The Swanage
Oracle
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a
s
The independent directory of local businesses serving the residents of Swanage
Delivered FREE around the town
November/December 2014
In this issue: Win a meal for two at the Bull & Boat Poole Pottery Collectors Club Local Business Directory Ann Montini meets the Stars: Anton du Beke Dorset Wildlife Trust: Heath Volunteers Dorset Youth Cricket: Jem’s Hatrick Adventures of Nellie
Autumn Colour at Swanage by Robin Boultwood
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For more information or to discuss your own circumstances call us on 01929 551 551 or visit www.wardgoodman.co.uk
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Swanage Oracle
4 Dear Swanage Residents,
Introduction
The Swanage Edition 78
Oracle
Published by:
Stephen & Debbie Corney and Martin Budden at Purbeck Publications
Telephone: 01929 408080 Email: info@swanageoracle.co.uk
Copy deadline for the December 2014 edition: 25th November 2014
Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The Swanage Oracle does not officially endorse any advertising material included within the publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher.
Proud members of
We are coming up to that all important, busy time of year, so I hope you are getting ready. I actually bought my first Christmas present a few days ago which is unusually early for me! So now is the time to put the house and garden straight, get the aerial fixed, have the oven cleaned, buy new curtains, have new locks fitted, create a new bathroom, get the boiler serviced or even buy yourself some flowers! There are ideas for presents inside too... Why not buy a tropical fish tank? They are fantastic for creating a relaxing environment... though I know he has piranhas too! Skippers can do you an excellent fish and chips to take away and save you the washing up. Cafe Bijou is excellent for a coffee or lunch while you are out shopping and DMB Cars can take your wherever you want to go. Why not try a new hairstyle this Autumn at Mermond Place, who also have a competition for you? There are of course those services that can help you personally as well as many other trades all listed in our index at the back, so do take a look and see who can help you this autumn. Our local articles this month include Phillip Mills who has moved, Ann Montini met Anton Du Beke from Strictly and Poole Pottery Collectors Club have a great offer for you! Nellie has had a few problems, so if you have a bit of a sense of humour and want a smile please have a read. All good fun. On page 25 is our prize wordsearch which was won in October by Robert Nunn. Well done. Who is going to be the lucky winner this month? Here’s to a great November and December! Very best wishes,
Debbie & Stephen Corney Useful Numbers Local Police Southern Electricity Transco Gas Emergency Swanage Hospital
101 08457 708090 0800 111999 01929 422282
01929 408080
Train Enquires Wilts & Dorset Bus Wessex Water Emerg. Purbeck Distict Council
08457 484950 01983 827005 0845 600 4600 01929 556561
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Community News
Beautiful Poole Pottery Poole on the lovely south coast of Dorset is famous for many things and none more than its Poole Pottery. Many people ask me and are under the wrong impression that Poole do not produce pottery any more. The pottery has had a lot of changes in recent years, moving production from Poole 2uay to Sopers Lane and then to Stoke on Trent, the home of pottery. Most of these changes were due to financial problems and different owners hoping to make their mark and fortune. They are now owned by the Denby pottery group,and production of table/ giftware is at Stoke, whilst high end studio pottery is still made at Poole Quay, employing UXP potters and UISFF paintresses doing work of exceptional quality. There is a Poole Pottery Collectors Club of which * am the Treasurer. If you would like to join, the annual subscription is ÂŁ27 for that you get access to our website, which is full of information and photos UXP club magazines a handmade and decorated piece of pottery invite to annual local gala day, with chance to listen to and meet celebrity guest speaker, some form of pottery related activity informal bi-monthly get together of members CVU best of all JT B 15% discount on Poole Pottery Studio Items. Sue Smith is our secretary and will gladly sort out your membership by ringing her on 0845 463 2209 or email infoppcc@btinternet.com "lternatively forms are available at the Pottery.
01929 408080
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Swanage Oracle
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. . . s r a t S e h t s t e e m i Ann Montin
This month’s star is
Anton du Beke Ann caught up with Strictly Come Dancing star Anton du Beke in London.
Ann – Which book do you keep returning too?
Ann – You’re busier than ever, but looking forward to the new SCD?
Anton – “Fred Astaire’s autobiography ‘Steps In Time’. He’s a hero of mine, which you may have guessed, and like me, not great looking, but boy he could dance, so who needs looks with that kind of talent.”
