The Swanage Oracle - December/January 2016

The Swanage 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 In this issue: Win a meal for two at the Bull & Boat Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival Local Business Directory Purbeck District Council News Dorset Wildlife Trust: Be naturally creative this Xmas Martin Lewis: Christmas Adventures of Nellie

Oracle

December/January 2016

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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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J Taylor Electrical • • • •

NICEIC approved contractor Established 2002 Friendly Swanage based service From small jobs in the home to rewires and commercial work • Inspection and testing • Replacement fuseboxes • Electrical control systems for central and under oor heating

Call John on

Swanage 422989 or 07966 167978

E: johntaylor294@gmail.com

photocopying, posters, menus, EXVLQHVV FDUGV Ă \HUV FDOHQGDUV JUHHWLQJ FDUGV EDQQHUV Ă DJV GUDZLQJ SODQV ZHE GHVLJQ JUDSKLF GHVLJQ FORWKLQJ SHUVRQDOLVHG JLIWV & much more

check our new website www.ghpm.co.uk IRU RQOLQH RUGHULQJ Unit One, Victoria Avenue Ind Estate Swanage, BH19 1BJ T: 01929 422141 W: www.ghpm.co.uk

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Introduction

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The Swanage

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

Edition 87

Oh my goodness, it is nearly Christmas 2015! I for one am not at all ready this year and I must start to get myself into the Christmas swing of things. We are going to Oxford to Stephen’s parents for a few days, so we are actually creating two Christmases, one in Oxford and another on my Birthday, 22nd December, to celebrate with my parents.

It’s a good excuse to let our hair down!

Oracle

Published by:

Stephen & Debbie Corney at Purbeck Publications

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

Copy deadline for the February/March 2016 edition: 11th January 2016

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

The Swanage Oracle has some good little articles for you this month including the Dorset Button Morris Dancers.

Martin Lewis guides us through Christmas finances. There is the Michael James Music Trust. On your plot has Scarves at the ready and The Purbeck Chess Club is ready for a challenge. The Purbeck District Council have news for you.

The Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival is about to begin. There is FREE Christmas Parking. A new group has set up - The Swanage Conceptual Art Drama Group, so ‘break a leg’ at your first performance! Can you believe there is even Tai Chi and Qigong in Swanage? Nellie had a rest for a week and we floated on the ocean waves. You can read all about that on pages 22 and 23. The prize wordsearch, a meal for two at the Bull and Boat, was won by Neil Higham! We hope you enjoy your meal. Do fill in our Christmas one and send it off to us as you could be the next lucky winner.

Please continue to use the advertisers in The Swanage Oracle. All of the them would like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. They are here for you over the Christmas time as well as the beginning of 2016!

Stephen and I would also like to sincerely thank you for the support you give to the advertisers and the magazine.

We are very much a family run business and love to hear that all our work is worth while. If you have a business or a local club that you would like to promote please get in touch.

All the Very Best,

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

All successful relationships start with a conversation.

Let’s talk...You deserve to work with a firm that values your long-term success as much as it’s own.

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

27/08/2014 15:35

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

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

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Community News

Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival 2015 The annual Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival is gearing up to take place in Swanage this year, from Thursday 10th December for 3 days until Saturday 12th December. Unfortunately, or maybe happily, the festival has grown in size and popularity and St James’ Church in Kingston is no longer able to provide the accommodation, parking, catering or staffing that such a busy, lovely and festive event needs. The new, purpose built Emmanuel Baptist Church and Centre in Swanage with car parking facilities and coffee shop will be the new venue for this magical display of decorated trees, Christmas music and singing with some added festive attractions to tell the real story of Christmas as well.

The Festival hopes to accommodate up to 50 decorated trees sponsored by local organisations, businesses, groups, charities and families from all over Purbeck, for visitors from the whole of South Dorset and beyond to visit, spend time and enjoy. Opening times will be from 10am til 7pm, but closing earlier on the Saturday at 5pm to enable people to dismantle their trees that day.

