Roundabout Verwood - August 2023

Welcome...

Dear Residents,

Here we are in the height of summer! I do hope the weather stays good for the holidays. Having had such sunshine fairly early this year, I hope it lasts throughout August and September. Are you going away or staying in our wonderful England, near the sea or in the countryside? We have such delights here, places to visit, serene scenery to highly active play parks, the choices are endless. We will be staying local that is for sure this year.

Don’t forget our trustworthy and needed trades people, local shops and businesses still need us at this time of year. Maybe they could help you, while you take a day or two out? In addition to our printed magazines we now have a fully interactive magazine online. You can find this at www.dorsetemag.co.uk Here you can click on the advert and go to the business website, click a phone number and it will make the call and there are even online games to play. If you are more of a technical person, this could be for you. I still like the traditional paper magazines myself, with the ability to flick through and have a coffee at the same time, but we are here to cater for all!

The whole team wish you a super summer and if you know of any advertisers who you think will benefit from our thousands of printed magazines, or our online issues, please let them know about us.

Wishing you all the Very Best, Debbie, Stephen, Mel, Julie, Tracey, Pippa, Steph, Jaidan & Chris

DISCLAIMER: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the data in this

is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any liability to any party to loss or damaged caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

Roundabout

Free Art Workshops this Summer Inpsired by Badbury Rings

Families and community groups in the Wimborne area are being invited to free artist-led workshops in July and August, to make lanterns and flags for Emerald Ant’s Glow Badbury event, organised in partnership with the National Trust, and taking place at Badbury Rings this autumn.

Everyone is welcome to join in, either on a day workshop where you can pre-book a place, or at one of the drop-in workshops, where you can just turn up on the day.

Suitable for children aged 7 plus, and adults of all ages, these creative, friendly summer workshops begin on July 15th at Kingston Lacy, following on with 8th , 25th and 29th August workshops in the villages of Sturminster Marshall, Tarrant Keyneston, and Pamphill, and on 26th and 27th August with two dropin sessions at the Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne and The Reef in Colehill respectively.

Those going along to the workshops are advised to ‘dress for mess’! The sessions will be colourful and fun and, being part of the Glow Badbury project, participants will be actively helping to celebrate our local heritage – both natural and historic – by bringing a very special hill fort to life.

To find out more about the Glow Badbury project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, or to book a workshop place, please go to: emeraldant.com/glow-badbury/gbworkshops/

Images:

Top: Glow Badbury Lantern (Artwork by ©Sarah Butterworth)

Left: Visitors at Badbury Rings (please credit: ©National Trust Images/John Millar)

Puzzle Page Quick Crossword

Across Clues:

5. Announcer (9)

8. Indicating pitch (4)

9. Upper floor (8)

10. Large tall mass of ice (7)

11. Creature (5)

13. Flock (5)

15. Care for (7)

18. Plural, continued musical phrase (8)

19. 4840 square yards (4)

20. Matters from plants (9)

Down Clues:

1. Made beforehand (6)

2. Inlet (7)

3. Worry (5)

4. Conduct yourself (6)

6. Movement, hands of time (9)

7. Undergarment (9)

12. Supernatural (7)

14. Attacker (6)

16. Once a year (6)

17. Ring-shaped bread (5)

Word Ladder

Make your way from TIDE to MOVE by changing one letter on each step to make a new word!

#030

World Cup Trivia

1. Who won the World Cup 2022?

2. Who was the top goal scorer?

3. When did England last win the World Cup?

4. How many goals did Messi score in the 2022 World Cup?

5. Who hosted the first World Cup?

6. Which team has won the most World Cups?

7. Which team has the most overall losses since the first ever World Cup?

8. There were 2 years in which the World Cup was cancelled, what are those years?

9. What was the first Women’s World Cup?

10. What is the “Group of Death”?

ANSWERS: (TIDE,

Mr Consistency

Why Dermot O’Leary is one of light entertainment’s heaviest commodities.

Dermot O’Leary, by his own admission, encounters his fair share of criticism. Some accuse him of playing a little too much guitar music on his Radio 2 weekend show, and in the past the Twitterati have suggested his presenting voice can be a touch monotone. However, such observations are both unfair and untrue. Rather, the popular entertainment fraternity should be thanking the 50-year-old for delivering a healthy dose of sanity to a TV and radio ratings clamour that becomes all the more farcical with every new reality series or sensationalist podcast.

