Listen To Alfred

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Guy’s Marsh Prison inmates gain new life skills sewing for NHS keyworkers. (00:27) Shaftesbury’s Kate Scott is Dorset Knob Eating Champion 2020. (09:10) Pilots write VE Day messages in the skies over Shaftesbury. (12:32) Our coronavirus response is strengthening Shaftesbury’s community spirit, says food support volunteer Emma Field-Rayner. (16:24) Work starts to restore an ancient Shaftesbury holloway for walkers. (22:33) How auctioneers advertised Shaftesbury when our town went under the hammer (25:27)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Mum of four collects first ‘Supporting Shaftesbury’ food parcel after crisis cuts her business income. (00:27) One of Britain’s best drives is on Shaftesbury’s doorstep says motoring magazine writer. (8.16) The Shaftesbury photo project inspired by a St James schoolboy - professional photographer Mel Aldridge is ‘Chasing Rainbows’. (11:13) Shaftesbury Carnival chairman announces new fundraisers following 2020 event cancellation. (17:05) ‘We miss you’ – Shaftesbury Primary School staff send powerful video message to pupils. (26:11) The colourful bugs delighting Breach Lane walkers. (29:16)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Healthy food parcel service to launch next Thursday. (00:27) Shaftesbury families’ lockdown days are being photographed. (07:07) A Donheads gran launches horse-themed online education. (11:32) Gary Cook’s paintings are keeping people positive. (15:41) How Shaftesbury’s farming landscape has changed since Hardy. (22:21) The Victoria Street squatters remembered. (25:47)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Hope and thanks from the BV Dairy director, home after a stay in ICU. (00:27) Our town is one of the best places to see next week’s meteor shower. Cranborne Chase AONB astronomy advisor Bob Mizon talks with Alfred. (11:32) How Shaftesbury’s runners are supporting Ludwell’s village pub. (15:04) Shaftesbury hospital staff are served a pub grub treat. And the chairman of Hall and Woodhouse Brewery says publicans will take time to resume normal service after the lockdown. (24:40) Shaftesbury fire crew seek snaps of local heroes. (30:06)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Plans to restore a traditional Shaftesbury road sign could have you seeing red. (0:27) A caravan break in the garden – a Shaftesbury family recreate their lost week on the coast. (5:39) More rooftop gigs planned for Bimport to liven-up the lockdown. (7:55) The adventurer who faced bubonic plague praises Motcombe villagers’ response to the crisis. (11:18) Did a meteorite smash through glass at a Shaftesbury home? (17:22) The Ashmore jigsaw maker facing huge demand due to the lockdown. (19:39)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Shaftesbury GPs will have personal protection visors for free after Bryanston School offers to 3D print the kit at no charge. (00:27) Is this the kindest man in Shaftesbury? Tesco shopper Trudie thinks so. (05:31) Local artists collaborate to create new metal gates to brighten up Shaftesbury Abbey’s entrance. (8:24) Shaftesbury recognised for working to improve life for locals with dementia. (12:35) Compton Abbas artist donates painting to support Shaftesbury NHS staff. (16:10)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Shaftesbury Ambulance worker reacts to her hometown applauding NHS staff. (00:27) Clearing up Breach Common’s ponds to encourage a rare reptile’s return. Alfred hears how the appearance of this treasured Shaftesbury community space could change in the future. (04:10) From selling books at WHSmiths, to getting her new novel on their shelves – Shaftesbury author Karen Dickson talks about her book. She tells Alfred how she has had to rise above initial rejection. (13:33) The Cranborne Chase time capsule - hundreds of photos from 1975 go online. (19:29) Why the owner of a Shaftesbury shop, Lucy Barfoot, is on a magazine’s front cover. (23:36)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Shaftesbury’s independent traders are rising to the COVID-19 challenge. (00:27) Alfred meets the woman decorating lampposts to lift Shaftesbury’s spirits. (08:51) Shaftesbury Sunday worship will be broadcast worldwide. (13:39) A new Shaftesbury online forum is tackling shortages. (18:10) Self-isolating residents of Shaftesbury and the villages will be supported. (22.21)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Alfred visits the Shaftesbury farming couple who want to rewild, by adding more birds, flowers and animals to their land. We chat with Lucy and Jonathan Purssell of Horders Farm. (00:27) Tesco say Lidl’s plans for a new store on the old Cattle Market site should be turned down. We hear