The Swanage Oracle - August/September 2015

The Swanage

Oracle

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

Delivered FREE to all homes & businesses in the BH19 area

August/September 2015

In this issue: Win a meal for two at the Bull & Boat Summer fun for all the family Local Business Directory Purbeck Chess Club Dorset Wildlife Trust: Keep Bees Busy!

Purbeck Folk Festival Adventures of Nellie

A Lovely Day at Swanage by Robin Boultwood

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THE ALTERNATIVE TO MAIN DEALER SERVICE COSTS BMW - Mercedes - Porsche Mini - Smart - VW - Audi

SUMMER SPECIAL

AIR-CONDITIONING HEALTH CHECK & SERVICE

TO INCLUDE: RE-GAS • LEAK CHECK • PRESSURE TEST • ANTI-BACTERIAL CLEANSING OF VENTS & DUCTING

£65.00 + V.A.T.

MAKE SURE YOUR SYSTEM IS WORKING EFFICIENTLY WITH NO BAD ODOURS

• Automatic gearboxes • Air conditioning service and repairs • Collection and delivery or loan vehicles free of charge • Mobil lubricants

• Factory trained engineers to full diagnostic status • Equipment for all ages of vehicles • Service, repairs and electric diagnostics on most makes of vehicle

• Modern new premises • Ample customer parking • New in-house MOT centre OUR COMMITMENT IS TO FAIR AND SENSIBLE SERVICING AND REPAIR COSTS FOR ALL VEHICLES LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: Hughes-Workshop-Ltd Please contact our reception:

Phone: 01202 734433

WORKSHOP LTD

15-18 Cortry Close, Poole, BH12 4BQ

www.hughesworkshop.co.uk

Email: service@hughesworkshop.co.uk

01929 408080

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Swanage Oracle

Introduction

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The Swanage

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

Edition 84

Summer at last! Most of us really look forward to this time of year. In the winter we long for those lazy summer days, sitting in the garden with a glass in one hand and perhaps a book in the other. Well, here we are. Personally I like our changing seasons, the unpredictability of our English weather and the fact that we carry rain jackets… just in case!

Oracle

Published by:

Stephen & Debbie Corney and Martin Budden at Purbeck Publications

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

Copy deadline for the October/November edition: 4th September 2015

Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

The 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

We have a camping trip planned soon so you will hear all about our exploits with “Nellie” in the next issue of The Swanage Oracle. We did have an evening out last month (with a bit a blip), that you can read on pages 22 and 23.

There’s lots to read, so do grab a cuppa or a nice cold glass of lemonade (or maybe something stronger) and take a look through. We have information for you from the Dorset Wildlife Trust on the importance of bees. The National Trust in Purbeck are keeping busy. The Purbeck Chess Club have meetings starting in September. There is a Home Library Service that could deliver books to your door! Summer fun is available for all the family at the Purbeck Sports Centre and The Folk Festival in August as well as The Blues Festival in October are not to be missed!

With plenty to read, a prize wordsearch to fill in and a ‘Spot the difference’ puzzle, we do hope you are finding your “Swanage Oracle” useful. The last lucky winner of the meal for two at the “Bull and Boat” was Lynn Miller. Well done to you.

Please mention us when making any calls or enquiries to our loyal advertisers.

Wishing you all a fabulous summer!

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

101 08457 708090 0800 111999 01929 422282

01929 408080

Train Enquires Wilts & Dorset Bus Wessex Water Emerg.

Purbeck Distict Council

08457 484950 01983 827005 0845 600 4600 01929 556561

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Many individuals and businesses across Dorset put their trust in us to be their Chartered Accountant or Financial Adviser, so contact us and let’s get the conversation started.

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

WG Generic ad_128x90_Wareham_DD_aw.indd 1

Swanage Oracle

27/08/2014 15:35

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Community News

Purbeck Folk Festival - 27-30 August The Purbeck Valley Folk Festival (27-30 August) is set to celebrate the flourishing UK folk scene with its very own talent contest, Purbeck Rising. Started in response to the hundreds of applications received from bands and artists wanting to play the Festival, Purbeck Rising offers an opportunity for new acts to play at the family festival with a main stage slot, a day’s studio recording and much more up for grabs.

Organiser Catherine Burke said: “We have thousands of applications from bands to perform at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival every year. We think we make pretty good choices when it comes to the music but as Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is your festival as well as ours, we thought it might be a good idea to let you do some of the deciding!”

