Mudeford Mag | March 2024

Charity of the year

Welcome to Mudeford Mag The Your lo cal magazines

A New Chapter Unfolds

Welcome to this edition of the magazine. Pulford Publicity has hit the ground running in the new year, having enjoyed a wonderful meeting with Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and learning more about our charity of the year and what fun is in store for 2024. We are looking forward to supporting this fantastic charity. We also have a competition

a trauma teddy from another charity, STARS Dorset. We look forward to receiving your entries. I want to say thank you to Christian Ørner for keeping the recipes flowing and the other contributors who keep the magazine full of interesting articles and information.

Wishing you all the best and good luck as we transition from winter to spring in the coming months. Don’t forget to get out, walk, cycle or sit in nature for a while, it is more important that you put time aside to think.

Editor: Janine Pulford

editorial@themudefordmag.co.uk

Production: Ben Pulford

Lead design: Louis Pulford

Sales: Simon Thornton, 01202 941470 simon@dorsetview.co.uk

Design: Dexter Elliott

COMPETITION FOR YOUR CHANCE TO SEE ‘THIS IS

MERSEYBEAT’

THURSDAY 2 MAY 7.30PM AT THE REGENT, CHRISTCHURCH

It’s the beat that’s hard to beat…

The show will take you back to the 60s’ sound of Liverpool when ‘Merseymania’ ruled the world!

This vibrant show features the Cavern Club’s resident Merseybeat combo, The Shakers and their authentic ‘Maximum Merseybeat’ sound plus guest artists, Victoria Jones as Cilla Black and Neil Ainsby as Gerry Marsden with Liverpool actor Paul Codman as the ‘host with the most’ and keyboard player Toni Baker from The Dakotas. Featuring the Merseybeat boom hits, Cavern stompers and a shot of rhythm and blues (with just a little rock ’n’ roll on the side) from The Beatles, Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Searchers, Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas, The Merseybeats, Cilla Black, The Big Three and many more. Ticket price £24.

To enter the competition for your chance to win a pair of tickets to this show, simply find Sammy Seagull who is hiding somewhere inside this month’s magazine (excluding this page). Email the page number where he appears and your contact details to competition@themudefordmag.co.uk.

Closing date is Thursday 29 February 2024.

It really is a WONDERful life

Christmas may be a distant memory; a film touched my heart and I thought I would share it with you. I spent Christmas day with a couple of dear friends. It was the kind of day, where you put on your snuggly clothes, sit in front of the fire, and consume your bodyweight in crisps and chocolate, whilst watching a Christmas movie.

Which leads me to the inspiration for this column: our movie of choice was “It’s a Wonderful Life”, the famous James Stewart black and white movie. I had never seen it, so was happy to indulge my friend who wanted me to see it.

I was enthralled as the life of the young George Bailey (played by James Stewart) was portrayed as one of unfulfilled dreams. It made me think how so many of us spend probably too much of our time musing over what we could, should or would have liked to have done or achieved. I think this especially occurs if life seems to take us on a path that we had not necessarily envisioned, but a path that we found ourselves on, wondering how we even got there.

Spoiler Alert coming up now. George Bailey muses over his life and wonders where it had all gone ‘wrong.’ He had started life with great ambitions, including to leave his hometown and make his fortune. After a lifetime of disappointment, he says out loud that he wishes he had never been born. Luckily for him, an angel, called Clarence, has been sent to earth to ‘earn his wings’. On hearing George’s plea for help, it was Clarence’s duty to show George just how important he really was and how his life did matter.

What follows is a rather lovely reveal of what he had brought to his life and the life of others; not only the beautiful children he had produced, and the loving marriage he had contributed to, but how everything he had done, had come from the heart. He had made a difference in the life of others, always being kind, and offering a hand of friendship when it was needed the most. In other words, everyone he had encountered, had benefited from knowing him. He did make a difference.

The moral of the tale is that even though life may not have turned out quite the way you planned it, it is, without doubt, a life where you have contributed in more ways than you could ever envisage. Often, the life you end up with is better than the one you dreamed of, in other words, a blessing in disguise after all.

We must never forget that we are all relevant and that each of us is an asset to those around us even though sometimes we may not feel it. Seeing things from a different point of view helped George realise things are not so bad and that there are always things to be grateful for.

With Love

www.thelifestyleconcept.co.uk

Dorset Chamber CEO talks to Marilyn Barber

newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

To be the Chief Executive Officer of a company over the past four years has been tough for all business leaders, none more so than the head of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which boasts 650 members and reaches nearly 18,000 social media users and 10,000 people though its monthly business magazine which is produced by Pulford Publicity.

“It’s been extremely challenging for businesses with unforeseen global challenges and we will continue to do our absolute best for our business community. We’ve done well and weathered the storm,” said Ian Girling, who celebrated the 10th anniversary of being in charge of the Chamber at the recent annual meeting.

“Our highlight of 2023 was the Dorset Business Festival, a four-day celebration that included a networking launch, a major conference and expo and the return of the Dorset Business Awards.

“With a footfall of over 800 businesses, this was the largest and most ambitious project

as it will be celebrating its 75th year.

“It was started by a group of engineers – engineering is in our blood,” Ian said. “Chambers can be traditional, but they also need to be relevant.”

He added there had been a lot of changes to the business world in the last 10 years, including the introduction of technology such as artificial intelligence, and the Chamber had adapted and evolved.

Ian said he was really proud that the Chamber had raised awareness of the menopause and the importance of women in the workplace.

Ian Girling

Coffee Break Time

How to solve codeword

Every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number.

All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number.

To start you off we reveal the code for 3 letters.

How to solve Sudoku

Fill the 9 × 9 grid with numbers so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3 × 3 subgrids that compose the grid contain all of the digits from 1 to 9.

Solutions on page xxii

sponosred by Louis P Creative

Coffe Break Time

21st Anniversary Celebrations!

Name the bear competition

Pulford Publicity is celebrating its 21st anniversary in business and five STARS Dorset trauma teddies have arrived at the office to make it a memorable year.

Established 21 years ago in Ferndown, the family-run company publishes its own community magazines ‘Dorset View’ and ‘Viewpoint’, ‘The Mudeford Magazine,’ ‘BH Six & Seven’ and ‘The Bulletin’. As well as these, Pulford Publicity undertakes commissioned work including the ‘Dorset Business Focus,’ ‘Living Well Magazine’, council publications and event programmes. More news is published online at www.dorsetview.co.uk. The company also makes use of various social media channels, the most recent being TikTok.

The family and staff at Pulford Publicity not only work hard to keep the news flowing but love to have a good time and the adorable STARS Dorset trauma teddies are going to kick off the 21st year with some fun as well as with a serious message.

STARS Dorset is a charity supporting people recovering from sexual trauma. The Trauma Teddies are used to bring comfort and help soothe children who have been referred to the charity. If you would like to knit a trauma teddy ring STARS Dorset for a pattern on 01202 308840 or email info@starsdorset.org.

