Silky Fox Award

Kingston Maurward College launches RFS Silky Fox Handsaws AwardsKingston Maurward College in Dorset will be amongst the first colleges in the Uk to launch The Royal Forestry Society (RFS) Silky Fox Handsaws Awards to recognise outstanding students on courses with a strong practical arboriculture or woodland management element.

The winner will receive a Silky Gomtaro 300mm pruning saw together with a year’s membership to the RFS. The award will be presented y the RFS Dorset and Somerset division and by Silky Fox Handsaws in the summer.

RFS Education Officer Debbie Cotton explained: The annual award is for students on Further Education courses that meet the practical skills criteria. The award will be presented by the RFS Somerset and Dorset Division and by Silky Fox Handsaws in summer.

It recognises the increasing value of Level 2 & 3 Diploma courses in Forestry and Arboriculture in delivering the essential skills to open doors into careers in both the private and public sector.

As an education charity promoting the wise management of trees and woods, the RFS is delighted to recognise the excellent work of colleges up and down the country, and to give recognition to students who have gone the extra mile in their learning.

For Kingston Maurward College, Spencer Gregory, Arboriculture Instructor, said: Concern for the preservation of trees in urban and rural areas as well as high-profile environmental issues has generated an increasing demand for skilled arborists. At Kingston Maurward College we believe it is vital for young arborists to train with high quality equipment and Silky Fox Handsaws are the best in the industry. We are delighted to launch this award.

David Davenport of Silky Fox Handsaws said: The practical skills learned through these courses help ensure we have a skilled workforce to maintain and enhance the country’s trees and woodlands. The successful students form the backbone of the country’s tree experts in the future.

Silky saws enjoy a worldwide reputation for quality, and we hope these will become treasured and useful reminders for the students of the valuable time that they spent in college.The RFS Somerset and Dorset Division organises woodland visits and activities, and welcomes new members. For further information please contact Divisional Secretary Valerie Staley on 01460 78978 or email vjs2009@live.co.uk or visit www.rfs.org.uk

Guest Speaker

DORCHESTER-BORN LORD BISHOP OF GLOUCESTER TO BE OLD HARDYEANS GUEST SPEAKER

Dorchester-born Rt. Rev. Michael Perham MA Hon. DPhil, Lord Bishop of Gloucester, is to be the guest speaker at the Old Hardyeans Annual Reunion Dinner on Saturday 17 March.

“I am delighted that my near contemporary Michael Perham, now Lord Bishop of Gloucester, has been able to accept my invitation to our annual reunion on the evening of Saturday 17 March,” says Old Hardyeans President Michel Hooper-Immins. “Michael was at Hardye’s School from 1959 to 1964- a year below me and our Newsletter Editor Peter Foster. We look forward to welcoming him back to Dorchester, where he will be reunited with many Old Hardyeans who knew him when he was at school here 47 years ago.”

Enthroned as the 40th. Bishop of Gloucester in Gloucester Cathedral in May 2004, Bishop Michael became a member of the House of Lords in 2009, one of only 26 Church of England Archbishops and senior Bishops in the Upper House.

He went to Keble College, Oxford in 1971 to study theology, as he did at Cuddesdon College, now Ripon College Cuddesdon- where he today serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors.

Having been Chaplain to the Bishop of Winchester, Michael Perham returned to Dorset as Rector of the Oakdale Team Ministry in Poole in 1984, moving on in 1992 to become a Residentiary Canon and Precentor at Norwich Cathedral. He became the Provost of Derby in 1998, before being appointed Dean of Derby Cathedral in 2000. In January 2004, he was named by The Queen as the next Bishop of Gloucester.

The Lord Bishop is married to Alison, a palliative care specialist. They have four daughters- Rachel, Anna, Sarah and Mary. He says: “I shall be delighted to make a return visit to Dorchester and to the Old Hardyeans. I have happy memories of my school days and some friendships that date back to those days, 50 years ago. I’ll enjoy recounting a tale or two after dinner on 17 March.”

Michael Foley, appointed Headmaster of The Thomas Hardye School last September, will be making his first speech to the annual Old Hardyeans reunion. He will reply to the traditional toast to the new school, which will be proposed by Old Hardyeans President Michel Hooper-Immins.

The Annual Reunion Dinner menu begins with cream of asparagus soup, followed by braised beef in red wine sauce or Vegetable Lasagne. Peach and Sherry trifle completes the dinner. All Old Hardyeans and their wives are welcome to this annual reunion, which takes place in the Sixth Form Centre of The Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester. Book with Treasurer Alan Brown at 40 Valette Road, Moordown, Bournemouth BH9 3JD. Telephone 01202 535034 or email: alan@ajbrown1946.plus.com

Founded in 1905 as the Old Grammarians, the Old Hardyeans- alternatively known as the Hardyeans Club- is one of the most successful old school associations in the county, bringing together old boys of Dorchester Grammar School and Hardye’s School, plus ex-students of the modern Thomas Hardye School. In the times of Queen Elizabeth I, it was Thomas Hardye [with a final "e"] described as an yeoman of Frampton, who endowed Dorchester Grammar School in 1569. Hardye’s [shopping] Arcade today stands on the site. The Grammar School moved to Culliford Road in 1928- renamed Hardye’s School from 1954. The modern Thomas Hardye School in Queens Avenue opened in 1992, encompassing the best traditions of the two previous schools- but admitting girls for the first time since 1569! Writer Thomas Hardy OM, who lived at nearby Max Gate, laid the foundation stone of Hardye’s School in 1927. He was no relation to Thomas Hardye, founder of the school, nor of Admiral Thomas Masterman Hardy!