Previous finalists, Bournemouth-based trio Kadia, have since released their debut album East of Alexandria earlier this year and seen their profile grow rapidly since entering Purbeck Rising in 2013. Kadia return to play the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival on 28 August and say: “Purbeck Rising offered Kadia a chance to link our name to an established and well-loved festival, but the festival offered us much more than a great name-drop.”

They added: “We enjoyed genuine exposure, contact with people excited about our potential as a band and we met new friends who were eager to share musical ideas. The experience played a huge part in setting the band on our current path and cemented a real love of contemporary and traditional folk music.”

The five finalists get weekend tickets to Purbeck Valley Folk Festival for themselves and a guest each. The contest will be decided by public vote and a panel of experts with the winning act invited back to play a main stage set next year, as well as a spot at the Folk on the Quay festival in Poole in June 2016 and a day’s recording at Sizzle Studio in Bournemouth.

01929 408080

Headliners announced so far include Chris Difford, Justin Currie, Richard Thompson, Stornoway, Hot Rize, Kathryn Tickell, Megson, Martha Tilston & the Scientists, Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin and The Moulettes.

Running over the Bank Holiday weekend, 27-30 August, revellers can expect the very best folk, roots and world music. The organisers have carefully chosen an exciting line-up that reflects the diversity of the current folk scene, with plenty to keep music lovers and families entertained.

Music fans are also in for a special treat, as Saturday’s Songwriting Circle will see headliners Chris Difford and Justin Currie taking part. This is an intimate opportunity to hear the stories behind the songs from the musicians themselves.

Featuring a host of favourite attractions including kids entertainers, storytellers, craft workshops, music workshops, song sessions, cinema, poetry, Purbeck Rising, open mics and the very best folk, roots and world music. All this surrounded by stunning views of Corfe Castle, accessible camping and some truly delicious food.

Tickets are selling fast for this year’s festival, which takes place on 27-30 August. Weekend tickets (Fri-Sun) include free camping and are on sale now at just £100 (youth £50, children over three £20). A limited number of Festival day tickets are also now on sale at £50 per day (£25 youth, £10 child). For more information please visit www. purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk and for tickets call 023 80711818 or www.ticketsouth.co.uk

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

Swanage Oracle

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01929 408080

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    

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

Swanage Oracle

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Community News

Royal Voluntary Service Home Library Service Do you like to read? But find it difficult to get to the library to get new books?

We might be able to help.

Wareham, Corfe Castle and Swanage Libraries have teams of dedicated Royal Voluntary Service volunteers who are able to visit on a regular basis, delivering the books you want from the Library to your home, free of charge. Large print books and talking books can also be delivered.

This service is funded by Dorset Library Service, and delivered by the Royal Voluntary Service. It is available across Dorset to anyone who cannot easily get to their local library, and can be provided on a temporary basis as well as long term.

All Royal Voluntary Service volunteers are DBS checked and receive ongoing training and support. As well as the Home Library Service the Royal Voluntary Service can provide Befriending, help with shopping, and other things you might need – just get in touch with us and find out how we might be able to help.

We are currently looking for a Local Volunteer Coordinator to join our well organised team of volunteers in Wareham, as well as a volunteer to choose books for some of our rounds.

We also need another volunteer or two at Swanage Library to choose and/or deliver books in their area.

01929 408080

If you are interested in either receiving the Home Library Service or in volunteering for us, please contact Maria Jacobson, Royal Voluntary Service Manager, Dorset Home Library Service, on 07786 635154 or 01305 236666, or e-mail Maria.Jacobson@ royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

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Keep your hair beautiful this summer!

Is your hair looking tired, lifeless and lost its shine?

25% off treatments

Why not book in and have a luxurious conditioning treatment at a special offer

£7.75

with every cut and blowdry in August & September 2015 Models required every other Thursday 4pm-7pm Cuts from £10 • Colours from £20

Swanage Oracle

National Trust News

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National Trust in Purbeck The National Trust in Purbeck has been successful in obtaining a £1,300 community grant from computing giant IBM for work to involve the local community in woodland management.

“The purpose is to return Langton Matravers woodlands to traditional hazel coppice management by the local community and to restore the stone seating and camp fire area for local groups,” said National Trust volunteer and former IBM employee Shiela Johnson, who was instrumental in winning the grant.

The funds will be used for promotion, chainsaw training and personal protective equipment as well as newly quarried Purbeck stone to repair a dilapidated seating area.

Local people have been invited to take part in the management of Langton West Wood under the Community Woodlands Project.

