The Swanage December 2017
Oracle
& 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
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2 We are looking to appoint Care Support Assistants to our vibrant team of professionals who provide therapy, care and education to children and young people with autism and complex learning needs.
Purbeck View School Northbrook Road, Swanage, BH19 1PR
Night and day shifts opportunities available
Purbeck View School is on an exciting journey towards outstanding, with many opportunities for training and professional career development.
GCSE Maths and English essential Level 3 Diploma in care desirable £8.30 up to £10.05 per hour / £18,127.20 up to £21,949.20 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)
Come and work with us to secure a future of opportunity and fulfilment for our very special young people! Purbeck View is committed to Safeguarding and Child protection. All applicants will be subject to full safeguarding and referencing checks prior to appointment.
To apply for this vacancy please visit https://www.jobtrain.co.uk/cambian/ and complete the online application form. If you wish to speak with someone regarding this vacancy please call the school on 01929 422760, and ask for Luciana Grover, Recruitment Administrator. Closing date: 1st January 2018
The successful candidates will meet the person specification in order to be offered this post. Cambian is an equal opportunities employer.
Empowering
Supportive Achieve your personal best, today. Opportunities
Potential
Email: info@philiptrimcontractors.com
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Introduction
4
The Swanage
Dear Swanage, Studland, Worth Matravers, Langton Matravers and Ulwell!
Edition 109
A very Merry Christmas to you all! We do hope that you are all prepared and are ready to put your feet up in front of a roaring fire with a glass of your favourite tipple in your hand. The thought is good but very often that is not the case. Last minute shopping, cleaning the house before the parents, friends or family arrive. It can all get a bit stressful, let’s face it. Maybe it is time to stop worrying, let someone else help where they can and smile your way through. That would be Nellie’s suggestion! It works for her… I think I will try it.
Oracle
Published by:
Stephen & Debbie Corney at Purbeck Publications
Telephone: 01929 408080 Email: info@swanageoracle.co.uk
Copy deadline for the January 2018 edition: 11th December 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
We have had a very good year with lots of travelling and fun outings. Now is the time to start planning the new 2018. How exciting! A new year, a new start, or maybe more of the same, but certainly a time to create a future. Stephen and I thank all of you for supporting the advertisers in 2017. All of your calls and bookings have made our work worthwhile and kept many businesses very busy. If you have a business yourself or know of one, please let them know of us. We would love to help them do even better and get many more calls. The lucky winner of the prize wordsearch was Mary Gadd. Very well done to you. Here’s to a Wonderful Christmas Time! Best Wishes,
Debbie & Stephen Corney Useful Numbers Local Police Southern Electricity Transco Gas Emergency Swanage Hospital
101 0800 072 7282 0800 111999 01929 422282
Train Enquires Wilts & Dorset Bus Wessex Water Emerg. Purbeck Distict Council
08457 484950 01983 827005 0845 600 4600 01929 556561
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Merry Christmas to all clients from Phil, Lyn and the Team 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
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Community News
The Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival: Now in its third year at Emmanuel in Swanage! The trees have arrived and there are pine needles everywhere! Fairy lights are being strewn around them and nearly 50 companies, people and organisations are busy decorating their very own trees at Emmanuel Church in readiness for the Big Event! On the morning of Thursday 7 December at 10.00 am, the church doors will open and the glitter and sparkle will begin! First to make a joyful noise will be The Notelets – toddlers with instruments, big voices and bubbles – such fun! After that, Judith Leymann, back in Swanage as head librarian, will be telling Christmas stories in the rustic and atmospheric Bethlehem stable. Some of our town’s pre-schools will be along to enjoy the tales and try on some shepherds’ and kings’ clothes so they can begin to understand what it was like to be around when Jesus was born. Throughout the rest of the 3 day event, there will be school choirs singing their hearts out and an extra special visit from students at Purbeck View School who are coming along to sing and sign some carols; local singing groups – Singing for Pleasure and Local Vocals will be performing as well as our renowned Swanage performers, Karen Grant and Rosie Horn and Karl Latimer will play Christmas songs on his keyboard. The ever popular and much-loved Swanage Ukeladies will sing and entertain on Saturday 9th at 12 noon – don’t miss them! Also on the Saturday, our ‘Get In The Picture’ photographers will be there to take your photo in the stable – Mary or shepherd, Joseph or King – there’s a costume for everyone! To round up the Festival on Saturday afternoon
