4Dorset October 2018

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ISSN 2397-723X (print) ISSN 2397-7248 (online)

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

Moor Crichel © Paul Waterkeyn

Your Independent Local Magazine

4DORSET

October 2018 Volume 16 Issue 3

EXCLUSIVE

Saddle up Western Style in the heart of Dorset

COMPETITION

Steve Peat: Bikers and Beers @ The Regent CHRISTMAS IS COMING

100 YEARS REMEMBERED

KEEP IT LOCAL

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4DORSET October 2018

4DORSET Volume 16 • Issue 3 • October 2018 Hello Readers

Picture of the month

MAGS4DORSET

After an incredible summer, the arrival of autumn is a bitter pill to swallow. Talking of which, when my mother was discharged from hospital, a blue pill appeared in her daily medication called amitriptyline. I queried this with the hospital and was told it was for her back pain. Mum had grumbled of back pain for a while, so I explained why the additional pill had been prescribed and being an excellent patient, she took it.

A few weeks later, I asked about her back pain and she said she didn’t have it anymore. However, the pills kept arriving and she kept taking them. After a few more weeks, I rang the doctor to ask why the pills were still being prescribed.

The doctor said if Mum was not in pain, she could stop taking them, but that the prescription shouldn’t be cancelled in case the pain came back. Mum stopped taking the pills.

All was fine and I rang the doctor again and asked for the prescription to be cancelled.

This was finally achieved, but had I not queried what was going on, Mum would still be taking amitriptyline today. She has no ability to sort something like this out herself. So if you have elderly parents, check their medication. If you think they don’t need something, speak to the doctor.

With such a cash-strapped NHS, I query why any pills should be supplied under repeat prescriptions when patients don’t need them.

Enjoy the magazine, and cosy up beside the fire with your feet up.

Janine Pulford

Ben Pulford managing director design@mags4dorset.co.uk Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

NEWS DESK 01202 941469 Janine Pulford editor editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk

Arabella Watkiss intern journalist

DESIGN 01202 233441

Louis Pulford creative director

louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Adam Trimby graphic designer designstudio@mags4dorset.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.

Editor

LOGISTICS

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

Ian Lory Alexandra O’Neill

Can’t wait to get home and read 4Dorset

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

next copy closing date:

18 OCTOBER 2018

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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LAW SPOT

History made by Astoria

Laura Molloy, Residential Conveyancing Solicitor, Harold G Walker Solicitors Q. We are first time buyers and have just got our mortgage agreed and found a place to buy!

We’re keen to move in asap so what can we expect and how long does the conveyancing process take?

A. Buying your first home is such an exciting time but can also be very daunting as you enter the unknown of the conveyancing process.

Once you have found the property you want to buy, it’s a good idea to contact your local solicitor to get a quotation for the legal fees and disbursements so that you can plan your budget in advance and also obtain appropriate advice regarding a mortgage to finance your purchase.

Your solicitor will send to you various forms for completion and you will likely be asked for supporting documents like ID etc and money on account. Make sure you return all the forms completed along with the other items requested promptly so that as soon as the papers arrive from the seller’s solicitor, work can begin.

Your mortgage offer should be issued once the valuation has been carried out and searches will also need to be applied for in respect of the property. We would also recommend that you instruct a surveyor to carry out a survey of the property.

At this stage, your solicitor will raise legal enquiries with the seller’s solicitor and you should have the opportunity to address any concerns you have as well.

Once all investigations and searches have been completed, and any enquiries raised about the property satisfied you will be fully reported to and then you should be invited to sign the documentation in respect of the transaction. You will also usually need to ensure you have adequate buildings insurance in place. At this stage you should then be ready to ‘exchange contracts’

and this is the point of ‘no return’! The completion date is fixed on exchange and you can start packing.

The day of completion is when the monies are actually paid over to your seller’s solicitor and the legal title to the property is transferred to you. Once completion has taken place you should receive a telephone call from you solicitor with the exciting news that you can finally get your hands on the keys to your new house.

Harold G Walker are one of the largest providers of conveyancing services in the Dorset area and will tailor their service to meet your needs. Whether you want to keep in touch by phone or email, or would like to call into one of our offices to talk about things face to face, a solicitor or conveyancing executive will be available to help with your concerns.

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

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4DORSET October 2018

(L -R) Captain Michail Smyrnaios, Astoria, Jim Stewart and Chris Coates

Poole Harbour saw history made on the 31 August when the Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) ship Astoria departed from the new berth at the port.

CMV’s Group commercial director, Chris Coates, said it was, “…good to see how many of those on board had come from the local area to sail from, and support, their regional port.” d Irish departure ports. Coates added, “I was also blown away by the fantastic display put on the by Red Arrows and am sure the passengers on board also enjoyed their front row seats.”

Jim Stewart, CEO for Poole Harbour Commissioners, said, “It’s a very exciting time for the Port of Poole. Astoria is the largest cruise ship we’ve seen on our new cruise berth, South Quay since it opened earlier this year.”

Christmas Tree showstopper A unique trail featuring more than 100 glittering trees and illuminations will be opening in Bournemouth on 16 November.

Christmas Tree Wonderland will start at an illuminated big wheel and weave through the Lower Gardens. It will feature iconic-themed trees from

Bournemouth Wonderland Tree (concept visual)

around the world including Bethlehem and Warsaw as well as a Tree of Light canopy and cascading lights over Pine Tree Walk.

The centrepiece will be the Wonderland Tree – a

60-foot LED spectacle with 30,000 individual lights programmed for sound and light shows. Other enchanting illuminations will be dotted around Bournemouth.

New Dorset Council chief proposed A recommendation that Matt Prosser should be appointed as the chief executive of the new Dorset Council, which goes live in April 2019, has been made by the Shadow Senior Appointments committee. It will be put forward to the full Shadow Council on 27 September for agreement, (after 4Dorset goes to print).

The recommendation follows a national search to identify the best candidate to lead the staff of the new council. Prosser is currently chief executive of the Dorset Councils Partnership and interim shadow head of paid service for Dorset Council.

Dorset Council, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council will be the first new local authorities to be formed in the UK for 10 years. The county is reducing the number of local authorities from nine to two in a bid to deliver local services more effectively and efficiently. The move to unitary authorities is anticipated to protect frontline services, reduce costs and give better value for money, with around £108m of savings expected in the first six years.

Matt Prosser

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

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37th mayor of Ferndown elected “It is a great honour to be elected as the town mayor of Ferndown again,” said Cllr Jean Read after her election at an extraordinary council meeting on 24 August.

The role had stood vacant following the sad loss of the town’s mayor, Cllr Steve Lugg, on 20 July.

Cllr Mrs Jean Read will be the 37th mayor of Ferndown and it will be her second term as mayor, having served in 2010/11.

She has been a councillor since 1995 and has been a member of a number of the council’s committees. She is currently chairman of the personnel committee.

“I thoroughly enjoyed carrying out my duties when I was mayor in 2010/11, so I am very much looking forward to being in the role again,” said the new mayor. “Ferndown faces new challenges since my last mayorship, such as Dorset’s local government reorganisation, and it will be my priority to ensure that the needs of Ferndown and its residents are met.”

Well-known in the town, Jean has lived in Ferndown since 1986, when she moved from Bedfordshire with her husband Fred, and young family.

Jean has two children, five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Until recently, she was the chairman of Ferndown in Bloom for a number of years and was the lead for the project which planted daffodils along Ringwood Road.

She currently runs the Friday Coffee Morning at the Barrington Centre and is a regular member of the congregation at St Mary’s Church in Ferndown.

Cllr Mrs Julie Robinson was elected as deputy mayor.

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4DORSET October 2018

Brief Encounter’s Margaret Barton ties the knot Margaret James, (née Barton), the last surviving member of the main cast of the 1945 film Brief Encounter, which starred Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, has remarried at the grand age of 92.

Her new husband, Rob Cave, is 91, giving the couple a combined age of 183 and possibly making them the oldest newlyweds in Dorset.

The couple tied the knot on 31 August in Wimborne Minster with a service conducted by the Revd Suzie Allen.

Matron of honour was Rob’s daughter Julia Palmer, and best man was Barry Smith, a long-time former work colleague of Rob’s.

Rob and Margaret were widowed within three months of each other, having both been married for 66 years to Mavis and Raymond respectively. Both have also lost a son.

Margaret’s son Michael was

Possibly the oldest newlyweds in Dorset

formerly assistant organist at Wimborne Minster and following his death, the Michael James Music Trust was set up in his memory.

Rob and Margaret are members of the Minster congregation and around 150 friends gathered to join in with the celebration of their marriage, and afternoon tea reception held in the Methodist church coffee lounge.

Margaret who claims she ‘was never a film star’ made her first film as a teenager. Her role as Beryl Walters, the tearoom assistant in David Lean’s classic film Brief Encounter earned her a place in British cinema history.

charity of the year

‘Heart My Hospice’ campaign Forest Holme Hospice will be joining forces with more than 100 other hospices across the UK for ‘Heart My Hospice’ to help raise awareness during Hospice Care Week (8-12 October).

Forest Holme will be asking the local community to share their experiences of what hospice care means to them.

Manager of the charity, Anne Currie, explains, “Forest Holme doesn’t just care for patients, it ensures that it is there for their loved ones too.”

The charity supports the 12 bedded in-patient ward, equipment, funding for nurses, complementary therapies, counselling, bereavement support, and more.

One person, who has experience of the care Forest Holme offers, is 24-yearold Sammy-Jo Stanley, who has subsequently helped raise nearly £9,000 for the hospice as a thank you.

She said, “Forest Holme for me was a place I first turned to when my nan passed away from cancer in October 2009. At 15, I really needed guidance on how to deal with the grief and the hospice counselling team pulled me through, helping me to come to terms with the grief process.” She added that the hospice provided outstanding care when her mum was diagnosed with cancer too, providing support to the family. “This hospice touches many people’s lives at such a devastating time in life and their support and kindness always shines through,” she said.

During Hospice Care Week, please help spread the word by sharing your experiences and memories of Forest Holme using the hashtag #IHeartForestHolme on social media.