Open days and taster sessions have taken place as part of the project and an area of the wood have been coppiced for the first time in decades.

If anyone is interested in participating in the work, please contact Rachel Rodman on 01929-452306 or rachel.rodman@ nationaltrust.org.uk.

“A big thank you to Shiela for all her hard work in bringing this to fruition,” said south Purbeck Lead Ranger Jonathan Kershaw.

Ten soldiers from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers shrugged off

01929 408080

gale force winds to make light work of tasks at Corfe Castle and Godlingston Heath.

The group camped at Greenlands Farm, Studland while they built new steps to replace a worn-out route to the Agglestone and helped repair eroded areas at the castle.

Gales flattened one of their tents on their first night but, undaunted, they made a midnight dash back to base at Tidworth in Wiltshire before reporting back for work first thing the following morning.

The REME volunteers at Corfe Castle Photo: National Trust

The “New” Sandford Pub

Wareham Road, Sandford, Wareham, BH20 7AE

Tel: 01929 550800 www.thesandfordpub.co.uk Email: contact@thesandfordpub.co.uk

One of Dorset’s Premier Outside & Marquee Wedding / Event Catering Specialists Use the QR Code for more information

Swanage Oracle

OPEN ALL DAY EVERYDAY 12 - LATE Large Car Park 80 Seat Front Decking Area 30 Guest Snug & Public Bar 60 Cover Restaurant 24 Seat Conservatory 100 Seat Beer Garden Large Children’s Play Area Pets Corner The Pub itself has been praised with its great food for groups, couples & families, and has been awarded for its Gluten Free menu.

We hold regular Live Music, Magic, Comedy & Quiz nights throughout the year & a variety of pub and garden games readily available.

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Wildlife News

Talking about Wildlife...

Keep Bees Busy!

Pleasantly humming and buzzing bees don’t just signify sunny summer. Several resident species of bumble, honey and solitary bees in the UK play a vital part in our ecosystem, food chain and economy. All of them feed on pollen and nectar, performing the crucial act of pollination, from flowers to food crops.

Conversely, many plants and flowers depend directly on the pollination carried out by bees, as do dozens of crops, including about one third of human food sources.

The drastic disappearance of wildflower meadows has greatly impacted the numbers of bee’s country wide. Changes in grassland management over the last century have altered conditions leading to the loss of wildflower habitat, both in Dorset and the UK. Some bumblebee species have already vanished altogether and several others are in decline.

Whilst bees are facing severe threats, their plight is no longer an obscure issue, however, but a well-known one, causing widespread concern. Many home gardeners have taken it upon themselves to help bee populations by selecting plants and flowers favoured by bees for their gardens.

Bumblebee

Photo: Ken Dolbear, ���

01929 408080

Honey Bee, Apis mellifera Photo: Ken Dolbear, ���

It’s easier than you may think to create a natural bee friendly habitat. Planting flowers in large patches of similar species means bees don’t have to travel around looking for food. When selecting plants, pay attention to choosing some early and late blooming ones for a good mix; this ensures food sources throughout the summer. Some of the good early ones are Primrose and Lungwort, and for the late ones, choose ivy, honeysuckle and sunflower. You can further help bees by putting up a nesting box to provide a home for them, and this will of course benefit your garden as well.

As well as helping bees in your garden, you can also help on a wider scale locally.

Dorset Wildlife Trust has just launched its ‘wildflower project’, to help reverse the decline of wildflowers in Dorset. The project will enable the restoration and connection of the surviving plant-rich sites in the county, and create new sites. For more information about the project and to donate, visit: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildflowers

By Niina Silvennoinen

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Can a garden be both beautiful and low-maintenance?

Gardens offer a natural escape. A haven from the pressures of life – it is a precious outdoor space that people relax and enjoy themselves in.

However, “I love my garden, but not the work!” is a common complaint. Life is often just too busy to fit those precious gardening hours into a hectic weekly schedule or for others, whilst passionate about gardening, find that keeping nature in check is getting too much.

So what are the options for a beautiful but low-maintenance outdoor space?

Decking is an attractive option as there are some fantastic natural-looking composite decking boards which are rot-proof, anti-slip and ecofriendly being made from recycled materials.

These decks look amazingly like wood but come without the maintenance headaches.

