Listen To Alfred

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: There was a full turnout for Dorset’s toughest running event. We brave the rain to chat with runners and volunteers at Shaftesbury’s Gold Hill 10k. (00:30) A Shaftesbury herbalist launches her plant-based facial oil and it’s already attracted top celebrity attention. We learn about Enchanted Plants’ partnership with Dorset farmers to provide the thirteen plants needed for the formula. (09:21) The Mayor throws out a Christmas challenge to find Shaftesbury’s best dressed home. Piers Brown says there will be prizes for the most impressive decorations. (16:31) Want to be a firefighter? See whether you have the skills and the stamina at Shaftesbury Fire Station’s Have-a-Go night. We’re on station talking to the crew and debunking myths about recruitment requirements. (20:19) A classic Ealing comedy comes to the Arts Centre. Take a front row seat to hear why you’ll love The Ladykillers. And we discover wha

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: A Shaftesbury artist wins an award with his eco-message ash tree painting. Alfred chats to West Melbury man Gary Cook about his distinctive and beautiful Dorset landscapes. (00.32) Debbie Simmons needs volunteers with vehicles to help socially isolated Shaftesbury residents. Alfred learns more about the Car Link transport service and why it is in such demand. (06:16) A Shaftesbury hotel has been named as one of the best boutique properties in Dorset. (13:56) The Wilderness, a much-loved area of Shaftesbury green space, will go under the hammer. The owner reveals his plans. (17:35) The Abbey View Medical Centre’s staff now call you back for a chat before they’ll book an urgent appointment. Find out why this new approach is being hailed as a success. We chat with Clinical Services Manager Richard Broad. (25:20)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: The story behind the Kipling Club’s incredible, award-winning illuminated Shaftesbury Carnival entry. We chat to twins Matt and Steve who have given up most of their spare time on making this brilliant entry. (00:24) We’re out with the judges, choosing Shaftesbury’s most creative window decorations in the Chamber of Commerce contest. (07:42) We visit Ashmore to meet Susanne Harding, boss of the film and Dorset produce festival that she loved so much, she took it on. Susanne tells us about Screenbites. (13:07) Dim the lights to boost winter tourism. How the Shaftesbury area could attract stargazing visitors and a potential observatory. We talk to Melbury Abbas resident William Kenealy, who is pushing for a reduction in light pollution. (20:11) Five minutes with Rebecca Chambers, the Shaftesbury vocal coach, helping singers around the world boost their confidence and stage presence. And Rebecca has hel

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: A Shaftesbury artist’s Dorset buttons will feature in a Hollywood blockbuster. We hear how Anna McDowell’s craft is encouraging tourists to town. We preview Shaftesbury Carnival with the new Co-Chairman, Rich Mullins. He talks about the aspect of the event that he found most surprising when he took on the role. Alfred meets Myra McDadd, the well-known local writer who has penned this year’s Shaftesbury Arts Centre pantomime, The Nutcracker. Lose the pounds with playground games! Rob Marsh is starting free, fun team exercise sessions, called ‘Rabble’. We caught up with Rob on a windy Park Walk to hear more. The Grosvenor Arms’ new boss Kirsty Schmidt reveals future plans for the hotel and shares their impressive occupancy rates. And she tells Alfred a spooky cellar story!  

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Have your apples pressed with a new service offered in The Donheads. How can you make sure your juice tastes great? We meet the co-founder of the Donhead Apple Company and taste the nearest thing to a Shaftesbury apple! Shaftesbury Chamber of Commerce unveils a Christmas gift for shoppers and shopkeepers. They’ve secured a free car parking perk. From googlies to Google - A new IT and internet marketing business has been launched at the Wincombe Centre by two mates who met on the cricket pitch. How a robin delayed the reinstatement of the Gold Hill Hovis loaf. We find out how the fiberglass structure could raise funds for Shaftesbury causes and we meet the man who made the original. Your pooch could win you prizes! We preview Shaftesbury’s biggest canine competition at St Mary’s School on Sunday. Shepherd huts are trendy again. But did you know that Shaftesbury was the prime location for these agricul

