March 2020
Promoting your local area
THE
SWANAGE
Oracle
All major credit & debit cards accepted & DEVELOPERS LTD
ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING & BUILDING WORKS UNDERTAKEN
* New Pitched Roofs * Flat Roofs * Conservatory Roofs * Stone Roofs * Roof Repairs * Lead work * Chimneys Removed & Repaired * Roof Ventilation * UPVC Fascia, Soffit, Guttering, Windows & Doors * Extensions * Loft Conversions * Plastering * Damp Proofing * Carpentry * Bathrooms & Kitchens 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
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Email: info@philiptrimcontractors.com
SALE OFF
ER
29% off
Spring Sale • •
Space saving Fully insulated Fully automatic No maintenance Reduced draughts So simple to operate Simple key fob operation All doors fitted with bottom safety edge system in compliance with trading standards regulations
Full range of colours Single/Double doors all made in our Bishops Waltham factory
WE SURVEY WE MANUFACTURE WE INSTALL NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED Covering Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire & Dorset
01962 600777
info@skandoor.co.uk | www.skandoor.co.uk
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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
Call Rory on: 07980 805157 / 01929 761688 Email: rory@fxrheatingandplumbing.co.uk
www.fxrheatingandplumbing.co.uk
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Introduction
4
The Swanage Oracle Edition 136
Published by:
Stephen & Debbie Corney at Purbeck Publications
Telephone:
01929 408080
Email:
info@swanageoracle.co.uk
Copy deadline for the April 2020 edition: 9th March 2020
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.
Dear Swanage, Studland, Worth Matravers, Langton Matravers, Ulwell and Durlston! It is our pleasure to bring you good news and great traders to your door every month so you can read all about local news that you may not see anywhere else. The Oracle is a vehicle to give small, local clubs, charities and societies a voice that they would otherwise not have. Please let them know about us. We would also love to hear from you the reader. What would you like to hear about? Is there any information that you would like to read on a monthly basis that you do not find any where else? We have added a page called “Quirky facts on Dorset”, just for your enjoyment and interest. Are there any trades or services that you would like added? Do you know of a local pub or restaurant that would benefit from some extra promotion, to show just how good it is to live, work and play in Swanage? Any ideas are most welcome. I do have some good ideas for a local active pub or restaurant… Please tell them about us. We would also like to add a prize wordsearch. For this we are looking for a good restaurant or pub that will give a meal for two in exchange for a half page advert. If you would like to have the opportunity to win a free meal for two and help a local concern, then let them know about us and maybe they could give us a call? With Spring just around the corner we will all be able to get out and about more easily and enjoy some of that fresh country air. We do hope you have a great month of March. Happy Mother’s Day to all those Mums and carers out there! Very best wishes,
Debbie, Stephen, Hayden & Daichi Cover photo: Middle Beach, Studland by Robin Boultwood
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
New home trial
Swanage residents can now recycle
used cooking oil 1
Collect used cooking oil in a plastic bottle
2
Pop the bottle inside your food waste bin for collection
Never pour cooking oil down the sink or drain
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/foodwaste Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
Community News
6
Dorset Quirky Facts With its picture perfect landscapes and glorious Jurassic coastline, Dorset is certainly a sparkling gem on the crown of Great Britain. Indeed, with a history that delves into some of the most exciting events of bygone eras, from distinguished Dorset heroes to praise from Daniel Defoe himself, here is just a handful of the quirkiest facts from our beautiful county. 1. Both visitors and locals alike can surely testify to the beauty of the Jurassic Coast, however did you know that it is not only humans who are especially fond of the beautiful waters? There are roughly ten different animal species that have been spotted in Dorset waters including white-beaked, porpoises, common, striped-beaked and bottlenose dolphins. In fact, some dolphins are such frequent visitors that they have almost become old friends to the avid watchers who spot them regularly. 2. No coastal county’s history would be complete without a few good tales of the smugglers and certainly Dorset is no exception. The Smuggler’s Inn in Osmington dates as far back as the 13th century but is more notorious for its once being the base of renowned French smuggler Pierre Latour who, it is rumoured, was caught after a Revenue man hid up the chimney to gather evidence against him! 3. Dorset has always been celebrated for its relaxing tranquility and beautiful scenery
