Country Matters 2020

COUNTRY MATTERS

Welcome

to our award winning publication

Cover: Running Hare, Mere Down by James Lynch

James has achieved recognition for his landscape paintings of the West Country in which he sometimes includes wildlife. He uses the ancient medium of egg

tempera, making his own paint from raw pigments, egg yolk and water. Egg tempera paintings have a haunting luminosity. James exhibits in London and

Wiltshire and accepts commissions. www.james-lynch.co.uk

Editors:

Mark Lewis, Marlise Jolliffe

Proof Readers:

Marilyn Wright

Artwork:

Shaun Hodge

Show/Farm Sale photos: Rob Nolan

Printed by:

Remous Print Ltd., Barton View Bus Park,

Sheeplands Lane, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4FW

tel: 01963 250920 www.remous.com

The contents of this publication are intended as guidance and general

interest. It does not constitute legal advice and can be no substitute

for considered advice on specific problems. Although every effort

has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information printed in

this publication, Symonds & Sampson LLP cannot accept liability for

errors and omissions. The views expressed in this publication are not

necessarily those of Symonds & Sampson LLP.

THE SENIOR PARTNER’S MESSAGE

SENIOR PARTNER’S MESSAGE

THE

Andrew Robinson BSc FRICS FAAV

is everything at Symonds & Sampson?” This is the question most frequently

posed to me by our clients and friends. It is understandable; we’re currently in a

time of great structural, economic and legislative change which is inevitably causing

"How

confusion in residential, agricultural and commercial sectors. We aim to provide clarity.

Our partnership has spent a significant amount of time considering the changing landscape. We

anticipate a number of challenges for our clients in the short and medium term, which has led to

considerable investment in our technology, and the continuing professional development of our staff.

We have strengthened some of our divisions and, in particular, we have brought in an experienced and

established commercial team to broaden our base.

We cherish our position as the leading firm of chartered surveyors in the region and appreciate that not

only are our clients’ needs changing but also the range of people we advise is now much more diverse.

However, whoever the clients may be, they all seek trusted professional advice and a truly outstanding

service. I believe that we have the right blend of people, of different ages and experience, to provide

this. Our aim is to develop and nurture enduring relationships with clients and their families by always

providing impartial advice and building trust for generations.

We are very aware of the pressures of modern life on our clients as well as our staff. Our chosen charity

in 2020 will be four regional branches of Mind covering Dorset, Devon, Somerset and Wiltshire. The

charity educates people about the symptoms of mental ill health – what they are, what to expect and

how to spot them. It will also educate people about what they can do when they experience symptoms

themselves or recognise them in someone they know, and challenge the stigma and equality of this

often paralysing illness. We will be holding a number of fundraising events throughout the year and we

hope you will feel able to support us.

You will notice the striking image by James Lynch on the cover of the magazine and, throughout Country

Matters, we are highlighting the vast amount of artistic talent across our region. If you like a particular

image, please do contact the artist.

I hope you enjoy the articles in this year’s magazine and, in answer to the question at the beginning, we

continue to go from strength to strength with the help of our dedicated and experienced team who are

ready to offer advice on anything you put to us throughout the year.

3

PROFESSIONAL

AND PLANNING

Peep behind the curtain at S&S with

insights from our Managing Partner and

a rural surveyor. Discover the difference

between benchmarks and trig points, how

schoolchildren are turning Dorchester

plastic-free, and how we can help manage

your residential or commercial assets.

Read on for sartorial suggestions, good

news for art lovers, and profit-boosting

rural planning advice. Get the low down

on barn conversions, floristry, and the link

between bats and planning applications.

There’s the buzz of beekeeping and a

cautionary tale about runaway pigs.

Your tax planning toolkit, tips on how to

diversify for success, and our expert guide

to maximising planning opportunities.

t Summer Blues, Colmer’s Hill by Marion Taylor,

www.dorsetpaintings.co.uk

2020

Vision

In conversation with

Richard Miller, our Managing Partner

How does Symonds & Sampson maintain

its competitive edge?

We have the freedom to maintain a true breadth of services,

built up over many decades, whereas many of our competitors

are owned by outside shareholders whose primary focus is

often the next year-end dividend. It is this range of skills and

activity that gives the essence of who we are.

Is your business recession-proof?

I would hope so, but inevitably, with a fair

proportion of our costs being staff overheads,

we have to be constantly mindful of possible

economic challenges ahead when recruiting

for planned growth. We don’t have to react as

dramatically as other estate agencies to changes

in the market. If residential property is affected

we can rely on other disciplines to maintain profitability .

How does the Limited Liability Partnership

structure work for you?

We have various categories of partner which enables

ambitious people to move up the ladder. Initial promotion

to a salaried partner reflects ambition and gives kudos but

without any financial liability.

Further promotion to non-equity partner reflects in the

individual a wider appreciation of our overall business and

their responsibility. They get a greater slice of the profit

without any capital outlay.

My day now is more

of a juggling act, with

emails a constant

attention-grabber

It means that the step up to

being invited to become a

full equity partner is part of a

gradual process that allows

talent to move up and get a feel

for the business and all that it

encompasses.

Do you need to be in the high street?

Personally no; with my rurally-focused professional work I am

based in a modern office in Poundbury where parking and

access for clients is easier. The internet has changed the nature

of estate agency and we constantly question whether we need

so many offices. The answer is that everything is under review,

but for now we believe that a high street presence is important

for our residential sales and lettings teams.

Has the internet changed the way you work?

Ironically, providing a breadth of service can require more

resources because of the internet. We have to know

everything about a property – its idiosyncrasies, things to do

with listed buildings, easements, restrictive covenants or how

a property could be affected by planning issues.

What are the main challenges?

Symonds & Sampson employs more than 150 full- and parttime

staff, and recruitment of younger professionals is a

particular problem in rural areas. They want the job, but in a

glitzier location!

What changes have you seen over the last

30 years?

The increased pace of working life. My day now is more of a

juggling act, with emails a constant attention-grabber. There

is an expectation from clients to have answers straight away.

What advice then would you give to your

younger self?

I would say delegate more. I have tended to think it will be

quicker if I do what’s needed, but it would have made my life

easier if I was better at delegating and trusting other people

to get on with it.

Interview by Alex Foster, Director & Chartered Financial Planner,

Ward Goodman, as part of a report to appear in DECISION

magazine

Richard Miller MRICS FAAV

Managing Partner Poundbury

rmiller@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01305 236574

6

Know your

Benchmarks

from your

Trig Points

All will become clear, thanks to Richard Mogg, surveyor in our Wimborne office

Benchmarks

Have you ever spotted a strange marking on the side of a

church or building and wondered what it was? If it had a

chiselled horizontal line with an arrow head below, it could be

a benchmark.

These are used by surveyors so that an angle-iron could be

placed to form a ‘bench’ for a levelling rod, thus ensuring that

a levelling rod could be accurately repositioned in the same

place in the future.

A major project to map out

the shape of Great Britain

began in 1936

The height of a benchmark is calculated relative to the

heights of nearby benchmarks in a network extending from

a fundamental benchmark – a point with a precisely known

relationship to the vertical datum of the area, typically mean

sea level.

Trig points

You may have seen these on Ordnance Survey (OS) maps. Trig

points are the common name for triangulation pillars. These

are concrete pillars, about 4’ tall, which were used by the OS in

order to determine the exact shape of the country.

They are generally located on the highest piece of ground

in the area, so that there is a direct line of sight from one to the

next. By sitting a theodolite (an accurate protractor built into

a telescope) on the top of the pillar, accurate angles between

pairs of nearby trigpoints could be measured. This process is

called triangulation.

A major project to map

out the shape of Great

Britain began in 1936. The

network of triangulation

pillars, with accurately

known positions, led to

the excellent OS maps we

enjoy today.

Creech Barrow Hill Trig mark

The coordinate system used on these maps is known as

the national grid, and it is essential that you are familiar with

this system if you are to get the most out of OS maps, or their

website https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk.

Benchmark Salkeld Bridge

Richard Mogg MRICS

Building Surveyor Wimborne

rmogg@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01202 843190

7

A Day in the Life

of a Rural Surveyor

Tess Tidman qualified in 2017 and works from our Wimborne office

I always have plenty to do before I

6.30am: set off for work. Living in Lulworth,

I’m lucky enough to have my little flock of Hebridean sheep

nearby so I’ll feed them and check I haven’t lost any (it has

happened!) before I leave for Wimborne.

When I arrive in the office, I’ll check

my emails. My days are normally split

50-50 between time in the office and

time out and about meeting clients. I

am heavily involved in valuation and

planning work as well as grant applications, utilities work,

compensation claims, land sales and recently a lot of jobs

involving rights of way.

I head off to my first appointment – a planning application

on a curtilage listed outbuilding that a client wishes to

convert to holiday lets. My visit involves inspecting the

building and the site to assess how access, construction, visual

outlooks and the proposed plans might be deemed to impact

the Grade II listed farmhouse next door.

Then I head west to carry out a probate valuation for a dairy

farm on the coast. I sit down with my client to make sure I

have all the details I need before inspecting the farmhouse,

farm buildings, land and stock.

Back in the office for lunch. After a

1.00pm: busy morning, I find myself with an

afternoon at my desk. This gives me a chance to squeeze in

a meeting with our building surveying team, also based in

Wimborne, to get their advice on the best possible layout for

the proposed holiday let in my first meeting of the day. Once

I have their thoughts on a sensitive conversion, I start drafting

my covering letter and compiling the rest of the planning

application.

Dorset born and bred,

I thoroughly enjoy working in

the area where I grew up

The phone rings with a gentleman

3.30pm: who has a two-acre parcel of land

on the outskirts of Wimborne that he would like to sell. As he

is lucky enough to have a couple of brick barns on the plot, I

advise him on the potential to secure

outline planning for a residential unit

which would likely give him the highest

increase in value at the least expense

to himself, and recommend an auction

sale in the spring. I arrange to go out to

see the site for an appraisal the following week.

One last check of my emails then

5.00pm: I’m off to a local firm of accountants

for a continuing professional

development (CPD) event on

farm accounts. We are in an

industry that prides itself on

working collaboratively with all

manner of professional advisers

– accountants, solicitors and

banks managers. Our CPD is a

way of getting to know other

professionals whose areas of work overlap our own, and from

whom we can learn in order to best advise our clients.

Finally, I am back in the car and on my way home to

Lulworth. As soon as I get in, I’ll be lighting the woodburner

and organising dinner.

Tessa Tidman

Rural Surveyor Wimborne

ttidman@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01202 843190

8

A World First

in Dorset

Will Wallis from our Dorchester office reveals

why Dorset is getting VIP treatment

If you’ve found yourself on the A35 between

Dorchester and Bridport recently you might have

wondered what on earth is being built now.

However, you can breathe a sigh of relief that

this eyesore is temporary and part

of the National Grid’s Visual Impact

Provision (NGVIP) project.

NGVIP makes use of a fund made

available by Ofgem and creates an

opportunity to enhance the West

Dorset landscape and transform

the views from the Hardy Monument and the South Dorset

Ridgeway.

It will achieve this by removing 22 unsightly electricity

pylons between Winterbourne Abbas and Friar Waddon,

replacing them with 9km of underground cables and leaving

an unblemished skyline.

This is the first time a project of this kind has been

undertaken anywhere in the world for the sole benefit of

improving the surrounding landscape.

Of course, this

all sounds simple

enough, but it

is in fact a major

engineering

challenge

made trickier

by current land

uses, ecological

impact, the

topography of

the countryside

and archaeological interest.

I have been involved with the project since the early

planning stages of the scheme, working on behalf of seven

of the landowners who have been, or will be, affected by the

scheme and have seen first-hand some of the challenges the

venture has faced.

This is the first time a

project of this kind has been

undertaken for the sole benefit

of improving the landscape

Dorset has a historically rich landscape and the preservation

of archaeological interest has been paramount. More than 147

excavation trenches have been dug and a burial chamber of

seven mid-6th century bodies were discovered on a client’s

farm, as well as evidence of Bronze Age

barrows, a potential Roman settlement and

medieval cemetery, so far.

Moving on to the 21 st century, the

construction of the scheme has impacted on

other aspects of farming and rural businesses

where negotiations and agreements have

had to be made, including negative impacts on a client’s poultry

farm, agreeing bio security measures for a pig unit, the knock-on

effects to a campsite business, and disruption as footpaths have

been diverted to private land.

The engineering itself is also vastly different from most

new underground cables that some landowners may have

experienced with easements in the past. However, as usual

the land will be fully reinstated, with the landowner receiving

negotiated compensation and able to resume farming practice

once the cables are installed.

A lot of consideration has been given to the environmental

impact of the scheme and the Reconnecting the Ridgeway

Project was awarded £400,000 from the Landscape

Enhancement Initiative (an important part of NGVIP). With

this they will be laying hedges, planting an orchard, creating

a daffodil nursery, restoring boundary features and creating

wildlife ponds to encourage biodiversity.

Initial work on this scheme started back in 2015 and the

project will be completed in 2022 at a total cost of £116m.

Let’s hope once the project is finalised many of us can enjoy

the ‘unblemished’ landscape and appreciate the work which is

being done to restore and enhance our environment.

Will Wallis MRICS FAAV

Rural Surveyor Dorchester

wwallis@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01305 236572

9

Plastic Free

Dorchester

Who can help cure our addiction to plastic?

The answer, it seems, is the next generation

Pupils at Damers First School in Poundbury have

become eco-warriors. Led by Edd Moore – year 3

teacher and Eco Co-ordinator – the children have

formed the Eco Crew and they’re on a mission to

make Dorchester plastic free.

Damers achieved ‘Plastic Free Schools’ status in May 2018 and

now the Eco Crew has its sights set on the

town. They’ve got off to an impressive start.

So far, the Eco Crew has been interviewed

by the BBC, visited London to petition

Michael Gove, and presented at various

meetings to encourage businesses to be

plastic free.

By writing letters, giving presentations to

influential groups, and attending shows, farmers’ markets and

fairs, they have persuaded almost every school in Dorchester

and more than 80 businesses to go plastic free.

The Eco Crew is targeting single use plastic, and is asking

businesses across Dorchester to eradicate three single use

items within their premises. This could be as simple as no

longer stocking plastic cups and moving to reusable bottles.

The Eco Crew has championed eco products including

‘waxtastic’ – an alternative to clingfilm – at a number of shows.

They also take in recycling from local businesses in order to

fund sustainable projects at the school, and have written and

performed a song about being plastic free.

Thanks to the efforts of the Eco Crew, shops and boutiques

are replacing plastic bags with paper ones, and using wooden

hangers. Those in the hospitality trade are providing guests

with reusable, branded water bottles, supplying loose tea

rather than tea bags, and offering toiletries in tins or paper

packaging.

All stress the importance of putting pressure on their

suppliers to make the necessary switch away from plastic.

Together with key organisations and businesses in

the town, the Eco Crew has put in place a plastic free

plan. The objectives include setting up a community-led

The Eco Crew has

persuaded more than

80 businesses to go

plastic free

steering group; instigating the Surfers Against Sewage

plastic free schools education programme; getting local

council commitment, and working with local businesses,

organisations and community groups to spread the word and

minimise the amount of disposable plastics.

As a result of Damers’ work, and with support from

Dorset Council, Dorchester Town Council,

Dorchester BID (Business Investment

District), Litter Free Dorset, Duchy of

Cornwall, Sir Oliver Letwin, local WI Groups

and the Dorchester Lions, Dorchester has

been awarded ‘Plastic Free Community

Approved’ status by Surfers Against Sewage.

The award

recognises the

work done

to reduce

the impact

of single use

plastic on the

environment.

Dorchester

is the third

location in

Dorset to

receive this accolade and the Eco Crew is the first group of

children to lead such a campaign.

There are some great initiatives that are being driven by

youngsters throughout our region, and Symonds & Sampson

will be engaging with these groups to make sure we are

supporting the next generation.

Jan Merriott BSc (Estate Management) MRICS

Commercial Surveyor Dorchester

jmerriott@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01305 261008

10

Property

Management

Services

Need help managing your residential or

commercial assets? George Rogers explains

how Symonds & Sampson can make life easier

Symonds & Sampson takes great pride in providing

the highest level of service in the management

of residential and commercial assets. We have

established strong working relationships with

stakeholders across the board, and are well positioned to not

only protect our clients’ property interests, but to maximise

property and asset values through our proactive and focused

management approach.

Commercial assets

We believe

robust landlord

and tenant

relationships are

the foundation

of successful

property

management

and underpin

commercial property values. As a firm, we offer tailored day-today

management services of commercial property assets on

behalf of our clients.

A key principle of our management service is focused on

ensuring commercially let premises

remain occupied in accordance

with their respective leases, and fully

compliant with prevailing industry

legislation – ensuring our clients’ position

and property interests are safeguarded at

all times.

We are also able to provide professional advice in relation to

the preparation and administration of service charges for multilet

commercial property assets. We work in close collaboration

with solicitors and other legal representatives to assist in the

structuring of commercial leases, and develop property-specific

management strategies for and on behalf of our clients.

Areas we cover include commercial lease advisory,

client accounting and financial administration services,

property inspections, market rent/valuation appraisals, and

development consultancy.

Residential blocks

We are able to take on the

day-to-day administration

of all property managementrelated

matters

Leasehold properties

such as flats are those

where a lease has been

granted for a period of

time by the freehold

owner. Sounds simple?

It sounds simple but

leasehold properties

come with a number of management responsibilities that can

often be overlooked and, if left unmanaged, result in breaches

of insurers’ and/or freeholders’ requirements. This can expose

leaseholders to potential negligence liabilities – an unwanted

management headache for all concerned!

Symonds & Sampson offer a range of bespoke services for

residential management companies – ensuring residential

buildings remain compliant with prevailing legislation, and

continue to be safe and pleasant environments for residents.

We are able to take on the day-to-day administration

of all property management-related matters, including

management accounting, overseeing service contracts and

maintenance works, administering insurance, and working

closely with new and established resident directors and/or

management committees to ensure

positions are safeguarded and peace

of mind.

We are also well equipped to

provide professional valuation advice

and support in respect of leasehold

extensions, in accordance with

prevailing Leasehold Reform Act legislation.

To discuss the management of your commercial property

assets, or if you are looking for help with any residential

management matters, do not hesitate to contact us.

George Rogers BSc MRICS

Commercial Surveyor Yeovil

grogers@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01935 382904

11

Beau

Ties

Jonathan Cheal, agricultural solicitor at Mogers Drewett,

champions the need for individuality in the professions

T

he professions, and certainly the solicitors’

profession, have always tended to be places of grey

uniformity. The livery for male solicitors was always

sober suits and ties, but it now seems to have given

way to a dumbed-down drabness, and largely tieless. This is a

pity.

All the more reason, therefore, to uphold

traditional standards and even better to

celebrate individuality, style and a bit of

colour.

Fancy waistcoats for auctioneers and

land agents should be encouraged, as

should ties for solicitors; especially ties aligned east-west rather

than north-south, and of course self-tied.

Bow ties should always be self-tied (it is just like tying a

shoelace). Clip-on bow ties are an abomination; anyone found

wearing one should be sent to the Tower.

Monocles, spats, two-toned shoes – all these have their

moments and their adherents, but colourful waistcoats for land

agents are as unusually welcome as bright bow ties for rural

solicitors.

Your correspondent is an inveterate bow tie wearer. Many is

the time my wife has been asked by farming clients whether I

wear one at home and, if so, whether I am still wearing it when I

come to bed [that’s quite enough of that, Editor].

I have

approximately 60

bow ties hanging

on my wardrobe

door, and am never

known to wear the

same one two days

running.

Clip-on bow ties are an

abomination; anyone

found wearing one should

be sent to the Tower

A word of advice for the young professional: always try to

stand out from the herd. Be egregious. That way it’s easier to

get known. As you build your career and your reputation, it

is so much easier to become well known if you have some

eccentricity or difference which sets you apart.

Of course, it’s easy enough for a bloke

to adopt a dress style which gives him a

trademark, so to speak; but for the lady

professional it is more difficult. The best

advice would probably be to continue to

dress with style, and be yourself.

The hinterland of any professional is

important in terms of getting known and also in terms of

building a relationship with the client. Always include a list of

your interests at the bottom of the CV, and the more unusual

the better. These will always be useful in interviews.

For some, the particular interest may be sailing or Sudoku,

horses or hockey (in my case, it’s things as eclectic as collecting

books, conducting military tours, baroque music, G&S patter

songs, ley lines, county cricket, and cryptic crosswords). But

whatever it is, it’s important to show there is more to you than

just work.

If anyone is inspired by this article to adopt the elegance

of the bow tie, it will not have been written in vain. Lessons

in tying the bow tie are

available; I charge in

guineas and/or cognac.

Jonathan Cheal

Solicitor – Agriculture

jonathan.cheal@mogersdrewett.com

07901 332642

12

Dress for

Success

Struggling with what to wear in the workplace? Our Axminster style maven

Angela Gillibrand has tips for the well-dressed woman

Jonathan Cheall’s advice to women is to “dress with

style and be yourself” but what does this mean

in practice? Today, the majority of women are in

employment and more than

ever are working in what was thought of as traditionally

male professions. Where does this leave

women, who do not have the uniform of a

suit in its different guises?

Debrett’s suggests for working women:

“A neat, tailored look is best for business …

and smart accessories.”

Thank goodness we have left the era of

power dressing, high heels, full make-up and corporate dress

codes banning trousers.

There is endless advice from the press and influencers on

the internet how to create a capsule wardrobe, especially on a

limited budget or when you are starting your career. Focusing

on a few classic tailored pieces, possibly with a twist, can be a

wise investment.

Despite the well-worn phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover”,

humans are visual creatures and we all make unconscious

judgments within a short time of meeting somebody. There

is truth in “you never get a second chance to make a first

impression”.

Dressing well is a form of good manners. For both men

and women, personal presentation combined with wearing

appropriate clean and pressed clothes is essential.

Best foot forward

Wearing unpolished shoes speaks volumes – making an effort

shows respect. According to Marilyn Monroe: “Give a girl the

right shoes and she can conquer the world”, although I don’t

imagine she was referring to the wellies and sensible shoes

many of us wear as we visit clients on farms, tackling barbed

wire fences in all weathers.

