The Christchurch Directory - December/January 2016

The Christchurch The independent directory of local businesses serving the residents of Christchurch, Fairmile, Iford, Purewell, Somerford, Mudeford, Friars Cliff & Burton

Delivered FREE to a readership of 20,000 in the BH23 area!

Directory

December/January 2016

In this issue: Win a pair of tickets to see Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Regent Centre Christchurch sports men and women honoured at awards LawSpot with Harold G Walker Twynham pupils get Cookery Skills for Life thanks to Food Festival Martin Lewis: Christmas Adventures of Nellie

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2

WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE ALL THE AVAILABLE SPACE IN YOUR HOME?

BESPOKE FITTED FURNITURE AT AFFORDABLE PRICES Custom Creations is a family run business with over 40 years experience

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Unit 1, Enterprise Park, Blackmoor Road, Ebblake Industrial Estate, Verwood, BH31 6YS

www.customcreations.furniture To advertise in The Christchurch Directory, please call: 01202 894397

3

Daisy’s Dance Shop 25-27 Whittle Road Ferndown

Ferndown Ind Est BH21 7RP

Affordable Dancewear at Open:

9am-5pm Mon-Sat

Tel: 01202 897937 www.dancing-daisy.co.uk

Tailor Made Pet Care • DOG WALKING: INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP • FEED VISITS & VET VISITS • DAY & OVERNIGHT BOARDING IN OUR HOME ** WORKING BREEDS & DIFFICULT DOGS A SPECIALITY ** CATS, SMALL FURRIES & HORSES CATERED FOR

**** OPEN ALL THROUGH CHRISTMAS HURRY & BOOK NOW! **** WE CAN TAILOR OUR SERVICES AROUND YOUR BELOVED PET INSURED & EXPERIENCED

01202 895780 07825 553282

Please mention The Christchurch Directory when responding to adverts

4 Dear Christchurch, Bargates, Fairmile, Iford, Burton, Mudeford, Somerford, Stanpit, Friars Cliff & Purewell!

Welcome...

The Christchurch Directory

Oh my goodness, it is nearly Christmas 2015! I for one am not at all ready this year and I must get myself into the Christmas swing of things. We are going to Oxford to Stephen’s parents for a few days, so we are actually creating two Christmases, one in Oxford and another on my Birthday, 22nd December, to celebrate with my parents. It’s a good excuse to let our hair down!

Edition 109

The Christchurch Directory has some good little articles for you this month including... Christchurch sports men Published by: and women are honoured at awards. Martin Lewis helps Debbie & Stephen Corney us with Christmas finance. The Dorset Wildlife Trust at Dorset Publications are naturally creative this Xmas. It’s all Child’s Play for a sense of Christmas. On your plot has scarves at the Telephone: ready. Twynham students get cookery for life skills, and 01202 894397 the Regent Centre is a must at this time of year! Nellie, Email: the Dorset Publications camper van took us all the way info@thechristchurchdirectory.co.uk to the Stanpit Recreation Ground to watch the fireworks Copy deadline for the and you can read all about that on pages 22 and 23. The February 2015 edition: prize wordsearch gives you a chance to win is a family 15th January 2016 set of tickets to see The Highcliffe Charity Players in Disclaimer: Whilst every care has “Goldilocks and The Three Bears”! Do fill this in and been taken to ensure that data in send it off to us as you could be the lucky winner! this publication is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

The Christchurch Directory does not officially endorse any advertising material included within the publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher.

Stephen and I would like to sincerely thank you for the support you have given to the advertisers of our Christchurch Directory this last year. We are very much a family run business and love to hear that all our work is worth while. If you have a business or a local club that you would like to promote please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!

Debbie & Stephen Corney

Useful Numbers Local Police Southern Electricity Transco Gas Emergency Christchurch. Hospital

101 08457 708090 0800 111999 01202 486361

Train Enquires Christchurch Council Sembcorp Water Christchurch Library

08457 484950 01202 495000 01202 590059 01202 485938

To advertise in The Christchurch Directory, please call: 01202 894397

5

Chuckles Chippy & Fully Licensed Family Restaurant

Looking for an alternative Christmas dinner? Why not come and have a “Chuckles Christmas� with us!

10% discount to all patrons of the Regent Centre with your event ticket Senior Citizens specials all day everyday We also cater for all outside parties and events

Tel: 01202 280380 Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-9pm 63 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset. BH23 1AS 22/10/15 16:20 Page 1

DW Oct 2015 90H x 128W

Please mention The Christchurch Directory when responding to adverts

6

Local care home awarded top status in national care standards framework Staff and residents at Care South’s Queensmead care home in Christchurch are celebrating after being awarded the coveted “Beacon Status” by the National Gold Standards Framework, which aims to ensure a ‘gold standard’ of care for all people near the end of life.

The accreditation process involved 18 months of training, including four best practice workshops, and focused on helping staff to identify the needs of residents at each stage of their life and plan dignified care plans on that basis.

