Allendale Magazine | Oct - Dec 2022

As I write this, we have a new King and a new Prime Minister. Children are back at school and the nights are drawing in. Time and life roll on. Autumn is our busiest time of year, with live shows and fairs featuring strongly, among other events.

Entertainment includes a choir concert from Viva Voce, who have generously named Wimborne Community Food Supply as their charity for this year; Phoenix Musical Theatre presenting South Pacific; Bond On The Rocks; a singalong showing of cult favourite The Rocky Horror Picture Show, local favourite Matt Black (& Friends) in concert and renowned AC/DC tribute Dirty DC. For Halloween, we’ve a disco for children and a special afternoon tea. And we welcome the return of Best Ever Christmas Show – with a competition to win a Family Ticket!

Shopping includes Handmade Wimborne and Dorset Team Fairs, and we’re delighted to host our Allendale Christmas Craft and Food Fair in November. Details of these events, and more, can be found in this issue or at www. theallendale.org. In addition, Minster Market (Fridays) continues to grow and gain popularity, with an ever-more diverse selection of stalls.

DanceAway Social Dances

Lunch Clubs

The Campers

Film Making workshop

Project Dance

Circus Skills workshop

Paint Like a Caveman

Stones & Bones

Grandma’s

Wimborne Horticultural ShowLittle Pickles

Wimborne Minster Folk Festival –great to see you again!

2022’s Wimborne Minster Folk Festival was in full swing as the Summer edition of this magazine went to press. It was the first full Festival since 2019, and the event’s 40th anniversary. Folk Festival Committee Member Paul Gunovsky recalls the joy of seeing this cherished event return to Wimborne, and the Allendale: Organising this year’s event was a big challenge in many ways. As this was the 40th anniversary, we had always planned to make this event bigger and better than ever. However, the fact that we were unclear, for obvious reasons, as to whether we would be able to hold the event until early March and also that a number of traders, musical artists and Morris teams had not survived the pandemic meant we had just over 3 months to get everything up and running, filling gaps where we could. Additionally, we were not sure what the attitude of the public would be post-pandemic to large-scale events such as this. We need not have worried! The town heaved with people for both days of the festival and the atmosphere was very much that everybody was out for a good time, no

matter what age. Willow Walk and the Allendale Meadow children’s areas were hugely popular and incredibly busy and the new Art Exhibition in Allendale House proved to be a highly popular addition to the festival.

Music filled the streets, pubs and concert venues (thanks go to Polly Morris) and feedback was

overwhelmingly positive for the weekend. An impromptu round of applause on Sunday evening in the Allendale Café for the committee members who were all (finally) relaxing over a drink or two was typical of the response we received, and the challenge is now to make it even better for next year!

With My Other Hat On

In this series, team members at the Allendale tell us a little about themselves. This time, valued volunteer Bron Lister-Smith explains how she occupies some of her time.

“After running a school for a number of years, when I became a lady of leisure it occurred to me that voluntary work could occupy some of my time. So, I popped into the Allendale Centre when in Wimborne one afternoon, to ask if they welcomed volunteers. The answer was ‘yes’ and so I gave up an afternoon a week to help and I really like doing it. No two days are ever the same and if you have particular skills, the chances are that they can be utilised too. For instance, I greatly enjoyed running a weekly craft course before last Christmas, as I am art and craft trained.

“In addition to the Allendale,

I also help in the Sue Ryder shop in Winton for three half days a week. In addition to serving and chatting to customers, I also do the shop’s window displays. This can be quite challenging, as you never know what will be in the shop, but so far so good. We meet some lovely and surprising people.

“My aunt told me many years ago that when I retired, I would soon fill my time; in fact I’d wonder how I had time to work! She was right and I recommend volunteering to you wholeheartedly. Pop in and speak to one of the team at the Allendale to see whether you can help. You won’t regret it.”

Painting the town green

Thanks to Jean Morgan, Planet Wimborne Green Festival is back

Don’t miss this year’s Planet Wimborne Green Festival –coming to town between October 15th and 22nd.

With a full and varied programme of green-themed events and activities, the Green Festival aims to encourage us to live more sustainably and protect the natural world that we and our fellow creatures depend on. This summer’s heatwave, drought warnings and wildfires have signalled to us that the Festival’s focus on eco-friendly living and caring for the planet is as important and relevant as ever.

The Green Festival will be officially opened by the Mayor, Cllr Carol Butter, at 10.30am on Saturday 15 October on the Minster Green. And the Green will also be the venue for the ever-popular apple pressing, along with exhibition stands manned by a whole host of local eco and green groups.

There’s something for everyone during the week –whether your interest lies in food, nature, craft, gardening, waste prevention, energy efficiency or the grandeur of the night skies. Local businesses are taking part in a Global Goals Trail around the town. There are family-friendly craft events at Walford Mill and the Museum of East Dorset; you can enjoy a walk along the River Allen at Dean’s Court or a film at Colehill Village Hall; you can learn how to revive old clothes or make beeswax wraps; you can sample produce from Wimborne Community Garden or locally made honey…

For full programme details and booking information (where applicable), go to planetwimborne.org/wimbornegreen-festival or facebook.com/WimborneGreenFestival/

On the wild side

As one of Planet Wimborne’s affiliated community groups, Wilding Wimborne is doing a fantastic job of protecting and nurturing nature on our local patch.

