Wonderful Weymouth - February 2022

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Message from our Mayor Win dinner for two at Harveys in the Prize Wordsearch!

Local Businesses Local Clubs & Societies Local Events Delivered by Royal Mail

FEB

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DOWSETT MOTORS LTD USED CARS IN WEYMOUTH • TYRES • MOTs & SERVICING

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We service all makes and models of cars and light commercial vans (up to 3.5 tonne). Including MOTs & Diagnostics.

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Wonderful WEYMOUTH

Edition 2

We are very happy to deliver the second magazine for Weymouth, called “Wonderful Weymouth”. This new publication is for you the resident to easily find all that is local, such as trades people - plumbers, electricians, painters and decorators, as well as shops, services, local artists, days out and much more.

We want this magazine to be a ‘go to’ place for you to see what is happening in our wonderful town. Local clubs and societies can have free advertising, so please let me know if we can help you. Our rates for advertising local Advertise with us businesses are also very affordable and we give free artwork design, Take your business to new heights as well as Facebook and internet with our affordable advertising advertising too. With a new shop front packages! Supply your own artwork or office in Westham Road, we are here use our in-house design and brand for you to collect extra magazines expert. To chat to Debbie or the sales or indeed, come in and say “Hello!” team, give us a call: The magazines are distributed every 01305 443266 month by Royal Mail, but the area alternates. We also have magazines at FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA drop off points in Morrisons and Asda.

Don’t miss out on a chance to win a free meal for two, at Harveys on the Esplanade. Send in your prize wordsearch as you could be the lucky winner!

We are always open to suggestions, so please do let us know what you think of your new, handy publication and if there is any way we can improve the magazine for you!

Very Best Wishes,

Debbie, Stephen & Pippa P.S.Do pop in and say hello at the office, 14A Westham Rd, Weymouth

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enquiries@modernmagazines.co.uk Copy deadline for March edition: 21st February 2022 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.

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

A publication by

ColourFence Fencing, built to last for at least 25 years!

ColourFence is becoming increasingly popular across the UK with homeowners fed up of losing their garden fences to winter storms and the hassle of replacing them. Equally, timber fences decay rapidly and require regular treatment with paint and chemical cleaners.

Unlike standard timber fences, ColourFence is designed to resist harsh weather conditions and will withstand wind gusts of up to 130mph! The weatherproof and durable ColourFence range has a number of core benefits that appeal to homeowners, it’s guaranteed not to warp, crack, rot, peel or colour fade for the next 25 years.

When fencing maintenance costs are high, you want an option that is easy, low maintenance and cost-effective; and ColourFence is all those things and more, not least the 25-year guarantee. No painting, preserving, repairs or harsh cleaning chemicals, just an occasional hose down to keep it looking as good as new.

There’s a choice of colours available, green, brown, cream and blue – to harmonise and enhance your garden’s design.

Choose a trellis in the same shade or contrasting colour.

Both sides of the panels are the same colour meaning both you and your neighbour have a stunning fence to look at year after year, helping you build good neighbourly relations.

The panels are 2.35 metres wide compared to 1.8 metres wide for standard timber panels (so you need fewer panels like for like) and can be cut on-site to custom fit your garden, whatever the size and the natural contours of your land.

Our traditional metal garden gates are ideal for front gardens or driveways. With the ability to choose from simple drop bolts to key operated deadlocks we can guarantee the safety of your garden.

For further information and to arrange a free no obligation survey call 01305 881022 or visit colourfencedorset.co.uk

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Message from our Mayor February signals that spring is just around the corner, with crocuses and snowdrops out and early daffodils beginning to bloom. As the days get lighter for longer, it’s a good time to head out to enjoy one of our beautiful parks and gardens.

For people who enjoy going to Radipole Park and Gardens, it’s going to become an even better visitor experience. Once our contractors are appointed, there will be a whole raft of activity on site which will see the current play provision improved, and a toilet block and a café built as part of a National Lottery Heritage grant awarded to Weymouth Town Council.

I’m delighted to learn about a heartwarming oral history project connected to the park. Weymouth College students are helping the town council interview people who remember it from many years ago, even as far back as the Second World War when US troops gathered there ahead of the D-Day landings. These precious memories will be incorporated into the project as it moves forward.

There is more positive news to share.

Weymouth Town Council announced it will reduce the portion of council tax people will pay towards our services.

The five per cent reduction was agreed

at last month’s Full Council meeting.

With the cost of living continuing to rise, I was really pleased to be able to share this good news story with Weymouth residents.

My recent mayoral engagements have included hosting a Holocaust Memorial Day service, which is always an extremely moving occasion. I’m attending an annual trophy and awards night for a local angling club, and a Sir Samuel Mico Commemoration event. The charity provides educational grants to the under-25s. I’m also due to attend the Thomas Fowell Buxton Society AGM. The society was set up to celebrate the MP for Weymouth and Melcombe Regis (1818 to 1837), who led a campaign to abolish slavery as an economic system. I became Honorary President of the society last year while I’m Mayor of Weymouth.

