The Swanage Oracle - June 2016

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

Delivered FREE to all homes & businesses in the BH19 area

Oracle June 2016

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Take a relaxing stroll around this enchanting pool, unwind by its tranquil waters and let your cares drift away. Our Teahouse will welcome you with a delicious luncheon or a homemade cream tea.

Then visit the Museum and Gift Shop before entering the fascinating world of the Wareham Bears.

OPEN: Grounds from 1st March to 31st November.

Teahouse, Shops & Bears from Easter to end of October.

Dogs on leads are welcome.

Children under 16 admitted free

Tel: 01929 551408

www.bluepooluk.com

The Blue Pool & Wareham Bears, Furzebrook, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AR

IDEAL SKIP HIRE Skips from 2 - 40yds SAND, GRAVEL HARDCORE, SHINGLE & TOP SOIL Available loose or in 25kg & 1 ton bags Delivery or collection

Trade & DIY Customers Welcome

A Fast, Friendly & Efficient Service

TEL: 01929 422980

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

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SELF STORAGE UNITS TO LET (for private use)

Insulated, Individually Alarmed for Furniture, Classic Cars or Documents

East Stoke, Wareham

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

Doors-Windows-Locks Glass repairs & Sealed units replaced uPVC & Timber Windows & Doors supplied & fitted uPVC Fascia - Soffits - Gutters installed Locks Opened - Replaced - Upgraded Window restrictors & Child locks fitted Handles - Hinges - Letter Boxes Seals & Gaskets Replaced Snapped keys extracted

Tel: 01929 481496 Mobile: 07484 186617 Email: dwlocks@outlook.com FENSA - MTC - CRB checked Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts

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Introduction

The Swanage Edition 91

Oracle

Published by:

Stephen & Debbie Corney at Purbeck Publications

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

Copy deadline for the July 2016 edition: 20th June 2016

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

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

Proud members of

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

We really do enjoy putting The Swanage Oracle together for you. We hope you continue to find it useful and please do mention us when making any calls or bookings. This makes all the difference and keeps our local trades’ people busy, doing what they do best, helping you.

The index at the back tells you all you can find inside.

From first aid training to builders. Entertainers to bathrooms. Pest control to accountants. Jewellers to holiday accommodation. Events to plumbers and many more. If there is a trade or service you would like to see, please give one of us a call. We would love to hear from you.

We have had a very busy month ourselves. Poor Hayden, our son, broke his collar bone and has had several weeks of no sport. It isn’t easy when you are an active twelve year old boy who is used to lots of swimming, life saving, running, badminton and football with friends at break times, to then have to sit back and not take part. Life is a learning curve and I am sure he will really appreciate being able to do all these things again very soon.

We did have an exciting trip to Wookey Hole in Nellie the Campervan. Incredible place if you have not been already.

Nellie tells you all about it on pages 22 and 23.

The lucky winner of the prize wordsearch last month was Mrs J Owen. Well done and we hope you enjoy your meal for two at the Bull and Boat!

We would like to wish you a great month of June.

Kind regards,

Debbie & Stephen Corney Cover photo: Debbie Corney I took the cover photo with my phone in bright sunlight, so I could not actually see what I was taking. When I looked afterwards I was amazed.

A photographer friend thought he also spotted a white rabbit waving from the shadows!

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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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.

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• Service checks available • No call out charge • Fast response • All work guaranteed • Increased warranties on Worcester products • Heating • Plumbing • Leadwork

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



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!



 Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts

Community News

6

Luxury Hamper raffled to raise funds for charity Lloyds Bank in Swanage recently held a raffle to win a luxury Fortnum and Mason hamper that was generously donated by Brian Barker of Georgian Gems in Swanage.

All proceeds will go to the bank’s charity of the year, which is Children in Need.

Alison Page and Adam James of Lloyds Bank with the hamper

Purbeck

Railway Circle Summer Fair Friday 8th July “The Patriot New Build Project”

A presentation by John Borrowdale which not only covers the project but also the original class history (including some interesting snippets) plus the Patriot connection with the LNWR Claughton Class.

Harmans Cross Village Hall, Haycrafts Lane, Harmans Cross.