from 4.00pm to the end, there will be community carol singing for all – come and go as you please and join in a few carols to gladden your heart this Christmas. Then on Sunday at 4.00pm, there will be a quieter, more reflective atmosphere at our ‘Lights of Love’ service where you can light a candle and think about a special someone who will not be around this Christmas. It’s a chance to come to terms with loss at this special time of year, cry if you need to, then move on to enjoy the festive season. Our car park is available for you, the Crossroads Café will be serving breakfast, elevenses, lunch or afternoon tea … there’s something for everyone at a price you can afford - and there’s free wi-fi if you can’t extricate yourself from your phone! Our chosen charities this year are The Swanage Bandstand and Communicare so please drop a couple of quid in the collecting boxes as you enjoy all that we offer this year … and help these wonderful causes too. Come and celebrate with us again at the Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival this year as we put Christ back into Christmas. Marjorie Edwards
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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
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Auto Biographies Motoring
Renaut Koleos 2017 By Tim Barnes-Clay, www.carwriteups.co.uk
The Renault Koleos won’t rock your world, but it’s a decent enough SUV. It looks a bit too like many other SUVs out there – most noticeably the Skoda Kodiaq, but it’s an impressive car, nonetheless. I got behind the wheel of the flagship trim level – the Signature Nav, which has a generous amount of Kit, comprising big 19-inch alloy wheels, a sat-nav, a touchscreen and leather-bound seats. The car’s infotainment system, accessed via the touchscreen is easy and selfexplanatory to use, and the Renault is practical, offering cubby holes and four USB slots. What’s more, the Koleos is endowed with good quality soft-touch plastics and the hide wrapping the seats and steering wheel is top notch. The top-of-the-tree 2.0 dCi 175 AWD X-Tronic Koleos I drove really is the bee’s-knees, in terms of out-and-out technology and cabin refinement. The layout is well thought out for driver and passengers, and room is more than respectable. The wheelbase is the same as the X-Trail’s at 2,705mm – and this equates to awesome legroom. Better still, the Koleos’ load area is 29 litres bigger than the Nissan’s – measuring 579 litres. Alas, take a tape-measure to the similar-looking Skoda Kodiaq and the Czech-made car’s boot is 630 litres. Oh well, you can’t have everything. Strangely the Gallic car brand isn’t providing the Koleos with a seven-seat option, though. This could be a deal-breaker as Skoda’s Kodiaq does. Renault gets away with it, however, by explaining that you can always go for the Grand Scenic if you need all those seats. On the road, the Renault Koleos is well-behaved and easy to like. Zero to 62mph arrives in 9.5 seconds and the top speed is 125mph, so the car has plenty of ‘go’ for motorway commutes or for overtakes on lesser roads. The Koleos has 174 horses under its ample bonnet to provide such power,
and this helps tug the car along, even with five-up and a fully laden boot. The auto ‘box isn’t bad, even though it’s a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This means the transmission shifts through a constant range of ratios. Alas, CVTs don’t always work as seamlessly as they should, resulting in a rather jerky driving experience. Nevertheless, I’m pleased to report Renault has stuck an advanced CVT into the Koleos that uses technology to copy a sequential ‘box. This makes the car painless to operate. The Koleos’ride is super comfy, with its soft suspension making you all but forget the existence of potholes. But the squidgy springs don’t wreck the handling; if anything, the French SUV comes across as predictable and steady. The Koleos I drove had all-wheel-drive, so I also tested it off-road. Because the car has good ground clearance I could drive it over stones and hummocks without fear of ripping bits off the underneath of the Koleos. Furthermore, the Renault grips well in mud and anything not resembling tarmac. It’s no Land Rover, but it’s a great asset to have if you live in the sticks, or you plan on lugging a tin-tent to a grassy caravan park or suchlike. The Koleos is a car that is roomy and well-appointed. It also flies the luxury SUV flag for Renault. This means it could attract fresh customers to the brand who are looking for an SUV with a bit of French flair..
Pros ‘n’ Cons • Confortable √ • Refined √ • Commanding √ • Off-Road Ability √ • Insipid Looks X
Fast Facts • Max speed: 125mph • 0-62 mph: 9.5 secs • Combined mpg: 47.9 • Engine: 1995cc 4cyl diesel turbo • CO2: 156 g/km • Price: £34,200
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CAMERAS & BINOCULARS WANTED
Is your Classic in need of some expert attention?
