In this episode of the BV Podcast, hosts Terry Bennett and Jenny Devitt bring us conversations with three Dorset locals, each with their own unique story.
Terry speaks with Dr. Michael Fernando, consultant paediatrician at Yeovil Hospital, about his work in Afghanistan. Michael shares how his team navigated complex cultural and logistical challenges to deliver life-saving neonatal training. He reflects on the power of collaboration and local resilience, saying, “People’s hopes for their children can overcome almost any obstacle.”
Jenny catches up with Anne Dearle in a wonderful interview as she talks about her experience organising a very special 30th-anniversary concert in Sherborne, attended by Princess Anne. Anne Dearle looks back on decades of fundraising for Save the Children, the thrill (and stress – where to get sandwiches in Sherborne fit for a royal?) of the royal visit – and just how much she’ll miss her fundraising concert.
Lastly, Terry sat down with local agri-legend Matthew Holland, who started working for C&O Tractors in Blandford as a 16-year-old in 1978. He’s still at the firm, and has become a local institution for the Dorset agricultural community. He talks to Terry about his passion for vintage tractors, firefighting (he’s been a part-time firefighter for Blandford station for the last 39 years), and making top-quality cider with his family.
These interviews were based on articles found in October’s BV, which can be read here … grab a coffee and jump in to the Dorset-ness. News, opinion, people, wildlife, art, farming, what’s on, horses … and frankly stunning photography.
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