The STARS Dorset Trauma Teddy pictured is still nameless and this is where you can help. Think up a name that you think will suit it. If your name is chosen, then you will win a free family season ticket to visit Wimborne Model Town (no cash alternative). If more than one person submits the name chosen, there will be a draw to select the final winning entry. The competition closes on Thursday 14 March 2024. Enter at www.dorsetview.co.uk.

ARE WE JUST SAD OR DO WE HAVE ‘SAD SYNDROME’?

Now that Christmas is over how many of us might be suffering with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD syndrome). Many of us are affected by changing seasons, daylight hours and weather with changes in energy levels, mood, eating patterns and sleep so is this SAD syndrome? Doctors will only diagnose SAD syndrome if it affects your ability to function on a daily basis. Interestingly SAD syndrome can occur in winter or summer and is said to affect around two million people in the UK. The symptoms are those of depression with lack of energy, difficulty in concentrating, social withdrawal, low or anxious mood, sleep and appetite disturbance and reduced libido.

Causes

When light hits the back of our eyes, messages go to parts of the brain involved with sleep, appetite, sex drive, temperature, mood and activity. If there isn’t enough light these activities can slow down and stop. Daylight hours help to set our internal body clock, so our bodies know when to sleep and when to wake. It is thought for people with SAD syndrome their body clock is out of sync with daylight hours. When it’s dark outside, our brain produces melatonin which prepares us for sleep, daylight also affects the production of serotonin a brain chemical that enhances mood. People with SAD may have low levels of serotonin and higher levels of melatonin.

What may help?

• Getting as much natural light as possible (even sitting near a window helps).

• Exercising in the fresh air preferably in natural surroundings.

• Forward planning Keep a diary and put things in place when you feel the downward spiral.

• Light box to simulate exposure to sunlight. This involves sitting by a special lamp for around 30-60 minutes each morning. The duration and intensity of the light recommended will vary depending on the individual light box.

• Healthy balanced diet. Avoid sugar highs. A healthy diet will boost your mood, give you more energy and stop you putting on weight over winter. Balance your craving for carbohydrates, such as pasta and potatoes, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

• Talk to a counsellor CBT cognitive behavioural therapy based on the theory that how we think affects the way we feel and thus the way we behave so if we can challenge and change the way we think we can improve mood and undertake more helpful behaviours.

• Anti depressants may help although evidence is not strong. They are thought to be most effective if taken at the start of winter before the symptoms appear and continuing until spring. Consult your GP.

Dr Armorel Wood MBACP, Accred MNCS Private Counsellor, Maple Tree Therapy

woodarmorel@gmail.com/07765 915211 mapletreetherapy.org.uk

One Stop Glut Hut makes a difference

by Grounded Community

What do you do with 30 frozen turkeys donated late on Christmas Eve? You store them in a One Stop Glut Hut. In December ‘Feed our Community’ our food project in Boscombe, and other community food projects across BCP, were up in the early hours of Christmas Day distributing frozen turkeys and other surplus food donated by supermarkets.

The One Stop Glut Hut is a pilot project of the Access to Food Partnership. This group is made up of 60 different food projects across BCP and is facilitated by Daisy Carr from BCP council and Faithworks. After many extended project meetings, we successfully joined forces to create a short-term storage facility.

“Based in Boscombe, the One Stop Glut Hut will help food projects make the most of unexpected food donations, enabling them to temporarily store and share with other partners so it can be distributed to those most in need,” says George Godfrey, Project Coordinator.

The premises, based at Bournemouth Foodbank in Haviland Road, have ample fridges and freezers to ensure that no food goes to waste and is safely stored. The food given can be used in emergency food parcels, at foodbanks and community fridges across BCP, and in recipes for those attending community meals.

Kathy from West Howe Community Enterprises says: “Being able to share the gluts that each charity receives with other organisations, as well as the local community, is brilliant.”

Rita from Unity In Vision says: “We were able to put a big smile on the faces of our registered families, including local asylum seekers, who met us with bright eyes and real joy.”

We were also encouraged to notice an uplift in volunteers coming forward to gift their time over the Christmas period. As supported by the NHS, one of the key steps to human happiness and fulfilment is “giving to others” and that was certainly our joyful experience over the festive season. In fact, growing your own food actually covers all 5 of these widely recognised steps to wellbeing, which you can read more about on the NHS website by searching for “5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing”.

To find out more about the Access to Food Partnership, and to find your nearest community food project, visit: bcpcouncil. gov.uk/accesstofoodmap. If you’re interested in volunteering for Grounded Community charity, you can identify the right project for you and apply easily via our website here: groundedcommunity.co.uk/volunteer/.

A GUIDE TO THE BEST ROAST BEEF

BY CHRISTIAN ØRNER

There is something special about a really good Roast Beef. This is how to get the best out of your meat. Firstly, buy the best quality meat you can afford and a good way to do this is to build a rapport with your local butcher.

WHICH CUT?

Centre cut fillet is the most tender, but it also has the least amount of flavour. Recommended cooking: rare. Rib eye/ bone in rib of beef arguably has most flavour, but being more of a working muscle it needs a bit more cooking. Recommended cooking: medium rare-medium. Sirloin is a bit of both. For SALT Cø roasts we use sirloin. A nice amount of marbling for flavour and doesn’t need as much cooking as a rib eye. For SALT Cø private dinners we cook a lot of steaks and sirloin is the cut I tend to use. Recommended cooking: medium rare. Other great beef roasting joints: topside and rump.

WHAT TEMPERATURE?

A cuisant is all about the internal temperature of the meat itself to obtain rare, medium rare, medium, medium well, well done.

Rare: 50c.

Medium Rare: 55c

Medium: 60c

Medium Well: 65c

Well Done: above 68c

The best way to get these desired temperatures is to use an accurate digital temperature probe. Remember you also MUST rest your meat. The rule of thumb is to rest it half the amount of time it has been cooking. During this time the temperature does increase as the meat relaxes. So, remove the meat a few degrees before the desired cuisant for best result.

MARINADE FOR ROAST BEEF

20g fresh rosemary

20g fresh thyme

1/4 head of garlic, all cloves peeled

300g vegetable oil

Make the marinade the day before you cook your roast beef: blend everything together then pour onto your meat. Leave uncovered in your fridge overnight.

The next day: preheat your oven to 200c. Season your meat with salt. Sear on all sides in a very hot frying pan in vegetable oil (not olive oil or butter as both will burn). Place your meat on an ovenproof tray and into the oven until just before your desired cuisant. The best way to determine how long to cook meat is to keep using your digital temperature probe. If you don’t have one they are easy to find online. Remember to rest your meat before carving.

