4Dorset March 2019

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4DORSET

March 2019 Volume 16 Issue 8

Broadstone Christchurch Colehill | Ferndown Merley | West Parley Wimborne Ashley Heath | Bournemouth Canford Heath | Corfe Mullen Kinson ||Poole | Ringwood St Ives |Three Legged Cross Verwood | West Moors

Picture of the month

Volume 16 • Issue 8 • March 2019

Great news!

MAGS4DORSET Ben Pulford managing director ben@mags4dorset.co.uk

The official opening of our new office (despite the fact that we relocated to Dana House a year ago) will take place on Tuesday 9 April.

Everyone will be welcome to enjoy a drink and a buffet, which Sarah has promised will have some superb Asian flavours. The event will be from 5.30pm until 7pm with the official opening at six o’ clock by the Mayor of Ferndown Cllr Jean Read. Please park in the nearby Tesco car park as our limited parking is allocated.

Rewinding slightly, another event involving my family will happen in March (wow, that’s this month already). It’s the National Mass Unwrap being organised by Surfers Against Sewage to highlight the amount of unnecessary single use plastic packaging used in supermarkets. As part of the national event, Plastic Free Ferndown is holding a Mass Unwrap on 10 March, so turn to page 26 to find out where it is.

Rewinding again to February, there was great excitement in the office when Sarah was invited to the Bangladesh Embassy in London to meet the High Commissioner, check out page 14 to find out more.

Since having Sarah and Marilyn on board, the magazine is being completed in record time with a large amount of news and articles. If you can’t see your news item inside, don’t despair, it might have been held over for Viewpoint. The two magazines are working well together.

To find out where your community magazines are brought together, make sure you come to our official office opening. Pop the date in your diary now. We hope to see you at Dana House.

Janine Pulford Editor

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

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

NEWS DESK 01202 941469 Janine Pulford editor editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk Sarah Ali Choudhury contributing editor mags@mags4dorset.co.uk

DESIGN

01202 233441

Louis Pulford creative director

louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

ADVERTISING 01202 816140 Mark Beechey account manager DD: 01202 941465 mark@mags4dorset.co.uk

Russell Harness account manager DD: 01202 941466 russell@mags4dorset.co.uk Simon Thornton account manager DD: 01202 941470 simon@mags4dorset.co.uk Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

LOGISTICS

Ian Lory Alexandra O’Neill

Ferndown’s new swimming pool in Ringwood Road

How to contact us Enquiries: 01202 870270 Advertising: 01202 816140 Brightbox Designs: 01202 233441 Email: mags@mags4dorset.co.uk Web: www.mags4dorset.co.uk Twitter: @mags4dorset Facebook: mags4dorset.news Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ Follow 4DORSET MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK:

www.facebook.com/4Dorsetmagazine/

Copy date

8 MARCH 2019

4Dorset 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 4Dorset 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 4Dorset and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. The company’s privacy policy can be read at www.mags4dorset.co uk

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

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Housing Minister visits Poole

P

oole’s regeneration has received recognition from the Government.

Kit Malthouse, Minister of State for Housing, visited the town for a tour of the area, which

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4DORSET March 2019

includes the single largest regeneration site in the South West comprising 26 hectares of brownfield land.

Borough of Poole has already invested over £30million in delivering the

Twin Sails Bridge, which has opened up this site for the development of new homes, shops, businesses and community facilities.

During the visit the Minister took the opportunity to see the plans for a new leisure centre and swimming pool, improved public realm connecting Lighthouse Poole to the development, a new hotel, replacement bus station, commercial office space and more than 400 new homes. The Council’s £132 million vision will create a vibrant town centre for residents and visitors as well as boosting the town’s economy.

Landowner, JJ Gallagher Limited, has submitted an outline planning application to build 850 homes and up to 1,000sqm retail, leisure and community space on the former power station site in Hamworthy. They have also submitted a planning application for a new quayside and public realm on this site.

The Minister also saw Lewin Court and Hucklesby Court, a mixed housing scheme in Poole town centre consisting

From the left, Jim Stewart (Dorset LEP), Michael Tomlinson MP, Robert Syms MP, Kit Malthouse, Housing Minister, Cllr Janet Walton and Cllr Ian Potter on the former power station site in Poole

of 19 affordable housing and shared ownership properties, and Nile Court - which is due to be completed in May - an apartment block providing 46 affordable homes in the town centre overlooking Holes Bay. Councillor Janet Walton, Leader of the Council, said, "The visit was a great opportunity to show the Minister the progress being made towards regenerating Poole town centre and to

deliver new homes in the borough.

"The Council is working closely with its partners to bring forward development and housing schemes at the earliest opportunity. Our strength and success of working in partnership can be demonstrated by the government awarding Dorset LEP £79million to improve infrastructure around the Port of Poole as well as Bournemouth Airport."

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Another headless soldier

V

andals have beheaded another Silent Soldier and removed the gun from the figure, which was sited on West Moors Road, Ferndown. This makes it the third to have been damaged in the area. The first was at the junction of Dudsbury Avenue and New Road in West Parley just 48 hours after its installation in May last year, this

was followed shortly afterwards by the beheading of the soldier in Penny’s Walk in the centre of Ferndown.

All the figures were installed in 2018 as part of the country’s commemorations of the centenary of the end of WW1.

The silhouettes are symbolic of the 1.1 million British and Empire servicemen and women

who died during the war, which ended in November 1918. The figures also represent those who returned home, but whose lives were never to be the same again.

Ferndown Town Council has confirmed that the damaged figure has been removed and is currently being assessed.

Online mental health services for young people Since Prince William and Price Harry spearheaded the campaign Heads Together, mental health issues have been brought to the forefront.

Now young people in Dorset have the chance to access improved mental health services thanks to Kooth.com.

The online service gives young people between the ages of 11 and 18 unlimited access to professional online counsellors along with moderated forums, self-help materials and a mood journal.

Access to Kooth is anonymous, there are no waiting lists, thresholds or cost.

Public Health Dorset’s Head of Programmes Jo Wilson said, “We know that around one in ten young people are experiencing mental health issues. It’s important that those who need help, can get the support when and where they need it.

“Young people have been telling us they want to be able to access advice on the go, so it’s great we’ve now got ‘Kooth’, that they can use from any device connected to the internet.”

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention 4DORSET Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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Former Court Dressmaker turns 103 A resident of Care South’s Fairlawn care home for the past 14 years, Minnie Cutmore, celebrated her 103rd birthday recently.

Growing up, Lyn decided to follow her creative flair and began working as a milliner and dressmaker. In this era it was rare for women to have a career, and Lyn was one of the few women of her generation to break the mould. It didn’t take her long to be promoted to Court Dressmaker, designing elegant dresses

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Winning game for Wimborne Colts Lyn with members of her family and the Mayor of Ferndown, Councillor Mrs Jean Read, right

for visitors to the Royal Court.

Lyn has always been surrounded by her family, and she still enjoys spending time with her son Steve, her three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In her spare time, she enjoys crafts, painting and taking part in the many

activities at Fairlawn, particularly the weekly creative workshops.

Lyn celebrated her milestone birthday at the home surrounded by family, friends and fellow residents, who made sure her big day was a special one, with a tea party. She enjoyed cake and a cup of tea whilst everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’.

Karen Curtis, manager at Fairlawn said, “Lyn turning 103 is a remarkable feat and we were delighted to help her mark this special day with a special party just for her. Lyn is a joy to be around, and all the staff at Fairlawn enjoy listening to her tell stories.

At Care South, all staff work hard to make sure our residents’ birthdays are truly memorable occasions.”

With the Six Nations rugby dominating the sporting schedules at the moment, boys from Colts at Wimborne RFC, aged 16, 17 and 18, have been enjoying their rugby and are having a cracking season.

On 10 February Wimborne Colts were up against Gloucestershire’s Maston RFC. The game was physical and at times a war of attrition, as the teams were evenly matched. Just before half time Wimborne pushed forward, and came against a solid wall of Maston defence on the try line. Reset after reset, the Wimborne boys tried to infiltrate the guard then tight head prop, Kameron Moore, determinedly took the ball, surged through to find the line, conversion by Jake Allder meant Wimborne were 7:0 up at half time.

The second half saw much of the same. A penalty to Wimborne in the Maston end saw Jake Allder kick for goal, but the wind whipped up the ball and it narrowly missed the posts.

Alex ‘Rhino’ Robinson took the chance to break out.

He took on the Maston defence, darting across the pitch to find the line, 12:0 to Wimborne.

Maston regrouped and then one of their flying fast wingers stormed along the pitch and earned a welldeserved try which was converted, 12: 7 to Wimborne with 15 minutes to go.

Wimborne held their mettle. The spectators held their breath, the players giving their all until the final whistle blew putting Wimborne through to the SW regional final.

Litter pickers required

Ferndown Town Council want to carry out a litter pick in the next few weeks with equipment provided. Anyone interested in helping, please contact Terry Cordery on 01202 875926 or call into the council offices at the Barrington Centre in Penny’s Walk.

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Ferndown marine company raises funds for cancer charity

W

hen staff at Caterpillar Marine Power UK Ltd in Ferndown pledged to support a local cancer charity, they had no idea of just how far they would go.

Four years on they have run marathons, biked, bowled, pulled a 35,000kg aeroplane along a runway and even lost hair - raising almost £30,000 for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) in the process.

The fundraisers unveiled their final total of £27,671.81 in a special presentation to DCCF founder Eve Went and chairman Chris Thomas.

Jude Castell, who has led the fundraising throughout and even shaved her head for DCCF said, “When we first heard about the charity we knew we wanted to do something, but none of us ever dreamed how passionate we would become about it.”

She said one of the highlights for her was meeting someone who had been helped as a direct result of the

DCCF Chairman Chris Thomas (front left) and founder Eve Went (from right) receive a cheque from Jude Castell (front centre) and Caterpillar staff who have raised almost £30K for the local cancer charity.

fundraising. Steve Jewell, a self-employed plumber from Broadstone, was struggling to pay his mortgage while going through cancer treatment.

“I’m not ashamed to say I was moved to tears when he told me how our fundraising had helped his family through some very dark times,” said Jude.

Dorset Cancer Care Foundation was set up in 2012 and gives grants to families experiencing financial struggles because of cancer.

DCCF, whose patrons include AFC Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn and Harry Redknapp,

is currently running the High Five Appeal, which asks people to donate a fiver by texting DCCF00 £5 to 70070.

You can also donate online at: https://www. justgiving.com DCCF would also like to hear from Dorset cancer patients who might need its support. Details of how to apply for grants and become a supporter of DCCF can be found at: www.dccf.co.uk

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law spot

By Colin Mitchell Family Solicitor, Harold G Walker Solicitors

Living together – what every unmarried couple needs to know According to the Office of National Statistics, there are approximately 3.3 million unmarried couples living together in the UK. That is 1 family in 5! This is the fastest growing ‘family type’ over the past 20 years, which has more than doubled from 1.5 million unmarried couples in 1996.

Also, 6 out of every 10 couples who live together believe in the myth of ‘common law marriage’ and that they automatically have the same legal right as a married couple if they split up.

However, when it comes to money and property, the law concerning couples who are married and those who are not, is very different. This can leave unmarried couples in a precarious situation, because finances and property are not shared on the basis of what is ‘fair’ starting with a 50/50 a split, but instead based on the legal paperwork and actual financial contributions.

To safeguard against potentially being left in a very difficult financial position, unmarried couples can take practical steps, including: Entering into a ‘Cohabitation Agreement’ can record a couple’s intentions concerning finances and how they will support their children if they separate.

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4DORSET March 2019

Making a ‘Will’ can ensure financial support is in place, should the unthinkable happen.

Signing a ‘Declaration of Trust’ (aka ‘Trust Deed’) can record the financial contributions made by each person towards a home purchase and how the equity should be shared if a couple separate.

The HGW Family Team lawyers remain committed to ensuring that clear and accurate advice is easily available to all, via our regular free legal clinics.

We also support Resolution to help inform all those affected by family issues in our local community.

If you want to discuss your legal position in confidence, a FREE 30-minutes consultation is available by appointment.

Please contact Harold G Walker Solicitors (see advertisement below for details).

This column is for information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Police officer recognised for drug driver arrests Law abiding road users concerned about those driving whilst under the influence of drugs have every reason to be grateful for the diligence of PC David Cotterill.

T

he officer, who is a member of the Alliance roads policing unit, has been recognised for his outstanding record arresting drug drivers in Dorset.

He was announced as runner up at the national roads policing conference held by the Police Federation of England and Wales during an awards ceremony.

PC Cotterill was personally responsible for arresting almost 300 drivers last year for testing positive at the roadside for using cocaine or cannabis. This makes him single-handedly responsible for 42 per cent of Dorset Police’s total arrests for drug driving, with Dorset listed among the top three forces in the country for tackling the issue.

PC Cotterill, said, “Sadly we regularly have to witness the devastating consequences when a driver has a collision after taking drugs, which not only impacts themselves, but also often their families and other innocent road users.

