Issuu

L-R Ben (Viewpoint Magazine), Abbie, Howard (Oasis), John and Hugo © CatchBox

Mid April 2022 Volume 46, Issue 6

Ringwood

£500

winner spreads cheer

EEECK REVEALED BY THE ORIGINAL BANKSY

to win e c n a h c Your

£250

to spend in Ferndown and West Moors

VIEWPOINT April 2022

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VIEWPOINT

Volume 46 • Issue 6 • April 2022

Dear readers

VIEWPOINT

Nobody locked the door and turned the key but in the past month I have found myself in a prison cell – twice. Voluntarily, I hasten to add. First it was in Shire Hall in Dorchester where you are able to sit in the incredibly tiny cells that once housed the Tolpuddle Martyrs and other people who could have been guilty of something as minor as stealing a loaf of bread. The second occasion was in Shepton Mallet, the oldest prison in the country which was built in 1627. Now closed, it once housed men and women plus some children under the age of 12. Prisoners at both establishments could have found themselves condemned to hard labour, transported to Botany Bay or at worst hanged. Hearing about the conditions and punishments were chilling experiences on many levels. However, in no way wanting to debate prison reform and the contrast to life behind bars today, the visits served to reinforce the fact that on our doorstops or within a few miles we have such an incredible variety of places open to the public that throw a light on our social history. Together with a friend I made my way to Shire Hall, but the Shepton Mallet visit was organised by East Dorset Heritage Trust, which is based at Allendale House. Our listings page, which is growing exponentially is proof that organisations are very keen to organise events after a two-year hiatus. And as I write Discover Wimborne is holding 79 different events during April. And with a plethora of events planned for the Queen’s jubilee, diaries are going to be very full this year.

Marilyn Barber

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 Karen Wyatt-Epapara deputy editor karen@dorsetview.co.uk

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 Elliot junior designer designstudio@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

News 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

LOGISTICS Mike Talbot

Picture of the month Terrapin sunning itself in a public Wimborne pond

How to contact us 01202 870270 Email: news@dorsetview.co.uk Web: www.dorsetview.co.uk Twitter: @Dorset_View Facebook: dorsetview.news Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset/

Copy date 24 APRIL 2022

VIEWPOINT is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in selected areas of Dorset and Hampshire. It is also available by subscription at £40 per year. Views or opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed to be unsuitable for publication. Information about a service does not imply recommendation. All purchases made through this publication are done so entirely at your own risk. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with VIEWPOINT and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. The company’s privacy policy can be read at www.dorsetview.co.uk

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Viewpoint £500 Winner spreads cheer throughout Ringwood The winner of a £500 prize given by Viewpoint Magazine created a buzz of excitement in Ringwood on 11 March. Abbie Collings from Bournemouth arrived at Oasis Musical Instruments with her husband John and dachshund Hugo to receive £500 of shopping vouchers to spend in the town. Run by the magazine’s owner Pulford Publicity, the competition involved over 20 Ringwood advertisers, all of whom were in with a chance of being chosen

VIEWPOINT April 2022

L-R Ben Pulford (Viewpoint Magazine), Abbie, Edy (Sassy’s), John and Hugo, Ben (Avon Valley Framing), Patrick (Allum & Sidaway Jewellers), Howard (Oasis)

by the winner as recipients of the voucher spend. On presenting Abbie with her vouchers, managing director, Ben Pulford, said: “We had hundreds of entries. The aim was to generate interest in Ringwood and bring retailers together, which has certainly happened, as well as to inject money into the town. We are running similar competitions in other local towns and are thrilled the first one was such a success.” Abbie chose to spend £250 at Oasis: “This voucher’s for

my lovely husband who is a passionate, albeit amateur, musician. He’s my carer and it’s a lovely way to thank him. I want to treat him because he’s a good fella,” she said. The couple have been married for over 30 years. She also chose to spend £50 at Crow Farm Shop; £50 at Allum & Sidaway Jewellers to treat their daughter, Maddison; £50 at W Patterson Butchers, “to get some lovely meat;” £50 at Avon Valley Framing “to frame a print we were given by Eduardo Paolozzi;” and

£50 at Sassy’s “because I’d love a pretty handbag.” Howard, the owner of Oasis Musical Instruments, said: “We were delighted to have taken part in Viewpoint’s innovative Ringwood promotion and even more delighted that the winner chose to spend part of the prize with us. What a terrific idea to split the winnings between several businesses.” More retailers chosen by Abbie arrived to meet her while her bass guitarist husband John looked around the shop. He went home with

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Abbie’s husband John with Trudy from W Patterson Butchers

a Hartke Kick Back bass amp and said: “I’m very happy and very appreciative.” Patrick from Allum & Sidaway said: “It’s lovely that so many retailers got involved in the Viewpoint promotion and we’re looking forward to seeing new customers supporting our businesses.” Edy from Sassy’s said: “We are delighted we took part in

the competition and we hope Abbie will enjoy the bags.” Ben from Avon Valley Framers added: “The competition has created great awareness for everyone. It was also great to come out and meet everyone at Oasis.” See pages 19-21 for your chance to win £250 of shopping vouchers in Viewpoint Magazine.

Answers: 1900, Lymington, Cake Love, Cedar Vets, Oasis

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Pulford Publicity’s Cause of the Year

Keeping the Jurassic Coast beautiful We’re not far away from holiday season, which for our beautiful Jurassic Coast means a massive increase in visitors. It also means more litter. Why on earth anybody would want to visit such a stunning area and leave a

VIEWPOINT April 2022

mess is one of life’s mysteries. After a winter of cleaning the beaches after the storms, it becomes rather dejecting clearing up after the minority of visitors who think it’s okay to litter, especially after the hard

work the many litter picking groups have put in, not just CJC. It’s hard to understand their mentality but we are proud of our World Heritage Site and we want it look nice for the visitors who care. It’s difficult to see why some beach goers feel it is okay to leave their plastic bottles, food packaging and even broken tents and deck chairs – especially as they walk past a bin as they leave the beach. Stopping some of these plastics at source would be a great help. Instead of buying water in plastic bottles, we should encourage everyone to bring a reusable bottle they can fill with tap water and even refill it at the many drinking water taps found at most beaches (most cafes will also top them up).