Anton – “As ever it’s a great show, super team and this year a big change...” Ann – Ah yes, no Bruce? Anton – “Really going to miss him, we all are, but, you know it has evolved, and I think the girls will do a great job to be honest.” Ann – How did you land the famous job on the show? Anton – “Basic audition really, got called back, and it just went from there, no one knew just how big it would become though. “ Ann – Who inspired you to dance at first then? Anton – “The Band Wagon with Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse from 1953. Watching them dance inspired me, Brilliant film, and it just had everything really, and what is more it’s not dated at all.“ Ann – How would you like to be most remembered? Anton – “I’m a Catholic, so at my end party, it would be in a church, and everyone would come in to ‘If My Friends Could See Me Now’, by Sammy Davis Jr. I’d like a tomb with a dressing room door, and a sign saying, ‘Do Not Disturb‘ .” (laughing)
Ann – You had your own cooking show ‘Step up to the Plate‘ any more shows like Bake Off maybe? Anton – “I loved doing that show, and it was a huge success, but as yet my cooking skills are best left as a presenter, and I would not rule out ‘Bake Off ’ as it’s such a great format, but can I bake?” Ann – Your golden rules for dancing? Anton – “Well I don’t drink, I eat lightly, and above all else blooming enjoy it, or else what is the point?“ Ann – Many people thought you should have replaced Sir Bruce... thoughts? Anton – “Oh that is so nice, and yes I would have loved the job, but who knows what the future holds, I mean I think the girls will do a terrific job. And for me I just can’t wait to see the new series take off once again.“
Ann – You danced with super model Jerry Hall. Good fun? Anton – “She was great fun, and super fit too, with a wonderful grace that models have... its odd you see, because you honestly never know who you are going to get, and that is half the fun really.“
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Ann and Anton at Westminster Live Studios in London • Photo: Maycon Pictures
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Preparing for Winter Winter is a particularly busy period for our hospitals, as our services come under increasing pressure while we support you with those health issues that worsen during colder months. We rely on you to use services wisely, in particular our Emergency Department (ED), so we can concentrate on those who really need immediate care. By going to the right place, it also means that you will receive treatment more quickly and in the most appropriate way and environment for your symptoms. Our ED is incredibly busy, seeing on average 234 patients a day and should only be used for lifethreatening emergencies. If you are not sure if it’s an emergency call 111 for advice. Feeling under the weather? We are also supporting the NHS winter campaign, ‘Feeling under the weather?’ The campaign urges those who are over 60 (and those who look after an older friend, neighbour or relative) to seek early advice from their pharmacist for minor illnesses this winter. If you’re over 60 a minor illness can get worse quickly. The campaign encourages people feeling under the weather with a bad cough, trouble breathing, a cold or sore throat, to pop down to their local pharmacy for quick health advice. What we are doing to help We are already working with our health and social care partners to develop a plan that maintains essential services through the busy winter: • our Ambulatory Emergency Care Clinic (AEC) will extend its hours and will be supported by additional nurse practitioners • we will be opening additional beds, and recruitment of extra staff is already underway • we have supported funding for additional doctors, pharmacists, discharge key workers and therapists to help our patients get back home quicker You vs Flu Many of you will already have had your flu jab and we are also encouraging our staff to be vaccinated against the flu virus in order to protect you further if you come into one of our hospitals. We have launched our ‘You vs Flu’ initiative which has already seen more than 2,000 members of our staff given the free immunisation.
Swanage Oracle
Consultant for Elderly Care, Divya Tiwari, says: “I get my flu jab regularly every year as I am in constant contact with patients and more prone to getting the virus. It is vital we all get vaccinated.”
Here are our top 10 tips for keeping safe and well this winter: 1. Stay warm – ensure your heating is working and have your boiler serviced before cold weather. The temperature in your main living room should be between 18-21 degrees (65-70F) and the rest of the house should be a minimum of 16 degrees (61F) 2. Eat well - have at least one hot meal a day 3. Wear layers – remember to wrap up 4. Keep active - move about in your home every couple of hours to maintain your body temperature 5. Have your winter flu jab – to reduce the risk of you getting a serious bout of flu 6. Be careful - don’t go out in icy weather, or when it is dark and you can’t see so well 7. Stay safe - if you live alone, consider getting a bleep alarm that you can press if you need help 8. Be prepared – keep your cupboards stocked with long-life foods ensuring you have plenty to eat in case you are unable to get out 9. Ensure you have plenty of your prescribed medications 10. Ask for help and advice: from Care Direct (Social Services): 01202 454979, Age UK: 01202 530530 or Help and Care: 0300 1113303
Further winter health advice can be found at www.nhs.uk/asap
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Wildlife News
Talking about Wildlife...
