Displaying items by tag: Dorset

The decision by a Dorset almshouse to sell a rare 15th-century Flemish altarpiece has opened an unexpected path toward expanding its longstanding mission of caring for those in need. The Almshouse of Saint John the Evangelist and John the Baptist in Sherborne discovered the artwork’s extraordinary value only after asking Sotheby’s to store it during building work. Expert analysis revealed that the oak triptych, depicting five miracles of Christ including the raising of Lazarus, was crafted in late-medieval Brussels and could fetch £2.5–£3.5 million at auction. The trustees unanimously agreed that selling the piece would best serve the local community, noting that the costs of securing, conserving, and insuring such a valuable object would be unsustainable for a small charity. Proceeds from the sale are expected to fund the remodelling of the almshouse to create six new independent-living homes and support ongoing maintenance of the Grade I listed building, furthering its 600-year-old mission.

The fire that broke out at Lions Hill in Dorset on 26 April has devastated an area of nature reserve. The 42-hectare heath is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a wetlands area considered to be of international importance. Fire crews said the blaze was sparked by a discarded cigarette. Later that day the Fire Service tweeted, ‘Sadly, our crews have attended another heath fire this evening. This fire was also started by a discarded cigarette: please dispose of these responsibly.’ Dorset firefighters have dealt with a spate of heath fires, including one started deliberately at Canford Heath. The service said, ‘These avoidable fires tie up so many of our resources which could impact a response to other emergencies.’