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Wishing a Merry Christmas to all our customers
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ovenking.co.uk - info@ovenking.co.uk Oven and Range Cleaning Hob and Extractor Cleaning Carpet Cleaning End of Tenancy Cleaning All operators DBS checked
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
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 floor heating
Call John on
Swanage 422989 Over 4000 customers a year! Commercial Enquires Welcome
or 07966 167978
E: johntaylor294@gmail.com
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Community News
10
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KDL Plumbing & Heating All plumbing & heating work undertaken, including immersion heaters. Free Estimates and advice. Call Kevin 8am - 10pm 7 days.
Mobile: 0747 512 8249 Swanage: (01929) 448548
Welcoming & Inspiring Spacious Interior
For Adults and Children
Coffee Lounge & Gift Shop
Paint Your Own Pottery Decopatch Painting/Drawing/Colouring Sewing/Embroidery Sand Art/Fossil Digging Model Making ...plus lots more!
FR�� CUPPA with this voucher
Present voucher when purchasing any activity. One Free cup of tea per voucher. Offer closes 31/1/18.
Open daily from 10am-6pm (last admission 5pm)
Church Road, West Lulworth, Dorset BH20 5SG
Tel: 01929 400270
www.createatthecove.com
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
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12
Wildlife News
Talking about Wildlife...
The violence of nature The deer rut is one of the most powerful and shocking displays nature has to offer. Deer have a reputation for being shy and retiring, but their character changes drastically when the rutting season begins in autumn.
The rutting season is a time for male deer to demonstrate their power and dominance to decide which individuals get to mate with the does. These highly charged displays of violence, noise and drama, can lead to death and injury, but are an essential part of creating the next generation. Hormone levels are the trigger for the stags’ assertive behaviour. The levels of hormones go from ‘flat’ to ‘surge’, bringing on the enormous bone growth of the antlers. You may hear a deer rut before you see it. Males bellow and belch to intimidate their rivals and warn Sika Stags at Holton Lee
Photo: Stewart Canham
Red Deer in the New Forest
Photo: Stewart Canham
younger males to stay away, creating what could be described as more of a bar brawl than a fight. However, when the physical violence starts, there will be pushing, shoving and the eventual lock of antlers. The hormones surging through their bodies is exponential at this point, but the rut is also exhausting for the males; only the fittest will survive. The best time to see deer rutting is at dawn and dusk during autumn. Often deer are so distracted and preoccupied with rutting, it will allow you to get closer than usual to witness their behaviour and take photos. However, be warned, for your own safety it is not advisable to get too close to them, and be sure to keep control of dogs – if deer are disturbed during a rut, this could affect the future paternity of an entire herd. By Sally Welbourn
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C
M PLUMBING & HEATING Local Gas & Heating Engineers
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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
14
A Merry Little Christmas with the Belvedere Singers and Friends
In the words of the old song, ‘tis the season to be jolly and the Belvedere Singers’ Christmas Concert is just the place to start the festivities, bringing a feast of seasonal music from not only the Belvederes, but also the Castle Voices from Corfe and soloists Miro Vosper and Rachel Murray.
written Purbeck version of the 12 Days of Christmas. As always, the audience will be urged to join in some favourite carols.
They will be joined by organist Phil Blake, Guitarist Rupert Spicer-Short and drummer David George. Many favourite carols like Away in a Manager and Silent Night are included as well as the cheerful Sleigh Ride and the haunting Walking in the Air.
The charity the Belvedere Singers and Friends are supporting with this concert will be the Lewis-Manning Hospice for whom there will be a retiring collection. The hospice is sited at Evening Hill by Poole Harbour and is working towards providing more respite and end-of-life beds. Purbeck residents are able to use this excellent facility for palliative care, and may be referred for end-of-life care.
However, this year the celebration is tinged with sadness for the Belvedere Singers as their popular and talented Music Director, Rebecca Bunney, is leaving them. As her swansong, she intends this to be a spectacular concert, including a specially
The concert is at St. Mary’s Church in Swanage at 7:30pm on Saturday, 9th December. Tickets, available in advance from Albury & Hall, or choir members, £10; at the door £12; under 18 £5; under 12 free. Interval refreshments will be available.
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Avoid the Winter Chill! As the winter months set in, knowing your heating is fully functioning is always critical to ensure efficiency as much as you’ll want to stay warm.