Christian Ørner

T: +44 (0) 7742502799

The Library of Heartbeats

by Laura Imai Messina, hardback £16.99

Book Reviews

From the international bestselling author of The Phone Box at the Edge of the World comes a powerful, moving novel of grief, hope, friendship and love. On the peaceful Japanese island of Teshima there is a library of heartbeats, a place where the heartbeats of visitors from all around the world are collected. In this small, isolated building, the heartbeats of people who are still alive or have already passed away continue to echo. Several miles away, in the ancient city of Kamakura, two lonely souls meet: Shuichi, a fortyyear-old illustrator, who returns to his home-town to fix up the house of his recently deceased mother, and eightyear-old Kenta, a child who wanders like a shadow around Shuichi’s house. Day by day, the trust between Shuichi and Kenta grows until they discover they share a bond that will tie them together for life. Their journey will lead them to Teshima and to the library of heartbeats.

Food For Life

by Tim Spector, paperback £12.99

Food for Life is nothing less than a new approach to how to eat - for our health and the health of the planet. Food is our greatest ally for good health, but the question of what to eat in the age of ultra-processed food has never seemed so complicated. Drawing on cutting-edge research and personal insights, Professor Tim Spector offers clear answers in this definitive, easy-to-follow guide to the new science of eating well.

Time Travelling With A Tortoise

by Ross Welford, paperback £7.99

Exciting, funny, heartwarming and mindbendingly clever, the extraordinary, adventurepacked sequel to Ross Welford’s Time Travelling with a Hamster finds Al Chaudhury forced back in time again, this time leaving someone behind, trapped in a prehistoric dimension. Al is forced into a rescue mission to recover his friend and to make sure that there will be a future waiting for them all. It turns out time travel is far more complicated than Al thought!

Why not pop into the BH6 Books and Home shop to have a browse, choose an alternative Valentine card and see lots of lovely new publications for spring? Or you can contact the bookshop on 01202 418403, email sales@bh6booksandhome.co.uk or find them on social media @bh6booksandhome to place orders and discover all that is on offer at BH6 Books and Home, 69 Southbourne Grove, BH6 3QU.

Charity of the Year

Get set for Lewis-Manning’s pawsome Muddy Dog Dash in Upton Country Park!

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s hugely popular ‘Muddy Dog Dash’ which promises to be a brilliantly fun… and muddy event will take place on Sunday 17 March.

The ‘Muddy Dog Dash’, sponsored by Barratt Homes, takes place at Upton Country Park, Poole. Runners, walkers, families and friends, with or without a dog can choose between a 2.5km and 5km muddy obstacle course. Spectators are more than welcome and can enjoy the pawsome event village while they wait for their muddy friends to return.

Hannah Garrett, event fundraiser at LewisManning Hospice Care said, “You can choose to run, jog or walk, that’s up to you. Whatever your ability it will be a fantastically muddy experience. There will be various fun obstacles including

ramps, tyre runs, wiggle poles and much, much more. There will be goodie bags sponsored by Nurturing by Nature, rosettes and certificates.

Megan Hamlyn, marketing manager at Barratt Homes said: “We are thrilled to be supporting Lewis-Manning Hospice Care again for their hugely popular ‘Muddy Dog Dash’, it’s certainly an event not to be missed. Barratt Homes are always keen to support their local communities and causes like Lewis-Manning who provide vital care and support to patients and their families across East Dorset and Purbeck.”

Hannah concluded, “What are you waiting for? - On your barks, get set… GO!!

Sign up today: lewis-manning.org.uk/muddydog-dash/

About Lewis-Manning Hospice Care

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is a charity providing extraordinary care to patients and their loved ones facing a life-limiting illness across East Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Purbeck and west Hampshire.

They offer a range of free hospice care services aimed at helping people to live well through their illness, closer to home and at home.

Layers of History

by Julie Ratcliffe

Archaeology is fascinating. Layers of earth carefully scraped away to reveal intriguing clues to past lives in finds from coins and jewellery to human remains. But what about above ground? Have you thought about the layers of history to be seen without getting down on hands and knees and digging? History is visible above ground through landscapes and buildings, and it is with buildings we can find clues to the past through styles and the materials used.

Some buildings have endured for hundreds of years and layers of history are part of their fabric. The Priory church has centuries of visible masonry from the Norman tower, through Tudor tracery to the 21st-century NHS gargoyle, generations making their mark. A great building to observe layers of history is Place Mill. At its base, you can see the stone and ironstone of its monastic past. There’s Tudor brickwork, Victorian renovations and even a patch of 20th century rendering.

On some buildings, their history is not quite as obvious. Shop fronts are a great example. There are rules on shop fronts in conservation areas and for listed buildings

which protect their original character. As a result, some retain their original design. Others have been modernised to provide a corporate or more modern look. Yet above these shop fronts we can often see a building’s true character. Walk down many local high streets and look up, it is often here you can see layers of history. Bournemouth has some amazing Art Deco buildings, Southbourne wonderful Victorian brickwork as does Boscombe. Along Christchurch High Street and up to the Priory there’s an array of architectural styles.

Next time you walk down any high street, look up. How many different layers of history can you spot?

CHS Talks:

6 February - History and development of Druitt Gardens – Peter Fenning

5 March - Thomas Hardy & Wessex –Ken Basham

www.christchurchhistory.org.uk

Place Mill showing its several layers of stone and brickwork.

52 & 54 High Street. This building is 18th century, you can see the Georgian brickwork. In Victorian times it was a boarding school.

A stay at W Algarve with flights from Bournemouth

Regular flights from Bournemouth Airport to Faro mean that is possible to fly to the Algarve for short or longer durations. The flights are yearround. I flew in November for nine nights. It’s a short flight, just over two hours.

On arrival we picked up a hire car and drove for around 40 minutes to the stylish W Algarve. Opened in 2022 it combines a beachside vibe with urban styling in fresh, airy rooms and suites. It features a number of residences that make it ideal for multi-generational holidays. The residences have kitchens and up to four bedrooms. The W Algarve also has lots of facilities, amenities and activities that appeal to all ages. It’s a fairly intimate resort of 134 seafacing rooms, all very spacious. Among them are 10 WOW suites, aptly named for their private rooftop terraces as well as separate living spaces. The décor throughout the W Algarve is stunning, using many local influences.

On arrival at W Algarve we were greeted by the staff, they parked our car and showed us to our room.

The resort has two pools, including a multilevel outdoor infinity pool surrounded by cabanas with live DJ sessions and themed parties.

There is plenty to do in the surrounding area, there are three sandy beaches and some beautiful cliff top walks. The W Algarve is just outside Albufeira, there is a good selection of local restaurants and bars within a short walk. The Algarve has almost 100 Blue Flag beaches, ideal for family days out, as well as some thrilling water parks. It’s also a brilliant spot for dolphin and whale watching tours.

