Sails to charcuterie, via dancing mice and asian hornets

In this episode of the BV Podcast, Terry Bennett and Jenny Devitt explore fascinating local stories from Dorset. Topics include the historical significance of Coker Cloth with Professor Terry Stevens, Jane Adams' adventure with mice in her attic, the alarming spread of Asian hornets with Andrew Livingston, and the inspiring story of James and Lucy Smart’s charcuterie business, The Real Cure, celebrating 10 years of success.

• Coker Cloth and Global Exploration – Interview with Professor Terry Stevens “From these small villages with ordinary people doing remarkable things, we changed the world.”

  • Professor Terry Stevens discusses his new book, "Bucked in the Yarn," which uncovers the rich history of Coker Cloth – sailcloth made in the tiny villages of East, North and West Coker in Somerset. From Charles I's flagship, to Nelson's favourite and influencing the America's Cup, this sailcloth played a key role in maritime history. Terry shares anecdotes about his upbringing in East Coker, the process of researching the cloth's history, and the innovations that made Coker Canvas the best sail material in the world for more than 300 years.

• Mice in the Attic – Jane Adams’ Wildlife Story “It did sound like a mini herd of elephants up there... and when I got up there all I found was a few mice droppings.”

  • Jane Adams recounts her humorous experience with mice that made their way into her attic. Her humane efforts to relocate them were not altogether successful initially! She also discusses the differences between wood mice and house mice, as well as their nesting habits and unique characteristics.

• The Threat of Asian Hornets – Andrew Livingston’s Insight “Where they have established in Europe, they are predating on pollinating insects including honeybees. It’s like a supermarket for them – just a massive ready-to-eat supply.”

  • Asian hornets pose a significant threat to Britain’s pollinators, including honeybees. Andrew Livingston talks about how they got here, and highlights the growing concerns around their spread across the UK and how the public can help spot and report these hornets. The Somerset Beekeepers Association's president provides details on the hornets’ identification and emphasizes the importance of public vigilance to prevent further spread.

• The Real Cure – James and Lucy Smart’s charcuterie  business “It’s easy to make good charcuterie once… It’s much more difficult to do it week after week. Consistency is the key.”

  • James and Lucy Smart are the founders of The Real Cure, a successful North Dorset charcuterie business celebrating its 10th anniversary. They share insights into their sustainable practices and commitment to quality in producing charcuterie. The business has grown from a weekend hobby to an award-winning producer, using venison, pork, and beef from local sources. James and Lucy discuss the principles guiding their production, sustainability efforts, and their journey from farmer's markets to being stocked in outlets like Fortnum & Mason.

These interviews were based on articles found in September'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. Did we mention it's FREE? Why *wouldn't* you want a flick through? (*don't forget, we're proud to be purely digital. The only way to read us is right here online!) Frankly, it's so jam-packed with Dorset goodness, it'd be rude not to.

The BV is the rural monthly digital magazine from Dorset, this year named 'Best Regional Publication in the UK' (ACE Newspaper & Magazine Awards) and also 'Regional News Site of the Year' (Press Gazette's Future of Media Awards)