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CONTAINING ESSENTIAL NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL COUNCILS

Riding the Get set for the Coronacoaster. Air Festival ‘18 More road ‘transformation’ What will new council plans announced. - page 4 –look page like? 4

Post-lockdown Summer holiday money saving tips. – ideas page 19 - page 8

Local lockdown Where to go and what stories – page 12 to see see pages 16 & 17

find us onlineFind at bhliving.co.uk us online at bhliving.co.uk

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ARTICLE TITLE

It’s life Jim, but not as we know it. Hello everyone and welcome to the summer edition of BH Living. I hesitate to call it the Summer edition, as Summer is very nearly behind us. Firstly, I wanted to apologies to those of you who were expecting this edition in late June/early July – the time of the year that our summer edition usually comes out. This year has been very different and we, like many, had to shut our offices in March. We returned late June but all the news and events we’d originally written were either out of date or as in the case of the latter, cancelled. So, our Summer edition is a little different this year. We’d usually have a centre pullout section crammed with ideas and inspiration for things to do in our lovely part of the country. Sadly, our What’s On listing has been reduced to the singe page on page 30 for this edition. As we emerge from our isolation, most events are still cancelled until further notice but the future looks more promising with lots of events scheduled for late 2020/ early 2021. But until then, as in the immortal words of Mr Spock in Star Trek “It’s life Jim, but not as we know it” So, in this edition, we’ve got some more uplifting and upbeat features to help throw off the doom and gloom of lockdown and Coronavirus and boost the positive vibes; We’ve got stories from local people in Lockdown on page 12, a handy A-Z post-lockdown Health and fitness guide to help us get our bodies and minds back in tip-top condition on page 15, and there’s some great money saving tips in our money section on page 18. If you’re a lover of our furry four legged friends, of the waggy tail variety, check out our Happy Dawg competition – it’s heat two and we’ve got some adorable bundles of fun featured in this edition. There’s also more local news in this edition including details of BCP Council’s new transport initiatives which have created quite a stir locally. We’ve noticed a new style of governance from our elected representatives over recent months. ‘Consultation’ now seems to be in the form of implementing measures and then seeing what everybody thinks of it afterwards! An interesting approach but from a residents’ point of view, it could feel like our views are not being considered before implementing plans that affect us all. This was clearly apparent when the council were forced to hastily backtrack on plans for East Overcliff Drive. BCP Council received a petition with over 2,000 people objecting to the scheme. You may wish to check out the council’s plans for other road schemes in our News section on page 4 to see if any of them affect you. Until next time,

Jason Harris

Contents 4-8 9-11 12-14 15-16 18-19 19-22 24 26 28 29 30

Local News Business News Coronacoaster Stories Bounce out of Lockdown Money Money Tips Book Review Charity News Happy Hounds Competition Time For Tea What’s On

BH Living Magazine, both in print and electronically, is produced, published and distributed by IMS Group who are an independent magazine publisher with no affiliation to any council or political party. All views and comments expressed in editorial content or by advertisers do not necessarily reflect the views of IMS Group. BH Living is distributed door-to-door in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole to over 170,000 households. It can also be found at selected pick-up points across the three towns. All content is copyrighted by IMS Group and may not be used or reproduced wholly or in part without the written consent of IMS Ltd. Published & Produced by: IMS Group Distributed by: IMS Group Editor: Jason Harris Features writer: Vikki Cook Graphic Design: Dan Bartlett For editorial enquiries contact: editor@bhliving.co.uk For advertising enquiries contact: sales@ims-group.co.uk For distribution or subscription enquiries contact: distribution@ims-group.co.uk

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’Trials to take place across BCP for road layout changes Changes to roads on Boscombe and Southbourne Overcliffs now suspended

Changes made to Victoria Park Road in Bournemouth

A trial scheme was also due to be launched in Boscombe and Southbourne, to limit motorist access for 18 metres around the junctions of Shelley Park and Chessel Avenue in Boscombe Overcliff Drive, and for 55 metres around Seaward Avenue and Portman Crescent in Southbourne Overcliff Drive. Clear signage, timber planters and bollards will indicate access restrictions in these zones. An enhanced cycle route, as an alternative to the promenade, will also be provided. Access will still be permitted for properties, businesses and parking spaces

A trial scheme began in Victoria Park Road, Bournemouth on 17 August, aimed at providing a safer travel route for pedestrians and cyclists. The experimental traffic regulations order saw timber planters and bollards placed at the junction where Namu Road and Oates Road meet Victoria Road. The route has frequently been used as a cut-through between Boundary Road and Wimborne Road and the hope is that it will make the area safer, especially given its proximity to the Bournemouth Blind Society and Moordown St.John’s School.

The council claimed that the changes are ‘a prominent step towards reducing the carbon footprint in the BCP area; a vital part of tackling the current climate crisis’. The changes were planned to take effect shortly on a 6 month trial basis, with the council reviewing subsequent feedback from residents. Motorists and cyclists. However, following a local petition containing over 2000 signatures, the BCP Council have now suspended plans and said they will have further discussions in light of local opposition..

The trial won’t affect access to homes or parking, and residents will have the chance to voice their opinion on the change over the six-month trial period before a decision is made on making the alterations permanent.

www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/Council-and-Democratic/ Consultation-And-Research/Consultations/Boscombeand-Southbourne-Overcliff-Drives.aspx

Have your say by visiting the BCP website and completing the survey at: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/Council-andDemocratic/Consultation-And-Research/Consultations/ Victoria-Park-Road.aspx

Your COVID Recovery A new website is providing expert information to those who have battled coronavirus, to help them care for their physical and mental health during their recovery. With reports stating that some sufferers have experienced prolonged difficulties after fighting off the virus, it’s sure to be a welcome source of support for many. There’s even a handy section with advice for family, friends and carers helping someone recover. Find out more at yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk

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LOCAL NEWS Three trial low traffic neighbourhoods to be created in Poole and Springbourne Birds Hill Road and Stanley Green Road in Poole and Windham Road in Springbourne will be experiencing lower traffic levels from 31 August as BCP Council introduces three experimental low traffic neighbourhoods. These are designed to provide a safer and more attractive environment for people to walk and cycle through these areas and will be reviewed after six months, during which time people will be able to have their say about the schemes through a formal consultation. Birds Hill Road will become a no-through road, with only buses and bicycles permitted to exit onto Longfleet Road, while neighbouring Churchfield Road will also become a no-through road with bollards and planters preventing traffic at its junction with Fernside Road. The Route One bus service will be unaffected. Seven on-street parking places will be removed to enable these changes.

over the railway bridge between Windham Road and St Clements Road, was also proposed, though implementation has been paused to allow for further consultation. This will mean that it is not in place for the return to school this September. Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Transport, BCP Council, said: “We are committed to a sustainable environment, and we hope these low traffic neighbourhoods will encourage people making short journeys to walk or cycle to work, school and for leisure while permitting effective social distancing, instead of using a car. This helps reduce congestion for all road users”.

Stanley Green Road will see closures implemented at three junctions, with through traffic prevented on Tatnam Road, Wimborne Road and on the one-way section westbound at Vicarage Road. Only one on-street parking place will be lost. In Springbourne, an experimental junction closure will be implemented on Windham Road at its junction with Ashley Road. A trial closure of part of adjacent Cleveland Road,

Full details of each scheme and online feedback forms can be found at bcpcouncil. gov.uk/birdshill, bcpcouncil.gov.uk/springbourne and bcpcouncil.gov.uk/stanleygreenroad Further information on the council’s current active travel schemes can be found at bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ emergencyactivetravel

My Local Lockdown Life Share Your Experiences BCP Council is working with Arts by the Sea, Dorset Race Equality Council, Pavilion Dance South West and Poole Housing Partnership to capture community and individual experiences of life in lockdown in the BCP area. Over 3 months the project will collect a record of experiences that will form an archive future generations can use to understand how the coronavirus affected us all in 2020. To be involved in the project, submit your photos, paintings, pictures, collages, poems, letters, postcards, high-quality video footage or stories that portray your personal experiences of your life in lockdown.

BCP Council Leader Vikki Slade said: “This project is an opportunity to view the COVID-19 pandemic through the experiences of our local residents through lockdown. When something of this magnitude happens, it can be really helpful for people to share their feelings and experiences and then learn and reflect on what happened and what it has meant to them. By doing it in artform we hope to record the diversity of the area and to encourage communities to come together to share their experiences which could include crafts produced during lockdown, pictures of the community clapping for carers, photos of deserted streets. The global pandemic is history in the making and this artwork will be inspiring for people now and for generations to come.”

Visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/News/News-Articles/Let-us-know-about-your-local-lockdown-life.aspx for more information about the project and find out how to make your submission.

Appeal launched to prevent further fires Despite the law prohibiting the lighting of barbecues or campfires on any heathland, Dorset has seen a sharp spike in fires this summer, provoking a plea from BCP Health Wardens. 220 hectares of Wareham Forest were destroyed after a devastating fire in May, and despite clear warnings, an unattended campfire spread in the area at the start of August.

Christchurch councillor criticises road maintenance cuts

The Urban Heaths Partnership has collaborated on a campaign this year to help the public understand why the laws exist, producing posters stating ‘barbecues burn more than bangers!’. In local areas like Ham Common, BCP Wardens walk around, engaging visitors and any recording fires. The advice from the council and the wardens is “Enjoy the sunshine. Take a walk. But pack a picnic and please leave the barbecue at home.”