Keep an eye on our website: www.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk and social media channels for all the latest council news: twitter.com/Weymouth facebook.com/WeymouthWTC

Cllr Colin Huckle Mayor of Weymouth

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Talking about Wildlife...

Birds of a feather...

At about 4pm on a cold winter’s day, the sky may come alive with the shape of birds flocking together, with the sudden deafening sound of chi�er most spectacular sights is approaching

of starlings.

It may surprise you to know that starlings are actually becoming a less common sight in the UK, so seeing a f l o c k o f t h e m i s a wo n d e r f u l t h i n g . birds from Eastern Europe and even species from the far northern regions, Scandinavia.

Birds can move easily and quickly, so they make the most of an annual trip to the UK, with an abundance of food, and a warmer climate to enjoy. their survival this �me of year, as their main advantage is literally their

Photo: Stewart Canham

safety in numbers and they can distract predators with the sheer size of the group, making it hard for them to focus on just one bird when there’s so many, so close together. Large groups of birds can also stay warm, and hunt together, increasing their chances of survival.

Dorset Wildlife Trust nature reserves are an excellent place to witness these special wildlife sights this winter, but in your own garden, by leaving out water and food for birds. Winter is a need all the help they can get!

Find out more about DWT reserves at: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ reserves and share your photos and videos with us at: www.facebook.com/ dorsetwildlife or www.twi�er.com/ dorsetwildlife.

By Sally Welbourn Team - Dorset Wildlife Trust

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Puzzle Page

Quick Crossword 1

Across Clues: 1. Apparent (8)

14. Behaving stupidly (7)

7. Sergeant (5)

17. Spoken (4)

8. Precious stone (7)

18. Large tent (7)

9. Applying heat to ore (7)

21. Ugly creature (7)

10. Unemployed (4)

22. Particular requirement (5)

12. Wellbeing (7)

23. Expression of approval (8)

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#012

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4

5

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7 8 9 10 11

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Down Clues: 1. Black and white bird (6)

11. Conclusion (7)

2. Obscure (8)

13. Almond biscuits (8)

3. Unsuccessful (4)

14. Pale, oval nuts (6)

4. Balancing (6)

15. Immune (6)

5. Gravel (4)

16. More than one (6)

6. Guy ___ Australian actor (6)

19. Competition (4)

7. Nail resin (7)

20. ___ Kournikova Former Tennis player (4)

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Guess the Love Song

Word Ladder

Make your way from LOVE to WARM by changing one letter on each step to make a new word!

LOVE

WARM ANSWERS: (LOVE, MOVE, MORE, WORE, WORM, WARM)

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1.

‘And I didn’t want to write a song, ‘cause I didn’t want anyone thinking I still care.’

2.

‘Like a river flows, surely to the sea…’

3.

‘Say you don’t need no diamond ring and I’ll be satisfied’

4.

‘Love can touch us one time’

5.

‘And I said, Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone’

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‘My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues’

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‘Well open up your mind and see like me’

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‘The one you should call, was standing there all along’

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‘You know I’m just a fool who’s willing to sit around and wait for you’

10. ‘Remember to let her into your heart, then you can start to make it better’

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Carbon Confusion The eco faux pas we perform that don’t help the environment as much as we might hope or imagine.

While every ‘green’ action can have a positive effect, sometimes it’s wise to examine the detail so that we might prioritise really efficient initiatives from those that maybe don’t make as much difference as we would expect.

Single-use plastic is rarely fantastic - There is huge confusion surrounding what can actually be recycled, largely due to the fact that services are run by local authorities and therefore differ from place to place.

Secondly, many factors can disrupt the process meaning your good intentions end up on the rubbish heap. For example, while plastic bottles can be recycled, their lids, rings and wrappers cannot.

Similarly, while the bowl from

your microwave meal will be accepted by your local recycling plant, the film on top will not; while a disposable coffee cup with a plastic lining will be rediverted to the dump.

Some environmentalists have even cited the energy expenditure in heating water in order to wash or clean out home products can feasibly increase our carbon footprint, not decrease it.

So while recycling is effective to a degree, a fool proof solution is simply to cut down on singleuse plastic where possible.

The contentious cotton tote - While the good news is that bringing in a compulsory single-use plastic bag charge in 2015 has led to a 95% drop in usage, the bad news is that some of the alternatives we use may not be as eco-friendly as we think.

For instance, the humble paper bag may degrade faster and more effectively than its plastic relative, but it creates more carbon emissions during production; while you’d need to use a cotton tote 20,000 times to

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equal the emissions waste from a plastic bag.

Despite this, it is still far better to lug your groceries home in a reusable bag as it doesn’t pollute like plastic - just try to opt for a sturdy tote that can be reliably filled again and again.

