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4DORSET

October 2019 Volume 17 Issue 3

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4DORSET October 2019

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Volume 17 • Issue 3 • October 2019 This issue is also available online at www.mags4dorset.co.uk

Congratulations Ferndown! Totally backed by mags4dorset and after a year of hard work getting the support from the town council, local businesses and community organisations, as well as holding events, Plastic Free Ferndown has reached its goal. I am proud to announce that Ferndown has “officially” achieved plastic-free status as laid down by the marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage. This doesn’t mean the town no longer tolerates plastic, but it is committed to doing what it can to reduce the use of single-use plastic. Turn to page 14 to find out more. Never have I felt so compelled to do something so positive for the environment and future generations and it has made me look at plastic in an entirely different way. Status couldn’t have been achieved without a hardcore steering committee: Mike Parkes, Harry Worth, Gina Smith, Max Bateman, Sam Maxim and my two sons Ben and Louis. I should also mention Stuart Fleetham who was part of the steering committee until earlier this year and still helps us out, and Tony Brown who sat on the committee in the early months and sponsored our T-shirts. If you feel passionate about the scourge of single use plastic and would like to join Plastic Free Ferndown as a volunteer or committee member, please ring me on 01202 870270. Being able to call our town plastic free is a huge step towards making our environment a better place to live. The town has to continue to show commitment to remaining plastic-free and doing much more in the future. Well done Ferndown! And a big thank you to everyone who has helped along the way.

Janine Pulford Editor

MAGS4DORSET Ben Pulford managing director ben@mags4dorset.co.uk Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

NEWS DESK 01202 941469 Janine Pulford editor editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk Louise van Wingerden contributing editor mags@mags4dorset.co.uk

DESIGN

01202 233441

Louis Pulford creative director louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Matt Jaquest graphic designer

ADVERTISING 01202 816140 Mark Beechey account manager DD: 01202 941465 mark@mags4dorset.co.uk Russell Harness account manager DD: 01202 941466 russell@mags4dorset.co.uk Simon Thornton account manager DD: 01202 941470 simon@mags4dorset.co.uk Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

LOGISTICS

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

Autumn sets in

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

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Copy deadline

8 OCTOBER 2019

4Dorset is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in selected areas of Dorset and Hampshire. It is also available by subscription at £40 per year. Views or opinions expressed in 4Dorset are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed to be unsuitable for publication. Information about a service does not imply recommendation. All purchases made through this publication are done so entirely at your own risk. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with 4Dorset and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. The company’s privacy policy can be read at www.mags4dorset.co uk

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Dealer jailed A man caught dealing drugs in Bournemouth town centre has been sentenced to two years in prison. Ijaah Murray, aged 23 and of Fort Road, Rochester in Kent, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on 11 September. He admitted two charges of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply and an offence of possessing criminal property.

Harbour wall maintenance begins Work to maintain Weymouth Harbour has begun. During the works a small part of the road along Customs House Quay will be closed and a minor diversion will be in place. Part of Weymouth Pavilion Car Park will also be used as a temporary compound. It is expected that the work will be completed by Christmas 2019.

Break the silence Silence is a scammer’s best friend. If you’ve been caught by a scam, don’t keep quiet about it. Scams are fraud carried out by criminals and it’s estimated the UK detriment could be up to £10 billion each year. The over 65s are prime targets, and (it’s thought up to 95%) don’t report scams. A national scheme, Friends Against Scams, aims to break the silence. Anyone can become a ‘Friend’. Visit www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk.