Cliff stabilisation works begin Work will begin this month at Canford Cliffs to stabilise the site of a cliff clip in 2017. CAN Geotechnical, a specialist contractor, will be installing soil nails around 15cm in length, working from the top of the cliffs to minimise disruption to beach visitors. The £2.5million work is anticipated to take approximately 9 months, during which time Cliff Drive will be partially closed with access for residents, emergency vehicles and construction staff only. The zig-zag beach path will also be closed, and residents with huts in the affected area will be contacted separately about access to their huts. BCP Council Leader Vikki Slade said: “By making this investment we can safeguard the future of our seafront and continue with our plans to improve and upgrade the visitor facilities at Canford Cliffs beach, such as converting the pavilion into a new café and public toilets.” Find out more at https://poolebay.net/

Christchurch Councillor Peter Hall (Con) has criticised the cuts to the maintenance and street cleansing of Christchurch roads, which are part of BCP Council’s £600,000 worth of road maintenance cutbacks announced in June by the Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor David Brown (LibDem). Councillor Hall said: “It’s simply not good enough for the residents of Christchurch to see previously announced investment into street cleaning and maintenance scrapped. Little to no money has been spent on our town’s infrastructure since the beginning of the year. To learn that this is set to continue is very worrying indeed.” In their Budget Reset Paper, which the conservative opposition presented to Cabinet on Wednesday, Councillor Drew Mellor (Con) says that they have a plan to make sure that these funds are not cut and that funding is actually increased in this area. Councillor Mellor commented: “We were pleased to see Full Council approve our motion to have our budget ideas considered by Cabinet. Due to our detailed plans to undertake Transformation properly, we have a credible way to increase spending in these vital areas, not cut them. It’s clear that aspects of Christchurch’s infrastructure have been ignored for too long. We have a plan to fund Christchurch’s concerns, not put them at the bottom of the heap.”

Steers Moooove into Poole! Three British White steers are taking a holiday on Talbot Heath Nature Reserve until the end of September. The result of a collaboration between BCP Council and Talbot Village Trust, it’s the first time any sort of cattle have been introduced to the reserve (for anyone wondering, steers are male cattle that can’t reproduce). Their friendly presence should help to conserve the natural habitat - home to rare species such as the nightjar, Dartford Warblers and five different native reptile species. You can learn about Poole’s heathland heritage on Facebook at facebook.com/poolesheathlands.

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LOCAL NEWS Police secure funding to beef up CCTV in Bournemouth Thanks to new funding from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund, Pokesdown and Boscombe West will receive new CCTV cameras in a scheme to reduce burglary and other crimes. Two successful bids have resulted in a fund of £266.357, which will allow police to extend CCTV coverage, add a second van to the Dorset Bobby Van Scheme, launched

Pavement Paintings to Boost Pedestrian Safety The Dorset Road Safety Partnership is encouraging people to cross the road safely with the help of semi-permanent markings commissioned from local artist Claire Nuttall. The paintings appear in 10 locations across the BCP area where pedestrians have suffered serious injuries in the roads while crossing near to but not on existing crossings. While the art is targeted at younger residents, older members of the community are being offered highvisibility shopping bags, which are being given away at local charity shops and will make them more obvious to passing traffic.

Get moving with Age UK’s free online seated exercise classes Lockdown has been a difficult time for some older folk as daily life has had to change meaning some habits will have been lost or made harder to complete. Keeping active is important for us all and as we start to see the restrictions lift, many people are recognising the need to be more active with all the health benefits that can bring. Different things work for different people. Some readers may have concerns about an older relative or friend that needs some motivation to move more post lockdown. The good news is that you can support them to get active by taking part in Age UK’s online exercise classes together. Age UK North, South and West Dorset are offering gentle online seated exercise classes suitable for anyone who can move around independently, with or without aids, it is also suitable for anyone with limited mobility. Approval is needed from a GP to take part. Family members and friends are

earlier this year, and help fund security awareness campaigns in both areas. The police also hope to launch Neighbourhood Watch Schemes with the funds, which have been proven to reduce crime rates in other areas. Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “Our Bobby Van has already made a difference to a lot of people’s lives, and has proved so popular it is working at capacity, so a second van proving enhanced security measures to homes is a real result.”

Assistant Constable Sam de Reya, Chair of the Dorset Road Safety Partnership, said: “This fantastic initiative is the latest activity in our approach to educating all road users to stay safe across the county, supporting our ongoing work to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads. “Over the last 10 years we’ve worked in partnership to reduce the number of casualties by 20% and while every collision can be devastating, I’m pleased that we’re making constant progress in making our roads safer.” For a full list of the roads involved in the scheme, and to see an example of the artwork, visit dorset.police.uk/news-information/ article/10528

welcomed and encouraged to support an older relative by completing the class with them. The sessions are run by a qualified tutor with an additional volunteer in attendance to offer support and guidance throughout the session. The one-hour classes run Monday to Friday at 10:30am, with an introduction at the beginning and a break in the middle. They take place online so access to a laptop, tablet or smart phone is required. Age UK North, South & West Dorset are also able to assist in setting up computers, although be aware that this comes with a fee. Active Dorset and Age UK North, South and West Dorset would love to hear from you if you are interested in supporting a relative or friend by attending these sessions together. If you would be happy to share your journey to inspire others, please contact them: info@activedorset.org To book classes and find out more contact Age UK North, South & West Dorset: Tel: 01305 269444 • Email: wellbeingservices@ageuknswd.org.uk

LOCAL NEWS

TAKING A LOCAL APPROACH TO COVID-19 OUTBREAKS

DO YOUR BIT

Local organisations are taking a lead role in how we respond to the next phase of the coronavirus pandemic here in Dorset. Heading up the local response is Public Health Dorset who provide a shared service across BCP and Dorset Councils. The Local Outbreak Management Plan for the BCP area sets out how public services will work with communities to prevent, identify and respond to any local outbreaks of COVID-19. Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and BCP Council said: “We’re working closely with businesses and organisations in various sectors such as care, tourism, hospitality and manufacturing to make sure preventative measures are in place to keep the public safe. “We are monitoring local case rates and other early warning signs so we can identify any outbreaks earlier and respond effectively to reduce the risk of transmission.” Latest statistics and numbers of cases in Dorset are published weekly at publichealthdorset.org.uk magazine advert 128mm x 190mm print ready.pdf 1 17/08/2020 16:03:23

Although we’ve experienced low numbers of cases in Dorset, we are still living with coronavirus so it is important we remain vigilant to prevent cases increasing. • Remember to wash your hands regularly • Keep a safe distance from anyone you don’t live with • Wear a face covering in indoor public places If you have any coronavirus symptoms – a new, persistent cough, a high temperature or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – self-isolate with your whole household immediately and book a test online at nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119. Only leave your home to get tested, and self-isolate whilst you’re waiting for the result. If you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace, please follow the advice given. It can be frustrating staying home if you feel well, but it’s important to follow the government’s instructions as some people can carry the virus without showing symptoms and may unknowingly pass the virus to others. For more information and all the latest guidance go to gov.uk/coronavirus

CMY

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BUSINESS NEWS

Local pub chain to extend ‘Eat out to help out’ scheme into September at own cost Blandford based brewers Hall & Woodhouse has committed to extend the ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ scheme in the majority of its managed pubs until the end of September, following positive guest response. Matt Kearsey, Managing Director of Hall & Woodhouse, explained: “We have been delighted by our communities’ positive response to the ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ scheme, so it only seemed right that we extend the offer ourselves, as a thank you to the guests who have supported us since our reopening. We also wanted to ensure that guests who are yet to visit us due to the high demand during August, still have the opportunity to benefit from the discount throughout September.

safe and well-managed pubs. We felt it was important to extend this offer beyond the government’s support and run this offer ourselves, to build on the momentum that has been made across our estate since the easing of lockdown.” Guests will continue to receive 50% off food and nonalcoholic drinks, up to the value of £10 per person. The discount can be used by guests as many times as they like, no voucher is required and there is no minimum spend. The H&W scheme will run until Wednesday September 30 and will be available Monday – Wednesday across the majority of the H&W managed pub estate but there are some exclusions with selected pubs remaining closed on Mondays, as well as some being closed on Tuesday September 1.

“We are thankful for the government’s support that was available to us throughout August, that not only supported our industry as a whole, but also provided guests with a phenomenal incentive to experience our

More information on the scheme extension is available at www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk

Business Recovery grants to be available for Dorset SMEs from September The Government recently announced a new grant support programme for SMEs. The grant funding will be used to help SME’s access new technology and other equipment as well as professional, legal, financial or other advice to get them back on track. It will be administered through the Dorset Growth Hub locally and it is anticipated that the funding will be made available in September. Interested businesses are able to register interest on Dorset Growth Hub’s website: https://www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/ recovery-grant

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There’s fast. Then there’s Gigafast. Bournemouth, Vodafone Gigafast Broadband is now delivering connection speeds of up to 900Mbps Discover more vodafone.co.uk/gigafast Plans of 100Mbps, 500Mbps and 900Mbps available. Speeds vary depending on plan taken. Images shown are for illustrative purposes only. 18 month agreement subject to credit check, acceptance and availability in your area. We estimate that the majority of customers on our Gigafast 900 package will receive 900Mbps average download and upload speeds through a fibre connection. Terms at www.vodafone.co.uk/gigafast

VOD-100_Bournemouth_128x185mm_v2.indd 1

18/11/2019 10:39

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BUSINESS NEWS Fully funded Leadership programme launched to help business leaders steer their businesses back to full health A fully funded ten week learning programme has been established for senior small business leaders. This aims to provide you with the tools you need to enhance your business’s resilience and recover from the impact of COVID-19. All those taking part will also be given the opportunity to develop strategic leadership skills and the confidence needed to make informed decisions that will boost your business performance. It will be delivered completely online with small business and enterprise experts from world-leading business schools.