As we experience hotter summers, our work clothing often

struggles to keep pace. If you can wear it at the beach or in a

nightclub it will probably not impress the clients or put them at

ease. We are all brand ambassadors for

both our companies and ourselves. The

overall impression we leave with clients

may affect their decision on whom to

employ.

Women have the advantage of a more

flexible dress code and the potential

to express their individuality. We recognise many successful

women by their unique signature style. They know who they are,

what suits them and what they want to say about themselves.

Focusing on a few classic

tailored pieces, possibly

with a twist, can be a

wise investment

C’est chic

As a child I have vivid memories of my francophone

grandmother’s regular exhortations on manners, deportment

and appearance, as well as avoiding the major failing of not

being “bien dans sa peau”.

This elegant, adventurous woman had lived all over the world

and was at ease in any situation. At the time I didn’t understand

her maxim of stand straight, shoulders back, look people in the

eye and shake their hand. She knew that if you look and feel

good by being true to yourself, it communicates confidence.

Or as fashion designer Rachel Zoe puts it: “Style is a way to say

who you are without having to speak.”

Angela Gillibrand

Farms and Rural Axminster

agillibrand@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01297 33122

13

An Interest

in the Arts

If you enjoy hearing about all aspects of arts

– from fashion and literature to paintings

and architecture – The Arts Society West

Dorset could be the place for you

Not many people know about The Arts Society. But

it’s big, with more than 90,000 members in over

380 local societies, and we are lucky enough to

have one right here in West Dorset.

In 1968 a group of eight local arts and antiques groups

came together to form

what was then the National

Association of Decorative

and Fine Arts Societies,

catchily shortened to

NADFAS. A young woman

named Patricia Fay had

spearheaded this, later receiving an OBE in recognition of her

vision.

Sadly, Patricia died aged 46 but a fund was established in her

memory to provide grants to three areas: young arts; regional

and local museums and galleries; and skills development.

Just before the 50 th anniversary celebrations, NADFAS

became The Arts Society and we became The Arts Society

West Dorset. The name was the only thing that changed; the

society continues to celebrate and promote all aspects of arts,

welcoming everyone to hear about them in all their fascinating

diversity.

The Arts Society works on the principle that the arts enrich

our lives and bring people together who have an interest in all

things artistic. It’s remit is vast, encompassing among others

things, literature, gardens, fashion, architecture, painting,

sculpture, art history, glass, jewellery, silver and gold. It provides

lectures, workshops and visits not only locally and nationally,

but also internationally.

The West Dorset branch began in 1988, helped into life

by one of Patricia Fay’s original founding members, Pamela

Charlton, who had moved to the area. As well as a season of

excellent lectures, the local committee also organises special

interest days and outings to exhibitions, with occasional longer

trips away if there is enough interest.

Locally we draw on The Arts Society’s pool of speakers, many

of whom are published or curators of notable exhibitions.

Recently this included Antiques Roadshow’s Paul Atterbury and

Ian Pickford.

The monthly lectures are now

taking place at the Town Hall,

Bridport, meeting on the third

Thursday of the month

The speakers’ knowledge and enthusiasm is informative

and infectious, often opening up new areas of interest. You

don’t need to have knowledge or even

an interest in the subject to enjoy the

presentations. In fact it is often the case

that the lectures you think

will interest you least are a

real surprise. My favourite a

couple of seasons ago was

on the early 20 th century

fashion designer, Mariano

Fortuny – and I thought I

wasn’t the least bit interested in fashion.

We have started this season in a new,

more central location. The monthly

lectures are now taking place at the Town

Hall, Bridport, meeting on the third Thursday of the month.

We hope the central location will mean that people can

meet for lunch in one of the great local cafes and pubs in

Bridport, and of course parking is available close by. Around 50

members attend each month and visitors are always welcome.

The full programme and membership details can be found

on the website at www.taswestdorset.org.uk

Joining Us

Fees are £50 for individual and £85 for joint membership,

including membership of the national organisation and

its quarterly magazine.

Visitors are welcome at a cost of £7.50 per lecture

To find out more:

Telephone or email:

Mrs Sandy Lovelock

Membership Secretary

The Arts Society West Dorset

Tel. 01305 848390

Email. info@taswestdorset.org.uk

Web: taswestdorset.org.uk

14

Rural

Planning

Planning conditions can be a burden. Don’t allow your rural property

to be unreasonably encumbered

Planning permissions will always be granted

subject to conditions which are used to mitigate

any adverse effects of a proposed development,

and which provide the

Local Planning Authority (LPA) with the

framework to ensure the development

is undertaken in accordance with the

plans.

Planning obligations or S106

agreements, on the other hand, are

legally binding agreements between the property owner and

the LPA, which run with the land and therefore impact future

owners as well as current ones.

In rural planning, S106 agreements are commonly found in

association with permission granted for agricultural workers’

dwellings. These consents will be subject to the standard

planning condition restricting occupation to someone

currently or previously employed in agriculture. On top of

this, LPAs also insisted the applicants enter into a S106 which

ties the whole property together and prevents the ability

to sell any part away from the whole, or to let the property

separately. This in turn has a negative impact on values.

The most recent National Planning Policy Framework

(NPPF), dated February 2019, offers some clarity on the use

and application of planning conditions and obligations. It

clearly states that planning obligations (S106s) should only be

used where it is not possible to address unacceptable impacts

through a planning condition and that the ‘doubling up’ of

conditions and obligations is no longer acceptable.

As a result of this, we have been successful in securing the

removal of the S106 agreement for a number of clients.

The removal of the S106 does not remove the agricultural

occupancy condition but it does lift the restriction over the

whole property, meaning that owners have the freedom to

sell or let part of their property without the need to have to

revert to the LPA.

We have been successful in

securing the removal of the

S106 agreement for

a number of clients

In practical terms this also results in an uplift of value and

removes potential difficulties when charging property as

security for a mortgage.

S52 agreements are the predecessor

of S106 agreements. For anyone who

still has a S52 agreement in place,

these are treated in the same way as

S106s and can therefore be cancelled

following an application to the local

planning authority.

Change of use in West Dorset

The old West Dorset DC Local Plan contains policy SUS3

which deals with the change of use of redundant buildings

to dwellings. The only instances where such a change of

use was acceptable under this policy was where the new

dwelling could be tied to the farmhouse by way of a S106

agreement.

This flew in the face of the NPPF and, after much

discussion with the planning department, the requirement

has been dropped – meaning it is now possible to secure

planning for change of use of agricultural buildings to

unrestricted dwellings in certain circumstances.

This is of particular relevance to those within Areas of

Outstanding Natural Beauty which are unable to take

advantage of Class Q permitted development rules.

Edward Dyke FRICS FAAV

Partner, Head of Professional Services

edyke@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01258 472244

Robyn Harper MRICS FAAV

Rural Surveyor Sturminster Newton

rharper@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01258 472244

15

Flower

Power

The rise of the instagram florist, the popularity of huge installations, and the

push for a greener industry. Caroline Redpath hails the floral revolution

F

lowers are always evolving with the seasons but

recently the floral industry itself has been one of

revolution.

The rise of social media has transformed the

way brides find both their florists and their floral aspirations

for their weddings. Floral designers now attract social media

followings in their thousands, many initial enquiries coming

through platforms such as Instagram or Facebook.

Ten years ago, the emphasis was on bricks and mortar

shops to mark your presence. Now, new florists are stylists

with an Instagram account as a

shopfront. The ease with which new

florists can establish themselves has

made the floristry industry a much

more attractive career path. Every week

I receive requests for work experience

or freelancing from numerous start-ups.

Pinterest is overflowing with floral imagery; however, this

can be described as a double-edged sword, some claiming

it stifles creativity, providing an encouragement to replicate

ideas, rather than promoting innovation, and setting

unrealistic expectations.

However, it is the most wonderful starting point to

understand likes and dislikes in flowers, building up colour

palettes and inspiration for floral installations.

Think hanging floral displays,

cascading staircases and

impactful entrances

This leads us on to the rise of the floral installation. We have

seen a dramatic increase in stand-alone installations, focusing

a budget in one area, rather than lots of smaller arrangements.

Think hanging floral displays, cascading staircases and

impactful entrances. These have been both encouraged by

the Pinterest imagery and public events such as Harry and

Meghan’s wedding.

Enabled by the community of florists over Instagram, there is

now a drive towards eco-friendly floristry. The movement away

from floral foam to water-sourced mechanics in all structures is

crucial. As is the use of recyclable vessels

such as glass rather than disposable

plastics trays. Flowers being wrapped

in paper rather than plastic sleeves are

also helping to improve the industry’s

ecological footprint.

As important is the

provenance of the flowers.

There are British flower

farms popping up all over

the country, alongside

sourcing flowers from

reputable wholesalers,

and Fair Trade. I, like many

florists, have a little cutting

patch, where l produce a

few blooms which don’t

travel well.

Changes are usually seen

most quickly in London, with top florists being at the forefront

of the huge installations or new foam-free mechanics, yet

with Dorset and Somerset now a major wedding venue

destination, these hot topics are on our doorstep.

Caroline can be found on Instagram @fleur_provocateur,

or her website www.fleurprovocateur.co.uk.

Photographs by Katharine Davies

16

Beautiful Barns

We specialise in bringing barn conversion projects to the property market.

Having just completed her own, Annabel Douglas shares her top tips

Project management

Seeing your project evolve is rewarding

but the whole build process is very

fluid, with constant compromises and

decisions being required. Unless you

employ a project manager, prepare to get

very involved. Know your strengths and

weaknesses, and get help if necessary.

Services

Electricity, water and drainage – these

should be your first consideration. If you

can access mains services, life will be so

much easier. Installation can be costly and

a project in itself.

Phone lines are another issue. I am yet to

get a landline due to technical difficulties

with the supplier being unable to locate

my property! Thank goodness for mobiles.

Community Infrastructure

Levy

Assuming planning has been secured, it is

important to be aware of the Community

Infrastructure Levy which some councils

apply to barn conversions. Self-build

exemptions are available but must be

applied for prior to commencing work –

check with your council.

Building regulations

We’re talking health and safety, asbestos

surveys and insurance. Ensure you are

up to speed with requirements. You can

apply to your council direct or employ a

firm to oversee building regulations for

you. Look into both options as they vary in

cost and method.

Security

Unfortunately, rural crime is prevalent. I

was reminded of this the first week of my

build when an extension cable was stolen

one night. After this, everything was either

locked up or tied down. Materials and

equipment are expensive; you don’t want

to have to replace them.

Prepare yourself for a

challenging ride full of

extreme highs and lows

Finding a builder and good

contractors

Personal recommendations are very

important. Choose carefully and expect to

wait for the best people to be available.

Going bespoke

I love my barn’s bespoke features – the

green oak beams, sliding outer door,

limestone floor – but each part made the

build more complicated and costly.

It is important to ensure the design is

practical. My metal roof looks great, but

is noisy when it rains. And my brother

was right when he said oak bi-fold doors

would be awkward due to the wood

warping.

Only go bespoke where it is really

necessary or makes a difference. My

kitchen was from a

large DIY retailer but

the bespoke worktop

makes people think it

is high end.

Landscaping

Check any landscaping planning

conditions and make sure they are

adhered to; then prepare for another

project. Colour chart for gravel, anyone?

VAT

You currently only have to pay 5% VAT

on certain items relating to your barn

conversion. It is therefore essential to

gather all receipts and claim within the

designated timeframe as this can be a

large saving.

Time and money

Unless you are really organised and/

or lucky, you will require more than

originally planned. Make sure you have a

contingency fund.

The end result

Was it hard work? Yes – I’m not going

to lie! Prepare yourself for a challenging

ride full of extreme highs and lows.

Was it worth it? Definitely yes. I love my

barn and the fact every element reflects

my taste. It’s my own mini ‘Grand Design’

in the Dorset countryside, with room for

a pony.

Annabel Douglas MRICS FAAV

Planning/Rural Surveyor Bridport

adouglas@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01308 422092

17

Let’s Hang

Out Together

Bats and other protected species

may affect your planning application.

Annabel Douglas explains how to

minimise disruption

Vampires were a childhood fear so I have been rather

unlucky to be woken up in three different houses

with a bat flying around my bedroom! Despite

screaming hysterically with a duvet over my head,

I am pleased to report none of them bit me and, as a result, I

am now rather fond of bats and find them quite fascinating.

In the UK there are 18 different species of bat. Bats are

nocturnal and use sound to navigate to detect obstacles in

flight, find their way into roosts and forage for food – a trick

called echolocation.

Bats and their roosts are protected by law. It is illegal to

damage, destroy or disturb any bats or roosts without official

consent. A roost is “any place that a wild bat uses for shelter

or protection and the roost is protected whether bats are

present or not”.

Bats and other protected species should be considered

when undertaking development work. Depending on the

type of development proposed, the local council will require

an ecology survey to be undertaken by a qualified licensed

environmental consultant.

Surveys should be carried out at the optimum time of year

when species are most active. If species are located, it may be

necessary to undertake further surveys. The consultant will

then prepare a report and biodiversity mitigation plan which

will suggest suitable measures; this will then be agreed by the

council. For bats these could include bat boxes, incorporation

of existing roosts into new buildings and bat barns/houses.

Not all species are fortunate enough to enjoy legal

protection. West European Hedgehogs are listed as a UK

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority species as there has

been a noticeable decline in hedgehog numbers in recent

years. The BAP list is still used to inform wildlife priorities at

various levels of governance across the UK, although it has

been superseded.

Give nature a home

While developers are obliged

to provide mitigation

measures for protected

species, it is important we

try to give all nature a home,

protected or otherwise.

Bat boxes and hedgehog

houses make a nice addition

to any outdoor space and

there are a range of designs

available. Sadly we can’t

guarantee a swift ‘sale’ to the

first bat or hedgehog. As

with all real estate, location,

location, location is vitally

important and, just like

humans, animals can be very

picky!

Bat box – Blackdown Wood Crafts

The UK has a number of protected

species which need to be considered

in the planning process

• Great crested newts

• Badgers

• Bats

• Hazel or common dormice

• Water voles

• Otters

• Wild birds

• Reptiles

• Protected plants

• White-clawed crayfish

• Invertebrates

• Freshwater fish

• Natterjack toads

• Ancient woodland

and veteran trees

Hedgehog house – Blackdown Wood Crafts

Annabel Douglas MRICS FAAV

Planning/Rural Surveyor Axminster

adouglas@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01297 33122

18

No Bees,

No Honey,

No Work,

No Money

Tessa Tidman and Nick Rymer enjoy

the buzz of beekeeping

Have you ever considered donning a stylish

yet practical beekeeping suit, lighting up

a smoker and harvesting honey? Well, you

should!

There is nothing more satisfying than

keeping your own bees, but to a novice

it can seem daunting. Panic not! There

is a wealth of information and help out

there.

Across the UK, there is a network

of beekeeping associations ready to

help you kick start your hobby. In Dorset alone there are five

associations – Dorchester and Weymouth, Blandford and

Sturminster Newton, East Dorset, Sherborne and West Dorset

– and they are all happy to help.

Location, location, location

If you’ve decided beekeeping is something you’d like to try,

then first you must determine where to locate your hive.

Bee hives can be found in all sorts of locations, from fields

to rooftops, but there are a few key considerations to ensure

your bees are happy and productive – giving them enough

clearance to exit and enter the hive, keeping them in dappled

sunlight to avoid overheating in summer, and of course

ensuring you can easily access it to harvest your honey.

All the gear

Once you have found the perfect spot, you will need to kit

yourself out with the necessary tools for the job. This can be

expensive, but you can pick up some second hand bargains at

local auctions or online.

The essentials include:

• Suit – don’t forget gloves

• Hive and frames

• Smoker

• A hive tool

Bees from Buckfast Abbey in

Devon are known for being

happy and docile

Once you have all the kit, you’ll need some bees. It is possible

to set up a bait hive during the spring, but a safer option would

be to order a nucleus from a reputable supplier. Bees from

Buckfast Abbey in Devon are known for being happy and docile.

An alternative and cheaper option is to add your name to

your local beekeeping association’s

swarm list. During the swarming season

(May to July), they will receive numerous

calls from members of the public asking

them to remove rogue swarms. At this

point, they will call those members who

have registered for a swarm and deliver it to your door. A word

of caution – a colony that has swarmed can be more aggressive

and difficult to handle for a beginner.

Harvest your honey

Once you have your bees, you will have to wait a little before

you can reap the rewards. As such, you shouldn’t take any honey

in the first year as the colony will need food for the coming

winter. Bees will cover a wide area to gather pollen – up to three

miles. So your surroundings will have a direct impact on flavour,

texture and colour.

Now, for the most exciting part – harvesting that honey. A

word of advice: your kitchen might get sticky. If you’re lucky

enough to have runny honey, you can pop the frames into the

honey extractor and voila! The honey can be easily decanted

into jars ready to eat.

If, however, your bees have a taste for heather, you may have

to eat the honey straight off the comb as it will be too thick to

remove from your frames.

Breakfast will never be the same again!

Tessa Tidman MRICS & Nick Rymer MRICS FAAV

Rural Surveyors Wimborne

ttidman@symondsandsampson.co.uk

nrymer@@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01202 843190

19

The Great Escape

A-J Monro is a respected Partner of the firm, manages two of our offices and is a star

of the agricultural valuers scene – but he’s being put to the test by his runaway pigs

In 2018, my family and I purchased our ‘forever

home’ at Affpuddle. The property had a gently

sloping lawn which appeared to be mainly formed

of moss, weed and ivy. It was evident that drastic

action was required to bring it back to life. My wife bravely

suggested pigs were the answer;

A-J, we’ve had a call from

your neighbour to say pigs

are currently running

around his garden

our lives have never been the same.

When I was growing up, I

was surrounded by arable farms

and horses – thereby hands-on

experience with livestock was quite

limited.

Having undertaken what we thought was an adequate

job of fencing the front lawn with old equine electric tape,

we purchased our first five pigs – rare breed Mangalitsa,

a Hungarian pig which is part boar and resembles a cross

between a sheep and a pig with a coarse but very curly coat.

Within 10 minutes of arriving, our five little pigs proved that

old equine electric tape was ineffective against their strong

will and thick coats. Passing traffic would have seen my wife,

myself, our two children and Duncan Joynt (a local contractor

and farmer) dashing about trying to herd these speedy

woollen tanks back into their makeshift paddock. New electric

fencing tape was required.

Not content with just five Mangalitsa pigs, we then

acquired three Oxford Sandy and Blacks to join the team,

who settled in relatively quickly once the pecking order was

established.

After two months, the moss-covered lawn was more akin to

a very badly ploughed field. As a result, a portion of one of the

fields was professionally fenced out to provide a permanent

pig paddock. This seemed ideal; “no getting out of there” we

naively said.

Unfortunately it appears the paddock was not sufficiently

stockproof, as a message from one of my colleagues proved: “A-J,

we’ve had a call from your neighbour to say pigs are currently

running around his garden.”

A frantic dash home revealed that the pigs had done the limbo

under part of an old fence. My neighbour politely

pointed out that pigs particularly liked rose bushes!

We have endured a further two or three escape

attempts by these fluffy bullets. They appear to

have speed and stamina to put a serious runner to

shame. Sadly, I do not! As a result, four of the chief

troublemakers are now in piggy heaven.

We have now taken on five Tangalitsas. This is a cross between

Mangalitsa and Tamworth and gives a very attractive ginger pig

which appears to be even more determined to escape. Ours can

extract themselves from a field through an apparently nonexistent

hole.

Having now reached the end of our first summer at Affpuddle,

we are branching out further as my wife kindly gave me three

Ruby Red Devon cows which will bring the sum total of animals

(including chickens, dogs, pigs and cattle) on the holding to

roughly 130 legs.

In January 2020 one of our Mangalitsa’s gave birth to four

piglets, the father being our Tangalitsa boar, so this number will

continue to rise, I am sure.

There is one particular phrase that Duncan Joynt said to me

when we were discussing breeds of cattle and pigs: “There’s a

reason they are rare breeds.”

A-J Monro MRICS FAAV

Partner Wimborne

amonro@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01202 843190

20

Your Tax

Planning

Toolkit

We look at the advantages of holding commercial property in your pension

Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) and Small

Self-Administered Schemes (SSASs) are Governmentapproved

pension schemes which enable individuals

and companies to manage their own investments

within their pension fund.

They offer a range of investment opportunities, including

commercial property and land holdings, and may even borrow

to fund those investments.

Commercial real estate such as

Holding property in a

Self-Invested Pension

could help to reduce your

Inheritance Tax exposure

retail, industrial or office buildings

are often held within pension

funds to ‘hedge’ against inflation,

helping the value of your pension

pot and retirement income keep

pace with the rising costs of living.

The advantages of holding

commercial property in your pension can go well beyond

hedging against inflation, as Peter Noble, rural tax adviser at Old

Mill, explains: “For commercial property owners looking to build

a pension pot or to preserve the value of their property across

multiple generations, SIPPs and SASSs can be a great addition

to the tax planning toolkit.”

Some of the ongoing tax benefits are well known:

• Rental income and capital growth of assets in a pension

fund are free from both Income and Capital Gains Tax

(CGT).

• Better still, where the pension’s assets are used in your

own business, the market rent paid to the pension fund is

allowable as a deduction against your business profits.

Holding property in a Self-Invested Pension could also help to

reduce your Inheritance Tax (IHT) exposure.

“Let’s say that you hold a property in your estate that is not

expected to qualify for IHT reliefs,” explains Peter. “Your executors

could face an IHT charge of up to 40% of the property’s value at

your date of death. Gifting the property to a family member or

trust could help to reduce that IHT charge, possibly even to nil,

but are you happy to lose control of the property?”

Peter continues, “One alternative would be to hold the

property in a SIPP or SSAS. This would allow you to retain

control, to benefit from the rental income over the course of

your lifetime, and to pass the pension fund to a nominated

beneficiary on death completely free of IHT. In certain

circumstances there could also be Income Tax benefits for your

beneficiaries when they come to take the pension.”

As with any tax planning, your individual circumstances need

to be carefully considered. However, for a taxpayer with the

right set of circumstances, holding property in a SIPP or SSAS

can be very beneficial indeed.