Another increasingly popular option is artificial grass as it provides the perfect lawn without the mowing, mud and maintenance hassle of natural grass. Latest manufacturing technologies mean that modern fake grasses are very realistic with brown thatch woven into the root zone to resemble real biomass. Being both pet and child-friendly artificial grass is the ideal solution for smaller, unusual shaped lawns or tricky-toaccess areas. Front lawn installations are just as popular as back lawns, giving a property instant ‘kerb appeal’ as the garden looks tidy and well-kept all year round.

Contact local company Green Scheme on 01929 552505 to help you install a beautiful looking, low-maintenance outdoor space that will enable you to enjoy it whatever the season.

The Low Maintenance Garden

Transform your garden with artificial grass and rot-proof composite decking ith artificial grass daches w nce hea Banish maintena

From a mud patch...

to a perfect lawn

oden decking with a Replace rotten wo nti-slip low cking maintenance composite de

From derelict

….. to perfect

SUMMER OFFERS NOW ON!

Green Scheme Solutions Ltd 35 Ropers Lane, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4QT

Swanage Oracle

Full advice and installation service Call 01929 552505 for your free quote info@greenschemeltd.co.uk www.greenschemegrass.com

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Crossword

Across

8 Ketch (4) 9 Kirk's starship (10) 10 One of the Gorgons (Greek mythology) (6) 11 Rehearse (8) 12 Pitcher (4) 13 Reject (10) 17 A group of cattle (4) 18 SimpliďŹ ed (5) 19 Brood (4) 20 Sluttish (10) 22 Supplements with diďŹƒculty (4) 23 Imperfectly formed (8) 27 Potion (6) 28 The state of being a bastard (archaic) (10) 29 Raised mark on the skin (4)

Down

1 A water-driven turbine (10) 2 Obtained (8) 3 Immediately obtainable upon request (10) 4 Cease (4) 5 Fertilizer ingredient (4)

6 Speech-giver (6) 7 Millisecond (4) 14 Indian antelope (5) 15 Elephants (10) 16 A variety show (10)

01929 408080

19 Advance screenings (8) 21 An island in French Polynesia (6) 24 Close by (4) 25 Unit of area (4) 26 A Great Lake (4)

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Coversure Insurance Services Poole is your friendly local insurance broker.

We can provide you with; • • • • •

Car and Home Insurance Landlords Insurance Van and Fleet Insurance Liability Insurance Professional Indemnity Cover

as well as much more� Call Coversure Poole today on

0800 223 0060 www.coversure.co.uk/poole Coversure Insurance Services (Poole), 96 Ashley Road, Poole, BH14 9BN S & J Palmer Ltd t/as Coversure Insurance Services (Poole) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Ref: 626656.

Swanage Oracle

Hi, I’m John Palmer and I own and run Coversure Poole.

Call me for a quote:

01202 929 141

johnpa@coversure.co.uk

John Palmer

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Community News

Summer fun for all the family Whatever the weather, there’s something for all ages until 31 August.

For the children, there’s the Premiership AFC Bournemouth Football School; badminton; Bikeability; cricket; diving; dodgeball; golf; Irish tap dance; kayaking; pop dance; snorkelling; soft play area; street dance; swimming lessons; tennis; and much more.

Adults can enjoy badminton; beauty therapy; exercise classes; gym; sauna; tennis; squash; swimming; and an onsite café bar.

If you want family fun, how about a splash in the pool every Sunday? Why not take advantage of the special Family Swim Offer in August? Just quote SUMSWIM2015 and two adults and two children can swim for £12.50.

Alternatively, come and play badminton, squash and table tennis for £1pp every Saturday in August. (10am to 4pm) The Sports Centre can even organise your child’s party and, if you’re after childcare, the onsite Bright Sparks Nursery or holiday clubs will be sure to keep the children out of mischief!

If you need to keep cool, try the 25 metre indoor pool. Whether you’re an early bird a keen lane swimmer, seeking family fun or taking that first paddle with the little one, the pool offers a something for everyone. Hoists are also available for wheelchair and nonweight bearing users.

01929 408080

Councillor Bill Pipe, Local Communities Spokesperson for Purbeck District Council, said: “Purbeck Sports Centre’s range of modern facilities makes it the perfect place to keep fit and healthy.

From complementing country walks to topping up bicycle fitness, there are lots of ways to keep active.”

Michelle Goodman, Sports Centre Manager, said: “Whether you want a break from the kids, some family fun, a cool down in the pool or respite from the rain, we have loads to offer this summer.

“Come rain or shine, we’re promising a summer of fun to remember!”

