The DOMVS Almanac_issue #1_Winter 2020

THE
DOMVS
ALMANAC
At Home in Dorset
# 001
Winter 2020

Welcome to The DOMVS Almanac
ALMANAC noun [ C ] (also almanack) a handbook, typically seasonal, that includes
information for the year such as important days, weather, traditions, tips and nature.
We are proud to introduce The DOMVS Almanac, which
brings to you our highlights of living in Dorset. We
will share with you the hidden gems of our beautiful
county, from our favourite autumn countryside walks
and the best places to go for the freshest seafood, to
tucked away places perfect for a Sunday morning beach
breakfast, and dolphin-spotting hotspots. Read on to
find out how to make the very best of your home,from
loft conversions and home offices, to bringing living
outdoors, latest home styling trends and gardening tips.
From the purveyors of the most scrumptiously tasty
treats, to the most talented designers, decorators,
and stylists, we’ve partnered with independent Dorset
businesses, who are incredibly passionate about where
we’re from and what we do, and we are all here to help
you feel at home in Dorset.
To discover more about the beautiful Dorset home
pictured here, read on...

Six bedrooms | Six bathrooms | Additional 3-bed house & 1-bed holiday let | Over 17 acres | Offers over £1,500,000
Shipton Gorge, Dorset | Contact Polly Greenway: 01305 757300 or click here: domvs.co.uk
Modern living, rural location
Eight bedrooms | Four entertaining spaces | Tennis court | Natural lake | Approx. 6.24 acres | £2,250,000
Upwey, Dorset | Contact Tim Grainger: 01305 757300 or click here: domvs.co.uk
Historic home, exclusive living
In association with
In association with
3
domvs.co.uk
domvs.co.uk
4

Our Partners
Inside this Season
Our partners comprise some of the best producers
Dorset has to offer, all independent businesses founded
and located in Dorset, brought together to promote not
only each other, but the glorious lifestyle and products
our unique county has to offer.
3. Dream homes from DOMVS
7. PLM Jewellery gives life to old treasures
9. The Gardens Group celebrates winter colours
25. Indulge your sweet tooth with Chococo
29. ‘Hygge’ your home with Purbeck Candles
30. See things in a whole new light with Misty Glass Dorset
We are always looking for exciting and innovative
new partners, so if you fit the bill and would like to be
involved, please get in touch.
10. Tuck in with Rosemary Rogers
13. Sculpture by the Lakes Artisans’ Bazaar
31. Release your inner vixen with Foxy by Design
33. Dream homes from DOMVS
On the Cover (and above)
‘Morning Misty River Fix’ by Shelley Ham, photographed
from the river path near her pub, The Sun Inn, Lower
Burton, Dorchester (famous for its carvery, served seven
days a week). Visit sun-inn-dorchester.co.uk
Director
Polly Greenway
Almanac Secretary
Lucy Cole
lucy.cole@domvs.co.uk
Editorial & Design
Charlie Ryan
charlie.ryan@domvs.co.uk
15. Sun, skin and Sarah Dale Aesthetics
17. A sustainability makeover with Primrose’s Kitchen
19. A fruity little tipple courtesy of Dorset Ginger Co.
21. Charge up at EBike Cafe @ Deheers
23. Introducing 1968Accessories
35. The gentle touch from Loving by Nature
37. Introducing Grange Gallery
41. DOMVS Lettings talks buy-to-let
42. Sammie Mcfarland; dedicated to your wellbeing
43. Dorset Sea Salt sprinkle on some flavour
5 6

Precious Metals
Recycle, redesign and remake with PLM Jewellery
Remember that old, worn ring languishing at the bottom
of your jewellery box? Imagine bringing it back to life, to
once again take sparkling pride of place on your finger
or the hand of a loved one. Having your precious metal
jewellery recycled, redesigned and remade is not just an
exciting prospect, but an achievable reality.
What are the steps involved? First - and this is the part
of the project most of my customers revel in - is the
search for inspiration. Surf the internet for ideas and save
images you love to mood boards on Pinterest; walk to
your local church and take photos of the architecture or
stained glass; or simply saunter around your garden and
browse the flora. Inspiration can spring from anything,
anywhere at any time, and your ideas help me come up
with designs which are aesthetically and uniquely ‘you’.
Next, it’s time to book your free consultation (this is
when it all starts to feel real!). You can contact me to
organise an appointment via video call or in person
at a location that allows for safe distancing. Due to
the current restrictions, I will take all the information
necessary for me to work on your designs at my
workshop, after which I will email them to you for you
to view at your leisure. Once we have found your dream
design, I will provide you with a quote.
I begin the recycling process by melting down your
old jewellery and pouring the molten metal into a
small ingot. From this raw form, there are a variety of
traditional techniques I can use to create your desired
piece. I can also provide a price per gram for new,
additional metal should you wish for something a little
larger or weightier than your old piece of jewellery. If
you would like photos or videos of the melting down of
your jewellery, or any other progress pictures, you need
but ask! It’s important to me that my customers are as
involved in the project as they want to be, every step
of the way. My end goal is always to provide you with
something beautiful, elegant, durable and sentimental,
which is absolutely to your taste and can be worn and
enjoyed for years to come.
Modification and Repair
Reimagining old jewellery doesn’t have to mean melting
it down. There are many ways in which I can alter a piece
to achieve the look you desire; rings can be resized,
stones can be replaced, detailed alterations can be made
to the metalwork, then there’s plating and polishing...
the list goes on. Fall back in love with old or damaged
jewellery by giving it some TLC and a renewed shine.
About Me
My name is Poppy Middleton, and I’m a traditionally
trained goldsmith based in Weymouth, Dorset. I’ve had
the best of both worlds regarding my training; I was
traditionally trained as an apprentice by a recognised
master goldsmith, and I graduated from Birmingham’s
School of Jewellery, a university catered uniquely to
teaching the design and production of jewellery. Having
worked for various jewellers across the UK, I have
now started my own business repairing, designing and
making jewellery. I’m committed to making connections
with people who are as passionate about their jewellery
as I am.
To see more of my work, please visit instagram.com/
plmjewellery, or contact me at poppylouisemiddleton@
gmail.com or on 07889 624661 to discuss your ideas.
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8

