The Christchurch Directory - January/February 2015

The Christchurch

Directory

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

Delivered FREE around the town

January/February 2015

In this issue: Win one of three sets of amazing garden furniture from Reformed Plastics Christchurch Young Sports Stars awarded Ann Montini meets the Stars: Julio Iglesias LawSpot with Harold G Walker Adventures of Nellie

www.firstchoiceplumbing.co.uk

Call us for further details on

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‘Any colour, as long as it is black.’

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Henry Ford, 1923

Ford has come a long way since Come and take a fresh look at our Ringwood and Christchurch showrooms today.

New & Used Car Sales Servicing Parts Car Hire

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Christchurch, Lyndhurst Road, Christchurch BH23 4SB (opposite Sainsbury’s) Ringwood, 156 Christchurch Road, Ringwood BH24 3AP

Christchurch: 01425 271 371 Ringwood: 01425 472 242 www.keithmotors.com keithmotors

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ThompsonServices fencing decking garden maintenance

CALL NOW for a FREE no obligation quotation

T: 01202 980805 M: 07810 873121 • 07585 704880 E: thompson.services@ymail.com

Christchurch

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The Christchurch Directory Welcome...

Edition 100

Published by:

Debbie & Stephen Corney at Dorset Publications

Telephone:

01202 894397

Email:

info@thechristchurchdirectory.co.uk

Copy deadline for the February 2015 edition: 23rd January 2015

Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in 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.

Dear Christchurch, Bargates, Mudeford, Friars Cliff and Burton!

Wow what a good Christmas and New Year we had this year! I do hope you were able to spend time with family and friends too. In addition to all those festivities I had my 50th Birthday (shh, don’t tell…) and celebrated that with all those I love the most. So yes, it was an unforgettable few weeks! Nellie, the campervan, took us to ‘Pull a Pine’ which was great fun and you can read all about that on pages 26 and 27.

So, here we are in a New Year, 2015. What were your New Year’s Resolutions? We have lots planned this year and have already booked our holidays, so hard work but lots of time off too. A good balance all round. One decision I made was to get the house sorted out. We have already started throwing away all those unwanted items. Hayden wants to try and sell some of his toys, so we may have fun visiting a car boot sale or two. Wish us luck with that one!

There are many advertisers in The Christchurch Directory who can help you in the house this year. Whether you want cleaner carpets, better double glazing, the electrics updated, a new bedroom, a loft extension, or modern garage doors, there is a professional to help you. Please give them a call, they would love to hear from you and do mention The Christchurch Directory as this always makes our work worth while and is very much appreciated.

Stephen and I here at Dorset Publications are looking for community groups and clubs to promote for free, so if you know of one, wanting more help and promotion please let them know of us. If you have a business and want to let the local people know all about you, then please give me a call too. We would love to help you.

Wishing you all a FANTASTIC 2015!

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

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A Happé New Year From Stour Chiropractic Clinic

From 1st January 2015, Stour Chiropractic Clinic has great pleasure in welcoming, Dr Nicola Happé DC (Doctor of Chiropractic), who will be joining the team as Associate Chiropractor.

Throughout January, she will be offering New Patient Consultations together with Chiropractic Treatment for the

Special Introductory Offer Of Only £30.00.

For an appointment with Dr Happé, call Clinic Reception on 01202 484164, who will be happy to help

Whether it’s a bad knee, elbow, back or neck, we will do our utmost to make sure everything is working properly. We aim to get to the origin of the problem, correct it and get you back on the road to better health.

Special Introductory Offer

Dr Nicola Happé, DC £30.00 New Patient Appointment

Offer Includes: Consultation, Neurological and Orthopaedic Examination, Report of Findings AND Chiropractic Treatment Member of the British Chiropractic Association

59 Bargates, Christchurch BH23 1QE www.stourchiroclinic.co.uk

Christchurch

Don’t Suffer – Let Us Help 01202 484164 reception@stourchiroclinic.co.uk

Community News

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Local Scouts, Guides and Brownies help Christchurch Mayor distribute goodwill Scouts, guides and brownies from groups in Christchurch helped the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Denise Jones, to distribute her goodwill parcels to nominated recipients around the Borough.

Parcels of foodstuffs or plants and chocolates were handed out to 49 people thanks to the generosity of local businesses and groups who donated money or goods to the Mayor’s Goodwill Fund. More than £1,300 was raised from the businesses and community groups.

The lucky recipients were nominated by local charities, churches, doctors’ surgeries and social services.