Sammy-Jo Stanley

Forest Holme, part of Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, provides palliative and end-of-life care within the hospice and out in the community across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck. It is reliant on charitable donations to ensure that it can continue to provide the best possible care for patients. Hospice care is free.

Record attendance at Air Festival

Among an actionpacked programme, the 11th Bournemouth Air Festival showcased a futuristic jet suit that looked straight out of a superhero movie and a UK first with the Breitling Jet Team.

A phenomenal 1,006,000 people attended between 30 August and 2 September, with the good weather tempting almost 2,000 boats into the bay. One of the big draws was the ever-popular Red Arrows who thrilled spectators on three of the days.

Bournemouth Air

Festival will be back again on 29 August-1 September 2019.

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

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Farewell Fayrewood A farewell party for Fayrewood Ward at St Leonards Hospital was organised in early September and paid for by the staff.

The ward closure, which took place on 30 September, has marked the start of the phased closure of one of the best NHS facilities in Dorset. Its demise came about following the recent Clinical Services Review and the phased closure will see the outpatients department shut down in December.

The Fayrewood Ward party, organised by ward clerk Judy Martin, was enjoyed by past and present staff. One said, “It was such a lovely day. The planes from the air show were going right over the hospital and it was like they were giving us our very own flypast.

Despite the tragedy of the hospital closing, we were celebrating the service we have been able to give over the years. There is nothing else like this in the area.”

Other local people have voiced their dismay to mags4dorset via correspondence and on Facebook: …many of us voted to keep open St Leonards because it was doing an excellent job,… …I thought the consultation would uphold the views of the majority, but they just did their own thing and will be closing St Leonards. How sad is that.

Lesley Eve, Verwood.

I have used the hospital as an outpatient and I have an appointment to attend again in the near future so feel that I know what I am talking about when I say that this hospital is a key part of our community.

Roger Long, West Moors

Have dealt with the fantastic staff at Fayrewood and Canford ward for a few years both on spoa and dhc. Good luck with whatever your future guys. It’s been a pleasure.

Mechelle Heynes, FB So sad to lose this hospital.

Good luck to all the lovely staff in their future careers.

Lisa White, FB

Staff past and present say a fond farewell to Fayrewood © Judy Martin

Such a great loss to our community. There’s always a wait for people who need these rehabilitation beds, that’s bound to have an impact on bed availability at RBH. In addition, the planners seem to have completely overlooked the poor provision of public transport in this area for residents to access other hospitals. Noreen Larry, FB

Despite our attempts, they close it; short-sighted poor decision.

Community deserved better.

Hold ups and no beds in main hospitals, this decision beggars belief. This was a predetermined decision making consultation a joke. Andy Skeats, Facebook Surely a candidate for a muchneeded care facility/mental care facility. Has the NHS authority gone stupid? Geoff Glover, FB So sad this hospital will be sorely missed. They have built all the new homes next door without any infrastructure no shops, doctors survey schools etc could they not have kept a section at least and turned it into a doctors surgery, dentist, etc…

Pat Baddams, FB

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

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New Cinema Complex comes to Poole The Dolphin Shopping Centre has been granted planning permission to convert existing space into a nine-screen cinema with dining restaurants. Construction is expected to start later this year to convert the former Argos store and adjoining units into the complex.

Manager at the Dolphin Shopping Centre, John Grinnell said, “This latest investment will further shift the shopping centre

towards a truly family-orientated offer and will help bring an element of trade that will extend into the evenings, creating a strong daytime and evening attraction for the south coast town.

“The cinema, at the heart of the shopping centre, will help generate more vibrancy and appeal for the town as a whole and will provide significant additional amenity for visitors to the Dolphin.”

Empire Cinemas has signed a 25-year lease to operate what will be the first multiplex in the town centre, with one of the nine screens being open-air on the rooftop, giving a memorable experience for residents and holidaymakers.

The development is the latest in an 18-month improvement programme introduced by Legal & General who bought the Dolphin Shopping Centre in 2013. It has invested £26 million into the programme to introduce changes including new retailers, mall refreshes and public realm updates.

The Dolphin has an annual footfall of 11 million, a square footage of 530,000 and over 100 restaurant, leisure and retail brands.

Man jailed for drug offences

A man caught carrying 46 wraps of heroin and 56 wraps of cocaine after being stopped by officers in September 2017, has been jailed.

Stanley Ainsley, 51 and of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty last year to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property but failed to attend court for sentencing. He handed himself in to officers on 21 August and was taken straight to Bournemouth Crown Court where he was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison.

He was also handed a twomonth concurrent prison term for failing to appear for sentence.

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4DORSET October 2018

health & FITNESS Brexit could cause midwife services to collapse

Ecotherapy to improve community’s health The new health secretary, Matt Hancock, recently urged doctors to suggest social prescribing such as gardening and arts activities rather than anti-depressants.

Bournemouth is one step ahead with a new project that offers volunteering sessions within the town’s parks to improve participants’ health and wellbeing.

Parks in Mind, started by a local charity, Bournemouth Parks Foundation, aims to improve self-esteem, confidence, healthy living and physical activity for the local community, particularly people living with mental health stress.

Sessions will take place at Churchill Gardens, Knyveton Road and Shelley Park in Boscombe, and Horseshoe Common in Bournemouth.

For more information or if you’d like to join in the sessions, visit bournemouthparksfoundation.org.uk/ our-projects/parks-in-mind

With a possible Brexit no-deal looming, it has been revealed that there is a midwife crisis in England.

The number of NHS midwives in England rose by just 67 in the last year, despite universities turning out over 2,000 newlytrained staff, according to the latest State of Maternity Services Report published on 12 September by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM).

There were the equivalent of 21,601 fulltime midwives working in the NHS in England in May, according to the most recent figures from NHS Digital, up just 67 on a year earlier.

The rise contrasts sharply with the 2,132 midwives who graduated from English universities in 2016/17.

Commenting, RCM chief executive Gill Walton said, “It is of deep concern that we’re only seeing an increase of about one NHS midwife for every 30 or so newly-qualified

midwives graduating from our universities. It’s not that new midwives aren’t getting jobs, they are. The problem is that so many existing midwives are leaving the service that the two things almost cancel each other out.”

She warned that if the trend continues, more action would be required on retaining existing staff, including EU-trained midwives. She highlighted that in the year to March, the number of European midwives leaving the register jumped from 160 to 234.

She said, “…my fear is that if Brexit goes ahead, especially without a deal, then their numbers could quite simply collapse. More

needs to be done right now to guarantee their right to stay and work in the UK post-Brexit, even if there is no deal...” She warned, if more midwives left, the shortage would get even worse.

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

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health & FITNESS - advertisement feature -

Work, Gym, Social.

Repeat Make time for your health this month, and to help you during October, Ferndown Leisure Centre is offering new joiners 3 months for the price of 2 with no joining fee on their premium and swim-only memberships, saving you up to £63.

Premium membership includes:

• Places Locker –the app for quick online booking, to track your moves, join challenges, download programmes and more • 14 days advanced booking • Your Journey – 3 free one-to-one sessions with a member of the fitness team • Unlimited gym use • Unlimited classes • Unlimited pool use for Just Swim, Fitness and Fun sessions • Free use of SWIMTAG – wearable technology to track your swim performance and stroke • Receive news and promotional offers.

Swim-only membership includes:

• Places Locker – the app for quick online booking, to track your moves, join challenges, download programmes and more • 14 days advanced booking • Unlimited pool use for Just Swim, Fitness and Fun sessions • Free use of SWIMTAG – wearable technology to track your swim performance and stroke • Receive news and promotional offers.

• Children’s swimming lessons Contact Becky or Sue from the Swim Team if you would like your children to become safe and confident in the water.

Make time to be a swimmer or better swimmer

Would you like to be confident in the water, or learn to swim or improve your swim technique? There’s an adult swim programme that will help you achieve this.

For more information contact Ferndown Leisure Centre on 01202 877468 or email enquiries@ferndownleisurecentre.co.uk

Surprise! It’s Chris Jarvis Popular children’s TV presenter, Chris Jarvis, surprised pupils of Langside School when he popped in for a tour.

As patron of Diverse Abilities, which runs the school, Chris enjoys meeting the people the disability charity cares for. He loved his most recent visit and said, “It was so good to drop into Langside. It’s a school that’s as bright and happy on the inside as it is on the outside. The amazing teachers, carers and students are the sunniest and most inspiring people you could ever meet. Thanks for showing me around!”

Chris Jarvis will soon begin rehearsals for this year’s panto at Lighthouse, Poole, where he will be directing and performing as Dick Whittington from 7-31 December.

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4DORSET October 2018

health & FITNESS Cancer support group for women A new support group has been set up at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) for patients who have had a gynaecological cancer diagnosis.

Women who have experienced a gynaecological cancer diagnosis are getting together on a bi-monthly basis at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital to support each other to move forward following their treatment.

A safe place to discuss anything from diagnosis to treatment side effects, the meetings aim to offer mutual support and companionship. The group, which plans to get together for day trips, lunches, as well as afternoon coffee catch-ups and information

sessions, is made up of around 10 women at various stages of their cancer journey.

June Lines, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, said, “I get real comfort from meeting other people who have had the same cancer and similar experiences to me. The group has met a few times now and we talk about our experiences of cancer – it’s so reassuring to be able to discuss a side effect or treatment and know that you’re not alone.”

The group meets every eight weeks on a Wednesday from 2-4pm in the Jigsaw Building at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

For more information, email mary. brinsdon@rbch.nhs.uk or call 01202 704938.

Community Friends here to help A new Ferndown-based charity, Community Friends, has been formed as a result of the announcement that St Leonards Hospital is due to close.

The Fayrewood Ward will be relocated in Bournemouth as the first stage of the phased closure.

St Leonards Hospital was supported for over half a century by a League of Friends.

The existing Friends wanted to continue their good work and have now become Community Friends. They will continue to support and maintain the preservation of health among people living in Ferndown, St Leonards and surrounding areas.

