Roundabout East Dorset Villages - December 2022

Dear Residents,

December 2022! Here at Modern Magazines we have had a good year and are determined that 2023 will go well. We moved location this last year and are settled in new offices. Plus, we bought a new business too. It has been busy and pretty exciting really. There are always challenges and we have faced them head on. We have two new staff who are doing great. Beth, who has been our graphic designer for the past twelve months is going off to have her first baby! We can’t wait to meet him. Pippa has created a whole new magazine in Weymouth with us, and we are very glad she joined the team.

Mel has worked with us for over 13 years now! Julie is into her 10th year of working with us, and Steph is into her 2nd year. We are a fantastic team. Chris the distribution Manager stays chirpy cheerful and is a real asset too!

All of our loyal advertisers are doing well and really want to thank you for your calls, bookings and purchases.

to any party to loss or damaged caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Roundabout East Dorset Villages 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. Issue No. 129 December 2022

2023

December 2022

DISCLAIMER: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the data in this publication is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any liability Boost your business to new heights with our affordable advertising packs! Supply your own artwork, or use our in house design team! features: local attractions puzzle pages community hub

Wimborne & Ferndown

Lions Club: 300,000 pairs of specs!

As we grow older, many things can happen to our bodies. There is one thing that changes for nearly everyone though and that is their eyesight. If that happens to you, unless you go in for contact lenses, it means a new pair of specs. So what happens to the old ones? They are expensive so you keep them as a spare. The next change and you have two spares and so on. Moreover the first spare is now way off the prescription you need and is never used.

Don’t throw them away! The Lions organisation has developed a recycling scheme to reuse the old glasses and ship them to third world countries where eye care is often unavailable and lens manufacture non existent.

The scheme involves collection, sorting, checking for scratches and cracks, washing and grading and finally distribution.

In our case the spectacles go to Chichester Lions club for initial processing and then on to Medico France for final grading before being sent to eye camps in poorer communities in places such as

Africa, India and Eastern Europe. There are many such eye camps run by organisations such as Sightsavers where local people are tested and given the recycled glasses as appropriate. Your Lions Club is part of the global Lions Federation and similar recycling happens worldwide. For example, glasses collected by New Zealand Lions go to those with poor eyesight in the Pacific Islands. There are about 100 clubs in the UK and between us about 300,000 pairs of glasses a year are sent via Chichester. Unwanted glasses can be deposited in bins at high street opticians or doctors surgeries. There are about 20 bin locations in Wimborne and Ferndown. A full list can be found on our website , wimborneandferndownlions.org.uk.

Lions accept prescription and reading glasses, sunglasses and plastic or metal frames. Children’s glasses are especially needed.

The photo above shows collected glasses in boxes of 100 ready to be sent for processing.

The Festive Garden

Having a creative Christmas at home is about more than just a tree and a few bits of tinsel.

When surrounded by the aromas of food, or the warmth of family and friends, there is something incredibly satisfying when it comes to looking out onto a festive garden.

Here are a few suggestions to make your outside space joyful and merry this Christmas.

Light it up Lights are the number one addition to any Christmas scene, and with darkness descending ever earlier, their effect is longer-lasting.

As ever, subtlety is key – placed in jars, through vines or in woven baskets, lights inside will illuminate through the tiny gaps to spray decorative shapes and lines across your outside space. Also consider experimenting with green and red bulbs to create a new ambiance.

Light projectors are a great way of creating additional lighting and brilliant effects, as well. There are a wide variety of creative designs that echo the festive season, and these can be beamed onto walls or into dark garden recesses in order to bring a unique two-dimensional effect to spaces.

It’s also possible to buy in or even make Christmas orbs, and these can look absolutely enchanting when dotted around the garden or placed on the front steps of your house. They are particularly stunning when laid on freshly fallen snow (if we’re lucky enough to see some!).

Lights pulled across in a consistent line guide the eye and looks great, although it’s a good idea to make sure lights are set on a timer. Not only will you get maximum value out of the hours your garden is lit up, it will also ensure neighbours aren’t perplexed at your 3am lightshow!

Star quality

Using Christmas shapes hung around the garden will really move the indoors outdoors. Consider Moravian stars in Christmas trees, plus bows, reindeer silhouettes,

candy sticks, snowflakes and gingerbread men.

And of course, a selection of bright red Christmas baubles will make any tree, bush or shrub feel festive.

Just be sure that nothing you are hanging outside can endanger wildlife or curious critters.

Window to wonderland Finally, an easy cheat when looking to create a winter wonderland garden is to use Christmas elements in a window box. Done smartly, when looking out into your garden, your vision will catch these planted additions and shape the festive view.

In the same way, using fake snow around the edge of windows works as a brilliant border effect to the world outside.

A family run company committed to providing good quality and genuine care for your loved ones.

2 small homes offering warm, comfortable and safe settings with a “home from home” feeling.

Fresh produce and home cooked varied foods prepared by caring chefs offering many choices.