Representatives from 1st Mudeford and 2nd Mudeford Brownies, Mudeford Guides and Scouts from Town, Jumpers, Highcliffe, Burton, Mudeford, and Somerford groups, together with District Explorers, helped with the distribution.

The Mayor said: “I was very grateful to the members of the different youth organisations who helped to distribute the various gift parcels. They were so enthusiastic and had lovely smiling faces - marvellous ambassadors for Christchurch and the Mayor’s Goodwill Fund.”

Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Denise Jones, with the scouts, guides and brownies

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Christchurch

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. . . s r a t S e h t s t e e m i Ann Montin

This month’s star is

Julio Iglesias Ann Montini caught up with singing legend Julio Iglesias at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

Ann – Julio Iglesias finally we meet?

Julio – “A pleasure, and always one, to come back to England, and appear and perform for my fans here. They have been so good to me over the years, we go back a long way.”

Ann – A new award too... what does that feel like?

Julio – “The award feels like for being alive to be honest, but seriously it’s for Sony Music’s ‘The Most Successful Latin Artist of All Time’ award, in recognition of my 46-year international career.

Amazing don’t you think?”

Ann – Truly amazing! You’re ageless though, what is your secret?

Julio – “Music and singing. No, truthfully I think if you have a passion you enjoy, then you should, you know embrace it and do it. I think this also keeps you young, and so you look better, but thank you for saying that.“ Ann – You have done so many things in your career though... Frank Sinatra ?

Julio – “My hero really, I have Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, to thank for us singing together though, as he told him about me, and well the rest is history, but what a star, what a legend.“ Ann – Your new album has gone gold all over the world... does the success still surprise you?

Julio – “Yes and no really, because I have wonderful fans, and I think that if you give them what they want then hopefully, they will enjoy it too, and so it goes on... I always like having number one albums though for sure.”

Ann – Many duets, who stands out for you apart from Sinatra Julio – “So many, but of course Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, what a lady and such a great songwriter too... but I always enjoy looking at

new people... who knows maybe Lady Ga Ga would like to duet?”

Ann – Could there be a Julio musical like others have done?

Julio – “We have sort of done this in a way you know, but not around the world... I am not sure, do you think that would work... if you do Ann, maybe you sing with me on the show?”

Ann – I would love too! Is it true you actually wanted to be a professional footballer?

Julio – “It is and, I was a for a while with Real Madrid, but then I had some misfortune, but out of that came the gift of music, and so life goes on... You have to remain positive you know.“ Ann – You have also starred in films in the past... planning anymore?

Julio – “I was very young, but yes I would look at some options now and again, but I am guessing at my age, I won’t be playing the romantic lead... but hey a movie career again would be wonderful...”

Ann – So what is next for you then?

Julio – “I am performing sell out shows, a new album and picking up awards you know life could not be better actually Ann, so all I would ask is more of the same please.“

Ann and Julio at the Dorchester Hotel in London Photo: Maycon Pictures

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Wildlife News

Talking about Wildlife...

Barn Owls

With their white, heart-shaped faces and golden feathers, barn owls are considered one of the most beautiful birds in Britain.

These mystical birds are difficult to spot in the wild. Their golden, silver-grey feathers act as camouflage when they are viewed from above. Similarly, their white underparts work as an anti-silhouette strategy, often enabling them to remain undetected from the ground.

Barn owls are formidable hunters. Due to tiny serrations on their flight feathers, they are able to sweep through the air soundlessly; this unnerving ability has earned them the title ‘Ghost Owl.’ They also have exceptional hearing and can pinpoint their prey by the smallest sound. Their diets typically consist of small mammals such as voles and rats.

But there is bad news for barn owls – they are in decline. Once, barn owls were Britain’s most common owl species; however their population has dropped in recent years by up to 70%. 2013 saw their worst breeding season for 30 years. Changes in weather patterns, the long winters, cold springs and wet summers, and decline in rough grassland, which harbours their food, are

Barn own in flight

by Ken Dolbear ���

Close up of a Barn Owl

by Ken Dolbear ���

just a few of the reasons Barn Owls are threatened in Dorset.

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) has launched a Barn Owl appeal, and raised over £28,000 to start helping barn owls in Dorset. Part of DWT’s work includes creating barn owl boxes and installing them, visiting landowners to talk about managing land to benefit the barn owl, and visiting schools and local communities to encourage recordings of barn owls, so DWT can monitor their progress.

With just a couple of better breeding seasons, the population should rise again. If you’re interested in taking part in making a barn owl box, we have all the tools and equipment.