To gain accreditation by the Gold Standards Framework (GSF), care providers are required to undertake self assessment against 20 key standards, to develop a portfolio of evidence demonstrating best practice and are visited by an approved Gold Standards Framework assessor.

Emma Cotton, Acting Home Manager at Care South’s Queensmead, said: “We’re thrilled to have been awarded the highest rating by the Gold Standards Framework. At Care South, we strive to provide the highest standard of care and ensure that we’re constantly challenging ourselves to provide the very best care. The Gold Standards Framework has allowed us to formalise and consolidate the values we were already working to and to ensure we are being consistently open with our residents and their families.

“Achieving the highest rating in the framework is testament to the hard work that every member of the team has put into demonstrating the requirements outlined by the framework and the passion with which they deliver dignified care to our residents.”

Maggie Stobbart-Rowlands, GSF Lead Nurse said: “Staff in homes like Queensmead are the drivers of a real transformation in care homes. By implementing the key measures of the Gold Standards Framework, built on communication and coordination, Queensmead is providing its residents with the personalised care they deserve as they approach the end of their lives.”

Queensmead 1 Bronte Avenue, Christchurch, BH23 2LX

Thinking of moving into a care home? We’re here to help Situated in the heart of the Christchurch community, Queensmead provides quality residential care in a home-from-home atmosphere.

To request a brochure, arrange a visit or find out more, please call

Whether you’re looking for a short respite stay or a new home, we offer a warm welcome, compassionate care, comfort and peace of mind.

01202 4 85176 queensmead@care-south.co.uk

www.care-south.co.uk Care South is a leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England.

RESIDENTIAL

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DEMENTIA

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NURSING

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ASSISTED LIVING

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To advertise in The Christchurch Directory, please call: 01202 894397

2015 - What really happened?

7

As we entered 2015 I was quite enthusiastic, the sales market was fairly flat and prices were supressed, rules were about to change as far as pensions were concerned and the demand for rental properties was very strong. All in all the conditions looked right for landlords looking to enter the buy to let market!

Jeremy Clarke

So what really happened? Firstly the General Election happened which boosted confidence across the country, then rules changed regarding stamp duty on houses. As a result house prices in this area ramped up, agents experienced a shortage of property stock as movers failed to find an affordable house. This had an effect on the buy to let market, as prices rose, the rents that landlords needed to make the purchase viable rose too. Eventually the point came where the amount of rent needed to make the purchase stack up was crossed and returns started to reduce.

As a result of these small but significant changes we saw fewer people venturing into the buy to let market, we also saw long-standing landlords, perhaps worried by increasing legislation, selling up as sales prices peaked over the summer. As rental property supply tightened and rents rose fewer tenants were able to move meaning even less property to choose from.

So what now? I think that people looking at the buy to let market should not be deterred; yes, the return on capital invested is lower than it was a year ago, but this is a long-term investment. The value of long term investments is proven, 1 landlord who sold up this year achieving £265,000 had purchased in 2002 at just £125,000 – a cool £140,000 uplift, almost £11,000 a year not including the rent received over that period!

The size of the rental market is predicted to double over the coming decade, make sure that you take advantage of the opportunities out there.

Belvoir is now the only dedicated letting agent in Christchurch, all the other agents also sell property. At Belvoir Christchurch we offer free pre-purchase advice, just call us or drop into our offices at 22a Bargates.

Jeremy Clarke, Belvoir • Tel: 01202 588920 Photo: Richard Lock Photography 22a Bargates, Christchurch, BH23 1QL Directory when responding Please mention The Christchurch to adverts

Community News

8

Christchurch sports men and women honoured at annual award ceremony The success and dedication of Christchurch sports men and women has been celebrated at the annual Christchurch and District Sports Council Sports Achievement Awards, held at East Dorset Indoor Bowls Club.

This year there were 29 winners in total, with awards presented on the night by the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Frederick Neale, for success across a range of sports including swimming, football, netball, taekwondo, athletics, trampolining, hockey, windsurfing, ballroom dancing and sailing. Awards were divided into categories, with nine bronze awards for county standard success in sporting competitions, eight silver awards for national standard success and seven gold awards for international standard success.

There were also two Dedicated Services to Sport awards to Trevor Hewson for his many years as an instructor with Christchurch & District Model Flying Club and to Emily Gard for achievements in playing and coaching football. Four Coaching Awards were given to Marcin Tata from Dorset Taekwondo, Brian Brockway from Christchurch & District Model Flying Club and Lucy Cloggie and Lydia Golden both from Avonbourne Gym Club and Twynham School Gym Club.

The Mayor said: “Yet again, Christchurch has come up with another group of sportspeople who have shown enormous dedication and commitment to reach such high standards in their chosen sports. I congratulate them all.�

All the winners of the awards with the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Frederick Neale (far right)

To advertise in The Christchurch Directory, please call: 01202 894397

9

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Please mention The Christchurch Directory when responding to adverts

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To advertise in The Christchurch Directory, please call: 01202 894397

ADVERTISEMENT11

Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!