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4DORSET October 2019

Greener initiative for Eco firm Waste wood from household recycling centres in Dorset and Hampshire, which was previously shipped to Sweden, is now being used to power homes in the UK. Parley-based Eco Sustainable Solutions has landed a five-year contract to supply 50,000 tonnes of wood per annum to the new Margam Green wood waste plant in South Wales. The £160m biomass-to-energy plant, which became fully operational in July, generates power for up to 75,000 homes. Eco is sending an average of 10 truck loads of wood a day to Margam Green, working with local and national hauliers. On at least one occasion up to 16 loads have been despatched. Eco has held the contract with Dorset Waste Partnership to handle the county’s food, wood and green waste since 2008. Peter Hardy, Eco’s commercial director, said, “This is a big contract for us but also has the added benefit of adding to our green credentials. Last year, Eco’s business

Peter Hardy, Eco’s commercial director, and Rob Wareham, logistics coordinator, with two of the lorries taking wood waste to South Wales

operations actively prevented an astounding 74,780 tonnes of CO2e from being emitted into the atmosphere. “That was a direct result of the recycling and recovery of over 250,000 tonnes of organic waste, and the generation of electricity from our renewable energy sources in comparison to land-filling and using electricity generated from fossil fuels. “We expect our carbon footprint to be reduced even further as a result of providing wood to Margam Green rather than going by ship to Sweden.”

Join us! Would you like to join this happy band of Wimborne Model Town volunteers? More friendly, welcoming people are required, particularly at weekends. Contact info@wimbornemodeltown.com or call 01202 881924 for more information.

Photo by Pauline Stevens

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‘Call for sites’ Dorset Council has begun work on a new Dorset-wide Local Plan, which will set out new homes, commercial areas and community facilities, whilst protecting the county’s special environment. To help in this work, the council is carrying out a ‘call for sites’ to identify land that may have potential for development over the next 15 years and beyond. Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “The ‘call for sites’ is an opportunity for agents, landowners and developers to submit land which they believe could be suitable for future homes and jobs. “The council is interested in sites that may be suitable for housing, employment, affordable housing or for gypsy and travellers and travelling showpeople.” If you own or part own any site(s) larger than 0.3 ha in size, or with a capacity for 10

homes or more, that may have development potential, please let the council know on the site submission form, which can be downloaded from www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ land-availability If you are a landowner or agent who has previously submitted a site to any previous ‘call for sites’ in Dorset, please re-submit your details. Alternatively, paper copies can be requested from the Spatial Planning team by email at planningpolicyteamb@dorsetcouncil. gov.uk or on 01305 251010. Completed forms can be posted to Dorset Council, South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester, DT1 1UZ or email planningpolicyteamb@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk All site owner details will remain confidential. The deadline for submission is Friday 25 October 2019.

Poole Bridge lifting schedule changed With the aim of increasing journey time reliability and improving traffic flow efficiency for all bridge users, BCP Council has revised its morning lifting schedule for Poole Bridge. From 16 September the 5.30am, 6.30am and 7.30am lifts were replaced with lifts at 6am and 7am. Focusing on fewer lifts during the peak morning travel times, the changes will help to alleviate congestion in Hamworthy and around the port of Poole. The changes have been made in response to additional demand on the local transport network, which has followed technical faults on Poole’s Twin Sails lifting bridge. The new schedule will remain in place until urgent repairs can be carried on Twin Sails Bridge.

BCP introduces £25 Parking Permit scheme for DTEVs BCP Council has approved proposals for implementing what they say is a “fair and consistent” Disabled Tax-Exempt Vehicle (DTEV) permit scheme across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. The proposals approved by BCP Council’s Cabinet Members will standardise a £25-a-year permit across the three towns. An amendment was also approved to issue a free DTEV permit to those applicants in receipt of council

tax support. Fees will be used to cover the cost of administration and enforcement of the scheme. Active legacy permits will be recognised across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and allowed to expire before a single new permit would need to be purchased. There are approximately 3,800 DTEV permit holders across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

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Wimborne Top the League Coaches and athletes of the Wimborne Athletic Club, who pressed home their advantage in the final South West League match of the season at Exeter to win the league and secure five of the nine trophies on offer.

