The Swanage Oracle - January 2017

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

Oracle January 2017

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

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

CALL US NOW ON

01202 823231

TO ARRANGE YOUR FREE, NO OBLIGATION DESIGN CONSULTATION

www.customcreations.furniture

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Introduction

The Swanage Edition 98

Oracle

Published by:

Stephen & Debbie Corney at Purbeck Publications

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

Copy deadline for the February 2017 edition: 16th January 2017

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

The Swanage Oracle does not officially endorse any advertising material included within the publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher.

Proud members of

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

A Very Happy New Year to you! Stephen, myself, Hayden and of course our beloved ‘old Nellie’ really do hope that 2017 brings you all the health and happiness that you deserve. We will continue to provide information about good local trades people, services and groups right to your doorstep. If there is anything you would like to see that is not in the magazine, or have a local club which would benefit from some extra promotion we are only to happy to help. Groups, societies and clubs are promoted at no cost to them. It is a service we offer for free. What you can do in exchange is use the advertisers inside to help keep them busy and the local economy doing well.

That is the purpose of The Swanage Oracle. If you have any local news or history we would love to hear from you too. The prize wordsearch is always popular so we will continue to provide that as well. You never know, you could be the lucky winner this month! Mrs E R Radmore won a meal for two at the Bull & Boat in Swanage last month. Well done to her!

Nellie looks back at 2016 with very fond memories. She certainly kept us busy this last year. I do hope you enjoy her exploits as much as we do. It is just a bit of fun and can give ideas of places to go and things to do. If you have any suggestions where Nellie could visit, she would love to hear from you!

What will 2017 bring? I am a firm believer that we get what we put our attention on so personally I want to have many more fun days out with the family and would even like to take Hayden to Disney for his 13th year. Nellie can’t fly so we will definitely have many English trips too.

Here’s to a fabulous New Year all round!

Very Best Wishes,

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

101 08457 708090 0800 111999 01929 422282

Train Enquires Wilts & Dorset Bus Wessex Water Emerg.

Purbeck Distict Council

08457 484950 01983 827005 0845 600 4600 01929 556561

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

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Looking for a builder who covers all the bases?  Extensions  Loft conversions  Listed building work  From drawings to completion  All trades handled

Tel: 07973 400 297

19 St Martins Lane, Wareham, BH20 4HF

Email: info@philiptrimcontractors.com

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Community News

6

Residents and evidence back change to local government structures in Dorset Public consultation results show clear backing for change to local government structures in Dorset. In the household survey, which is representative of the county’s population, almost three quarters support reducing Dorset’s councils from nine to two, with over two thirds of open questionnaire respondents also agreeing.

Deliberative and qualitative research found that the business community, voluntary sectors, residents and town & parish councils also primarily backed change.

Of the options for the geographical makeup of any new council, there was majority support in both the household survey and open questionnaire for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to be served by one new council, with East Dorset, North Dorset, Purbeck, West Dorset & Weymouth & Portland areas served by a second new council (65% in the household survey and 53% in the open questionnaire). This was also the strongest-supported option via qualitative research.

Similarly, a detailed study undertaken by PriceWaterhouseCoopers looking at the Government’s five criteria for change cites a compelling case for local government reorganisation in Dorset. It found evidence that proposals to restructure the county’s local government have key strengths in the areas covered by the criteria; that change would improve services, provide stronger leadership, increase efficiency, save money and be sustainable.

Now, in considering any change, each

council will want to be sure that any proposal both has public support and also meets the government’s criteria for approval.

This is what the financial assessment, the public consultation and the case for change work is about – providing all councillors in Dorset with a package of robust and independent evidence they can consider when deciding whether or not to support change from nine councils to two, should this be recommended, and if so, what composition of the two new councils would be best for Dorset.

The nine councils in Dorset commissioned the public consultation from Opinion Research Services and the case for change from PriceWaterhouseCoopers, alongside a financial assessment of the potential savings achievable through reorganisation.

The financial review found that, change delivers £108m over the six years after the transition, allowing services to be protected in the future.

Councillors now need to consider all the evidence – the financial assessment, the case for change and the results of public consultation – to determine whether they support change. This will be considered separately at each council during January.

Following that, and subject to agreement, a request will be made to the Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government, who will make the final decision.

Any new councils would come into being in April 2019.

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Community News

8

The Bournemouth & Poole College launches new training partnership with Sunseeker International The Bournemouth & Poole College has launched a new worldwide distributor training partnership with Sunseeker International, drawing global attention to Poole. From December 2016 onwards, the College will host an annual four day technical training course which is open to all Sunseeker International distributor service technicians.

More than 36 Sunseeker technicians from all over the world, including Asia, Finland and Spain enrolled onto the first four day technical training course held at The Bournemouth & Poole College’s North Road site.

The College already has an established relationship with Sunseeker International since the opening of its Marine Technology Centre in 2012. Earlier this year as part of Sunseeker’s long term talent strategy, 40 marine apprentices were employed by the manufacturer, bringing the current total apprentices to more than 90.