It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows.

The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services.

Manager Matt Stensel feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps.

Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’

Cloudy2Clear service Christchurch and the surrounding area & 0DWW LV ÀQGLQJ WKDW KLV approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth

is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense.

I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just

goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Matt a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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Community News

12 12

Twynham students benefit from Cookery for Life Skills Course A group of eight Year 10 students from Twynham School in Christchurch are being taught new skills thanks to a course organised by Christchurch Food Festival Education Trust and funded by Dorset Community Foundation.

The students are participating in a ‘Cookery for Life Skills’ course taking place over seven weeks with a series of two-hour workshops facilitated by local chef Ian Hewitt. Each practical session comprises a demonstration followed by hands-on cooking by the students of one or two dishes per session. The final session held on the seventh week will allow the students to design and cook their own meal for the sponsors and parents.

During the course they are learning how to cook both basic and aspirational dishes, learn about healthy eating, cooking on a budget and basic food

hygiene but are also gaining increased self-confidence and self-esteem. The students have been fortunate enough to have a trip to The Pig hotel and restaurant in Brockenhurst where they gained an understanding of growing and producing fruit, vegetables and fresh herbs, raising animals and foraging for food in the Forest.

Mary Reader, trustee of the Christchurch Food Festival Education Trust, said: “This is one of a series of courses we have organised in secondary schools in Christchurch to give students the opportunity to develop a valuable life skill. As a result of the course they may decide to enter the hotel and catering industry or to focus themselves on another form of further education.

“We are very grateful to Dorset Community Foundation for sponsoring this course.”

Students on the course with CFFET trustee Mary Reader and chef Ian Hewitt

To advertise in The Christchurch Directory, please call: 01202 894397

13

GIBB menswear

Now here in Christchurch!!

An established Menswear Retailer now offering our services to Christchurch.

We sell “Classic Menswear”, with our Autumn collections now in stock.

Our Hire Department is also in store so if you’re in need of a Dinner Suit or planning your Wedding outfits for the coming year, we do it all!

So come and visit us in Bargates and see for yourself the great service we can offer you!

62a Bargates Christchurch BH23 1QL

01202 489621

www.gibbmenswear.co.uk



                     

    Please mention The Christchurch Directory when responding to adverts

14 14

Wildlife News

Talking about Wildlife...

Be naturally creative this Xmas When the days grow shorter and the festive season is looming, it’s easy to turn on the heating, don some fluffy slippers and put your feet up, but at Dorset Wildlife Trust we believe there’s a great reason for dressing up warm, putting on the wellies and getting outside in the fresh air!

Before the advent of mass-produced Christmas decorations (often on sale from late August!) people gathered their own natural foliage, berries and cones to make table centrepieces and wreaths, and this was part of the annual ritual that made the run-up to Christmas such fun.

There’s a wealth of natural material out there just waiting to be used to wonderful effect inside your home, so why not rekindle the joy of using natural resources in your own family, and get some good healthy exercise at the same time?

Evergreens such as holly, ivy and conifers are fairly easy to find when you’re out on a winter walk, but make sure that you’re not taking anything from private property, and also that you only take a small amount from each bush or tree. You can also get creative with things like fir cones, acorns and nuts that have fallen onto the ground.

Once you’ve collected your raw materials, you don’t need to be a craft expert to create something lovely. Our fabulous festive workshop with Jules Hosford on 14 November will give you all the guidance you need in order to make your own stunning wreaths and table flowers, personalised just for you and your loved ones.

If art rather than sculpture is more your style, get inspired to design your own Christmas card with artist Julie Herring on 12 November. This is a chance to draw directly from nature in The Great Heath.

Don’t worry, though, if you can’t get outside either for materials or inspiration, because Carla Taylor will help you make your own gorgeous hand-made felt decorations for your tree and home, including robins, baubles and more, on 22 November.

For more information and details of how to book a place, see: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events

By Alison Copland, DWT Volunteer Felt Balls

Photo: Carla Taylor

To advertise in The Christchurch Directory, please call: 01202 894397

15

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We have over 20 years experience and all our work is carried out by fully insured, fully qualified staff

Please mention The Christchurch Directory when responding to adverts

16

New Year, New Resolution...

get the Hoburne Dental smile for 2016!

How about starting 2016 with a feel-goodfactor smile from Hoburne Dental Practice?

December and January are great months for celebrating but think of your poor teeth and gums during the months of excess. Why not treat yourself to a clean-up and polish at our practice in Christchurch? We have a lovely team and a warm welcome for all of our patients, both existing and those thinking of joining us.

