Dorset View March 2024

Dear Readers!

No this isn’t my last editorial, but after 26 years of writing them and editing magazines, that day is drawing closer. In many ways I will be very sorry to say goodbye to the team and all our lovely readers who have said so many nice things to me over the years and supported our magazines through the lean times and the good.

My job is now officially available – see page 4.

When the post is filled, I shall be out the door like a shot, happy in the knowledge that the company is in the excellent hands of my two boys – well, they are grown men now – as they are so competent and devoted to Pulford Publicity.

Despite the highs and lows of working so closely with family and being ‘Janine’ rather than ‘Mum’, (I’m always Mum at home, thankfully), we’ve managed to make a good team and have great appreciation of those who work with us.

A self-confessed workaholic which my long-suffering husband Nick will confirm without hesitation, I have no intention of hanging up my writing boots.

I’ve dabbled with fiction since 1992 and always saw my job as an editor as a stepping stone to novel writing. Well, it certainly helped because since then I’ve written and self-published six novels and I’m about to publish a seventh, but the factual stepping stone, I realise, has really slowed my fiction progress down.

I can’t wait to find a new editor, and look forward to saying a proper goodbye when that happens.

Janine Pulford

Editor

DORSET VIEW

Ben Pulford managing director ben@dorsetview.co.uk

Louis Pulford creative director

DD 01202 233441

louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

NEWS DESK

01202 870270

Janine Pulford editor janine@dorsetview.co.uk

Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Jecs Davies journalist & social media creator jecs@dorsetview.co.uk

Rebecca Smith proofreader

ADVERTISING

01202 816140

Mark Beechey account manager

DD 01202 941465

mark@dorsetview.co.uk

Simon Thornton account manager

DD 01202 941470 simon@dorsetview.co.uk

Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

DESIGN TEAM

Dexter Elliott graphic designer designstudio@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

LOGISTICS

Mike Talbot

12 MARCH 2024

Verna (right) at

Editor required – come and join the professionals

After 21 years, Pulford Publicity’s editor is retiring

The editor is important to the smooth running of the company and if you have the skills and enthusiasm, now is your chance to apply. You must be a passionate writer with journalistic qualifications (NCTJ minimum) who loves a challenge.

Every day is different and being community spirited and providing accurate and balanced reporting is vital. As is the ability to thrive off deadlines. There are five in-house community magazines to edit. You should be intuitive, accurate, reliable and caring. The job includes occasional out of hours work to cover vital stories, events, live performances, meetings and meal reviews.

Janine Pulford said: “The position will suit a qualified journalist who also has a good knowledge of a news website and social media content and can apply their ability to creating posts that pop! And if you like writing food reviews, theatre reviews and interviewing people, now’s your chance. It sounds glamorous and it definitely has its moments. Some of my favourite times have been reporting on royal events and attending functions. On the other end of the spectrum, I love reporting on those who conquer adversity or

work hard to improve their communities. That’s probably why I’ve been in the job for so long.

“My team is invaluable. I work closely with professionals. There’s experienced news editor Marilyn Barber, qualified proofreader Rebecca Smith, and journalism student Jecs Davies who give me excellent support.

“Managing director, Ben, oversees the office and keeps on top of the finances with Nick; design director Louis and his assistant Dexter produce some of the best design work locally; Mark and Simon dedicate their time and energy to marketing, and Mike keeps on top of distribution. You won’t meet a more hardworking bunch of people who are passionate about what they do and enjoy a bit of banter along the way.

“If you feel you can fit into this type of cohesive office environment and have all the right qualifications, can use a camera, and have a full driving licence, why not send me your CV?” Email to janine@dorsetview.co.uk.

Janine adds: “After 25 years in journalism, I now want to devote time to my fiction writing and wish the next editor well. For someone with the right credentials and work ethos, being an editor at Pulford Publicity is a dream job.”

Ben Pulford, Managing Director

Louis Pulford, Creative Director

Nick Pulford, Company Secretary

Janine Pulford, Editor

Marilyn Barber, News Editor

Jecs Davies, Journalist & Social Media Creator

Rebecca Smith, Proofreader

Mark Beechey, Account Manager

Simon Thornton, Account Manager

Dexter Elliott, Graphic Designer

Mike Talbot, Logistics

Sweet Chamber music

Two local Chambers have come together

It is the ninth town chamber to join the umbrella organisation for the county’s businesses.

Bill Perkins, president of the Bournemouth Chamber said: “Like Dorset chamber we are growing quickly and adding members. When it comes to lobbying and communicating messages it is better for all our members when we work as one.”

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said:

“Bournemouth Chamber plays an important role as a voice for business and this connection makes complete sense. Together we are stronger and can formulate campaigns and lobbying that benefit us all.”

Appeal for Plastic Free Ferndown volunteers

Plastic Free status was awarded to Ferndown in 2019.

Following the pandemic, the Plastic Free committee was unable to continue and asked for new volunteers but there was not enough interest. Plastic Free Ferndown has now become dormant but the charity governing the status, Surfers Against Sewage, will revive the status should a new committee come forward with enthusiasm and drive to encourage businesses, clubs and societies to reduce their use of single-use plastic. Anyone wishing to become a community leader for Plastic Free Ferndown can contact Will or Rachel at Surfers Against Sewage on 01872 553001.

Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce has become the latest associate of Dorset Chamber.

Ian Girling (left) and Bill Perkins

‘School Streets’ scheme big success

A pilot scheme by BCP Council aimed at restricting traffic and parking outside some schools during peak times is being rolled out permanently.

The ‘School Streets’ initiative in partnership with Sustrans charity was introduced in four schools around the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area in spring last year.

The trial saw roads directly outside the schools closed to motorised traffic each day throughout the school week at peak drop-off and pick-up times, with exceptions made for residents living within the closed road and blue badge holders.

Encouragingly there was an 11.5% rise in parents and carers opting to leave their cars at home and either walk, cycle or scoot and 92% requesting the scheme be introduced on a full-time basis.

Around 80% of those surveyed revealed they felt safer outside their respective schools during the period the pilot was rolled out.

You can find out more about BCP Council’s Transforming Travel programme online.

Green belt under threat

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

An outline planning application has been made to Dorset Council to build 55 houses on green belt land in Wimborne. The site consists of 5.47 hectares of pasture, formerly known as Leigh Farm, off Birchdale Road.

Dorset Council has already received a huge amount of letters of objection to the proposal with comments including the lack of new GP surgeries in the area and the roads being unable to take any more cars. Respondents also urge the council to not permit building on the last remaining piece of green belt in the area.

One local resident said: “This is an area of considerable biodiversity interest. Deer are frequently seen there, as are foxes, and there is evidence of badgers. A large number of invertebrates and small mammals make their homes on this field including grass snakes, slow worms, frogs and bats. The site is also part of a wildlife corridor and a break between Wimborne and Colehill.”

The consultation period extends until 8 March and local residents are invited to make their comments known at: planning. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. The application number is P/OUT/2024/00563

There is a Facebook site ‘Save Wimborne Green Belt from Developers.’

The clerk to Colehill Parish Council said the authority couldn’t comment as the application wasn’t scheduled to be discussed until their next planning committee meeting on 27 February, which was after this magazine went to print.

Royal visit to National Coastwatch Station

HRH The Princess Royal visited the National Coastwatch station on the clifftop at Hengistbury Head on 14 February.

She was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Mr Angus Campbell, CVO, who presented NCI deputy chair, Dr Chris Aps who introduced NCI Hengistbury Head station manager, Peter Holway.

Mr Holway escorted the Princess Royal to the station’s watch room for a briefing about the work of the highly trained volunteer watchkeepers.

All 2,700 National Coastwatch volunteer

watchkeepers help save lives at sea by maintaining a visual and radio watch of the coast. They report coastal and local land-based safety-related incidents to HM Coastguard so that help can be sent.

After visiting the station, The Princess Royal attended a reception and presented service awards to six watchkeepers and unveiled a commemorative plaque.

HRH The Princess Royal is Royal Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution, a charity run entirely by volunteers. This year it celebrates its 30th anniversary.

© Caroline Walker

Former East Dorset District Council site now up for sale

Readers have long been asking about what is happening to the former offices of East Dorset District Council at Furzehill –and now there is an answer.

Dorset Council has instructed its agents to begin marketing the buildings which have been vacant since Local Government Reorganisation in 2019. This saw the creation of the unitary authorities of Dorset Council and BCP Council to replace the county’s former district and borough councils. As Furzehill was declared surplus to requirements by EDDC, Dorset Council inherited the empty office buildings.

Following Cabinet’s approval of the Council’s capital programme in March 2023, Furzehill was identified as a priority to sell to generate capital receipts.

The Furzehill site consists of 6.76 acres which was allocated for residential development and other alternative uses in the Christchurch and East Dorset Local Plan in 2014.

The site includes several buildings, including the main 19th century house known as Woodleaze, a former 19th century stable building converted into office space, and two semi-detached residential dwellings. There is garage/storage space and several modular buildings previously used for office accommodation.

The east of the site contains Woodleaze Copse, an area of ancient woodland. While it is not large enough to be considered on any Ancient Woodland Register, it is not suitable for

development, as confirmed in the Local Plan Allocation.

