Dorset April 2024

Hello Readers!

Leaps in technology change many things and volunteers can be affected too, but don’t let it put you off.

Aged 15, I volunteered to serve teas at a coffee shop to a group of elderly people. There were many compliments and these helped a shy teenager feel much better about herself. There were no mobile phones or selfies, so I was very much alone in my volunteering space but it enriched my life immeasurably.

Volunteering on a committee to save West Moors Library from closure was something else that sticks in my mind. It took time and effort, but it was worth it. The library is still there today, more than 10 years after the battle, much of which had to be carried out swiftly by email.

More recently, helping toads across the road is perhaps the most bizarre volunteer role I’ve carried out. The leap in technology with WhatsApp groups has improved the way in which volunteers can connect with each other. When on patrol we pinged on arrival, pinged on departure and pinged whenever a toad was discovered. We saved toads, took photographs, pinged them onto WhatsApp and though alone in our volunteering space, we were very much inside a friendly cyber community of real people.

Local groups are always appealing for volunteers. Requests are made in this magazine every month, so if the cap fits, why not give it a go? It can be an enriching experience for you or somebody else. And if you’re not a techno wizard, serving coffee to a group of elderly people is equally as enriching as anything else.

Janine Pulford

Editor

The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions in order to fit in with the editorial policy and style of the magazine

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9 APRIL 2024

Teddy bears unite for grand day out

The Wareham Bears are excited to be welcoming STARS trauma teddies to Wimborne Model Town at an extra special Bears Weekend on 25 and 26 May.

Five of the STARS Dorset trauma teddies: Wiggles, Serenity, Ziggy, Courage and Kit have been named by readers of Viewpoint, Dorset View and the Mudeford Magazine series as these cute bears are on loan to Dorset View for the rest of 2024 to help out at events and in the office. Their aim is to raise

the profile of STARS Dorset, a charity that supports those recovering from sexual trauma. The Trauma Teddies are really looking forward to being at the Bears Weekend.

Spokesbear Serenity said, “We can’t wait to meet everyone and we know children and adults will bring their own bears too. Did you know a group of bears is called a sleuth? Well, there are going to be a whole lot of sleuths around on 25 and 26 May! See you there.”

The little Wareham Bears have only lived a short time at the Model Town but have settled in well after a life of travel. They are accustomed to comfort, having started out life in Harrods. Mary Hildesley bought, dressed and made homes for them and wrote their stories, which the Model Town will be retelling at Bears Weekend. They lived in Wareham and even went on tour, visiting places like Wookey Hole and Wilton House. Tired of their travels, they settled at The Blue Pool in Wareham until the pandemic in 2020 when they found a new home at the Model Town. They live happily in Mary’s handmade dioramas.

There will be a programme of special events during Bears Weekend, and more details can be found at www.wimbornemodeltown.com.

Tickets for Wimborne Model Town last for a year, so you can return as often as you wish.

Trauma Teddies: L-R back Wiggles, Kit, Serenity, and at the front Ziggy and Courage.

Wareham Bears

Wareham Bears

Tall ship coming to Poole Quay

An accurate replica of the historic tall ship ‘Galeon Andalucia’ will be docking at Poole Quay for a six-day exhibition from 30 July until 5 August. Funded by the BID and supported by Poole Harbour Commissioners, the exhibition will provide a rare opportunity for visitors to explore the intricate details and storied past of ‘Galeon Andalucia’. For further updates about the exhibition, please visit www.Discoverpoole.com or www.facebook.com/PooleBID/

Supported lodging providers needed

Dorset Council is looking for people to open their hearts and homes to young people aged 16-25 who are leaving care. If you want to make a difference and help a young person visit www. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk to find out more.

New campaign from Litter Free Dorset

If you’re hitting the high street, bring your own bag; if you are grabbing a takeaway, bring your own container and if you plan to have chips on the beach, bring your own cutlery.

That is the message from Litter Free Dorset which has launched the Bring Your Own (BYO) Campaign, urging people to cut waste and reduce the environmental impact.

Many businesses across Dorset are displaying the BYO window stickers and campaign posters to signify their commitment to work with customers to reduce single-use packaging. Food and drink packaging accounts for over 20 per cent of litter in towns and on beaches. To find out more visit www.litterfreedorset.co.uk.

Wimborne Rugby Club looks forward to a move

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

This time it looks as if it really is going to happen.

After so many false starts Wimborne Rugby Club is planning to move from its site in Leigh Park.

Graham Reeves, the club’s secretary said: “We have been talking about moving since the 1990s and at one stage land for both us and Wimborne Town Football Club was identified at BytheWay on Leigh Common but that became a SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space).”

The football club moved to a new site at Ainsley Road, off Leigh Road in 2020.

And now it is hoped that the rugby club will be able to move to a new site opposite BytheWay, with three new pitches, and a clubhouse. There would also be a pitch for Allendale Football Club. The

land was previously a farm.

“We are negotiating with the builders Barratts, who will build the clubhouse as part of their 106 agreement,” said Graham.

The club, which was formed before the Second World War, moved to Leigh Park in 1963. The clubhouse has six changing rooms, a bar and a function room but the ground floor was a converted air raid shelter.

The club has 700 members, with 450 mini and youth and 90 senior players.

“We are doing well at the moment with two senior sides and all age groups and soon girls rugby will be up and running. We also introduced Walking Rugby in March and this takes place every Friday at 11am,” said Graham.

It is hoped the move to the new site will take place in 2026.

“As part of the planning permission for the housing development, it has to be done,” said Graham.

“The benefit of the new site will be that it will provide parking for 100 cars.”

The move is great news, but it will come at a financial cost for the club as the clubhouse will be a shell that

they will have to furnish.”

“We are over the moon; the club definitely has the appetite to move,” said Graham. For more information on the walking rugby email: secretary@ wimbornerugbyclub.co.uk And for info on the girls rugby email: girlsrugby@ wimbornerugbyclub.co.uk

Storytelling competition launched by Dorset Police

Dorset Police is encouraging local people to become creative.

The Force has launched a competition for the public to create stories to help prevent people from falling victim to fraudsters.

Between 5 December 2022 and 5 January 2024, people living and working in Dorset have reported 4,599 incidents to Action Fraud, who are a national agency that investigates the vast majority of fraud offences.

Action Fraud estimates

Dorset residents have lost £19.9 million to fraud within the 13-month period covered in their recent report.

Dorset Police’s fraud protect officer, Damian Cranny, dropped into Poole Library to do some research and chat with librarian, Hannah Roberts, about the initiative.

Damian said: “Fairy tales and fables have been used

for centuries to warn people of danger. These stories are often entertaining and easy to remember; and we believe they could be a powerful tool to educate people about the dangers of fraud and how to protect themselves from it.”

The competition is open to people of all ages and the deadline is midnight on 30 April.

For more information about the competition, or to download an entry form, visit: competition. mysaferdorset.com/

Bournemouth Air Festival will go ahead this year

2024 will be the last year that cash-strapped BCP Council will run Bournemouth Air Festival with operators invited for the 2025 event.

This year it will take place from Thursday 29 August to Saturday 31 August, with a programme of world-class aerobatic displays and plenty of entertainment for all ages.

