The Swanage Oracle - April 2017

The Swanage The independent directory of local businesses serving the residents of Swanage, Studland Worth Matravers, Langton Matravers & Ulwell

Oracle

Delivered FREE by Royal Mail to all homes & businesses in BH19 postcode area April 2017 In this issue: Purbeck volunteers honoured at annual ceremony Sunflowers over Swanage Dorset Wildlife Trust: Is your garden ready?

Martin Lewis: Balance Transfer The Adventures of Nellie

& DEVELOPERS LTD ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING & BUILDING WORKS UNDERTAKEN *New Roofs *Flat Roofs *Stone Roofs *Conservatory Roofs *Roof Repairs *Loft Conversions *Renovations *Lead Work *Chimney’s Removed/Repaired *Fascia’s, Soffits & Guttering *Velux Windows *New Builds *Plastering *Internal Walls Removed *Extensions *Plans submitted on your behalf

LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

FULLY INSURED • WORKS GUARANTEED www.purbeckhomeimprovements.co.uk

FREE SURVEYS & ESTIMATES 01929 46 33 49 / 47 28 09 07799 26 11 05 / 0800 567 7614

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

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

CALL US NOW ON

01202 823231

TO ARRANGE YOUR FREE, NO OBLIGATION DESIGN CONSULTATION

www.customcreations.furniture

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

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

To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080

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Upton Farm, Upton, Ringstead, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8NE Heatcare UK LTD are OFTEC and Gas safe qualified and registered. We are able to cater for all of your oil heating needs including commercial, on top of providing our expert knowledge and services in both mains gas and LPG.

• Service checks available • No call out charge • Fast response • All work guaranteed • Increased warranties on Worcester products • Heating • Plumbing • Leadwork To book your service or work contact us on

01305 853970 or 07557 990715 or email us at heatcareukltd@aol.com Visit our website:

www.heatcareukltd.com And don’t forget to like us on Facebook!

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Introduction

The Swanage Edition 101

Oracle

Published by:

Stephen & Debbie Corney at Purbeck Publications

Telephone: 01929 408080 Email: info@swanageoracle.co.uk

Copy deadline for the May 2017 edition: 17th April 2017

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 Swanage Oracle 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.

Proud members of

Dear Swanage, Studland, Worth Matravers, Langton Matravers and Ulwell!

Spring is here! Haven’t the daffodils looked splendid this year? I am so looking forward to seeing even more colour in the garden this month. The birds were certainly in full song this morning when I took Hayden to school. There is nothing like our British birds. I love their sounds.

Have you started clearing out the shed, recycling all those winter clothes you never wore, dusting areas of the house that have been all forgotten? It is interesting how spring has that effect on us. Time for change for the better. I rather like it. We are also lucky enough to have a couple of holidays planned this year, one in May half term and one in the summer. With three weddings as well, in April, August and September in the New Forest, Hull and Scotland, it is looking like a busy and exciting time ahead. Nellie, our wonderful travelling campervan, took us to her first football match last month. That was good! You can read all about it in this April issue. Following on from that she is keen to try new experiences, so if you would like her to come and visit, do let us know. I will see what she thinks‌ We continue to provide local information as well as good local businesses and trades people for you. We do hope they can help and would love to know if there are any trades you would also like to see, that we do not have. We have excellent reviews and with your help are very happy to help local companies expand. That is what we are here for.

Congratulations to Mr A Heath for winning the prize wordsearch last month. We hope you enjoy your meal at the Bull & Boat. This month... it could be you!

Wishing you a wonderful Easter.

Best Regards,

Debbie & Stephen Corney Useful Numbers Local Police Southern Electricity Transco Gas Emergency Swanage Hospital

101 08457 708090 0800 111999 01929 422282

Train Enquires Wilts & Dorset Bus Wessex Water Emerg.

Purbeck Distict Council

08457 484950 01983 827005 0845 600 4600 01929 556561

To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080

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COMPETITIVE CONSTRUCTION Dorset Ltd

E: compcondorset@gmail.com

Experienced local builder specialising in:      

Listed Building Work Extensions Loft Conversions New Builds Renovations All trades handled

Tel: 07973 400 297

19 St Martins Lane, Wareham, BH20 4HF

Email: info@philiptrimcontractors.com

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6

Community News

Volunteers Honoured at Annual Ceremony Hard-working volunteers from across the district of Purbeck have been thanked at a ceremony hosted by District Council Chairman, Bill Trite.

The volunteers, who do exceptional work for their local communities, received recognition and praise at the ceremony which has become an annual fixture in the district.

This year’s event was the ninth annual gathering. Following the tradition of previous years, Councillor Trite and guests heard about the dedication, energy and enthusiasm of the volunteers who give so much to their communities.

After presenting each volunteer with a scroll as a mark of their achievement, Councillor Trite said: “Those here this evening represent the vast number of other Purbeck volunteers upon whom so many local people depend.

“They are truly at the heart of our communities and make a tremendous contribution to town and village life in Purbeck. Many people rely on volunteers and I thank all those here tonight for their dedication, energy and enthusiasm.”

