The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1861-03-12 00:00:00

BLANDFORD.

Our fair, held on Thursday, was well attended;
indeed for many years we have not had such a
goodly company at this season of the year. Of
cattle there was a pretty good show, and a fair
amount of business was transacted at full prices.
The number of sheep was small. Cheese—a good
supply.
We regret to announce the demise of Mrs.
Thomas Oakley, which malancholy event took place
eit Thursday last. This esteemed lady has been
organist of the parish church for 39 years, a duty
which she was well qualified to perform from her
perfect 'woe ledge of music. Her annual concerts,
given in years gone bye, used to attract large and
fashionable audiences, and as a performer on the
harp she had few, if any, equals. It is expected that
the situation lately held by Mrs. Oakley will for the
future be filled by her daughter. Mrs. Edwards, who
has officiated duriD4 the last fifteen months.
The drum and hfe band of the Ist. Dorset Cadet
Corps, composed of young gentlemen of the school,
made their first public appearance on Wednesday
afternoon, and under the able leadership of Mr. H.
R. Evers, played several popular marches in first.
rate style, marching through the market place to
Nlillslown. Various evolutions were gone through
by the corps in a very praiseworthy manner; and
on their return they again enlivened the towns.
people by playing the " British Grenadier," and
other martial strains. Much praise is due to their
teachers, Messrs. Skivington, H. R. Eyers, and J.
Hunt for their indefatigable exertions, and to the
young gentlemen for their attention and diligence.
Coe es.—We understand that ten gentle.
men of the above c•Aps have challenged ten of that
of the Wituborne corps, to a shouting match, which
has been accepted. 'fen MOH on each side will coin.
pete, the distance to he 200 and 300 yards, 5 shota
each at each distance. No doubt if it is a fine day
some good shooting will ensue. A return match
will follow at Wimhorne. The aflair will take place
on Monday, the 18th, on the Blandford practice
ground.
SPIRIT RAPPING.— Some of the secrets of table
turning will be disclosed here next Thursday by Pro-
fessor Mackenzie.
INDEPENDENT CHAPEL—We are pleased to hear
that the Bev. B. Gray, minister of the above place
of worship, who is at Hastings for the benefit of his
health, hopes to be able to resume his duties at the
toil of this month.

BA ND or HOPE. —This Society held their fort-
nightly meeting in the Towuhall last Tuesday
evening, and after singing their melodies and
reciting their pieces, the children were addressed by
Messrs. !deaden, Robinson, &c. A grand demon•
stration is to be made this spring, and the youthful
members are busy with cards collecting funds to
carry it out. In all probability a fife and drum
hand will be established amongst them if the funds
will permit, as Mr. Hunt, St. Mary's, hasgenerously
promised to undertake the tuition gratuitously At
the eloee a crowded meeting of the adults was held in
the MM. room. and were addressed by Messrs.
Troulon and Gatehouse, who sang some temperance
melodies, and earnestly advised the audience to
renounce strong drinks. Many signatures to IS.
pledge book wore added.