In response to the crisis in nature – specifically the devastating decline in insect populations – Wilding Wimborne has set about raising awareness of the problem and working to help insects and other biodiversity to recover. It’s an urgent task: insects pollinate a third of our food crops and provide the main food source for a lot of wildlife.

With the support of local organisations and businesses, enthusiastic volunteers have made and installed eleven bee homes around the town – a key factor in Wimborne being awarded Bee Friendly Town status in May. Other initiatives include wildflower planting, increasing tree cover, campaigning against the use of harmful weedkillers, and regular monitoring of the River Allen in partnership with Dorset Wildlife Trust.

And the health of our local rivers is something close to the heart of Wilding Wimborne’s Mitch Perkins (pictured). At a summer ‘Minibeasts’ event next to the Allendale Café, she waded in and then helped children (and adults!) to identify what was in her net. Says Mitch: “The number of tiny creatures like mayflies and caddisflies you find tells you whether the water is healthy or polluted. That’s why we do the riverfly monitoring and report our findings to the Environment Agency.”

Wilding Wimborne is making things better for nature and for us. If you’d like to get involved, look out for them at the Green Festival or get in contact.

E: wildingwimborne@gmail.com

W: planetwimborne.org/wilding-wimborne

Mitch Perkins preparing to river-dip

Monday & Wednesday evenings

((BOUNCE)) ((BOUNCE)) Wimborne is a mini trampoline fitness class for all ages and abilities. Routines are performed to upbeat tunes in a welcoming, motivating environment. ((BOUNCE)) improves weight loss up to 3x faster than floor-based exercise, it builds core strength quickly and is low impact. For booking and more information see www.bouncefitbody.com or follow ((BOUNCE)) Wimborne on Facebook/Instagram.

Tuesday mornings

FLexercise

Over 50’s Fun and Friendly Keep Fit Class, Tuesday mornings.

Choreographed to uplifting music, this low impact, mood-boosting class includes exercises and movement to improve mobility, posture, balance, coordination and strength, stretching to improve flexibility and easy to follow dance steps to move every part of the body.

For more information, please contact Tanya on 07818 060639 or email tanya.dominey@btinternet.com

Tuesday evenings

Intuition Yoga

Pregnancy and postnatal yoga classes are specifically designed to allow you to safely strengthen, move and connect with your body as it changes. Furthermore, research shows that yoga can help to shorten your time in labour and improve recovery time from birth. Pregnancy yoga takes place every Tuesday evening and postnatal classes move to the Allendale Centre from October. www.intuitionyoga.co.uk

Thursday evenings

Destined 2 Dance A great opportunity to keep fit in a friendly, upbeat atmosphere with music which will make you want to move. We combine fitness with fun, fabulous and feel good dancing! Routines performed to a variety of motivating, up-tempo music to provide you with an exhilarating and uplifting work out!

First class half price. Contact Lucy: 07731 321099 or destined2dance@hotmail.co.uk

Also… Claire Matthews Pilates (Thursdays), DanceAway dance classes (Mondays) and Strictly Come Tea Dancing (Wednesdays, monthly).

What’s happening at Minster Market this autumn?

By Gary Cox

Minster Market @ the Allendale is now an established and popular weekly fixture, with a huge range of stalls and products available. We spoke to just a few of the stallholders and asked them to describe what customers can look forward to this autumn.

But don’t just read about it, come and experience these and more for yourself - every Friday, 8am to 2pm!

Come and browse these stalls and many more…

Roebridge Foods: We offer fresh, local fruit and vegetables from our own farm in the New Forest.

Farmer’s Wife: Free range eggs, produced by our hens, and homemade cakes, using our eggs.

Lilly Beths: Home cooked sausage rolls, pies, cakes, free range duck and chicken eggs, chutneys, pickles and more.

The Craft Cabin: Fused glass in coastal themes – lighthouses, river scenes. Supper sets with chopping boards, wooden spoons and knives.

Vintage china. All year round gifts and commissions accepted.

English Scent: Vegan and ethical home scents and skincare featuring double strength essential oils and no chemicals or alcohol. Candles and reed diffusers in autumn and Christmas scents.

Exclusive by Design: Bespoke cushions for bedrooms.

Lizzy’s Lots: Pre-loved, vintage and retro items, collectibles and more. A different ‘theme’ each week.

Yeovil Leather: Bespoke necklaces made with leather and upcycled beads.

Genuine leather skins and pieces of hide for making gifts and crafts etc.

Rebekha’s Antiques and Fine Jewellery: Jewellery, silver, porcelain, glass, crystal, lighting, pictures.

Coxies Crystal Crafts: Crystal jewellery, trees, pictures and candles. Some Christmas crackers etc. with crystals in. Rosie’s Jewell Box: Selection of gold & silver fine jewellery.

Carol Havelock: Vintage/modern jewellery, silver cutlery and trinkets.

Bluebell & Daisy Designs: Fluid art jewellery.