Dorchester News

OLD HARDYEANS MOVE MONTHLY LUNCH VENUE TO THE KING’S ARMS HOTEL

For some decades, Old Grammarians and Old Hardyeans have met for lunch every last Thursday of the month. From this month, the venue moves to the King’s Arms Hotel, at the top of High East Street, Dorchester.

Next Thursday [26 January,] at 12.30pm for 1pm they will meet for the first time at the new venue, in the front bar overlooking the street. In subsequent months, they will gather in the Conservatory Room, again always on the last Thursday of the month, on 23 February, 29 March, 26 April and so on. The date of the 2012 Christmas Lunch will be advised in due course.

For eleven years, the Old Hardyeans met at Dorchester Conservative Club. “We are very sad not to be meeting at the Conservative Club, where we always received a great welcome,” says Old Hardyeans President Michel Hooper-Immins. “At our last lunch there, last August, Conservative Club Chairman Les Cuff warmly thanked the Old Hardyeans for their loyal support of the club over a decade or more. I said the standard of the food, real ale and the welcome had all been outstanding- expressing our sadness that the club was closing.”

The monthly lunch then moved to the Sun Inn at Lower Burton for three months, but moves again this month to the King’s Arms Hotel in Dorchester.

“It is interesting that early Old Grammarians- founded in 1905- held their celebration dinners in the Casterbridge Room of the King’s Arms Hotel,” comments Michel Hooper-Immins, “so we are returning to our roots. We invite all Old Grammarians and Old Hardyeans, whether resident in Dorset or passing through, to join us at the monthly lunch. We’ve welcomed old boys from all over the globe, from Canada and the USA as well as from within the UK. We are all looking forward to meeting at the King’s Arms and carrying on the comradeship of the old boys association.”

Enquiries to Chairman Colin Lucas at 01305 265446.

Founded in 1905 as the Old Grammarians, the Old Hardyeans- alternatively known as the Hardyeans Club- is one of the most successful old school associations in the county, bringing together old boys of Dorchester Grammar School and Hardye’s School, plus ex-students of the modern Thomas Hardye School. In the times of Queen Elizabeth I, it was Thomas Hardye [with a final "e"] described as an yeoman of Frampton, who endowed Dorchester Grammar School in 1569. Hardye’s [shopping] Arcade today stands on the site. The Grammar School moved to Culliford Road in 1928- renamed Hardye’s School from 1954. The modern Thomas Hardye School in Queens Avenue opened in 1992, encompassing the best traditions of the two previous schools- but admitting girls for the first time since 1569! Writer Thomas Hardy OM, who lived at nearby Max Gate, laid the foundation stone of Hardye’s School in 1927. He was no relation to Thomas Hardye, founder of the school, nor of Admiral Thomas Masterman Hardy!

FURTHER INFORMATION FROM MICHEL HOOPER-IMMINS,

PRESIDENT OF THE OLD HARDYEANS

AT 01305 779705
OR 0785 012 6349.

SIR ROGER GALE MP

ARISE SIR ROGER GALE MP;

OLD HARDYEANS CONGRATULATE NEW KNIGHT, EDUCATED AT HARDYE’S DORCHESTER

The Old Hardyeans have congratulated Sir Roger Gale MP on being knighted in the New Years honours list.

Roger Gale was educated at Hardye’s School, Dorchester, from 1955 and 1962, having been born in Poole. He became a pirate disc jockey on Radio Caroline, before being elected to Parliament as the MP for Thanet North 28 years ago.

In November, he hosted the Old Hardyeans’ annual London Dinner- “a splendid meal in the splendid surroundings of the Palace of Westminster,” said Old Hardyeans President Michel Hooper-Immins, addressing 53 Old Hardyeans and their wives in the palatial Dining Room of the House of Commons.

Observing that Roger Gale has posted many pictures on his website, the President of the Old Hardyeans noted that none included the club’s distinctive blue and gold tie. The President went on to present Roger Gale with an Old Hardyeans tie, as thanks for his hospitality at the House of Commons.

Writing to the new knight, President Michel Hooper-Immins says: “On behalf of Old Hardyeans everywhere, I congratulate you on being knighted in the New Year’s Honours List. Richly deserved for 28 years service to the House of Commons, I know you have achieved a great deal for the people of East Kent over almost three decades. However, your education in Dorchester, at Hardye’s School- three years ahead of me- will have been a fine foundation to life and we all have benefited from the superb teaching at Hardye’s. I believe you may be the first Old Hardyean to be knighted.