More details on the programme of events will be published on the Emmanuel Baptist Church website in early December but for now, make a note of the dates Thurs 10th – Saturday 12th December and don’t miss it!

We look forward to welcoming you, Marjorie Edwards & Judy Forgan

PURBECK CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

EMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH

SWANAGE Thur 10thDecember 10am-7pm Fri 11th December 10am-7pm Sat 12th December 10am-5pm Music - Refreshments Life - size Nativity

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

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

  Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts

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

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Community News

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FREE PARKING IN SWANAGE &RPH DQG VKRS IRU \RXU &KULVWPDV JLIWV LQ 6ZDQDJH )UHH 3DUNLQJ IRU &KULVWPDV VKRSSLQJ ZLOO EH DYDLODEOH LQ WKH 7RZQ &RXQFLO¶V FDU SDUNV DV IROORZV

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Organised in conjunction with the Swanage & District Chamber of Trade & Commerce Swanage Car Parks are provided by Swanage Town Council, Town Hall, High Street, Swanage BH19 2NZ 01929 423636

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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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    

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

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14

Wildlife News

Talking about Wildlife...

Be naturally creative this Xmas When the days grow shorter and the festive season is looming, it’s easy to turn on the heating, don some fluffy slippers and put your feet up, but at Dorset Wildlife Trust we believe there’s a great reason for dressing up warm, putting on the wellies and getting outside in the fresh air!

Before the advent of mass-produced Christmas decorations (often on sale from late August!) people gathered their own natural foliage, berries and cones to make table centrepieces and wreaths, and this was part of the annual ritual that made the run-up to Christmas such fun.

There’s a wealth of natural material out there just waiting to be used to wonderful effect inside your home, so why not rekindle the joy of using natural resources in your own family, and get some good healthy exercise at the same time?

Evergreens such as holly, ivy and conifers are fairly easy to find when you’re out on a winter walk, but make sure that you’re not taking anything from private property, and also that you only take a small amount from each bush or tree. You can also get creative with things like fir cones, acorns and nuts that have fallen onto the ground.

Once you’ve collected your raw materials, you don’t need to be a craft expert to create something lovely. Our fabulous festive workshop with Jules Hosford on 14 November will give you all the guidance you need in order to make your own stunning wreaths and table flowers, personalised just for you and your loved ones.

If art rather than sculpture is more your style, get inspired to design your own Christmas card with artist Julie Herring on 12 November. This is a chance to draw directly from nature in The Great Heath.

Don’t worry, though, if you can’t get outside either for materials or inspiration, because Carla Taylor will help you make your own gorgeous hand-made felt decorations for your tree and home, including robins, baubles and more, on 22 November.

For more information and details of how to book a place, see: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events

By Alison Copland, DWT Volunteer Felt Balls

Photo: Carla Taylor

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CAMERAS WANTED

By Private Collector ANY Age, Format, Quantity or Quality ALL WANTED - 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 Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts

16

Money Saving Tips

Martin

LEWIS &KULVWPDV No we do not want Christmas songs, goods or fairy lights in September, or October, or even November. Christmas is on 25 December and that’s where it should stay. Yet, while it is far too early for celebration, it’s never too early for preparation.

Many of the key Christmas must-dos to save money only work if you do them early enough. So now we’ve far fewer than 100 days to go, here’s my Christmas (or Chanucah or Eid) savers checklist.

Earn 5% cashback on your Christmas shopping If you’re going to be spending for Christmas, you might as well do it on a card that pays you every time you spend on it. The no annual fee AmericanExpress.com Amex Everyday credit card pays 5% cashback on your first three months’ spending (maximum £100) followed by up to 1.25% after.

Get it now and this falls during the high spend Christmas period.

The cashback won’t be paid until a year later, but, then again, that’s a bonus for next Christmas. Set up a direct debit to repay IN FULL each month to avoid the 22.9% rep APR. There’s a full list of options at www.mse.me/cashback, plus an eligibility checker that tells you your odds of getting each card.