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: The future vision for Shaftesbury’s Sunday market is revealed. Market operator Steve Dauwalder shares his thoughts and he wants your feedback. (00:25) Hand crafted leather bags named after Shaftesbury area villages. We meet Martin Allen and find out why he continues making his beautiful bags, even though he is losing money. (06:36) Why walkers keep joining Shaftesbury’s fastest growing community group. Alfred goes for a fast stride around our hilltop town with the new Walking For Health group. (13:36) We’ll find out why clipboard-bearing volunteers are questioning visitors to Shaftesbury. You may have seen tourists being quizzed on Gold Hill. (22:24) A Shaftesbury artist says the secret of her success is accepting that she can’t always get a full night’s sleep. We meet Karren Burkett as she opens her Shaftesbury Arts Centre Gallery exhibition, soon after the well-attended inaugural Town Hall Art Fair

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Alfred visits the North Dorset Business Group speed-networking event at Shaftesbury’s Grosvenor Arms Hotel. It’s like speed dating, where you’re looking for contacts rather than romance. Organiser Fran Hill teaches us how to make a quick impression. (00:24) A TV archaeology and architecture expert shares the secrets of the loose stones around Shaftesbury’s Abbey Gardens. Jonathan Foyle will talk in town soon. And he shares his theory on where we could uncover the original Saxon Abbey. (06:01) Another pop-up store opens in Shaftesbury’s High Street. Virginia Edwyn Jones explains how the Chamber of Commerce is tackling the empty shop challenge. (08:50) Shirley Allum’s annual charity fashion show has a new home - Shaftesbury Arts Centre. We chat to Shirley and get a taster of what will be a polished production. (15:51) We learn about the myths and legends surrounding yew trees. Fred Hageneder, a yew tre

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: We tour a business with a bright future, creating stunning wood veneer lightshades. Arabella and Dom Parish’s designs will be exhibited at a Tisbury art gallery soon. Alfred visited their Semley HQ to hear about their inspiration and the couple’s plans for the future. (00:24) Shopkeepers and shoppers can win money to spend in Shaftesbury in a carnival-themed shop window contest. Alfred speaks with both Chamber of Commerce Chairman David Perry and Derek Beer from the Shaftesbury Carnival committee, to learn about this year’s flamboyant window dressing theme. Shops can win one of two prizes for their efforts and members of the public need to spot a mistake to win a prize. (09:54) Shaftesbury is hosting creative workshops designed to improve wellbeing and reduce stress. Alfred meets artist and social worker Sue Gibson and learns about her twice-monthly sessions, where you can learn arts skills, socialis

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: A designer whose work is seen on TV opens a colourful new Shaftesbury store. Alfred meets Georgie Faulkner Bryant on the eve of her opening ‘Decor By Georgie’ on Salisbury Street. (00:25) A 9-year-old Semley schoolgirl sorts out a Shaftesbury litter spot, by writing a letter to the Town Council. Alfred chats with civic-minded Aoife Henty. (08:34) Young artists transform an empty Shaftesbury shop into a pop-up gallery. We meet Motcombe-based Morganne and fellow artist Phillip to hear about the praise their initiative has received from the public. (11:04) We meet the two local artists who plan to promote Shaftesbury as an arts destination, with the launch of a monthly arts fair. Alfred speaks with Andrea Jenkins and Karren Burkett. (18:10) Gold Hill Museum wants your kids to find their special mice. And while the kids go hunting, Chairman Elaine Barratt would like adults to learn about a significant Sh