The council is now inviting expressions of interest from operators to manage and deliver Bournemouth Air Festival in its entirety from 2025 onwards.

Parties interested in managing and delivering the Bournemouth Air Festival from 2025 onwards must express an interest through the Council’s eTendering website

Damian Cranny, fraud protect officer at Dorset Police, pictured with Hannah Roberts, librarian at Poole Hub & Library

law spot by Harold G Walker Solicitors

Is now the right time to extend your lease?

Navigating UK law and proposed changes

By Luke Stace, Associate, Solicitor

Harold G Walker Solicitors

Extending your lease term makes it more attractive to potential buyers and lenders (should you wish to mortgage or remortgage).

For property owners considering extending their leases using the statutory process, understanding the current UK legal landscape and upcoming changes and their financial implications is crucial.

Current UK law

The Leasehold Reform Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 grants leaseholders the right to extend their leases (subject to eligibility criteria, including having owned the property for two years). The extension allows 90 years on top of the existing lease term, and it reduces the ground rent to a peppercorn (essentially £0).

Proposed changes

The Government proposed the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill to Parliament on 27 November 2023 and it is currently being debated.

Key changes include:

• Increasing the extension term from 90 years to 990 years.

• Removal of the so called ‘marriage value’, which makes it more expensive to extend leases when there are 80 years or fewer left on the lease.

• Removal of the two-year ownership requirement.

Timing considerations

Given these potential changes, it is essential for leaseholders to evaluate whether waiting for updated legislation is possible and if so whether it will be advantageous. In most cases the proposals will be beneficial for those leaseholders who can wait to

see if they become law. Not all leaseholders, however, will have that luxury, particularly if they are looking to sell the property or (re)mortgage it.

There is, however, no certainty that all the proposals will become law nor when that will happen. With a planned General Election within a year, a change in government may also change the legislative priorities.

Professional guidance

If there is no urgency to extend your lease, then it may be advantageous to delay. Navigating lease extensions in the evolving legal landscape can be complex though and one size does not fit all. You should seek advice from legal and valuation professionals to gain insights tailored to your situation.

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

Funding benefits

34 groups

Smaller projects in Dorset which tackle social problems including poverty, disadvantage and isolation have had a financial boost from Dorset Community Foundation’s Neighbourhood Fund.

The latest round of funding of £128,000 has supported 34 groups across Dorset, including Bournemouth Foodbank, which is using a £4,997 grant to launch a fortnightly Recovery Café at its Garden Rooms café in De Haviland Road, Boscombe. The cafe supports people who already use the foodbank and are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Nature Connection Dorset will use a £2,500 grant to run a series of 20 creative nature walks in and around Bournemouth for people struggling with mental health conditions, carers and those who have experienced domestic violence.

Dorset Council targets empty homes

The blight of abandoned homes is being tackled by Dorset Council.

The authority has started legal action to take over the ownership of four long term empty homes across the county. The process called a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) represents the option of last resort for the authority.

The council says the compulsory purchase process is not undertaken lightly and normally comes at the end of a long period of negotiation with the property owner, to try to get the house back into use by any means possible. Where this is unsuccessful, the council can decide to apply for a CPO. This involves asking central government for permission to grant the order. If the order is given, the council may decide to immediately sell the property or renovate and use it for a possible range of council uses, including temporary

accommodation, or providing a home for care leavers.

Cllr Jane Somper, Cabinet portfolio lead for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing said: “Getting abandoned properties back into use is an important part of our new housing policy and corporate plan, turning a wasted asset into an essential home.

“Although legal action had begun in these cases, in the first instance the Housing Standards Team always provide a variety of advice and assistance to get empty homes back into use.

“Some investigations can take years of painstaking work. This action shows that Dorset Council will use all the legal options available to tackle the empty home problem, to meet the high housing demand that we have in Dorset.”

Current Council Tax data shows that just over 330 homes have been empty for

two years or more. The Housing Standards Team currently has a target list of over 60 empty houses they are currently investigating and acting on. If you know about a house that you think is empty, you can report it on the council’s website at https://www.dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/empty-homes

Charity of the Year

Lisa’s journey with breast cancer and lymphoedema

Lisa lives with her husband and two children in Ringwood.

When she was 42, she spotted a lump on her breast. Within weeks she was diagnosed with stagetwo breast cancer.

Her and her family faced a gruelling year of treatment for Lisa, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and lymph node removal surgery.

Sadly, one year later Lisa’s cancer returned. Her only option was to have an elective double mastectomy, in addition to other treatment.

“It was a shock. Telling the children I had to go through it again was particularly hard,” she said.

“I was overwhelmed, helpless, angry, sad and broken. This was my next step

of dealing with my cancer and another unfortunate opportunity in life to grow stronger and tackle cancer again, with the support from my family and friends. It was brutal.”

During this time Lisa was referred to Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s Lymphoedema Clinic. Linda, senior lymphoedema nurse said: “We started seeing her and delivered some intensive therapies including light therapy, physio-touch therapy, manual lymphatic drainage and SLD.”

Lisa said: “I count myself lucky because I had early intervention with Lewis-Manning.

“I needed to learn to live with lymphoedema and to my amazement my swelling reduced significantly in a

very short period of time.

“Knowledge empowers us breast cancer survivors to take charge of our own situations and early intervention provides the best chance for living a full life.”

Lisa has had a lifelong passion for swimming, being a former lifeguard in Bournemouth and a member

of Team GB’s synchronised swimming team. Now, she is a swimming teacher for schools across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Lewis-Manning will continue to support Lisa with checkups and support in any other way the charity can.

WATCH: https://youtu.be/ NHPVWm7w8e4

New £1.25 million 3G pitch for Poole

A full-sized 3G football turf pitch, complete with fencing and floodlights, has opened at Rossmore Leisure Centre.

It was made possible with a £726,000 grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation. This grant has been combined with BCP Council’s investment of just under half a million pounds, and a contribution from the Talbot Village Trust of £25,000.

In total, £1.25 million has been invested to construct a new full-sized 3G football turf pitch, complete with fencing and floodlights.

Dean Potter, director of Grant Management at the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects

like this across the country.

“We’re delighted that the local community in Poole will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new 3G pitch at Rossmore Leisure Centre.”

Dorset County Football Association has also been instrumental in supporting the project and engaging with local football clubs.

Rossmore Leisure Centre is managed by leisure operator Everyone Active in partnership with the council.

Kenni Thompson from AFC Bournemouth women’s team attended the official opening and spoke to the U11 girls during their training session as part of local team, Dexters.

They were joined by council officers and ward councillors, representatives from the Football Foundation, Everyone Active, St Aldhelm’s Academy, the Kids Initiative,

Talbot Village Trust, and Longfleet and Rossmore Rockets football clubs.

The new facilities represent a significant improvement on the previous grass pitch, which was prone to waterlogging and often caused matches to be abandoned.

A modern refurbishment of the leisure centre changing rooms, a new CCTV system and cycle storage facilities were also installed.

The new facilities will be used by the community during the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays, with bookings managed by Everyone Active.