Our next box building day is on Saturday 28th March 2015, at DWT’s headquarters, Brooklands Farm, near Dorchester, Dorset.

To book your place on the event phone 01305 264620.

For more information about the project and to make a donation, visit: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/barnowl

By Judy Godsell

w i n n e rs

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2014 has been another amazing year for NGPS and its customers.

We have helped hundreds more homeowners overcome their fear of rising ENERGY BILLS. We have won yet another prestigious Installer Award for the South West.

And we want to help even more Dorset homeowners like you...

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While still qualifying for a 20 year government grant in the form of the Feed in Tariff (FIT).

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With a 25 year warranty, Enphase micro inverters are our preferred solution for optimised energy generation to speed up payback on your solar energy investment.

Looked at solar before? Enphase is the answer for small roofs and those prone to shading or dust.

Do you generate excess Energy from existing Solar Panels?

For just £375 we will fit an i-Boost to your system, diverting excess energy into the generation of FREE hot water.

Renewable Energy Heating & Hot Water With the launch of the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive RHI grant, payable over 7 years, there has never been a better time to replace your boiler with renewable energy options such as Air Source, Ground Source or Biomass Heating. These highly efficient systems will outlive a traditional boiler several times and offer the most intuitive and highly efficient solution for 24/7 heat and hot water.

Solar Thermal Install one of the oldest renewable energy systems in the UK - Solar Thermal, for nine months FREE Hot Water.

Why customer’s have put their trust in us for over 20 years We provide local support. We operate under strict code of conduct for the electrical & renewable energy industry.

We have a Technical team, not salesman. We do not cold call. We don’t sell on the day or take deposits. You receive a quote in the post and pay at the end of your installation. We do not use Contractors, our installation teams are all employed and have been with the company for several years. We sit on a government advisory panel.

CONTACT US TODAY We offer no nonsense advice - and an end to rising energy bills.

For an appointment call 01202 736812 You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain!

Christchurch

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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 Teeth whitening | 0% interest & monthly payment plans Cosmetic dentistry | Free on-site parking Hoburne Dental Practice, 104 Saffron Drive, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 4TG.

Tel: 01425 277245 or www.hoburne-dental.co.uk

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Not just dental care, but caring dental. Come and see for yourselves.

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          

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Christchurch

14 14

Community News

Introducing the Jubilee Wine Circle Having spent too much on booze at Christmas and New Year do you wish you could save money by making your own wine and beer?

Do you want to know more about what you are drinking and try out new drinks? If so, come along to the Jubilee Wine Circle. We meet on the first Friday of every month at the Stapehill Village Hall and have a variety of evenings mostly centred on wine, it’s production and consumption. We often have tastings of different wines and you can see how your palate compares to other people’s and have more of an idea of what you like and dislike.

We have two qualified judges in the circle as well as a host of members who have been making wine for years so if you fancy making wine there are lots of people who can help. Recently we have had tremendous success at the Dorset

Federation Show where Jubilee carried off the trophy for circle with most points. The circle also has it’s own competitions and there is support for entering other competitions such as the Wales & West competition which is very large.

Recently we celebrated American wines on 4th July and had a wine based ‘Call My Bluff’ evening. In 2015 we will be having competitions, a tasting of local beers and a ‘Spot The Commercial’ wine evening where we try some home made wine against a commercial of the same type. So if you like the idea of a sociable evening with a general focus on wine then please contact the Chairman using the details below and you’ll be made very welcome.

Chairman: Neil Barton Tel: 01202 861077 Email: neillbarton@gmail.com

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Christchurch

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Custom Creations grows from strength to strength Custom Creations continues to go from strength to strength and we would like to thank all our Customers and suppliers for their loyal and continued support.

Our passion for creating bespoke furniture at an affordable price without compromising on quality or style continues to drive us forward, and the feedback from our customers about the service they receive is always lovely to hear, especially the many comments on how they really appreciate the personal touches that we give to go that extra mile.

We love to welcome customers to our showroom, where you can view our full range in a relaxing atmosphere with a cup of coffee or tea, and we are always happy to give you a tour of our workshop so you can see for yourself the care and attention your furniture will be made with.

We are continuing to source innovative new products to offer our customers and are delighted

to be one of the first people in the South chosen to offer the Kronospan Trends 14/15 Range - an exclusive new range of amazing materials that look just like the real thing! With a choice of 11 wood effects, a slate and a concrete effect, they create a unique design feature in any home.