Into India Textiles: Antique, vintage and contemporary Indian textiles. Gift items.

Colin Valentine: Militaria collectibles. Bill Graham Stamps: First day covers, stamps of the Commonwealth, coin covers.

Laceymay’s Haberdashery: Haberdashery tools. Christmas fun wreaths. Christmas starter kit. Try-it-now kits, ideal for gifts.

Read more (including parking info): www.theallendale.org/minster-market-the-allendale

Viva Voce

Sings Out

An opportunity to enjoy this great choir, helping a great cause

Viva Voce contains members from all walks of life who share a common purpose. They just love to sing! Their determination continued throughout the pandemic with online rehearsals and recorded videos. As an awardwinning choir, their annual concerts in aid of local charities have always been popular. They are now back again with a programme that promises to be full of foot tapping, iconic songs and, most of all, enjoyment.

This year ‘I Sing Out’ is no exception, with its memorable music. As you’ll see, ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’! So sit back and relax with a ‘Tequila Samba’ but don’t be a ‘Drunken Sailor’. Hold a ‘Candle in the Wind’ and dream that ‘Impossible Dream’. Enjoy ‘The Sound of Music’, then sit ‘Beside the Seaside’ until you can imagine the ‘Lion King’ playing a ‘Tribute to Queen’.

‘Never turn anyone away’ is the philosophy behind the Wimborne Community Food Supply, who hope as many people as possible will come to the concert in support of their charity.

The Community Food Supply offers a lifeline in difficult times, preparing 300 meals a week and open Monday to Saturday. However, it is not just about food. Their communal garden and café are places to do some gardening, remember someone special, or enjoy a free drink with someone who cares and listens to them. In all cases the charity builds confidence and gives value to people’s lives.

Can you help too by coming along to the concert on 1st October, 7.30pm, at the Allendale Centre? For tickets, please visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/viva-voce. Limited tickets will be available on the door.

Read more about Wimborne Community Food Supply on page 36.

Phoenix Musical Theatre invite you to South Pacific

With thanks to Charlotte Prosser

The talented members of Phoenix Musical Theatre are excited to be performing South Pacific for you at the Allendale, from Thursday 6th to Saturday 8th October.  This powerful love story, set on a South Pacific island during World War ll, is brought thrillingly to life. With one of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most memorable scores, the musical features classic songs including Some Enchanted Evening, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair, and Bali Ha’i. You won’t want to miss this incredible show!  Book your seats at www.theallendale.org/box-office, by phone on 01202 887247 or at the Allendale. Ticket prices are just £12.50 for Adults, £10 for Children U16, or £40 for a Family (2 adults + 2 children). Performances at 7.30 pm, plus a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday 8th. We look forward to seeing you there!

Cast of South Pacific

Joe Campbell-Marsh

Mountaineer Simon Yates comes to Dorset

Touching the Void’s Simon Yates visits the Allendale on 25th November with his fascinating talk, My Mountain Life. Here, he tells us about his background.

Growing up in a village in South Leicestershire I experienced what would now be viewed nostalgically as an ideal childhood. Along with my younger brother and friends we were allowed to roam and explore the nearby hill, fields, villages and even a disused quarry. We built dens, climbed trees, looked for bird’s nests, played on our bicycles and occasionally created mischief. In the summer holidays we would leave home and parental supervision from early morning until dusk, day after long summer day. Looking back now, it seems like a distant age. I guess it was.

However, despite my childhood freedoms the location did have its limitations. I had little idea of the mountainous and wilderness terrain found elsewhere in the British Isles, or the adventurous opportunities they presented. At 15, all that changed for good. Through school I was offered

the chance to undertake a week of supervised outdoor activities from a camp in Coniston, in the heart of the Lake District. I was desperately excited by the prospect and my parents, sensing enthusiasm, kindly gave their permission and money to make it happen.

It was a magical week. We canoed on the lake and walked through the hills.

As a teenager the history of Coniston’s involvement with the World Water Speed record and Donald Campbell’s tragic death was morbidly compelling. I found the landscape visually stunning and being among it made me feel euphoric. The fittest of us were chosen to undertake a two day walk, which included an ascent of England’s highest mountain - Scafell Pike - and we bivouacked for the night high on its slopes, sleeping under the stars.

On the final evening an instructor

asked if two pupils wanted to accompany him rock-climbing the following day. I immediately raised my hand. I did not know it at the time, but a life-changing decision had been made. I cannot remember the name of the climb we did but do recall the location – Dow Crag – high on The Old Man of Coniston, whose mine and quarry scarred slopes sweep down to the town. It must have been a good day, as it started a passion for mountaineering that is still running over forty years later.

Serendipity, the act of making fortunate discoveries by chance, continues to influence what I do and the directions I take. I look forward to sharing my long mountain journey from a Leicestershire family home to some of the highest and remotest mountains on the planet with the Allendale audience, on Friday 25th November.

Tickets www.theallendale.org/box-office

Set the table…

Our monthly Lunch Club is a popular dining and social event for those who come every time – and for those of you who are yet to discover it! Usually held on a Tuesday towards the end of the month, the October and November dates offer a mouth-watering two-course meal, with tea and coffee included and bar open for optional purchases.