Old Mill provides administration and accounting for pension

schemes and is able to offer technical and

investment advice.

Symonds & Sampson’s

commercial property services

Symonds & Sampson are able to assist in

providing formal Red Book valuations for

both SIPP and SSAS purposes as well as other

tax-related matters. In addition, we offer a number of other

commercial property services including:

• Commercial Agency

• Commercial Property Management

• Landlord and Tenant Matters

• Commercial Lease Advisory

George Rogers BSc MRICS


grogers@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01935 382904

Charlie Snow BSc


csnow@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01935 423526

Ryan Holmes AssocRICS MARLA

Commercial Dorchester

rholmes@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01305 261008

Peter Noble

Old Mill Accountants

peter.noble@cm.uk

01935 709423

21

Diversify

for Success

Inheriting a country estate may sound like a dream come true, but what about

the upkeep? The owners of Stock Gaylard found they had to get creative

Andy and Josie Langmead and their three

children moved to Stock Gaylard Estate near

Kings Stag in 2002 when

it passed to them from

Josie’s step-grandfather, Colonel Yeatman.

The house dates back 300 years and

the parish church within the grounds to

the 13 th century. The estate itself is noted

in history well before the 15 th century and is now some 1,800

acres of farmland, woodland and the deer park, with much of it

designated a Site of Scientific Interest (SSI).

The Langmeads’ main

ethos is the preservation and

conservation of the grounds

and its features, as well as

the historic property that

comes with it. This is not a

cheap business and so their

diversification businesses

were born.

From just a handful of

stalls, the event has grown

to be quite the show

The fair was an idea borne out of Andy’s passion for

conservation and the remarkable Crusader Oak which lies at the

Everybody yurts

heart of the fair and is believed to be over

700 years old, named after the Crusader

buried in the church at around the same

time. The fair also features the ancient Oak

Avenue that runs through the park.

While juggling the growing fair, the Langmeads also decided

to establish a glamping business and the estate now has four

off-grid glamping sites, all at least half a mile from each other so

guests are left totally undisturbed.

Uniquely, they offer private sites for large groups with a large

communal area, proper kitchen facilities and private bathroom

just for the group. All the sites run totally on solar power for the

lights, fridges and other electricals; gas bottles provide cooking

and instantly warm showers, but guests’ favourite is the woodfired

open-air bath.

Fair deal

Alongside the more usual means of revenue, including

property rentals and farm tenancies, is the Oak Fair which Andy

introduced 15 years ago.

From just a handful of stalls, the event has grown to be quite

the show. In 2019, around 11,000 people flowed through the

gates over the two days. With over 250 exhibitors, arena shows

including heavy horses, falconry and lumber jacking, a fabulous

food market, tree climbing, archery and axe throwing, it is

becoming a popular destination.

Pub and grub

As if this wasn’t enough, the summer of 2019 saw the

Langmeads purchase and renovate The Green Man pub in

Kings Stag, headed up by son, Jack. The pub not only gives

glampers a lovely local, but can be used as an outlet for some of

the farm’s meat and venison from the deer park.

The estate’s latest plan is to hold an Obstacle Mud Run in

spring 2020 so watch this space!

Immy Robinson

office@stockgaylard.com

01963 23511

22

Planning

Ahead

Expert guidance makes all the

difference when it comes to

maximising planning opportunities and

our qualified staff are ready to help

Class R conversions

Class Q permitted development enables a simplified

approach to converting agricultural buildings to dwellings, an

opportunity that many farmers have capitalised on. But have

you ever come across Class R?

Class R is the lesser known alternative that enables the

conversion of qualifying agricultural buildings to flexible

commercial use, including Class A1 (shops), Class A2 (financial

and professional services), Class A3 (restaurants and cafés),

Class B1 (business), Class B8 (storage or distribution), Class C1

(hotels) and Class D2 (assembly and leisure).

Under Class R, the building must have been used solely

for the purpose of agriculture on an established agricultural

unit since 3 July 2012, or when it was last in use. Any building

brought into use after this date will only qualify if it has been

maintained in that use for a minimum of 10 years.

The cumulative floor space to be converted must not

exceed 500m 2 . The building must not be used as a military

explosives storage area or safety hazard area; it must not be

listed, and it must not be a scheduled monument.

Finally, depending on the size of the building you wish

to convert, the 56-day notice to establish if prior approval is

required may not always be needed.

It must be noted that Class R only allows for the ‘change

of use’ element and does not cover any operational

development required to convert a building, so planning

permission is required if you need to make any alterations to

the external appearance of the unit.

So why convert a farm building under Class R and not

Class Q? There is one key difference: the ability to utilise your

Class R permitted development rights in designated areas

such as AONB and National Parks where the use of Class Q is

prohibited.

There are, of course, other factors such as location, local

demand and financial issues when considering the route of

Class R. However, in a time of uncertainty in agriculture, it is

important to identify opportunities to maximise the potential

in an asset and explore alternative – potentially lucrative –

income streams.

Permitted development rights

The aim of the General Permitted Development Order 2015

(GPDO) – otherwise referred to as permitted development – is

to speed up the planning process and ultimately deliver more

housing to the UK’s under-supplied residential market.

The GPDO lists a number of conditions which a proposed

development must fulfil, and gives local authorities a say on

some aspects of design and siting. However, because of the

speed in which a local planning authority must respond,

usually 30 days, and the legislative powers which permitted

development provides to the developer, this can be a

challenge.

It is the responsibility of local government, developers

and real estate professionals to produce buildings which are

attractive and form the basis of a home.

I am pleased to say that Symonds & Sampson has been

involved in a number of projects which seek to promote

a good standard of living, such as Court Ash in Yeovil

which saw an unused office building converted under the

GPDO into contemporary apartments, offering a variety of

accommodation which is both affordable and high quality.

It shows that permitted development can provide good

quality housing by repurposing old and tired buildings.

Annie Helliwell BSc Hons MRICS FAAV

Rural Surveyor Salisbury

ahelliwell@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01722 334323

23

RESIDENTIAL

AND LETTINGS

We delve into the history of the picture

postcard, the delights of the daily commute,

and the story behind Sherborne’s Pageant

Gardens. There’s a shout-out for heritage

buildings, the joy of fishing, and the milestones

that mark our highways and byways. We

discover what it takes to open your garden

for charity, how S&S supported our troops

in WWI, and conduct a straw poll on thatch.

There’s food for thought in Weymouth, military

memories in Fontmell Magna and Wellington,

and a round-up of smart home technology.

We review another good year for property

sales, and forecast lucrative opportunities for

investors in commercial property. Our lettings

team consider the merits of residential and

holiday lets, give us an insight into a day in the

life of a property inspector, and reveal their top

picks from a bumper crop of lettings.

t Winter by Annie Taylor,

www.annie-taylor.com

Wish You

Were Here

Jane Moir traces the history of

the picture postcard

It is some years since the BBC would broadcast

an SOS message, after the shipping forecast and

before the news, asking someone to contact their

relative usually because someone was gravely ill.

The person would invariably be on holiday in Britain or

France where the longwave signal could be picked up.

Now with constant contact through mobile phones and

emails there is no need for these irregular BBC messages.

I was thinking about this when looking through the rack

of postcards on holiday in Cornwall because until recently

this would have been the most popular way of sending a

written message to family and friends, and I wondered when

it started.

Early days

Postcard collectors, or deltiologists,

can tell you it began in 1870 when the

Post Office produced plain cards with a

stamp, but it took 14 years for the first

picture postcard to appear.

Cheeky designs

Look around your local

house clearance auction

or flea market and you are

bound to see postcards

Having been brought up in the Carry On film era, my eyes are

drawn to the saucy postcards. These began distribution in the

1930s and at their peak 16 million were sold in a year.

They were often a little tacky, relying on the innuendo

involving big-busted ladies and put-upon husbands. The

Government of the day, concerned

about falling moral standards, cracked

down on the rudest and it was not

until the 1960s, possibly because

Hattie Jacques and Sid James and their

double entendres were popular at the

cinema, that they made a revival.

Many saucy postcards are, naturally, not appropriate today

but should we take them for what they are? Is it part of our

national history and our DNA?

Look around your local house clearance auction or flea

market and you are bound to see postcards from this era

showing not only the seaside but also cities and places

abroad.

Many were printed during the First World War with a studio

portrait of a soldier, and the first humorous cartoons appeared

to keep people’s spirits up.

The rather risqué postcards of the Victorian era featured

scantily clad ladies or tastefully posed nudes in diaphanous

drapes and were considered rather daring at that time but

would probably not raise disapproving eyebrows today.

Social media shake-up

I chatted to the woman in the shop and asked whether

she sells many saucy postcards these days. “I hardly sell any

postcards, full stop,” she replied and we discussed social media

sites like Instagram.

“People used to send postcards when they were on holiday

but now they just post ‘happy’ pictures from their phones

several times a day.

“After all, who can be bothered to write to one person

when a tweet of 140 characters will say all that’s needed to

not just one friend, but hundreds?”

With an interest in all things vintage, her comments gave

me cause to reflect on how times have changed so that many

traditions and memories of my childhood are being rapidly

replaced by modern technology and the internet. When was

the last time you sent a postcard?

Jane Moir MNAEA

Residential Wimborne

jmoir@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01202 843190

26

The Daily

Commute

Would girl-about-town Milly English swap

The London Office for the delights of Dorset?

At a Symonds & Sampson property forum at The

London Office, I spoke to a man about why he

wanted to move out of London and he just said:

“The commute.”

I understood what he meant as I

remembered how I had fought through

the crowds of workers, tourists and

day trippers that morning as I travelled

underneath our wonderful capital to get

to work.

Apparently, Londoners spend more

time commuting to work than anywhere else in the UK –

sometimes it feels like it.

I seem to see the same people every day. The sprinters

hurrying to get somewhere quicker than anyone else – are they

perpetually late or did they hate the train journey as much as

the rest of us and just can’t wait to get out?

The people lost in their

music or podcasts making

a last-minute lunge for the

doors, assuming they can

push past the door huggers

who block everyone’s way,

even though they have a

seven-stop ride.

Those who balance

themselves, almost afraid to

touch anything in case they pick up germs, and the others who

cling on to the central poles, making it almost impossible to

grab a stabilising force that is not human.

Then there’s the heat and random blasts of hot air and smoke

that gust through the thoroughfares as we are taken into the

bowels of the city.

On a beautiful day, however, nothing can be as uplifting

I had fought through the

crowds that morning as

I travelled underneath

our wonderful capital

to get to work

as a walk from a few stops before the usual exit, through the

parks and along the streets where the shops yawn, stretch and

prepare for the day ahead.

Surely our prospective escapee will

miss all this? He looked past me and

recalled visiting a friend on the Dorset/

Devon border earlier in the year.

“I woke up at 6am wondering why it

was so quiet; no roaring traffic, banging

of car doors or wailing sirens. My friend

made his wife a cup of tea and then we

walked the dogs for three miles over the fields without seeing

another soul.

“After breakfast and a shower, I drove with him to his office

– through the winding lanes enjoying the primroses, bluebells

and the waft of wild garlic as it drifted through my open

window. I glanced over the open fields and saw the morning

sun dancing on the sea and reminded myself to walk

along the beach after lunch so that I could inhale the

sea air and look at the Jurassic coast. The radio traffic

report warned listeners about tailbacks on the M25

and I felt very smug! His commute was 12 minutes.”

He was sold on the idea of moving out of London

and I introduced him to one of the Symonds &

Sampson team who was soon seducing him with a

number of beautiful properties.

To borrow from Daphne du Maurier: Dorset is “a

thing of grace and beauty, exquisite and faultless”, but I’m not

ready for the big move yet!

Milly English

The London Office

milly@tlo.co.uk

020 7839 0888

27

The Pageant

Gardens at

Sherborne

Andy Wakinshaw, residential partner in

our Sherborne office, recounts the story

of the town’s Pageant Gardens

Sherborne was founded in 705AD and, at one point,

it was the capital of the Kingdom of Wessex. King

Alfred’s brothers Ethelbert and Ethelbald were

buried in the town’s abbey. The 12 th century saw

the creation of a romantic castle, and in the 16 th century

Sherborne was home to a glorious Tudor mansion built by Sir

Walter Raleigh.

When, in 1904, Canon Mayo of the nearby Longburton

village informed the Church Council that the town’s 1200th

anniversary was approaching, it was decided that it would be

fitting to have a local ecclesiastical celebration.

Pomp and pageantry

An ex-Sherborne schoolmaster was a

renowned playwright and he staged

a theatrical spectacle – ‘the mother of

all pageants’ – with a cast of 900.

The pageant took place in the

ruins of the 12 th century castle and

consisted of 11 episodes, beginning

with the coming of Ealdhelm in 705

and ending with a visit from Sir Walter Raleigh in 1593.

In between, the whole story of Sherborne was told,

from intense battles with Danish marauders in 845 and the

imposition of the Benedictine Order on greedy drunken

monks in 998, to the foundation of the 12 th century castle and

the receiving of the school’s charter in 1550.

Religious themes and lessons loomed large, unsurprising

due to the pageant’s origins, as did the notion of a Merry Olde

England, complete with maypoles and Morris dancing.

The pageant made a

case for remembering

Sherborne’s role in the

larger life of the nation

Local history was joined to the history of England with

the arrival of kings and noble figures, as the pageant made a

case for remembering Sherborne’s role in the larger life of the

nation.

Garden delights

The present Pageant Gardens in the

town are situated close to the railway

and opposite Digby House, just a few

hundred yards from our office.

This two-acre garden, with bandstand, was designed in

1905 by FW Mayer

for Veitch and

Son of Exeter. The

land was donated

by Colonel F

Wingfield Digby

in memory of

his father. The

money raised at

the mother of all

pageants contributed towards the landscaping.

Well worth a visit on a sunny afternoon and ideal for quiet

contemplation, this lovely garden is an oasis of calm.

Andy Wakinshaw

Residential Partner Sherborne

awakinshaw@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01935 814488

28

Better by Design

Chris Drake, residential manager of our Sherborne office, on the importance of

preserving and enhancing our wonderful towns and villages

T

he post of housing minister is a little bit like

pass the parcel but we would hope that, once

the music stops, the better policy ideas are

unwrapped and then passed along to ensure that

they become law.

One of the better ideas is the National Design Code which

will encourage greater community involvement in shaping

new homes and creating the kinds of places in which people

genuinely want to live. It will illustrate how well-designed

places that are beautiful, enduring

and successful can be achieved in

practice

The idea is that there will be a

presumption in favour of homes on

streets – with front doors, quality

facades, roofs complying with local

tradition, and respecting concerns for local vernacular and

heritage. And a presumption, for the first time, in favour of

tree-lined streets.

Similarly, the Future Homes Standard will ensure gold

standards for sustainable, environmentally friendly homes

which, like our garden cities of the past, will actually stand

the test of time. Every new home from 2025 will have lowor

zero-carbon emissions and the highest levels of energy

efficiency.

Local heroes

There is also talk of a Heritage Preservation Campaign where

local communities and heritage groups will be encouraged

to get far more involved in identifying the historic buildings in

their area so they can be central to the process of recognising,

defining and protecting the buildings they truly value.

It will see local people coming forward to nominate the

buildings and community assets they cherish – protecting

them for future generations. The Government will be backing

It will illustrate how places

that are beautiful, enduring

and successful can be

achieved in practice

this programme with £700,000 of investment – giving

counties the tools, funding and expertise they need.

This builds on the £95m that the Government announced

in 2019 to unlock the economic potential of 69 historic high

streets to ensure that these important places can be refreshed

and renewed.

At the heart of this will be local people, as well as a new

team of heritage activists, who will be working across

England to find these buildings and get them listed, locally or

nationally, as soon as possible.

Environmental focus

This will go hand in hand with

Government plans to protect the

planet, as there is more recognition

that we must be building to last.

Research shows that the construction, demolition and

excavation of old homes generates around three-fifths of total

UK non-hazardous waste every year.

Developers are rediscovering the value in the renovation and

refurbishment of Victorian terraces. Like the Welsh Streets

of Liverpool – streets that were under serious and needless

threat of being knocked down. These are now in a new wave

of regeneration and renewal.

The housing ministry also need to be ambitious, creative and

imaginative in repurposing commercial and public buildings.

This all sounds rather exciting but how long will a housing

minister stay in post? There have been 16 since 2000 but let

us hope that the music keeps playing and we can see these

exciting ideas come to fruition.

Chris Drake MNAEA

Residential Manager Sherborne

cdrake@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01935 814488

29

Gone

Fishing

Jeremy Smith, residential partner in our

Yeovil office, recalls the thrill of the catch

My father was, and

indeed still is, a

very passionate

fisherman so I guess

I was always destined to follow in his

footsteps – my mother has a photo of

me digging for worms for bait at the

age of three! My very first fish was a

small perch, just a few ounces, and I’ve

never looked back.

As a ninth birthday treat, my father

took me fly fishing. We fished a water

called Peckhams Copse in Sussex and

during this trip I had my very first take

on a fly rod. I was hooked, excuse the

pun, on this form of fishing.

In the mid-1980s we moved to

Dorset and very soon I was into beach

casting and fishing for cod and bass.

After some years, the lure of the fly

returned and I started fishing locally in

the trout lakes at Pallington, Flowers

Farm and Tolpuddle.

I had my first double-figure trout at

Tolpuddle and in 1995 caught the lake

record rainbow trout at 15lb 10oz, which I understand still

stands to this day.

I developed a passion for “stalking” big trout at waters such

as Dever Springs, Avington and Lechlade. My current brown

trout record is 17Ib 1oz, while the rainbow best is 18Ib 2oz.

Around 2008, I decided to combine my passion for fishing

with travel, and have been fortunate to visit Thailand, Egypt,

Belize, Australia, Florida Keys, Canada and Gambia where

My very first fish was a small

perch, just a few ounces,

and I’ve never looked back

I’ve caught all sorts of exotic fish of all

shapes and sizes. I have a trip booked to

Texas to fish for alligator gar in July 2020.

At home I have a very tolerant

partner and have many fishing pictures

up!

People often ask me to name my

favourite catch, which is always difficult

as they all meant different things to

me. The biggest fish I have caught is a

440lb arapaima in Thailand. But If I had

to pick one fish that I would catch again

it would be the 350lb sturgeon from

Canada which was, as the Canadians

would say, “awesome!”

I have also recently been fishing for

sharks out of Falmouth on very light

tackle, which is great sport and all fish

are boated, unhooked and returned

extremely quickly.

The boat I fish with now offers

diving cages to watch these amazing

blue sharks as conservation is hugely

important to the fishing family.

Even now I will occasionally go down

to a local pond just to float-fish for rudd or roach as, even at

50 years old, seeing that float go under makes me feel like a

little boy again!

Jeremy Smith MNAEA

Residential Partner Yeovil

jsmith@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01935 423526

30

Marking

the Miles

For the eagle-eyed traveller along Britain’s

highways and byways, milestones provide a

fascinating link to the past, says Richard Taylor

Have you ever wondered why there is a

milestone beside a road in the middle of

nowhere? A milestone is one of a series of

numbered markers placed along a road or

boundary at intervals of one mile or occasionally, parts of a

mile; typically sited at the side of a road.

They were essential way points in times when maps were

rare and travel was on foot or horseback. They gave guidance

to travellers, assuring them that they were on the right route

and showing the distance to their destination.

The Romans first defined the centre of Imperial Rome with

the Golden Milestone (hence the saying “all roads lead to

Rome”) and milestones were originally obelisks made from

granite, marble or other local stone.

The Romans built roads to enable

soldiers with their equipment and

provisions to cross the country faster;

they measured distance to assist

timing and efficiency, placing a large

stone as a distance marker every

thousandth double-step. Latin for

thousand is ‘mille’ and the distance was 1,620 yards.

Post the Roman era, roads were constructed to meet

local needs but over the years roads fell into disrepair. An

Act of Parliament in 1555 made local parishes responsible

for maintaining them and later in the 16 th century, with the

advent of Royal Mail, staging points focused attention on the

road again.

They were essential way

points in times when maps

were rare and travel was on

foot or horseback

The 1,760-yard statute mile was introduced in 1593

although the length of ‘miles’ varied across the country so a

system of accurately measured mile markers was necessary.

From the 1700s, Turnpike Trusts were set up to build

stretches of road paid for by the levying of tolls at a series of

turnpike gates. From the late 1700s, milestones were placed

on all turnpike roads to mark miles,

thus informing travellers of distance

and direction to their destination

and also to assist coaches to keep

to schedule and change horses at

coaching points.

Cerne Abbas had numerous

coaching inns, being on the coaching route from Dorchester

to Sherborne. There is a milestone on the edge of the village,

on the original route.

The advent of the railway eventually brought about the

demise of many coaching inns and consigned the turnpike

system to history, contributing in large measure to the

bankruptcy of a number of the trusts.

Milestones were superseded by taller posts which were

deemed more suited to faster, motorised road transport.

Today, milestones are used as references by maintenance

engineers and emergency services to direct them to specific

points where their presence is required.

In the UK there are driver location signs placed every 500

metres along each side of a motorway and on some other

major roads.

Richard Taylor FRICS

Partner Dorchester

rtaylor@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01305 756967

31

Open

Gardens

There’s more to taking part in the National Garden Scheme than just weeding the

borders and throwing open the gates, as Phillipa Sage discovered at her patch

– The Hay Barn in Kingstone, Ilminster

Georgie Wakinshaw speaks to Phillipa about

opening her gardens for the first time in 2019.

You took part in the NGS scheme for the first time in 2019.

What made you decide to apply?

A dear friend, who has now sadly

passed away, used to open her garden

in Dowlish Wake. We used to swap

plants and enjoy gardening. Even while

seriously ill she nagged me to open my

garden and so one day, while visiting

another NGS garden I plucked up the

courage and picked up the leaflet.

How long was it from first deciding to take part to actually

opening the garden?

In July 2018 the local co-ordinator came to visit my garden and

I was delighted when she thought it was suitable. I then had to

formally enter my garden by the October in order to get it in the

Yellow Book for 2019.

How would you describe your garden in

terms of style?

A formal cottage garden wrapping around

a barn conversion, with lots of paths inviting

you to wander through the various areas.

