The Swanage Oracle - January 2020

January 2020

Promoting your local area

THE

SWANAGE

Oracle

Happy New Year!

In this issue...

Calling all book lovers!

Hendy invites children to enter 2020 Dream Car Art Contest All major credit & debit cards accepted

& DEVELOPERS LTD

ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING & BUILDING WORKS UNDERTAKEN

* New Pitched Roofs * New Flat Roofs * Conservatory Roofs * Roof Repairs * Pitched Roof Ventilation * Lead works * UPVC Fascia, Soffit & Guttering * Extensions, Loft Conversions, New Bathrooms & Kitchens Fitted LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS • 30 YRS EXPERIENCE • FULLY INSURED • WORKS GUARANTEED

FREE SURVEYS & QUOTES • 01929 46 33 49 / 47 28 09 • 07799 26 11 05 / 0800 567 7614 • www.purbeckhomeimprovements.co.uk

Brought to you by

Purbeck Publications Promoting your local area

www.purbeckpublications.co.uk

2

Email: info@philiptrimcontractors.com

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

3

Leaks Tree Care undertakes all tree and hedge work, this includes: crown reduction, crown thin, crown lift, dead wooding, tree felling, section felling, pollarding, hedge trimming, hedge laying and tree planting.

We also offer tree inspections for peace of mind.

Contact Rob on

T: 07519 664197

E: leakstreecare@gmail.com

www.leakstreecare.com 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

Call Rory on: 07980 805157 / 01929 761688 Email: rory@fxrheatingandplumbing.co.uk

www.fxrheatingandplumbing.co.uk

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Introduction

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

The Swanage Oracle Edition 134

A Very Happy New Year to you All! Have you made your New Year’s Resolutions yet? It certainly is a time to reflect, look at what worked in 2019 and what will work better in 2020. Let’s not ponder too much on any mistakes but look towards the coming year with optimism and positivity, maybe a little realism too, but definitely a hopeful attitude. We like to plan a holiday as well as look at what needs improving in the home.

Published by:

Stephen & Debbie Corney at Purbeck Publications

Telephone:

Your Local Oracle is here to help you with all that, so I do hope you are finding this useful. After all the festivities you may have Email: info@swanageoracle.co.uk some time to sit quietly, have a read and plan your next twelve months. The local Copy deadline for the businesses and trades inside are here for February 2020 edition: you to make that planning a reality. They 13th January 2020 love to hear from you, so please make Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this their day and give them a call. It makes all publication is accurate, the publisher our work here worthwhile. It is what we cannot accept any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or are here for. If you have any questions or omissions resulting from negligence, suggestions for improving your magazine, accident or any other cause. please let me know. We are very happy to The Swanage Oracle does not officially endorse any advertising material hear from you.

01929 408080

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.

All the Very Best for 2020!

Debbie, Stephen, Hayden & Daichi

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

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

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Flowers arranged with sincerity Weddings & Tributes to loved ones • Bouquets & arrangements for special occasions • Flowers for parties and events

Caroline Finch

T: 01929 427776 M: 07966 462974

E: c.f.m.finch@btinternet.com W: budsofmave.com

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Community News

6

Calling all book lovers!

A popular home library service, run by Royal Voluntary Service, the national volunteering organisation, is looking to grow its service for housebound readers in the Wareham, Corfe Castle and Swanage area.

The Home Library Service brings books to people who can no longer get to a library. It operates from most libraries in Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth.

Volunteers deliver books and share their love of reading with the people they visit. They are a friendly face and a regular visitor to those whose mobility and social interactions are limited, and they provide a useful check on the safety and well-being of their readers, too.

One of our readers commented: “It is an excellent service; it’s a real delight when it is hard to get to the library oneself. The volunteer is so friendly, they may be the only person I shall see all day.”

offers a vital link to the local library.

The service enables them to carry on doing something they’ve always enjoyed and helps alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness.”

The Home Library Service is delivered free of charge; it is not only for older people, but for anybody who finds getting to the library difficult, including carers.