For more ideas and inspiration you can visit our website at www.customcreations.furniture, or you can call Jo on 01202 823231 for further information or to book your free, no-obligation design appointment.

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18

Law Spot ...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.

I have a personal loan secured against my house. I now want to sell my house and purchase another. Can I just move this loan so that it is secured against the new house?

If you have taken a personal loan that is secured against your house, then it is in effect a second mortgage. Sometimes it is not made clear to borrowers how a loan is secured. Even if borrowers are made aware that the charge will be placed against their house, very often they are told that if they want to sell, the loan Arthur Scaife can be transferred onto the Conveyancing new property without any My ex-partner has told me she’s going to move to Norfolk with our children because that’s where her new partner is. The children have all lived in Bournemouth since they were born and are settled here. I don’t want my children to go - What can I do?

The prospect of one parent re-locating with children is often an extremely emotive time for everyone and is a very sensitive issue. If a parent living in England and Wales wishes to relocate with children to a place either outside the jurisdiction of England and Wales (such as Ireland, Scotland oe overseas) or within the jurisdiction (and it is a geographical move such as from Bournemouth to Norfolk) consent should be sought by all people who have parental responsibility. Even if a parent does not specifically have parental responsibility their consent may still be necessary. If there is no consent, an application to court can be made to

problems. Borrowers therefore assume that this is not something they need to let their solicitor know about.

Although when you took out the loan the sales person may have made it sound simple to move the loan onto the new property, the reality is that usually the loan cannot be transferred at all. The old loan will probably need to be paid off in full when the house is sold and an application made for a new loan. This new loan can then be secured against the new property so long as you have the consent of your main mortgage lender to do so.

It is important that you let us know as soon as possible if you have a secured loan against the property you are selling so that we can give you early advice regarding this. help determine the issue. A court will always focus on the welfare of the children involved and will seek to determine what is in their best interests.

There is always a balance to consider and every case is individual.

If a parent states their intention to leave with the children and the other parent believes they will simply go without getting their consent, that parent can issue an application to Court to stop them going until the issue has been resolved.

Removal without consent could be abduction.

If you are in either of these situations, specialist legal advice should be sought immediately.

Jennifer Miles Family Lawyer

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

Law Spot is brought to you by Harold

G Walker

Your Friend-in-Law

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

What’s On St Leonards Hotel, Ringwood

T: 01425 471220

LAS VEGAS TRIBUTE SHOW Friday January 23rd Frankie Martin performing songs from the Rat Pack and others. £22.95 with 3 course dinner

STEVE CHARRETT MAGIC CABERET Friday 30th January Enjoy an evening of magic & wonder with a full show, followed by close up individual table displays, during a 3 course dinner. A night not to be missed. £17.95

OLLY MURS TRIBUTE Friday 13th February

A popular tribute of Olly by Shaun Moore.

A 3 course dinner and exciting show for £22.95

ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE Friday 6th March

A brilliant show with a baby grand piano for only £22.95 with a 3 course meal

FRANK SINATRA & TINA TURNER Friday 3rd April for Easter weekend A fantastic duo by Teeray who won ‘Stars in their Eyes’. Enjoy a 3 course meal and be entertained for £22.95

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St Leonards Hotel

185 Ringwood Rd, Ringwood, BH24 2NP T: 01425 471220 | E: 9230@greeneking.co.uk

Christchurch

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Local company with over 35 years experience. Friendly and reliable service.

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Great kitchens are all in the detail...

SALE NOW ON! Whether you are looking for a whole new kitchen, a door change, Worktop change or something completely different we would be happy to talk to you, & discuss what we can do. We have the ability to make Bespoke / Handmade / Made to Measure Cabinets so if you can imagine it, we can make it.

We offer a FREE design & Quotation service with no obligations.

If you decide to purchase through us, we will then “Project Manage” your kitchen installation from start to finish.

Why not come along to our Studio / Showroom and discuss your requirements.

Call us or email us your plans or other quotes for us to see what we can do for you.

• Kitchen Design • Door Changes / Replacement doors • Bespoke / Hand Made / Made to Measure in all Ranges

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• Worktop Changes • Skilled Local Tradesmen • Your Local Kitchen Studio

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21

22

100% FULLY FUNDED SOLAR ENERGY

Think Sustainable Energy who are new in Dorset but have over 200 installations in many parts of the UK are announcing their unique offer of installing fully self funding Solar systems in the Dorset area.

This is not to be confused with the “Rent Your Roof” scam.