These include dry areas with droughtresistant

plants, perennial borders and a

working area with cut-flower beds.

How many helping hands

did it take on the day?

Two on the car park, two on

the entrance gate, one selling

plants, and five people on a

rota for the tea and cake stall

What was the hardest thing about opening the garden?

The practicalities of getting it ready. It was pretty much non-stop

from spring through to summer, but a good friend who is the

garden manager at RHS Hyde Hall came down to help and also

six wonderful friends and colleagues with whom I have been

taking my RHS qualifications all did some hard labour in return

for lunch!

Were you anxious?

Despite all our hard work I naturally worried it was good enough.

I’d also made sure we had some aerial photos of the barn and

gardens, some before the farm was converted into houses,

and people remarked on how much it had been transformed.

Bearing in mind it was designed by my late-husband Roger, it

really felt like he was here with us throughout the day.

What was the most enjoyable part about

opening the garden?

I thought I might not like feeling “on show”

but I chatted to so many people and really

enjoyed myself.

What is your favourite part of the garden?

The trio of silver birch and bench at the

back of the garden.

Are there any bits you don’t like very much?!

Yes! My driveway has far too much gravel and I’d like to take part

of it to use as a Mediterranean-style garden with herbs including

rosemary and thyme, and verbena.

Anything you’d do differently next time?

Don’t order so many scones! Everyone offered to

make cakes and I kept saying yes, but it’s so easy to

over-cater and I now have a freezer full of scones

and clotted cream.

Do you know how much you raised?

Our first day in July raised an amazing £1,207.

Will you do it again?

Absolutely!

What would you say to anyone who is interested in opening

their own garden?

Do it. You meet some wonderful people and learn so much too.

If you are interested in opening your own garden, more

information can be downloaded from the National Garden

Scheme at www.ngs.org.uk

Georgie Wakinshaw BSc

Residential Ilminster

gwakinshaw@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01460 200790

32

Frontline

Fundraising

Anabel Merriman on how our firm

helped support the troops in WWI

At the outbreak of the first world war, the Soldiers,

Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA)

was the only charity set up to care for the

families of servicemen.

Just days after the start of the war, the Government called

upon the charity to help ensure families were not left to

struggle by the departure of men heading to the front. Within

a few weeks, the charity had grown from 7,000 volunteers to

more than 50,000.

After the first 15 months of the war, more than £5m had

been raised by The Prince of Wales’ National Relief Fund. Our

firm held auctions to raise funds, and soldiers and families were

grateful and reliant on this charity and upon the Red Cross.

Voluntary aid

Members of the British Red Cross and

the Order of St John were organised

into Voluntary Aid Detachments (VADs).

All members were trained in first

aid and some trained in nursing, cookery,

hygiene and sanitation. The majority of

female VADs volunteered as nurses, trained

by the Red Cross. They were dispatched

throughout the UK and Europe during the

conflict.

During the war, they supplied auxiliary

hospitals and convalescent homes for

wounded servicemen. Many people offered

their properties to the cause. Hospitals were

set up in town halls, elementary schools, and

private houses.

Red Cross working parties throughout the

country organised the supply of clothing

for soldiers in hospital. They also made vital

hospital items such as bandages, splints, swabs and clothing.

Their work was coordinated by The Central Work Rooms.

Fund raising

We have found a unique record of how our firm helped raise

funds in 1916 which included coordinating the British Farmers’

Red Cross Fund in an appeal to raise £500,000.

The collecting cards have the name of the collector and

details that it is an appeal for sick and wounded soldiers. It was

We have found a unique

record of how our firm helped

raise funds in 1916

not only money that was given, and it is quite touching to see

how everyone was prepared to do their bit, however small.

Some donated as little as two shillings and sixpence, others five

dozen eggs, half a sack of potatoes, cheese, geese and ham.

Our firm also held an auction of donated items including

cattle, donkeys, sheep, swine, dogs,

implements, poultry and rabbits,

flowers and vegetables. The total sale

on 16 June 1916, including a sale of

flags, was £770 3s 5d.

By the end of the war the Red

Cross had provided 90,000 VADs, who had

volunteered at home and abroad.

Over 1,786 auxiliary hospitals had been

established, with patients arriving by staffed

ambulances, hospital trains and motor

launches. After the war, equipment from the

auxiliary hospitals was distributed to local

general hospitals, rehabilitation centres,

sanatoriums and other medical centres.

Over £21,885,035 had been raised through

fundraising efforts and the majority of the

money was spent on hospitals, medicine,

clothing and care for the sick and wounded.

Our firm and the farming fraternity of

Dorset did their bit for the cause and it is

something we are very proud of.

Today this is still a thriving charity for servicemen and their

families, now known as SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity.

www.ssafa.org.uk

Anabel Merriman MNAEA

Residential Sturminster Newton

amerriman@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01258 473766

33

Food for

Thought

Weymouth is rapidly acquiring a reputation as a foodie destination.

Jon Summers tantalises your taste buds

T

hink Weymouth and Portland and what comes

to mind? Boating, regattas, sailing wins at the 2012

Olympics – all of which established the Sailing

Academy as the UK’s leading

centre for water sports.

The Olympic legacy put watersports

at the forefront of growth across new

commercial enterprises. It’s been the

lever to attract house builders, investors

and homeowners in recent years. Great

news for the region, however, it’s not

the only area in which we’re excelling.

While every seaside town may think

it has the best fish and chips in the UK

(the Marlboro on Weymouth harbour

bridge, hands-down winner!), the

area has recently been widening its

culinary repertoire and establishing

itself as a go-to foodie destination.

An article in The Guardian said:

“Forget the Olympics and the world

heritage Jurassic coastline; the most

exciting thing about Weymouth is

the harbour.”

The harbourside is bustling with

crabbers, scallop dredgers, sole

netters and whelkers. All supply

the kitchens of the established

restaurants – and growing number of

new eateries – along the surrounding

coastline with fresh produce for locals

and visitors alike.

The UK’s largest and most

prestigious seafood festival takes

place around the harbour each year. Attracting thousands of

visitors and a stellar line up of top chefs – including the likes of

Mark Hix and Mitch Tonks – who have a well-reported passion

for seafood.

The UK’s largest and most

prestigious seafood festival

takes place around the

harbour each year

Mitch Tonks, who opened his new Rockfish restaurant in

the town in summer 2019, was recently quoted in the local

press as saying: “Weymouth could become a top foodie

destination.”

The award-winning Crab House Café

at Ferrybridge continues to receive

rave reviews and draws diners from far

and wide. The proprietors also run the

more rustic, yet equally successful, Billy

Winters waterside café nearby.

Just two examples of an

array of eateries, situated in

stunning coastline, with ease

of access to both Weymouth

harbour and Portland marina,

drawing some prestigious

vessels into the area (one of the

world’s largest super yachts,

Black Pearl, was anchored in

Weymouth bay in 2019).

Suffice to say, if you have

not experienced Weymouth,

its harbour, beaches, seafood

restaurants – nor sampled the

delights of the seafood festival

– you really have missed out.

Perhaps we’ll see

Weymouth’s international

reputation equal that of

Padstow as a result of the “top

chef” effect? In the coming

years, it may well be the plaice

to be!

Jon Summers MNAEA

Partner Head of Residential

jsummers@symonds&sampson.co.uk

01305 217993

34

Know your

John Sanders Photography

Thatch

The West Country is well known for thatched properties, but what is thatch,

where does it come from and how is it grown and harvested?

Georgina Browning explains

Historically, covering a roof in locally gathered

plant material such as heather, sedges, grasses,

bracken, cereal and water reed was the obvious

way of providing weather protection. In more

modern times, properties tend to be thatched in water reed or

“combed” or “long straw” wheat reed.

Water reed

Being a wetland species, water reed is predominantly gathered

(in the UK) from the reed beds of Norfolk and Suffolk. Harvested

yearly, during the winter, it can grow between one and two-andhalf

metres long.

Although it is no longer necessary to harvest water reed

by hand, harvesting with converted rice cutting or flotation

machines is still a labour-intensive process.

The machinery resembles large, handguided

lawn mowers and once the reed is

cut it needs to be “cleaned out”, “knocked

up”, dried and gathered into bundles.

On a good day, a reed cutter working

alone can harvest between 60 and 70

bundles of reed. A well-managed reed bed can yield around 750

bundles of reed per hectare, but an average roof can need 1,500

to 2,000 bundles to cover it and today, home-grown supply is

insufficient to meet UK demand.

As a result, most “Norfolk reed”, as it is commonly known, is

imported from Turkey, Austria, Hungary, Poland, the Ukraine and

China.

It is widely thought that water reed is the most durable of

thatching materials and that, with appropriate maintenance, a

roof can last upwards of 30 years. However, much depends on

the prevailing weather, the aspect of the house, the pitch of the

roof and, of course, the thatcher’s skill.

Water reed is the most

durable and, with appropriate

maintenance, a roof can last

upwards of 30 years

which is harvested before becoming fully ripe and processed

carefully in order to avoid mechanical crushing.

Farmers producing thatching straw will grow varieties such

as Maris Widgeon (the only commercially available wheat

suitable for thatching), Squareheads Master, N59 or Triticale (a

wheat/rye cross).

The wheat is cut using old reaperbinders

when the stem nodes are still

green and “stooked” to stand in the

field to ripen and dry for at least “three

church bells”.

The reed is then finished differently

depending on whether “long

straw” (which produces the shaggy thatch more common in

Bedfordshire, Suffolk and parts of Hampshire) or “combed wheat

reed” (more common in the West Country) is to be produced.

For combed wheat reed, the sheaves are passed through a

reed comber, mounted on a threshing machine, which removes

the leaf and grain without crushing the straw. Unlike long straw,

the stems are not bruised by threshing and all the butt ends lie

in the same direction. The resulting straw, commonly referred to

as “Devon reed”, is then bundled ready for use.

As a rule of thumb, straw yields are around 3.5 tonnes per

hectare and between three and five tonnes of material would

be needed to thatch a three-bedroom cottage.

John Sanders Photography

Wheat reed

The production of straw for thatching has become a niche

industry. Thatchers require long stemmed straw (up to 150cm)

Georgina Browning BSc (Hons) MRICS

Compliance Officer Poundbury

gbrowning@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01305 236577

35

The First

Postumous

VC

The charming Dorset village of Fontmell Magna remembers

the bravery of Philip Salkeld, son of the village rector

If you visit Fontmell Magna, situated between

Shaftesbury and Blandford, it’s worth stopping

at St Andrew’s Church. There you will find a

memorial to Philip Salkeld, the first recipient of a

posthumous Victoria Cross.

Philip Salkeld was the son of the village rector. At the age

of 26, he was a lieutenant in the Bengal Engineers during the

Indian Mutiny in 1857.

The reason for the mutiny, also known as the rebellion,

was fed by resentments born of diverse sensitivities,

including invasive British-style social reforms, harsh land

taxes, summary treatment of some rich landowners and

princes, as well as scepticism about the improvements

brought about by British rule.

The final trigger was provided by the ammunition for the

Enfield rifle. These rifles, which fired Minié balls, had a tighter

fit than the earlier muskets, and used paper cartridges that

came pre-greased. To load the rifle, sepoys had to bite the

cartridge open to release the powder. The grease used on

these cartridges was rumoured to include tallow derived

from beef, which would be offensive to Hindus, and pork,

which would be offensive to Muslims.

The storming of Delhi was one of the key engagements of

the Indian Mutiny. During the attack on 14 September 1857,

Colonel George Campbell of the 52 nd Light Infantry led his

column to the critical Kashmir Gate. He sent a small party of

Bengal Engineers, under Lieutenant Duncan Home, to pack

explosives under the gate.

A firing party of the 52 nd covered them as best it could,

but half of the exposed sappers were killed. Lieutenant Philip

Salkeld was mortally wounded, but Sergeant John Smith

managed to touch off the explosion that blew a hole in the

gate.

As Bugler Robert Hawthorne of the

52 nd sounded the attack, the British

troops poured through the opening.

The recapture of the City of Delhi

had begun.

The VC citation reads: “Lieutenants

Duncan Charles Home and Philip

Salkeld, Bengal Engineers, upon whom

the Victoria Cross was provisionally conferred by Major-

General Sir Archdale Wilson Bart, KCB, for their conspicuous

bravery in the performance of the desperate duty of blowing

in the Cashmere Gate of the Fortress of Delhi, in broad daylight,

under a heavy fire of musketry, on the morning of the

14 September 1857, preparatory to the assault, would have

been recommended to Her Majesty for confirmation in that

distinction, had they survived.”

In Dorset, £800

was raised by public

subscription for

the erection of the

monument and for

outfitting two younger

brothers for military

cadetship. Money

left over was spent on a bridge at Plumber Manor, on the

Sturminster Newton to Hazelbury Bryan road.

With grateful thanks to the National Army Museum, Memorials to

Valour.co.uk and Wikipedia.org

Giles Wreford Brown BA (Hons) MNAEA

Residential Partner Sturminster Newton

gwb@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01258 473766

36

Forging a

link with the

Iron Duke

Tim Bennett discovers how a small

market town in Somerset became

associated with the Duke of Wellington

Having spent most of my 48 years in and

around the market town of Wellington, I am

rather ashamed to admit I have never delved

too deeply into the

history and facts of the great man Arthur

Wellesley, 1 st Duke of Wellington.

I have probably walked to the

monument that stands proudly on top

of the Blackdown Hills overlooking the

town at least 100 times, so I was intrigued to find out some

more about the 1 st Duke.

Although Wellington is remembered as a British military hero,

and was honoured with land and titles in England during his

life, he was actually born in Dublin. However, he never thought

of himself as Irish and claimed, perhaps less than tactfully, that

“because a man is born in a stable it does not make him a horse”.

Political ambitions

Wellington was a man with ambition and was twice elected

prime minister after retiring from the battlefield. But Wellington

had already worked in politics long before that; he went into

the Irish parliament at just 20 years of age, where he served for

five years.

Wellington is undoubtedly best known as the military hero of

the battle of Waterloo and often wore dark clothes without

decoration so that enemies would not be able to distinguish

him from other officers in the field. Because of this, he wasn’t an

easy target and could stay close to the front line.

Though he rarely showed emotion, Wellington cried when

he read the list of dead after Waterloo. He strove to avoid

unnecessary bloodshed and would retreat rather than sustain

heavy casualties or defeat. He was upset by the sight of battle

carnage and never glorified warfare, putting him in line perhaps

with a more modern mindset.

Though he always demanded obedience, in person

Wellington was reserved, raising his voice only at officers he

considered pampered. As a junior officer, he often failed to

punish the men who thieved and pillaged on his watch.

The Somerset connection

Arthur Wellesley was offered

a peerage and became

Marquess of Wellington

But why is a small market town in Somerset linked inextricably

with this great man?

Following his victory at the Battle of

Talavera in the Peninsular War, Arthur

Wellesley was offered a peerage. He

discovered that a manor in the parish

of Wellington was available. It was also

reasonably close to the family name, so

he became Marquess of

Wellington.

According to the

book Wellington as

Military Commander by

Michael Glover, Arthur

Wellesley first signed

himself “Wellington” on

16 September 1809. At

the Battle of Waterloo

in 1815, he was already

further elevated to the

peerage rank of the Duke

of Wellington.

Wellington died at

Walmer Castle in Deal on

14 September 1852 and his

body lies in the crypt at St

Paul’s Cathedral.

The Wellington

Monument in Somerset was designed to commemorate

his victory at the Battle of Waterloo. Construction of the

original design commenced in 1817 and building was

completed in 1854. It is now owned by the National Trust.

Tim Bennett

Residential Ilminster

tbennett@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01460 200790

37

Smarthome

Technology

Calton Stockley clicks on the high-tech gadgets

now available in ‘smart’ new-build homes

New homes are often ‘smart’ homes, packed with

voice-activated and remote controlled gadgets

designed to make your life easier. They are the

latest step on the journey towards ‘connected

domesticity’, performing functions such as allowing you to

see who is at the door, turn on the

heating and dim the lights even

when you’re not at home. Some

can even play your favourite song

as soon as your face is recognised

by the smart door and you walk in!

Here’s a look at the latest in home

tech.

Walk from room to

room with the sound

of a favourite radio

show, album or

playlist following you

Lighting

New homes can offer intelligent exterior lighting –

programmed to react to schedules, astronomic clocks,

incoming and outgoing vehicle direction, and occupancy.

Audio

Some of the most interesting additions are automation

and audio-video infrastructure, including discreet speakers

throughout the home as well as outdoor areas.

Music servers, playlists and streaming services allow you to

walk from room to room with the sound of a favourite radio

show, album or playlist following you. This has become a

reality in smart home technology and is very often an option

in new-build homes.

Indoors, home lighting

doesn’t have to be

restricted to just the

simple ceiling pendant.

Mood lighting combines a

variety of different lighting types such as downlights, ceiling

lights, concealed lights and much more. By combining these

lighting types and using coloured light, you can create various

lighting scenes for watching TV, reading a book, hosting a

dinner party or having a relaxing bath.

You can also install lights that turn on and off as you enter

and exit a room.

Security

There are dozens of wifi-enabled security camera systems

marketed to the domestic user these days, but we are

now seeing facial

recognition

abilities so that

only those

programmed

as friends or family

can get access to the

home. No need to

change the locks –

just block a caller!

38

Window dressing

Voice-activated, smartphone-connected blinds or curtains will

open and close on command.

Instant hot water

This feature has been available for some

time – but things have moved on. The

latest versions now also dispense

sparkling and chilled water

direct from the tap.

The new function makes

life in the kitchen even easier. It

saves you time and space, means you no longer

need to buy your sparkling water in plastic

bottles, and is completely safe.

Renewable heating alternatives

Not new and not really a gadget, but the

prevalence of renewable heating alternatives shows that

developers are aware of the environment. The benefits are:

• You could be entitled to receive government payments

through the Renewable Heat Incentive.

• Reduced energy bills.

• Easy to maintain, saving you money on potential repair

costs.

• More efficient than conventional heating systems.

• Renewable energy source (heat from air or

underground) whereas fossil fuels will run out eventually

Electric car charging

The other area which has changed is the increasing number

of electric cars that are being sold. England will be the first

country in the world to introduce mandatory electric car

charging points for new-build homes.

All new homes in England will have to be fitted with

charge points for electric vehicles, as the Government seeks

to facilitate the infrastructure improvements necessary for the

planned mass-adoption of electric vehicles.

The news comes as the Department for Transport has

announced a public consultation on the subject. If the

planned changes to building regulations go through,

it would force homebuilders to install charge points so

potential owners could easily charge their plug-in hybrids and

electric cars at home.

The move would mean buyers of new-build homes would

not need to make use of the Government’s home charger

subsidy scheme, which has seen almost 100,000 wall boxes

installed.

And once you move in…

The iKuddle detects when your cat enters the tray, scoops up

the soiled litter, automatically seals it in an airtight bag, and

dispenses a burst of deodorant to get rid of unwelcome odours.

Now that is cool – but let’s hope the power doesn’t fail!

Calton Stockley MNAEA

New Homes and Developments Poundbury

cstockley@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01305 251154

39

A Selection of Sales

Weycroft Axminster

Period riverside cottage with a range of outbuildings,

fishing rights and set within grounds of about 6.5 acres

Symondsbury Bridport

A delightful detached Grade II Listed four bedroom

former Curate’s house.

Stoke Abbot Beaminster

A Grade II Listed early 17 th Century converted watermill

set in a secluded country location with glorious views.

Portland

An historic reconstructed Portland stone house overlooking

the Jurassic coast.

Sandford Orcas Sherborne

One of the most tranquil gardens, set in around 1 acre

and with a stream, in this favoured village.

Stour Provost

About 0.75 acres of lovely formal gardens with an

abundance of plants and shrubs.

40

Buckland Newton Dorchester

A classic Georgian façade on a former Pitt Rivers Estate

Gentleman’s Residence.

South Cheriton Wincanton

Reputedly built by the firm of the renowned Nathaniel

Ireson in the late 18 th century.

Chilbridge Wimborne

Formerly part of the National Trust estate dating back to

the 18 th century.

Stourpaine Blandford

A 16 th century thatched cottage with mature cottage

gardens and extensive orchard.

Forton Chard

Stunning gardens including herbaceous borders, sculpture,

fruit garden and bluebell woods with natural springs.

Purbecks

Extensive gardens, mixed woodland, sheltered pasture

and water meadows adjoining the River Piddle.

41

Stubhampton Blandford

A period 17 th century modernised property with

countryside views over the Cranborne Chase.

Ryall Bridport

A substantial house with wonderful views over the

Marshwood Vale.

Stoke Abbot Beaminster

Located on the edge of the village with views over the

surrounding countryside.

Hilfield Dorchester

Enjoying an elevated position with panoramic views of

unspoilt Dorset countryside

North Cadbury

One of the biggest new homes in the area, successfully

sold off market to a couple from Hong Kong.

Poundbury

A beautifully designed 4 bedroom home close to the

vibrant Queen Mother Square.

42

Lyme Regis

Established guest house and building plot with stunning

views over the Golden Cap.

Poole

A substantial and impressive 5/6 bedroom family home on

the water’s edge with fabulous panoramic harbour views

Eype

Four bedroom barn conversion set in about 7.4 acres

with wonderful views to the sea.

Weymouth

A fantastic waterfront home enjoying breathtaking sea

views.

43

High Street

Heroes

The town centre commercial property market offers some lucrative

openings for investors, says Ryan Holmes

T

own centre commercial property investments

have fallen victim to the perception that they are

overcomplicated and risky. Not so.

The reality is that the majority continue to offer

good returns on rents received, even if capital growth is often

limited. More often than not, they are

a good source of income with strong

rental returns, but won’t necessarily offer

brilliant growth in the capital value of the

investment over time.

The industry is going through

unprecedented change. Advancements in technology have

accelerated the evolution of shopping habits and the way

we work, which has had a major impact on long-established

traditional occupiers in both the retail and office sectors.

Changes in our shopping habits have prompted the Royal

Institution of Chartered Surveyors to issue guidance notes to

all RICS-registered valuers in the commercial property sector,

advising that due caution should be applied when providing

clients with valuation advice on such properties.