why. (10:49) Flowers, food and fun events are planned as a new Shaftesbury High Street store opens. We meet the young, female entrepreneurs behind the floristry and food business, Pamplemousse. (16:32) One of Britain’s bestselling classical artists is coming to Shaftesbury for a fundraising concert. Alfred chats with clarinettist Emma Johnson, MBE. (23:32) A crowdsourcing appeal is launched to pay for a homeless Shaftesbury man’s funeral. (33:09)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Dorset Council tops the UK waste recycling tables. Marten Gregory explains how our rubbish is handled and how our town's residents could do even better, ahead of his Shaftesbury talk. (00:27) Major change agreed for the charity supporting Shaftesbury’s hospital. The League of Friends will reform so they can raise more money. Alfred attended their AGM and heard how they have helped improve Shaftesbury’s mental health provision. (10:24) A new walking festival is planned for the Shaftesbury area. Organisers from the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty want our rambling route ideas. (21:20) Find out why Shaftesbury School’s headteacher wants the arts to play a bigger part in pupils’ lives. Alfred chats with Tim Farrer. (27:49) A Bafta winning TV wildlife producer is coming to talk at the Grosvenor Arms Hotel. Stephen Moss offers Alfred a preview of his event which focuses on Britain’s most

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: See the town’s most exciting historic discovery for decades at the first screening of ‘Shaftesbury Abbey – The Movie’. We talk with archaeology expert and star of the film, Julian Richards. (00:27) Calls to do more for Shaftesbury’s homeless after last week’s tragic death. Alfred hears how locals plan to remember flute-playing Phil Gilbert. (07:30) Social media experts are being sought to boost Shaftesbury’s online exposure and increase tourism numbers. Alfred talks with Brie Logan about the plans and proposals to create a Shaftesbury brand. (17:43) The Town Council objects to Redrow’s request to build additional homes to their new estate alongside the A350. You’ll hear why. (25:17)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: A sneak preview of the new Shaftesbury High Street deli. Alfred hears why its owner wanted to open the business. (00:27) Sad news. A body is discovered on a Shaftesbury bank premises. (08:55) Shaftesbury Football Club will become a classroom when an academy takes its first full-time students. Alfred heard that a football course could lead to a long career for local kids. (09:53) The new Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show boss shares his future plans. There are cut-price early bird tickets and prepare for performing pigs! (19:46) We chat with Sophy Roberts, the travel writer talking in Shaftesbury’s Grosvenor Arms Hotel about her fascination with the silent, empty expanses of Siberia. (26:19)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Stour Row’s pop-up pub, tackling rural isolation. Alfred calls in on The Stroll Inn in the village hall. (00:27) Shaftesbury’s greener future - a town councillor praises the Tree Group’s five-year tree plan. (10:34) Ross Townsend unveils the new look Abbotts. And he’s uncovered memories from the greengrocer’s seven decades of trading. (18:19) Shaftesbury turns out for Countryfile. We hear from the local artist who explained her passion for snowdrops for the TV cameras. (21:38) A dream comes true for Chris Garrett. The Ansty businessman gets the keys to his CrossFit HQ at Wincombe and he says he’s determined to succeed. (26:12)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: We meet the women planning paranormal investigations in Shaftesbury. Bev and Karen plan to host late night sessions at King Alfred’s Kitchen. (00:27) An electric tricycle and low-cost food shop are new initiatives planned by the Shaftesbury GP practice. Alfred visits The Abbey View Medical Centre and meets a leading healthcare writer, who is impressed by proposals to reduce appointment waiting times. (11:04) Claudia Hammond, the radio and TV psychology commentator and author is coming to Shaftesbury. She previews her talk about the importance of taking time out and enjoying rest. (20:53) A new Shaftesbury car park could fund community causes but not everybody is pleased at the prospect of paying to park on Coppice Street. (29:19)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: The new Shaftesbury rambling route that will leave a lasting legacy. Sara Jacson and Pete Ryley talk about events to launch St Edwards Way. (00:26) Calls for Lidl to donate unwanted land at their Cattle Market site for community use. We hear from the Shaftesbury Civic Society who are urging Dorset Council to support their