7.00 for 7.30pm EVERYONE WELCOME For more information please phone

01929 554765

10am-12pm Saturday 23rd July at Wareham Town Hall Stalls to include bric-a-brac, toys, books, crafts, cakes, tombola and raffle.

Refreshments.

Offers of donations to sell on

01929 553578

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

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

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

Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts

8 Thriving communities in balance with the natural environment

FREEDOM OF PURBECK PARADE

Wareham, 11.30am, Friday 24 June 2016 See the Armed Forces march through our streets In 2010, Purbeck District Council was honoured to present the Freedom of the District of Purbeck to the Armour Centre and to the Old Boys’ Association of the Junior Leaders’ Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps.

This means that the Garrison has the right to march through the district. They wish to exercise this right on 24 June 2016.

This will coincide with the Centenary of Bovington developing into the UK home base for Tanks and Armoured Vehicles of the British Army.

• Watch The Band of the Household Cavalry and soldiers march through Wareham with bayonets fixed • See a selection of Armoured Fighting Vehicles We hope you can witness this historic occasion!

Please note, there will be road closures in the town and parking restrictions will apply, see www.dorsetforyou.com/Freedom-Purbeck

Contact: Purbeck District Council Phone 01929 556561 Web www.dorsetforyou.com Visit Westport House, Worgret Road, Wareham BH20 4PP Social media Twitter @Purbeck_DC

To advertise in The www.facebook.com/Dorsetforyou

Purbeck Sports Centre Phone 01929 500 000 Web www.dorsetforyou.com/ purbecksportscentre Visit Worgret Road, Wareham BH20 4PH Social media Twitter @Purbecksport www.facebook.com/Purbeck Swanage Oracle, please sportscentre

Discover Purbeck Information Centre Phone 01929 552740 Visit The Library, South Street, Wareham BH20 4LR Social media Twitter @DiscoverPurbeck www.facebook.com/discover purbecktic

call: 01929 408080

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    

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

Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts

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

11

Kevin Burke

www.kevinburke.co.uk

Children’s Entertainer “ Bear Faced Cheek” 01929 792572 07971 250222 kevin@kevinburke.co.uk £10 off

t

ion this adve ent r M

t o clai m

Birthday Parties : Christenings : Weddings : Anniversaries : Family Gatherings of all Kinds

Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts

Wildlife News

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Talking about Wildlife...

Find your inner ‘wild’ side At Dorset Wildlife Trust, we believe that everyone’s lives are better if they’re a little bit wild. This June the Wildlife Trusts are pleased to be hosting the 30 Days Wild nature challenge, where we ask everyone to do something wild for 30 days in June.

After last year’s 30 Days Wild challenge, the Wildlife Trusts have proven that spending time in nature regularly would lead to people feeling happier, healthier and more connected to wildlife and wild places. Working with the University of Derby, we measured how ‘wild’ people were before they started 30 Days Wild, again when they’d just finished, and again two months later.

We also measured their health and wellbeing.

By asking people to make room for nature, every day, for 30 days and share their experiences with others, people reported feeling significantly healthier and happier not just for a short amount of time, but months after the challenge had finished. Taking part led to a sustained increase in connection to nature, bringing the associated benefits to happiness, health, and pro-nature behaviours.

Finding your inner wild is also easier than you

Children in puddle

Photo: Katharine Davies

think. If you work full time, why not take a walk outside on your lunch break? If you’re busy with a family, why not take the kids for a trip to the park? Or if you have more spare time, why not spend some of that volunteering with Dorset Wildlife Trust? There are literally hundreds of ‘Random Acts of Wildness’ to choose from, for seasoned wildlife enthusiasts, to those just finding their wild streak.

Visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/30DaysWild to sign up.

You’ll receive: • A wallchart to track your progress at work or at home.

• Random acts of wildness cards for inspiration • A badge and stickers to show your love for the wild • Practical hints and tips on finding your ‘wild life’, with DWT. Tweet us at @DorsetWildlife using #30DaysWild and share your experiences!

Pond dipping at Kingscombe Meadows Photo: Katharine Davies

Get some inspiration from our events and nature reserves this June, visit www. dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk to find out more.