Then for December the date is Wednesday 14th for, of course, a full Christmas lunch and dessert – plus free musical entertainment!

Tickets for all dates must be pre-booked, either at the Allendale, by phone on 01202 887247 or at www.theallendale. org. New or regular diner – we look forward to seeing you!

Voce:

Phoenix Musical Theatre: South Pacific Bond On The Rocks

Handmade Wimborne Rocky Horror Picture Show singalong

Rotary Craft Fair

DanceAway Social Dance

Matt Black & Friends

Wimborne in Bloom Charities Fair

Simon Yates: My Mountain Life Dorset Team Winter

DanceAway Social Dance

Dorset Team Christmas Fair

Handmade Wimborne Christmas

A welcome return for Dorset Team Fairs

With thanks to Rachel Boxall-Lawrence

Are you looking to buy Christmas gifts this year which are a bit different and also support local makers and sellers, rather than big corporations? Come down to the Dorset Team Fairs at the Allendale Centre.

This year we are excited to be running the Dorset Team Winter Fair on 5th and 6th November and the Dorset Team Christmas Fair on 3rd and 4th December. Both are two-day events with different stallholders each day. Entry is FREE.

There will be a wide range of quality handmade, vintage and craft supplies. There will be everything from ceramics, craft kits for those who want to give making a go and handmade cards to original artwork, vintage gifts and more!

The Dorset Team is a community group for local Etsy sellers and we have recently expanded to include all other makers, independent shops and creatives. We have been running for over 10 years and been running events at the Allendale for nearly as long.

We are known for having a diverse range of quality stalls, a fun and friendly atmosphere and for our stallholders having unique products, which is what makes our events so popular and well attended.

Please do put the dates in your diary and come down for a fun, festive day out and get some Christmas shopping done whilst supporting local independent makers and sellers from across Dorset.

As well as events, you can also find us online by searching ‘Dorset Team’ or via our team hashtag which is #DorsetTeam on social media.

Popular Model Railway show returns to the Allendale

Thanks to Central Southern Gauge O Group

Following the huge success of last year’s show, the Central Southern Gauge O Group (CSGOG) are pleased to announce their Annual O gauge Model Railway Exhibition will return to the Allendale Centre on Sunday 23rd October. Admittance is only £5 (cash only) with accompanied young children free. Doors are open from 10am until 4pm.

We received great feedback from the public last year and many visitors told us ‘what a family-friendly show’ it was. But of course we also cater for railway enthusiasts –being beginners or very experienced modellers.

There will be several O gauge layouts on display; a vintage tin plate layout (very popular with the children); the CSGOG large test track (fine and course scale, DC & DCC); model railway traders; a bring & buy stall and railway societies, including the Swanage Railway.

For those of you who don’t know, O gauge is twice the size of OO gauge (normally associated with Hornby). A lot of the models you will see are often hand built from kits or other materials with a great deal of skill. The scenery on the layouts can also be quite outstanding and very intricate.

Apart from the exhibition the CSGOG normally meet during the evening of the second Wednesday of the month at the Allendale Centre. See our website for details: www. csgog.org

Visitors of all ages and modelling abilities are always made welcome at our meetings. So if you’re interested in O gauge model railways we’d love to meet you one evening. There’s no obligation to join our group, but we hope you will be inspired by what you see and after a few visits want to become a member.

Regular

at the

Get your tickets for Best Ever Christmas Show!

Don’t miss Best Ever Christmas Show at the Allendale this December – it’s a great story with all the magic, mystery and comedy a good Christmas show could wish for!

Tired of the old traditional pantomime? Looking for something more exciting, family friendly and completely different? We’ve taken the tale of Father Christmas and his hardworking elves, given it a little twist and added a couple of extra characters for you to love and hate in equal measure.

It’s the night before Christmas, the presents are loaded and ready to deliver - but where is Father Christmas? The hunt is on! Who can help chief elves Snotty and Grotty find Father Christmas before it’s too late? This is comedy at its best and a show to be enjoyed by all the family!

Best Ever Christmas Show runs from 10th to 24th December. Child, Adult and Family tickets available. Some performances are filling up –book early to grab the seats you want! To book your tickets, visit www.theallendale.org/boxoffice, pop into the Allendale or call 01202 887247.

Best Ever Christmas Show Family Ticket Competition

We’re so excited about Christmas we’re offering the chance to win a Family Ticket, worth £45! This ticket allows entry for 2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children and is valid for any performance of Best Ever Christmas Show 2022 (unless already fully booked at the time of choosing).

To enter, just correctly answer this question: According to the song, which of Santa’s reindeer has a red nose? Is it:

a) Rebecca

b) Rocky

c) Rudolph Email your answer to competitions@theallendale.org by end of 10th November. Winner will be selected at random on 11th November and notified as soon as possible afterwards. When entering, please supply your name and a phone number in case there’s a problem contacting you by email. Good luck!

Minster organ near completion

By Peter Cook

Wimborne Minster’s organ rebuilding scheme is nearing completion as I write this, with both cases now erected and the front pipes installed in the West Case. Over the last 18 months the instrument has been completely dismantled, cleaned and a new winding system installed. New soundboards have been constructed for the Great and Choir sections. The layout has been completely redesigned and new cases are being erected to the West and North openings.