request. (08:23) Why Shaftesbury is gaining a name for comedy. Two event promoters plan to bring top stand-ups to town with two separate events. Alfred hears about their plans. (15:11) After five decades on the Carnival committee, Derek Beer bows out. Alfred’s Carnival reporters attend the Shaftesbury Carnival AGM and hear about the event’s new leaders. (22:24) New equipment will help volunteers add to Shaftesbury’s floral displays this spring and summertime. Alfred chats with James Thrift of Shaftesbury in Bloom. (32:06)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Alfred gets a sneak preview of Shaftesbury’s new monthly guided walks. The events for locals and visitors start with a celebration of the snowdrops. (00:27) Plans for a safe bicycle route around our town step up a gear. Alfred attends a Planet Shaftesbury presentation, where plans for a cycle ring road are shared. We’ll hear what expert cyclists thought. (12:28) Shaftesbury Council has supported Lidl’s application to build a new store on the Cattle Market site. Last year the Town Council opposed the plans because they didn’t like the design. We hear what’s changed. (19:18) Alfred meets the Shaftesbury mum offering free childminding following her own health scare. Sammi’s idea has inspired a manager at Shaftesbury’s Abbey View Health Centre to run similar events. (27:58)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: A popular BBC1 programme will be filmed in Shaftesbury next month. Alfred hears why Countryfile is coming. (00:27) Alfred hears how a lack of sleep during the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race affected a   Shaftesbury man. Tim Chappell explains how the charity challenge has changed his life. (5:52) Celebrations at the launch of Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s new facility - Alfred attended the dance studio open day. (18:22) Dorset Council plans a new road to keep traffic out of our town centre. We hear about plans for the Enmore Green Link Road. (22:28) One of Shaftesbury’s largest employers will open its doors to show the range of roles it offers. BV Dairy’s Vaughan Heard tells us why they are hosting a recruitment open day. (28:17) The funniest man at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe returns to headline at July’s Shaftesbury Fringe Festival. Alfred meets Olaf Falafel. (33:00)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Alfred visits Shaftesbury’s household waste site. You might be surprised to hear how our recycling’s composition differs from other districts. Many locals visit the Wincombe site trying to find a bargain. Ian Manley from Dorset Council explains why items of interest are sold at the centre. (00:27) We meet Suzy Allum, the Shaftesbury hairdresser who tried to find love on TVs ‘First Dates’. Suzy gives Alfred listeners an insight into what happens behind-the-scenes at the popular Channel 4 programme. (13:01) A plan for preserving some of Shaftesbury’s stunning views and scenery is proposed. Alfred chats with Town Clerk Claire Commons and John Parker of the Open Spaces Group about the draft blueprint for managing Pine Walk, Park Walk and planned new play facilities for St James Park. (22:43) You can discover new pastimes over five consecutive Saturdays at Shaftesbury Library’s extended hobbies month. Alf

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Shaftesbury Fringe's 2020 vision is for more art and street performers. Alfred talks with the joint chairmen about their plans for the much-loved festival. (00:27) Shaftesbury's League of Friends buys a house to help safeguard the Westminster Memorial Hospital. Chairman Julian Prichard shares his vision. (8:54) Town traders are saddened by the closure of a much-valued Shaftesbury shop. We talk with the man who relied on the store to buy gifts for the town’s schoolkids. (18.33) The Shaftesbury to Gambia three-wheeled car charity drive is postponed until Christmas 2020. Alfred chats with Nick Merry, who is determined to go ahead with the Dorset Mind fundraiser. (21:25)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Alfred meets Kevin Aston, the man who ran a marathon up and down Gold Hill to raise money for a Shaftesbury charity. (00:26) Shaftesbury wood turner Darren Wheeler tells us how he is rebuilding his life after the devastating West Melbury blaze. (6:50) A new, creative school collaboration - we head to Higher Green Farm in Twyford and chat with much-loved Shaftesbury artist Des Alner, for a sneak preview of the mural he’s created with pupils of Ludwell Primary School. (14:10) Gold Hill museum volunteer Chris Stupples reveals the extent of his painstaking research into Shaftesbury during The Great War. Chris explains how he’s added hundreds of names to our town’s war record. (23:50)