon 
The Long Good Friday Star Wars, The Empire
Stuart Philipps Casino Royale Strikes Back
Sully Rachael James Trainspotting 
Shawshank Redemption
The Pink Panther
Casino Royale David West Strikes Again
The Hangover The Railway Children
Shawshank Redemption The Hound of the
Baskervilles
Neville Thorner Deliverance
Kelly’s Heroes
Up

The Jungle Book Angela Gillibrand
Out of Africa 
The Red Shoes

Anabel Merriman Blade Runner
The Philadelphia Story
The Sound of Music

A Good Year Daniel Dunford
The Best Exotic
Marigold Hotel Forrest Gump
Shawshank Redemption

The Dark Knight

99

Glorious food

Symonds & Sampson staff reveal their signature dishes, celebration
must-haves and favourite foodie memories

Ross Willmington Marlise Jolliffe

Gran’s sausage rolls – I love baking these as they remind me of Banoffee pie. The children loved it and it soon became a
my late grandmother and fun point-to-point picnics. must have for all parties or a family get together. Now they
are grown up they still want one at any celebration.
Steve Allen
Andrew Carless
Our standard Christmas lunch when I was young was rib
of beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and greens, plus When I was in the wine trade many years ago and trying
bucket loads of gravy and horseradish sauce. We still maintain to impress my new girlfriend, I asked my French colleague
the family tradition. what I should cook her. He suggested poussin au calvados,
which essentially meant drowning the bird in brandy. It was
Daniel Magee simple but delicious, and did the trick. We’re still married 30
years later, though this particular recipe doesn’t appear often
Turkey drummers, mash and gravy. Reminds me of being at these days.
uni and a poor student. Good times.

Calton Stockley

Frutti di mare. Any chance to replicate this shellfish dish
takes my wife and I back to Piazza Navona in Rome. Must go
back there one day very soon.

Jon Summers

Spanish omelette. I once invited a young lady (later to
become my wife) over for supper. My intended dish did not
turn out too well! With time short and limited ingredients, I
managed to pull off a fine Spanish omelette, which remains
one of her favourite dishes.

100