During term time, pupils from the nearby St Aldhelm’s

Academy will use the pitch.

Cllr Millie Earl, deputy leader of BCP Council, said: “This pitch at Rossmore is a brilliant addition to the local community, and anyone visiting the leisure centre, or walking nearby at Bourne Valley Park can hear how much everyone is enjoying it already.”

Nick Ashley Cooper, chairman of Talbot Village Trust, said: “It’s been a pleasure to support this brilliant new facility and community asset, which provides a high-quality sports surface that can be used all year by school pupils, amateur enthusiasts, and professional sports teams.”

Dexters U11 Girls with AFC Bournemouth Women’s striker Kenni Thompson and manager Steve Cuss on the pitch

West Moors protesters storm planning committee meeting

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Such is the level of opposition to an outline planning application for a 60-bed care home and a new church/ community hall for Plymouth Brethren in West Moors, that around 30 local people not only filled the public gallery at the Dorset Council planning committee in the Quarter Jack Hall at Wimborne’s Allendale Centre, they protested outside vociferously.

Around 60 people banged on the glass and held up signs saying ‘no’ to the application on land off Blackfield Lane.

The debate over the area, which was formerly Blackfield Farm strawberry farm has been going on for some years and in 1989 permission was granted for housing at Blackfield Lane.

An outline application for a care home, church hall and industrial unit on the site was refused in June

2021 on the grounds of highways safety and the impact on onsite ecology.

The council received 553 letters of objection to the proposal citing multiple objections such as the site not being suitable for commercial uses as it is a residential area; another care home not needed locally and that the community hall would not be available for public use.

Objections were also received from West

Moors Town Council and Dorset Wildlife Trust.

A spokesman for the protesters said: “We have paid £20,000 for a professional consultation, which points out that there is a SSSI to the north and east of the land and green belt on the south side.”

The application had been recommended for approval, with conditions, however, the committee voted to delay the decision until they had made a site visit.

Wimborne Minster kicks off its main events calendar on 1 April with its Discover Wimborne festival bringing together over 100 activities.

Events include a guided walking tour around the town, a chance to visit Deans Court and a behind-the-scenes talk at the Tivoli Theatre by Charlie NorthLewis. Salamander Cookshop will take you on a stroll to local artisan shops and producers to taste some of the quality foods available in Wimborne. Exhibitions and workshops will be held at Walford Mill Crafts Centre and Museum of East Dorset as well as free activities for children throughout the Easter holidays. There are also competitions and special offers, a window trail, live music gigs in local pubs, themed food nights, pop-up restaurants and an April pantomime.

Pick up a Discover Wimborne brochure at outlets in Wimborne.

Heralding the garden year

By Plants Direct

April brings the start of the garden year with blossom, scent, and foliage.

Dormant trees, shrubs and perennials burst into life with masses of flowers and fragrance.

Pear, apple and cherry blossom is alive with buzzing bees and insects all busy pollinating this year’s fruits.

Now is the time for planting new beds, borders and pots with trees, shrubs, roses, perennials, and herbs, all now available from your local nursery and garden centre.

Prepare the ground with compost and add fertiliser for best results.

Sowing flower and veg seeds, both indoors and out, can now be done as warmer temperatures and longer days make quicker germination and stronger plants. Baskets, tubs, and containers can be planted with summer bedding plants. Geraniums, fuchsias, begonias and lobelias are all available now. Remember

to cover and protect from any late-spring frost.

Aerate and rake lawns and beds, (if dry enough), for better surface drainage. Top dress, feed and weed for a lovely green sward of grass.

As April moves to May some pruning of early spring shrubs can be carried out for new growth and vigour. Cornus, forsythia, ornamental willows, and roses may all benefit from a cut back now.

There will be plenty of work in your vegetable and fruit gardens. Apply straw mulch round fruit bushes to keep fruit clean, you may also need to net fruit to keep off the birds.

Although it’s a very busy month, it’s also a wonderful time to spend in the garden, enjoying all the beautiful blossoms, scents, and smells.

Protestors outside the hall

PULFORD PUBLICITY sponsors WIMBORNE COMMUNITY GARDEN

Wimborne Community Garden looks ahead

By Jane Benson

As the year progresses, the cold, wet weather has had an impact on the rate at which seedlings are growing but nevertheless, in the garden we have planted onions and garlic as well as sown broad beans, peas, mange tout, leeks, tomatoes, cabbage, radish, lettuce and chard. Our potatoes are chitting so plans are underway to fill up our vegetable beds and get a harvest going for the summer. We’ve also got sweet peas growing well and many flower seeds ready to be sown – our poly tunnel is going to be bursting at the seams. So the busy season is just around the corner and before too long our empty beds will be filled with veggies and our flower beds ablaze with colour.

On Sunday 16 June, Fathers’ Day, we are going to hold our big annual Open Day… lots more details to follow. Another key date is Friday 4 October , when I’m delighted to say that Tamsin Westhorpe, horticulturist, who came last year and gave us such an informative and enjoyable evening, is coming again to share another talk with us in Beaucroft College’s hall. This is certainly a date to remember.

Finally, we have it from the highest authority that, during the month of December, the man in red himself is going to be coming to the garden for children to come and see him in his secret garden retreat.

So clearly, it’s going to be another very exciting year at the Community Garden… especially as we’ve also entered the South and South East in Bloom competition again… so watch this space.

Finally, we are still selling plants at the garden so you are welcome to come and see what we have any Wednesday morning, Friday afternoon or Sunday afternoon. Everyone is always welcome.

Equipment donations sought for museum gardens

Local people are being asked to help the gardens at the Museum of East Dorset to bloom.

The volunteer gardeners, who are the heart and soul of the gardens, require new equipment to keep these spaces flourishing.

The gardens offer a tranquil escape and are a hub for the community. However, outdated tools and equipment hinder the volunteers’ efforts.

“We are incredibly grateful for our volunteer gardeners’ dedication,” says Annika Lennox, operations officer. “Their tireless work ensures these beautiful spaces remain a source of enjoyment and learning for everyone. We want to equip them with the tools they need to continue their vital work.”

Donations are sought for: ladders; hand tools (secateurs, pruners, loppers); gardening gloves; steel toe cap boots and PPE. Please contact Annika Lennox at: operations@ museumofeastdorset.co.uk or call the museum on 01202 882533.

The Commonwealth Flag was raised at Wimborne Town Hall on Monday 11 March. The Mayor Cllr Diann March read the Commonwealth Affirmation before the flag was unfurled from the top window of the Town Hall. Pictured L-R, Tammy Sleet, Wimborne BID manager, Cllr Jeff Hart, Cllr Ann Roberts, David Hoyle from the Royal British Legion, the Mayor Cllr Diann March, Chris Brown, town crier, and the rector of Wimborne Minster church, the Rev Canon Andrew Rowland. Photo by Marilyn Barber

Increase in Dorset children cycling to school

There has been an increase in Dorset children cycling to school according to a new report.

Bike It Plus, funded by Dorset Council and run by the charity Sustrans, has been working with schools across Dorset to encourage more young people to walk, cycle or wheel to school.

