The DOMVS Almanac issue #3_Summer 2021

THE
DOMVS
ALMANAC
At Home in Dorset
# 003
Summer 2021

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 present issue two of The DOMVS
Almanac, which brings to you our highlights of living
in Dorset. With each new season, we will share with
you the hidden gems of our beautiful county, from our
favourite countryside walks and the best places to go for
the freshest seafood, to one-of-a-kind shops that aren’t
to be missed and inspiring local creatives. Read on to
find out how to make the very best of your home, your
garden and your mind, body and soul.
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’re all here to help
you feel at home in Dorset.
To discover more about the beautiful Dorset home
pictured here, read on...

Eight bedrooms | Four entertaining spaces | Tennis court | Natural lake | Approx. 6.24 acres | £2,250,000
Upwey, Dorset | Contact Tim Grainger: 01305 757300
Historic home, exclusive living
Approx. 8.5 acres | Outbuildings and paddock | Successful kennels | Five-bedroom home | Guide price £1,395,000
Portesham, Dorset | Contact Tim Grainger: 01305 757300
Rural living, income potential
In association with
In association with
domvs.co.uk
domvs.co.uk
3 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, 25 & 49. Dream homes from DOMVS
7. Sculpture by the Lakes: FORM Exhibition
9. Real nappies for good from Loving by Nature
29. Get a taste for Langham Wine Estate
31. Relax mind, body and soul at Medusa Apothecary
33. Eat chocolate, save the world with Chococo
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.
11. Introducing Mr Fish
13. Time for cake with Dorset Ginger Co.
37. Discover your inner mermaid with Dorset Dips
39. Take a seat at the table with Cameron Furniture
Director
Polly Greenway
15. Mind medicine from Primrose’s Kitchen
17. Wild new styles at Foxy by Design
41. Moving tips to take care of your brood from NEST
42. Create beautiful spaces with Purbeck Candles
Almanac Secretary
Lucy Cole
lucy.cole@domvs.co.uk
19. Spring skin solutions from Sarah Dale Aesthetics
21. Indulge yourself with Rosemary Rogers Catering
43. 1968accessories; stylish and supportive
45. Save the world one roll at a time with Naked Sprout
On the Cover (and above)
‘Blackmore Vale 1’ by our North Dorset photography
competition winner, Karen Parsons.
Editorial & Design
Charlie Ryan
charlie.ryan@domvs.co.uk
23. Go Dutch at EBIKE CAFE @ Deheers
27. Introducing Laura Evans Artist & Printmaker
47. Sammie McFarland in search of tranquility
51. DOMVS presents an opportunity not to missed
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A Summer to Remember
Exploring the ecclectic timetable of art, nature and wellbeing at Sculpture by the Lakes
Celebrating 10 years of existence this year, Sculpture by
the Lakes, Dorchester, regarded by those in the know
as a jewel in the county’s crown, has had a jam-packed
programme of events this summer, with plenty to delight
arts and nature lovers. This stunning 26-acre haven
of gardens, woodlands, and lakes is run by celebrated
sculptor Simon Gudgeon and his wife, Monique, Head
Gardener at the sculpture park. It is home to more than
30 of Simon’s stunning large-scale sculptures.
Kicking off the season in style was the hugely popular
FORM – The Sculpture Exhibition, and many of the 200
visiting pieces by some 30 top sculptors are still being
exhibited now. Then came The Garden Festival, followed
by the Rare Plant Fair, before the return of the hugely
successful and multi-award-winning Dorset Arts Festival
from June 30 to July 4. More than 60 artists, crafters,
and makers were in attendance, demonstrating their
incredible skills and techniques live.
The beauty and tranquillity of the sculpture park
will, once again, provide the setting for Wellbeing by
the Lakes, a five-day festival from Sep 8 – Sep 12,
exploring what it means to be mindful and live well.
With a carefully curated blend of expert talks, art,
live performance, meditation, movement sessions,
and healing therapies, it promises to be an oasis of
restoration and rest in our fast-paced modern world.
And no year at Sculpture by the Lakes would be
complete without incredible exhibitions in The Gallery by
the Lakes. The Narrative Ark, an exhibition of new work
by celebrated wildlife artist Andrew Denman, takes place
in October, and from November 2 to 20 will be Fauna,
Art of the Wild, an exhibition of depictions of animals
and birds by a selection of international artists.
If you’re unfamiliar with Sculpture by the Lakes,
nestled in the Dorset countryside just six miles east of
Dorchester, this would be an excellent year to discover
it! Find out more about events at Sculpture by the Lakes
here: sculpturebythelakes.co.uk/events
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Real Love
Charlotte
Loving of Loving by Nature on
why we need more real nappie shops
Since opening my shop doors two years ago, I have been
pleased to see many more cloth nappy shops either in
the pipeline or opening up all over the UK. The main
driver in my opening Loving by Nature was to spread
the word about reusable nappies and provide accessible
advice for anyone wanting to make the switch. I can’t
claim to be the first cloth nappy shop to open though.
Nappy Ever After in Hackney and Plush Pants in Oxford
have been open for several years, as well as Naturally
Baby in Leamington Spa. There are also a number of
small stores that have always stocked one or two cloth
nappy brands, although not their main focus.
The reason I think we need more bricks-and-mortar real
nappy shops in the country is simple. Whilst online retail
is brilliant, immediate and accessible, I truly believe that
if we want reusable nappies to become mainstream, we
need to be able to see them up close, in the flesh, in real
life stores across our towns and cities. This isn’t to say
that using cloth is complicated, but there is no denying
that when faced with all the options online, it can be
dizzying and confusing without being able to see how
things work in real life. Personally, I am a very touchyfeely
person and always feel nervous before clicking
‘buy’ online when I haven’t any prior experience of the
product. With something as seemingly alien as cloth
nappies, buying online can seem all the more risky –
especially for first-time parents.
With a physical shop, we are able to open our doors
to anyone passing by, which also means that people
who weren’t necessarily looking to reuse might find us
too. This is vital if we are to break through the barriers
of what is considered ‘normal’ and get real nappies
on more bums across the country. At the moment, if
you want to use real nappies, which thankfully more
and more people do, you need to be quite active
and determined in seeking out sources online and
researching and finding groups you can attend locally
for advice and support.
It has been great to see many supermarkets jumping
on board and stocking some popular real nappie brands
recently. While they might be able to offer knock-down
prices that a small shop never could, what you can’t get
from the supermarket, however, is specialised, informed
advice from someone truly passionate and experienced
in what they are talking about. This means someone
buying their first cloth nappies from a supermarket
may end up ditching the idea if they find they don’t get
on with the particular brand they’ve been trying. So,
while cloth nappies in supermarkets is a fantastic step
in the right direction, I would still urge anyone keen
to give cloth a try to seek the advice and support of
your local, independent distributor. What you also get
from a specialist shop is the opportunity to return if
something isn’t working for you. You’ll get more tailored
advice, the chance to keep learning as you go, as well
as the opportunity to become part of your local cloth
nappy community, should you wish. Plus, they’ll be a far
greater variety of options available to you.
Cloth nappy focussed shops are still a rarity, although
with the soon-to-open Friendly Eco in Bristol, the Real
Nappy Café in London and The Nappy Workshop in
Surrey, plus more and more popping up at markets and
events around the country all the time, I am hopeful that
sometime in the near future we may have one in every
town – I would love to open more myself! That said, it is
not an easy gig. Reusable nappies are no cash cow, and I
can assure you that anyone doing this is doing it for the
passion, because they truly believe in the need for it,
and not because they want to make their millions. If we
can make enough to keep a roof over our heads, we’re
happy to keep providing this much-needed service to our
communities - and the environment.
Loving by Nature is open from 10am to 2pm, Tuesdays
to Saturdays and can be found at De Danann Centre, 27
London Road, Dorchester, DT1 1 NF. You can also find out
more online at lbndorset.com
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10