As with all trades, finding a reliable and trustworthy company can be a battle, however local family run plumbing and heating company Heatcare (UK) Ltd are a welcome change from the stereo-type that surrounds traders. Members of both Which? Trusted traders and Checkatrade, their quality is clear to see and what’s more is that as a family run business, Heatcare’s core values, of which are instilled in all staff, centre around the customer and their satisfaction with the job completed. Set on providing high quality goods at competitive rates, Heatcare have various perks available to their customers setting them apart from smaller companies of one or two staff, while their friendly approach and competitive pricing puts them ahead of national companies, making them a clear favourite throughout Southern Dorset. Heatcare are one of a select few companies locally who are Worcester Accredited Installers, allowing them to offer extended warranties of up to 10 years on Worcester Greenstar boilers and up to 8 years on the Worcester oil range. Furthermore Heatcare can offer interest free finance on any new Worcester boiler or cylinder installation, the finance allows the customer to spread the cost of the installation over 10 months, a game changer at this time of year with the expense of Christmas just around the corner. Catering to domestic and commercial works in Oil, Gas and LPG as well as plumbing. The company has steadily expanded over the last 18 months and has seen Heatcare assemble a friendly, efficient and qualified team of engineers who all bring their own strengths to the business, allowing Heatcare to provide an ever stronger service to each and every one of their customers. In order to ensure a warm and happy winter and festive period you really need look no further than Heatcare (UK) Ltd. Tel: 01305 853970 www.heatcareukltd.com
Heatcare UK LTD are OFTEC and Gas safe qualified and registered. We are able to cater for all of your Gas, LPG and Oil needs in both the domestic and commercial sectors. Our highly trained engineers have a wealth of experience and are always happy to advise, whether it’s a new bathroom, through to a boiler repair or replacement and anything in-between.
• Service Checks • No call out charge • All work guaranteed • Increased warranties on Worcester products • 10 Month interest free credit available on Worcester installations • 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 Upton Farm, Upton, Ringstead, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8NE
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Community News
16
Julian Fellowes to be guest reader at Julia’s House Carols by Candlelight Actor and writer Julian Fellowes of Downton Abbey fame will be among the guest readers at this year’s Julia’s House Carols by Candlelight at Wimborne Minster on Wednesday, 6th December. Tickets are on sale now and there has already been a lot of interest from people wanting to book following previous sell-out dates. The event, now a firm favourite in the Dorset Christmas calendar, is well known for lively mix of celebrity readers, music – this year there will be performances by the Funky Little Choir and Lockyer’s Middle School Choir from Corfe Mullen – plus traditional carols There are usually one or two surprises in store for those attending. Last year, Julia’s House Ambassador and AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe and his son popped in to support the event. Doors open at 6.15pm for a 7pm start. Following the candlelit concert guests will be invited to stay on and
enjoy mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets cost £15 for adults and £5 for under-12s. They are available online at Juliashouse.org/carols17 or by calling the fundraising office on 01202 644220. Carols by Candlelight will be raising funds to support families with lifelimited children across Dorset and Wiltshire. Julia’s House, which this year opened a children’s hospice in Wiltshire, is also hosting a second Carols by Candlelight at St John’s Church, Devizes, the previous night (Tues 5th). For further information about the Wiltshire concert please call 01380 562525. Below: Julian Fellows
by Richard Goodrum-Ward
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Five Questions for Employers this Christmas As Christmas approaches, along with the bad weather, boozy workplace parties and staff absences, what should employers do to ensure a joyful festive season? Dawn Gallie, Head of Employment at Dorset and Somerset law firm Battens Solicitors, answers employers’ five top questions.
3. I’m worried about the potential for unruly behaviour at Christmas parties. What can I do? A. Tread carefully. Employers are liable for the actions of their employees during the course of employment, and this liability extends to Christmas parties. Informing a boss what they can do with their job is likely to be a dismissible offence but if there’s free booze and encouragement from the company then dismissal for unruly and drunken behaviour could be unfair.
1. Where employees are unable to get to work, what can employers do due to bad weather or travel disruption? A. Generally, employees have no automatic right to pay if they are unable to get to work, subject always to their contracts. Employers could take a view and at their discretion continue to pay or, alternatively, pay for part and allocate the rest as annual leave.