Cold Colours
Flowers to brighten your winter garden,
from Mike Burks of The Gardens Group
For gardeners, it can be a delight to find plants in their
finest hour when most of the garden is looking pretty
poor. One great example is Lonicera fragrantissima, a
shrubby form of Honeysuckle. In the winter, small white
flowers with a powerful, sweet honeysuckle scent appear
on the bare branches.
Another medium to large shrub is the Viburnum
fragrans, which also flowers on bare stems. It’s an
upright growing shrub with pleasant summer foliage,
bronze when young, which turns red-purple in the
autumn. The flowers are clusters of heavily scented
white-tinged-pink and tubular in shape. An alternative is
Viburnum Bodnantense Dawn, which is very similar, but
the flowers are much pinker.
There are even winter flowering trees, and one such
is Prunus autumnalis, the Autumn Flowering Cherry,
also sometimes known as the Winter Cherry. Prunus
autumnalis, again, has good autumn colours and then,
after the leaves fall, the flowers are white, scented and
dotted along the bare branches. There is also a pink
form, P. autumnalis Rosea. Both are small trees and are
a delight in the winter.
Viburnum Bodnantese Dawn - Pink Dawn
Jasmine nudiflorum - Winter Jasmine
There are one or two climbers that have a go in the
winter, or at least late winter/early spring. These include
the Winter Jasmine, Jasminum nudiflorum, with its mass
of yellow flowers; a joy at a very dull time of year.
More detailed are the Clematis cirrhosa types, which are
evergreen and also have dainty nodding flowers towards
the end of the winter. My favourite variety is ‘Freckles’,
which has pink-brown blotches on creamy flowers. It
lasts a long time, and the ferny foliage is also attractive.
The larger Clematis armandii – a very vigorous plant –
also flowers in the late winter and has a fragrance too,
with masses of white flowers.
On a smaller scale, there are, of course, herbaceous
plants such as Helleborus niger, the Christmas Rose.
There are a number of improved forms of this plant
now, and it’s worth looking out for the ‘Harvington
Hybrids’ and ‘Wintergold’. Also take a look at the darker,
December-flowering varieties Helleborus Penny’s Pink
and Anna’s Red.
My favourite winter flower, however, has to be the
Sarcococca or Christmas Box. These small shrubs are
evergreen and then, as the autumn comes along, so they
bud up and the flowers open, white and tiny, but with a
huge scent. They also do very well in our local soils.
For year-round hints and tips and to find out more about
The Gardens Group, visit thegardensgroup.co.uk
9
Clematis armandii
Helleborus niger - The Christmas Rose
A Fresh Start
The perfect Christmas Day starter from Rosemary Rogers Catering
Happy to provide “anything from a plate of sandwiches
to a wedding buffet”, Dorset-based Rosemary Rogers
Catering also caters for everything from office lunches
to picnic hampers to corporate events. With the cold
winter weather (a.k.a. Comfort Food Season) setting
in and the annual day of over-indulgence looming, we
asked Rosemary for a fresh dish to get your Christmas
Day off to healthy start.
“This is one of my favourite starters! French Bean,
Asparagus and Avocado Salad with Pomegranate and
Hazelnuts.”
Ingredients:
• Rocket
• Fine French beans
• Asparagus spears
• Avocado
• Hazelnuts
• Pomegranate
• Olive oil
• Pomegranate balsamic glaze (I use Gilly’s)
For each serving:
1. Place a handful of washed and dried rocket on a side
plate.
2. On top of the rocket, place 6-8 fine French beans
that have been cooked, but maintain a crunch when
you bite into them.
3. Next, add 4-5 asparagus spears, again, just cooked.
4. On top of this, add about a third of an avocado,
sliced.
5. To finish, add a scattering of chopped, browned
hazelnuts and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds. Dress
with olive oil and pomegranate balsamic glaze.
To discuss your catering needs with Rosemary, please
visit: facebook.com/RosemaryRogersCatering
10

Built for Comfort
Rosemary Rogers’ shares her beef-in-beer casserole
This is a delicious, warming casserole for cold winter
nights. I especially love it because the quantity of each
ingredient can be adjusted according to personal taste.
If you would like to make this meal even more special,
serve with gratin potatoes and a medley of vegetables.
Serves six.
Ingredients:
For the beef:
• 1.5kg braising steak
• 2 medium white onions
• 2 medium carrots peeled and cut into chunks (or you
can use whole baby carrots)
• Splash of sunflower oil
• 440ml Guinness
• 1 tin of good quality chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 2 bay leaves
• Sprig of thyme
• 12 button mushrooms
• 2 tbsp muscovado sugar
For the dumplings:
• 110g self-raising flour
• 50g shredded suet
• 1 small white onion, grated
1. Begin by chopping the onions and frying in a heavybased
saucepan until golden. Remove from the pan and
set aside.
2. In the same pan, fry your diced meat, browning and
sealing on each side, a few pieces at a time.
3. Return to the pan with the onions and add the
Guinness, Worcestershire sauce, tomatoes, carrots,
mushrooms, herbs, garlic and muscovado sugar. Bring to
the boil.
4. Either reduce the heat and simmer until tender, or
place in a low oven until tender (approx. 2 hours). Once
cooked, remove the meat, carrots and mushrooms.
Cover and keep warm.
5. To make the dumplings combine the ingredients and
add enough water to bring it all together and for it to be
elastic in consistency. Divide into about 12 small pieces
to roll into dumplings.
6. Place the dumplings into the gravy, bring to the boil
on the hob and cook for 20-25 minutes. Remove the
dumplings.
7. If desired, thicken the gravy with flour. You will need
to mix a little flour with some cold water first to form a
paste. Add this to the boiling gravy, stirring continuously
until the desired consistency is achieved.
8. Return the meat and vegetables to the gravy, season
with salt and pepper and serve with a green vegetable
and mashed potatoes.
facebook.com/RosemaryRogersCatering
11