The Algarve has wonderful local produce and the kitchens at the W Algarve make the most of this in venues such as the Market Kitchen with its alfresco area and modern takes on farm and ocean-fresh cuisine and global favourites. There’s also Paper Moon for Italian cuisine by the award-winning Milanese restaurant group and the Living Room for tapas and cocktails, aperitifs, craft beers and global gins.

As well as being a short stroll from golden sandy beaches where you can relax, the W Algarve has a unique spa with six treatment rooms (including one for couples), a steam room and a sauna. The resort also has a state-of-theart gym and they organise fitness sessions form sunrise yoga to challenging boot camps.

If you would like to know more about holidays to the Algarve or if you would like help with any travel plans please get in touch. I will take time to understand exactly what you want from your trip - local or long-haul, business or pleasure.

SALLY PULLEN TRAVEL COUNSELLOR

T 01202 375150

M 07929626156

E sally.pullen@travelcounsellors.com

W www.travelcounsellors.com/sally.pullen

RIGHT PLANT RIGHT PLACE

It is coming up to that time of year when we want to get out in the garden and see our plants thrive and grow but to be successful it is important to give them the right growing conditions in terms of soil, sunlight and location. In other words, Right Plant – Right Place

Looking good together

To create a perfect planting scheme, where the plants are in harmony with one another, start with a backdrop of evergreen shrubs that will give you structure, all year-round interest and impact. Then intersperse them with bold flowering perennials and grasses that will flower from early spring right through to late autumn. Plant in colour groups for greater impact and fragrant plants closest to where you walk. Where space permits a small ornamental tree is always a show stopper.

For a free PDF plant list to suit your garden –contact Colin Knapman

T.01425 655038 M.07925166767

Check out website: www.ckgardendesign.co.uk

Happisburgh Lighthouse

by Keith Morton - Association of Lighthouse Keepers – alkhurst@gmail.com

As we progress southwards and around the Norfolk coast on our lighthouse tour of England and Wales, we soon arrive at Happisburgh Lighthouse which is something different; it is not only the oldest working lighthouse in East Anglia, but it is the only independently run lighthouse in Great Britain.

Back in the severe winter of 1789, some 70 sailing ships and 600 men were lost around the Norfolk coast. The subsequent enquiry drew attention to the lack of warning lights between the fire beacon at Cromer and the candle powered light at Winterton. Accordingly, Trinity House, the General Lighthouse Authority, decided to erect two lighthouses at Happisburgh. The low light being on the cliff top and the high light, some four hundred yards inland. The new lights came into operation on New Year’s Day in 1791 and were initially lit by many candles. Now if mariners kept these two lights

was installed. Then in 1865, the oil lamps were changed to an early form of gas illumination with the gas being produced on site and stored in large containers behind the lighthouse. Soon afterwards, new optics were added which gave the light a range of 17 nautical miles. The light at this time was a fixed constant light.

When the low light was discontinued in 1883, the high light was converted to an occulting light with the light shining for 25 seconds and eclipsed for five seconds, to clearly identify the high light. From then on, progressive improvements to the high light were made; 1910 it was converted to paraffin, 1929 the light was converted to acetylene gas, and in 1947, the light was converted to electricity. Once acetylene gas was provided, permanent keepers were no longer required and just an occasional visit for maintenance was required. The keepers’ houses were sold and are still private houses today. With the arrival of electricity, the light was altered to a flashing sequence of three white flashes every 30 seconds.

As time progresses, there are changes to the number of vessels passing this area and so the need for the number of lights also changes and in 1987 the Happisburgh light was considered to be redundant and was scheduled to be decommissioned on 13 June 1988. A local campaign was set up to save the lighthouse as the locals felt very strongly that there was still a real need for the light.

Now under the Merchant Shipping Act of 1894, Trinity House can only dispose of a working lighthouse to an established Lighthouse Authority. So, in addition to raising the necessary funds for the running costs of the light, they also had to raise the necessary funds to promote a Private Members Bill through Parliament. This latter action was successful and on 25 April 1990, the bill received Royal Assent. The Happisburgh Lighthouse Trust was then established as a Lighthouse Authority.

The Lighthouse is open to visit and to be able to climb the 112 steps to the top and be able to admire the view. Do check opening times by visiting www.happisburgh.org/lighthouse

Winter birds in the CHOG recording area

by Tom (CHOG)

Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group, known as CHOG, is an independent organisation and registered charity, which is dedicated to recording, promoting and conserving the wildlife of the Christchurch Harbour area.

Whether it is watching passing sea birds at Mudeford Quay following a storm, observing feeding waders and geese on Stanpit, or finding sheltering woodland birds on Hengistbury, birdwatching around Christchurch Harbour has a lot to offer during the winter months.

Having migrated from their summer breeding grounds in the North (including from Iceland, Siberia and Scandinavia), thousands of birds head south to the UK to spend the winter. Here the milder climate provides plentiful feeding opportunities to prepare the birds for their return journey in the spring.

A walk around Stanpit offers a good chance to see wintering Black-tailed Godwits (long-legged waders that use their long bill to find food in the tidal mud), Brent Geese (small black, brown and white geese that like to eat eel-grass) and Wigeon (look out for the yellow forehead and pink breast of the male) along with other waders and ducks. Watching from Crouch Hill or Jimmy’s Point can provide close views of these long distance visitors. Listen out for their calls too and see if you can identify which species is making which sound. Stanpit can be accessed from the free car parking at Stanpit Recreation Ground, Stanpit, BH23 3ND.

When you are out and about in the CHOG recording area, such as visiting Hengistbury Head or Wick, or while you are watching your garden, check any remaining berries for feeding birds. Hawthorn, Holly and Ivy berries are a favourite of Blackbirds, Blackcaps, Fieldfares, Redwings and Woodpigeons. Additionally, this winter has seen an influx of Waxwings (Starling-sized buff coloured birds with a black mask and yellow tip to their tail) to the north-east and they have gradually moved south in search of their favourite Rowan berries. At the time of writing, they are continuing their move southwards in search of food, so hopefully there will be some in Dorset this winter.

If you like getting out to see the waves and sea following a winter storm, make sure you look out for passing sea birds such as auks (including Guillemots and Razorbills), Fulmars and divers. Following the recent December storms, birds passed close by, allowing good photo opportunities from the Sandspit. A selection of these photos have been posted on the CHOG website. To find out more about CHOG and how to join, please visit www.chog.org.uk for the latest daily sightings and an interactive map of harbour locations.

Brent Goose © Scott Usher

Black-tailed Godwit © Scott Usher

Puzzle solutions

Oral hygiene, why is it important?

Good health is without a doubt the best gift that we can wish for ourselves and our family. I read an article recently, conducted in the UK on adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The study found the same bacteria present in the white matter of the brain that we find in the oral cavity of people with bad oral hygiene. The question arising is if there is a correlation between the two and how poor oral hygiene can lead to poor general health.