Dermot has lived through well over two decades of the madness, and emerges to tell the tale. “Certainly, as a competitive environment it’s much crazier than it ever was,” he begins. “There are so many different options for viewers and listeners these

days, but I like to think I have always sided myself with projects that are tasteful, interesting and, more than anything else, entertaining.

“I’ve always had a lot of fun doing live TV and radio, and when it stops being that way, I look for something else to do.

“Variation is key. Like most people, I’m interested in so many different things, and I never lose sight of the fact I’m lucky enough to explore these in the public domain.”

Sean Dermot Fintan O’Leary Jr was born and raised in Colchester. His parents, Seán and Maria, had landed on these shores from Ireland. After feeling his way through the education system he attended Middlesex University, where he graduated in Media Studies and Politics.

Returning to his home county to work at BBC Radio Essex, that calling was clearly in the entertainment industry, and he quickly progressed from DJ tasks to TV school runner and Channel 4 presenter, working, notably, on Big Brother’s Little Brother before switching to ITV.

“I think most people know me for Big Brother and X Factor, and they’ve been a massive

part of my life, but as in most things, you know when the time is right to give stuff up, and it became important for me to pursue other projects.”

His switch to hosting the Saturday morning breakfast show on Radio 2 is perhaps a nod to future ambitions, and undoubtedly Dermot has the style, humility and confidence to make a genuine assault on larger commitments on the airwaves.

“I think radio is an incredible medium and it has always excited me. It’s a very different creature to TV… I don’t have to dress up, for a start!”

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 talks about how we keep our homes, from the tidy to the cluttered, and everything in between.

I was reminded recently of a comment I’d made some time ago about the way humans, more than any other living thing, can find equal comfort in both chaos and in order, and this, of course, is not better seen than in our homes.

The home is a unique manifestation of our personal identity, a physical embodiment of the narratives we construct about who we are and how we live. A home is the backdrop to your life. It’s not simply a space, but a stage where our lives unfold.

So when it comes to tidiness, I believe in a balanced approach. Perfection is, after all, the enemy of the good.

Yes, a certain level of order can create a sense of calm and control – it can make a home more functional and efficient; but let’s not forget that homes are for living, not just for looking at.

A spotless, clutter-free house might be pleasing to the eye, but it can also feel cold and impersonal. A home that’s too tidy, too ‘perfect’, can paradoxically become uncomfortable. It can start to feel like a museum, where you’re afraid to touch anything for fear of leaving a mark.

On the other hand, a home where every item has a story to tell, where there’s a bit of controlled chaos, can feel warm and welcoming. It’s a

place where you can truly relax, be yourself, and live your life without constantly worrying about maintaining an unrealistic standard of neatness.

That’s not to say that we should all live in disarray. There’s a difference between a lived-in home and a messy one. Good homekeeping, in my view, is about finding the right balance. It’s about creating a space that reflects who you are and supports the life you want to live.

So by all means, keep your home tidy, but don’t strive for perfection. Don’t be afraid to let it show signs of life, and embrace the imperfections whilst celebrating the little bits of chaos. Remember that a home is not just a space, but a stage for your life. And life is not a tidy, predictable affair. It’s a grand, messy, complex, beautiful design of its own.

tax and help protect their share from care fees

The Property Protection Trust Will package is based around how you hold the ownership of your home. All good estate planning nowadays considers the difference between owning your home as joint tenants or as tenants in common.

If you own your home as Joint Tenants; when one of you dies the ownership of the home passes by the Law of Survivorship and not by your Will. Therefore, the surviving partner will automatically own 100% of the property. This sounds right to most people. BUT should the surviving partner need care in the future, the Local Authority can take everything they own (including their home) to pay for the care fees, leaving just £14,250 to be inherited by children and grandchildren.

There is an alternative.

Nowadays many couples choose to own their home as Tenants in Common where each partner will own 50% of the family home. This provides for many benefits.