Artisans’ Bazaar
Eye-catching artwork, jewellery, sculpture, pottery and more at Sculpture by the Lakes
Sculpture by the Lakes, Dorchester, is to be transformed
into the Artisans’ Bazaar in the six weeks running up
to Christmas. More than 50 artists and makers, many
of them from the Dorset area, showcasing their work at
stalls in the Sculpture Park SPACE from 7th November
to 23rd December 2020.
During lockdown, the Artisans’ Bazaar has moved
online. You can see the fabulous array of work at
sculpturebythelakes.co.uk/shop with free delivery
available when you spend over £100. You can also click
and collect; the sculpture park remains open and entry
is free when you spend more than £50.
Visitors will be able to explore unique and beautiful
creations across a range of artistic mediums and
techniques, from glasswork to pottery, painting to
textiles, wood carving to weaving, and leatherwork to
jewellery making. Exhibitors include Suzette Knight
and her ‘hand build’ ceramics; Sharon Boon, who turns
‘shoreline treasures’ collected on local beaches into
artworks; printmaker Paul Cleden; silverware designer
Karina Gill; woodturner Darren Wheeler; and Claire
Richards with her raffia craft creations, to name just a
few. To complete the experience, on-site gallery space,
The Gallery by the Lakes, is set to be turned into a
sumptuous palace filled with colour and enticing aromas.
The park’s café will also be open, so visitors can combine
the experience with a coffee or lunch.
Simon Gudgeon, sculptor and owner of Sculpture by the
Lakes, has said:
“With a wealth of artefacts and artworks on sale, the
Artisans’ Bazaar will be a pleasure to explore and a truly
unique Christmas shopping experience. Rather than the
same old, mass-produced stuff, shoppers will take home
some very special gifts to be treasured.” There will be
something to suit everyone’s taste. Not only will there
be art for your walls, but you’ll also find pieces for the
garden, for your coffee tables, and pieces you can wear.”
The event is being organised by Simon and Monique
Gudgeon, owners of Sculpture by the Lakes. The park,
near Dorchester, features over 30 of Simon’s own
internationally recognised sculptures, set in spectacular
gardens maintained by his wife Monique and a team of
gardeners. Simon has an extensive history of celebrating
fellow artists, featuring their work in his gallery spaces
as well as hosting workshops and events, including the
popular Dorset Arts Festival held at Sculpture by the
Lakes in July.
Simon adds:
“This new event brings together a group of incredibly
talented creative individuals, unified by their high levels
of skill and the fact that their work is beautiful. It will be
a feast for all the senses, and visitors will not only want
to take it all in, but also, I hope, want to take a little of
that experience home to share with loved ones too.”
The Artisans’ Bazaar at Sculpture by the Lakes,
Dorchester, runs from 7th November to 23rd December
2020, except Sundays and Mondays. In accordance with
Covid-19 rules, face masks must be worn by all visitors,
and numbers at any one time will be limited in order
to support social distancing. To find out more about
the Artisans’ Bazaar, visit: sculpturebythelakes.co.uk/
artisans-bazaar or to book tickets to Sculpture by the
Lakes visit: sculpturebythelakes.co.uk
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14

Where the Sun Never Sets
It’s skin rejuvenation time again at Sarah Dale Aesthetics
Photograph © Jane Adams
With Christmas upon us, it’s that time of year when we
start putting on more layers and turning up the heating
to keep the cold out. The change of season means our
skin can feel a little drier, and as we look in the mirror,
we might notice the effects of the summer months
on our skin. It’s one of the busiest times at the clinic,
as our regular customers make their ‘after summer’
appointments, coming in for their laser skin rejuvenation
treatment.
What are they getting?
• Age spots (sun damage) removed
• Spider veins treated until they disappear
• Redness and uneven pigment improved
• Boosted collagen production
• Reduction of fine lines
Following months of closure this year, we are delighted
to have welcomed back our loyal clients and lots of new
ones too. In common with so many businesses, we have
worked hard to get everything in place to ensure we
operate in a safe way. We are so grateful to have been
able to retain all our staff and that our appointments
are, yet again, in great demand.
Sarah, Tanya, Milly, Annie (our clinicians) and Julie, Beth,
Lucy, Gerry and Ellie (the reception team) look forward
to seeing you soon.
sarahdaleaesthetics.com
facebook.com/sarahdaleaesthetics
E. info@sarahdaleaesthetics.com
T. 01305 269220
Before and after pigmentation (sun
damage) removal and rejuvenation
And the results? A lighter, brighter and more even
complexion, which equals healthy-looking skin! If you
don’t know about this top-of-the-range treatment and its
benefits, book in for a free consultation with any of our
clinicians to discuss how we can help you towards clear,
glowing skin.
As a pro-aging clinic, we are so pleased the message is
now out there that our skins need protecting from the
harmful (and aging) rays of the sun. This year we have
been blessed with lots of sunshine, with many of us
enjoying more time outside than usual. It seems much
easier for us all to remember our sunscreen when it’s
warm and sunny. Beware - the danger is still out there
during the autumn and winter months. Damaging light
from both the weak winter sun and our mobile devices
is still breaking through to our skin. We promote allyear-round
use of a sunscreen with at least 50 SPF. The
brilliant Heliocare range, which includes tinted creams
for the face, all offer 50 SPF protection. Prevention
is always better than cure; keep using the sunscreen,
come rain or shine, and take advantage of our special
offer of 15% off the full Heliocare range with offer code
SKINSAFE.
We’ve just mentioned one of our treatments and one of
our product ranges, but there is so much more on offer
at Sarah Dale Aesthetics. Our Aesthetics Skin and Laser
Clinic is a nurse-led clinic, with experienced clinicians
using medical grade machines to offer advanced
skincare for face and body, permanent hair removal and
non-surgical treatments. Our product ranges (Medik8
and Noon) have been carefully researched and chosen
to complement our treatments, and all staff have been
trained to give you advice on the best products for you.
Check out our website for a full list of our treatments
and don’t forget we offer complimentary consultations,
so book yours now.
15
25 16