Agree to not give unnecessary presents Far too many people do tit-for-tat giving, and using the end result is tat. So now’s the moment to agree with friends, family and colleagues to cut back on giving this year. Why not save it for just the immediate family?

Too many people end up with goods they’ll never use, so why waste our cash out of some peer-pressure filled obligation. And even those who want to be generous to those with less than them, remember by giving to someone that person often feel obligated to buy back which can do more harm than help. For my full ‘ban Christmas presents’ philosophy, go to www.mse.me/ banchristmas.

Not saved for it? Start now – then you can split the cost by four A typical family Christmas costs around £820 – a huge amount from one month’s salary alone. But if you haven’t started saving yet, there is still time.

For example, put £200 aside from your September, October and November’s income, and it’ll spread the cost. Save what you can, but if you really can’t afford to, I’m afraid you’ll need to cut your cloth accordingly.

Not used it since last Christmas? Flog it Walk around the house and examine everything – it’s time for your annual personal stock clearance. Many old items can be worth serious cash and if you’ve not used things for a year, whether kids’ toys, prams, coffee makers, mobile phones, gadgets, or even clothes, why not sell them?

Have a look on eBay to see if any of your bits are suitable for

sale. There are also lots of recycling sites that will pay you for old mobiles and gadgets – just make sure you do your research first to find the one that’ll give you the most.

Set up a Christmas cupboard, then POUNCE on the biggest discounts Become a tactical shopper. Work out now what you want to buy and then you can pounce on it when there’s a code, voucher or discount that’s cheaper (my weekly email includes the hot ones www.mse.me/tips).

Even better, as is part of many MoneySavers’ Christmas arsenal, once you by a present, bag it, wrap it, and pop it in a Christmas cupboard.

Don’t borrow for Christmas - but if you’ll do it anyway, ensure it’s at 0% Xmas borrowing’s a bad idea. Far better to go, er, cold turkey, and have a more austere time (Christmas is just one day, after all).

That said, if you’ll borrow anyway, at least do it right. The longest 0% spending credit card is Cbonline.co.uk at 26 months or PostOffice.co.uk at 25 months. Although these cards are over two years interest free, before they jump to 18.9% rep APR, aim to clear the card before next Christmas or you just perpetuate the misery.

Small cutbacks now can mean big savings Small cutbacks now can save large when there are 90 days, 66 working days and 13 weeks left until Christmas. So, if you give up a £2 coffee every day at work you’ll save £132, or cut back on an £8 pack of cigarettes every week and it’s £104. I’m not saying you must give up everything completely, but make an active choice: would you prefer the cash at Christmas or the daily treat?

Don’t use Tesco vouchers for festive food A £10 Tesco voucher is worth just £10 in-store. Yet you can double or triple its value on items in its www.tesco.com/clubcard/deals/ brochure (£10 becomes £30) on gift items such as Goldsmiths jewellery or Merlin annual theme park passes.

Plus every few months its ‘double-up’ scheme gives 2x value year-round on selected items in-store and on Tesco Direct, including fragrance, toys and electricals. Tesco won’t confirm for sure when it’ll next be on, but it’s likely to be around the beginning of November.

Warning! Don’t ignore your household enquiry form Every UK household is being sent a Household Enquiry Form from their local council to check the right people are registered to vote – and if you repeatedly fail to fill it in you can be fined up to £1,000.

@MoneySavingExpert

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17

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 4pm - 7pm.

If you want a great haircut or colour on training night, book in now as cuts are only £10 and colour are from £15, 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 techniques and keep our team focussed on providing an excellent service.

Madeline will start to take appointments from December and will be offering a 15% discount on all wash, cut and blowdrys in December and January as an introductory offer. So, from December we can offer a ‘three tier price list’ to suit all clients.