When the Boat Comes In
Introducing ‘Mr Fish’, Kevin Hanger; fresh, local fish direct to your door
You could say I’ve always loved the sea, from fishing
as a boy to enjoying spearfishing around local areas
and further field later in life. Having spent 22 years
working in the building industry, I found myself looking
for a change. Someone told me when you do what you
love you’ll never work again, so I followed my dreams
and, three years ago, became a commercial fisherman. I
invested in a boat, took and passed all the qualifications
to become a captain, and never looked back. Even the
early mornings and 12-hour days can’t put me off!
My boat, Shearwater, is docked in Weymouth Harbour,
and I primarily fish for bass and shellfish. All my fish
is sustainably line caught and, although I sell to the
market, I find it most rewarding to sell fish to my fellow
Dorset residents.
You can contact me via Facebook at facebook.com/
MrFishDorchester, via Instagram at @mrfishdorchester
and on 07841 878334. Orders are always welcome and
you’ll receive the freshest fish delivered to your door.
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Sugar and Spice
All things nice: The Dorset Ginger Company’s ginger drizzle cake
Ingredients:
For the cake:
• 60ml Dorset Ginger Co. Extra Strong
• 200g/7oz softened butter
• 200g/7oz caster sugar
• 200g/7oz self-raising flour
• 3 medium eggs
• Couple of cubes of crystalised ginger cut into small
pieces (optional)
For the ginger icing:
• 2 tbsp Dorset Ginger Co. Extra Strong
• 200g/7oz icing sugar
• Couple of cubes of thinly sliced crystalised ginger
1. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Line and
grease a 1lb loaf tin or a 20cm/8” cake tin.
2. Place the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl and
beat until light and fluffy.
⁣
3. Whisk in the eggs a little at a time. If the mixture
starts to curdle, add 1 tbsp of flour. Use a metal spoon to
fold in the rest of the flour.
4. Add the 60ml Dorset Ginger Co. Extra Strong and stir
well. Add the chopped up crystalised ginger at this point,
if you are using it.
⁣
5. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin. Bake in the
centre of the oven for 35-40 minutes or until a skewer
inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean.
⁣When it’s risen, golden and shrinking from the tin,
remove the cake from the oven and prick it all over with
a cocktail stick at least 20 times.
⁣
6. Drizzle it with more Dorset Ginger Co. Extra Strong.
Allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then carefully
remove it from the tin and transfer to a cooling rack.
⁣
7. Once the cake is completely cool, mix up the 2 tbsp of
Dorset Ginger Co. Extra Strong with enough icing sugar
to make a thick paste. Drizzle this over the cake, then
decorate with thinly sliced crystalised ginger.
dorsetginger.ltd
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20

Soul Food
Founder of Primrose’s Kitchen, Primrose Matheson, shares her top mental health hacks
The state of our mental health defines us. It mobilizes
or demobilizes, which is why staying on top of it is
so important. As someone who has always found it
hard to stay motivated during the winter months, I am
constantly exploring methods, foods and techniques
which can be actioned at any time of the year. Here, I
talk about some of them in order of their importance in
my own life.
Cold water
Having grown up on an island, the sea has always been a
big part of my life, and swimming in it very normal. The
feeling one got from those swims was always uplifting,
recalibrating and refreshing. Skip forward and I am now
living on Dartmoor. Whilst only 40 minutes from the
sea, it is no longer possible for me to enjoy a daily dip,
so I have been looking for other ways to incorporate
the power of cold water into my life. Up until the end of
October (just before my son, Wolf, was born), my partner
and I would go to a favourite river spot in the morning
and dunk ourselves before facing the day. I have always
found river water even more punchy than the sea due to
its lack of salt, which has a warming effect on the skin.
More recently, I have been fully embracing the Wim
Hof Method and swapping the river for cold showers
accompanied with deep breathing. Wim Hof’s belief
system, with which I fully resonate, is that, over time,
our relationship with the world we live in has changed.
Our lifestyles have disconnected us from the natural
environment. Because of this disconnection, our ageold
survival mechanisms are no longer triggered and
we’ve lost touch with our inner power. His method is
about reconnecting with nature, ourselves, and others.
Alongside his love of the cold, Hof has developed a
breathing technique which, he claims, helps with a huge
array of dis-ease due to its anti-inflammatory effects in
the body. Where there is inflammation, there is usually a
lack of oxygen. This is similar to the ancient practice of
yogic breathing techniques known as pranayama, which
has shown to decrease stress, lower blood pressure,
and improve immunity. Hof claims utilising cold therapy,
breathing techniques and one’s commitment can
positively help grant us increased energy; better
sleep; reduced stress levels; heightened focus and
determination; increased willpower; and a stronger
immune system. I can definitely vouch for this, as can so
many of his disciples.
Incline walking
Over the last five years, I have really become addicted
to a good incline. I wanted to understand why it feels
so much better to walk a shorter distance uphill than
a longer distance on the flat. Whilst I believe there is a
mental satisfaction in overcoming the challenge of an
incline and reaching the top of a hill - like a metaphor
for the challenges we face in our lives - I feel there is
also a physical reason why I like it. In discussing this
with a serious running friend of mine, I learnt that uphill
walking uses the same motor patterns as running. It
places an intensity on the cardiovascular system that is
almost equivalent to running, and higher than walking on
flat terrain. This increased intensity leads to improved
heart and lung function with a decreased risk of the
development of heart disease. If, like me, you are not
a fan of running, this is the perfect middle ground, so I
encourage you to find a good hill near you.
Food as medicine
First things first; keeping your blood sugar level stable is
the first step to maintaining a good mood and reducing
the likelihood of feeling tired, irritable, and depressed.
To do this, we must eat regularly and choose foods that
release energy slowly. Serotonin is often talked about
in relation to making us feel happy, but it also helps
regulate sleep and appetite, mediate moods, and inhibit
pain. About 95% of your serotonin is produced in your
gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract is lined
with one hundred million nerve cells - or neurons - so it
makes sense that your digestive system also guides your
emotions. The function of these neurons and, therefore,
the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, is
highly influenced by the billions of “good” bacteria that
make up your intestinal microbiome. These bacteria
play an essential role in your health, helping you absorb
nutrients from your food and boost your immunity. In
short, when it comes to diet, anything we can eat to
support a healthy gut is going to help us feel good on all
levels.
Kefir and sauerkraut provide beneficial bacteria to
support your gut. Gut bacteria needs fibre to flourish;
apples and peas are excellent examples, providing good
insoluble and soluble fibre. Chicory, which makes a great
addition to salads, provides prebiotics to feed the good
bacteria. Fatty acids from high quality hemp and olive
oil provide potent anti-inflammatory effects to support
gut health. One of my favourite snacks is almonds, and
studies show almonds possess probiotic qualities. In
addition, Vitamin D is crucial for brain development and
health, so incorporating Vitamin D-rich foods into your
diet is a great idea. These are foods like egg yolks, oily
fish and nettles, which help regulate mood and stave off
low feelings. Interestingly, people living in areas of the
world in which they eat a more traditional, varied diet
including plenty of fermented and no processed foods
show a lower rate of mental illness such as depression.
When it comes to health hacks, I think it is best to keep
them short and simple, so they are memorable and easy
to implement. These are my go-to mood enhancers and
feel-good optimizers. The only addition I would make
to the above is not to forget to interact with others.
We create great things when we come together as a
collective and by being a community. Remembering you
are part of a whole is key. We are not on our own. We all
have a valuable role to play in the great plan of life, even
if we might feel like we haven’t yet discovered what it is.
To find out more about Primrose’s Kitchen, visit
the website at primroseskitchen.com, or find us on
Instagram at @primroseskitchen and on facebook at
facebook.com/PrimrosesKitchen
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Wild Thing
Take a walk on the wild side with
Foxy By Design
Stepping out of the darkness and into spring makes
this one of our favourite times of year. Our spring 2021
collection is a true reflection of this, full of bright colours
and exotic animal prints. Conjuring images of tropical
climates, sandy beaches and crystal clear blue skies, with
zebras, leopards, parrots, you name it, this season we
have it. All guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, it’s
just what we need right now.
Use the code FOXYLOVE to receive 10% off your entire
order. For foxy tips and to shop the collection, visit
foxybydesign.co.uk
Window Dressing
Misty Glass Dorset sheds a whole new light
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 on Instagram at
@mistyglassdorset
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18