Friendly and committed local staff assisting in your every need 24hrs a day.

Extensive social care and activities offered by our experienced co-ordinator.

Flexible Day Care Service available.

Denewood House Care Home, 12/14 Denewood Road, West Moors, BH22 0LX

Telephone: 01202 892008

Email: denewood@samilycare.co.uk

Manager: Becky Wall

Highgrove Care Home, Stapehill Road, Stapehill, Wimborne, BH21 7NF

Telephone: 01202 875614

Email: highgrove@samilycare.co.uk

Manager: Janet Sheridan

Sing When You’re Winning

Make no mistake, Gareth Malone is the national face (and bow tie) of choir singing. Through his television show, and its spin-offs, Malone has made the noble art of breaking into song cool again for everybody from shy school children to moody teenage boys, with emotionally charged and heart-warming explorations of how giving the vocal chords a workout can change lives for the better.

Returning recently in The Great Celebrity Bake Off and Celebrity MasterChef has given the choirmaster and presenter, 47 in November, an appetite for an alternative existence, even though his true passion is to exhale rather than inhale!

“I’ve never thought of it like that,” he laughs. “I’ve definitely enjoyed getting back into the reality TV side of things. I find it totally inspiring to see normal people do things that are

fantastically big and grand.

“And I count myself in that – in cooking terms I am very normal, so to challenge myself and try to do something impressive, which is exactly what we ask of people with music, has been a nice shift.”

Malone is of course best renowned for his work with The Choir, and the associated biproduct, The Military Wives, whereby he recorded with widows of British soldiers who had served in Afghanistan. The idea became such a touchstone that it spawned a number one single, Wherever You Are.

“As a choirmaster you are only ever a guide,” he says. “You have the energy and the persuasion and the techniques to pull the very best out of people, but none of those things are actually what makes a project work – it is all about the people who stand up and sing.”

What’s fair to say is Malone’s success has been hard fought. There have been no booming PR campaigns, no ‘kiss and tells’, and he certainly never felt the need to stand up in front of Simon Cowell for approval.

Malone was anointed with an OBE from the late

Queen Elizabeth II in 2013, a remarkable recognition for his work. “I truly appreciate my work being referenced in this way, and it was a great honour.

“I view the Military Wives project as the peak of that, because the national impact was so great. Sometimes, you can affect the life of one person in a seemingly small way and that can be powerful, but there is something so universal about that too. And there was a whole generation of widows who no-one was really thinking about.

“And that’s the great power of music - it goes beyond words. People who hadn’t even seen the series found out about it. It was life-changing for them and for me.”

Gareth Malone, the choirmaster who championed the voices of everyday people.

Money on my mind... the Martin Lewis column

He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert - a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers.

In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at taking back control when creditors come calling.

I’ll come straight to the point this month - there is nothing more precious or valuable than our mental wellbeing, and there is no bill or invoice that should come before it.

I have worked with mental health charities and the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute to ensure people who find themselves in difficult situations are able to access not just financial assistance, but practical and emotional support too.

The truth is when people have existing mental health problems, the administration anxiety that comes with

bills, debt demands and ongoing financial commitments, can be very difficult to handle, to the point that they’re simply unable to deal with what’s in front of them. Even when in a good place mentally and financially, so many of us find processing everyday matters exhausting, so imagine the added difficulty when starting from a place of weakness.

Remember, we have the right to determine how we are approached and contacted by those we do business with. For some people receiving a text message informing them of something may represent a nightmare. For others, a text is the only way they wish to communicate; while some prefer to converse over the phone, or even face to face.

It’s essential we stand up and state our preferences, and organisations have to adhere

to these. That won’t necessarily mean the problem will go away… if you are behind on a bill, for instance; but it will bring back control to you and, from the outset, allow you to determine how you want to go about tackling a problem.

It was reported that 44% of people with mental health problems who fell behind on payments during the pandemic considered or attempted suicide; and if you macro that up to the UK population that would be two-and-a-half million people.

I’ll be honest and say that when I heard that figure, I didn’t find it surprising; but it does surprise and disappoint me that people still don’t feel they have the tools to fight back and retake control.

From recovery space to payment holidays, to freezes on interest or repayment plans, speak to your creditors in a way that is firm and fair, and you will likely get the result you want.

VERWOOD UNIVERSITY OF THE 3RD AGE

Welcomes retired and semi retired people to take part in our groups and classes of social and educational interest.

Contact: David Allen on 01202 823541

COLEHILL EVENING WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month (excluding August at Colehill Memorial Hall, Cannon Hill Road 7.30p.m. Contact the Secretary on 01202 883810

DORSET STITCHERS

Meets every other Thursday 7- 9pm at the restaurant, Morrisons supermarket in Verwood. £2 per evening includes refreshments. Contact Wendy Robinson 01202 825805.