In the past year, the project has supported over 36 schools to deliver fun activities that boost the skill levels of young people in walking, wheeling or cycling.

The sessions were attended by over 15,000 children, staff and parents. As a result, over 470 children in the county have been supported to learn how to ride a bike or improve their cycling skills.

The Bike It Plus project is currently set to run until August 2024.

BCP’s ‘School Streets’ scheme a 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 at peak drop-off and pick-up times throughout the school week, with exceptions made for residents living within the closed road and blue badge holders.

The results were encouraging with 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 fulltime basis.

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

BCP Council says Poole Quay events not cancelled

Contrary to rumours, BCP Council says it has not cancelled events planned for Poole Quay this year and into the New Year 2025. However, the support of businesses is needed to enable some popular events to take place.

The following will continue to be funded by the council and will run this year: Poole Quay Fireworks, 5 November Fireworks, Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail; New Years Bath Race and Classic Cars.

Harry Paye Day is organised by the Pirates of Poole, and as in previous years the council will continue to fund the road closure including providing staff on the ground which enables the event to take place.

The council is working with businesses and external event organisers to enable the following events to go ahead: Dream Machines (Bike Night), Quay for my Car and the Mini Steam on the Quay.

Cllr Millie Earl, deputy leader of BCP Council said: “The financial pressures facing all local authorities meant that balancing our budget required some tough choices. The council must move to a new way of working and become an organisation that enables others to take on some of the great work that has made these events popular.”

Campaign groups angered by delay of Dorset’s Local Plan

Unhappy about the delay of Dorset Council’s Local Plan for another year, Dorset Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and the Dorset Deserves Better (DDB) campaign have sent an open letter to the council leader, Cllr Spencer Flower, stating their views and asking for an urgent meeting.

Neil Matthews, chairman of Dorset CPRE said: “The Local Plan is an essential blueprint for the development of Dorset and yet Dorset Council seem to be continually dragging their feet. The initial draft Local Plan was very disappointing with excessive market housing mostly on greenfield sites, far too little to address the needs of local people for social and low-cost housing and nothing to address the climate and ecological challenges that we face.”

Giles Watts of the Dorset Deserves Better Campaign said: “Following the consultation, the council accepted that the Local Plan did not reflect the views or priorities of local communities. Our letter reminds Dorset Council of the concerns and priorities expressed by Dorset residents in the 2021 consultation.”

Knoll Gardens celebrate 30th anniversary

This year, Knoll Gardens near Wimborne celebrate 30 years under the ownership of Neil Lucas and his family who purchased the site in 1994.

Their ambition was to create a specialist ornamental grass nursery in the four-acre gardens, and focus on naturalistic gardening. Neil’s extensive knowledge of ornamental grasses makes him one of the country’s leading experts.

Managed in harmony with nature, the gardens are increasingly a place of sanctuary for wildlife. Through Knoll’s naturalistic approach, expounded by their charitable organisation, the Knoll Gardens Foundation, they help gardeners to work with nature and adapt to changing climate through courses, masterclasses, educational events and research. Much of the data collected through surveys is shared with local and national organisations to inform future conservation.

Neil Lucas

Land at Lyscombe Farm acquired for nature

Dorset Wildlife Trust and Natural England have purchased 335 hectares (833 acres) of chalk downland and farmland at Lyscombe, 10 miles north-east of Dorchester. It has been acquired for nature conservation and environmental restoration. The

purchase was made possible through funding from Natural England’s National Nature Reserves programme, and planned nutrient mitigation credit scheme, alongside generous donations from Dorset Wildlife Trust’s members and supporters.

Minnie needs a forever home

Hello, I’m Minnie, a 2½ year old Patterdale cross Jack Russell who is very lively and busy and I like to keep active.

Due to my owner becoming unwell, I need to find a new home.

I enjoy walks and know quite a lot of commands and even the names of my toys so I’m pretty intelligent and enjoy learning

new things.I am a typical terrier though, and would like an experienced owner and to be the only pet in the household. To offer me, or one of my lovely friends a forever home or a foster home call Waggy Tails on 01202 875000, e-mail: admin@waggytails. org.uk or visit website www.waggytails.org.uk

Keyhole Surgery For Your Pet at Lynwood Veterinary Hospital in Wimborne

- Advertisement feature -

“Prevention is Better than Cure” is an old adage in human and animal medicine and an essential part of the work vets do to reduce illness and suffering and ensure longer and healthier lives for your pets. Sometimes this might involve eating a better diet or getting some exercise, but it can also apply to elective and preventative treatments and procedures for your pet.

Neutering (spaying) has long been advised for bitches. Not just to prevent unwanted litters of puppies, spaying also has numerous health benefits. Many dogs die each year from hormone-related diseases including breast cancer and womb infections. Spaying at a younger age can reduce the risk of many of these illnesses.

Unlike surgery for fixing a broken leg or stitching a wound, spaying is an elective procedure performed on an otherwise healthy dog. Therefore, on grounds of welfare it is essential

we do everything we can to reduce the pain and stress associated with the surgery.

Lynwood vets offer keyhole spays as an alternative to the traditional surgical approach. With tiny wounds, and a less invasive procedure, pain is reduced, and recovery can be significantly quicker and smoother.

Keyhole spaying uses a tiny camera inserted into the abdomen. The technique is also useful for other procedures including prophylactic gastropexy – a procedure recommended in large breed dogs to prevent the risk of GDV – a rapidly fatal twisting of the stomach seen in these breeds.

Care home in Stapehill named in Top 20

Barchester’s Hyacinth House care home in Stapehill, Wimborne has been named one of the Top 20 care homes in South West England by the independent internet care home reviews website, carehome.co.uk with an overall score of 10 out of 10.

Carehome.co.uk is often one of the first places people will look when searching for a care home for a loved one and is independently run to ensure that all reviews are vetted and come from people who have genuine experience of the

homes that they are reviewing.

The awards recognise the 20 top rated care homes in each region of the UK based on reviews.

Amanda Hopkins, reviews manager of carehome. co.uk, said: “Choosing a care home can be emotionally and physically exhausting for both the person going to live there as well as their family, so we hope our awards which are given to the highest rated homes will help make the search easier.”

General manager of

Hyacinth House, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be named a Top 20 home by carehome. co.uk. It just goes to show what a credit to the home the team here really are. I am so proud of all of their hard work and dedication to the people they care for, that’s why we have this award – because they truly are people that care.”

Hyacinth House provides residential and respite care.

Golfers raise nearly £17,000 for Multiple Sclerosis

Representatives of Dudsbury Golf Club presented a cheque for £16,840 to the MS Centre in Dorset after a year of fundraising.

Based in West Parley, the MS Centre is a day and therapy centre for people and families in Dorset living with multiple sclerosis. They provide a range of services including social activities, neuro physiotherapists, yoga and personal care.

The centre became an independent charity in 2022. Although run principally by volunteers, it needs funds to support the overheads of running the centre and the provision of vital physiotherapy equipment to assist their clients with mobility.