Volunteer with the Great Heath Team The Great Heath Project is an ambitious and exciting new partnership venture led Dorset Wildlife Trust. The award of a £2.7 million grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund and £2 million of public donations has enabled the successful purchase of 1500 acres of land around East Dorset. The essence of the project is to create a living landscape in an urban area, linking up habitats from the newly purchased land with existing reserves and green spaces (parks and gardens), for the benefit of a huge range of rare and common species. At present the majority of the work we do (with the incredible help of our volunteer groups) is invasive species removal, such as Rhododendron, silver birch, pine and overgrown gorse. The removal of these species is essential to preserve the sensitive heather and other heath flora consequently stopping its succession to woodland. This in turn enhances the habitat for heathland wildlife such as the Dartford warbler, which toughs out the whole year here, and the elusive smooth snake, which should be tucked up in hibernation by now. One of the main aims of The Great Heath Project is to involve, inspire and enthuse the local community to care for their local nature reserves; so was born The Great Heath Volunteer Work Party! This exciting new weekly volunteer team is located across the Great Heath Project area and committed to conserving and restoring our new reserves – e.g. Happy Bottom, Upton Heath, Arrowsmith Coppice… and more. The Great Heath team work
01929 408080
on these reserves on a weekly rotation, a detailed time table is on the website. So, lots of work to get stuck into with the occasional jacket potato to be eaten!! Come along every Wednesday 10am – 4pm and get involved with The Great Heath volunteer work party and make a difference to help protect your local wildlife, have fun and get active! For more information call Sally Wright at the Urban Wildlife Centre on 01202 692033. Check out our website for many more Great Heath events! www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/tgh By Sally Wright
The Great Heath Living Landscape is a partnership project involving Dorset Wildlife Trust, the Erica Trust, Poole Harbour Commissioners, Borough of Poole, Dorset County Council Countryside Service and.Amphibian.and.Repti.le.Conservati.on.Trust...The. project.is.supported.by.Bournemouth.Borough.Council.. Christchurch Borough Council, East Dorset District Council.and.Natural.England.
Lynne Thorne & Nicola Browning volunteering on a local heath by N Hoar
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SWANAGE AUTO CENTRE LTD.
MOT TESTS WHILE YOU WAIT
REPAIRS & SERVICING
Also supply & fit tyres and exhausts
Tel: 01929 424358
1d Victoria Avenue Industrial Estate, Swanage
Swanage Oracle
Introducing... Custom Creations Custom Creations Limited is a local family run business with customer care and service at the heart of everything we do. We are passionate about our work and our products and understand the importance of delivering excellent quality and service at an affordable price. Having worked closely with customers over many years, we understand the importance of listening and really believe that the day you stop listening is the day you stop learning. For us this is a key part of growing your business in the right direction. We are always at the end of the telephone or email to answer our customer’s questions and we like to welcome customers to our showroom, where they can view all our colour and range choices whilst enjoying a tea or coffee and a chat! We like to maintain communication with our customers and every customer has a personal log-in number which enables them to follow the progress of their furniture from design to installation. We are always at the end of a phone or an email should our customers have any queries or wish to make any amendments to their order.
The Custom Creations team!
We have invested in the latest time efficient machinery in our workshop which allows us to keep prices down without compromising on quality. When we are in our customers’ homes installing their furniture, we are always mindful of cleanliness, so we use the innovative Festool equipment to make sure your room is kept clean at all times. As we are a family staffed business our designers do not work on commission, so during their free, no-obligation design appointment, our customers can relax and take as much or as little time as they need to discuss their requirements to ensure they create their ideal storage solution. We offer a wide range to suit all tastes and budgets with a 25 year guarantee on all our furniture, and we are always adding new and innovative ideas to our designs. Whether you want fitted or freestanding furniture or unique storage, we’re sure we have the perfect solution for you. We would be delighted to discuss this with you so please give us a call on 01202 823231 or send an email to office@customcreations.furniture and we will come and meet you.
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Custom Creations is a family run business with over 40 years experience in the design, manufacture and installation of fitted and freestanding furniture. Our policy is to provide beautiful furniture whilst offering the best in Customer Service, along with a 25 year guarantee.
ad ve rt
Example shown 2100mm Sliding Door Wardrobe. £1,045 inc VAT and Fitting. 2 Designer split doors with mirror and wood inserts, available in a wide variety of colours. Interiors include 4 drawers and a combination of shelves and hanging, all handmade in our Dorset workshop. • Home Office • Bedrooms • Lounge Units • Storage Solutions
Call us now on 01202 823231 to arrange your FREE, no obligation design consultation. Please come and see us at our showroom. Monday - Saturday: 9am – 5.30pm Sunday: By appointment Unit 1, Enterprise Park, Blackmoor Road Ebblake Industrial Estate, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 6YS
www.customcreations.furniture
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Community News
FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Last year, Gerard Le Feuvre and his world renowned King’s Chamber Orchestra came to Swanage to perform an amazing Christmas concert at Emmanuel Baptist Church. It was a first for the town and the concert wasn’t a sell-out but it was only afterwards when word spread around on the Swanage grapevine, that folk realised what a spectacular evening they had missed! People talked of the way they had been touched by the music, the atmosphere that had been created by the diffused, subdued lighting and the way that the musicians had walked among the audience, playing their violins, creating an illusion of a string heaven! This year, the amazing orchestra returns to the same venue on THURSDAY 27 NOVEMBER at 7.30 for another spectacular performance entitled “The Stars in the Bright Sky,” featuring the music of Vivaldi, Handel ……… to create a festival of light and a feast for the senses. Tickets are £12 (children £8) and are available from the church office at 160 Victoria Avenue, Swanage (mornings) or call the church office on 427706. Don’t miss it this time round!