To find out more or to request the service please contact the Royal Voluntary Service office on 01305 236666, or e-mail Maria on maria. jacobson@royalvoluntaryservice. org.uk. Alternatively you can speak to the staff at your local library.

www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

Maria Jacobson, service manager for Dorset and BCP Home Library Services, says, “For people who enjoy reading or listening to an audio recording but find getting out of the house challenging, this service

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

7

DRAIN UNBLOCKING • Toilets • Sinks • Baths • Showers • Sewers • Soakaways • Camera Surveys • Drain Repairs & New Installations

Stay warm this winter!

24/7

01929 666 226 www.dorsetdrainunblocking.co.uk

With summer now behind us and the cold months upon us your heating is going to become increasingly important!

Ensure you stay warm this winter by booking you boiler service now to ensure your heating is ready for festive period, if last winter is anything to go by then you’re going to need it!

• Gas and oil services available from fully qualified engineers • Commercial and domestic covered • Efficient and friendly service • Competitive rates To book your service or quote contact us on

Made to measure blinds supplied and fitted commerical and domestic.

We supply and fit blinds to suit all budgets

NEW YEAR SALE NOW ON! Call us today to arrange your free home visit

T: 01929 781297 M: 07770 841196

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

alchemyblinds.co.uk

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Community News

8

Hendy Toyota invites children to enter 2020 Dream Car Art Contest Hendy Toyota in Bournemouth and Salisbury are encouraging local children to use their creative skills and imaginations to design vehicles for the future in the 2020 Toyota Dream Car Art Contest.

Entries are now open in the UK stage of this global competition which invites children up to the age of 15 to create a form of transport or technology that gives people the freedom of movement on land, sea or air while protecting the world’s natural environment.

Entrants are asked to draw or paint their dream vehicle against a background that shows how and where they imagine it being driven.

The artwork should be accompanied by a short explanation of how the vehicle works and what makes it special. Submissions must be handdrawn or painted, and paper must be A3 size or smaller.

will be put forward into the global competition for the opportunity to win a trip to Japan in 2021.

Julian Saunders, brand manager at Hendy Toyota, says: “This competition provides a fantastic opportunity for children to use their creativity to draw or paint their dream vehicle, a next generation vehicle that can benefit the planet - whether that be a vehicle that collects rubbish on land or sea or perhaps a mode of transport that collects and cares for the homeless.

As we represent the Toyota brand in Dorset and Wiltshire, we encourage the regions children to enter the UK competition with the chance to go onto the global stage and be recognised for their creative skills.�

Entry forms can be downloaded at www.toyota.co.uk/dreamcar and the closing date for entries is 20 January 2020.

The age categories are eight and under, eight to 11 and 12 to 15 years old and there will be gold, silver and bronze winners in each category.

Prizes include iPads and tablets and the winning entries

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

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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

Douch Family Bereavement Group

Cindy Weller

Accredited Counsellor, MBACP MNCS

Swanage First Monday of every month at Swanage Town Hall 3pm – 4.30pm PHONE TO BOOK YOUR PL ACE | OPEN TO THE WHOLE COMMUNIT Y

01929 422445 JAMESSMITHFUNERALS.CO.UK

2030_ Douch_Bereavement_Advert_James_Smith_128x90mm_AW.indd 2

06/12/2019 14:57

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

11

Fixed quote work Replacement Doors Laminate Flooring Decking Truss & Cut Roofing General Carpentry General Building Maintenance

Call Peter Albin

Mobile 07834 983022 Home 01929 425048

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

www.totalwoodwork.co.uk

01202 862886

SELF STORAGE UNITS TO LET

All Grass

(for private use)

Landscapes

We are an independent local company that specializes in all aspects of landscaping.

Insulated, Individually Alarmed for Furniture, Classic Cars or Documents

East Stoke, Wareham

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

• Supply & install any size and type of artificial lawn • Any size of hard or soft landscaping, including: lawns, fencing, decking, etc.

• Over 15 years experience For a free, no obligation quote, please call Will on 01929 503135 or 07522 987090

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Wildlife News

12

Talking about Wildlife...

The secret world of the robin The much-loved robin is one of the UK’s favourite garden visitors. Adorning Christmas cards at this time of year, the robin is a truly iconic species, o�en associated with winter.

Perhaps the best thing about the robin is that it’s easily identified; brown with a white belly and the famous red breast make it unmistakable, even for the wildlife novice.