Sadie Wetherell, distributor technical training officer at Sunseeker International, said: “It seemed only natural to work with The College in this capacity after seeing over four years’ worth of apprentices come through the Marine Technology Centre and be trained to such a high standard. The marine lecturers at The Bournemouth & Poole College continuously exhibit a wide range of technical training skills which are required at all levels of learning amongst our ever growing distributor network.’’

can be difficult to keep up to date with the latest technology so it is crucial that every training course I attend educates me on the latest systems and models. Most importantly it gives me the opportunity to meet all the other service technicians from around the world, giving us a chance to share ideas, problems and solutions.’’

Marc Emery, distributor service technician from Sunseeker Spain, added: ‘‘Having worked for the brand for over 23 years, this training has taken me back to the basic principles of boat manufacturing and has reminded me why I love the career that I do.’’

Mark Loose, director of learning for engineering at The Bournemouth & Poole College, said: ‘‘We are pleased to have received such a positive response already from all that have travelled to attend this course held at The College. ‘‘This partnership is a welcome addition to our varied course offering, and we are pleased to be able to showcase the high standard of skills which can be gained in engineering, electrical and boat building.’’

Tristan Watson Cooke, distributor service technician from Sunseeker Ibiza, explained: ‘‘I have worked for Sunseeker Ibiza for 13 years and have seen many changes. It

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

9

Now is the time to file your tax return The Budget dates might be changing but, now is the time to file your tax return and plan ahead for the new tax year, according to Ian Rodd, Managing Director for Dorset accountants Ward Goodman.

Almost two months on from Philip Hammond’s first (and as it turns out last) Autumn Statement towards the end of November, much of what he mentioned on taxation has probably already passed from memory.

One of the more significant tax announcements the Chancellor made is the decision to move to having just one major fiscal update each year. The forthcoming Spring Budget will be the last after which it will be replaced by an annual Autumn Budget from 2017 onwards.

From 2018, the new Spring Statement will only deal with the required response to the bi-annual Office for Budget Responsibility forecast, but no major fiscal policy statements will be made unless required.

Ian Rodd said, “This is a welcome change that will allow everyone time to respond to any major changes well in advance of the tax year end, something that has not always been possible.”

Until we do move to an Autumn Budget there remains time to plan ahead for the end of the current tax year on 5 April 2017 as Mr Hammond did not announce any significant changes to tax rates and allowances.

One annual event that has not changed though is the Self Assessment filing and payment deadline which this year falls on Tuesday, 31 January 2017.

If you are considering any tax or financial planning, or require help with your tax return, local Dorset accountants and financial advisors Ward Goodman are well placed to help with this. For more information please visit the website www.wardgoodman.co.uk or call into one of Ward Goodman’s offices at Ferndown, Shaftesbury or Wareham.

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 its 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

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Community News

10

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11

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

Just Shutters.

We listen, design & deliver.

In style.

Call John on

Swanage 422989 or 07966 167978

E: johntaylor294@gmail.com

SELF STORAGE UNITS TO LET (for private use)

Insulated, Individually Alarmed for Furniture, Classic Cars or Documents

SAVE

20%

JANUARY SALE

JUST SHUTTERS | MAKING YOUR HOME SHINE Understanding that your house is your home is at the very heart of our thinking, from design consultation that focuses on your style and needs, through to fitting where we ensure that your house is treated like a home, not like a building site!

For years to come as you admire the practicality.

Call us today on 01202 240769

East Stoke, Wareham

Tel: 07836 369969 E: mb@malcolmbarnes.co.uk www.purbeckselfstorage.co.uk

Just Shutters Head Office | 59 Southbourne Grove, Bournemouth, Dorset BH6 3QU e. information@justshutters.co.uk

justshutters.co.uk

T2653 JS 2016when JAN SALE South Link 61.5x185.inddto 1 adverts 13/12/2016 10:51 Please mention The Swanage Oracle responding

12

Wildlife News

Talking about Wildlife...

Hibernation - The Deep Sleep As the cold weather creeps up on us, we’ve all wished we could hibernate for the winter.

For some species of wildlife, sleeping, or ‘hibernating’ can make all the difference to surviving the cold and icy winter months ahead.

Food, which is in abundance during the spring, summer and autumn months disappears, so entering an extended deep sleep reduces some species’ normal body functions and allows them to wake up in the spring, when food is in plentiful supply once again.

Some species which take part in the big sleep include, hedgehogs, dormice, bumblebees, ladybirds and certain species of butterflies.

Hibernation involves dropping heart rate, metabolic rate and temperature, allowing the energy they have to be used up over a long period of time.

Hibernation is a process that isn’t without risks.

A long winter can have a detrimental effect when it’s time to wake up, and there’s still no food.

Sleeping wildlife are also unaware of changes in their surroundings which can leave them vulnerable to predation and disturbance.

You can give wildlife a helping hand this winter by making sure you have undisturbed spaces in your garden which are sheltered. Log and leaf piles are great, or you could make a hibernaculum (a place wildlife can seek refuge).