JEM’S HAT-TRICK OF AWARDS Dorset Under 17 cricketer Jem Warner picked up a hat-trick of awards at the annual county presentation ceremony on Friday.
17-year-old leg-spinner Warner won the three trophies after being chosen as LV= U17 Player of the Year, DCB Youth Bowler of the Year and DCB Youth Player of the Year. Warner topped the county bowling tables for the season and in the match against the Isle of Wight returned the stunning figures of seven wickets for just one run, a feat matched only by the West Indian fast bowler Curtly Ambrose. The Dorset U17 manager Tim Hill said: “Jem had an outstanding season and helped the team to win its group of the Under 17 County Championship”. Over the winter months Warner, who also plays for Premier League team Swanage, has been selected to train with the Academy at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. Three hundred players and guests turned out for the awards event, which was held at the Goldsands Stadium in Bournemouth. The presentations were made by Lewis McManus - a former Dorset youth cricketer - who now plays for Hampshire and England Under 19
01929 408080
FAREWELLS
M
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After a hearty breakfast, it is time to say good-bye. We all hope that you have enjoyed a wonderful stay with us at The Grand Hotel and we look forward to welcoming you again. From all of the Team at The Grand Hotel we would like to wish you a very safe journey home and a Happy New Year !!! After a hearty breakfast, it is time to say good-bye. Lindsay Bish We all hope that you have enjoyed a wonderful stay Manager with us at TheGeneral Grand Hotel and we look forward to welcoming you again. From all of the Team at The Whylike nottojoin Grand Hotel we would wish you a very safe journey home andan a Happy New Year !!! us for extended
THE GRAND HOTEL
FAREWELLS
New Years Eve Gala Dinner
stay from just
Lindsay Bish General Manager
£55.00
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£55.00
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast per person per night
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Burlington Road, Swanage, Dorset BH191LU Telephone Number: 01929 423353 Email: reservations@grandhotelswanage.co.uk www.grandhotelswanage.co.uk
Burlington Road, Swanage, Dorset BH191LU Telephone Number: 01929 423353 Email: reservations@grandhotelswanage.co.uk www.grandhotelswanage.co.uk
Designed & Printed by Hierographics.co.uk Designed 01929 & Printed 554454 by Hierographics.co.uk 01929 554454
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Dinner, Bednot & join Breakfast Why per person per night us for an extended stay from just
£55.00 per person With Live Music from
The Reptiles
01929 423353 www.grandhotelswanage.co.uk
01929 423353 www.grandhotelswanage.co.uk
We still have availability for Christmas Day lunch & Christmas parties. Festive Sunday Lunches will be served on every Sunday in December Booking Essential! Don’t delay... Call our reservation team today on
01929 423353 reservations@grandhotelswanage.co.uk
www.grandhotelswanage.co.uk
Swanage Oracle
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The East Creech Figure-Of-Eight How to get there:Grid Reference; 922822. ;\YU YPNO[ MVY 2PTTLYPKNL *YLLJO VɈ [OL Wareham Bypass. After about 1½ miles, take the left turn for East Creech, Follow the lane for about a mile then, with the phone box on your left, turn right and proceed up to hill for about ½ mile. Just before the brow of the hill, there is a gravel parking area on the right.
slightly left to go to the Trig point to see the views and information. From the stile, bear right, or from the Trig point, 90 degrees right and follow [OL [YHJR KV^U [V [OL ZPUNSL HUK Ă„ LSK gate at the road. After about 20 metres, on the left-hand side of the road, go through the gate marked ‘Steeple 1ž’.
Walk details: Cross the road and walk up the lane signposted to The Ridgeway. After about Âź mile you will come to another gate and straight-on signs to Steeple. Turn left before the gate and follow the [YHJR KV^U [V [OL YVHK É? TPSL
Go around the small reservoir site, keeping it to your right, over the stile, and follow the path down to your left
Go straight on along the road for about 50 metres and turn left through a single gate. Follow the grassy incline down to the LKNL VM [OL ^VVKZ TL[YLZ [OLU follow the path up through the woods to a stile at the top. At this point, to follow the walk you need to bear right but it is worth bearing
Follow the path along while it continues PU [OL ZHTL KPYLJ[PVU É&#x; TPSL ([ [OPZ point, on the left will be a stile (to :[LLWSL I\[ [\YU ZOHYW YPNO[ \W [OL OPSS É? TPSL [V [OL NH[L H[ [OL [VW Go through the gate and proceed straight ahead back to the car.
Jurassic Jaunts www.jurassicjaunts.co.uk Tel: 07790 474 478 01929 408080
w i n n e rs
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2014 has been another amazing year for NGPS and its customers. We have helped hundreds more homeowners overcome their fear of rising ENERGY BILLS. We have won yet another prestigious Installer Award for the South West. And we want to help even more Dorset homeowners like you...