The site is for sale via informal tender.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Assets and Property, said: “At

a time when council budgets are stretched, it is vitally important that we explore all options for our property portfolio and sell what we do not need, to get the best value for money for our residents.”

‘My partner and I are separating and because the house is only in his name I am left on the street when I was promised I would be secure at home when we were together.’ It is becoming increasingly common for couples to live together before they get married, or couples to decide just to live together without ever getting married.

But, what happens when that relationship breaks down?

This situation is complicated when there are children involved.

If the couple do not have children, the main points to consider include:

• If the property is jointly owned and the sharing of equity has been agreed at the time it was purchased (usually in writing), you should expect to be held to your agreement regardless of who has paid what since you both moved in. Either owner of the property can seek the sale or agree for one person to remain living there with a transfer of ownership (often at the same time as a re-mortgage and also payment

of a lump sum to the person who is leaving the property).

• The law is more complicated where, in this case, only one person is registered as the sole owner of the property.

• If you have moved in with your partner, you might be able to rely on promises made by them that the home is as much yours as theirs. However, proving what has been said can be a challenge.

• Also, if you rely on a promise (if you can prove what was said), you then also need to prove that you suffered detriment in monetary terms. Mere reliance on the promise which has not also resulted to financial detriment is not enough. This is just one scenario provided in this article as an example in this increasingly fluid area of law. We urge you to contact us for a free initial half hour discussion of your own personal position if you recognise that this could become an issue for you or if it already is.

Law Spot is for information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Arts charity Vita Nova and development trust Recreate Dorset have received a share of £1,000 donation from Chaplins & The Cellar Bar in Boscombe after the venue was shortlisted for the Community Hero category at the Great British Pub Awards.

All the shortlisted pubs have been awarded funding by category sponsor Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, to help them continue the community work that got them to the final.

Harry Seccombe, owner of Chaplins & The Cellar Bar, said the prize money from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners had enabled him to provide a significant boost to two local causes that are making a real difference to people’s lives in Boscombe.

Vita Nova is an arts charity located behind the pub, aiding locals in overcoming drug and alcohol addiction through theatre-based support, and Recreate Dorset is a community development trust that will use the money towards equipping a much-anticipated new community and arts centre in Boscombe.

PULFORD PUBLICITY sponsors WIMBORNE COMMUNITY GARDEN

Where the wild things grow

By Jane Benson

Wimborne Community Garden is so lucky in so many ways, not least because it has its own ‘wild area’ with a lovely path running through it as you enter the garden itself. Within this area there are several glorious trees as indeed there are at the opposite end of the site. Trees, like any living thing, don’t last for ever so we were very saddened when we learnt that the huge ash tree in the corner of the wild area was diseased and so, for safety reasons, had to come down. However, we will now aim to coax the newly exposed area into growing produce with a more ‘foraging’ theme. Let’s see what happens.

The Sensory Garden continues to develop. The grasses have coped with winter so far as have various lavenders. Phlomis Fruticosa have been planted which will provide the softest leaves to touch; thornless roses have been added too so they can share their scent in the summer months. As the year progresses so will the Sensory Garden; it will become such a special place to sit, pause and enjoy the garden from.

We’ve also erected a metal archway at the ‘orchard’ end of the garden. This came about following our visit to RHS Wisley where multi-coloured

and weirdly shaped gourds attracted our attention as they wound their way up and hung decoratively from an archway. So we are attempting to do the same thing. Another thing to watch out for.

Lastly, we would like to thank all those who have been buying our potted bulbs. We really appreciate your support and as the year progresses, we will have other plants to sell from the garden. All the funds raised from these sales are ploughed back into the garden to help ensure it remains a colourful and productive space for the community of Wimborne. Thank you.

Vape robbery in Poole

Cast your mind back to 9.30pm of Monday 29 January. Were you anywhere near the Premier Alder Road store in Poole and remember seeing suspicious activity?

A young man was reported to have made threats whilst in possession of a kitchen knife and made off with 25 disposable vape pods. He is described as white, aged approximately 17 to 22 years old with light-coloured eyes, long fair hair, facial hair and of stocky build. He was wearing dark-coloured trousers and a cream or white zip-up hooded jumper.

If you have any information about the identity of the suspect or have captured anything of relevance during the timeframe on either home CCTV or dashcam footage, please contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240015088.

Woman celebrates two miracle children after her kidney transplant

A woman who was told she could not have children after her kidneys failed in 2012 has just celebrated the anniversary of the announcement of her second little miracle

Katrina Vernon and her husband Sam from Weymouth were told they would not be able to have children after her kidneys failed in 2012, but 14 February marked a year since the news of her second pregnancy.

After an array of health difficulties in her teens and early 20s, Katrina had to leave university and work, including her job in the police. Later, while working at an art gallery in Windsor, Katrina was sent home ill - little did she know her condition was about to get a lot worse.

During a drive from her family home in Henley to Luton, where she was living at the time, it soon became apparent that her kidneys had failed completely and she would have to go on dialysis at the age of just 26.

In what seemed like a change of luck some weeks later, the dialysis had increased Katrina’s kidney function to 30%. She was able to move to Weymouth, go on holiday again and she trained in education and worked at Weymouth College, but she was told she would not

be able to have children.

Shortly after Christmas in 2014, the function of her kidneys plummeted once again and she was back on dialysis until a donor could be found. For Katrina, donation from a member of her family was not an option as she was adopted at the age of eight.

It was a long wait, but a phone call in 2016 gave her a second chance to live a normal life. In the September of that year, she had a kidney transplant in Southmead Hospital in Bristol. Waking up after the surgery Katrina said: “Even though I was in pain, I felt like a million dollars… I had forgotten what it was like to be well.”

While still recovering, Katrina was desperate to be a mum and being adopted herself only intensified her wanting to have children. Despite the risks, she had her baby girl Phoebe on 14 December 2018. Complications meant that she stayed in hospital for 10 days so she and her husband Sam were able to take Phoebe home on Christmas Eve.

Katrina was very open about

her struggle with survivor’s guilt, especially throughout the lockdown periods. As someone at high risk, she was advised to be very careful during the pandemic.

After her transplant, Katrina said: “I pledged that I would live my life in honour on my donor.” Staying inside made her feel like she was “robbed of the second chance.”

On Valentine’s Day last year, Katrina found out she was expecting her second baby girl, Selena. There were more complications at birth and a long stay in the NICU, but they now have the family they could have only dreamed of 10 years ago.

Katrina said that transplants are “a gift not a guarantee.” She is incredibly grateful to the family of the deceased

donor who gave her a life at such a difficult time. Now, Katrina raises awareness for organ donation, celebrates every small occasion with her family and even hopes to open her own Christmas shop.

The family with their newborn baby girl

Support for carers

Carers in Dorset are being encouraged to apply for a Carer Friendly ID card to access support and discounts. By presenting the card in shops, libraries, leisure centres, cafes and any other establishments displaying the Carer Friendly logo, the Carer knows they are stepping into a Carer friendly space.

Benefits include access to discounts on goods and services. The card also displays the Carers’ ‘In Case of an Emergency’ (ICE) contact details should they become ill or need medical attention. This could happen when they are on their own or when they are with the person or people they care for. Register with https://www.carersupportdorset. co.uk/ or call 0800 368 8349.

Christmas tree recycling fundraiser

Eco Sustainable Solutions, which has a site at West Parley, helped charities raise a record £57,788 from Christmas tree recycling. It received 4,463 Christmas trees, weighing around 27 tonnes, from Diverse Abilities, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and Julia’s House. The trees were recycled into about 36 cubic metres of woodland mulch, equivalent to approximately 720 wheelbarrow loads.

Funding available for children’s community projects

Children’s Alliance welcomes applications from projects in Dorset who would benefit from funding. This money could directly support a local community group, a school, a club, a special needs organisation or anything that in some way betters the lives of children and

lets them experience the mental and health benefits of being in the water.

See www.childrensalliance.org.uk

Children’s Alliance, which aims to give children the best start in life, was founded by Water Babies’ late CEO Steve Franks in 2019.

The Leonardo Trust is an independent charity founded in 2001 by a former carer to help and support carers throughout Dorset. Since the charity was formed, it has helped many thousands of carers in a multitude of ways.

What it does: provides grants for individual carers and carers’ groups, runs its own holiday home, respite breaks, counselling service, telephone groups, alert lines, information booklets and is a source of information and advice.

Oakley Friends is a volunteer-based group of carers and ex carers caring for someone with dementia. Based in East Dorset, its aim is to provide support and helpful advice to carers to enable them to cope with the difficult tasks ahead of them.

The group meets on the last Wednesday of each month at the Canford Magna Centre, Oakley Lane, Canford Magna, Nr Wimborne, Dorset.

The meeting starts with a friendly get together and discussions followed either by a professional speaker or just self-help advice. There is no restriction on where carers live.

Twice a year, Oakley Friends runs a 10-week course (April and September) for carers, covering a wide range of topics including carer and patient wellbeing, benefits, legal aspects and care organisations.

For further information please go to www.leonardotrust.org, email info@ leonardotrust.org or call 01202 698325.

Fitness club with a difference

Advertisement feature

Are you finding your balance, flexibility and fitness are not what they used to be but are unsure what to do about it?

You should check out Ferndown Fitness in Pennys Walk, Ferndown. It’s a club with a difference that offers personalised exercise programmes and as much help and guidance as you need from approachable, knowledgeable staff.