More information here: http:// smallbusinesscharter. org/small-businessleadership-programme/

Local firm trailblazing new safety cameras across the UK With many businesses looking to scale back their operations for the foreseeable future, local company Safe & Secure Compliance Ltd are bucking the Coronavirus trend with expansion plans across the UK. The Poole based company have partnered with another leading technology firm to provide ground-breaking technology that helps to protect businesses and organisations in a post-lockdown Coronavirus threatened Britain. The technology, first developed twenty years ago for the UK military offers secure monitoring systems, incorporating fever cam technology, all of which is linked to a sophisticated and powerful back end. The company produce a range of advanced safety equipment such as DoorSentry - a clever gadget that uses facial recognition combined with thermal imaging technology to help protect businesses, not only from unauthorised entry, but also entry of those who may be sick and who present a risk to others within the venue. The sophisticated cameras are sited at entrances and read the persons temperature automatically while they sign into the track and trace using an app on their mobile phone. No human contact is experienced, so if the person is identified with a high temperature possibly as a cause of COVID-19

or even just flu, the camera will advise them that they cannot be granted access. “We wanted to market a system that not only helps businesses to keep staff and visitors safe but also helps them to manage their premises more effectively” said Managing Director Richard Marshall, “The DoorSentry product helps regulate how many people are in the building at any one time and because of the facial recognition functionality, it means repeat visitors don’t have to keep signing in, the system automatically recognises them”. The system also claims to help businesses manage staff attendance and absenteeism among other benefits. The pioneering company also supply LegioGuard - an automated Legionella testing unit for businesses like dentists and care homes who are legally required to test water for Legionella on a regular basis. Up until now most of these businesses manually tested their water systems and produced paper reports but the Poole based company’s system does away with this, with a piece of technology fitted to pipes and linked to a sophisticated backend that checks the supply 24/7 365 days of the year producing automated reports and alerting the business owner by text or email to any risks.

DoorSentry with FeverCam

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CORONACOASTER

Riding the Coronacoaster Local Lives in Lockdown By Vikki Cook

The term ‘coronacoaster’ was coined around the time the UK was forced into lockdown on 23 March 2020, to describe the emotional ups and downs we felt in response to a world in which toilet roll and disinfectant were suddenly more valuable – and rarer – than gold. Where the highlight of our week was meeting our (previously unknown) neighbours on the doorstep once a week to clap and bang saucepans together. On the surface, it was something our childhood-selves, sheltered from the hardships of responsibility, might have longed for; weeks of lie-ins, plenty of time to catch up on TV and for those on furlough, a lengthy paid break from work. Even better, summer arrived early, lasting so long the Met Office declared April and May the sunniest ever recorded in the UK.

What goes up must come down But as with all rollercoasters, what goes up must come down. This year has felt to some, like a slow-motion car crash with the coronavirus in the driver’s seat. The ability to work in your pyjamas and dressing gown has walked hand-in-hand with

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the anxiety, sadness and stress of a global pandemic that has claimed over 41,000 lives in the UK alone. The strain of balancing work and home-schooling, the rising redundancies and fighting strangers for the last pack of kitchen roll in a 10-mile radius began to weigh on us. Almost overnight, our lives had changed.

How Coronavirus has been affecting the education sector “Lockdown started early for me,” says Erin May, a teacher from Poole who was sent home with coronavirus symptoms in the early days of the pandemic. “I had to send cover in for my Erin May lessons, which was a new thing for me as I had never done that before.” When she returned to the school following her isolation

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period, everything had changed: “I was allocated particular students to produce work for and was given specific projects. I hadn’t seen any of my students since March and had only been in touch via email to mark work.”

“I still get angry with people for being blatantly inconsiderate and for not believing the virus kills – particularly as I lost a colleague that I worked very closely with.”

Uncertain future

A new way of life causes anger in death

Perhaps the most uncomfortable aspect for Erin, as for so many others, is the lack of certainty over the future of her career. “I am finding myself unemployed going into a new school year – something previously unheard of. Newly-qualified teachers (NQTs) are usually snapped up during this half of the summer term.” The future remains foggy for those in the education sector, with BBC News reporting in July that at least 13 universities were facing the real possibility of insolvency. The situation in other sectors is equally gloomy; the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported on 16 July that the total number of hours worked in the UK had dropped by 175.3 million, the largest drop in history. During the previous 3 months, the number of people claiming unemployment benefits rose by 2.6 million as more people were made redundant. But for Erin, and so many others, it was the isolation that took the greatest toll: “It’s been incredibly lonely and it’s made teaching really hard, not to mention securing my own grades. I haven’t seen my uni cohort since late February and I haven’t spoken to anyone else on my course since then too. It feels very much like being dropped in the deep end and then forgotten about. Basically, it’s been lonely and sad and not very enjoyable.”

Disregard for the new social norms was a problem faced by key workers everywhere; the minority that refused to obey the regulations, regardless of Keith Shirla nd consequence. Keith Shirland, a funeral celebrant, was no stranger to it. In a job that normally requires face-to-face contact, Keith has been forced to keep his distance, but not everyone understood the change: “Some of my clients were extremely angry with the concept of social distancing, annoyed with me that I would not visit them and belligerent about being told they could only have close family at their ceremony.” “At the height of the crisis, I was confronted by a packed crematorium where not one of the people in front of me were wearing any sort of protection...At the close of the ceremony, they crowded round the coffin, touching it and each other... Then they all went back to one house to drink.”

Widespread loneliness

Weddings cancelled

Erin isn’t alone. The Mental Health Foundation reported that 1 in 4 adults felt lonely during lockdown, compared to 1 in 10 beforehand. Recent studies by The Journal of Neuroscience found that it was our isolation from our wider circle of friends and acquaintances that has had the biggest impact. Being separated from those we previously knew in the outside world has been one of the most difficult experiences to cope with. This could explain the giddy sensation we felt after clapping for the NHS with our neighbours every week; we may have found more comfort in those moments than playing Scrabble with our family.

The wedding industry experienced an unprecedented drop. Wedding ceremonies were suspended resulting in 75,000 disappointed couples between 23 March and 3 July alone, according to the ONS.

Life as a nurse during the pandemic

The couple spent their would-have-been-wedding day at home, amid ‘nearly-wed’ balloons to brighten the occasion.

What did lockdown mean for key workers? For Sara Quickfall-Leonard, an admissions ward nurse at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, it changed her working day: “Our clinical area was moved to make way for the new COVID ‘pod’. The hospital was an eerie place with no one in the corridors and very few patients or visitors.’ As social distancing was introduced, Sarah found herself struggling against mounting anger towards people who seemed unconcerned about the risks, while watching her colleagues fall victim to the virus.

Liz Halfpenny, a nurse at Poole Hospital, was planning to marry Matt on 13 June. “We had a call from the church saying we could still get married but with only 2 additional people. My mum and dad live in Nottinghamshire and couldn’t get here and Matt’s parents were having to shield, which meant we couldn’t have our loved ones there on our special day. We had a call a few days later to say all weddings are off.”

Relationships tested Whilst many happy relationships were feeling the strain of confinement, lockdown was far worse for those forced to live with abusive relatives or partners. On 12 June BBC News reported that domestic abuse cases were estimated to have risen by 20% during lockdown with many victims unable to escape their abusers.

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CORONACOASTER Calls to Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline increased by 49% in the first 3 weeks. The Government did eventually state that ‘Household isolation instructions as a result of coronavirus do not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse,’ but it failed to save the 33 women and girls reported to have been killed by domestic violence during lockdown.

I’ll remember forever – particularly the whole street of people that came out to cheer me on the evening before I finished...I still get emotional thinking about that!”

The 33 victims were collated by the Counting Dead Women Project, which aims to raise the profiles of female victims of domestic abuse, and has presented testimony in associated parliamentary enquiries. However, the figures don’t include male or transgender victims. The Men’s Advice Line reported an increase of 35% in calls during the first week of lockdown, yet their suffering can often be overlooked.

David Lyndon, a self-employed taxi driver, is raising money for Diabetes UK after his own diagnosis by taking part in the One Million Steps Challenge and has lost over 68lbs. He married his American wife shortly before lockdown began and is waiting for her to move from Florida to join him as soon as the worst of the crisis passes.

In a similar vein, child welfare during lockdown could also have been overlooked. Often, issues of child neglect or mistreatment are reported by teachers or those overseeing extra-curricular activities but without that extra safeguard, it’s thought that possible cases of child abuse, especially with the extra strains of home-life, could have gone undiscovered. According to the Bournemouth and Poole Local Safeguarding Children’s Board report from 2018/19, 3,170 cases of domestic abuse involving children were reported in the 2018/19 period. 57 children were identified as at risk of, or already experiencing, sexual exploitation in Poole and Bournemouth. In July, Sky News reported that the corporate director for children and young people at Kent County Council, Matt Dunkley, was predicting a 250% rise in child welfare referrals when schools reopen in September, in light of amplified stress and tension during lockdown. It’s something adults in every area of society, in and outside of schools, should be aware of and prepared to report.

