The Dorchester Directory - January 2020

January 2020

Promoting your local area

THE

DORCHESTER

Directory

All major credit & debit cards accepted

& DEVELOPERS LTD

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Brought to you by

Dorset Publications Promoting your local area

www.dorsetpublications.co.uk

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Email: info@philiptrimcontractors.com

To advertise in The Dorchester Directory, please call: 01929 408080

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Stay warm this winter!

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 hea�ng is ready for fes�ve 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

Please mention The Dorchester Directory when responding to adverts

Welcome...

4

Dear Dorchester residents,

The Dorchester Directory Edition 11

Published by:

Stephen & Debbie Corney at Dorset Publications

Telephone: 01929 408080

Email:

info@dorchesterdirectory.co.uk

Copy deadline for the February edition: 13th January 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 Dorchester Directory 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.

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

After all the festivities you may have some time to sit quietly, have a read and plan your next twelve months. The local businesses and trades inside are here for you to make that planning a reality. They love to hear from you, so please make their day and give them a call. It makes all our work here worthwhile. It is what we are here for.

If you have any questions or suggestions for improving your magazine, please let me know. We are very happy to hear from you.

All the Very Best for 2020!

Debbie, Stephen, Hayden & Daichi

Useful Numbers Dorchester Police 101 Scottish & Southern Energy 0345 071 9710 Transco Gas Emergency 0800 111 999 Dorchester Hospital 01305 251150

Train Enquires First Bus Company Wessex Water Dorchester Library

08457 484950 0345 646 0707 0345 600 4 600 01305 224440

To advertise in The Dorchester Directory, please call: 01929 408080

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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, etc.

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

DRAIN UNBLOCKING • Toilets • Sinks • Baths • Showers • Sewers • Soakaways • Camera Surveys • Drain Repairs & New Installations 24/7

01305 70 55 80 www.dorsetdrainunblocking.co.uk

Classic and contemporary solutions from Tuscany Blinds & Shutters Ltd Tuscany Blinds & Shutters Ltd has over 30 years experience supplying and installing blinds, shutters and awnings. A small family owned business based in Bournemouth, we service homes and offices in Dorset and Hampshire. We offer a wide range of products, specialising in plantation shutters and patio coverings. At Tuscany Blinds & Shutters Ltd, we only source the best products, offering you classic and contemporary solutions for every taste.

01202 848628 | info@tuscanyblinds.com | www.tuscanyblinds.com Please mention The Dorchester Directory when responding to adverts

Community News

6

Calling all book lovers!

A popular home library service, run by Royal Voluntary Service, the national volunteering organisation, is looking to grow its service for housebound readers in the Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland area.

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

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

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

offers a vital link to the local library.

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

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

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

www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

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

To advertise in The Dorchester Directory, please call: 01929 408080

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LOW MA

ANCE INTEN

DITED AC CR E PROFESSIONAL

INSTALLATION

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Community News

8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prizes include iPads and tablets and the winning entries

To advertise in The Dorchester Directory, please call: 01929 408080

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Dorset & Wight Wills Your Local Experts in providing Affordable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All home visits are completely FREE of charge.

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

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

www.dorsetandwight.co.uk

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To advertise in The Dorchester Directory, please call: 01929 408080

11

MASTERS IN BLOCK PAVING AND TARMAC

County Block Paving

Ltd SINCE 1990

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wardon hill trading post

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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

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Wildlife News

12

Talking about Wildlife...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robin

Photo: Alexander Mustard

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

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

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

By Sally Welbourn

To advertise in The Dorchester Directory, please call: 01929 408080

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 07516 473023

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Domestic Gas • General plumbing • Boiler installations • Boiler service & breakdowns

Commercial

Oil

• Central heating fault finding • Landlord gas safety checks • Gas appliance health checks

LPG • Full appliance strip & service • Central heating power flush • Free estimates

If you require assisance, please don’t hesitate to call...