For many years the dental profession has known that oral health is closely linked to general health, and maintaining good oral hygiene can have a significant impact on overall wellbeing. The connection between oral health and general health is complex; here are some ways in which oral health can influence general health:

Cardiovascular disease: people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery (heart) disease than people without gum disease. When people have gum disease, it is thought that bacteria from the mouth can get into their bloodstream. The bacteria produce protein. This can then affect the heart by causing the platelets in the blood to stick together in the blood vessels of the heart. This can make clots more likely to form. Blood clots can reduce normal blood flow, so that the heart does not get all the nutrients and oxygen it needs. If the blood flow is badly affected this could lead to a heart attack.

Stroke: several studies show direct correlation between mouth infections and strokes. They have found that people who have had a stroke are more likely to have gum disease.

Respiratory Health: oral infections, such as gum disease, can lead to respiratory issues. Bacteria from the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs, potentially causing pneumonia and other respiratory infections, particularly in individuals

with compromised immune systems, mainly elderly and people in nursing homes. Pneumonia is one of the main reasons of death in elderly population in hospitals and homes.

Diabetes: there is a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and oral health. Poorly managed diabetes can lead to an increased risk of gum disease, and conversely, gum disease can make it more challenging to control blood sugar levels. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for individuals with diabetes.

Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes: pregnant women who have gum disease may be over three times more likely to give birth to a premature baby or have a baby with low birth weight. There is a one-in-four chance that a pregnant woman with gum disease will give birth before 35 weeks.

Joint Health: some studies have suggested a potential connection between rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease. Chronic inflammation in the gums might exacerbate inflammatory conditions in other parts of the body, including the joints.

Cognitive Function: emerging research is exploring the possible links between oral health and cognitive function. Chronic inflammation, as seen in gum disease, may contribute to cognitive decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Nutrition and Digestion: oral health plays a role in proper nutrition. Poor oral health can lead to difficulties in chewing and swallowing, affecting an individual’s ability to consume a balanced diet. This can, in turn, impact overall health and well-being.

Mrs Ella Aslani DDS Stockholm Principal Dentist – Copper Beech Clinic

Christchurch u3a

by Paula

Spring, my favourite season with new growth and hope, long days and short nights, the best time of the year in my opinion.

If you are thinking of joining Christchurch u3a, there are groups that still have vacancies and lists you could put your name to if they haven’t got room yet. The cost for just one term is only £20 which would be from April. (Here’s a good tip – if you join for the spring/summer term you’re more likely to get a definite place in the groups you really want in September).

There is no limit to the number of members of our unique ‘OUT OF HOURS’ Group. Here are some of the things planned for the year.

Genres for OutofHours and Social Events (Whatever your definition...)

Adventurous Camping, paddleboarding, kayaking

Archaeologists

Ancient Site Technologies in Cranborne, Highcliffe Castle Tour

Messi players Skittles, Croquet and Bowling

GeeGeeWagers Races Night

MindfulEaters Sunday lunches

KnowAlls Quiz

Schumachers Go Karting, GoApe

SolsticeSunWorshippers Picnic on the Beach 21st June

Thespians Outdoor Theatre plays, Highcliffe Castle Travellers Scotland Holiday

On a National u3a Level (Click on links on Christchurch u3a Home page) - This is one of the best and most inspiring talks I have heard: Learning is the Elixir of Healthy Life, presented by Sir Muir Gray | Future Lives | u3a UK

RNLI Mudeford Fundraising Crew Newsletter

2024 is a very special year for the RNLI, we’re celebrating our 200th anniversary. We’ll be having several events, some planned, some yet to be decided upon. So far this year we’re adding an anniversary dinner and dance in collaboration with two other fundraising branches (Bournemouth & Christchurch and Poole), a Pirate Day with a competition for best dressed pirate and mermaid, and a Story Competition for young writers. Please keep an eye out on Facebook for further details.

Local business support

We keep our event expenses as low as possible, with financial help and support from some very wonderful people in the local business community. Most recently, Mitchell’s Estate Agents and The Haven House Inn and Café for Carols on the Quay with close to 1,000 residents, and Avon Beach for a hut at their Christmas market. In these cash-strapped times we appreciate it is difficult to spare funds for charitable donations but if you have a business in the Mudeford/Somerford area and would like to help (however small) with any of our events we would truly be very grateful.

Join us

If you would like to be involved and help us celebrate, we would love to meet you. We are always pleased to welcome new volunteers for our fundraising team. Support is essential - the Mudeford Servant Lifeboat and volunteer crew were called out 85 times in 2023.

For more information on our events or monthly meetings, or to get involved with our Fundraising Crew, please contact Adele at adele.orr.63@gmail.com

Dates for the diary

Sunday 17 March: 200th Anniversary Commemorative Service at Christchurch Priory at 3pm. Open to all.

Wednesday 3 April: Beetle Drive, Stanpit Village Hall at 2.15 pm

Friday 10 May: 200th Anniversary Dinner & Dance, Queen’s Hotel Bournemouth

Thursday 16 May: Coffee Morning, Stanpit Village Hall

Sunday 26 May: Blue Light Day, Mudeford Quay Green

Rookie the Reindeer helping Santa at the Avon Beach Hut Christmas market

A very large crowd enjoyed RNLI Mudeford’s Christmas Carols Concert at the Quay

Short Story

MY LAST STORM

by Rebecca Eapen (age 10 years)

Winner of the Blandford and Stour Rotary Under 11s annual short story and poetry competition 2023

The clear blue sky encompassed the sea with a glossy reflection in the undulating water. Buttermilk clouds churned in the blanket of blue, smiling at the scene below. Colossal mountains stood still as stones, standing guard, awaiting our arrival in the distance. I tried to stay calm and not get too excited, for otherwise the passengers would rock and be alarmed. There was a baby on board, so I had to be careful.

Shoals of fish swam happily towards me, a conundrum of colours blending into one beguiling rainbow. They all surrounded my structure, tickling my floorboards making it even more difficult to stay afloat. From above, you would have seen the never-ending emerald sea splashing and spitting out its waters and then right in the heart of it all, a mix of blue, green and orange fish all guarding this small, tired boat. I gazed at the mesmerising view as the fingers of light began to dip, seemingly below the surface.

It started to become even more difficult to stay steady, as the people on board began jumping in glee at the amber sunset. Its orange-red striking colours streaked the sky turning it into an orange canvas, the pink clouds swirling round. I could feel large bubbles of worry floating around me, invisible to the eye but about to pop at any moment.

However, I had done this journey many times before. I took a deep breath and filled my insides with salty sea air, the strong taste forcing its way down my embers. “Time goes by quickly,” I thought. Perhaps this will be my last trip. The soft, squishy moss that cascaded down my sides was an obvious sign of it. Time has, and will never stop its mission – to go on

forever, but unlike humans, I’ve never known whether it would drag me along. Maybe this was my last chance to give these people the calm after their storm, the peace after their previous torrent of desperation, their smile after tears.