The money raised was achieved through golfing competitions, fundraising events and raffles organised by the president of Dudsbury, Jeff Bowden, the club captain, John Morris, the seniors’ captain, Andy Carr,

and the ladies' captain, Alison Sleat. Deborah Trickett, a trustee for the MS Centre, said: “We are absolutely delighted and very grateful to everyone at Dudsbury Golf Club for their incredible fundraising achievement. This money will allow us to extend our physio equipment, giving more exercise opportunities to our members.”

Details of the ways you can offer support for the MS Centre can be found on their website https://www. mscentre-dorset.org.uk/donate Dudsbury Golf Club in Ferndown closed on 31 March 2024.

Government funding will help homeless in Dorset

With 15 people recorded as rough sleepers in the Dorset Council area in 2023 – up from 12 in 2022 – the authority has welcomed a contribution of £1.3million of government funding from the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP).

The money will go towards buying and/or renovating accommodation for 10 residents, who are aged between 18 and 25 and have high levels of support needs.

Around £625,000 will be spent on acquiring one six-bed property and four self-contained flats. The remaining £725,000 will fund support services for occupants over three years. All 10 tenants will have access to specialist support, which will give them the tools they need to successfully move on to independent living.

Dorset Council will contribute a further 50 per cent towards building the temporary accommodation units, taking the total amount of investment for this project up to £1.6 million.

Cllr Jane Somper, portfolio holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, said:

“This new scheme will provide an excellent opportunity for young adults to experience independent living in a calm, safe, space. We want to be able to give our residents the best possible chance in life and help them thrive in their local community.”

Hamworthy care home resident relives flying career

A care home resident who only retired as a pilot five years ago, made a flying start to his 80th birthday by once again sitting in the cockpit of a commercial plane.

David Turner was joined by his daughter, Kirsteen, and Sam Baker, activities lead for Dorset House care home based in Hamworthy, for the special experience ahead of his 80th birthday later this year. David got to sit in the cockpit of one of TUI’s Boeing 747s parked outside the terminal at

Bournemouth Airport.

He said: “It was wonderful to sit in the captain’s seat once again and have a look around all the controls and switches, which brought back many happy memories of my flying career.”

David chatted to TUI pilot, Captain Richard Griffin, about his career in aviation which included 20 years in the RAF, 15 years as a captain for a commercial airline, and 19 years training the next generation of pilots, before retiring at 75.

Stop Smoking Scheme launched in Dorset

Public Health Dorset has launched a new Swap 2 Stop offer to support residents to quit smoking.

The scheme encourages adults who smoke to switch from smoking to vaping.

“The health advice on vaping is clear. If you smoke, vaping is much safer, but it isn’t entirely risk-free, so if you don’t smoke, don’t vape,” says Sam Crowe, director of Public Health at Dorset Council and BCP Council.

LiveWell Dorset, Public Health Dorset’s lifestyle behaviour change service, will deliver the programme by offering smokers a voucher for a free vape starter kit from a trusted supplier.

Smoking led to more than 3,000 deaths in Dorset between 2017 and 2019. Public Health Dorset is working with local health partners to reach the government’s ambition to be smokefree by 2030.

The vape kit offer is available to Dorset Council and BCP Council residents who smoke and are aged 18 and over. Visit livewelldorset.co.uk/swap-2-stop/

David in the cockpit

New toddler group at care home creates sense of community

A local care home has launched a new mother and toddler group for the local community to enjoy fun intergenerational activities together.

Care UK’s Ferndown Manor on Golf Links Road welcomed the pitter patter of tiny feet when it launched a new mother and toddler group to bring parents, youngsters and older people together in a bid to encourage friendships across the generations.

The first session was a resounding success, with local people, residents' grandchildren and even team members’ families coming along to take part.

Reisdent, Lorraine, said: “I loved meeting all of the toddlers and parents, especially my granddaughter and great granddaughter who came along to have fun with us.”

Sara Muslin, home manager at Ferndown Manor, said: “We love having new parents and their children visit us at Ferndown Manor. It was lovely to see everyone interacting and have residents share stories about their own children and chatting about how times have changed since they were new parents.

“Intergenerational relationships have

proven to be enriching for both young and older people, as they provide an opportunity for the different generations to learn from each other. It’s wonderful to see the three generations spending time with each other.

“We want to thank everyone who attended our first mother and toddler group. It is brilliant to see new friendships blossoming!”

Ferndown Manor provides fulltime residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care. It will be welcoming the toddler group into the home on the first Wednesday of every month so new parents can spend time with each other, as well as with residents, to create a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.

Meet the professionals

By Marilyn Barber newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

If you want a job done well, you must choose a company which specialises in the project you have in mind.

You may require the services of a solicitor or a letting agent or perhaps you are looking for reliable financial advice. You may even plan to update your home and need to employ an architect or kitchen designer.

If you have a pet, he or she deserves to be looked after by a competent and caring vet, and if you’re planning to travel you need a reliable company. By the same token, if you want to change your car, or have it repaired, a reputable garage is a must.

In the long run it pays to find someone who takes pride in their job, as we all lead busy lives, and the last thing you want is to use the services of someone who lets you down.

You only have to watch any of the TV consumer investigative programmes such as the segment on BBC’s The One Show to see what complications can follow if you make the wrong choice and end up with unreliable services.

The businesses advertising in this feature have all got reputations to consider and uphold and many explain how they can assist and what they do. If you need any of their services, why not meet the professionals and find out if they can help you?

Play is back for another 100 years

By Colin Elkins, BNF Playground Project Lead

After the Sharlands Brickworks closed in 1911, parcels of land were gifted to the residents of Broadstone by four wealthy landowners, to create the Broadstone Recreational Ground, which opened 100 years ago. The ‘children’s corner’ playground opened four years later and was enjoyed by all ages for many years. Unfortunately, successive decommissioning of equipment without replacement, resulted in the playground that I enjoyed as a child, becoming tired and uninspiring for older children. Long gone are the iconic ‘Witch's Hat', the ‘Roundabout’ and ‘Giant Slide’.

But that is about to change: two years ago, the Broadstone Neighbourhood Forum embarked on a project to reinstate the playground for older children, something more challenging than the existing ‘kiddies’ area but not as dangerous as the one I enjoyed.

We began working on a design brief, getting supplier tenders and planning approval from the council. We ran design competitions in the local schools and

liaised with residents. Our biggest problem was budget, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) we had was insufficient, so external funding was sought. After submitting dozens of grant request applications, we raised an additional £22,500, giving an overall budget of £122,500.

We then started working with the council, creating probably the largest collaborative project that has been undertaken between a council and a voluntary group in Dorset. It’s been a long journey for the BNF team with a lot of frustrations and setbacks but the small team of three overcame funding,

planning, budgets and of course, council formalities, and work has started building the new playground in its original sylvan location. It’s been a roller coaster of a ride, with many highs, lows, and frustrations, but we never gave up and are

now rewarded by seeing the physical structure taking place which hopefully will be completed by the end of March. Then, the older children of Broadstone will have somewhere to play that’s been missing for nearly 40 years.

The Friendly Food Club receive National Lottery grant

Dorset’s food and education charity, The Friendly Food Club have recently been awarded a three-year grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. This will be a major boost and will help the dedicated team continue to deliver cookery workshops and food education and skills sessions across Dorset.