St Jude’s Care is an exceptional Award Winning provider of home care throughout Dorset

We specialise in Domiciliary Care by the hour in the areas of Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester.

This can be for personal care, companionship and reassurance, assistance with meals and medication and help with domestic tasks or shopping.

We also provide a Hot Meal Delivery Service providing freshly cooked meals delivered to your home on china plates, ready to eat. Available in Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester postcode area of DT1 only.

St Jude’s Care are specialist providers of 24 hour Live-in Care, throughout Dorset. This is a real alternative to a Nursing Home and enables you to remain independent, enjoying the comforts and familiarity of your own home.

Please call us on 01305 799 888 or email enquiries@stjudescare.co.uk Visit our website: www.stjudescare.co.uk

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What’s On 2020…

17th January 2020

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

17th January 2020 M**der in The Bunker

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

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

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

Tel: 01305 261849.

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

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

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

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

24th January 2020 Don Giovanni - Rogue Opera

29th January 2020 Harmony Rocks Choir

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

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

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

25th January 2020

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

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

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

1st February 2020 Stargazing at Durlston

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

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

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

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

www.WhatsOnInDorset.co.uk

Community News

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D U RA

F

Fraud is becoming more complex and deceptive, much of which is targeted at vulnerable and elderly people.

Fraudsters want your money and will do and say anything they can to try to get it!

Please be aware - if you are offered something that sounds too good to be true or asked to do something that you feel is strange, please hang up and report it.

For a list of the latest phone and online scams, please visit the Dorset Police Fraud Alerts page on our website.

For online safety and security advice, please visit the Dorset Police cyber-crime page or go to Get Safe Online for information and advice.

If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, of any description, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

If a crime is in a progress, call the police on the emergency number, 999.

To advertise in The Dorchester Directory, please call: 01929 408080

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

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HOME OFFICES

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

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MEDIA UNITS

STORAGE SOLUTIONS

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

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18

Puzzle Corner

Pop the kettle on...

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8 3

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9

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1

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6 2 4

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2 5 3

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Crossword

Across 8 Sieve (4) 9 Uncompromising (10) 10 A short passage at the end of a literary work (6) 11 Longing (8) 12 Effervesce (4) 13 Unfinished (10) 17 Decorate with gold leaf (4) 18 A Great Lake (5) 19 Coral island (4) 20 Opinion pieces in newspapers (10) 22 A stupid person (4) 23 Cajoles (8) 27 Fail to fulfill a promise (6) 28 Companionship (10) 29 Appear (4)

Down 1 Made less complex (10) 2 Used (8) 3 The kookaburra bird (10) 4 Chancy (4) 5 Queen of the gods (Greek mythology) (4)

6 Converse non-verbally (6) 7 Scheme (4) 14 Papal court (5) 15 An unpublished literary work (10) 16 Systematic religious beliefs (10)

19 Incivility (8) 21 Increase threefold (6) 24 Gardening tools (4) 25 Lascivious (4) 26 Area of central London (4)

To advertise in The Dorchester Directory, please call: 01929 408080

19

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fRIRlS'-'tl

Email: sales@wessexaerials.co.uk Phone: (01305) 813010 - Weymouth (01305) 470055 - Dorchester www.wessexaerials.co.uk

• TRAILER SALES • TRAILER PARTS & SPARES (next day delivery) • TRAILER SERVICE & REPAIRS • TRAILER HIRE Suppliers and Installers of: Aerial - Satellite - CCTV Wi-Fi points for domestic and commercial situations.

01929 462534

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

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

Please mention The Dorchester Directory when responding to adverts

20

Domestic/Commercial | Above/Below Ground Plastic Bunded & Single Skin Tanks Metal Tanks, Fuel Stations, Fire Tanks Water Tanks, LPG, Emergency Pump-outs Oil Tank Disposal Service | Boiler Removal Interest-free payment terms if required

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

CAMERAS & BINOCULARS WANTED

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

01202 862886

You’ve always known you had potential. isn’t it time you unleashed it?