WIMBORNE BOWLS CLUB

All abilities accepted, coaching can be provided for the novice or to improve your game. We have good facilities & a great social calendar. Contact Elaine Campbell 01202 840545

FERNDOWN UKELELE GROUP for mature people (i.e. pensioners) wishing to learn the ukelele. Held at the Beacon Centre, St Mary's Church, Ferndown on Thursdays 2 3pm. Contact Pam Roberts 01202 896224 pamroberts203@btinternet.com

RINGWOOD COMMUNITY CHOIR, “SING FOR JOY”

Mixed choir, singing harmony songs from around the world-African, gospel, Taize, folk etc. No auditions, beginners as well as experienced singers age 10 upwards. Meet at Greyfriars Wednesdays, 7:30 9:30. Pay as you go. Contact Kirsteen McCormick 01725 517807

EAST DORSET & RINGWOOD NHS RETIREMENT

FELLOWSHIP meet 2nd Tuesday of the month at 10am 12 noon at Braeside Hall Braeside Road St. Leonards BH24 2PH for friendship, talks & outings and would very much welcome new members . Contact Jenny Betterton 01202 876560, Rosemary White 01425 479556.

CRANBORNE & DISTRICT COMMUNITY CHOIR

A fun and relaxed Community Choir. Meets in St. James’, Alderholt on Mondays at 7.15pm. Leader: Sarah Collins. For more info see cranbornechoir.wordpress.com

THE DORSET WOODTURNERS ASSOCIATION

Want to try woodturning? Come and join us at St Leonards & St Ives Village Hall Braeside Road St Leonards Ringwood BH24 2PH 1st Wednesday each month 7.15pm-9.30pm. for more details Contact: Alex Wells Secretary on 07759663151 or just come along

PLANT HERITAGE EAST DORSET GROUP

- working to save plant varieties. Meets in Colehill Memorial Hall monthly Sept to June to hear well-known speakers.. Visitors welcome. Details from Pam on 01202 883352.

EAST DORSET BUDDHIST GROUP

The Group meets for meditation & discussion at St Michael's Church Centre, Colehill on 2nd & 4th Thursdays each month 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. Contact the organiser via the Parish Clerk on 01202 900821

CRANBORNE LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

Meets in Cranborne Village Hall on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm. Visitors & new members welcome Contact Chris Bright 01725 517584 or e-mail clhs@mypostoffice.co.uk

EAST DORSET ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY (EDAS)

Monthly talks Sept to May at St. Catherine’s Church Hall,Wimborne plus walks & field archaeology opportunities during summer months. Contact Ian Richardson 01202 252397, www.dorset-archaeology.org.uk

EAST DORSET NATIONAL TRUST ASSOC’N

Talks, functions, outings and special events held throughout the year in Verwood, West Moors and Ferndown.

Contact Membership Secretary: Janet Matthews 01202 855001

THREE LEGGED CROSS LINE

DANCING

Improver line dance club on Mondays at Three Legged Cross village hall. 7.30 til 9.30pm Contact Geoff 07732 311 128

STAPEHILL OVER 60’S CLUB

Meetings are held once a month on the first Thursday of each month at 2.30pm atColehill Methodist Church, Lonnen Road,Colehill Contactthe organiser via the ParishClerk on01202 900821

WIMBORNE ART CLUB

Local artists who meet twice a month in St Catherine's Church Hall, Wimborne. Meetings startat 7.30pmprompt. Non members welcome for£3 permeeting. New Members warmly welcomed.If interested contact Marilyn07980580331, www.wimborneartclub.org.uk

THE ARTS SOCIETY WIMBORNE & BLANDFORD

For dates and information please visit: www.theartssocietywandb.org.uk

VERWOOD TRAD JAZZ CLUB

Ringwood Conservative Club, 22 Christchurch Road, Ringwood. BH24 1DNon 3rd Thursday of the month. Good Food & Bar.Music from 7.30- 10pm. (Doorsopen from 6.30pm).No membership required. ContactGeoff 07798 721405 or01202 822038

FERNDOWN BOWLS CLUB

Friendly club for all ages, coaching available any ability. Come along to ‘TRYBOWLS’ Friday2.00 4.00, from 26th April till the end of July. ContactMike Hopper01202 877437

COLEHILL MUSICAL & DRAMA CLUB

Co.MaD meet to rehearse most weeks on Tuesday evenings at 8.30 in the Memorial Hall Contact 01202887659

COLEHILL FLOWER ARRANGEMENT CLUB This Club meets on the 3rd Monday of the Month at Colehill Memorial Hall, at 7.30pm. Contactthe Chair, Anne Clark, on01202 575951

HOLT SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Meet at Holt Village Hall, Tuesdays 2.00 4.30 and 7.00 10.00 also Wednesdays 2.00 4.30 beginners verywelcome Please checkout website for more information, holtshortmatbowls.org.uk

CRANBORNE BOWLING CLUB

The friendly ‘friendlies’ club. Experienced and novice players most welcome. You’ll always get a game. Contact Pauline Williams for more details 01202 822479