Kitchen Kind
Find out how to keep your kitchen sustainable and environmentally-friendly
from Primrose Matheson of Primrose’s Kitchen
We hear the word sustainable a lot these days, but what
does it mean? Defined as “causing little or no damage
to the environment and therefore able to continue for
a long time”, how can sustainability be applied to our
kitchens? What choices can we make here to limit our
negative effect on the environment? The biggest ways
in which I believe we can reduce our impact on the
environment within our kitchens is through packaging,
cleaning products, food sourcing and food waste:
Food Packaging
The food we buy has more packaging on it than ever
before, especially in supermarkets. Finding ways to
eliminate this from our lives can be hard. Clearly,
processed foods have the most packaging. The more
we process food the less healthy it is for our bodies and
for the planet. More processing means more factory
production, more chemicals, often more sugar, more
preservatives, and more shipping. Try changing your
diet and your impact for the better by choosing fewer
processed foods and more whole foods whenever
possible.
Read the Ingredients
When shopping for food, read the ingredients list. Look
for products that containing whole foods and just a few
ingredients. Avoid ingredient lists that include chemicals
or items you can’t pronounce or don’t recognise. Keep
things pure and simple. Processed foods are designed to
be addictive. By sticking to whole foods, your taste buds
will quickly adapt and begin to appreciate the amazing
taste of fresh fruits and vegetables. Bear in mind that
the fruits and vegetables that taste the best are often
the ones that contain the most nutrients.
Source Locally
When you eat what is grown locally and in season, you
are eating more nutrient dense foods, decreasing the
demand for food from other regions, reducing food
miles, contributing to the local economy, and shrinking
your carbon footprint.
Reduce Food Waste
Globally, over 1.3 billion tons of food is thrown away
every year. Over 51% of the rubbish going to landfills
is compostable, including food scraps, paper, garden
trimmings, and wood. The environmental costs of food
waste worldwide are staggering, and 3.3 billion metric
tons of carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere
each year through the production, harvesting,
transporting, and packaging of wasted food. Even more
troubling, once food waste reaches the landfills, it begins
to decompose and emit methane gas. Methane has 21
times the warming potential of carbon dioxide, meaning
it has an even greater impact on global warming than
CO2. You can reduce your food waste by buying only
what you need. Take responsibility for your food scraps
by returning these nutrient-dense items to the earth.
Composting fertilizes future plants, clears space in
landfills, and dramatically reduces your personal
greenhouse gas emissions.
Choose Meat Wisely
Animals are an essential part of the nutrient cycle, and
managing them properly within our agricultural systems
is critical for restoring soils and balancing the climate.
Worldwide, land is being deforested to support herds
of grazing animals, disrupting natural ecosystems.
Whenever possible, choose meat that has been grass fed
by farmers who support regenerative farming practises.
Cleaning Products
The cleaning products in our kitchen contain hidden
nasties which are bad for our health or the environment.
Did you know the average home contains 62 toxic
chemicals? Of those 62, the eight that are most
commonly used are phthalates, perchloroethylene,
triclosan, QUATS, 2-butoxyethanol, ammonia, chlorine,
and sodium hydroxide. These are known endocrine
disruptors, irritants, can cause damage to vital organs,
and promote the growth of drug-resistant bacteria.
My advice is to remove these from your kitchen - or
anywhere in your house for that matter - and try a
natural replacement like the following:
Tea Tree Oil - As an alternative to chemical disinfectants
and sanitizers, try antibacterial and antifungal tea tree
oil. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil and a tablespoon of
vinegar with water in a spray bottle for a safe, germkilling,
all-purpose cleaner. Add a couple of drops of
lavender essential oil for scent.
Vinegar - This is a great all-purpose cleaner and works
well on mirrors and windows. Vinegar also acts as a
fabric softener; just add a teaspoon to your washing
machine. To create your own citrus surface cleaner, save
up your lemon or orange peels, add vinegar and let the
mixture sit for two weeks before using.
Baking Soda - Another natural cleaning agent ideal for
scrubbing kitchen surfaces and as an oven cleaner.
Creating a more sustainable kitchen and indeed a more
sustainable home is an ongoing process that doesn’t
happen overnight. Implement small things slowly, which,
over time, will make a real difference.
primroseskitchen.com
17 18

Gift Box
Only £15
& includes Recipe Book
The Dorset Ginger Company
Wildberry Smash
Ingredients:
• 25ml Dorset Ginger Co. Original Ginger
• 50ml Dorset Ginger Co. Extra Strong Ginger with
Cinnamon
• 50ml gin/vodka
• 15ml sugar syrup
• Tonic or soda water
• Handful of berries (see note)
• Ice
Add fruit, spirit, sugar syrup, ginger drinks and ice to
a tall glass. Muddle well and top up with soda or tonic
water. Add a few berries of your choice as garnish.
Enjoy!
Note: this cocktail will vary greatly depending on the
spirit used and fruit paired with it. If you’re using a
light spirit such as gin, vodka or a lightly spiced rum,
use softer fruits like strawberries and blueberries. If
you’re using a strong bourbon, peaty whiskey or spiced
Jamaican rum, use stronger fruits such as blackberries
or raspberries.
The Perfect Christmas Gift for Ginger Lovers
Each gift box contains 33cl sized bottles of 5 Flavours:
Apple with a Ginger Kick, Original, Strong, Extra Strong & Cinnamon
Order online at www.dorsetginger.ltd
19
20

The EBikes team with owners Josephine and Peter (centre)
Together in
Electric Dreams
Introducing EBIKE CAFE @Deheers, where
good food and great bikes meet
An innovative new venture, EBIKE CAFE @ Deheers
opened its doors on Saturday 7th November 2020 in
the prestigious Deheers Building along Weymouth’s Old
Harbourside.
Owners Peter Claxton and Josephine Parker are
championing an active lifestyle, healthier eating and
positive mental wellbeing in a COVIDsafe environment
through their new-look enterprise. EBIKE CAFE @
Deheers combines their current shop, Dorset CycleLife
- a well-established and successful all electric bike shop
- with a cafe offering a great selection of nutritious,
healthy foods.
Co-owner Josephine Parker explains, “The EBIKE CAFE
@ Deheers is our new venture for all your ebike needs.
Here you can enjoy wholesome takeaway food and
drinks on the iconic Weymouth Harbourside. There is
parking for those arriving by cycle, and the opportunity
to hire a bike to explore the surrounding area. You can
even recharge your bike in the ebike charging points.
In addition, customers will find expert technicians
in the dedicated service and workshop zone, and a
comprehensive sales area.”
On display is a wide range of electric bikes from leading
suppliers. In addition to Raleigh, Haibike and Tern
brands, EBIKE CAFE @Deheers is the only stockist
locally to hold the full range of turbo ebikes from the
iconic, market-leading Californian brand Specialized.
Co-owner Peter Claxton says, “Our aim is to give electric
bike riders the very best technology by the leading
brands. We stock a wide range of ebikes offering a
diversity of riding options. Whether your electric bike
is for the daily commute, your shopping needs, trekking
through the countryside or more extreme and specialist
sports such as enduro, all mountain or downhill biking,
we can source the perfect bike for you.”
The market has seen a major shift in personal transport
needs this year, led predominantly by health and
environmental factors. A recent study carried out
by CREDS (Centre for Research into Energy Demand
Solutions) researchers at the University of Leeds has
found that electrically-assisted bicycles (e-bikes), if used
to replace short car travels, have the capability to cut
car carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in England by up to
50% (about 30 million tonnes per year). Add to that the
benefit of better health and a socially distanced method
of travel, it is no wonder bike sales in the UK have
doubled in the past two years.
Peter says, “We welcome this change to greener travel
habits, cleaner air and healthier communities. Our move
to Weymouth gives us a better platform to engage with
those considering a more carbon-friendly transport
option, whilst providing a complete service for fellow
ebike users.”
And what better place to start this new venture than
along the historic Weymouth Old Harbourside in the
prestigious and sensitively renovated historic Deheers
building?
EBIKE CAFE @ Deheers is open seven days a week, from
10am to 4pm, located on the ground floor of Deheers, 9A
Custom House Quay, Weymouth, DT4 8BG.
Find out more at ebikecafe.co.uk
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22