If you find a hibernating animal it is best to leave it alone, as waking it up will waste their muchneeded energy.

Dprmouse Photo: DWT

Hedgehog Photo: Tom Marshall

FIVE common hibernators 1. Hedgehogs sleep between November and January. They can drop their body temperature from 35 degrees, to 10 degrees and their heart rate drops from 190 beats per minute to just 20.

2. Bats hibernate to drop their metabolic rate which means they don’t need to forage.

Hunting is very demanding on energy, and their food is scarce. They often choose underground sites with a constant cool temperature.

3. Dormice sleep in small woven nests and hibernate during the first autumn frosts.

They can let their metabolism drop by 90%, and their body temperature can drop to that of their surroundings.

4. Reptiles are cold-blooded and unable to regulate their own body temperature.

They depend on the temperature outside to become hotter or colder. Reptiles hibernate between October and March, and hide beneath vegetation, or in the roots of trees.

5. Insects don’t always ‘truly’ hibernate, but go into a dormant state instead. Most butterflies enter the dormant stage as an egg, larva, pupa or even as an adult including, peacock, brimstone, large tortoiseshell, comma and small tortoiseshell. Insects tend to hibernate anywhere, from grass margins, to bare soil, hedgerows and walls!

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13

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14

Money Saving Tips

Martin

LEWIS 0RQH\ 6LQV

Are you a sinner? Financially that is.

There are a host of everyday money misdemeanours that millions of people do, costing them thousands, without being aware of it. These aren’t horrors like grabbing a payday loan, but the result of simple misunderstandings, bad habits or inaction.

So having recently toured around the UK doing roadshows for the sixth series of my ITV show, I’ve collated five of the most common.

1. Saving while you’ve expensive debts Savings rates are depressingly low – the top easy-access rate is 1%. Credit card and other interest rates are depressingly high. So, £1,000 credit card debt at 18% costs it costs you £180 a year, the same amount saved in top paying savings account at 1% interest only earns you £10. If you had both, pay the debt off with your savings and you’d be £170 a year better off.

Many of you will be thinking, “but I want to keep my savings, what if the boiler packs up or the roof falls in?” However, that’s a sentimental strategy, not a logical one. Let’s carry on the £1,000 debt and £1,000 savings scenario to show you why.

– If you don’t pay the debt off with the savings and an emergency happens that cost you £1,000 to fix, you’d use all your savings and still £1,000 of credit card debt.

– If you do pay off the debt with the savings, and a £1,000 emergency happens, you’d need to pay for it on your credit card,

meaning you still have no savings and £1,000 of credit card debt.

The end result of them both is the same, yet by paying off the debt with the savings, you save in the meantime.

The only exception is if the debt is at 0%.

Then the financially savvy and disciplined can do what’s called stoozing, where you deliberately build up 0% debt only to save it and earn interest. Though with current saving rates so low, it’s not as easy as it used to be. Full help on that at www.mse.me/ stoozing 2. Not at least asking your energy firm are you on its cheapest deal Most people in the UK are on their energy firm’s standard tariff, which typically means they’re overpaying by £300 a year. I’ve talked about switching until I’m blue in the face, and, of course, the best plan is take five minutes to do a full market comparison via my www.CheapEnergyClub.com or any www.Ofgem.gov.uk approved comparison site.

Yet for some that doesn’t hit home. So, let me be plain. Even if you won’t do that, just pick up the phone and ask your current provider “Am I on your cheapest tariff?” and, if not, switch to that as there’s no change but the price!

For example, as I write (it can change daily), on EDF’s standard tariff someone with typical usage pays £1,070/year. It also has a 12-month fix at £880/year - £190/year less.

British Gas’s standard @MoneySavingExpert tariff with typical use

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

15 is £1,044/year, but it also runs Sainsbury Energy (i.e., it’s the same company but a different name), and its cheapest fix is £804/ year – saving £240/year. This don’t ask don’t get saving works at all the big firms, so if you 2YHUGUDIWV won’t do a comparison, at least do this.

Martin

LEWIS

3. Only making the minimum repayments on credit cards Credit card minimum payments are based mostly on a percentage of the balance, which only just covers the interest. So, you hardly clear any off.

A 30-year-old with £3,000 debt on a credit card at 17.9% interest, who made only typical minimum repayments, would take 27 years to clear it. By then, they’d be 57 and have paid a total cost £4,000 in interest (see my minimum repayment calc at www.mse. me/minrepay to work out how long it’ll take you).

Now you may be thinking ‘easy to say, but I can’t afford more than the minimum.’ Well, I have a solution. On £3,000 debt, the current minimum is around £70 a month. If instead of opting to pay the minimum, fix your repayment at £70. The debt will clear in five years at a total cost of £1,500 in interest, saving £2,400.

Though if you’ve debt on more than one credit card, focus all spare cash on repaying the most expensive, making only the minimums on the others. That way you get rid of the most expensive debts first.