You own the installation and you receive ALL of the Government Feed-in tariffs which are GUARANTEED by the Government for 20 years. This can amount to many thousands of pounds. This is why the Rent a Roof cowboys think it is so good.

As well as this you should save about 50% on your current energy bills.

The panels they use are the latest state of the art German technology. They are black in colour and are much more attractive than the earlier rather ugly systems.

If you think this all sounds too good to be true give a call to Think’s local consultant Brian Ash for a chat and he will explain how it works. He can be contacted on 0800 656 9997 or email him at brian.ash@thinkgb.co.uk

So the end of the year is in sight!

The property market is always a favourite topic here in England and with all those parties coming up discussions are bound to be heated.

23

Jeremy Clarke

Early in the year the press decided that this year house prices were on the up and were going to increase dramatically. Indeed in the capital and locally we saw prices start to rise and the market looked quite good.

So how do increases in the prices of houses for sale affect the rental market?

Buying a property to let is normally about 2 things, a return on your investment and hopefully capital growth in the future. The first of course depends on the price paid for the property, how you have funded the purchase and the rent achievable. As prices rise then to maintain the same return on rentals rents have to rise. Unfortunately the rental market is not as volatile as the sales market and rents tend to reflect the true picture in the day-to-day life of people trying to afford to live; even so we have seen rents rise this year maybe by 10 – 12% in certain sectors but when you buy a property to let there are other considerations such as not having the property empty or looking for a tenant that will remain for a few years as well as the million dollar question – will my investment ultimately have risen in value when the time comes to sell?

At Belvoir Christchurch we believe that we give good sound advice to anyone looking to buy a property as an investment; we will be honest with you and sometimes that means telling a landlord not to buy something that they may have set their heart on! We advise on the type of property to buy, the likely rent you will achieve and what sort of tenant you are likely to attract. Sales prices have started to show signs of decreasing so now could be a good time to invest in your buy to let property!

Belvoir is now the only dedicated letting agent in Christchurch, all the other agents also sell property, ask yourself the question – is the agent selling that house working for me as a landlord or looking to earn a fee from the seller of the property. At Belvoir Christchurch there is no such conflict we also offer free pre-purchase advice, just call us or drop into our offices at 22a Bargates.

Jeremy Clarke, Belvoir Tel: 01202 588920

Christchurch

Community News

24 24

Young Christchurch sports men and women honoured at award ceremony The success and dedication of young 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 37 winners in total, with awards presented on the night by the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Denise Jones, for success across a range of sports including sailing, judo, taekwondo, rowing, athletics, water sports, football and cricket. Awards were divided into categories, with 16 bronze awards for county standard success in sporting competitions, 12 silver awards for national standard success and two gold awards for international standard success.

The gold award winners were Matt Aldridge and Isabelle Brennan-Pope. Matt was commended for his success in the Christchurch Rowing Club junior squad and for being selected to row for GB in an eight at Munich Junior International regatta when he came away with a bronze medal. He was selected to represent GB at the Junior World Championship.

Isabelle is a very talented all round sports person. She competes for her school in athletics and has county representation for football, cricket and cross country. Her most successful sport is BMX at Club, Regional, National and International level competing in two international competitions in Holland and in England, and has qualified to join team GB in Zolder, Belgium in 2015.

There were also six Dedication to Sport awards as well as a Coaching Award for Andrew Rushworth, an experienced sailor and racing coach who now coaches at Christchurch Sailing Club.

On presenting the awards, the Mayor said: “I am delighted at the determination, commitment and enthusiasm shown by all these award winners. These qualities not only help them in their chosen sporting activities but prepare them for life in general.

“I also wish to congratulate two other groups who have helped our sporting enthusiasts to achieve their goals - their trainers and their parents.”

25

Creatif~Perfection Creatif~Perfection would like to make your Wedding look as our name suggests – Perfect!

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483428 We are hair, nails and beauty, offering yourself, bridesmaids, mother, mum of the groom and guests a Pamper day to remember. All our services and prices are current until middle of 2015.

Come in for an informal consultation and a half price blowdry with a file a paint nail service in January, we can offer you a priority booking on the wedding date with a fifty percent deposit.

Alternatively email info@creatif-perfection.co.uk or book online at www.creatif-perfection.co.uk 23a The Market Place, Ringwood, BH24 1AN

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Adventures of Nellie

26 26

The Adventures of Nellie The Dorset Publications Camper Van Well really! Do you honestly think that Nellie would be a thief? She doesn’t possess a balaclava for one. Well this is what some friends thought when I proudly told them that Nellie took us to Arne in the Purbecks last month to cut down our own Christmas tree.