The sun was the shape of a bent penny, and it glistened before dimming, making it harder and harder to see. The once clear blue sky was now a midnight blue speckled with bright stars, guiding our way through the labyrinth of waves. Nonetheless, not all was serene. The waves were getting bigger and bigger making it harder to ride through, tossing me around. I could hear the worried gasps and murmurs of the passengers above me and I knew they felt my sudden uncertainty, the unexpected dip in smooth confidence. Even in the pitch black I could see the grey clouds collecting, planning their revenge. An unmerciful storm was brewing.

I buckled up, preparing myself for the dangers ahead. “You have one job, and one job only.” I repeated over and over in my head. “Deliver them safely.” These words echoed in the back of my mind, making my wooden head hurt. It was like a ghost whispering croakily into my ears, a sea of silent, throbbing pain overflowing me, never-ending, no matter how many times I begged it to stop. Suddenly, a surge of lightning bolted through the atmosphere narrowly missing me. Fear boiled inside my brain building up until it burst, as I felt my planks bend and creak.

Ruthless waves crashed and spat bitterly against my walls, causing the stinging waters to slice right through me. “Crash!” Sharp twigs brushed my sides scraping my planks and a wave as fierce as the ones beside me flooded

my insides with pain, so unbearable I let out a loud creak and I shook and rocked, struggling to keep afloat. Wails and cries shrieked above me beseeching for a way out. “They have had enough trouble.” I thought. “It must end.” If this was my last trip to carry these passengers to safety away from the awful war in Syria it had to be my best.

The sight of trees and the waters becoming shallow was a sign that land was near. I knew I couldn’t go all the way, but as long as I went close enough; it would be fine. Squeezing every last bit of strength out of me, I pushed through the currents and towards land.

Without warning I paused. I could not go any more. My structure had been badly bruised, splintered and I could not fight any longer. The people on board somehow understood my help had reached an end and started clambering out of the boat, before

wading through the black, glossy waters and towards the damp sand. I tried my very best to go after them, but alas, it was not meant to be.

The last thing I saw before my body submerged under the surface was the faint outlines of the humans lying down, sighing in immense relief, grateful that their families and they were still in one piece. “Do not be sad.” I told myself. “You have completed your mission”. A bubble of realisation popped inside my mind and swam around freely. It was time to retire from my duties. I allowed myself to sink until I reached the sea’s bottom. Even though I was practically alone in my own watery grave, I was not unhappy. Even through the thick black waters, I could make out the midnight sky, speckled with stars and the curved glow of the moon guiding the inhabitants of the sea.

I was a hero, and it was the best way to die.

LIVE ON STAGE

THE BEACH BOYZ TRIBUTE SHOW

Fri 1 March: 19:30

After a near-decade of touring the UK with the music of The Beach Boys - Beach Boyz Tribute Band will be performing their acclaimed show before hanging up their surfboards for the final time.

BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY

Sat 2 March: 19:30

The internationally acclaimed Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

HANS REY: MISHAPS AND MAYHEM

Wed 6 March: 19:30

Mountain Bike pioneer, adventurer, former Trials World Champion, Hans ’No Way’ Rey. Hans will reveal, the crazy and whacky that accompanied him on some of his adventures. With many career highlights and some never-seen-before footage and photos.

A VIENNESE STRAUSS GALA

Thu 7 March: 19:30

Recreating the romance of the Viennese Festive season, reminding you of a bygone age of glamorous soirees and Strauss waltzes.

P*SSED UP PANTO:

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Fri 8 - Sat 9 March: 19:30

Have you ever watched a pantomime and wondered what mischief the cast would get up to if there weren’t any children in the audience? What happens when the cast has had one too many?! Now’s your chance to find out!

RONNIE, REGGIE AND ME

Sun 10 March: 19:30

The definitive insight into the real life of Britain’s most notorious gangsters, from their trusted official biographer.

ESSENTIALLY CHER

Fri 15 March: 19:30

If you are looking for a tribute act with a WOW factor then look no further than Trisha McCluney as Essentially Cher!

EXCITING SCIENCE

Sun 17 March: 11:30

This brand new, exciting and educational show will amaze and astound all ages from 4 years and upwards, as we put the “Exciting” back into “Science” (See what we did there!)

RAVE ON: THE ULTIMATE 50S & 60S EXPERIENCE

Fri 22 March: 19:30

From the emergence of Rock and Roll at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee to the British Invasion and beyond, this is a musical adventure you won’t want to miss.

GIVE ME THE NIGHT: GEORGE BENSON’S GREATEST HITS

Thu 28 March: 19:30

It’s time to throw out all your blues and hit the city lights for a night of George Benson classics, as we pay tribute to the American soul superstar who helped make r’n’b soul what it is today.

THE OPERA BOYS: A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS

Fri 29 March: 19:30

After a SOLD OUT show in 2023 The Opera Boys are back with a fabulous evening of powerhouse vocals, immaculate 4-part harmony, breath-taking musical medleys, stunning solo performances… and a few surprises!

CALLING PLANET EARTH

Sat 30 March: 19:30

A New Romantic Symphony that goes on a journey through one of the greatest musical eras of all time - the electrifying 80s

REMEMBERING ABC CINEMAS

Sun 31 March: 18:00

The Cinema Theatre Association and the Regent are presenting an evening of nostalgia featuring images, interviews and film clips of ABC in a tribute to the much missed chain.

To see our upcoming film titles, please visit our website www.theregent.co.uk or pick up a film list in-person on your next visit.

All information is correct at the time of publication. Please see our website for the latest information www.theregent.co.uk

The Solent’s breeding coastal birds given a helping hand

A new project led by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is set to boost numbers of threatened wading birds whilst also encouraging terns to return to a historically important breeding site along the Solent coastline.

The Gravelly Shores project will create new protected coastal vegetated shingle habitat on the Beaulieu Estate in the New Forest. The estate is already home to around 50% of the Solent region’s breeding population of Ringed Plover and an important site for breeding Oystercatcher.

Ringed Plover is a high conservation priority red-listed species, reflecting steep national declines in their wintering and breeding populations.

It is hoped that the new shingle habitat, covering an area of approximately 1.7 hectares, will also encourage Common, Little and Roseate terns - which no longer breed here, to return to what was historically one of the most important tern breeding sites in the UK.

Within the Solent region increased human pressure and disturbance has reduced the amount of suitable shingle nesting habitat for shorebirds, and where it occurs it is affected by coastal erosion and sea level rise. The new shingle area will be created above the high-water mark on a site with

by an electric fence to help deter predators.

The project team will also trial other non-lethal predation management techniques across the North Solent National Nature Reserve, to reduce losses of wader nests and chicks to predators.