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Gold Hill Museum’s Ray Simpson shares the story of a Shaftesbury family who found fame, fortune and infamy in the New World. Ray has researched the Upjohn’s. Some of the family built important public buildings in the USA. The Upjohns helped found a major pharmaceutical company. And one Upjohn executed a notorious outlaw. (00:32) We share some of the things that we learned during Alfred’s visit to this week’s Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show. Keep tuned and the AONB will tell you where to stargaze around Shaftesbury. You’ll also find out about a bright pink sheep, peddle-powered smoothies, an unusual fire service vehicle and the incredible story of The Donhead’s award-winning cider. (05:58) Rob Neely from Shaftesbury Fringe announces some of the performance festival committee’s plans for 2019. (19:57) Enmore Green hosted an event to celebrate 175 years of St John’s Church. Alfred was there to look at t

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: As Shaftesbury Fire station has it’s busiest month, we chat to the crew about the public praise they’ve received. Alfred also learns about the varied duties of our local part-time firefighters and how you can join the team.(00:30) We meet Rosie Leah, the Motcombe author putting North Dorset at the heart of her new medieval murder mystery trilogy. Rosie intends featuring Motcombe, Enmore Green and Shaftesbury in her next novel. (11:46) We’re down on Shaftesbury’s community farm in Breach Lane.It’s a place where members can gain new skills and grow honest, homegrown produce. The public can also buy a superb selection of fruit, veg and meat. Find out how. (17:07) Roy Mitchell, is the new Civic Society Chairman. He outlines his goals for the year ahead. Roy is on a mission to find a solution for the empty, former Budgens supermarket. (24:31) Alfred joins Rob Neely and Ray Humphries of Shaftesbury In Bloo

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: News to cheer Shaftesbury cheese lovers! A much-loved cheesemonger is coming back to town - and this time she’s going mobile! Alfred talks with Carolyn Hopkins, former manager of Turnbull’s, about cheese choices and the town’s passion for Gorgonzola. (00:25) How West End theatre and Covent Garden opera, relayed live from London, has boosted Motcombe Memorial Hall’s finances. Alfred attends the meeting where villagers debate the proposals for a second hall. (06:22) There’s free yoga in Shaftesbury on Saturdays throughout August. The organiser guarantees that you’ll feel better. Find out why she’s doing it and how Kirsty could improve your life. (11:04) New good causes will get cash from Shaftesbury Carnival. Alfred chats with co-chairman Derek Beer. And Derek offers tips on how to drum up volunteer support. (15:35) Shaftesbury oldest known artefact, found on Castle Hill, could be 500 million years old

sten To Alfred - Life In Shaftesbury - Episode 08 This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: We meet the teenagers creating a sensory garden to enhance a patch of land on Shaftesbury’s Eastern Development. (00:35) The Town Council backs an application to alter the interior of the former Turnbull’s Deli. Councillor Lester Taylor explains why. (05:48) A Shaftesbury grandmother turns ‘supergran’ when she delivers her ninth grandchild during a thunderstorm! Alfred talks with Elaine Barratt. (07:18) A surprise, special delivery makes Westminster Memorial Hospital’s display of memories even better. As the town band strikes up at the NHS 70thbirthday tea party, Alfred talks with delighted Matron, Helen Lawes. (10.33) Alfred joins many international visitors who have travelled to Shaftesbury for a walking tour of the town - but it’s all about Thomas Hardy rather than Gold Hill. Could literary tourism encourage more visitors to our area? Alfred asks t

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Alfred visits a new Shaftesbury business, The Botanical Candle Company. Amalia Pothecary has combined a High Street retail space for her beautiful candles with an international online sales operation. Alfred spoke to the young entrepreneur and learned why she is a role model for young people in Shaftesbury who have a business idea but don't know how to make their dream a reality. (00:22) Shaftesbury could become a dementia-friendly town. What changes could you make now, to help locals who have dementia? If you have a business or manage a public space, you can start by simply changing your floor colour! Alfred attended the Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Dementia Friends’ meeting at the Town Hall. You can hear more advice on the podcast. (13:18) Eleven judges assess the Shaftesbury Fringe shows according to stage presence, originality of interpretation, skill and audience engagement. Find out which Shaftesbury