4. Don’t cover your home’s value on buildings insurance Your house price is the wrong figure; you only need to insure the usually much lower rebuild cost – literally how much it would cost to rebuild your home should it get knocked down. This is often far less than the market value. There’s information and a calculator on this at http://abi.bcis.co.uk.

5. Saving or borrowing to pay your children’s tuition fees I’m often freaked out by parents telling me they’re saved up so their child won’t have to pay tuition fees at uni. Worse, some even extend their mortgage. My problem isn’t just that it’s actually students’, not parents’ responsibility to repay this…

All new English full-time students can get a tuition fee loan and a living loan to help pay for uni costs. You’re eligible to start repaying in the April after leaving, but only if you earn over £21,000, and you repay 9% above that. Repayments stop after 30 years.

In many ways, it acts far more like a tax than a loan, and how many would save “in case my child earns enough to be a higher rate taxpayer”?

An extreme example provides clarity.

Imagine your child goes to uni and becomes a brilliant poet, who never earns above the £21,000 threshold. They would never repay a penny. So, if you paid the fees for them, you’d throw £27,000 away.

Most of course will earn over the threshold.

However only high earners will earn enough to repay in real terms what they borrowed within the 30 years. If not, again it means pay their tuition fees and you’re paying more than they’d need to repay. For most parents if you want to help them, a better thing to prioritise is building up a mortgage deposit. For far more on this see my mse. me/dontpayupfront guide.

@MoneySavingExpert

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BROADVIEW

Bespoke Shading Solutions A Family Business With their roots firmly planted in Poole, Broadview is truly a pioneering local business. It all started in the back room of a hardware store in the late seventies, when David Pratt decided to start selling blinds within his already successful timber usiness in Broadstone. Whilst incredibly ambitious, David could never have imagined that this extra merchandise would one day transform into a multimillion pound business.

What’s so charming about Broadview is that it still remains a family business, even now almost 50 years down the line; with David’s sons Mark and Ian at the helm, the business continues to grow and take-on new and exciting projects.

Innovation At Its Finest When I asked ‘Mike Lingham’ (head of sales) what his favourite project to date had been, he went on to explain their recent work up in London, for the hugely successful Recording Studio.

Broadview had initially been invited to rehabilitate their roof terrace, by replacing their somewhat worn umbrellas. Only when they visited the site their creative team was unanimously struck by a different vision – something that would totally transform that space. Regularly used as an entertainment centre for guests and recording artists, Broadview created a design concept that would renovate the terrace into the

www.broadview-blinds.co.uk

A Family Bu

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Luxury Products For Your Home his already su in Broadsto How many times have you ogled over the best looking item ambitious, D in the showroom, only to discover it’s solely available to imagined tha commercial clients with huge budgets? Well at Broadviewwould that’one s da million pound not the case. Being a bespoke business means being flexible.

What’s so ch Whilst they are frequented by top of the ladder companies is that it s business, eve for their services, they really appreciate the residential retail the line enquiries. Upon talking it became evident that Mike wasdown and Ian at to just as excited about each and every project, big or small.continues He and exciting p explained; “It’s a privilege to be sought after by retail clients, A after all, they are inviting us into their homes to make it Innovation that When I aske little bit more special”. of sales) wha I was under the illusion that the kind of products that date had bee their recent w commercial clients got would be different to those for hugely succes residential jobs, but Mike explained, “There is no difference between the products we use in people’s homes, to the ones used in our large scale commercial projects – just more of them”. So ultimately the blinds in your home could be identical to those in a five-star hotel or even a recording studio for that matter – swanky windows indeed.

Shading On Trend Ever in the pursuit of new information, I had to find out what was trending in the world of shutters. Whilst there wasn’t much change in terms of style, Mike informed us that the way

sales@broadview.co.uk

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At Its Finest

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Call fo Ama r our Janu zing a Offe ry rs

Broadview had initially been invited to rehabilitate their roof terrace, by replacing their somewhat worn umbrellas. Only when they visited the site their creative team was unanimously struck by a different vision – something that would totally transform that space. Regularly used as an entertainment center for guests and recording artists, Broadview created a design concept that would renovate the terrace into the ultimate outdoor party pad, that could still stand up to the erratic British forecast.

Broadview planned, designed and fitted a state of the art awning unlike any of it’s kind.

Luxury Products For Your Home How many times have you ogled over the best looking item in the showroom, only to discover it’s solely available to commercial clients with huge budgets?

Well at Broadview that’s not the case.

Being a bespoke business means being flexible. Whilst they are frequented by top of the ladder companies for their services, they really appreciate

forward was very much about ‘automation’. It’s been a pretty innovative decade in terms of the progression of technology and it hasn’t bypassed the shading industry either. Supposedly in the next 5-6 years nearly all window shading will be battery powered, or in one way or another automated, as predicted

by Mike and evidently the benefits are endless, “say you’re traveling to the airport on your holidays, when suddenly you question whether or not you’d closed the shades? Soon that won’t be a problem. We’ll just pull out our smartphone and close them from wherever we are at the time” said Mike. Keep your eyes peeled, with the powers at be regularly attending training and industry relevant expos, I’m confident that Broadview will be one of the very first to stock automated shading, within budget.