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Do you suffer with migraines? Had your hearing checked recently? It is recommended that hearing tests should be part of everyoneâ€™s personal healthcare routine and that getting your hearing tested regularly should be as

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4DORSET October 2019

commonplace as eye examinations and visiting the dentist. But did you know there could be a link between migraines and hearing loss and that, if left untreated, migraines could permanently alter your hearing? Scientists believe that when a migraine occurs, the small hairs in the inner ear are damaged due to lack of circulation. These hairs convert sound vibrations into electric signals to the brain and without adequate blood supply, they can become damaged and die.

Audiologist at Imperial Hearing in Poole, Tim Cleave said, "Recent studies conclude that a large proportion of migraine sufferers have one or more abnormalities with their cochlea function and auditory pathways. By getting your hearing regularly checked we can monitor any changes and treat them accordingly." Book a FREE hearing consultation at your local Imperial Hearing centre: 01202 732300 or visit imperialhearing.com

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Face Forward Your chance to be in Dad’s Army Face Forward, a project that supports young people in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Dorset, is celebrating having given 500 young people the opportunity to make positive changes. Through a range of group development programmes, one to one mentoring, activities and events, young people are able to learn a new skill, gain confidence, overcome anxiety, gain a qualification and meet new people. The Dorset-based project offers one-to-one support from professional advisers and peer mentors who journey alongside a young person to explore any barriers to progression that they might be facing. One young person said, “Face Forward has helped me accomplish things I never thought I’d do, like the SPARC course with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service. “Before Face Forward, I could not hold a proper conversation, but now they have made me believe that I can do it.” Face Forward works with young people aged 15-24 who are not in employment, education or training. Due to a £2.7 million investment by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund, Face Forward was launched in June 2017. The project will help 780 young adults by March 2020. To find out more, visit: www.ansbury. co.uk/Face_Forward To contact Face Forward, call 01202 677557 or email faceforward@ansbury.co.uk.

Despite the fact that Dad’s Army was first screened 50 years ago, the iconic wartime comedy still gets high viewing figures. And now you have the chance to appear in an episode. Project Play returns to the Tivoli Theatre Wimborne next spring to perform a stage production of the classic TV sitcom and a script read-through will take place at Wimborne Town Hall on 3 October, followed by auditions for all acting roles on 6 October. In addition to the parts of Captain Mainwaring, Sergeant Wilson, Lance Corporal Jones and Private Pike there are female roles on offer.

Dad’s Army will run from Thursday 30 April until Saturday 2 May 2020. To audition or for more information visit Project Play on Facebook or call 07970 216459.

Producer Matthew Rock

The Water Lily Project launch Chatterbox, an exciting new intergenerational initiative, at their café in Christchurch. www.waterlilyproject.org.uk

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Introducing Poole BID With an historic Quayside on Europe’s largest natural harbour, the largest indoor shopping centre in Dorset and the biggest Arts Centre outside of London, all linked by a conventional High Street, Poole Town Centre has a lot to be proud of. Poole’s Business Improvement District (BID) was set up in 2016, having been voted for by the local business community in order to create a genuine voice to decide and direct what they want for the area. “Everything we are doing is trying to improve the vibrancy and vitality of Poole as a place to live, work and visit,” said Ailsa Wilson, BID Manager. Over the past three years the BID has brought many benefits to the town centre including a clean up of the High Street, an improved street scene and an impressive programme of community events. Poole BID has also been instrumental in securing investment from the Future High Street Fund.

Queen Victoria’s secrets to be revealed by Julian Fellowes With the new Downton Abbey film having hit the cinemas last month, local people will be eager to have the chance to meet the writer, Julian Fellowes. As well as Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes wrote Gosford Park and the script for the very successful film ‘Young Victoria’ in 2009. Lord Fellowes and his wife Lady Emma Kitchener Fellowes will delve into the world of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to benefit Poole Museum Foundation at 4pm on 25 October. An interactive Q&A session will take

place in the upper hall of Scaplen’s Court in celebration of the opening of the Victoria and Albert: Our Lives in Watercolour exhibition at the Museum. This exhibition will appear at only three venues across the whole of the UK. Ticket sales from this event will benefit Poole Museum Foundation, a registered charity that works to support Poole Museums.