Here for You
Jessica Moriarty welcomes you back to Sarah Dale Aesthetics, Poundbury
As Summer blooms and the world continues to open up
around us, it has been common for people to experience
anxiety at the thought of venturing back into their local
businesses. Here at Sarah Dale Aesthetics, we have
been very excited to re-open, and it has been lovely to
see so many new faces. Despite this, we are aware that
many may still be feeling apprehensive about booking a
consultation. One of our biggest priorities is the comfort
of our clients, and we want to be able to reassure you as
to what you can expect when visiting us.
You will find us in Poundbury, nestled in a quiet area
where Wadebridge Street meets the Butter Market.
Upon arrival, you are welcome to sit in either our
sunny outdoor area or inside our comfortable reception
- whichever makes you feel happiest. We have a noncontact
temperature gun (much less scary than it
sounds), which allows us to make sure neither us nor our
clients have a fever as we enter the clinic. We have hand
sanitiser, bags in which you can seal your belongings
if you want to keep them protected, and a barcode to
use the Test and Trace app if you wish to. We have the
window cracked open so a breeze can travel through
reception as per government guidelines, and we wear
masks at all times. We regularly sanitise all the touch
points in the clinic, such as door handles, arm rests and
the card machine. With its tall ceilings, happy house
plants and gentle lighting, the reception is a very calm
and enjoyable place to be, so you can feel free to browse
the range of products we have on display, and chat to
our friendly reception team. Our clinicians will come to
find you for your appointment and take you to our clinic
rooms, which they sanitise between each client. We are
lucky to have very professional and caring clinicians, for
whom no question is too big or too small. Whether you
are here for a consultation or treatment, you can rely on
them to be attentive to your needs from the minute you
walk through the door. And their help doesn’t end when
you leave; their follow-up policy means they will talk you
through aftercare advice and are always available by
phone call or email to answer any queries you may have
upon getting home.
Our treatments include:
- Scar, red vein and pigmentation reduction
- Skin rejuvenation for sun damage repair
- Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
- Non-surgical facelift
- Fractional skin resurfacing and body sculpting
- Non-fractional laser surfacing
- LED phototherapy
- Permanent hair removal
Feel free to get in touch if you need any more
information or if you are interested in booking a
complimentary consultation with one of our clinicians.
We believe that as we steadily return to normal,
everyone should feel safe to treat themselves to the
self-care that they and their skin deserve.
sarahdaleaesthetics.com
facebook.com/sarahdaleaesthetics
E. info@sarahdaleaesthetics.com
T. 01305 269220
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25 20

Let Them Eat Cake
Rosemary Rogers’ invites you to try her Chocolate Drip Cake
Throughout the year, I make birthday cakes for the staff
of various businesses in Dorchester. One of the enduring
favourites is the Chocolate Drip Cake. I thought it would
be fun to share the recipe and ask you to send photos of
your creations to rosemarywdt2@gmail.com. I’d love to
hear your thoughts on the recipe too, which is adapted
from one by Mary Berry.
Tips for success:
• When you open the door and place the cake tins
inside, the temperature of your oven drops. To
counteract this, turn your oven on in good time, so
the entire oven can reach the correct temperature
before you need it.
• Use exact measurements for ingredients.
• Using room temperature eggs will mean the yolks
and whites combine more easily, ensuring an even
bake.
• Check your raising agent. If it is old it will not have
enough oomph.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
• 225g softened butter
• 225g caster sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 225g self-raising flour
• 2 level teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons of good quality cocoa powder
For the butter icing:
• 200g unsalted butter
• 400g icing sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2/3 table spoons cold water
For the chocolate ganache:
• 150g dark chocolate, chopped
• 100g butter
1. Pre-heat your oven to 165˚C. Prepare 3 x 6-inch
loose-bottom cake tins by lightly greasing them, placing
a circle of baking parchment on the bottom, and lightly
dusting the sides with flour.
2. Place all the cake ingredients into a mixing bowl and
beat for two minutes.
3. Divide the mixture equally between the three tins.
Place the tins on the centre shelf of the oven and bake
for 25 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and leave to rest in the tins
for five minutes, during which time the cakes will shrink
from the side of the tins. Turn the cakes out onto a
cooling rack.
5. To make the butter icing, sieve the icing sugar and
cocoa powder into a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
6. Add the butter and approx. a tablespoon of cold
water and beat using a whisk until combined. Gradually
add more water as required to loosen the mixture to an
easily spreadable consistency.
7. Once the cakes are cold, use a knife or spatula to ice
the top of one cake layer. Carefully place the second
layer on top and ice it, then place the third layer on the
top and ice that one.
8. Finish by icing around the outside of the cake, then
place in the fridge to cool while you make the chocolate
ganache.
9. To make the ganache, put the chopped chocolate and
butter into a glass bowl and heat slowly either over a
saucepan of shallow, boiling water or VERY carefully in
the microwave. Stir regularly and be careful not to burn
the chocolate.
10. Once melted, stir the mixture one last time to
combine, then pour the melted ganache onto the top of
the cake. Use a knife to push it gently over the edge to
create the drips.
11. When it comes to decorating your cake, let your
imagination run wild! Berries, biscuits, individual
chocolates and slabs, shards or shavings of chocolate all
make excellent toppings. Store your cake in the fridge
until you’re ready to serve.
facebook.com/RosemaryRogersCatering
21

Go Dutch
EBIKE CAFE @ Deheers would like you to
meet the Knaap two-seater
Spring is in the air, and EBIKE Cafe @ Deheers on
Custom House Quay, Weymouth has just become
the very first local partner of the coolest and most
innovative eBike in the cycling market. The Knaap twoseater
eBike out of Amsterdam provides more people
than ever before with the opportunity to use cycling for
physical and mental health and wellbeing.
The brand new Knaap two-seater, pedal-assisted eBike
can carry up to 28-stone (180kg). This means that
any type of rider, young or old, large or small, can now
enjoy cycling with all the physical and mental health
benefits associated with outdoor exercise. The Knaap
bikes provide a powered motor in the rear wheel to
give a level of assistance that helps the rider reach a
maximum speed of 15 mph whilst gently spinning the
pedals, meaning that almost anyone, of any level of
fitness, weight and ability can ride these bikes.
The great benefit of the Knaap bikes, in particular,
is that they are road legal for carrying two riders,
meaning commuting back into work could soon look a
lot different. They have the largest battery in the eBike
industry; enough to carry one rider over 80 miles and
two riders north of 30 miles at speeds of up to 25 kmh.
Knaap Bikes were recently awarded the ‘Innovation
from a Newcomer’ in Cycling Industry BikeBiz Awards,
voted for by UK independent cycle retailers. The bikes
have been described by industry insiders as “The most
Instagramable bikes ever” and, in one glance, you can
see they have combined retro with supercool, to appeal
to every age group. They even say, “If Steve McQueen
was alive today, you could see him riding one of these.”
If you’re looking for a cool ride around town that’s as
good for your street cred as it is for the environment,
then the EBIKE Cafe has the answer. With its clean lines,
urban style and impressive features including a unique
two-seater base, the Knaap bike has taken the eBike
market by storm, grabbing the attention and custom of
some of the world’s leading sports stars, leisure brands
and entertainment names. Peter Claxton, Co-Owner of
EBIKE Cafe, tells us more:
“We are really excited to be teaming up with Knaap
Bikes and giving our customers the chance to own one
of the world’s coolest eBikes. I know the bike is going
to be a big hit locally, among both our die-hard cycle
enthusiasts and our customers looking for a stylish and
environmentally-friendly way of getting around.”
Combining the best qualities of traditional and electric,
this Dutch brand is cornering the market of cool with a
bike that answers the needs of the new eBike generation
wrapped up in a tough urban shell.
Key features:
• Battery large enough to carry one rider 86
miles/140km or two riders over 30 miles
• Battery recharges from zero to full in 6 hours
• Five levels of pedal assist with seven-speed gears
• Superwide 20” x 4” tyres give unparalleled stability
and ride comfort
• Long length saddle designed for comfort for two
riders, with rear seat foot pegs
• Fully road legal with 25 kmh limitation
• Zero emissions
• Price tag of £2,299 and available in Matt Black and
Space Grey
To “Meet the Dutch” eBike taking the world by storm
and book a test drive* of a Knaap Bike, please contact
Peter or Josephine at the EBIKE Cafe, Weymouth on
01305 786839.
EBIKE CAFE @ Deheers is open seven days a week,
from 10am to 4pm, on the ground floor of Deheers, 9A
Custom House Quay, Weymouth, DT4 8BG. Find out
more at ebikecafe.co.uk
*Please note all store visits and test drives will be organised in line
with the Public Health England Covid Guidelines.
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24