To find out more about all of this summer’s activities, visit the Sports Centre website at www.dorsetforyou. com/purbecksportscentre or pick up a new-look summer brochure from the Sports Centre or tourist information centres in Wareham and Swanage.

Alternatively you can call with any enquiries on 01929 500 000.

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Carpet & Flooring Specialists • Hardwood & Laminate Flooring • Carpet & Carpet Tiles • Wood Sanding & Restoration • Home selection service • Free quotes and advice Come and visit our showroom to see the ranges for yourself 1 Manor Park, 35 Willis Way, Poole, Dorset, BH15 3SZ Open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri

Tel: 01202 672222 Web: www.pnfl.co.uk Email: info@pnfl.co.uk

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

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What’s On

Purbeck Events for August 2015 Date

Event Name

Time and Location

Contact Details

All Month

What The Dog Saw Family Activity Trail

Durlston Country Park 104pm £3

01929 424443

Elizabeth Adventure & Exploration

Corfe Castle

01929 481294

Every Tues & Thurs

Wareham Croquet Club

Recreation Ground 10-5pm

01929 552816

2nd & 4th Thursday

Melodies for Memories Singing & Music Group

Wareham United Reformed Church 13.45 - 15.15 £3

07747533252

Every Wednesday

FREE Guided Walk

RSPB Arne 10-12noon

01929 553360

Wareham Wednesdays

Wareham Town Quay 6pm onwards

01929 552740

Wild Wednesdays Family Activities

Durlston Country Park 113pm

01929 424443

Every Saturday

Wareham Car Boot Sale

Worgret Road, Wareham

07516 562896

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Den Building

Brownsea Island 11am01pm & 2pm-4pm

01202 707744

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Movie Night - Paddington

Harmans Cross Village Hall 7pm £5 Film starts 7.30pm

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Swanage Town Band

Swanage bandstand 6.45pm

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Charity Quiz Night in aid of CAB

Swanage Cricket Club, off Days Park, Ulwell Road, 7pm; £7

01929 421939 email: freedman@ hardyhouse.plus.com

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Seashore Scavengers

Studland Beach 10.30am12.30pm Free event

01929 450500

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Stoborough Sunday Afternoon Tea

Stoborough Village Hall 3-5pm

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Guided Butterfly Walk

Lulworth Cove 11-1pm FREE

01929 400155

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Exchange Exhibition Talks

Durlston Castle 2.30pm & 7.30pm

01929 424443

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Swanage Lions Family Fun Day

Sandpit Field, Swanage

01929 422885

20/27

Wild About Paper Making & More

Durlston Learning Centre 2.30pm

01929 424443

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Evening Walk & Meal with Jurassic Jaunts

Venue to be confirmed, 6pm for 6.15pm

07790 474 478 Andy Pedrick

All the information has been compiled by Discover Purbeck Information Centre (01929 552740) and Swanage Tourist Information Centre (01929 422885) www.visitswanageandpurbeck.com and is correct to the best of our knowledge

01929 408080

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Swanage Oracle

Adventures of Nellie

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The Adventures of Nellie The Purbeck Publications Camper Van A huge advantage of having a campervan is the ease of just deciding to “go out” whatever the time of day, or night, and get some space, relax and enjoy our wonderful English countryside.

The weather has been so much better recently and we have had some beautiful evenings, so what better excuse than to put milk in the fridge, coffee in the cupboard and let Nellie take us for a drive! We did exactly that last month.

Hayden had gone to scouts, leaving Stephen and I some time on our own for a couple of hours. We all live such busy lives and I just needed a walk to clear away the hustle and bustle of the day.

Holt Heath is owned by the National Trust and belongs to the Kingston Lacy Estate. Situated 4 miles north east of Wimborne Minster, it is quite a magnificent expanse of dry and wet heathland, bog and ancient woodland with views all the way to the Isle of Wight.

Horses grazing on the heath

01929 408080

A contented Nellie at Holt Heath

It was a gorgeous evening as we parked a very contented Nellie in a small parking bay. Stephen and I went for a slow, leisurely walk along the ‘path’. Livestock have actually been reintroduced to this 400 hectares of heathland. Their grazing is helping to reduce the shrubs and also control the coarser grasses which allows rare plants and species to thrive and flourish. While we were there we saw cattle, ‘wild’ horses and ponies….as well as several cyclists.

There is a circular route with the largest walk being 6 miles long and taking up to 3 hours. Oh what a shame, we only had 2 hours before we had to pick Hayden up…or was that a good excuse? The smaller route is just 3 miles long. It is also possible, as Stephen and I can attest, to take an even shorter route if you are not feeling quite so energetic.