Thank you again for making Old Hardyeans and their wives so welcome on our recent visit to the House of Commons. Everyone in the party enjoyed the splendid dinner in splendid surroundings, then the visit to the crypt later. On our third visit to the House of Commons, your hospitality and kindness were much appreciated. I hope we will see you wearing the Old Hardyeans tie, with which you were presented, on future occasions!”

Sir Roger Gale MP is quoted as saying: “I feel that this is, first and foremost, not a political but a public service award. My wife Suzy and I have been engaged in community work since long before I became a Member of Parliament in 1983. When I was elected we decided together how we were going to work and we have just gone on doing it ever since. I regard this as an enormous honour, particularly granted as it is, at the start of Her Majesty`s Diamond Jubilee year. It is, though, an honour that belongs to my wife, Suzy, who has worked alongside me and supported me throughout every day that I have been a Member of Parliament and who, together with three long-suffering and wonderful children, continues to do so.” [www.kentnews.co.uk]

At the House of Commons Dinner, on 14 November, there was a special welcome for Michael Foley, newly appointed Headmaster of The Thomas Hardye School, to his first Old Hardyeans event. “He has made a splendid start and I am confident Michael Foley will lead the Thomas Hardye School to ever greater successes,” said the President. “I have reassured him that the Old Hardyeans have pledged their support to the school. I am delighted to hear Michael intends to create an archive of the new and the old schools. My old friend Peter Foster has already promised not only his help, but his considerable personal archive to start this excellent project.”

“I can now say I made my maiden speech in the House of Commons,” joked Michael Foley,” who went on to stress the importance of leadership and the high expectations of students in these modern times.

Michel Hooper-Immins acclaimed Tony and Julia Moore, recently retired from Thomas Hardye School and newly elected Honorary Members of the Hardyeans Club. “We thank them for their good and long service to the school and for their consistent support of the Old Hardyeans.”

The President then welcomed Jean Lang, Chairman of Thomas Hardye School Governors, to the House of Commons dinner. “I did say about five annual general meetings ago that I hoped more Old Hardyeans would become Governors,” Michel Hooper-Immins told diners. “Since then the governing body has acquired my illustrious predecessor Professor Hugh Griffiths and Tony Foot, but I should still like to see a few more Old Hardyeans as School Governors. Certainly some will have the interest, the commitment and the experience to fit that vital role in developing our school.”

“We meet in the House of Commons, the mother of Parliaments,” continued Michel Hooper-Immins. “Tradition is important here and so it is to the Old Hardyeans. The London Dinner is one of our most enduring traditions, so I’m delighted it is continuing. Our Secretary Tony Day has organised much of tonight’s landmark dinner. Thank you Tony for your good work for the Old Hardyeans. I am also grateful to Treasurer Alan Brown, who successfully collected all the money- not an easy job!”

Old Hardyeans Chairman Colin Lucas was unable to attend- “I bring apologies and good wishes from Colin, often described as the engine room of the Old Hardyeans,” concluded the President. “I can tell you his recent operation was completely successful and Colin is recovering, but misses this London Dinner for the first time in decades. Can I ask you to stand and raise your glasses to Colin Lucas and his continued recovery.” The company then stood to toast Colin Lucas.

Old Hardyeans attended from London, Kent, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cornwall, Hampshire, Somerset, Devon and Dorset, as well as two visiting members from Recife in Brazil and Connecticut USA.

The excellent 2011 London Dinner at the House of Commons, began with lightly curried cauliflower veloute, with cauliflower pakora. The main course was grilled breast of Gressingham duck with creamed thyme potato, served with wood-smoked parsnips and pear sauce. Apple Tart Tatin, with honey and walnut ice cream was a superb dessert.

WatershedPR

GET YOUR FIRM ON FACEBOOK IN UNDER 10 MINUTES!
 
COMPANIES in Dorchester that want to see how social media can boost business can attend a free workshop next Tuesday 13 December.

Watershed PR, based in Bridport, uses a wide range of social media techniques such as Facebook Pages, Twitter accounts and YouTube videos to increase sales and expand client base and footfall for companies across all sectors in the South West, as well as London. 

The firm’s digital executives are holding free one-to-one workshops in Poundbury for businesses to drop in and get free advice on how to get started in social media – and keep going. 

The workshops are a free service offered by Watershed PR, but businesses taking part will be invited to make a donation to the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, which has offered its Poundbury headquarters as the venue for the event.

Emily Pykett, Social Media Executive at Watershed PR, said: ‘Social media is free for people to use, and the best way for firms to quickly build their brand so they stand out from the crowd. We can get you on Facebook in under 10 minutes – it really is that quick and easy.

‘Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ or YouTube videos, social media gets the right people talking. It improves your reputation, boosts your website and Google ranking, and sells products and services. That’s why all growing and successful businesses use social media to get results.

‘It can seem like a jungle out there, but Watershed PR can help you make sense of social media.’

The clinic is being held on Tuesday December 13, from 1pm to 5pm at Hammick House, the headquarters of Weldmar Hospice Care Trust, from 1pm to 5pm. This informal chat includes a free social media ‘healthcheck’ for each business.