EDMONDSHAM CIRCLE DANCERS

Traditional and contemporary folk dances from around the world. No partners needed. Meeting on 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of each month from 7:30 9:45 in Edmondsham Village Hall. Pay as you go Contact Kirsteen McCormick on 01725 517807

ADVENTURE IN THE WOODS

Forest School club for children 4-8 years of age at Edmondsham Forest School, between Verwood and Cranborne. Woodland walks, camp fires, nature crafts etc. Contact Kirsteen McCormick 01725 517807

WIMBORNE CAMERA CLUB

We meet on Monday evenings - 7.30-9.30 pm from September to April, at St Michael's Church Centre,Colehill. We also run workshops, competitions and illustrated talks. Contact Carol Wiles on 01202 510844

WIMBORNE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Meet every 2nd Monday of the month at The Allendale Centre, Wimborne (Jan-Mar 2:00pm, Apr-Dec 7:30pm). See full details of talks, shows & occasional shared suppers on www.wimbornehorticulturalsociety@btck.co.uk or 01202 887006. NON-MEMBERS WELCOME.

WESSEX GUILD OF BOOKBINDERS:

Based just outside Wimborne: amateur group meeting Tuesday & Thursday: courses available. Full bindery facilities: contact Phil on pmw111@hotmail.co.uk web site www.wessexguildofbookbinders.co.uk

WIMBORNE ROTARY CLUB

Meetings are weekly at venues local to Wimborne and are either lunchtime or evening. Email: contact@wimbornerotary.org or call David Meaden on 01258 452083.

MUSIC FOR THE MIND

At St Michaels Church, Church Hill, Verwood BH31 6DZ. 4th Monday of the Month at 11.00am 12.30 excluding August. Singing meeting for people with m emoryproblems. Aim is to give carer & cared forquality time together. FREE. Formore i nfo call Gwen on 01202827800 .

CAMEO LADIES LUNCHEON CLUB

We m eet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Horns Inn, W est Parley.Come and join us to make new friendsand enjoy a chatover lunch. Contact: Thelma Blyth 01202 881986, Blyth.wims@uwclub.net or Pauline Riggs01202 575047, priggs44@gmail.com

WIMBORNE COMMUNITY THEATRE

Creates original si te specific performances, set in unusual outdoor venues or non theatre buildings - based on local stories and research. www.wimbornecommunitytheatre.co.uk/about-us/ to get involved.

RINGWOOD MUSICAL & DRAMATIC SOCIETY & CHOIR. A friendly theatre group of all ages staging Musicals, Plays & Choir concerts. If you’d like to join us either on stage, behind the scenes or singing in the Choir, email our secretary jane.howell059@gmail.com. ForourChoir contact Anita Rosser on01425 473454.

1st WIMBORNE GIRLS’ BRIGADE

Girls aged 4-18 years meet at The Lantern, M erley ev ery M onday during term time, from 6:00pm. Newmembers alwayswelcome. http://wimborne.gb.net Contact: Jazz Adams on 07977246912

HOLT SKITTLES

Holt Village Hall 7.30pm Mondays September - March. Teams of six welcome or individuals to join existing teams. C Contact Susan 01202 883084.

COLEHILL BRIDGE CLUB

Meets on a Friday afternoon to play rubber bridge in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. ContactHugh on 01202 883580 for details

ST MICHAEL'S CHURCH CHOIR

We meet at St Michael's Church, Colehill Lane, Colehill on Fridays at 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm ContactJenny Wright on 01425 473963.

A Design for Life… e Kevin McCloud Column

Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the affable architectural business owner returns to the subject of sustainability, both in terms of what we make our homes with, and what we place inside them.

To me, the relationship between making things and sustainability is essential, and I fear, as Western society, we’ve lost touch with the value of made things… with the value of raw materials, of the energy required. I don’t just mean fossil fuel energy, but also the human energy that goes into the process.

I’m very struck by seeing people producing lighting out of bits of recycled industrial stuff, or those who can put together and sell furniture they’ve handcrafted in small workshops all over the country.

A fabulous trend in the past couple of decades has been the

encouraging of home production creation –

everything from picture frames to jewellery – and how the internet has given these people a platform that is truly global.

When you meet someone who has made something in their workshop, you get the opportunity to sample their passion, influences, their own inspiration for doing what they do.

People talk a lot about sustainability using words like carbon and energy consumption – all that technical stuff – yet sustainability also comes in the form of the value of the objects we place inside our homes too.

After all, we are five times less likely to

throw away something we have made compared to something we have bought.

It’s also true that the longer we have something the less likely we are to bin itthere are records from the Seventies that I’ve still got; there’s a belt I’ve had all my life. We’ve all got stuff we love that we don’t want to let go of!

Sure enough, when we see our friends we talk about these things, we share the stories. I can bore people into infinity talking about my belt, or my old leather chair, and that’s the exciting thing: stuff as it gets older, gets better; it attracts more stories.

What I’m saying is we need to continue to keep creating homes that are rich in their fabric, but that are filed with things of value as well, so that we can share those stories with people, make friends, and embed ourselves into a community. That to me is actually a big part of what sustainability is about.