They now also offer a great selection of classes including Yoga, Balance Classes, Flex & Stretch Classes as well as aerobic classes to help with fitness. They can really help you get moving and get back into exercise at your own pace, so why not pop in or call 01202 855321 to have a chat or book a free guest visit.

Stewarts Garden Centres support Lewis-Manning

Christchurch and Broomhill branches of Stewarts Garden Centres have launched Lewis-Manning Hospice Care as their charity of the year.

MD Martin Stewart said: “Our decision to make Lewis-Manning our charity of the year in Dorset was an easy decision to make because of the affinity and admiration that we have for

the amazing work that they provide to the patients and families that they support.

“We’re looking forward to getting our whole team on board and engaged with fundraising for the charity in as many ways as we can. We feel lots of synergy with the hospice, and with sunflowers at the heart of their brand we have plans to

launch a sunflower initiative in our Centres to celebrate them and will become a part of their ‘Grow Some Sunshine’ campaign. We hope it will inspire and motivate our customers to come on board too!

“Every customer at our till points will have the option to donate 10p to the hospice with their purchase.”

Rough sleepers helped off the streets Valentine's Day at Moors Manor Care Home filled with flowers

Moors Manor Care Home, in St Leonards, was filled with flowers, cards and sweets in celebration of St Valentine’s Day. Staff and residents at Moors Manor Care Home celebrated the day of love by creating handmade cards for residents to give to their family members and enjoyed an entertainer who performed to the residents with a selection of songs with a love theme. Moors Manor Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare. It provides residential care, dementia care and respite care.

Thanks to extra support from BCP Council and the homeless charity St Mungo’s, more than 80 individuals sleeping rough were helped off the streets of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole during freezing temperatures in January with 33 remaining in longer-term accommodation.

Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is activated when there is a real risk of loss of life due to weather conditions and must be applied when the night-time temperature is predicted to be zero degrees Celsius or below for three consecutive nights according to the MET weather forecast.

Cllr Kieron Wilson, BCP Council portfolio holder for Housing and Regulatory

Services said: “I would like to express my huge gratitude to St Mungo’s and our other partners for the high level of care, expertise, and hard work provided during this time. They have protected many members of our community who currently find themselves without a home. The thing that has stuck out most for me is the individual cases and the people we have managed to move into more permanent accommodation.

“In addition, we are progressing some new Rough Sleeping Initiative-funded services to focus on helping people move on from temporary accommodation and also preventing cases of rough sleeping, including those returning to the streets.”

Life-changing service for people with diabetes

University Hospitals Dorset’s (UHD) Diabetes Centre has teamed up with Bournemouth Heart Club (BHC) to provide a programme of unique exercise and education courses aimed at helping people living with Type 2 diabetes regain control of their condition.

‘Refocusise’ trials in 2023, sponsored by Sport England, produced such compelling improvements in the physical and mental health of patients attending the classes that it is now being trialled for a further year at BHC.

Each course runs for eight weeks, with 20 patients per cohort, and consists of a preand post-course health assessment and one-hour weekly exercise classes under the guidance of specialist instructors.

People living with Type 2 diabetes in Dorset can apply to join the 2024 Refocusise programme via a referral from their practice nurse or diabetes clinician. Courses will run from the Bournemouth Heart Club at Royal Bournemouth Hospital throughout the coming year.

Join now and pay nothing until April

You are invited to come and enjoy lots of amazing gyms, pools and classes right on your doorstep with BH Live Active.

Experience the brand-new gym and group cycle studio which recently opened at Pelhams in North Bournemouth. Try out the new cycling studio at Queen’s Park too. Stay a little longer to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat at the Terrace Café, which caters for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diets.

Stokewood Leisure Centre’s changing facilities are getting a fabulous facelift. There’s no better time than now to stop by one of BH Live Active’s centres. Come and try high-spec gym equipment, exercise studios, heated pools, spa facilities, and more with a FREE one-day guest pass. (T&Cs apply – see bhliveactive.org.uk/free-1-day-pass)

Want more from your membership? Workout anywhere, anytime with more than 1,000 online classes through BH Live Active at Home. Selected BH Live Active memberships also get 1,000s of exclusive UK high street savings thanks to their exclusive Member Perks.

They provide fun for the whole family too. Try the new Bounce & Play attraction for little ones aged 1-4 at BH Live Active in Corfe Mullen, or play the day away at the soft play areas for under 5s at Littledown, Corfe Mullen, and Pelhams. Young footy fans will love Littledown Juniors’ football leagues and the Swim Academy provides an established learn-to-swim pathway for all ages.

There’s lots to do for the big kids as well. Give them a day to remember with attractions such as AirJumpX indoor inflatable fun just off Castle Lane in Bournemouth, or Wet & Wacky pool play at Littledown, Pelhams, Stokewood and Corfe Mullen – also available for birthday parties.

Lookout at Littledown bar and café offer fantastic deals seven days a week, so come along and join in on match games or quizzes. For weekly live music on the Terrace and more, follow on Facebook: facebook.com/lookoutatlittledown

Pay as you go and great value multisite memberships are available too. Join online now and pay nothing until April 2024: USE PROMO CODE MARCH24 (T&Cs apply – see bhliveactive. org.uk/termsandconditions)

For more information, visit bhliveactive.org.uk or come and speak to a member of the team.

“I haven’t heard silence for

8 years”

– Jamie Laing

TV personality, podcaster and entrepreneur, Jamie Laing, has been living with tinnitus since 2016. During Tinnitus Week (5-11 February), Jamie joined forces to share his story and help RNID raise funds for research to silence tinnitus for good.

Jamie talks about the moment he first experienced the condition, describing it as a sudden and overwhelming sensation. Eight years on, he details the impact of tinnitus on his daily life, highlighting its disruptive nature and the difficulty of finding relief from the persistent ringing in his ears.

Tinnitus is the name for hearing noises that are not caused by an outside source. The condition sounds different for different people. Many describe their tinnitus as a ringing sound, but tinnitus can also be heard as other sounds, such as buzzing, whooshing, clicking, humming, and hissing, or even a combination of sounds.

“I haven’t heard silence for eight years,” said Jamie Laing. “The very first time I ever heard tinnitus, I woke up one morning and I got out of bed, and I could hear this ringing noise. And I was looking around, thinking where the hell is this noise coming from? Then it suddenly dawned on me that it was inside my own head. For anyone who’s ever experienced tinnitus that is a really scary moment.

“I would spend a lot of time in nightclubs, but I never wore anything to

protect my ears. I should have done and everyone should be protecting their ears. My tinnitus sounds like a dog whistle, with a whooshing noise surrounding it as well.

“So, it takes me a lot to cry and I was shooting a television show called Hunted, and in it my tinnitus was so bad. People were asking me questions and I couldn’t hear what they were saying because the ringing was so overbearing. It was so loud, and I was like, this is the moment. This is the moment where tinnitus is going to take over.

“The amazing thing is RNID is doing some incredible work, and through this amazing campaign they are raising money which will go directly towards tinnitus research to silence tinnitus for good.”

Franki Oliver, audiology manager at RNID, said: “Tinnitus is in fact much more common than many people realise. Around 1 in 7 adults have tinnitus; that’s over seven million adults in the UK. There is support out there with a range of professional tinnitus management options as well as self-management techniques available that can be helpful.

“Thank you to Jamie Laing for

sharing his story and raising awareness of tinnitus and how RNID can support people living with the condition.”

You can download a free tinnitus guide at rnid.org.uk/tinnitus

RNID is the charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.

Charity of the Year

Jeff Mostyn announced as a Patron of Lewis-Manning

Jeff Mostyn was a huge inspiration at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s recent charity event in Poole.

‘An Audience with… Jeff Mostyn’ was hosted by Warren Munson from Evolve at Parkstone Yacht Club.

Former AFC Bournemouth chairman, Jeff Mostyn entertained his audience as he took them on a wonderful journey of his life, from his humble northern roots, leaving school at just 15, facing adversity; his diverse working career successes; his enduring passion for football and of course his history with his beloved AFC Bournemouth and their fairy tale success.

Jeff’s appointment as a Patron of Lewis-Manning was

also announced at the popular event, with a packed audience which consisted of many AFC Bournemouth supporters but also loyal hospice supporters.

The conversation was compered by Warren Munson from Evolve who allowed Jeff Mostyn to share his stories with much passion, emotion and humour.

When asked, “What advice would you give to your younger self?” Jeff responded by saying, “Stand up for yourself, never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve.”

And his definition of personal success? “Achieving your dreams and your goals within your limitations and not what other people expect of you.”

There was a flurry of

questions at the end with Jeff in no rush to leave his captivated audience who thanked him for his loyalty to AFC Bournemouth and his unwavering commitment to the club and its fans.

Clare Gallie said: “Wow, what a pleasure it was to have Jeff and his wife Rosie with us this evening. What a journey to hear about. We are so pleased to welcome Jeff on board as a Patron too, it’s a real honour to have his continued commitment to our charity.”

Warren said: “Jeff’s whole story and the candid and honest manner in which he shared it meant that he was such a huge inspiration to everyone in the room. I interview many people but this conversation was one of the most enjoyable ever.”

Grants available for young business people

Young people aged 18-30 are invited to apply for a grant of up to £2,000 to help turn their dreams into a thriving business.