Councillor Trite continued: “With ever-

decreasing government funding for local councils, volunteers are crucial to our towns and villages. They make a positive difference from which everyone benefits, often working unseen and unsung behind the scenes.

“We owe them a profound debt of gratitude for everything they do.”

Nine parishes and towns across the District nominated Volunteers of the Year who were congratulated in front of more than 50 guests.

The volunteers of the year were: Affpuddle and Turnerspuddle The Briantspuddle Post Office and Village Shop Volunteers Bere Regis - Andrew Kent East Stoke - Jenny Lobb Langton Matravers - Ian Vaughan-Arbuckle Lytchett Matravers – Rosalia Harris Lytchett Minster and Upton Shirley Benjafield and Mandy Borg Swanage – Frank Roberts Wareham - Pam Bowyer-Davis Wool - Wool and District Friends of Cancer Research UK

To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080

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

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8

Community News

SUNFLOWERS OVER SWANAGE Bringing sunshine and beauty to our town, sharing friendship with our community and encouraging everyone to seek the Son of God

Look out for sunflowers providing a blaze of golden glory all over Swanage this year! Emmanuel Baptist Church, who have planted giant sunflowers along their front wall in Herston for the last two years, are inviting all schools, churches, local charities, businesses and any other organisations who want to get involved, to plant them too … to turn Swanage into a sunshine town this summer!

Emmanuel are launching their scheme at the beginning of April and they are encouraging as many residents as possible to collect some free seeds from the church and café at 160 Victoria Avenue, during Holy Week – the week leading up to Easter.

They will also provide some tags to attach to the flowers when they grow, to show that the flowers are part of the town-wide scheme so come along and get yours!

Some of the locations taking part are the Pier, Coastwatch, the Lifeboat Station, the newly renovated Tourist Information Centre, shops and business in Commercial Road and Durlston Wildlife Park, as well as four of our town’s schools, the Fresh Streams Gardening Project at All Saints in Ulwell and three more town churches. As the project launches, Emmanuel hope that many more people will feel their green fingers itching to get involved!

This is not a fund-raising scheme but if anyone does want to contribute something if they enjoy seeing the flowers, donations can be made by the Just Giving app or by donating at the Crossroads Café within the Emmanuel building. At the end of the summer, all donations received will go towards a third world gardening project, Seeds of Change.

Once the flowers appear all over town, you can go and see them at their locations by following a town trail. Then, take some photographs and send them to the church via email, or if you feel creative, paint a sunflower picture or write a poem. All the artwork and poetry will be on display later in the year at an exhibition at Harvest Time.

More information from the church website at www.emmanuelbc.org.uk or email events@emmanuelbc.org.uk or phone the church office on 427706.

Or better still, call in to the café for your free seeds and stop for a coffee too!

To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080

9 We’re with you every step of the way 24 hr service available on 01929 422445 or email: office @jamessmithfunerals.co.uk or find out more at www.jamessmithfunerals.co.uk

We can support all of your funeral needs and will guide you through this difficult time with professional advice, care and empathy

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Funeral arrangements

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Memorial masonry

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Funeral plans

Our number one priority is looking after you

C

M PLUMBING & HEATING Local Gas & Heating Engineers

• • • • •

Boiler/Fire Ser vicing Landlord Gas Safe Inspections New Boiler Replacements Power Flushing Unvented Hot Water Cylinder Installations • Bathrooms, Shower Rooms, Wet Rooms 180993 • Design &installations

Tel: 01929 550160

M: 07790 056396

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Community News

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To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080

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Concerned your tenant will miss payments?

What is the biggest concern residential and commercial property owners face when letting out their property to new tenants?

Usually, the answer is: having tenants that can’t, or won’t pay the rent.

As a property owner, it’s very hard to gauge what type of tenant you’re getting and you never know when problems may arise; sometimes even the best tenants experience unexpected, out of their control, incidents that result in them unable to pay the rent.

Where does that leave the landlord?

Not all property owners are aware that there is, in fact, insurance cover available that can be put in place to cover for such event. So what actually is available to property owners on landlord schemes?

Rent Guarantee Firstly, the guarantee of monthly rent – this is the bread and butter of the cover and claims are usually available on up to a maximum of 12 months’ worth of payments.

Unruly tenants If you’re unfortunate enough to have unruly tenants, as part of your insurance policy, you can obtain cover for the costs and expenses in relation to the pursuit of legal proceedings

John Palmer in respect of an insured property arising from: • a nuisance • a trespass • an unauthorised occupation • damage caused to the Insured Property by a third party Eviction Cover If the unruly tenant evolves into a nightmare tenant there is insurance available to cover the costs incurred with having them evicted.

If the situation gets even messier…

Legal Defence There is specially designed Legal Expenses cover that can be tailored to assist in the defence of your legal rights. The cost associated with defending such actions, or pursuing our own legal rights can be very costly; it’s nice to know that should the worst happen, there is financial support available.

Insurance may be boring and feel like a formality, but it can be extremely helpful in testing times for landlords, individuals and businesses if the right cover is in place!

If you have any questions regarding your insurance, whether you have the right cover or could get a better deal, call or email John Palmer:

Tel: 01202 929 141

!

Email: poole@coversure.co.uk www.coversure.co.uk/office/poole

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Wildlife News

Talking about Wildlife...