4. What about people who might not turn up for work the following day, saying their absence is because of the party? A. If you’ve organised a mid-week party and expect people at work the following day, make sure this is clear and that disciplinary action may follow for those who call in ‘sick’. You might want to consider an incentive in the form of a bacon butty or perhaps allow a slightly later start time the following day.
2. What about the situation where adverse weather closes schools? Aren’t parents automatically allowed to stay at home to look after their children? A. Parents are entitled to reasonable, unpaid time off to enable them to look after their children and to make alternative arrangements for their care. They are not entitled to prolonged time off and, if the closures are likely to be long term, employees need to make other arrangements for the care of their children.
5. Can I shut our workplace over Christmas and insist staff take the time as part of their annual holiday? A. You can potentially require employees to take holiday at certain times of the year and by giving the required notice. Again, check what it says in employees’ contracts about the amount and allocation of holidays. If in doubt it is always best to check with your HR advisers.
* BattensHR is a dedicated service providing fixed-fee HR and employment advice. For more information, visit www.battens.co.uk, call 01929 768720 or follow @BattensSol on Twitter.
Specialist Legal Advice and Solutions for whatever life brings - at home or at work Office open in Wareham. Come and see us for all your legal advice. Address: 12 West Street, Wareham, BH20 4JX Tel: 01929 768720 Email: enquiries@battens.co.uk Web: www.battens.co.uk/wareham Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
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Puzzle Corner
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Meet Liz McCormick:
Your Client Service Manager at Ward Goodman’s Wareham Office Ward Goodman, the Dorset based firm of Chartered Accountants and Independent Financial Advisers, has welcomed Liz McCormick as Client Service Manager at the firm’s Wareham office. With a passion for small businesses and entrepreneurial clients, Liz has already become known for her friendly approach, and is always ready to offer professional help and advice for all your accounting and tax needs, supported by her team of Ward Goodman experts. Originally qualifying as an accountant whilst working for a large national firm in London, Liz then moved into industry where she gained valuable experience and insight over the intervening years, and which has armed her with a fantastic understanding of how it feels to work within a business and the challenges faced by business owners. Upon returning to practice, Liz qualified as a Chartered Tax Advisor; an area of expertise that allows her to ‘look at the whole picture’ when advising clients. Liz commented: “I like to use a plain English, no jargon approach when supporting my smaller businesses and individuals and help them understand their business finances and plan for growth. In recent years, I’ve also been involved in teaching accounting and enhancing my skills to help trainees develop in the work place. It’s important for me that my clients
Tel: 01929 55155
are comfortable and feel able to discuss all aspects of their business in order to find the best approach for them, and so rest assured, no question is ever a silly question when it comes to your business. “Outside of work, I enjoy going to boot camp, mountain walking and cycling – so you might well find me walking the beautiful Dorset countryside when out and about at the weekends!” Sandi Snashall, of Travel Counsellors had this to say about Liz: ‘’Having spent some time with Liz, she has really helped with my understanding of what I need to do to keep track of my business. Liz is very informative, approachable, and has an ability to explain things in a plain, uncomplicated manner which takes the fear away of the dreaded brown envelope! I can certainly recommend her services to anyone starting up a new business.” All relationships start with a conversation so why not pop into the North Street, Wareham office for a coffee & meet Liz.
St. Mary’s House, 24 North St, Wareham, BH20 4AG
enquiries@wardgoodman.co.uk
•
www.wardgoodman.co.uk
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0% APR finance options available
www.kandbinstallations.co.uk
Complete installation service • All building work and trades covered • Supply only Tile Supplier • Able Bathrooms • Worktop & door changes • Small jobs welcome NEW MILTON SHOWROOM 97 Station Road, New Milton, BH25 6JJ
Tel: 01425 460621
Craig Byars t/a K and B Installations
WEST MOORS SHOWROOM
135 Station Road, West Moors, BH22 0HT
Tel: 01202 861972
REACH OUT … in Purbeck It’s a shocking statistic that one million older people go for a month without speaking to anyone, and half of all older people consider the television as their main form of company. Age UK Dorchester offers a FREE ‘Reach Out’ service, which provides volunteers for older people who have become lonely and isolated, and which can occur for a variety of reasons such as bereavement, ill health, or loss of confidence. Volunteers play a key role in helping to re-establish social contacts, either by accompanying them to a local activity, or visiting them for a cup of tea and a chat. They can help people to find out about activities, groups and clubs in their area and to go along with them until they feel confident enough to do things by themselves. Age UK Dorchester is seeking potential volunteers in the Purbeck area, and they should enjoy meeting people, be a good listener and have about an hour a week to spare. If you would like to know more about the ‘Reach Out’ service in the Purbeck area or to volunteer for Age UK Dorchester in Purbeck, please contact: Jules Walker on 07342 883 844 j.walker@ageukdorchester.org.uk
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An ideal Christmas stocking filler. Get your copy... Today! The Nellie always loves to have fun! This little book is full of puzzles, games and places to go here in wonderful England!