Understanding Investments: Reflecting

on a Challenging Year

As we come to the end of 2022, it’s certainly fair to say it’s been a challenge. Economically we have endured inflation levels not felt for 30 years and geo-politically the Russia-Ukraine war continues to create humanitarian hardships which would have been unimaginable in 2021. Good news has been in short supply!

Investments have fallen due to rising interest rates and the expectation of a global recession. Interest rates have risen, initially to cool consumer demand early in 2022, and subsequently for the central banks to bring inflation down. The challenge for the central banks is that demand has cooled due to higher food prices and higher energy prices leaving the consumer with less disposable income and yet these have nothing to do with interest rates and all to do with Russia’s war. By raising interest rates the central banks make it more expensive for those with mortgages and for indebted businesses, further cooling demand. If taken too far this creates or deepens a recession.

This year both share prices and bond prices have fallen, which is a rare occurrence (usually bonds are seen as a safe haven and perform well when share prices fall). It is highly likely property prices will fall or at the very least “cool” (property tends to react more slowly due to its relative illiquidity).

So what should an investor do, and are there any glimmers of good news on the horizon? Yes and no!

Share and bond prices are forward looking, ie they tend to move 6 to 9 months in advance of events. So by the time we hear good news on the economy, they are likely to have already risen in anticipation. If interest rates don’t need to go up as high as is currently predicted, and as soon as inflation is seen to be falling, sentiment will change. In our experience that can happen quickly, just as sentiment soured quickly. So things will get better and high quality investments will recover (they always do), but what no-one knows is exactly when. Three months, six monthly, another year? This is why we, and other experienced investors, avoid trying to “time the market” (selling wholesale

and then buying back wholesale). The chances of getting the timing right in one direction is hard, let alone twice. This doesn’t mean your investment managers should be sitting idle. They should have already been making changes to the balance of your portfolio as events have unfolded, to help mitigate the falls and control the ongoing portfolio risk.

Howard Goodship

So our advice to our clients is patience. High quality investments will go back up in value and likely reach new highs in the future. Adding new investment money during times of distress has historically been a profitable thing to do and offers the opportunity for better than average returns going forward, albeit there are no guarantees. For clients who require security and liquidity, cash is now paying between 2% and 4.5% depending on how long you are prepared to fix the rate (and limit access). That’s the best rates for 14 years.

In closing, may we take the opportunity to wish you all an enjoyable Christmas. In these difficult times it’s important to remember what is most important and offer help and support to our families and loved ones. Just as the COVID pandemic brought out an incredible sense of community spirit, we suspect the cost of living crisis may do the same with more support for local charities such as food banks and those supporting the lonely elderly in our communities.

Best wishes for 2023.

Howard, Stewart, Maggie and Harry. Howard Goodship is an Independent Financial Adviser with Lonsdale Wealth Management, 5 Fridays Court, Ringwood. Tel: 01425 208490 www.lonsdaleservices.co.uk

The value of an investment and the income from it could go down as well as up. The return at the end of the investment period is not guaranteed and you may get back less than you originally invested. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and do not constitute individual advice.

The Adventures of Daichi

The Modern Magazines Camper Van

Daichi drove us all the way to Anglesey, that wonderful island off the north coast of Wales, for a family break! How exciting, a week away after a very busy summer working in our new Ice-Cream parlour, Wafflicious in Weymouth. What is funny is that we could not get away… As soon as we opened the doors of the parlour that Friday, ready to show Chris how to use the till, so he could help Emma while we were away, we had wonderful customers wanting waffles, ice-creams, sundaes and milkshakes. Then to top it all we had a Birthday party unexpectedly arrive! A family of seven, as Harry the young boy of nine had enjoyed his waffle so much two days earlier, he could not wait to come back for his treat. Four hours late in setting off, but we were very happy and all smiles as we really do love what we do in the parlour. We arrived on Anglesey at 1am in the morning. We had stopped a couple of times en route of course as we gave up being ‘on time’ and decided to make the most of the journey together. Turning a situation around to one’s advantage can be a game in itself. We were meeting Stephen’s dad and sister and knew it would now be the following day before we would catch up with them. The first day was a little damp, but not wet enough to stop us going out for a walk. The old Menai, iconic bridge was closed just before we arrived. I love this bridge and remember fifty years ago, (oh my goodness – really!) my dad calling out

with delight that we were now on Anglesey! This bridge was opened in 1826 and was the first modern suspension bridge in the world apparently and initially made for cattle traffic as this was Anglesey’s main source of income. This one bridge reduced the time from Anglesey to London by nine hours! Did you know that this bridge is also mentioned by Lewis Carroll in “Through the Looking Glass”, chapter eight? The wind was quite strong that day and my legs did turn to jelly I have to say, when taking some photos looking out to sea across the Menai Straits. Fantastic views but not necessarily for the faint heated. In fact Rachel did wait patiently at the entrance with her lovely dog, Lottie.