Is your garden ready?

With winter gone, many wildlife denizens in our gardens are emerging anew, and whilst the weather is warmer and resources more plentiful, our wild friends still need our help.

With many species’ natural habitats in decline, gardens are vital to wildlife, and creating a wildlife haven in your backyard is one of the easiest ways of helping the environment.

Even minor efforts towards wildlife friendly gardening make a big difference, with variety and year-round support being key to success.

Should you not wish to make major changes to your existing garden, a corner dedicated to wildlife will suffice. A water feature, from a small bowl to a pond (with sloping edges and night-time cover to prevent hedgehogs and small pets from drowning) is a basic, however, if you have cats in the house it is best to forego a birdbath. Food and shelter are vital for all species; nest boxes for birds, hedgerows, wall climbers and piles of dead wood and leaves make ideal homes yearround. Choose a range of native flowers, trees and shrubs that provide pollen and nectar over several months to ensure that bees and butterflies, our most important pollinators, are well provided for. Poppies are not only

Bumble-bee on flower Photo: Ken Dolbear ���

Wildlife friendly garden Photo: Briony Baxter

gorgeous but also an excellent source of pollen from May to October, rosemary offers culinary delights both in the garden and the kitchen, and foxglove, comfrey and clovers add colour and variety to the pollinators’ menu, to mention but a few.

Saving rainwater for watering the garden and using natural pest control instead of chemicals instantly upgrades your environmentfriendly status. Recycling appropriate food scraps for composting makes for five-star accommodation for many insects, vital for a healthy garden. And if you do not have a garden, don’t be discouraged; a window box or a hanging basket on a balcony are also great ways of helping wildlife.

If you’re already doing these things, why not enter the 2017 Wildlife Friendly Gardening competition. Visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust. org.uk/wildlife-gardening.html to enter the competition or get some new ideas.

DWT is looking for more people to ‘Say YES to wildlife’ and support the conservation work of Dorset Wildlife Trust. Visit wtru.st/sayyesdor to find out more.

By Niina Silvennoinen

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Your retirement dreams can come true

At Ward Goodman Financial Services our in-house retirement planning specialists have been helping clients secure their ďŹ nancial future for over 15 years.

Start planning now for the retirement lifestyle you dream about and download our free Pension Guide and Guide to Retirement Planning, which includes an essential checklist for retirement preparation.

Download your Free Pension Guides at: www.wardgoodman.co.uk /pension-guide

For more information or to discuss your individual circumstances call us on 01929 551 551 or visit our website www.wardgoodman.co.uk

SELF STORAGE UNITS TO LET (for private use)

Insulated, Individually Alarmed for Furniture, Classic Cars or Documents

East Stoke, Wareham

Tel: 07836 369969 E: mb@malcolmbarnes.co.uk www.purbeckselfstorage.co.uk Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts

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Money Saving Tips

Martin

LEWIS %DODQFH 7UDQIHU

In January, for many, the letterbox becomes an enemy. When it flips open it contains a bill. And the worst of those for many are credit cards - a final reckoning of the last year’s debts, topped off by Christmas spending. If you’ve debts you can’t repay, there are two key things to do: stop borrowing more and cut the interest rate.

By cutting the rate, more of your repayments clear the actual debt rather than just help add profit to the lender.

The main weapon to clear credit and store cards is a balance transfer, where you get a new credit card(s) that repays debts on existing cards for you, so you owe it, but at a far lower cost, for a small fee.

The good news is right now there’s white hot competition in this market. So, sort it now and stop paying more than needed.

And if you won’t listen to me, listen to Marc who emailed: “took your tip on taking a balance transfer card and we’ve saved £9,400 over the next 40 months.

Amazing.”

How to choose the right balance transfer card deals There are a vast range of cards to choose from, ranging up to 43 months 0%. But it isn’t quite a simple as just go for the longest.

1. Go for the lowest fee in the time you’re sure you can repay. Most cards charge a one-off fee on the amount of debt transferred. So, for example, 3% is £30 per £1,000. Generally, the longer the

0% period, the bigger the fee.

So, what you need to do is calculate how long you think you’ll take to clear the debt, add a few months for safety, then pick the lowest fee within the time you need. If you’re not sure, play safe and go long. For example, the longest card available at the time of writing is the www.MBNA.co.uk up to 43 mths 0%, with a 3.29% fee. The longest no-fee card is www.Halifax. co.uk up to 26 mths 0%.

2. You need a PERSONALISED best buy table. Each lender credit scores you differently, where one accepts, others reject. Best buy tables just list the best offers available, but what really counts is what you can be accepted for. Worse still, the only way to find out what you’ll actually get is to apply, and that marks your credit file.

Yet we’ve seen a new range of tools that show your likely chances of acceptance before applying, protecting your credit score. Some card firms have their own or my Eligibility Calculator (www.mse.me/BTeligibility) shows your chances for most top cards, effectively giving you a personal best buy table.

3. Many cards are ‘up to’s’: With these cards, only 51% of accepted applicants need get the advertised 0% length, the rest could get a shorter deal. So, in many cases, the cards that aren’t ‘up to’s’ can be better.@MoneySavingExpert The longest non-up

To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080

15 to 0% deal is www.SainsburysBank.