Solar Electricity
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A Solar Photovoltaic Panel System has never been more affordable. While still qualifying for a 20 year government grant in the form of the Feed in Tariff (FIT). Prices have reached their lowest point as manufacturing requirements cap further reductions. To take advantage of a 50% reduction in electricity costs and government payments before they run out, the time is right to end the misery of energy price rises and reap a 10-12% return on your investment.
Enphase Micro Inverters as Standard on all NGPS Systems A breakthrough in solar technology has seen the use of Enphase Energy UK micro inverters increase in recent years. With a 25 year warranty, Enphase micro inverters are our preferred solution for optimised energy generation to speed up payback on your solar energy investment. Looked at solar before? Enphase is the answer for small roofs and those prone to shading or dust.
Do you generate excess Energy from existing Solar Panels? For just £375 we will fit an i-Boost to your system, diverting excess energy into the generation of FREE hot water.
Renewable Energy Heating & Hot Water With the launch of the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive RHI grant, payable over 7 years, there has never been a better time to replace your boiler with renewable energy options such as Air Source, Ground Source or Biomass Heating. These highly efficient systems will outlive a traditional boiler several times and offer the most intuitive and highly efficient solution for 24/7 heat and hot water.
Solar Thermal Install one of the oldest renewable energy systems in the UK - Solar Thermal, for nine months FREE Hot Water.
Why customer’s have put their trust in us for over 20 years We provide local support. We operate under strict code of conduct for the electrical & renewable energy industry. We have a Technical team, not salesman. We do not cold call. We don’t sell on the day or take deposits. You receive a quote in the post and pay at the end of your installation. We do not use Contractors, our installation teams are all employed and have been with the company for several years. We sit on a government advisory panel.
CONTACT US TODAY We offer no nonsense advice - and an end to rising energy bills. For an appointment call 01202 736812 You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain!
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01929 408080
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Purbeck Railway Circle Friday 16th January 2015
“Railway to Portland 1865 - 2015”, a slide presentation by Brian Jackson preceded by the PRC Annual General Meeting. Harmans Cross Village Hall, Haycrafts Lane, Harmans Cross. 7.00 for 7.30pm. EVERYONE WELCOME. For more information please phone 01929 554765.
01929 408080
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EXTENSIONS
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Tel: 01929 426079 Mobile: 07966 395188
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Adventures of Nellie
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The Adventures of Nellie The Purbeck Publications Camper Van Only those with a sense of humour are invited to read... Poor Nellie has had a rough time of it this last month. Old girls need attention as the body does start to feel the signs of old age and ‘parts’ begin to slow you down and cause you trouble. We all know what that is like don’t we! It started with a blow out tyre going to see a friend in Swanage. What a let down. We were all fine, but Nellie’s laddered stocking needed a man to sort her out. Her rather large posterior with long skirts to cover it up just wouldn’t let our jack go beneath. Who can blame her! The RAC man was fantastic and came to the rescue. Nellie smiled, in a relieved sort of way, once he got her back on her feet with a temporary new high wheel to
Nellie’s undercarriage gets an inspection
01929 408080
How do we get that under there?? get her on the road again. The owners and staff at The Halfway Inn were such a welcome sight for me and Hayden who had a nice cup of tea and packet of crisps while we were waiting. Not a bad place to break down actually! As if that wasn’t enough. Just a few days before her MOT Nellie developed what I can only describe as rheumatoid arthritis. She was in pain, juddering as we were going along, she was just not happy at all. She stalled a couple of times, out of breath and panting. Hopeful as we were, we thought she would make it to the MOT. Not the case. The very day of the MOT Stephen and Hayden were in Ferndown delivering the magazines to our distributors. Nellie was working hard. Approaching the traffic lights at a busy crossing Nellie collapsed in complete exhaustion. Oh no, heart failure! It wasn’t a good place to stop and drivers were flashing at Nellie, hooting their horns. Not only was she ill, beat with overwork, but now people were telling her off too. It was all a bit much. (I have given her
23 some counselling since then and she is doing much better.) A very nice man, who is a mechanic himself, stopped to help with another helpful man, and together they were able to push poor Nellie (they must have been pretty strong as Nellie is a whopping great 2 tonnes) into the side street. Lost, forlorn, deflated, Nellie was not going anywhere. “Aaahhh” I hear you all say. Nellie’s alternator, otherwise know as her heart, was broken... As I was not in the van, Hayden called me on the phone to give me the traumatic news, “Nellie has broken down Mum!” He sounded so distraught. We have such an affinity for Nellie, she is part of the family, as you can see! Again the RAC man came to the rescue. (I hope our premium doesn’t go up...) He managed to resuscitate her enough for Stephen to drive her to ‘the car and van hospital’ at Longham Motor Engineers. We have known Ian and his ‘gang’ for a long time and if anyone could bring Nellie back to life, it would be him. They worked on Nellie all day, put her on the ramp to get to a good look at her under carriage, gave her a pace maker (alias new alternator), a blood tranfusion (diesel fuel conditioner) and a few new light bulbs to make her shine. Let’s face
Hurrah... Nellie is back on the road!