Querying the carbon offset With such an emphasis on the environment, it has become necessary for many businesses to show customers what they are doing to reduce their carbon footprint.

The problem with this is that these entities rarely have to prove their actions are effective, and even buzzwords words such as ‘sustainable’ and ‘natural’ can be relatively meaningless.

Even if a brand does stick to its word and ‘plants a tree’ for every item sold, there is still no way of ensuring that these forests will grow and flourish to an extent that makes any real difference, so view this kind of marketing with suspicion and assess each pledge on its own merits.

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Trying to reduce your single-use plastic?

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Choosing reusable nappies helps fight climate change, reduces your rubbish, and saves up to £600 off your nappy bill!

Ditch single-use nappies and make reusables the new norm!

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Sculpture to commemorate tenth anniversary of sailing events given the go ahead A sculpture will be designed to commemorate a decade since Weymouth took centre stage for the sailing events at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Councillors on Weymouth Town Council’s Services Committee considered a range of options for an art installation at Nothe Gardens on Wednesday 19th January. The town council will work with the Dorchester-based Arts Development Company to help select artists to come up with a creative design.

Once the final design is chosen, it is expected to be installed in the summer for residents and visitors to the town to enjoy.

Cllr Ryan Hope, Chair of Services Committee, said: “There are so many talented artists in and around Weymouth and across Dorset, so I’m looking forward to seeing what designs come forward for this commemorative sculpture.

in the sailing events, but the sculpture will provide a lasting reminder of the fantastic sporting achievements witnessed in 2012. The location for the art piece was chosen because this is where so many spectators gathered to watch the sailing. It will provide the perfect backdrop for taking photos, marketing Dorset’s beautiful coastline, and sharing new memories about this fantastic event over many years to come. ” An update on the final design will be provided to a future committee meeting.

To view the committee papers visit: weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk/ committee/

“It may be ten years since the games showcased Weymouth 14

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I’m a Dementia Friend You can join me at: dementiafriends.org.uk

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Increasing numbers of homeowners are choosing to hold their properties as tenants in common to reduce inheritance tax and help protect their share from care fees The Property Protection Trust Will package is based around how you hold the ownership of your home. All good estate planning nowadays considers the difference between owning your home as joint tenants or as tenants in common.

If you own your home as Joint Tenants; when one of you dies the ownership of the home passes by the Law of Survivorship and not by your Will. Therefore, the surviving partner will automatically own 100% of the property. This sounds right to most people. BUT should the surviving partner need care in the future, the Local Authority can take everything they own (including their home) to pay for the care fees, leaving just £14,250 to be inherited by children and grandchildren.

There is an alternative.

Nowadays many couples choose to own their home as Tenants in Common where each partner will own 50% of the family home. This provides for many benefits.

Firstly, it allows you to legally leave your share of the property in your Will to whoever you wish.

A properly written Will can ensure that your half of your house will eventually pass to your children even if your widow re-marries.

Unmarried cohabiting couples or relatives living together can also use this means of ownership as a way of minimising their Inheritance Tax exposure.

It can also help with long-term care costs. If one of you is still living in your home the Local Authority can’t include its value in the means test if one of you has to go in to long-term care.

This also applies if the husband or wife still living at home dies while the other is in care as their share will go into the trust.

Dorset and Wight are your local experts in Property Protection Trust Wills.

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Embracing Litter Free Dorset Land and Sea Single use plastic is ending Dorset Council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency firmly guides us. We know that every object we have has an environmental consequence. There is no “disposable” anymore. Every thing, every object has consequences. Please think about our Future to safeguard our environment and us.

You can talk rubbish but please consider what Rubbish really is? Rubbish, waste, byproducts or unwanted objects are a commodity with real value. Your household bin collection is a commodity collection from which the Council sells 60+% as recyclates.

The ambition is to achieve 92% recyclates so only 8% has to be stored for Future remining; only burning the most hazardous.

The Future is about using resources in a smart way. The circular economy is the new vibrant economy of growth and prosperity; important skilled work. Material scientists, product designers and manufacturers all working for a Future by upgrading and redesigning objects. A Future where all objects are made to be easily repaired, reused and recycled and our environment properly protected. New things, every object will become recycled so that cardboard remade to be cardboard, plastic remade to new plastic, bottles remade to be bottles, cans remade to be cans, food leftovers remade to compost.

Congratulations to all the take-way food providers in Weymouth who now only use cardboard boxes & cups with bamboo utensils – brilliant. The next challenge is to stream all these biodegradable byproducts, including dog poo, into Dorset anaerobic digestors to finally becoming soil improvers.

that the proposed merchant waste incinerator at Portland will have to import the majority of the waste from outside Dorset, 80 lorries every day on our roads and shipping it in to the Port, to keep running for 30+ years? Why should we welcome waste from anywhere to our Wonderful Weymouth?