“I am passionate about tackling this issue and it is really humbling to be recognised for something that is my job and I do day-to-day.”

Chief Inspector Adrian Leisk, head of Roads Policing for Dorset and Devon & Cornwall, said: “We’re really proud of PC Cotterill in tackling what is a real issue on our roads. He has personally made a tremendous contribution, over and above expectations and I am very pleased he is part of our team.”

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MAGS4DORSET Charity of the Year

John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation

JTYAF helping young people to ‘climb as high as they can dream’ Here at the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation we’re so grateful to mags4dorset for this monthly column and the opportunity to bring you up to date with our news. Since last month we have been busy sending out awards to local young people with over £10,000 supporting 17 youngsters, four whole school projects and one group, the Southbourne Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC).

A cheque for £1,200 has been sent to SLSC, a group of voluntary beach lifesavers teaching members from 7+years beach lifesaving and first aid. They applied for funding to purchase a surf ski. These are now used worldwide for surf lifesaving and will offer the young lifesavers a new challenge and an ideal introduction to the different skills of being on a craft in the water.

With the help of JTYAF funding, nine young people from Dorset will also be able to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Bursaries to cover the cost of registration fees, expedition costs and essential equipment such as walking boots, will give them the chance to take part in this world leading youth achievement award. Other awards have included funding for individual violin tuition

SLSC received £1,200

for seven talented musicians with the Coda Fiddle Orchestra and support for students at Beaucroft Foundation School, St Michael’s Middle School, Parley First School and Ferndown First School.

The upcoming JTYAF Awards Ceremony at Ferndown Upper School is our favourite day of the year. It’s a privilege to be able to meet the students receiving awards and hear about their ambitions and plans for the future. We’ll bring you news on that next month.

The aim of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation is to encourage and assist young people to ‘climb as high as they can dream.’ Whatever their dream, we hope to help them achieve it.

Linda Thornton JTYAF For more information about the JTYAF, at www.jtyaf.org

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Obituary – Brenda Gibson People in Wimborne have been saddened to hear of the death of the Rev Dr Brenda Gibson, 63, following a lengthy illness from cancer.

Brenda, born in Northumberland, initially trained as a scientist spending six years at Durham University. A further year

at Cambridge University gained her teaching qualifications. She moved to Wimborne in 1981 for her first post at Queen Elizabeth’s School.

Brenda joined the team of Minster Altar Servers, going on to train as a Lay Reader and then at Salisbury for the Ordained Non-Stipendiary Ministry. She was ordained in 2004.

Leaving Queen Elizabeth’s School in 1999 she ran the Diocese of Salisbury’s area office. Brenda was an Associate Priest in the Wimborne Minster and Northern Villages Benefice.

The present rector Rev Andrew Rowland said, “We are sad at the loss of beloved Brenda. She had that delightful quality of being both humble and yet forthright. She is a considerable loss to us all at Wimborne Minster and in the villages.”

Brenda leaves a mother still living in Northumberland and her brother Peter with whom she shared a flat in Wimborne for very many years.

Brenda’s funeral will take place in Wimborne Minster on Friday 22 February, at noon.

NEWS IN BRIEF Mayor marks opening

The Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Derek Borthwick, cut the ribbon and declared the new Coastal BID offices open on 25 January.

The new location is 26 Ashley Road, Boscombe adjacent to the bustling Boscombe precinct.

Ribbon cutting: The Mayor of Bournemouth Cllr Derek Borthwick with dignitaries including CEO of Dorset Chamber of Commerce Ian Girling

Hot place for time capsule

A time capsule has been placed in the Count Rumford Oven at Highcliffe Castle. The oven, dating back to the 1830s, has recently undergone repair and preservation. The capsule contains memorabilia, literature, a short piece of history of the castle as well as photographs.

East Dorset planning applications

East Dorset District Council has received an application to erect a detached property at 7, Wills Close, Corfe Mullen. Other applications include: a detached house at 6-8A Rowlands Hill, the construction of two semidetached properties to the south/west of Tapper Court, Wimborne and the erection of a bungalow on land to the rear of 198/200 Leigh Road and 12, Parmiter Road.

Poole planning decisions

The Borough of Poole has granted permission for land to be severed at 22, De Haviland Close, Merley and for the erection of a four-bedroom detached house.

A proposal to demolish garage blocks on land at Moor View Road, Poole and to build four bungalows and two houses has been granted.

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Developers face higher charges in Poole

Developers planning to build in Poole could in the future face higher charges.

An independent Planning Inspector has recommended that Borough of Poole’s new Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule is approved with modifications.

Members of the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the CIL Charging Schedule at the end of January. Their recommendations were due to be presented to Full Council on 19 February. If approved, the new Charging Schedule would come into effect from 20 February, replacing the existing one, which has been in operation in Poole since 2013.

CIL allows local authorities to raise contributions from development to help pay for Poole’s infrastructure such as education, transport, health and community facilities and plays a key role in delivering sustainable growth in the borough. It is applied as a £ per square metre rate on net additional floor space.

The CIL Charging Schedule sets out the level of fees to be charged on all new developments in Poole: 1. Zone A: £230 per sqm (for Lilliput / Branksome Park, Sandbanks, Canford Cliffs). Previously £150 per sqm.

2. Zone B (i): £60 per sqm (Poole town centre – excluding the Twin Sails Regeneration Area). Previously £100 per sqm 3. Zone B (ii): £0 for the Twin Sails Regeneration Area 4. Zone C: £115 per sqm across Central Poole and North Poole. Previously £75 per sqm.

5. £200 per sqm for retail development outside of centres and neighbourhood parades. Previously no charge.

6. £115 per sqm for retirement / assisted living housing in the Zone A area only. Previously no charge.

7. All other development, the proposed rate is £0 per sqm

Julian McLaughlin, Head of Growth and Infrastructure, Borough of Poole, said, “The Council’s first CIL Charging Schedule was adopted in 2013 and since then there have been changes in market conditions and the level of growth required for Poole in the future.

“Following a successful examination process we now hope the CIL Charging Schedule will be adopted later this month [February 2019], providing clarity to the development industry as well as ensuring future development can make appropriate financial provision towards delivering infrastructure to mitigate impact.”

Full details of the CIL Charging Schedule and the Planning Inspector’s report can be found at www.poole.gov. uk/planning-andbuilding-control/ planning-policy-andguidance/communityinfrastructure-levy/.

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‘Masterpieces’ attract interest in Dorset

By Janine Pulford Many of us would love to own a classic masterpiece, but would probably have to re-mortgage our house to buy a stake in one, so there is no chance of hanging much more than a poster on the wall of, let’s say, Vincent van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’. Or is there?

Art enthusiasts and artists converged on Global Art Gallery at Longham near Ferndown on 1 February to admire many ‘old masterpieces’ with one thing in common – reasonable price tags.

Billy “The Brush” Mumford, who has a section dedicated to his artwork, mingled with the crowd at the open evening. Billy’s colourful career includes a spell in prison for art forgery.

His pastiches of the great masters include Vincent van Gogh and Modigliani.

Billy told me he’d won a scholarship to St Martins in London when he was a teenager, which he wasted. “If only I’d understood what a great opportunity it was, I wouldn’t have got thrown out,” he said ruefully. Instead he landed himself a job working for an art restorer in Bond Street, where he was asked to repaint pictures.

He was so good at it, he found it hard to stop.

Bitten by the bug, he painstakingly researched artists whilst forging their masterpieces. In 2012 he was sent to prison for flooding the market with forgeries. Now, with his artwork proudly displayed for what it is, he is a happy man. “I

Allan Hansford

L-R Richard John, Billy Mumford and Sharon Bradley

take elements of the artist’s works and put them together as pastiches,” he said. Yet, when I asked why he doesn’t paint from his own imagination, he surprisingly told me, “I can’t offer the art world anything. I have nothing to give.” Instead, he immerses himself in the history of those he copies, and this inspires him to recreate their paintings.

Fellow artist, Allan Hansford is wellknown for his copies. He has a commanding "Whistlejacket" on display, after the artist George Stubbs. He said, “I paint ‘in the manner of’ and will copy anybody.” When asked if there was any artist that proved harder than the rest, he said, “Rembrandt.”

In another part of Global Art Gallery hangs inspiring abstract work by local artist Debbie Underhill. Visually impaired following a brain haemorrhage in 2016, Debbie said, “I didn’t want to give in to the fact that I couldn’t do anything. I can’t even use a paintbrush, yet

found I could apply paint with a credit card and other items.”

If you are passing this gallery, you really should call in. There is so much to see from artwork by local artists to copies and pastiches of 'the old masters'. And there is not a ridiculous price tag amongst them – yet!

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Plants Direct, Woodlands Nurseries For over 30 years, Plants Direct, Woodlands Nurseries have been supplying a huge range of trees, shrubs, roses, architectural plants, perennials, herbs and seasonal plants, specialising in specimen trees, native and ornamental varieties, from light standards 1.8cm to ex-heavy standards at 5-6 metres tall.

Domestic and commercial landscaping services are available from design to installation. Seasonal bedding, spring and autumn bulbs are available in season.

In wintertime, the nurseries carry native bareroot hedging, hawthorn, beech, hornbeam, hazel, birch etc.

The team of experienced staff are happy to help and inform customers with selections of nursery stock they require.

Advice is also given on all aspects of garden projects from preparation of ground, planting, feeding and aftercare of all your plants.

Plants Direct, Woodlands Nurseries carry a selection of terracotta, glazed and lightweight fibre pots in varying sizes and styles, from traditional to contemporary, to suit all types of garden design.

They have a well-stocked sundries shop, offering a good selection of flower and vegetable seeds, onion sets and seed potatoes in season.

Looking forward to Spring 2019 A new Water Garden, Aquatic Centre will be opened with a wide range of cold-water fish and equipment required to build and maintain a pond or water feature.

‘Leaf & Bean’ Coffee Shop Open daily for light refreshments and snacks.

Plants Direct, Woodland Nurseries can be found on Poole Road, Lytchett Matravers. Telephone: 01258 857163

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New sponsor for Wimborne Pancake Race

MAGS4DORSET is pleased to be a new sponsor for The Wimborne Minster Pancake Race, which will take place on Shrove Tuesday 5 March.

The venue is outside the main north porch entrance to the Minster and the first race will commence at 11am as the pancake bell tolls. Competitors will be required to run round the Minster tossing their pancakes at the four corners of the church. All competitors should report to the north porch by 10.30am to enrol, complete with frying pan and ready-cooked pancake. Anyone can enter. All are most welcome.

It’s a wrap!

Local businesswoman, Charlotte Lock, is a finalist in The Family Network national business awards in the Franchisee of the Year category.

Charlotte Lock Juggling family life with running her own business, The Bournemouth Wrap Girl, Charlotte helps people regain their body confidence and achieve their health and wellness goals through the use of botanically based products.

Having established the business in 2016, Charlotte joined the ‘It Works’ franchise as a distributor to make some extra cash whilst on maternity leave with her twins.

Her business grew very rapidly and now she mentors a global team.

Charlotte says “I am so proud and honoured to have been announced as a finalist. To me, what I do is very rewarding anyway, but to be recognised for it, is amazing.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at DoubleTree Hilton in Docklands, London on 23 March.

Funds for Woman’s Aid will also be raised on the night.

An invitation from the Bangladesh High Commissioner MAGS4DORSET’s contributing editor, Sarah Ali Choudhury was invited to attend the office of Her Excellency The Bangladesh High Commissioner to The United Kingdom, Ms Saida Muna Tasneem. Her Excellency is interested in women's leadership in the UK and plans to support future activities and initiatives. The highly productive meeting gave British Bangladeshi women the opportunity to share their passion and activities with a focus on female leadership and women's empowerment.

Sarah is looking forward to working on projects with Her Excellency and achieve internationally agreed goals for development, sustainability and improve the quality of life for men, women, families and communities and highlight key challenges impacting women every day, which is essential to build stronger economies.

Sarah (left) with Ms Saida Muna Tasneem © Jannat Media

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Ferndown’s traditional high street jewellers Hamptons Jewellers situated at 57 Victoria Road, Ferndown are pleased to offer a traditional high street jewellery service with a modern touch.

Recently refurbished to provide a contemporary environment, Hamptons is the perfect place to browse whilst looking for that perfect gift or surprise.

Offering a host of on-site services including ring sizing, jewellery repairs, missing stone replacement, CAD design and casting, pearl restringing, insurance and probate valuations as well as watch battery and strap changes while you wait, seated in comfort and enjoying a coffee!

Most repairs are done within 24 hours or less.

Hamptons Jewellers service and sell all makes of watches including Rolex, Omega, Longines, Tag Heuer, Breitling and are always pleased to buy quality watches.

They are also very keen buyers of ALL GOLD & SILVER JEWELLERY regardless of condition.

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Scheme lodged for 170 new homes in Christchurch John Reid & Son Ltd (REIDsteel) has applied to Christchurch Borough Council for outline planning permission to develop 170 new homes on its four-acre site in Reid Street.