We also host the Air-Flow® polishing system used for a variety of preventative and restorative dental treatments - patients will be amazed at the sparkling results, removing plaque and bacteria silently and painlessly – it even comes in a variety of flavours to suit everyone, plus it is a great way to make those notoriously trickyto-clean braces sparkle too, so what better way

to start 2016 than with a visit to Hoburne Dental Practice. We can carry out everything from that dental hygienist appointment to dental implants, traditional and general dentistry and everything in between.

The Hoburne Dental team ensures the best possible protection and care for your dental hygiene needs.

So don’t forget to add a visit to Hoburne Dental Practice, Saffron Drive, Christchurch to your New Year’s resolutions and start 2016 as you mean to go on!

Call us for more information, special offers and your appointment NOW.

‘Hoburne Dental Practice: Not just dental care but caring dental’

Awarded British Dental Association’s (BDA) Good Practice Scheme for the last ten years - a very rare national achievement and we’re extremely proud of it!

Contact us for your FREE Implant consultation Family & general dentistry | Dental Phobia Clinic 0% interest & monthly payment plans | Cosmetic dentistry Teeth whitening & air polishing | Free on-site parking Hoburne Dental Practice, 104 Saffron Drive, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 4TG.

Tel: 01425 277245 or www.hoburne-dental.co.uk Not just dental care, but caring dental. Come and see for yourselves.

To advertise in The Christchurch Directory, please call: 01202 894397

17

New Year New Kitchen

This year make a resolution you can keep!

Call Dream Doors and get the kitchen of your dreams!

• • • •

Huge choice of Doors, Worktops, Appliances, Sinks & Taps Free Estimating and planning From doors to complete kitchens Installed in 1-2 days by professionals View our credentials at

Call for a free estimate or visit our showrooms 185 Lower Blandford Rd, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset BH18 8DH Tel: 01202 695856 or 17 Bargate, Christchurch. BH23 1QD Tel: 01202 483129 www.dreamdoors.co.uk

Please mention The Christchurch Directory when responding to adverts

18

..providing the answers

to your legal questions

Every month the solicitors and lawyers at Harold G Walker will be providing answers to your questions about the law.

What happens if I don’t make a Will?

If you die without a Will in England and Wales your estate is administered according to the intestacy rules.

A recent high profile celebrity whose estate was administered in this way was Rik Mayall and there was a huge inheritance tax bill as a result.

Under the rules of intestacy Rik Mayall’s estate was divided between his wife and children. There is an exemption from tax for all assets left to a surviving spouse, however, all assets left to his children were subject to inheritance tax at 40%. Had he left a Will leaving all his assets to his wife she would have received everything free of tax.

With an estate worth approximately £1.2 million that would have meant hundreds of thousands of pounds of tax saved.

If a couple is married and leave all their assets to the surviving spouse on their death that person’s nil rate band of £325,000, upon which tax is not payable, gets ‘rolled over’ to the surviving spouse. This means that when the second spouse dies they are able to utilise both nil rate bands and leave £650,000 worth of assets free of tax. Had Rik Mayall done this his children would have had to pay tax on a much smaller amount following their mother’s death.

A Will is an important document not only to ensure that your assets get left to the people you want to receive them but if it is properly drafted by a qualified person it can also create significant tax savings for your loved ones.

Daniel Curnock Wills & Probate

We are selling our property and can’t find our Title Deeds—does this matter?

It may not matter. Since Land Registry commenced its dematerialisation programme in October 2003 Title Deeds are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Nowadays the majority of the information about your property will be contained within the Official Title Document, a copy of which can be downloaded from Land Registry for a small fee. This document will provide details of the current registered owner; any registered mortgages; leases (granted for a term of 7 years or more); rights; easements and restrictions applicable to the property. If the property is mortgaged the lender may hold some or all of the title deeds or they may be with the firm of solicitors who acted on your behalf when you purchased. In this instance we would require your written authority for the Title Deeds to

be released to our firm. However, if your property is unregistered this may cause a slight delay in the process. In this case we at Harold G Walker would look for and gather evidence that you have lived at the property going back as far as possible and we would arrange for you to sign a statutory declaration to this effect. Defective Title Insurance can also be taken out to protect any future purchaser of the property. There may also be documents which you hold separately from the Title Deeds and which may assist in the smooth turnaround of your sale. Such as Planning Permissions and Building Control Certification relating to works carried out during your ownership of the property, FENSA Certificates and other Guarantees or Warranties provided Arthur Scaife by Conveyancing

Send your questions by email to LawSpot@hgwalker.co.uk

Law Spot is brought to you by Harold G Walker Your Friend-in-Law To advertise in The Christchurch Directory, please call: 01202 894397 There is no guarantee that your question will be used and you will not get a personal response. The answers in this feature are for guidance purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.