Firstly, it allows you to legally leave your share of the property in your Will to whoever you wish. A properly written Will can ensure that your half of your house will eventually pass to your children even if your widow re-marries.

Unmarried cohabiting couples or relatives living together can also use this means of ownership as a way of minimising their Inheritance Tax exposure.

It can also help with long-term care costs. If one of you is still living in your home the Local Authority can’t include its value in the means test if one of you has to go in to long-term care. This also applies if the husband or wife still living at home dies while the other is in care as their share will go into the trust.

Dorset and Wight are your local experts in Property Protection Trust Wills.

Increasing numbers of homeowners are choosing to hold their properties as tenants in common to reduce inheritance

Save Our Wild Seas Appeal Launched

To Fight The Threat Of Plastic Pollution In Dorset’s Seas

Dorset Wildlife Trust has launched a fundraising appeal to raise vital funds to protect Dorset’s precious marine wildlife from plastic pollution. An estimated twelve million tonnes of discarded plastic are finding their way into oceans every year causing damage to precious marine ecosystems and habitats. Many species mistake plastic for prey and seabirds, dolphins, whales, fish, and invertebrates are all known to ingest plastic, leading to suffocation and starvation. Birds, seals, and fish also become entangled in discarded fishing gear and plastic packaging.

The wildlife charity is appealing for donations to fund work such as clearing up pollution on the shorelines at Chesil and Kimmeridge, carrying out surveys to capture essential seashore data, monitoring the effects of pollution on seals and other wildlife, and influencing future marine policies and local decision-making. In addition, the charity aims to inspire more people of all ages and backgrounds to care about the plight of marine wildlife by reducing their use of single-use plastics or to become a volunteer to help with the work.

In Dorset, there are 157 marine species of conservation concern. Many species such as common skate, sturgeon and angel shark are

now rarely seen or gone altogether. Lyme Bay is known for its tidal fronts that create a body of nutrient-rich water that promotes plankton growth which attracts fish, seabirds, harbour porpoise, common dolphin as well as white-beaked dolphin. Poole Harbour’s unique natural environment with its extensive saltmarshes and mudflats provides vital feeding and breeding opportunities for numerous rare and endangered bird species such as avocet, spoonbill, and black-tailed godwit. Protecting these incredibly precious places and their ecosystem processes is now critical, with a real risk of losing many species entirely.

Brian Bleese, Chief Executive said, “Dorset’s marine environment is as rich and diverse as our terrestrial environment, but most marine wildlife is unseen, and the negative impact of human activity goes unnoticed. Sadly, marine habitats and biodiversity are declining rapidly, and pollution presents one of the biggest threats to marine wildlife. As a local charity, we firmly believe that the place to start addressing the global issues of climate change and ecological decline is right here on our own patch. Healthy seas contribute so much to our quality of life and play a vital part in addressing the climate crisis, as they capture and store more carbon than forests. We need your help - please donate to the Save Our Wild Seas appeal and help protect Dorset’s precious marine wildlife.”

To donate to this important project and find out more, visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/WildSeas

Photos: Dorset Wildlife Trust

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.

Manager: Becky Wall

Manager: Janet Sheridan

Dumbledore Vets Join Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme

Independent family-owned veterinary practice, Dumbledore Vets, has become one of the first UK veterinary practices to join the Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA) Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme. Practice staff have demonstrated advanced behaviour knowledge, offer socialisation visits for nervous dogs and the premises have been designed to support low-stress visits to the vet.

Rachel Casey, Head of Canine Behaviour and Research at Dogs Trust said: “Veterinary care is an essential part of dogs’ lives, but some find visits to the vets stressful. We are very pleased to collaborate with the BVBA to create the Dog Friendly Clinic scheme to help veterinary practices embed the principles of behavioural medicine into clinic life. Vet clinics are at the forefront of recognising and preventing the development of problem behaviours in dogs, and this scheme will help them develop the skills and knowledge to optimise the wellbeing of the dogs in their care.”