Philip, Lyn and all the team would like to thank all their clients for their continued support and wish them all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

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Puzzle Corner

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Across 8 Sieve (4) 9 Uncompromising (10) 10 A short passage at the end of a literary work (6) 11 Longing (8) 12 Effervesce (4) 13 Unfinished (10) 17 Decorate with gold leaf (4) 18 A Great Lake (5) 19 Coral island (4) 20 Opinion pieces in newspapers (10) 22 A stupid person (4) 23 Cajoles (8) 27 Fail to fulfill a promise (6) 28 Companionship (10) 29 Appear (4)

Down 1 Made less complex (10) 2 Used (8) 3 The kookaburra bird (10) 4 Chancy (4) 5 Queen of the gods (Greek mythology) (4)

6 Converse non-verbally (6) 7 Scheme (4) 14 Papal court (5) 15 An unpublished literary work (10) 16 Systematic religious beliefs (10)

19 Incivility (8) 21 Increase threefold (6) 24 Gardening tools (4) 25 Lascivious (4) 26 Area of central London (4)

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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: 07796 237351 Email: landerrmi@gmail.com FENSA - MTC - CRB checked Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts

20

What’s On

Introducing... Swanage Conceptual Art Drama Group There is a new drama group in Swanage called Swanage Conceptual Art Drama Group. Conceptual art drama means that there is no boundary between the play and reality so the actors play their own characters and the audience becomes part of the play. The group rehearses at St Mary’s rectory classroom on a Wednesday from 7-9pm.

Their first performance is “Alice: a Mystery in Wonderland” at the Mowlem Theatre on Friday 18th December at 7.30pm (Tickets £10/ £8). It has been written by Swanage resident Martin Szalla. The play starts with the Mad Hatter’s tea party, around which the plot is based and from there becomes a mystery in the style of Agatha Christie.

Well-loved characters will be there such as Humpty Dumpty and the Cheshire Cat along with poems and songs from Lewis Carroll’s books. The play is suitable for all age groups.

The group are keen to have more new members either actors, scenery painters or stage assistants. Also welcome

White Rabbit

Photo by Dan Bristow

is anyone who wants to learn about the theatre. After “Alice” there will be more plays as well as play reading and writing.

Contact Gina Marshall 07434 814384 (publicity) for more information.

Tweedle

Photo by Dan Bristow

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21

Independent family run business offering a friendly and efficient service Inspection & testing New consumer units Full & partial rewires Outdoor power & lighting Extra sockets/lighting points

Repairs & maintenance Electric showers & heating All electrical work undertaken Part P registered Free competitive quotes

07887 480680 / 01929 460098 www.electricalluk.com

Dorset Button Morris Dancers Dorset Button Morris have 2 sides. The ladies side dances Northwest Morris and the men’s side dance Rapper (sword dancing). Rapper dance comes for the North East of England and is believed to come from coal miners dancing.

Dorset Button Morris was formed about 40 years ago and most dancers come for the Wareham area. The men’s rapper side practice every Sunday in the Scout hut in Keysworth Drive, Sandford.

We normally practice from October to Easter. Our first year dance out is on Easter Monday at a local venue. During the summer months we dance out every Wednesday outside a local pub and also dance at many folk festivals. During 2015 we danced at Chippenham Folk festival, Wimborne Folk festival, Swanage Folk festival, Lewes day of dance etc.

We are urgently looking for new members to prevent the side dying out.

No previous experience is necessary and its all good fun and a good way to keep fit. If you are interested just come and watch us and if you fancy having a go you will be welcome. www.cjm.talktalk.net/buttons Contact anthony613@btinternet.com

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Adventures of Nellie

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The Adventures of Nellie The Purbeck Publications Camper Van Poor Nellie, The Purbeck Publications campervan, was left on her own for a whole week! After spending a month camping, with the awning, Kombi as well as Rosie, Rocky and Mega the bikes, the Corney family with, can you believe it, the Outlaw family (alias my Mum and Dad) set off on the waves! Having written about our camping trip last month, I wasn’t going to do write up this month, but cruising is another adventure altogether and one I know many like to do. So yes the Corney’s and the Outlaw’s (boy did I used get some stick at school for that) took to the seas in celebration of my Dad’s 80th Birthday. Keeping an eleven year boy as well as an active 80 year old Dad, a 70 year old Mum with some physical back and leg difficulties, myself and Stephen all happy at the same time was going to be a challenge! Christmas last year, we chose a ship that was big enough and busy enough to have childrens’ activities, yet had an ‘adult only pool’ just in case.