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Places to visit Fun puzzles toin rural England over a cup of tekeep you entertain a or coffee! ed...
Do relax and enjoy over a cup of tea, or coffee! I would like to order ____ copies of “The Adventures of Nellie” at £4.99 each. Please call Nellie on 01202 894397 to pay by card or enclose a cheque (made payable to “Purbeck Publications Ltd”) and send this form to: The Adventures of Nellie Name: ______________________ 1 Moorlands Rise, Address: ______________________ West Moors, ______________________ Ferndown, ______________________ Please The SwanageTelephone: Oracle when responding to adverts BH22 mention 0JR ______________________
Adventures of Nellie
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The Adventures of Nellie The Purbeck Publications Camper Van Well Nellie was rather proud of herself this month as she was invited to be the guest of honour at the prestigious local Horticultural Society yearly awards ceremony. Not only that she had to present the 113 awards to all of those very talented people! She could hardly contain her excitement. All raring to go one fine Saturday morning, she tooted her horn, off she skipped and we certainly arrived in style. What is really amazing about these clubs and societies is that they are run by very dedicated, local people who literally spend hours of their own time having meetings, followed up with minutes and reports and then of course there are all the preparations for each event. Arriving in the hall there were
Beautifully decorated table ready for lunch
The VIPs arriving in style!
tables and chairs set up for over 60 people with a full lunch all neatly covered over with foil for each attendee. “Custom Lunches” had prepared the wonderful ham salad. It was fresh and tasty, and highly recommended! Nellie loved it. The committee had done a fantastic job. The table decorations on each table were beautifully presented and immediately showed the talent we were surrounded by. Then there were the desserts! Oh, how tasty they were. All freshly cooked by one of the very experienced committee members. Stephen had two different desserts and Nellie - well, I think she lost count! About those thighs… is there any wonder? The wine was flowing at the bar and spirits were very high.
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The presentation of the awards was a sheer delight. One gentleman won seven different cups! How talented is he. We all know it is the taking part that counts… but winning is such fun, let’s face it! There were prizes for flower decorations, vegetable growing, cakes, crafts and all sorts of flower growing. Everyone in the room deserved a medal for taking part and creating such a great team event. In today’s modern world of TVs, computers and high tec phones it is so refreshing to see these clubs thriving. What Nellie realised is that it is down to the individual committee members who keep the flame alight and enthuse people to take part. It is good to know that these clubs very much still exist, and it is up to us to find out what is available locally and have the confidence to go and take part. When you do it is a lot of fun. You meet like-minded people, have a laugh and learn something new.
The full array of awards to be given
Sylvia serving up her delightful desserts
Nellie loves to communicate, enjoy herself and make sure others do too. These clubs provide coffee mornings, outings and shows, so Nellie says, “Go on take the plunge and join a club or society near you!” It could be a sport’s club, flower arranging, cycling, singing, amateur dramatics, the Lunch Club or the knitting club. There is something for everyone and you will not regret it, if you take a look. Nellie wishes you a truly magical Christmas and hopes that 2018 brings you much laughter and activity. Where will she take us this coming year? By Debbie Corney
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Food & Drink
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Tastes so good...