Community Friends will provide physical aids, equipment, facilities and

services ancillary to those provided by doctors, to assist in the treatment and care of those suffering from physical illness, or in need of rehabilitation.

The charity aims to improve facilities and equipment for the benefit of patients and people in the local community.

Community Friends will also interact with other organisations in the area working towards similar aims. It will also accept surplus equipment from local services and fundraise to purchase new equipment and other related services.

To request a specific item or services call Community Friends: 07811 467360; email chairman@communityfriends.org.uk or visit www.communityfriends.org.uk

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

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education NEWS New specialist education bases now open Five new bases to help support children with special educational needs (SEN) in Dorset opened last month.

Parley First School in Ferndown and West Moors Middle School now have a base for up to 10 children with complex communication needs. In addition, the following host specialist bases to support school children (aged 4-16) with social, emotional, and mental health needs: • • •

Dorchester Learning Centre (24 places) The Forum Centre, Blandford (8 places) Compass Learning Centre in Weymouth (24 places)

Dorset has seen a 49 per cent increase in children with an Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), formally known as SEN statements. There were 2,094 children and young people with an EHCP at the end of March and the council expects that figure to have increased to more than 2,440 by 2023.

Strong results for grammar school Poole Grammar School’s A level results were very strong, with 70.17% of grades at A*/A/B, with a pass rate of 98.93%. This represents a significant increase in the proportion of higher grades when compared with 2017.

The proportion getting in to their first or second choice university offer remains at the high level of recent years.

Head teacher, Andy Baker, said “Congratulations to all students for their achievements, and to their teachers and parents for the support and challenge they provided them with during their time at Poole Grammar. We are delighted that their hard work and determination has been rewarded with such excellent results.”

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4DORSET October 2018

Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Derek Borthwick, Mayoress Mrs Borthwick and VIP guests with the cadets

Flight simulator takes off The RAF Air Cadets 130 (Bournemouth) Squadron has been awarded £5,000 from the Talbot Village Trust enabling the installation of a flight simulator. The project had been in the pipeline for more than five years and took 12 months to build.

Based at Drill Hall in Bournemouth, the air cadet unit supports young people to get active and learn new skills including flying and gliding through a structured training programme supported by the RAF. This training programme is community-based and is open to anyone aged between 13 and 20 years.

There are more than 900 squadrons across the country, and the 130 (Bournemouth) Squadron is the latest to benefit from the installation of a flight simulator, purchased with the funding provided by Talbot Village Trust.

Louise Mulcahy, chairman of Civilian Committee of 130 (Bournemouth) Squadron, said, “The completion of the flight simulator complements classroom activities and learning for our cadets, by

providing a realistic insight into both flying and air traffic control.”

Russell Lucas-Rowe, trustee of Talbot Village Trust, added, “It was fantastic to be invited along to the opening of the flight simulator and to see first-hand how the squadron’s learning will be enhanced through this new training equipment.

“It is great to see young people come together with the common purpose to serve their community and learn advanced skills that are recognised by the RAF. As a trust we are so pleased to have provided the squadron with this support and look forward to seeing how the simulator has helped those wishing to pursue a career in the RAF.” Talbot Village Trust meets biannually, and will be accepting applications for funding from both previous and new applicants in the area before the trustees meet in the autumn. Please go to www.talbotvillagetrust.org for more information.

education NEWS - advertisement feature -

Ferndown Students Excel Again Ferndown students had another excellent set of exam results this summer, equal to their record-breaking year in 2017.

Come and see why at one of their upcoming open evenings:

Year 8 Open Evening Wednesday 3 October 2018, 6.30pm – 8.30pm Headteacher talk at 6.30pm School Tours on Tues 9 and Thurs 11 October at 9am Email: reception@fernup.dorset.sch.uk 6th Form Open Evening Thursday 18 October 2018, 6.30pm – 8.30pm Headteacher talk at 6.30pm Headteacher, Philip Jones commented, “I am very proud of the achievements of our students; they have performed superbly and have now received their just reward. From a whole school point of view, this is now the third year in a row of outstanding results and I am very proud to be the headteacher of such a highly performing school, where students enjoy their learning and also gain the qualifications that they need for their future careers.”

At GCSE, 17% of all grades achieved were A* or A grades (grades 9-7), and over half of all grades gained by students were A* to B (or grades 9-5).

Progress 8, the new key government accountability measure is predicted to be +0.30, an improvement

upon last year when Ferndown was placed in the top 20% of schools nationally and the highest achieving school in the area.

After receiving the highest A Level results in Dorset last year (combined A Level and Applied General value added), Ferndown Upper students performed even better this year with 10% of students receiving the highest of grades, an A* or Distinction* (beating the national average), 33% receiving A* or A grades, and 100% passing (also beating the national average).

The outcomes for STEM and Creative Arts subjects were superb, placing Ferndown Upper as the very heart of STEM excellence in the area. Other

standout subjects were MFL, Sociology, Textiles, Business, HSC and Travel.

Vocational subjects also performed extremely highly (Sport, Media and IT), scoring a ‘Value Added’ score of +0.80, which will place their achievements in the top 1% of the country.

“The school is very pleased of the fact that 100% of our Year 13 gained a place at university, employment or on an apprenticeship,” added Philip Jones.

For more information about the school, visit www.fernup.dorset.sch.uk or call 01202 871243.

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

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home IMPROVEMENTS

AVOIDING WINTER WOES IN YOUR HOME

By Arabella Watkiss and Carol Waterkeyn

Hot, sunny days on the beach seem like a distant dream as we enter October and it’s important now that the cold weather is approaching, to carry out some essential jobs with radiators, windows and other fittings in the house.

Here are a few things to do to prepare for winter: HEATING

During the winter months, you are going to need powerful radiators and so bleeding them is hugely important. A sure sign that they need bleeding is if the radiators are not completely heating up when you turn on your central heating. If trapped air is in the radiators, they may not work at all, or only warm up at the bottom because the water cannot fill the space containing the air bubble.

Remember to turn off your heating system first. Grab your radiator key (if you can’t find it, you can get a replacement from any DIY shop). Twist the key slowly in an anti-clockwise motion to release the air. Protect the floor with towels. You should be able to hear air escaping. When this stops, it means that water will soon come out of the hole so do the valve up quickly when all the air is released.

If you haven’t already done so, you should have your boiler serviced before the colder months creep in. This will help avoid a breakdown in the depths of winter and keep your boiler running smoothly.

WOOD BURNERS AND OPEN FIRES

These look very cosy in winter, but don’t forget to order in a good supply of fuel to keep you going through the colder months. You don’t want to suddenly run out. The same goes for oil, if you rely on oil-fired heating.

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Big Bang Promotion!

The Benchmarx Big Bang promotion is still on!

Don’t miss Benchmarx Kitchen and Joinery’s biggest promotion of the year for kitchens, doors, flooring, Velux windows, taps and more.

This local supplier has a massive selection readily available to the trade and also offers a free design service for the homeowner.

Made to measure worktops include

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4DORSET October 2018

granite, quartz, Corian and Silestone. New in: the true handless range for your kitchen.

The Big Bang promotion runs until 31 October 2018, but Benchmarx will provide any kitchens in November at October prices. A deal not to be missed! Check them out now at www. benchmarxkitchens.co.uk and for a free design call 01202 577712.

home IMPROVEMENTS TO ADVERTISE IN home IMPROVEMENTS Call 01202 816140 WINDOWS

If your windows are single-glazed, you are likely to feel colder indoors than if your house has double- or triple-glazing. Single-glazed windows have only one layer of glass, which allows heat to escape more easily. Re-glazing might be something to think about in preparation for the winter months ahead. If you don’t want to re-glaze, consider sourcing window insulation film for the glass.

DOORS

A double- or triple-glazed front and back door will make a significant difference to the heat loss from your home. The postman probably won’t thank you, but also think about letterboxes which you can get covers for. You can use draught excluder ‘sausages’ on draughty internal doors. These can be easily purchased, or made from material and stuffed with kapok.

LOFTS AND WALLS

It has been estimated that around 25% of heat is lost through the roof and so, it might also be a good idea to think about upgrading the insulation in your loft. Insulating with mineral wool or fibreglass is a simple way to reduce heat loss and therefore your energy bills. If your loft is easy to access and has no condensation problems, you might be able to insulate the loft yourself using rolls of mineral wool. However, it is also possible to get it done professionally. You would need to be a reasonably competent DIY-er for this as it can be a little dangerous if you’re using fibreglass. If you’re unsure, call a professional installer to do it for you. It’s worth researching to see if there are any government grants available. These can sometimes be organised through your utility provider. Dorset County Council is involved in a scheme for loft and cavity wall insulation and more. If you are aged over 65, have one of several listed health conditions, or are on a low income you may also qualify to have a new heating system installed free of charge.

Visit www.healthyhomesdorset.org.uk for more details or telephone the Centre for Sustainable Energy on 0300 003 7023 to speak to an adviser.

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

| 17

home IMPROVEMENTS FABRIC ENHANCEMENTS

Rugs, throws, and velvet or fake-fur cushions in darker shades will add to the feeling of warmth around your home. Thermal-lined curtains in warm fabrics and tones are also a very effective way of keeping the heat in.

DAMP

With the advent of colder, wetter weather, damp and condensation can be a problem.

Ensure your homes are well ventilated whenever possible. Open windows or use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens to let out the steam. If you dry washing indoors, again ensure that windows are open. Dry window sills and glass that have condensation to prevent mould from appearing.

GUTTERS

After October-time, it is a good idea to clean the gutters. Leaves and pine needles that have fallen will have collected in drainpipes and gutters and so it is the perfect time, after the autumn months to clear them. Blocked drains and the potential resulting leaks through gutters or walls, are not things you want to be thinking about around Christmas!

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4DORSET October 2018

home IMPROVEMENTS

How your wall colour affects your mood

By Josie Klein

Understanding the psychology of the colour of the walls in your house may help you transform your home and contribute to feelings of positivity and relaxation.

Wall colours are not something that everyone consciously notices, and whilst we don’t spend a lot of time staring at a wall, its colour can affect our moods everyday.