We sailed on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Liner, the “Rhapsody of the Seas”. Stephen, I have to say was very well organised. I was convinced the valet parking at Heathrow airport had a catch to it, being the suspicious kind... but no, for a whole £56 the company came to collect the car 5 minutes after we arrived, leaving us with just luggage, passport, tickets and hat in hand, to stroll into the airport, while a driver took the car away for the week. Perfect!

Windmills on Mykonos

Corneys and Outlaws in the dining room We were on our way for a Greek Islands sail! We flew to Rome and spent one night there before boarding our floating hotel. The crew of these magnificent vessels are hard working, friendly and have one sole purpose - to keep their customers happy. It is great to see such a large team of people from all over the world working together in harmony. We can learn from this. The ship atmosphere is quite exhilarating. Once you set off and the wind is in your hair, the sun is shining, all the problems and worries drift away. The first 36 hours were at sea, nothing but sea.

There is plenty to do on board, although I have the say, in order to get a ‘pool lounger’ you need to be somewhat German (am I allowed to say that?) and get your towel out early! With 2365 people on board including over 800 Italians, 600 Spanish, French, Canadians, Americans as well as English, not to mention all the children, it is not for the faint hearted. The food is quite amazing and available pretty much 24/7 so don’t expect to lose weight.

So long as you get the right food and drink, this is all included in the price. Another perk all included in the holiday package are the Shows at night. We were privileged enough to meet the chaps from “String Fever” who had flown out especially from

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23 London. This is a family of musicians who had started their career travelling around England in their parent’s campervan! I couldn’t believe it... there is hope for us yet!

The Greek Islands. Well I have to say I fell in love... with Santorini. The sail into the volcano with the mountainous terrain leering above you is awe inspiring. I would love to visit this island again.

You get around 5-6 hours to look around before sailing off into the sunset. We thoroughly enjoyed the chairlift up to the top. It was possible to take a donkey, which would have been exciting and Dad would have given it a go, but I am not sure Mum would have made it. The walk up the volcanic cliffside once at the top is like nothing else. We had coffee at a delightful café overlooking the whole bay, away from the crowds, sheltered by a gorgeous tree. What more could you ask for.

Mykonos is also a wonderful Greek Island.

The narrow, white streets lined with jewellery, wonderfully made clothes and Greek ornaments I could have wondered around for hours... and spent a fortune! The beach was also good and the crystal turquoise sea is a must to sink into.

On Katakolon, where the Olympics originated, we found a beach with free parasols, loungers and canoes! All you had to do was buy a drink. Again this was perfect for everyone and Hayden was in his element, except when he found the jellyfish!

He also took Grandma out in a canoe and between them they successfully managed to capsize! It was hilarious to watch and fortunately no-one was hurt so there was no need for an air rescue...

A birds eye view of Athens with Spiros Athens is a big city. Here we hired a taxi, as we missed the coach! It turned out to be to our advantage: the driver, who didn’t speak much English, set off like a bat out of hell. We were worried! We blamed it on Greek driving and Mum clung on for dear life. It turned out that the ‘Changing of the Guards’ happened every hour at the Parliament Building... the driver got out and rushed us to get photos before the guards marched off. Once we understood what he was doing we were very appreciative! He also took us to see the city from ‘on high’ with the Acropolis in the background. Incredible. If you don’t want to wait and the take the many steps to climb up to the Acropolis, I highly recommend the museum. It is air-conditioned and actually holds the original parts of the much of the Parthenon which are being replaced.

We ended the cruise back in Rome with a bus trip around the whole city. Another amazing place.