She’s Like a Rainbow
Colourful talk from fashion designer and owner of 1968accessories, Caroline Gray
1968accessories is based in the beautiful Isle of
Purbeck. After a lifetime of being involved in fashion
as a qualified fashion designer, it wasn’t until two years
ago - upon turning 50 - that I thought now is the time to
start making my own designs.
My style is unique, bold and full of colour. I make
jewellery in resin, clay and copper, and many of my
statement pieces are one-of-a-kind. For those days
when you need a simple look, I have created a selection
of small stud earrings and pendants, and around mid-
November 2020, I will be adding handmade hair
accessories, scarves and berets to my online collection.
1968accessories is a member of the Guild of Jewellery
Designers. The business uses absolutely no single-use
plastics and is a proud member of Plastic Free Swanage.
All my packaging is made from recycled and recyclable
items; even the ribbon is made from wood pulp.
To see more, visit 1968accessories.com, where you can
enjoy 20% off your first online order by entering the
code ‘Dorset’ at the checkout. I look forward to seeing
you in the ‘shop’ soon.
23 22

Top of the Chocs
Move over, Willy Wonka, Chococo’s in town
Born here in Dorset back in December 2002, Chococo
is an independent artisan chocolate company crafting
all our chocolates by hand in small batches. When we
started, it was just me - Claire - and my husband Andy
with a two-year old toddler in tow. We made all our
chocolates fresh by hand in a tiny ground floor kitchen
(which we had converted from a hairdressers) in an alley
in the heart of Swanage.
I was passionate about
only working with fine,
single origin chocolate
of known provenance,
about using fresh local
and seasonal ingredients,
and about not using any
additives or preservatives,
as they adulterate the
purity of the flavours.
Our equally tiny shop was
upstairs (how bonkers was
that?!) and we were only
open three afternoons
a week. Today, we have
a production unit in
Wareham, four Chocolate
Houses in Swanage,
Winchester, Exeter and
Horsham, and an online,
nationwide mail order
service. We are still
making and packing all
our chocolates by hand,
however, just with more
people to help!
In all our locations we
employ a wonderful team
who are all passionate
about spreading the word
about our world of fine chocolate. We are still potty
about all the same things we were back in 2002; we now
work with a wide variety of single origin chocolates from
Madagascar, Colombia and Venezuela especially, we still
love working with local ingredients, and we still don’t use
preservatives, so when we say our chocolates are made
fresh, we mean it! We have won 98 national and
international fine food awards to date and were humbled
at the 2019 Dorset Food & Drink Awards to be awarded
Dorset Food Hero for our contribution to promoting all
things Dorset and working with so many fellow local
producers over the years.
We also now make our own gelato and have a bakery
opposite our original
chocolate house in
Swanage, which supplies
the cafes in all our
chocolate houses. The
next time you visit
Swanage for a walk on
our glorious beach or
along the coast path
from Durlston Country
Park, why not pop in
for a restorative hot
chocolate and one of our
award-winning gelatos or
brownies?
lactose or vegan by choice.
As you might expect,
we offer a selection
of Christmas-themed
chocolate gifts, with
something for all the
family, from small, fun
stocking fillers to giant
hampers to share, all
in 100% recyclable,
recycled or compostable
packaging. If you didn’t
know, dark chocolate
is also naturally veganfriendly,
and we offer
many gifts suitable for
anyone intolerant to
In these strange Covid times, we hope to lift your spirits
with our delicious, fine, fresh chocolates, which are
available from our Chocolate Houses, open seven days a
week, and online at chococo.co.uk (during UK lockdown,
visit our website for Chocolate House opening hours).
Tantalise your taste buds and enjoy your very own
Chococo treats at home with our Chococo recipes.
Created by Co-Founder Claire, this Salted Caramel Hot
Chocolate and showstopping Chocolate Ganache Cake
(overleaf) are sure to keep the whole family happy this
winter.
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Serves one.
Ingredients:
• 250ml milk, whole or semi-skimmed
• 25g good quality 70% dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tsp dulce de leche caramel
• 1/10 tsp crushed sea salt (or a large pinch)
Optional to serve:
• 2 tbsp whipping cream
• Flaked dark chocolate
1. Claire recommends whisking a small amount of fresh
whipping cream by hand to soft peaks rather than using
canned cream, but you can use that sort of cream if you
want.
2. To flake the chocolate, run a knife along the back of
the rest of the bar of chocolate in short sharp motions
to create simple flakes.
3. For the hot chocolate itself, put the chopped chocolate
and two tbsp of the milk into a small, heavy-based pan
and warm gently to melt the chocolate into the milk.
4. Use a small balloon whisk to stir this mixture into a
smooth paste and, once the chocolate has all melted,
add the rest of the milk, the caramel and salt.
5. Keep whisking the mixture to help melt the caramel.
The moment it starts to boil, remove from the heat and
whisk vigorously to make a foam.
If you are going to top your hot chocolate with cream
and flaked chocolate, prepare these first.
6. Pour your foaming hot chocolate into your mug, top
with cream and chocolate flakes, and enjoy!
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Chocolate Glory
Chococo Co-Founder Claire’s showstopping
Chocolate Ganache Cake
Serves eight.
Equipment:
• 20cm loose-bottomed cake tine lined with
parchment
Ingredients:
For the base:
• 200g all-butter shortbread
• 60g unsalted butter
• 1/2 tbsp soft light brown sugar
For the ganache:
• 250g good quality 70% dark chocolate, chopped
• 300ml double cream
• 35g unsalted butter
• 80g dark soft brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp sea salt, crushed
Optional:
• 100g griottine cherries (or fresh raspberries if you
can’t find these cherries)
• 1-2 tbsp kirsch juice (from cherries)
Optional decoration:
• 1 edible pattern transfer sheet (available from online
cake decorating suppliers)
• 200g good quality 70% dark chocolate, chopped
• Fresh cherries or berries of your choice
1. To make the biscuit base for the tart, first crush the
shortbread into powder using either a food processor
or by putting the biscuits into a strong plastic bag and
bashing them very well with a rolling pin.
2. Gently melt the butter and soft light brown sugar in a
pan. Mix the biscuits with the melted butter and sugar
mixture, press firmly into the base of the cake tin and
put in the fridge to chill.
3. Whilst the base is chilling, put the cream, sugar and
salt for the ganache in a heavy-based pan and warm
gently to melt the sugar. Stir this mixture continuously