Bringing out the best, not just the worst As infection rates and deaths have fallen, many will hope that the worst is over. And amid the tales of gloom and despair, there have been glimmers of hope and happiness over the last few months. Over 2,100 residents volunteered for BCP Council’s ‘Together We Can’ scheme to support the vulnerable. One volunteer, Andrew Stevens, said “I was driving around in the sunshine on empty roads doing food bank runs, shopping, banking, collecting hearing aid batteries, etc. I am keeping my engagement with my households – I started as a volunteer, I continue as a friend.” Sara, the nurse who lost a colleague to coronavirus, spent a month walking to and from work dressed as a triceratops to raise money for a robotic walking machine for stroke patients at Bournemouth Hospital. “The journey was around 10km each way with a full shift at work in between. In total I covered 350km in the month and raised just over £2,500.” It was the support that she remembers most fondly during that time: “It was a tough challenge but really rewarding and something

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We also found joy in the little things. Kaz Lewis, a HigherLevel Teaching Assistant in Bournemouth, helped her pupils socially distance with the concept of imaginary donkeys to indicate 2 metres.

There were VE Day street parties, strictly socially distanced of course, the weekly NHS clap and the strengthening of connections in communities as neighbours became friends. Doctors and nurses became the new celebrities. With every awful blow dealt us by the coronavirus, someone, somewhere, was waiting with good news, a funny story, an offer of help or a listening ear. The lockdown has taught us something that all the experiences seem to share; the quality of life that comes from positive social interactions and how well we can support each other in times of crisis.

MORE INFORMATION Men’s helpline? Dorset Mind: Visit dorsetmind.uk for more information on how they could help you if you are experiencing difficulties with stress, depression, anxiety and/or suicidal thoughts. Connection: A 24/7 helpline for anyone in Dorset suffering from mental health problems. Call 111 and select ‘mental health’ or call 0300 125440 for support from the Dorset Crisis Response Service. Domestic Abuse Helpline for Dorset (You First): If you or something you know is experiencing abuse, call 0800 032 5204. Children’s Advice and Duty Service: To report concerns over the safety or wellbeing of a child, phone 01305 228866.

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BOUNCE OUT OF LOCKDOWN

The A-Z of health and fitness By Vikki Cook

Boost your post-lockdown health and fitness levels with our fun A-Z reference guide to get you started. Several months of sitting in front of the TV or lazing in the sunshine, eating whatever food came your way have left you a few pounds heavier and more than a tad sluggish. It’s a good time to remind ourselves what a healthy lifestyle looks like and how easy it is to make small changes that lead to big results. If you’re feeling more couch potato than gym bunny, take some inspiration from our fitness A-Z.

Alcohol

UK guidelines state we shouldn’t exceed 14 units per week, but studies indicate even exceeding 12.5 units a week could shorten life expectancy, so step away from the wine bottle and switch to water. Hydration is better than inebriation! Blueberries Aside from tasting great, these little purple beauties are rich in phytonutrients and vitamin c, as well as containing soluble fibre, which helps slow down the speed at which sugar is released into the blood. One handful = one portion and they’re amazing in porridge! Cardiovascular That’s right, folks. Cardio means running, brisk walking, cycling and any other exercise that gets you breathing fast. Your cardiovascular system is responsible for keeping your heart pumping and lungs working. The harder you work, the stronger they get, so start moving! Vitamin D This essential vitamin is key for good bones and muscles. Top up your levels with red meat, oily fish, eggs, or from exposure to sunlight. Spend a little time outdoors before applying sunscreen to boost vitamin D production, and take a supplement in winter. Energy

Can’t summon the energy to exercise? The more you exercise, the more energy you’ll have, so there’s no reason to put it off! Remember that energy is impacted by diet, so eat plenty of fruit, veg and wholegrains. If you’re eating right and still struggling to get moving, see a doctor for advice.

Fat Love handles, spare tyres, bingo wings. Fat is vital but too much can be deadly especially when it’s around your middle – what’s known as ‘visceral fat’. Check the fat content of what you eat and avoid consuming more than 70g a day. ‘Good’ fats in nut butter and avocados are beneficial (and tasty), but they still count towards your 70g.

Greens Were you the child hiding broccoli under your plate? Leafy greens are low in calories, high in nutrients and they may even help protect against certain type of cancer. Don’t avoid them, just figure out a way to make them taste better. Pass the roasted kale chips! Happy hormones That rush after exercise comes from the lowering of adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol in the brain, at the same time as endorphins rush in with their painkilling and mood-lifting benefits. Runner’s high is real. Find it, embrace it. Injuries They happen to everyone, often caused by poor form while exercising. Whichever part of the body it is, take real pain seriously. Follow RICE for the first 2-3 days (that’s rest, ice, compression and elevation) and if you’re still in pain or experience numbness or tingling, see a doctor immediately. Jogging Popularised in the 1960s, jogging is one of the most common exercise forms today. Start slowly (we love the NHS Couch to 5K free phone app) and build from there. Strike the floor with a flat foot, always tell someone where you’re going and take no risks with your safety. Kettlebells These handy weights can be used for a variety of exercises at home, from hinged rows (keep your back straight) to kettlebell swings (NOT for beginners). If you’re new to these, start with a low weight to minimise the chance of an injury and practise in front of a mirror to check your form.

Low-impact exercise While high impact strengthens bones, low impact has other benefits, like improving flexibility and taking weight off injuries. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s the easy path! Exercises in this category include swimming, dancing, yoga and cycling.

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BOUNCE OUT OF LOCKDOWN

Metabolic rate Your metabolism is the rate at which your body burns energy from food and your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is how many calories your body needs a day to keep functioning. There are loads of calculators online to help you work out your BMR. After that, work on increasing your metabolism and your BMR, by eating more protein, lifting heavier weights and getting more sleep.

Online classes

Plyometrics This is just a fancy word for jumping about, but you wouldn’t believe the health benefits. Whether you try power skipping, box jumps or the dreaded burpees, it’ll strengthen your legs, improve flexibility and really get your cardiovascular system pumping.

Quality over quantity

It can’t be stressed enough: No matter what exercise you’re doing, you have a choice; do it 100 times badly or do it 10 times with perfect form. Avoid injuries and wasted time and effort by really focusing on performing your exercises in the right way. Rest When you get started it’s easy to get carried away and overdo things. To get the most from your workouts, rest days are key, so set aside at least two rest days per week to let your poor, aching muscles recover.

Strength training Using body weight, actual weights or resistance bands in your workout won’t make you bulky, despite popular belief. What it will do is give you better strength and muscle definition, and help boost your BMR.

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Upping the ante

Variety is the spice of life Did you know your body gets used to your workouts? If you’re only doing one form of exercise, you need to switch it up occasionally to get the best results. Challenge yourself. If you normally run, add a yoga session. If you dance, add some strength training. Keep your body on its metaphoric toes, and have fun!

Virtual gyms have exploded during lockdown, so there’s no excuse for not working out at home. Check out FitOn (Android and iOS), or Fitness Blender on YouTube for a huge selection of free workouts for every fitness level and preference.

Measuring your workouts means measuring your successes. Investing in a fitness tracker, taking your body measurements each month and keeping an eye on the scales will help you see how far you’ve come and guide you in making any improvements to your exercise. If you’ve been lifting 4kg dumbbells for a month, it’s time to ‘up the ante’. Adding extra weight every couple of weeks or so, increasing your distance or adding extra repetitions, when done in small increments is how you improve your strength and fitness.

Nutrition Healthy bodies are made in the kitchen, not in the gym. No amount of exercise will burn off a whole pack of biscuits every day so swap the cookies for a healthy snack. You need plenty of protein to build strength, and enough fruit, vegetables and wholegrains to keep yourself in tip-top condition. Focus on nutrition and the rest will follow.

Tracking

Walking Jogging and cycling won’t work for everyone. If you have health problems that limit you to walking, there’s still plenty you can do. Challenge yourself. Walk uphill. Increase your speed. Aim for further distances. It burns loads of calories and the sunshine can boost your vitamin D levels. X-crunches This move is not for the faint of heart but it’s amazing for abs. Lay on your back with your arms out in a ‘Y’ position. Brace your core muscles, raise your shoulders off the floor and bring your left arm and right leg up to meet in the air above your tummy. Gently lower and repeat on the opposite sides. Aim for 6 on each side to start. Yoga Don’t be fooled, yoga is a wholebody workout based on core strength and mindfulness. Moves are timed with the breath and advocates swear by its ability to increase strength and flexibility, as well as focus the mind. For comfort, invest in a thick yoga mat. Zinc This often-overlooked mineral can’t be made by the body but is essential for immune function, metabolism and muscle repair, among other things. You only need 8-11g a day and oysters are the best source, followed by meats like beef. For vegetarians and vegans, pumpkin seeds are best, at around 6.6g of zinc per 100g.

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Coronascams Outsmart the tricksters

Betty* a cautious woman of 83 and living alone, answered her phone. A voice on the other end, claiming to be from Betty’s bank, told her they were facing closure due to the coronavirus, and to prevent losing her savings, she would need to move everything to an account they had created elsewhere. Visions of how Betty would manage without her nest-egg flashed before her, as she wrote down the account details and the number to call when she moved the money.