Put simply, the way most of us live, work and shop has

changed dramatically over the past 20 years which has put

companies who have not managed to evolve alongside our

habits out of business. I could recite any number of examples,

from the recent demise of Thomas Cook to the sad end of

They are a good source

of income with strong

rental returns

Woolworths over a decade ago, with more than a few others

sandwiched between the two.

This has had a knock-on effect on other sectors within

the industry, with demand rising in the warehouse, storage

and distribution property market where modern retailers

seek comparatively cheap storage for goods which are then

displayed on virtual shopfronts via the

internet.

The result is an obvious and

continuous increase in the departure of

traditional town centre occupiers, which

lazy commentators label the “death of the high street”. I would

argue that the high street is far from finished. We are just at the

start of a new phase in the transformation of the high street.

The commercial property industry faces challenges in

coming years, but there are more opportunities arising for

creative investors and developers. Enquiries from commercial

occupiers offering fresh consumables such as cafés, or products

that are impractical to ship or don’t lend themselves to internet

sales, as well as those offering services such as hairdressing and

beauty salons, are on the rise.

Permitted development allowing the conversion of upper

floors from commercial space (generally offices) to residential

accommodation provide further opportunities for value to be

added to high street properties.

The industrial and warehouse sectors have seen a major

increase in demand from both investors and occupiers,

compressing yields. With values of town centre retail buildings

falling in general, there are some lucrative openings for

investors, provided they have good professional advice.

There is, therefore, merit in considering exploring town

centre property investments, especially while most are looking

the other way!

Ryan Holmes AssocRICS MARLA

Commercial Surveyor Dorchester

rholmes@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01305 261008

44

Long-term

Residential Tenancies

vs Holiday Lets

Karen Mitchell breaks down the pros

and cons of each form of letting

HMRC has sprung a few nasty surprises on buy-to-let investors

over recent years: 3% stamp duty, and a curb in mortgage

interest relief have impeded the opportunity to make a

decent return. Add to this the recently

introduced tenant fee ban which is

deemed to favour tenants, and all of

our sales offices report a reduction in

the number of properties being bought

by investment landlords.

Holiday lets are a different matter;

letting a furnished property as a holiday let actually offers

some significant tax advantages. Mortgage interest payments,

council tax and utility bills can be off-set against income for

tax purposes. This has seen a significant growth in holiday

accommodation throughout our region, much of which

is self-managed by owners using sites such as Airbnb and

HomeAway.

Every year, many landlords of holiday

accommodation invite us to discuss

their options – particularly during the

autumn at the end of a hectic summer

season. Some are looking for tenants

over the winter months, while others

have become disillusioned and are

considering longer-term lettings.

When you weigh up the balance

of comparatively high weekly rents from holiday letting

against the figures you might expect from longer-term

letting, holiday letting looks attractive. However, they are hard

work with change-overs often occurring more than once a

A furnished property as

a holiday let offers some

significant tax advantages

Long-term letting, particularly

when using a managing

agent, gives a landlord

assurance that all legislation

will be taken care of

week. Add to that garden maintenance, high wear and tear,

and upkeep of all furnishings. We are fortunate to live in a

beautiful area of the country, popular with holidaymakers, and

consequently there is plenty of short-term

accommodation available. But outside

the high season, supply of property can

outstrip demand, resulting in prolonged

empty periods when heating and running

costs can mount up. Insurance companies

often impose winter un-occupancy

restrictions or additional requirements for visits.

Long-term letting, particularly when using a managing

agent, gives a landlord assurance that all legislation and safety

regulations will be taken care of. So, while there is a flux of

holiday letting available, the current shortage of longer-term

rental properties is driving rents up, and over the course of

a year there is perhaps a smaller

difference in net returns than you

might expect.

Symonds and Sampson Lettings

and Property Management manage

more than 900 properties throughout

the region. For a rent appraisal and

landlord guidance, please contact your

local office.

Karen Mitchell MARLA

Lettings Yeovil

kmitchell@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01935 423526

45

A Day in

the Life of

a Property

Inspector

Adrienne Mathias has worked in our property management

department for two years

It’s an early start to get the horses

6.00am: done and the children off to school.

I usually pop into our property

8.30am: management department in

Poundbury. It’s a great time of day to catch up with my

colleagues, before heading out to some

of our 1,000 (just under) fully managed

properties across Dorset, Devon, Somerset

and Wiltshire.

The property management department

is a very busy one. We all bring different

skills and are

a tight-knit team who work very

closely together. I download the list

of properties and note any issues

which need particular attention.

Having been with the company

for two years, many of our tenants

are familiar with me, and my Airedale

terrier who often accompanies me

to work. His favourite place to work

is West Bay, as at lunchtime he gets a

run on the beach.

This role provides the

best work views on a

daily basis! Dorset is a

beautiful county

My first visit of the day is to a

9.30am: Grade II listed manor house. The

grounds are extensive, and recent tree work has taken place.

This visit definitely calls for wellies!

The property retains many original features, such as

fireplaces, wood panelling and traditional plaster. Over time,

cracks have appeared in some of the walls, which is inevitable.

These are closely monitored and documented.

I notice a small water mark on the ceiling of the top floor,

which could indicate an issue with the roof or guttering. I report

this to the allocated property manager who instructs our local

specialist contractor to investigate. I photograph the recent tree

works so I can report back to the landlord and demonstrate

what has been done.

The tenant of this property owns a terrier herself, and has

known mine since he was a puppy. Before we leave, the Airedale

is treated to some rather splendid snacks from the local butcher.

The second visit

11.00am: of the day is a

modern apartment in town. The tenant has

recently called in to say the property is damp.

Upon visiting the property, it is evident that

the ‘damp’ is in fact condensation caused by

poor ventilation. I discuss ways to manage and

eliminate the problem with the tenant. This role often calls

for a gentle and diplomatic approach, and we take pride in

working in a courteous and constructive manner alongside

our tenants and landlords to overcome any such issues.

I call into the local office to

12.30pm: collect the keys for my afternoon

visits. Working in all the areas I cover, I am lucky enough to

know many of the Symonds & Sampson team. It’s always great

to get the opportunity to touch base with my colleagues

across the region.

When all the visits are complete, I

4.00pm: return to the property management

office to compile the reports. The reports are reviewed by

the property managers who address any maintenance issues,

before being sent to our landlords.

After a productive day at work, the Airedale and I head

home. Once the horses, dogs and other family members are

done, it’s time to relax!

Adrienne Mathias

Inspection Clerk Poundbury

amathias@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01305 236576

46

A Selection of Lettings

Blandford Forum, Dorset

Studio flat within a pretty Grade II Listed building, located

in the popular market town of Blandford.

Donhead St Andrew, Dorset

A country house of great style set amid beautiful

countryside in a rural yet accessible location.

Kilmington, Devon

A charming two bedroom cottage, retaining several

character features.

Wincanton, Somerset

An immaculately presented 19 th century farmhouse with

beautiful large gardens, in a lovely rural setting.

Charmouth, Dorset

A detached bungalow with breath taking views across

the Jurassic Coast, situated in a quiet location.

Tarrant Monkton, Dorset

Unique 4 bedroom barn conversion in the heart of the

Tarrant Valley overlooking the surrounding farmland.

47

AUCTIONS

Discover what it takes to be a firstclass

auctioneer, relive auction

highlights from 2019, and find

out why buyers are flocking to

country house sales. We turn the

spotlight on historic Parnham

House, get creative with the

Guggleton Farm Arts Project,

and step into the ring at Frome

Market. There’s also a chance to

spot a familiar phizog among our

‘Farming Faces’, and rekindle fond

memories from another busy year

at our farm dispersal sales.

t Christmas Rose in Lustreware Jug by Vanessa Bowman,

www.vanessabowman.co.uk

What does it take to be a

First-Class Auctioneer?

Five of our finest offer their insights into the ‘dark art’ of auctioneering

How did you become an auctioneer?

Lester Williams: “My father believed that a farm should be

passed to the eldest son, so my brother took over our farm on

the edge of Exmoor. I still wanted to be involved in agriculture

and was passionate about going to market, so I asked our

local firm of auctioneers if I could work at their market for free

to gain experience. I was hooked.”

How important is preparation?

Lester Williams: “Knowing your buyers and sellers is vital. If you

know that a particularly strong buyer is attending the auction

in person or on the phone, you can have the confidence to

encourage entries from the seller. It is a two-way game – you

need the lots but you must also have buyers. Leaving matters

to chance can be dangerous.”

Mark Lewis: “My father was an auctioneer and most holidays

in my formative years were spent with him at market and on

farms, so it was a natural career choice for me.”

What was the first lot you sold?

Mark Lewis: “Standing hay, that had ‘gone over’, with just one

farmer in attendance. It could have been a disaster but he

helped me out by bidding on my first call.”

Mark Northcott: “A Friesian bull calf in 1974 at Sturminster

market.”

Lester Williams: “Between school and Cirencester I worked

for an estate agent in Minehead and they offered me the

opportunity to help sell at a house

clearance auction – the first lot I offered

was a lawn mower.”

Charlie Coleman: “A pony at Beaulieu

Road pony sales after the auctioneer at

the time was taken ill. I remember the

600 guinea reserve! I had been waiting

for a long time to have my first chance at selling and was due

to begin with the vegetables and produce. To be thrown in

like this will stick with me forever.”

It is a delicate balance

between being affable

and entertaining but also

in control of the room

Greg Ridout: “I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to

machinery, so when we catalogue an auction I try to

scribble down every bit of a machine’s specification. We also

spend weeks on the phone to buyers before every auction

to drum up bidders and ascertain values. We have one shot

at doing our best for our clients and I want to be the best at

what we do.”

What distinguishes a good auctioneer

from the mediocre ones?

Mark Northcott: “It has always been said that anyone can sell

anything on a good trade but when the economic climate

is tricky and bids are not forthcoming the

skilful auctioneer will draw on their many

years of experience.”

Mark Lewis: “You must really enjoy

what you are doing and engage, while

empathising, with both buyers and sellers,

and read body language. People in the room

will be nervous; if they are relaxed and enjoying the auction

they will bid more freely. It is a delicate balance between being

affable and entertaining but also in control of the room.”

50

Greg Ridout:

“Confidence and a

calm head, when

you have to think

on your feet, is

paramount.”

Charlie Coleman:

“By having the

charisma to enjoy

and embrace what

you are selling,

which leads to

a good rapport

with vendors and

purchasers. It’s also

vital to maintain

respect and

achieve the best

possible outcome.

Without the respect of both vendors and purchasers, the

rostrum can be a very lonely place.”

Which lot sticks in your memory?

Mark Lewis: “We had a herd of cows to auction near

Dorchester but my father was taken ill on the day of the sale.

My client, Suzy Vincent, said to me afterwards: “That was the

day you changed from a boy into a man!”

Greg Ridout: “Auctioning a 1948 Series 2 Field Marshall

tractor fitted with an aviation cab at West Stafford for £18,500.”

Lester Williams: “A Welsh sheepdog at the Bath & West

Show.”

A bad auctioneer will …

Mark Northcott: “Mumble, stutter and make it obvious when

they are struggling. I have seen auctioneers shout and become

aggressive, trying to intimidate the audience. It never works.”

Mark Lewis: “Make it very clear when they do not have the

bid!”

Greg Ridout: “You need a rhythm and you need to stay calm.

Rushing because of nerves ultimately makes you miss bids and

knock items down too fast.”

How often are you asked to give a

demonstration?

Greg Ridout: “Each year a group of school and university

friends go to Devon shooting, and every time I have to stand

on the table after the evening meal and sell something while

they all shout and heckle!”

Mark Lewis: “I give regular talks to all sorts of societies from

the WI to Young Farmers and schools. The demonstration of

selling at speed usually wakes up the audience.”

Mark Lewis FRICS FAAV FNAVA

Partner, Head of Agency

mlewis@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01258 474266

Lester Williams MRICS FAAV

Partner Sherborne

lwilliams@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01935 818513

Mark Northcott MRICS FAAV

Partner Yeovil

mnorthcott@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01935 382909

Greg Ridout MRICS

Rural Partner Yeovil

gridout@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01935 382909

Charlie Coleman FLAA

Rural Auctioneer Yeovil

ccoleman@symondsandsampson.co.uk

07494 588013

51

2020 AUCTIONS

“A cracking result in all the circumstances. The children are highly

delighted and extremely impressed with your calm efficiency.

Well done you.”

Auction

Friday 21 February 2020

at 3pm

Auction

Friday 27 March 2020

at 2pm

Auction

Wednesday 8 April 2020

at 2pm

Auction

Friday 24 April 2020

at 2pm

George Dannatt

Katie Scorgie

Adrian Gray

Lusea Warner-Gale

The Allendale Centre

The Digby Hall

The Guildhall

The Digby Hall

Hanham Road Wimborne BH21 1AS

Hound Street Sherborne DT9 3AB

West Street Axminster Devon EX13 5NX


Auction

Friday 29 May 2020

at 2pm

Auction

Friday 12 June 2020

at 3pm

Auction

Thursday 16 July 2020

at 2pm

Auction

Friday 24 July 2020

at 2pm

Clare Trenchard

Olivia Nurrish

Chris Wilmshurst

Caro Lester

The Digby Hall

The Allendale Centre

The Guildhall

The Memorial Hall


Hanham Road Wimborne BH21 1AS

West Street Axminster Devon EX13 5NX

Digby Road Sherborne Dorset DT9 3NL

Auction

Friday 25 September 2020

at 3pm

Auction

Friday 30 October 2020

at 2pm

Auction

Friday 11 December 2020

at 2pm

James Lynch

Laurence Belbin

Hilary Buckley

The Digby Hall


The Digby Hall


The Digby Hall


52

Property

Auction

Highlights

From cottage renovations to commercial shops, agricultural land,

development sites and the usual eclectic lots we travelled to four

counties in 2019 sourcing the very best lots for you

Most legal downloads: 753 legal documents were

downloaded by the bidders for Sycamore Drive, Yeovil which

then sold for 61% above guide.

Highest price

above guide:

Penwithen Lodge, a

detached lodge house, sold

for 135% above guide!

Most bids: 64 for an

individual village building

plot in Marnhull, Dorset.

Most distant bidders: The Cayman Islands, 4,600

miles from Dorset, but they were unsuccessful!

Most historical: The Billet, Sutton Mandeville, Wiltshire.

This was a World War I officers’ billet overlooking the badges

carved into the hillside. It had fallen into disrepair but we

received interest from as far afield as Canada.

Biggest surprise: The Boat Deck, Weymouth, Dorset

where the buyer paid cash for the full sale price. The bank

were not very pleased when we tried to pay in cash at 4.25pm

on a Friday!

Highest attendance: Our sale in Wimborne in June

attracted a crowd of about 500 people who saw a 100%

clearance.

Best commercial lot: A commercial ground lease

until 2034 with an income of £7,000 pa attracted interest from

numerous London and regional investors. The sale price of

£200,000 was 33% above guide.

Highest land price: £22,000 for 3.95 acres near

Wincanton. The whole village seemed to be keen to buy.

Highest woodland price: £14,300 for 2.2 acres of

mixed deciduous indigenous trees near Sherborne, Dorset.

Best wreck: Corhampton Road, Bournemouth is a

detached house with some internal cracks. Buyers were not

deterred and after 84 viewings and 413 legal downloads the

sale price was 37% above guide.

Best building plot: Near Blandford, Dorset where

a site for two semi-detached houses sold, after 42 bids, for

£420,000 – 97% above guide.

Best potential development site: Townsend

Road, Seaton, Devon. A house for renovation and a large

garden with development possibilities and views towards the

sea. The sale price was £635,000.

Most unusual:

Kinghay, East Knoyle,

Wiltshire. A wooden

bungalow set in grounds

of about 0.67 acres.

Described by one viewer

as a piece of paradise, it

sold to a buyer in Italy.

Most viewings: Churchfields, Salisbury, Wiltshire had a

very short marketing period and we had 81 viewings in three

weeks.

Best buy bidding blind: Market Place, Warminster,

Wiltshire a commercial shop premises with two flats above

returning an income 11%. The buyer from London checked

Google street view and that was good enough to make him bid.

Most interesting: A pair of cottages near Taunton,

Somerset requiring complete renovation with no internal

viewings allowed.

Lowest price: A lock-up garage in Poole sold for £9,250

Auction entries welcomed – cottages and

houses for improvement, building plots,

agricultural land and commercial lots.

Please contact Mark Lewis 01258 473766

53

Country

House

Auctions

Drawn by the allure of hidden treasures with impeccable provenance,

buyers are flocking to country house sales, says Garry Batt

Duke’s auctioneers has found that country house

auctions are having a renaissance in Dorset

and across the UK. At a time where provenance

and originality are becoming more and more

important, fresh market material from long untouched country

houses is growing in value.

Some country houses can offer items

that have been hidden in the house,

unseen by the general public, for hundreds

of years. Moreover, due to the distinguished

nature of the owners of these properties,

the items offered often have both long and

important recorded histories.

Items to be sold at auction from a country house sale receive

additional attention as they appeal to the antiques trade and

invested locals. Duke’s recent experience selling the contents

of Moigne Combe house demonstrated this; locals who had

grown up near the property, or had even worked on the estate,

came to view in high numbers.

Curios and collector’s items

This encouraged an overall increase in the values of the items

sold, with interested parties wanting to acquire a memento

from the house. This showed most obviously with the lower

end and normally less valuable items to be sold.

For example, Duke’s sold a “Dumpy” doorstopper, originally

valued between £50 and £100, for £190 including buyer’s

premium. This is almost twice the top end of the estimate and

more expensive than if you were to buy one new.

Traders were drawn to the

fact that this bookcase

had been hidden in the

house for so long

The exceptional items from this sale also performed to a

very high level; as well as interest from private buyers, the top

traders of the country all competed and pushed the price of

lots higher.

The outstanding lot from the sale, a fine George I burr walnut

bureau bookcase in the manner of Peter Miller, was estimated

at £40,000-60,000. Traders were drawn

to the fact that this bookcase had been

hidden in the house for so long, it

therefore had the desired novelty and

freshness that appeals to the market.

Also, it had a greatly significant

provenance, it was perhaps the most

important item in a collection that was passed down through

generations of the renowned Bond family. The competing

dealers bid until the price finally settled on a total of £120,000

including buyer’s premium.

Noble provenance

This sale clearly exhibited how there is rising value placed on

items with the allure of a country house provenance.

Duke’s auctioneers has also sold the contents of

Athelhampton House, one of the most important Tudor manor

houses in England. Embracing the resurgence of recent country

house sales, the owners of Athelhampton elected to sell a large

part of the interior through Duke’s. This decision is testament

to the increasing reception of country house sales in the public

eye and will have been influenced by notable results from

previous sales.

At Duke’s auctioneers we believe the resurgence of country

house sales is a wholly positive signal. We believe that there has

become a wider appreciation for both locally and historically

significant items. The market has proven that exciting fresh

antiques are still appropriately, highly valued.

Garry Batt MRICS

01305 265080

dukes-auctions.com

54

Historic House

When Parnham House was sold in 1896, it was among the finest

homes in Britain. Caroline Childs-Chaffey looks back

Parnham House is a 16 th century Grade I listed

house just outside Beaminster in Dorset. Historic

England describes the house as “exceptionally

important” but the auctioneers in 1896, when

the property was sold on the open market for the first time,

preferred “an ancient Elizabethan mansion” and “a well-known

country seat in West Dorset”.

It certainly has quite a history. A house

had been on the site since the 1400s and

was owned by the Strode family until 1764.

Famous owners

History books report that the property was

sold after the death of Sir Henry Oglander, but the trustees

were selling under a trust contained in the will of the late

Admiral Sir R.O.B. Fitzroy who had died in 1865.

He was an English officer of the Royal Navy and a scientist

who captained HMS Beagle during Charles Darwin’s famous

voyage.

He was a pioneering meteorologist who made accurate

weather predictions which he called forecasts and he

established what became the Met Office and created systems

to get weather predictions to sailors and fishermen.

That is why Fitzroy is one of the points on the shipping

forecast.

It is amusing to see this

almost lazy description of

paintings that could be

priceless today

The sale included 38 best Persian, Turkey, Axminster and

Brussels carpets; large silk damask and other window curtains;

a semi-grand piano forte; stuffed birds; cut-glass chandeliers;

12 complete bedroom suites, and kitchen and other culinary

requisites.

There was also a manual fire engine and 36 leather buckets

which, considering the recent events, is

quite poignant.

The library, silver and paintings were

taken to London for sale by Christie,

Manson and Woods. Highlights included

books on natural history voyages,

together with French and Italian literature.

The paintings listed included Annibale Carracci (the virgin

and child with cherubs), a Poussin (a landscape with buildings

and figures), and a Van Dyck (a youth in red dress – oval). It is

amusing to see this almost lazy description of paintings that

could be priceless today.

Fittings and contents

The sale particulars gave the

purchaser the option to buy

the contents at valuation, but

they clearly did not want them,

so they were put to auction.

HY Duke & Son held a

three-day sale in December

1896 on site, referring to

the “costly contents of this

ancient mansion including the

valuable old English furniture

of the best manufacture in

excellent condition”.

There was also the Strode gold signet ring engraved with

the Strode coat of arms which had been lost for many years

but was found when excavating Beaminster tunnel!

Parnham was bought by Vincent Robinson who erected the

market cross in the town in memory of his sister.

Caroline Childs-Chaffey

Residential Beaminster

ccchaffey@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01308 863100

55

Isabel de Pelet BEM

Art of the Matter

We turn the spotlight on Guggleton Farm Arts Project in Stalbridge, Dorset,

with its thriving programme of workshops, lectures and exhibitions

Guggleton was opened in December 1995 by

Isabel de Pelet BEM, particularly known for her

promotion of artists in Dorset, especially the

young and up-and-coming.

Guggleton’s principal gallery

had been a carthorse stable and the

smaller studios were lean-to calf stalls.

While the buildings were converted,

Isobel made sure that they, and the

yard, were sympathetically modernised and still retained their

recognisable features, so that locals could remember when

and where the herd of cows came up Station Road for milking

twice a day.

Guggleton was founded to allow newly graduated artists to

have studio space for working, supported with guidance and

help.