Swanage Oracle
Nellie having her brakes serviced it what girl doesn’t like a bit of bling and even her name in lights! She also had her brakes cleaned so she can stop easily if she gets over excited and three new high wheels from Bob at Tyres of Ferndown, to really show off her voluptuous figure. Hayden and I were waiting nervously, wondering if Nellie would make it. Pacing the floor, tense conversations, it was all very stressful. Then Ian called and declared, “Nellie is ok!” She would live for at least another year... she had made it!! We were utterly relieved, exhausted ourselves and totally over the moon. All I can say after this traumatic experience, is please do not let anything really serious happen in the Corney household! This month I can happily say... Where will Nellie go next...? By Debbie Corney whereisnellie
@whereisnellie
Money Saving Tips
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Martin
LEWIS Train Prices Train ticket prices are to logic what reindeer are to scrabble. In other words, they’ve nothing in common. If you want to save money on the train, take the logic book and throw it out of the window. While travelling by train can be cheap, efficient and easy, the pricing system is a mess. So to really hone down the cheapest priced tickets you need to understand and combine first the simple tips, then the bizarre… Book 12 weeks early for cheaper fares Most people know if you book early you’ll get cheaper advance train tickets. Yet it’s important to understand these are generally sold in tranches, in other words there’s a set number of each type, so the aim is to buy them before they go. The key time to look is around 12 weeks before you want to travel, as that’s when the timetable is set so most operators launch their advance tickets then or within a couple of weeks giving you maximum choice. So if you know you’ve got something pencilled in you need to travel to, diarise so you can be ready to pounce. Grab a (discounted) railcard There are more national railcards available than there used to be. These normally cost £30 (though often there are codes to discount this check on www.mse.me/traindeals) and reduce all fares by a third. Therefore if you’re likely to spend over £90 even on a oneoff trip it’s worth it. The main cards are… Family & Friends Railcard. Two people can be named on this, and then a named person and up to three other adults can travel and get 30% off the fare, providing you’re travelling with between one and four kids, who get 60% off. Two Together Railcard. This one’s relatively new. It gives two named people on the card providing they’re travelling together a third off. If you often travel with different people, you could be named on more than one card to cover the combinations. Senior Railcard. This gets over 60’s a third off. 16-25 Railcard. Also a third off, though it’s often cheapest to buy the 3 years card (and worth remembering to do it before your 24th birthday to give you maximum time). Get advance discounts late Never assume that you’re too close to travel to book an advance or discounted fare. Walk on fares are often far costlier than those even booked a day or so in advance. Always check via the rail companies own site. Check via sites like www.redspottedhanky.com, www.takethetrain.co.uk, www.eastcoast.co.uk and www.nationalrail.co.uk. Singles can beat returns Lots of top deals are only available on one-way fares and cheaper fares are often available for two single tickets, but not the return. Do a quick search for both options and work out the difference in price before you finalise your booking. Split tickets, not the journey Now it’s time to really throw the logic book out of the window to
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make some really big savings. Instead of buying tickets for the whole journey, instead bizarrely buying tickets for its constituent parts separately can slash the price – even though you're travelling on exactly the same train, at the same time, possibly in the same seat. It's perfectly allowed within the National Rail Conditions of Carriage and the only rule is that the train must call at the stations you buy tickets for. I’ve built a tool www.mse.me/ticketysplit that searches for variants for you to see if you can save. One of the best ever examples I’ve seen of this was on a direct London to Durham return when the cheapest ticket was £301. Yet buying four singles for the same journey: London to York, which was one of the stops, York to Durham, and then in reverse, was £82 for the same train at the same time - possibly even the same seats. However, it’s important to understand that this is an example - the savings vary train by train. Even an hour later the same split may not work, so you need to check each time or use the various web tools available to find your split. Look for hidden promos Lots of train companies have hidden promotions buried on their websites – which you won’t find if you’re going through a ticket booking website, such as TheTrainline.com or Redspottedhanky.com. For example, at the time of writing East Coast has 10% off some advance online fares and 50% off selected super off-peak tickets to London, while on Southeastern up to four kids can travel for £1 off-peak with an adult. For a full list of hidden promos go to www.mse.me/traindeals. Buy rail tickets when not travelling by train to get discounts This sneaky trick sounds bizarre but it works. National Rail offers 2for1 discounts on a host of attractions across the UK – you just download and print out a voucher and present it with a train ticket. Attractions include Ascot Racecourse, Alton Towers and Madame Tussauds. For example, if you wanted two tickets to London Zoo, as an adult ticket costs £24, providing the train ticket is less, it’s worth buying one even if you won’t actually go by train (just pop to a station on the way). Though of course it’s an even better saving if you’re actually using it. Know your train refund rights You may be entitled to money back for delays over 30 minutes, every operator has different rules. Technically the delay or cancellation needs be the operators fault, such as train or signal failures. Yet even when not, such as weather, strikes or maintenance work, some firms will pay out if you claim (as for a claim form when you arrive). More help in www.mse.me/ traindelays.