and has welcomed many writers and artists from across the nation to come and be inspired. One such author was beloved children’s writer Enid Blyton who wrote an abundance of books and stories of adventures and famous characters. Blyton would visit Dorset, especially Swanage and Studland and stay at various hotels including Knoll House Hotel, several times throughout the year. Many avid fans of her books can spot similarities between her writings and local landmarks. 4. Did you know that Bournemouth witnessed the death of one of Britain’s most celebrated men, Charles Rolls in the summer of 1910? Charles Rolls, of globally renowned partnership Rolls Royce, was an avid pilot and had previously accomplished many impressive feats in his aircraft as well as (earlier) crossing the channel in a balloon. On the day of his death he was performing as part of an aircraft display at Hengistbury Airfield before tragically becoming the first person to die in such an accident in Britain. 5. Did you know that the Dorset town of Blandford Forum, itself an historic market town, was also famed throughout the country and further afield for its lace? Although there were several lace towns throughout Britain, not many received the accolade that Blandford did when Daniel Defoe commented that the town produced “the finest bonelace in England... I think I never saw better in Flanders, France or Italy”. Praise indeed! by Mica Bale
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
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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
01305 853970 or 07557 990715 or email us at heatcareukltd@aol.com
Visit our website:
www.heatcareukltd.com
Upton Farm, Upton, Ringstead, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8NE
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8
Community News
Wareham Choral Society & Briantspuddle Singers Spring Concert Saturday 4th April 7pm Lady St Mary Church,Wareham
Conductors
Hazel Ricketts Michael Moorsom Organist
Paul Ellis Baritone
Hugh Hetherington Tenor
Clement Hetherington Five Mystical Songs by Vaughan Williams The Crucifixion by Stainer Sacred anthems by Wood and Stanford Refreshments Tickets ÂŁ12 at Joys or on the door, under 18s half price, accompanied children under 12 free Tel 01202 632678 https://www.warehamchoral.co.uk
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
All Grass
Landscapes
We are an independent local company that specializes in all aspects of landscaping.
• Supply & install any size and type of artificial lawn • Any size of hard or soft landscaping, including: lawns, fencing, decking, patios, driveways, etc. • Over 15 years experience
For a free, no obligation quote, please call Will on 01929 503135 or 07522 987090
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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
www.totalwoodwork.co.uk
SELF STORAGE UNITS TO LET (for private use)
Insulated, Individually Alarmed for Furniture, Classic Cars or Documents
East Stoke, Wareham
Central heating Boilers & Cylinders Bathrooms Boiler services Landlords Gas Safety Certificates Drain jetting
31269
- All areas covered - Free estimates
Call Stephen Iles
T: 01929 550858 M: 07831 312740
purbeckplumbing@yahoo.co.uk
J Taylor Electrical • • • • • • • •
NICEIC approved contractor Established 2002 Friendly Swanage based service From small jobs to rewires Domestic and commercial work Inspection and testing Replacement fuseboxes Electrical control systems for central and under floor heating
Tel: 07836 369969
Call John on
E: mb@malcolmbarnes.co.uk www.purbeckselfstorage.co.uk
or 07966 167978
Swanage 422989 E: johntaylor294@gmail.com
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Wildlife News
12
Talking about Wildlife...
Win for wildlife The marsh fritillary is one of the most interesting bu�erflies in Dorset and is the most a�ractive and colourful of the fritillaries. O�en considered the ‘stained glass window’ of bu�erflies, they have small wings but are very recognisable with a bright, intricate pa�ern of white, orange and black markings.