By Sally Welbourn DWT Communications Office

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

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T: 01305 853970

www.uptongrangedorset.co.uk

A holiday venue for the discerning

Upton Farm Holiday Cottages, Upton Farm, Ringstead, Dorset, DT2 8NE

Luxury Self Catering Accommodation on your doorstep...

If you lack the room to accommodate visiting family and friends, why not suggest they stay with us and make a ‘mini holiday’ of it too!

You can be confident they will be impressed by your exquisite taste, enchanted by our luxurious historic cottages set in manicured gardens frequented by wildlife, and will enjoy the freedom of their ‘own space’ between times spent with you - what’s more - you won’t have the work of waiting on them!!

Cottages sleep 2-4 or 6 persons in sumptuous comfort and are probably only a few minutes drive from your home...

Just a thought... why not stay here with them and treat yourself to a break too?

3RG FIRST AID

PROVIDE QUALITY FIRST AID TRAINING IN DORSET AND THROUGHOUT THE UK

www.3rgfirstaid.co.uk FIRST AID COURSES OFFERED:

First Aid at Work Emergency First Aid at Work First Aid Response Emergency First Aid for Schools Paediatric First Aid Re-qualification First Aid Courses All of our first aid courses include Automated External Defibrillation (AED) training.

Tel:

01202 744582

Email: info@3rgfirstaid.co.uk

Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts

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2 DAYS of Great Music

INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS

Amanda Rheaume

ppers

Kentucky Cow Ti

Honey Ryder Jonas & Jane

Old Hannah

New Hawleans Ju

g Band

Brennen Leigh & Noel McKay

Ozgun Semerci

St. Beaufort

HOT DOGS HOG ROAST USA Bottled BeerS VEGGIE

CHILLI

HAMBURGERS WINE & SOFT DRINKS

Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd July www.beerandbluegrass.co.uk bhlivetickets To advertise ininfo@beerandbluegrass.co.uk The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080

Design and Print by Marquee Print Tel 01202 769077 www.marqueeprint.com

&

Local Cider

www.beerandbluegrass.co.uk

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Victoria Education Centre Charity Partner 2016

Branksome

30 REAL ALES 15 CIDERS & 18 HOURS OF GREAT MUSIC Friday 6pm - 11.30pm £12.00 Saturday Noon - 11.30pm £18.00 / Weekender £25.00

BH Live Ticket Hotline 0844 576 3000* bhlivetickets www.bhlivetickets.co.uk Please mention The Swanage when responding to adverts *Calls cost 7p per minuteOracle plus your telephone provider’s access charge.

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Community News

Purbeck Pledge 2016 gets ready for action A range of free events this autumn will aim to get people up and active in Purbeck.

Following the success of the Purbeck Pledge alcohol reduction campaign in 2015, local people will be able to try a range of free activities during the month of September.

Laura Brewer, Public Health Manager at Purbeck District Council, said: ‘Our 2015 campaign was a huge success, with over 500 people pledging to reduce or cut out alcohol for the month of October, so we are delighted to be running another campaign this year.’

Laura continued: ‘The Purbeck Pledge 2016 will champion a huge range of activities in the area, making the best use of the outstanding natural environment and reaping the benefits which come from getting out and getting active.

A launch event for event organisers and local stakeholders recently took place in Furzebrook, near Wareham.

Purbeck District Council; Dorset CCG; LiveWell Dorset; Dorset Community Action; Durlston Country Park; and Natural Choices spoke about the work they are doing to help improve people’s health, and organisations including Nordic Walking UK, Wessex Orienteering, Swanage Walking Group and Dorset Wildlife Trust shared their plans for September.

Attendees also had the privilege of hearing from Dr William Bird MBE, MRCGP, CEO of Intelligent Health, who is one of the UK’s

Pledge group with Dr Bird leading experts on physical activity.

Dr Bird said: ‘We were designed to live amongst nature, but the modern world’s disconnection from nature is so damaging to human health.

‘Everyone knows being active is good for them, so it is great that local organisations are coming together to get people out and about.

Dr Bird continued: ‘Studies show that nature lifts up the people who need it most and, with so much green space in Purbeck, there should be lots of opportunities to do something physical.’

Dr Alastair Ward from Wareham Surgery, said: ‘The aim of the Purbeck Pledge is to promote wellbeing by connecting people to their local environment, so I am delighted that Dr Bird has given the campaign such a ringing endorsement.