Most of the original pipes have been retained, some dating back to 1664. A few new stops have been added, a tuba, 32ft pedal stop and two new stops to the choir organ. The en chamade Orchestral Trumpet has been retained and will be re-installed in the new West Case, in a new display, and will remain playable. There are lunchtime recitals at 12.30pm on 3rd, 17th & 24th October.

In the run up to Christmas, there will be the usual number of School Carol Services along with the Minster’s own Services. These will start with the Advent Candlelight Service on Sunday 27th November at 6.30pm. The Shoppers’ Carol Service will be held at 11am on Saturday 17th December with Carols in the Cornmarket on Friday 23rd and then, on Christmas Eve, the Crib Service at 3pm and Midnight Communion at 11pm. Christmas Morning will see Services at 8am and 9.30am.

Artist’s impression of finished West Case

All the news from Wimborne in Bloom

With thanks to Anthony Oliver

One of Wimborne in Bloom’s major events took place at the end of June when 22 gardens opened to visitors in the annual Open Gardens fundraising day. A range of gardens were available, from compact and medium sized gardens in the town centre to slightly larger gardens more on the outskirts of Wimborne.

Many owners regularly open their gardens in support of Wimborne in Bloom’s endeavours to provide and maintain floral displays in and around town. Together with support from local businesses, the combined efforts make Wimborne a great town to live in and visit.

Included over many years are gardens with boundaries to the River Allen. These offer examples organically run to attract wildlife for insects, so much in the forefront of

horticultural thinking over recent years. One example was a winner in the Dorset Wildlife Trust Competition 2019. On the outer areas of Wimborne, the larger gardens include interesting additional areas ranging from fish ponds to rockeries, along with the conventional herbaceous beds and borders. Wimborne in Bloom would be interested to hear from homeowners willing to open their gardens for 2023.

In August, we ran our Annual Duck Race. Although the amount raised was less than in previous years, perhaps due to fewer people being around to purchase ‘ducks’ and people still cautious over Covid 19, £1400 was raised, to be used towards our autumn planting programme. And hasn’t the town looked colourful throughout

the summer, with overflowing planters and hanging baskets?

Our next event will be the Annual Charities Fair, at the Allendale on Saturday 12th November, 10am until 3pm. There will be around 30 tables selling goods for their own good causes. Any charity interested in taking a table, or anyone wishing to learn more about Wimborne in Bloom, should visit: www.wimborneinbloom.org.uk

The importance of pet insurance

With thanks to Vetsmiths, Wimborne

Every year, approximately one in three pets needs veterinary attention. Veterinary medicine has made great advances in recent years but modern, high quality treatment can be expensive. Having good pet insurance gives peace of mind that those costs can be covered.

It’s important to read the small print when choosing a policy.

Most policies – cover for accident, illness and third party liability. They don’t cover for preventative care, i.e. vaccinations, worming, neutering. They will have a maximum age up to which you can begin to insure your pet and are renewable annually. These will exclude any pre-existing conditions and will set an excess for each condition. Any conditions previously claimed for will be excluded if you change insurance companies.

Types of policies

Lifelong cover – the advantage of a lifelong policy is that common conditions like arthritis, heart, kidney and skin disease requiring long-term treatment are covered.

Individual condition cover – you can claim up to a maximum amount for each condition without a time limit.

Once the amount has been reached the condition will be excluded from further cover. The disadvantage is that your pet may run out of cover for a specific condition.

Annual cover – these policies may cover a condition either from onset for the following 12 months or only until the next renewal date. These policies are often cheaper and can be excellent for accident and short-term illness cover, but the disadvantage is that conditions requiring long-term and sometimes life-long treatments (like arthritis) will not be covered beyond a maximum of 12 months.

Important:  Pet insurance is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) which means that there are strict rules in place around the way information can be supplied.

www.vetsmiths.co.uk

Wimborne Community Food Supply & Wimborne Food Bank

– what’s the difference?

There’s a little confusion in the town about the difference between Wimborne Community Food Supply and Wimborne Food Bank, so we thought we’d give readers some information.

Wimborne Community Food Supply (WCFS), which started in March 2020 and is based here at the Allendale Centre, offers food and support to those who need it in the local community. This includes pastoral care and practical help with items needed for sheltered housing. It operates thanks to generous local companies, including the Co-op and bakery chain Greggs, who provide free food that WCFS can pass on without charging recipients. It’s open 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 11.30am Saturday.

More than 300 meals a week are also cooked on the premises, for those in need. Items are given to recipients at the food supply window, at the rear of the Centre, and the service is staffed by volunteers. Volunteers also deliver to those unable to come to the Allendale.

Wimborne Community Food Supply Manager Daniela Colombo said: “Recipients can come to the window and look forward to receiving either food that has been cooked and needs warming up, or food in a container to last them that day. People are invited to bring any surplus food – including meat – as we have freezers and fridges. At this time of year people have produce grown in their gardens and we have also received a multitude of produce lovingly grown in the Wimborne Community Food Garden.”