O�en seen using gardens and local green spaces, they make their presence known with a loud, territorial song that they sing all year round, so they’re hard to miss.

Whilst they can be found in the most unusual places such as plant pots, old wellies and shelves, shrubs and particularly ivy (another festive favourite!) are their favoured place for nesting. Fiercely territorial birds, during the breeding season (April to June) the female is allowed into the male’s territory where she sets up a nest of dead leaves, moss and hair.

Like any other garden visitor, robins need a helping hand during the winter as they can be adversely affected by cold snaps. Robins are small, and smaller birds can o�en suffer the most in colder conditions. O�en if a robin visits your garden just once, they are known to return time and time again. Finding food is a constant occupation for them, and whilst Ivy provides rich delicious berries, robins will appreciate any offerings you have for them in your garden as the winter draws in. They are ground feeders, so try to provide food for them on a table as they will struggle to use hanging feeders.

By encouraging robins (or other birds) into your garden, you will be rewarded with a display of red plumage and beautiful bird

Robin

Photo: Alexander Mustard

song. It’s no surprise that the robin has been voted the UK’s first national bird.

Did you know that Dorset Wildlife Trust is a membership organisation? This January, Dorset Wildlife Trust is offering half price membership for new supporters from 2nd – 31st so if you’d like to start the year by helping wildlife where you live, this is the perfect opportunity. Prices start from just £1.75 per month!

Visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk to find out more and support wildlife and wild places in 2020.

By Sally Welbourn

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

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MASTERS IN BLOCK PAVING AND TARMAC

County Block Paving

Ltd SINCE 1990

 Block Paving  Tarmacadam

 Resin  Patios

All work fully guaranteed

•

 Walls  Fencing etc.

No deposits

90% of our work comes from customer recommendations Office: 01202 069925 Mobile: 07437 476 732 Email: countyblockpaving@hotmail.com www.countyblockpaving.co.uk

C

M PLUMBING & HEATING Local Gas & Heating Engineers

• • • • •

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

Tel: 01929 550160

M: 07790 056396

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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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  

 



35 years experience. Installation & repairs. Bathrooms, central heating & general plumbing work undertaken. Fully Insured.

Labour is guaranteed for 12 months.

Email: candcplumbing@btinternet.com www.candcplumbingservices.co.uk

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Community News

16

Talbot Village Trust provides funding for Burngate Stone Carving Centre Talbot Village Trust has donated £1,200 to the Burngate Stone Carving Centre to help renovate and refresh the charity’s space.

Burngate Stone Carving Centre, which is based in Swanage, provides traditional stone carving workshops and artfocused courses for children, adults and elderly members of the community throughout the year. It is an educational and charitable trust that provides lessons for people to learn more about traditional stone carving skills.

In addition, the centre hosts an art and sculpture exhibition throughout the year featuring the work of local artists.

Using Talbot Village Trust’s donation, the charity carried out some muchneeded renovations to its workshop, which had not been updated for a number of years. This work has allowed the centre to display the project work of users in a fresher, brighter area.

provide the best possible experience for our visitors.”

Russell Lucas-Rowe, Trustee of Talbot Village Trust, Trustee at Talbot Village Trust, commented: “We are very happy to have contributed to the refurbishment of such a beautiful space. The inside of the building is now as welcoming as the area it is set in.

The work that the staff do with different members of the community is so important and valuable, and we are so pleased that they have a newly-updated centre that provides a positive impact on those who attend their classes.”

Talbot Village Trust meets biannually and is accepting applications for funding from both previous and new applicants in the area before the Trustees meet in spring 2020. Please go to www.talbotvillagetrust.org for more information.

One of the main beneficiaries of the refurbishment were members of the Out of the Blue group, who are affected by a variety of mental health issues such as rural isolation, depression and anxiety.

Julia Munn, Trustee at Burngate Stone Carving Centre, said: “We are very grateful to Talbot Village Trust for funding the much-needed renovations of our centre. The atmosphere that our visitors come to us for is a big part of the welcome that we offer. We are delighted to have been able to make our surroundings fresh and tidy, to

J. Munn, D.Quinn and L. Mack inside Burngate Stone Carving Centre

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Dorset & Wight Wills Your Local Experts in providing Affordable

LASTING POWER of ATTORNEYS Probably the most important documents you will ever own.