CJC will be on the beaches this summer – we will be picking up the detritus left behind and we will also be advising the visitors about the effects of littering. We will be engaging with as many as possible in a positive and friendly way and offering them bin bags for their litter. We will also be patrolling the harder to reach beaches with our boat Sea-Rex. This will enable us to carry any litter away safely without the need to lug heavy bags along steep and narrow paths. To do this we need your help. Please, if you can spare a few pounds, click the donation link on our website and help us. Roy Beal www.cleanjurassiccoast.uk

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Six weeks of disruption National Highways have given notice of piling works on the two bridges on the A31 Ringwood Improvement Scheme. The work will be carried out on the two bridges carrying the A31 westbound carriageway over the Bickerley Millstream and River Avon and will take place between 7.30am and 6pm on weekdays from Tuesday 12 April for

approximately six weeks. Large drills and cranes will be used to drill holes that are filled with concrete to create the new bridge abutments. Retaining walls will be created by pushing piles into the ground by vibration. Some of this work will be noisy and noise and vibration levels will be monitored. National Highways has apologised in advance for

any noise and inconvenience caused. They are working with the local environmental health team at the council. More information on the project can be found at https:// nationalhighways.co.uk/ ourwork/south-east/a31ringwood-road-widening/. The Customer Contact Centre is on 0300 123 5000 or email a31ringwood@ nationalhighways.co.uk

Littering on the increase An annual litter pick in West Moors has revealed that litter is on the increase in the town and a plea has gone out for people to be part of the solution, not the pollution. West Moors Town Council’s community litter picker volunteers collected 35 bags of rubbish on 2 April – the most collected in the last seven years of council litter picks. A spokesperson said that in the past year, including the 2021 and 2022 annual litter picks, volunteers have removed over 100 bags of litter from West Moors streets and car parks. After thanking the volunteers and those who show respect by not littering, the council spokesperson added, “The hope was, if we carried out a litter pick every other month instead of once a year, we would be keeping West Moors tidier for longer. Sadly, this is not the case. “Since September 2021, each litter pick has seen nearly 20 bags of rubbish and our volunteer litter warden, who also patrols regularly, rarely sees streets with no litter.”

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EEECK EEECK is claimed to be the latest artwork by The Original Banksy. It is pictured here. It was unveiled in Bournemouth on 30 March 2022 at The Green House. A man wearing a mask and claiming to be The Original Banksy (pictured below) appeared via Zoom at the event and took questions from the press. He followed this up with an exclusive interview with Louis Pulford from Dorset View.

To read this remarkable story including allegations that could stun the art world visit www.dorsetview.co.uk/is-it-graffitiis-it-worth-millions-is-it-a-banksy/

VIEWPOINT April 2022

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Old Tools Wanted Tool Aid Ringwood is calling for unwanted tools, sewing machines or computers. This charitable organisation runs a workshop on the outskirts of Ringwood where a group of volunteers refurbishes the items. These are then sent out to Africa with many assembled into complete kits. Recipients are trained in their use, so they can run a small business and become self-sufficient. Some refurbished tools are also supplied to charities locally. As well as tools, brass, copper, aluminium or lead, electrical cable and wiring are also needed. Take your items to the Tool Aid Ringwood workshop on the A338 Salisbury Road, 400 yards on the left from the A31 roundabout, in what used to be the Ringwood Town & Country Museum. The workshop is open 9am to 12pm, Monday to Friday. Collection can be arranged if delivery is difficult. The charity always welcomes new members, regardless of skills. Tea, coffee, cakes and good company are provided. Contact Colin at the workshop on 01425 473968. To arrange collection of items, contact David, on 01202 893809, or via the website: toolaidringwood.org.uk.

Tool Aid sewing circle

Tool Aid donations being put to good use

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From giant Redwoods to Oregon grapes At the February meeting of Fordingbridge & District Horticultural Society, Martin Young showed pictures of his favourite plants from all over the USA, Canada and Mexico. He started with trees such as the gigantic Redwoods and finished with the Mahonia, which is called the Oregon grape in the USA because of its berries. The spring show was held on 28 March.

Column by Fordingbridge Museum is sponsored by Adrian Dowding

Grave explanation of barrows Julian Hewitt | Fordingbridge Museum

If you look at an Ordnance Survey map of your area you will see, in a gothic script, numerous references to Tumuli, from the Latin for swelling. These indicate the presence of a group of prehistoric burial mounds or barrows. One barrow will be labelled Tumulus. These burials date to a period covering the late Neolithic to the late Bronze Age. Long barrows, as the name implies, are elongated mounds often surrounded by stone walls and with a forecourt leading to an entrance to a stone lined burial chamber. They date from the Neolithic period. The best and most accessible example in the area is West Kennet long barrow near Avebury. Almost 50 males and females were buried in its chambers with a mixture of jumbled up bones and some cremations as well as grave goods. Round barrows, dating from the Bronze Age, appear as a grass covered hemispherical mound of earth varying in size from about five to over 50 metres in diameter. When excavated a burial will be found near the centre of the barrow, often enclosed in a stone chamber. These might be a skeleton or a cremation urn. Sometimes there may be secondary burials at the side of the barrow. Often grave goods may be buried with the deceased, such as bows and arrows, daggers or spears, jewellery and pottery. In the Bronze Age some bodies were buried in a foetal position with a pottery beaker or cup – these have been called the Beaker people by historians. The most common shape of round barrow is the bowl barrow, which is shaped like an inverted bowl surrounded by a ditch. Another common shape is a bell barrow where there is a piece of flat land between the bowl and the ditch with an outer bank beyond the ditch. Often weather, animals or land cultivation will have eroded the barrow, ditches and banks. In the New Forest there are over 200 barrows that are mainly bowl shaped. Good examples of round and long barrows can be found in the New Forest or on Martin Down and at Winterbourne Stoke. The latter site, at the junction of the A360 and the A303, has a large group of every different type of barrow in close proximity. These barrows were the focus of burial rituals that brought prehistoric communities together to commemorate the dead. They would have been the equivalent of our churches, crematoriums and graveyards of today. Unlike the grass covered mounds we see now, when first built, the barrows, especially those that were built in chalk downland, would have been gleaming white – as potent a visual symbol in the landscape as our church towers and spires.

Round barrow near to Stonehenge

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VIEWPOINT April 2022

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Car parking charges hit Verwood Soon, free parking in the carparks at The Hub, Jenner Close and Potters Wheel in Verwood will no longer be available. This was due to come into effect on 1 April, but at the time of writing, had still not commenced. As part of its parking transformation project, new charges have been rolled out across council-owned car parks by Dorset Council. And motorists will no longer be able to use council car parks free of charge on Sundays. The new charges came into force in Wimborne and in Ferndown’s Penny’s Lodge at the end of March and in other parts in the county in the following days. Charges in Verwood and Ferndown will be 50p for 30 minutes and 70p for an hour in low season and £1 for 30 minutes and £2 for an hour in high season, which runs

from 1 April to 30 October. In Wimborne they will be 50p for 30 minutes and £1 for an hour throughout the year. Charges were previously 60p for one hour and 70p for two hours. Dorset Council says the changes are to bring consistency to charges across the county. However new parking permits have been introduced. The short stay car park permit provides parking for two hours every day in the majority of Dorset Council short stay car parks and costs £78 for 12 months. The flexi stay car park permit provides unlimited parking in the majority of Dorset Council long stay car parks and free parking for two hours every day in the majority of Dorset Council short stay car parks. The flexi stay car park permit costs £25 a month or £260 for 12 months.

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Have you seen these bikes?

New copse planted by West Moors community Tree planting sessions by volunteers in West Moors have resulted in a burgeoning new copse behind the town’s skate park. Volunteers including council staff, councillors and local residents came together in two sessions on 8 January and 19 March to plant over 300 saplings. After the second session, a council spokesperson said: “We would like to thank councillors, residents and representatives of local groups and churches for their time on Saturday for helping plant so many saplings, with such enthusiasm.” The saplings were provided by Ferndown Town Council to commemorate the Queen’s 70th Jubilee and as they develop into a woodland copse they will reduce the council’s carbon footprint and help fulfill its aim of becoming carbon neutral. As well as the creation of the new copse, the town council gave away 60 free saplings to residents in February and a further 95 were offered for free collection in March. These included blackthorn, rowan, goat willow and dog rose.