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Alfred hears about plans to celebrate 70 years of the NHS in Shaftesbury and 30 years of the Westminster Memorial Hospital League of Friends. Matron Helen Lawes wants your pictures and stories and she’s got some interesting tales to share before a big community event! (00:32) Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s summer musical is 'Mack and Mabel'. The show, which runs until 21st July, tells the story of the early 20th-century film director Mack Sennett and his relationship with the actress Mabel Normand. Sennett was the silent moviemaker who found industry success making the Keystone Cops and Bathing Beauties films. Alfred went to meet some of the cast and watch this big production. (06:45) For Paul Eaton and Helen Caines, moving to Shaftesbury is their dream come true. The couple will have a home that they can call their own for the first time in their relationship. The Tamar Housing Association has offered 12

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Alfred attended Gold Hill Fair, organised by Shaftesbury’s Rotary Club. Meet the Stalbridge Linen team who arranged the van pull along the High Street and find out who won. (01:02) Also, hear the Shaftesbury Town Silver Band (03.02) and Alfred learns about the folk dance that would have been traditional in Shaftesbury, as we talk to the Bourne River Morris Men. (04.02) We get a musical preview of Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s summer play, ‘Mack and Mabel’. (06.00) Shaftesbury Fringe is England’s third largest fringe festival. Its co-chairman thanks Shaftesbury for its success and we chat to some of the acts who have agreed to return in 2019. (08.36) We hear from Councillor Lester Taylor about the Town Council vote, which he hopes will keep the town’s Westminster Hospital earmarked as a community resource. (16.31) The Maltings area will host Shaftesbury’s first ‘Jumble Trail’. This event will offer plenty

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: The Hilltop Litter Pickers voluntarily keep our town tidy. And now the thirty-strong group has been given the first ever Rachel Caldwell Award in recognition of their service. We meet the group, learn what they do and hear their ideas on how to drastically reduce litter. And where are Shaftesbury’s litter hot spots? (00.30) A group of Shaftesbury creative writers has written a short selection of stories inspired by the town. ‘Shaftesbury Tales’ will be published as a book and performed as part of Shaftesbury Fringe. Alfred talks with writers Jenny Parker and Richard Foreman. (08.10) A new supermarket could be built on Shaftesbury’s Cattle Market site. But why don’t they use the empty former Co-Op store on Bell Street instead? Local retailer David Perry explains why. Some locals think that Marks and Spencer would be suitable for the unoccupied Bell Street store. David doesn’t think that M&S would

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Shaftesbury will celebrate our High Street’s special qualities this summer. The town’s Chamber Of Commerce is launching a new hashtag and window stickers promoting #IndyShaftesbury. Chamber Chairman David Perry reveals how many Shaftesbury traders are independent and explains why this is so important for our town’s economy. Independent traders helps attract tourists, too! (Begins at 00.23) Shaftesbury’s town centre signs have been spring cleaned for summer.  Find out why the Town Council’s team has been doing this work. Councillor Tim Cook has an appeal, too. Can you help find the important sign that has been taken? (Begins at 3.59) Do you have the skills to lead one of Shaftesbury’s most loved institutions? Gold Hill Museum is looking to recruit a new Chairman. Elaine Barratt knows all about the role. She is acting Chairman but she can’t take the role on. She explains why. So what kind of person is

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Keri Jones walks along the White Hart link between Motcombe and Shaftesbury. The latest section of this circular path around North Dorset was launched on Spring Bank Holiday. The walkers were greeted by the Chairman of Motcombe Parish Council and enjoyed a cream tea at the end of the route with the Chairman of Shaftesbury Town Council. You’ll hear how the group hopes this walk will boost our local economy. And you can hear about some of the special places on this 4-mile route, including the Woodland Trust’s Kingsettle Woods.  (Article begins at 00.25) Shaftesbury Town Council receives a glowing report from the woman who checks the authority’s paperwork and processes. Now, Shaftesbury’s success story will be shared with other council’s across the country. We talk with Town Clerk Claire Commons. (Article begins at 09.49) A new family owned, independent business opens on Shaftesbury’s High Street. We ch