‘Being active is all about having fun with friends and family and is a great way to meet new people.’

Laura concluded: ‘There will be a range of activities from aerobics to zorbing and everything in-between. So, get up, get active and have fun in Purbeck’s outstanding natural environment.’

Over the coming months, details of all the activity sessions will be mapped across Purbeck at www.dorsetforyou.com/purbeckpledge.

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

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Custom Caddy for Custom Creations!

With many of us working longer hours and weekends and generally leading busier lives, it is always good to hear of anything that can make our shopping and buying experiences less stressful! The Custom Creations team are always working on ways to make their customer experience as enjoyable as possible and that is why they have now introduced the Showroom Caddy which their Designer James uses for all his design appointments.

James explains, “We know how precious spare time is these days, so we wanted to offer an alternative to having to make a trip to our showroom. We have kitted out the Caddy with all the design samples and colours that we offer which means that our customers can make all their choices in the comfort of their own home, whilst I go through the design ideas with them.”

the full range of colours and designs and examples of their furniture. You will receive a warm welcome from Jo, who adds, “We have a very simple philosophy in our family business – we ask ourselves, what would we like and expect as a customer? The answers are always a good guide to our constant development” Call now for a free, no obligation design appointment or visit our website at: www.customcreations.furniture

Of course, if you would like to visit their Verwood Showroom, you can also see

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

Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts

18

Money Saving Tips

Martin

LEWIS :DWHU

It costs more than you think to spend a penny. Water (and sewerage) bills are the country’s forgotten utility - the average cost is set to rise to £390 and many pay substantially more. Yet it is possible for many to save £100s on this with just five minutes’ work.

From 1 April, water bills in England and Wales go up by an average 1%. Yet dig in the figures and some will have bigger hikes, like customers of Dee Valley who face 5%.

Water is a funny industry. It is privatised, but there’s no competition. You can’t switch supplier – although there is a discussion for this to happen, with an outcome later this year. Instead, to save, it’s all about what works for you.

1) Does your home have more or the same number of bedrooms than people?

If yes and you’re in England and Wales, then you should definitely check out whether you can save by switching to a free water meter. In Scotland, there’s a fee, which usually means it’s not worth it, and in Northern Ireland there’s no need for a meter as water is free anyway.

That’s because water bills are based on rates – roughly the value of your house from way back in 1989. The bigger your house, the more you pay, but the fewer people in it, the less you use. So switching from a bill based on your house value to a meter that measures your usage is worthwhile for those with spare rooms.

To find out exactly if you’ll save by switching to a meter, use the calculator at www. ccwater.org.uk, which assesses your usage such as how often you use the dishwasher, washing machine, shower or tub.

Just keep an eye on your bills to check your saving, and if not you can usually switch back after 12 months or a month after your second bill, whichever is later – check with your water firm before you sign up.

However, there are some who have been forced to get a meter – in which case you don’t have a right to switch back.

2) Is it worth switching?

Typically, two people in a four-bed Thames Water home paying £450 could save £150 every year by switching to a meter.

Some save even more, as Jeannie tweeted me: “@MartinsLewis changed to a water meter 1 year ago following your advice.

Saved £492 in one year, thanks.”

And this from Suzanne: “@MartinsLewis I have saved £240/year installing water meter. Ta!” Yet water rates mean you know exactly what you’ll pay, regardless of usage. So, if the saving’s less than 5%, think carefully before switching.

3) What if you’re not allowed a meter?

Water companies can argue it is ‘justifiably impractical’, e.g., in a tall flats block with shared water pipes. @MoneySavingExpert If this happens, and

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

19 you think a meter would save, ask how much your ‘assessed charge bill’, which is based on how many live in your flat and water usage, is. Better still, if that happens, you can choose whether to pay this or the :DWHU rates – so go for whichever is cheaper.

Martin

LEWIS

4) Do you have a soakaway?

If you live in a small town or village and have a ‘’soakaway’’, i.e. a pit of gravel that collects surface rainwater, you’ll send less water through the sewers and should ask for money deducted from your bill. This is usually between £20-£50/year and can be claimed whether you’re on a meter or not.

5) Cut your water use.