BUY And rEAd

Dianetics the MoDern science of M e n ta l h e a lt h

by L. Ron Hubbard PricE: £16

Church of Scientology Mission of Dorset North House, North Street, Poole, BH15 1NX

Tel: 01202 257788

dorset@scientology.net • www.scientologydorset.org

10% off your first clean with this advert

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Commercial Enquires Welcome

To advertise in The Dorchester Directory, please call: 01929 408080

AVE MOVED

21

WE H

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OUR SERVICES

WE

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Branded Workwear PVC Banners Siteboards

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Adventures of Daichi

22

The Adventures of Daichi

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

Daichi really did his homework this month.

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

Stephen pretending to be David Bailey

A sighting of the lesser-spotted Debbie!

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

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

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

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

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

To advertise in The Dorchester Directory, please call: 01929 408080

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

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

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

Daichi’s welcome whistling kettle...

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Debbie Corney

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Gardening Tips

24

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

Jobs for January:-

• Plan your crops • Protect crops against the cold and from pests such as pigeons • Sew le�uces indoors • Start rhubarb crowns Gardening may be the last thing on your mind in the cold weather but this is the perfect �me to plan what to grow and where this season.

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

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

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

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

for easy access all the way around. The deeper you can make them the be�er and higher beds will mean less bending when you are plan�ng out seedlings, harves�ng or weeding.

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

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

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

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

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Community News

26

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

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

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

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

provide the best possible experience for our visitors.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Food & Drink

28

Naturally good...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Index of advertisers

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

Aerials Wessex Aerials....................................................... 19 Bedrooms Custom Creations.................................................. 17 Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds.......................................................... 3 Broadview Shading Solutions................................31 Tuscany Blinds....................................................... 5 Books Dianetics: The modern science of mental health....20 Builders & Carpenters Jim Baggley Building Services................................ 2 Purbeck Home Improvements............................... 1 Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras.............................................. 20 Care Services St Jue’s Care........................................................... 13 Community News Adventures of Daichi............................................. 22 Calling all book lovers!.......................................... 6 Dorset Police: Action Fraud...................................16 Dorset Wildlife Trust: The secret world of the robin..............................12 Hendy Toyota invites children to enter 2020 Dream Car Art Contest........................................ 8 Kids Page............................................................... 10 Naturally good: Roasted Acorn Squash.................28 On your plot: Planning veg for the year ahead.....24 Puzzles................................................................... 18 Talbot Village Trust provides funding for Burngate Stone Carving Centre..........................26 What’s On in Dorset.............................................. 14 Drainage Services All Drains Cleared.................................................. 9 Dorset Drain Unblocking....................................... 5 Driveways County Block Paving.............................................. 11 White & Sons......................................................... 18 Garage Doors Garolla................................................................... 25

Garden Services All Grass Landscapes............................................. 5 ColourFence........................................................... 7 Graphic Designers Goodwin Graphics................................................. 21 Hearing Services Clarity Hearing...................................................... 19 Mobility Products & Services Active Mobility....................................................... 29 Oil Tank Services Bryan G Pauley...................................................... 20 Optical Services Williams Harris...................................................... 27 Oven Cleaners Oven King.............................................................. 20 Plumbers Heatcare................................................................ 3 The Gas Man......................................................... 13 Property Maintenance Jim Baggley Building Services................................ 2 Solicitors Hall’s Property Lawyers......................................... 5 Humphries Kirk...................................................... 32 Trailers Wessex Trailers...................................................... 19 Tree Surgeons Leaks Tree Care...................................................... 11 Vintage & Collectables Wardon Hill Trading Post....................................... 11 Waste Services Philip Trim Contractors.......................................... 2 Will Writing Services Dorset & Wight Wills............................................. 9 Legal Eagle Wills.................................................... 25

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