Since the launch of Dorset Community Foundation’s SWEF Enterprise and Business Fund in 2021 more than £45,000 has been awarded to almost 50 young people to help with rent, equipment and other bills.

The businesses funded so far range from market gardening, making furniture and recycling to remote bookkeeping.

Dorset Community Foundation grants manager Ellie Maguire said: “We want to fund young people who are in the first stages of getting their business going. They might have just sold a few items or have done some work for friends or family and they know they have a viable proposition but they don’t have the capital to really get up and running.”

Visit dorsetcommunityfoundation. org for more details.

Springtime pet hazards

Things to look out for as we head into spring:

Chocolate – with Easter comes chocolate. This is toxic to dogs and should be kept out of reach. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic!

Spring flowers and bulbs – can be highly poisonous. These include daffodils, tulips and spring crocus. All parts of the Lily are toxic to cats. Ticks – contain dangerous infectious diseases that can be passed on to both you and your dog. Always check your dog for ticks after walks and remove any with a tick hook. Preventative treatment is always recommended.

Lungworm – wet spring months bring out slugs and snails who can carry the dangerous lungworm parasite. Speak to your vet about preventative treatments.

Weedkillers – the type and toxicity of chemicals used to kill plants varies. Most cases of poisoning occur from dogs that brush up against, chew or lick recently treated plants.

Slug bait – another common source of poisoning as these normally contain substances attractive to dogs, like metaldehyde which has a sweet taste.

Adders – Spring is the time when the likelihood of being bitten is the highest. Snakes often bask in the sun and an inquisitive dog can stumble on them and easily be bitten.

Household cleaning – when spring cleaning, ensure bleach, household cleaners, drain cleaners etc are kept safely out of reach. Contact your vet immediately if you think your pet has been poisoned. www.vetsmiths.co.uk

Easter in Wimborne

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

As well as being one of the most important events in the Christian calendar, Easter is a time when visitor attractions open up, daffodils and spring flowers are in abundance, and we can put the dreary winter days behind us.

Wimborne has a packed calendar of Easter events being held from a hunt for hot cross buns growing on trees to Easter egg hunts so turn the page to find out more.

Continued on page 24

Grey Wagtail in the River Allen

Continued from page 23

Easter in Wimborne

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Walford Mill

Walford Mill Crafts provides an oasis of creativity in a tranquil riverside setting in which to enjoy the new season. Established in the repurposed former 200-year-old water mill adjoining the River Allen, Walford Mill Educational Trust provides studio facilities for artists and designer makers. The centre, open to the public without charge from Wednesday to Sunday each week, welcomes visitors to regular exhibitions of local and regional talent, and provides an opportunity to view and discuss work with the residents. The Trust also enables facilities for a wide range of creative workshops including activities for young people.

Although no chickens are expected in the courtyard this Easter, Little Pickle at the Mill, the on-site café, is offering an Easter Egg Hunt as well as a tempting Easter menu from brunch to lunch and beyond.

Dogs are welcome; there is a lift and ramp access to the ground level and mezzanine floor areas.

Wimborne Model Town

Wimborne Model Town and Gardens, which has been closed for the winter, opens on 29 March and children can take part in an Easter Quiz from 29 March to 14 April.

The Museum of East Dorset is embracing the season with Little Explorers Spring Has Sprung on Tuesday 2 April from 10am-1pm.

Children can make 3D bunnies, decorate vibrant flower crowns fit for a fairy king or queen and plant their own sunflowers. Also included are stories and a garden trail with a small reward included.

Entrance is via the tearoom, Museum admission is not included but annual pass holders go free. No need to book – pay on the day at £3.50 per child.

This is a fundraising event and all profits go towards the running of the museum.

Easter Egg Hunt

Just outside Wimborne, children can take part in an Easter Egg hunt at Kingston Lacy from 28 March until 14 April.

Children can put on their bunny ears and complete 10 activities, which when completed will result in a chocolate prize. Prices are £3 per trail, which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and a chocolate egg.

The Easter Egg hunt is held from 10am to 3pm, with last entry at 3pm.

Hot cross bun walk

At Wimborne Minster Church in addition to the services held in Easter Week, on Good Friday people can take part in the Bun Walk which leave the Minster at 3pm. Why not join in to find the hot cross buns growing on trees!

Lighting of the bonfire

On Easter Sunday at Wimborne Minster church there is the lighting of the bonfire and a service at 6am, followed by the usual Sunday services.

Wendy at work at Walford Mill

Pan-tastic races bring joy to the community

Photos by Marilyn Barber

For the fourth year in succession and only the fifth time since the race was re-launched in 1998, the wet weather drove both contestants and supporters inside Wimborne Minster Church for the 26th annual Pancake Race, which was sponsored by Dorset View and Viewpoint magazines.

There were nearly 100 entrants from toddlers right through to adults and those in wheelchairs also took part.

There were 40 competitors in the adult racingincluding the rector, the Rev Canon Andrew Rowland – with the winner being Canford School pupil Charlotte Kersey. Charlotte was declared Minster Pancake Champion 2024 and was presented with the John Loader Memorial Cup by Kathy and Martyn Curtler. She also received a set of mugs in the William Morris design from Marilyn Barber, news editor on behalf of Viewpoint and Dorset View magazines.

The Mayor Cllr Mrs Diann March and the town crier of Wareham Jacquie Hall started off the races.

A collection taken for Minster Funds raised £186.91.

Results:

Toddlers, 1st Gino Earl; Reception School Age, 1st Agnes Stickley; Middle School, 1st Harrison Homer; Upper School, 1st Esther Davey; wheelchair race 1st Jean Sibley pushed by Charlotte Sloyn from Burwood  Nursing Home; Adult, 1st Charlotte Kersey; joint second Yi Zhou and Will Lowbridge.

Rev Canon Andrew Rowland with Gino Earl

Front row L-R, the rector, The Rev Canon Andrew Rowland; The Mayor Cllr Diann March; Charlotte Kersey; Marilyn Barber, Dorset View news editor;  Wareham town crier, Jacquie Hall; organisers Anthony Oliver, Steve Burrows and Will Lowbridge

Young competitors practise their skills

Paloma Faith talks to Jecs Davies about her new album ‘The Glorification of Sadness’

I spoke to English singer and actress Paloma Faith about her most personal album to date following her divorce

‘The Glorification of Sadness’ consists of 17 tracks which Paloma says is a chronological journey through the cracking of an adult relationship, and with it a family. The album is a celebration of finding your way back after leaving a long-term relationship, being empowered even in your failures and taking responsibility for your own happiness.

It includes Paloma’s 2023 single ‘How You Leave a Man’ as well as her songs ‘Bad Woman’ and ‘Pressure’ featuring Kojey Radical. She told us that these tracks “seemed to be everyone’s favourites” although for her, she loves to dance to ‘Cry on the Dancefloor’.

Paloma also included three interlude tracks which use lyrics that never developed into actual songs. When I asked her why she chose to keep them in it she said: “I like to think of them as sort of like mantras and they make the album much more intimate.”

At the beginning of the 12th track ‘Divorce’, listeners will notice the sound of Paloma’s children’s voices, which she says “just makes it even sadder.”

In her 2021 BBC documentary ‘As I Am’, Paloma was very open about the challenges of being a pop star and a mother. Now as a single mother, she is confronting the public’s assumption that the split must be her fault, or that she should have tolerated misery for the sake of her kids.

“‘How to Leave a Man’ is meant to be empowering,” Paloma said. “It’s about taking control and responsibility for your own happiness as a woman. There’s no room for a woman to say, actually I just wasn’t really happy, especially when there’s kids involved. So, in this album, I’m trying to pull it in the direction of it being okay to take ownership of your own happiness and not be a victim.”

Particularly after the documentary, Paloma helped many women by sharing her experiences of birth, postnatal depression and being a mother. She said: “I have people approaching me in a really nice way because they’ve seen stuff I’ve said, and they want to speak candidly and intelligently

about those subjects.”

She is now in the final stages of writing a book about her experiences as well as her aims for the feminist movement. People are saying that this is a ‘new era’ of Paloma, but what does this really mean? I asked and she responded: “It’s a new era in a psychological sense.”

Fans will be delighted to hear that to celebrate this, Paloma will embark on ‘The Glorification of Sadness Tour 2024’ across the UK and Ireland. She will be performing at the Bournemouth International Centre on 17 May and will also be headlining ‘Southampton Summer Sessions’ on 28 June.

Album review

By Jecs Davies

‘The Glorification of Sadness’ takes listeners through the stages of grieving a broken relationship. It begins with the acoustic-style song ‘Sweatpants’ where Paloma questions “Will you still love me when I’m crazy and undone? When my hair’s up and I’ve got my sweatpants on.” ‘Sweatpants’ taps into both the beginning of a relationship breakdown and the expectation that women must always look perfect to be loveable.

Then Paloma draws listeners to anger with songs such as ‘God in a Dress’ and ‘Bad Woman’ where she says “I might be feminine but I’m not delicate” and “You painted me this way then act surprised when I change.” After that we move to the depression phase in the song ‘Divorce’ and finally acceptance with tracks like ‘I AM ENOUGH’.