and take it off the heat as soon as it comes to the boil.
4. Add the chopped chocolate and butter, stirring gently
to melt together and form the ganache. If the chocolate
doesn’t all melt, put the pan back onto a very low heat,
stirring gently all the time to ensure the mixture doesn’t
catch on the bottom of the pan.
5. If using, now add the kirsch juice to taste (if just one
tablespoon doesn’t do it for you!).
6. Set aside to cool for at least an hour. By the way, if
the mixture ‘splits’ (doesn’t blend) on you, you may need
to gently stir in a little more warm cream to help it reblend
into a smooth shiny ‘emulsion’.
7. Place the griottine cherries in a shallow dish and pat
dry with kitchen roll to remove excess kirsch juice. Pour
a thin layer of the cooled ganache onto the chilled base
and sprinkle with cherries before covering them with
the rest of the ganache. Leave to finish setting in a cool
place for several hours. Ideally, you would put this tart in
a cool, dry room to set rather than in the fridge, as this
will help maintain the shine on the top of the ganache.
If, however, the fridge is your only option, put the tart in
there to set.
8. You can simply decorate the tart with cherries and/
or other berry fruits, or you can have some fun melting
chocolate to make shards and curls while the tart is
setting. To make the chocolate shards and curls, melt
125g of the 200g of dark chocolate in a bowl sitting over
a pan of gently simmering water (the water must not
touch the bottom of the bowl).
9. As soon as the chocolate has melted, take the bowl off
the heat, add the remaining 75g of chopped chocolate
and stir gently to melt into the liquid chocolate. This will
bring the temperature of the chocolate down to the right
ballpark to work with.
10. As soon as the chocolate has melted together, spread
a thin layer across the edible pattern on a baking tray.
If you don’t have a printed edible pattern sheet, you can
use thick plastic, e.g. a laminating pouch.
11. Cut different sizes of triangle shapes into the
chocolate before it sets hard. Put in a cool room or the
fridge to set (it shouldn’t take long as it is so thin).
*Top tip: don’t try to peel the chocolate away from the
transfer too quickly. It needs a bit of time for the pattern
to transfer onto the chocolate.
12. Pour your remaining chocolate onto a cold surface in
a thin layer and, as soon as it starts to set, scrape a cold
knife away from you in short sharp motions to create
curls.
13. When you are ready to serve, remove the tart from
the tin and enjoy decorating it to your own design. Use
a hot knife to cut slices from the tart and serve with
whipped cream for the full Black Forest experience.
For more tantalising Chococo recipes visit: chococo.co.uk
27

Comfort and Joy
Phaedra Radestock of Purbeck Candles,
Dorset’s award-winning candle company
We would like to thank all you wonderful customers for
your continued support through these difficult times. We
hope our candles and diffusers have brought you joy and
filled your new home offices, busy kitchens and living
spaces with wonderful natural fragrances, scents to
inspire, to invigorate and to calm.
Here at Purbeck Candles, we are all about ingredients
and fragrance. We construct each blend in-house using
the same techniques as master perfumers. The only
difference is we use only pure essential oils to create
our blends, building up layers of dreamy scent that will
fill your home with beautiful aromas designed to make it
a place of joy and comfort.
Through
the
Looking
Glass
See things in a whole new
light with Misty Glass Dorset
Our award-winning fragrances are available in stores
throughout Dorset and online at purbeck-candles.co.uk
At DOMVS, we’re lucky enough to sell some of the
most beautiful homes in Dorset, many of them historic
or listed buildings. When in need of a little TLC, the
restoration or replication of period features within older
homes often requires the specialist skills of traditional
craftsmen - enter, Misty Glass Dorset.
Misty makes stunning stained-glass panels for windows
and doors and has installed them in properties
throughout Dorset. Having started her business on the
dining room table of her home in Weymouth, Misty now
works in her own studio, where the views across the sea
towards Portland fill her with inspiration every day.
After 20 years spent renovating properties with her
husband in Oxfordshire, Cornwall and France - where
they spent eight years converting a traditional barn into
a fabulous home - Misty and her family returned to
England to work on a Victorian property in Weymouth.
The gift of a stained-glass course for her birthday
changed everything.
Misty now has a wonderful workshop filled with every
colour and texture of glass you could think of. Her
hand-made, bespoke works hang in the window letting
in beams of kaleidoscopic colour. “I love glass, I can get
totally lost in every detail. Then, after soldering all the
lead together, I get to enjoy the magic of being the first
person to hold it up to see how the light brings it to life.”
Misty takes commissions for replacing stained glass as
part of renovations, and creates bespoke door plaques.
To speak to her about your stained-glass project or
ideas, email mistyglassdorset@gmail.com or call 07756
466868. You can see all her latest work at instagram.
com/mistyglassdorset
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Foxy Lady
Feel your best, inside and out, with
Foxy By Design
At Foxy By Design, we sell beautiful clothing and
accessories to help women release their inner vixen.
Confidence is key to looking good, and although it comes
from the inside, it is truly reflected on the outside.
Empowering women is the cornerstone of our business,
and we understand that all women are different. Our
unique shapes and sizes should be celebrated and do
not determine how good we can look or feel. We at Foxy
By Design want to help you be the very best version of
yourself, and can offer advice and style tips to help you
achieve the look you desire. As a fashion retailer, we are
determined to be outstanding in our field of expertise
and have chosen our collections accordingly. Our clothing
lines combine style with a timeless appeal designed to
suit those with a discerning taste.
For foxy tips and to shop the collection, visit
foxybydesign.co.uk
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Uninterrupted sea views | Two bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Garden and garage | Guide price £365,000
Swanage, Dorset | Contact Jon Booth: 01929 555300 or click here: domvs.co.uk
Apartment living, unrivalled location
Stunning barn conversion | Four bedrooms | Four bathrooms | Vaulted living spaces | 1.79 acres | £1,150,000
Sturminster Marshall, Dorset | Contact Jon Booth: 01929 555300 or click here: domvs.co.uk
Contemporary living, rustic charm
In association with
In association with
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domvs.co.uk
domvs.co.uk
34