This is just one of the more than 20 scams that has sprung up during the COVID-19 pandemic, as criminals work overtime to take advantage of our fears; as many as 1 in 3 have been conned, according to Citizens Advice. UK Finance reported that criminals ‘stole over £1.2bn through fraud and scams in 2019’, and with Action Fraud estimating that over £7 million has been stolen from more than 2,300 victims just between February and June, everyone should be on their guard. Part of the problem is that there are so many potential means by which these criminals can target their victims, thanks to internet ads, text messages and emails, to name just a few. Add to that the isolation and panic created by a pandemic and you have the perfect breeding ground for fraudsters.

Kindness Scams In May UK Fundraising reported 51% of adults in Britain had donated to charity within the previous month, with 33% of charities reporting an increase in donations and 20% reporting an increase in donated items since the lockdown began. Sadly, it wasn’t long before scammers began taking advantage of our kindness, with people receiving calls from fraudsters claiming to be collecting money for coronavirus-related causes, such as the NHS or charities creating PPE for NHS staff.

‘Clone’ Companies offering loans and credit cards

We’ve put together a list of some of the most common scams that have appeared over the last 5 months to help you and those you know who may be vulnerable stay safe.

These scams have been targeting those struggling financially since the lockdown. A clone company - one that poses as a real organisation to trick you out of secure information and money – offer credit cards with no late payment fees, or payment holidays on loans. All they need is an upfront free and your bank details.

Test & Trace

Door-to-door scams

This con relies purely on fear. The calls can appear to come from the legitimate NHS ‘Test & Trace’ number but they tell the target they have been in contact with a person who has been diagnosed with coronavirus and must pay £50 for a home test or face a non-compliance fine.

Possibly one of the longest-running tricks, even in 2020, they can catch someone out. During lockdown they have posed as gardeners, driveway cleaners, coronavirus testers and even, in the most heartless cases, members of the ‘NHS Volunteer Army’, offering to pick up items from shops for vulnerable people. They take the cash for someone’s food or prescriptions and vanish.

Online Shopping Online shopping has grown considerably in the last 10 years, making us more vulnerable to scams. UK Finance reported that in 2019 ‘Purchase scams were the most common form of APP [Authorised Push Purchase] scam’ with 73,336 cases making up 60% of the total number of APP scams. In other words, the biggest money-making online shopping scam was tricking people into buying goods that didn’t exist. This was a real problem in lockdown, when it wasn’t possible to see items before buying them, with The Guardian reporting shoppers had bought face coverings, gloves, kittens and even cars online, that never arrived.

These are some of the most common scams during lockdown and they are still happening. If you believe you’ve given your bank or card details, or any other personal information they could use against you, call your bank immediately. If you think someone has tried to pull the wool over your eyes with a scam in-person, online, by phone or by text, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via their website: actionfraud.police.uk. Article by Vikki Cook

Computer repair and HR or payroll issues With millions working from home, targeted phishing scams have risen. Criminals contact employees by phone, email or text pretending to be from the employer’s Payroll or HR department and request bank or card details due to ‘problems accessing records’. Some have been called by their ‘I.T department’, needing to access the computer remotely to fix an issue. Later, they discovered the caller installed malware and stole sensitive data.

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DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT Genuine Test & Trace texts will come from ‘NHS tracing’ and genuine calls will never ask you for payments. The caller or texter will give you a unique ID to log onto the relevant website at https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk/. If in doubt, visit the NHS website for more information. You’ve heard the adage ‘if it looks too good to be true, it probably is’. Remember that the next time you buy online. Try to avoid purchasing from unfamiliar sources and use a credit card where possible, for built-in protection on your purchases. Only £9.7m of the £59m lost to online scams last year was returned by payment providers so do everything you can to protect yourself. If you’re contacted by someone claiming to be on behalf of your employer asking for usernames, passwords, remote access or asking you to follow a link, contact your employer before you take any action. If it’s a fake they will need warn other staff and ensure the phishing attempt is reported. Never – we’ll say this twice – NEVER give your card details to unknown sources over the phone. Even if you think someone might be calling from a charity you know, don’t hand over your details. Be firm. If you want to make a donation, find the number for the charity and call them directly or donate via their website. If the caller is genuine, they won’t mind you doing this. If your bank (or anyone else for that matter) calls, texts or emails you, offering great rates on any kind of financial product, from loans and credit cards to investments – another recent scam – be suspicious. Contact the company they claim to be from using a telephone or website you know to be legitimate and check the offer is genuine before you do anything else. Do your research. If you have requested an NHS volunteer, familiarise yourself with how the process works. Don’t hire anyone who comes to the door unless they’ve been recommended by someone you trust, and if you live alone and are vulnerable, don’t open the door to anyone you don’t know or don’t expect.

MONEY

TIPS

Life after Lock-down Know your furlough and redundancy rights As the effects of Coronavirus continue to be felt across the UK, some local residents have already been dealt the shock blow of redundancy, with many more jobs on the line over the coming months as companies struggle to stay afloat. When the Government announced the Job Retention Scheme (JRS), mortgage and rent ‘holidays’ and financial support for businesses and charities, fears over the financial impact of COVID-19 eased a little. Yet in reality, thousands have been hit by business closures and redundancies, with BBC News reporting that employees on payrolls fell by 649,000 between March and June this year.

What to do if you’ve been made redundant Do you know your rights if you’re made redundant? Can you work elsewhere while on furlough? Can you make your money go further?

Notice period After a redundancy notice your employer should outline a consultation period to discuss the potential options with them, and you should get a notice period of 1-12 weeks, depending on how long you’ve worked with the company and what your contract says about notices. If your contract doesn’t mention it, it’s typically 1 week if you’ve been there up to 2 years, and an extra week for each year up to 12 weeks.

Redundancy Pay Redundancy pay should be based on your ‘normal’ wage, regardless of whether you were on furlough. This isn’t a law yet but there is a precedent with the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) so if your employer tries to pay you less, you can argue it.

Remember Betty at the beginning of our story? She realised in time the caller might be a criminal and reported the call to Action Fraud. They confirmed it was a scam, and that they were in the process of tracking down the criminals involved. Be like Betty and remember to protect your money from fraudsters.

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MONEY TIPS If you’ve worked for your company for at least 2 years and you’re at least 22 years old, you’re entitled to statutory redundancy pay. How much you get is based on age and period of continuous employment with your company: • Under 22 years old – half a week’s pay for each full year with the company

• you can go back to work for the employer who furloughed you when they decide to bring you back • your new employer gives you the starter checklist form - you’ll need to complete Statement C

Agreement to furlough

• 22-40 years old – one week’s pay for each full year • Over 40 years old – one and a half week’s pay You’re entitled to redundancy pay even if your employer has had to permanently close. In this case, you’ll need to get a claim reference from the insolvency practitioner for your company and pass it to the Insolvency Service. Visit www.gov.uk/claimredundancy. There is a helpline but it’s not running right now, so if you don’t have internet access, speak to Citizen’s Advice (see Contacts). Your payment should include untaken holiday days, pay ‘in lieu’ of any notice you might not be working, and any bonus, commission or expenses, such as travel costs,

Discrimination If you think you might have been unfairly targeted for redundancy over a colleague, you should look into it further. Employers cannot legally choose redundancy for any employee based on (among other factors) age, gender, sexual orientation, religion or disability. If you have evidence your employer discriminated against you, speak to Citizen’s Advice about escalating the matter to the EAT.

The Job Retention Scheme (The Furlough Scheme) Here’s a common problem repeated all over the UK: “I didn’t agree to be furloughed but my employer overruled me and now I’m not earning enough. Can I get another job in the meantime?”

The HMRC Direction, signed by the Treasury on 15 April 2020 states someone is furloughed if “an employee has been instructed by the employer to cease all work in relation to their employment only if the employer and employee have agreed in writing (which may be in an electronic form such as an email).” Based on this, if your employer furloughs you, they must have your agreement first. However, they could make you redundant if you refuse.

What pay should I be receiving on furlough? From March, furlough pay was 80% of your pre-tax monthly wage, up to £2,500. Employers can choose to voluntarily top up the rest of your pay to 100%. From 1 July 2020, employees could return part-time, earning 100% of their ‘normal’ salary during the worked hours, and receiving 80% of their wages for hours covered by the scheme. From September, payments will reduce to 70% of wages up to £2,187.50 at the start of the month and 60% of wages up to £1,875 in October, as the scheme draws to a close. The government will no longer cover employer National Insurance contributions from August. If you normally receive commission or bonuses, your pay will only include these amounts if they are written into your contract, even if the lack of them means you earn less than minimum wage on furlough.

Can my current employer ask me to carry out work while I’m furloughed? No. They can ask you to undertake training that improves your skills but not if the training has a financial benefit for them.

First of all, in July, it was announced on GOV.UK that over 9.3 million people had been placed on the Job Retention Scheme in the first 3 months. But from July, the scheme became more flexible, allowing reopened businesses to start bringing staff back on a part-time basis while they remained furloughed the rest of the time.

Find more help The coronavirus has caused major disruption to the world this year and while the battle against it continues, there’s no denying the damage it’s caused to our daily lives. Whether you’re on furlough or facing the fear of redundancy, in the wake of lockdown, remember to make sure you know what you’re entitled to and who to speak to if you don’t feel you’re being treated fairly. There’s lots of free and helpful advice on the government’s website at: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

You can work somewhere else if your contract with your current employer lets you. Getting a new job won’t affect your furlough pay.