The album is, as one of the lyrics says, “a kind of cocktail of tragedy” containing strong spirits of feminism mixed with catchy tunes. It showcases Paloma Faith’s range through different genres and messages in each song and is some of her best music. Like Paloma, one of my favourite songs is ‘Cry on the Dancefloor’.

Paloma Faith © Yan Wasiuchnik

Toad Patrol saves lives

With Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol mustering its volunteers into action as the weather warmed up, the patrollers have already helped hundreds of toads across the road

The life-saving patrol will be busy assisting the amphibians to cross safely during their migration until the end of March.

Oblivious of the highway code, the night-time travellers often get killed or injured in their eagerness to reach their breeding ground at Blashford Lakes after spending the winter hibernating in hollows at the base of hedgerows. Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol volunteers give them the best chance of reaching the lakes to produce the next generation of spawn.

Being well-camouflaged, toads are hard to see by passing motorists who can accidentally squash them when driving along the road unless they slow right down and take care to avoid them.

Toad Patrol leader, Nicola

Yorke, said, “Since starting in January, our volunteers have already helped hundreds of toads to cross an often busy road as they migrate to Blashford Lakes to breed – keeping them safe from being killed or injured by the wheels of cars and vans.

“We’re really grateful to the many drivers who slow down and stay patient as volunteers pick up the toads and carry them across the road.

“Toads are sadly in decline across the country, so every life is precious.”

Former leader Teresa Baker who founded the local patrol 35 years ago is still active within the busy group. Volunteers are always being sought and can make contact via Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol’s Facebook page.

Alabama Rot - the unsolved mystery which remains a risk to dogs

By Lynwood Vets

Back in the winter of 2013, Duncan at Lynwood Vets was one of the first vets to identify cases of a deadly new disease associated with walking dogs in wet woodland and heaths. This became known as Alabama Rot and to date over 300 dogs have died from the disease. The only signs are sores on the feet, legs or head followed by a rapid deterioration caused by kidney failure. Sadly roughly 9 out of 10 dogs with the disease will die.

The disease was first noted in a small geographical area of the New Forest, and analysis of historical records show that the disease appeared out of nowhere. Despite ongoing research, the cause has not been identified and treatment options are extremely limited. The cases are particularly emotionally upsetting for owners as they usually involve relatively young, active and healthy dogs who die within

a few days of exposure.

Studies have highlighted how the disease is strongly associated with access to wet areas of woodland during the winter months. It is a sensible precaution to thoroughly wash down your dog after walking in these areas and pay particular attention to any small cuts, however it is not known for certain that this helps prevent cases. If in any doubt, it is best to seek a vet’s opinion.

One of the hundreds of toads helped across the road www.louispcreative.co.uk

Healthy eating at Christchurch Junior School

“You are a great cooker and I didn’t know that there was nine teaspoons of sugar in a can of Cola,” was typical of many comments passed by children at Christchurch Junior School when CFFET trustee Mary Reader and her team visited the school for four days, to teach the children food skills and healthy eating.

The team from Christchurch Food Festival Education Trust (CFFET) consisted of Loic Gratadoux, a Christchurch-based chef, Julie Laurent, a former primary school teacher, and Master’s degree student Summer Moody.

Mary, who has been visiting schools for 18 years to teach healthy eating workshops, says they have developed to include food labelling and a maths exercise, calculating the amount of sugar in popular food and drinks.

“The children also took part in cooking a Mediterranean fish stew and a chicken chow mein and were frequently amazed at how much they enjoyed food that they thought they didn’t like or hadn’t tasted before,” said Mary.

The team will be visiting five other Christchurch primary schools before the end of March.

Vitamin rich watercress

Spring heralds the start of British watercress season across Dorset and Hampshire, the heartland for watercress growing.

This tasty peppery crop is grown uniquely in flowing spring water. The plant clings to the bed’s gravel base, absorbing the minerals and vitamins as the water rushes past.

Watercress is packed with over 50 vitamins and minerals, including exceptionally high levels of vitamins C, E and A, folate and calcium. It is also rich in iron (nearly twice as much as spinach) and because of the high levels of vitamin C and A it possesses, this iron is more easily absorbed than most other plant-based irons, making watercress an essential addition to any vegetarian or vegan diet. It also contains nine essential amino acids.

This year, celebrate spring with some healthy watercress – add to a salad, wilt into pasta, stir into stir fry, blitz in a smoothie or a classic soup. British grown watercress is available from all major retailers and farm shops from May to November; an 80g bag retails for around £1.35.

Here’s a quick and easy recipe from the Watercress Company, the UK’s biggest grower of watercress.

Watercress, Orange & Fennel Salad

Serves 1 (or 2 as a side/starter) | Prep time 10 mins

Ingredients

• 1 large orange, peeled and thinly sliced • 50g watercress

• Flaked almonds • Bulb of fennel, finely sliced

• 1 shallot, finely chopped • 30g feta, crumbled

Method

Arrange the watercress, orange, fennel and shallot on a plate. Sprinkle with the finely chopped shallot, feta and flaked almonds.

Maritime Trust welcomes new members

Although Poole Maritime Trust is perceived as a small group of people who carry out research, it welcomes new members and holds a series of winter talks at the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Sandbanks.

A spokesman said: “If you are interested in the history of Poole Harbour sailing, natural history, maritime history from pre-Roman to the 20th century, liners and cruising, model making, islands, wildlife photography, yacht and boat design and more, then do join us to hear our talks and lectures.”

The HQ above the Canford Cliffs Library houses over 6,000 photographs and other images. There are more than 2,800 books on boats and information on the local area.

There are also many models of sailing ships, paddle steamers, tugs, working boats and yachts of all sorts and over 300 box files of material on 19th and 20th century marine work, local boatyards and yacht clubs, now long gone.

People are invited to the HQ for a coffee or a cup of tea and biscuit on Thursdays 10am -12.30pm.

The HQ entrance is on the free car park side of the library. Look over the fence at the back of the new conservatory and you will see a sign to the front door. www.poolemaritimetrust.org

Historic photo of the Haven Ferry

Get out and about this spring and summer

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

With Easter on the horizon, let’s now say goodbye to being stuck at home, with rain splattering against the windows or icy conditions making journeys treacherous.

It’s time to get out and about. What shall we do?

How about booking a break in a holiday park where you can enjoy time as a family in a static caravan or lodge. Or if you find an area you love, you could invest in buying one and have your very own holiday home that you can take advantage of throughout most months of the year.

And whilst on the subject of holidays, why not take a cruise? There are so many options available from adults only to luxury and mini cruises – so relaxing – and your only effort is to enjoy yourself.

Coach travel is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why with someone else doing the driving. You can choose from a day trip

to a week’s holiday. It makes environmental sense too as it reduces the amount of cars on the road, and it’s very sociable.

Regular readers will be familiar with our listings where you will find details of events and meetings coming up over the next month – see page 35 and there are many Easter activities mentioned on page 24 in Wimborne.

There are just so many splendid events planned. These range from being able to go to shows featuring the craft of model making, to seeing birds of prey in a beautiful setting. Also people of all ages will like to see primates who have been rescued enjoying a safe home. Or you could go to a food festival where you can sample goodies such as cheese and chillis and watch cookery demonstrations.

We have several museums in our circulation area, where you can become immersed in learning about our past, even if the weather is less than perfect.

Fancy getting fit, whilst enjoying the open countryside? Golf offers the opportunity to breathe in the fresh air whilst making new friends.

Finally let’s not forget about our wonderful local theatres, which stage such a variety of productions from local amateur dramatics, to opera and film, plus some great live acts.

I’m sure we’ve tempted you with all the brilliant local activities on offer, so do make sure that this is the year when you make the best of your leisure time.

Just look at the variety of activities offered by advertisers in this magazine.

Historic RNLI photos bring charity’s 200-year past to life

featured among 11 black and white images that have been colourised to shine a new light on 200 years of saving lives at sea.

Thomas Kirk Wright is among 11 candid snapshots, which have been painstakingly cleaned and colourised with folds, scratches and dust removed using digital technology to celebrate the RNLI’s 200th

anniversary on 4 March.

The lifeboat Thomas Kirk Wright can be seen launching from the old lifeboat station to join 18 other RNLI lifeboats taking part in the evacuation of British troops from the French port of Dunkirk.

Today, the old lifeboat station is the RNLI Poole Old Lifeboat Museum. It still houses the Thomas Kirk Wright and is open to visitors.

A Poole lifeboat is

Poole lifeboat Thomas Kirk Wright launching for Dunkirk to help with the evacuation of British troops ©RNLI

Did you know Sam Rabin?

By Nick Churchill

He may not have been quite as fast as a speeding bullet, but to many who met him, Sam Rabin was a real-life Superman. So much so that one of his former students is gathering stories about him which she hopes to feature in a book.

Sharon Taylor, from Bournemouth, who as a teenager attended his drawing classes at Poole Arts Centre, is now researching a book about her one-time mentor.

“He was a genius, an amazing man; I am so lucky to have known him,” she says.

“His talent was very natural; to him it was like breathing. To look at, he was clearly a man of strength and had a powerful presence. I was shy and initially, I found his stature quite intimidating.

“He used to appear at your shoulder, look at what you were doing and offer a few words of advice, little pointers really. To illustrate his point, he’d make a few marks on your drawing, or do a little sketch at the side, and what he did with just a few lines was incredible.