Martin co.uk 42mth 0% for a 3.5% fee, and it

LEWIS

also has the longest fee free deal at 25mth 0%.

This is especially important when you %DODQFH 7UDQIHU do a eligibility comparison. If all your accepted cards are ‘up to’ cards, then the likelihood is you won’t get the full 0%. So even if there’re one or two non ‘up to’ deals there, they may be worth looking at.

The 3 Balance Transfer Golden Rules Getting the right card’s only half the job.

Once you get it, you need to use it the right way. a) Repay at least the set monthly min, or you can lose the 0% deal. The same can be true if you bust your credit limit. b) Always clear the card or shift again before the 0% ends, or rates jump to the representative APRs, typically 18% to 20%. c) Don’t spend or withdraw cash on them, it’s rarely at the cheap rate.

Instead, shift your debt to these cards, then put it away somewhere not to be used.

A final thought on this. The best way to clear debts is to repay as much as you can and be wary of only repaying the minimum repayments. That’s dangerous. Minimum repayments are set to only just cover the interest, so repayments drop as debt drops, prolonging the debt period.

For example, with £3,000 on a typical card, repaying minimum repayments it’d take you 27 years to repay, costing £4,000 in interest. Now you may say to me “I can’t afford to pay more”. Yet in the first month the minimum repayment would be about £70, and if you fixed your repayment at

that rather than letting it drop, you’d clear the debt in five years.

Yet if you’ve multiple debts, order them in terms of interest rates, and throw all spare cash at repaying the one with the highest rate (as its growing fastest). Just pay minimums on the rest. Once that’s clear, focus on the next most expensive debt and so on.

Are you in debt crisis?

The solutions above are for those who can manage their debts. Yet if you a) can’t meet even the minimum monthly payments b) have non-mortgage debts bigger than a year’s salary or c) can’t sleep due to your debts, or have depression or anxiety because of them, then you’re in what I define as debt crisis.

Forget the above and get free, one-onone debt-counselling help from www.

CitizensAdvice.org, www.capuk.org, www.

StepChange.org or www.NationalDebtline. co.uk. They They are there to help, not judge. The most common thing I hear after is: “I finally got a good night’s sleep”. @MoneySavingExpert

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Fresh fish and Gluten free meals

Tel: 01929 423846 www.blackswanswanage.co.uk

159 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2NE

IDEAL SKIP HIRE Skips from 2 - 40yds SAND, GRAVEL HARDCORE, SHINGLE & TOP SOIL Available loose or in 25kg & 1 ton bags Delivery or collection

Trade & DIY Customers Welcome

A Fast, Friendly & Efficient Service

TEL: 01929 422980

To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080

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At Philip Mills, our top priority is education. Our team regularly go on courses to London studios to keep up with the very latest fashions and techniques.

We also have in-salon training nights every Thursday from 2.45pm to 7pm. If you want a great haircut or colour on training night, book in NOW as cuts are from £12.50 and colours are from £22.50 - and training is fully supervised.

We train our team to work with face shape, skin tone and eye colouring, which gives a greater understanding in designing hair for the individual.

This enables us to practise new techniquies and keep our team focused on providing an excellent service.

THURSDAY IS SUPERVISED TRAINING NIGHT!

Book NOW for cuts and colours from 2.45pm to 7pm, every Thursday. Cuts from £12.50, Colours from £22.50

Heard about our recommend a friend scheme 50% off?

Ask for details.

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18

Food & Drink

7DVWHV VR JRRG Hot Cross Buns

A traditional Easter, springtime treat, why not bake a batch to share with friends, neighbours and colleagues? Delicious served either warm with butter or just plain, at any time of day.

Ingredients for 12 servings 1.

Dough 500g Strong Bread Flour 7g Easy bake yeast 275ml whole milk 50g Butter (unsalted, cold, diced) 1 medium beaten egg 75g Unrefined golden caster sugar 1 ½ tsp salt 2.

Toppings 75g Sultanas 2 tsp Mixed Spice 100g Plain white flour 50g Mixed peel 50g Apricot Jam 2 medium egg yolks

MIX: Boil the milk in a pan, remove from heat then add the butter. Leave to cool until warm. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl and then add the milk and beaten egg, stirring with a wooden spoon. KNEAD: On a lightly floured surface, knead the mixture for approx. 10 minutes. RISE: Lightly grease the large bowl, place the dough in the bowl then cover with a clean cloth and leave to rise until doubled in size – this could be up to two hours dependent on how warm the room is. SHAPE: Sift the mixed spice over the dough, then knead in the sultanas and mixed peel. Slice into 12 even sized pieces, roll into balls and place, well-spaced, on a lined baking tray.

PROVE: Cover the dough again, and leave until doubled in size again. Preheat oven to fan 180C/200C/Gas 6. BAKE: Score a cross on top of each bun with a sharp knife. Mix the plain flour with a tbsp. of water at a time to form a paste.

Use a piping bag to pipe crosses on the buns on the cuts you made. Bake the buns for around 11-15 minutes or until golden.

3.