The damp grassland habitat, which is their main habitat, has been lost nationally due agriculturalimprovement and drainage in the landscape. However, due to careful habitat management over the last 10 years, they have been found to be thriving on one of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves, Bracke�s Coppice. Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Living Landscapes Ecologist, Steve Masters said, “The most reliable method to record the numbers of marsh fritillaries is to count the larva webs in autumn or in spring a�er the winter hibernation. Eggs are laid in large batches, of up to 300, and the caterpillars aggregate in webs which can be counted relatively easily.” Marsh fritillaries prefer to hibernate in tussocks of grass as caterpillars (which are jet black in colour) and emerge in warm weather – as early as February or March, if the winter isn’t too cold. Basking in the sun as caterpillars, they will then pupate and emerge as adult bu�erflies on the wing in late May, early June. These remarkable bu�erflies have a few challenges ahead of them including their loss of habitat, but also the parasitic wasp, which can be deadly to them by laying their eggs inside the caterpillar and devouring it.
Steve continues, “Their food plant is Devils bit-scabious, and we have plenty of that at Bracke�s Coppice. Marsh fritillaries love damp grassland, purple moor grass, and chalk, all of which we have in west Dorset. To help accommodate these bu�erflies we’ve adapted the management of Bracke�’s Coppice slightly to ensure the amount of grazing creates the right habitat for them, providing the right structure for all stages of their life cycle. We even removed one field from the previous hay cu�ng regime and grazed instead, and we were delighted to see marsh fritillaries breeding in this field for the first time, as a result.” These management techniques are being used on other suitable nature reserves, and in 2019, the highest number of marsh fritillary larval webs, since monitoring began, were found on Kingcombe Meadows nature reserve in west Dorset, with 38 being counted. Find out more about our nature reserves at: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves By Sally Welbourn
Marsh Fritillary at Bracketts Coppice Photo: Erin Skingsley
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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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Community News
14
MARILYN BAKER CONCERT AT EMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH SATURDAY 21st MARCH 2020 at 3pm
Marilyn Baker, the renowned blind Christian singer-songwriter, is coming to Swanage in March to perform a concert. This remarkable lady who travels the country, has a wonderful ministry of singing and telling stories together with her assistant, Tracy, who is deaf. These ladies offer a relaxing afternoon at Emmanuel Baptist Church, on Saturday 21st March at 3pm. The performance will be followed by refreshments and CDs will be available for sale. Tickets are available from Emmanuel Church Office at 160 Victoria Avenue. For more information telephone 01929 427706 or you can email events@emmanuelbc.org.uk or see www.emmanuelbc.org.uk
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
15
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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16
Myth busting with LPAs You may have seen our earlier article on The Reasons to have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). However, there are common misconceptions on why an LPA may not be necessary which this article explores further. 1. “I don’t need an LPA because my next of kin can make important decisions on my behalf.” Not true. No-one can act on your behalf or make decisions on your behalf if they have not been legally authorised to do so, not even your next of kin. 2. “My partner and I have joint bank accounts, so we don’t need LPAs.” Not true. This always alarms couples the most, when they are told that even if they have a joint bank account the partner may not be able to automatically access funds to pay for bills, mortgage or general expenses. If one of you were to lose capacity, the bank can remove access and freeze the account until it receives a copy of a registered LPA. This can be an extremely stressful time for the partner. 3. “I have appointed executors in my Will, so they’ll be able to make decisions on my behalf.” Not true. A Will is entirely separate to an LPA. Executors appointed in a Will only have the power or authority to distribute your estate as requested and in line with your Will, on your death. They have no authority to make decisions on your behalf during your lifetime. 4. “I don’t need an LPA until I become elderly and in ill health.” Not true. An LPA can be made by anyone
over the age of 18 who has full mental capacity. Someone may lose capacity and no longer be able to make decisions due to an accident, being in a coma or mental illness. The sooner you arrange an LPA the better as you will have peace of mind knowing provisions are already in place in the event of the unthinkable happening. If you wait and lose capacity in that time, it will be too late to arrange an LPA and your loved ones will need to apply for a Deputyship Order from the Court of Protection. This not only takes a long time but is also a costly process. 5. “Once my Health and Welfare LPA is registered, it means someone else can make decisions for me and I don’t want that while I still have capacity.” Not true. A Health and Welfare LPA only comes into effect when the donor loses capacity even if the LPA has been registered. All the while you can make your own Health and Welfare decisions you will continue to do so. 6. “Getting an LPA is expensive.” Not true. It does not have to be expensive with Dorset & Wight. (See our prices opposite). The cost of registering an LPA is a maximum of £82 per document. In comparison, if you fail to make an LPA and lose capacity, your family will be left with no other option but to apply for a Deputyship Order. This will cost considerably more.