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U A Q N T J Z S T G N Z R M D
Y U E F G S O K O A H B B P D
G E O K U W C I F T F I Y K L
T Z D N Y R U I F H C T S I M
T V P L F H R C E S L U I N O
B C Y R A E C M E Y K Z T G K
W H E A W F E H A F V E E J S
X Y Y O K F G D P W G B K A P
T Y R A E E B K P F T Q C M A
G K X L S G O P L Y W X O E R
S S U M H Z C G E A U H R S K
U S D Q P B A N G E R S N H L
K F C C G V E R I F N O B E E
T O L P R E D W O P N U G H R
J K T N E M A I L R A P N W W
BANGERS ROCKET TOFFEE APPLE BONFIRE PARLIAMENT FIREWORKS GUY FAWKES KING JAMES SPARKLER GUNPOWDER PLOT
This month, the prize is a meal for two at the Bull & Boat in Swanage, so please complete this page by 25th November and send to: November Prize Wordsearch Name: ______________________ The Swanage Oracle, Address: ______________________ 1 Moorlands Rise, ______________________ West Moors, ______________________ Ferndown, BH22 0JR Telephone: ______________________
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Gardening Tips
a beginner’s
GUIDE
Spring Flowering Bulbs
Many bulbs, such as crocus, daffodils and snowdrops will increase naturally in most sites and with different flowering times there will be a succession of interest. If planted in your flower beds, the dying foliage will be hidden by growing herbaceous plants and shrubs. Bulbs are best planted in groups of similar colour and a wonderful show will be created if they are combined with flowers of contrasting colour that bloom at the same time. Try tulips planted with forget-me-nots or wallflowers.
Under trees with no leaves, bulbs will get any available sunlight so will grow happily and give a welcome splash of colour when nothing else has yet woken up. Bulbs can be planted in grass - perhaps in the lawn or a grassy bank - as long as the foliage has time to die down before the first mowing. Grass protects bulbs from mice and squirrels. Try Anemone blanda, chionodoxa, crocus, fritillaria, daffodils (narcissus). Some bulbs are best lifted each year such as tulips and to make this easier you could try planting them in large pots and sinking them in the ground. After the leaves have died down, lift the bulbs and let them dry out. Store somewhere cool and dry and replant in October/November for a spring display. If buying new bulbs, plant as soon as possible and before they start growing. For instance, most daffodils will start producing roots by late summer and other bulbs by midautumn. One exception is snowdrops. These are best bought 'in the green' which means the leaves are already growing and they are then planted and left to spread. Bulbs should always be planted with, at the very least, 2-3 times their own depth of soil above them or even more if the soil is very light. If bulbs become overcrowded, lift them in the dormant season after the foliage has died down. Clean off the soil, leave them to dry then store in paper (not plastic) bags to await replanting.
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Crossword
Across
8 Neap, high or low (4) 9 Ramparts (10) 10 Slowly (musical term) (6) 11 Knave (8) 12 Shaped by an axe (4) 13 One who takes investment risks (10) 17 Utilizes (4) 18 Not second (5) 19 An ardent follower (4) 20 Vibrated (10) 22 Lobbed (4) 23 Sing and play for someone (8) 27 Not unusual (6) 28 Bilestones (10) 29 Beer (4)
Down
1 Benevolences (10) 2 Garments for legs (8) 3 Sorry (10) 4 Angers (4) 5 Mother of Zeus (Greek mythology) (4) 6 A musical composition (6)
7 A gull-like jaeger (4) 14 Type of heron (5) 15 Messiness (10) 16 Makes obscure (10) 19 Dressing gown (8)
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21 Paragons (6) 24 Panache (4) 25 Pretentious (4) 26 Sea eagle (4)
National Trust News
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National Trust in Purbeck Planning permission has been granted for extra parking at Spyway car park in Langton Matravers during peak season. A temporary overflow area for approximately 20 vehicles was in use this summer but the decision by Purbeck District Council means the arrangement will be made permanent from next year. The National Trust applied for permission as a way of answering Langton residents’ concerns about pressure on parking spaces, in part generated by the increased popularity of Dancing Ledge for adventure sports such as coasteering. The trust is meanwhile working with villagers and other interested parties to look at a comprehensive strategy for alleviating parking congestion in Langton. A working party bringing together residents, the parish council and adventure sports providers aims to identify sites for additional parking. National Trust area ranger Jonathan Kershaw said a range of options were on the table, initially as part of a five year plan. Longer term solutions were also being considered. “As a charity, our aim is to protect special places like Dancing Ledge and make them accessible to everyone,” said Jonathan. “However, we recognise there have been issues over parking in the past and we are doing everything we can to avert any negative impact on local people.” Cattle grazing has returned to a small area of Studland Heath as part of the National Trust’s programme of conservation. An area has been set aside near Ferry Road, initially for a few weeks, and a temporary electric fence put in place, along with signs to warn the public. Historical records show that as recently as between the wars the whole of the Studland peninsula was grazed by free roaming cattle in the same way the New Forest is today. The trust has its own herd of hardy red Devon cattle which graze Godlingston Heath and play a vital role in maintaining it.