Did you know that the reason given for applying to build the incinerator is to provide electricity to 2 cruise ships berths? This proposal can only manage 15MW electric output. This could be provided by ONE WIND TURBINE offshore, via the national grid, at a sixth of the build cost. Or put another way the same investment to build a 202,000 tonne CO2 greenhouse gas polluting waste incinerator pulling 202,000 tonnes of waste to Portland, that very same money, could provide shore power and jobs by building multiple 15MW offshore wind turbines.

Weymouth has the skills, motivation and tenacity to rise to the challenges to push back against inevitable global warming and rising sea levels. New skilled jobs to ensure our Future. The target is set: be carbon neutral, safeguard our natural assets and our people with clean land, air and sea.

No burning imported waste in our beautiful Dorset, No Portland Waste Incinerator.

by Paula Klaentschi

Beautiful Weymouth says NO to imported waste NO

Did you know that the current Dorset Waste Plan advises that Dorset imports more waste into Dorset than is taken away?

As recycling goes up and up the fuel for incinerators goes down. Did you know

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Spot the Difference!

There are 10 differences between the two images below.

How many can you spot?

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Bursting the bubble?

Underneath the easy-going niceties (and some immaculate clobber) that make Phil Spencer such a perfect fit for light entertainment, lurks a ruthless edge. You couldn’t become a prominent property expert, nor last two decades on Channel 4 hit show Location, Location, Location without firm, singular views on the state of the housing market.

“There is often a perception in the housing market that the experts are totally clued up on what’s to come, but we’re keeping things schtum!” begins the 51-year-old presenter. “The truth is we’re as in the dark as anyone else at times; yet the task in hand is to examine the detail, listen to financial announcements and spot the trends.

“If you can do that, then you can give yourself a pretty good steer on what’s to come.”

thing is, the use of the world bubble implies that it can pop, and I don’t agree, even if the price rises that took place in 2021 cannot continue indefinitely.

“It will be interesting to see how 2022 plays out, but as ever in the UK, when you have a real housing shortage, to the point where I don’t remember a single year when enough houses have been built to meet

Certainly, in these postlockdown days, the housing market in some areas has never looked better, with accelerated growth and a buoyancy that many feel cannot sustain itself.

“I have always been a firm believer in home ownership.

There is no greater cementing of security than in bricks and mortar.”

“I hear the words ‘property bubble’ used a lot; I have done for years,” he smiles. “The the government target, prices will increase.”

Phil Spencer’s caution when it comes to making bold statements is perhaps reflective of the fact the expert has, in the past,

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been a victim of the vagaries of the housing market and its intrinsic link with economic circumstance. His company, Garrington Home Finders Ltd, went into liquidation in 2009 as the financial crash took its toll, yet the Kent-born consultant still steadfastly believes that getting on the housing ladder is beneficial to all.

For people already with mortgages, Spencer also has some guidance. “I’d encourage them to look for opportunities to add value to their properties,” he says. “Don’t rely on the market doing that for you. I believe the market will continue to rise in the long-term, but in order to generate equity and to help fund a second move you need to beat the market, to outperform the market, and the only way of adding value to a house is making it bigger or better.”

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Waving the wand for children with disabilities Merlin’s Magic Wand donated a number of Magical Days Out tickets to Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, enjoyed by children with physical and/or learning disabilities and their families during 2021.

Days out have included trips to Chessington World of Adventures Resort, SEA LIFE Weymouth, and LEGOLAND Windsor, and the charity also provided contributions towards the hire of coaches for each trip. Merlin’s Magic Wand aims to make fun accessible by providing complimentary tickets and travel grants to help families create longlasting memories and take valuable time out from their stressful daily routine.

Erin Woods, charity manager from Merlin’s Magic Wand, commented: “Merlin’s Magic Wand is an international children’s charity that has been creating magical experiences for children who need them most for over 13 years. With the support of our partners, colleagues, beneficiaries, and friends, to date we’ve been able to create over one million magical experiences with our three magical programmes.”

of its services including Project My Time, for children ages eight to 18; Awesome Nights, a youth club for teenagers with special education needs; Coping with CHAOS, providing play sessions for the whole family; and STARs, Diverse Abilities’ newly launched sibling support service.

Clare Rochford, Children’s Team manager, added: “We are honestly so thankful to Merlin’s Magic Wand for supporting us each year, it really does make a huge difference to the families we work with. The daily challenges these families face often make these sorts of days out a daunting experience, and by being able to facilitate these trips means we can take the stress out of the whole process.”

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk for more details about the charity’s services for children and adults with physical and learning disabilities.