Chris Laurence, Chair of BVBA said: welfare-friendly treatment of dogs in veterinary

practices is one of our primary objectives so every additional practice means many more dogs will benefit. We’re delighted that Dumbledore Vets has joined our dog friendly community. By doing so, they are helping ensure every dog has as positive an experience as possible within their clinic. “

Dumbledore Vets, owned by Katy Dalton MRCVS and Leanne Willshire RVN, opened in Three Legged Cross in late 2022 with hospitalisation and surgical facilities on site. Care is provided by an experienced local team, with an extensive background of experience including behavioural medicine, senior pet care, farm animal pet species, and pet travel.

Greenfingers… The Alan Titchmarsh Column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and all-round horticultural inspiration.

is month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses the maintenance of pathways and walkways in our gardens.

It’s only right we spend so long obsessing over the green spaces in our garden, and at the heart of that is plants, flowers and, of course, a gorgeous, lush, green lawn.

Yet there is many a beautiful baize spoiled by the constant plodding of human feet, and when the colder, rainier months come around, that gentle path leading to the shed can rapidly come to resemble a muddy mess.

at’s why providing a practical route for people to be able move through a garden is so important. Paths and walkways obviously serve a practical function in providing safe and easy access to the decorated corners of your garden,

whilst also o ering a visual and aesthetic element, guiding the eye, o ering a contrast between natural and manmade materials, whilst creating, as well, an invitation to explore.

Maintaining a pathway, or perhaps even a larger paved area, almost always means turning to concrete. It is hard-wearing, inexpensive and versatile, while in terms of durability you’ll struggle to find anything be er. Yet for those who want a look that’s more natural or rustic, use something like gravel, wood or natural stone. ese materials can create a so er, more organic look that blends in well with the surrounding landscape.

Either way, focus on colour and texture. Look at the other shades in your garden and try to match tones; also mimic shapes in flowers and plants by selecting concrete elements that are styled and intricately designed, focusing on curves, lines and detail.

In terms of laying a path, plan every stone before you start, aiming for flow, perspective and a pa ern that guides the eye. Ensure the ground you are laying the path on is well drained, and while the temptation is to lay each slab level, you may want to factor in a slight tilt so that rainwater

runs o it rather than pooling on top.

Finally, when laid, gravel or mulch around the sides of the path will hold it in place and allow it to so en as it naturalises with your garden.

As the years go by, regular cleaning and repairs will keep your path in optimum condition. Jet washing is a great way of bringing it back to life.

Ultimately, while concrete o en carries with it an unsteady reputation as far as our gardens are concerned, we’d be stuck without it!

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General Knowledge

Across Clues:

1. Second highest (4)

5. Strong, rough strokes (4)

7. Situation (9)

9. Black and white Whale (4)

11. Emphasising (5)

12. Lowest part (4)

14. Instruction (6)

17. Burn (6)

19. Alter (5)

20. 17 syllable poem (5)

21. Member of the Columbidae family (6)

23. Chimney (6)

24. Combine together (4)

26. Spicy Indian dish (5)

28. Salty cheese (4)

30. Relieve pain (9)

31. British nobleman (4)

32. Departed (4)

Down Clues:

1. Small metal ball tip (4)

2. Kind, soul (4)

3. Pour, flow out (6)

4. Circumvent (6)

5. Plant used for seasoning (4)

6. Place where leg bends (4)

8. Perch (3)

10. Small particles, radioactive (9)

13. Luscious (9)

15. Senseless (5)

16. Transparent dessert (5)

18. Round and layered (5)

22. Nothing (6)

23. Journey (6)

24. Hardy cabbage (4)

25. Sesame (4)

27. Scandinavian Bronze Trumpet (3)

28. Devotion (4)

29. Among (4)

Answers:

Across:

Beta,

Hack, 7. Lifestyle, 9. Orca, 11. Ultra,

Base,

Advise,

Scorch, 19. Adapt, 20. Haiku, 21. Pigeon,

Funnel,

Knit,

Balti, 28. Feta, 30. Endorphin, 31. Earl, 32. Dead.

Biro, 2. Alma, 3. use,Eff 4. Bypass, 5. Herb, 6. Knee, 8. Sit,

Radiation, 13. Succulent, 15. Inane, 16. Jelly, 18. Onion, 22. Nobody,

Flight, 24. Kale, 25. Teel, 27. Lur, 28. Fond, 29. Amid.