GLAZE: Melt the jam, sieve then brush apricot glaze over buns and leave to cool on a wire rack.

4.

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20 @BattensSol

www.battens.co.uk

Specialist Legal Advice and Solutions for whatever life brings - at home or at work Office now open in Wareham - Drop in clinic at the office every Monday from 10am until 1pm

t Wills, Trusts & Estates t Tax Planning t Family Matters t Personal Injury t Matrimonial t Moving Home t Employment t Landlord & Tenant t Agricultural Matters t Debt Recovery t Dispute Resolution t Construction t Planning t Business Services

Peace of Mind Paperwork A Will, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) and a simple list of your assets are essential documents when dealing with your matters.

If you are unable to deal with your own finances, then family and friends are faced with a difficult situation.

Not even your spouse or civil partner has the authority to operate with anything financial or legal on your behalf. Without a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place, someone has to make an application to the Court of Protection to become a ‘Deputy’. This is a lengthy and costly process and to be avoided. The answer is to have a LPA in place. LPAs can cover property and financial decisions and also health and welfare decisions.

It is your opportunity to legally appoint one or more people to make decisions on your behalf. They are invaluable and mean that the people that you choose are in control.

In your Will you decide whom your executors are and whom should benefit from your estate. Whether you have close family or not, you shouldn’t think the Intestacy rules (that apply when someone doesn’t have a Will) will do what you wish. Close family may not inherit in the shares that you would choose and in the absence of close family, the rules do not look to benefit your friends or favoured charities but instead will leave your estate to be being divided between remote relatives or even the Crown.

Why make a list of my assets? Property, bank accounts and pensions are fairly easy to identify but in this day and age you may also have ‘digital assets’, perhaps an online bank account? Your list of assets and appropriate passwords will be invaluable to those helping you with your affairs, whatever the circumstances.

Take control now and you will have peace of mind.

For more information please contact Natalie Mason on 01929 500323 or natalie.mason@battens.co.uk

Natalie Mason Associate Solicitor

Address: 12 West Street, Wareham, BH20 4JX Tel: 01929 768720 Email: enquiries@battens.co.uk

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Need an Entertainer?

(Swanage Based)

Children’s Parties : Family Celebrations : Fetes, Fairs, Festivals

Contact Kevin on 01929 792572 or 07971 250222

www.kevinburke.co.uk

Magician : Circus Performer : Street Entertainer

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Boilers installed Full Central Heating Systems Boiler breakdowns and repairs Boiler servicing and maintenance Full breakdown & maintenance work

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Adventures of Nellie

22

The Adventures of Nellie The Purbeck Publications Camper Van Football! Nellie had never been to a football match before and with all that testosterone and all those thighs I wasn’t sure if she would make it through the day.

She isn’t getting any younger as we all know. It certainly was a new experience for Nellie. Stephen has been a keen football player himself in his youth (he isn’t getting any younger either, but let’s not mention that…) but much to his dismay, Hayden, though pretty good at football from what I hear, is not as keen and has never pursued the very popular sport. Swimming and running are his passion.

Having friends in Wimborne, we were invited to watch “The Magpies”, also known as Wimborne Town Football Club!

All wrapped up and raring to go, we set off on Saturday afternoon to enjoy a family day out. It absolutely is a family day out and Nellie was really taken with the burgers, (we know she is a big girl don’t we…) all locally sourced from a farm nearby, a friendly café serving good coffee and providing a great atmosphere.

With today’s technology of TV, computers, internet and electronic games, it is so easy to stay at home and ‘forget’ that there is a world out there with real live people, where we can be far better entertained. Of course

The Magpies in action against Bridgewater

Nellie all excited about her first match there was a professional football match on the TV in the well set-up bar area, with lots of cheering men, and that all added to the ‘spirit’ of the day. You cannot beat that lively atmospheric comradeship that a sport creates. (Nellie rather likes that sentence.) Wimborne Town Football Club, like many clubs is supported by dedicated local volunteers as well as trained staff.

Wimborne is lucky enough to have Matty Holmes as one of their trainers. He recently was appointed the club Manager. He runs his own training school and loves to work with children of all ages to help develop their football skills. The club provides many training sessions in fact, so if you have a boy or girl who is keen to get out, run around and has ‘dispersed energy’ that would be better channelled into a sport, then give the club a call. They would love to hear from you.

The club wants to work with local schools and businesses and is keen to develop strong relationships for the good of all, giving a great community benefit, whilst helping youngsters get fit and healthy. It is a win-win scene all round.

We picked a wonderful sunny day for our

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23 first football experience. Nellie professes to knowing nothing about the rules. She is aware that the players can be ‘offside’ near the goal but that is the limit of her extensive knowledge. You see when Nellie was at school, girls did not play football… it was a boy’s game! Girls didn’t run around kicking a ball. Heaven forbid, how outrageous. Can you ever imagine? It just shows how times have changed.

Well I have to say you could hear us shouting, “Come on you Magpies!” at the top of our voices, but not nearly as loud and as enthusiastic as “The Wimborne Massive”! This is a group of boys who have a whale of a time beating the drums and chanting football songs to their hearts content. We loved it! Nellie wanted to join in and I am sure her horn would have been a great asset. Maybe there is a new career ahead for her… ok, maybe not. Seriously, these boys are a credit to the club and they deserve great recognition for creating an exciting and sporting atmosphere. You can even follow them on Twitter!