The Friendly Food Club provides fun, friendly and free cooking programmes for disadvantaged and marginalised adults and children, including cookery skills, healthy eating and

therapeutic cooking sessions, and community meals for older people and those with additional needs.

The workshops and sessions enable participants to feel more self-reliant, improve self-confidence, build social connections, and can improve mental health.

Phoenix attended the cooking and nutrition sessions at the Joy Cafe, Boscombe, last year. His life went from eating fast food, low energy levels and poor sleep patterns to losing weight, improved sleep and having grown in confidence.

By the time he had finished the courses, he was cooking for his Mum as well as looking forward to teaching her how to cook his recipes. Phoenix explained how his life has been transformed: “Fast food made my energy levels so low. I feel different, I’m less tired than usual. I sleep better, and I’ve got more energy.

“Without the cooking and nutrition course it would have been the same cycle, but I’ve changed, broken the cycle and I’m moving forwards instead of backwards.”

Liz Guilmant-Cush, CEO

of The Friendly Food Club says: “I am delighted that the National Lottery has seen that the Friendly Food Club is a charity worth investing in. This grant will allow us to reach more of our local communities through the cooking workshops and skills sessions.”

For more information visit: www.thefriendlyfoodclub.org/ You can support the work of The Friendly Food Club by donating on their Go Fund Me page at: https:// www.gofundme.com/f/ get-dorset-cooking

The award-winning Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival is back!

The dates for this year’s Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival are Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June.

The free-to-enter family event will have something to interest the whole family.

There will be over 90 handpicked food and drink traders, and 60 craft stalls curated by the Little Craft Shack offering products by creative and talented local artists. There will be plenty to see, taste and buy. You can choose from gifts, home décor, jewellery, artwork and artisan foods. What else is included?

• ‘Local Legends Food Theatre’ sponsored by Portman Stone

• Award-winning authors including Sue Quinn

• Local cookery schools including Flavours, Pokesdown

• Local chefs including Bradley Green from Lord Bute Restaurant

• ‘Grow your Own’ activity tent for the children

• Kids Kitchen with biscuit icing and crafting sessions

• Music including Sarah Bolter and her band Not Just Sax, and Swing Unlimited Big Band with Pat Peiro Back by popular demand is Dorset celebrity chef Lesley Waters, working alongside

award-winning Jetty proprietor Alex Aitken. James Golding, who now runs his own business Nomadic Sporadic with his wife Erica, will promote their new supper clubs. This year there will be a chance to book into a special lunch at the Cliffhanger Restaurant with Lesley. Access to the festival

will be easier with MoreBus having increased their Sunday timetable from Bournemouth and Lymington, so leave the car at home and come on the bus. For more information check out Facebook, Instagram posts and website www. highcliffefoodandartsfestival. co.uk

Lesley Waters and Alex Aitken

Land Girls to perform at Ferndown event

People will be able to enjoy music from the 1940s at an event to be held in Ferndown in April.

A Vintage Afternoon Tea in aid of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation is back at the Barrington Centre, Ferndown on Saturday 20 April.

Guests will also be treated to a nostalgic trip down memory with the Land Girls as they provide an uplifting 1940s’ experience with songs from The Andrews

Sisters to Vera Lynn.

Tickets are £15 per person, and are available from the Barrington Centre on https:// barringtoncentre.co.uk/events.

All proceeds will be supporting local young people, providing them with the financial help they need to achieve their ambitions and really develop as individuals.

Bring a picnic blanket to enjoy exciting D-Day:80 event

A commemorative D-Day:80 event is set to take place on Christchurch Quay on Thursday, 6 June hosted by Christchurch Town Council.

The free event will mark the 80th anniversary of the historic D-Day landings, honouring the bravery and sacrifices made by those who

served during World War II.

James Atkinson, acting town clerk said: “With a huge offering for everyone in the community, we are looking forward to hosting this magnificent commemorative event.

“With a focus on bringing the town together, the evening is designed to honour the legacy of our veterans and ensure their stories and the history of Christchurch is remembered for generations to come.”

Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the evening. Refreshments will be available from food vendors and the Boat House.

6pm Town Crier’s Proclamation, followed by Christchurch churches ringing out for peace.

6.30pm-9pm performances by choirs and bands including the Funky Little Choir, British Legion, and headline vintage act The Fifinellas.

A stirring finale with the Last Scots Pipe, beacon lighting and reading of the International Tribute will be followed by the Christchurch and District Band playing wartime classics. Everyone can take part in a torchlight vigil during the performance to pay respects to the fallen.

A ‘History Hub’ will be set up in collaboration with the Red House Museum, Christchurch History Society, and Friends of New Forest Airfields, providing insights into the area’s role in World War II.

Mandy Polkey, owner of Stir Events, said: “Stir Events CIC are both proud and pleased to be contracted to deliver such a special historical and commemorative D-Day anniversary event in Christchurch. We very much enjoy working with the team at Christchurch Town Council and look forward to delivering this community event with them.”

Events

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

5-6 April 2pm

24-hour Pool Playing Marathon: West Moors Social Club, in aid of Waggy Tails.

7 April 2pm-4pm

Ferndown Arthritis and Friendship Club at Ferndown Plus Day Centre. More info O3303 112793

8 April 7.30pm

Wimborne Gardening Club meets at the Allendale Centre.

8 April 2.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society meets at the Memorial Hall.

8 April 7.30pm

Ferndown French Circle meets at the Centre, Barnes Road, BH22 8XH. Enquiries on 07552 074135.

8 April 10.30am-4.30pm

Fordingbridge Rotary model railway exhibition at Avonway Community Centre, 36, Shaftesbury Street.

8 April 7pm-9pm

Bournemouth Ukulele Social Group at The Commodore BH6 3TD Fisherman’s Walk. Free. Just drop in.

10 April 6.30pm-9pm

Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meet downstairs in Kinson Community Centre.

10 April 7.45pm

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

10 April 7.30pm-9.30pm

RSPB New Forest Local Group, meets Lyndhurst Community Centre.

11-14 April

Wimborne Musical Theatre presents ‘Aladdin’ at The Allendale Centre. Tickets from 01202 887 247, or www. theallendale.org/tickets,

13 April 7pm

Millstream Theatre presents In Harmony at the Museum of East Dorset. Tickets free. Booking essential at: tam@persuasionarts. co.uk or text 07968 583401.

13-14 April 10am-4.30pm

Wimborne Art Club exhibition at Pamphill Village Hall.

13 April 12 noon

Wimborne Gardening Club spring show at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne.

13 April 7.30pm

Bryn Hawarth concert at St Mary’s Church, Ferndown. Tickets from the church office or book online.

13 April 10am-1pm

RSPB New Forest Local Group field trip to High Corner, near Linwood. Tel 01425 652864 https://group.rspb. org.uk/newforest/

13 April 10am-12noon

Charity plant sale at Colehill Village Hall, Cannon Hill Road. Cash sales only.

13 April 3pm

Fayrewood Singers concert ‘Voices In Spring’ at Verwood Methodist Church. Tickets £6 at the door.