The plan proposes a mixture of two and three bedroom houses and one and two bedroom flats with access roads and parking.

Simon Boyd, managing director of REIDsteel, said, “REIDsteel is committed to leaving a legacy of much-needed housing when we leave our current home Plan for mixture of 170 houses of more than 50 years. and flats on the REIDsteel site in “We have listened to Christchurch in the red boundary. comments made about our initial Fairmile Road runs across the bottom proposals and consulted with left hand corner of the map our professional advisors before drawing up our outline planning application.

“It will remove heavy industry away from the town centre, cut heavy traffic movements from Reid Street, reduce noise and disruption for neighbours and allow us to reduce our carbon footprint.”

The outline planning application for up to 170 homes is a reduction from up to 220 set out at the consultation event last October.

Findings from a questionnaire at the event last November showed that more than 60 per cent of respondents were in favour or strongly in favour of the removal of industrial use from the site and thought housing was the best use once REIDsteel had relocated.

Nearly three-quarters of respondents rated the overall approach to the design and layout of the housing as very good, good or fair.

The planning application is due to go before planners for a decision in April.

First Aldermen for East Dorset Pat Hymers and Derek Burt were made Honorary Aldermen for services to East Dorset at the end of last year.

In reflecting on the occasion, Pat Hymers said, “I was very touched that the council had thought of me.

It was good to be recognised and I have always had the support of the people of Wimborne who will share with me the honour.”

She added she had been told she would always have a place at any council meeting or event, and this would apply to the new Dorset Council, which comes into being in April.

Pat Hymers, who is a Wimborne town councillor, served on East Dorset District Council between 1983 and 2015 and was chairman of Dorset County Council from 1993 to 2001.

She played a key role in numerous committees, and has worked closely with Wimborne Model Town, Dreamboats, the Folk Festival and pre-school education.

Derek Burt, ward councillor for Corfe Mullen, has been serving his local community for over 52 years.

He has been instrumental in the development of multiple popular sites across East Dorset, including

Pat Hymers and Derek Burt with Toni Coombs centre

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest and East Dorset Heritage Trust. He has also worked to support many local initiatives.

He served as chairman three times during his time as a councillor, in 1977-1979, 2011-12 and 2017-18.

Cllr Toni Coombs, chairman of East Dorset District Council said, "It is important to recognise and thank those in our communities who have given that bit extra.”

She added it was particularly poignant “with the move to unitary status” that these two outstanding councillors have been honoured as the first Aldermen of East Dorset.”

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| 15

Oil rig mars Poole Bay

T

he Corallian Colter Exploratory oil rig arrived in a well of controversy in Poole Bay last month (February 2019) to commence drilling. Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT), key business people and members of the Bournemouth community have expressed concern about the governmentapproved project.

Following consultation last year, DWT, had called for changes to the proposal and most contaminated cuttings will now be disposed of onshore.

Emma Rance, DWT’s marine conservation officer said, “Despite our requests, DWT continue to be worried about the remaining drill cuttings that will be discharged onto the seabed with the potential to impact species within the vicinity. Studland Bay, which is only four kilometres away from the drill site is a known breeding ground for seahorses. Short-snouted seahorses (protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981) are recorded within the licensed drilling area in Poole Bay.” Drilling was scheduled to occur during the winter to reduce impacts on migratory species,

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4DORSET March 2019

spring and summer spawning of fish and on foraging seabirds. DWT is now concerned that the activity will overrun as the recommended 38 days of drilling was between 1 November 2018 and 28 February 2019. © Tom Scrase The campaign group Save Our Shores Bournemouth has Strategy is reported to have said announced that 6,700 tonnes of the proposed chemical use and chemicals will be discharged into discharge "would not pose a the sea, posing a threat to both the significant environmental risk.” coast and marine life.

In 2015, conservative MPs Dr Simon Cripps, chief rejected the plans for an offshore executive of Dorset Wildlife wind farm, Navitus Bay, located Trust said, “We worry about the 10km South of Dorset over potential risk of pollution to wildlife, concerns about the project’s visual people and local businesses from impact. a range of chemicals that will Cheryl Hadland, managing purportedly be discharged into director at Tops Days Nursery, UK the sea, in such a highly sensitive said,“Since the oil rig arrived, we and valuable natural environment. know of dead dog fish arriving on Poole Bay is not the place for the shore, two the first day, five such activities. The time, effort, the second, which is something money and research necessary to we never normally see. I hate to conduct such a project would be think what all those chemicals better used on renewable energy are doing to our fish life, shellfish, alternatives and not drilling in such and underwater environment, not a sensitive area.” forgetting that fish and shellfish However, the Department for are part of the human food chain Business, Energy and Industrial for many, so locals are going to be

Chris Rigby

eating those chemicals if any of the fish in the area survive.”

And the prospective parliamentary candidate for Christchurch Green Party, Chris Rigby, added, “The drilling for oil

by Corallian puts our entire coast at risk, besides the potential for a spill, which would be an environmental disaster.”

According to the Corallian documentation, the Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit will be on location for up to 45 days. After drilling, the well will be capped off and abandoned.

Any commercial development would be carried out via extendedreach wells from onshore.

Located approximately four kilometres off the coast of Studland, the rig can be seen from the coastline stretching from Christchurch to Purbeck.

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Sad closure of art club

Charity Gala Dinner launch supported by Jeff Mostyn Jeff Mostyn, chairman of AFC Bournemouth, has launched Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre's annual gala dinner.

It will take place at The Marriott Hotel in Bournemouth on Saturday 16 March to raise funds for vital work with children and young people across the county.

Jeff Mostyn said it was an honour and a privilege to support the gala dinner adding that the charity is “an organisation that opens its arms to support individuals who have experienced many forms of abuse. It is our responsibility to support their incredible work and ensure our community is safe for one and all.” He also said it was ironic that the launch followed one of the Cherries’ greatest ever victories: their 4-0 victory over Chelsea the night before. “This project really puts football into perspective,” he said.

“Please help in anyway you can, either by attending the event, or donating prizes for the evening.”

The gala dinner will include a threecourse dinner, a casino, raffle, auction and disco. Tickets cost £50 per person. The charity is also keen for any raffle or auction prizes from Dorset businesses or

It is with regret that Charminster Artists/Art Club has announced it will come to a close on 1 March 2019.

Started by Mr and Mrs Hayward, head librarian at Charminster Library, the club moved to the URC Church in Sutton Road, Charminster to the present date. The club wishes to thank all past and present members.

Jeff Mostyn (third on the left)

donations to help support their work. It is hoped the event will raise £10,000.

Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre is a pan-Dorset charity that offers free one-to-one support for anyone who lives, works and studies in Dorset and has been affected by any form of sexual violence. The service includes a helpline listening service, a face-to-face counselling service, wellbeing workshops and an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service. Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre is the only specialist service of its kind in Dorset and all its services are offered for free thanks to public donations, funding and the work of their volunteers.

To purchase tickets to the gala dinner or for more information contact Rose Hunter: rose.hunter@dorsetrapecrisis. org or call 01202 308850.

Anyone who has been affected by sexual violence and would like confidential advice and support can call 01202 308855 or visit www.dorsetrapecrisis.org.

Novel conference

A successful Dunford Novelists conference was held in Bournemouth over the weekend of 18-20 January. Around 20 published authors and first time novel writers met at the Mayfair Hotel to read the first pages of their latest unpublished novels. Group discussions also took place on first chapters. Organised for the last seven years by local author, and secretary of the group, Della Galton, Dunford Novelists meet every year in Bournemouth. Before the event closed, Della was elected as chairman for 2019.

Further Dippy award

Dorset County Museum has been awarded another trophy for the record-breaking attraction, Dippy On Tour: A Natural History Adventure.

The team who brought Dippy to Dorset were crowned Leisure & Tourism champions at the South West Business & Community Awards.

Dippy the Diplodocus delighted 153,189 guests during its 12-week stay in Dorset last year.

The Natural History Museum’s 21-metrelong and 4-metrehigh diplodocus skeleton doubled initial visitor predictions and contributed an estimated £2,250,000 to the local economy.

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| 17

education / the future relies on what we learn today.

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Outstanding achievements for Ferndown Upper School Ferndown Upper’s 2017 and now their 2018 combined results are the best in Dorset (GCSE, A Level and Applied General qualifications) • Recent government league tables have confirmed that Ferndown Upper School’s students achieved the 5th best GCSE progress score for Dorset (4th last year and 4th best in comparison to Hampshire).

• The A Level results were the 3rd highest, for the second year running and for Vocational A Levels Ferndown’s students came in first place, up from their 2nd place last year.

This means that Ferndown Upper School has the highest combined results in Dorset for the 2nd year in a row, which is an outstanding achievement. The students should be very proud of their achievements. Other highlights were the best post 16 Level 2 provision in Dorset.

For A Level; Fine Art, Media, Travel and Health all gained the highest outcomes in the county with Maths, German, Biology, Textiles and Photography all following closely behind. In fact, ALPs, an independent performance evaluator, placed the achievement of Ferndown’s A Level students in the top 10% of the country and graded it as outstanding.

Pastoral care is also a key strength of the school, and it was recently praised in a recent local authority report as excellent.

The school also has very happy students and in a recent wellbeing survey over 95% of students agreed or strongly agreed with the questions; ‘behaviour in this school is good’ and ‘I am proud to be a student at Ferndown’.

Headteacher Philip Jones commented “As the Headteacher of such a high achieving school, I am very proud of the efforts of all our students and staff. It is their hard work and effort that have made these results possible.”

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4DORSET March 2019

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health and care

Praise for hospital’s alcohol service Poole Hospital’s alcohol addiction service should become a benchmark for hospitals across the country.

That is the opinion of Jonathan Ashworth MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who has visited Poole Hospital’s alcohol service.

He described the alcohol care and treatment service (ACTS) as ‘the model we want to see Mark Mould, Patricia Reid, Jonathan everywhere’.

Ashworth MP, Graeme White, and Will Mr Ashworth was Haydock, Public Health Dorset invited to meet the ACTS team by the trust’s head of addiction services, Graeme “I really hope the NHS bosses come White, and has spoken previously about to Poole and pick this up as the model the importance of these services and how that we want to see everywhere – that’s his family has been affected by alcoholism. certainly the argument I’m going to be He also met with deputy chief making.” executive, Mark Mould, and Patricia Reid, While visiting the ACTS team, the director of nursing, to learn more about the MP met with former service user, John hospital and its services and the visit was McBride. Speaking about his experience rounded-off with a tour of the emergency while in the care of the team, John said: department.

"I needed the input from the team to Mr Ashworth said, “I just want to say re-establish routine in my life, to get over a huge thanks to all the staff at Poole, physical dependence and put my life particularly the alcohol care team, who together. should be particularly proud of the work "It can be a very lonely place and the that they do. What the team does is a real team was able to help me with that. bit of innovation that’s incredibly forward"I know somebody is always there who thinking and I want to see it delivered in I can contact and to say that I'm struggling every hospital across the country. and someone I can relate to."

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| 19

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

High ratings for local cancer services Cancer patients in Dorset feel they receive an excellent level of care in local hospitals.

The National Cancer Patient Experience Survey has revealed that Dorset scored an excellent 8.9 out of 10.

The survey was completed by 1,381 cancer patients who have attended Dorset County Hospital, Poole Hospital or Royal Bournemouth & Christchurch Hospital.

It asked for responses on the standard of care these patients received

throughout their cancer journey – from initial investigations through to diagnosis, treatment and after-care.

Patients ranked cancer services highly in a range of key areas, with all the trusts scoring better than was expected nationally based on previous surveys.

Some responses in the survey identified areas where improvement could be made, a key

one being ensuring clear and comprehensive explanations are given to patients about surgical procedures, treatments and side-effects of treatments, particularly in regards to future sideeffects patients may experience once treatment has ended.

Each Hospital Trust has reviewed the feedback and is developing plans for any areas requiring improvement.

The Dorset Cancer Patient & Carer Group, an independent group who provide a patient perspective on changes and developments in NHS cancer services in Dorset, are very pleased with the results.

Paula Bull and Morag Day, chairpersons and longstanding members of the group stated, “The survey scores reflect the hard work and dedication of all clinical staff throughout Dorset – in hospitals, GP practices and local community services.

As current and previous cancer patients ourselves, we have experienced first-hand the exceptional quality of care and support available in Dorset and are very happy to see that other cancer patients are also receiving this same level of care.”

Did you know?

William Banting was the first to popularise a weight loss diet based on limiting the consumption of carbohydrates.

Born in 1796, he was an obese undertaker who tried many diets until he came upon one that worked for him. He had four meals a day consisting of meat, green vegetables, fruits and dry wine. He avoided sugar, starch, beer, milk and butter. He lived to the age of 82, which was pretty good for those days when life expectancy for men could be as low as 35 years.

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What is Companionship?

By Lorraine Maher, Registered Care Manager, Bluebird Care, Ferndown As we grow older we can find ourselves becoming more and more isolated as we leave the working world and our colleagues behind.