Colour psychology offers an insight into how certain colours impact mental, emotional and behavioural responses. It can, therefore, be used to guide paint colour choices and give you more control over the way you desire to feel in each room.

Using various colour combinations can introduce a variety of instinctual emotional reactions: be it calming, aggressive or dramatic. Reactions to colour can be subjective with each individual experiencing a different emotional reaction to a palette, but generally, certain types of colours produce particular responses. Colours can be either warm- or cool-based in tone. Warm colours, which are hues with warm undertones such as reds, yellows and yellow-greens, are radiant and cosy, instilling a feeling of intimacy as they can make rooms feel smaller. Cool colours, which are hues with cool undertones such as purples, blues and blue-greens, are calming when paired with natural light; however, they do have the ability to make a

room feel larger and colder. It is, therefore, important to consider the impact you want. Every individual room can introduce positivity as long as it is painted with colours that evoke healthy responses.

Dulux, the UK’s leading paint brand, has revealed its coveted Colour of the Year for 2019, named Spiced Honey. An expert panel of colour designers, design specialists, trend forecasters, architects and editors from around the world have created a colour that suitably embodies the mood of the moment for the year ahead. 2019 marks the 16th year of the global ColourFutures™ annual trend forecast from the brand. The Spiced Honey colour is comprised of warm and inviting amber tones, which can be both warm and cool depending on the light surrounding it and represents the societal need to reach out in the coming year.

If you are considering colour changes in any rooms in the house, colour psychology can be used to assist with your choices so that the palettes you use in any given room help it achieve a particular mood, goal or function. The key is to go for whatever makes you feel good: your house, your rules.

Dulux colour of the year 2019: Spiced Honey

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

| 19

home IMPROVEMENTS TO ADVERTISE IN 4DORSET

Call 01202 816140

G etting your home ready for the onslaught at Christmas

By Carol Waterkeyn

Christmas is time for family and friends but you can suddenly find your home invaded by extra adults and children for a few days between Christmas and New Year.

As well as all the increases in catering, there’s the sometimesdifficult dilemma of how to accommodate all those extra people, especially if you don’t occupy a big house like in Downton Abbey (aka Highclere Castle).

If your guests are sleeping over it’s even more of a problem. Would extra beds be the answer?

The truckle beds of Tudor times, where servants slept on a low, wheeled bed that stored under their master’s four-poster, might come in handy these days for the children. The modern equivalent is a trundle bed; and bunk beds might prove their worth for extra children. Futons or sofa beds are also great over Christmas. Blow-up

mattresses and camp-beds make useful additions.

Then, consider extra sleeping bags, duvets, sheets and pillows unless the visitors can bring their own. You’ve still got time this month to order any extra beds and purchase any bedding needed.

It’s often the case, when you know there will be visitors coming into your home, that you can suddenly see the need for new carpets, flooring and maybe a lick of paint on

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Tucked away in Mill Lane is a hidden gem in the guise of the ‘Dorset Chairman’ where you will find designer fabrics and trimmings for both upholstery and curtains. From luxurious velvets, warming wools and soft linens to contemporary cotton prints: Art of the Loom, Linwood, Moons, Johnstons of Elgin, Mulberry, G,P & J Baker to name but a few.

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The ‘Dorset Chairman’ and his team, with more than 80 years combined knowledge and experience, offer a complete refurbishment, re-upholstery service to meet your needs.

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Making all this possible, and bringing a world of experience to the ‘Dorset Chairman’ is its founder and Master Upholsterer, Alan J Payne.

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4DORSET October 2018

home IMPROVEMENTS some worn areas. Again, there’s still time to choose new floorcoverings and get them fitted and also to bring the paintbrushes out, allowing time for the paint to dry and the fumes to dissipate. (See page 19 for some suggestions on colours). What about the bathroom? Is it jaded and in need of a refresh?

When it comes to the catering, do you have enough work surfaces in your kitchen for preparing food? A butcher’s block or trolley is a useful piece of furniture. We’ve just

bought one for our home.

It’s on wheels so it can be moved about the kitchen and it came from Scotts of Stow but Ikea and lots of other companies sell them, too. Is your oven in good condition and up to the job of cooking a big turkey or other show-stopping dinner? You really don’t need the cooker breaking down on you at Christmastime when there’s so much more food to prepare. If you get in quick and order a new one, you will have time to practise cooking with it before the big Christmas or

New Year meal.

Do you have a large enough dining table and the right number of chairs for sitting round it? Or would a few more be useful? Garden chairs could be used at a pinch (but not deck chairs or your guests will be seated too low). A picnic table with a cloth over can be used as a temporary solution to extend your dining table.

Think, too, of crockery, glasses and cutlery. Do you need to borrow/ hire some? It’s amazing how many you can get through unless you have a private army of washeruppers or constantly have the dishwasher on. And, are your saucepans and serving dishes big enough for the larger quantities of vegetables, or do you need extra?

Think, too, of napkins, tablecloths and bathroom towels for your guests.

Finally, you can plan the table decorations and other Christmas decorations to enhance the atmosphere, so that everyone can have a jolly old time and your guests will be impressed by your impeccable planning and lovely home.

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

| 21

KEEP IT LOCAL Don’t try to Reinvent the Wheel Y ears ago, shopping local was part of the fabric of society.

How many of you can remember when there was a corner shop on every street corner (where else) and local villages and towns were crammed with fresh produce? You could always find a vegetable shop, a butcher, a baker (not a candlestick maker, I’m certain you’re not that old), and the allessential hardware store within walking distance.

A chemist, post office, bank, hairdresser, ironmonger, haberdashery and sweet shop were often there too, and maybe the local garage with pumps on the forecourt.

Then motorcar sales boomed and the one-car family gradually became the two, three or four-car family. People travelled further afield to seek out

By Janine Pulford

bigger stores and find new and exciting things that they hadn’t been able to buy before. As more women joined the workforce whilst bringing up their families, the daily trip to the butcher and baker became impractical and turned into a once-aweek love affair with the supermarket.

But whoever invented the wheel knew a thing or two about turning full circle. It seems to happen throughout the universe from procreation to politics. So unsurprisingly, shopping miles have now become buzz words.

They measure the energy and pollution associated with moving whatever you’re buying from its source to your retailer, or more commonly with the internet, to your home. These miles can add up enormously, particularly if raw materials are sent from another country before being assembled and distributed.

You can easily reduce shopping miles. By doing so, you will help reduce energy expended and the emissions that contribute to climate change.

Here are my six top tips to reducing shopping miles:

Shop locally I shop locally almost on a daily basis. I love to support my local retailers.

If I get a problem, which is rare, I can deal with them direct and get a quick solution.

Not only that, by shopping locally, I know I am supporting the local economy and employment.

Being a local employer, I realise how important this is. There is also the bonus of minimising energy expenditure and emissions associated with transport.

One common definition of local food, is produce grown within 100 miles of

its point of purchase or consumption.

Sometimes it isn’t possible to buy what you need locally, because so many shops have closed over the years. However, you can choose to buy British wherever possible.

Perfect for when BREXIT kicks in. If the goods are made locally, that’s even better.

Rethink shopping online You may think online shopping is convenient, but consider the shopping miles. Where did the raw materials come from?

Where was the product assembled? Where is the warehouse that is sending it to you? What about all the unnecessary packaging that you will have to throw away, or recycle?

Online fashion can be dreadfully problematic if you end up having to send the goods back if you don’t like them, or they don’t fit, causing more wasted miles.

I rarely shop online because of the disappointment I have experienced when doing this. Online shopping is a last resort for me rather than a first port of call.

If you really can’t avoid online purchases, how about buying them in bulk rather than piecemeal?

Walk, cycle or catch the bus Instead of wasting your fuel by taking the car, why not walk, cycle, or catch the bus? These options will not only give you exercise, but will also reduce your shopping miles. You will also plan more carefully because you will want to get as much done in one trip as possible. I haven’t yet ditched my car, but I do cycle for exercise and know the benefits.

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Shop sustainably Every time you purchase a product, you have the choice to shop sustainably.

Decide on what is important to you and make decisions through your choices. For instance, I now refuse plastic bags.

I have even declined goods that I want to purchase because the shopkeeper only has a plastic bag to put them in. It is up to you to make a difference and say “no thank you.”

Buy seasonal produce Support your local farmers and businesses by buying food that is in season. Doing this will reduce transportation and refrigeration associated with food miles and also provide you with the freshest produce available.

Fresh food looks better, is more nutritious and tastier.

It makes more sense to buy it seasonally when there is a glut, as prices are cheaper, too. It is getting harder to know what is in season because vegetables and fruit are being grown all over the world and shipped in. By ‘in season’ choose those that have been grown locally for that time of year.

Check www.vegsoc.org for more information. Here are a few seasonal winter vegetables you should be finding in your shops now: courgettes, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, leeks, parsnips, marrows, spinach, runner beans, swede and celery. Buying seasonally will also mean you can look forward to the seasons bringing new flavours. I adore blackberry and apple pies and it wouldn’t occur to me to buy blackberries out of season, or at all really, as I pick them from the hedgerows.

By growing your own food, you will eliminate all packaging, energy expenditure and emissions.

I’m not saying it will save you money. My husband grows chillies, tomatoes, runner beans, strawberries and herbs, but they don’t take care of themselves.

There always seems to be something new coming into the garden, be it a tub or cloche, watering system or soil, but one thing is certain, the food is tastier and plentiful in season.

And if you can’t freeze the excess, you can always offer it to family, friends and neighbours.

British Food Fortnight is 25 September to 7 October

“I was always told as a child that it was no good trying to reinvent the wheel. I took this literally, but over time, I have realised that it is an analogy for almost everything.

Shopping miles have nearly taken us full circle with our shopping habits and are bringing us back to recognising the value of shopping locally.”

Grow your own This may not be an option for you, but it’s surprising what you can do in a small amount of space. How about a balcony garden if you are in a flat, or an indoor garden? Maybe you could gain support to start a community garden.