Nellie was sadly missed and is now fed up of looking at all the photos. Cruising is fun!

By Debbie Corney The Caldera of Santorini

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24

Community News

Purbeck Railway Circle Friday 15th January 2016 “East Dorset Railway Curios” - A digitised photographic collection presented by Andrew P. M. Wright, Swanage Railway Official Photographer and Press Officer plus the PRC Annual General Meeting.

Friday 12th February 2016 “Steam on Three Continents, Europe, India and Africa” - A presentation by Colin Stone, local author and historian.

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

01929 554765

Tai Chi and Qigong in Swanage Wutan School in Purbeck has been teaching these exercises for over 20 years. Age is no barrier to learning them, both consist of a series of slow controlled movements which are gentle and non competitive.

Tai Chi forms vary in difficulty. Its origins lie in Chinese martial arts but over hundreds of years the movements have been adapted to give a beneficial regime. Qigong exercises concentrate on healing. In class, gentle stretching and bending exercises are repeated a number of times. The time taken to learn these exercises varies from person to person, but this is not important as there is always someone to follow and the main benefit of tai chi and qigong is a stress free mind and body.

Classes suiting all ages are available in

Swanage. The cost is minimal, £20 for the annual membership and insurance and classes are £10 a month for qigong or £18 a month for tai chi. Comfortable clothing and soft shoes are all that is needed.

We meet at Swanage British Legion on Tuesday 3.30-4.30pm. Just come and try a free class or ring 01929 423898 for further details.

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The Swanage Oracle

Yuletide Fun T I N S E L T C P E W H S B

U Y E O T E L T S I M L L F

R D A I U X M D O N Z O E R

K C P O I C O E J K A Y I A

E E S L O A A U K I L B G N

Y U L E V R I R U E O V H K

A H P B Y D G R O R P C D I

N I R Y T S Y N G L T D E N

I L E K A L F W O N S Y Y C

O E S F R A V E H D F L T E

O B E L L S T S T C D L R N

P C N D E A B N A M W O N S

H I T E D Q N X A S E H O E

G Q S Y F W H S R S E V L E

R E I N D E E R D E R E P Z

Carols Snowflake Turkey Presents Elves Bells Tinsel Sleigh Snowman Cards Frankincense Mistletoe Reindeer Yule Santa Noel Holly

This month, the prize is a meal for two at the Bull & Boat in Swanage, so please complete this page by 5th January 2016 and send to: Dec/Jan Prize Wordsearch Name: ______________________ The Swanage Oracle, Address: ______________________ 1 Moorlands Rise, ______________________ West Moors, ______________________ Ferndown, BH22 0JR Telephone: ______________________

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Prize Wordsearch

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26

on your Gardening Tips

PLOT

Scarves at the ready December is perhaps the one month where, in the build up to Christmas with roaring fires and shorter days, even the hardiest of gardeners may struggle to get out there and do the necessary for their plots.

Jobs for December:Continue collecting falling leaves and put them in a leaf mould cage ready for next year.

Take hardwood cuttings of soft fruit.

Cover your compost bins Pop some more manure into your digging efforts.

Keep an eye on any slugs trying to get at your potatoes Keep your bird feeders topped up, especially if there is ground frost or snowfall.

Keep mice away from your harvested produce.

Cut back any creepers that have become a bit excitable during the year.

December often means hard frosts and you need to harvest your winter cabbages, celery and cauliflowers this month. Parsnips and swedes are pretty hardy so if you are a bit overrun with your crop you can keep these in the ground until you need them. If bad weather is forecast then keep some straw handy to cover them over and stop the ground from freezing thema in. Make sure that you check your stored crops for any sign of disease and remove any that look problematic.

If the ground isn’t too sticky then this is also a great time to get out your hoe and work between your vegetable crops. Look out for any plants which might have been lifted by frost and press them gently back into the ground.