KCI Accountancy (Keeping Clients Informed)

Tax tip - Five tax savings

Tax tip – If you own a business through a limited company, pay the shareholder(s) a salary up to the employer NI threshold only and pay the remainder as dividends instead of salary.

Five tax savings, worth up to thousands of pounds in tax: -

• £nil PAYE – normally 20%.

• £nil employee deduction for NI – normally 12%.

• £nil employer cost for NI – normally 13.8%.

• First £1,000 of dividends in 2023/2024 tax free

• Rest of dividends taxed at only 8.75% if you are a basic rate taxpayer.

Five tax savings partially offset by less corporation tax relief at 19% on wages and employer NI costs.

The thresholds for the above make the calculations complicated. For any help with Tax for Individuals or Businesses, please contact:

Understanding Investments: Investment choices within a Pension

Pensions is not a word which excites most people! However, I urge you to spend 5 minutes of your time reading the following brief article as pensions can provide extremely effective, tax-efficient investment opportunities. Pensions are also relevant for more people than you might initially think.

The introduction of auto-enrolment has resulted in more people saving towards their retirement through a pension than ever before. A very good outcome for consumers! But it’s the tax saving opportunities pensions can offer which I would like to focus on, and I have highlighted some examples below to illustrate.

Employees, Self-Employed and Company Directors: Each can personally contribute 100% of their relevant UK earnings into their pension (or £3,600 gross if no earnings) and these contributions will attract tax relief. The annual allowance limit of £60,000 (which includes both employee and employer contributions for an individual) should also be considered, which can be tapered back to as little as £10,000 for high earners. Tax relief is available at a person’s highest marginal rate i.e. anything between 20% and 45% (even nontaxpayers receive 20% tax relief on contributions to pensions operating ‘relief at source’ such as personal pensions).

“Carry-Forward” may be available for the previous 3 tax years if the individual had a pension plan in place in those years. To utilise this, the current tax year’s annual allowance must be fully used and then it is possible to go back 3 tax years to utilise any unused allowances. Companies can also contribute to a pension plan on behalf of their employees/directors, and the company’s contribution is added to personal contributions when considering the annual allowance. Many of my employed clients aim to avoid paying higher or additional rate tax on their salary and bonus. Pension contributions can assist in enabling them to mitigate these tax liabilities. The rate at which additional rate tax is applied was reduced to £125,140 in April 2023 so this has become even more important.

The reduction and loss of a personal tax free allowance with income over £100,000 and Child Benefit Tax Charge for income over £50,000 can also be mitigated through pension contributions.

Company directors and their accountants often seek my advice on how to draw profits from their business taxefficiently. Pension contributions are classed as a business expense so, if an employer’s pension contribution is made instead of a dividend payment to the director, this can usually save them both corporation tax on the company profits and personal dividend tax on the contribution.

Howard Goodship

Retirees and Family Contributions:

Even people who don’t work can benefit from tax relief on pension contributions up to £2,880 per annum as the government top this up to £3,600. That’s a 25% return on the original £2,880 from the tax relief alone! Many of my older clients help their adult children and grandchildren save for retirement, especially if they have surplus income and/or capital.

Pension contributions made by a third party may still qualify for tax-relief at the recipient’s highest marginal rate. For example, an adult child may be a higher rate tax- payer and a pension contribution paid by their parent (who may not pay tax or only pay basic rate tax) could qualify for relief at the higher rate. This can also be effective from an inheritance tax perspective as the pension contribution is classed as a lifetime gift. This is subject to the recipient having relevant earnings and not already using their full annual allowance.

There is no denying pension legislation is complicated, and the devil is in the detail. The examples above are broad and are not meant as financial advice.

If you’d like to learn more or discuss your personal situation, we would be delighted to meet for a free, no obligation initial chat.

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

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until age 55 (57 from April 2028 unless the plan has a protected pension age). The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits. The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances, tax legislation and regulation which are subject to change. You should seek advice to understand your options at retirement.

Home Tech-Experts

Computer health check

Win/AppleMac repairs/upgrades

Cyber security + data recovery

Tuition + general assistance

New computers + accessories

Faster internet + better WiFi

Anti-virus software

Old tech recycling drop-off

IT systems architects

Servers + database design

Networks, VOIP + broadband

Contract or payg service plans

Websites + digital marketing

Business email services

Software development

Cloud data services

Green Peas Protestors

Simple food swaps that are that little bit kinder to the planet.