To put an LPA in place for you or your loved ones, please call Dorset & Wight Wills today…….
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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 property 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… 15th March 2020
Family Science Fair 2020 The Corn Exchange, High East St, Dorchester, DT1 1HF We have invited scientists to bring a range of interactive activities. Learn about how your brain works, handle bugs, observe living microbes, identify fossils, test water samples and much more... Admittance to the Family Science Fair this year will be by ticket only. Tickets are FREE and can be obtained by going to the Dorchester Tourist Information Centre in person to collect (this is located in the Dorchester Library, Charles St, DT1 1EE).
19th March 2020
Children from the Prep and Senior School and from The DCF will have the chance to model outfits on the evening which they have created. This is a large-scale event with catwalk and entertainment, with the pupil theme to focus on environmental and ethical awareness. We have been working with local businesses, the sole aim being to raise funds for The Dorset Children’s Foundation. £8.80 entrance including booking fee, at https://www. wegottickets.com/event/479437.
24th March 2020 Archaeological Outreach Morning
Corfe Castle, Wareham, BH20 5EZ Learn about bats and their ecology from Purbecks Bat ecologist Michelle Brown, followed by the rare chance to access the castle grounds at dusk in pursuit of these fascinating night-time aerobatic artists. Bookable event; Adults only 19/03/2020 18:00 Corfe Castle National Trust Booking Essential: 01929 481294.
Wimborne Library, Crown Mead, Wimborne, BH21 1HH Your chance to have your archaeological finds identified and recorded. If you have objects unearthed through metal, detecting, fieldwalking or casual finds from gardening etc. then please bring them along to Wimborne Library where Ciorstaidh, Dorset Council’s Finds Liaison Officer (FLO) can record your item and might even want to borrow it for a detailed recording on the schemes database! 01202 882770 wimbornelibrary@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
20th March 2020
25th March 2020
Walk & Talk Bat Ecology
Eco Fashion Show B’mth Coll. School College Rd, B’mth, BH5 2DY
Arabian Nights Bmth Symp. Orch. Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road Poole BH15 1UG
Possibly my favourite piece of music, Scheherazade is based on a collection of Oriental stories of uncertain origin and history, The Arabian Nights. The stories of Aladdin, Sinbad and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves have passed into folk legend in the West. It is a triumph of imagination over experience. 01202 280000 info@lighthousepoole.co.uk Limited tickets so get in there fast.
27th March 2020 Mr Kyp’s Northern Soul Weekender Oakdene Forest Park, Ringwood, BH24 2RZ Featuring “The Signatures”“The Edwin Starr Band”“The Team featuring Edwin Starr” and more... Tickets from www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/mr-kyps-northernsoul-and-motown-weekendertickets-88843279641.
28th March 2020 Charity Quiz Night Merley House Merley House Lane, Wimborne, BH21 3AA After the success of last year, we are delighted to welcome back Tracy Dyche to host the 2020 charity quiz night and raffle, raising money for Cancer Research UK £10 per person, (Including a light supper) Teams of up to 8 people. To reserve a place, contact Tracy on 07971 636437 or zumbafit@hotmail.co.uk.
4th April 2020 FREE Rugbytots taster session
Brockenhurst College, Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire Our fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination with engaging and energetic coaches supporting them every step of the way whilst teaching how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team. Free book tickets @ allevents.in/mobile/amp-event.php?event_ id=1000074671675993.