19

Tree and Hedge Care Specialists Local, established family run business ;YLL :\YNLY` HUK ;YLL -LSSPUN [V ): (SS +LIYPZ 9LTV]LK ;76 (WWSPJH[PVUZ 8\HSPÄLK >VYRMVYJL -\SS` 0UZ\YLK (WWYV]LK :OVY[ 5V[PJL >VYR /LKNL 9LK\J[PVU 4HPU[LUHUJL ;YLL :[\TW 9LTV]HS ;YLL :HML[` 0UZWLJ[PVUZ ;YLL 7SHU[PUN Email: broadoaktreecare@msn.com 6 Kings Avenue, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1NB

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It’s All Childs Play

20 20

I T’S ALL CHILDS P LAY A Sense of Christmas

Think of Christmas without its sights, sounds, smells and tastes and the magical festivities would certainly lack lustre. Christmas is all about the senses, from the spectacle of presents under a scented tree, the sound of ripping paper and carols playing in the background to the heady aromas of chocolate, spices and zesty fruit. All these sensations and more help give it its sense of occasion, which if repeated year on year, become treasured family traditions for generations to come. Think back to a childhood Christmas and try to put your finger on what made it so memorable?

Take stocking opening. As well as the thrill of receiving a yearned for present, I wonder if snuggling up in dressing gowns and slippers on a cold dark morning, delving in the stocking, exclamations of surprise and delight and the feast for the eyes of a present strewn bed helped imprint the memory?

Christmas does not have to be a time of excesses, in fact nearly forty years on I can still vividly recall my best ever present, a carrier bag of second hand Sindy clothes that would have had Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s wastebusters smiling. Even children too young to understand what Christmas is about can appreciate the anticipation of the occasion and be enthralled by the excitement of others.

If you feel that Christmas has become too focussed on presents with not enough memory-making traditions and fun, here’s some no and low cost sensory ideas to try.

Sight The sense of sight is our most stimulated sense. If 80% of all input is visual just imagine what it’s like at Christmas time with sparkly lights, tinsel, baubles and beautifully wrapped presents? When it comes to decorations often less is more, so why not use holly and ivy to add cheer without bombarding the senses? Making wreaths and displays can be a great excuse for venturing outdoors in search of holly berries and vines. Christmas wreaths don’t come cheap but handmade ones are there for the picking. What better way of seeing young creators bristle with pride than their creation decorating the front door or mantelpiece? Go equipped with secateurs and a bin bag (for collecting the prickly branches in) then warm up inside with a lovely hot chocolate while having fun shaping them into cool decorations. And if you’re tree decorations have been nibbled by mice (as ours were) you can try your hand at simple homemade creations, from felt stocks to clay leaves, clove studded oranges to Lego sleighs, toilet roll Santas to cotton wool snowmen and wherever else your imagination takes you.

Smell For me Christmas would not be the same without the smell of pine needles, satsumas, mulled wine and brandy flamed

plum pudding. Why not limber up your nose with a spiced scented candle or better still the gentle aroma of whole dried oranges, great for getting in the mood? To add to the festive aromas and create gorgeous decorations, score the sides of whole oranges and dry them slowly in the oven – an Aga is perfect. Once dried they look amazing, and will release their zesty aromas infusing the air with the scent of Christmas.

Taste Children love the opportunity to get creative in the kitchen so why not make mince pies, Christmas cookies, sweets or sausage rolls together? As well as being cheaper and nicer than most shop bought options it gives children great satisfaction knowing they’ve made something as well as teaching them about food. Try this fun variation on the humble mince pie. Use readymade puff pastry to make mince pie bases and fill with mincemeat. Decorate with pastry stars, holly leaves, bells and trees (either free hand or cut with cookie cutters) to form the lids. Brush with beaten egg and bake. The puffed up creations will really wow visitors, and if my children are anything to go by, they’ll get great satisfaction from being hands-on. As well as being fun and a great way of saving money, you’ll be creating traditions and memories for the future. Our retro repertoire includes a Yuletide log, marzipan fruits and huge stocking shaped mince pie! Which recipe will you choose to become your family favourite?

Sound In our house Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without festive music. From Bing Crosby to choral pieces and popular carols, Christmassy music offers a change to the norm and makes the occasion all the more special. Not all traditions need to cost the earth. With a crackling open fire we always sort through the box of decorations (homemade and bought) and dress the freshly dug tree to the sound of White Christmas. But music doesn’t have to be traditional why not invite older children to create their own Christmas playlist and get ready for some embarrassing dad dancing!

Sue Gascoyne

For fun sensory play activities, Sue’s latest research, resources and training go to www.playtoz.co.uk.

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Adventures of Nellie

22 22

The Adventures of Nellie The Dorset Publications Camper Van Poor Nellie has had some problems recently and we are thinking of getting better health insurance for her. I did tell the insurance man that she is famous and would need a separate policy for her “derrière” but he didn’t seem to take me seriously. I wonder why? Well, all fitted out with a new starter motor (I must admit I have the same problems myself getting out of bed in the mornings...) Nellie took us to the Stanpit Recreation Ground to watch the famous Christchurch Rotary fireworks!