GRANNY’S XMAS PUDDING
The stout in this recipe will add the moisture to the pudding and the cocoa powder makes the pudding look lovely and dark. Ingredients: 1oz mixed peel 1oz ground almonds 2 medium sized eggs ¼ teaspoon almond essence 2 teaspoons brandy 1 can of stout 2 teaspoons cocoa powder ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon mixed spice 4oz plain flour 4oz breadcrumbs 4oz beef suet 4oz brown sugar 4oz raisins 4oz sultanas 4oz glace cherries 1 grated lemon rind ½ apple grated ½ carrot grated
Equipment: 2 pint pyrex bowl, pudding bowl, clean tea towel or pudding cloth. Method: Place all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix together. Add the eggs and the brandy and mix then pour in the stout gradually and keep stirring until your mixture is the consistency of a loose cake mix. Grease your pudding bowl with a little butter and pour in the pudding mix. Cover with foil and then a tea towel or pudding cloth and tie it to the top of the bowl, this is to prevent any water getting in. Place in a large boiling pan and fill with water ¾ of the way up the side of the bowl. Boil on a moderate heat for 6 hours keep topping up the water with boiled kettle water if the level starts to drop. When the pudding is ready turn it out and leave to cool. These puddings can be stored wrapped in foil from now until Christmas, to reheat just place the pudding back in the bowl and boil for another 2 hours on Christmas day. Can be served with a sprinkling of icing sugar on the top or pour on ¼ brandy and light for a flaming Christmas pudding Lindsay Crozier & photographs by Nigel Maisey
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This month, the prize is a meal for two at the Bull & Boat in Swanage, so please complete this page by 22nd December 2017 and send to: December 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 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. 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! Be mindful of any snowfall this month or in future weeks and help out your plants and shrubs as best 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!
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
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27
Natural Gas, LPG and Oil qualified and registered engineer • All aspects of Plumbing and Heating undertaken • Boiler and Cylinder Installation / Service and Repair • Landlords Gas Safety Certificate • Central Heating System design and installation • Bathroom refurbishment
You’ve always known you had potential. Isn’t it time you unleashed it? BUY AND READ
DIANETICS THE MODERN SCIENCE OF M E N TA L H E A LT H by L. Ron Hubbard PRICE: £16
Call Rory on: 07980 805157 / 01929 761688 Email: rory@fxrheatingandplumbing.co.uk
www.fxrheatingandplumbing.co.uk
Church of Scientology Mission of Bournemouth 42 High Street, Poole, BH15 1BT | 01202 257788 bournemouth@scientology.net www.scientologypoole.org.uk
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Community News
28
Travel
Deux Sevres, France By Tim Saunders – www.travelwriter.biz
Vous or tu? The polite and informal ways of saying ‘you’ that can cause social difficulties in France. In English we just have to contend with a simple ‘you’ and do not need to worry about offending anyone. But it’s different in France and we debate this after our game of boules with Tim and Ellen Weir at Les Hiboux in Crezieres, Poitou-Charentes. “Basically I stick to ‘vous’ unless with close friends or family,” says Ellen, adding: “Some French people prefer to use ‘tu’ after only a few meetings. When we’re invited to a meal Tim and I like to compare notes as to whether the hosts both refer to us as ‘vous’ or ‘tu’ and sometimes ‘tu’ will be used for me and ‘vous’ for Tim,” she smirks. It’s a good way of meeting our hosts during our week’s stay at La Vieille Maison, a charming three bedroom stone cottage that is one of three at Les Hiboux. It’s a luxurious break in an extremely peaceful part of the country and one where guests feel privileged to stay. With its three acres of gardens that include a sunken trampoline, swings, a slide and playhouse, our children, Harriett (3) and Heidi (1) are in their element. There are two boule or petanque pitches (“boules and petanque are one of the same, much like soccer and football,” says Tim) and a swimming pool. “So what brought you to this part of France?” I ask Tim. “I was a scientist in London and wanted a challenge,” he replies, adding that his father has lived in the country for many years. “He doesn’t get as much sun though and greater amounts of sunlight drew us to the DeuxSevres region, which is famous for its melons, sunflowers and wine. It’s five hours from Cherbourg so within easy reach of the UK
Photo: Kevin Mitchell
and five hours from the Alps so we can enjoy skiing in the winter.” It takes us a little longer, closer to seven hours in fact, to travel from Cherbourg, because the sat nav in the Kia Sorento I am driving refuses to take us on the toll roads. On our return I understand why because the three tolls we pass through total 40 euros. Bear in mind that a tank of fuel is 60 euros (gazole is just 1.29 euros a litre) it makes more sense and is far more enjoyable to avoid the toll roads, if you’ve got the time to spare. It is far more sensible to stop half-way and stay in a gite overnight for the same price. On our arrival we are shattered and it is a joy to be met by really comfortable beds and we all enjoy an extremely good night’s sleep. There are six of us in total because Caroline’s mum and dad, Lin and John, join us. That first night we spy a baby owl in one of the trees and later learn that Les Hiboux means Owls. That first day we all enjoy a meal in ChefBoutonne, a place that we find ourselves returning to throughout the course of our break. An evening stroll there introduces us to Chateau Javarzay with its large lake and pleasant grounds. We find that the French bread tastes nicer from a boulangerie than a supermarket and this is often enjoyed with Camembert for lunch. Good French drinking wine is available from under three euros upwards. We enjoy a lovely bottle or so of Chardonnay for just four euros that would have easily cost three or four times that in the UK. For more information visit: www.leshiboux.com. Tim Saunders is an author, journalist and businessman. He meets celebrities, goes on holiday and road tests cars.