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

| 23

Four heroes; brought together at the tank museum

Remembrance commemorates end of WW1 11.11.1918-11.11.2018

It’s nearly 100 years ago that the First World War ended, and a new world began. Remembrance Day this year will see the Royal British Legion marking the centenary of the end of the First World War with commemorations in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The focus will be on remembrance, education and legacy. Remembrance Day falls on Sunday 11 November.

The example and experience of those who lived through the First World War shaped the world we live in today. In 2018 The Royal British Legion is also leading the nation in saying “Thank You” to all who served, sacrificed, and changed our world. Join in the conversation by using #THANKYOU100

Cry for peace On 11 November ‘A Cry for Peace Around the World’ will take place as town criers throughout the nation and beyond raise their voices in a unified cry to remember the brave men and women in history.

Locally Mike Andrews, Ferndown town crier will be joining the national cry at the Royal British Legion Club in Church Road, Ferndown at 7.05pm.

The unified cry will be a nation’s tribute to commemorate 100 years of Remembrance and beacons will be lit. Throughout the world, town criers have been asked to make the cry at 7.05 local time so that there will be a rolling ‘cry’ through the time zones as it travels across the globe that evening.

Hampshire Police Band concert

Royal British Legion Ringwood & District Branch is holding a concert by The Hampshire Police Band in Aid of the Poppy Appeal. The concert will be on Saturday 20 October at 7.30pm in Ringwood Parish Church. Tickets are £9 in advance from Grants in the Furlong, Meeting House & Greyfriars, Or £10 on the door.

Appeal launches

Throughout the region poppy launches will be taking place on Saturday 27 October. In Ferndown this will be at 10am outside the Barrington Centre. In Ringwood, it will be outside The Ringwood Gateway with the presentation of a poppy to the Ringwood mayor at 11am. The Dorset Poppy Launch will take place on Friday 26 October in Bournemouth.

Celebration of songs and drama

Pack Up Your Troubles performed by Poole & Parkstone Productions will take place on 8 and 10 November at the Barrington Theatre in Ferndown. In its 99th year of entertaining, P&P Productions will commemorate the end of World War 1 with a celebration of songs, poems and drama from both World Wars. The nostalgic recollection will include sing-along tunes such as Roll out the Barrel, The Lambeth Walk and pack Up Your Troubles.

Remembrance Day 11 November 11am

Services and parades will be held throughout the country at war memorials, halls and churches. In the United Church, Ferndown at 10.30am there will be a live link to the Cenotaph. At 6.45pm “Battle’s Over” WW1 Centenary, Beacon and Bells will take place at St Mary’s Church Tower.

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4DORSET October 2018

(L-R) Picture of the Victoria Cross, Richard Wain, Cecil Sewell, Clement Robertson and Richard West

For the first time ever, the four Victoria Crosses awarded to members of the Tank Corps in World War One have been brought together and put on display.

The Tank Museum in Bovington has managed to secure them all in a special exhibition.

The museum owns Cecil Sewell’s VC and Lord Ashcroft is loaning the one awarded to Richard West.

The family of Richard Wain loaned the museum his VC last year and following an appeal, the final VC, that belonged to Clement Robertson, has also been secured.

The VC is the highest award for gallantry and the stories of how the tank men won them are staggering. All four men received their VCs posthumously.

Clement Robertson – aged 26

Robertson was the first Tank Corps officer to receive a VC. It was for his heroics at Passchendale on 4 October 1917.

Prior to an advance he spent three days in no-man’s-land marking out the routes for his tanks to follow – all under heavy fire.

On the day – even with the routes taped out – he thought the tanks might still lose their way and get bogged down.

So he decided to lead them on foot, refusing to take cover from the shell and bullet fire. As the tanks continued forward Robertson was shot and killed, but his selfsacrifice led to a successful attack.

Captain Richard Wain – aged 20

Captain Wain was given the VC for his heroics at the Battle of Cambrai on 20 November 1917. Though seriously injured during the battle, he shunned a stretcher, climbed out of his tank with a Lewis gun and attacked the enemy. He captured a strong point, took prisoners and allowed the infantry to advance. He continued shooting at the retreating Germans until he received a fatal shot.

Cecil Sewell – aged 23

Sewell’s VC was for two linked actions on 29 August 1918. After seeing one of his fellow Whippet tanks fall into a shell-hole and catch fire, he leaped from his own tank and dug away the mud so the men could escape.

He then saw his own tank driver Gunner Knox was wounded and rushed to help. As he ran across open ground he was shot several times. While administering first

aid he was shot again, fatally. One report stated that when their bodies were found, Sewell was slumped over Knox’s body as if he were protecting him.

Richard West – aged 39

An experienced soldier when the war started, West was awarded his VC for two actions in 1918.

The first was leading men to their objective after having two horses shot from beneath him. The second was on 2 September when, as a LieutenantColonel attached to the Tank Corps and in command of the 6th Light Battalion and their Whippet tanks, he feared a retreat from his infantry due to an enemy counterattack.

Realising the danger, he rode on horseback up and down the line encouraging them to fight and defend their position.

His last words were, “Stick it, men; show them fight, and for God’s sake put up a good fight.”

According to his citation he then fell ‘riddled with bullets’, but his words and actions inspired the men and the attack was defeated.

David Willey, curator of the museum, said, “Having all four VCs together a century after they were awarded is a great moment for us. They have never been together before.

“Of course it wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance and generosity of Lord Ashcroft and the families of the recipients.

“As well as the VCs we will be displaying the men’s other medals and descriptions of what they did and photographs of them.

“All of the recipients received their VCs posthumously and the stories of their bravery is humbling and inspirational.

“Tanks were new, they were only introduced in September 1916. We can easily forget they were designed to save British lives.

“While we have the finest collection of tanks in the world it is always the stories of the men who fought in them that captures the imagination of our audience – and here are four of the best.”

The exhibition runs until 11 November.

EXCLUSIVE

Western riding – on the spur of the moment

By Janine Pulford

If you love horses and secretly harbour a dream to ride the dusty plains of Texas, now’s the time to make that spur of the moment decision, saddle up and learn western riding, which is growing in popularity.

What’s more, you don’t have to go to the States to enjoy it. Instead you can take your horse into the rolling Dorset countryside near Holt where ML Training instructor, Michael Langford, is there to teach you.

One of the ladies Michael is tutoring is his mother-in-law, Lesley Flay, who has just become the 2018 Western Equestrian Society Ranch Horse Champion. This is a huge achievement since she only took up western riding a few years ago, and prior to that, she was uncertain about getting into the saddle again.

Lesley has had horses for many years, and told me, “I had two bad falls. One resulted in a punctured lung and the other caused concussion. I lost my confidence and was very unsure about riding after that. Then I discovered the western style. Michael is a good instructor and he has given me my confidence back.”

Lesley explained that the western saddle also helps with confidence-building as it offers more security than a conventional saddle.

Lesley & Spirit

To complement her new-found riding style, Lesley purchased Spirit of a Big Gun, an American Paint Horse. These pretty horses have a strict bloodline and originate from the USA. Lesley bought him in Belgium and says he is her “perfect partner” and has a “really nice temperament.”

But a good horse alone doesn’t make a champion. To reach their full potential, the rider has to work in partnership and be able to let their horse move freely and confidently. Lesley would be the first to say that this involves a lot of hard work and love, combined with a good trainer.

Her daughter Deborah – another committed western rider (being married to her tutor helps of course) – has an American Quarter Horse. These are bred for their sprinting speed over short distances. They are one of the oldest recognised breeds of horse in the United States. Dually, a 12-year-old sorrel gelding, was bred in Texas.

He and Deborah have also scooped awards.

There are three more horses in the stable, but Michael’s current star is one he purchased as a foal. A palomino, Mr, is also an American Quarter Horse. Now, aged only six, the stallion has a string of awards to his name and a superb temperament.

“He’s not always been like this,” said Michael. “Teaching a horse good behaviour is all part of the training and he is now pretty much perfect.” I noticed Mr’s docility around the other horses and stood next to him, while Michael was in the saddle, during the 15 minutes or so of the interview. Mr barely moved. A patient

10th Creative Writing Awards The 10th mags4dorset short story competition will be based around a ‘plastic nightmare’. The competition prizes are bigger than usual to celebrate the contest’s 10th anniversary.

If over 100 short stories are received, mags4dorset will donate £100 to the registered charity, Surfers Against Sewage.

The shortlist will be judged by author and short story writer Della Galton.

RULES • Entries must be fictional and your own work • Stories to be inspired by the words ‘plastic nightmare’ • Submissions should be doublespaced and typewritten • Do not use famous people’s names or brands • Word length 1,000 words or under • FEE: First entry £5. Further entries £3 each. Cheques to Pulford Publicity Ltd. • A title page, with a title, must be included with contact details, pen name if used, and word length • There must not be any identifying marks on the story itself other than its title and page numbers.

• Closing date: 30 October 2018

(L-R) Deborah, Michael & Lesley

PRIZES 1st £300 plus publication in 4Dorset or Viewpoint or in both, and online. 2nd £100 plus publication as above. Copyright remains with the author. mags4dorset’s privacy policy can be read at www. mags4dorset.co.uk Enter online at www. mags4dorset.co.uk or send to: Creative Writing Awards, mags4dorset, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ

and kind horse, he is also very responsive and can be ridden without a bridle as Michael has demonstrated on video. The bridles are quite minimalistic, often without a noseband or browband and sometimes without a cheek strap.

However, without reins is something else.

Other western riding kit includes chunky stirrups, spurs, the western saddle, smart shirt, leather boots, and of course, the cowboy hat.

As much as Lesley, Deborah and Michael enjoy the thrill of getting dressed up to compete and notching up a few more plaques and trophies, they know without their faithful companions, this would not be possible. Their love for their horses shows clearly as they lope (canter) around the ring and bring their horses to spectacular sliding stops on the soft ground.

It’s easy to see how you you could get hooked like Lesley has. She is an inspiration to anyone who wants to regain confidence with their riding. And what I also discovered as I was about to leave the Dorset ranch, was that Spirit of a Big Gun was 2017 Stallion of the Year at the Ranch Riding Championship. It seems the Texas dream has landed firmly in Dorset.