Wills: £140 each - Single Power of Attorneys: £140 each

Special Offer 1: Both Lasting Power of Attorneys for a single person £270 (save £10)

Special Offer 2: All four Lasting Power of Attorneys for a couple £530 (save £30)

Special Offer 3: All four Lasting Power of Attorneys and two Wills for a couple £798 (save £42)

Special Offer 4: A complete Property Protection Trust, Wills and all four Lasting Power of Attorneys for a couple - Limited time offer £999 (save £350) Protect your assets from paying for care fees and other third-party predators.

We are specialists in providing for the elderly or less mobile. Everything is dealt with in the comfort of your own home.

All home visits are completely FREE of charge.

Members of the Society of Will Writers and Estate Planning Practitioners.

Book your FREE home visit now on 01202 065953 or 01983 623900 Ferndown, Dorset and Isle of Wight

www.dorsetandwight.co.uk

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What’s On 2020…

17th January 2020

A Wildlife Photographer on Holiday The Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne, BH21 1AS This is an illustrated talk by a very experienced wildlife photographer, John Coombs, who has been on holiday all over the place. £3.00 for members and £4.00 for non-members. 01202 840 941 mary.allen@live.co.uk www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.

17th January 2020 M**der in The Bunker

By Vince Jones Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UY It is the 1956 Annual Dinner of the Dorchester Preservation Society at Shire Hall. The guest speaker is property developer Gerald Chillingdon, set to outline plans for a new estate to be built on Dorchester’s beautiful water meadows. An evening of honest conversation, spirited debate, thoughtful discussion – and M**der!

But who could have done this dastardly deed? Dorchester Arts and Shire Hall present ‘M**der in the Bunker’, a M**der mystery for you to solve. Join us and play detective over dinner!£20 to include welcome drink, light dinner – and

M**der! Proceeds from the evening go to Dorchester Arts and Shire Hall.

Tel: 01305 261849.

18th January 2020 Jack and the Beanstalk The Regent Centre, 51 High Street, C’church, BH23 1AS When Jack sells his beloved family cow for magic beans, his mother, the outrageous Dame Trott, is not best pleased! Little does she know that those beans hold the key to a thrilling adventure.

18th January 2020 Fundraising Book Fair New Forest Heritage Centre, High Street, Lyndhurst, SO43 7NY Buy a book and support the Museum!

We will be selling a vast array of donated books. Get your next page turner to see you through the winter months! If you would like to donate any books please bring them to the Centre in the weeks before the fair.

22nd to 25th January 2020 Bedroom Farce The Barrington Theatre, Ferndown 7.45pm all tickets £9.00 booking ticketsource.co.uk/ferndown-drama.

24th January 2020 Don Giovanni - Rogue Opera

29th January 2020 Harmony Rocks Choir

Shelley Theatre, Beechwood Ave, B’mouth, BH4 1LX Following the fabulous reception of our Carmen show in June 2019, Rogue Opera returns to the Shelley Theatre with its racy new production of Don Giovanni - for two nights only. £19.50 full price / £17.50 students/children *suitable for 13+ Tel: 01202 413600.

Harmons Cross Village Hall, Haycrofts Lane, Swanage, BH19 3EB Visit the website for further information.

Web: www.harmanscrosshall.co.uk E: bookings@harmanscrosshall.co.uk

25th January 2020

Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage Join the Wessex Astronomical Society for a short talk in the Learning Centre and a chance to use telescopes to view the night sky. Weather dependent – phone on the day to confirm: 01929 424443 Starting time varies for each meeting. Meet at the Learning Centre. £3 per person.

Burns Night National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, SO42 7ZN This year, why not celebrate Burns Night with us at Beaulieu! We will have all the traditions you would hope for including our very own bagpiper! Enjoy an arrival drink as you enter the Domus, our unique 13th century venue, then be captivated by the roaring fire as you have your 3 course traditional meal. This will be a night not to miss out on! 01590 614 787. Leiths@beaulieu.co.uk

26th January 2020 Le Big Sing 2020 Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road Poole, BH15 1UG Come and sing with the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, Youth Chorus & BSO Resonate. Tel: 01202 280 000 or email info@lighthousepoole.co.uk.