Brand new home | Four bedrooms | Three bathrooms | Two reception spaces | Garden and garage | £695,000
Charminster, Dorset | Contact Tim Grainger: 01305 757300
Contemporary living, village location
Six bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Two reception spaces | Kitchen/diner | Garden and garage | Offers over £600,000
Charminster, Dorset | Contact Greg Carter: 01305 757300
Period home, village living
In association with
In association with
25
domvs.co.uk
domvs.co.uk
26

Light and Shade
The natural journey of Dorset contemporary
artist, Laura Evans
In the back of The Picture Frame Workshop in
Wareham, you’ll find the studio gallery of Laura
Evans, contemporary abstract artist and printmaker.
Having worked for ten years as a consultant within
environmental archaeology, Laura fell in love with
printmaking after taking part in a day workshop run by
a local artist. It was here that she discovered the fine
art technique of ‘collagraphy’, which involves building
up a printing plate from materials, and knew she had to
pursue it.
What is a collagraph?
In short, a collagraph is a form of printmaking, which
involves building up a printing plate like a collage
with materials such as seeds and paper. The plate is
then hand-inked, buffed to remove excess ink, and
pulled though an etching press under dampened
paper, resulting in an image being printed on the
paper. It is impossible to ink the plate the same way
every time, making each print unique.
Fast forward to 2016, when the previous owner of the
framing shop suggested – while framing some of her
workshop pieces – that Laura apply for a Purbeck Art
Weeks Bursary. Laura’s successful application led to her
being awarded the full bursary, which enabled her to buy
much-needed printmaking materials and push forward
with her career.
Following her first successful Purbeck Art Weeks
exhibition at Rollington Barn, Laura took her collagraphy
further by developing a way of printing on fabrics, and
thus created her first lampshades. The fabrics used - all
unique and handmade by Laura - are a labour of love.
The fabric has to be washed and ironed multiple times
during the process. The inking and printing of the plate
can take several hours, and the printed fabric then takes
up to a week to dry. It is then adhered to a special shade
backing and transformed into a beautiful lamp.
In the winter of 2016, Laura was invited by Sophie Dixon,
owner of Seasons Green, Corfe Castle, to take part in an
exhibition and display her prints and lampshades
together for the first time. Following this (yet another
success), Laura enlisted the help of a local woodturner
to create beautiful and unique bases for her lamps,
made from locally-sourced Dorset wood and finished
with brass fittings and custom-coloured cords.
In late 2018, Laura discovered painting and, in 2019, had
her work accepted into the South West Academy of Fine
& Applied Arts Open Exhibition at Exeter Castle. Later
that year, having seen her work, the new owner of The
Picture Frame Workshop, Jon Brooke, offered Laura the
opportunity to share the shop space with him. Delighted,
Laura spent Summer 2020 gradually setting up her
gallery space (having been delayed by the pandemic). By
September, she had a fully working studio too.
Now working from the very shop that helped kickstart
her career, Laura knows the true meaning of coming ‘full
circle’. Thrilled to be part of Purbeck’s thriving artistic
community, she is looking forward to welcoming people
to her studio gallery and running printmaking workshops
this summer.
Laura offers a bespoke design service, creating colour
match samples and working with clients in their
homes to create beautiful lampshades and cushions to
complement existing decor. All of Laura’s fabrics are
handprinted in her studio, where she creates original,
bespoke pieces for the home. She is currently working
on designs for handprinted upholstery fabric. Influenced
by her background in environmental archaeology,
Laura’s paintings are inspired by textures, colours,
shapes and the movement of the landscape around her.
Her work is an emotional response to this environment,
an attempt to express the sense of connection between
land, sea and the forces between them. Laura often
uses mixed media – oils, acrylics, pastels and mark
making – to create the shapes and forms she sees in the
landscape. Her gallery features the work of other local
artists and makers as well her own paintings and prints.
To find out more about Laura and her work, visit her
website at lauraevansartist.com or find her on Instagram
at @lauraevansartist and Facebook at facebook.com/
LauraevansArtistPrintmaker
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28