IONALS SPEAK TO THE PROFESS OR DEBT T FOR MORE EMPLOYMEN MANAGEMENT ADVICE

But, If you get a new job, you should make sure:

ACAS – The free Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service offers advice on various employment issues. Visit acas.org.uk or call them free on 0300 123 1100 (8am to 6pm Monday – Friday).

CAP – Christian’s Against Poverty offer award-winning debt counselling and help. Visit capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006 (9.30am-5pm Monday – Friday and 9.30am-3.30pm Friday).

Citizen’s Advice – Formerly the Citizens’s Advice Bureau, they can help with employment and financial problems. Visit their website citizensadvicebcp.org.uk or call 03444 111 444 (9.45pm to 3.30pm Monday – Friday).

National Debtline – everything you need to know about debt management and budgeting. Visit nationaldebtline.org or call 0808 808 4000 (9am – 8pm Monday – Friday).

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Be a savvy money saver

What can I do to save now we’re no longer in full lockdown?

Everyone is feeling the pinch and we all need some smart ways to stretch the pennies further. There are hundreds of tips and tricks, but these are a few of our favourites, courtesy of Money Saving Expert and voucheralarm.com. If you’re in debt, choose with care what you pay off first Interest rates vary significantly. If you’ve been putting off dealing with debt, now is the time to take charge. Take a real look at what you owe and to whom, seek advice if you need it, and pay off the debt with the highest interest rate first. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the debts reduce when it’s paid off. Most importantly, seek help BEFORE debts spiral and avoid payday loans at all costs. The interest rates mean they often do more harm than good. The biggest rule of all is: DON’T TAKE OUT A LOAN TO PAY OFF DEBT. If you can’t manage with the debt you have, it’s time to get help. Citizen’s advice are a good start and they can put you in touch with people who can help.

Find out if your mortgage interest rate or rent can be reduced If you have a mortgage for the first time, or if you previously had a poor credit rating that has now improved (check Experian.com – you can register and check for free, if you’re unsure), your mortgage lender may be able to lower the interest if you can prove you’re less of a risk. You can also look at paying more of your mortgage each month. Just £100 extra a month can drastically reduce the overall balance. If you rent, speak to Citizen’s Advice to check if you’re eligible for a reduction. During the Pandemic, the government brought in guidance notes to prevent landlords from taking tenants to Court for overdue rents or issuing eviction orders. This is subject to change as we emerge from lockdown so it’s best to check on Citizens Advice https://www.citizensadvice. org.uk/housing/coronavirus-if-you-have-problems-withyour-rented-home/

Buy a ‘season ticket’ for prescriptions If you frequently pay for prescriptions you might benefit from an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC). For £29.65 for 3 months or £105.90 for 12 months, it will cover the cost of all your prescription medicines. Since the current cost per prescription item is £9.15, it wouldn’t take long to save you money. Visit https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/buy-prescriptionprepayment-certificate/home, visit your local pharmacy, or call 0300 330 1341 to request a PPC.

Be more food savvy There’s so much confusion around date labels on food products. ‘Use by’ dates should be followed rigidly but ‘best before’ dates mean the product might not be at its best. These items can stay perfectly good for months so don’t bin them! Even better, local stores like Roger’s Wholesale in Poole offer items close to or past their ‘best before’ dates at a reduced price.

Buy in bulk & batch cook where possible In general, household staples like rice, pasta, toilet rolls and washing powder are better value when you buy them in bulk so keep an eye out and stock up when they’re on offer. Certain meals, like cottage pie, pasta bake and chilli are more economical and once cooked can be frozen in portions. Make sure the food has cooled sufficiently before freezing, and that it’s piping hot throughout when re-heated. You can also save money on food shopping by planning your meals in advance and ordering online, since people tend to buy more when shopping in-store. Menu delivery services such as gousto.co.uk or hellofresh.com have become popular since lockdown. You could choose 4 or 5 meals from as little as £34 per week including delivery. The boxes come delivered with exactly the right fresh ingredients so there’s no waste and no having to nip to the local convenience stores for extras. Ordering from these companies is purely online and you can select from up to 40 different meals with plenty of veggie and healthy options.

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MONEY TIPS Take advantage of the Stamp Duty Holiday

Use a cashback website when buying online

If you’re thinking of upsizing or downsizing now is the time to do it. The government recently announced the removal of Stamp Duty up to £500,000. This means no stamp duty at all to pay for properties being purchased. But there’s also savings for buyers of properties higher than £500,000 as the stamp duty only kicks in at £500,001 so the first £500,000 of the transaction is Stamp Duty Exempt.

Our editor swears by this one. There are lots of Cashback sites online but our favourite is TopCashBack which claims to be the UK’s most generous Cashback site. Register with Top Cashback and then everytime you buy something online, make sure you visit TopCashback first. Top cashback will then track your purchase and put cash in your account. Earn as much as £145 per transaction just for switching your Broadband or visit Expedia through Topcashback when planning your next holidayand receive up to 10.5% cashback – a great way to top up your holiday money! Our editor has used Top Cashback for nearly 3 years and has earnt a massive £4,387 in cashback in that time. Signup using the link on our facebook page: www.fb.com/bhlivingdorset

Take the time to maintain your belongings They’re the less pleasant tasks but they can save you a small fortune. Clean the filter in your vacuum. Empty and clean your washing machine filter every month and run a hot wash while it’s empty. And you know that weird mesh bit on the back of your hairdryer? Remove that and clean the dust from the fan. Every time you do one of these apparently thankless jobs, you could be delaying the cost of buying a new item and making them more energy-efficient.

Check your energy prices on a utilities comparison site

Buy your bus tickets on the App Did you know that you can download the apps for both the local bus companies to your phone. Bus tickets bought on the app are cheaper than if you buy the ticket from the driver. For Morebus visit: https://www.morebus.co.uk/app For Yellow Buses visit: https://www.yellowbuses.co.uk/app

Millions of us are thought to be paying too much for our energy, broadband or mobile phones. For some, it maybe because we’re not aware of the savings to be had by switching, so we stick to the same supplier believing that all the suppliers charge a similar price. Others might think it’s going to be a difficult and stressful process changing providers. But for those who have taken the plunge and visited a comparison site like Uswitch.com, the savings have been significant, especially recently as the Pandemic has seen energy prices falling. If you haven’t switched for a while or perhaps have never switched, you could be in line for savings of hundreds of pounds. Switching is easy when using a comparison site but be careful – it’s almost too easy to switch so make sure you’re happy with what you’re signing up for before hitting the switch button. Follow us on facebook for more moneysaving tips and advice: www.facebook.com/bhlivingdorset

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we’re ready to...

welcome

tourists & locals

back to exploring our beautiful area by bus

increased cleaning of high-touch points

social distancing in place on-board

wear your face covering unless exempt by law

pay by contactless where you can

bus.co.uk IMSDistribution_Half Page.qxp_BH Life QP ad 05/07/2018 13:33 Page 1

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ARTICLE BOOK REVIEW TITLE

The Repeat by Josie Wells Greg returns home from a trip to Russia working as a chaperone. Tired, he has made up his mind on the short flight home that this is his last trip. Time he feels, to try something new, which will give him more time at home with his wife Susan. Enjoying a cosy night at home together on the settee, Greg and Susan are watching TV when an old programme is repeated. Susan becomes agitated by it, Greg becomes fascinated by it. It’s only then, that Greg discovers his loving wife’s hidden past, as he realises it is her on the chat show programme. What follows is a heady mix of events which will involve a journalist disclosing sensitive information, a ‘past his best’ chat show host, blackmail, kidnapping, plans of murder, police corruption, paedophilia, MI5 and a naked priest wearing nothing but his collar. With the help of some ex-military friends we travel around the south east of England from Pimlico in London down to a seafront café in Brighton. The friends try to piece together who is behind this chain of events unfolding before them and how they can put a stop to what is going on. What they discover shocks them and leads them to having to decide when, if and what to say to the police or if they should take matters into their own hands. This is the second novel by Dorset based author Josie Wells and follows ‘Bag of Dolls’ published in 2019 though personally with this book I was left wanting more. I felt the storyline had so much to offer the reader both in the story detail and on the more important and sensitive story line of paedophilia. This book had the opportunity to bring this ‘often behind closed doors’ dark-web subject out into the mainstream for us all to be made more aware of, but I felt this opportunity was lost within the complicated mix of stories crammed into 78 pages. I also felt the descriptiveness could have been better in helping the reader get to better know the characters. With Susan, we discovered that “her long blond hair was now the colour of a beautifully baked ginger biscuit” but not much more. More detail, although resulting in more pages, would have helped the reader gel better with the characters in the story. All this said, this is an ideal read for a lazy afternoon, or whilst waiting for your flight home in that crowded airport lounge. Or perhaps you’re that busy person who wants a quick short snappy novel - this book ticks those boxes perfectly. Published May 2020 by Austin Macauley 78 pages £7.99 Paperback/£3.50 Kindle ISBN 978-1-7887806-1-2

Have you read a good book recently? Why not send our editor a review at: bookworms@bhliving.co.uk. The top review will receive a £10 Waterstone Gift Card

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Discover the Kingsley way we care

CQC Good rated nursing care close to Highcliffe seafront 5 Stuart Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 5JS Tel: 01425 272 093 www.highcliffe.care

Residential care

Nursing care

CQC Good rated residential care in delightful area of Bournemouth 44 Branksome Wood Road, Bournemouth, BH4 9LA Tel: 01202 769 429 www.branksomeheights.care

Dementia care

Respite care

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POST LOCKDOWN CHARITY NEWS

Local voluntary groups thrive and inspire despite recent challenges And over at PramaLife (www.pramalife.org) in Poole, the team continues to support older people in the community with a new telephone befriending service, plus weekly virtual quizzes and daily craft activities.