Diverse Abilities has been supported by Merlin’s Magic Wand since 2016, and the charities work together to provide fun days out and activities for families through a selection 22

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FINANCIAL ADVISER

Catherine Scard 07763 833 474 catherine.scard@sjpp.co.uk @catherinescardfinance ''I am a holistic adviser which means I cover all aspects of financial planning, but if I had to choose a favourite product to work on, I am passionate about helping clients with their pensions. ''

Offering bespoke arrangements for Investment, Retirement & Estate Planning

01202 695 801 lesterbrunt@sjpp.co.uk @lesterbruntwealthmanagment

Lester Brunt Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management Plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website at www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St.James’s Place representatives.

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23

The Queen in Decades

Buckingham Palace announced recently that it was already beginning plans for Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday, even though she is still over four years from that milestone.

Even now, at 95, Elizabeth still undertakes her seemingly endless list of public and private duties with consummate ease, and to begin the long process of

preparations in the lead-up to her century milestone in 2026, we have compiled a collection of images of the Queen on every decade of her life.

At 20 - Princess Elizabeth in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, seen here with her mother Queen Elizabeth.

At 10 - Princess Elizabeth, right, arriving with her sister, Princess Margaret, at the Royal Tournament, Olympia.

At 40 - The River Severn was at its full tide of 46ft as the Queen opened the world’s seventhlongest bridge with Mrs Barbara Castle

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At 30 - Harry Primrose, the 6th Earl Of Rosebery, With Queen Elizabeth Ii At Epsom On Oaks Day

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At 50 - Queen Elizabeth II visits Associated Newspapers in Fleet Street, London, in 1976

At 60 - Queen Elizabeth II with David Attenborough, filming the Christmas Message in the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace

At 70 - Queen Elizabeth II out and about in her Range Rover

At 90 - Queen Elizabeth II is accompanied

by Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness, as she unveils a portrait of herself by artist Colin Davidson at Crosby Hall in London

At 80 - The Queen at the State Opening of Parliament in November 2006

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Safe Sleep 2022 - Refresh Weymouth Safe Sleep has started. Four guests who would normally sleep on the streets were welcomed at the Riviera on Monday 10th January and more arrived during the week. They are being accommodated in single rooms where it is warm, dry and comfortable, and they will stay there for the next three months.

Breakfast is provided by the Riviera and dinners are cooked and delivered by an army of volunteers from different churches across Weymouth and Portland. On a Thursday evening the guests are served dinner in St Mary’s Church, an opportunity to be in a different place and eat with each other around a table.

Safe Sleep began four years ago as a partnership between the Lantern

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Trust, Julian House and Refresh, the Church of Weymouth and Portland in Action.

Over these four years, due to Covid, it has had to move away from using the church buildings to sleep in to its present format at the Riviera.

Many of the guests from previous years are now living in their own accommodation thanks to the work of the team at the Lantern Trust. The Lantern offers a range of services including advocacy, health care, welfare benefits and housing and accommodation support. More information can be found on their website: lanterntrust.org.uk/what-we-do/ or check out their Facebook page.

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27

Creature Comforts Presenter Kate Humble, on the natural beauty all around us, and how protecting is something we all need to invest in.

It’s hard not to feel a sense of pride in Great Britain when you talk to Kate Humble. With her infectious enthusiasm for all things natural, backed up by an encyclopaedic knowledge of British wildlife, the former Springwatch, Autumnwatch, and Lambing Live presenter positively exudes a love for animals and wildlife that have made her one of the nation’s most well-loved personalities.

But the aptly-named Humble is adamant that it’s the animals, and not her presence, that made her various TV commitments – and plethora of seasonal spin-offs – such a massive hit with viewers across the UK. “As much as I love and will always love going to other parts of the world and filming and seeing and spending time with other wildlife, no one ever gets bored of the British countryside, be that the rolling hills, a simple stream, or a blue tit.

“I think the reason is that almost anybody – wherever

they live – can look out of their window and see a beautiful animal in its natural habitat, and what has become very obvious over the years, across various programmes, is that people almost feel a sense of ownership over those creatures that we follow, and that they follow themselves at home.”

Her most recent book, Thinking on My Feet: The small joy of putting one foot in front of another, took a rather more holistic view of our natural environment, and focused more on her incredible ability to immerse both herself and fans in the virtues of the British countryside “I think helping people love, respect and enjoy the countryside is more important now than ever before,” she says.

“Never before have there been so many restraints on or rivals to people’s time; so while we hear a lot about protecting our

28

wild spaces by not overrunning them with tourism, at the same time it’s really important to get people out there, both for their own mental health and so that they can contribute to the rural communities that, in turn, support smaller wildlife projects.”

And whether we live next to a great expanse of green, or are city-based and require a more dedicated trip to a green space, there is so much we can do around us. “As the seasons start to change, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how you can help wildlife flourish in your local area,” Humble explains. “We rely on wildlife for enjoyment and beauty, and wildlife relies on us for sustainability in more ways than you would imagine. If we help each other out, we both benefit.”

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Tiny Wonders Six subtle lifestyle adjustments that can elevate you to a place where physical fullness feels a step closer.