4th April 2020 Horrible Histories - The Worst Of Barmy Britain Regent Centre 51 High Street Christchurch, BH23 1AS We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with the West End show that’s never toured before! 01202 499 199 Ticket prices: £13.00 - £15.00 / £50.00 (family).
9th April 2020 Easter Chase Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, BH19 2JL Come to Durlston and have your chance at catching the Easter Bunny on this fun running event for ages 7-11! Refreshments provided. £2 suggested donation. 9.45am registration, 10am race start. Venue: Durlston Country Park. Phone 01929 424443
To keep up to date with what’s on in Dorset go to:
www.WhatsOnInDorset.co.uk
Puzzle Corner
20
Pop the kettle on... 9
5
3
1 7
1
2
6
9
9 1
5
6
3
4
4
6
2
9 2
7
3
7
8
Across
Crossword
1 Providing employees (8) 5 Hunting expedition (6) 9 An orientation or philosophy (8) 10 What movies are projected onto (6) 12 One who studies the past (9) 13 Avoid (5) 14 Highly excited (4) 16 Left out (7) 19 Actress/singer Judy _______ (7) 21 Crimp or bend (4) 24 Memos (5) 25 Unshaken (9) 27 In a crooked line (6) 28 Trachea (8) 29 Not dots (6) 30 Contracts to lease transportation (8)
Down
1 A metalshop (6) 2 Discrimination against the elderly (6) 3 A printed leaf or page (5) 4 Shrewish (7) 6 Accumulation (9) 7 Sufficient (8) 8 Insinuation (8)
11 Pearly-shelled mussel (4) 15 Crystal (9) 17 Suffered pain or anguish (8) 18 People who are mentored (8) 20 Beat thoroughly in a competition (4)
21 A Jewish prayer of mourning (7) 22 Pace (6) 23 Bovine mammary glands (6) 26 Beneath (5)
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21
MPT
Tiling & Bathroom Installations • 5K Bathroom suite offer • Local showroom We can supply and fit a brand-new bathroom suite to include the following: ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊
Removal existing suite, wall tiles and floor covering Supply and install vanity unit with soft closed doors, sink, mixer tap or pedestal Supply and fit new toilet Supply and fit new bath with white gloss panel, bath mixer tap and waste Supply and fit wall and floor tiles up to 18m2. l(Large choice available) Fitting of any accessories
WE ARE A LOCAL BUSINESS WITH OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE
DON’T DELAY CALL TODAY FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTE FOR YOUR 5K BATHROOM
Tel: 07709 145866 •
Email: marktoyer@sky.com
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The Adventures of Daichi
22
The Adventures of Daichi
The Purbeck Publications Camper Van Daichi the Dashing Dude, otherwise known as the Purbeck Publications Campervan, decided to be a Time Machine last month, but instead of casting with Michael J Fox, loved by many in his role as Marty McFly in Back to the Future, Daichi chose myself and Hayden as the lead roles, to go ‘back to the past’. To Old Wardour Castle in Wiltshire in fact. Having travelled all the way from Japan, Daichi wanted to know what it was like here in Medieval Britain. I had not driven Daichi for quite some time, so was a little nervous, as he can get pretty playful and does like to wave at passers by with his window wipers instead of indicating where he is going. This has nothing to do with me forgetting what I am doing of course and that the buttons are the ‘other way round’. In addition to that Daichi chose a route that was on single track roads for some of the time. Really. When we saw the bright white reverse lights of the car in front and its boot springing
Debbie & Hayden at Wardour Castle
Daichi taking Debbie & Hayden to Wardour towards us, I was quick to react and avoided Daichi head butting this car’s bottom. That was not a pretty sight. We arrived safely and as I parked and switched off Daichi’s purring engine, the sliding side door suddenly sprang open and an apple, that had rolled out of the picnic bag, flew out! Literally. Hayden laughed loudly. Daichi really was being playful and had obviously been wrapped up too long in the cold garden. Again, this was nothing to do with me pressing any wrong buttons… I just don’t know how you can think that. Wardour Castle is a delight. Ideal for children to run around and explore, and romantic for us oldies to look longingly at the rolling English countryside and imagine what life was like back in the 14th Century. The ladies dreaming of those long flowing gowns and the men with shoulders back, chests puffed out and manly swords in their hands. I know that is very stereo type and I really am showing my age now. Daichi, who we