1st February 2020 Stargazing at Durlston

7th February 2020 Harry Potter Night Corfe Mullen Children’s Centre, Wimborne, BH21 3LE Harry Potter activities and crafts. Dress up as your favourite character or come as you are and join in the wonderful wizarding fun.

Suitable for children aged 6-12 years. Free but please book on 01202 659755.

Children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

To keep up to date with what’s on in Dorset go to:

www.WhatsOnInDorset.co.uk

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Introducing... Custom Creations At Custom Creations we are delighted to introduce some brand new colours and designs to our varied ranges, with something to suit every taste and budget.

There is now a move towards textured finishes, which give a warmth to any piece of furniture and create a real wow factor to any room. You don’t have to have a whole piece of furniture in the same finish – you may just want to create a feature with texture to give your furniture a really unique and personal look.

Grey tones are still as popular as ever and you can pair grey with a textured finish to create a warmer look. For a clean and modern look, pair grey with a light gloss colour to create a beautiful contemporary style for any room.

Dark wood colours are also becoming popular, and when paired with Ivory or Cream create a timeless look.

your furniture will be fitted by our in-house professional fitters who take the utmost care whilst working in your home.

We are proud to use sustainable products to create your furniture, as we work with all our suppliers with the protection of the environment in mind and you can be assured that your furniture is built to last as we offer a 25 Year Guarantee on all our furniture.

We are always happy to answer any queries you may, either over the telephone or in the showroom, so please feel free to call in, phone or email us anytime.

Visit our website: www.customcreations. furniture or our Facebook page to get inspiration or go to Checkatrade.com to see what our customers have to say. We look forward to meeting you.

Any room can benefit from fitted furniture but the correct design is the key, and that’s why we offer a free no -obligation design visit in your own home without any pressures. We are a family run business, and believe in treating our customers as we would expect to be treated, working closely with you throughout the whole process from design to installation to ensure that you are delighted with your new furniture.

We have displays and samples of all the finishes in our Verwood Showroom, where there is always a warm welcome and you can also visit our workshop in Verwood at any time to see our furniture being made by our skilled joiners. All

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

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Made in our Dorset workshop | 25 year guarantee | Family run business

STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY ROOM

HOME OFFICES

“We had custom creations install fitted wardrobes in one of our bedrooms in February and were extremely pleased so we had them back. We were not disappointed.”

“Very impressed from introduction to completion. Professional service and quality of work.”

– BOURNEMOUTH

– FERNDOWN

WARDROBES

ANGLED ROOMS

MEDIA UNITS

STORAGE SOLUTIONS

For a free, no-obligation design consultation call 01202 823231 For more information and inspiration visit www.customcreations.furniture Showroom open hours: Mon - Fri: 9am – 5.30pm | Sat: 9am – 2pm | Sun: By appointment Unit 1, Enterprise Park, Blackmoor Road, Ebblake Industrial Estate, Verwood, BH31 6YS

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The Adventures of Daichi

22

The Adventures of Daichi

The Purbeck Publications Camper Van For anyone who is new to reading these fun pages, I would like to give you some background. They are meant to be a little tongue in cheek, family and friends orientated with places to visit around our wonderful southern coast and countryside. “Daichi” is a Japanese Nissan Elgrand, a converted Campervan who has a life of his own. He likes to show off and it is he that gets us out of the house, away from the computers and the TV, looking outwards. Daichi had his first criticism last month, a serious gentleman who did not see eye to eye with the “Dashing Dude’s” playful nature. You see, we like to bring a smile to your face and maybe lighten life up a bit. (We sincerely apologise to the gentleman who clearly did not react like this.) After-all there are plenty of things that do the opposite, so let’s not be too serious, let’s live a little, have some good old English entertainment and create some great memories. Here we go… again!

Daichi really did his homework this month.

Caring for the environment is so important and Daichi found something rather special. True to his nature, this area has a name that makes you instantly smile…

Stephen pretending to be David Bailey

A sighting of the lesser-spotted Debbie!

“Slop Bog”. Yes, we went to Slop Bog! You can imagine my reaction, or maybe best not to. Actually, this is a fascinating place, situated just off the A31 to Ferndown and the B3072 to West Moors. It is an SSSI that is a Site of Special Scientific Interest!