Companionship; defined as comradery, friendship and togetherness, is a solution to this solitude. Carers act as companions in various ways. Whether it be sharing a cup of tea, browsing through old photographs, visiting a favoured garden centre or going out shopping.

Spending time and talking with a caring person can help easy anxieties, can enable connections and relationships to develop, allowing you to remain as part of your local community and keep in touch with the outside world.

Here, at Bluebird Care Ferndown, we have provided many companionships experiences with our customers such as, going down to the beach for fish and chips, Afternoon cream tea’s in the new forest, visiting the classical theatre at Lighthouse Poole, and much more.

Companionships enables people to carry on fulfilling their hobbies and experiencing new ventures.

If we can assist you with companionship visits, please contact us on 01202 977200.

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4DORSET March 2019

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health and care Do you know how to keep fit and healthy?

Confused? I’m sure you are.

2019 has seen a plethora of TV programmes giving health and slimming advice, with national and glossy magazines adding to the huge amount of information that is out there.

And then there are the recipes to follow - some needing a few ingredients, others requiring 10 items not in your store cupboard.

Some advice is conflicting.

Should you take part in high intensity training, or just enjoy regular exercise such as walking, running, swimming and gardening?

Calorie counting, points counting, eliminating carbs, cutting back on sugar, going veggie or vegan – the choice is immense.

However, mags4dorset would be interested in hearing from readers who have health tips that work for them and that they would like to share.

Email them to Marilyn Barber: newseditor@ mags4dorset.co.uk.

Hospital food becomes more appetising One of the keys to patients’ recovery in hospital is appetising food.

A

n improved meal delivery service has been introduced at Poole Hospital. The trollies are docked in a station where hot air is blown over meals that need to be hot while cold air chills certain food and drink.

This replaces the previous system, which used hot and cold plates.

Meals that are served at the correct temperature to provide the best taste, appearance and nutritional value will help encourage patients who may have

trouble eating - or may not wish to eat - to consume food to aid their recovery.

Lydia Drayton, acute dietician, said, “Nutrition is a vital part of patient recovery and we are hopeful that the new system will ensure food is arriving in the most appetising way possible to improve oral intake.”

The system, which has been in place since October last year replaces a service, which was more than 25 years old. It cost £330,000 to install.

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| 21

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

Life Skills

S

wimming is a great all round exercise – ever seen a flabby dolphin? It’s an activity for everybody, whether you want to get healthier, fitter, or just have fun or relax.

Being confident in the water opens up so many opportunities to enjoy yourself more, whether on holiday, or being able to join in and have fun

with the family, especially within the area we live, surrounded by water.

You can be a swimmer at any age.

For those wanting to start swimming, Ferndown Leisure offer learn to swim classes for all age groups from parent and baby through to adults. All of the centre’s classes follow the Swim England Learn to Swim Pathway and

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are taught by reputable qualified instructors, who will help to develop confidence and water safety both in and around the water.

Free Swim Assessment

To start your child’s journey to be a confident swimmer, Ferndown Leisure Centre offer a free 10-15 minute swim assessment so that they can find the right class for you.

In this digital age where there is technology for everything – swimming is no exception.

You can review your child’s progress, move them to new sessions and review their achievements to date online at any time via the comfort of your home computer.

Free swimming is available for all children on swimming lessons, so that they can come swimming with you at other times to develop their confidence.

Adult Swim Programme

Let Ferndown Leisure Centre help you to enjoy the water with their adult swimming programme taking you from complete beginner to confident competent swimmer.

To find out more about the programmes and facilities at Ferndown Leisure Centre please contact 01202 877468 or visit www. ferndownleisurecentre. co.uk

King of the jungle opens new charity shop Harry Redknapp, the recently declared King of the Jungle and Sandbanks resident has opened Lewis-Manning Hospice’s new charity shop in Seamoor Road, Westbourne. A patron of Lewis-Manning, Harry said, “The charity does so much good work for those living with life-limiting illnesses. Please help them by donating your quality and designer clothes and accessories to fill the shelves and visit the shop.”

Sandra Cox from Lewis Manning Harry Redknapp and trustees of Lewis Manning Timothy Lee and Jeremy Allin

Volunteers are also needed. Please contact 01202 672660 or email Vanessa@lewis-manning.co.uk if you can help.

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Free courses for carers of people with dementia Oakley Friends, a volunteer-based group of carers and ex carers of dementia patients based in East Dorset aim to provide support and helpful advice to enable carers to cope with the difficult tasks ahead of them.

Twice a year, a 10week course is available which covers a wide range of useful topics.

Courses are free to anyone who takes care of a loved one with dementia and take place at the Canford Magna Centre in Wimborne, BH21 3AF with around 15–20 members at each session. Meetings are also held on the last Wednesday of the month throughout the year with each meeting being led by a professional speaker.

Everyone's experience of dealing with dementia is different and it can be an incredibly lonely and bewildering time therefore, simple practical advice in a supportive, caring setting can make a big difference.

Further details can be found at www. oakleyfriends.co.uk or email:oakleycom@ oakleyfriends.co.uk

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health and care

Teaching the left to do what is right

By Marilyn Barber

If people can paint and write with their mouths and feet, then I should be able to perform most tasks with my left hand.

A

slippery path and loose gravel resulted in me loosing my footing and crashing to the ground in an undignified fashion in Ferndown.

A visit to Poole Hospital confirmed I had broken the radius and ulna in my right arm.

With the wrist in plaster I had to face the fact that for the next six weeks everyday tasks would take longer, as I am right handed.

It was clear I wasn’t going to be able to use a knife and fork, so supper was the first hurdle. I would have to use my left hand to eat meals with a fork. My food would have to be cut up. Oh the indignity of it!

However, I have to say that my husband has produced some excellent dishes that can be eaten in this way.

Washing and drying my hands took ages and you don’t need me to go into the problems of having a shower – just let’s say I had a lot of help. I subsequently discovered a firm called Limbo Products, which has a whole range of waterproof

limb coverings.

I am never seen without makeup so that was the next challenge and I asked my husband to do it for me. He didn’t seem to have an inner Eddie Izzard and so I ended up with eyebrows in the wrong place and way too much blusher.

Any local am drams looking for a one-handed panto dame? That was one task I certainly needed to hone.

Women’s underwear can be tricky and we can all have a tussle with tights. Jumpers need to have wide sleeves to get over the cast, so that cuts out half my wardrobe.

I might be incapacitated but my brain still functioned so I was eager to get on my computer.

My right handed husband always uses the mouse in his left hand, so I have had to get used to that too in conjunction with that annoying little touch pad on my lap top.

Household chores were certainly off limits in that first week which saw me being waited on hand and foot – however I didn’t dare shout out – Mae West style

– ‘peel me a grape’.

Things like changing the duvet are impossible one handed.

One week after the accident I was back at the hospital having the final cast fitted as initially they leave a gap to Marilyn keeps smiling accommodate swelling.

“We can get rid of the me – writing with my left hand. sling,” the practitioner There are some who maintain that said to my delight, adding that the my writing is so much of a scribble arm does still need to be elevated that it looks as if I am writing with where possible. my left hand anyway!

The modified cast enabled If there is anything positive to more finger movement, which was be gained from all this, it is to have great. The physiotherapist advised an empathy with people in a similar me to keep the digits moving position or those who have only otherwise you can end up with a one hand. claw hand.

And there is supposedly one “Do things that are dextrous big bonus. Some medics maintain such as typing [yippee] doing up that using your opposite hand buttons and sewing,” he said. Oh helps you to grow new brain cells – heck does that mean I need to sew always useful. buttons on my husband’s shirts or As a postscript – I have to take up embroidery? say the treatment I have received A few weeks down the line I at Poole Hospital has been have become quite innovative at exemplary. Kindness and concern getting into containers of all sorts, all the way. but there is one thing that defeats

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| 23

10th MAGS4DORSET Creative Writing Competition

2ND PLACE In 2nd place in this year’s Short Story Competition, winning £100 cash prize and publication, was Tania Kremer-Yeatman from Sturminster Marshall.

She grew up in a Midlands’ mining village and as a youngster, was eager to discover what lay beyond.

She said, “I joined a travelling ice show at 17. After skating my way around the world, I finally settled in a Dorset village where my husband and I have brought up our two children along with a variety of pets, from guinea-pigs to stick-insects. We currently share our home with a very loving and slightly nutty collie-cross, Coco, and her moggie friend, Bambi.”

Writing for Tania has always been about fun, escape and a kind of therapy. Several years ago she joined a local writers group and found “a wonderful community of friendship, learning and a mutual love of the written word.”

In recent years, she has enjoyed a few competition successes, including short stories, poetry and children’s fiction. She is currently working on her first novel – a supernatural tale spanning six centuries.

Throwaway Life

“And now we are going over to Lianne Fleming, reporting from London; Lianne?”

“We have breaking news just coming in; yet another world leader has inexplicably disappeared, bringing the total to five.

Brazil’s President Lucas Vidal is reported to have gone missing in the early hours of this morning. So far since last Tuesday, the mysterious disappearance of at least four other world leaders have been disclosed; United States President Bernice Walters, Egypt’s Addai Hegazy, China’s Biyu Jin and German Chancellor Gerda Helman. The Prime Minister, Maria Fellows, has been unavailable for comment, sparking concerns that she may indeed be the sixth victim.” *** Nemisha glides through the tranquil waters; her flaxen hair trails in ribbons behind, occasionally brushing the top of her shimmering tail. Morning light dapples the surface and casts silvery beams into her world; one which is beyond the comprehension of mere humans and has thrived in blissful obscurity for millenniums.

But now the tide has literally changed, and Nemisha has no choice but to invite them in, the humans; no choice but to make them hear the mermaid’s heart and feel the mermaid’s plight.

Like a starling she flits towards the sea bed, leaving behind the once crystal shallows; where erstwhile enchanted sunbeams now only serve to spotlight plastic microbeads, like dust motes in the air.

Deep, deep she dives dragging the limp body of a human. She comes to rest, somewhere far away from light, a place where dead things rot and strange monsters lurk. A place where Nemisha and the Council of the Sea, hold captive a small group of humans. An insignificant assemblage, of significant people.

Guards haul the new prisoner into a cell constructed of dead coral and discarded fishing nets. Soon he will wake from his stupor; soon he will find that Nemisha has gifted him with the temporary skill of breathing underwater, and soon he will see that he does not stand alone in his calamity.

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4DORSET March 2019

By Tania Kremer-Yeatman

“Porfavor?” President Vidal mutters, opening his eyes. He is in a strange murky world, but his eyes adjust quickly. It is cold, he is in water and yet weirdly his lungs fill with oxygen.

“It’s no good fighting.”

A voice to his right says and he looks around him; they’re all there, the principal statesmen of the planet, “what’s going on?”

“Don’t speak.” Nemisha whispers and pushes the remnants of a plastic bag into his mouth.

“Hey!” another calls, “do you know who you’re dealing with here?”

Nemisha swims over and silences this one with more plastic waste.

Someone breaks down and begins to cry.

“Why, why are you punishing us like this?”

Nemisha strokes her face, “You humans, you are so clever, and yet so stupid. This is not punishment Prime Minister Fellows, this is a lesson.”

Nemisha doesn’t need to look far for the menu she feeds her guests. It is all around her, suffocating her home and murdering those innocents who depend on the ocean to live.

She is sad for the suffering of her prisoners, distressed by their palpable fear; but it is necessary, for all their sakes, and for the sake of the planet. A mermaid’s heart physically bleeds to witness the pain of others, but the bleeding for this group is nothing compared with the bloodshed of her friends entrapped in mankind’s garbage, or left dying on the beaches, their guts filled with litter.

“The Sea Council has decreed there is only one way left to make mankind stand to account for his carnage; you must experience it for yourselves.”

Bit by bit Nemisha fills the bellies of her captives with the fallout of human apathy; plastic bottles, bags, polystyrene and countless nurdles. How ironic that men nickname these ‘mermaid tears’, when they have caused her to shed so many real ones.

“Learn,” she says, “understand that this slaughter must end, and take the message

of respect back to your countrymen. By living your throwaway life, you callously throw away life, every second of every day. If and when you wake from this plastic nightmare, you will be unscathed, but hopefully not unchanged.

Remember we are living that nightmare every day.” *** “And now Lianne Fleming, has an update for us on the mysterious case of the missing world leaders. Over to you, Lianne?”

“Following the astonishing reappearance of all the missing leaders in the last few days, we can now report on an interesting development concerning these events. Only forty-eight hours after her return, President Bernice Walters has called a summit of all those dignitaries who also disappeared. The President has hinted that the meeting is to focus on developing a coherent and united strategy to promptly deal with the growing problem of plastic waste. As yet, the President and indeed all the said world leaders have declined to reveal what actually happened to them, other than to confirm that the incident was not terrorist related. There has been some speculation that the group were secretly engaged in a joint project to save the world from itself.” *** In a choppy swell off the coast of Somalia, Nemisha effortlessly cuts through the burgeoning waves. Together with an army of followers around the globe, she monitors the waters for debris. She has filled the mouths of the powerful with the poisons they inflict upon the marine world. Enough she hopes for them to truly realise the critical state of the oceans; but she can take no chances. She watches and she waits. Time is running out. If they did not listen well enough, if they did not suffer long enough, there will be no alternative. One by one, the perpetrators will be brought to task and subjected to the persuasiveness of the desperate. One by one, in the miry depths of the dark and unforgiving sea, the peoples of the world will be forced to dine out on their own indifference.