Bespoke Shading Solutions Little insider information for those who might not know; the recent extension of ‘Bournemouth’s Oceanarium Café’ was created by Broadview’s talented team of designers and manufacturers. The iconic local haunt wanted to make the most of their incredible sea views, which were previously covered by towering white walls, so Broadview created a custom outdoor structure that could easily cope with the blustery seaside conditions, but didn’t take away from the view. Whilst I doubt many of us are hiding a café in our back gardens, the project is a testament to Broadview’s dedication to bespoke shading solutions. They are forever thinking outside of the box, with their focus on the individual customer and their needs.

Impeccable Customer Service Having spent a couple of hours at the head office, listening to the incoming calls and customers, it was evident that this is a company that cares. Not your average customer service by far. Despite their growing success they still offer a round the clock service, where they can make home visits to measure up projects. With a team of 9 installers in their team, projects have a quick turnaround, which means your shading dreams can come true faster and for that matter, more efficiently.

Being independent is more of a bonus than you might realise too. Without any kind of bias towards one particular product, they can offer an impartial opinion as to which brand would best suit your project.

For luxurious shading solutions at affordable prices, visit or get in-touch with Broadview.

57 Hatchpond Road, Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole, BH17 0JZ

T: 01202 679012

Food & Drink

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7DVWHV VR JRRG Beef and Vegetable Stew

A traditional beef stew with thick, rich gravy - an ideal recipe for budget cuts of meat as slowcooking guarantees a tender dish. A classic winter warmer dish

Ingredients for 4 servings 1 onion, chopped 2 large carrots, sliced 5 bay leaves A couple of thyme sprigs 1 tbsp. vegetable oil 1 tbsp. butter 2 tbsp. plain flour 2 tbsp. tomato purée 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 2 beef stock cubes, crumbled 850g stewing beef, cut into large chunks 600ml hot boiled water

Equipment: Saucepan, kettle, large casserole dish with lid Oven: 160C/140C fan/Gas 3 Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Put the kettle on. Put the onion, carrots, bay and thyme sprigs in a casserole dish with 1 tbsp. vegetable oil and the butter. Soften for approximately 10 mins, then stir in the flour, followed by the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce and beef stock cubes.

Gradually stir in 600ml hot water, then add the beef and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the dish and cook in the pre-heated oven for 2hrs 30 mins, then uncover and cook for between 30mins – 1hr more until the meat is really tender and the sauce is thickened. Serve with your choice of green vegetables and enjoy!

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Matt Sparkes FLINGER FERNIER FLOGGER

LANDMARK LOCKSMITHS F

Fully Accredited NCFE Locksmith Engineer

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20

Puzzle Corner

Pop the kettle on...

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Crossword

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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    

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

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Adventures of Nellie

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The Adventures of Nellie

The Purbeck Publications Camper Van Nellie has been taking a look back at 2016. With all that Christmas pud, tipples of wine, chocolates, laughter and excitement, she thought she would take a little time out to review her year, whilst deciding where to take us in 2017!

2016 has been a particularly good year for Nellie, she has excelled herself in fact and kept us all very entertained.

It started off in January 2016 when she decided that Hayden should do more exercise and she successfully got him even more off the computer.

Hayden joined the Branksome Chine Life Saving Club! Nellie took us to our first competition after Hayden had had all of 4 lessons! How exciting was that.

Nellie was so horse, she couldn’t toot her horn the following day.

Then in February I learned how to drive Nellie! It was quite an ordeal from what Nellie remembers. To me everything was back to front and nothing like my little blue Citroen. Being a big Japanese automatic girl, and not so young in years was a challenge to say the least for me. Stephen had a fixed grin and

Nellie gets kitted out ready for the summer

Debbie in the driving seat for the first time Hayden held on tight in the back, but we made it! Nellie is now more than happy for me to take her wheel.

In March Nellie was totally fascinated

by Hayden who told him the story of Nelson Mandela’s bodyguard. Hayden was privileged to be invited to meet him, by his school. The story was captivating.

In April we had a fantastic trip to Santorini with my parents. Dad at age 81 had had his second knee operation but still managed to climb all the way to the top of the live volcano! He takes a leaf out of Nellie’s book for being young in spirit… and I don’t mean the whisky! On returning from there Nellie took us to “Camping World” in Three Legged Cross to prepare for our all important English camping trip in the summer. Nellie was in her element as we kitted her out with all she needed for a relaxing summer on the beach, camping on the Devon coast.

In May Nellie took us with several friends to Wookey Hole! How cool was that. Those amazing colourful caves, stories of witches, crazy golf and film

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23 shows. There is more than enough to keep you entertained all day. Nellie loved the drive there and thoroughly enjoyed herself!