“I’d love Sam’s story to be better known as it may be an inspiration to others. Poole and Bournemouth should be proud to have Sam as a leading light in their history.”

Best remembered in Poole for the time he spent teaching life drawing at Poole Arts Centre from its opening in 1978 until shortly before his death in 1991. In his long life, Sam was a highly accomplished painter, draughtsman, sculptor, printmaker, teacher, wrestler, boxer, singer and actor. He won a bronze medal for wrestling at the 1928 Olympics, appeared in films for Alexander Korda and sang professionally in the 1940s, auditioning for the legendary conductor Victor de Sabata. Later, he tutored the likes of Bridget Riley and Mary Quant at Goldsmiths.

Sharon is now keen to gather stories about Sam that she hopes to feature in a book about his extraordinary life and times. She hopes

to be able to make a donation from sales to the National Centre for Writing, which gives grants to aspiring writers.

If you have a connection with or memory of Sam Rabin, please contact Sharon at sharon.w.taylor@gmail.com.

https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/on-the-trail-ofsuperman-sam/

Sam Rabin by Sharon Taylor as Mendoza in ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’ 1934 ©Sharon Taylor

The Brand New Heavies to play

Bournemouth

The Brand New Heavies will be playing at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre on Saturday 10 August 2024

They will be performing their hits ‘Midnight at the Oasis’, ‘Sometimes’, ‘Dream Come True’, ‘Never Stop’, ‘Back to Love’ and ‘Stay This Way,’ with support coming from special guest Omar.

The concert is being staged by Steve Heald in aid of Dementia Research in memory of his mum, Thelma Heald, who had dementia and sadly passed away in 2022.

Tickets for the concert are available from the Pavilion Box Office, by phone on 0300 500 0595 and online at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

Walking Rugby coming to Wimborne Rugby Club

Local people are to have the opportunity to take part in Walking Rugby at Wimborne Rugby Club.

With its simplified rules and emphasis on participation over competition, Walking Rugby offers a range of health advantages, including improved cardiovascular fitness, enhanced coordination and balance, and reduced risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Michael Moysey, Wimborne RFC president, said: “Walking Rugby is more than just a game; it’s a lifestyle. We’ve seen first hand the positive impact it has on individuals’ physical health, mental wellbeing, and sense of belonging. Whether you’re a seasoned rugby player or stepping onto the field for the first time, Walking Rugby welcomes everyone with open arms.”

For those interested in joining Walking Rugby, contact or visit the clubhouse which is

open from 11am every Friday from 8 March. There will be three free taster sessions. Spectators are welcome to watch from the comfort of the clubhouse.

Wimborne Rugby Club, Gordon Road, Leigh Park, Wimborne, BH21 2AP

For further details

Email: secretary@ wimbornerugbyclub.co.uk

Ferndown welcomes Creative Happiness Club

New to Ferndown is a Creative Happiness Club run by Eleanor Green. The first one will take place on 4 March and thereafter it will be held weekly. As well as free tea and cake there will be art, watercolour, knitting – with wool and needles supplied – creative writing and more. All are welcome to the Creative Happiness Club that will take place at King’s Park Care Home, Church Road, Ferndown every Monday from 2-4pm.

‘Don Giovanni’ performed by Hurn Court Opera

Book now to see ‘Don Giovanni’ performed by an exceptional cast of emerging opera stars and the Hurn Court Opera. They will bring the multifaceted tale of one night when Don Giovanni blazes a trail to destruction, leaving conquests in his wake, enthrallingly to life. Yet Mozart’s sublime score, studded with glorious arias, meltingly captures the victims’ humanity. Sung in Italian with English surtitles, it will be performed on the following dates: 9 April at the Regent, Christchurch, 11 April at Theatre Royal, Winchester and 13 April at Coade Theatre, Bryanston School, Blandford.

Set in the early 2000s’ film industry, this production spotlights issues as relevant today as ever.

Hurn Court Opera provides quality, paid performance opportunities to emerging classical singers. Through opera recitals in Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire, and a national Singer of the Year Competition, the company brings tomorrow’s vocal stars to local audiences.

For more details and links to book tickets visit www.hurncourtopera.org.

Pinocchio, CoMad (Colehill Music and Drama) Colehill Village Hall

Review by Marilyn Barber

CoMad can always be relied upon to come up with a panto that is a little bit different, and this one which ran from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 February, was not only thoroughly enjoyable it was innovative.

It didn’t quite follow the story created by Italian writer Carlo Collodi in the 19th century for although the wooden puppet was working to achieve the ambition of becoming a real boy, his nose didn’t grow. This was CoMad’s version with the addition of an amorous neighbour Mama Macaroni which gave Keith Jobs plenty of opportunity to provide laughs for the packed audiences.

It was clear that the society had worked really hard over recent months to produce costumes and scenery for this panto, which was written and directed by Alice Weller.

Several of the performers were familiar faces on the Colehill stage, but the company always gives new younger members a chance to shine.

Lexi James-Clarke made a splendid Pinocchio and Charlotte Prosser had the chance to use her excellent voice as the Blue Fairy.

John Bounds was compassionate as the toymaker Geppetto, whilst Bill Mason elicited boos as the evil puppeteer Stromboli, aided admirably by his sidekicks Figaro the Fox (Fiona Kanczler) and Cleo the Cat (Joe Campbell-Marsh).

And what a performance from Ann Mason as Pinocchio’s best friend Jiminy, who stole the show on several occasions!

Mike Andrews, Sally Atkins, KD Johnson, Jackie Kirby, Jill Laybourne, Andrew Michaels and Pam Mizon filled a variety of roles with style.

With live music provided by John Dickins and Steve Pattle this was a production this company should be proud of. Profits are made to a local community cause with Colehill Scouts and Guides being this year’s recipients.

Events

Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

9 March 10am-3pm

RSPB New Forest Local Group field trip to Arne RSPB reserve near Wareham (SY 972 878, BH20 5BJ), meet in the reserve’s car park by the information centre. Non-members £5, members free. Tel 01425 652864 https://group.rspb.org.uk/ newforest/

9 March 7pm

Bovington Military Wives Choir and Dorset Police Male Voice Choir concert to celebrate International Women’s Day at St John’s Church, Wimborne. Tickets on door or from Eventbrite.

11 March 2.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society illustrated talk ‘Wildlife of the New Forest’ by Brian Pettet in the Memorial Hall. Contact Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536.

11 March 7.30pm-10pm

Bournemouth Folk Dance Club meets at the Annunciation Church Hall, 218 Charminster Road, Bournemouth BH8 9RW. See www.bfdc.club

13 March 7.30pm-9.30pm

RSPB New Forest Local Group, nest monitoring in the New Forest, Lyndhurst Community Centre SO43 7NY. Non-members £5, members £3. Tel 01425 652864 https://group. rspb.org.uk/newforest/

13 March 6.30pm-9pm

Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meets downstairs in Kinson Community Centre. Full details on www. bournemouthjazzclub.org

13 March 7.45pm

East Dorset Antiquarian Society meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Wimborne.

14 March 7pm

Paleontology lecture at Dorset Museum in Dorchester.

16 March 9.45am

West Moors Town Council litter pick. Meet at town council office. All equipment provided.

16 March 1.30pm

Verwood and District Horticultural Show at Verwood Memorial Hall,

!6 March 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Phoenix Musical Theatre presents A-Z of musicals and comedy sketches at The Barrington Centre, Ferndown. Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk/phoenix

16 March 10am-4pm

Wimborne Railway Society ‘Railex’ Open Day. Allendale Centre, Hanham Rd, Wimborne Minster BH21 1AG.

16 March 11am-2pm

MS Care Dorset Spring Fayre, Church Lane, West Parley, BH22 8TS. Further details 01202 570300.

17 March 3pm

The Wessex Ensemble will be playing music by Mozart for the Bournemouth Chamber Music in Kimmeridge House, Bournemouth University, Fernbarrow, Poole BH12 5BB. www. bournemouthchambermusic.co.uk

18 March 10.30am-11.30am

Reading Friends group meets at Ferndown Library. Contact the library for more info.

19 March 8pm

Wimborne Civic Society meets in the Quarterjack Suite at the Allendale Centre for a talk on The Enigma of Stonehenge.

21 March 10am-1pm

RSPB New Forest Local Group field trip to Kings Copse (SU 436 016) near Blackfield, New Forest, meet in Blackwell Common car park. Non-members £5, members free. Tel 01425 652864 https:// group.rspb.org.uk/newforest/

23 March 10am-3pm

Artisan Makers Market at Wimborne Community Centre, King Street Car Park, 41-44 King Street, Wimborne BH21 1EA

23 March 7.30pm

Wimborne Choral Society Requiem in Wimborne Minster. Tickets from 01202 603569 or from Square Records.

24 March 11am-4pm

Easter Egg Hunt at the Village Hall, Braeside Road, St Leonard’s, BH24 2PH. Cakes, sandwiches and drinks served in the hall from 11-3pm. More details on Facebook or from mariestlshall@yahoo.com 01425 475733.

25 March 7.30pm

Fordingbridge Garden Club meets at Avonway Community Centre, 36 Shaftesbury Street, Fordingbridge SP6 1JF. Phil Broomfield will give a talk about the garden at the Russell Coates Museum in Bournemouth. Visitors welcome £3.