Woman of the Cloth
Charlotte Loving on how she spreads the good
word of ethical nappies
In 2016 I was pregnant and working for the BBC on a
popular Sunday night programme. I had been at the BBC
for seven years on and off, on fixed-term contracts of
varying lengths. With my baby due, I was about to take
maternity leave, and there were certain things that, like
every new parent, I knew I wanted to do. Using reusable
nappies was up there as most important to me. I knew
that my mum had used terries with me, and I didn’t like
the thought of my baby’s nappies lingering in landfill for
generations - along with the other three billion that are
thrown away in the UK every year.
I thought it would be easy to research the various
options and decide on a type of nappy that would be
right for us, but much Googling, reading and thinking
later, I was still none the wiser. The hardest thing about
it was there didn’t seem to be anywhere to go and see
cloth nappies in person. I started wondering why on
earth there wasn’t a ‘real’ shop anywhere that sold ‘real’
nappies.
Soon after going on maternity leave, I was offered
voluntary redundancy from my job. My mind had already
started wandering towards the possibility of opening a
real nappy shop like the one I had so desperately needed
when I first started thinking about real nappies, so I took
the opportunity.
35
A small retail unit on the edge of an industrial estate
came up and, before I knew it, we were gutting and
insulating it to turn it into a little shop. Those first
months were so much fun. A lot of what I made my
displays out of was borrowed from the antiques centre
next door, and the place had a very rustic appeal!
As the months have gone on, the interest in real nappies
has flourished. The council, who hand out incentives to
parents who choose reusables, have noticed a doubling
in the number of enquiries about their voucher scheme
since I opened my doors. By far and away the best thing
about the shop though is meeting people as they start
out on the greatest adventure of their lives, and being
there to answer their questions and provide a comfy
sofa and a place to escape to for a moment. It helps that,
together, we are helping save thousands of single-use
nappies from landfill too.
At the moment, there are still very few bricks-andmortar
shops with a primary focus on reusable nappies,
but in the three years I’ve been open, that is starting to
change. I am incredibly proud to be among the first retail
businesses bringing real nappies to bricks-and-mortar
retail, especially in my beloved hometown of Dorchester.
My shop has now grown to offer organic and ethically
made clothes, wooden toys and books, alongside real
nappies. My purpose remains though, first and foremost,
to be a friendly face offering first-hand advice in a
simple and accessible way.
lbndorset.com
Photo by Jason Perkins Photography
Photos by AmorAmor Photography
36

Grange Gallery
Art in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck
Grange Gallery is a welcoming, stylish place to shop,
drink coffee and be inspired, nestled at the foot of the
hills on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset. The gallery was
designed, built and landscaped by creative husband and
wife team, Jason and Esme James-Cameron. Jason is a
furniture maker and designer, and Esme is contemporary
artist, and together they manage Grange Gallery and Café
Grange.
Jason’s furniture workshop has been located onsite for
over 20 years, and Esme’s art studio for five years. Both
passionate about art, design and making, Esme and
Jason had long shared the dream of creating an inspired
space for their clients and visitors to view, experience,
shop and commission great art and design. They built
their cedar barn in 2016 to house their workshop, studio,
gallery and café under one roof. Now open all year
round and offering a warm welcome to all their visitors,
the Grange Gallery hosts workshops while Café Grange
serves delicious coffee in their stunning oasis in the Isle
of Purbeck.
The perfect place to shop for gifts, for yourself, your
home and garden, Grange Gallery has a range of quality
art and design available, all from highly skilled artists
and makers living and working in Dorset. Original works
and prints are on display in a variety of mediums and
techniques from watercolour to wood engravings.
Artists featured include Cathy Veale, Carol Cruickshank,
Jenny Hawke, Katy Harrold, Littlezart, Robin MacKenzie
and Grange Art to name a few. Also on show is a
range of captivating glass art and jewellery by Galiani
Glass, traditional handmade leather bags and gifts by
Strowbridge Leather, and Portland stone sculptures -
for both home and garden - from celebrated sculptor
John Davey. The gallery also showcases contemporary
furniture, homeware and lighting by Cameron Furniture,
and works by Esme James-Cameron, Contemporary
Artist. There is also a wide range of greetings cards by
local artists, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re
looking for a piece of bespoke furniture for your home or
a sentimental gift for a loved one, help is always on hand
should you need any inspiration or advice.
Commissions Welcomed
With their workshop and studio on site, Cameron
Furniture and Esme James-Cameron, (cont.)
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38