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
23 know is very proud, could certainly see himself as a Mediaeval Knight in very shiny armour… The castle in fact was built when we, the English, were busy fighting the 100 Years War in France. Wiltshire was a relatively safe location. Designed as a six-sided house with rooms for guests to specifically impress everyone with its status, grandeur and power. It was a house to show off who John, 5th Lord Lovell really was. How connected he was to High Society and the Crown. Built in the fourteenth century, totally as a lavish home to entertain guests and eat like kings while beautifully placed in the peaceful countryside with a magnificent lake full of fish. No mote or high defences. It does have small, slit windows on the ground floor, but this castle was clearly built for luxury living. You can still walk up the spiral staircase to the top of the fifth floor and marvel at the views. Cooking is not my favourite occupation, but back in those days with two huge fires, spit roasts and huge boiling pans it would have been a hell of a job. No wonder the scullions, seen as the lowest of the low in those days, worked almost naked! Do not try this at home… The Hall were the owners and their guests “Castle’s-eye” view ate on the over the lake other hand
had large windows and an extended door, to show their wealth and sophistication. There was a balcony where the musicians tunefully soothed their Debbie explores opulent guests the grotto below. The class difference is clearly visible. There is a Great Chamber, an inner private room with even higher ceilings, where only the very important guests were invited. Sadly, The Civil War destroyed the building in 1644. There is a new castle nearby, but this magnificent building was left to stand as a romantic ruin for all to admire and now belongs to English Heritage. The Grotto in the secluded gardens is inspiring. Totally man-made in 1792 by Josiah Lane of Tisbury and his father. With nooks and crannies to explore by both the young and the old. There are seats of stone, stalactites and stalagmites, rocks, algae, ivy and an atmosphere. Love it. I can see why Kevin Costner came here to film “Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves”! That would have been exciting to see. Daichi was as proud as punch that we had so much fun. Nothing like a bit of history to keep the wheels turning… and Daichi certainly likes to do just that! Where will he take us next? By Debbie Corney
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Gardening Tips
24
a beginner’s
GUIDE Carrots
There is absolutely nothing like a carrot pulled fresh from the ground... ...that wonderful smell, which soon disappears and is never apparent in shop bought ones and the taste of that sweet orange root can only be achieved by growing your own. They can be sown from March to July and can be grown in containers at least 12 inches deep. Like any plant with a long tap root, carrots do not like being transplanted so should be sown directly into the soil where they are to grow. They are happiest in light, rather sandy soil so if you have heavy clay, you should add plenty of sharp sand (not builders sand) Germination won't be so good if the soil hasn't warmed up and it's best to sow the seed into well prepared soil that has already been watered. It is important to sow the seed as thinly as
possible, which isn't easy as the seed is so small. Try mixing it with a handful of sand which stops the seed from sticking together and makes it easier to see where they're going. However careful you are, the seedlings will probably need thinning at least once to give the carrots room to swell. This operation is best carried out in the evening as carrot fly can be a problem, particularly in early summer when they lay their eggs around the roots) They are attracted by the smell of disturbed plants and thinning’s should be moved away immediately. Try growing chives, onions or garlic around the carrots to mask the smell or you could put fleece (available from garden centres or some hardware shops) over the carrots after sowing.