To find out more about western riding visit ML Training on Facebook or email michael@mltraining.co.uk. Michael says he will teach any rider with any horse and any tack. “The principles of western riding will help a horse to become softer and a rider to become straighter and more supple,” he said.

PFF is launched Plastic Free Ferndown (PFF) officially launched on 18 August outside the Barrington Centre with a free barbecue supplied and cooked courtesy of the Flying Teapot.

At the launch, Paula Jones, chief operating officer from Prama, the charity that runs the Barrington, announced the centre had become plastic free.

Paula said, “We are keen supporters of Plastic Free Ferndown and were very pleased to be part of the launch. PramaLIFE has stopped using any singleuse plastic in the centre, including the theatre, bar and Penny’s Café and will be encouraging all users of the Barrington Centre to adopt the same approach.”

The Barrington Centre was the first community building to take up the challenge.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Jean Read attended to discuss how the campaign, which is supported by Ferndown Town Council, was going.

The PFF committee carried out a 30-minute litter pick and filled two bags and a box with rubbish that had been thoughtlessly discarded on Penny’s Walk and in its shrubberies. Items included a large clock, 35 plastic bottles including a four-pint milk container, glass bottles, pint glasses and innumerable cigarette butts.

During the event, over £60 was generously donated to Surfers Against Sewage, the award winning charity that is guiding communities throughout the UK, including Ferndown, to becoming plastic free. Please join PFF on Facebook.

Shout out: Ferndown residents can recycle their plastic plant pots at Stewarts Garden Centres in Wimborne and Christchurch. Pots are crushed into pallet-size bales and collected by a specialist waste company that currently recycles them within the EU.

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

| 25

foodie NEWS

Bring your Party to Key West

By Janine Pulford

For a restaurant with an unparalleled location, visit Key West on Bournemouth Pier.

W

ith unrivalled views of sea, sand and stars, it is a prime spot for a meal, afternoon tea or any celebration you can think of.

As well as the restaurant, bar and grill, there’s a large sun terrace where you can

catch the rays or watch the sun go down.

Located almost at the end of the pier, Key West is part of the vibrancy of this iconic landmark that has attracted families since the 1800s. It’s a place to relax and unwind as you take in

the panoramic views from the Isle of Wight to Old Harry Rocks.

The restaurant offers traditional and contemporary dishes.

It also boasts a sprung dance floor making it an ideal choice for private club nights, parties, black tie events, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and more. Private bookings are welcomed and with Christmas on its way, Key West invites you to have your party at their place!

The food is awesome, too. mags4dorset had a bit of a party when it visited to sample the menu.

Starters

Pier prawn cocktail: A good looker, there was a generous portion of Atlantic prawns finished with Marie Rose sauce on seasonal leaves. Digging in, I enjoyed peppery notes of rocket, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber and sliced radishes. With a squirt of lemon, the whole was wellbalanced and satisfying.

There was fresh granary bread, too.

Saucy chicken wings: Arriving with peri-peri hot sauce, my husband, Nick, couldn’t wait to tuck in.

He showed restraint by ordering only half a kilo rather than a two-kilo pot!

The saucy part had a kick and paired well with the accompanying peri-peri.

Mains

Thai fish stew: The presentation blew me away. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I took the lid off the enormous pot. I kept telling myself ‘it’s nearly all fish – not too many calories

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4DORSET October 2018

and very nutritious.’ King prawns, cod and mussels with red onions, tomatoes and new potatoes were crowned with grilled mackerel fillets. There were prawn crackers as well. It was both challenging and beautiful and I couldn’t finish it all. The Thai spiced cream was the stand out with fennel, garlic, coriander and that lovely heat of chillies. I’m sure there was coconut, too.

I had been uncertain about Thai spices with mackerel, but they worked. If I wanted to be picky, I would say the mackerel could have been softer, but the crispy skin made up for it. If you like fish, it is a must-have dish, it was bold, flavoursome and exciting.

Key West all day brunch: This meal by comparison,

was not headline news.

Definite comfort food. The eggs were free range, the sausages were pork and it was all pretty selfexplanatory and typically British. The pea shoots were a nice touch and the chips were crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle.

Desserts

Rich chocolate sundae: I couldn’t contemplate anything more than the smallest taste of this dessert, but Nick seemed to have a never-ending appetite. Ice cream with chocolate brownie pieces, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and marshmallows were a great combination for my hungry man. I was happy to stop after the fish stew.

foodie NEWS The ambience at Key West is of space and relaxation. You don’t have to dress up to eat there and families are welcome. The restaurant opens at 10am every day for breakfast and the cakes, with gluten-free options, look scrumptious.

Lunch and afternoon cream teas are popular and you can even get your pooch some doggy ice cream.

From October, Key West will close at around 5pm. There is a pier toll, but after the end of October and throughout the winter, there are no charges. In the summer, the charges don’t apply after 6pm and the restaurant is open later at busier times. Check the website for updates. Once you pay to go onto the pier, the ticket lasts all season, so that’s a bonus.

Key West thrives off private bookings (up to 400 people) and will give you a great party in a prime location. Christmas parties should be booked now to avoid disappointment and Key West is offering a Christmas finger buffet and traditional Christmas meal with gluten-free options.

There’ll be a disco, so get your dancing shoes on.

The large domed ceiling will light up to really put you in the party spirit.

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

| 27

foodie NEWS

It’s time to plan for your Why not check out our advertisers for a great selection of places to hold your Christmas celebrations this year?

Whether it’s for the annual works shindig, or a family festive lunch, we’ve got it covered.

There’s a wide range

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4DORSET October 2018

By Carol Waterkeyn

of venues to consider for your perfect party: cosy pubs for something traditional, ethnic restaurants for something spicy, and restaurants that will provide a fine-dining experience.

Are you having a dress-code theme such

as outrageous Christmas jumpers, your best sparkly party outfits and suits, or fancy dress? Whatever you choose, don’t leave it too late to make your reservation(s).

Remember to circulate your chosen menus in good time so your colleagues and family members can make their selections in advance and the venue can ensure it has enough Christmas pudding, turkey or whatever gourmet delights you require, and crackers, of course.

If you are planning on drinking alcohol, and many of us are at this time of the year, don’t spoil a great lunch or night out by drinking too much and having to leave your car behind in the car park when you go home.

Instead, if you’re going out with friends, designate a non-drinking driver to ferry you home at the end. That way you can enjoy your drinks and get home in safe hands.

If this isn’t possible because all your friends want to drink, there are other alternatives.

One you may not automatically think about, is to catch the bus. Not only will it be a cost effective way of travelling,

foodie NEWS

you will also get plenty of fresh air and exercise when you walk to and from the bus stops. These days there are overnight services in some areas, so check out the morebus advertisement below to find out how easy it is to let the bus deliver you.

Hiring a taxi is another, but more expensive option, and do remember that if you’re picked up after midnight, the fare will increase significantly.

Another solution is to ask a friend to pick you up, obviously not one who is boozing down the road! A good friend won’t mind doing this, and you could return the favour when it’s their work’s do.

It would be polite to offer them petrol money and maybe something for the inconvenience if you call them at 2am!

If you want to arrive at your party in style and there is a small group of

you, there’s always limo hire. The limo company may expect you all to be at one house for the pick up, and they won’t want to be driving all over the country for the after party drop offs, so clarify everything with them at the time of booking.

On the plus side, they usually seat eight and though it is an expensive option, you can share the cost, and it is the sort of experience that will ramp up your evening to the

next level. Bubbly is often provided to get you in the party spirit before you arrive. On the down side, you will have to give a time for the pick up and stick to it. There is no point being a Cinderella these days – there are no princes left, even if the shoe fits!

Lastly, have a great time, but don’t go too mad on Facebook and Instagram, you may regret your drunken posts the following day.

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

| 29

Four spook-tacular Halloween decorations you can make at home

By Arabella Watkiss and Janine Pulford

With Halloween approaching, it’s a chance to get creative with some spooky do-it-yourself decorations.

These will keep the kids busy during half-term and make the house look hauntingly well-decorated for All Hallows Eve. Here are my DIY decoration ideas, plus the editor’s pick: 1. Permanent pumpkin

Although scooping out the guts of a pumpkin, before carving a ghostly face into it is a fun family tradition, why not skip the mess and create a permanent pumpkin you can pull out of the loft every year?

You’ll need a large mason jar, orange tissue paper, pva glue, water, a paintbrush, black paper and fairy lights.

First, unscrew the lid of the jar and put it to one side. Mix the pva glue with water (¾ pva glue, ¼ water). Cut or rip the orange tissue paper into strips and paint the glue mixture onto the strips, before affixing the paper to the jar. Do this until the jar is covered, papier maché style.

Papier maché can take up to 24 hours to dry so leave the jar overnight. Once dried, cut some spooky eyes and a mouth out of the black paper and stick it to the newlycovered jar. Put in a battery-powered tea light and voila, you have a permanent pumpkin.

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4DORSET October 2018

Halloween at beaulieu

2. Mice on the stairs

You will need, black paper or card, stencils, scissors, white pen or pencil. Draw mice and mouse holes onto the card, using stencils or freehand if you’re feeling really daring and cut the shapes out. Stick the shapes to the front of your stairs. This will look especially good if you have white stairs. You could also try spiders, bats, cats or any other Halloween-themed shapes.

3. ‘We’re watching you’ wreath

You will need, ping-pong balls, googly eyes, cardboard, and a glue gun.

Draw a large circle onto a piece of cardboard; perhaps use a large mixing bowl as a guide. Draw another smaller circle on the inside of your bigger circle and cut out your wreath. Paint the wreath in your chosen colour. Red or black are popular choices. Cut a hole at the top of the wreath, through which to put a ribbon. Glue a googly eye to each ping-pong ball to make eyes and then stick each eye to the wreath. You can also glue eyeballs to the existing eyeballs to cover the gaps. Make sure not to stick eyeballs over the hole at the top. Hang it on your door and give trick-or-treaters something to be frightened about! Be environmentally friendly and reuse it in the years to come.