Charities and voluntary organisations in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been working in new and innovative ways to continue supporting the local community in recent months, and Community Action Network (CAN) is celebrating their incredible efforts. From virtual yoga sessions and online counselling to hot meal deliveries and locally grown veg for food banks, the local voluntary sector has demonstrated amazing resourcefulness and resilience during the coronavirus pandemic. At Crumbs (www.crumbs.org.uk), a Bournemouth charity that helps people with mixed needs and disabilities develop skills for the hospitality industry, the team have continued to provide their valuable training through Zoom, and have been busy cooking hot meals and desserts for residents at a nearby sheltered housing scheme. They have been able to prep and deliver these meals thanks to funding of £4,000 from the Dorset Community Foundation, which they heard about through CAN’s regular updates to its members. Bournemouth Parks Foundation (www.bournemouthparksfoundation.org.uk) has taken its innovative Parks in Mind programme online, with fantastic events and activities including Facebook Live ornithology sessions, online yoga and ‘Tuesday Tea at Three’. The charity has also been delivering seeds and nature journals on request, and encouraging people to grow wildflowers on their windowsill and enjoy the nature on their doorstep.

Many other local charities and voluntary organisations have also been delivering vital support services online: Citizens Advice Bureau is offering web chats to those who need advice; the clinical team at Dorset Parent Infant Partnership is providing support to families online; We Are With You continues to provide its drug and alcohol support over the phone or through digital support groups; and Access Dorset is continuing its programme to support clients through Zoom sessions. Karen Loftus, Chief Executive of Community Action Network (CAN), said: “The incredible work that has taken place in recent months demonstrates the strength of our local voluntary and community sector. Not only have volunteers played a vital role in the practical response to COVID-19, but they are also working creatively to ensure people can still benefit from the normal services and support they receive too. I would like to say a huge thank you to each and every volunteer who has made this possible.” Find out more about how local voluntary organisations are supporting the community during the pandemic at www.can100.org/local-community-action

The team at Boscombe-based charity Grounded Community (www.groundedcommunity.co.uk) has joined forces with the nearby Boscombe Community Fridge to create Feed our Community, an initiative to provide food to those most in need in the local community. Grounded Community has donated fresh veg from its Secret Garden to the initiative, to help expand capacity, and is busy fundraising for this and other projects. Community Action Network (CAN) is a charity that provides professional and practical support to organisations working within the voluntary and community sector in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. We want to see these communities healthy, diverse, vibrant and flourishing.

Our mission is to empower the voluntary sector, enable volunteering and involve communities, and we believe that together, we CAN make a difference. We provide professional expertise, practical services and a platform for promoting and sharing volunteering opportunities. We help groups set up, speak up on their behalf to ensure

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Gaynor from Grounded Community

they have a say in the local community, support them to network, and give them the tools and knowledge they need to grow and thrive.

Website: www.can100.org CAN Number: 01202 466130

bhlivingdorset

Advertising Feature

“We’re serious about protecting our patient’s health” says local optician

In post-lockdown Britain, it’s understandable that many people are feeling nervous about life starting to return to normal. The recent pandemic has caused everything and everyone to change and life isn’t really returning to the same ‘normal’ we once knew. But Local Optician Parley Optometrists are keen to be the trailblazers in the optical industry when it comes to implementing safety features and systems that aim to keep both staff and patients safe. The Opticians, based at Parley Cross have won national awards for their innovation so it was no surprise to hear about the technology and advanced procedures they’ve employed to protect staff and patients. Director and Senior Optometrist, Rob Jones commented that ‘patient and staff safety was the number one priority’ as his business returned to the new ‘normal’ after lockdown. Although the practice was open for emergencies during lockdown, most of the staff were on furlough and it was much quieter than usual. “It gave us a bit more time to plan for reopening” said Rob, “Before we opened our doors again for full testing, we wanted to make absolutely sure we’d made the practice completely safe - our patients would expect nothing less.”

Rob Jones - optimistic about the future

The practice now operates a ‘closed door policy’ whereby patients are no longer able to walk in but knock on the door and wait to be let in - although at the time of going to press, this is due to change with an automated door

opening system to be installed. Patients have their temperature checked using a non-contact infa-red forehead thermometer and there’s an automated hand sanitiser. Although half of the chairs have been removed in the waiting area so that people can keep a safe distance from each other whilst waiting, the practice also offers patients the option to wait in the car or outside with the use of an electronic pager system, similar to those operated in restaurants and on cruise lines - when it’s your turn to be seen the little device will rumble and flash to let you know. The pagers are then sterilised before being given to the next person. “The pager idea has worked really well” said Rob, “It’s a bit different to what people are used to, but patients have felt reassured that we’re taking every possible precaution.” The precautions extend to screens at reception desk, all staff wearing PPE, all surfaces that are touched are wiped down with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol straight away, and the examination microscopes all have protective perspex shields attached. Even the pens that people use to sign forms are wiped down. “Although things are a bit different now, we’re committed to maintaining staff and patient safety, but we’re also optimistic about the future” said Rob. To book your Covid secure visit call 01202 575759.

PARLEY OPTOMETRISTS

AT THE FOREFRONT OF OCULAR TECHNOLOGY • Diabetic eye screening • Glaucoma screening & hospital shared eye care • NHS & Private eye examinations • Contact lens specialists • Orthokeratology (vision correction alternative to laser - for those suitable) • Digital imaging of the internal & external structures of the eye • Corneal topography/pachymetry (advanced scanning techniques) • Children’s examinations & coloured overlays for specific learning difficulties • Hospital cataract referral centre • Using the latest technology to enable early diagnosis of ocular & health problems

Parley Optometrists believe in delivering award-winning eyecare for our patients which is why we have invested in some of the latest technology available to ensure that we offer the best possible care available today

127 New Road, West Parley, Dorset Call 01202 575759 to make an appointment

www.parleyoptometrists.co.uk | Email: info@parleyoptometrists.co.uk | Facebook: @parleyoptometrists

I’m one happy dawg!

HEAT TWO

Help us find BCP’s ‘Happiest Dog’ in our free to enter contest. Is your dog a naturally happy dog? Is he (or she) the happiest dog in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole? Send us a snap of your four legged friend and you could be in with a chance of winning 2 months of premium dried dog food thanks to our friends at Pets Corner.

CHARLIE NDS #HAPPYHOU

Over the last few weeks the team at BH Living have been scouring BCP in their search for the area’s happiest dog, and we’ve come across some adorable happy hounds in the process. Check out these chipper furry friends and go to our facebook page to vote for your favourite.

LYDIA #HAPPYH OU

NDS

The contest will run over this and the next 3 editions of BH Living. This is ‘HEAT 2’ . The third heat will follow in the autumn with the finalists being announced in our winter edition at the end of the year.

ON HUDS HOUNDS PY #HAP

HOW TO ENTER YOUR DOG To enter your dog just email your name, your dog’s name, the area you live in, a contact telephone number and, of course, your very best picture of your smiley friend to: happyhounds@bhliving.co.uk. Terms and conditions apply (see below).

MILLIE #HAPPYHO UNDS

MUTLEY #HAPPYHOUNDS

PEGGY S HOUND #HAPPY

ROBERT #HAPPYHOUNDS

TILLY #HAPPYHOUNDS

SHELBY #HAPPYHOUNDS

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE Go to our facebook page at: www.facebook.com/bhlivingdorset to vote for your favourite happy hound. Everyone who votes will automatically be entered into a free prize draw to win a £20 Town Centre Gift Card – which can be spent at over 95 Bournemouth town centre locations including shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Terms and conditions:

TOTO

UNDS

O The dog must belong to you and be alive at the time of submitting your entry. By sending your picture in, you agree #HAPPYH to the possible publication of your picture both in print and online. If your entry wins, you agree that we can publish your name, your dog’s name and a picture of you and your dog. We will not pass your details onto any third party without your permission.

2. Deposit your preferred teabag in a mug. It may be chipped, new, china, or whatever else takes your fancy (but bear in mind metal and plastic will affect the flavour).