Officers investigating the theft of two bikes that were stolen during a burglary in West Moors are appealing for information. A black Trek e-bike and a green and black Alpine Trial 7 mountain bike were stolen from a garage in Queens Close at some time between 12 and 13 February. If you have any information that could assist the police with their enquiries contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220026930. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

Help needed West Moors Town Council is looking for an experienced person to set up its outdoor PA system for the Remembrance Day Service on Sunday 13 November. The council has the equipment, but needs a sound engineer to set it up and control it. Call 01202 861044 or pop into the office at 4 Park Way if you can help.

Flower celebration at Salisbury Cathedral Originally intended to celebrate the anniversary of Salisbury Cathedral’s foundation in 2020, Celebration: A Festival of Flowers is finally taking place from 10-15 May. Alongside grand displays celebrating the Queen’s long life and reign, ‘rainbow’ arches reference the pandemic and the contribution made by keyworkers and volunteers across the country, who have supported their communities during these difficult times. Other designs echo the magnificent early English Gothic building with material from the cathedral library incorporated into a series of displays interpreting the Theatricum Botanicum by John Parkinson, James I’s royal apothecary and chief botanist to Charles I. This 17th century treasure will be on display alongside the arrangements that explore its content. The Queen is known to have a strong interest in

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VIEWPOINT April 2022

homeopathy. It is interesting to reflect what she might make of this marvellous volume. Centrepieces of the event are the replica of the Queen’s coronation robe made from purple pampas grass, gilded dried foliage and ferns, and a large display re-imagining Royal Nursery in pastel colours that dominates the West End. For those looking for an extra special experience, tickets to the Preview Evening, as well as exclusive tours with a designer visit the Salisbury Cathedral website.

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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity

If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. Viewpoint is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.

Walking the length of Britain for Mind Elliott Wright, from Verwood, has spent five months planning an epic walk from Land’s End to John O’ Groats, all in aid of the charity Mind. “When Covid hit, I was just finishing at uni and had big plans, all of which had to

be put on hold.” said Elliot. “I felt lost, as did a lot of other young people, and looked for a place to put my energy.” He spent lots of time exercising outside and realised this was having a positive impact on his state of mind. To further direct his focus, Elliot decided to take on the walking challenge. “I really believe in exercise

and being in the outdoors as a way to create better mental health, so I thought it would be a good idea to use those things to raise money for Mind,” he said. Elliott, who is a postman, said his job has helped him achieve the fitness levels he requires to complete the challenge. He aims to walk an average of 25

miles per day starting on 25 April and anticipates that it will take him around two-and-a-half months. Follow Elliott’s journey on Instagram @Elliottwalks, and donate at www.justgiving. com/fundraising/elliottwalks

The act of caring is powerful By Bluebird Care

Caring has many meanings and can be seen in many different forms. Caring for your loved ones is based on a different relationship to caring as part of a professional role for someone who is not part of your family. If you give unpaid

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VIEWPOINT April 2022

support to a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems, you are a carer. Being a caregiver is one of the most important and personally rewarding roles a person can do in their lifetime. Caring provides benefit for others, gives us a feeling of being needed, provides us with a purpose and is fulfilling for our relationships. Care is not easy and presents challenges that can be stressful, but working through these tough times can be rewarding. There is support out there to reach for when needed – you are not alone. Being a professional carer

or caring as a family member holds quite a responsibility. It can be difficult to fully gain understanding about what you are being held accountable for. Training and commitment within the health and care sector will help you gain an understanding and also ensure you are working within the law which holds you accountable when caring for others. The pressure of caring for someone can feel enormous but once you have accepted that responsibility, the feeling becomes an honour. You don’t need to have previous experience. So why not reach out today and see what you can do?

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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity

Check for ‘silent’ killer conditions “Get checked,” urges Dr Hilary Jones as new data suggests that at least 101,000 people in Dorset could be living with a ‘silent’ condition that causes deadly strokes. Leading British doctor, Dr Hilary Jones, is backing the Stroke Association’s campaign to urge the public to get checked. “It’s vital that you get checked for high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation so you can avoid a deadly stroke,” he said. Both conditions are often without symptoms. The charity warns that missed diagnosis and lack of treatment, which has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, could increase the number of strokes by thousands. In the UK, around 10 million people have diagnosed high blood pressure. However, it is estimated that high blood pressure actually affects around 15 million

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adults in the UK. This means one in three people with high blood pressure – are living with the condition undiagnosed. In the UK, around 1.4 million people have atrial fibrillation but an additional 500,000 cases are expected to be undiagnosed. These conditions don’t always have obvious symptoms, but if caught early they can be treated. You can get your blood pressure checked at your local pharmacy, at an NHS Health Check appointment, at your GP surgery and at home, but remember to share your readings with your GP. Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK, and happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off, killing brain cells.

Dr Hilary Jones

Juliet Bouverie OBE, chief executive at the Stroke Association said: “Heart health affects brain health. So we are urging you to act now and make sure your heart is healthy by getting checked for high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation. Don’t let the first sign of high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation be a life-changing stroke. “We know it can be difficult to get an appointment at your GP, but it’s vital that you persist when making this call, or visit your local pharmacy and get checked there. These simple checks could save your life.”

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health and care

James Marchant joins Care South Care South, a leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England, has appointed James Marchant as regional support manager. He joins Care South with over 30 years of experience in the care industry. James started as a community care assistant in 1991. He moved to work in the learning disability sector, becoming a registered manager at the age of 26, then grew his career with various care companies and helped commission a new care home before becoming the home’s manager. In his new role at Care South, James will support homes and managers across the group to provide the best outcomes for residents. Alongside his various roles, he has achieved a degree in Social Policy from the University of Bristol, a Registered Managers Award,

Happy Cafés for NHS staff

A Wimborne group is hoping to spread a little happiness throughout the NHS. World Happiness Project has been invited to establish a series of online happy café meetings to support the NHS Integrated Care Systems staff wellbeing service across Dorset. ‘Here for Each Other’ Happy Café meetings will be arranged on Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes. The meetings will provide an opportunity to meet like-minded people and discuss what really matters in life, connect with others and discuss practical ways to deal with common issues in a fun, informative and inspirational way. Online meetings being in May and 50,000 plus staff working in the health sector across Dorset are being invited to join. If you would like to receive further details and information, please contact Gerry Clarke on 07710 611123, email: 3gclarke@gmail.com

NEBOSH Health and Safety National Certificate and was a finalist in the Caring Times ‘Manager of the Year’ award. Not to mention raising three children, two Rhodesian Ridgebacks and a tortoise. Aaron Whitehead, director of Residential Care at Care South, said: “I’m very pleased to welcome James to the Care South team where I am in no doubt that he will flourish. He joins us with a breadth of experience and a real passion and understanding for the industry and the needs of residents in our care.”