I really must be getting old! To be honest on a good day, picnic and a

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bottle of water in hand, this would be a perfect spot to get away from it all and really enjoy the peace and quiet while observing nature at its best.

Ironically once we were back in Nellie doing just that, enjoying the serene ambience with a cuppa from the whistling kettle, a driver came along and parked right in front of us with thumping music blasting out of the car!

I couldn’t believe it.

I waited a while thinking whoever it was wouldn’t stay long. All my hopes of a tranquil couple of hours were fearfully fading away. It was obvious after ten minutes that this person was staying right there.

I got out of the van and carefully approached the car. We do live in a democracy, so I did hold back what I really wanted to say (us English are very good at that!), and quietly asked if the music could be turned down, as we could only hear the rather loud beating drums. Don’t you just love it.

The lady was very good and the music was turned down. A short while later the car drove off. Phew! Nellie, who had gotten rather tense with all of this,

National Trust sign showing walks

breathed a sigh of relief. My serenity was back and I was once again able to take in the silence and calmness that I was seeking.

It must be all the fishing I did with Dad when I was younger. All those blissful lazy days with nothing to worry about, no cares in the world and surrounded by chirpy singing birds, butterflies, family picnics, the gentle plop of the float landing in the water. Those were the days!

Back to present times. This area of heathland really is gorgeous. If you are looking for tranquillity and nature, not too far off the beaten track, then I highly recommend you take a drive and witness the countryside in its glory.

If you are looking for a disco, this is not the place to be … or maybe it is, if a car parks in front of you!

Where will Nellie go next…?

A pony watches on as we walk past

Swanage Oracle

By Debbie Corney

Community News

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Purbeck Chess Club

Purbeck Chess Club was formed eleven years ago to provide the opportunity for those who enjoy a game of chess to meet in friendly surroundings. We currently meet on a Monday evening between 7pm and 10pm from September to May at Mortons House Hotel, Corfe Castle.

We are always looking for new members and give a warm welcome to everyone whether old or young, male or female and of whatever standard. It may be you last played chess at school many years ago or perhaps you have never played but would like to learn. We have many players who are willing to teach or coach and provide encouragement. Whatever your standard you will always find someone of your own ability to play so that you can enjoy a good game.

We also provide the opportunity to play competitive chess. We currently field two teams in the Dorset League and several of our players also take part in local tournaments such as the Dorset Open and the Bournemouth Grand.

Our evening session fee is only £2 so you do not need to commit yourself to joining the club until you feel ready.

If you are interested please contact Steve Peirson on 01929 552504.

Purbeck Railway Circle Friday 18th September 2015 Shifting Clay: North Purbeck’s Extractive Industry A presentation by Dr. Clare Randall, Museums and Education Manager, Swanage Railway Trust.

Friday 16th October 2015 Showing the films: The Titfield Thunderbolt plus a BTF Film In association with the Purbeck Film Festival. Film availability to be confirmed.

Harmans Cross Village Hall, Haycrafts Lane, Harmans Cross. 7.00 for 7.30pm EVERYONE WELCOME For more information please phone

01929 554765

01929 408080

25

The Swanage Oracle

L X O Y U E U C E B R A B K T

U W C G Q D P M L D K Z B O O

R S T R A W B E R R I E S R W

M E F Z P R O O S D C X R A E

C G M B U S R M M R X D U N L

G H R O D J M P E R K L E N T

H D B C K I O A W V P S I V N

G Q I H P S M Q L B M W C Q Y

I X C E T T C L E V A R T R T

B U V C S V G M N P W X S N O

B E A C H I J Y U Z N C Q Z V

X R I N V A N G S P Z O Q O A

D M U M P U Y N K B Q L P D S

B D T X U K F C E B R E E Z E

Q E H I F P E U Q T W A S C S

PIMMS TRAVEL BREEZE POSTCARD TENNIS STRAWBERRIES CREAM BARBECUE TOWEL BEACH

This month, the prize is a meal for two at the Bull & Boat in Swanage, so please complete this page by 8th September and send to: August/Sept Prize Wordsearch Name: ______________________ The Swanage Oracle, Address: ______________________ 1 Moorlands Rise, ______________________ West Moors, ______________________ Ferndown, BH22 0JR Telephone: ______________________

Swanage Oracle

Prize Wordsearch

Prize Wordsearch

26

on your Gardening Tips

PLOT Hoarding

It’s hard to remain excited when you’ve had courgette at every meal for a week, and marvellous though raspberries are there is a limit to just how many you can eat at once. Take a bit of time to store your harvest and you can be enjoying home grown right through the winter.