Keep an eye on your Brussels too these should be starting now so try cooking them in different ways in your meals before the ‘big day’ (adding a spot of garlic can make all the difference) until you find something suitable to go with the bird. You don’t just have to eat them on Christmas Day you know!

you can by brushing off any settled snow. This helps to prevent any damage with branches breaking under the weight. Just make sure you if you have small children they don’t take this as an opportunity to flick snow everywhere otherwise your quiet gardening time could suddenly turn into an impromptu snowball fight!

Birds at this time of the year need all the help they can get too. There are some great plants that you can introduce to help them as well as popping out the traditional feeders.

These include hawthorn, holly, beriberi and indeed your holly can double up as a craft project for indoor decorations over the festive season.

If you are planting these types of shrubs for our feathered friends then do try and put them somewhere quiet in the garden where the birds won’t be frightened off.

Sit back at your window and watch them feed contentedly whilst you enjoy the view. Why not get out a few gardening books, grab a cup of tea and imagine how you’d like your garden to look next summer? More or less vegetables? Bigger shrubs, more colour? Whatever you choose, pat yourself on the back for all the hard work you’ve done this year and think how green your fingers really could be!

Be mindful of any snowfall this month or in future weeks and help out your plants and shrubs as best

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

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

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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27

28

Motoring

Auto Biographies

Jeep Cherokee 2.2 Diesel

By Tim Barnes-Clay, www.carwriteups.co.uk Jeep is celebrating its most fruitful year in Britain ever. It is a vital market for the company because we Brits buy more Cherokees than anywhere else in Europe or Africa.

The American auto maker aims to echo this success in 2016.

But how is it going to do it? Well, one way is to give the admired Cherokee line-up more ‘oomph’.

So, that’s why the good-looking Jeep is now obtainable with 185hp and 200hp outputs. It offers an appreciably wider spread of pulling power from low revs, giving greater bang for your buck. But it isn’t just about enriched performance, the 2.2 Cherokee oil-burner now offers better fuel economy than the departing two-litre 170hp automatic lump.

Available only with Jeep’s smooth changing nine-speed automatic gearbox, and paired to the company’s ActiveDrive four-wheel-drive systems, the all new Cherokee 2.2 versions are inundated with equipment.

The range now has more spec as standard, including an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, an automatic anti-dazzle rear-view mirror with built-in microphone and an electric tailgate. Perhaps more significantly, though, all Cherokees score highly with safety – achieving the maximum 5-stars in Euro NCAP’s tough tests.

But back to the new engine under the bonnet. It is assembled for our market in the Pratola Serra plant, near Avellino, Italy.

Armed with the 4x4 Jeep Active Drive I system, the Cherokee 2.2 MultiJet II 200hp reaches a maximum speed of 127mph.

It accelerates from zero to 62mph in 8.5 seconds, has a typical combined fuel consumption figure of 49.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 150g/km.

The Cherokee 2.2 MultiJet II 200hp with Active Drive II and

low-range has a top speed of 126mph, 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds, and a combined fuel consumption of 46.3mpg, with 160g/km of CO2 emissions.

Behind the wheel of the quickest diesel – the 2.2 MultiJet II 200hp Limited 4WD automatic with Active Drive I - I found everything rapid enough. Certainly, the more commanding motor is a real step-up from the unit it supersedes. You no longer have to work the engine like a dog to make spirited progress. It is even quite soothing when you’re not pushing the pace.

Undeniably, one of the Cherokee’s fortes is its ride. For a midsized sport utility vehicle (SUV) with off-road know-how, the Cherokee handles adeptly. The only time you notice the Jeep get a little unsettled is if you throw it in to a bend. Then there is perceptible body roll.

The new 2.2 MultiJet II engine certainly places the Jeep Cherokee towards the crest of the mid-size SUV class for pace, poise and proper efficiency. It is no BMW X3 but it brings the fight to the likes of Honda’s CR-V – and is sure to put the fabled motor manufacturer on track for even more success in the United Kingdom next year.

The Jeep Cherokee range starts at £26,095 for the 2.0 MultiJet II 140hp Longitude FWD manual, rising to £37,995 for the 2.2 MultiJet II 200hp Limited 4WD automatic.

