Toads, tractors, Britain's Got Talent ... and totally Dorset

Editor's Letter: The moments that remind us what really matters Laura reflects on the unexpected power of ordinary human kindness – from emotional family reunions on TikTok to the thoughtful letters arriving in the Dorset Life inbox. "The headlines tell us what divides us, but to me, most of the time, the important stuff is still there, connecting us."   The Toad Doctor of Dorset "He realised there was a gap in the market – and convinced people he could cure them by rubbing toads on them..." Would you let someone cure your illness with... a toad? Historian James Brinsford tells the extraordinary story of Dr Buckland of Pulham, Dorset's self-proclaimed Victorian "Toad Doctor", who attracted crowds convinced that toads could cure the King's Evil and other ailments. Far from simply being an odd piece of folklore, the conversation explores why desperate rural communities turned to folk medicine long after science had begun to advance.     George Hosford: What war means for British farming "We're in a dreadful fix. We need to wean ourselves off this path." As conflict in the Middle East drives up the price of diesel and fertiliser, George Hosford explains why events thousands of miles away can hit Dorset farms almost overnight. He explores the challenge of reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based fertilisers, why regenerative farming is becoming increasingly important, and the difficult balancing act between protecting the soil and producing enough food.     The Dorset Insider: The Great Verge Debate "The parish council is always first in the firing line." Who is actually responsible for mowing Dorset's verges? This month's anonymous parish councillor untangles the bewildering patchwork of councils, housing associations, developers and management companies that leaves residents frustrated every summer. It's a thoughtful look at balancing wildlife, public expectations and the realities of shrinking local authority budgets.     The Grumbler: Taxing village pubs out of existence "If being a beautiful, well-run village pub becomes a financial liability, don't be surprised when there are fewer of them left." This month's anonymous publican asks why village pubs are being punished for doing exactly what governments have encouraged them to do. From playgrounds and gardens to quiz nights and community events, the Grumbler argues that becoming a successful community hub now seems to attract higher business rates rather than support.     Dorset Farmers Singing for a Cause Jenny speaks to Dorset farmers Ben Chick and Ellie Maguire, members of Jeremy Clarkson's Hawkstone Farmers' Choir, fresh from winning Britain's Got Talent. They describe how a beer advert unexpectedly became a national movement, shining a spotlight on farming, loneliness and mental health—and why the choir means far more than simply making music. "If we make a difference to one person, then it's worth it."     This episode is based on stories from the June 26 issue of Dorset Life (though they're evergreen and relevant whenever you happen to discover them), available to read freely online. People, politics, place and purpose – all seen through a distinctly Dorset lens. Dorset Life – named in 2025 as Best Regional Publication in the UK (ACE Awards) and Regional News Site of the Year (Press Gazette). Always worth your ears.