Daniela added that WCFS works well with Wimborne Food Bank, which is based at Leigh Park. If you would like to become a volunteer at WCFS please contact Daniela on 07491 903124.

Tenth birthday for Wimborne Food Bank

It’s Wimborne Food Bank’s 10th Anniversary this year and unfortunately, their services are needed now more than ever. Over the last year they have seen a big increase in people not only needing help with food parcels but also with heating top ups, school uniforms, household items and much more to help them get by. They have expanded their services to include money advice and have a small team of Community Money Advisors (CMA), who provide support to clients who are experiencing debt problems and financial difficulties. They are part of the national Community Money Advice network, which means they are able to function as debt advisors, compliant and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This service can really help clients to

reduce their monthly outgoings, ensure that they are receiving their full benefit entitlement, and reduce debts. Some clients that have used this service no longer need help with food and are in a better financial position, so the Wimborne Food Bank are passionate about growing this service.

Sharon Keenan, Wimborne Food Bank Manager said: “We would like to thank the community of Wimborne for their help in supporting us to walk alongside people facing real hardship and who cannot afford to buy food. We could not do what we do without you.”

For more information on Wimborne Food Bank and CMA volunteering opportunities, please see wimbornefoodbank.org.uk or email wimbornefoodbank@ gmail.com

Wimborne Model Town

– In the beginning...

By Greg Hoar

With this year’s 70th birthday celebrations featuring on national television, radio and in the press, it is interesting to reflect that the origins of Wimborne Model Town were strongly commercial and at a different location to the current King Street site.

A coach trip visit to Bourton on the Water Model Village by Ferndown businessman Charles Coffen in the late 1940s was to be influential for the future Model Town of Wimborne. Bourton’s model village was constructed between 1936 and 1940 using local stone and was inspirational in being a true 1/9th scale replica of a real place. A backdrop of the south’s post war tourism boom saw the genesis of the Model Town. A suitable 1/3 acre site, which had formerly been both an abattoir and market garden, was found to the rear of Wimborne’s Corn Market. A company was formed in 1949 bringing together the necessary skills to record the environment of Wimborne’s town centre and reproduce it in 1/10th scale. Alongside Mr Coffen, Messrs Keen, Budden, Masters, Rex Thorne the architect and Ray Vivian, surveyor and later company secretary, became the core responsible for producing the new attraction.

Hundreds of photographs and drawings were made of the buildings,

streets and rivers of the central section of Wimborne. Local firm E. G. Hoare was instructed to level the new site in preparation for construction, which commenced in 1951 under site manager Bill Shearing. Alan Dean, who was to be involved much later in the move and rebirth, recalls being called in by Mr Coffen to deliver concrete sections from Verwood to the new site at West Row on his flatbed lorry.

The roofs and walls of the miniature buildings were cast in concrete sheets with embedded wire. When sited on precast bases, the wires were interwoven and secured with cement fillets to ensure the buildings were correctly formed and positioned. Doors and windows were generally constructed from beech.

The new Model Town was incomplete when it opened to paying visitors on Friday 1 August 1952.

Many of the new buildings had no windows and the 22-ton miniature Minster was yet to be constructed.

An image from The Dorset Herald from August 1952 shows Wimborne resident Deidre Brown (14) pointing out her ‘model’ bedroom to friend Jean Webster. In the background the ongoing work can clearly be seen with Frank Hand, Bill Shearing and surveyor Ray Vivian hard at work.

Construction on the site continued until 1956. The reported total cost was £10,000, which translates into £330,000 at today’s values.

At this point in time entry to the attraction was just 1/- (5p) for adults and 6d (2½p) for children. It was open Monday – Saturday 9.30am to dusk and from 10am on Sundays. The completed site also included model dioramas of local Dorset landmarks: The Weymouth White Horse, Badbury Rings, Bath Hill Bournemouth and The Blue Pool.

Records indicate that by 1959 more than 80,000 people had visited Wimborne Model Town. British holiday makers and local trippers were supplemented by visitors from America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Speaking to a local newspaper that year, Company Secretary Ray Vivian commented that the attraction was a real asset to the town, bringing in visitors and trade. He was also hopeful for dull, dry weather for the summer to bring in the crowds.

Mr Vivian’s comments would still be recognised by trustees and volunteers of Wimborne Model Town decades later. Thanks to the voluntary efforts of generations of supporters, the charity attraction can look forward to welcoming visitors well into the future – perhaps even for another 70 years!

All’s fair at Fair Ground

By Sarah Wise

“We’ve lived in Wimborne for years but never knew you were here!” is something we often hear as passers-by pop in and become customers and friends of the shop! Local residents and visitors to Wimborne can find us in the tranquil Cornmarket, where we have a treasure trove of gorgeous gifts, beautiful crafts and delicious food items from around the world.

The Fair Ground shop has in fact been in the Cornmarket, near to the White Hart Pub, for many years but, as we are off the main high street, we sometimes feel a little ‘out of the way’. The shop proudly sells Fair Trade products, such as food, tea and coffee, cards, jewellery, and household items, ensuring that producers and farmers receive a guaranteed minimum

price for their goods. Fair Ground is also becoming a ‘hub’ where local people can share information to support us all to become more sustainable and ethical in our daily lives. So, if you want to know more about Repair Cafe dates, local recycling or the Green Festival, have a browse of the community noticeboard.