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Hidden

Gems

It’s not only the high street that’s filled with businesses.

Take a look at these hidden gems and see what they have to offer.

Contakt Carpets Tucked away in Peddlars Walk off Ringwood High Street, Contakt Carpets was established in the town over 30 years ago.

The proprietor, Dave Pope, has been in the carpet trade for more than 45 years and working with his son Ryan, they specialise in a first class, personal service and offer expert fitting with uplift and disposal of old flooring and moving of furniture if required.

With a lifetime of expertise, Contakt Carpets deals with virtually all major manufacturers of carpets, vinyls, laminate and real wood flooring with extensive ranges in the showroom and samples available for loan. Free measuring service

Ferndown Commercials “Here at Ferndown Commercials, we understand that our customers’ vehicles are a vital tool to their business or everyday life. This is why our main aim is to keep our customers on the road. We pride ourselves on pulling out all the stops to ensure your vehicle is back on the road as soon as possible, whether it’s following a service or a breakdown.

“With a large workshop, we can offer heavy goods vehicle servicing and maintenance.

Our Technicians are multi franchise trained, giving us the opportunity to work on a variety of vehicles and franchises.”

Wessex Denture Studio Learning that dentures may be necessary, or experiencing denture related problems, can often leave people feeling bewildered with many questions and concerns. The Wessex Denture Studio in West Moors will be happy to help. The studio provides a service covering all aspects of mouth-care for denture wearers. Fabrication and repair of dentures undertaken.

Tucked away at the end of Park Lane, with plenty of free parking nearby, feel free to pop in to this hidden gem for help and advice or telephone 01202 893339 to make an appointment.

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| 25

Official opening of Pulford Publicity’s offices

Man arrested following incident

After considerable refurbishment, the offices of Pulford Publicity Ltd, the parent company of mags4dorset and BrightBox Designs, will be officially opened by the Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Jean Read on Tuesday 9 April at 6pm.

Come and have a look around. Find out where your muchloved community magazines 4Dorset and Viewpoint are created – everyone is welcome. Buffet and drinks will be provided.

Following reports of a concern for the welfare of a man at an address at Hayes Close, Wimborne, in the early hours of 12 February, officers attended and discovered the property contained unknown chemical substances and suspicious items. A cordon was set up on Hayes Lane and properties temporarily evacuated. Rest centres were set up at the Allendale Centre and the Salvation Army on Church Street for any displaced residents. A 59-yearold man was detained and taken to Poole Hospital for a welfare assessment and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of an offence under the explosive substances act. The incident was not treated as an act of terrorism.

Three more business champions

AND A MASS UNWRAP!

Three further businesses are celebrating awards for becoming plastic free champions in Ferndown.

Penny’s Café and Bar, Ferndown Florist and Eazy Garden Limited have worked hard to reduce their use of single use plastic. They join mags4dorset, Ferndown Pharmacy and Fernhill Care Home who have recently achieved the accolade. If you own a business and can reduce your use of single use plastic in at least three ways, please get in touch and let Paula Jones, PFF know about it.

Penny’s Plastic Free Ferndown (PFF) is Tom working towards achieving plastic Clark free status for the town under the guidelines laid down by award winning charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS).

As part of PFF’s aims, there will be a Mass Unwrap in Ferndown on Nicole Sunday 10 March #massunwrap Langdown #plasticfreecommunities The event is part of a national Mass Unwrap being held by SAS. It aims to be fruit and veg in paper the biggest Mass Unwrap ever held in the bags instead of UK and will be carried out at supermarkets plastic ones? Let’s around the country. show supermarkets To get involved locally, visit we care about our Sainsbury’s Ferndown between 10am and environment and 12 noon on Sunday, 10 March to carry things need to out your usual shopping. After paying change. Please join for your goods at the till, proceed to the PFF and the rest of foyer where you can, if you wish, remove any the nation to help make this happen!” unnecessary single use plastic from your items Mass Unwraps visually show the scale of before leaving the shop. PFF volunteers will be plastic packaging. It is estimated that 59 billion there to help. Discarded plastic will be collected in pieces of plastic packaging are distributed every a shopping trolley and returned to Sainsbury’s for year. Supermarkets, being one of the focal points recycling or disposal, after being photographed. of a community, are in a unique position to be You can take your own photos and post them able to raise awareness of this in a positive way on the PFF Facebook page, Tweet or post on through these family-friendly awareness events.

Instagram.

PFF extends thanks to Sainsbury’s Ferndown for “Let’s get the supermarkets to reduce their its cooperation. use of plastic,” urges Janine Pulford, a community To help with the Ferndown Mass Unwrap leader for PFF. “Who wants a swede wrapped in call 01202 870270, to find out more visit plastic? Or a cucumber? And why can’t we buy www.plasticfree.org and www.sas.org.uk.

Congratulations!

Recent show ticket winners: Brenda Witty, West Moors – Syd Lawrence Big Band Spectacular at the Regent – answer: Chris Dean. Keith Bates, Broadstone – Cinderella at the Regent – answer: glass.

Gaynor Vincent, Suffolk and Mrs M Edwards, Burley – Planet II Live Concert at the BIC – answer: 37.7m. Well done to all the winners. Thousands of entries flooded in to these competitions.

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4DORSET March 2019

Sarah through to BH Stars semi finals

Sarah Ali Choudhury, contributing editor at MAGS4DORSET, was delighted to be selected as a semi finalist along with 10 other chefs for Chef of the Year 2019 with BH Stars.

The category is sponsored by MPloy and Sarah was the only female chef to be nominated. The awards celebrate tourism, retail and hospitality at its finest and the semi final was held on 12 February at Shorefield Holiday Park, St Leonards. It featured a varied range of categories covering the BH postcode areas: Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Wimborne plus surrounding towns and villages.

A black tie gala dinner and award ceremony will be held in March.

Justin Dampney (right), and Peter Hardy, sales director, with the new shredder

The ‘ultra green’ recycling company Eco Sustainable Solutions’ has invested more than a half a million pounds in a new Untha shredder at its Parley site, which handles up to 65,000 tonnes of waste wood annually.

The fuel is used for Eco’s onsite combined and heat plant (CHP) as well as a separate biomass burner in South Wales.

Justin Dampney, operations director, said the shredder had the benefit of being self-powered with electricity from Eco’s CHP. “Our operations are already environmentally friendly but this catapults us into the ‘ultra green’ league,” he said.

“We’re effectively closing the renewable loop by turning waste into fuel to generate electricity which is partly used to power the shredder to process the waste “We’ve also stopped sending wood fuel for export to Sweden, reducing our carbon footprint, so it’s a win-win.”

Eco is using the Untha XR3000 to shred wood waste into biomass fuel at a rate of 25 tonnes per hour. The company is expecting to save energy consumption and costs by up to 50 per cent thanks to the machine being powered by electricity.

Eco has held the contract with Dorset Waste Partnership to handle the county’s food, wood and green waste since 2008.

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foodie news

The heat turns up as young chefs win through Savannah Nash from the Grange School in Christchurch has won through to the regional finals in the Rotary Young Chef Competition along with Beshani Sosseh.

This well-established cookery challenge is organised and promoted

by Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland and is sponsored by Filippo Berio, the well-known olive oil producer.

This year it was open to all students in full time education aged between 11 and 17 who applied via their school, college or youth organisation.

The district contestants were asked to prepare a healthy three-course meal for two people costing less than £15 in just two hours.

In Dorset, Savannah Nash from Grange School took first place after she wowed the judges with her soft shell crab tempura with aioli and pickled cabbage starter; a main of marinated rump of lamb with ras el hanout, served

with aubergine, tomato and puy lentils; and a banana semifreddo, salted caramel and almond tuile with coconut gel dessert.

Beshani Sosseh was runner up and Anna Stow was placed third, both from Avonbourne College in Bournemouth.

Organiser Kenny Woodhead, director of Haroys in Poole, said, “As the competition hots up, the winner and runner up from each district final will be entered into a regional final in March. The national final will take place on Saturday 27 April at Leeds City College.

“Haroys are committed to the future, whether that’s sustainability of the products that we use, or the community.

We pride ourselves in investing in our future

Kenny Woodhead with winner Savannah Nash and Sarah Ali Choudhury

generations and already run a comprehensive apprenticeship programme at Haroys, so to be involved in the Rotary Club’s Young Chef Competition is viewed as just an extension of what we already believe in.”

Judges for the Dorset district were celebrity chef Sarah Ali Choudhury, the senior chef demonstrator/ instructor, David Marshall and John Taylor from the Savoy Hotel who is also a sponsor.

Winning dish

Aspiring student chef wins prestigious national final

Lesley Waters and Bournemouth College principal, Diane Grannell congratulate Lily

Lily Stock has won the title of Aspiring Student Chef following an intense day competing in the national finals of the Teflon Diamond Standard Awards 2019.

Hosted by Bournemouth & Poole College on 4 February, the day started at 8am and it wasn’t until after 4pm that the announcement of the winner was made. As well as her new title, a delighted Lily received a trophy, £500 for herself and £1,000 worth of Teflon products for her college.

During the day the student chefs had to prepare and cook a fish dish, a skill challenge dish and a signature dish. The panel of judges was led by celebrity chef, Lesley Waters and a Mystery Fish Masterclass was given by Paul Dayman in the demonstration theatre.

More than just a cookery competition, the opportunities that the Teflon™ Diamond Standard Awards provide are life changing, with the winners being given the opportunity to train in some of the top hotels and restaurants in the UK including, Claridge’s, The Ritz and The House of Commons to name a few.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention 4DORSET Magazine when you contact our advertisers

| 27

K ID

Date night

S)

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

(W ITH

Kings Arms, At The

Longham

Chicken Supreme with fries and coleslaw

By Sarah Ali Choudhury

I’ve been married for almost 19 years to my husband Ramjan, and we have four beautiful children. Between us we lead very busy lifestyles and so very rarely do we get the chance to go out for dinner, even with kids.

T

o my delight, Janine, the editor of 4Dorset, asked if I would like to review The Kings Arms in Longham for the upcoming publication, which made me feel very excited.

The philosophy at the Kings Arms is ‘to serve

only the highest quality food, prepared by award winning chefs.’ They have been voted Best Dining Pub in the Taste of Dorset Awards and were also ‘Recommended’ on Trip Advisor and had received a Certificate of Excellence.

It isn’t very easy to achieve

that from Trip Advisor, so I was impressed before I got through the door.

We were greeted by friendly staff and shown to our table, which was a good-size for the six of us.

The surroundings at The Kings Arms are aesthetically pleasing, similar to a Victorian dining room with an artistic vibe.

A big fireplace contains a large wood burner, while a big, wooden-framed mirror on the wall, candles on the table, and lamps strategically placed give a homely feel.

My husband, Ramjan, described the restaurant

Duck parcels served hoisin sauce and salad

Fish goujons

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4DORSET March 2019

as very comfortable, easy going and relaxing.

We were given two menus, one of which was a 2/3-course lunchtime and early bird deal menu and the other was the à la carte.

I ordered calamari for my starter, while Ramjan chose the duck parcels served with hoisin sauce and salad. Although we had starters, we requested all the food to be served together… don’t forget, we had been accompanied by our four children!

Between us we ordered Chicken Supreme with fries and coleslaw, two Catch of the Day, which was Cod Loin with sautéed potatoes, greens and Romesco sauce as well as fish goujons with chips and peas for the younger ones.

The food arrived soon enough. The calamari and duck parcels were placed in the middle of table for all to share. Not a great choice for the children, I admit, but the portion sizes were not huge, so it worked out well.

Hannah, my eldest looked very pleased at the sight of her supreme chicken dish. Cooked on the bone with a slightly crispy skin, it was accompanied with fries and homemade slaw, which had a hint of purple, adding colour, texture and creating a visually appealing dish.

The fish goujons were freshly prepared with juicy chunks of cod that had been lightly battered and served with gourmet fries and peas. I always find the children’s dishes very cute, but this was so generously portioned, I wondered if they would be able to finish it all.

Our immaculately dressed Catch of the Day arrived. The fish was remarkably succulent.

The greens were broccoli, tenderstem broccoli and courgettes. The cod was garnished with thin slices of baby courgette.

I cut into the fish and the perfectly cooked cod flaked into the delicious Romesco sauce. The tenderstem broccoli and sautéed potatoes

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foodie news went very well with the fish. The sauce was moreish and it was again, a very generous sized dish.

The management at the Kings Arms have selected a list of 35 world wines, 17 of which can be ordered by the glass. Their award-winning red wines are particularly chosen to complement the beef they serve. Also on tap are three real ales and a traditional cider, there are continental lagers such as San Miguel and Peroni on draught.