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Part of the herd was introduced to a different area of Studland Heath in May before being withdrawn for the peak summer season. For the past two years, the trust’s Cyril Diver Project has been comparing the natural scene in Studland today with detailed ecological records from the 1930s. As the project moves into its final phase, work is due to start next year on drawing up a 10year conservation strategy for Studland, drawing on the masses of data collected by volunteers. Future grazing plans will be looked at as part of the process. Grazing is widely used by the trust and other landowners as a way of conserving heathland, which is recognised as an internationally important habitat. Work to conserve the medieval stonework of Corfe Castle is on schedule and due to be completed before Christmas. Conservators have been working on the east wall of the outer bailey as part of an ongoing schedule of work to protect the fabric of the castle while preserving its unique visual appeal. Site manager Ollie Fooks of Sally Strachey Historic Conservation said one of the main challenges had been removing around 30 square metres of ivy. The work has been carried out under the supervision of an ecologist and care has been taken to work around any wildlife which has made its home there. Sally Strachey Ltd pioneered the use of traditional lime mortar to conserve historic buildings and most of the work has involved stabilising the original medieval masonry. Work began on the Plunket tower in the north east corner of the outer bailey and Ollie’s team have been working south along the wall, also looking at sections which fell away when the castle was partially demolished during the English Civil War. They are about to start work on the horseshoe tower followed by the final phase, the main gatehouse. Jon Bish, Communications Officer
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Registered charity England and Wales 216401. Scotland SC037717. © 2014 Illustrations by Jason Chapman.
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Request your Letter by 15 December, visit: nspcc.org.uk/santa
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Household tips A natural sink unblocker
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Index of advertisers
Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Oracle... Accountants Ward Goodman.................................................... 2 Aerials BMC Digital Services............................................. 3 Repairline............................................................. 21 Aquarium Supplies OSAquatics........................................................... 32 Bathrooms C+C Plumbing & Bathrooms................................. 27 Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds......................................................... 3 Builders Swanage Building Services................................... 21 Cafes Cafe Bijou............................................................. 32 Carpenters Total Woodwork - Peter Albin............................... 29 Community News Adventures of Nellie............................................. 22 Ann Montini meets the Stars: Anton du Beke....... 8 Beginner’s Guide: Spring bulbs............................. 26 Dorset Wildlife Trust: Heath Volunteers............... 10 Dorset Youth Cricket: Jem’s Hatrick...................... 14 Jurassic Jaunt: East Creech Figure of Eight........... 16 Martin Lewis: Train prices.................................... 24 National Trust in Purbeck..................................... 28 Poole Pottery Collectors Club................................ 6 Computer Services AJV Computing..................................................... 29 Whizzbits.............................................................. 21 Domestic Cleaning David Chalmers.................................................... 21 Electricians J. Taylor Electrical................................................. 21 Events Purbeck Railway Circle......................................... 20 Emmanuel Baptist Church: Christmas Concert..... 14 Financial Services Rapid Reclaims..................................................... 5 Ward Goodman.................................................... 2 Fitted Furniture Custom Creations................................................. 13 Florists Woolbridge Flowers.............................................. 32 Garage Doors Skandoor............................................................... 15
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Garage Services Swanage Auto Centre........................................... 11 Woolbridge Motorcycles...................................... 32 Garden Services Purbeck Arborists................................................. 5 Hairdressers Philip Mills Hair Design......................................... 18 Mermond Place.................................................... 1 Health, Fitness & Care Bournemouth Careline......................................... 7 Inside Out Pilates.................................................. 2 Hospitals Bournemouth & Poole NHS Trusts........................ 9 Hotels & Restaurants Bull & Boat........................................................... 20 The Grand Hotel................................................... 15 Locksmith & Key Cutting John Hagans......................................................... 3 Motorcycle Servicing & Repairs Woolbridge Motorcycles...................................... 32 Oven Cleaning David Chalmers.................................................... 21 Plumbers C+C Plumbing....................................................... 11 Gasways Heating.................................................. 27 Heatwise........................................................... 7, 31 Property Maintenance Swanage Building Services................................... 21 Total Woodwork - Peter Albin............................... 29 Puzzles & Competitions Crossword............................................................. 27 Prize Wordsearch.................................................. 25 Renewable Energy Solutions Nick Good Property Services................................. 17 Shoe Repairs John Hagans......................................................... 3 Takeaways Skippers Fish & Chips............................................ 32 Taxis DMB Cars.............................................................. 31 Tool & Plant Hire Sydenhams........................................................... 5 Tree Surgeons Purbeck Arborists................................................. 5 TV Sales & Repairs Repairline............................................................. 21
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