14 April 3pm

Bournemouth Chamber Music Society in Kimmeridge House, Bournemouth University. Tickets. www.bournemouthchambermusic. co.uk or at the door.

15 April 10.30am-11.30am

Reading Friends group meets at Ferndown Library.

17 April 1pm

Alan Poulton presents Around the World 2 at Bournemouth Library. To book call 01202 126750 or email: heritagelibrary@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

19 April 8pm, doors open 7.30pm

Tom Brown’s Ukulele Gang at Evershot Village Hall. Tickets from Eventbrite and on the door.

20 April 7.30pm

Grange Choral Society present The Creation at Christchurch Priory. Tickets from www.christchurchpriory. org/services-and-events, 01202 143870 or on the door.

20 April 11am-12.30pm

Wimborne War on Waste litterpick starting from the Minster Green.

20 April

Vintage Afternoon Tea in aid of John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation. Tickets from Barrington Centre, Ferndown: https:// barringtoncentre.co.uk/events

22 April 10am-2pm

Bournemouth Stitchers at the MS Centre in West Parley.

24 April 7.30pm

Ringwood Antiques Club meets at the Greyfriars Hall.

24-27 April 7.30pm

with Saturday matinee 2.30pm

Ferndown Drama presents The Ghost Train at the Barrington Theatre. Tickets www.ticketsource. co.uk/ferndown-drama

25 April–6 May 9.30am-4pm

Poole Leisure Painters Spring Exhibition, Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park.

25 April 7pm for 7.30pm

Planet Wimborne Earth Day

Green Quiz at Colehill Sports and Social Club. Contact Jeff Hart on jeffhart414@gmail.com or 01202 884201.

26 April 7.30pm

Wimborne-Valognes Twinning Association evening of French Dance at St Catherine’s Church Hall Wimborne. See programme page at wvta.org.uk

26 April 7pm-9pm

Southbourne Forum meets at the Immanuel Church Hall, 120 Southbourne Road.

27 April 10am-3pm

Artisan Makers Market at Wimborne Community Centre, King Street Car Park.

27 April 10am

Verwood litter pick at Verwood Recreation Ground. Email cllr. gibson@hotmail.co.uk for info

27 April 11am

Table top sale Damerham Village Hall. Sellers from 10am £10 per table book at info@damerhamh.org

28 April 10.30am-4pm

Open Day West Moors Memorial Bowls Club. Station Road, BH22 0HZ

Long Groyne work to start in April

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council will start work to repair and upgrade the Hengistbury Head Long Groyne in April.

If you’re out and about, the beach will remain open during the works.

The Long Groyne plays a critical role in reducing coastal flooding and erosion, protecting thousands of homes and infrastructure within Poole and Christchurch Bays, as well as stabilising the frontage preventing the two merging into one bay.

The works are licensed to take place from April to October 2024, delivered by contractors VBA Joint Venture Ltd.

This latest Long Groyne enhancement comes with important benefits to the natural environment, providing new habitats for a range of species, including the UK’s rarest amphibian, the Natterjack Toad, which will benefit from the creation of specialised ponds within the wider Hengistbury Head nature reserve.

Natural quarry stone from France and Norway will be used to reconstruct the Long Groyne, with each piece

weighing between six and 10 tonnes.

The rock will be shipped to the bay and delivered onto the beach using a smaller barge.

The upgraded Long Groyne will remain at its current length of approximately 150 metres from the beach line, but will be made wider and 1.5 metres higher.

Following completion of the upgrade in October 2024, a further two short groynes, located near Solent Beach car park, will also be adapted, anticipated for completion by Christmas 2024.

The original Long Groyne construction was completed back in 1939.

Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said: “The Long Groyne plays a significant role in reducing the risks of coastal flooding and erosion from the Purbecks to Hurst Spit, and it’s great to see the work starting on site.

“The current Long Groyne is lifeexpired and during storm events, is frequently submerged by sea waves, compromising its performance as a coastal defence structure.

“These works will ensure our coastline is more resilient to projected sea level rise and the increasing number of storm events predicted over the next 100 years.

“The upgrade will also enable us to deliver innovative environmental enhancements to improve the natural environment.”

Hengistbury Head has special status as a protected area because of its natural and cultural importance – one of those being a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The site is also a Scheduled Monument, which means it’s regarded as an important nationally protected archaeological site and designated to be of international significance.

It’s panto time – at Easter!

Panto is not just for Christmas with Wimborne Musical Theatre treading new ground with its unique take on Aladdin, this Easter.

With an original script written by their late society director, Roy Joseph, under his stage name Peter Markham and updated by current show co-director, Suzi de Villiers, Aladdin and His Amazing Lamp, has all that you would expect from a traditional panto.

It will be staged in the Minster Theatre, Allendale Centre, Wimborne as a tribute to Roy Joseph on Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 April. Tickets from the Allendale Box Office on 01202 887 247 or online at www.theallendale.org/tickets.

Wimborne Art Club, which meets fortnightly on a Thursday in St Catherine’s Church Hall in Wimborne, is holding an exhibition in the Pamphill Village Hall on 13 and 14 April from 10am to 4.30pm. Pictured is a work by Anne Gooch, who has been a member for 20 years.

Summer kitchen and bathroom trends

The bold splashback

Elliott Fairlie, product lead at Bushboard, comments on one of the designs he expects to dominate kitchen design this spring and summer:

Maximalism

“The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it should reflect your individuality and be personal to your style. The maximalist trend teaches us that more can really be more. However, well executed maximalism takes careful planning to ensure the balance is right, and that the patterns and colour introduced complement one another.

“Decorating with a bold splashback design is a great way to experiment, adding colour and pattern into a space. Bringing in colour through updating kitchen cabinets can be a bold and expensive choice, whereas opting for a solid colour or patterned splashback is a seemingly straightforward upgrade as it’s easily installed without having to completely renovate the space. Easy to clean and maintain, and available in a variety of patterns and colours. Alloy kitchen splashbacks are the perfect addition to many maximalist schemes.”

Hire rather than buy to protect the environment

By Marilyn Barber • newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

We all have items stuffed into cupboards, sheds and garages that we bought for a one-off occasion never to resurface again. Not only do they fill our homes with clutter, but it is hugely wasteful

The ‘Library of Things’ has a solution. Their motto is ‘Why buy when you can borrow?’, and the idea is to have a lending library of useful objects that members can borrow when they need to. Each Library of Things is a local project, responding to the needs of the community - but there is also support available from more experienced libraries.

Recently, a talk by the Friends of Wimborne Library sparked discussion about setting up a local Library of Things. Sarah Wise of Wimborne War on Waste also surprised those attending with the number of local sharing opportunities that already exist.

Wimborne War on Waste has a mini library of re-usable things, with fabric bunting, cutlery and crockery, plastic pint and wine glasses, and litter picking kits available to borrow free from the Fair Ground shop in the Cornmarket. Email: wimbornewaronwaste@gmail.com to book.

World Book Day in March can be a nightmare for parents,

who have to produce an outfit for a budding Superman or Harry Potter. However, the Fair Ground shop had a selection of fancy dress outfits that parents could borrow for free this year. Due to its success, this will be repeated. If you have outfits your children have grown out of, take them to the shop for others to borrow.