Their immediate reaction was to burst out laughing and ask “Is that legal!?”

I was shocked. Of course it is legal I declared indignantly! It was all rather funny really. I mean can you imagine us trying to disguise Nellie, running into the heathland in camouflage, cutting down a Christmas tree and sneaking it into the back? Well... maybe you can!

For those who do not know, our heathland is very special. In fact did you know that the heathland habitat is rarer than tropical rain forest? Rob Farrington of the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) tells us, “Heathland is not wasteland – it may look barren and bare but it is the most biodiverse habitat in the UK. That is, more species of wildlife call heathland home

Sammy and Hayden pull a pine each!

Porting our pulled pines than any other type of environment.” So you see, Nellie was doing a good deed!

Clearing away the small pines allows the heathland to survive... I just want to set the records straight.

It was a great day, the weather was glorious. Cool but sunny. We met a friend there with his young son. Everyone was in great spirits and there was not a drop of alcohol in sight. We had been to Arne to ‘pull a pine’ a few years ago but had not managed to get there since. I was amazed at the amount of people. There were literally hundreds of cars parked with many people walking with trees over their backs, smiling, laughing and generally enjoying our wonderful country, seaside air. The whole activity is a win win situation, as we save the RSPB in the region of £25,000 and over two years of work, leaving that money to be spent on other useful projects. All the volunteers get to take home a free Christmas tree and we save our heathland at the same time. Result! The views from this area are stunning as you can see in our photos.

27 27

Nellie prepares for a pine-full load There is nothing like the fresh air, family time and a project to do. The boys just loved using the loppers to cut the small trees down. The only problem is finding the tree for your front room. It is worse than choosing new curtains! Do we want this one, or this one, or will this one look better? Is this the right shape, too tall, too small?? There is such a variety, in the end you just have to say, “We will take that one!” We actually took two...one for the lounge and one for the front garden that we decorated with lights. There is something quite magical, knowing you cut the tree yourself. I have never had a Christmas tree lit up in the garden before so I was quite taken with that.

Nellie was very happy to bring the trees home. It was all a little squished in the back for Hayden, but we managed all the

Second tree welcomes visitors in front garden

Christchurch

Our tree, fully decked out, with the presents same. Travelling down the country lane we saw many different trees on car roof tops, being pulled in the trailer behind, or sat next to a contented and cheerful passenger inside.

I highly recommend ‘Pull a Pine’ at Arne. We even bought Mum a year’s membership to the RSPB as a Christmas present. Mum loves watching the birds, so this was an excellent present for her.

We already have a membership ourselves and are looking forward to, can you believe it, a ‘spider finding tour’ in the spring! If you want to know more about this organisation you can find them on line at www.rspb.org.uk or call general enquiries on 01767 680551.

Nellie thoroughly enjoyed her Christmas trip, was glad not to meet any policemen on the way home and is really looking forward to more exciting excursions in 2015! Where will she go next...?

By Debbie Corney

28

Across

Crossword

1 One who postpones (14) 10 Tied (5) 11 Badmouthing (9) 12 A protective structure (7) 13 Willingly obedient (7) 14 Sleighs (5) 16 Crooner (9) 19 An arm of the Atlantic Ocean (9) 20 Wear away (5) 22 Extremist (7) 25 A time for relaxation (7) 27 One who transcribes by hand (9) 28 Proof of innocence (5) 29 Sins (14)

Down

2 Gangster (9) 3 Military trainee (5) 4 Deserving of esteem (9) 5 Hardwood, carpeted or _____ oors (5) 6 Bargain (9) 7 Robber (5)

8 Ordinary (7) 9 Explosions (6) 15 Greasy (9) 17 They rent apartments (9) 18 An expert manner of speaking (9)

19 Free from error (7) 21 Induces vomiting (6) 23 Belief (5) 24 Not a winner (5) 26 Pertaining to modern day Persia (5)

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Community News

Pre-Loved Toy Appeal for the Hadland Foundation The Hadland Foundation, a local charity that provides help to ‘families in need’ will be collecting Pre-Loved Toys after Christmas that will be distributed to local family centres and women’s refuges.

your local Tops Day Nursery, who have kindly agreed to hold collection points for the appeal. We will then distribute the toys to local centres where children with few toys can play with them.”

The Pre-Loved Toy Appeal will run throughout January and February and will give children the opportunity to donate toys that they no longer play with.