From Bud to Bottle
Fiona Wright offers a mouth-watering insight into the sparkling world of Langham Wine Estate
Tell us about the back story of Langham Wine Estate.
How and why did you get started in the wine business?
Langham Wine Estate began its life as a passion
project of the father of our Managing Director, Justin
Langham; he’d planted a small hobby vineyard. Justin
took this idea and developed it, choosing to plant vines
at Crawthorne Farm, which is one of the farm sites that
makes up the Langham Agricultural Enterprise. The
vines were planted in 2009 after much research into
which site would be best to plant on and which grape
varieties would work best.
What is it about your Dorset location that makes for an
award-winning sparkling wine?
Our site at Crawthorne Farm has a number of benefits.
Hedgerows and trees all around the vineyard provide
natural shelter from the prevailing south-westerly winds,
and a habitat for a diverse range of animals. The native
buzzards provide one of the best deterrents to small
passerine birds that eat the ripe grapes. The field where
the vines are planted is on a south-facing slope, which
not only ensures maximum sunlight exposure, but also
aids drainage of cold air during early spring, reducing
the likelihood of frost damage to young shoots. The
vineyard sits on layers of Jurassic and Cretaceous chalk
and limestone strata, the same as those in areas of the
Champagne region of France, which is obviously one of
the most famous sparkling wine regions in the world. In
the Aube region of Champagne, in Sancerre and Chablis,
they have Kimmeridgian and Portlandian soil, names
which may sound familiar to us here in Dorset. So our
terroir really is perfect for growing the classic grape
varieties that have historically done so well in France;
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
What is your winemaking style?
At Langham, we make our wine in the ‘Traditional
Method’, the same way they do in Champagne, where
the second fermentation - to create the bubbles - is
done in the bottle. We follow a low-intervention style
of winemaking, meaning we try to add as little as
possible and let the grapes sing for themselves. If we
were to make a comparison to France, our winemaker,
Tommy Grimshaw, aims to emulate the smaller growerproducers
of Champagne rather than the big Champagne
houses. We don’t use commercial, lab-grown yeasts to
ferment our wines, instead we use the natural yeasts
that are found on the grapes and in the winery. This is
a riskier and slightly slower method of fermenting, but
we have found, over the past few years, that using this
method helps to produce a much more complex product.
We also don’t fine or filter our wines at all, which means
that they happen to be veggie and vegan friendly.
Another way in which we differ from a number of
producers in the UK at the moment is our use of oak.
Some wineries will use 100% stainless steel tanks
for their ferments, but we also use old oak barrels to
ferment some of our juice. By using our range of oak
barrels from Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux, we
can add yet another layer of complexity to our wines. We
don’t make our wines to a specific recipe, but instead
create as many different parcels of wine from our
harvest. The winemaking team then do a lot of tasting
from each individual barrel and tank, and then decide
what proportion of each will go into making our five
different sparkling wines. The juice that is fermented
in stainless steel will bring fresh, crisp fruit flavours,
whilst the oak-fermented juice will take on some subtle
characteristics from the barrels, plus it will be exposed
to a bit of oxygen, which will soften the flavours. This
works particularly well here in England where we have a
cool climate and are producing fruit that has quite a high
acidity. Another way we soften and round out the acidity
is by putting all of our wines through a process called
malolactic fermentation, which converts tart tasting
malic acids into softer lactic acid. All of these processes
go towards making the best quality, most complex,
honest products we can from our site.
Do you have a favourite wine from the Langham range?
My personal favourite at the moment (it changes
dependent on the day/mood/season!) is the latest
incarnation of our Culver Classic Cuvée, which has
just been released. Our two classic cuvées, Culver and
Corallian, are both a blend of the three grapes we grow,
but each has different proportions. The Corallian is
Chardonnay dominant, with just a touch of the two black
grapes in the blend; whilst the Culver is Pinot Noir and
Pinot Meunier dominant with just a bit of Chardonnay
in the blend. This latest incarnation of the Culver has
such an exciting, expressive flavour. On the nose, you
get delicious floral notes, along with hints of buttery
croissants and raspberry jam. It’s an amazing example of
the complexity that our winemaking and vineyard teams
can achieve through all their hard work. I am a big fan of
pizza and deli boards, and this wine goes really well
with those kinds of foods, whilst our Corallian would be
perfect with some fresh Dorset seafood.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job?
I would say, for me personally, seeing all the hard work
and dedication that goes into each bottle and being
able to share that story with consumers. We are such
a small team here at Langham and everyone pitches
in and helps out. It’s amazing to see the journey of
our products from the tiny buds which appear in April
through to harvesting the grapes in October, then
bottling the wine for its second fermentation the
following summer. It’s a long process full of nail-biting
moments to create a bottle of exceptional sparkling
wine, and it’s a joy to be able to share that process and
passion with our customers.
Are you open for tours and tastings?
We reopened for tours and tastings on Wednesday 14th
April and are so happy to be back. Our on-site café has
reopened for lunches and picnics as well, so you can
enjoy a full day out when you come to Langham.
How/where can people buy your wine?
Our wine is available to purchase direct from our
website at langhamwine.co.uk and we deliver anywhere
in the UK. We also sell our wine in a number of amazing
local farm shops and independent wine stores. You can
follow our wines’ incredible journey from bud to bottle
on Facebook at facebook.com/langhamwinery and on
Instagram at @langhamwinery
29 30

Good for the Soul
Press your reset button at Medusa Apothecary, Dorchester
At Medusa Apothecary, we believe there is no time
like the present when it comes to becoming more
sustainable, ethical and in-tune with the elements
that make up the environment in which we live and
the substance of our being. During the first lockdown,
we created ‘The Elements’, Medusa Apothecary’s
signature therapies. Created out of love just for you,
‘The Elements’ have been designed to ground, rebalance,
energise and instil an ultimate sense of well-being within
your very core. Your journey begins with the selection
of an affirmation rune that will be interwoven in your
therapy and drawn onto your body in magical tree
essences. A hand-blended mix of herbs is then smudged
to purify you, the tools and the space. All elemental
therapies are tailored with pre-blended oils and essences
to your affirmation and chosen element. At the end
of your journey, all treatments are concluded with a
bespoke mix of herbs and flowers in a tea infusion.
Earth - to ground and centre.
A clearing of barriers between body and earth to
ground you and make you feel more present and ‘in the
moment’. We begin with an exfoliation of the legs
and feet followed by a full body mud mask, wrap and
weighted blanket (like a great big muddy hug). After
showering away the mud, you’ll enjoy a full body
massage to pummel away your stresses and strains.
Air - like walking on fluffy clouds.
This bespoke treatment will revitalise your legs and feet.
By using a combination of hand-blended products, we
will cleanse, tone and nourish your pins and tootsies,
leaving you feeling like you’re walking on air. The Air
treatment includes a brisk body brush followed by a salt
scrub up to the glutes. After the scrub, your feet will
enjoy a nourishing treatment with heated booties. This
will conclude with a lower body massage with a specially
selected blend of ‘air’ infused oils.
Fire - to clear the dead wood.
If you’re seeking an invigorated version of yourself, this
will help you shed your yesterdays and emerge anew. A
brisk full body scrub (mixed just for you with a unique
recipe of essential oils) to buff away dead skin cells is
followed by a hot stone massage to nourish, tone and
centre.
Water - to reshape and hydrate.
A blissed-out upper body treat. Wash away your stress
with an Ayurvedic hydro-dhara essential oil infusion
trickled slowly onto the scalp, followed by a divine Indian
head massage to erode the troubles that ail you. Our
targeted facial massage will lift and smooth, using our
West Country-created lotions and potions to nourish and
rebalance. This wonderful facial treatment is topped off
with a blow dry to make you look as fabulous as you feel.
Spirit - love your beautiful self.
Spirit is a full mind, body and soul treatment. We
smudge to remove any negativity before realigning your
chakras to encourage a smooth flow of energy through
your body’s meridian pathways. You will experience a full
body massage using rose essentials oils, crystals and
the healing power of touch to realign, comfort and uplift.
A truly blissful experience help you to realise a more
beautiful you.
In line with the WEF’s ‘Great Reset’ (the rebuilding
of society and the economy in a more sustainable
way following the COVID-19 pandemic), we at Medusa
Apothecary are doing everything we can to ensure
we make minimal impact on our environment while
adhering to pandemic restrictions and maintaining the
highest standards of health hygeine. Our hair salon
uses products that are ethical, have recycled and
recyclable packaging and are concocted with crueltyfree,
‘nasty’-free, organic and biodynamic ingredients.
We are also a proud member of the Green Salon
Collective, meaning we recycle our hair clippings to help
clean up petrochemical spills; compost our aluminium
foil and colour tubes to create new metals; and our
colour waste is spun into its different compounds and
repurposed. When it comes to the PPE required during
all treatments, we use only compostable hair gowns,
gloves and cleaning materials.
To book your treatment, please call 01305 260888 or
email orders@medusa-apothecary.co.uk and we will be
delighted to curate a treatment plan just for you. To
find out more about all the treatments we offer, visit
medusa-apothecary.co.uk
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32