For those on a water meter, saving water means saving cash. But cutting water use also helps the environment and saves others money too – paying to heat water squirts away £140 of a typical annual energy bill.

So these tips can be useful even if you’re on a rateable bill.

• Grab water savings freebies worth up to £30. Lots of gizmos can help douse your bill. Whether on a water meter or not, you can get freebies from water companies that’ll help use less water – check their website or call them.

These can include aerated shower heads, which pump air with the shower to make it feel high pressure but uses less water, or bath buoys; a toy you can put in the

bath to use less water. For a bigger list of who does what go to www.mse.me/ water.

• If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down. I don’t really need to explain this one – I think you get it. I’ll be honest it’s not one I do, but many people do do (sorry). At the very least, if your loo has two buttons, try to only use the big flush when necessary.

• Save your washing up for one wash.

Instead of washing up as you go, save it and do it in one go to minimise the amount of water used.

• Steam your veggies. It’s healthier and tastier than boiling them and uses a lot less water too.

• Load up the washing machine, but not the kettle. Wait until you’ve a full load before using your washing machine or dishwasher. Some new washing machines use fewer than seven litres of water for each kilogram of clothes, while modern dishwashers can use as little as 10 to 15 litres of water a cycle. But don’t fill the kettle if it’s just for one cuppa (big energy saver that too).

• Bundle into the bath. Get up close and personal with your other half and share your bath. Or put the kids in together to save water.

• Check your meter doesn’t turn when the water’s off. If it does, get leaks sorted pronto. See a handy guide from Anglian Water at tinyurl.com/h636wf6 and many firms offer free leakyloo stickers, which you put on the back of water devices and if they fall off you’ve a leak. @MoneySavingExpert

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Puzzle Corner

20

Pop the kettle on...

1

8 6

4

1 3 1

2

7

3

5

7

8

1

4

7 9 5

8 3

6 4

9

Across 1 Cooks with water vapor (6) 4 Lame (8) 10 Tongue-in-cheek (9) 11 A Siouan people (5) 12 Acclaim (5) 13 Gives evidence (9) 14 Voter (7) 16 Uttered aloud (4) 19 Wise men (4) 21 Incapable (7) 24 Souvenirs (9) 25 Dance bar (5) 26 An emperor of Japan (5) 27 Translate (9) 28 Less than expected (8) 29 Guided (6)

Down 1 Endured (8) 2 Surpassed (8) 3 Short choral composition (5) 5 Asserts (7) 6 A native of Australia (9)

8

Crossword

7 Introductory section to a story (2 words) (6) 8 In fancy clothes (6) 9 He works with clay (6) 15 Carry (9) 17 Determined the size or amount (8)

18 Accompanied (8) 20 Intimation (7) 21 Makes angry (6) 22 Ice or roller (6) 23 Hut (6) 25 Song of mourning (5)

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

21

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

Email: info@philiptrimcontractors.com

Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts

Adventures of Nellie

22

The Adventures of Nellie

The Purbeck Publications Camper Van Wookey Hole! What a place.

Nellie was so excited to be taking us somewhere we had never been before and somewhere so mysterious. She had heard a lot about the caves and shuddered a bit when thinking about them, as she is not a girl to be trapped in small spaces. With those thighs you can see why. She may never get out!

Well we set off early to meet friends, 15 in fact, with a scheduled tour of the deep dark caves under the rugged Mendip Hills in Somerset around lunchtime. The guide was fantastic and really friendly. It is hard to imagine living in these caves, but the Celtic people of the Iron Age did just that.

Then of course there is... the Witch.

Legend has it that in the 18th Century the evil Witch of Wookey, who lived in the caves with her dog

The caves are lit in wonderful colours

Nellie at Wookey Hole in Somerset

was casseroling a child one day when a monk sprinkled holy water on her and she turned to stone!

You can see her scream seemingly carved into the ancient stalagmite where she fell. Spooky or what!

Nellieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chassis shook in terror.

Actually there is something quite magical about these caves. The secret river with an atmospheric boat floating on it, surrounded by coloured lights is awe inspiring.

You want to get in the boat and explore the caverns, making you feel something like Indiana Jones from Raiders of the Lost Ark. How exciting. Nellie did wonder if any treasures were ever found? Actually Dr Who has been filmed down in these caves, but unfortunately (or fortunately) no Daleks appeared to exterminate us. At least I think we all arrived back home safely. Nellie didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t count!