26 March 7.30pm

West Parley Gardening Club meets at the MS Centre, West Parley with a presentation by David Usher “Herbaceous Plants – Hints & Tips” Visitors welcome £3. For further details please contact Rod Darch 01202 896711. Email rod@ rdconsulting.co

27 March 7.30pm

Ringwood Antiques Club talk on the Women of the RNLI at Greyfriars Community Centre.

27 March 6pm-8pm

Diverse Abilities spring flowers workshop at the Beehive. For tickets and information visit diverseabilities. org.uk/events2024/springflowers.

30 March

West Moors Horticultural Show at the Memorial Hall.

30 March 10am

Verwood litter pick at Bugdens Copse. Equipment provided . Email cllr.gibson@hotmail.co.uk for info

Join HHO in bid to reopen popular outdoor education centre

A campaign to reopen Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education Centre at Christchurch Harbour is underway.

A Charitable Community Benefits Society, Hengistbury Head Outdoors (HHO) is aiming to take over the Centre, which has remained closed since the COVID-19 pandemic.

A director of HHO, Bill Howlett, explains about the history of the centre: “It was set up in 1964 as the Marine Training Centre. Its name was changed in the 1980s to Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education Centre (HHOEC).

“Since 2009 it was operated by Brockenhurst College. In its last full year of operation, 75 schools used HHOEC, which handled over 10,000 school sessions and 5,000 public sessions (adults and young people).

“Then Covid happened and in 2021 BCP took back ownership of the centre and following a survey, the main building was deemed unsafe for public use. It has not been open since March 2020 although existing user groups have limited site access.”

HHO is registered as a charitable Community Benefit Society. It was set up in late 2023 by local watersports groups and enthusiasts who live locally and use the Centre and Christchurch Harbour for recreation and education all year round.

Their aim is to take over the HHOEC and run it as a facility for the community, gifted to the community by BCP Council through the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) process.

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “We are having ongoing discussions with

the Hengistbury Head Outdoors group regarding ideas on how the site might be managed by the community in the future.”

Mark Merritt said: “As a CBS we will issue membership of the society through member shares which will entitle an individual to become a lifetime member and have a single vote at our members’ meetings and AGM. In this way we are clearly answerable to the community and the objectives of the CBS.”

Simon Pitman, also a director of HHO, said: “Our mission is to sympathetically rejuvenate the site, creating a sustainable, innovative yet tranquil space for everyone to participate in many forms of outdoor (water and land) activity.

“We are also taking this time to reach out to the existing, previous and new providers to fully understand their requirements and potential

Sowing time

By Plants Direct

As we move into March after an extremely wet start to the year, we now hopefully can start to plant and sow vegetables, fruit, and flowers, for the coming spring and summer.

Vegetable gardens and allotments can be prepared for potatoes, onions, hardy vegetable sowings and planting.

Gardeners can now start sowing seeds of annual flowers and vegetables.

Sow seeds in protected greenhouse tunnels with minimum 10°ϲ and prick out and pot on for planting after frosts have gone. Tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, herbs, and many flowering plants can be sown. Use good clean sterile compost, trays and pots.

There is still time to finish pruning of trees, shrubs, and roses. Trim back perennials and grasses, top dressing and feeding for the growing season ahead. Planting of bare root trees, hedging and roses can still be carried out for quick establishment and growth.

usage of the Centre.”

Mark Merritt added that HHO will be fundraising to help with the cost of negotiating a contract with BCP. He pointed out the directors are acting in a voluntary capacity.

If you would like to become a member and help bring the centre back to a viable future, or you feel can assist HHO with grants, funding, donations, and discussing potential future commercial arrangements with schools, wider education, and training providers, please visit: www.hengistbury.org

Facebook: @Hengistbury

Head Outdoors

Instagram: @Hengistbury_ Head_Outdoors.

To join the supporters mailing list www.hengistbury.org/ contact-us/ Membership

Member shares: www. hengistbury.org/shares/

New beds, borders, hedges, planters and pots can all now be prepared for new planting of trees, shrubs, perennials, roses and herbs.

Add compost to improve soil and soil structure prior to planting, add organic fertiliser and feeds to help good root development and strong growth.

A visit to your local nursery or garden centre will inspire you as there will be huge selections of flowering, evergreen scented trees, shrubs, climbers, perennials, available now. Advice readily available to help select your ideal plants for the season ahead.

Lawns and grass areas can be raked and aerated. Apply top dressing to improve surface drainage. Over-seeding or new lawns can now be sown for the year ahead.

Remember all the work carried out in the early spring will repay you with a colourful vibrant and abundant garden for the months ahead.

Carpet Barn and the Bed Store celebrate trusted service award

Operating for over 45 years, Carpet Barn and the Bed Store are celebrating winning a Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver an outstanding customer experience. Winners are decided based on the ratings they experience from their customers.

Darren Ironside, director at Carpet Barn and the Bed Store said: “We’re thrilled to receive a Platinum Trusted Service Award from Feefo. Keeping our customers happy is our priority. So, the fact that this award is based on feedback from real customers gives us confidence we are providing an exceptional level of service.

“The award reflects how hard our staff work to listen to our customers and keep them

happy, especially in a climate where purse strings are tight.

“As we enter 2024, we’ll continue to listen to our customers and deliver what our customers want. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for sharing their feedback.”

The independent, family-run business, renowned for their knowledge and expertise in the carpet, flooring and bedding industries, have five outlets in Christchurch, Poole, Ferndown, Eastleigh and Salisbury.

In each of the stores, customers can find carpets, rugs, flooring, beds, mattresses and furniture accompanied by their revered customer service. Their prices, range of products and fitting and measuring services stand out in the market.

It’s a significant achievement for Carpet Barn and the Bed

Store to be presented with the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award. This recognition is limited to businesses that have achieved Gold standard for three consecutive years, requiring a minimum 50 reviews with a Feefo service rating of between 4.5 and 4.9 in each calendar year.

Tony Wheble, CEO at Feefo: “With customers continuing to build resilience in a time of economic uncertainty, we’re delighted to showcase our clients who are continuing to go above and beyond for each and every customer. The Trusted Service Awards have always been about recognising companies that go way beyond the norm in customer service and in turn receive great feedback from delighted customers. A particular congratulations to Carpet Barn

and the Bed Store for winning a Platinum Trusted Service Award by providing great customer service consistently over a number of years. I look forward to seeing them continue to achieve next year and beyond.”

Burning solid fuel

By Dorset Trading Standards

Harmful levels of air pollution can damage people’s health and reduce their quality of life. We can all be affected by this, but some, especially children, older people, and those with respiratory problems, can be affected most.

The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 brought in rules to protect health and the environment by restricting the sale of wet wood, which when burnt, produces more tiny particles than seasoned or dry wood. These particles are so tiny that they can enter the bloodstream which can potentially cause serious health issues for those most susceptible to them.

Today wood fuel can only be sold in volumes of less than two cubic metres if it is certified as ‘Ready to Burn’. Certification confirms wood has a moisture content of 20% or less. It applies to both firewood and wood briquettes sold in single retail bags or supplied as a bulk delivery in loose volumes. Traders are also required to store the wood in a way to prevent it being sold to customers damaged or wet.

As a consumer, look for the ‘Ready to Burn’ red flame certification mark when buying firewood for immediate use and for manufactured solid fuels. If you are buying wood in volumes over two cubic metres, you will need to have adequate space to store and season the firewood until it has no more than 20% moisture content.

In addition, having your chimney swept and appliance serviced regularly is also an important part of making sure you and your family are safe, burning fuel efficiently, and protecting the environment.

Buy With Confidence traders are Trading Standards approved and can be found by searching: buywithconfidence.gov.uk

Electric vs Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels, oils, LPG and natural gas has proven to be a great fuel for home heating, but there is no hiding the fact that this isn’t the kindest to our environment

As fossil fuel releases carbon into the atmosphere when burned, that means every time your boiler fires up, the level of carbon in the atmosphere goes up. This is proven to be a leading cause of climate change and home heating makes up around 14% of all UK emissions.

One way to combat the impact of home heating on the environment is to turn to electric heating combined with a renewable energy source, such as solar panels. This is improving all the time as green energy takes over, meaning long-term benefits for the environment.

Electric Boiler Advantages

• Quieter as they heat the home.

• Zero risk of a carbon monoxide leak and therefore none of the safety risks of a gas boiler.

• Fewer moving parts so there is less chance of any problems.

• No emissions as they heat the home whilst seriously lowering your carbon footprint.

• Flexible installation as there is no need for a boiler flue pipe.

• Electric boilers efficiency 99 –100%, the average gas boiler efficiency is 88%. This means compared to a like-for-like gas boiler, you need fewer units of energy (kwh) to produce the same amount of heat.

• Electric boilers avoid the government’s late tax CHMM (Clean Heat Market Mechanism) on gas boilers on average £105.00 excluding VAT.

Air conditioning: a perfect solution

By Helena Howton

I don’t live in a big house, but I do have a large home office/ studio/ guest bedroom built into the loft, which has a dual aspect.

The number of windows makes the room cold in the winter and slow to heat from the single radiator that is in situ. Additional plug-in heating used to be required, until recently, which proved expensive.

When I was attending a function during the cold snap a few months back, I got talking to Suzanne Lovell about my problematic room. I discovered she is a director of Meridian Air Conditioning and she suggested that I have an air conditioning unit fitted.