A farmer stands next to a cocoa sapling in Leuser National Park, Sumatra
The Jungle VIPs
Chococo Co-Founder, Andy Burnett, explains how chocolate is saving Sumatran orangutans
Since December 2018, Chococo has been proudly
supporting the work of the Sumatran Orangutan Society
(SOS). Fellow Dorset-based business, Lush, has been
supporting SOS for many years. They kindly allowed
us to adapt their orangutan soap mould to create a
chocolate version, which we christened ‘Tuan’, meaning
‘Sir’ in Malay. For every chocolate Tuan sold (and
Tuantoo, his vegan counterpart), we send £3.50 to SOS,
who have recently confirmed that our contributions
to them have now funded a total of 5,401 cocoa tree
seedlings to be planted in Sumatra.
By supporting the work of SOS, we are helping them
re-forest areas of rainforest destroyed by illegal palm
oil plantations. While Chococo never has or will use
palm oil in our chocolate, it is, sadly, present in a lot of
industrially produced chocolate. There are only c14,000
Sumatran orangutans left in the wild, and we simply
cannot stand by and watch the disastrous effects this
intensive monoculture is having on both their habitat
and the climate. Re-wilding by planting trees is a global
challenge for which we are all responsible, and we want
to do something positive to help.
As SOS say, “Orangutans spend their lives in the trees.
Deforestation is the greatest threat to their survival,
so protecting and restoring their habitat is absolutely
crucial. We are working with frontline partners to
protect the last standing forests in Sumatra, and restore
damaged ecosystems. The ecosystem restoration
programme is operated by our partners, the Orangutan
Information Centre (OIC), with a team of local staff and
farmers. The restoration sites are located within the
Leuser ecosystem, a protected area, and are repairing
damage to the forest caused by illegal activities –
primarily the clearing of forest for oil palm plantations.
As well as restoring lost habitat and reinforcing national
park boundaries, these projects engage local people
in grassroots conservation action. Strong roots in the
community are absolutely essential for this work to
succeed, and the groups we work with have become the
guardians of the forests, protecting the ecosystem from
future threats.”
The damage that is done to the local ecosystem is
captured in this quote from a local farmer who is now
one of the guardians of the forest, “When the forest
was replaced with oil palms, the water dried up for
miles around. Since embarking on the restoration of the
ecosystem, our rivers have returned and we
can once again hear bird song. We are committed to
protect Leuser from any further damage.” - Pak Baron,
Protectors of Leuser.
We are helping the team at Bukit Mas Permaculture
Centre (BPC) on the edge of Leuser National Park in
the north of Sumatra to plant cocoa saplings. This
100-hectare, formerly an oil palm plantation, is now in
the hands of conservationists and permaculture experts.
The oil palm trees have been cut down, and work is
well underway to turn this piece of land into something
wonderful. Bukit Mas, which means ‘golden hill’, is being
re-planted with indigenous tree saplings and important
cash crops such as chillies, aubergines and other
vegetables. In the nursery are more exotic crops such as
patchouli, ylang-ylang and now cocoa, for local farmers
taking part in OIC’s permaculture training programme.
Planting cocoa trees is just part of a wider project by
SOS to work with local communities. As the health
and prosperity of the people of Sumatra are linked
to the fate of the forests, SOS aims to develop both
conservation action plans and sustainable livelihoods.
The planting of cocoa saplings provides a long term
additional income stream for local farmers, and helps
discourage the destruction of forests for the short-term
profit of growing palm.
This is also a long term project for Chococo. It takes
five years for cocoa trees to mature enough to produce
cocoa pods. Only then can the pods be harvested for
the beans inside, which, once fermented and dried,
are processed and turned into chocolate. According to
the OIC team in Sumatra, orangutans love the taste
of freshly picked cocoa. They break open the pods to
expose the sweet, white flesh surrounding each cocoa
bean, which tastes like citrussy lychee - we can confirm
it is indeed delicious. We look forward to continuing to
build relationships with the SOS team, their partners
and farmers, and to being able to buy cocoa beans from
them to make officially orangutan-approved chocolate.
To learn more about SOS and to support their work by
purchasing your very own chocolate Tuan, please visit
the Chococo website at chococo.co.uk
You can also find us on Instragram at @chococochocolates
and on Facebook at facebook.com/ChococoChocolates
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34

Solid Gold
Chococo Goldies from Chococo Co-Founder
Claire Burnet
Serves four to eight.
Equipment:
• 22cm square cake tin lined with greaseproof paper
Ingredients:
• 200g plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt, crushed
• 200g light soft brown sugar
• 175g unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 140g gold chocolate buttons (or white chocolate
buttons if you can’t get gold)
• 50g dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa solids), chopped
• 25g cocoa nibs or chopped nuts e.g. pecans/walnuts
(optional)
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C
2. Melt the butter in a bowl in the microwave (in short
bursts to prevent burning) or in a pan on a gentle heat,
then set aside to cool.
3. Sieve the flour into a mixing bowl, add the baking
powder and salt and stir to combine.
4. Add approx. 80% of your chocolate buttons and nibs/
nuts to the mixture and stir in.
5. In a separate large bowl, whisk the cooled melted
butter and sugar together by hand using a balloon whisk.
6. Add the beaten eggs and vanilla extract to the butter
mixture and whisk by hand until all blended and slightly
lighter in colour.
7. Add the flour to the wet ingredients and gently fold in
using a wooden spoon or spatula. Do not beat or work
this too much - gently does it!
8. Pour the batter into your prepared tin. Sprinkle the
remaining chocolate buttons and nibs/nuts on top of
the batter and gently press them in using the back of a
metal spoon.
9. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown. A skewer
should come out mostly clean, but if you prefer a firmer
more cake-like consistency, cook it for a few minutes
longer.
10. Leave to cool before cutting into slices. It will make
12 to 16 slices depending on how hungry your hordes are.
For more tantalising Chococo recipes visit chococo.co.uk
35

Big Dippers
Tessa Kelly extols the ethereal wonder of
open-water swimming
I truly believe in the healing power of nature and the
magic that the sea and cold-water swimming bestows on
our mental and physical health. The moment you bravely
take the plunge into cold water your focus has no choice
but to be exactly on that moment in time, releasing all
other thoughts and worries into the waves and bringing a
rare, salty sense of perspective and freedom. It provides
the invaluable chance to breathe, reset and connect with
your beautiful surroundings when life gets overwhelming,
as it often does. It is the ultimate mindfulness practice,
away from the screens, struggles and anxiety of
everyday life.
The sea and open water swimming have helped me
overcome so much. I started Dorset Dips with the desire
to share the experience in the hope it might provide
release for other people too. I love to explore the
amazing Dorset coastline and am proud to call it home.
It’s a pleasure to share my favourite swim spots with
likeminded dippers and meet up with them in the cold
water. We are spoilt for choice here in Dorset; from the
long, sandy stretches at Weymouth, Bournemouth and
Swanage, to the winding roads that deliver us down to
Eype, Seatown and Burton Bradstock, and the beautiful,
hidden bays of Kimmeridge, Warbarrow, Lulworth and
Worth Matravers. When I’m in the water, each one feels
like the most special place in the world. Every time I
swim, I decide on a new favourite.
Last year I was proud to become a Mental Health Swims
host. This amazing community of volunteers offers peer
support groups and cold-water swims in safe, nonjudgemental
environments across the UK. Our Mental
Health Swims group is free to join and meets at 9am on
the first Saturday of every month in front of Cafe Oasis,
Bowleaze Coveway, Weymouth. All dippers are welcome
to stick around afterwards for a piece of cake and a quick
beach clean - to give a little back for our swim. The aim
is simply to enjoy a dip with company, and there’s no
pressure to get or stay in for any length of time. All are
welcome whether a swimmer, bobber, diver, toe-dipper or
starfisher - the sea doesn’t judge!
All swimmers are responsible for their own safety, so
it’s vital to know and stay within your limits. The most
important aspect of open water swimming is to stay safe
and respect the sea at all times. It is a force of nature
and, much like our moods and feelings, is sometimes less
welcoming than others. Do your research, join a group,
and know your limits so you don’t put yourself or others
around you at risk. My top tips for swimming adventures:
• Be prepared; check the weather, tides and entry/exit
points in advance
• Never swim alone if inexperienced, and always let
someone know where and when you’re going and when
you get out
• Wear a brightly coloured swim hat and tow float to
ensure you can be seen
• Never dive in; enter the water slowly until you have
control over your breathing and have acclimatised
• Lay out warm, dry and easy-to-put-on clothes in the
order you’ll put them on, ready for when you finish your
swim
• Know your limits; start slow and small
• Enjoy! Nothing beats that sparkly, post-swim moment
when it feels like there’s glitter running through your
veins - and the obligatory cake that follows
In the summer months when restrictions are lifted, I
will be offering free coaching and ‘introduction to cold
water swimming’ sessions for anyone who would like
to have a go, but doesn’t know where to start, or would
like some company to begin with. If you’d like to ask any
questions or join our Mental Health Swims group for a
dip, please contact me at tessa-kelly@outlook.com or
via the @dorsetdips Instagram. You can also check out
mentalhealthswims.co.uk for details of all the Mental
Health Swims meets around the country and the amazing
community they’re building.
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38