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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity

Eating disorders reach record number More young people than ever before are receiving treatment for eating disorders say the NHS. Almost 10,000 children and young people started treatment between April and December with record demand for services – up by almost two thirds since before the pandemic. Professor Chitsabesan, NHS associate clinical director said young people’s problems with food can begin as a coping strategy or a way of feeling in control but may lead to more restrictive patterns of eating and behaviours. The rise could be attributed to the unpredictability of the Covid-19 pandemic, feeling isolated, disruption to routines and experiences of loss and uncertainty. The NHS is investing an additional £79 million into children’s mental

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health services because of increased demand during the pandemic, with funding being used to ensure at least 2,000 more children and young people start eating disorder treatment. Mental health services, including eating disorder services, are being backed by an additional £2.3 billion every year in additional funding until 2023/24 as part of the NHS Long Term Plan’s commitment to improving mental health services. One of the people that the NHS has helped is Alice – she was 17 when her mother referred her to NHS eating disorder services, with an initial conversation with the NHS taking place the day after referral. Alice said she

felt anxious when her mother made the referral, but her fears soon disappeared. Alice said: “I couldn’t believe that my treatment began only six days after my assessment. I was expecting to wait weeks or even months. I truly believe that if it wasn’t for the rapid intervention so soon after referral, I would be in a very different position. “Thankfully, with the support from my clinician, I can report that I am doing much better. I was hesitant to seek support but I’m glad I did, I would say to anyone else in a similar position to take that step as it could save your life.” The charity Beat helps young people struggling with an eating problem and provides advice.

Hospitals tackle waiting lists Over the last two years, many non-emergency operations and procedures across the NHS had to be cancelled or postponed because of Covid-19. University Hospitals Dorset is working hard to prioritise its lists and will be contacting patients waiting for appointments at the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch hospitals via text message or letter. If you receive one of these messages, please respond so the hospitals can help you with your care. Their communication will only ever ask questions related to your care and will never ask for bank details or reference to money or payment. A unique pin will enable you to log in using your date of birth. You will not be asked for name or address, but you can update your details if they are incorrect. A business reply address in Macclesfield will be supplied where responses are being collected.

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to win Your chance

£250

This new initiative from Pulford Publicity is backed by local traders and gives shoppers the chance to win a huge prize worth £250. It has already been run in Fordingbridge with great success and further prizes of £500 have been given in Ringwood and Christchurch. Forming part of Viewpoint’s Business Community Unity ethos, this month’s prize draw is aimed at people shopping in Ferndown and West Moors and will put money back into local businesses at a challenging time, whilst promoting them in this magazine. The prize of £250 in shopping vouchers will be awarded to the winner, drawn at random, to spend in any of the participating businesses (advertising from page 19 to

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

to spend in Ferndown and West Moors page 21 inclusive, in the MidApril issue of Viewpoint) in £50 lots. The winner will be able to spend a maximum of £100 in one outlet, with the remaining amount split into vouchers to the value of £50 to be spent in other outlets. For example, it could be split as follows: 1 x £100 voucher, and 3 x £50 vouchers OR 5 x £50 vouchers In spending with the advertisers supporting the competition, you’ll be helping local and independent businesses to survive by giving them a muchneeded boost. Turn the page to find out the terms and condition of the competition and what you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize.

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY / real people, real news, local advertising. ...Continued from page 19

to win Your chance

£250

to spend in Ferndown and West Moors All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning the prize of £250 worth of shopping vouchers is answer the following questions about businesses in Ferndown and West Moors. Clue: all of the answers can be found in the adverts on pages 19, 20 and 21. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Where would you go to enjoy a theatre show? Who says: “Don’t get left in the cold this winter!”? Where would you buy a new school uniform? Where would you go for a new pair of spectacles? Chop! Chop! Which business is located at 165 Station Road, West Moors?

Terms and conditions:

Enter online at www.dorsetview.co.uk or send your answers to the address on page three of this magazine. Closing date is 9 May 2022. The first correct set of answers drawn at random will be the winner. They must advise Pulford Publicity Ltd where they will be spending their prize and in what denominations. Employees of Pulford Publicity and employees of the advertisers in this feature are not permitted to enter. The editor’s decision is final. The shopping vouchers will be valid for three months from the date of issue. Entrants’ personal details will be stored securely and will only be processed to determine the winner of the competition. The winner’s name and location (not address) will be announced in the magazine and their name and phone number will be passed to the appropriate advertisers for the allocation of the prize. It will be a condition of entry that the winner must be agreeable to be photographed for publicity purposes across any media outlet including magazines, websites and social media.

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

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ringwood news

Ringwood Community Unites for Peace in Ukraine In a community fundraising event on 19 March, the children of Ringwood and their families united in The Furlong shopping centre courtyard to show their solidarity, support and compassion for all the people being affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Hundreds of handmade doves, made by local store Love to b, were hung on the illuminated ‘peace’ tree. Each dove had a personalised message written on it. Many were written by young children and included “never lose hope”, “we are thinking of you” and “out of darkness you will find light”. There was also face painting with the Ukrainian flag, a colouring in craft table and tea lights symbolising hope for the children to

hold during the event. The Rev Adam Skirton from Poulner Baptist Church read a poem he had written especially for the event, called Hear our Cry. Katerina Di Monaco, a member of his Poulner congregation and a Ukrainian citizen, translated the poem for the viewers watching the live video link from Ukraine. This event, attended by the town mayor, Cllr Tony Ring, has raised over £5,500 for the Disaster Emergency Committee with more donations still coming in as Love to b continue to offer the doves of peace from their Ringwood store. Every penny raised will go to the charities supported by the DEC, to help with vital humanitarian aid for those suffering in Ukraine.

Share your passion for Ringwood Ringwood Town Council is looking for volunteers who share a passion for the town. The council operates a visitor information service from Ringwood Gateway on Saturdays from Easter to mid-September, and it is looking for people to join the team. Hours are flexible and can be tailored to meet availability within the opening hours of 10am to 4pm. For more details get in touch with Jo Hurd, deputy town clerk on 01425 484721 or drop in to Ringwood Gateway.

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VIEWPOINT April 2022

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verwood news

Verwood Rotary Club update By president, Louisa Hiscock As I write, final preparations are being made for our big Swing Band Evening. I look forward to sharing with you in the next issue how this went and how much we were able to raise for the charity Dementia UK on the night. At our last club meeting we enjoyed a presentation and talk by Alan Pickford from The People’s Mosquito project on the current stage of their project called Operation Crossbow: to build a de Havilland Mosquito, the legendary aircraft flown in the Second World war. It was very interesting to hear of the hard work and enthusiasm to ensure its accuracy, the first to be built in the UK for 70 years. The planning for our next Rustic Fayre on August Bank Holiday Monday is now well underway. This will be our 28th fayre and we are looking forward to hosting this special day out in Verwood’s calendar again. All the favourites will be there including a programme of arena events, a variety of stalls, live music, children’s activities, food and beer tents, a classic car display area and lots more for all the family to enjoy. As always, all the money we raise will go back to local charities and organisations. This year we are also keen to hear from anyone willing to demonstrate different crafts eg wood turning, basketmaking, weaving. If interested to join us on the day, please give Vern Harris a ring on 01202 824005 or contact us via our website. It would be lovely to have traditional craft demonstrations during the day. Last year’s Rustic Fayre © CatchBox

Verwood Town Council has said goodbye to long-standing town clerk, Mrs Val Bright, who has retired after more than 30 years’ service to the town. To celebrate her retirement councillors laid on a farewell party, which was widely attended by the local community as well as friends and family. Mayor Cllr Matthew Parker who presented Val with flowers said at the party: “On behalf of Verwood Town Council we would like to say a huge thank you to Val for all of her hard work over the last 30 years in service to Verwood and Three Legged Cross. Val has been an invaluable resource at the council and directly involved in many events over the years, particularly the Remembrance Services. We send our best wishes to her for the next adventure.”