WIMBORNE WINS GOLD The South and South East in Bloom Awards Ceremony took place at the Amex Stadium, Brighton on Friday 13 September with another excellent result for the Town of Wimborne Minster. For the sixth successive year the town was awarded gold. There was also a surprise award for Richard Nunn, chairman of Wimborne in Bloom who received one of the region's outstanding contribution awards.

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Anthony Oliver (left) holding the town's gold award and Richard Nunn (right) holding his outstanding contribution award, which was presented by Jean Griffin, deputy chairman of South and South East in Bloom. Also pictured is radio show host Joe Talbot, who presented Richard and Anthony with the town's gold award.

Wimborne Mayor Cllr Shane Bartlett (right) is presented with a certificate of appreciation for all the support the Royal British Legion receives from Wimborne Town Council. Also pictured are Mike Soper, chairman, left, and Mike Young, vice chairman of the Wimborne Royal British Legion. Photo by Marilyn Barber

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Have a colourful autumn with Stewarts! Chance to win £100 of Stewarts Garden Centres vouchers There is no excuse for having a dull autumn when carefully selected plants can bring bright colours and even fragrant scents to your garden. Andrew Summerhayes, one of the plants team at Stewarts Garden Centres, has listed four favourites that can be considered. “Gardeners’ top choices for autumn colour are pansies and chrysanthemums, cyclamens and capsicum – the ones that look like chilli peppers. All do well in borders or within pots and containers and just require a bit of deadheading so to encourage new colour,” said Andrew. For your chance to win £100 worth of Stewarts Garden Centre gift vouchers, answer the following question: What plant beginning with 'p' is one of the gardener's top choices for autumn colour?

Enter online at www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your entry on a postcard to Stewarts Competition, mags4dorset, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, BH22 9BZ. Closing date is 31 October 2019. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity and Stewarts Garden Centres are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final. The winner’s name and contact details will be passed to Stewarts Garden Centres, or their agent, to award the prize and for publicity purposes.

Blandford couple wins £100 gift card Jon and Liz Doyle from Blandford won the prize of a £100 Stewarts gift card after entering the competition in the July issue of 4Dorset. Pete Wood, outdoor plant manager

at the Stewarts Garden Centre near Wimborne, presented the prize and had the opportunity to learn of Liz’s beach-themed garden.

Pete Wood with Liz and Jon Doyle

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Making a difference during JTYAF-funded expedition Here at the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF) we have had a busy but exciting few weeks and we are very grateful to mags4dorset for the opportunity to share our news with you. The JTYAF was in action recently at the Dorset Plane Pull with teams of 20 pulling a Boeing 737, weighing in 35,000Kg, a distance of 50 metres against the clock. We would like to thank our teams the ‘Saxon Strainers’ and ‘Stig’s Team’ who were such great sports. A few days later we were at the marquee on the beach for our biggest fundraiser of the year. The JTYAF Hospitality Day at the Bournemouth Air Festival was a great success and thanks to matched funding from our lovely Barclay’s volunteers we raised an incredible £6,000! In last month’s column we gave details of the JTYAF-funded expedition to Ghana, where 10 air cadet junior leaders were set to travel to the village of Obom to improve access to education for the children in the local community. Well, they’re home now, after an extremely successful three weeks. They completed the building of The John Thornton Presby High School, converting the block shell into a finished building. Works included fully plastering, rendering and painting the building to protect it from the extreme heat and rain, as well as creating walkways and steps for safe