Penmon Point in Llangoed, near Puffin Island was day number two. Again, I love this area and it brought back many memories of past days as a child climbing on the rocks and watching the puffins swirling around. This time of year there were none at all and in fact there are now only eight pairs of breeding puffins here. Unfortunately, rats, which swam from a shipwreck in 1816 reduced the size of the colony, from over 50,000 puffins to what they are today. By 1971 there were an estimated 500,000 rodents on the island. Incredible! In 1999 they were removed totally, and the sea birds are slowly coming back. Let’s hope they fully recover and we once again see swirls of ‘grunting’, mating puffins! It is such a great sound.

The Menai Suspension Bridge

Day three was a walk around Maelog Lake. What is fascinating here is that the sea is receding in this area and there are sand dunes inland. The sand dunes actually blocked off the water, which was once part of the sea. After years of fresh water entering, the lake became a freshwater lake and is no longer salty. Though we did not test it ourselves, the bevy of swans bobbing with their heads under the water pretending to be ostriches, seemed to be enjoying it. A meal at Oyster Catcher with fish and chips all round was highly enjoyed… even by Lottie the dog! For the afternoon I had a total trip down memory lane, and we drove to Trearddur Bay. I have spent many a holiday fishing on the rocks there and caught some good mackerel with Dad. The small bays further along were full of memories of rubber dinghies and swimming in cold water. Fun though! The following day we drove to Bodnant Gardens on the mainland. It may not be spring but the reds and yellows of the trees were just delightful. The house is still privately owned by the McLaren family. In 1948 Henry McLaren persuaded the National Trust to take over the running of the gardens which was only their second acquisition after Hidcote Gardens in Gloucestershire. It was a lovely day with afternoon tea in the grounds. After that a visit to Great Orme, the limestone headland on the other side of LLandudno and a trip on the tramway which opened in 1902! The weather

coming back up was hailstones, so a hot chocolate in the café at the top was well deserved. The views would have been magnificent… if it wasn’t raining… We enjoyed ourselves anyway, as we always do. The rest of the holiday was equally interesting with a trip to the Anglesey Transport Museum where there are over a hundred British vehicles from the 1920s! There is even a Hawker Hunter Jet to see… and, oh yes and the breakfast in the café was good too. Following that was a trip to Newborough Warren with the endearing Medieval church, St Eglwys Cwyfan, that gets cut off with the tide and is known as the “Little Church in the Sea”. The Rivals, a group of hills stand majestically opposite and were enshrouded with clouds, blowing around. Beaumaris Gaol created in 1829 was a place I remember well as a child. Visiting only of course. The story of the man hanged in 1862 who always professed his innocence and subsequently cursed the clock, which did not work until very recently. The treadwheel used as a punishment and in most gaols did not have a purpose but here it created running water for the sinks and toilets. It is a very atmospheric place. All in all we did a lot! We also ate, drank, had a swim in the pool as well as a game of air hockey, bar billiards and pool. We came home for a rest! Daichi drove us through the Llanberis Pass and Snowdonia on the way back. This is just awe inspiring. We stopped at the beautiful Swallow Falls where we had fun taking artistic photos of the rushing water. Holidays are definitely about having family fun and we certainly did that. Where will Daichi take us next I wonder…

By Debbie Corney

Autumnal colours at Bodnant Gardens

Daichi visits Beaumaris Gaol

Green ngers… the Alan Titchmarsh column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses how our gardens can become carbon sinks.

We know how effective plants are at drawing CO2 out of the atmosphere. That means that while our gardens are wonderful spaces for our sensual pleasure, they brilliantly counteract global warming and our fight against climate change. In other words, they become ‘carbon sinks’.

I was recently asked how our green spaces might change if the planet continues to hot up. Certainly, I am not a climate change denier, but I think for our own peace of mind we need to keep things realistic, and it’s not as if within 50 years we’re going to be growing bananas in Northumberland or anything like that!

What we can of course do in the short-term is style and

shape garden space to ensure we help the planet as much as we can. After all, the most basic way to

prevent greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere (and warming up the climate) is by growing plants. And as gardeners, that’s what we do!

The best way to achieve this is by growing native plants. Non-native varieties can really take hold of a space, requiring harmful chemicals to control them, and leading to them being pulled up, exposing soil and releasing carbon.

We can also compost – it’s a great way of stopping carbon getting out in the first place.

It’s for this same reason that turning over soil is actually bad for your garden. Not only does it interrupt nature’s ability to let your earth matter settle into an organised pattern that benefits both plants and the creatures living in the soil, but turning over, or tilling, releases more carbon.

Beyond this, we can be more environmentally friendly by using organic fertilisers; and never be afraid to let your outdoor space ‘go wild’. Rustic gardens are the ultimate lowcarbon spaces, and that makes sense, because wild areas such as forests, wetlands and mangroves are the very best at protecting against the risks posed by climate change.

carbon

The same applies to mulching, too. When you consider that over 80% of the carbon in your garden is released from the soil, by adding a layer of wood bark chippings, for instance, you are holding the carbon in the soil.