In June I drove Nellie (being a fully fl edged Nellie driver) to see lizards, snakes, frogs and toads at the New Forest Reptile Centre. That was such a fun day. We had quite a laugh and it is certainly days like that, that you remember.

In July we went camping with the scouts! Challenges such as being blind folded in the forest, making tents with string, seeing who can catapult the furthest and best of all making “s’mores” (melted marshmallows between chocolate biscuits) was great fun. Nellie highly recommends scouting!

In August Nellie darted to Devon, all packed with her new equipment. The National Surf Life Saving Competition on the beach and in the sea was incredible and Hayden got a bronze!

Nellie was very proud of him as all grandparents are. After a few days of high randomity we relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the week exploring the area.

Gorgeous.

In September Nellie drove us to a boat on Poole Quay, to sail off to Brownsea Island. The Island is quite unique and

Nellie and the Morgan

Nellie enjoys view from the seafront in Devon the weather was amazing. Hayden and I had a superb day. We are so very lucky to have him. He is great company and fun to be with.

In October Nellie had an extremely busy month! It started with a Life Saving awards ceremony at Durley Chine, followed by a wedding in Wool, then a trip to Bindon Abbey Retreat with my sister and Mum, whilst Dad was fishing with his friends for the week, then off to Standen House in Sussex where Nellie met a rather smart Morgan! Nellie seems happiest when she is busy.

In November Nellie was like a whippet at the starting block as she charged to Chessington Theme Park. Well really 15 adults all over 50? Yes! And what an amazing time we had.

December was busy. Stephen’s parents and sister came to us for a very early Christmas Day as they were travelling off to a warmer climate for a couple of weeks. My parents drove all the way from Hull to spend time with us. What a wonderful time of year… and per the good old movie… ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ that Nellie gives us. I am so glad we bought her. Here’s to another year of fun, frolics and festivities in 2017!

Where will she take us this year…?

By Debbie Corney

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24

Auto Biographies Motoring

All-New Kia Niro

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

Hybrid vehicles are in vogue these days – or so it appears. Will this technology take over the conventional power plants we know one day? I don’t have the psychic wherewithal to tell you. But a lot of automakers seem to be following this trend – and now it’s Kia’s turn.

The all-new Kia Niro hybrid is propelled by an orthodox 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine, paired up with a 32kW electric motor. There’s also a lithium-ion polymer battery where energy is saved. This layout is like with the one in Toyota’s Prius, and manages an official combined mpg of up to 74.3mpg, alongside CO2 emissions starting from 88g/km.

The Niro is larger than its relative, the Cee’d, yet more pocket-sized than its other relation – the attractive and admired Sportage. The all-new Kia Niro is the South Korean car company’s first attempt at a hybrid crossover type of vehicle, but you wouldn’t know.

Sure, there are copied elements, such as white plastic adornments inside the cabin, especially around the inner door handles. These are, undoubtedly, inspired by Toyota, but you can let Kia off because every car manufacturer ‘makes use of’ ideas. It’s a fashion thing and, by its very nature, fashion is all about making certain you’re ‘down with the kids’ on the hottest style.

The new Kia Niro’s body is rectangular, but it’s not at all disagreeable.

The Niro has a simple, fetching form, that has hints of Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) about it. At the front, the Sportage’s genetic material comes through – most markedly around the headlights. What’s more, the rump of the all-new Niro is easy-on-the-eye, with a conventional tailgate decorated with touches of silver trim.

The all-new Kia Niro will seat four-adults comfortably, or five at a squeeze. The load area is a decent size – certainly large enough for a regular sized family’s needs. The steering wheel is pleasingly thick to grasp and the switchgear and dials are intuitive and clear

to use. The only difference between the Niro and a conventionally powered car is an energy flow meter replacing the rev counter.

There’s also a drivetrain pictorial showing the energy stream between the Kia Niro’s engine, battery and wheels.

On start-up, the all-new Kia Niro sounds like it’s not turned on.

That’s because, as with all hybrids, the engine under the bonnet doesn’t cut in instantly. Instead of any tick-over sounds, you hear a chime, signifying that the Niro is running. It’s not long before the 105PS petrol powered unit makes its presence known, though.

On the road, the Niro delivers even-tempered performance, thanks to a six-cog automatic gearbox. And, while the Kia Niro is no out and out performer, the additional power the petrol engine receives from the electric motor is appreciable. The all-new Kia Niro also feels planted and deals with the straights contentedly. It’s only on more blemished B-road surfaces that the Niro’s firm suspension results in a bit of jitteriness. The Kia Niro has to have a stiff set-up, though, to cope with the extra heft of the hybrid assembly. Luckily, there’s a silver lining to every cloud and this firmness means that body lean is hardly noticeable in corners.

The all-new Kia Niro hybrid comes in four levels of trim, categorised ‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘First Edition’. All are well-appointed with driver assistance, comfort, and connectivity features. Every Kia Niro has a lane-keep assist system, hill-start assist control, cruise control and a speed limiter. The new car also comes factory-fitted with support smartphone connectivity, music streaming and a DAB radio.