Personally I love Bonfire night and for the last 5 years we have attended this great Christchurch show. Bonfire night to me is one of those nights where you wrap up warm, hat, scarves, gloves and wellies, not really caring how you look.

You can see that from the photo! Hayden took his fury lion hat off, once we were in the grounds...

What I love about this event here in Christchurch is the tremendous group

Christchurch Rotary manning the gate

Hayden all wrapped up in style atmosphere. It is all about family and fun and luckily we arrived just in time to see the huge bonfire being lit. Everyone counted down from 5 to 1 in unison and suddenly the blaze began to climb.

Once the fire really got going the flames reached high into the sky. It is amusing watching all the different shapes, one just look like an elephant which Nellie was rather proud of!

After gazing, spellbound at the dazzling flames for quite some time we wandered around the whole bonfire fence and then went into the ‘arena’ to buy chips and have a coffee. All of the clubs especially the Christchurch Scouts, Cubs and Guides do such a good job of providing exactly what is needed, hot drinks and hot food.

Oh yes and don’t forget the toffee apples!

Isn’t it interesting that some traditions are still with us? I love that.

One tradition I haven’t seen for a while is “Penny for the Guy”. Does anyone know what happened to that? Anyway,

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23 23 there were also a few small rides for the children. I wanted a go on the choo-choo train as it did say that children could be accompanied with an adult, but Hayden age 12, seemed somewhat reluctant to take his Mum on. I couldn’t understand that...

“The James Emmett’s Ragtime Revellers” kept us well entertained with their upbeat music and certainly put on a great performance for us all. If you were not already in a good mood, you certainly were now! Feet were tapping and heads were nodding. Perfect.

Ragtime Revellers entertaining the crowd Ending with a breathtaking finale there was an enormous cheer and lots of clapping.

The fi reworks once they started were spectacular! The gargantuan, sensational flashes in the sky, all set to music, are thrilling and certainly get the heart racing.

Or am I just showing my age? Mustn’t get too excited now... The fireworks were in fact continuous for a good 20 minutes, non stop. The Christchurch Rotary and Sponsors of this event really do need a Commendation for putting on such a stunning show. We were all standing in awe, amazed, with choruses of “Oooohs and Aaaahs” all expressed in unison. The atmosphere was electrifying! (Where was John Travolta?)

We had met friends when we arrived and two others were travelling up from Poole, but had arrived just as the fireworks started. Amazingly, despite hundreds and hundreds of people in attendance, when the fireworks finished they were literally standing right behind us! We were able to have a good old English cup of tea, a chat and a laugh before setting off for home.

A great night out with friends.

Feeling the heat of the fire

Massive fireworks lit up the sky

Nellie was grinning from headlight to headlight all the way home.

Where will she take us next…?

By Debbie Corney

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24 24

What’s On at Regent Centre

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS REGENT CENTRE - CHRISTCHURCH 16th – 23rd JANUARY 2016

This New Year, the award winning Highcliffe Charity Players’ eagerly awaited classic family pantomime at the Regent Centre is the traditional favourite GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS. There are ten performances from 16th – 23rd January 2016, including three matinees, a midmorning and a tea time ‘meet the cast’ show.

Tickets are £10.00 - £13.50 and, as usual, profits will go to local charities.

Who’s been eating my porridge? Animal magic has ensured that Goldilocks and the Three Bears has enchanted generations of panto-goers, and HCP’s new production not only has the ‘Bear’ essentials, but a menagerie of animal magic.

For Goldilocks is the daughter of circus owner and panto Dame, the outrageous Ma Barnaby.

So Roll up, Roll up, as Barnaby’s Circus comes to Christchurch. It’s the greatest circus in town, but the evil Baron Von Trappem, with his hapless duo Dunn and Dusted, plans to put them out of business by stealing their animals for his zoo!

Goldilocks must save the circus – and Antonio, the romantic Romany (and – of course – the loveable Three Bears) are on hand to ensure a happy ending.

Ensured, too, is HCP’s renowned panto formula for a fantastic fun evening – great sets and costumes, popular show songs, dazzling

dance routines, slapstick humour and plenty of audience participation (Oh yes you will!).

Says HCP Chairman Georgina Smith, herself an award winning principal boy, director and choreographer: “Goldilocks was the first panto the Players ever performed at the Regent Centre back in 1986 and we’ve done it twice there since. But this spectacular circus themed version by Peter Long and Keith Rawnsley adds a really exciting and colourful twist to this wellloved tale.”

Goldilocks and the Three Bears runs at the Regent Centre for ten performances from 16th to 23rd January 2016.

Tickets (£10.00-£13.50) are on sale both at the Regent Centre Box Office (01202 499199) and online: www.regentcentre.co.uk Further information can be found at: www.highcliffecharityplayers.com

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Gardening Tips

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On Your Plot Scarves at the ready

December is perhaps the one month where, in the build up to Christmas with roaring fires and shorter days, even the hardiest of gardeners may struggle to get out there and do the necessary for their plots.