Isabel believes that “artists working alongside and within

an active community create a positive way to enrich and

stimulate all those who involve themselves”.

Guggleton has received interest from all over the UK and

overseas. Isabel is on the Arts Committee of the Royal Bath

and West Show – furthering her belief in

linking artists to their community.

At the beginning of 2019 a search for

a new studio led Deanne Tremlett to The

Gugg. Since that time, Deanne has helped

in the continuing development of Isabel’s

vision, as it is one which entirely mirrors her

own.

Deanne says, “At Guggleton we are about Deanne Tremlett

We aim to provide a

welcoming environment for

the creation of the new

creativity and development. We aim to provide a welcoming

environment for the creation of the new, in whatever form

that might take for the individual.

“We support established artists

by providing them with a space to

experiment; new artists with the

network, structure and exposure to

develop; and raw artists with the

opportunity to grow.

“Exhibitions at the Guggleton vary from season to season

with one core theme – growth. We are, after all, occupying a

farmyard.

“We hope to be able to demolish the threshold/barrier

issues that face many Fine Art institutions [those which make

people feel like places are ‘not for them’] by remaining true

to our community; while at the same time building on and

growing the receptivity of the surrounding area to the arts.

“That said, we aim to offer support over every aspect

of a person’s creative outpouring, with a programme of

exhibitions, events, workshops and talks that develop both

the exhibitor and the viewer; entertaining and stimulating

while remaining playful and relevant.

“If our approach to life and the arts in any way coincides

with your own, then there are many ways that you can

become involved at the yard.”

Guggleton Farm, Station Road, Stalbridge, Dorset DT10 2RQ

01963 363456

Open Tuesday-Saturday 11am–3pm

ann.guggleton@gmail.com

56

FROME MARKET

OPENING TIMES

Monday

TB Orange Market

Wednesday

10:30am (Monthly)

Calves

10:00 am

Pigs

10:15 am (Fortnightly)

Sheep

10:30 am

Dairy Cattle

11:00 am

Weaned Calves

11:30 am (Fortnightly)

(following the sale of calves)

Prime Cattle/Cull Cows 11:30 am

Friday

Store Cattle

Store Sheep

10:30 am

10:00 am (Monthly)

57

58

Faces from

a farm

Dispersal Sale

59

Farm Dispersal

Sale Highlights

Another busy year for our farm dispersal sales team means that 2019 will be

remembered for large crowds, great prices and more than 10,000 acres of straw

Highest prices:

Tractor: £77,500 – 2018 Case Optum 270

CVX sold to a farmer 120 miles away.

Telehandler: £36,300 – 2018 Massey

Ferguson TH7038 with 1,630 hours.

Combine harvester: £49,000 – 2012

Massey Ferguson 7370 Beta.

Sprayer: £69,000 – 2012 Bateman RB35.

Vintage tractor: £17,000 – 1975 Massey

Ferguson 1200 with 6,500 hours.

Biggest sale turnover: Cowdray Home

Farms in Sussex.

Biggest sale number of lots: Green

Services, Piddletrenthide – 503 lots.

Total number of lots in 2019: 10,450 –

that’s a 20% increase on 2018.

Most difficult lot to sell? All we can say

is that the colour is crucial.

Most discussed lot: Bateman RB35

sprayer – we ran a social media

campaign challenging people to guess

the price. Three people were within

£500 of the £69,500 sale price.

Furthest buyer: Inverness (626 miles)

or Cookstown Northern Ireland (11

hours if you catch the traffic at the

wrong time).

Wettest sale: The Axminster collective

sale was a torrential day which made

writing sale prices down on the sale

sheets a challenge.

60

Hottest day: Holloway Farm at

Shillingstone; sun screen, hats and icecreams

were the order of the day.

Amount of grass and maize silage

sold: 3,320 tons.

Acres of straw sold: 10,375.

The number of bales sold: Silage 6,333.

Hay 5,371, Straw 13,896.

Total: 25,600

Most surprising price: Ferguson

halftracks selling at £2,500 for Colin

Foot. He told us they were valuable!

Where did our buyers come from? 24

counties plus Ireland, Scotland, Jersey, Isle

of Wight and the Isle of Man.

Largest crowds: For Stuart Buckland at

Blandford, and Martin Brown at Maiden

Bradley, Wiltshire. Family, friends and

farmers came in their droves.

Charities supported:

Future Roots with a donation of

£3,418.60

The Sarah Burkeman Memorial Fund

for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

with a donation of £4,400 for the sale

of the John Deere 2650 on behalf of the

executors of Mrs Fiona Burkeman.

Best thank-you: “Thank you for making

the sale so memorable. The outcomes

were completely beyond our expectations

… you gave us all confidence and

encouragement as well as lightening the

load with humour. You have all made a lifechanging

day an enjoyable and rewarding

experience.” Martin and Rosie Brown

Mark Northcott MRICS FAAV

Partner Yeovil

mnorthcott@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01935 382909

Greg Ridout MRICS

Rural Partner Yeovil

gridout@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01935 382909

Charlie Coleman FLAA

Rural Auctioneer Yeovil

ccoleman@symondsandsampson.co.uk

07494 588013

Rachael Holder

Farm Sales Yeovil

rholder@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01935 382909

61

AGRICULTURE

Our must-read assessment of the

farmland market, highlights from

favourite farm sales, details of the new

Environmental Land Management

Scheme, and how ‘farm to fork’ is

championing local produce. We

look at insect-friendly farming and

the unusual names our farmers

give their fields – Soggy Bottom,

anyone? There’s time to raise a glass

to the region’s wine producers, before

taking a whistlestop tour of Dorset

film locations. We offer advice on

the value of an agricultural tenancy

when a partnership breaks down, and

introduce you to the next generation.

t Lady with a Basket by Kim Creswell,

www.kimcreswell.co.uk

The Farmland Market

As market leaders in our region, we have our finger on the farmland pulse. Andrew Tuffin,

Head of Farm Agency, provides an insight into factors affecting the current market

If you are reading this, you probably own land or

wish to buy land and are interested in the current

– and future – state of the farmland market. The

headlines are: falling supply, variable demand and

diverging values.

Supply

Less than 100,000 acres was advertised for sale in Farmers

Weekly during 2019, a year-on-year decline of 40%. This is

the lowest amount since 2004, the year before single farm

payment was introduced.

Political uncertainty and the expected but largely

undetermined change to support

payments is delaying decisions to

market land more than it is affecting

values.

The main reason for sale continues

to be retirement, followed by change in

ownership policy and death. Forced sales through debt are

present but relatively low in number.

Demand

On a national scale tax breaks, low interest rates, rollover

money and healthy investor interest continue to provide the

fundamental demand for farmland. Combine this with low

supply and the market has been more robust than many

predicted.

On a global scale the increasing population is driving

the requirement for food and energy production, often

conflicting with environmental sustainability. These are

competing uses of both productive land and marginal land

which is becoming more relevant as technology advances.

Britain is better placed than many drier areas of the world

to continue with food and energy production in the long

term. Our established property laws, transport network and

weaker pound will make UK farmland an attractive longterm

proposition for investors and international buyers.

Buyer type

Falling supply,

variable demand

and diverging values.

Commercial farmers now only account for approximately 50%

of land buyers, whereas historically this has been around 60%.

Weaker cereal and beef prices have not helped confidence but

the largest deterrent is uncertainty about the future of subsidies

and trade deals. I dare say I will be reporting the same in 12

months.

Corporate and individual investors are becoming more

prominent. Attracted by long-term capital growth and less

volatility than other types of property and the stock market,

many view farmland as a safer asset.

The slight cooling of bare land values since their 2015 peak

has created an opportunity for investors to make

a reasonable return. This potentially opens doors

to farmers to rent, contract farm or take grass

keep to provide the landowner with a return on

capital or to keep the land tidy.

Residential and lifestyle buyers can have a

huge influence on value. With many still earning good bonuses,

land and even whole farms in the right locations, often

adjoining existing property or near good private schools, can

achieve a substantial premium.

Quality is sometimes less of a factor in these circumstances.

For instance land with a view is, by its nature, often sloping

pasture. In the right area it can achieve as much as arable land;

in the wrong area, not even farmers want it.

Following an often lengthy planning process, proceeds from

development land sales are filtering through to farmers and

landowners who are seeking to rollover gains.

Investors and rollover buyers tend to seek larger parcels

of arable land with a minimum of 200 acres and preferably

over 500 acres. Such parcels tend to create the most interest,

therefore it is important to market widely

Conservation-minded buyers – usually individuals or charity/

trust funds – sometimes express interest in marginal land, but

the land often requires specific attributes such as woodland,

water or accessibility, to be of value to them.

64

Values

Most farmland is achieving between £7,500 and £9,000 per acre

excluding small blocks under 10 acres, and woodland. However,

the range of values is extremely wide, achieving from £6,000

per acre to £15,000 per acre.

Nationally, average values are a fraction down year-on-year

and around 15% below the peak in 2015. However, values are

40% higher than 10 years ago and 250% higher than 20 years

ago.

Regionally, we have not experienced quite the same fall since

the 2015 peak. Demand for smaller parcels of land can be fierce

with some exceptional prices being achieved.

Farms often have surplus farm buildings and we work closely

with our planning and development colleagues to achieve

Class Q consents and disposals. A premium is often achieved by

attaching land to a plot, and we are always pleased to advise.

The future

Continuing uncertainty over Government policy and support,

together with healthy rents being received by retired farmers,

will continue to restrict supply in 2020 resulting in fewer

transactions.

However, hopefully as trade deals are agreed, supply will

start to improve in the medium term.

The range of values will continue to increase, although still

hover around the £8,000-£9,000 per acre average.

Andrew Tuffin

Rural Partner Head of Farm Agency

atuffin@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01258 474268

Jack Edwards

01722 334323

Wiltshire & Hampshire

The Farm Agency Team

Ross Willmington

01297 33122

Devon

Andrew Tuffin

01258 474268

Dorset & Somerset

Will Wallis

01305 236572

Dorset

65

Tuffin’s Top 10

As a Partner in the firm and our Head of Farm Agency, Andrew Tuffin is an

unrivalled expert in the business of buying and selling farms.

Here he picks his highlights from Symonds & Sampson’s 2019 sales

Best Farm

Most Satisfying

Stafford Farm, Dorchester

483-acre arable farm with 3 dwellings and traditional farm

buildings. Guide £5.3m. 20 viewings by investors and

farmers, national and local. 7 offers. Sold above guide.

Hardest Work

Lower Bowridge Hill Farm, Gillingham

109-acre grassland farm for improvement. We had sold

the deceased’s dairy herd in 1999. 46 viewings and sold

as a whole to a farmer.

Quickest Sale

Looke Farm, Dorchester

422-acre farm with 3 dwellings, pasture and a shooting

range. Sale agreed, fell through, repackaged, remarketed

and sold in excess of original guide price.

Park Farm, Charminster

99-acre residential and equestrian holding. Under offer

for a figure in excess of guide after just 2 weeks and

completed within 3 months from instruction.

66

Longest Sale

Quickest Resale

Haslemere Farm, Yeovil

90-acre livestock farm with attractive ag-tied bungalow

and good range of farm buildings. Sold after 13 months

of marketing.

Best House

Ewe Barn, Hazelbury Bryan

Class Q barn in 4 acres. Sold at auction to neighbouring

farmer. Sold on barn with 1 acre to an underbidder, with

the farmer keeping three acres.

Most Competition

Limbury Farm, Bridport

44-acre residential farm with an immaculate Grade II*

country house set in enchanting gardens with a lake.

Agreed in 2 weeks, over guide after stiff competition.

Most Potential

Carters Farm, Axminster

69 acres of pasture land offered by auction in 8 lots.

Purchased by 6 different buyers in total, each lot well

over guide and averaging £11,000 per acre.

Furthest West

Coulston, Westbury

100 acre pasture farm and barns with consent to convert

to 2 detached contemporary dwellings. Offered in 10

lots and sold to 7 different buyers.

Stoodleigh, Tiverton

101 acre residential farm offered in 3 lots and sold as

a whole. Worked in conjunction with Paul Heard Rural

Professional Services, Wellington.

67

Farm

to Fork

From bustling markets to farm shops, there’s a host of tempting alternatives

to the identikit supermarket chains. Zoe Brain encourages us to take our

pick of locally grown produce

It’s a sad fact that many consumers have lost

sight of where their food comes from and how

it is produced – choosing highly processed, over

packaged, branded produce over locally sourced

goods. Where food was once a huge part of communities, it is

often now just a sideshow.

In a bid to fight back, the ‘farm-to

fork’ movement created a concept that

has become one of the fastest growing

trends in the nutrition world.

NFU President, Minette Batters says:

“Safe, traceable, affordable food that is

produced to high standards of animal

welfare and environmental protection

is a right for all, and British farmers should be the number one

supplier.”

Tasting the difference

Supermarket produce is often grown and processed with

shelf-life top of mind. These products may have been

transported over long distances and will often have been

sitting in distribution centres before arriving at the store and

eventually making it on to the shelves.

In contrast, much of the local produce you’ll find at farmers’

markets and farm shops has been picked within the previous

24 hours. In addition to the advantage in freshness, growers

who cater to local customers aren’t constrained by harvesting,

packing, transport and shelf-life quality issues. Instead, they

have the freedom to select, grow and harvest their produce to

ensure the highest qualities of freshness, nutrition and taste.

Ditching the weekly shop

Farmers’ markets and farm shops are an excellent way to source

local produce. Most rural towns have one, and they’re popping

up in big cities too. According to the National Farmers’ Retail

and Markets Association (FARMA), there are over 4,000 farm

shops and over 500 farmers’ markets in the UK.

Much of the local produce

you’ll find at farmers’

markets and farm shops

has been picked within the

previous 24 hours

The concept of ‘food miles’ has been widely investigated.

Data produced from the National Food Agency reveals that

34% of shoppers give reducing food miles as the main reason

to buy local food. It is obvious that local food means lower

transport costs, less pollution and freshness of produce.

The food miles concept helps

shoppers change their habits in an

intuitive way and should be utilised to

convey the wider environmental benefits

of local food.

Keep it local

Amid the current uncertainties

surrounding the future of British

agriculture, an increasing number of farmers are diversifying

away from their core farming enterprises in a bid to safeguard

the long-term sustainability of their business and gain a reliable

source of income.

With the 21 st century providing hectic schedules, we can

easily be forgiven for a mad ‘one dash does it all’ to our nearest

supermarket. So, while

‘local’ is no longer

our only option, and

sometimes convenience

is paramount, we can

choose to reap the

benefits of going back

to our roots.

Buying local foods

is not only sustainable

but supports local food producers and ensures more money

stays in the local economy and goes to those who work hard to

ensure that food goes from the farm to our fork.

Zoe Brain BSc Hons

Graduate Surveyor Poundbury

zbrain@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01305 236571

68

The Future

of Farming

T

he Common Agricultural Programme will

soon be replaced by The Future Farming and

Countryside Programme. Developed by DEFRA,

the new services and interventions are being

designed to support farmers and land managers.

Under the programme, current land-based payments to

farmers will be phased out over a seven-year period, starting

in 2021, and succeeded by a new Environmental Land

Management Scheme (ELMS). The scheme is planned as part

of a system paying ‘public money for public goods’.

Under the new system, farmers and land managers can

enter into a contractual agreement with the Government to

produce environmental land management plans providing

outcomes, for which they will be paid.

However, DEFRA has not yet determined the level of

payments which will be made under the new scheme.

Objectives

The scheme will be delivered through

farmers and land managers on a 25-year

environmental plan which aims to support

the following:

• Clean air and clean and plentiful water.

• Thriving plants and wildlife.

• Reduction in and protection from environmental hazards.

• Adaptation to and mitigation of climate change.

• Beauty, heritage and engagement with the environment.

Lucy Carnell digs into the details of the new

Environmental Land Management Scheme

The concept is

payment for outcomes:

‘the more you do, the

more you get paid’

A new relationship with land managers will be formed

through a contract to deliver public goods, alongside market

productions, rather than a direct subsidy.

The idea behind the scheme is to trigger ambition through

providing land managers with choice and control. Prescribed

directions on how to achieve outcomes

will not be provided – the farmer or land

manager will focus on how to achieve the

outcome and improve quality with guidance

from an expert adviser.

The onus is on the farmer and land

manager to demonstrate compliance. The

concept is payment for outcomes: ‘the more you do, the more

you get paid’.

Timeframe

DEFRA is currently developing a design for the new ELM

scheme and is testing new ideas. The developing and testing

phase is likely to continue until 2021.

Once developed and tested, the new scheme will be

implemented on a large-scale national pilot from 2021 until

2024. From 2025, the ELM scheme should be in full operation.

Lucy Carnell MRICS

Rural Surveyor Yeovil

lcarnell@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01935 382901

69

Insect-friendly

Farming

The National Pollinator Strategy aims to

provide insects with food and a home.

Harold Makant of Natural England

explains how landowners can benefit

from doing their bit

Remember how insects used to accumulate on

car windscreens? You may not see so many

nowadays as they are in decline. Studies have

shown this to be a problem across many

parts of Europe. The economic value of pollination to crop

production in the UK is estimated to be approximately half a

billion pounds a year.

To address the declining situation, the Government

produced a National Pollinator Strategy in 2014. A key part

of the strategy asks that farmers and landowners incorporate

a range of beneficial management

practices on their farms to improve the

provision of food and habitat for insects.

Options available

Mechanisms to improve pollinator

habitat are available within the existing Countryside

Stewardship schemes. The range of options, available under

both higher and mid-tier will help create new habitats within

the farmed landscape for pollinators and form a central

element of the wildlife packages on offer.

For the arable or mixed farmer, two of the more focused

options are AB1 nectar flower mix (£511/ha), and AB8 flower

rich margins and plots (£539/ha).

The main difference is that the AB1 plots use a narrow range

of legumes to create a huge amount of pollen and nectar in

A good time to do the work

is late summer when the

soils are warm

the summer months with a shorter expected plot life, while

the broader mix of species in AB8 such as knapweed, birds-foot

trefoil, yarrow wild carrot and fine grasses will provide a longer

lasting mixture that produces flowers for an extended period

that appeals to a wider range of insects and is more persistent.

The options are not exclusive to arable farmers. Grassland

farmers can also do their bit with the GS4 herb and legume

rich sward option offering a payment of £309/ha. With a good

mixture containing deep-rooted plants such as sanfoin, lucerne

or plantain, the sward has good drought resistance and remains

productive for both grazing stock and

insects.

Think about location

With a bit of thought about location, the

options can be used to connect known

hot spots of insect activity or to provide stepping stones so that

a butterfly like the Small Skipper that does not like to venture

far from food sources can move across the landscape.

Scientific work has shown that, to make a landscape

pollinator friendly, there must be a number of 0.25 ha plots

scattered around 500m apart.

Establishment is key with the plots. Prepare a good fine

seedbed and broadcast the seed on to the surface, and lightly

roll to enhance seed and soil contact.

Get the timing right

A good time to do the work is late summer when the soils are

warm and soil moisture levels are increasing. Frequent topping

in the first year is vital to aid establishment.

Adopt a cutting regime that will enable a proportion of the

plot to flower later in the season to give the insects as long a

feeding season as possible and for those that hibernate, such as

the Brimstone, a vital late season feed.

Harold Makant

Natural England

Harold.makant@naturalengland.org.uk

70

A Field by Any

Other Name

From ‘Ding Dong’ to ‘Second Humpy’,

Philip Greenway has a field day with

meadows’ monikers

If, like me, you grew up on a farm, you’ll be familiar

with names such as Home Field, Eight Acres (or

equivalent number), Cow Field, Orchard, Bottom

Field, Top Field and The Meadow.

But what about the more unusual

names? Borrow Bread, Dear Bought,

Purgatory, Gaudy Close and Ding Dong

are some examples that Farmers Weekly

highlighted from A New Dictionary of English

Field Names by Dr Paul Cavil (The English

Place-Name Society, £22) – a new book on field name origins.

Contributors also came up with a few interesting examples:

“My wettest horror field is perfectly named – it’s the Black

Bog!”

“We have a First Humpy and a Second Humpy; so named as

they’re both humpy and one is in front of the other.”

“Warren Field, Hump Back Field, Junk Field (used to be full of

old scrap), and my personal favourite The Big Square Field.”

“Soggy Bottom. I am sure Mary Berry would have approved.”

“There was Slates on a Cotswold farm I worked on. The

Cotswold brash was so thick it was hard to spot the soil but it

still grew a good crop. Here in flat Suffolk we have Hillies near

us – the only gentle slope for miles.”

“10 Acre … but the field is actually only five acres.”

“Starveacre and Worlds End are probably the most amusing

I’ve come across.”

“Mud Pightle, Shepherds Hills and Bulfers.”

“We have one called Cheesecake. I don’t know why.”

As you can see from the above, field names may have

derived from just about anything. The majority of names,

however, would have come from Anglo-Saxon origins and

passed down the generations.

Many would never have been written down, although old

tithe maps and tenancy agreements would have been two

sources of evidence of any historical data.

The old OS plans usually had a three-digit number relating to

the parish in which it was located, and the more recent national

grid series of plans have given each field a four-digit number

based on its grid reference. Neither of these series of plans did

What we have with

field names is part of

the rich tapestry of the

English language

anything to preserve the individuality or historic context of old

field names.

As a chartered surveyor, I have always taken time to write

down information on field names where

possible. I can’t imagine my father saying

to me as a young man, “Go down to OS

319 and spread the manure.” Much more

evocatively he would have said, “Go ‘n’

spread the muck on Sourdown.” I would

have known exactly what to do!

What we have with field names is part of the rich

tapestry of the English language. It is ever-changing, largely

undocumented and capable of being lost forever, unless we

write it down and make use of it.

Field names from Buckland Newton 1856

I suggest that all landowners and farmers take a few

minutes to write all they know about the names of their fields,

and preserve this declining fragment of our past – before it

disappears altogether.

Philip Greenway

Valuations Yeovil

pgreenway@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01935 382902

71

Vine &

Dandy

Dorset and East Devon has become prime wine-growing territory.

Patrick Woodford toasts the success of three top producers

T

he last 20 years or so has seen a surge of interest

in UK winemaking particularly, though by no means

exclusively, in southern England, as an accidental

by-product of climate change.