Not only is it a fascinating place to explore, but it was saved by a group of people who call themselves, “The Slop Bog Guardians”.

How wonderful is that. Way back in 2003 trees were going to be felled and this group of dedicated locals got together to save the day. Their motto is - “To preserve and protect the character of Slop Bog Local Nature Reserve by maintaining a balance between the views of the local community and national conservation strategies”. Daichi is impressed.

We had got all kitted out in wellies and raincoats, and Daichi had the coffee ready.

He knows me well. Off we set, rather early for us as the weather was going to turn and we did not want to get caught in the bog and have to be air-rescued. (as if… remember the time Nellie got stuck in the mud…) As soon as you enter the bog area, there is the peaceful silence of wondrous

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

23 nature, with a wall, a backdrop of constant swishing and humming from the hundreds of cars passing on the main road just on the other side of the majestic outline of trees. The difference between our busy, hustling, noisy lifestyle and the serenity of nature is unmissable.

Not far into the bog we saw, what I thought was something burnt in the middle of a clump of trees… showing my ignorance, it turned out to be a food block, possibly a salt lick for the cows roaming around! The trampled muddy earth around it, made it look like a burning. Maybe I am once again showing the difference between our ‘dangerous environment’ which is all too often prevalent in the news and the calmness of what was actually before me. A very good reason to get out, away from our electronic age for a while. The British White Cattle even came over to say Hello and prove it was a feeding area! Stephen enjoyed doing his best David Bailey impersonation, taking lots of photos of the curious calf.

We regrettably did not see any lizards, snakes or slow worms, or maybe this was a blessing as Daichi may have screeched off and left us stranded. In the summer this is a haven for butterflies and birds including Stonechats, Dartford Warbler,

Daichi’s welcome whistling kettle...

Cattle roam the heathland Nightjars, Snipes and the Greater Spotted Woodpecker. This day you could only see the Lesser Spotted Debbie… literally in my raincoat. Frogs love it here too and all sorts of funghi thrive in full glory.

The beauty, the space and the tranquillity really helps you to see things in perspective, ‘chill out’ (literally, as it was not too warm) and collect your thoughts.

The coffee that Daichi provided from his whistling kettle, overlooking the heathland was very welcomed. A simple morning out on a cold, slightly wet November day. Life does not have to be full on 24-7. Time out can make all the difference.

There are hundreds of these Sites of Scientific Interest, over 4000 in fact in the UK and 240 in Dorset alone. Maybe you could find one and let Daichi know?

He loves to hear from you. It is always possible to help and volunteers are welcomed with open arms. It is a great way to meet new friends, learn some new skills and look after the environment. A win-win we say.

With all the Christmas celebrations now over, do remember to take some time out for yourself. Taking a walk is very therapeutic. A Happy New Year to you all, from Daichi the Dashing Dude!

By Debbie Corney

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Gardening Tips

24

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 le�uces 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 be�er 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 le�uces. 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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25

MALLWOOD ROOFING LTD

A local family business with over 45 years experience.

High Performance Felt, Cold Applied Liquid Systems, Single Ply Membranes, Tiling & Slating.

All new work fully guaranteed.

Full Public Liability Insurance.

For a no obligation quote call Matt:

01202 020063 / 07950 972289 www.mallwoodroofing.co.uk

• TRAILER SALES • TRAILER PARTS & SPARES (next day delivery) • TRAILER SERVICE & REPAIRS • TRAILER HIRE

01929 462534

WADDOCK CROSS, DORCHESTER, DT2 8QY Please visit our eBay shop for the best prices search ‘Wessex Trailers’

Click link on our site www.wessex-trailers.co.uk

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Food & Drink

26

Naturally good...

ROASTED ACORN SQUASH Ingredients for 4 servings: 1 large acorn squash ½ tsp smoked paprika 2 cloves garlic (minced) Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper ½ tsp mustard powder ¼ tsp onion powder 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp unsalted butter ½ red onion 1 tbsp olive oil 2 oz (60 g) soft goats cheese Small handful fresh mint Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 400F/200c 2. Cut the squash into 6 wedges leaving the skin on.

Remove the seeds and place onto a baking sheet skin side down with the flesh facing up. Drizzle the wedges with olive oil and add the butter then sprinkle over the paprika, garlic, mustard and onion powder and season well.