Our eating habits have a huge impact on the environment. From the way food is grown, to how it’s transported, packaged and prepared, every step of the process can and does have an effect on the planet. That’s why making small changes to what we eat and how we eat it can make a big difference.

One of the simplest things you can do is opt to have one or two meat-free days a week. Reducing your meat consumption can have a big impact on the environment as livestock farming implies a big drain on resources, such as land, water and feed, as well as producing a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

The good news is that cutting back on meat doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself, as there is a real push towards vegetarian and vegan cooking amongst top chefs who wish to promote a healthier lifestyle that isn’t lacking in flavour. Better still, most supermarkets offer meat alternatives made from plant-based protein sources such as beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh. Not only do some of these products taste convincingly similar to meat, they also provide you with the

protein that helps keep hunger at bay.

Fans of fish will be pleased to know that seafood is not

as damaging to the planet as animal agriculture, but it’s worth being wise to the most sustainable options. Overfishing is a major issue that can have a serious impact on the health of our oceans, so choosing sustainably sourced seafood will help to reduce the negative impact of fishing.

Also, with such an abundance of great seafood on our doorsteps in the UK – such as mackerel, oysters, mussels, king prawns and herring – there is little reason to indulge in more expensive and exotic fare.

This local mindset is another great way to improve your culinary carbon footprint. When you buy food that’s grown close to home, you reduce the distance it has to travel to get to your plate. This means fewer emissions from transportation.

Shopping for seasonal produce also means you’re not relying on out-of-season crops that have to be shipped from far away; while organic farming practices are of course better for the environment because they rely on natural methods of pest control and fertilisation.

Finally, cut back on single-use plastics like straws, cutlery and excessive packaging. Instead, bring your own reusable straws and cutlery, and look for products that come in plastic-free packaging.

Survey Suggests Two Thirds Of Britons Have Never Had A Routine Hearing Test

A recent UK survey suggests that 65% of people in the UK have never gone for a routine hearing test. And 68% admitted having experienced symptoms that could indicate hearing dif culties! In the survey 80% of respondents would seek treatment within a few days for ailments such as u-like symptoms, aches and pains, lumps or a rash. This compares to just 55% who would seek treatment in the same amount of time when it came to their hearing.

Reasons given for not having a hearing test were:

• 39% thought their symptoms of hearing loss weren’t a problem they needed to worry about

• 19% thought they were overreacting

• 13% thought they were too young to experience them.

• Nearly 28% were unaware that the longer they waited to have their hearing problem sorted, the worse their hearing would get.

12 million people suffer with hearing loss across the UK, yet many people continue to ignore the symptoms.

The World Health Organisation reminds us that 60% of hearing cases can be addressed through primary care.

It is important to have your hearing checked if you notice any changes in your hearing, regardless of your age - most of the time hearing loss happens gradually, making it harder to notice that you’re not hearing as well as you used to.

If you have ringing in your ears, mishear what people around you are saying, ask people to repeat themselves on a regular basis or nd it hard to keep up with conversations you should arrange to have your hearing tested.

We offer this service free of charge - call us today on 01202 985500

Visit our website at: www.2countyhearing.co.uk

The Adventures of Daichi

The Modern Magazines Camper Van

Steeped in history, decorum, excitement and sheer style, Royal Ascot has become a wonderful tradition with us ‘four girls’. Myself, Mel, Julie and my sister Sue set off for the most famous racecourse on the planet (in my humble opinion) all dressed up with somewhere to go. This year we were all adorned in dresses enveloped in flowers. I wore a rather flamboyant burgundy / pink hat, Mel wore a lovely cream one, looking very pretty and the Julie and Sue looked very debonair in their fascinators. We were set to party.