Even though we were full, we couldn’t resist ordering dessert and we chose the steamed syrup sponge pudding with custard, and the chocolate fondant, served with caramel sauce and, honeycomb crumb and Chantilly cream to share. The syrup sponge was heavy and comforting with the warm custard.

The chocolate fondant was nothing less than divine. The aroma of the warm chocolate fondant made us all want to order another six.

The Chantilly cream was the perfect accompaniment for it too. Comments from my children describing the absolutely delicious dessert included, “Just amazing,” “scrumptious” and “probably the best I’ve ever tasted.”

I think it’s fair to say that impressing children these days is a bit of task, so you can only imagine how wonderful this really was!

The attentive staff were very hospitable and it is no surprise that they have been successful in achieving awards in excellence.

steamed syrup sponge pudding with custard

Cod Loin with sautéed potatoes, greens and Romesco sauce

We look forward to going back again soon in the knowledge that this is a family-friendly pub with a great menu.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention 4DORSET Magazine when you contact our advertisers

| 29

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

what’s on

this month Details were correct at the time of going to print but readers are advised to check before attending events

6 March 2.30-4.30pm Strictly Come Tea Dancing at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne on the first Wednesday of each month. Music provided by the Soggy Biscuit Dance Band.

Cost £7.50 per person (£5 for non-dancers). More info Ian Thorp on 07939 030875.

6 March

Regent Centre, Christchurch are showing a brand-new collections of films feature intrepid explorers on incredible expeditions in the most remote and spectacular reaches of the planet, from the breathtaking mountains of Nepal to the desolate outback of Australia and beyond! And as well as jaw-dropping action, stunning cinematography and big laughs, there are free prize giveaways at every show too.

For more information visit www.banff-uk.com/

6 March 7.30pm

Susan Seigle-Morris ‘Ma vie de pilote de rallyes’, Ferndown French Circle at the Barrington Centre. Members £3. Visitors £5.

More info from 01202 526918.

6 March 7.30pm

BSO in Magical Fairytales at the Concert Hall, Lighthouse, Poole. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, under conductor Ion Marin, perform music by Ravel, Stravinsky and Rachmaninov - his first piano concerto, with featured soloist Alexander Gavrylyuk. Call 01202 280000

8 March

Prama, in partnership with Ferndown Town Council and Mayor, Cllr Jean Read, are hosting a lunch at the Barrington Centre, Ferndown in memory of former Mayor, Cllr Steve Lugg. Isolated and vulnerable people from the Ferndown area are invited for an afternoon of entertainment and soup and sandwich lunch.

Tickets £2 per person. Call 01202 894858 or pop into the Centre to reserve your place

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4DORSET March 2019

11 March 2.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society illustrated talk ‘The National Garden Scheme’ by David Moon at West Moors Memorial Hall. More details: Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536.

11 March 7.30pm

Wimborne Camera Club is a friendly local club, offering a broad programme of events, with support for photographers of all abilities. who meet every Monday at St Michael’s Church Hall, Colehill, Wimborne, BH21 7AB. Further information can be found at www.wimbornecameraclub.org.uk

12 March 7.30 to 9.15

Bournemouth & Beyonf discovery group discusses Musical Heritage of Thomas Hardy with Bonnie Sartin.

Meetings held at Richmond Hill St Andrews Church Hall, St Stephen's Road, Bournemouth BH2 6JJ £20 per term, or £4 per meeting. Refreshments 30p.

12 March 10.00am

A hospital talk has been organised at Charminster Library, Strouden Avenue, Charminster, Bournemouth BH8 9HT to provide updates on The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals and changes to local hospital services. Members of the public are invited to come along to the free event.

13 March 2pm

Friends of the Red House Museum talks at Priory House, Quay Road, Christchurch, BH23 1BU ‘Conan Doyle: Edinburgh to Minstead’. Gill Pitt will be giving a talk in an attempt to discover who Conan Doyle really was. £2.50/£4.50 Friends/visitors. 01202 482860 to book.

15 March 7.30pm

An evening with Sir Geoff Hurst – the only man in history to score three goals in a World Cup Final – is with compère Terry Baker at the Regent Centre, Christchurch. Audience Q&A and small charity auction.

VIP Meet & Greet tickets available. Book early.

16 March 9am-1pm

Dorset Farmers Market in Wimborne. Fresh produce and foodie treats directly from the producers.

16 March 7.00pm

Corfe Hills Ukulele Group (CHUGs) are playing at the Bournemouth and District Multiple Sclerosis Society, Osborne Centre, Church Lane, West Parley, BH22 8TS. Tickets £10.00 including a hot supper.

To reserve a ticket or for further information, please call 01202 570300.

16 March

‘Iran – Land of Great Kings, Shahs and Ayatollahs’ lecture

by John Osbourne at The Old School, Sturminster Marshall.

Tickets £6. Tel: 01258857528.

21 March 10am

East Dorset Crime Prevention Panel Annual General Meeting at Allenview House, Hanham Road, Wimborne, BH21 1AG (opposite the Fire Station).

The Crime Prevention Panel is made up of representative of the various Neighbourhood and Home Watches across the East Dorset District Council area and the AGM is open to residents of East Dorset.

23 March 1.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society Spring Show at West Moors Memorial Hall. More details: Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536

24 March 2pm

The Cottage Garden Society Dorset Group’s natural history and garden photographer Colin Varndell will talk about and share his evocative images of animals, birds, insects, wild flowers and landscapes at Puddletown Village Hall, High Street, Puddletown DT2 8RX Raffle and refreshments.

Members free, guests £5 at the door.

Enquiries Jenny Daultry 01747 851300

27 March 2pm

Friends of the Red House Museum talk at Priory House, Quay Road, Christchurch, BH23 1BU, ‘Back Roads Through Middle England’ about Andrew Bibby’s adventurous cycle ride from the English Channel to the Humber. Andrew’s book was Winner of Outdoor Book of the Year 2018 by the Writers and Photographers Guild. Tickets £2.50/£4.50 Friends/visitors.

01202 482860 to book.

27 March 7.30pm

New Forest Jazz Workshop at Godshill Village Hall. For further information call 01425650770 or email hippotrain@btinternet. com.

29 March from 6pm

Sporting Dinner at AFC Bournemouth with England rugby union star Danielle 'Nolli' Waterman and England football striker turned TV presenter Dion Dublin. Compere will be comedian Dominic Holland.

Dress code is lounge suits and cocktail dresses. Email commercial@afcb.co.uk for more information. Or call 0344 576 1910.

30th March 7pm

Beetle Drive at Wimborne Town Hall organised by Dreamboat for the Mayor's Charities. £7.50 including supper, also prizes, bar, raffle Tickets available from Wimborne Town Hall, Westborough or phone 01202 883442

30-31 March

Bournemouth Orchid Society 60th Anniversary Show at Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, with beautiful orchids on display, trade stands, café on site and lots more. Enquiries: Ken Griffiths on info@ bournemouthorchidsociety

Sunday, March 31

Mother’s Day afternoon tea at The Shire Hall Historic Court House Museum.

More info: Afternoon cream teas are just £12.50 each and are very popular, so please book in advance via 01305 261849.

1 April 11.00am

Health talk about blood and epilepsy by The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals by Dr Ifraz Hamid, Consultant Haematologist The Village Hotel, opposite the Royal Bournemouth Hospital and is free to attend. Booking a place is recommend as the 2019 topics are new to the event series and are expected to be very popular. To book your place, please email communications@rbch.nhs.uk or call 01202 704271.

3 April

Popular speaker Eileen Barker will be at Bournemouth library to talk about the contributions made to Bournemouth’s church history by the remarkable Victorian woman, Georgiana Fullerton.

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around & about

CPRE campaigns for national park Do you think Dorset should have a national park?

The Dorset branch of The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) believes that all of the rural part of the county could benefit from a Dorset National Park. It would adjoin an East Devon National Park.

In its evidence to the governmentappointed Glover Review of Designated Landscapes, Dorset CPRE said that a Dorset National Park would work for and benefit the whole of rural Dorset. It would bring additional resources and support the Dorset Council, in partnership with other stakeholders, to deliver on the environment and heritage, biodiversity and natural capital.

Subject to Natural England's detailed assessment, Dorset CPRE would wish the boundary to be the new unitary authority of rural Dorset. This would include Thomas Hardy's Egdon Heath, the market towns of Sherborne and Sturminster Newton and their associated countryside, and the Isle of Portland.

Dorset County Council told MAGS4DORSET that they had considered the possibility of a National Park but that it would be a matter for the new authority Dorset Council – which comes into operation in April – to consider.

New National Parks are subject to a rigorous, often lengthy designation process.

Email your comments to newseditor@mags4Dorset.co.uk

Beauties, Beasts and Barricades Extremely proud of their reputation, Bournemouth Gilbert and Sullivan Productions (GaSP) produce major shows and concerts each year. Their next production ‘Beauties, Beasts and Barricades’ will be performed on four nights, reviewing the history of musical theatre from Old Time Music Hall to the modern day musical spectaculars.

These fascinating evenings will include solos, choruses and medleys from favourites such as ‘West Side Story’, ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Show Boat’ and ‘My Fair Lady’. You will laugh, cry and definitely go home with rhythm in your feet and a song in your heart.

Concerts will be held on 10-13 April at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne, Pelham’s Kinson, The Regent, Christchurch and Beaufort Community Centre, Iford.

Bournemouth GaSP is a friendly awardwinning group whose members enjoy performing shows from Gilbert & Sullivan. They are currently expanding to incorporate grand opera and modern musicals.

Visit them at www.bournemouthgasp. org.uk where you can also book online to see their shows.

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Cooking with confidence

Brendoncare Clubs has been running cookery demonstrations in many of its existing clubs for the last five years, but this March, with springtime just arriving, the Cooking for One club in Wimborne returns on Saturday 30 March with the opportunity to enjoy some seasonal treats for those who attend.

The club, which is based at Dacombes of Wimborne on Leigh Road, enjoys the use of the local department store’s show kitchen, offering cooking demonstrations and providing practical advice about cooking for oneself, helping to keep people healthy. The club was originally designed to support older people plan and prepare delicious and nutritious meals for themselves, even if they live alone.

Cindy Walker, locality manager for Brendoncare Clubs in the area, explains, “It is our experience that many older people find cooking for themselves a challenge, especially if they are used to cooking for a family of if their partner was previously the cook in the house. These Cooking for One sessions are great fun for our club members, who get to taste a range of dishes.

“The club is suitable for anyone who wants to learn how to cook for one or indeed anyone with an interest in food who wants to join a friendly club with others who like cooking and eating. We are very grateful to Dacombes for providing the space for the club and hope to see lots of people from the local community.”

For more information on Brendoncare Clubs, please visit www.brendoncare.org.uk/clubs or call 01962 857099.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention 4DORSET Magazine when you contact our advertisers

| 31

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

Dan Snow © Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum

Eddie Howe, Jeff Mostyn and Steve Cuss during the Q&A session

Community visits keep football stars grounded Players from AFC Bournemouth enjoy visiting local groups.

Speaking at the annual chairman’s luncheon at the club’s Vitality Stadium, Cherries’ manager Eddie Howe said, “Being a Premier League player is a wonderful thing, but it’s like a bubble and you are wrapped in your own existence where everything is done for you.

“Going out into the community, particularly to a school, is really one of the few times players get to see life from another viewpoint – sometimes it can really ground them and it is very important that they are grounded and see different things in life.

“Also, there is the ability to give back to other people, making a difference to their lives. That feeling is huge for the players and they get a real buzz from it. All round, it is hugely beneficial.”

Eddie was speaking as part of a question and answer session, alongside Cherries’ chairman Jeff Mostyn and head of community Steve Cuss, presented by player liaison officer Jimmy Glass.

AFC Business, the free to join business club with almost 1,800 members, was launched in 2009 and gives members exclusive offers at AFC Bournemouth, access to events and is a great chance to meet local businesses. For further information email aysia.smith@afcb.co.uk.

TV star praises museum It only opened in May last year, but the Shire Hall Courthouse Museum has already received an accolade from a TV star.

Dan Snow called it ‘one of the best’ museums he had ever visited when he came to film in the historic Dorchester courthouse.

Dan and his team spent the morning filming for his new History Hit TV show ‘Snow on the Road.’

Exploring the Georgian courtroom and the cells underground, as well as some of the hidden passages around the building, Dan said, “It’s been a complete revelation. I’m here making a series about the wonderful places around the UK and some of my favourite heritage places. This is definitely one of my favourites – I urge you to come visit it.”

The new series will be out later in the year on History Hit TV. Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.

Charles Michael Duke, Holby star, the Players’ president Guy Henry and panto director, Georgina Smith

Cinderella record breaker Just eight months after having a double lung transplant, Charles Michael Duke was on stage at the Regent Centre in Christchurch playing Buttons in Cinderella in what has turned out to be Highcliffe Charity Players’ highest grossing panto of all time. A total of 3,812 people attended 10 shows in January.