As ever, our gardens hold within them the power not just to transform our own lives, but the welfare of the planet too, and that is why we love them so much.

Have Yourself a Very Eco-Christmas

It may be the ultimate consumer holiday, but Christmas doesn’t have to cost the earth – in either sense of the phrase.

The festive season is expensive and wasteful, and most of us will reference calming things down in the following year.

Yet that may not be totally necessary – not least if all the joy of Christmas can be experienced in a way that is good for the soul, the wallet, and the environment.

Here are five ways to go about achieving that:

1.

Re-deck the halls

One of the best things about Christmas decorations is that they are reusable, though there are still ways to make them even more sustainable.

Choose wooden over plastic ones, purchase them from local craft fairs rather than supermarkets, and invest in baubles and ornaments that are of a decent quality so they can be reused for years afterwards. In time you will have a sizeable collection of

unique trinkets that tell your family’s own Christmas tale.

2. Tree-t yourself

If you’re planning on buying a new one for this Christmas perhaps consider either a pre-loved fake one, or a potted real tree that’s designed to last beyond the festive season. Even better, you can now rent trees that can be replanted in January, helping cut back on the seven million that are dumped each year.

3.

Invent an advent

What if you provided your loved ones with advent calendars that were not only personalised, but also more environmentally friendly?

Online marketplace Etsy sells wooden calendars that are personalised and can be refilled every year. Or you can make your own out of old fabric, leftover cardboard boxes or even just envelopes with craft activities in.

4.

Wrap resourcefully

In a world that is becoming wiser and more sustainable, it is easier than ever to buy

wrapping paper that is either recycled, or easier to recycle –which means no glossy finish or glitter, I’m afraid.

Another option is using old newspapers, magazines or comics; or investing in cotton wrapping cloths, which are fast becoming a trend and will look stunning under the tree.

5. Feast mindfully

It’s easy to go overboard when it comes to Christmas dinner, but why not save yourself the hassle and stick to the basics.

Firstly, only make enough food for the number of people you have coming (though Christmas leftovers can be sublime!). Secondly, buy produce as locally as possible to save on food air miles. And finally, avoid purchasing products that feel festive but are actually not very popular… cheese footballs, I’m looking at you.

USEFUL LOCAL PHONE NUMBERS

Colehill Parish Council 01202 88 00 49

Environment Agency 0800 80 70 60

Information

Citizens Advice Bureau - Ferndown 01202 89 38 38

Floodline(warnings & Advice) 0345 988 11 88 - Wimborne 01202 88 47 38

Hospitals

Bournemouth A&E 01202 70 41 69

Visitor Information—Wimborne 01202 88 61 16

Travel

National Rail Enquiries 0345 748 49 50

NHS Non Emergency 111 National Express Coaches 0871 781 81 81 Bournemouth Hospital 01202 30 36 26

Bournemouth Airport 01202 36 40 00

Christchurch Hospital 01202 48 63 61 Southampton Airport 0844 481 7777

Poole Hospital 01202 66 55 11

Traveline (Bus, Coach, Ferry & Rail) 0871 200 22 33

Salisbury Hospital 01722 33 62 62 AA (Automobile Association) 0800 88 77 66

Southampton Hospital 023 8077 72 22

RAC (Royal Automobile Club) 0333 2000 999

Wimborne Hospital 01202 85 64 10 Wilts & Dorset Bus Enquiries 01202 33 84 20

Helplines

Samaritans 01202 551 999 Childline 0800 11 11

Drinkline 0300 123 1110 NSPCC 0808 800 50 00

National Debtline 0808 808 40 00 Age Uk 01202 530 530

RSPCA -Ashley Heath 0300 123 07 49 Seniorline 0808 800 65 65 Al-anon (10am-10pm) year round 0207 403 0888 Alcoholics Anonymous, 24 hours: 0845 769 75 55

Relate-Dorset & South Wilts 01302 380 900 National Drugs Helpline 0800 77 66 00

Community Legal Advice Direct 0345 345 43 45

Post Offices

VERWOOD 01202 829712

11 Manor Road, Verwood, BH31 6DS. Mon - Sat 9am - 5.30pm

WIMBORNE 0845 722 3344

7 High St, Wimborne Dorset, BH21 1HR Mon – Fri 9am – 5.30pm. Sat 9am – 12.30pm

COLEHILL 01202 889727

1, Smugglers Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 2RX Mon – Fri 9am – 5.30pm. Sat 9am – 12.30pm

CRANBORNE 01725 517210 Cranborne Stores,

1, The Square, Cranborne, Dorset, BH21 5PR. Mon - Fri 6am – 6pm. Sat 6am – 5pm. Sun 8.30am - 1pm

FURZEHILL 01202 883022

1 Smugglers Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4HB Mon – Fri 9am – 5.30pm. Sat 9am – 12.30pm

THREE LEGGED CROSS 01202 822002

Verwood Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 6RJ Mon – Fri 9am – 5.30pm. Sat 9am – 12.30pm

WIMBORNE ST GILES 01725 517228

Wimborne St Giles, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5LX Mon – Fri 9am – 1pm

HAYES 01202 884991

103, Wimborne Rd West, Stapehill, Wimborne, BH21 2DH. Mon – Sat 6.30am – 10pm. Sun 7am – 10pm. Xmas Day closed.