Jobs for August:Water regularly - try to water either in the evening or early mornings.

If you are growing main crop potatoes, watch out for signs of blight. Brown patches on the tops and edges of leaves are usually a first sign.

Pinch out the tops of runner bean stems that are outgrowing their supports.

Keep harvesting courgettes!

those

Sow turnips and oriental salad plants such as Pak Choi and Chinese Cabbage Strawberry runners that were potted up in June to produce new plants can be planted out now.

If all has gone to plan (that’s a big if!) then August should be a very satisfying month on your plot, with your hard work being repaid by ample harvests of a good range of fruit and veg.

Blanching and then freezing works for loads of vegetables. Key to success is to cool quickly after blanching so have a bowl of cold water at the ready and don’t forget to label what you are freezing!

The reality tends to be that the excitement of seeing your crops grow and ripen is initially followed by much enjoyment of the first fruits of your labour which can soon be replaced by a panic stricken ‘What the heck do I do with all these’! Certain crops (courgettes and tomatoes spring to mind) can almost guarantee this sequence of events!

Another option, and one that can work well for all those tomatoes, is to find a good recipe that you can cook, freeze and use later (how about a wonderful pasta sauce with your own tomatoes and home grown basil?).

Even ‘difficult to freeze’ veg such as courgettes can either be incorporated into a sauce, or blanched, frozen and then added to a stew at a later date.

Sharing with friends and neighbours is great but very often they will have a glut of exactly the same thing at just the same time. What is called for are some simple ideas for storing and preserving your produce. It may be a long time before you are harvesting fresh peas or raspberries again but that doesn’t mean that you can’t be enjoying your home grown produce throughout the winter - it just takes a little planning and now is the time to do it.

Cooking and freezing can work well for fruit too - apple or rhubarb are good stewed and frozen all ready for use in a crumble or pie. If you have a truly wonderful fruit crop then why not arm yourself with a good recipe book and get started on some jam making? It’ll be delicious on your toast in the morning, and what better gift than a pot of homemade raspberry jam?

Onions (and garlic) that have been lifted and left to dry can be plaited and hung in a cool, dry place. Net bags, or tights, also work if you don’t fancy plaiting.

Potatoes can be stored in boxes or paper sacks in a dark, dry building but you should check them regularly, removing any that show signs of rotting.

A good size freezer is a real boon for making the most of your produce.

01929 408080

It’s amazing how many books there are that tell you how to grow your fruit and veg, but how little information there is on just how to store it all! One wonderful little book, that deals with just this question is ‘How to store your garden produce’

by Piers Warren. It’s packed with information about how to store just about anything and a great addition to any gardeners library.

Happy harvesting!

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28

Motoring

auto

BIOGRAPHIES

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Writer

www.carwriteups.co.uk

@carwriteups

The Mitsubishi PHEV may look like a normal Outlander, but hiding behind the mask is the most technologically advanced Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) on the car market.

‘PHEV’ stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. It means the SUV can be fed by electricity from a domestic socket to power electric motors that are supported by a petrol engine.

Two electric motors drive the front and rear axle separately while batteries allow electricity-only driving at up to 75mph.

Beyond that pace, or should the battery pack drain to less than 30 per cent of its charge, a 2.0-litre petrol engine kicks in to life. It acts as a generator to help the PHEV accomplish a total driving range of approximately 500 miles on a full tank.

The Outlander PHEV is also the most fuel efficient fourwheel drive. That’s astounding for a family-size car that tips the scales at a bulky 1810kg, and seats five.

As a global first, the Outlander PHEV also has no direct adversary. The closest is the Lexus RX450h, though it can’t be recharged via a powerpoint and cannot run on electricity alone.

Befitting its first-class status in the Outlander range, the PHEV is very well stacked with kit. It has 18 inch alloy wheels, dusk-sensing auto headlamps, touch-screen with satellite navigation and reversing camera, climate control, parking sensors and seven airbags.

The flagship GX4hs was driven for this review and the model comes with additional features such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The latter squeals at you if it detects you’ve drifted across the road’s white dividing lines.

If you’re used to a standard car, it’s going to be a peculiar experience the first time you gently push the gearstick over

to the right into ‘D’ and drive off in silence. Even sharp jabs of the throttle produce the same amount of hush, though that has its rewards – the audio unit is only average, so at least there’s plenty of clarity in the quiet cabin.