4. Keep it simple (editor’s pick)

Simplicity is key for me. If you love pumpkins why not buy five or six, remove the stalks and cut a shallow hole in the top of each one. Scoop out just enough space to secure a hurricane candle (a specially designed jar that takes a candle) so it sticks up proudly from the pumpkin. These will look great along a driveway or path. Another effective way to use a fresh pumpkin is to cut the bottom off the pumpkin and clean out the inside. Get some durable stainless steel cutters of ghosts or leaves, stars or half moons. Small ones work best. Tap the cutter with a mallet to push it through the skin. Make enough shapes to allow plenty of air to circulate in the pumpkin. Place your pumpkin outside on the ground (not on anything combustible) over a tea light and enjoy the ghoulish show.

Halloween Event

Autumnal fantasy and folklore will be part of harvestthemed celebrations throughout the land. Beaulieu will be in the groove between 20-28 October when there will be Halloween stories, a spider hunt, crafts and ghoulish activities. In the Victorian Kitchen the cook will bake traditional autumn soul cakes, and costumed guides will tell chilling ghost stories from the past. For more information see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

Wimborne in Bloom committee with chairman, Richard Nunn (centre) and town crier Chris Brown who made a special cry before the photograph © Tom Scrase

Golden town bursts with pride For the fifth successive year, Wimborne Minster has won gold in the South and South East in Bloom awards. It was also the town category winner for the second year running and in a further flourish, the town was announced as the county winner.

In summary, the judges said that Wimborne had pulled out all the stops to show the town off to its best.

Wimborne in Bloom chairman, Richard Nunn, thanked the public for their comments

and letters to the press highlighting the magnificent displays. He said public recognition rewarded the hard work and support given by so many people and supporters, together with a hard-working committee. He also thanked Dutch Touch and Beecroft Nurseries who “supported Wimborne in Bloom magnificently.”

The result of Wimborne’s entry into the National Britain in Bloom competition will not be known until the middle of October.

Dorset drug ring busted: five sent to prison Six men involved in a drug dealing operation to supply cocaine and cannabis throughout Dorset have been sentenced.

Ringleader, Aaron Keith Arthur Robinson, 28, of Brazier Close, Bournemouth, received 10 years at Bournemouth Crown Court on 31 August after admitting offences of conspiring to supply class A drugs and blackmail.

James Martin Bruce-Joy, 28, of Mossley Avenue, Poole, and William Parkes, 61, of Seaborne Place were sentenced for conspiring to supply class A and class B drugs with Parkes also charged with money laundering. Bruce-Joy got 5 years 9 months, and Parkes 6 years 9 months.

Michael Alexander Scott, 29, of Albert Road, Poole; Jordan Lee Cook, 21, of Robert Louis Stevenson Avenue;

and Jonathan Lee Mills, 31, of Ashley Road, Bournemouth, were sentenced for conspiring to supply class A drugs. Scott got 5 years 6 months, Mills 4 years 3 months. Cook also admitted to possessing a class A drug with intent to supply. He received a two-year sentence, suspended for two years.

Robinson, and his associates, supplied high purity cocaine and cannabis across the county between January 2016 and January 2017. He was found to have 47 different mobile numbers.

The total value of drugs seized has been estimated at between £131,732 and £165,172 if sold in bulk amounts. Dealer lists seized from the crime group showed significant sums of money totalling over £600,000.

A cash total of £25,769 was also seized.

Light up for Christmas Join in the excitement of Ferndown Christmas Lights switch-on Saturday 24 November, from 1pm-5pm.

A Christmas market in Penny’s Walk will have lots of stalls offering gifts, games, food and drink. Not to be missed is the Ferndown Chamber of Commerce stall where you can buy tickets for the giant hamper raffle as well mince pies with mulled wine. A Christmas Craft Fair will also be held in the Barrington.

Little ones will get the chance to meet Father Christmas and have the moment captured by a professional photographer.

Townsend’s Amusements will again provide rides and games for the children

plus Christmas fare the whole family can enjoy. Live entertainment from local acts, bands and performing arts schools will entertain throughout the day and in the build up to the switching on of the lights at 5pm by the Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Jean Read.

The official programme produced by mags4dorset will be out at the end of October with full details of the event including the acts and timings – so keep an eye out for it.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Ferndown, Ferndown Chamber of Commerce and the Ferndown Town Council, the lights switch-on is Ferndown’s premier free-to-attend, town centre event and will be full of Christmas cheer.

Warning of rogue traders

And the winner is…

A warning has been issued by police about doorstep sellers in Ferndown and surrounding areas using aggressive tactics to sell loft insulation at a very high price. Dorset Police advises against any person buying from a company that is cold calling.

Ross Evans from Poole won the tickets to see the Ocean Film Festival at the Regent. The correct answer was the Pacific Ocean.

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

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around & ABOUT

what’s on

this month 5 October 7.20pm

Artist demonstration, Landscape in Acrylics by Lindsey J Cole at Charminster Art Club, Trinity URC Church Hall, Sutton Road, Bournemouth. Visitors welcome, £3 incl tea and coffee. More details: Kathy on 01202 393977 or Judy 01202 775909

6-7 October

Bournemouth Marathon Festival, starting in Kings Park.

7 October 10.30am-12 noon

Family Fungi Foray with expert, Phil Budd, at Moors Valley Country Park. Booking essential. £4 per person. All ages are welcome. To book, email rangers@moors-valley.co.uk.

8 October 2.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society illustrated talk, ‘Barrington Court Gardens’ by Christine Brain at West Moors Memorial Hall.

8 October 7.30pm

Wimborne Horticultural Society meeting with talk by Chris Bird on apples, with tasting. Harvest meeting – please take food for a shared supper. At Main Hall, Allendale Centre, Wimborne.

Members £1, visitors £3.

9 October 7.30pm

Bournemouth & Beyond Discovery Group talk. Letter from America ‘How Washington Works’ by Tony Bennett at St Andrews URC main hall, St Steven’s Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6JJ. Visitors welcome £3. More details: www. bournemouthandbeyond.co.uk

9 & 17 October

Ocean Film Festival at the Regent Centre in Christchurch.

The event features a brand new collection of ocean-themed films, with fascinating marine life and intrepid adventures. For more information, visit www. oceanfilmfestival.co.uk. Book on 01202 499199.

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4DORSET October 2018

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

10 October 2pm

‘An Overview of the Archaeology of Dorset’ talk

by Claire Pinder, senior archaeologist, at Priory House in Christchurch. Friends of the Red House Museum £2.50, visitors £4.50. To book, call 01202 482860.

10 October 7.30pm

Muscliff Garden Club, two slide presentations on Dorset Owls and A Walk in Dorset by Paul Sturgess at Muscliff Community Centre, Shillingstone Drive, Bournemouth.

13 October 2.30pm

Talk by Kate Adie CBE DL, wellknown author and broadcaster.

Part of the Mackrell Charity’s series of talks on Powers, Dominions and Dynasties.

Kate’s lecture ‘Take me to your leader – a correspondent’s experience,’ will be given at the Old School, Sturminster Marshall. Tickets £6 incl tea and cake. Call 01258 857258.

14 October 11am-2pm

Memory Walk held by Ferndown Dementia Friends.

1k and 5k. Starting from the Royal British Legion in Church Road. Register on 07880 677802 or on the day.

19-20 October 9.30am-1pm

Traidcraft Autumn Event: wide range of fairly traded everyday/ Christmas items to buy or order (catalogue); gifts, cards, foods, household and much more.

Refreshments. At Verwood United Reformed Church (next to the Library). All welcome.

01202 814270.

19-20 October

BourneVaria, Oktoberfest at Bournemouth International Centre.

20 October 2pm

Fire and ice walk. Walk on hot coals and razor sharp glass in aid of Forest Holme Hospice Charity. The event will take place at Cobhams Sports and Social Club. For more information, telephone 01202 670644.

‘Kingfisher Barn and the Stour Valley’ talk for St Alban’s Garden Club by Tom Bennett at St Alban’s Church Lounge in Bournemouth.

Plant heritage meeting at Colehill Memorial Hall. Chris Ireland Jones, from Avon Bulbs, will be giving a talk entitled ‘Special plants means specialised nurseries’. There will also be a plant swap and Avon Bulbs for sale. Visitors welcome, £3 payable at the door.

11 October 7.30pm

16 October 7.15pm

20 October 7.30pm

11 October 6pm

‘Fresh Ideas for Summer Bedding, Hanging Baskets and Containers’ by Chris Evans at Ferndown & District Horticultural Association, Guide Hall, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown. £2 for visitors. Tel 01425 276164.

12 October 7.30pm

And Finally… presents the ‘Phil Collins Collection’ at the Regent Centre in Chirstchurch.

This well-established, professional, and entertaining group perform an actionpacked two hours of the bestknown songs from Grammy award winner, Phil Collins.

Book on 01202 499199 or online at www.regentcentre. co.uk

15 October 2pm

Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society presents a concert of popular music by Ian Griffin at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wimborne. Visitors welcome. £5 payable at door. Info: 01202 895254.

18-20 October 8pm also matinee on 19th

Rotary Club Autumn Craft Fair at the Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne. Entrance free. Donations welcome to Rotary charities on departure.

Tables still available (no raffles, trade or franchise outlets).

Contact j.baseley777@ btinternet.com for a table (6ftx4ft) costing £20.

21 October 10am-4pm

The Central Southern Gauge O group present their annual model railway show at the Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne. Features include layouts, test track, demonstrators and traders.

Adults £4, accompanied children free. Info: csg0g.org

22 October 7.30pm

Chris Ramsey Live 2018 at the Regent Centre in Christchurch.

Tickets £20.50. The age recommendation for this show is 14+ Book on 01202 499199 or online at www.regentcentre.co.uk

Royal British Legion Ringwood & District Branch concert by The Hampshire Police Band in aid of the Poppy Appeal in Ringwood Parish Church.

Tickets £9 in advance from Grants, the Meeting House or Greyfriars, or £10 on the door.