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The caves are now quite extensive with 25 different chambers. Can you imagine diving into these cold dark waters, not being able to see anything and finding these new caves? They are literally a maze of rocks weaving in between the water. The mix of colours are incredible. Nellie just couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine being brave enough to sink into the murky green water and dive into the unknown. What incredible explorers.

One of the first explorations in the British Isles with diving apparatus started here in 1935, 81 years ago, by a man named Graham Balcombe. He dived with a woman named Penelope Powell. How brave were they! The deepest any diver has gone in Wookey Hole is 249 feet, which is a British record. This was reached by John Volanthen and Rick Slanton in 2004. The bottom of the void is still to be found however.

Quite apart from these wonderful caves there are the Wookey Hole

For all you cheese lovers...

Phew... We all got out safely!

Attractions. We played golf on the Pirate Island Adventure Golf which was great fun. We laughed our way around. We also went to the 4D Cinema, ate at the restaurant and had that all important cup of coffee. Oh yes and an ice cream afterwards!

In addition to all that there are demonstrations of papermaking, you can have a go on the Old Penny Pier Arcade, watch a show at the theatre (it was Alice in Wonderland while we visited), climb on dinosaurs outside (there is an age limit of 90 on those), or spend some time in the shop and buy some Wookey Hole Cheddar Cheese, aged in the humid, 11 degree caves, ideal for storing.

Nellie highly recommends a trip to Wookey Hole. For further information please look at their website www.wookey.co.uk and do let them know that Nellie inspired you to visit!

Where will she take us nextâ&#x20AC;Ś?

By Debbie Corney

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Food & Drink

24

Tastes so good...

SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE

This dish not only tastes great but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also very simple to make. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re cooking for a dinner party or a night in you cannot go wrong. Add your choice of cheese on top and maybe even serve with garlic bread.

Ingredients for 4 servings 2tbsp of Olive Oil 400g Beef Mince Salt Pepper 2 Garlic Cloves (chopped) 100g of Carrots (chopped) 1 Onion (diced) 400ml of stock (using a beef stock cube) 2 x 400g chopped tomatoes (tinned) 400g spaghetti

Equipment: Large saucepan, large pot Method: Heat the large saucepan and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add the mince along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Using a medium-high heat, cook the mince until it has turned dark brown. Pour the cooked mince into a bowl and keep to one side.

Using the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. This time on medium heat, cook the onions along with a pinch of salt for 5-6 minutes. Once the onions have softened, add the garlic and cook for a further 2 minutes. Then, add the chopped carrots and pour in the mince.

Add the tomatoes to the pan and stir well into the mix. Then pour in the stock and bring the whole mixture to a simmer.

Simmer for 45 minutes.

When the mixture is nearly done, begin to cook the spaghetti as per the packet instructions in the large pan. When the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add the Bolognese mixture.

Mix together and serve with grated cheese.

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The Swanage Oracle

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Gardening Tips

26

On Your Plot

Expanding your horizons Summer, sunshine and strawberries, June is a truly wonderful month! In this time of plentiful growth we take a look at making the most of your waste clippings by turning them into lovely rich compost to use next year, and also how to make the most of every inch of your space.

Jobs for June :-

• Take off the side shoots from tomato plants to avoid them becoming too bushy and overburdened with fruit. Water regularly.

• Garlic that was planted in the Autumn should be maturing now. Lift when the leaves start to shrivel and leave to dry in a warm spot.

• Keep planting - the moist soil, higher temperatures and long days are ideal growing conditions. French beans, courgettes and salad crops can all be sown now.

• Watch out for pests! Think about protecting brassicas before caterpillars start to become a problem.

Every year it amazes me how the plants respond so dramatically to the arrival of the warm weather.

Anything sown or planted out in May seems to positively leap out of the ground and shoot skywards, in many cases quickly catching up with earlier sowings!

Of course the lawn is no exception and if you don’t already have a composting system in place then why not set one up now and make use of some of those endless grass clippings? Ideally you want to have two (or even three) compost bins so that when one is ready to use for the garden you have another filling up and rotting down. You can buy allsorts of nifty looking, ready made, compost bins - some even have clever devices that make it easy to turn the whole bin to help the waste break down - but you don’t need anything fancy.