Man of the Woods
Spotlight on: Jason Cameron Furniture
Grange Gallery is home to the workshop of renowned
bespoke furniture maker and designer, Jason Cameron
of Cameron Furniture. Together, Jason and his wife,
Esme, built their Cedar Barn to house Grange Gallery,
Cameron Furniture, and Esme’s art studio. Jason has
been located on site for over 20 years. His clientele
ranges from individual private clients to interior
designers, and he has worked with royalty on several
occasions.
Cedar Barn provides Jason with the perfect set-up to
host and consult with clients, showcase his furniture
and homeware collection, and design and manufacture
in his workshop. He designs and produces his own line
of high-end bespoke furniture and a range of homeware.
Jason’s work is influenced by the strength and simplicity
of Japanese design and architecture, the Art Deco
movement, and the works of Le Corbusier, Rennie
Mackintosh and Gerrit Rietveld. Jason is regularly
commissioned to design and make one-off pieces of
fine furniture, often influenced by his signature style or
working specifically to a client brief. He is renowned for
his highly skilled craftmanship, his unique, contemporary
style and his use of modern and traditional techniques.
We’ve take the opportunity to speak to Jason about his
inspiration, his craft, and what a client can expect when
commissioning a bespoke piece of furniture:
How did you become a furniture designer and maker?
I was inspired by my father, who worked from his
workshop in the garden making rocking horses and
furniture. I studied Product Design, BA (hons), at
Birmingham City University. After applying to The
Princes Trust, I was awarded a start-up grant to set
up my own bespoke furniture design and manufacture
business, and I have been doing it full time ever since.
What do you enjoy most about being a furniture
designer and maker?
I love working with wood and enjoy the variety and
diversity that my work brings. I do feel privileged to
be able to design as well as make. Each client brief is
different, which is refreshing, as I enjoy tailoring each
piece to fit with them. As well as furniture, I really enjoy
designing and making my range of homeware products.
The challenge of where design meets functionality is
something I relish.
What can clients expect from the commission process?
Commissioning a piece of bespoke furniture is an
incredibly special journey for both client and maker. It
is a very personal experience during which a client’s
vision is realised and turned into reality. As a designer, I
am able to collaborate with my clients, or I can interpret
their ideas and requirements. The result is a unique,
individual piece of custom furniture that a client can
proudly own, and that future generations can enjoy for
years to come.
Jason’s work is available to purchase at Grange
Gallery or online at cameronfurniture.co.uk To book
a consultation with Jason to discuss a commission,
please email info@cameronfurniture.co.uk or call 01929
553942.
Cameron Furniture, Grange Gallery, Grange Road,
Creech, BH20 5DG
39
40

Nurture, Educate, Support - Together
NEST explains how to help the whole
family enjoy a stress-free move
Moving house can be daunting for anyone, especially
when you have little ones in tow. Here at NEST, we
are passionate about supporting families and working
alongside each and every client to ensure we find a
solution which is right for you. If you have a house
move coming up or know someone who does, then
hopefully the following tips will help. As an Early Years
Consultancy, we look after the whole family, so we feel
it is really important to first mention a little top tip for
parents and carers:
• Be sure to make your bed soon after arriving in your
new home (whatever time of the day it is), so you
know you’ve got somewhere comfy to go at the end
of the day. There is nothing worse after a full-on day
of unpacking than suddenly remembering you have
to find the bed sheets and make the bed before you
can relax.
Here are some tips to make the transition of moving
house easier on your little ones:
• If you are able to decorate the house before moving
in, it is worth sorting your child’s room as a priority
to ensure they have a welcoming, safe space to which
they can retreat.
• Before moving house, introduce a room spray
or scent, so when you do move, your child’s new
bedroom will have the same familiar, comforting
smell as their old one.
• The same goes for your little one’s bed as your own;
it’s always worth prioritising getting their bed ready
for them, especially if they still take daytime naps.
• Prepare an easily-accessible bag of toys for the
children to keep them occupied on moving day.
• If you know someone who can look after your
children for the day or take them out for a walk,
book them in. Not only will it provide children with
a distraction and the full focus of at least one adult,
but it will also offer you some respite time.
• If your little one attends nursery, school or a
childminder and it is feasible for them to attend on
• moving day, then this is always a good option.
• If your child is old enough to understand what is
going on, provide them with honest, age-appropriate
information to make them feel involved.
• Be prepared for routines to go out of the window and
don’t be hard on yourself if this does happen. You will
soon be able to pick them up again once everyone’s
settled in.
NEST is a private Early Years Consultancy Service
offering bespoke support to families with children aged
0-5 years. NEST works closely with you and your family
in a nurturing and non-judgmental way to support you in
your child’s early years. NEST is proud to have a strong
ethos ensuring every family receives a service which is
confidential, informative and exclusively tailored to their
individual needs.
If you would like to chat with NEST about making a
more tailored moving plan to suit your family, please
don’t hesitate to get in touch via our website at n-est.
co.uk or by phone on 07825 308570. You can also find
us on Facebook at facebook.com/NESTchildren and on
Instagram at @nest.children
Beautiful Spaces
Experience a new way of life with Phaedra
Radstock’s award-winning Purbeck Candles
Beautiful Spaces by Purbeck Candles; almost a year
in the making, a concept conceived during the first
lockdown, when our homes became even more central
to our way of life. This stunning range of candles and
diffusers was created to enhance specific areas of
our living space. A collection of fine fragrances for
the home, each blend has been carefully crafted using
pure essential oils. The first four blends include Living
Space; this could be the area of your home where you
congregate, entertain (a concept we will, hopefully, be
able to enjoy again soon) or simply where you feel most
relaxed. Alternatively, choose from Pamper Space,
Serene Space or my favourite, Cosy Space.
Released in early March 2021, the Beautiful Spaces
range is available to buy online, where you can also learn
more about our range of natural home fragrances and
keep up to date with new releases by subscribing to our
mailing list. Visit purbeck-candles.co.uk
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Styled for Good
Style and charity from owner of
1968accessories, Caroline Gray
Based on the beautiful Isle of Purbeck, 1968accessories
specialises in handmade, contemporary fashion jewellery
and accessories. Launched in March, my new collection
of make-up bags has been created in support of
domestic abuse charity ‘SafeLives’. 60% of all sales of
the make-up bags will be donated directly to the charity.
This project came about due to what happened on 23rd
March 2020; my birthday and - far more seriously - the
start of lockdown. For most of us, the year that followed
has been a tough one for one reason or another. One of
the most shocking things to have come to light since
then, however, is the steep rise in domestic abuse. A
year that has been simply boring for some of us has
been frightening and dangerous for far too many more.
In April 2020, I started to make face masks for care
workers, and by the summer, was also selling them
online. I try hard to operate 1968accessories as a near
zero waste company, reusing any scrap fabric I can,
which is how the idea for the charity make-up bags was
born. With the help of my mum, all the fabric scraps
left over from the making of face masks were turned
into new lengths of patchwork fabric. My decision
to turn them into make-up bags was inspired by the
heartbreaking reality that women so often use makeup
to hide the visible signs of abuse. I chose to support
‘SafeLives’ charity as they help all victims of domestic
abuse including men. You can visit their website at
safelives.org.uk
More details about this project and SafeLives can be
found on my website at 1968accessories.com/blog. On
a positive note, I look forward to seeing you in the shop,
where you can enjoy 20% off your first order by using
the code ‘Dorset’ at the checkout.
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22