December often means hard frosts and you need to harvest your winter cabbages, celery and cauliflowers this month. Parsnips and swedes are pretty hardy so if you are a bit overrun with your crop you can keep these in the ground until you need them. If bad weather is forecast then keep some straw handy to cover them over and stop the ground from freezing thema in. Make sure that you check your stored crops for any sign of disease and remove any that look problematic.

If the ground isn’t too sticky then this is also a great time to get out your hoe and work between your vegetable crops. Look out for any plants which might have been lifted by frost and press them gently back into the ground.

Keep an eye on your Brussels too - these should be starting now so try cooking them in different ways in your meals before the ‘big day’ (adding a spot of garlic can make all the difference) until you find something suitable to go with the bird. You don’t just have to eat them on Christmas Day you know!

Be mindful of any snowfall this month or in future weeks and help out your plants and shrubs as best you can by brushing off any settled snow. This helps to prevent any damage with branches breaking under the weight. Just make sure you if you have small children they don’t take this as an opportunity to flick snow everywhere otherwise your quiet gardening time could suddenly turn into an impromptu snowball fight!

Birds at this time of the year need all the help they can get too. There are some great plants that you can introduce to help them as well as popping out the traditional feeders. These

include hawthorn, holly, beriberi and indeed your holly can double up as a craft project for indoor decorations over the festive season.

If you are planting these types of shrubs for our feathered friends then do try and put them somewhere quiet in the garden where the birds won’t be frightened off.

Sit back at your window and watch them feed contentedly whilst you enjoy the view. Why not get out a few gardening books, grab a cup of tea and imagine how you’d like your garden to look next summer? More or less vegetables? Bigger shrubs, more colour?

Whatever you choose, pat yourself on the back for all the hard work you’ve done this year and think how green your fingers really could be!

Jobs for December:-

• Continue collecting falling leaves and put them in a leaf mould cage ready for next year.

• Take hardwood cuttings of soft fruit.

• Cover your compost bins • Pop some more manure into your digging efforts.

• Keep an eye on any slugs trying to get at your potatoes • Keep your bird feeders topped up, especially if there is ground frost or snowfall.

• Keep mice away from your harvested produce.

• Cut back any creepers that have become a bit excitable during the year

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28 28

Money Saving Tips

Martin

LEWIS &KULVWPDV No we do not want Christmas songs, goods or fairy lights in September, or October, or even November. Christmas is on 25 December and that’s where it should stay. Yet, while it is far too early for celebration, it’s never too early for preparation.

Many of the key Christmas must-dos to save money only work if you do them early enough. So now we’ve far fewer than 100 days to go, here’s my Christmas (or Chanucah or Eid) savers checklist.

Earn 5% cashback on your Christmas shopping If you’re going to be spending for Christmas, you might as well do it on a card that pays you every time you spend on it. The no annual fee AmericanExpress.com Amex Everyday credit card pays 5% cashback on your first three months’ spending (maximum £100) followed by up to 1.25% after.

Get it now and this falls during the high spend Christmas period.

The cashback won’t be paid until a year later, but, then again, that’s a bonus for next Christmas. Set up a direct debit to repay IN FULL each month to avoid the 22.9% rep APR. There’s a full list of options at www.mse.me/cashback, plus an eligibility checker that tells you your odds of getting each card.

Agree to not give unnecessary presents Far too many people do tit-for-tat giving, and using the end result is tat. So now’s the moment to agree with friends, family and colleagues to cut back on giving this year. Why not save it for just the immediate family?

Too many people end up with goods they’ll never use, so why waste our cash out of some peer-pressure filled obligation. And even those who want to be generous to those with less than them, remember by giving to someone that person often feel obligated to buy back which can do more harm than help. For my full ‘ban Christmas presents’ philosophy, go to www.mse.me/ banchristmas.

Not saved for it? Start now – then you can split the cost by four A typical family Christmas costs around £820 – a huge amount from one month’s salary alone. But if you haven’t started saving yet, there is still time.

For example, put £200 aside from your September, October and November’s income, and it’ll spread the cost. Save what you can, but if you really can’t afford to, I’m afraid you’ll need to cut your cloth accordingly.

Not used it since last Christmas? Flog it Walk around the house and examine everything – it’s time for your annual personal stock clearance. Many old items can be worth serious cash and if you’ve not used things for a year, whether kids’ toys, prams, coffee makers, mobile phones, gadgets, or even clothes, why not sell them?

Have a look on eBay to see if any of your bits are suitable for

sale. There are also lots of recycling sites that will pay you for old mobiles and gadgets – just make sure you do your research first to find the one that’ll give you the most.