The Magpies were playing against Bridgewater Town that day. It was a good first half but no goals were scored. Half time called for a cup of coffee so all refreshed the whistle blew again. The second half was more exciting from the viewpoint of goals. Wimborne scored twice! There is

The tasty burger chefs - so says Nellie!

Hayden & Debbie with Matty Holmes something about our competitive nature and there is nothing like winning. Nellie cheered and cheered. Jamie Davidson and Toby Holmes scored the goals, but of course it takes a whole team, working together to create a victory and all players are commended!

We absolutely loved our first football experience. Sports like this and community clubs that put in much effort to help others are like gold dust. Anyone can go and watch, take in the friendly ambience, have a burger, a chat with others and really enjoy a great afternoon out. The Club also offers Corporate and private Functions, with catering done by Louise and Marc from “Millstream Bistro” so you are guaranteed a great event. Why not take a team of people with you to a match and enjoy a light meal together? A great team building exercise which everyone will enjoy, even those who know nothing about football, as Nellie can vouch for!

Give the club a call and they can tell you what they offer. Businesses can also help with Sponsorship or billboards around the field.

Wimborne Town Football Club really does want to be at the heart of its community!

Nellie couldn’t agree more. Where will she takes us next?

By Debbie Corney

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Community News

24

Purbeck District Council agrees its council tax for 2017/18 There will be an increase of around 10 pence per week (£5 for the full year) in Purbeck District Council’s portion of the council tax for a Band D household.

residents of Purbeck, but I ask all councillors to prepare for a difficult two years to come.”

The increase means a Band D household will pay £182.41 council tax for the District Council’s portion (around 10%) of the annual council tax bill. The other 90% is made up of charges for: Dorset County Council; the Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner; Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority; plus any town or parish charge (if applicable).

Since austerity measures were introduced in 2008, Purbeck District Council’s funding from central government has reduced by over 80%.

Proposing the rise, Council Leader, Councillor Gary Suttle, said: “Every year this task becomes more challenging, but again, through continued prudent financial management, officers have managed to balance the budget without the loss of services.”

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the increase.

The Council had a savings target of £380,000 for 2017/18 and is expected to save a further £230,000 in 2018/19 and £110,000 in 2019/20.

The total annual charge for a Band D household will be £1,774.45, plus any town or parish charge. Full details of how the council tax is broken down can be found at: www.dorsetforyou.com/council-tax

Councillor Suttle continued: “We will see more difficult times in the coming years with government funding, such as new homes bonus, reducing further, yet services will need to be maintained.

“The Council will continue the financial management which has enabled it to maintain services to the

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25

The Swanage Oracle

O N B W V Z J H E K X B Y W Y

Z B O R Q J A N O E I R A A O

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U W E B U U T W N Y L T R P U

Y F T Q T R E G C O F V F U N

E K M F E R T H O A K I D Z N

G E Q M E A A F A B C C O W Y

G U M T N U L M A X C B O L I

S U S E N I O Y Z J V Y G T K

S A T V R T C O C Y O H O C C

E S B P B P O D U N C F R M I

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P U O S R E W O H S L I R P A

EGGS CHICK BONNET APRIL FOOLS DAY SUMMER TIME APRIL SHOWERS GOOD FRIDAY EASTER CHOCOLATE BUNNY

This month, the prize is a meal for two at the Bull & Boat in Swanage, so please complete this page by 28th April 2017 and send to: April Prize Wordsearch Name: ______________________ The Swanage Oracle, Address: ______________________ 1 Moorlands Rise, ______________________ West Moors, ______________________ Ferndown, BH22 0JR Telephone: ______________________

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Gardening Tips

26

On Your Plot

April showers to October fun It’s wonderful to see the first fresh, local, asparagus appear for sale this month and if you’ve a bit of space spare on your plot now’s the time to plant this gourmet crop. Buy one year old crowns and plant them immediately into well drained soil. You should be able to take a small harvest next year and they’ll carry on cropping for up to 20 years!

Jobs for April :-

• Keep an eye out for late frosts and cover any vulnerable plants • Harden off indoor sowings before planting out • Start off French beans and Brussels Sprouts under cover • Fancy something a bit more exotic? Try growing some peppers and aubergines - sow this month in a greenhouse or polytunnel • Plant an asparagus bed • Earth up potatoes once the first shoots appear

Now is the time for April showers and with the weather warming up all the time and some gentle rain you’ll soon be seeing lots of changes on your veggie plot.

It’s a time when any indoor space, be it greenhouse, cold frame, or just window sills, is likely to be filling rapidly with young seedlings. If you are thinking of planting some of your seedlings out then don’t forget to harden them off first. You can move the pots outside each morning, bringing them in at night to gradually acclimatise them to the change.

Do remember too that late frosts can still happen in April, damaging plants that are unprotected. Watch the weather forecast and if there’s any danger of frost then use fleece or cloches to protect plants where necessary.