Pros ‘n’ Cons • Efficiency √ • Handling √ • Practicality √ • Kit √ • Unhurried Pace X

Fast Facts • Max speed: 101mph • 0-62 mph: 11.1 secs • Combined mpg: 64.2 • Engine: 1580cc 4cyl petrol + 32kW electric • CO2: 107 g/km • Price: £26,995

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The Swanage Oracle

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Y D O K H T A F E F F R I S V

S A Q Q R E M Y B R F H S I W

T F D R O R U R R N P V J Y N

A X X Z J X Q F A L S B T M S

R W W J Y F I Q E R W B H W V

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T O N O I T A R B E L E C M Z

SNOW FROST COLD LEAP YEAR WISH CELEBRATION START RESOLUTION WINTER FUTURE

This month, the prize is a meal for two at the Bull & Boat in Swanage, so please complete this page by 27th January 2017 and send to: January Prize Wordsearch Name: ______________________ The Swanage Oracle, Address: ______________________ 1 Moorlands Rise, ______________________ West Moors, ______________________ Ferndown, BH22 0JR Telephone: ______________________

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Prize Wordsearch

Prize Wordsearch

Gardening Tips

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On Your Plot Planning veg for the year ahead If you’re new to veggie growing then this is the ideal time to start planning for the year ahead. Think about what space you have available for your crops and plan what you would like to grow and where.

Jobs for January:-

• Plan your crops • Protect crops against the cold and from pests such as pigeons • Sew lettuces indoors • Start rhubarb crowns

Gardening may be the last thing on your mind in the cold weather but this is the perfect time to plan what to grow and where this season.

It’s easy to get carried away when looking at catalogues or impressive displays of seed packets - but remember that it only makes sense to grow what you are likely to eat! If that still leaves you with a list that exceeds the space available then it may be wise to trim back on crops that take up a lot of space or are easily and cheaply available from local sources (potatoes perhaps?). Think about concentrating on plants that will crop quickly allowing the space to be used again. Remember also that you can use patio containers and grow bags to add extra growing space.

Once you have your list split your available space into 3 (or 4) areas and then group your crops together by family so that they can be rotated around the areas in a 3 or 4 year cycle.

Group the cabbage family together, then the onion family along with the pea and bean family, and finally potatoes, tomatoes and the carrot family.

This is a great time of year to seriously consider making some raised beds, if you don’t already have them. Make sure that they are not too wide for you to easily reach the middle from either side and that there is sufficient room

for easy access all the way around. The deeper you can make them the better and higher beds will mean less bending when you are planting out seedlings, harvesting or weeding.

If you have large areas of bare soil, awaiting planting, then you may like to think about covering them with black plastic, or cardboard, to protect the soil against the harsh January weather. Crops still growing, such as purple sprouting broccoli, will benefit from protection against hungry pigeons - try covering with wire mesh, fleece, or some homemade bird scarers (try stringing up some old CD’s).

For those who are keen to get sowing, you can try a few lettuces. Start off on a bright, sunny windowsill, thinning down when they are large enough to handle. Grow on in frost free conditions such as a shed, or polytonal before finishing off under cloches. If you haven’t already planted shallots then it’s not too late to think about it, but don’t put them in when the ground is too wet or they may rot.

Start saving empty egg boxes ready to chit your seed potatoes before planting. Just pop them into the egg boxes, sprout end up in a cool but frost free place and wait for the shoots to appear. You’ll also find the boxes useful for starting tiny seedlings off in months to come as they grow they can be planted straight out with no disruption as the box will simply rot down.

And finally, if you have space, you may like to think about starting off some new rhubarb crowns towards the end of January.

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27

CAMERAS & BINOCULARS WANTED

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

01202 862886

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Household Tips

Remove Crayon Stains

Remove pesky crayon stains from children’s clothing using methylated spirits.

Simply scrape away the excess wax before dabbing with methylated spirits then wash following usual garment instructions. Take care to check fabric type before using chemicals.

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Community News

28

Grey seals, golden eagles, weasels and water voles: award-winning country park celebrates the best of British wildlife photography Stunning images of wildlife from across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire feature in the highly-accclaimed British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) exhibition at Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood from 14 January until 26 February 2017.

With 15 categories, including two for young people, the Awards showcase the very best of nature photography chosen from thousands of entries from across the country and raise awareness about biodiversity, British species and their habitats.

Moors Valley is the only location south of London to host the BWPA national touring exhibition which this year features over 100 striking images including grey seals, golden eagles, weasels and water voles. The Park was recently awarded ‘Gold’ for Sustainability in the Dorset Tourism Awards and fifty-

Paul Colley’s ‘Hello Ducky (Brown Trout and Mallard Duck)’. Photographed in GoodworthClatford, Hampshire, it was Highly Commended in the Animal Behaviour category

five percent of the animals featured in the exhibition have been sighted, if not photographed, there. Moors Valley is also is one of ‘ the best places in the UK for dragonflies and home to all six species of British reptile as well as a highly successful water vole reintroduction programme.