Roll with It
Meet Naked Sprout, the Dorset-based company saving the world one roll at a time
Based on Portland and delivering to your door, Naked
Sprout is the first company in the UK to offer naked and
unbleached bamboo toilet roll. Reducing deforestation,
their soft, sustainable toilet rolls provide an eco-friendly
alternative with no unnecessary packaging.
Normal toilet roll contains numerous chemicals including
bleach, BPA, formaldehyde, de-inking agents, chlorine
dioxide, sodium sulphide, sodium hydroxide, sodium
sulphate, anti-slime agents, filler, adhesives, wet
strength enhancers and more. It poisons waterways,
damages the environment and is bad for human health
and wildlife.
The Naked Sprout solution is simple; zero bleach, zero
plastic, zero chemicals. Their plastic and chemicalfree
toilet roll is made from 100% natural unbleached
bamboo with absolutely no additives. Passionate
about offering a sustainable alternative with less
environmental impact, Naked Sprout plans to make a
difference. By making a small everyday change to the
products we buy, like toilet roll, we can all help make a
difference.
“At Naked Sprout, we saw the damage regular toilet roll
has on the environment. We are passionate
about offering a sustainable alternative with less
environmental impact. Together we can make a
difference.” Tom Whelan, Founder
Why bamboo?
• Fastest growing plant in the world (Guinness World
Record)
• Absorbs five times more carbon dioxide than trees
• Produces 35% more oxygen than trees
• Requires no pesticides or fertilizers
• Grows naturally - only needs rainwater
• Harvestable within four-six years. Trees take 30-60
years to mature
Keen to do as much as they can, Naked Sprout
have partnered with ‘Just a Drop’, a charity that’s
transforming lives - one box of Naked Sprout toilet roll
at a time. Each box sold gives a child in Kenya access
to safe water at school for one year. By supplying safe
water to a school, children are able to stay in school and
receive the education they deserve. Frequently, children
have to walk for hours to fetch water to bring to school,
resulting in missed lessons, dehydration and fatigue.
In over 30 countries ‘Just a Drop’ transforms lives by
implementing sustainable clean water, sanitation and
hygiene solutions. Supporting over 1.5 million people
worldwide.
Details
• 100% virgin sustainable bamboo
• No chemicals, bleach or plastic
• Same cost per sheet as leading brands
• Free delivery
• Extra long rolls - 300 sheets
• Soft 3-ply
• 9, 24 and 48-roll boxes available
For more information and to buy online, please visit
nakedsprout.uk You can also find them on Facebook at
facebook.com/nakedsprout.uk and on Instagram at
@nakedsprout.uk
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36

Rest Assured
Sammie McFarland explains the
importance of a little regular R&R
Over the last 12 months and more, we have all been on
a roller coaster of change and adaptation. ‘Familiar’ and
‘routine’ may have been harder to achieve. For those
of us who are creatures of habit, it has been a steep
learning curve. A common trend of discussion has been
lack of energy. It is natural to think about increasing
sleep to combat low energy, but have you considered
the power of rest, and did you know there are different
types? Think of rest as a battery recharge.
We have all been powering through the weekly pandemic
challenges with our brains continually ticking, busy
considering how we can overcome the next hurdle. We
have asked our bodies - and our minds - to continually
adapt, morph and pivot. It is a lot. How often do you pop
your mobile phone on charge throughout the day? Have
you considered your body might benefit from the same?
Restorative activities and rest contribute to balanced
wellbeing. Prioritising a recharge can improve energy
levels and quality of sleep. Rest can be passive or active.
By practising both, we can work towards a truly rested
state.
Press ‘pause’ - plan short rest breaks in the day, stroll
around the garden while the kettle boils, listen to bird
song or music that you find relaxing.
Brain dump - take those thoughts out of your head and
pop them in a notebook where you can revisit them if
needed.
Tune out - it is okay to retract into your shell now and
again, close your eyes, switch screens off, hit the mute
button, or use noise-cancelling headphones in busy
environments.
Get creative - the process of creativity can be
energising, get back to basics and make a mood board
from scraps of pretty things that inspire you.
Restorative movement - change the focus to wellbeing
rather than fitness and enjoy movement that nourishes
both body and mind.
Be authentic - stop people-pleasing and start expressing
yourself authentically. Answer honestly when asked how
you are.
Reconnect - with nature, community, spirituality. Feel
the dewy grass beneath your toes, walk barefoot in the
sand, laugh with friends (even if it must be on Zoom) and
allow time for self-reflection.
Let’s look to shift our focus and achieve a balanced
wellbeing that extends beyond shape and size.
*Please discuss ongoing concerns with your doctor.
Sammie Mcfarland is a Pilates & Wellbeing Coach;
Holistic Core Restore® Coach; Sports, Scar & Pregnancy
Massage Therapist; and a Core Fascial Release Therapist.
To find out more, please visit sammiemcfarland.co.uk or
find her on Instagram at @sammiepilatesandcore and on
Facebook at facebook.com/pilatesandcore
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36

Example kitchen
Example reception room
Brand new home | Four bedrooms | Three bathrooms | Garden and garage | Central Wareham | £825,000
Wareham, Dorset | Contact Alison Owens: 01929 555300
Historic town, contemporary living
Commercial opportunity | Gallery and workshop | Café | Extensive parking | Proven footfall | Offers over £550,000
Creech, Dorset | Contact Jon Booth: 01929 555300
Creative lifestyle, inspirational location
In association with
In association with
49
domvs.co.uk
domvs.co.uk
50

READY WHEN YOU ARE
Solid Investment
Associate Director of DOMVS Lettings, Debbie Turner, on why 2021 represents an unparalleled
opportunity for investing in property
The property market today is one with unparalleled
opportunity for those wishing to let their
property. We merely need to analyse a few key metrics
to gain a better understanding of this unique and
unprecedented environment.
Massive decrease in available properties to let
At DOMVS, we have seen an average of 76% decrease in
available properties on the market to let, based on the
same period last year. This has had a colossal impact on
the rental market, given the unprecedented demand of
people looking not only for a new home, but also a new
lifestyle – and not just in our lovely county of Dorset, but
across the UK.
Dynamic shift in demand
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our society has
experienced a dynamic shift in culture as more and more
people have found themselves working from home. As
businesses evolve and adapt, they experience a shift
from an office-based culture to a remote environment, a
theme expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
Family pressures
As one can imagine, this undoubtedly creates
unexpected pressures on the average family, who
naturally seek out more space and tranquillity to cope
with this seismic shift in their day-to-day lives. Dorset,
51
with its beautiful beaches and rolling countryside, offers
an attractive option to many. Naturally, this has driven
up the demand for homes.
Specific need for NHS workers – can you help?
Dorset is also home to the Dorset County Hospital. Due
to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dorset has seen an increase
in the number of lettings enquiries from NHS staff
working in the hospital and accompanying services.
These NHS staff members are now also having to
compete for what few properties there are available.
Many of our NHS clients have had to leave their families
behind while they wait to find suitable accommodation
and have had to take up temporary residences while
waiting and hoping for appropriate properties.
Contact me
If you can help – or know anyone else who has a
property to let – please contact me. Equally, if you
are thinking about buying a property for investment
purposes, DOMVS can advise you on every aspect
needed to ensure the outcome is successful for you. My
name is Debbie Turner, I have over 30 years’ experience
in the field, and I will do everything I can to ensure your
experience of letting a property is a good one. Please
call 01305 835300, email debbie.turner@domvs.co.uk or
visit the DOMVS website at domvs.co.uk/lettings
If you’ve been thinking of selling or letting, talk to us today
Mid & North Dorset:
01305 757300
Purbeck & East Dorset:
01929 555300
domvs.co.uk
South & West Dorset:
01305 835300
In association with