TIME for TEA During Lockdown, tea-drinkers across the country were horrified to see an online video of Michelle from North Carolina single-handedly destroy the institution that is The Cup of Tea on social media platform TikTok. We gaped in disgust as she loaded the microwave – MICROWAVE! - with a mug of cold water, warmed it, then added, among other things, cinnamon and powdered lemonade – LEMONADE? - to the ‘tea’. George Orwell, had he been alive to see it, would likely have weighed in heavily on the furious discussions that followed the video as it screamed its way around the web. His 1946 essay ‘A Good Cup of Tea’ laid out his 11-step process of making the iconic drink and included his insistence on a teapot ‘made of china or earthenware’. Well, no offence to Mr Orwell, may he rest in peace, but today very few of us have time for 11 steps when making a cup of tea, so for those who still find themselves unsure about the method for a good brew, here are our tips for the ideal cuppa:

3. Pour the hot water over the bag as soon as the kettle has boiled and DON’T TOUCH. Most teas will have brewing times printed on them. Follow the instructions. The manufacturers have spent a lot of time testing and re-testing the times so I say it again: follow the instructions. 4. Remove the bag. This is crucial unless you enjoy sipping drinks through fabric. 5. Add milk or sugar if you want it and stir. If you’re trying a new tea and normally add sugar, try it without the sugar first to appreciate the flavour. Tea is and for many decades has been, the beloved national cure for shock and emotional distress of any kind. It fortifies us on hard days and soothes us on miserable days. It’s practically a medicine so treat it with respect and for heaven’s sake, don’t add lemonade to it! For those who wish to see the North Carolina ‘tea abomination’ go to our facebook page: facebook.com/bhlivingdorset

1. Boil the kettle with water fresh from the tap. No re-boiled water please, and make sure the kettle has no limescale.

FUN WITH FACTS 896 ugust 1 On 27 A war with began a d n la g pointed En r they ap e t f a r a aini their Zanzib in Thuw b d a m a onsul’s Sultan H British c e h t t u itho r lasted leader w . The wa n io s is utes, perm d 45 min n a 8 3 n war betwee shortest e h t it making y. in histor

Prayer from Jenny, aged 7,

One of the first known caesarian births in which mother and baby survived was performed by Dr James Barry sometime between 1822 and 1832. More extraordinary, Dr Barry was born Margaret Ann Bulkley but lived her whole life as a man, partly to pursue a successful career in the army and as a surgeon, with very few, if any, being aware of her gender until after her death.

Millions of animals were slaughtered by the Tudors in response to agricultural issues and population growth. Hedgehogs were killed for a bounty of four pennies because they were thought to suck milk from sleeping cows!

Grasshoppers don’t have ears on their heads like most living creatures; they have a type of ear on their tummies, protected by their wings.

From the Mouths of

The super-cute Australian wombat passes up to 100 bits of poo each night, using the pieces to mark their territory, but what’s really weird is that their poo comes out as cubes.

London

Babes...

Dear God, I got told in school today that Thos Edison made lig ht, but in Sunday school the y said you did it. I think he might have stole your ide a? Jenny Daddy: Why don’t you draw

Girl: No, I don’t want to do

a nice unicorn?

that. Daddy: Why not? Unico rns are magical! Girl (crossly): No, I want to draw a vacuum clean er.

It takes each blood cell only around 1 minute to travel the entire way around the human body. Now that’s fast!

Girl: Daddy, I’ve got he dgehogs on my arms an d legs. Daddy (slightly confused ): Really? Did you have a funny dream last night, darling? Girl: No! I really got the m on my arms and legs. I didn’t dream it! Daddy: Oh dear, show Daddy where they are. Girl (pointing to moles ): Here, here, here, here. ..

The death of Williams Jennens, the Miser of Acton, in 1798 sparked a court case that lasted until 1915. He had made a will but it was unsigned. His servant reported that he’d left his glasses at home and died before he returned to sign it.

BH Living | bhliving.co.uk

Drive in Theatre at Farmer Palmers – Disney Pixar’s Coco Coco is the hilarious and touching story of Miguel, who dreams of becoming a musician, despite his family’s ban on music. After being transported by accident into the Land of the Dead, he seeks help from his great-great grandfather – also a musician – to help him get back and reverse the music ban. When: 14th September 2020 Where: Farmer Palmers Farm Park, Organford, Poole Cost: £25 for a standard car and popcorn for the family More information at: https://driveintheatres.uk/events/ coco-poole-showing-4pm/ or visit driveintheatres.uk/events Comedy Club 4 Kids A swear-free stand-up comedy event designed especially for children, in an outdoor setting to allow for social distancing. Suitable for ages 6 and up, it’s sure to entertain everyone. When: 19th September at 2pm Where: Lighthouse, Poole. Cost: £10 per child, £11.75 for adults Contact: 01202 280000 or visit lighthousepoole.co.uk. Bournemouth Arts By The Sea Festival The 10th Arts by the Sea will go ahead, in a revised COVID-friendly format this September! With safety firmly in mind, there will a limited number of ticketed outdoor events which allow socialdistancing, as well as a digital programme of engaging workshops and live-streams. When: 25th September - 4 October Where: Bournemouth and online Cost: Free More information: artsbythesea.co.uk

What s’ On

Coastal Comedy

Gnora the Gnome’s Daytime Disco

Headlined by TV regular Angela Barnes, and featuring ‘one-to-watch’ Luke Honnoraty, as well as the brilliant Sunjai Arif, this is a unique outdoor comedy event that will have you crying with laughter.

After months of being cooped up indoors, Gnora the Gnome and her brothers Gnorman and Gneville are excited to be back outside, and they’re celebrating with a disco. This show will have lots of dancing and musical fun to help your kids celebrate their own freedom.

When: 26th September at 7pm Where: Lighthouse, Poole Cost: £16.75 each Call: 01202 280000 or visit lighthousepoole.co.uk The Gin to My Tonic festival The Gin To My Tonic Festival brings together over 100 different gins from across the UK and beyond. When: 2 - 3 October 2 October 2020 6.30pm – 11.00pm 3 October 2020 12.00pm – 4.30pm 3 October 2020 6.30pm – 11.00pm Where: Pavilion, Bournemouth Cost: £16 each (over 18’s only) Book: bhlivetickets.co.uk Autumn Steam Gala A three day feast of steam with at least one guest locomotive supporting our own fleet, working a varied and intensive train service. Please let us know you saw us on What’s On in Dorset! When: 9 - 11h October Where: Swanage Railway Cost: Certain events attract an entrance charge and may need to be pre-booked. We strongly recommend that you confirm the details with the organiser, venue or Tourist Information Centre before you make your plans. Contact: 01929 425800 or visit swanagerailway.co.uk

When: 10th October at 1pm Where: Lighthouse, Poole Cost: £12 per child and £13.75 for accompanying adults Call: 01202 280000 or visit lighthousepoole.co.uk Adult and Family Stone Carving Classes Fancy trying your hand at a new craft? Why not give stone carving a try? With adult and family sessions available you can try on your own or as a family. When: Adult classes take place on 24th October, 21st November and 19th December. Family classes will be held on 27th, 28th and 29th October Where: Burngate Stone Carving Centre in Swanage Cost: £80 Adult-only classes Family classes are £17.50 for children and £30 for adults Call: 01929 439405 or burngatestonecentre.co.uk Murdered for Money – Murder Mystery Theatre Presents: Scream A virtual murder mystery challenge, taking place over 6 days at flexible times, and a live interrogation that will take place on Friday 30th October. See the evidence online, examine the clues, interrogate the suspects and help catch the criminal(s)! There is a £50 Amazon voucher up for grabs if you win. When: Starts 27th October Full details will be provided on booking Where: Wherever you have a computer in your home! Cost: £9 per household Visit: eventbrite.co.uk/e/screamavirtual-murder-mystery-challenge-forhalloween-tickets-109668948778

Business re-opening?

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Fully tracked GPS distributions We use all our own distributors (we don’t sub-contract) B2B targeted or blanket distributions Our distributors work to a code of conduct Excellent Dorset-wide coverage Target your customers with unique demographic profiling*

If you’re looking for a reliable leaflet distribution company to deliver your leaflets, contact us for help in planning your next campaign. Using our unique data profiling, we can help you reach your ideal customers.

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538-542 Wimborne Road, Winton, Bournemouth BH9 2EX

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TA PPER F UN ER A L SERV IC E

MEMORIAL SERVICES Due to the health crisis, some bereaved families have found it necessary to have a private funeral for a smaller number of mourners than had been desired. In such circumstances, planning a Memorial Service provides an opportunity to remember the life of loved one with all family and friends.

MEMORIAL SERVICES AT HARBOUR VIEW, LYTCHETT MINSTER Harbour View is the location of our crematorium and woodland burial ground at Lytchett Minster. Set in beautiful Dorset countryside, Harbour View enjoys far-reaching views of Poole Harbour and the Purbeck hills beyond. ■ ■ ■ ■

A beautiful, peaceful setting Air-conditioned Ceremony Halls Plenty of free car parking State-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, including memorial slideshows and video

■ At least 90 minutes separation between services ■ An established location for funeral and memorial services ■ Efficient organisation and administration

■ First-class Celebrants ■ Catering options with licenced bar ■ Choice of ceremony halls to suit congregation size ■ Memorials for cremated remains

LONG BARROW CEREMONY HALL

THE BARN

HARBOUR LODGE

Accommodates up to 250 people*

Accommodates up to 60 people*

Accommodates up to 25 people*

MEMORIAL SERVICES AT CHRISTCHURCH CEREMONY HALL The Christchurch Ceremony Hall is situated at our funeral home in Barrack Road. It is easy to access and provides a calm, dignified environment in which to hold a memorial service. ■ Can accommodate approximately 40 people

CHRISTCHURCH CEREMONY HALL Accommodates approximately 40 people*

■ Efficient organisation and administration

■ Air-conditioned

■ First-class Celebrants

■ State-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, including memorial slideshows and video

■ Good local pubs and restaurants in Christchurch town centre

* Subject to government guidance at time of ceremony

To find out more please speak to a Funeral Director at any of our offices or call 01202 630111 Visit us online at www.tapperfuneralservice.co.uk