This year’s BWPA overall winning shot, ‘Hitchhikers’, was not taken on land but underwater off the Island of Hirta in Scotland and features what awardwinning photographer George Stoyle describes as ‘one of the largest jellyfish I’ve ever encountered’. The amazing folds, frills and kaleidoscopic colours of this giant lion’s mane jellyfish should make ‘Hitchhikers’ a winner, but it is the shoal of shimmering fish finding sanctuary amongst its tangle of stinging tentacles that make this unique picture really stand out.

Nearer to home, highly commended images include Jane Morgan’s closeup of a feathery, tentacled fan worm in Weymouth, Dorset whilst Wiltshire images include Mark Bridger’s Roe deer in a field furrow in Salisbury, and 14-year old Harry King’s image of a short eared owl taken at Wroughton’s Barbury Castle.

Wiltshire is also home to category winner Nick Upton, whose images detailing the monitoring and tracking of harvest mice won the documentary series award.

Hampshire is represented this year with two highly commended images

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from Paul Colley featuring the amazing underwater colours of the county’s freshwater fish.

Chris Packham, TV presenter and naturalist said, “The British Wildlife Photography Awards generates an incredible catalogue of splendid, exciting, imaginative and artistic images, proving beyond doubt that we have the richest palette of life to celebrate in our own backyard. Anyone passionate about protecting and preserving wildlife will be inspired by the British Wildlife Photography Awards, which has done more than any other award to raise the profile of British wildlife”.

Moors Valley Communication Ranger, Katie Davies said, “With so many stunning photographs on show this exhibition is proof that you don’t have to travel far from home to capture some

amazing images. Moors Valley is home to so many different animal species that whatever type of photography you are interested in, the park and forest can offer some great opportunities to try out your skills. Even in winter there are plenty of species around including visiting wildfowl like shovellers and teal, early morning species such as roe deer, and the usually shy and retiring water voles.”

The British Wildlife Photography Awards exhibition opens daily in the Visitor Centre at Moors Valley Country Park. It is free to view. Parking charges apply. For more information go to www.moorsvalley.co.uk or call the Rangers on 01425 470721.

The 2017 British Wildlife Photography Awards opens for entries in early February. Details can be found at www.bwpawards.org.

Lion’s Mane Jelly Fish

by George Stoyle Coast And Marine Winner plus Overall Winner 2016

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Index of advertisers

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

Accountants Ward Goodman.................................................... 9

Funeral Directors James Smith.......................................................... 31

Bars, Pubs & Restaurants Bull & Boat........................................................... 24 The Sandford Pub................................................. 32

Health & Beauty West Dorset Mobile Foot Clinic............................ 7

Bathrooms C+C Plumbing & Bathrooms................................. 7 Bedrooms Custom Creations................................................. 2 Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds......................................................... 3 Broadview Shading Solutions............................... 16 Just Shutters......................................................... 11 Builders Competitive Construction..................................... 5 Purbeck Home Improvements.............................. 1 Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras............................................. 27 Carpenters Total Woodwork - Peter Albin............................... 21 Carpets & Flooring Peter Newman Flooring........................................ 31 Community News Adventures of Nellie............................................. 22 Dorset Wildlife Trust: Hibernation........................... 12 Martin Lewis: Money Sins..................................... 14 Moors Valley hosts wildlife photo exhibition........ 28 Motoring: All-New Kia Niro.................................. 24 On your plot: Plan your veg for year ahead.......... 26 Residents and evidence back change to local government structure in Dorset......................... 6 Tastes so good: Beef & Vegetable Stew................ 18 The Bournemouth & Poole College launch new training partnership with Sunseeker.................. 8

Kitchens Competitive Construction..................................... 5 Locksmiths Landmark Locksmiths........................................... 19 Pest Control Terminator Pest.................................................... 7 Plumbers C+C Plumbing....................................................... 7 Gasways Heating.................................................. 21 Heatcare............................................................... 3 Property Maintenance Competitive Construction..................................... 17 Total Woodwork - Peter Albin............................... 21 Puzzles & Competitions Crossword............................................................. 20 Honeycomb........................................................... 19 Kids Page.............................................................. 10 Prize Wordsearch.................................................. 25 Sudoku.................................................................. 20 Removals & Storage Bournemouth Removals....................................... 21 Self Storage Purbeck Self Storage............................................. 11 Taxis DMB Cars.............................................................. 27 Tool & Plant Hire Sydenhams........................................................... 2 Tree Surgeons Apex Tree Surgeons.............................................. 13

Computer Services AJV Computing..................................................... 27

Waste Services Philip Trim............................................................. 5

Electricians J Taylor Electrical.................................................. 11

Windows, Doors & Conservatories Competitive Construction..................................... 5

Financial Services Ward Goodman.................................................... 9

Worktops Portman Stone...................................................... 31

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

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

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The 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.

The Swanage Oracle

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