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- Advertising Feature -

HT on POTLIG SFinancial Planning FINANCIAL WELLBEING Bodie Dove, Financial Adviser at Lester Brunt Wealth Management Chairman and event organiser of Verwood Carnival: Shelley Rose with her children at the 2018 carnival

Verwood Carnival is moving to Potterne Park There will be several new aspects of Verwood Carnival this year: it is moving to Potterne Park, it won’t be held on bank holiday Monday, and it promises to be a right royal do. Chairman and event organiser, Shelley Rose said: “It will be a Jubilee Carnival and will be held on this year’s bank holiday Friday, 3 June, during the Queen’s Jubilee weekend.” In existence for over 90 years, when Verwood was a small village, the carnival was previously held on the recreation ground and in more recent years on the famous Fuzzy Bit owned by the Wareham family. Shelley said: “Adrian Wareham has been amazing, and we are really grateful to him and his family for all their support over the years. We are not leaving entirely, but working between the two sites. The procession will gather on the ‘fuzzy bit’ as usual, but after following the route through the town it will proceed to Potterne Park.” The procession will be led by a new carnival queen and princess and hopefully the first-ever prince who will be chosen early in April, (see the website for details). They will be joined by the newly elected mayor. There is a royal theme to the event, and floats and walking entries are encouraged to apply now through the carnival website to help make the procession a real celebration. New for this year are a circus workshop and a refreshments marquee. Coles will be bringing along its full fun fair to add to the excitement. Stannage Stunt Team will wow the crowds with motorbike and mountain bike stunts that will include some fiery action in the main arena. And around the showground there will be stalls and refreshments – it’s not too late to book a stand, so visit the website and fill out a form. There will even be a fun run around the park on the Wednesday before the carnival. For more details of the exciting Verwood Jubilee Carnival visit verwoodcarnival.com or the Facebook page for up to the minute news and information. If you love a bit of history, pop down to the Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne where you will find the Verwood Carnival Queen’s crown and princess’s tiara on display from 2018 was the last ‘royal around the 1940s, along with do’ around carnival time other carnival memorabilia.

Money is never far from our minds. Sat at our desk, or in the middle of the night, we find ourselves thinking. ‘Will I ever be able to retire?’ Or ‘what if I need money fast to cover a medical bill?’ Feeling that you’re not in control of your finances is like the floor dropping from under you. The effect on our financial wellbeing is undeniable. Nowadays, especially post-pandemic, information overload has made our lives more complicated, not less. Access has changed, but the complexity of finance hasn’t. Talking to experts who can explain the complexities of finance and simplify your choices is the first step towards feeling confident, capable and in control. Confidence is central to financial wellbeing. It’s not just knowing what an interest rate is, or different types of ISAs. It’s an awareness of your own financial situation; how much money you have, how much you spend, or how much you need to retire on. Explaining and answering those questions and creating a personal plan to match is what advice is all about. There’s nothing like talking things over face-to-face. It boosts your financial confidence, it makes complex choices clearer, and decision-making simpler. The true value of financial wellbeing is building a long-term, personal relationship so clients feel safe sharing personal information. Having a clear, detailed road map towards a secure financial future is a real relief. Giving you the confidence to create the future you want. And then, to relax and enjoy it. You can finally put the worries to bed. If you would like to find out more, you can schedule a consultation with myself, Bodie Dove, on 07507443388 or email bodie.dove@sjpp.co.uk The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested. Lester Brunt Wealth Management is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/ products. Lester Brunt Wealth Management is a trading name of Lester Brunt Wealth Management. Contact details: Bodie Dove 07507 443 388 Bodie.Dove@sjpp.co.uk

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Lester Brunt Wealth Management lesterbrunt@sjpp.co.uk lesterbrunt.co.uk 01202 695801 Dickens House, 15 West Borough, Wimborne BH21 1LT

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| 25

foodie news / most of us are sorry for what we said when we were hungry.

Forward with celebrity chef Marcus Wareing Selected to take part in Forward with Marcus Wareing – a hospitality course to hone culinary skills including a module on sustainability – Stowell Barry, chef manager at Zetland Court, a RMBI Care Co care home is pictured alongside the celebrity chef. The culinary training programme ran alongside a Senior Culinary Chef Level 4 Apprenticeship and Stowell recalls: “Marcus always said to all 15 of us apprentices: ‘Work well as a team but, as an individual, always stand out and strive to exceed all expectations.’” Marcus Wareing said: “This cutting-edge culinary training programme was designed to build skills, grow knowledge and expand imagination. Candidates were able to explore every aspect of the modern kitchen, from culture to commerce, question assumptions and challenge conventions with guidance from myself.” This culinary programme was arranged by Compass Group UK & Ireland, parent company of White Oaks, which teamed up with Zetland Court to provide enhanced catering services to the home’s residents and staff.

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VIEWPOINT April 2022

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around & about

Enter Dorset Art Prize Collection of national importance Arts University Bournemouth’s Museum of Design in Plastics (MoDiP) has been recognised as a collection of national importance by Arts Council England. MoDiP’s collection is the world’s most comprehensive survey into how plastics have transformed the designed world. Encompassing an extensive range of items of historical, cultural and social significance, the collection includes sporting objects like an early billiard ball formed in imitation of ivory and era-defining toys like Hasbro’s iconic Mr Potato Head, to items crucial to improving the human condition, like prosthetic limbs. The museum, which was established in 2007 at AUB’s Wallisdown campus,

has also taken on a role as convenor of discussions around both the positive and negative impacts of plastics. The Arts Council Designation award recognises MoDiP’s collection, based in Poole, Dorset, alongside internationally recognised collections like the Ritual Judaica collection, held by London’s Jewish Museum.

Professor Susan Lambert, chief curator at the MoDiP examines Designated Collection items

Local people have the chance to display their artistic talents and win cash prizes. Bournemouth & Poole College has launched the 9th annual Dorset Art Prize, with the support of the Dorset Community Foundation. The free-to-enter competition has the theme ‘Messages’. The awards include: primary school: 1st £500; 2nd £250. Secondary school: 1st £500; 2nd £250. Year 10 and 11: 1st £1,000; 2nd £500; 3rd £250. Year 12 and 13: 1st £1,000; 2nd £500; 3rd £250. Over-19: 1st £1,000; 2nd £500; 3rd £250. All shortlisted artwork will be showcased for the public to see. The deadline for entries is 15 July. For more information visit thecollege. co.uk/dorset-art-prize.

