Sarah Hulland

I was born in 1973 at Somerleigh Court, Dorchester. We lived in West Knighton for the first eighteen months of my life with my nan and granddad and then moved back to Dorchester. I went to Maud Road Infants School then Manor Park and then Castlefield. I was in the last ‘all girls’ year before it became the Thomas Hardye School in 1992.

I met Jon, my future husband, when we were both doing ‘A’ Levels; he was at Hardye's School in its last year. After leaving school I then worked as assistant play-leader at Broadmayne and West Knighton playgroup, which sponsored me to gain my Diploma in Playgroup Practice. I worked there for eighteen months, which I really enjoyed, and, seven years on, I still look after children. Jon gained a position at Sparsholt College in Winchester, where he studied Fisheries Science. I felt it was time to move on from the playgroup to be with Jon and I accepted a ‘nanny’ position in Winchester which I disliked as I was more of a cleaner than a nanny and was paid a pittance. I was there for three months. I tried to find other nanny work so I could stay near Jon but the cost of living was far too high.

I came back to Dorchester to live with my parents in Monmouth Road, Dorchester. I began nannying for two little girls in Dorchester where I looked after them for three and a half years until they went to school in 1997. During this time Jon graduated and started working to renovate Watergates Trout Farm. His boss bought a cottage in Southview, Broadmayne for us to live in and we moved in during 1996.

We bought our cottage from Jon’s boss when Jon left the Trout farm in 1998. He did enjoy working there, especially the peace and quiet and the wildlife. He saw a bittern one day and there was a family of kingfishers and of course, many heron on the look out for the trout!

It was as though I had come full circle from living in West Knighton as a baby. I don’t think Broadmayne has changed all that much, although I remember the shop being in the post office cottage. The village shop is very useful for emergency supplies, particularly bread and milk. I always find the staff really friendly and helpful. I don't use the local doctor as I have stayed with my doctor in Dorchester.

After I finished nannying in Dorchester I started looking after children in Broadmayne. The traffic is a hazard and I always make sure that when crossing the road to the shop or play park I hold their hands tightly. We use the play park regularly, but feel that some of the equipment is not suitable for very young children.

Having a car is essential for my job. I take the children out and about and up to Broadmayne School, but we often walk up to the playgroup as the children enjoy it. However, I do worry about the speed of cars in Knighton Lane. We love the peace and quiet of the village apart from the traffic, but since we have had double-glazing fitted we tend not to notice it as much. We have been able to keep cats as I never could in Dorchester and we have two.

We are very surprised at the house prices in the village at the moment and the speed at which houses sell. It is a much sought after commuter village and also, just lately, for holiday retreats. As we live opposite, we often go to The Black Dog pub. Two of my friends come out from Dorchester once a month and we have a good meal and a chat there.

Jon and I were married last year in West Knighton Church and we were the first couple to be married by the Rev Jean Coates in her new benefice. We chose St Peter’s rather than St Martin’s because I was christened there. My mum and dad were married there and my granddad is buried there, so I felt he was with us in spirit on our wedding day. Broadmayne is a lovely village and we have made many new friends here. We are lucky enough to have lovely walks and beaches on our doorstep but are just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the towns.