You can just start a compost heap in an out of the way corner, enclosing it with old pallets, or wire mesh wrapped around four stakes if you want to keep it looking a little neater. So what should you compost?

Well any dead organic matter will decompose naturally but you should aim for a good mix of ‘green’ and ‘brown’ ingredients. Lawn trimmings, veg leaves and peelings provide the green element and you should add a reasonable balance of brown items such as shredded paper, straw, eggshells and even the contents of your vacuum cleaner bag.

Turning the heap occasionally will accelerate the breakdown and covering with an old carpet when it is full will also help. Leave for several months and you should have some great compost!

June is also the time of year when it is easy to start to run out of space on your plot. Everything puts on amazing growth spurts and you are suddenly left wondering where you are going to plant out those tomatoes that you’ve been nurturing in the greenhouse, or finding you’ve no room for the cabbages that you’d like to be eating later in the year.

Time to expand your horizons and make full use of containers and of your borders. Look at the different varieties of lettuce and salad crops - many of these, along with cabbages, can add a splash of decorative, coloured foliage to your borders (and be eaten too!!!). Grow bags are wonderful for crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.

They’ll be happy in a sunny spot on your patio but do remember to water and feed regularly. Larger pots can house courgettes and pumpkins, with the exotic looking flowers adding a bright splash of colour. Even hanging baskets can get in on the grow your own act! Look for suitable strawberries or tomatoes and you could be treated to a bumper crop of luscious fruit tumbling down from above.

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P

IN ROD

F OSTDVERT OF N C IS A 0 ATIOOF TH £1STAULCLTION

ON

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Georgian Gems Supporting musicians through The Michael James Music Trust

Established in 1981 in memory of the young organist and conductor Michael James BA, FRCO, to discover, promote, educate and support gifted young musicians.

Based in Wimborne Minster, the charity has its local representative as Brian Barker, proprietor of quaint and attractive Georgian Gems in Swanage High Street.

Since the Trust was established, over 550 students have been helped to reach their goals in the field of music.

Goals which they may not have otherwise achieved.

The Trust is funded by annual concerts, by donations and personal covenants or capital gifts. If you would like to support the Trust or find out more, please contact Brian.

Georgian Gems, 28 High Street Swanage, BH19 2NU

Tel: 01929 424697 www.georgiangems.co.uk

Verbal valuations £1 • Any item Proceeds to go to The Michael James Music Trust Reg. Charity no. 283943

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28

Motoring

Auto Biographies

Range Rover 3.0 TDV6 Vogue SE

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

This car is big – and it never lets you forget that. Even behind the wheel you are aware that you’re in charge of a two-tonne luxury machine.

I think that’s a good thing. It keeps you on your toes and stops you driving like a fool. Mind you, even if you are predisposed to moments of motoring madness, the Range Rover 3.0 TDV6 Vogue SE does its best to placate you. It brings out the gentleman in you and makes you feel good. Not superior – just good.

But with every positive, there tends to be a negative. And in the Range Rover’s case it seems that unfortunate false impressions can quickly be born. For example, when parking at the beach with my family, a guy commented that it was “alright for some” to have enough money to buy such a car. And while wafting along the M1 in the fast lane I was greeted with a one finger salute. The fact that the possessor of the digit had been hogging the middle lane for the last five miles didn’t seem to matter to him. I don’t get those kind of reactions when driving smaller test cars, so the Range Rover does seem to be the common denominator here.

But, if there’s one thing I’ve learnt in life: you can’t control what other’s think. So it’s best to let them get on with it and enjoy what you’re doing. And when you’re driving a Range Rover, it’s hard to be anything other than happy.

Inside, it’s tastefully minimalistic with all the key functions controlled through straightforward switchgear. Even the touch-screen infotainment system is clear and uncomplicated to use. Better still, the driving position is first-rate and offers a commanding view of the road. Quite frankly, cabins don’t get much more sumptuous than the Range Rover’s.

The workmanship is of a very high standard, meaning the whole kit and caboodle looks and feels good enough to eat.