On the subject of cloches, save any empty plastic bottles that you may have. Cut the bottom off and you are left with a wonderful mini cloche to protect seedlings that are recently planted out. Push the plastic down into the soil firmly and it will keep off not only some of the chill but also any slugs that may have their eye on tasty young leaves.

Are you a fan of Halloween? Pumpkins can be quite expensive come the end of October and then there’s always the hunt for one just the right size. Why not have a go at growing one (or several!) of your own this year? Pumpkins need a long, growing season to ripen well so now is the time to start them off.

There’s lots of different varieties, including some giant ones if you want something really impressive to carve. Look out on the packets for ones that are early ripening for the best chances of success.

Pumpkin seeds are huge so it’s easy to sow just one to each pot. I’d sow at least 3 plants, if they all germinate and mature it’ll probably be more than you need (they can take a lot of room as they grow) but it’s better to have spare in case you loose some early on - if they all grow well you can always pass one on to a friend or neighbour and have a competition to see who gets the biggest pumpkin!

You’ll need to keep your young plant inside until all risk of frost has passed. When it comes time to plant the pumpkin out it will like lots of nutrients in the soil. Dig out a large hole and put in lots of well rotted compost - or you can even plant your pumpkin straight on top of an old compost heap.

They’ll bloom with wonderfully exotic looking, huge yellow flowers and it’s wise to consider removing the growing tip once three fruit have set as this will give a better chance for larger, riper, pumpkins.

Support the growing fruits on a bed of straw to avoid them dropping off or becoming mushy.

Are you enjoying purple spouting broccoli at the moment? You can buy summer varieties to plant now, or try Calbrese (this has the green heads) which is best planted straight into the beds where they will grow.

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27

CAMERAS & BINOCULARS WANTED

By Private Collector ANY Age, Format, Quantity or Quality - Collections Of ANY Size - Lenses Of All Types - Clockwork Cine ALSO Wanted 8mm, 16mm, 35mm - BEST PRICES PAID - WILL COLLECT - ANY DISTANCE CONSIDERED Please Call Keith On

01202 862886

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Household Tips

Use toothpaste to clean stains in your sink, bath tub and toilet pan! Rub the toothpaste around with a cloth or an old toothbrush and apply a bit of elbow grease and the stains should come right off.

Toothpaste can also be used to clean any silver including jewellery

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28

Auto Biographies Motoring

2017 Ford Kuga

By Tim Barnes-Clay, www.carwriteups.co.uk

The new Ford Kuga is a delight to drive. I should know, as I spent 24 hours in one motoring from Warsaw in Poland to Vilnius in Lithuania. And let me tell you, Eastern Europe’s roads are not as kind to cars as Britain’s are – and that’s saying something. Many of the roads in Poland and Lithuania are peppered with potholes, broken up by the odd stretch of motorway, but often with roadworks. The new Kuga made light work of the potholes, due to its excellent suspension and well-padded seats.

The only real grumble came from the car’s petrol engine. My Kuga was fitted with the 1.5-litre Ecoboost engine, in four-wheel-drive 182PS guise. It returns 38.2mpg and 171g/km of CO2, and it’s quite noisy when you put your foot down for overtakes. That said; the melodramatics are soon over, and the car is happy to settle into a less raucous cruise when it sees the open road ahead.

Inside, the Kuga’s cabin is cleaner – in the sense that there aren’t as many buttons littering the dashboard. An electronic parking brake has also joined the party. Ford’s new Sync 3 system is responsible for doing away with many of the switches. It consists of a large touchscreen and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. It also enables you to control functions using voice instructions.

While it’s really a face-lift, the new Kuga does have some new stuff going on underneath the bonnet, too. There is a new 120PS 1.5litre TDCi diesel unit with front-wheel-drive, which delivers up to 64.2mpg and 115g/km of CO2. If you prefer more clout, there is a 2.0-litre TDCi engine with 150bhp, and you can choose to have it with all-wheel-drive or front-wheel drive. This variant will return up to 60.1mpg, while emitting 122g/km of CO2. If you want even further power, there’s an Intelligent All Wheel Drive version with 180PS. This does 54.3mpg on average and CO2 emissions are135g/ km. The 1.5-litre Ecoboost petrol engine stays, and comes in two states of tune – 120PS or 150PS. Finally, as mentioned earlier, the

four-wheel-drive 182PS variant of this petrol engine, driven here, returns up to 38.2mpg and emits171g/km of CO2.

All-wheel-drive Kugas, like the one I drove, also include semiautonomous Perpendicular Parking tech. This helps you to park, without using your hands, in tight spaces alongside other vehicles. I found this particularly useful when trying to park up in a congested area of Warsaw – as you do.

The new Kuga can be bought for £20,845 in entry-level Zetec trim, and the Titanium model is priced from £24,245. The ST-Line model is on sale from £25,845, while the more luxury oriented Kuga Vignale comes in at £30,745. The Kuga is an affordable car, if bought at the lower end of the range. It comes well equipped and has enough space for a family of four. The car is comfortable and makes mincemeat out of long trips. The six hours I spent travelling from Warsaw to Vilnius would be gruelling for any car, but the new Kuga coped well, and, more importantly I did, too.

Everything in the new Kuga is simple to use, and there are lots of handy storage compartments for things such as cash for toll booths, and cup holders for bottles of water and mugs of coffee.