Mike Short, from the GWCT who will lead the two-year project, said: “Aside from creating new nesting habitat that’s resilient to climate change and coastal erosion, this exciting project will enable us to evaluate nest protection cages and other management tools to aid breeding wader recovery across the reserve and wider Solent region.”

Gravelly Shores is a partnership between GWCT, Natural England and the Beaulieu Estate. It is funded by Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme Capital Grant Scheme which has awarded £14.5million to 63 conservation projects in support of species recovery.

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said: “Nature is in drastic decline all around us, with England now one of the most nature depleted countries on Earth.

“Many once common animals and plants are much reduced with some 15% of species at risk of becoming extinct here.

“It’s a dire situation but can still be turned

Ringed Plover ©GWCT

Pulford Publicity visits Lewis-Manning Hospice Care

Pulford Publicity visited Lewis-Manning Hospice Care day centre in Poole to understand the workings of their charity of the year.

Janine Pulford said: “We visited the hospice to find out more about all that they do supporting patients and their families with life limiting illnesses across East Dorset and Purbeck. It was so interesting to gain an understanding of the different levels of care and support that they offer to so many, and we enjoyed learning about their ‘closer to home’ strategy and the development of hubs across the county.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with them, covering their busy schedule of events in each of our magazines and helping to inform our readers about the amazing care that they provide.”

Lewis-Manning’s Corporate Fundraiser, Nicki Cluley added, “It was brilliant to welcome the directors Ben, Janine and Louis along with marketing executive Simon Thornton to the hospice. We’ve got some exciting plans for different ways of collaborating in 2024 and we look forward to sharing them with you in the coming months.”

Pulford Publicity own five local magazines: Dorset View, Viewpoint, Mudeford Magazine, BH Six & Seven and The Bulletin.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is a charity helping people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. They deliver care for patients across East Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Purbeck and West Hampshire. For more information visit www.lewis-manning.org.uk.

Is your gas hob safe?

Dorset Council Trading Standards is helping the Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) by sharing their message about checking if your gas hob needs work to make it safe.

As a result of an investigation by OPSS it was found that 12 UK gas hob manufacturers may have a fault in their gas hob elbow joints that could lead to a serious risk of poisoning, burns or gas explosion and/or fire.

These 12 manufacturers have committed to undertake a corrective action programme to make certain hobs safe. OPSS has asked the public to check whether their gas hob requires corrective action.

The companies involved are Apelson Appliances UK Ltd, Buy It Direct Ltd, Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, Kingfisher International Products Ltd, Lancaster Holdings Ltd, Maurice Lay Distributors Ltd, Midea UK Ltd, Product Care Trading Ltd, Samsung Electronics, Shop Direct Home Shopping Ltd, Stax Trade Centres Ltd and The Wright Buy Ltd.

The companies will visit every home containing affected hobs and make them safe. Information about the brands and models are available via the companies’ websites.

Bure Probus Club

A well-established club for retired businessmen, meeting nine times a year on the fourth Wednesday of the month at Christchurch Harbour Hotel, Mudeford. Also three joint meetings to include wives and partners at South Lawn Hotel, Milford-on-Sea. Excellent food, guest speakers and social events. Details from John Sellens, secretary, via email on projectjgs@hotmail.com

L-R Nicki Cluley, Louis Pulford, Simon Thornton, Janine Pulford, Ben Pulford, Olivia Girling. HEIC

Toddler Group – A 10-minute walk away from All Saints Church, Mudeford

Did you know that Little Saints, the All Saints toddler Group which now meets at Godfirst Church (the Runway, 15 Airfield Rd BH23 3TG) is just a short walk from Mudeford?

The map shows the route on foot from the junction of Mudeford Lane with De Havilland Way. It takes you down Rodney Drive. Where the road makes a right-angle, a footpath will take you through to Leyside at the back of Godfirst. Look for a gateway in the car park, then walk through to the front of the building.

If driving, turn right at the end of Mudeford Lane into Somerford Road. Turn right after Mc Donalds into Airfield Way, then right again into Airfield Road. Look for a large building on your right called The Runway - that’s the Godfirst Church building. Directions for finding the Toddler Group are posted in the front door.

You will receive a warm welcome at Little Saints, which runs every Monday during term time from 1.15 to 2.45. We have a wide variety of toys to cater for children from birth to four years, ranging from soft toys, a garage with cars, toy kitchen, push along toys, art materials, construction toys, to sit and ride toys. Refreshments are provided, which include healthy snacks and there is a short rhyme and song time at the end of each session with instruments for toddler participation. Older brothers and sisters are welcome too, if their school has an in-service training day. The cost is £2 per family. Come and join the fun!

Jill, Janice, Jilly, Heather and Joan

Footpath

Footpath

Godfirst

News from All Saints

We were delighted to welcome our new priest, Rev Kathy Hicken, to the River Mude Benefice at a special welcoming service on 3 January. The service was held at St Luke’s Church in Burton.

Kathy and her husband, Richard, have moved into the vicarage in Mudeford and she will be dividing her time between the two parishes of Burton and Mudeford. Later in the year we hope to appoint a part-time priest to support her in this work and who will be based at the vicarage in Burton.

The term “Love is in the Air” can certainly be applied to the months of February and March in 2024. After Valentine’s Day we will be honouring mothers on Mothering Sunday (10 March). This was traditionally the time when domestic servants (sometimes only 10 years old) returned to their mother churches. This would usually involve family reunions and was seen as a time when the fasting conditions of Lent could be relaxed and simnel cake would be cooked in celebration. Mother’s Day is a more recent, American,

treated the wounded soldiers in the American Civil War. Although not an official aspect of the festival, I like the term ‘Mothering Sunday’ as it suggests the act of mothering and we can all endeavour to nurture and encourage others in whatever situation we find ourselves.

And then we come to Easter: the most amazing manifestation of love the world has ever seen. For the three years of His ministry, Jesus demonstrated love in His actions and His words. But more than this – He was prepared to die for us on the cross in order that we can be reconciled to God. “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him” (1 John 4:9).

February and March can be chilly, depressing months but these festivals encourage us to love and support one another.

Every Blessing

Vikki Miller

Church Contact Maggie Raine 01425 616652

For details of all our services please look at

Café clubs fighting loneliness

by Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

With the message that ‘loneliness brings us together, not apart’, a Bournemouth woman has set up an organisation to help people to meet new friends and to feel less isolated.

Since Anne Anderson started up the Chitter Chatter Clubs in February 2022, more than 8,000 people have enjoyed meeting up for tea and coffee in cafés in the BCP and Dorset Council areas.

Anne explains how it all started: “At the end of lockdown I went to a party in a block of retirement flats in Westbourne where I live. But no-one turned up as they were too frightened to come out of their apartments.”