Locally there are Facebook sites which enable people to donate items for free. They include Colehill Kindness and Recycling Group and Freecycle Recycle Wimborne Minster.

Colehill and Wimborne Eco Party Kits can provide 36 plates, bowls cups etc, bunting, tablecloths and Tupperware. This is at a cost of £5 or £7.50 hire fee plus refundable deposit: colehillwimborneecopartykit@gmail.com

Children’s football boots can cost as much as £30 – and they grow out of them! They can be borrowed from a football boot library at £4 for eight weeks. They also welcome donated boots: borrowyourboots@gmail.com

Everyone wants to look good in their prom dress but the cost can be exorbitant. Little Green Prom Dress can provide dresses for hire for all occasions at a cost of £5 and a £20 deposit. The organisation welcomes donations of good condition dresses. Contact Julia at: littlegreenpromdress@gmail.com

Clothes and toys can be swapped at Wimborne Minster Church at certain times in the year when people can place clothes, toys, shoes etc that they no longer want on the tables and people take what they need. Contact Claire@ wimborneminster.org.uk

There is a new facility for hiring tools and other similar items at High Mead Farm in Ham Lane. More details for The Community Library for DIY are available from http://diy-library. org.uk or by emailing: hello@diy-library.org.uk. High Mead are also looking for people to run the project.

As Sir David Attenborough famously said: “Avoiding waste is the one thing we can all do to help save the planet.”

If you would like to know more contact:wimbornewaronwaste@gmail.com

Manage Japanese knotweed responsibly: seek expert help

Warm, wetter weather is providing a rich environment for Japanese knotweed to thrive across the UK.

This plant has been known to cause damage to building structures by targeting weak points, such as cracks in masonry, and attempting to grow through them.

The Property Care Association’s (PCA) Invasive Weed Control Group (IWCG) technical manager, Daniel

Docking, explains that the IWCG is a collective group of industry professionals. They provide guidance on best practice as well as being a reference point for property professionals and helping homeowners to find invasive weed contractors.

Daniel Docking said: “As Japanese knotweed becomes more visible, we encourage anyone with concerns about the plant to seek expert help.

“Advice sought quickly will help to control and manage the situation effectively.”

Japanese knotweed is tied to legislation, which means landowners have a responsibility to manage infestations responsibly.

Daniel added: “Our IWCG members have a range of options to treat infestations, so it’s essential to engage a competent Certificated Surveyors in Japanese knotweed (CSJK) expert who will have the specialist skills and knowledge to identify Japanese knotweed or any other invasive plants that may be present.”

More details about the PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group can be found at https:// www.property-care.org/ homeowners/invasiveweed-control/

Daniel Docking

Japanese knotweed early growth

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Wimborne to go into battle

Wimborne is to go back in time to play host to the re-enactment of a battle that took place around the town during the 17th century when King and Parliament were locked in a bitter civil war.

For the first time in the town, over 600 members of the English Civil War Society (ECWS) will be re-enacting ‘The Battle for Wimborne’ from 25 to 27 May. The town will come alive with Royalist and Parliamentary foot soldiers and cavalry plus a military camp will be set up at Julian’s Bridge.

Royalist Wimborne was locked in a struggle with Roundhead Poole with many skirmishes in the countryside between the two towns.

The ‘Wimbornites’, as they were called, hatched a plot that a Roundhead officer in Poole would open the gates in return for money. On the night the ‘Wimbornites’ set off, the main gates were

opened but not the inner ones. They came under heavy attack before being forced to flee with many casualties. They had been betrayed.

There will be two large re-enactment battles on Sunday 26 and Monday 27 May when the Roundheads from Poole will once again march to clear Wimborne of its Royalist troops.

The Minster Green will also be a sight for action as the riot that broke out in Wimborne Minster church, causing the Earl of Shaftesbury to send in troops is brought to life once more along with drum workshops and many other scenarios.

Specialising in bringing history alive with living history,

there will be interactive displays depicting aspects of life in the 17th Century including basket making, weaving, music, writing, needlework, woodturning and paper making. You may even get advice from an ancient apothecary, discuss battle scars with a surgeon or bump into a busybody laundry woman!

Far from glorifying war, Military Living History in the town will portray the varied and dangerous life soldiers faced in the Civil Wars and how the civilian population suffered.

An exhibition at The Museum of East Dorset “From Revolt to Rebellion” will tell the story of Wimborne

from the Civil War, through the Restoration and finally the Monmouth Rebellion, portrayed by the town’s Militia who will be celebrating their 25th anniversary with a special event in September.

There will also be a talk at Allendale House on 16 May by Haydn Wheeler about Clubmen 1645, local people who rose up to protest about the devastation of their homes and livelihoods caused by the Civil War.

The ECWS are working with many local organisations on this free, not-for-profit event including The Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne Town Council, Dorset County Council, The Minster, local schools and Wimborne BID.

Grand reopening of Christchurch Old Town Hall

Christchurch Town Council celebrated a grand reopening of the Old Town Hall on 16 March following months of restoration work.

Renovation of the Old Town Hall began in September and was commissioned by Christchurch Town Council following concerns about the deteriorating roof and stonework.

Mayor of Christchurch, Councillor Viv Charrett said:

“This place is a real treasure of the town. I know the renovation was expensive, but we just couldn’t let the building deteriorate.”

The project involved stonework, building repairs, roofing work and lead restoration on the top elevation.

The Town Hall has also been refurbished internally and features new facilities.

Acting town clerk, James Atkinson, said: “The remedial work and restoration of the Old Town Hall was a huge undertaking that I am proud to have achieved under the Town Council.

“To date, this is the largest project the Town Council has worked on since its inception in 2019 following the merge of BCP.”

The budget for the renovation was £234,000 and James Atkinson told Dorset View that they managed to complete the work for £233,000.

The revitalised Old Town Hall will serve as a hub for

the community, hosting civic events, charity functions and cultural gatherings.

“People tell me that they’ve lived in Christchurch for 30 or 40 years and never knew what this building was. We hope that by opening it to the public it will receive more recognition and people will want to use it for their events,” said the mayor.

The last full-scale renovation of the Old Town Hall took place in the 1980s.

Pothole repairs

Dorset Council is to spend more money this year on pothole repairs which will be a relief to motorists who have had their tyres damaged recently.

£2.068 million each for the years 2023/24 and 2024/25 from the Department for Transport (DfT) Network North fund, from reallocated HS2 government funding, together with other maintenance and pothole funds, will be dedicated to carriageway maintenance in the council area.

The council is also allocating an additional £6.03million from its own budget for highway maintenance.

The council is awaiting confirmation of further government funding.

Pothole repair includes extensive patching of the wider area surrounding the defect, instead of just repairing the immediate pothole. This aims to reduce the likelihood of further potholes forming. A new method, called thermal patching will also be tested. This will reduce CO2 emissions by heating up existing asphalt (tarmac like surface), adding new binding materials and aggregates, and recompacting the road to form a permanent seamless repair.

Celebrating completion of the works: L-R John Hayes, Melanie Blackman, James Atkinson, Nicole Baddeley and the Mayor Cllr Viv Charrett