What is more remarkable is that Charles co-wrote the panto whilst waiting for his transplant and awoke from his op to hear the HCP committee had agreed to produce his show.

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Baskets and Blooms comes to West Parley For more than 10 years Baskets and Blooms has been supplying top quality plants direct from grower to gardener at their Stuckton branch near Fordingbridge. That principle has proved such a success that they have now taken over the old Plowmans site at West Parley bringing affordable plants to a much wider audience.

Having opened in September with about half the store open, the full sales area is now ready for business.

Gardeners have quickly taken to the Baskets and Blooms way and the response has exceeded expectations.

Tracy Harris said, ‘We’ve been thrilled by the reactions to our new Plant Centre. It has been hectic but fun and we are now looking forward to the spring when the whole centre will be ready with even more plants and gardening essentials.”

More than 90% of Baskets and Blooms plants are grown within 12 miles of their Plant Centres. They make up all of their famous readyplanted patio containers at their Wimborne nursery. Plant miles are kept to a minimum and the nursery is introducing new recyclable materials for the spring to reduce their carbon footprint.

Baskets and Blooms West Parley will be open all year round. The Stuckton branch is now open for the spring and summer season.

You can find out more at www.basketsnblooms.co.uk and facebook.com/basketsnblooms or contact the West Parley branch on 01202 582169, or Stuckton on 01425 655150.

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4DORSET March 2019

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around & about

Chance to win tickets to the opera at the Regent!

Hurn Court Opera will perform the Magic Flute at the Regent Centre in April.

Fantastical and enchanting, Mozart’s luminous opera casts a spell on audiences of all ages. Featuring some of the UK’s most exciting young singers and a professional live orchestra, this vibrant production by Hurn Court Opera leads you on a touching journey in quest of love, wisdom and happiness.

In a mythical land between the moon and the sun, Prince Tamino falls in love with Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night. But the path of love is not smooth. To win each other, the lovers must face trials and evil, with only the help of Bird Catcher Papageno and the eponymous magic flute. Mozart’s marvellous music sweeps you from Tamino and Pamina’s tender lyricism to Papageno’s lively folk tunes and the soaring pyrotechnics of the Queen of the Night. Punctuated by witty spoken dialogue, Mozart’s final opera is a full expression of his dramatic and musical genius. Come and be transported!

The Magic Flute will be performed in Christchurch on Wednesday 17 April at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £22, concessions £20. The Regent is pleased to promote live opera and has teamed up with 4Dorset to offer one lucky person the chance to win two tickets as a prize.

Dogs welcome at Marsham Court Hotel The family owned, awardwinning Marsham Court Hotel enjoys an enviable position on Bournemouth’s East Cliff with commanding views over the bay.

Centrally located and with plenty of free parking for patrons, the hotel invites you to drop in for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or drinks on the terrace.

A warm welcome is guaranteed whatever the occasion and new for 2019 – you can also bring your dog!

For a chance to win all you have to do is answer the following question:

Who is Pamina’s mother?

Enter at www. mags4dorset.co.uk or send your entry to Magic Flute, mags4dorset, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ. Closing date is 14 March 2019. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd and the Regent Centre, Christchurch are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final.

Personal details will be stored securely and will only be processed to determine the winner of the competition.

The winner will be announced in the magazine and their name and phone number will be passed to the venue and/or to the promoters should this be required with respect to the ticket allocation.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention 4DORSET Magazine when you contact our advertisers

| 33

motoring / keeping you on the road.

What to take when driving abroad

Average speed cameras introduced on the A338

The advice from the BVRLA came on the day that the government published further guidance on International Driving Permits and Green Cards, as part of its no-deal-Brexit preparations.

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said, “We must do all we can to protect drivers from inadvertently falling foul of the rules, by making sure that they are kept well-informed about what documentation is required when taking a vehicle abroad.

“We are reminding drivers of leased and rented vehicles of their obligation to get a VE103 certificate from their hire or lease company before taking their vehicle overseas. It is essential documentation that our members provide customers with to prove that they have permission to drive the vehicle. Without it, they can be subject to delays at the border, or in the worst instance, have their vehicle impounded.”

A total of 2,500 post office branches are now selling International Driving Permits (IDP). Previously only 65 branches provided this service.

Depending upon the outcome of EU-Exit negotiations, UK citizens may need to carry an IDP as well as their UK driving licence when driving on the continent.

Drivers can find out more about the VE103 on the BVRLA website and should visit the DVLA or Gov.uk websites to check the latest guidance on documents required when driving abroad.

Make your voice count

The UK trade body for the vehicle rental and leasing industry is urging drivers to think ahead about what documentation is needed when they take a vehicle abroad.

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The A338 now has six average speed cameras installed, which will be managed by Dorset Police. Three have been set up on the southbound carriageway and a further three on the northbound carriageway. Funds generated by speeding fines go to one of two locations depending on a variety of factors, such as speed and previous offences. In cases dealt with by the courts and Fixed Penalty Fines (with the addition of points on the driving licence) the funds will be sent to the Central Government Consolidated Fund. The government use this to fund expenditure at their discretion. Fees from drivers on the Driving Awareness Scheme after costs will go directly towards improving road traffic safety schemes.

Working with market research experts Populus, the AA Driver Poll is the largest dedicated motoring opinion panel in Europe.

Their surveys cover a wide range of topics from road pricing, young drivers, speed cameras and drink driving to parking, potholes, fuel prices and congestion.

You can sign up online to take part and make your voice heard. Every month you will receive an email with a link to a short online survey that should take about 10 minutes to complete. Responses are confidential and for each completed survey you are automatically entered into that month’s prize draw for £500.

Since the AA-Populus Motoring Panel was started in 2008, more than 180,000 drivers and AA members have signed up to take part. Around 20,000 complete a survey each month. Over time, subjects are revisited to see if opinions have changed. Want to join them? You can sign up at www. theaa.com/about-us/public-affairs/aa-populus-motoring-panel

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motoring

Appeal following vehicle damage in Bournemouth Officers are appealing for the public’s help to identify those responsible for damaging vehicles in Bournemouth.

On at least 10 occasions damage has been caused to the windscreen wipers and number plates of a yellow Ford Transit van parked in Bascott Road in the Wallisdown area of the town.

All the incidents occurred overnight between 18 December 2018 and 6 February 2019. It is reported that other residents’ vehicles have also been damaged.

PC Jennie Sykes-Martin, of Dorset Police, said, “We have spoken to a number of the victims and no one is aware of any reason as to why they are being targeted.

We are therefore treating this series as mindless acts of vandalism.

“I would urge anyone who may know who is responsible for these incidents to please contact Dorset Police. I am also keen to hear from anyone else who has sustained similar damage in the area and may have important information that could assist my investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting 55180203560. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Spate of thefts from vehicles

A

recent spate of crime in Ferndown included two incidents on 3 February when loose change was stolen from a vehicle in Casterbridge Road and power tools were stolen from a van in Church Road.

Although other crimes were reported on social media, they were not notified to the police.

Dorset Police said enquiries are on going into both incidents. When asked by 4Dorset if it was usual for the police to ask victims to check CCTV themselves, a spokesperson replied, “Where possible if victims of some minor offences are able to identify lines of enquiry and evidence that can assist our investigation that helps us focus our resources in other areas.

These incidents are still subject to an investigation led by officers and every effort is being made to identify those responsible.”

Pony dies following collision A pony was reported on the road in the area of Ferndown Industrial Estate at 6.15pm on 5 February. Sadly, the pony was subsequently involved in a collision with a vehicle and after being seen by a vet, it had to be put down due to its injuries. Police are still making enquiries to identify the owner of the pony.

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An amphibious excavator dredging the lake

Celebrating the Year of the Pig In the presence of Bournemouth Mayor, Cllr Derek Borthwick and the Mayoress, Dorothy Borthwick, the Year of the Pig was welcomed by Bournemouth Chinese School at the town centre library. The celebrations included displays, dancing and singing. Photographer Tom Scrase attended with his camera to bring these colourful photographs to readers of 4Dorset, as well as the front cover image.

Taxpayers to add to police funding

You can help to protect Wimborne Library

Households in Dorset will be paying an extra £2 a month from 1 April towards funding Dorset Police.

Martyn Underhill, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, held a six-week consultation into proposals to raise the precept – the part of a council tax bill which funds policing – by £24 a year following on from the Home Secretary’s advice to raise the precept to the maximum permitted.

A total of 4,829 people responded – either online, via social media or face-to-face at a series of public events – with 69.31 per cent saying they would be prepared to pay the additional amount. As well as consulting on the proposed precept increase, residents were also asked if they felt that Dorset Police needed more money. 85 per cent agreed that it did.

Mr Underhill said, “I’m well aware that many households in the county are struggling financially, and the fact so many have said they would be prepared to pay this extra amount demonstrates how important an effective police service is to them.”

The enhancement will amount to £7.8m in extra income for Dorset Police, going some way to offset cuts in central funding.

All 15 members of the 17-strong Dorset Police and Crime Panel who were present during the meeting at Dorchester’s County Hall voted unanimously to approve the plans. Two members were not in attendance.

A community push is underway by the Friends of Wimborne Library to register and protect the library and its grounds as a Community Asset.

The scheme explains you can - Nominate libraries, community centres, pubs, shops or green spaces that are of value to your community, by registering them as Assets of Community Value with your local authority. You can then use the Community Right to Bid if this asset ever comes up for sale – the community can have up to six months to raise the funds to bid for it. At the end of the period, the owner may sell it to whoever and at whatever price they choose.

For the purposes of an unincorporated group, such as The Friends of Wimborne Library, the application will need to be signed by a group of 21 or more people who appear on the local electoral register.

If you wish to support this campaign please sign and address the form available at Black Pug Books, 24 West Borough, Wimborne BH21 1NF. It is also displayed on the Friends of Wimborne Library’s notice board in Wimborne Library. The more signatures the better, so do spread the word about this important mission.

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4DORSET March 2019

For more information go to: mycommumity. org and read Assets of Community Value & Right to Bid.

Poole Park enhancement work has begun Work has begun to improve the two lakes and lagoon in Poole Park.

In January 2015 the Borough of Poole and the Friends of Poole Park learned they had been successful in gaining £2.7 million of Heritage Lottery funding to enhance the Victorian park. A further bid two years later brought the project value to £3.5 million The improvements follow extensive scientific research and monitoring, funded by the National Lottery, and involving students and specialists from Bournemouth University, to help understand the importance of the lagoon and the potential benefits of the work being undertaken.

The contractor, Ebsford Environmental, is using specialist amphibious excavators to dredge areas of sediment lying at the bottom of the lakes and lagoon to increase water depth. The sediment will then be used to create new island habitats and improve existing features.

Further work will then take place to significantly improve the quality of the surrounding environment.

At the beginning of February, Avon Construction, started improvement works to the bridge over the sluice channel that links the Park’s lagoon to Poole Harbour.

This means the path running alongside the railway line is closed to the public until the works finish at the end of March.

The sluice channel was a key part in the Park’s development following construction of the railway embankment in 1872, cutting off Parkstone Bay from the sea and creating a salt-water lake. The channel maintains the link to salt water in the harbour and allows the management of the water as a sluice-controlled saline lagoon.

Martin Whitchurch, Poole Park Life Project manager, Borough of Poole, said, “It’s exciting to have reached the point where contractors are on site after years of public engagement and design work.

We’ve received permission from Natural England to carry out this work so that we can make significant improvements that benefit both people and wildlife.”

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in the home

Selling a second property?

S

by Sarah Ali Choudhury

elling or renting out a second property?

No one wants to spend a fortune preparing an empty property that is about go up for sale or rent. Instead, it makes sense to achieve the highest possible value for the property, working with what you already have.

Put small things right, like leaking taps, cracked windowpanes or missing drawer handles – repairing small things can make big improvements.

A well-stocked garden can create a sense of ambience and help clients make a more informed decision as to whether the

property is right for them, so add a few colourful plants.

An empty property appears cold and unwelcoming so visit regularly and freshen it up, give it a dust, water the plants, tidy the mail and make sure it maintains a warm and inviting impression.

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Deliciously inspiring event “Join us at the Sydenhams Kitchens & Bathroom Showroom in Bournemouth for a deliciously inspiring event!” says Tom Roberts, Showroom Manager.

On Friday 22 March from 10.30am, Neff home economist Adrienne Cleasby will be demonstrating the latest Neff appliances in Sydenhams' live working kitchen, whilst cooking some delicious delicacies for you to taste.

The live working kitchen is filled with the latest Neff appliances

including the Slide & Hide Pyrolytic oven, compact oven with microwave, the Flex-Induction Hob and more.

"Our last demo day was a huge hit with customers trying some amazing samples of NEFF’s recipes. These included roast chicken, fruit cake, homemade crusty bread and a perfect pavlova – they were truly scrumptious,” said Tom. With nibbles and a coffee in hand, take a look around the showroom and see the brand new

kitchen and bathroom displays. These include some of the latest trends and designs, which will tick your inspirational boxes and turn your dreams into reality.