Set up a Christmas cupboard, then POUNCE on the biggest discounts Become a tactical shopper. Work out now what you want to buy and then you can pounce on it when there’s a code, voucher or discount that’s cheaper (my weekly email includes the hot ones www.mse.me/tips).

Even better, as is part of many MoneySavers’ Christmas arsenal, once you by a present, bag it, wrap it, and pop it in a Christmas cupboard.

Don’t borrow for Christmas - but if you’ll do it anyway, ensure it’s at 0% Xmas borrowing’s a bad idea. Far better to go, er, cold turkey, and have a more austere time (Christmas is just one day, after all).

That said, if you’ll borrow anyway, at least do it right. The longest 0% spending credit card is Cbonline.co.uk at 26 months or PostOffice.co.uk at 25 months. Although these cards are over two years interest free, before they jump to 18.9% rep APR, aim to clear the card before next Christmas or you just perpetuate the misery.

Small cutbacks now can mean big savings Small cutbacks now can save large when there are 90 days, 66 working days and 13 weeks left until Christmas. So, if you give up a £2 coffee every day at work you’ll save £132, or cut back on an £8 pack of cigarettes every week and it’s £104. I’m not saying you must give up everything completely, but make an active choice: would you prefer the cash at Christmas or the daily treat?

Don’t use Tesco vouchers for festive food A £10 Tesco voucher is worth just £10 in-store. Yet you can double or triple its value on items in its www.tesco.com/clubcard/deals/ brochure (£10 becomes £30) on gift items such as Goldsmiths jewellery or Merlin annual theme park passes.

Plus every few months its ‘double-up’ scheme gives 2x value year-round on selected items in-store and on Tesco Direct, including fragrance, toys and electricals. Tesco won’t confirm for sure when it’ll next be on, but it’s likely to be around the beginning of November.

Warning! Don’t ignore your household enquiry form Every UK household is being sent a Household Enquiry Form from their local council to check the right people are registered to vote – and if you repeatedly fail to fill it in you can be fined up to £1,000.

@MoneySavingExpert

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29

Great ideas for Christmas Presents!

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Index of advertisers

Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Directory...

Bedrooms Custom Creations..................... 5 Flair Interiors............................29

Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds............................. 3 Broadview Blinds......................27 Tuscany Blinds..........................19

Denture Services Dorset Denture Clinic................21

Domestic Cleaning Time for You..............................13

Electricians Dorset Electrical & Fire Alarms.... 9

Builders & Carpenters Ian Jones...................................13 Garden Services

(See also Tree Surgeons)

Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras................. 9

Chimney Sweeps Oliver Chimney Sweeps.............27

Chiropractors Paul Harris................................15

Community News Adventures of Nellie.................22 Christchurch sports men and women honoured at awards.... 8 Dorset Wildlife Trust...................14 It’s Child’s Play: Christmas Sensations.............20 LawSpot....................................18 Martin Lewis: Christmas...........28 On your plot: Scarves at the ready..............26 Twynham students get Cookery For Life Skills.............12 What’s On at Regent Centre.....24

Pet Services Muddyford Mutts.....................13 Tailor Made Pet Services........... 3

Plumbing & Heating Engineers Bournemouth Plumbing Solutions....21 First Choice Plumbing............... 1 J C Gas......................................15

Property Maintenance Ian Jones...................................13

David Burgess Garden Design....27

Hearing Aids & Services Kellear Hearing.........................22

Hot Tub Hire Party Tub Hire........................... 9

Kitchens Custom Creations..................... 2 Dream Doors............................17 Flair Interiors............................31

Letting Agents Belvoir!..................................... 7

Meal Deliveries Collins Catering Services...........29

Dancewear Dancing Daisy........................... 3

Mens Clothing Gibb Menswear........................13

Dentists Hoburne Dental Practice..........16

Oven Cleaners Oven King................................. 9

Puzzles & Competitions Kids Page..................................10 Prize Wordsearch......................25

Record Shops Rose Red Records......................29

Residential Care Homes Care South: Queensmead......... 6

Solicitors Harold G Walker.......................32

Takeaways & Restaurants Chuckles Chippy........................ 5

Tree Surgeons Ashley Tree Surgeons................15 Broadoak Tree Care..................19

Windows, Doors & Conservatories Allglaze.....................................21 Cloudy2Clear Windows.............11 Dorset Windows....................... 5

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fit

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Your Team of Specialists in Christchurch Dee Woodcock Employment

Arthur Scaife Christchurch

Arthur Scaife Conveyancing

Arthur Scaife Conveyancing Daniel Curnock Wills & Probate

Toni Oxborough Family Law

Home visits available on request for Wills, Probate & LPA’s Broadstone: 01202 692448 Verwood: 01202 823308

Harold G Walker Your Friend Friend--in in--Law hgwalker.co.uk

Christchurch: 01202 482202 Wimborne: 01202 881454

The Christchurch Directory 1 Moorlands Rise, West Moors, Ferndown, BH22 0JR