Malmesbury Park Art Ambassadors with their prize

Easter Story open air in Fordingbridge Churches Together in Fordingbridge and District will perform The Easter Story in the churchyard of St Mary’s Church on Good Friday, 15 April at 11am. The play will last for about an hour, and covers the story of the Last Supper through to the Crucifixion and Resurrection. It is based on the Biblical narrative and has been especially written by Fordingbridge author, Jeremy Houghton-Brown, who is also involved as a producer. Jeremy said: “The Easter Story has such an important message for us all, and an

open-air drama takes the story to the people; so I thought let’s be positive and do it now. This message of love and hope is for all people, wherever they are in life’s journey.” More than 50 local amateurs will be joined by musicians and a combined choir led by Canon Gary Philbrick, rector of Avon Valley Churches. All are welcome. There will be no entrance charge. Free refreshments will also be available. If the weather is unkind, the play will be performed inside St Mary’s Church.

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| 27

around & about / what’s happening in your area.

Bowl along For the to West Moors Love of Music Bournemouth GaSP – Gilbert and Sullivan Productions – is delighted to announce that its spring tour, featuring songs from musical theatre and the Savoy operas, is ready to bring a smile to every face. Called For the Love of Music, it has a theme of love and laughter, with light-hearted songs for all to enjoy. Showstoppers What better anthem for love in all its forms than ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, the showstopper from Carousel? Another blockbuster is ‘Get Me To The Church on Time’ from My Fair Lady, and a salute to the music of Gigi to toast ‘The Night They Invented Champagne’. Watch out for the likely lad who – from Me and My Girl – is ‘Leaning On A Lamp Post’.

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Merriment The Gondoliers brings Italian sunshine to ‘When A Merry Maiden Marries’ and The Mikado showcases another bride in ‘Three Little Maids From School’. Pirates of Penzance provides much merriment with cowardly policemen and burly brigands whilst ‘All Hail Great Judge’ from Trial by Jury features a judge with an eye for pretty bridesmaids. For the Love of Music is at The Allendale Centre, Wimborne on Wednesday 4 May, the Barrington Theatre, Ferndown on Thursday 5 May and The Spire, Poole on Friday 6 May. Curtain up at 7.30pm. Tickets £12.50 from www.ticketsource. co.uk/bournemouthgasp, by phone 07565 134842. By post, call for details. Booking fees may apply.

Do you miss team spirit, competition or regular playing of sport? Are you looking for a friendly, community club to meet new people? There are so many good reasons to take up the game of bowls. You may be surprised. Bowls is a great leveller – it’s not dependent on age, fitness, physique, gender or income. It’s a sport for everyone and will help improve fitness levels and mental wellbeing. West Moors Memorial Bowls Club will be holding two open days in the coming weeks, so why not give bowls a try? Founded in 1950, West Moors Memorial Bowls Club has outstanding year-round facilities. The green accommodates six rinks and is acknowledged as one of the best in the area. The sheltered patio, with ample seating, overlooking

the green is an excellent place for a social drink and chat. The clubhouse accommodates two full-size short mat bowls carpets for use during the winter. There are changing rooms with lockers, and facilities for wheelchair users. And the licensed bar is probably the best stocked in West Moors and reasonably priced. The club plays in the Dorset leagues and competitions, and also organises internal competitions along with social, fun mix-ins. Youngsters aged six to 16 are very welcome to join the successful junior section, which currently has 20 members. Qualified BDA coaches provide fun and informative coaching sessions during the summer. Put the open day dates in your diary now: Sunday 24 April and Sunday 29 May, 10am-4pm and bowl along on the day.

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around & about

Events The details of the events below are accurate at the time of going to press. Check before travelling. Send in details of your events to: newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk

25 April 7.30-9pm

Verwood Choral Society will be learning songs for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on 2 June. Rehearsals at St Michael’s Parish Church, Monday evenings. All voices welcome. Contact Sue Longstaff on 01202 829212.

26 April 7.30pm

Discover Wimborne. 79 events. Pick up a brochure from businesses in the town to find out more.

Keith Partridge presents ‘Birds of the New Forest and Area’ to West Parley Gardening Club at West Parley Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome £3. Contact Rod Darch 01202 896711. Email rod@rdconsulting.co.uk

18 April 12noon-5pm

27-29 April 7.45pm

Throughout April

Easter Family Fun Day at AFC Bournemouth, Vitality Stadium. Details 01202 726300.

21 April 7.30pm

Wimborne and Ferndown Lions spring quiz at the Barrington, Ferndown in aid of local food banks. Teams of up to 6. £8 per player. E-mail ronneave@yahoo. co.uk or ring 07722 025789.

23 April

Allendale Centre open day. Meet regular organisations and groups.

23 April 6pm

King Lear Retold storytelling, Cranborne Earthhouse. https://crickcrackclub.com/ whats-on/the-earthhouse/

Ferndown Drama presents Keeping up Appearances at the Barrington in Ferndown. Tickets £9 on the door each night or from: www. ticketsource.co.uk/ferndown-drama

29 April – 1 May

Teddy Rocks Festival Charisworth Farm, Blandford in aid of Teddy 20 Charity. Line-up includes Eagles of Death Metal, The Fratellis and Newton Faulkner. Tickets from https://www.teddyrocks.co.uk/

29 April 7.30pm

Cantamus, the choir and string ensemble from St Paul’s Girls’ School in London present music by Holst, Caccini, Bach and Rutter in Wimborne Minster. Tickets from www.eventbrite.co.uk

30 April -1 May 10am – 6pm Maritime Festival, Parley Lane, Hurn BH23 6AD. www. ticketsource.co.uk/booking/ category/RdiEJKhzXNnT

30 April 9am-2pm

Artisan Makers Market at CLaRC (Community Learning & Resource Centre) King Street Car Park, Wimborne BH21 1EA. Free entry.

30 April 8pm

Celtic music with Gnoss, Ferndown Village Hall, Church Road, BH22 9ET. Tickets £15 in advance, £16 on night. Ring Adrian and Juli 01202 083740 or Linda and Les 01202 623740. Email: info@celticfolk.net

4 May 7.30pm

Ferndown French Circle AGM at the Barrington Centre, Ferndown followed by a film in French of ‘France from the Air’. Tel 07552 074135 or visit www. ferndownfrenchcircle.org.uk

4 May 12 noon

Chris Gower will present Houdini, the real story to members of Ferndown Probus Club, Dudsbury Golf Club. Contact Alan Stevens 01202 876826 www.ferndownprobusclub.org

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4-6 May 7.30pm

Bournemouth GaSP presents The Musicals and Gilbert & Sullivan on Wednesday 4 at Allendale Centre, Thursday 5 at Barrington Theatre and Friday 6 at The Spire in Poole. www.ticketsource. co.uk/bournemouthgasp.

5 May 7.30pm

Fordingbridge Twinning Association’s AGM with cheese and wine at Avonway Community Centre, Fordingbridge. Membership £10 per household, join on the night. For more details contact Derek or Alison Ayling on 01425 650770 or email hippotrain@btinternet.com

6 May 10am for 10.30am start

Ex BBC/ITV producer Roy Norton will talk on ‘50 Years in Television – uncensored’ to Wimborne u3a at Wimborne Methodist Church, King Street. All welcome £3 for non u3a members

7 May 10am

West Moors Horticultural Society plant sale in the Memorial Hall, West Moors. Bedding, basket, tomato and veg plants plus perennials and other plants.