My mouth gaped as I couldn’t understand how this would help other than during the summertime when the room does get stiflingly hot.

To my interest, she explained that air-conditioning units heat, as well as cool, and they do so very efficiently.

I was intrigued and did a little research before deciding to purchase a unit from Meridian, which is a local company with a good reputation. I certainly couldn’t fault their customer service.

I was worried I’d left it too late to get the unit fitted before winter was over, but not so. Within days of placing an enquiry, someone got in touch to arrange a site visit.

This was carried out by Sam Lovell, who determined the size of the interior and exterior units required and the positioning of them and the cost.

Once the order was placed, I didn’t have to wait much more than a week before the fitter arrived and without any fuss

and leaving no mess behind, he expertly installed the interior and exterior units and explained how the air conditioning worked.

The beauty of my unit is that it sits behind me and blows delicious warm air straight into my workspace. The room soon heats up quickly to the required temperature and is on a thermostat, so there’s no waste of electricity. It’s easy to turn on and off using a remote control. Other plus points are that air conditioning is more eco friendly and cheaper to run than my central heating,

although there is obviously the initial cost of the unit and fitting to take into consideration. I couldn’t be happier with my home improvement and that’s without having yet had the delight of using the air conditioning in the summer. I am certain my studio will be the coolest room in the house and I may even be popping up to the guest room to sleep on a balmy summer’s night, obviously not while there is a guest in situ!

Meridian Air Conditioning can be found at www. meridianaircon.co.uk

Spring

is

in the air

Why not capture some spring fever on your walls?

Creators of made-to-measure wallpaper murals, Wallsauce, have introduced five delicate floral wallpaper murals this spring to give homes a fresh makeover. Pictured is Hanging Meadow Flowers mural, for the other four, head to wallsauce.com.

Hanging Meadow Flowers

FENCING

FIREWOOD ITEMS WANTED

ELECTRICIAN

GARDENING SERVICES

GARAGE DOORS

GARAGE SERVICES

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF ALL PAID FOR ADVERTISEMENTS

Pulford Publicity Ltd (“the Publisher”) reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertisement without notice or explanation.

Whilst the Publisher will endeavour to represent the best interests of the client in undertaking client’s instructions, it is fully understood that it is the agreed responsibility of the client to supply Dorset View accurate copy details of the advertisement(s) to be placed and any alterations to the copy must be received prior to copy date.

Guarantee of insertion cannot be given and the Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement or by the total or partial failure, however caused, of publication or distribution of Dorset View. In no case shall the total liability of the Publisher for any misprint, error or omission exceed the price charged by the Publisher for that advertisement. The Publisher shall not be liable for any damage or loss save as stated and, in particular, the Publisher shall have no liability to the Advertiser in any circumstances for any claim for damages to, loss of, or costs in respect of any anticipated profits, revenues, business opportunities or for any other indirect or consequential loss.

Claims

Naked Chocolate Cake gets an airing

The recipe in Dorset View February caught the attention of reader Caroline Perry from Ferndown and she sent in a photograph of her splendid effort. Unfortunately, her sponge did not rise as she hoped when following the recipe, but the photograph shows what a good job she made of it.

CORRESPONDENCE

To express your opinion or ideas about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk

Oil-rich Dorset should be treated fairly

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Unitary Authority and Dorset County Council are two of the least funded councils in the country and this is having a direct effect upon the health and well-being of local residents. Poole Food Bank for instance saw demand for its services increase by an alarming 77% last year and I believe this is being replicated across the whole county. For the last 43 years, oil and gas have been extracted from Dorset soil at Wytch Farm, the largest onshore oilfield in Western Europe. To date, over 515 MILLION barrels of oil have been extracted and sold for over £11.2 BILLION. The Treasury currently receives 40% tax on all profits made on the sale of Dorset oil and gas and in May 2022 the government introduced an additional 25 % wind fall tax yet we, the people of Dorset, have yet to see any financial benefits from the sale of Dorset oil and gas.

This is not just about money; it’s about fairness, ensuring that everyone in Dorset has access to the resources they need to live healthy lives.

I recently started a petition on the change.org petition web site and am asking everyone to log on and sign the petition. If we can get enough signatures the government MUST sit up and pay attention especially in an election year.

The petition can be found on

https://www.change.org/p/fairfunding-for-dorset

Whereas, the nearest North Sea oil rig is 120 miles away from the Shetland Isles, yet they have received £380 MILLION which has been placed in the Shetland Charitable Trust fund which is controlled by nine locally elected Islanders who hand out grants, subsidies and funds to local islanders, organisations and groups. Check out their web page:

https://www.shetlandcharitabletrust. co.uk/what-we-do

Please support and sign this petition and tell others about it, together WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE to the future health and prosperity of Dorset.

Mike Plummer Poole

Dorset View

TREE SURGERY

ROOFING

TREE SURGERY

Driving in wet weather

Multiple storms have seen the roads flooded across the region recently, and consequently New Forest District Council has advice for motorists.

By driving differently in flood conditions, you will protect yourself and your vehicle, other people, and reduce the risk of flooding to nearby properties.

During spells of heavy or persistent rain, try to travel only if essential. If you are travelling, check the latest transport and travel information, and monitor weather updates.

The advice from motoring organisations and the emergency services is not to drive through flood water, and to respect road closures. Wherever possible, turn around and find a different route if the road is flooded. And always obey road closure signs and barricades.

If you can’t delay your travel, or use a different route, The AA advise to drive slowly in flood conditions for several reasons.

Your tyres can lose contact with wet roads, causing you to lose steering control.

At anything above a slow crawl, you’ll cause water to splash onto pavements, soaking pedestrians or cyclists. You could be fined and get points on your licence for this.

It only takes an egg cup full of water to be sucked into your engine to cause significant damage. For many cars, the engine’s air intake is low down at the front, making it quite susceptible to water damage.

You should leave twice as much space between you and the car in front as it takes longer to stop in the wet.

If you have no choice than to drive through flooded roads, please be aware not to increase the likelihood that nearby properties will flood. Driving quickly through standing water creates a bow-wave which can then overflow sandbags and other defences that properties have put in place.

See live traffic information on the Hampshire County Council website.

You can also check for flooding and sign up for flood alerts on the government’s website.

20mph speed limit for Wimborne

A 20mph speed limit is to be imposed in the town of Wimborne, which is amongst five towns and villages to have successfully applied to Dorset Council for new limits and zones. The others are Langton Matravers, Bridport, Pimperne and Winfrith.

Installation of the new signs will begin in April.

Further applications for Allenview Road/Burts Hill in Wimborne Okeford Fitzpaine, Child Okeford, Milborne St Andrew, Winterborne Kingston and Cheselbourne are now being assessed by Dorset Council.

Crushing blow for illegal e-vehicle users

If e-scooters and off-road e-motorcycles are used in a crime in Hampshire they will be destroyed.

That is the message from Hampshire Police who have launched Operation Crush.

This new crackdown will target those illegally using the two-wheeled vehicles to commit further crimes, those persistently involved in anti-social behaviour, and those putting themselves or other road users at risk of injury.

Despite not being legally allowed to be used in public places, there has been a steady increase in the popularity of what are known as privately owned, powered, two-wheel vehicles (P2WVs), such as

e-scooters and off-road electric motorcycles.

Unfortunately, this has resulted in officers seeing more and more of them used by those involved in crime and being used dangerously, potentially putting lives at risk.

So, officers have taken action to enhance their powers and have used existing legislation that gives them the option to destroy any e-scooter or e-motorcycle that is being used in crime.

Inspector Andy Tester said: “We know that the crushing of these vehicles will disrupt criminal activity because they will need to spend more money to buy replacement vehicles.”

Government cracks down on disruptive roadworks

A crackdown on disruptive roadworks could cut congestion for millions of drivers and generate up to £100 million extra to resurface roads, as the first key measures from the Government’s

Plan for Drivers which was delivered on 15 January.

Roads Minister Guy

Opperman has launched a street works consultation on a series of measures to prevent utility companies from

letting roadworks overrun.

The consultation seeks to extend the current £10,000 per day fine for overrunning street works into weekends and bank holidays as a deterrent for working on the busiest days for road travel. Currently, they are only fined for disruption on working days. The measures could double fines from £500 up to a maximum of £1,000 for companies who breach conditions of the job, such as working without a permit.

The plans would also direct at least 50% of money from lane rental schemes to be used to improve roads and repair potholes. Lane rental schemes allow local highway authorities to charge companies for the time that street and road works occupy the road.

Launched on National Pothole Day, the consultation is part of a series of measures from the Government’s 30-point Plan for Drivers.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “After investing an

extra £8.3 billion to resurface roads across England, the largest ever increase in funding for local road improvements, this Government continues to back drivers with these new measures from our Plan for Drivers.

“Our new proposals seek to free up our roads from overrunning street works, cut down traffic jams and generate up to £100 million extra to resurface roads up and down the country.”

In addition, the Government plans to make all temporary, experimental, or permanent restrictions on traffic digital. These so called “Traffic Regulation Orders” (TROs) include things like the location of parking spaces, road closures and speed limits. Making these digital, mean they must now be added to satnav systems, ensuring drivers have the most up-to-date information, making journeys easier and paving the way for more reliable autonomous vehicles.