3. Cover the tray with foil and make sure that it is pressed down well so that the wedges are sealed in. Place the tray into the oven to bake for 45 minutes; they will actually be steaming in their own juices at this point.

4. Meanwhile slice the onion and place into a frying pan with the olive oil, gently sauté the onion slices on a medium low heat until they are caramelized, set to one side.

5. After 45 minutes of cooking remove the squash from the oven and remove the foil cover, place back into the oven for 10 minutes to roast, after ten minutes top each wedge with caramelized onions and some crumbled goats cheese and place back into the oven for a further 5 to 10 minutes until golden brown.

6. Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with freshly chopped mint and serve.

Ryan Turner, real food and low-carb chef - www.thefoodbible.com

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27

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Email: sales@wessexaerials.co.uk Phone: (01305) 813010 - Weymouth (01929) 270081 - Swanage www.wessexaerials.co.uk

Suppliers and Installers of: Aerial - Satellite - CCTV Wi-Fi points for domestic and commercial situations.

Computer Problems?

For prompt and friendly help call Alan on:

01929 480529 or 07710 835905

E-mail & internet support • Wireless network & printer setup • PC & Laptop repairs • Virus removal Custom-built PCs • Home & Small Business visits No call-out charge • Over 20 years experience

www.ajvcomputing.co.uk

Domestic/Commercial | Above/Below Ground Plastic Bunded & Single Skin Tanks Metal Tanks, Fuel Stations, Fire Tanks

Household tips Pancake shaker Next time you make a batter mixture, store the leftovers in a washed out ketchup bottle (the sort that has the flip top lid).

Pop in the fridge and you’ll be able to use the batter mixture for another day or two straight out of the bottle.

Water Tanks, LPG, Emergency Pump-outs Oil Tank Disposal Service | Boiler Removal Interest-free payment terms if required

 01963 363 870  07836 502683 (24hr)  office@bgp-oiltanks.co.uk  www.bgp-oiltanks.co.uk

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Community News

28

Road Safety: What to teach and age-appropriate messages Brake recommends you aim to cover the road safety ABC, adapted for the age group you’re working with, as set out below: A is for awareness (traffic is dangerous and can hurt people) B is for behaviour (things you should do to stay safer) C is for choice and campaigning (how to make safer choices and to help others make these choices too) Under 8’s can be taught A and B from the age of two upwards. They can be taught rules and encouraged to follow them through practical training. However, under 8’s should not use roads without an adult, and adults should follow the Green Cross Code (see below) at all times when on foot with their children. Adults should, at all times, hold children’s hands or use reins with younger children because under 8’s: • have difficulty judging speed and distance; - are easily distracted and act on impulse; • have difficulty understanding danger and death and are oriented around play; • are small (so can’t see hazards) and are still developing eyesight and hearing; • are carefree, not careless; • should not be allowed to walk near roads on their own for these reasons.

Over 8’s will have more ability to understand C, and make their own choices based on different options and assessment of risk. However, they need to have A and B reemphasised to them because over 8’s may walk on their own but make mistakes that can cost their lives because of lack of experience; are vulnerable to peer pressure from other children to make risky choices, such as running across a road.

A is for awareness: traffic is dangerous and hurts people You can teach, with increasing frankness as children get older, that: Traffic hurts tens of thousands of people in the UK each year. Five people are killed in road crashes every day. People hurt by traffic are often killed and seriously injured.

Injuries include paralysis and losing limbs. (Note: many children may think minor injuries such as breaking an arm are okay or even fun – you may need to make clear how awful a serious injury is.)

Some people do dangerous things when walking or cycling, such as texting on their phone while crossing a road. These people are more likely to be killed or hurt.

Some drivers do dangerous things, which increase the chance of them killing or hurting themselves or someone else, for example, speeding, or using a phone at the

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29 wheel, or driving after drinking alcohol. We have laws such as speed limits to stop people being killed or hurt in crashes, but some drivers break them.

B is for behaviour: rules you can follow to stay safe Children need to be taught the language of road safety before they can understand the rules.