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in the home / home is where the heart is .

Improving your bathroom the ecological way By Tiffany Kelly of Beyond Bamboo Arguably the most ‘wasteful’ room in your house, the bathroom is a great place to start with sustainable swaps. By carefully choosing the products you buy, you can

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VIEWPOINT April 2022

help create a healthy and sustainable environment in your own space and help protect the planet. Refillables: opt for refillables that come in compostable packaging or can be refilled at your local conscious living shop. Choose glass or metal containers. This prolongs the use of materials, whilst minimising the new materials needed and lowering transport costs and C02 emissions. Go Plastic-free: cut down your single-use plastics. Bamboo is a sustainable option. You can get toothbrushes, razors, cotton buds, wash cloths, toilet roll, soap dishes, hair and makeup brushes - the list is endless. Items are

also compostable once you’ve finished with them. Choose re-usables: these help cut down on single-use items such as wet wipes which often contain microplastics, plastic packaging and chemical toxins and end up in the bin and then landfill (or our oceans). Washcloths and reusable make-up remover pads are great options. Natural products: products derived from natural substances contain far less toxins, if any. Choose soap, shampoo and moisturiser

bars. They are inexpensive swaps. Look out for ones packaged in cardboard or paper rather than plastic. Toilet paper: There are many sustainable brands such as bamboo. Choose those packaged in 100% biodegradable or fully recyclable outer wrappers. Changing the consumable products in your bathroom will make an impact and small changes can make a big difference when it comes to sustainability. www.beyondbamboo.life

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in the home

Five FRESH tips on how to save energy: By Fresh Student Living www.thisisfresh.com/student With the current financial crisis, here are a few money saving tips:

1. Flick the switch That little switch on the wall next to where your microwave or TV is plugged in - turn it off. If the appliance is not in use there is no need for it to be on standby. Turn off any lights in your house that you are not using. If the kitchen lights are on whilst you’re in the living room, this is wasting energy. Consider switching to LED lights. An LED light bulb uses over 75% less energy than a regular bulb. 2. Be more efficient with your laundry Wash your laundry at 20 or 30 degrees rather than 40+. Invest in an airer so you can leave your clothes to air-dry. Tumble dryers use a lot of energy and are costly to run.

If you do need to use your tumble dryer, clean the filters to keep it efficient. 3. Smart Meters are SMART Know where your energy costs are coming from. Call your energy provider and ask them to install a smart meter. This should be free, and helps you monitor where you are using the most energy in the house. 4. Be smarter about water Opt for showers over baths and cut down your shower time. Cutting down showering time down by just one minute a day could save on average £7 a person per year. 5. Turn down the heat Almost half the money spent on energy bills is absorbed by heating costs. Turning your heating down - even by just one degree could save you up to £80 a year.

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in the home / home is where the heart is .

Spring clean safely for your pets As spring is now officially here, we can expect lighter evenings, warmer days and a colourful array of seasonal blooms. Many of us will have found increased motivation for getting the house spickand-span with a spring clean. However, a new season also brings with it some hidden dangers around the home that can pose a risk to our four-legged friends. PDSA vet nurse, Shauna Spooner, advises pet owners to spring clean with caution. She said: “It’s important to keep four-legged friends away from any toxic products. Many household cleaners such as bleach, oven cleaner, dishwasher tablets and laundry detergents can be very dangerous for our pets - the harsh chemicals can cause burns to wandering paws and can even be fatal if ingested. The good news is that there are plenty of safer alternatives that are also kinder to the environment, such as baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice – using these will help you create a gleaming and fresh interior, while posing much less

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VIEWPOINT April 2022

of a risk to your furry friend. “If you do use stronger products, it’s essential to follow instructions and dilute where necessary. Wipe down floors and surfaces with fresh water after using chemicals to ensure your pet can walk around safely, and don’t forget to empty any mop buckets as soon as you’ve finished. Be sure to store products well out of reach – if your pet has mastered the art of opening door handles, it’s worth fitting a childproof lock on your cleaning cupboard.” Shauna also warns of toxic spring flowers, so once you’ve put down your duster inside the house, take a close look at what is growing outside in your garden. “Our pets are curious creatures,” she said. “Often keen to explore plants and trees, but some can be toxic, or even fatal, if eaten. Whatever the season, it’s important to be aware of the hidden hazards that some of the beautiful new blooms can pose for our pets. Types to watch out for during springtime include

azaleas, daffodils, hyacinth, cotoneasters, geraniums, tulips and irises. “For avid gardeners, installing fencing will help deter your four-legged friend from areas with lots of plants and bulbs – but be sure to still keep a close eye on them while they’re outside. If you spot your pet eating a potentially dangerous plant, or they suddenly become unwell after being in the garden, contact your vet as quickly as possible.”

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in the home

Laminate or real wood flooring?

Real wood flooring is aesthetically pleasing with its natural quality. It offers a timeless and stylish finish and is full of character with warmth and subtle tones. Laminate flooring is a durable alternative and is often chosen because it is a fraction of the price. It is a sensible choice for families with young children because it has a hardwearing top surface, which makes it more scratch resistant than real wood flooring. The modern manufacturing process means laminate has become increasingly natural looking and offers a huge range of colours and styles. Whether you opt for natural or laminate flooring, small rooms will benefit from paler coloured flooring, which will create a sense of brightness and give the illusion of space. Light grey or silver tones not only look good, but combine well with other colours in the room. In larger rooms, or those with lots of natural light, be bolder. Darker wood, even black, will give warmth and character. Laminate or real wood flooring can be used to create a fresh and classy first impression in a home particularly if installed in a hallway. The clean lines of wood offer impact as soon as the front door is opened, enhancing the look of a home. Both real wood and laminate should be protected from scratches caused by stones, sand and the dragging of furniture over the surface, so protect your flooring with mats at doors, regular sweeping and foam pads on furniture legs. Real wood’s unique grain can help camouflage scratches and it can always be sanded and refinished to maintain it. A laminate floor can’t be sanded. Once it shows signs of excessive wear and tear it will have to be replaced. Don’t worry about muddy footprints though, wood flooring can be wiped clean easily or swept.

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specialist services / who to contact for the service you need.

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Today LETTER OF THE MONTH

I took these images last year on my phone, when these friendly Canada geese were walking along the gravel driveway alongside the Wash Pit Lake, Poulner.

Turning housing sites upside down Someone once said that ‘most people don’t care about politics but do care about local issues’. I think that’s true having been writing about the importance of affordable housing for years and seeing things get worse, not better. I am glad that Councillor Spencer Flower is writing to Michael Gove about ‘sustainable development’ and think his idea that Dorset be a pilot for a new way of creating local plans is a good one if the future national planning framework halves the number of prospective allocated housing in Dorset but makes sure it is 100% affordable housing to buy or rent. Also as no one wants housing on green belt land or next to them I suggest we should turn this upside down and ask local people to propose sites for housing. If no sites are suggested perhaps various sites suggested by councillors should be voted on locally.