Contemporary Artist both offer a bespoke
commissioning service with consultations available.
Bespoke commissions are perfect if you have a specific
idea for a unique piece of art or furniture.
“From original concept, through the design stages,
the choice of materials, to the final implementation,
this has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience
working with both Jason and Esme. The craftsmanship
is excellent with a balance of flair and a strong eye for
detail.” L. Brian, 2020
Grange Gallery also accepts commissions for Galiani
Glass Art, Strowbridge Leather and offers a bespoke
picture framing service.
Workshops and Gift Vouchers
Grange Gallery Painting Classes are the perfect
introduction to painting, ideal for those who have not
painted since school. Painting Classes are hosted by
Esme James-Cameron, who guides the class step by
step to recreate the painting on display at the front. The
classes are relaxed and distanced, a perfect activity for
pairs or one-to-one. It is a great way to relax, learn,
have fun and enjoy the tranquillity of the county side. All
materials are provided, along with a light refreshment
from Café Grange. You’ll also receive a complimentary
Grange Gallery gift bag to take home, as well your
completed masterpiece. Grange Gallery is programming
a schedule of workshops for 2021-22 that will cover a
range of disciplines. Gift vouchers are available for those
looking for an original and memorable gift.
“Fantastic afternoon, great company, relaxing,
informative, great coffee... beautiful bespoke products
in the gallery, just what was needed after 6 months in
lockdown... highly recommended - thank you.” Sally,
2020
Grange Gallery and Café Grange are open all year round,
Mon-Sun, 10am-4pm. To visit, you must book in advance
by phone or email.
T. 01929 553942
E. info@grangegallery.co.uk
grangegallery.co.uk
facebook.com/GrangeGallery
instagram.com/grangegallery.co.uk
cameronfurniture.co.uk
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40

Pilates | Therapy | Core
Dedicated to wellbeing, Sammie Mcfarland
offers supportive coaching for ‘normal’ folk
Buying to Let
DOMVS Associate Director, Debbie Turner,
explains how to get it right
In recent years, Buy-to-Let has become a booming
business, and property has always been regarded as one
of the safest investments for those with the means and
funds available. Whilst there may be some risk involved,
if research is carried out correctly the return can be
two-fold. The rental will help to cover the mortgage and
you should receive capital growth on your investment.
Buy-to-Let is not a get-rich-quick scheme and should be
looked on as a long term investment.
• Look at being a landlord as a business venture. Ensure
thorough research is carried out and always remember
the property is a business and not your home.
• Make sure you take advice about the best areas in
which to purchase a property, and research which
properties are currently being sought by tenants. Look
at local employment and, most importantly, think about
the type of tenant you wish to attract.
• Research the costs you will incur against the rental
yields you will receive, to ensure Buy-to-Let is financially
viable for you.
• Ensure you factor in ongoing repair costs, rental voids
and annual safety checks. Also allow for redecoration
approximately every four years.
• When preparing the property to let, take advice from
41
an expert about what attracts tenants. Try to stick to
neutral colours; again, remember this is about business
not personal choice.
• Finding the right tenant is extremely important. Ensure
they are fully vetted and Right-to-Rent checks are
carried out.
• Lettings legislation is continually changing, and it is
important to keep up to date to ensure your property is
compliant and your tenant safe.
• If you buy a property in need of refurbishment, our
Property Management team can arrange and project
manage a refurbishment programme for you, to enable
you to carry on with your everyday life.
• Self-Managed versus Letting Agent; do you have the
time to take on the day-to-day workload of a rented
property?
• It has been said that 15% of your working life can be
taken up with dealing with your rented property. It may,
therefore, be more cost effective to call in professionals
to do it for you.
DOMVS Lettings is here to guide you through the
whole process, from sourcing a property and arranging
the tenancy, through to making sure the property is
professionally managed. To find out more about our
award-winning service, contact the DOMVS Lettings
team on 01305 835300 or visit domvs.co.uk/lettings
Sammie Mcfarland is on a mission to encourage
everyone to enjoy the skin they live in, while being true
to her message and managing her own wellbeing. Having
overcome adversity and learnt to thrive with Chronic
Fatigue and Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sammie warmly
shares support, and cares for clients of all ages.
Having started her vocation supporting women 25 years
ago, in 2019 Sammie was awarded Women’s Wellness
Coach of the Year. She offers gentle holistic coaching
from the heart, supporting women, and men, to be the
best version of themselves with a balanced approach
to wellbeing. Her popular sessions are delivered with
warmth and a sprinkling of laughter.
Sammie draws on all her skill sets to offer weekly
classes online and on location in Dorset, as well as a
range of holistic massage therapy appointments to
provide a balanced wellbeing. Her qualifications include
Holistic Core Restore® Pelvic Health & Fitness Coach;
Pilates Coach & Fit Pro.Soft Tissue Massage Therapist;
Pregnancy, Core Fascial Release Therapist; and Scar &
Hysterectomy Massage Therapist.
Sammie is offering DOMVS Almanac readers two
exclusive wellbeing opportunities:
- To enjoy a free Restorative Pilates class online or on
location (one per customer), visit sammiemcfarland.
co.uk/booking and enter code DOMVSWELLBEING
- To enjoy 25% off a Restorative Sports Massage
(gentle sports massage to rebalance and relax - one per
customer), visit sammiemcfarland.co.uk/our-therapies
and enter code DOMVSSELFCARE
Sammie is Mum to two beautiful girls, and lives with her
husband, chickens, sausage dog and two cats in rural
Dorset. To find out more about her and the services she
offers, visit sammiemcfarland.co.uk
42

IN IT TOGETHER
Plastic-Free Gift Sets from Dorset Sea Salt
Our new gift sets make the perfect gift for a foodie friend or family member. With three different gift sets on offer, pick
your favourites and share the joy of cooking with Dorset Sea Salt.
2020 has made us all feel fragile, and never before have we needed our houses to feel more like
home. With DOMVS, you’re in safe hands.
If you’ve been thinking of buying, selling or letting, talk to us today.
Great Taste Gift Set
This award-winning gift set consists of our two Great Taste Winning flavours, Celery and Garlic,
complemented by our ‘go to’ Natural sea salt.
Chilli & Lemon Gift Set
This gift set contains our zesty Lemon & Thyme sea salt alongside our fiery Chilli sea salt,
finished off with the classic addition of our Natural sea salt.
Dorchester: 01305 757300 Wareham: 01929 555300 Weymouth: 01305 835300
Smoked & Chilli Gift Set
A combination of our classic Natural sea salt and our punchy Oak Smoked and Chilli sea salts.
domvs.co.uk
In association with
To find out more and shop online, visit dorsetseasalt.co.uk
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