22-26 October 1-4pm

20-28 October

Talk on air shows and professional display teams with Phil Hot at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne. Tickets £5 from www.theallendale.org

Hannah and Hanna in Dreamland; a story of friendship and prejudice, migration and identity played against the backdrop of an ever-changing England. At Lighthouse, Poole. Box office: 01202 280000.

Halloween trail and a variety of craft opportunities for children throughout the week at Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre, at Stour Valley Nature Reserve, Bournemouth. Visit www.visit stourvalley.co.uk or tel 01202 451548 for details.

17-22 October

20-28 October

Salisbury Literary Festival at various venues. Details salisburyliteraryfestival.co.uk

20 October 10am-4pm

Halloween quiz around the Wimborne Model Town site, Wimborne.

Deano’s Spooky Craft Den for kids at Moors Valley with painting, making and creating.

No need to book. Cost £2 per item made.

26 October 7.30pm

24-27 October

‘Entertaining Angels’, a play

by Richard Everett at the Barrington Theatre, Ferndown with Ferndown Drama. Tickets £8.50 from the Barrington on 01202 894858. Details www. ferndowndrama.org

COM P

around & ABOUT

N ETITIO

Steve Peat: Bikes and Beers

Mountain-biking superstar, Steve Peat, tells the story of his illustrious racing career; the bikes, the world cups, the parties and the pursuit of the seemingly elusive World Championship title which some thought might never come! In Bikes & Beers, Steve takes audiences along the journey that saw him rise from plumbing to podiums and become one of the most successful men’s downhill racers of all time, showing just how the man who wouldn’t back down earned his place as a legend in the sport of mountain biking!

[NB. May contain some strong language]

mags4dorset has teamed up with the Regent Centre to offer a pair of tickets to Steve Peat: Bikes & Beers on 20 November at 7.30pm. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer the following question: What kind of racer is Steve?

Enter at www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your answer on a postcard to STEVE PEAT COMPETITION, mags4dorset, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9BZ. Closing date is 31 October 2018. The first correct entry drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd or the Regent Centre are not permitted to enter.

There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final. Personal data submitted when entering any mags4dorset competitions will be stored securely and will only be processed to determine the winner of the competition, which will be announced in the magazine. mags4dorset will only retain your personal details for as long as is necessary to process the data and for as long as is reasonably required for its lawful business purposes or to comply with a statutory or other legal requirement. Personal data will be treated confidentially and only the winner’s will be shared.

For more information, please contact the data protection officer on 01202 870270.

WINNER The winner of the Simon and Garfunkel Story Competition was Kathryn Hearfield from Christchurch. Answer: The Sound of Silence. Although Hey Schoolgirl was Simon and Garfunkel’s first song, The Sound of Silence was their first major hit.

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

| 33

around & ABOUT

BBLOC, we love you!

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Pavilion Theatre Review by Arabella Watkiss

The Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Opera Company’s production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the end of August did not skimp on the wow-factor.

Based on the 1968 film version, the show was packed full of impressive performances, beautiful singing and colourful dance numbers.

Both Rob Dorey (Caractacus Potts) and Sally Wheeler (Truly Scrumptious) gave skilful performances but I was particularly impressed with the doll on a music-box scene. All of Wheeler’s movements were controlled and ran

like clockwork. I don’t think many of us realise how hard this kind of choreography is to perfect, especially when having to keep your voice steady, but she did it all effortlessly. When Dorey came out of the clown box, I was equally impressed as he skilfully recaptured the same movements and persona as Dick Van Dyke from the 1968 film. The pair fronted the show well, as did the children Jacob Skipper (Jeremy Potts) and Sofia Onorato (Jemima Potts) whose singing and acting was vivacious and accomplished.

There was some trouble with Jacob Skipper’s microphone in the first half, which affected his dialogue. But this did not detract from this incredible performance.

I loved the Baron and the Baroness. Adam Myers (Baron Bomburst) got the Baron’s childish mannerisms down to a tee whilst the Baroness, played by Emma Wogan, tempered these with a dry humour. The spies, Boris and Gordon (Matthew Trahar and Darren Ellery) must get credit for their hugely comedic double-act – they were a joy to watch.

The choreography was

incredible, fun and well thought-out. The actors executed it with skill and precision. I especially liked the salsa dancing, the choreography between Caractacus and his children in You two and between the Baron and Baroness in Chu-Chi face, as well as the impeccable Doll on a Music Box. Proficient props included a breathtaking car that ‘flew’ (using a mechanical system), and let’s not forget the cast worked with at least five

dogs. The fun-fair scene incorporated one doing circus tricks like twirling on its back legs and weaving in and out of its trainer’s legs. As always, credit must go to the amazing band and sound/tech guys who you could see from the performance, had worked tirelessly to produce such a wonderful show as well as the director, Helen Barrington and all those who work behind the scenes. It was a professional and exciting production.

Mamma Mia Spectacular at the Regent Abbamania arrived in Christchurch on 25 August at the Regent Centre, when a full house of 484 patrons came together for the Mamma Mia Spectacular.

The event combined a live show, starring Abba’s Angels, with the summer blockbuster film, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again (PG). There was also a best costume competition for the audience.

Dancing Queens and Super Troupers wore their period Abba costumes of spandex jumpsuits, platform boots and blonde wigs, to create a sensational Seventies sight in the Regent foyer as they queued up to receive their goody bags, generously supplied by the event sponsors.

There was dancing in the aisles during the 45-minute live set, before the audience settled back to enjoy the blockbuster box office hit of Summer 2018, Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again (PG).

Regent Centre manager, Felicity Porter, said, “I am absolutely delighted that everyone had such a great time at the Mamma Mia Spectacular. We are always looking for new ways of entertaining our public to ensure that their visit to the Regent is their best ever experience.”

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4DORSET October 2018

around & ABOUT Ebb‘n’Flow – Lace, Place and Climate

Worked in linen with bobbin lace from a transitory bubble formation on the surface of a pool on Stanpit Marsh

The exhibition, Ebb‘n’Flow, features creations in contemporary lace relating to the way the way global warming and climate change is changing a wetland in Christchurch Harbour.

Drawn from Jane Atkinson’s personal observation on a daily walk round Stanpit Marsh, the exhibition is shared between Walford Mill Crafts and the Priest’s House Museum, Wimborne and runs until 28 October.

Jane uses traditional bobbin lace skills with linen yarns to make hangings and panels that are dramatic and often colourful, but is also showcasing the work of talented colleagues

from four continents in gold, silver, horsehair, paper and silk. There are workshops on offer. Visit www.walfordmillcrafts. co.uk/education/adultworkshops.

China through the lens of John Thomson The Russell-Cotes autumn exhibition, opening on 2 November and running until June 2019, will feature photographs of China of the 1860s and 1870s taken by photographer, John Thomson (1837–1921).

Visitors will see iconic photographs of China reproduced on a large scale accompanied by objects collected by Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes on their visit to China a decade later.

Edinburgh-born John Thomson set off for

Hong Kong in 1868 and over the next four years, undertook several major journeys to Beijing, Fujian and Guangdong capturing landscapes, architecture and

domestic and street scenes.

The Russell-Cotes gallery is open from 10am to 5pm, TuesdaySunday and Bank Holiday Mondays.

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

| 35

specialist SERVICES AERIAL & SATELLITE INSATLLERS

BLINDS & CURTAINS

DECORATING

DISABILITY PRODUCTS

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BUILDING & MAINTENANCE

BUILDING SERVICES

FENCING

GARAGE DOOR REPAIRS

36 |

4DORSET October 2018

FENCING

GARDENING SERVICES

LANDSCAPING

GRAPHIC DESIGN

specialist SERVICES LANDSCAPING

LOCKSMITH

TREE SURGERY

LOGS

PLASTERING

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WINDOW REPAIRS

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF ALL PAID FOR ADVERTISEMENTS Pulford Publicity Ltd (“the Publisher”) reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertisement without notice or explanation.

Whilst the Publisher will endeavour to represent the best interests of the client in undertaking client’s instructions, it is fully understood that it is the agreed responsibility of the client to supply 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.

Claims for any error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement must be made within 10 days of publication to the Administration Department.

Advertisers are requested to check their advertisements after the first insertion. The Publisher will not be responsible for any errors on subsequent insertions, which have not been advised to them.

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

| 37

motoring NEWS Focus on bikes as Ford sponsors Road Safety Week 2018 Ford is a headline sponsor of this year’s Brake Road Safety Week, the largest road safety campaign of its kind in the UK. The week-long national campaign – coordinated with the support of the Department for Transport – will take place from 19 to 25 November 2018.

The theme of this year’s Road Safety Week is ‘Bike Smart’, which shares its main objectives with Ford’s ‘Share The Road’ campaign, both focusing on the safety of vulnerable road users on two wheels. With more than a third of people killed or seriously injured on our roads being those travelling by bicycle or motorcycle*, Ford and Brake want to raise awareness of the dangers this group of road users face and encourage safe behaviour among all road users.

“We must recognise that more work can be done to make the roads a safer place, especially for statistically vulnerable road users such as cyclists,” said Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain. “We are proud to sponsor Brake’s Road Safety Week, which shares common synergies with our Share The Road campaign. Together we can make roads safer for all users.”

“Road Safety Week provides a unique opportunity to focus the public and policy-makers’ attention on saving lives on our roads. We’re pleased to welcome Ford as headline sponsors for this large national campaign – the biggest of its kind,” said Joshua Harris, Brake’s director of campaigns. “With their help we can raise awareness about the need to protect those on two wheels by ensuring we’re all Bike Smart.” * Reported road casualties Great Britain: 2016, Department for Transport, 2017

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VIEWPOINT October 2018

© Ford

Driving in Europe next summer?

One of the thorny issues arising out of Brexit after March 2019 is that if there is no deal, what will happen when UK nationals want to drive in the European Union?

Before 29 March 2019 your driving licence will be valid. After that date, you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in the EU, or through the EU. There are different types of IDP dependent upon which country or countries you wish to visit. An IDP is already needed for driving in many countries outside of Europe.

For more information go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/driving-inthe-eu-if-theres-no-brexit-deal

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