The boot is also a good, square size, and you can load things in easily due to the low load lip.

All in all, the new Ford Kuga offers good value for money. It is certainly worth buying or leasing if you need a main car that isn’t too big, yet is large enough to cope with a family of four. In fourwheel-drive guise it also turns into a useful tool for the winter months – something many parents, like me, will find invaluable on frosty school-runs using ice-rink-like rural routes.

Pros ‘n’ Cons • Handsome √ • Comfortable √ • Kit √ • Space √ • Noisy Engine X

Fast Facts • Max speed: 124mph • 0-62 mph: 10.1 secs • Combined mpg: 38.2 • Engine: 1498cc 4cyl turbo petrol • CO2: 171 g/km • Price: £30,180

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29

Is your Classic in need of some expert TLC?

• Restorations • Servicing / Mechanical Repairs • Accident & MOT Repairs • Waxoyl Treatment • Stage Payments For Restoration • Collection & Delivery By Arrangement

Tel: 01202

625050

Welding (Poole) Ltd

Doors-Windows-Locks Glass repairs & Sealed units replaced uPVC & Timber Windows & Doors supplied & fitted uPVC Fascia - Soffits - Gutters installed Locks Opened - Replaced - Upgraded Window restrictors & Child locks fitted Handles - Hinges - Letter Boxes Seals & Gaskets Replaced Snapped keys extracted

Tel: 01929 481496 Mobile: 07484 186617 Email: dwlocks@outlook.com FENSA - MTC - CRB checked 

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Burns more calories than ordinary walking Gain good Posture Green Exercise for all levels Taster and Technique Classes Regular organised Purbeck walks Spanish Nordic Walking Holidays On holiday? Taster and a walk of your choice

Call for more details on 07855 869009 www.nordicwalkingfit.co.uk

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30

Index of advertisers

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

Accountants Ward Goodman.................................................... 13 Aerials Repairline............................................................. 13 Bars, Pubs & Restaurants Black Swan Inn..................................................... 16 Bull & Boat........................................................... 19 Bathrooms C+C Plumbing & Bathrooms................................. 7 Bedrooms Custom Creations................................................. 2 Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds......................................................... 3 Builders Competitive Construction..................................... 5 Purbeck Home Improvements.............................. 1 Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras............................................. 27 Carpenters Total Woodwork - Peter Albin............................... 29 Community News Adventures of Nellie............................................. 22 Dorset Wildlife Trust: Is your garden ready?............. 12 Martin Lewis: Balance Transfer............................ 14 Motoring: 2017 Ford Kuga................................... 28 On your plot: April showers to October fun............ 26 Purbeck District Council agrees council tax.......... 24 Sunflowers over Swanage.................................... 8 Tastes so good: Lemon Meringue Pie................... 18 Volunteers honoured at annual ceremony........... 6 Computer Services AJV Computing..................................................... 27 Demolition & Asbestos Clearance Services Pro-Dem............................................................... 32 Entertainers Kevin Burke........................................................... 21 Financial Services Ward Goodman.................................................... 13 Funeral Directors James Smith.......................................................... 9 Hairdressers Philip Mills Hair Design......................................... 17

Health & Fitness Nordic Walking Fit................................................ 29 West Dorset Mobile Foot Clinic............................ 7 Insurance Brokers Coversure Insurance............................................. 11 Kitchens Competitive Construction..................................... 5 Locksmiths Landmark Locksmiths........................................... 19 Pest Control Terminator Pest.................................................... 7 Plumbers C+C Plumbing....................................................... 7 CM Plumbing & Heating....................................... 9 Gasways Heating.................................................. 21 Heatcare............................................................... 3 Property Maintenance Competitive Construction..................................... 5 Total Woodwork - Peter Albin............................... 29 Puzzles & Competitions Crossword............................................................. 20 Kids Page.............................................................. 10 Prize Wordsearch.................................................. 25 Sudoku.................................................................. 20 Self Storage Purbeck Self Storage............................................. 13 Skip Hire Ideal Skip Hire....................................................... 16 Solicitors Battens................................................................. 20 Taxis DMB Cars.............................................................. 27 Tool & Plant Hire Sydenhams........................................................... 2 Tree Surgeons Apex Tree Surgeons.............................................. 31 Heartwood Tree Management............................. 19 TV Sales & Repairs Repairline............................................................. 13 Waste Services Philip Trim............................................................. 5 Windows, Doors & Conservatories Competitive Construction..................................... 5 Doors-Windows-Locks.......................................... 29

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31

Untitled-1 8

13/02/2017 11:29

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For all your Domestic & Commercial Demolition & Asbestos Clearance...

Safe and smooth demolition and removal of old sheds and garages. Get rid of the eye sore and create a space to enjoy this summer!

Using the highest quality machinery and a team of experienced workers, the job gets done right!

Safe and secure transfer of any asbestos waste with all essential documentation.

Waste transfer permit held.

Tel: 01202 511151 www.pro-dem.co.uk

33 Richmond Park Avenue, Queens Park, Bournemouth, BH8 9DN

The Swanage Oracle

1 Moorlands Rise, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0JR