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29
Gasways Heating 367 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2NP ALL HEATING SERVICES INCLUDING: • • • • •
Boilers Installed Full Central Heating Systems Boiler Maintenance and Breakdowns Domestic and Commercial All LPG work undertaken
ALSO ALL GENERAL PLUMBING
T: 01929 427713 M: 07889 409584 www.gaswaysheating.co.uk
But what if you could be free from back pain? Victoria Meadway Doctor of Chiropractic Victoria uses effective hands on chiropractic treatments with over 20 years experience
Call 01929 761579 or 07918 611616
www.warehamchiropractic.co.uk
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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Index of advertisers
Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Oracle... Accountants Ward Goodman......................................................... 19
Financial Services Ward Goodman......................................................... 19
Attractions Create at the Cove..................................................... 11
Garage Services Trickett Welding.......................................................... 9
Bars, Pubs & Restaurants Bull & Boat................................................................ 13
Hairdressers Philip Mills Hair Design............................................... 5
Bathrooms K & B Installations..................................................... 20
Health & Wellbeing West Dorset Mobile Foot Clinic.................................. 3
Bedrooms Custom Creations...................................................... 11
Kitchens Competitive Construction........................................... 7 K & B Installations..................................................... 20
Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds............................................................... 3 Books Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health...... 27 Builders Competitive Construction........................................... 7 Purbeck Home Improvements.................................... 1 Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras................................................... 9 Carpenters Total Woodwork - Peter Albin.................................... 27 Chiropractors Wareham Chiropractic.............................................. 29 Community News Adventures of Nellie.................................................. 22 AgeUK: Reach Out - in Purbeck.................................. 20 Dorset Wildlife Trust: The violence of nature............ 12 Get your copies of The Adventures of Nellie for a stocking filler or two............................................ 21 Julian Fellowes to be guest reader at Julia’s House candlelit service in Wimborne Minster................... 16 Merry Little Christmas with the Belvedere Singers.... 14 Motoring: Renaut Koleos 2017................................... 8 On your plot: Scarves at the ready............................ 26 Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival 2017........................ 6 Tastes so good: Granny’s Christmas Pud................... 24 Travel: Deux Sevres, France....................................... 28 Computer Services AJV Computing.......................................................... 11 Demolition & Asbestos Services Pro-Dem.................................................................... 31 Drainage Services All Drains Cleared....................................................... 3 Education Purbeck View School................................................... 2 Electricians J Taylor Electrical........................................................ 9
Oven Cleaners Ovenking.................................................................... 9 Pest Control Terminator Pest......................................................... 27 Plumbers CM Plumbing & Heating............................................ 13 FXR Plumbing............................................................ 27 Gasways Heating....................................................... 29 Heatcare.................................................................... 15 KDL Plumbing............................................................ 11 Property Maintenance Competitive Construction........................................... 5 Purbeck Home Improvements.................................... 1 Total Woodwork - Peter Albin.................................... 27 Puzzles & Competitions Crossword.................................................................. 18 Kids Page................................................................... 10 Prize Wordsearch....................................................... 25 Sudoku....................................................................... 18 Self Storage Purbeck Self Storage.................................................. 11 Solicitors Battens...................................................................... 17 Tool & Plant Hire Sydenhams................................................................. 7 Tree Surgeons Apex Tree Surgeons................................................... 32 Waste Services Philip Trim................................................................... 2 Will Writing Services Dorset Wills............................................................... 19 Windows, Doors & Conservatories Competitive Construction........................................... 7 Doors-Windows-Locks............................................... 29
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31
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 next spring! 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 Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
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The Swanage Oracle
07/11/2017 12:02
1 Moorlands Rise, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0JR