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Food & Drink
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Naturally good... Apricot and passion fruit ‘flan de Queso’ with spiced roasted pears
Ingredients for 4-6 servings: For the flan 120ml full fat milk 240ml double cream 100g full fat cream cheese 2 free range eggs 8 large moist dried apricots 1 tbsp honey One passion fruit 2 tbsp lemon juice For the roasted pears 2 pears Pinch ground cinnamon Pinch ground ginger 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Ryan Turner, real food and low-carb chef - www.thefoodbible.com
1. Preheat the oven to 300F/150c. 2. Place the milk and dried apricots into a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Then remove from the heat and leave to rest for 20 minutes to let the apricots soak up some moisture and become plump. 3. Prepare the passion fruit by scraping out the seeds into a sieve above a bowl, use a metal spoon to scrape the seeds against the sieve to remove as much of the juice as possible, discard the seeds and add the juice to the mixture. 4. Place all of the ingredients for the flan into a blender and blitz on full speed for 2 minutes until all of the ingredients are well combined and smooth, pass this mixture through a sieve into a jug and then use this to fill 4 ramekins (or 6 ramekins if you want smaller portions). 5. Place the ramekins into a large roasting tray and pour in enough hot, but not boiling, water to come halfway up their outsides. (This is called a bain-marie or water bath). 6. Place the bain-marie onto the center shelf of the oven being careful not to spill any water into the ramekins which will ruin the flans (a tip to make life easier is to place the baking dish with the ramekins halfway into the oven before adding the water to the dish). 7. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the custards are just set but still a bit wobbly in the middle. Remove the ramekins from the water and set aside to cool to room temperature. Chill until needed for at least 3 hours but preferably overnight. 8. When you are ready to serve the flans, prepare the roasted pears. Peel, core and slice the pears and place onto a baking sheet. Sprinkle the pears with the ground ginger and cinnamon and add the butter. Place into a preheated oven at 350F/180c for approximately 20 minutes until the pears are soft and the edges are turning golden brown and caramelized. 9. Spoon the roasted pears on top of the flans and serve.
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Community News
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Index of advertisers
Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Oracle... Aerials Wessex Aerials........................................................... 27
Foot Care Services West Dorset Mobile Foot Clinic................................. 27
Bathrooms & Tiling MPT Tiling & Bathrooms........................................... 21
Garage Doors Garolla....................................................................... 15 Skandoor..................................................................... 2
Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds............................................................... 3 Broadview Shading Solutions.................................... 31
Garden Services All Grass Landscapes.................................................. 9
Books Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health..................................................... 27 Builders Jim Baggley Building Services.................................... 14 Purbeck Home Improvements.................................... 1 Carpenters Total Woodwork - Peter Albin.................................... 11 Community News Adventures of Daichi................................................. 22 Beginner’s Guide: Carrots.......................................... 24 Dorset Quirky Facts.................................................... 6 Dorset Wildlife Trust: Win for Wildlife....................... 12 Kaleidoscope at the Mowlem.................................... 28 Kids Page................................................................... 10 Marilyn Barber Concert at Emmanuel Church........... 14 Naturally good: Flan de Queso.................................. 26 Puzzle Corner............................................................. 20 Wareham Choral Society............................................ 8 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 Pest Control Terminator Pest.......................................................... 9 Plumbers C + C Plumbing........................................................... 15 CM Plumbing & Heating............................................ 13 FXR Heating & Plumbing............................................ 3 Gasways Heating........................................................ 9 Heatcare..................................................................... 7 Purbeck Plumbing, Heating & Drainage.................... 11 Property Maintenance Purbeck Home Improvements.................................... 1 Total Woodwork - Peter Albin.................................... 11 Removals & Storage Purbeck Self Storage.................................................. 11 Roofing Mallwood Roofing..................................................... 25 Solicitors Humphries Kirk.......................................................... 32 Spectacles Services Williams Harris.......................................................... 29 Trailers Wessex Trailers.......................................................... 25
Driveways County Block Paving.................................................. 13 White & Sons.............................................................. 7
Tree Surgeons Leaks Tree Care........................................................... 3
Electricians J Taylor Electrical....................................................... 11
Waste Services Dorset Waste Partnership........................................... 5 Philip Trim Contractors............................................... 2
Florists Buds of Mave.............................................................. 5
Will Writing Services Dorset & Wight Wills................................................. 17
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