Brian Allen Ringwood

Lesley Eve (Mrs) Verwood

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

Geese in step

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NEWS IN BRIEF Ukraine donation point in Wimborne: Sir William Hanham from the Deans Court Estate has set up a donation point for Ukrainian refugees. A trailer is sited at the end of Deans Court Lane, items will be transported to a collection point at Castlepoint in Bournemouth as part of Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine. Fordingbridge plan turned down: a scheme by Hants Developments Ltd for use of the first and second floor of Unit 1, Bridge Street, Fordingbridge as three flats has been turned down by New Forest District Council. The plan also included the remodelling of the rear ground floor to create another unit. Replacement property: New Forest District Council has received a full planning application to demolish the property at 38, Broadshard Lane, Ringwood and to replace it. Staying online: Ringwood Town Council is to continue to hold its meetings virtually. At the recent meeting, at which it was proposed to return to meetings at Gateway, four voted in favour but seven against. It was felt that virtual meetings had worked well and had enabled greater public participation and transparency, as well as requiring fewer resources to manage. Fuel poverty: thanks to generous donations from residents in Dorset, over £75,000 has been raised to help older people struggling to stay warm this winter. Dorset Council, working closely with The Dorset Community Foundation and Citizens Advice launched an appeal asking people to donate any winter fuel payments they did not need to help others being able to afford heating their homes without scrimping on food. Free fraud flyer: a flyer that gives simple, clear advice from trusted sources, on how to stay safe and get help should you become a victim of fraud is available at Citizens Advice offices across Dorset and is also being distributed through Victims Support and trading standards. A downloadable version is also available from the Citizens Advice Dorset website. Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk for more local news

| 35

Man fined over £1,000 plus costs A Ferndown man has been fined £1,038 plus a victim surcharge of £104 for failing to comply with a Planning Enforcement Notice. Chi Leung Yau, 63, of West Moors, attended Poole Magistrate’s Court in February and pleaded guilty to breaching Section 179 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for not addressing violations on land next to Henbury Manor Farm, Corfe Mullen. The council was made aware that Mr Yau’s land holding in the green belt was being used for unauthorised moto-cross activities, and a Porta cabin had been installed at the site. This was determined to be unlawful, as the land is designated for agricultural use. Council officers were told by Mr Yau that the cabin would be temporary and agreed it could remain if it was only in place for 14 days a year. On subsequent visits officers discovered the cabin hadn’t been removed and was being used for storage. In addition, two cars, two diggers and a flat-bed truck, all apparently abandoned and in a state of disrepair were found on the land, which is also unlawful. Mr Yau was given sufficient time to remove

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the offending items. When this did not happen, the defendant applied for planning permission for the cabin to support the rearing of ducks and chickens and the grazing of sheep. However, Mr Yau was unable to provide any evidence that he operated any type of agricultural trade or business. Therefore, he did not qualify for agricultural permitted development rights and, for the same reason, his application to erect agricultural buildings was refused. As this decision was not appealed, officers returned to the site only to discover the cabin and abandoned vehicles were still present. A Planning Enforcement Notice was served, but the requirements of the notice were ignored. After being summoned for an interview Mr Yau admitted failing to comply with the enforcement notice and did not offer any lawful excuse for his lack of action. Dorset Council’s legal team moved to prosecute, and Mr Yau was fined and ordered to pay prosecution costs in the sum of £2,138.

Swapping seeds and seedlings

Organised by Ringwood Actions for Climate Emergency (RACE) and hosted by Greyfriars Community Centre on 26 March, a seed and seedling swap provided opportunities to seek advice, find out more about composting and pick up seeds and plants, garden tools and books. Local environmental artist, Natasha Duggan, the driving force behind the event said, “The seed swap created a space to celebrate local growing projects, giving growers the opportunity to meet and share knowledge. It raises awareness of the wider benefits of growing and connecting with nature, it’s great for your physical and mental wellbeing. We all need to think more sustainably and ask, ‘Where is our food coming from?’” For more information about RACE visit: www.racegainsttime.org.uk or email Ringwoodraceagainsttime@ gmail.com

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Three arrested following swift police action Three men from Oxfordshire were arrested on 29 March on suspicion of fraud by false representation having targeted an elderly person in Verwood. Dorset Police received a report on the morning of 29 March relating to suspicious activity involving suspected rogue traders in the area of Oaklands Close. They attended and found an elderly victim in the company of two men. The victim reportedly told officers that the men were taking them to the bank to withdraw cash. The men, in their 20s, had allegedly attended their address claiming to be from the electricity board and stated that the victim owed them money. The two men were arrested. A third man, in his 30s, located with a car in Dewlands Way, reported to be bearing false number plates, was also arrested.

FUS shortlisted for design award Ferndown Upper School is the only school in Dorset amongst the 10 schools that have been shortlisted for The Design Museum’s Design Ventura 2021 awards. A total of 110 secondary schools entered for the project, which invited students to follow a brief set by awardwinning artist and Pentagram

Partner Yuri Suzuki, to design a product that improves everyday life. The Flippy Book, Ferndown Upper School’s design, is a flipbook that mixes and matches iconic designs letting the user explore their creativity. Students will now be invited to pitch their design concepts to a panel of

professionals at Deutsche Bank’s head office in London. The winning team will be announced at a celebration event at the Design Museum in April, with their winning idea going on sale in the Design Museum Shop later in the year for under £15 and the proceeds donated to a charity of the students’ choice.

Members of Merley Townswomen’s Guild enjoyed a coffee morning in Wimborne recently. The Guild, which meets on the third Wednesday of every month at The Community Centre, Harrier Drive, Oakley BH21 1XE, is pleased to welcome new members. Contact Catherine Ward, membership secretary on 01202 887641.

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motoring / keeping you on the road.

Spring danger for motorcyclists A charity that puts air ambulance critical care doctors and paramedics onto response motorcycles across the UK is urging motorists to look out for motorcyclists during the warmer spring weather. DocBike said studies show that springtime is the most dangerous time for motorcycle collisions. And if you’re getting on your bike for the first time this year, check it over before riding it. Take it easy and accept that it will take some time before your skill level has returned to where it was at the end of last summer. Be prepared for other road users accidentally pulling across your path – even if you have the right of way.

Tough mobile phone laws now in place

“The consequences of using a mobile phone while at the wheel can be catastrophic.” That is the message from Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police’s joint operations Roads Policing Unit as new rules came into effect from 25 March. The changes mean you can receive an immediate fine of £200 and penalty points on your licence for the following offences while driving: • Illuminating the screen • Checking the time on your phone • Checking notifications • Unlocking the device • Making, receiving, or rejecting a telephone or internet based call • Sending, receiving or uploading a photo or video • Utilising camera, video, or sound recording • Drafting any text • Accessing any stored data such as documents, books, audio files, photos, videos, films, playlists, notes or messages • Accessing an app • Accessing the internet There are just two exemptions to the law, allowing for a call to be made in an emergency where it is not practical to stop, and for contactless payment for a service provided at the time - for example, road tolls or drive-thrus - but the vehicle must be stationary. Sergeant Dave Hazlett, of the Road Safety Unit, said: “Data shows you are four times more likely to be involved in a collision if you use a mobile phone while driving. “The consequences of using a mobile phone at the wheel can be catastrophic, and you are placing not only yourself but other road users at significant risk. “This change to the legislation closes several loopholes, and is an important step forward for road safety.”

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Viewpoint April 2022