Did you know, in the Royal Enclosure fascinators are not allowed and that in fact only hats or hatinators, which have a solid base of at least 4 inches are acceptable? For the men in the Royal Enclosure no cravats, bow ties or neckerchiefs are allowed and they must dress in black, navy or grey. Not being of high society myself I rather like our etiquettes and disciplines, but not everyone would agree of course. Personally, I think we should embrace different views, ideas and customs without the need to criticise. Differences are what create us and make us what we are. Of course, not being of Royal blood, or having a personal invitation (now there is a thought…) … these rules were

not for me. I can dream about that, though, can’t I?

We did have tickets for the Queen Anne Enclosure though, just one step down from the Royal one. How exciting! The weather was very warm and sunny, which always helps on a day like this. The four of us were in great spirits, all prepared to soak in the day, relaxed and ready to have a ‘flutter’ on the horses. We started with a delicious coffee and a pizza at one of the well adorned seating areas and even had a table to eat at. Looking avidly at the race cards, to see how many thousands we could win that day, we were in full swing. I know nothing about racing, though my grandfather was a keen enthusiast and spent every Saturday glued to the TV having put on a bet or two… or three… My uncle, Grandad’s son, had even run away from home at a very early age and became a jockey up in Newmarket, but we rarely saw him, so I had no tips from him unfortunately. With only the names of the horses to go on, and a ‘gut feeling’, that was how I chose my four winning bets! Yes four.

The four of us!

Our King and Queen

One winner, two thirds and a fourth that also paid up. I was quids in! Sue had gotten Dad to study the horses for us, so he had given her two ideas for each race. Much to her dismay she kept picking the wrong one! Well, it is part of the fun and as long as you are not throwing away thousands, it all adds to the thrill of the race and the fun of the day. Mel did really well too. She has a horsing background, having owned a horse of her own in her younger days, and now her daughter Abby owns an exracehorse too, ‘Mully’ who is self-determined at times, but well looked after in his retiring years. Mel had studied the horses and jockeys and made some great choices!

I hear the King did well too and won his first race as an owner. Good job. I do remember the sheer delight of our late Queen’s face when she won at Royal Ascot, which the photos showed so well. I am sure she was there, that day, in spirit. We did wave to our wonderful new King and his lovely Queen, as well as a very radiant Kate all beautified in red, sedately sitting next to her handsome Prince. Dame Judi Dench was also seated in a carriage behind them and there was a big cheer for her too. I was situated right next to the barrier at the parade ring. We were there well before we needed to be

of course, all thrilled with anticipation of seeing our Royal arrivals. Having my phone out for a good 15 minutes, all posed and ready to press play, seconds before our well anticipated dignitaries arrived, my phone’s screen suddenly went bright red with a huge EMERGENCY written across it! Panic! I had held the phone so long in the sun, it was totally overheated. Far too much excitement obviously. The good thing about having great friends is that they understand you and don’t question you. Mel was standing behind me. “Give me your phone!” I yelled out. Very calmly and composed of course… What a laugh… Mel handed me her phone immediately and a happy ending was concluded - I have fantastic photos to prove we were there… and to remember our amazing day together. Oh what fun. We need days like this to bring us together, forget any troubles, let our hair down and have some pleasure. Royal Ascot is truly an amazing day out. Mel is taking her Mum to another day at Ascot, where again ‘dressing up’ is essential. So… we don’t have to wait another year… there is a thought. Daichi was thrilled we had such a great day out. This summer we will have to see where, of all the many places he could take us, he will decide to go. You will see in the next issue of your local community magazine of course. He loves to tell you about great days out. Have a wonderful ‘peak season’!

By Debbie Corney

Kate and her Prince

STAR GAZING

WRITTEN BY KATE EARL kateearlastro@gmail.com

Welcome to the August Stargazing Page. Highlights this month include the annual Perseid Meteor shower, and the Moon close to Saturn.

International Space Station

The ISS is visible every morning after the 24th, just before sunrise. To establish exact timings please refer to www.heavens-above.com or a similar webpage for up-to-date information, remembering to set the location to your observing area.

Events

The annual Perseid Meteor shower, famous for its bright fireballs and persistent trains, reaches its peak on the night of the 12th. Fortunately, the Moon doesn’t rise until 1am this year, so if the clouds stay away this is a great opportunity to spot some ‘shooting stars’. These aren’t stars at all, but sand-grain sized particles which burn up upon entering our atmosphere, left over from the debris shed by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. Grab a warm drink, coat and a blanket and see what you can spot. Although the radiant for the shower is towards the northeast, the meteors can appear to come from any direction in the sky. If you have binoculars handy, use them to spot the trails left over from some of the brighter meteors; these often remain visible for a minute or so after the main flash has happened.