ONE - Embrace fats - So while bacon, sausage and cake remain off the radar, ‘good fats’ such as avocado, olive oil, nuts and fish should be incorporated into meals and snacks as a great method for boosting a base level of fuel and energy within the body.

TWO - Water carrier - The human body requires around two litres of water each day to function at optimal efficiency. In simple terms, measured and efficient intake of H2O means more energy, better complexion and even weight loss, given that drinking the pure stuff suppresses hunger.

THREE - Movement - Whilst it sounds straightforward, getting up and moving around is something that’s simple, yet we neglect to do it so often. Regular movement means profound and important improvements to overall health.

FOUR - Sleep Getting shut-eye is the fullest and most accomplished system for the body’s ability to recharge its batteries. The recommendation is for 7-9 hours of sleep every night, with lack of sleep not only impairing body function and mental alertness, but also raising the chance of obesity.

FIVE - Simple supplements Rather than being a cheat for good health, supplements can provide us with timely and measured boosts for all the vitamins and minerals we may be missing from our regular diets.

SIX - Dr Feelgood - As much as the initial focus should be on securing the framework of who we are – our bodies – embarking on projects that provoke mental stimulus and satisfaction are just as important.

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35

A Design for Life… The Kevin McCloud Column Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the affable architectural business owner reveals his top tenets for architectural life and living happily.

It’s an architect’s job to figure out what are the important things in our lives; it’s to organise space and light and volume that we live in, and to provide the best possible experiences for us to flourish.

When you think of it like that, architecture comes with a very simple a set of objectives really, doesn’t it?

I think it’s sometimes easy to lose sight of those things. We are inspired and driven and teased almost by what see on the television and in magazines.

We are made to suppose that bigger is better, when in reality it really isn’t.

I often encourage people to look after the very basic elements

36

of what comprises our homes – things like storage, things like views up to the sky. I try to steer them away from mass or complication, because the fact is the more stuff we fill our lives with, the more there is to go wrong.

In the same manner, happiness really doesn’t reside in numbers - it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality.

And so if you can’t afford somewhere big don’t worry, it’s a false God. A big place won’t bring you happiness - what brings you happiness in the end is relationships with human beings.

Ultimately, good architecture is a reflection of your soul, rather than an extension of your being. You should design your space so that it complements who you are as a person. I have seen many houses on Grand Designs that take seemingly normal people into wild expressions of contemporary ambition – it’s like they have epiphanies in the design process of a build and have convinced

themselves that they are ready to undergo an entire image change in the construction of their home.

Ultimately, what generally happens is that once they’ve lived out that fantasy for six months or a year or however long, they realise they didn’t want that level of change after all, and find themselves making adjustments so that their living space begins to come back round to being a bit safer, a bit more sanitised, a bit more comfortable.

That’s not to say we shouldn’t reach out and be ambitious – just be ambitious in terms of what’s true to yourself, rather than true to what you’ve seen online.

Be pragmatic, be disciplined and connect to those very primal desires you have, rather than those of fantasy and outrageous aspiration. Focus on the boring stuff first - it will actually serve you well.

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Wonderful Weymouth

Prize Wordsearch

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This month, the prize is a meal for two at Harveys in Wemouth, so please complete this page by 28th February 2022 and send to: February Prize Wordsearch Name: ______________________ Wonderful Weymouth, Address: ______________________ 14a Westham Road, ______________________ Weymouth, ______________________ DT4 8NS Telephone: ______________________

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39

Greenfingers… the Alan Titchmarsh column He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and all-round horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about how our gardens can move us to a place of peace.

While gardens mean different things to all of us, it’s when I venture into these tranquil spaces that I truly get a sense of their calming and healing power, and I find that hugely enriching. Most gardens and landscapes naturally come with a real feeling of gentleness – from the choice of flowers and plants, to gentle sweeps and curves that guide the eye onwards, to a softness and subtlety that may be a world away from some of the physical or emotional struggles we are going through; and I feel it is this dramatic contrast that really transports someone back to a place of comfort, even if just for a little while.

What is also really important for me when I visit gardens

at hospices and hospitals, is the reminder that these spaces are not just for those who are residents. They also give hope, clarity, peace and a sense of calm to visiting families and, most importantly, the people who work there.

Certainly, with everything that has happened over the past couple of years with Covid, and the realisation that we need to consider and protect workers and staff who look after us, I would like to think those on the frontline can wrestle back their own sense of contentment when soaking up the fresh air and beauty of a garden, where they can move away from a job that’s very hard and emotionally draining.

I would like to see more attention given to gardens and outdoor spaces in our health institutions, and in workspaces in general. They are more important than we imagine.

40

Simple sweeps of flowers, plants and foliage are inspiring; the sight of an olive tree can move our minds to far-off places; and we all know how calming a cascade of water can be. It’s all very peaceful and there’s nothing complicated or frenetic.