Wimborne Library

WIMBORNE 01202 882770

wimbornelibrary@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Crown Mead, rear of 55-57 High Street, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1HH

Opening times: Mon10am – 6.30pm. Thur 9.30am – 6pm. Tues 9.30am – 1pm Fri 9.30am – 5pm. Wed Closed. Sat 9.30am - 4pm

Chemists

Lloyds Pharmacy, VERWOOD 01202 822364 23 Station Road, Verwood. Mon - Fri: 9-6:30, Sat: 9-1, Sun: Closed Boots, FERNDOWN 01202 871841 Tricketts Cross, Ferndown Mon - Fri: 9-7, Sat: 8:30-1, 2-5:30, Sun 10-4 Boots, WIMBORNE 01202 848226 Rodways Corner, Wimborne, BH21 1AP Mon – Fri 8am – 7pm, Sat 8am – 5.30pm Morrisons (in Store),VERWOOD 01202 826555 Chiltern Drive, Verwood

Mon - Fri: 9-1, 2-8, Sat: 9-1, 2-6, Sun: 10-1 Verwood Pharmacy, VERWOOD 01202 828499 Lake Road Surgery, Lake Road, Verwood, BH31 6EH Mon: 7am-11pm, Tue-Fri: 6.30am-11.30pm, Sat: 7am-11pm. www.pharmland.co.uk Colehill Pharmacy, COLEHILL 01202 888001 42 Middlehill Rd, Wimborne BH21 2SE Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm. Sat 9am – 1pm Walford Mill Pharmacy WIMBORNE 01202 840048 Knobcrook Rd, Wimborne BH21 1NL Mon – Fri 9am – 6.30pm (Closed 1pm – 2pm)

Spot the

Christmas Arts & Crafts at Pamphill Village

e ever popular Christmas Arts and Cra s weekend at Pamphill Village Hall will be held from Friday 2nd December from 1pm - 4pm, and Saturday and Sunday 3rd & 4th December from 10am - 4pm. e show features paintings both framed and unframed, greetings cards and handmade cra items all made by industrious and talented members of Wimborne Art Club. e proceeds of a ra e and donations will be given to Wimborne Community Foodbank Supply at the Allendale Centre. As always hot drinks and seasonal warm mince pies are on o er, so come on up to pretty Pamphill and join in the atmosphere - we would love to see you! e lovely painting in the background is Christmas Robin by Jan Wall

Top Tip

Don’t expect perfection. Remember that trees are naturally wonky and flawed. Be sure not to over stir the cake mix; you want it light and airy.

Nigella Lawson’s Yule Log

Ingredients

(serves 12)

For the cake

• 6 large eggs (separated)

• 150 grams caster sugar

• 50 grams cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 5 teaspoons icing sugar (to decorate)

For the icing

• 175 grams dark chocolate (chopped)

• 250 grams icing sugar

• 225 grams soft butter

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

No one does Christmas like Nigella, which is why this glorious yule log is the ideal centrepiece for your festive lunch.

Introduction Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/gas mark 4/350ºF. In a large, clean bowl whisk the egg whites until thick and peaking, then, still whisking, sprinkle in 50g / ¼ cup of the caster sugar and continue whisking until the whites are holding their peaks but not dry. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks and the remaining caster sugar until the mixture is moussy, pale and thick. Add the vanilla extract, sieve the cocoa powder over, then fold both in. Finally, gently fold in the egg whites.

2. Line a Swiss roll tin with baking parchment, leaving a generous overhang at the ends and sides, and folding the parchment into the corners to

help the paper stay anchored. Pour in the cake mixture and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Let the cake cool a little before turning it out onto another piece of baking parchment. If you dust this piece of parchment with a little icing sugar it may help with preventing sticking, but don’t worry too much as any tears or dents will be covered by icing later. Cover loosely with a clean tea towel.

3. To make the icing, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl suspended over a pan of simmering water, then let it cool. Put the icing sugar into a processor and blitz to remove lumps, add the butter and process until smooth. Add the cooled, melted chocolate and

the tablespoon of vanilla extract and pulse again to make a smooth icing.

4. Sit the flat chocolate cake on a large piece of baking parchment. Trim the edges of the Swiss roll. Spread some of the icing thinly over the sponge, going right out to the edges. Start rolling from the long side facing you, taking care to get a tight roll from the beginning, and roll up to the other side. Pressing against the parchment, rather than the tender cake, makes this easier.

5. Spread the yule log with the remaining icing, covering the cut-o ends. Create a wood-like texture by marking along the length of the log with a skewer or sharp knife and finish with a dusting of icing sugar.