The Hadland Foundation have had the Collection Boxes donated by Store and Secure Self Storage Behind Castlepoint and Tops Day Nurseries have agreed to have Collection Boxes at their nurseries in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Charminster, Parkstone and Corfe Mullen; a full list of Collection Points is on the Hadland Foundation website: www.hadlandfoundation.co.uk.

Paul Reade, Hadland Foundation manager comments: “After Christmas many once loved toys are discarded, as they have been replaced by new ones.

We hope that toys that are no longer played with will be donated to the Hadland Foundation. If you have any toys you wish to donate, please take them to

More information on the Pre-Loved Toy appeal can be found on the website or you can call Paul on 01202 551553.

Paul Reade with Sophie Maidman from Store & Secure Self Storage Behind Castlepoint at the launch of the Pre-Loved Toy Appeal

31

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34 34

Money Saving Tips

Martin

LEWIS Winter money saving Brrrr... The mercury has started to tumble, summer’s warmth seems a distant memory and the central heating is starting to kick into gear. As it'll only get colder, now's the time to ensure you're set up for winter to keep the cost down and the heat up. Here’s my checklist…

Find out where your stopcock is. Everyone should know where their mains water off switch is. Frozen pipe bursts create an average £7,000 of damage, made worse if you can't find the off switch as your home floods.

As Angie wrote on my Facebook page: "I know where mine is but only due to a burst pipe and collapsed floor a few years ago. Took us & the council 2hrs to find."

So find it now before you’ve problems. Mine is behind a kitchen cupboard, but you’ll also typically find yours in bathrooms, shared corridors in flats, boiler cupboards and more. To help locate yours there’s a nice Thames Water video at www.mse.me/stopcock.

Switch energy now and you could get £100s back. This is a great time to switch energy supplier if you pay by direct debit, as it's likely you're in credit after the low use summer months. Therefore switch now, and provided you ask for it – so ask - you'll likely be given cash too (switch after winter and you may be in debt).

Yet while the switch-over takes time, the work to compare and activate a switch doesn't. For fun, I put a stopwatch on four new members of my team trying to compare and switch - the quickest took 202 seconds, the longest 376 seconds. The average was 310 seconds with a £226 saving.

When comparing you may’ve heard of the recent scandal about ‘hiding top deals’ on some comparison sites. This is true – though my own www.cheapenergyclub.co.uk always shows all tariffs. Yet it means if you are using a different www.ofgem.gov.uk approved comparison site, when you get to the “Do you only want to see tariffs you can switch to today” question – say ‘no’ – that way all will display.

Switching isn't a big deal, it's the same pipes, gas, meter and safety scheme - the only difference is price and customer service. You can do it even if you're on a prepayment meter/ electricity only/ Eco 7.

Paying energy by monthly direct debit is cheaper. It discounts your bill by up to 6%. Firms then estimate your annual usage and divide it by 12 so you're likely to build up credit after summer and be a little in debt after winter. Always do regular meter readings for accuracy, as your bill is estimated. And if they try to push your direct debit up unfairly (eg, you're heavily in credit) you've a right for it to

be fair, just call and ask for it to be lowered.

Full service car breakdown cover £40. Breakdown is more likely at winter, and the consequences more severe. Yet policies can be very cheap.

For breakdown, home start and onward travel www.autoaidbreakdown.co.uk is £40 a year, though it’s a ‘pay and claim’ policy so here it sends a local pick-up truck that you have to pay, then you can reclaim the cash later. Feedback and call out times are good, though you need to remember to claim.

If you’ve got cover and are at renewal, then HAGGLE - 90% of AA customers and 78% with the RAC lowered their rates by bartering. For more deals see www.mse.me/breakdown.

Cut boiler costs by £100s - you don't need your energy firm's cover. Many energy firms use our fear of losing heating to charge hefty insurance costs. They also want us to think there's some link between our energy provider and our boiler cover. There isn't - you're not locked in. In short… a) Renters usually don't need it, as their landlord's likely responsible. Check. b) Ensure you know what cover you need, choose between boiler-only, or central heating cover. c) To find the cheapest compare via www.uswitch.com and if you have more time add www.energyhelpline.com and www.moneysupermarket.com for a wider comparison.

More help in www.mse.me/boilercover.