In partnership with Wimborne War on Waste, the shop lends litter picking equipment, handmade upcycled fabric bunting, cups and crockery for free, to encourage everyone to reuse rather than throw things away!

For more information email fairground21@googlemail. com; we are open 10am - 4pm Monday to Saturday. We look forward to seeing you!

False economy can be a fire risk

With thanks to Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

With living costs rising all the time, everyone is looking for ways to save some money, so Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is highlighting some areas where a saving could be a false economy –and a fire risk.

Electric heaters and electric blankets – pulling something out of the loft that hasn’t been used for years can be risky. Watch for signs of dangerous or loose wiring, such as scorch marks, hot plugs and sockets, fuses that often blow, or circuit breakers that trip for no obvious reasons.

If you’re drying clothes indoors rather than use a tumble dryer, keep them well away from the heat source so they can’t catch fire.

Not getting chimneys swept when you have a woodburner or open fire

increases the risk of chimney fires.

Boiler maintenance is essential – otherwise, the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning are far higher.

Only use the correct charger for mobile devices. Although it can be cheaper to buy imported and unofficial chargers, fake ones are often made with poor quality components that fail to meet UK safety regulations. This means they can cause injury, electric shocks and even fires.

Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using wheat bags – don’t heat them for too long, or at too high a temperature.

The Fire and Rescue Service offers free Safe & Well advice, which can include a home visit and the provision of smoke and carbon

monoxide detectors. To request this for yourself, a family member or a vulnerable person, please call 0800 038 2323 or visit www.dwfire.org.uk/ safe-and-well-visits

There is also a wealth of information about staying safe at home and on the roads at www.dwfire. org.uk

The story behind the Wimborne Millennium Tapestry

The story starts when a member of our Townswomen’s Guild entered a competition in 1998 to come up with an idea to celebrate the Millennium. Joyce Eidmans came up with the idea of a Tapestry which depicted Wimborne’s clubs and trades. Joyce’s idea won the competition but sadly she died before she could get the Tapestry started. Jenny Rideout and I, from the Townswomen’s Guild, volunteered to coordinate it. In February 1999 the Millennium Tapestry was born.

The Town Council announced the Tapestry idea and asked for clubs and businesses to volunteer to create an emblem of their club or trade. We were inundated! A local person donated the canvas. We cut up the canvas into 6” squares and explained the type of wool and stitch that had to be used.

The finished squares came in from all directions and a local picture framer offered to help. We ended up with 105 x 6” squares – the fun started deciding which square should go where and even more fun when we had to stitch them together.

The finished Tapestry now had an oak frame which was 8’ x 4’ and very heavy. It was finally erected on the wall of the café in the Allendale Centre, ready for the unveiling.

It was a very special occasion in May 2000, when all the tapestry participants, dressed in their finery, were invited to witness the Duchess of Gloucester unveil our special Wimborne Millennium Tapestry. The Duchess was extremely interested in the Tapestry as she is a keen needle woman herself. Sadly, Joyce Eidmans never saw her idea created but through her idea a Tapestry was created by the community, for the community.

This is not the end of the story…

The Millennium Tapestry was taken down when the café was refurbished. It was very heavy – it had taken six men to put it up originally! – and unfortunately the Tapestry was dropped and was badly damaged. It was then on display at the back of the Minster Hall where, unfortunately, tables were stacked against it. This was not ideal so it was taken down and stored under the stage in the Minster Hall.

It was around 2013/2015 that Jenny and I raised concerns as to the whereabouts of the Tapestry. The Allendale was having some refurbishment done so this was a good time to get things resolved. Jenny and I went to the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Allendale Centre in March 2015. We brought up the subject of the Tapestry and its possible new location in the new look Centre. At the meeting, we were told that the Tapestry had been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and had to be kept in the Allendale. We were eventually told that we could get our Tapestry reframed and sited on the wall of the entrance hall, where

it would be seen in all its glory.

Jenny and I then got to work to raise the funds to get the Tapestry reframed with a special safety glass. The BID gave us a donation, along with many local businesses and individuals who were involved in the making of the squares. We had fantastic help from Terry Ockenden and Vicky Spooner of Wimborne Interiors, who took the broken Tapestry to their workshop and restored and reframed it in its lovely new, majestic frame that looks so stunning.

It was in July 2016 that our Millennium Tapestry came home. It was mounted on the wall in the entrance hall of the Allendale Centre, where it stands today. We had an unveiling ceremony, inviting all our helpers and sponsors.

Again, we have to say that without the community’s help this lovely Tapestry would not be on view for the community. Hopefully it is now in a permanent position and will serve as a reminder of the clubs and businesses that were around in the year of the millennium.

The article ‘Tales of the Tapestry’ in our summer issue sparked a lot of local interest. Here, Jill Whitfield recalls how it all started…

With thanks to Jill Whitfield & Jenny Rideout

wins prestigious award

Thanks to Tammy Sleet, Wimborne BID

Wimborne Salon, Tigerlilly Nails, won Nail Salon of the Year at the Professional Beauty Awards in July.