Gardens are evolving, living things that are always changing – in fact they’re much like us in that respect! For me, on those days where I feel everything’s a bit fraught and frantic, and when I just can’t get to grips with anything, I go to sit in the garden or potter about to find myself, and it really works!

Life is a compromise, and you can’t always be on top of things, but gardens truly prove to me the healing qualities that exist within nature, and we’re so fortunate to have them.

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41

4

QUIRKY FACTS

by Mica Bale Where did January go? It seems like no time at all has passed since that month had just arrived and we were delving into another fistful of fun facts to get us through the cold winter months. Now the shortest month of the year is here and hopefully soon spring will be upon us. Until then, why not enjoy another handful of Dorset's quirky facts?

1

PHOTO: Tom Bastin, Wikipedia Commons License

Did you know that it is nearly seventy years since Princess Margaret visited Bridport and stood to give a speech outside the Town Hall to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the town receiving its royal charter? Reportedly thousands of locals as well as many visitors came to visit Bridport to catch a glimpse of the Princess. Today visitor to Bridport can enjoy a glimpse of the town’s fascinating heritage at the Town Hall which itself is a relic from a bygone era, having been built in the latter 1700s and now enjoying Grade 1 listed status.

2

Did you know that it is 135 years since the Victoria Community Hospital in Wimborne was founded? Built in recognition of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, the small community hospital was an intimate affair, with room for just nine patients. Better known as a cottage hospital, a rent of five shillings each year was exacted and it was to be opened to the poor of the parish, cared for by a sole matron who worked tirelessly to attend to the ailing. Reportedly, despite the honour behind its opening, the cottage hospital was exactly that and reportedly the operating theatre doubled as the bathroom, no doubt causing many a shock.

3 42

Interestingly, the pretty parish of Colehill has evidence that it has been occupied since at least as early as 2000 BC. From ancient history to modern times, the small settlement has played its part in a very special slice of modern day history, that of being home to the inventor of the world wide web, Tim Berners-Lee. Little did the earliest occupants of Colehill know of the modern day inventors and inventions that would come millennia after themselves!

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Did you know that Bournemouth boasts some of the oldest beach huts in the UK? Built in 1909, the beach huts were the first to be opened to the public. With around 2000 beach huts in the area, reportedly the oldest of them all is hut number 2359 which is commemorated with its very own blue plaque!

5

Built in the 19th century, it would be easy to assume that Dorchester’s Keep Museum was a remnant from centuries ago.

Designed to look like a Norman keep, the museum is a fitting stronghold for the preservation of th history of so many of the county’s military regiments. First used as the barracks of the 39th Dorchester PHOTO: Nigel Reeve Regiment of Foot, today the Keep is known for its memorabilia and research records for countless soldiers and officers. Among its collections and resources are war diaries, records, photographs, medals and artefacts that offer a fascinating insight for family research or indeed a snapshot into Dorset’s military heritage through the ages.

ENJOY THIS FEATURE IN EVERY ISSUE!

4 Did you know that Bournemouth boasts some of the oldest beach huts in the UK? Built in 1909, the beach huts were the first to be opened to the public. With around 2000 beach huts in the area, reportedly the oldest of them all is hut number 2359 which is commemorated with its very own blue plaque!

5

Built in the 19th century, it would be easy to assume that Dorchester’s Keep Museum was a remnant from centuries ago.

Designed to look like a Norman keep, the museum is a fitting stronghold for the preservation of th history of so many of the county’s military regiments. First used as the barracks of the 39th Dorchester PHOTO: Nigel Reeve Regiment of Foot, today the Keep is known for its memorabilia and research records for countless soldiers and officers. Among its collections and resources are war diaries, records, photographs, medals and artefacts that offer a fascinating insight for family research or indeed a snapshot into Dorset’s military heritage through the ages.

ENJOY THIS FEATURE IN EVERY ISSUE! Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

43

Jamie Oliver’s Chai Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce Introduction

There has been a tradition in recent years to let our Christmas flavours and tastes extend into the new year, and I really like that. After all, why should it be that we can’t enjoy turkey in spring, or add brandy butter to our desserts in summer.

Dates are one of those fruits that count as another festive filler that seems to be forgotten about during other times of the year, but I don’t see why – they’re sweet, full of texture and actually really versatile.

So as we work our way through winter, why not extend that homely, rustic feeling with this date and toffee pudding. It’s warm, tasty and reassuring; and unlike Christmas, it won’t cost you the earth!

Ingredients

(serves 6)

• 150g unsalted butter (at room temperature), plus extra for greasing • 500g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting • 500g dried pitted dates

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 160°C and place a tray of water in the bottom (this creates steam to keep the pudding moist), then butter and flour a 25cm tin.

Now chop the pitted dates, and zest the orange.

the date mixture, then pour into the Bundt tin.