Rising temperatures now mean that growing conditions are

close to those found in the Champagne region of France. Marry

that with sheltered, free-draining, south-facing slopes and the

underlying conditions become ideal for wine production, in

particular sparkling wine.

A small but increasing number of landowners are seeing the

establishment of vineyards and winemaking as a diversification

opportunity with many spin-offs, including tasting tours,

corporate events, farm tourism and visitor-related activities.

Wine production itself can be a very volatile experience

with wide variations in annual grape yields according to

weather conditions. While 2018 was a bumper year for growers,

it followed several much more variable years including a

complete washout in 2012.

Added to this uncertainty, in the early years there is a period

of significant capital expenditure for little or no return from

the growing crop. The economics can look daunting with the

establishment of infrastructure and planting of vines costing

from £10,000 to £12,000 per acre, and annual maintenance

costs of between £3,000 to £4,500 per acre.

Many owners of larger vineyards have taken the step of

investing in their own winery, employing

winemaking experts and producing their

own-brand wine.

Other smaller producers may

grow on contract and receive

around £1,500 to £2,500 per

tonne delivered, or they

may send their grapes to a

larger winery for processing into their own-brand wine which

they receive back for onward sale after paying a processing and

storage charge.

My work with vineyards has encompassed valuation and tax

arrangements, tenancy work and planning, while across the

firm we have dealt with a number of sales, usually as part of

larger, mixed use businesses and often including a residential

element. Establishment costs added to underlying agricultural

land value are unlikely to be returned in enhanced capital value

at present.

In the following pages we look at three established and

successful vineyards in Dorset and East Devon: Langham

Wine Estate near Milborne St Andrew, Bride Valley Vineyard at

Litton Cheney, and Castlewood Vineyard near Axminster. Each

produces its own high-quality own-brand range of still and

sparkling wines. Visit their websites to find out more.

Patrick Woodford MRICS FAAV

Partner Dorchester

pwoodford@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01305 236573

72

Wine

and Song

Each year, the harvest from

Castlewood’s boutique

vineyard is enjoyed at the

summer wine festival

What started as a childhood fascination with

hedgerow fruits has seen Rob Corbett make

the bold move to establishing a vineyard and

making wine on his family’s 200-acre dairy and

arable unit near Axminster in Devon.

In the mid-1990s, a block of steep

land not suited to growing cereal crops

or silage was planted with vines. “The

hillside is south-facing – essential in the

northern hemisphere if the vines are to

get enough sunshine. This area is comparable to France’s Loire

Valley and we have our own little micro-climate,” says Rob. “It’s

mild here and we’re just 2.5 miles away from Lyme Bay.”

Managing vines and making wine while running the core

dairy business makes certain times of the year extremely busy.

Installing two robotic milking systems has, however, provided

flexibility for Rob to pursue his winemaking passion. Pruning

and trellising starts in December and goes through until

March. Rob tends

to all 5,000 vines

himself.

Grape harvest is

typically from late

September onwards;

then winemaking

begins. The wines

are fermented in

both stainless steel

and three-year-old

Burgundy barrels

before being bottled

and allowed to

mature for two years

in Castlewood’s old

stone barns.

Five hundred tickets go

on sale on 1 March and

quickly sell out

Rob makes both sparkling and still white wine, growing

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Bacchus grape

varieties to create the desired results.

Planting to first harvest was a four-year wait. The first

commercial vintage was in 2010 and

this lay in the cellar for two

years. So, in 2012, he had

his first 1,000 Castlewood

bottles to sell.

Instead of choosing

to supply local farm shops and restaurants,

Rob invited everyone into his vineyard for the

inaugural Castlewood Wine Festival, and sold

his entire vintage in one day!

Back then he knew 80% of his customers,

but business has grown to the point where

he now knows only 20% directly. And the

annual one-day ticketed wine festival

continues. Five hundred tickets go on sale

on 1 March and quickly sell out.

Rob now produces more than 8,000

bottles of Castlewood wine each year –

selling at the festival, to private customers,

and through a few select restaurants.

“We use the passage of time to clarify the wine – not

chemicals or filtration. It’s important that we maintain the

integrity of our product,” says Rob.

His next plan is to produce a semi-soft lactic cheese from

the herd’s milk to pair with the wines. Rob says: “We’re still

developing a recipe and involving all the chefs who buy our

wines in the development process. It’s a really fun journey and

we’re only just at the beginning!”

For further information and sales,

visit www.castlewoodvineyard.co.uk or call 01297 552068.

73

Bubbly

Personality

Meet sparkling wine producers,

Langham Estate in Dorset

At the heart of the Langham Estate sits the

magnificent Bingham’s Melcombe Manor

House, a Grade I listed house that has changed

little since the reign of Edward VI. Acquired by

John Langham in 1980, Bingham’s Melcombe is now the heart

of Langham Agricultural Enterprise, today extending to over

2,500 acres.

The Langham Vineyard was established by John Langham

on a very small scale but, in 2009,

John’s son, Justin Langham, decided

to develop his father’s project into a

commercial venture and planted 30

acres of land at their Crawthorne Farm

site near Milborne St Andrew.

With a south-facing aspect, chalk

soils and a unique micro-climate,

Crawthorne provides the perfect

terroir for ripening the classic Champagne grape triumvirate

of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Well-established hedgerows provide natural wind breaks

and habitat for a large variety of beneficial species. The

ability to grow their own grapes means that picking can take

place at optimum ripeness without restriction of contract

purchasing and this results in a better quality wine.

With the winery located

a short distance from the

vineyard, the grapes are

picked and processed

within a few hours

canopy and promoting biological control organisms, the

effects of disease are kept to a minimum. Grapes are handpicked

and rigorous vineyard selection ensures that only the

highest quality grapes arrive at the winery.

Housed in a characterful old barn, the winery provides

a fusion of the old and the new. With a selection of

temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, as well as used

French barriques, Langham Wine has all the tools required to

produce exceptional wines.

With the winery located a short

distance from the vineyard, the grapes

are picked and processed within a few

hours, avoiding the need for transport

and risk to the grapes in transit.

As an adjunct to the commercial

farming operations, Langham Wine

employs five staff holding roles in

vineyard management, winemaking, sales and hospitality, as

well as many

seasonal

staff during

the picking

season.

Organised

tastings in the

wine tasting

room, catering

and events at

the Vineyard

Café, vineyard

tours and

other activities

supplement

the core purpose of successful wine production.

Wines produced include classic Cuvée non-vintage, Blanc

de Blancs Reserve, Rosé NV, Blanc de Noirs 2013, and Blanc de

Blancs 2011. Wines produced on the estate have won many

awards including, most recently, Supreme Champion at the

Wine GB annual competition.

As a policy, the vineyard is working towards reducing

chemical intervention. This is being achieved through diligent

canopy management. By increasing the airflow through the


visit www.langhamwine.co.uk or call 01258 839095.

74

Grape

Expectations

The owner of Bride Valley Vineyard in West Dorset

has years of experience in the wine trade

Steven Spurrier is one of the most influential and

celebrated individuals in the wine trade. In 2009

he and his wife

Bella established

Bride Valley Vineyard on

the stunning West Dorset

coast between Bridport and

Dorchester. The vineyard

now produces a number of

award-winning wines under

the Bride Valley label and

offers regular tours and tastings for visitors from around the

world.

The opportunity to produce

his own wine was too

much for Steven to resist

Steven and Bella made Litton

Cheney their home in 1987 and Steven

was keenly aware of the potential for

growing vines on his wife’s 200-acre

farm on the edge of the village. The

clean, chalky soil was almost identical to that found in the

Champagne region of France and the fine south-facing slopes

offered a favourable climate for the cultivation of Chardonnay,

Pinot Noir and Pinot

Meunier vines – classic

Champagne grape

varieties.

Having spent a

lifetime in the trade, the

opportunity to produce

his own wine was too

much for Steven to

resist. So 44,000 vines

from Pépinières

Guillaume –

considered the

world’s best

vine nursery – in

north Burgundy

were matched to the climate and subsoil, and planted over 25

prime acres on Bella’s farm.

The first harvest was gathered in 2011 and the grapes taken

to Ian Edwards (2012 English Winemaker of the Year) at nearby

Furleigh Estate. Three elegantly sparkling wines produced in

the traditional Champagne method were released in 2014 – a

classic, clean Blanc de Blanc, a Brut Reserve and a rosé

for summer drinking named Rosé Bella in honour of

his wife.

After this promising start Bride Valley Vineyard

struggled for a number of years with smaller-thanhoped-for

crops but the wonderful summer of 2018

renewed everyone’s faith in the productivity of the

Dorset countryside. Almost 60,000 bottles were

produced, and Bride Valley Wines made its first still

varieties – Dorset Chardonnay and Dorset Pinot Noir released

in 2019.

In 2018, Bride Valley Vineyard also

produced the UK’s first ever Crémant,

which immediately scooped an SWA

silver award. The Dorset Crémant is

deliciously creamy on the pallet due to its

slightly lower fizz compared to traditional sparkling wines. The

2019 harvest, despite the cold and the rain, did not disappoint

and the future and continued quality of Bride Valley Wines, and

indeed English wines in general, appears to be rosy.

Wine tourism is also on the increase and to accommodate

growing numbers of visitors Bride Valley Vineyard has recently

invested in a dedicated art and tasting room, with Steven’s

cornucopia of pictures, artefacts and awards on display.

From this setting – a charming stable block opening on to

the back garden of Steven and Bella’s home in Litton Cheney

– the Bride Valley team

host regular events.

Guests can tour the

vines, spend pleasant

moments enjoying the

beautiful Dorset views

with glass in hand and

take home some bottles

of fine English wine at

cellar door prices.


visit www.bridevalleyvineyard.com or call 01308 482767.

75

Wessex

The Only Way is

©2014 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Thomas Hardy classics, Oscar-winning blockbusters, and TV mini-series:

our beautiful county has played a starring role on screen.

Andrew Carless is ready for his close-up

©1967 METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER.

Some of the most beautiful countryside in

Britain can be found in Dorset. Whether you like

dramatic coastlines, sweeping

countryside or pretty

cottages, the county has the lot.

Little wonder, then, that film directors

have been drawn to Dorset when they

have needed a brilliant location for a

film.

We would expect films based on

Thomas Hardy’s novels to be filmed in

Dorset. It would be sacrilege to go anywhere else and the

county has been the back drop to Far from the Madding

Crowd twice, The Mayor of Casterbridge and, of course, Tess of

the d’Urbervilles. Was there ever such a vulnerable heroine as

Nastassja Kinski?

And in a reworking of a Hardy novel, Stephen Frears,

himself a former Dorset resident, directed Tamara Drewe with

Bond-girl Gemma Arterton taking on the role of journalist

Tamara based on the comic strip by Posy Simmonds.

Sherborne School has also been popular, with films such

as The Imitation Game, The Browning Version and Goodbye,

Mr Chips, and the mini-series Wolf Hall all shot in and around

the quad.

Milton Abbey School was used for television’s To Serve

Them All My Days and the brilliant Ripping Yarns.

Iconic film stills have been shot in the county; The French

Lieutenant’s Woman was filmed in Lyme Regis and famously

uses The Cobb as a dramatic backdrop, with a hooded Meryl

Steep looking out to sea.

The town was also used for the 1995 and 2007

adaptations of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, whilst Emma was

filmed in Evershot and Dorchester.

The famous chandelier

scene in Only Fools and

Horses was set up at

Clayesmore school in

Iwerne Minster

The coast has been used in other films; Portland Harbour

took centre stage in the 2008 film The Boat that Rocked starring

Rhys Ifans, Bill Nighy and Nick Frost about

a pirate radio station in the North Sea.

Most recently, of course, West Bay has

featured on the small screen in the multi

award-winning Broadchurch, while the illfated

Harbour Lights is thankfully a distant

memory.

Nanny McPhee was partly filmed in the

Purbecks, as well as Mansfield Park and

the darkly comic Mike Leigh film Nuts in May. In 1997, Stephen

Fry portrayed

Oscar Wilde in

the film Wilde;

scenes were

shot around

Swanage

Pier, Lulworth

and Studland

beaches.

The Blackmore Vale was the back drop to Fair Stood the Wind

for France, and the famous chandelier scene in Only Fools and

Horses was set up at Clayesmore school in Iwerne Minster.

So, the next time you walk into a pub and think someone is

the spitting image of a famous actor, you may be right. You may

even be asked to be an extra. You will, however, never outshine

the Dorset countryside.

Andrew Carless

Partner Accounts

acarless@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01305 236560

©BBC

76

Splitting

Headache

What is the value of an agricultural

tenancy when a partnership falls out?

Philip Pollard explains

Anyone setting up a family farming business

does so in the belief there will never be any

disputes, but sadly that is not always the case.

When families fall out, the impact can be

dramatic for all concerned.

I was involved in a complex

arbitration to consider the value of

an agricultural tenancy following

the unfortunate break up of a

family farming partnership.

There was a significant amount

of legal input, especially to

establish whether the tenancy was

held as an asset of the partnership. It was, so the benefit of

the tenancy had to be valued which became a significant

threat to the ongoing farming business.

Therefore, I would recommend that you think carefully

before making the tenancy an asset of the partnership

because, if the tenancy has to be valued, it could put a

significant strain on the ongoing partners when having to pay

an outgoing partner

The farm in question was on an estate where it was agreed

that the landlord would not make a payment for the tenancy.

So we had to work out the benefit to the ongoing partners

of having a tenancy under the Agricultural Holdings Act., and

thus a lower rent than an FBT.

I would recommend that

you think carefully before

making the tenancy an

asset of the partnership

Even though the tenancy was non-assignable, it still

had a value. There is case law detailing how you value a

tenancy based upon the profit rent, which is the difference

between the open market rent and the rent paid under

an Agricultural Holdings Act Tenancy. This can be a

considerable amount.

I approached my valuation on behalf of

the ongoing partners in two ways. First,

I looked at the market rent, taking into

account all the factors of the particular

farm.

Second, I looked at the sustainability

argument which is what the farm

was producing by way of profits and, having allowed a

reasonable return to the partners, what it could afford to pay

in terms of rent. My valuation, which was a balance of my

two methods, led me to value the tenancy at about £400 per

acre.

The valuer for the outgoing partner based his value on

a large profit rent, so that his valuation came to just under

£2,000 per acre. We were some way apart and on 600 acres

that meant there was a lot at stake, the Valuers were about

£750,000 apart!

The arbitrator was a well-respected QC. He was an expert

on the law, but his understanding of farming businesses

and valuation were secondary to his legal expertise. He

dismissed my sustainability approach, but accepted my

analysis of the rent and based his award on a rent that was in

line with my proposal.

The arbitrator came to a fair result which was much closer

to my valuation but the stress and threat to the ongoing

business was significant. .

When setting up your family partnership it is essential

to take professional advice. Speak to your solicitor and

accountant, but also make sure that you speak to your valuer

to gain a true understanding any future claims.

Philip Pollard FRICS FAAV

Partner Salisbury

ppollard@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01722 334323

77

Agricultural Finance

The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC) is a specialist provider of

medium/long term finance for farmers and landowners.

A

key selling point for AMC has always been its

light touch ‘lend and leave’ approach coupled

with its ability to lend over a longer term. AMC

supports UK farming businesses by lending

them funds over 5 to 30 years for any business purpose.

Lending is split between land purchases, capital investment,

restructuring bank overdraft or term debt and working capital.

Restructuring debt and spreading loan repayments over a

longer period or switching borrowing onto an interest only

basis are all ways that AMC may help to save costs. AMC is

able to offer long term interest-only loans and applications

for this facility are increasing from farmer’s whose banks are

unable or unwilling to offer such facilities.

Whether to take out long term fixed rate loans or to stay

with a variable rate loan is always a difficult decision to make,

especially where we have been at such a low base rate for

so many years. Fixed rate money is currently very affordable

with the cost of funds still below the 1% mark at the time

of writing. Many over the last year have opted for fixing but

what is right for one may not be for another and each case is

different.

With signs of more land coming on the market in 2020

AMC don’t just lend to traditional farmers but also provide

Rural Business Loans to non-farming clients providing they are

able to offer agricultural security and service the debt.

The Symonds & Sampson LLP team of AMC agents includes

Edward Dyke, A-J Monro and Greg Ridout all of whom will be

pleased to answer any questions you may have.

We must improve

our buildings

this year

We need to

restructure the

partnership

Guaranteed working

capital would help

our plans

Purchase the

neighbouring

farm/land

Restructuring our

debt could help

manage costs

Total minimum AMC loan £25,001 (AMC Flexible Loan £30,001)

Edward Dyke

01258 474261

Greg Ridout

A-J Monro

07817 517467 07867 555838

symondsandsampson.co.uk

78

The Next

Generation

79

AND FINALLY

A look back at a fabulous year for our

charity fundraising, all the fun of the

rural shows, and interviews with the

show secretaries. You can rely on us

to give you great advice – even down

to the best pubs and restaurants –

so don’t miss our tips for excellent

eateries. Then join us as we stand at

the required distance, tip our heads

to one side and contemplate our

favourite paintings, before trying our

hands – and legs – at gig rowing and

yoga, and look forward to raising

funds and awareness for our 2020

charity, Mind.

t Detail from ‘The Swimmer’, triptych by Rosanna Chittenden,

www.rchittenden.co.uk

Helping

Hands

Staff have been extraordinarily busy all year – donning aprons, throwing themselves

out of planes and facilitating numerous auctions, parties and challenges

Wessex Heartbeat was created to ensure that patients

and their families undergoing treatment at the Wessex Cardiac

Centre are provided with the best possible care and support.

The charity strives to improve every single aspect of cardiac care,

from education and prevention, to treatment and rehabilitation.

The combination

of world-class clinical

teams and significant

investment in the

Wessex Cardiac Centre

have turned it into one

of the leading cardiac

centres in the UK and

Internationally.

Bournemouth Hospital Charity raises funds to

help enhance the care and treatment of patients at the Royal

Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals.

Through donations, the charity purchases specialist medical

equipment beyond the reach of NHS budgets to ensure that

patients at the hospital have access to the latest cutting-edge

technology and treatment.

James Monro, the father of A-J Monro of our Wimborne

office, was one of the finest heart surgeons of his generation.

He was also a former Chairman of Wessex Heartbeat and carried

out thousands of life-saving operations at the Bournemouth

Hospital.

With two undeniably worthy causes standing to benefit, the

staff set about raising a target of £10,000.

They have been extraordinarily busy all year – donning

aprons, throwing themselves out of planes and facilitating

numerous auctions, parties and challenges.

How we raised the money

Annie Helliwell, Derryn Pollard and Jack Edwards of Salisbury

completed the Great South Run in October; and Philip Pollard,

Tim Hale and Theresa Wootton ‘enjoyed’ tandem sky diving –

jumping from 10,000ft in September. As an office they have

raised well over £5,000.

Trudi Gumbrell, Jess Weymouth, Sam Brown and Andrea

Lowden-Todd also took the opportunity to jump out of a plane,

completing a 15,000ft sky dive in July raising over £2,000. Very

brave!

A 15-strong group of ladies from Symonds & Sampson

marched more than six miles along Bournemouth seafront

at twilight in May and beat their fundraising target by over

116%! The girls raised an impressive £648.

Fast becoming a much anticipated annual event, Rymer’s Rally

– a tractor rally organised by the Wimborne office’s Nick Rymer –

raised a whopping £5,800 for the charities in May. In attendance

were a total of 64 tractors, seven Land Rovers, an Austin pick-up

and a 124-year-old steam engine! The band, barbecue and over

450 guests all contributed to what was a spectacular day.

Rymers Rally will be back in May 2020 when funds from this

hugely popular event will be donated to local charity ‘In Jolly

Good Company’.

The Great British Bake Off came to the Sturminster Newton

office when staff brought in all manner of tasty homemade

delights for their coffee and cake morning in June. The office

raised over £250.

On a gloriously sunny

afternoon in Beaminster, the office

hosted a garden party complete

with Pimms and canapes. Mr

and Mrs Brooks kindly let us use

their beautiful and immaculately

presented garden for the event

which raised £628.

Most recently, Immy Robinson,

Will Wallis and Carol Wallis, hosted a fantastic murder mystery

evening at their pub, The Fox at Ansty. With the help of the

Dorset Drama Group providing their excellent acting skills, the

evening was a great success raising over £1,100.

We would like to thank everyone who has helped organise

our events this year and those who have come along and

supported our fundraising efforts.

The staff at Symonds & Sampson have smashed their £10,000

target, raising just over £14,750 for Wessex Heartbeat and

Bournemouth Hospital.

We look forward to another year of fundraising for our

nominated charity in 2020.

Peter Grout-Smith MNAEA

Residential Poundbury

pgs@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01305 251154

82

My First Sky Dive

by Philip Pollard (aged 63¼)

The things we do for charity! Philip Pollard and colleagues from our

Salisbury office raised funds – and their adrenaline levels

I

still don’t know what made me say the words “I’ll do

a sky dive” to raise money for Symonds & Sampson’s

charities, but before I could change my mind my

secretary, Theresa, and colleague Tim Hale had

agreed to join me so I couldn’t back out.

The date was set for 7 September

2019 and we arrived at Go Sky Dive to be

inducted for our sky dive. The induction

was short, a 5 min video and another 5

mins being shown a few essentials!.

The plane was tiny, but 16 of us, eight

instructors and eight

students squeezed in.

During the flight there

was some nervous fistpumping,

but not much

conversation.

As we approached

the dropzone, the red light came on. Theresa was first out of the

plane because she didn’t want to hear anyone else screaming!

That’s when everything became a bit

surreal. When it was my turn to leave

the aircraft I thought, “I just hope this

all goes well!” and focused on the brief

training we had been given.

We jumped; the instructor got

control of the freefall, and suddenly

we were flying vertically downwards

at 125mph. All I noticed was the rush

of wind and the exhilaration. I did not get much chance to

look around but did see the ground rapidly approaching.

Surprisingly at no time was I at all concerned!

Suddenly there was a shout in my ear and the instructor

shoved his hand in front of me and counted down five

Theresa was first out

of the plane because

she didn’t want to hear

anyone else screaming!