From a handling perspective, the luxury Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), is astonishingly nimble for its size. It feels accurate and self-assured on the straights; but sophistication is the Range Rover’s most obvious characteristic. Particularly remarkable is the way the car insulates you from the world when you’re hustling. There’s barely any wind noise, and the erudite thrum of the V6 diesel soothes, rather than irritates.

The Range Rover is just as accomplished off-road, literally crushing any non-tarmac terrain under its huge wheels. And back on the blacktop, it only starts to tell you “enough is enough” when pushed hard around twisty ribbons of road. The large car expresses its distaste like a stallion. But rather than bucking and whinnying, it lurches and squeals.

All versions, including this mid-spec Vogue SE, have all the equipment necessary for happy motoring, and the power unit under the bonnet is hooked up to computerised gadgetry to keep things shiny side up, whether on asphalt or over the rough stuff. Indeed, the car scored the full five-stars when tested by safety body, Euro NCAP. All things considered, the Range Rover is a wonderfully relaxed and utterly competent machine on and off-road. It’s even relatively economical with a V6 oil-burner under the bonnet.

Just be aware of other motorists who may judge you due to their inverted badge snobbery. But that’s their problem, right?

Pros ‘n’ Cons • Luxurious √ • Powerful √ • Safe √ • Efficient √ • Inverted snob magnet X

Fast Facts • Max speed: 130mph • 0-62 mph: 7.9 secs • Combined mpg: 40.9 • Engine: 2993cc V6 turbo diesel • CO2: 182 g/km • Price: £81,850

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29

Are you limited by your past experience?

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BUY AND READ

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30

Index of advertisers

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

Accountants Ward Goodman.................................................... 31

Financial Services Ward Goodman.................................................... 31

Attractions Blue Pool & Tea Rooms......................................... 2

First Aid Training 3rg Security Training............................................. 13

Bars, Pubs & Restaurants Bull & Boat........................................................... 11

Foot Care Specialists West Dorset Mobile Foot Clinic............................ 5

Bathrooms C+C Plumbing & Bathrooms................................. 7

Furniture Custom Creations................................................. 31

Bedrooms Custom Creations................................................. 17

Health & Care Careline................................................................ 27

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

Holiday Accommodation Upton Grange Cottages........................................ 13

Books Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health.... 29

Jewellers Georgian Gems..................................................... 27

Builders Purbeck Home Improvements.............................. 1 Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras............................................. 29 Carpenters Total Woodwork - Peter Albin............................... 29 Carpets & Flooring Peter Newman Flooring........................................ 21 Community News Adventures of Nellie............................................. 22 Dorset Wildlife Trust: Find your inner â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wildâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; side.................................. 12 Luxury hamper raffled for charity......................... 6 Martin Lewis: Water............................................. 18 Michael James Music Trust................................... 27 Motoring: Range Rover 3.0 TDV6 Vogue.............. 28 On your plot: Expanding your horizons................ 26 Purbeck District Council News................................ 8 Purbeck Pledge 2016............................................ 16 Tastes so good: Spaghetti Bolognese.................... 24 Computer Services AJV Computing..................................................... 21 Entertainers Kevin Burke........................................................... 11 Events Beer & Bluegrass Festival..................................... 15 NSPCC Summer Fair.............................................. 6 Purbeck Railway Circle......................................... 6 Still Life at Shilllingstone....................................... 13

Kitchens Custom Creations................................................. 17 Dream Doors........................................................ 32 Pest Control Terminator Pest.................................................... 5 Plumbers C+C Plumbing....................................................... 7 Gasways Heating.................................................. 9 Heatcare............................................................... 5 Heatwise............................................................... 31 Property Maintenance Total Woodwork - Peter Albin............................... 21 Puzzles & Competitions Crossword............................................................. 20 Kids page.............................................................. 10 Prize Wordsearch.................................................. 17 Sudoku.................................................................. 20 Self Storage Purbeck Self Storage............................................. 3 Skip Hire Ideal Skips............................................................. 2 Taxis DMB Cars.............................................................. 9 Tool & Plant Hire Sydenhams........................................................... 7 Waste Services Philip Trim............................................................. 21 Windows, Doors & Conservatories Doors-Windows-Locks.......................................... 3

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31

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The Swanage Oracle

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