• 1 orange • 2 chai tea bags • 20g of bicarb • 350g dark brown sugar • 5 large free-range eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 50g golden syrup • 75g black treacle For the Toffee Sauce • 125g double cream • 50g unsalted butter • 50g dark brown sugar • 30g golden syrup • 1 lug of brandy

44

2. Boil 400ml of water, turn the heat off, then add the tea bags and infuse for 3mins. Boil again, whisk in the bicarb and add the dates. Leave to one side to cool to room temperature.

3. Next, cream the butter and sugar in a food processor until light and fluffy. Now whisk the eggs, vanilla, orange zest, golden syrup and treacle and pour into the butter mixture in stages, beating until smooth each time. Sieve the flour and fold gently into the batter. Stir in

4. Bake for one hour, or until a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tins for 5mins.

5. Pop all the sauce ingredients in a small pan and bring to the boil over a medium heat.

Simmer for 5mins, stirring, then remove from the heat.

6. Finally, invert the pudding onto a platter and baste with a little of the sauce. Serve with clotted cream and the remaining sauce on the side.

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A selection of locations to choose from...

Seaviews Weymouth - Spacious one bedroom apartment on Weymouth Esplanade with stunning views across the bay - airbnb.com/h/seaviewsweymouth

Retreat @ Rockley - Cozy and relaxing two bedroom park home with views across Poole Harbour and close to beach airbnb.com/h/retreatatrockley

Waterfront @ Rockley - Cozy and relaxing waterfront two bedroom park home with uninterrupted views across Poole Harbour airbnb.com/h/rockleywaterfront

Theta Glade - Homely, quiet, semi-rural location near forest. Three/four bedroom property with spacious lounge/dining room and large garden to rear - airbnb.com/h/thetaglade

For more information about any of these locations, please visit their respective web pages or give Debbie a call on

07886 641600

Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

45

Advertisers Index

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

Blinds, Curtains & Shutters

Garage Services

Pest Control Services

Ashley Blinds .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

41 ................................................................................................................................................................

Dowsett Motors 3 ..........................................................................................

PPCS Pest Control 19 .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Shuttercraft 27

Garden Services

Building Supplies

Plumbers

Colourfence Dorset & South ................................................................................................................................................................

5 ..........................................................................................

Heatcare UK Limited 31 Somerset .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

MKM 21 ..........................................................................................

KDL Plumbing and Heating 35 ................................................................................................................................................................

Ironwork of Distinction 38 ..........................................................................................

NO.1 PHD 29 ................................................................................................................................................................

SR Works Ltd 47 ................................................................................................................................................................

Weymouth Fencing and Sheds 41

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Solicitors

..........................................................................................

Winterborne Legal Services 15 .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Chesil Carpet Cleaning 41

Gifts & Collectibles

................................................................................................................................................................

Wardon Hill Trading Post 35

Telephone Systems

Carpets & Flooring

..........................................................................................

BIPCOM Voice and Data Solutions 48 Kingsland Carpets .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

15 Holiday Accommodation .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Weymouth Flooring 35 ................................................................................................................................................................

The Location Collection 45

TV Sales & Servicing

..........................................................................................

Sound & Vision 4 U 11

Charities

Hotels & Restaurants .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Dorset Abilities Group 7 ................................................................................................................................................................

Harveys Wine bar 38 Vehicle Sales

..........................................................................................

Dowsett Motors 3

Drainage Services

Locksmiths Dorset Drain Unblocking .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

19 ................................................................................................................................................................

Key Tek 15 .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

NO.1 PHD 29 ................................................................................................................................................................

Paul Parrott Locksmiths 11 Waste Services

..........................................................................................

Dorset Council 13

Driveways

Mobility Products & Dorset Showhomes Ltd .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2 Services .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Southern Counties Resins 32 Will Writing Services ................................................................................................................................................................

Active Mobility 9 ..........................................................................................

Dorset & Wight Wills 17 ................................................................................................................................................................

Rapid Mobility Ltd 33 Electrical Appliances

.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Domestic Appliance Centre 32

Mortgage Advisors

Worktops

..........................................................................................

Vision Worksurfaces Ltd 37 ................................................................................................................................................................

Happy Home Mortgages Ltd 41

Financial Advisors

.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Lester Brunt Wealth Management 23

Office Supplies

................................................................................................................................................................

Waverly Supplies 11

Funeral Directors

Grassby and Stockting Funeral .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

31 Services

46

To advertise in this magazine, call 01305 443266

“Firstly, we couldn’t rate Simon highly enough for the standard of service and workmanship...”

Leigh & Chris

“We would like to pass on our thanks to you for making a fantastic job of installing our new front lawn...”

Steven & Alison

Providing residential, commercial, industrial and sports artificial grass installations and services to customers in Dorset

BEFORE

E: simon@srworks.co.uk

AFTER

T: 07734 679 747

www.srworks.co.uk

31 Sea Clover Lane, Wyke Regis, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9GN Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

47

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