Mercury

The innermost planet can’t be seen easily with the unaided eye this month as it appears too close to the Sun.

Venus

Venus has now left our evening skies, and from the last week in August it becomes the morning star, where it will remain until February 2024. The Greeks gave Venus the name Eosphorus, or Phosphorus when it appeared in the morning sky, and Hesperus when it shone as the evening star. They did not realise that these two objects were actually one and the same planetary body.

Mars

Mars is lost in the Sun’s glare this month.

Jupiter & Saturn

Saturn steals the show this month, already climbing high in the southeast by 11pm. It is visible just above a near-full Moon on the 30th (see figure). To spot it, try and blot out the light from the Moon with your hand and hunt for Saturn just to the upper right of it. Late in the August evenings, Jupiter becomes visible low in the northeast and is dazzlingly bright as it rises higher in the sky.

Moon

There are two full moons this month, one on the 1st August, and one on the 31st.

Star of the month

Vega, the fifth brightest star in the sky, represents one of the corners that make up the Summer Triangle asterism which is high in the sky during August (see figure). Due to precession, it was the North Pole Star around 14,000 years ago, and our ancestors most likely used it for navigation purposes across Europe. Vega has many ‘firsts’ for a star; it was first to be photographed and was the first to be analysed with a spectrometer to reveal its absorption lines. It was also the first star found to have a disk of dust surrounding it. It rotates really quickly; if it were to spin much faster it would rip itself apart.

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Puzzle Page Answers

Quick Crossword Solution

#030

Answers:

Across: 5. Presenter, 8. Clef, 9. Upstairs, 10. Iceberg, 11. Beast, 13. Swarm, 15. Babysit, 18. Ostinati, 19. Acre, 20. Vegetables.

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World Cup Trivia Answers

1. Argentina

2. Kylian Mbappe

3. 1966

4. 7

5. Uruguay

6. Brazil

7. Mexico – 25 losses

8. 1942 and 1946

9. 1991

10. The toughest group drawn.

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Edd Kimber’s Olive Oil, Pistachio And Lemon Snack Cake

Delight your afternoon tea guests with this joyous one-tin bake from The Great British Bake Off’s first ever champ, Edd Kimber.

This simple pistachio cake is made in a food processor, so it takes just minutes to prepare, and the machine does all the heavy lifting for you. Serve it with a simple lemon and sugar glaze and sprinkle with a few roughly chopped pistachios and dried rose petals.

Ingredients

(10 to 12 servings)

For the cake

• 200ml olive oil, plus extra for greasing

• 140g shelled pistachios, plus a few extra for decoration

• 65g ground almonds

• 65g gluten-free plain flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp fine sea salt

• 200g caster sugar

• 4 large eggs

• Zest of 1 lemon

Method

For the glaze

• 200g icing sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice

• Pinch of fine sea salt

• Chopped pistachios

• Dried rose petals

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas mark 4. Lightly grease your 15x40cm baking tin and line with a strip

of parchment paper that overhangs the long sides, securing it in place with metal clips.

2. Place the pistachios in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment and pulse until they are finely ground. Tip into a large bowl along with the ground almonds, flour, baking powder and salt and mix together.

3. Put the sugar, eggs and lemon zest in the processor bowl and process for about a minute. With the machine still running, slowly pour in the oil. Once fully combined, add the mixed dry ingredients and process for a second or two until evenly incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread evenly.

4. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until lightly browned and the

cake is set in the middle. Set aside to cool completely in the tin before using the parchment paper to lift it out.

5. For the glaze, mix the icing sugar, lemon juice and salt in a bowl until you have a thick but pourable paste. Pour it over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle with a few extra chopped pistachios and dried rose petals to decorate.

Top tips

• To make this cake vegan, swap out the eggs with this alternative: 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed and 3 tablespoons of water for every chicken’s egg

• If stored in a sealed container, the cake should keep for 3–4 days

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