The most nervous moment

was when the instructor

said he was going to

check the parachute had

deployed correctly!

seconds. I heard the parachute deploy, felt a jolt, and suddenly

all became quiet and serene. The most nervous moment was

when the instructor said he was going to check the parachute

had deployed correctly!

I was asked whether I wanted to do any

spins and turns and I declined, saying that

I was quite happy to be a steady Eddie!

As we floated down, I had a wonderful

view of Stonehenge, Old Sarum and the

Cathedral, the views were amazing.

We came in to land at about 15mph. I

made sure I followed my instructions to the letter, keeping my

legs out and landing on my bottom with a bump, but in one

piece.

It is interesting to note that Theresa was first out of the

aircraft but last to land. I was middle one out and middle one

to land, and Tim, who was last out of the aircraft but, being an

adrenaline junkie, requested the tight turns and spins on the

way down, was first to land!

We have been incredibly well supported by friends, family

and clients, and have made a significant

contribution to Symonds & Sampson’s

chosen charities and the Salisbury

Hospital Stars Appeal.

Our Just Giving page is still open if

anybody wishes to contribute. Please

go to www.justgiving.com/teams/

symsamsalisbury

Philip Pollard FRICS FAAV

Partner Salisbury

ppollard@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01722 334323

83

84

Show

Dogs

Axe Vale

Show

Show Date 2020

20–21 June

85

86

Honiton

Show

Show Date 2020

6 August

87

88

Gillingham

& Shaftesbury

Show

Show Date 2020

19 August

89

90

Melplash

Show

Show Date 2020

27 August

91

92

Dorset County

Show

Show Dates 2020

5 September

– 6 September

93

The Greatest Showmen

Who would win the accolade? We meet Will Hyde, Secretary of the Dorset

County Show, and James Cox, Secretary of the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show

as they prepare for their 2020 events

Dorset County Show,

5-6 September 2020

Will Hyde took

on the role of

Show Secretary

in 2017.

What experience

do you have?

My background is farm

management and

agricultural consultancy

– but I have no event management

credentials whatsoever! I stewarded

for a number of years at the Royal Bath

& West Show and from there started

commentating in livestock sections across the South West.

What ideas do you have for changing the show?

I want to increase our presence in the rural community and

facilitate more industry-based events throughout the year.

I also want to change our education fund so that it is more

proactive in providing resources for schools.

Where do you see the show in five years’ time?

In the livestock and equine areas, I want to have more

national qualifying classes and industry-based competitions

such as national breed shows, and classes that showcase

youth initiatives.

In the trade area, I want us to be more selective over the

quality of trade stand we attract, creating a better display.

Our two-day show

delivers 60,000 visitors

Why is your show the best in Dorset?

Dorset County Show is very different from other shows. In

2006 we took on the mantle of being ‘The County Show’

and we’ve risen to the challenge. Our two-day show

delivers 60,000 visitors and significantly higher entries

across all sections.

If you weren’t doing this job, what would you

be doing?

I would be farming sheep. My family helped to develop the

Dorset Down breed eight generations ago and we have

farmed them ever since on the same site in Wool. We have

the oldest and largest flock of Dorset Downs and I have a

strong desire to continue that family tradition.

What is the hardest part of your job?

Managing people and their expectations. Almost

everything that happens is reliant on someone

or something else. I have to maintain the lines of

communication to make sure no one’s time is wasted and

that everyone’s efforts are recognised and appreciated.

What is the most enjoyable part of your job?

Interacting with different groups, businesses and

individuals. Some of the discussion is highly technical and

specialised, particularly when it comes

to logistics, infrastructure and regulation.

And I also discuss how to improve visitor

satisfaction which is normally creative,

contemporary and dynamic.

In your opinion what are the wider benefits

of agricultural shows to the local community

and the economy?

The most important role we provide is an opportunity for

the agricultural community to interact and socialise. In the

modern day this is increasingly important for rural mental

health and to combat insular behaviour. The show is timed

perfectly for farmers to come together and, hopefully,

celebrate a prosperous year. In hard times it provides a safe

forum for farmers to meet and recognise that we are all in

this together.

94

Gillingham & Shaftesbury

Show, 19 August 2020

James Cox

became Show

Secretary in

June 2019.

What experience

do you have?

My first experience of

agricultural shows was

losing against my friend

Lucy in the decorated

wellie competition at

the Dorchester Show! As competing

was not my strong point, I took up a

stewarding role at the County Show,

which later led to an office job. I

progressed to the Royal Bath & West of

England Society, working on Grassland UK, The Dairy Show

and The Royal Bath & West Show.

Gillingham & Shaftesbury is

a ‘proper’ agricultural show

where business gets done

What ideas do you have for changing the show?

I would like to see more family entertainment while

continuing to expand our existing brilliant offering to

the agricultural visitors. We are eager to introduce an

educational branch

as we feel now

more than ever that

agricultural societies’

core aims should be

supporting the future

of our outstanding

industry.

Where do you see the show in five years’ time?

The vision is to be Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire’s most

loved and true agricultural and countryside show, with

greater emphasis on teaching people in our region about

where their food comes from.

Why do you think your show is the best in

Dorset?

Because it is a ‘proper’ agricultural show where business

gets done! The show welcomes around 100 agricultural

stands and is a networking opportunity for farmers and farm

managers to meet with buyers, suppliers and dealers, while

trade stands and sponsors get to catch

up with existing customers and meet

potential new ones.

Being located in North Dorset allows

us to celebrate everything great about

the Great British countryside with

visitors from across Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset joining us

for a rural day out for all the family.

What has been your biggest challenge for the

Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show?

Learning the names of more than 200 invaluable show

stewards.

What is the most enjoyable part of your job?

Working with our passionate committee members and

stewards – the ideas and comradery is like nowhere else.

I also love joining the dedicated showground team for

coffee and cake in the barn. They work hard throughout

the year to make the showground look pristine for the busy

summer season of events, including caravan rallies and the

show itself.

What are the wider benefits of agricultural

shows to the local community and the

economy?

The shows are built on the generosity of volunteers. The

local community becomes a ‘show family’ for a few weeks

and gathers together year after year.

These events are a showcase of rural life, of agriculture,

and the countryside, and everything great within it.

Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show puts the consumer in

contact with the producer – the food halls are filled with

delicious food produced within the region, and in the craft

marquees you’ll find everyone from local stick-makers to

artisan craft producers.

95

Les Mirabelles, Nomansland, New Forest

The best French cuisine this side of the Channel

with a wine list to rival the best of the best.

A-J Monro, Partner

Our

Favourite

Pubs &

Restaurants

Brassica, Beaminster

Fantastic food, superb service in a relaxed atmosphere –

what more could you want?

Emma Hawker, PR & Marketing Consultant

Beckford Arms, Fonthill Gifford

Beautiful location, exceptional food and service, and

delicious wines.

Chloe Hooper, Sturminster Newton residential

You can’t beat a personal

recommendation so we asked the S&S

team to share their go-to eateries and

bars at home and further afield

The Acorn Inn, Evershot

Worthy winner of Best Pub and Chef of the Year at

the Dorset Food, Drink & Farming Awards.

Adam Taylor, Dorchester residential

The Pilot Boat, Lyme Regis

Lovely sun-trap terrace and a fantastic bar to enjoy

cocktails and live music.

Naomi Garner, Dorchester residential

Harbour Inn, Lyme Regis

From New Year’s Eve to a hot summer’s day, the best

memories have been made here.

Tim Bennett, Ilminster residential

Hall’s Kitchen, Weymouth

The owner was a chef on the QE2 and specialises in

seafood dishes. Brilliant.

David West, Poundbury residential

Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant, Mombasa

If you’re ever in Kenya’s oldest city, don’t miss this jawdropping

place.

Jeremy Smith, Yeovil residential

Vinny at Six, Dorchester

Stylish lounge bar and restaurant with a very friendly

atmosphere.

Peter Grout-Smith, Poundbury residential

The Stapleton Arms, Buckhorn Weston

Lovely atmosphere, great food and always a warm

welcome.

Lucy Carnell, Yeovil rural

Yalbury Cottage, Lower Bockhampton

The impeccable service and varied menu bring us back

time and time again.

Jon Summers, Partner, Head of Residential

96

Applecross Inn, Strathcarron

Dog-friendly pub in the Scottish Highlands with amazing

sea views and the freshest seafood.

Lucy Nolan, Dorchester lettings

Horseshoe Inn, Ebbesbourne Wake

Home-cooked grub and the most impressive array of

ancient ironmongery on every wall!

Nick Rymer, Wimborne rural

Masala, Dorchester

The best Indian restaurant! Fantastic menu, lovely

welcome, and always full of our friends.

Jan Merriott, Dorchester commercial

Plumber Manor, Sturminster Newton

Entertaining owners and staff, wonderful food and great

atmosphere.

Clare Burt, Poundbury lettings

Dorset Burger Company, Weymouth

What’s not to like? The staff are the friendliest people you

could hope for!

Daniel Magee, Bridport residential

Les Belles Perdix de Troplong-Mondot,

St Emilion,

Sublime! Lunch on the terrace overlooking the vineyard

and lavender beds. Superlative fare and wine.

Richard Taylor, Partner

The Fountain Head, Branscombe

A proper pub with no pretentions. Local Branscombe

beers, good pub grub and colourful locals!

Ross Willmington, Partner

Tytherleigh Arms, between Chard

and Axminster

Seriously, the food is the best out there!

Charlie Snow, Yeovil rural

Seaside Boarding House, Burton Bradstock

A great clifftop terrace and bar for a sundowner; now

with Taste of the West gold.

Andrew Carless, Partner

Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, Padstow

It’s been a fixture since 1975 and reminds me of great

times on holiday.

Michelle Powell, Dorchester residential

The Ship Inn, Weymouth Quay

The perfect place for our Thursday ‘date night’ and start to

an early weekend!

Hilary Stockley, Poundbury residential

The Idle Rocks, St Mawes

Right on the estuary with magnificent views and the

sound of the sea. Perfect.

Stuart Philipps, Dorchester residential

Guildhall Tavern, Poole

French restaurant with superb service in delightful

surroundings. Try the seafood dishes.

Jane Moir, Wimborne residential

Shell Bay, Studland

Stunning setting and exquisite food to match; must be

experienced.

Neal Wilson, Wimborne residential

The Chetnole Inn, Chetnole

A lovely local pub. Go there for the super buzz and

excellent food.

Marlise Jolliffe, Sturminster Newton auctions

Surfside, Polzeath

One of the best views in England from the restaurant.

After dark, a visit to the absurdly wild and wacky Rum Bar

is a must.

Mark Lewis, Partner, Head of Agency

The Greyhound Inn,

Sydling St Nicholas

With flagstone floors and open fireplaces,

this country pub has fabulous food.

Jessica Weymouth, PR & Marketing

The Wheatsheaf Inn,

Woodford Valley

For good walks, good beer and good food –

if you remember to book a table!

Robyn Harper, Sturminster Newton rural

97

Picture Perfect

A survey of the S&S team reveals our varied

tastes in art – from Botticelli to Banksy

Nataraja by Bridget Riley

British modern art. Visually stunning and

polarises opinions. Love it.

Emma Hawker, PR & Marketing

Consultant

An Allegory with Venus

and Cupid by Bronzino

One of my go-to paintings in the

National Gallery and my screen saver.

Mark Lewis, Partner

Whistlejacket

by George Stubbs

Almost life-size and

almost alive.

Robyn Harper,

Sturminster rural

Blue Water Lilies

by Claude Monet

Simply spellbinding.

Richard Taylor, Partner

98

Going to Work by LS Lowry

Reminds me of one of my old

schools in Yorkshire as it hung in

their corridor.

Michelle Powell, Dorchester

residential

The Trinity

by Andrei Rublev

Our vicar gave me a copy to

mark my confirmation. It sits

on my desk at home and is

very special to me.

Ross Willmington, Partner

There is Always Hope by Banksy

Thought-provoking, as always.

Tim Bennett, Ilminster residential

River Frome Below Dorchester

by local artist Colin Willey

My wife organised it for a major birthday.

A favourite fishing haunt – she had to pray

Loneliness of Autumn that I didn’t bunk off work for a few hours

by Leonid Afremov

while he was there!

I love the way Afremov finds colour Richard Miller, Partner

in darkness. He paints exclusively

night-time scenes and makes them come alive.

Jessica Weymouth, PR & Marketing Co-ordinator

Primavera by Sandro Botticelli

Remembering an unexpected childhood enchantment at

the Uffizi.

Angela Gillibrand, Axminster rural

The Hunt in the Forest by Uccello

A rich, colourful, bustling tableau; surprisingly modern for 1470.

Andrew Carless, Partner

A Bar at the Folies-Bergère by Manet

Manet’s impression of Impressionism; I could look at

this picture for hours. So much going on – spot the

dangling legs! A great night ahead, for sure!

Jan Merriott, Dorchester commercial

Girl with a Pearl

Earring,

Johannes Vermeer

Her stare and smile shine as

light from the darkness –

the most beautiful portrait

ever painted.

Brigit Lyons-Davis,

Axminster residential

The Basin of San Marco on

Ascension Day 1732 by Canaletto

Wonderful energy and movement, and well

before the cruise ships!

Chris Dacombe, Wimborne rural

The Fighting Temeraire by Joseph Turner

A beautiful portrayal of an old dog’s final journey,

aided by the young replacement in a dramatic

setting.

A-J Monro, Partner

99

Oarsome

If you want to gain friends, fitness and a few

blisters, give gig rowing a try, says Sally Reid

I

turned 50 at the start of 2019, and my treat to myself

was a ‘Learn to Row’ course at Bridport Gig Rowing

Club in West Bay. My daughter had started rowing

the previous summer,

and was keen to secure her place in

the junior squad competing in the

Jurassic League, a summer series of

regattas hosted and contested by gig

clubs in Langstone, Poole, Swanage,

Weymouth, Portland, Bridport, Lyme

Regis, Sidmouth and Exmouth.

“Why don’t you join the ladies’ squad?” they said. That is how

my mid-life crisis began.

Joining the squad mid-season, so not being affiliated to a

particular crew, I was fortunate enough to

fill in with four ladies’ crews, competing in

11 races, and winning 6.

The races are usually around 2 to 3

kilometres, and a lung-busting burst from

start to finish. Getting a good start is key,

hopefully giving you clear water and

advantage at the first buoy turn.

The races can be pretty hairy; nobody

wants to give an inch, so clashing oars

or even collisions are fairly common. But the buzz is incredible,

and somehow you manage to find energy that you thought

you’d left in your teenage years!

The club is a wonderful community, held together by the

many coxes and volunteers who do all the hard work so that

people like me can pitch up, jump in a boat and row.

We had a very successful season with Bridport being

crowned Jurassic League champions for a third successive year.

Other clubs are closing in on us though, so it’ll be hours on the

rowing machine over the winter to give us a head start for 2020.

The buzz is incredible, and

somehow you manage to find

energy you thought you’d left

in your teenage years

The highs include my first win (in a crew with my sister

Rachel at the Swanage Regatta in June), and the delight when

a dolphin swam alongside our boat for an hour off West Bay in

September.

The lows? Blisters (lots of them),

and ‘gigger’s arse’ – that rubbed-raw

patch on your ‘tailbone’. Enough said;

I should buy shares in the makers of

hydrocolloid dressings!

The origins of Cornish Pilot Gig

Rowing, to give the sport its full title, came from ship pilots

racing to incoming vessels to guide them into the harbour. The

first pilot on-board was paid, therefore he sought to retain the

best coxswain and crew.

The gigs we race are modelled on those

traditional wooden seafaring rowing boats

– crewed by six rowers and a coxswain,

32 feet long and built of elm. At Bridport,

we have three racing boats, Brydian, Blaez

and Dagger and two fibreglass training

boats, Bathsheba and Bucky Doo.

The racing season starts with the world

championships in the Scilly Isles in May.

Bridport Ladies A crew’s gruelling winter

training was rewarded with a brilliant 16 th place in 2019 – the

best ever result for a Dorset crew.

The summer sees local leagues through Cornwall, Devon and

Dorset, with junior, ladies’ and mens’ squads racing in a range of

categories. It’s enormous fun and I highly recommend it.

Sally Reid

Marketing Manager Poundbury

sreid@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01305 571274

100

Inhale the Future,

Exhale the Past

Yoga is a way to unwind, recharge and find a place of peace.

Our very own expert, Becky Stimpson, wants to bend your ear

– and the rest of your body

A

divine mix of movement, meditation and breath

work, yoga has rooted its place firmly in my life.

My personal journey started just after I had my

second child, almost seven years ago. I’d seen

a post on Instagram of a lady bending herself into a pretzelshaped

posture, and others of people in perfectly poised

handstands and backbends on sunset adorned beaches. I

thought, “I want to do that!”

I immediately threw myself into the physical part of yoga –

attempting to balance on my head, standing on my hands, and

other such contortions. Little did I know at the time that the

physical side would eventually become the least important part

to me.

As time went on, I started to really understand how yoga

feels. Rather than just taking myself through a sequence of

exercises, it started to sink in why I was doing what I was doing

and how it could really benefit me on the inside.

I was learning new things about myself all the time – my

body, my mind, my breath and the world around me. Yoga

started to change me as a person and I worked out that it can’t

cure problems or remove life’s obstacles, if anything it made me

face things head on and challenge myself to a whole new level.

7 Types of Yoga Explained

There are many forms of yoga, and

each has its own focus.

1 Ashtanga – An energetic style of yoga linking flowing

movements with the breath in a set sequence.

2 Bikram – Otherwise known as Hot Yoga where the

room is heated to around 35°C.

3 Hatha – A general form of yoga using physical postures

and techniques to align the mind, body and spirit.

4 Lyengar – A style of yoga focusing on alignment.

5 Kundalini – Meaning ‘coiled like a snake’, a system to

release pent up energy with movement, breathing and

meditation.

6 Yin – A slow paced and relaxing form of restorative

yoga to release muscle tension.

7 Viniyoga – Adaptable to any person, an in-depth form

of yoga therapy.

I began to find similarities between the yoga and

meditation I was practicing on the mat to my everyday life off

the mat. They overlapped in a surprising way and I discovered

a practice to live my life in a way that really meant something

to me.

My passion turned into an opportunity to embark on yoga

teacher training, which I completed with the British Wheel of

Yoga in the summer of 2018. Being able to share my love of

yoga with others makes my heart sing.

Yoga can be practiced anywhere, from the comfort of your

bedroom to the mountains of Tibet. But wherever you are, I

hope it brings as much joy to you as it does to me.

5 Ways that Yoga

can Benefit You

Looking for reasons to give it a try?

These benefits to your physical and

mental health should encourage you

to roll out the mat.

1 Increases flexibility, muscle strength and posture.

2 Ability to breathe better, increase energy and vitality.

3 Reduce stress and release tension.

4 Boosts emotional health and encourages self-care.

5 Improves concentration, focus and balance.

Becky Stimpson

Lettings Blandford

rstimpson@symondsandsampson.co.uk

01258 458473

101

2020 Charity

This year we will be supporting four local Mind organisations, raising

awareness and vital funds to tackle mental health problems

F

or 2020, we are proud to partner with

four regional branches of the charity Mind

who work tirelessly to provide services and

support to anyone suffering from mental

health issues in the local community.

Covering Dorset, Devon, Somerset and Wiltshire,

these local organisations are not funded by the national

Mind charity in the UK, so staff in our offices will be

motivated by the fact that our efforts will support our

local communities.

Every year, one in four of us will experience a mental

health problem. These local Mind organisations are a

vital part of the journey to good mental health. We hope

we can count on your support for these very important

local charities.

Dorset Mind 01202 315329

Devon Mind 01752 512280

Somerset Mind 01935 474875

Wiltshire Mind 01225 706532

It’s Good to Talk

Mental health is the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today.

We can provide practical help with many of the stress factors and

signpost to the support available

Britain’s farmers have a proud reputation for the

attention they give to their livestock, crops

and machinery, but when it comes to taking

care of themselves

and their own mental wellbeing

they can fall short.

Farmers are unique in that they

live and work in the same place.

They work long hours, often in

isolation, with very little time to switch off. Looking out of the

windows of the farmhouse usually results in peering into the

cubicle shed, across a field of sheep, or seeing that broken

machine outside the workshop. These constant reminders

mean there is no easy way to get away from the workload.

Combine that with the other mental health risks associated

with agriculture, such as financial pressures, the vagaries of

the weather, ever-changing bureaucracy and the unknown

being thrown in for good measure, and it’s no surprise that

individuals can reach breaking point.

Speaking to someone who

is not directly involved can

make a huge difference

We all have a responsibility to look after our family, friends

and colleagues, but more often than not speaking to someone

who is not directly involved can make a huge difference.

Within our on-site sales department

at Symonds & Sampson we have a very

professional and practical team who

understand the difficulties and problems faced

by farmers. Many of us come from agricultural

backgrounds and have hands-on experience.

We have dealt with nearly every situation before – family

debt, death, divorce and dispute, often referred to as the ‘four

Ds’. And we can also help with the fifth D – depression. We can

direct you to organisations or charities that may be of help, and

we deal with support groups such as the Farming Community

Network, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, and the

Addington Fund.

Farmers don’t need to struggle with mental health issues

alone. Please take that first step. Pick up the phone and ring us

on 01935 382909. We’re on your side.

102

FROME MARKET

Wiltshire

Somerset

SALISBURY

Devon

AXMINSTER

ILMINSTER

STURMINSTER NEWTON

YEOVIL

SHERBORNE

BLANDFORD

BEAMINSTER

Dorset

WIMBORNE

BRIDPORT

DORCHESTER & POUNDBURY

WAREHAM

Hampshire

AXMINSTER

01297 33122

BURRATON

01305 236237

POUNDBURY

01305 251154

WAREHAM

01929 508324

BEAMINSTER

01308 863100

DORCHESTER

01305 261008

SALISBURY

01722 334323

WIMBORNE

01202 843190

BLANDFORD

01258 452670

ILMINSTER

01460 200790

SHERBORNE

01935 814488

YEOVIL

01935 423526

BRIDPORT

01308 422092

LONDON

0207 839 0888

STURMINSTER NEWTON

01258 473766

FROME MARKET

01373 831140




Country Matters 2020

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