The Professional Beauty Awards are the longest running and bestattended awards for the beauty, nails, spa and aesthetic industries, recognising outstanding customer service, treatment delivery and innovation. The best businesses and individuals in the beauty and spa industry were recognised with a Professional Beauty Award at the black-tie event held at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, in July.

Eve Oxberry, editor of Professional Beauty magazine, commented: “It’s the 25th anniversary of the Professional Beauty Awards – that’s 25 years of recognising and rewarding incredible talent and innovation within the beauty and spa industry. We had almost 300 entries this year, so it’s an incredible

achievement to be announced as one of the 14 winners.”

The awards are judged by independent industry experts and every shortlisted salon, spa and clinic was interviewed by a member of the judging team. Therapists all attended a live final in London where they had to do a trade test in front of the judges. We are very proud that Wimborne’s Tigerlilly Nails Salon won the Nail Salon of the Year Award at this prestigious event.

Did you know?

You can read the Allendale Magazine online? If you’re reading a printed copy you may not need to know that but if you have friends or family beyond the distribution area… www. theallendale.org/allendalemagazine

We have a regular e-newsletter, Allendale Monthly?

It’s a great way to keep updated about what’s coming up here at the Allendale. Just visit https:// linktr.ee/AllendaleCentre

It comes but once a year– but from where?

By Geoff Cobblestone

If you’re reading this in early Autumn, may I be the first to wish you Merry Christmas.

Yes, it’ll come around again, on the same date as last year - despite those who say, “It’s come round quickly this year” - and I hope you and yours have a good one.

But, as regular readers know by now, I’m always wondering about the origin of celebrations and the words associated with them. Many of our traditions have Roman, Germanic or Norse roots. So, Christmas. We know the Christmas story itself but there was, and still is, the pagan festival of Yule, from an Old Norse word Jol or Jul. This year, it begins on 21 December and ends on 1 January. The Winter Solstice on 21 December is the shortest day and as the days then become longer and lighter, it signifies rebirth and new beginnings. As does 25 December in the Christian tradition.

Today, most of us only see the word Yule on the box of a chocolate Yule Log. This used to be the real thing - a tree - brought indoors and burnt at the hearth, to help the wood spirits keep warm, as well as the occupants of the house.

Holly was used to decorate doors and windows; its prickly

edges believed to ward off malevolent spirits before they could enter the home. Ivy was an evergreen symbol of immortality, at a time of year when much of nature had died off, at least in the northern hemisphere.

Mistletoe was associated with fertility, by many cultures. During the Roman festival of Saturnalia (also in December) said Romans would… how can I put this?... perform fertility rituals under the mistletoe. These days we usually limit ourselves to a kiss… They also wore head decorations during the festival, which some believe has continued with our love of wearing those paper crowns you get in Christmas crackers. I bet the Roman ones fitted better!

In Norse mythology Odin, a large man with a long beard, rides through the sky on an eight-legged horse called Sleipnir. Children in Norse communities would fill their boots with straw and carrots,

believing that when Odin passed by in the night he’d feed Sleipnir, and leave a gift in return. As does Santa if you offer him milk and a mince pie.

And then there are Christmas carols, having a long history in various forms. A ‘carol’ is a dance or song of praise and joy.

Wassailers used to go door to door, singing and drinking to the health of the townsfolk (‘waes hael’ translates to ‘good health’) and banishing evil spirits in the process. Eventually it was adopted as the more sober-yet-joyful Christian activity we know today. My favourite’s ‘In The Bleak Midwinter’ (Holst setting) – what’s yours?

We can see that many Christmas traditions have been borrowed and adapted from earlier customs. But in a year that has seen devastating war return to Europe, I reckon the most valuable tradition we can encourage is that of peace and goodwill to all men. My best wishes for the season!

Till we see you again…

We hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of the Allendale Magazine. We’re often asked two questions: “What sort of things do you have on at the Allendale?” and “Do you have a space suitable for...?”

We have rooms available to hire on a one-off, occasional or regular basis, so let’s see if we can answer those questions. If your proposed event/ activity isn’t listed, just get in touch and we’ll help if we can.

We have/can host...

Award ceremonies

Baby/child/family/pet photography shows and sessions

Children’s activities, various Comedy nights  Conferences

Craft/antique/wedding fairs  Dance classes/dance events

Exercise classes

Exhibitions

Festivals: drama/music/beer/wine/ food etc.

Film shows

Hobby societies

Holiday clubs & activities

Live music

Martial arts tuition Meetings

Music lessons (voice/instrument)

Open days

Parties: for children and adults; birthday and anniversary; Christening and naming events; workplace Christmas parties etc.

Produce markets

Rehearsals

Singing groups

Small meetings (counselling etc.)

Sporting events: wrestling, table tennis etc.

Talks/lectures/presentations

Theatre shows

Trade fairs/shows

Training/tuition

Video presentations

Wakes & life celebrations

Wedding receptions

To learn more, please visit www.theallendale.org, email info@ theallendale.org or call us on 01202 887247. We look forward to hearing from you!