The team will be on hand to answer any of your questions and looks forward to seeing you there. Plus, on this day only, there will be HUGE discounts on NEFF appliances, so this is not one to miss.

Please check www. sydenhams.co.uk for more information.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention 4DORSET Magazine when you contact our advertisers

| 37

in the home / home is where the heart is .

Mindset for

spring cleaning

By Sarah Ali Choudhury

How often do we feel overwhelmed in our own homes?

Do you ever feel like you're losing control of keeping the house together? Do you look around your own home and feel like throwing everything out and starting all over again?

Clutter is bad for the mind and bad for your wallet.

For some people, being organised is part of who they are, but for others trying to remain organised isn’t as simple.

Whether you've been forced to downsize or you're just looking to spring clean, this article will help.

Start by getting into the right mindset, by sitting in the space and imagining it being tidy and organised. Be prepared to part with old unused items.

Create an inventory of your home and use this to find out if you have lots of the same items which you don’t need and which you don’t use.

Consider how someone else might find some of your unused items really useful. For example, there may be a family or friends who are going away to study at university or someone setting up a new home on a budget.

One of the best things to do before starting your ‘big clear out’, is to have a cleaning plan. Believe it or not, you can find downloadable cleaning plans online.

Before you start, make a list of the cleaning products you think you'll need. Also, obtain a minimum of four large cardboard boxes for ‘the four box cleaning method’ and label them: Keep, Sell/ Donate, Store, Throw.

It took time to collect all that stuff, so it'll take some time to let it all go. It won’t be possible to clean the entire home in a day. Declutter in small focused bursts.

Making a plan and target specific areas

over a prolonged period, but don’t exhaust yourself. Give yourself a couple of hours a day and take regular breaks.

Some people find it difficult letting go of things so ask yourself these questions to ensure you can feel good about saying that last goodbye: what does it do? Does it do one thing or a multiple of things? Do I have anything else that does it better? and finally, does the item have any sentimental meaning?

Apply these questions to virtually everything you own, put them in the right box and keep what you need and dispose of the rest.

Before

After

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Are you looking to replace or refresh your kitchen space in 2019?

H

ave you got that creative streak so your design will achieve the best look and feel for the space? Are you excellent at spatial planning? Are you able to put colours and textures together that work? Can you visualise how the new kitchen could look? No? Well don’t worry, as Kitchen Style can do all of these things extremely well!

Choosing the right kitchen is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make for your home so you want to make sure you get it right.

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4DORSET March 2019

Your lifestyle, tastes and hobbies are considered to gain a real understanding of how you will use the space and to make sure you get a kitchen that is truly unique.

A full interior design service is provided to ensure not only the kitchen but the space around it creates a sense of sophisticated flow.

Call on tel. 01202 881039 to make an appointment with Gary the showroom owner and designer or alternatively email on gary@kitchenstyle.co.uk. You can also browse the website at www. kitchenstyle.co.uk

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in the home

Banish the blues with Feng Shui

By Sarah Ali Choudhury

Here are 10 tips to create good feng shui in your home.

Neutral colors for positivity Dark, rich colors are full of personality but sometimes when you're already overwhelmed by life, that's the opposite of what you need. Stick with neutral colours.

Add mirrors Placing mirrors around your home increases positive energy (also known as chi).

Remove sharp and pointy edges One of the most important rules in feng shui is to remove as many sharp angles and edges around your home as possible.

Start with a clean slate If you are moving into a new home make sure you clean and wipe down surfaces before moving your belongings into the home, even if the house is already spotless because this aids in removing any type of negative energy from the previous owner.

Salt the room Pouring salt into the four corners of your rooms and letting it sit for 48 hours absorbs negative energy.

Either vacuum or sweep the salt and throw it away after.

Crystal energy Black touraline is known to ward off and dissolve negative energy. Rose quartz replaces negative emotions and feelings with positive ones. There are other crystals you can keep in the home for encouraging positivity.

If your home feels like it's been in a constant state of the blues, it's time to banish those negative, sad and downright depressing vibes that can have a dramatic effect on your mood once and for all.

Feng Shui pseudoscience originates from China and claims to use energy forces to harmonise individuals with their surrounding environment.

Air your space Open up all the windows and create a draught to let the air come through, even if it's freezing cold outside. While you're at it, shake out your pillows and blankets, which will clear any negativity.

Burn incense Nag Champa is an incense best used in a clean home for meditation as it's property creates a calm and serene atmosphere.

Remove clutter Objects retain lots of energy and physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually block our 'path.

Keep the items that truly make you happy and get rid of the ones that don’t.

Repair or go Broken things bring negative energy into your home, so anything broken needs to be fixed or needs to go.

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| 39

in the home / home is where the heart is .

Spring clean your carpets

By Sarah Ali Choudhury

Most people have carpets in their homes because of the appearance, warmth and comfort.

If you are the owner of beautiful new carpets you may have purchased a warranty. If so, it's advisable to check whether or not you need to have your carpets cleaned professionally.

Some carpet companies will not honour your carpet warranty unless you regularly clean your carpets professionally, and professionals are hired annually.

Between professional carpet cleaning you should be vacuuming at least weekly or more often if you have pets. Obviously, carpets need to be vacuumed as often as needed but it does not count as carpet cleaning, according to some carpet insurance companies.

A dirty carpet is not just an eyesore – it also poses a health risk. Professional carpet cleaning can help prevent many serious problems and among these problems is reducing and eliminating dust mite infestations. Carpet also tends to trap odours. This is especially significant if the homeowners have pets. Pet urine and faeces can be one of the most difficult smells to remove from carpet fibres.

Dust particles have been linked to nose, sinus, and breathing problems such as asthma. If these contaminants are not removed from the carpet, they can cause numerous health problems, especially in young children Indoor air quality can be considerably worse than outdoor air quality if you don't clean your flooring, clean your drapes and let air inside regularly, which can affect

asthma sufferers and people with allergies and breathing difficulties.

One of the most common errors people make when vacuuming is that they do it too fast. Vacuuming slowly allows a vacuum cleaner to do its best work by vibrating carpet fibres and containing dust in the vacuum.

Make sure you blot any spills immediately. Spray carpet cleaner on a cloth and dab the stain, working from the outside to its centre. Rinse with a clean cloth in the same way, and then blot it dry.

Make sure you don’t start rubbing a stain, as this will spread goo around and can distort the carpet's pile.

Hiring a machine and attempting to remove stains from an expensive carpet can prove disastrous. Possible damage includes shrinkage of carpets, browning, setting of stains and lingering odours caused by over-wetting.

Expert carpet cleaners provide you with the peace of mind of knowing that your carpets have been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized and regular hovering will ensure that your carpet is looking its best all year round.

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Window Restoration and Refurbishment HRG Services Ltd - The Heritage Window & Redecoration Specialists specialise in the restoration, replacement and improvement of heritage windows to include timber sash and casements, as well as works to metal windows. They also offer a full interior and exterior redecoration service to older buildings, which include all aspects of period property redecoration and can be undertaken using colours and paints suitable for period properties.

Some of HRG’s services for old windows include restoration, improvement or replacement, draught proofing, complete new window installations, new window sills and profiles, rotten timber repairs, slim double glazing, specialist glazing systems for old windows, secondary glazing to assist with energy improvement and much more.

A trusted company within the heritage property sector, HRG Services offer high levels of workmanship and customer service. They have a fantastic friendly office team, multi skilled tradesmen and craftsmen and cover the Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset and Wiltshire areas.

To contact HRG Services and discuss a project or arrange a free home visit contact 0800 246 1947. E-mail: info@hrgservices.co.uk.

Before

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4DORSET March 2019

After

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Geesign Joinery Ltd Born out of the love of wood, Geesign Joinery don't have the usual industry restrictions or limitations to what they can produce and use traditional skills to craft high quality, elegant joinery products.

With 30 years experience of manufacturing and supplying bespoke joinery to private clients, trade and top architects, Geesign Joinery has become a recognised name in architectural joinery. With a reputation for quality workmanship and attention to detail, Geesign Joinery have a passion for their work, and combine the skills of the master craftsmen with the best that modern technology and machinery can offer to create quality products. Geesign Joinery's design and manufacture, tailored carpentry pieces and pursue work which creatively challenges their team. Be it, kitchens, stairways, storage installations or commissioned furniture pieces, all their work is built around the belief of exceeding their clients' expectations.

Joinery items are all made to your exact requirements or match existing features and are constructed from quality hardwoods and softwoods of which their experienced craftsmen can advise you on the choice of woods available for your project, to provide the ultimate balance of aesthetics, durability and design suitability.

To see a portfolio of works please visit www.geesignjoinery.co.uk

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| 41

in the home / home is where the heart is .

Downsizing your home to upsize your lifestyle

By Sarah Ali Choudhury

I sometimes wonder how on earth I manage to accumulate so much junk in my home. I don’t go to car boot sales, or charity shops and I tend to really consider the benefits of any product I am about to bring into my home yet, when I’m decluttering, I’m suddenly surrounded by bags and bags of things that I either need to donate to charity, throw in the recycle or just put a free ad on Gumtree.

Where did all this stuff come from?

Moving into a smaller home may feel like a step down, but a closer look reveals quite a few upsides: saving money, saving time and having less clutter in your life. Downsizing could be just the fresh start you and your family need!

Keep: Limit yourself here. This category is reserved for items you’ll regularly use after downsizing your home. It may also include a small number of sentimental items—like your wedding video, family photo albums, or tokens of greatest achievements. If items don’t fit those specs, move them to our next category.

Give: If your sentimental ties to an item are too strong to break completely, consider giving it to a loved one, who will treasure it the same way you have. Or donate it to your favorite charity. Stop clinging to too many things from the past and start making room for all the precious memories ahead.

Sell: Now that sentimental items are separate and safe, earn some cash with the rest. Host a garage sale or sell items online. All that money can go toward your move. Have stuff that won’t sell? That brings me to my final category...

Trash: If the rest won’t sell, throw it away. After you set aside, give away, or sell the important items, there’s no reason to keep the rest. Throw away that trash and be free!

You're emotionally ready to sell.

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4DORSET March 2019

If the numbers show you're financially ready to make a move, great! But don't forget that selling your home is an emotional issue too. Before you plant the ‘For Sale’ sign, take a minute to answer just a few more questions: • Are you prepared to put in the work to get your house ready for house hunters?

• Are you committed to keeping it ‘on show’ for weeks or possibly months?

• Are you prepared to hear the reasons why potential buyers believe your home is not perfect?

• Are you ready for honest negotiations over what buyers are willing to pay for your home?

• Are you really in the right mind space to move out and leave the place where your family has made memories and move somewhere smaller?

When you can positively answer all of these questions, call an estate agent. It may well be the right time to downsize your home to upsize your lifestyle!

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

BLINDS & CURTAINS

BUILDING SERVICES

DECORATING

BUILDING RESTORATION

CARPET CLEANING

CATERING

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4DORSET March 2019

CARPET CLEANING

DECORATING

CARPET CLEANING

DECORATING

COMPUTER SERVICES

DECORATING

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specialist services DECORATING

DISABILITY PRODUCTS

FENCING

GARDENING SERVICES

FENCING

GARDENING SERVICES

GARDENING SERVICES

ELECTRICIAN

GARDENING SERVICES

FENCING

LANDSCAPING

GRAPHIC DESIGN

LANDSCAPING

LOCKSMITH

HEATING SPECIALISTS

LOGS

LOGS

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

PLASTERING

ROOFING

RUBBISH CLEARANCE

RUBBISH AND WASTE CLEARANCE

TILING SUPPLIERS

TREE SURGERY

TREE SURGERY

WINDOW REPAIRS

TREE SURGERY

WINDOW REPAIRS

Iconic locomotive to steam into Swanage The world famous Flying Scotsman will be running on the Swanage Railway between 22 and 26 March.

It will operate five services a day each way between Swanage and Norden nonstop.

Tickets are for a round-trip only and Flying Scotsman can only be boarded at Swanage station.

A steam hauled ‘feeder service’ will operate between Norden and Swanage calling at Corfe Castle and Harmans Cross.

This service can be used by those booked

to travel on Flying Scotsman as well as those wishing to see Flying Scotsman in action - but not travel on it.

For tickets visit swanagerailway.co.uk.

Flying Scotsman Lancashire Railway © Liam Barnes

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Whilst the Publisher will endeavour to represent the best interests of the client in undertaking client’s instructions, it is fully understood that it is the agreed responsibility of the client to supply 4Dorset accurate copy details of the advertisement(s) to be placed and any alterations to the copy must be received prior to copy date.

Guarantee of insertion cannot be given and the Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement or by the total or partial failure, however caused, of publication or distribution of 4Dorset. In no case shall the total liability of the Publisher for any misprint, error or omission exceed the price charged by the Publisher for that advertisement. The Publisher shall not be liable for any damage or loss save as stated and, in particular, the Publisher shall have no liability to the Advertiser in any circumstances for any claim for damages to, loss of, or costs in respect of any anticipated profits, revenues, business opportunities or for any other indirect or consequential loss.

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