For example, names of vehicles, names of street furniture such as pavements and kerbs, and an understanding of fast, slow, looking, listening and crossing. Download Brake’s colour in work sheet with key words and street furniture. A welleducated child age five may already have a grasp of fundamental road safety rules thanks to their parents.

But others may not. Therefore, you should begin with younger children by checking they all understand the following: • Paths and pavements are for people; roads are for traffic.

• Never go out near roads without a grown up. Hold their hand and don’t let go.

• Stop at once if you are told. Never try to cross a road until you are told.

• Don’t run into the road or play on roads - play in a park or garden.

• You can help grown-ups look and listen for traffic to cross safely.

• Traffic lights and other crossings help people cross the road. When a red man appears, it means you must stop.If you ride in a car, never undo your belt, play with door handles, or distract the driver.

C is for choice: how to make the safest choices and help others stay safe too Under-8’s are potentially ill-equipped to make their own choices. However, it is important that older children recognise their ability to make safe choices, recognise pressures they may come under to make dangerous choices and learn how to resist those pressures, and how to speak up for the safety of others too.

Younger children can also be encouraged to think about choices, as long as they are not encouraged to make those choices on their own.

All children can be encouraged to speak out against dangerous behaviour, such as children pushing each other into the road, or running across roads without looking, or drivers driving too fast, or people not doing up their seat belts or not wearing helmets on mopeds or motorbikes.

Visit charity Brake’s website here: www.brake.org.uk/ info-and-resources/resources/ guide-to-teaching-road-safety

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30

Index of advertisers

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

Aerials Wessex Aerials........................................................... 27

Funeral Directors James Smith................................................................ 9

Bedrooms Custom Creations...................................................... 21

Garage Doors Garolla........................................................................ 2

Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Alchemy Blinds........................................................... 7 Ashley Blinds............................................................... 3 Broadview Shading Solutions.................................... 31

Garden Services All Grass Landscapes................................................. 11

Builders Jim Baggley Building Services..................................... 5 Purbeck Home Improvements.................................... 1 Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras.................................................. 11 Carpenters Total Woodwork - Peter Albin.................................... 11 Community News Adventures of Daichi................................................. 22 Calling all book lovers!............................................... 6 Dorset Wildlife Trust: The secret world of the robin.................................. 12 Hendy Toyota invites children to enter 2020 Dream Car Art Contest.................................... 8 Kids Page................................................................... 10 Naturally good: Roasted Acorn Squash..................... 26 On your plot: Planning veg for the year ahead......... 24 Puzzle Corner............................................................. 14 Road Safety: What to teach and age-appropriate messages..................................... 28 Talbot Village Trust provide funding for Burngate Stone Carving Centre.............................. 16 What’s On in Dorset.................................................. 18 Computer Services AJV Computing.......................................................... 27 Drainage Services All Drains Cleared...................................................... 19 Dorset Drain Unblocking............................................ 7

Home Care Services Bluebird Care............................................................. 25 Oill Tank Services Bryan G Pauley.......................................................... 27 Pest Control Terminator Pest......................................................... 15 Plumbers C + C Plumbing........................................................... 11 CM Plumbing & Heating............................................ 13 FXR Heating & Plumbing............................................ 3 Gasways Heating........................................................ 9 Heatcare..................................................................... 7 Property Maintenance Purbeck Home Improvements.................................... 1 Total Woodwork - Peter Albin..................................... 3 Removals & Storage Purbeck Self Storage.................................................. 11 Roofing Mallwood Roofing..................................................... 25 Solicitors Humphries Kirk.......................................................... 32 Spectacles Services Williams Harris.......................................................... 15 Trailers Wessex Trailers.......................................................... 25 Tree Surgeons Leaks Tree Care........................................................... 3

Driveways County Block Paving.................................................. 13

Waste Services Philip Trim Contractors............................................... 2

Florists Buds of Mave.............................................................. 5

Will Writing Services Dorset & Wight Wills................................................. 17

Foot Care Services West Dorset Mobile Foot Clinic................................. 27

Windows & Doors Doors, Windows & Locks........................................... 13

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k

31

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57 Hatch Pond Road, Poole, BH17 0JZ Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts

Divorce & family matters are difficult.

Coming to us for advice is easy.

Purbeck Publications Promoting your local area

Call us on 01929 408080 or visit www.purbeckpublications.co.uk