Pros ‘n’ Cons • Equipment √ • Comfort √ • Auto transmission √ • Efficiency √ • Some body roll X

Fast Facts (Review Car) • Max speed: 127mph • 0-62 mph: 8.5 secs • Combined mpg: 49.6 • Engine: 2.2 turbocharged diesel • Price: £36,795

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Swanage Building SERVICES KITCHENS

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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 ÂŁ2 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.

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Index of advertisers

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

Accountants Ward Goodman.................................................... 5 Aerials Repairline............................................................. 21 Bars, Pubs & Restaurants Bull & Boat........................................................... 15 The Sandford Pub................................................. 27 Bathrooms C+C Plumbing & Bathrooms................................. 9 Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds......................................................... 3 Broadview Blinds.................................................. 7 Builders Purbeck Home Improvements.............................. 1 Swanage Building Services................................... 29 Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras............................................. 15 Carpenters Total Woodwork - Peter Albin............................... 7 Carpets & Flooring Peter Newman Flooring........................................ 11 Community News Adventures of Nellie............................................. 22 Dorset Button Morris Dancers.............................. 21 Dorset Wildlife Trust: Be naturally creative.......... 14 Last postal dates................................................... 7 Martin Lewis: Christmas....................................... 16 Michael James Music Trust................................... 5 Motoring: Jeep Cherokee 2.2 Diesel..................... 28 On your plot: Scarves at the ready....................... 26 Purbeck Chess Club............................................... 29 Purbeck District Council News................................ 12 Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival........................... 6 Swanage Christmas Parking................................. 10 Swanage Conceptual Art Drama Group............... 20 Tai Chi and Qigong in Swanage............................ 24 Computer Services AJV Computing..................................................... 29 Whizzbits.............................................................. 29 Domestic Cleaning David Chalmers.................................................... 19 Electricians Electricall.............................................................. 21 J. Taylor Electrical................................................. 3

Events Purbeck Railway Circle......................................... 24 Swanage Conceptual Art Drama Group - Alice..... 20 Financial Services Ward Goodman.................................................... 5 Funeral Services James Smith.......................................................... 19 Garage Services Penton Poole......................................................... 32 Hairdressers Philip Mills Hair Design......................................... 17 Insurance Services Coversure Insurance............................................. 31 Jewellers Georgian Gems..................................................... 5 New & Used Car Sales Penton Poole........................................................ 31 Oven Cleaning David Chalmers.................................................... 19 Plumbers C+C Plumbing....................................................... 9 Gasways Heating.................................................. 13 Heatwise............................................................... 2 Printers GHPM................................................................... 3 Property Maintenance Total Woodwork - Peter Albin............................... 7 Puzzles & Competitions Crossword............................................................. 18 Kids Page.............................................................. 8 Prize Wordsearch.................................................. 25 Sudoku.................................................................. 18 Skip Hire Ideal Skip Hire....................................................... 2 Taxis DMB Cars.............................................................. 9 Tool & Plant Hire Sydenhams........................................................... 11 TV Sales & Repairs Repairline............................................................. 19 Waste Services Philip Trim............................................................. 13 Windows, Doors & Conservatories Doors-Windows-Locks.......................................... 15

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

31

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

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

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.

Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts

PENTON

motor group

www.pentonmotorgroup.com

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TO OUR WE BRAND NEW SERVICE CENTRE

WHY CHOOSE US? AFFORDABLE & RELIABLE

GREAT OFFERS

SPECIALIST TECHNICIANS

ACCESSIBLE LOCATION

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Penton Poole, 79 Sterte Avenue West, Just Off Holes Bay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 2AL

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£19 £99

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PENTON POOLE

PMS 5199 PENTON POOLE.indd 1

79 STERTE AVENUE WEST, POOLE, DORSET BH15 2AL

01202 795845

The Swanage Oracle

20/10/2015 15:58

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

OFFERS ONLY. P check. U engines apply. *