Are you entitled to any extra winter help. Winter is a tough time for many as the cold sets in. Therefore there are some funds which may help... a) Winter fuel payments. If anyone in your house was born on or before 6 Jul 1952 and gets a state pension, pension credit or jobseekers allowance you automatically get the up to £300 winter fuel payment (providing you met this qualifying criteria by 21 Sept 2014). Some on other benefits may be eligible too, but will need to claim if new to it. b) Cold weather payments. Anyone on specific income support/jobseeker's allowance/pension credit gets £25 for every 7 days it's sub-zero. It's paid automatically from 1 Nov 2014. c) Choosing between heating and eating? If you're seriously behind, or in general financial hardship, you may be eligible for special tariffs/help. Try the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99.

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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.

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Index of advertisers

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

Bedrooms Custom Creations.....................17 Custom World........................... 9 Flair Interiors............................39 Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds............................. 3 Tuscany Blinds..........................23 Builders & Carpenters RJW Carpentry..........................12 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners Clean and Dry...........................22 Cars — New & Used Keith Motors............................. 2 Chiropractors Stour Chiropractic Clinic........... 5 Community News Adventures of Nellie.................26 Ann Montini meets Julio Iglesias.... 8 Christchurch Mayor Goodwill distributed by Scouts & Guides.... 6 Christchurch Young Sports Persons Awards.....................24 Dorset Wildlife Trust...................10 Jubilee Wine Circle....................14 LawSpot....................................18 Martin Lewis: Winter Saving....34 Pre-loved Tay Appeal Launched....30 Dentists Hoburne Dental Practice..........12

Funeral Plans Age UK Bournemouth...............13

Lofts Loft Services.............................. 7

Garage Doors Skandoor...................................19

Memorial Services The Art Memorial Co................37

Garage Services Keith Motors............................. 2

Party Supplies Peeks: The Event Makers..........25

Garden Services (See also Tree Surgeons) David Burgess Garden Design....29 Reformed Plastics.....................32 Thompson Services................... 3

Pet Services Muddyford Mutts.....................20

Hairdressers & Beauty Salons Creatif~Perfection.....................25 Health & Fitness Herbalife...................................20 Hearing Aids & Services Kellear Hearing.........................22 Hotels & Entertainment St Leonards Hotel.....................19 Hot Tub Hire Party Tub Hire...........................16 Jobs Distributors Wanted.................35 Salespersons Wanted...............29

Domestic Cleaning Time for You.............................. 3

Kitchens Custom Creations.....................17 Dream Doors............................15 Elite Kitchen Designs.................21 Flair Interiors............................39

Drainage Services Drain & Plumbing Solutions......28

Letting Agents Belvoir!.....................................23

Electricians Dorset Electrical & Fire Alarms....20

Logs Broadoak Tree Care..................25

Denture Services Dorset Denture Clinic................20

Photographers Lewis Brown Photography........ 7 Plumbing & Heating Engineers A.N Plumbing............................16 Drain & Plumbing Solutions......39 First Choice Plumbing............... 1 J C Gas......................................35 Property Maintenance RJW Carpentry..........................35 Puzzles & Competitions Crossword.................................28 Kids Page..................................36 Prize Wordsearch......................33 Sudoku......................................35 Renewable Energy Solutions Nick Good Property Services.....11 Think GB...................................22 Residential Care Homes Queensmead: Care South.........37 Solicitors Harold G Walker.......................40 Tree Surgeons Arborgrind................................12 Ashley Tree Surgeons................ 7 Windows, Doors & Conservatories Allglaze.....................................25 Dorset Windows.......................29

fit

8 W 39 on mm e a to Qu lso p o ar su f y tz pp ou wo ly r e rk & f xis top it tin s g w tha or t kt op

AMAZING KITCHEN & BEDROOM MAKEOVERS Less cost, mess & hassle compared to a complete replacement Local Family Firm

We replace the doors, drawer fronts, handles and worktops

WE ALSO SUPPLY & FIT COMPLETE KITCHENS & BEDROOMS

REPLACEMENT WORKTOPS ‘The stone that fits on top’

We supply & fit

the appliances

magic corners / larders

Made to Measure Doors

new kitchen drawers

CONTACT US NOW FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE Tel: 01202 487697 / 07713 114060 info@flairinteriorsltd.co.uk www.flairinteriorsltd.co.uk Christchurch

sinks & taps

Your Team of Specialists in Christchurch Arthur Scaife

Jennifer Miles

Conveyancing

Family

Rebecca Suthers Wills & Probate

Dee Woodcock Employment

Broadstone:

01202 692448 Verwood:

01202 823308

Christchurch:

Harold G Walker

01202 482202

hgwalker.co.uk

01202 881454

Your Friend-in-Law

Wimborne:

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