The Outlander PHEV isn’t rapid from a standing start, but tremendous pulling power makes up for it once you get going. Initial acceleration suffers simply because of the heavy jumble of battery and electric motors that the standard Outlander doesn’t possess.

When you need to recharge on the move, all you need to do is hit the ‘Charge’ switch behind the joystick, which fires up the four-cylinder engine to replenish the battery. A single charge via a powerpoint takes five hours, which could cost you next to nothing depending on the hours you choose to plug in to the grid.

Inside, it’s pretty much standard Outlander layout apart from the joystick-style gearstick and electric charging buttons. The tachometer has also been replaced by a power meter, which shows when you’re charging-up the battery, using the battery, or running the engine.

Behind the wheel, body control is good for an SUV of this weight as the Outlander PHEV profits from Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC). This is a system that ensures maximum stability when cornering.

Indeed, for its green, yet powerful talents, Mitsubishi’s PHEV is an SUV that many British families will take to their hearts.

FAST FACTS PROS ‘N’ CONS Cheap to run √  Max speed: 106mph Pulling power √ 0-62 mph: 11 secs  Lots of kit √  Combined mpg: 148.7 Safe √  Engine: 2.0 litre petrol plus two Initial acceleration X electric motors

01929 408080

 

Max. power (bhp): 119 at 4500 rpm

 

CO2: 44 g/km

Max. torque (Ib/�): 140 at 4500 rpm Price: £40,054 on the road

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AIRLINE AIRIEST AIRLIFT

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

A

A

       



A



 

 

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

Household �ps

 

Duvet sets



    

  Swanage Oracle

30

Index of advertisers

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

Accountants Ward Goodman.................................................... 5

Financial Services Ward Goodman.................................................... 5

Aerials Repairline............................................................. 3

Garage Services Hughes Workshop................................................ 2 Penton Poole......................................................... 31

Bars, Pubs & Restaurants Bull & Boat........................................................... 16 The Sandford Pub................................................. 13

Garden Services Green Scheme....................................................... 15

Bathrooms C+C Plumbing & Bathrooms................................. 19

Hairdressers Philip Mills Hair Design......................................... 11

Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds......................................................... 3

Insurance Services Coversure Insurance............................................. 17

Builders Purbeck Home Improvements.............................. 1

New & Used Car Sales Penton Poole........................................................ 31

Carpenters Total Woodwork - Peter Albin............................... 29

Oven Cleaning David Chalmers.................................................... 3

Carpets & Flooring Peter Newman Flooring........................................ 19

Plumbers C+C Plumbing....................................................... 19 Gasways Heating.................................................. 9 Heatwise............................................................... 5

Community News Adventures of Nellie............................................. 22 Dorset Wildlife Trust: Keep Bees Busy!................. 14 Motoring: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV................. 28 National Trust in Purbeck..................................... 12 On your plot: Hoarding......................................... 26 Purbeck Chess Club............................................... 24 RVS Home Library Service..................................... 10 Summer fun for all the family............................... 18

Property Maintenance Total Woodwork - Peter Albin............................... 29 Puzzles & Competitions Crossword............................................................. 16 Honeycomb........................................................... 29 Kids Page.............................................................. 8 Prize Wordsearch.................................................. 25

Computer Services AJV Computing..................................................... 29 Whizzbits.............................................................. 29

Renewable Energy Solutions Nick Good Property Services................................. 27

Domestic Cleaning David Chalmers.................................................... 9

Taxis DMB Cars.............................................................. 7

Driveways Resin Drives.......................................................... 32

Tool & Plant Hire Sydenhams........................................................... 7

Electricians GKE....................................................................... 29

TV Sales & Repairs Repairline............................................................. 3

Events Purbeck Events..................................................... 20 Purbeck Folk Festival............................................ 6 Purbeck Railway Circle......................................... 24 Swanage Blues Festival........................................ 21

Waste Services Philip Trim............................................................. 9

01929 408080

ALL MAKES WELCOME

Customers Required For Our New Poole Dealership

31

Service Plan 3 Years Servicing & MOTs

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£19.00 E. AV

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OFFERS APPLY ON PRODUCTION OF THIS VOUCHER. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Parts included on servicing: Engine oil, oil filter and comprehensive check. Up to 2 litre 4-cylinder engines. An additional charge will be made for engines with fully synthetic oils and environmental, disposal charges also apply. All offers valid until 31st October 2015

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