She realised that so many people had become isolated and was determined to do something about it.

“I really care about people who are afraid to come out,” said Anne, who at that time was working for a charity.

So the idea was born to contact cafés to see if they would be happy to provide a table for people on one day a week to just turn up and meet others.

“Cafés loved the idea and now there are eight locations - Winton, Ferndown, Christchurch, Broadstone, Weymouth, West Parley, Wimborne and Colehill – where people can meet. You don’t have to book; just turn up to meet like minded folk.”

Each of the café meeting places has a volunteer host who makes everyone feel welcome.

In addition to meeting in cafés people are invited to go on nature days out and in the diary for this year are visits to Highcliffe Castle, Badbury Rings, Ringwood Forest and Arne, and Studland, Old Harry Rocks and Swanage by bus. More visits will be planned too.

Anne describes herself as ‘a single, confident lady who has struggled with loneliness’.

However, she does have a comment about people in the south of England.

“I am a northerner and I don’t feel there would be a need for Chitter Chatter in that part of

England, as people talk to their neighours all the time. People are more reserved in the south and they lose confidence,” she said.

“I am putting out a hand of friendship with Chitter Chatter.

“I am amazed so see how far we have come at the clubs, along with the dedicated volunteers. People have joined and rebuilt their lives. Our goal is to ensure that no-one ever sits alone and lonely.”

The weekly Chitter Chatter clubs locally are:

• Mondays 2.30-4pm Conto Lounge, Wimborne Road, Winton, BH9 2HB.

• Tuesdays 2.30-4pm Arcado Lounge (meeting in the back part) at High Street, Christchurch, BH23 1AS.

In addition, on the first Thursday of the month, people can go to Parley Place at 300 Christchurch Road, West Parley BH22 8SL from 2-3.30pm.

Anne has also produced a free online Loneliness Recovery Course.

See www.thechitterchatterclub.co.uk

Anne Anderson

Change to cat microchip legislation coming in 2024!

By Priory Veterinary Group, Christchurch Advertisement feature

Did you know it will be compulsory for all cats over 20 weeks old in England to be microchipped by 10 June 2024?

Here are the things you need to know:

The implant procedure is simple - it is a small chip the size of a grain of rice which is implanted by a needle under the skin between the shoulder blades. It can be done in a normal consult by one of our vets or registered veterinary nurses.

Not all pet microchips are equal - at Priory we have started using Thermochips which not only hold your pet’s unique identification number but have smart technology which enables them to read your cats temperature. These can then be scanned in consults and

during anaesthesia to provide reliable body temperature readings (without having to use the dreaded rectal thermometer!) as well as being compatible with smart accessories for your home eg chip reading food bowls/ water trays and cat flaps so that you can track your pets normal body temperature and pick up on early signs of ill health. This is particularly beneficial for cats as they are very good at hiding early signs of disease and reduces stress associated with measuring their temperature at the vets.

Having your pet chipped is not enough - contrary to some beliefs an ID chip does not store your personal information, it only provides us with a 15-digit number which is unique to that chip. This number should then be registered to you on a national database which holds your contact details.

Our top tips for registering your Pets Microchip

1. Ensure your pet’s chip is registered with one of the 21 DEFRA approved databases with 24/7 access for finders. These are linked so that when the number is searched with one it will be found regardless of which organisation it is registered with. We currently recommend HomeAgain which offers a 24/7 UK-based customer support team and allows pet owners to register pets, update contact details, transfer keepership and register multiple contacts to a single microchip – all free of charge.

Change to cat microchip legislation coming in 2024!

by Priory Veterinary Group, Christchurch

2. Provide more than one phone number (ideally a home number and at least one mobile number). This can really minimise the time it takes to reunite you with your pet.

3. Keep your details up to date. This can be done by contacting the database directly. Please note some databases charge an admin fee for changing your details.

4. If your pet is lost, contact the company so they can mark the number with an alert. Some of these companies have facilities to send alerts out to local vets/rescue homes etc to help spread the word.

What happens if I choose not to chip my cat?

From 10 June 2024 you could face a fine up to £500 if your cat is not chipped. However, most importantly, if your cat is lost or injured and brought into a vet or rescue centre, they have no way of contacting you which may delay treatment if required or ultimately result in the organisation being unable to reunite you with your pet.

What do I do next?

If your cat is NOT chipped - lucky them, they can have a Thermochip! Please contact us for an appointment. We can also implant chips during other appointments eg vaccinations, just remember to tell us your cat requires an ID chip when you book the appointment.

If your cat is already chipped - check your details are up to date. Not sure which database your pet is registered with? It doesn’t matterjust choose one eg Homeagain.co.uk and enter your pets ID number. If it registered on another DEFRA-approved database the website will tell you which one to contact with their details. Not sure what your pet’s chip number is? Please contact us – we should have it on your pets file but if not, you can bring your pet to any of our branches to be scanned and we can give you their ID number.

Purl-fectly knitted wedding dress liked by over 1,000 people

A vintage-style wedding dress knitted by 80-year-old in three weeks took a knitting group by storm on social media.

Shirley Ellicott, an 80-year-old mother of five, grandmother to 11 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 10, has knitted an intricate wedding dress using pure cotton and knitting needles.

She was completely overwhelmed with the response to an article sent by Avon Valley Community Matters to Dorset View which was posted online and on Facebook where it received over 50 likes, but it didn’t stop there. Julie Ratcliffe, one of the Mudeford Mag’s contributors shared the article in a knitting group ‘Knitting Patterns Only’ and a further 1,000 likes were given within 24 hours. Comments ranging from “absolutely stunning”, “a true masterpiece” to “unbelievable,” were added in the comments box.

“It’s amazing what two needles can do,” Shirley said. “I’ve sewn a wedding dress before but have always wanted to knit one. I wanted to do it properly, so I found a pattern and off I went. I just get a bee in my bonnet sometimes and just go for it.”

Self-taught Shirley, mastered the art of embroidery, sewing, knitting and crochet, and has previously created prom dresses, christening gowns, shawls and many more bespoke items over the years, but this is her first knitted wedding dress.

The result is this stunning, size 12-14, 1930s’ vintage-style cotton gown with a wide train at the base and pearl-effect button detail.

The dress is available to view and try on at AVCM’s charity shop on Fordingbridge High Street.

Those with a genuine interest in the

dress can contact AVCM on 01425 653258, or email avcommunitymatters@gmail.com for more details. A portion of the proceeds of the sale of the dress will go towards AVCM’s community outreach projects.

With a wealth of expertise, Shirley holds regular knit and natter sessions at Avon Valley Community Matters’ (AVCM) charity shop on Fordingbridge High Street at 10am on Fridays. She is planning to create another wedding dress, so if you are looking for something bespoke, why not drop into her knit and natter group to find out more.

Shirley Ellicott with her hand-knitted wedding dress © Laura Cowdery