MAGS4DORSET

Charity of the Year John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation

access to the classrooms. The work of this year’s junior leaders builds on the achievements of the 2017 and 2018 JTYAF expeditions and between the three projects, children of Obom aged 5 to 18 years finally have access to reliable and modern education. These schools will not only provide them with an education and better opportunities for the future, but will also help to stimulate the local economy. John’s legacy lives on and is making a huge difference to the lives of so many young people, not only those taking part in these expeditions but also those in the communities that they visit. To find out more about forthcoming events and the work we do, please visit. www.jtyaf.org Linda Thornton JTYAF

Helping hands from air cadet junior leaders

Council grants available A total of £75,000 is available from Dorset Council’s Community Impact Fund to help organisations and charities with a turnover of less than £500,000. Groups can apply for grants of up to £6,000. Applications for smaller amounts (up to £1,000), via the micro grants pot are also welcome. Cllr Spencer Flower, Dorset Council leader, said, “We want to support community projects that can demonstrate how they support the council’s top priorities for local people. “The important element is that the projects must be resident-driven with evidence of the benefits for people and the contribution they will make to helping improve the lives of people in the Dorset Council area.” For more information visit: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ your-community/support-for-voluntary-and-communityorganisations/funding/dorset-community-impact-fund. aspx This round of funding closes on 10 November 2019.

Transformation of Bournemouth underpass The grey concrete pillars that support the Wessex Way in Bournemouth Gardens have taken on a new look as part of The Upside Gallery project. Last month Bournemouth-based agency, Paintshop Studio, created an outdoor mural gallery to showcase the talent that has risen from the street art and graffiti movement. Supported by Arts Council England, Paintshop Studio teamed up with local digital agency, Greenwood Campbell to provide a digital gallery guide. Visitors are now able to go beyond the wall and access more information about the concepts, artist and production techniques via QR codes, which are installed next to each piece of art.

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The Leaders’ Christchurch branch has a new home Leaders, a specialist residential lettings agency covering Christchurch and surrounding areas, is relocating - and celebrating with an open day to welcome new and existing clients. Previously located on Bargates, the Christchurch branch of Leaders will be moving to 27a Saxon Square, right in the heart of the busy shopping centre just off the high street, later this month. The new office location will make it easily accessible for new and existing clients to come and discuss their property requirements in branch, whether its landlords seeking advice on letting a property or tenants looking for a new one. Senior Lettings Manager, Russell Cruwys, said: “Normally, it’s us helping the people of Christchurch move into new homes – now it’s our turn to move. Our new office is well placed in the centre of town so please come and meet us in our new surroundings.” He added: “Our experienced team of local property experts is excited to open the doors of our new premises on Monday 30 September, and we will be welcoming all customers to our open day on Friday 11 October. We’ll also be offering our landlord clients the opportunity to gain free financial advice from our specialist mortgage adviser, who’ll be in attendance on the day.” With all the knowledge of the local residential lettings market under one roof and, and highly experienced agents helping you along the way, it’s easier to let your property in Christchurch and its surrounding areas with Leaders. To discover how Leaders can help you rent or let property, contact the team today on 01202 496496 or visit leaders.co.uk/branches/ christchurch.

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Business breakfasts People in business in Wimborne are being encouraged to attend business breakfasts, which are being held from 8.30am-9.30am on the second Tuesday of the month at various venues. It’s a great opportunity to network and the chance to introduce your business. There will be a 10 minute speaker at each event. At the September meeting, which was held at The Short and Sweet Co in Mill Lane, Simon Thomas, chairman of Wimborne BID (Business Improvement District) said he was pleased the Chamber and the BID were now working together. For details of the next business breakfast, contact Nathan Start on 01202 233390.

Golfers chip in £40,000 for charity

With numbers by such bands as T Rex, Mud, Queen, The Jacksons, Bowie, Chic, Abba, The Sweet and The Rolling Stones, the Zoots are back at the Regent Centre in Christchurch with the Sounds of the Seventies Show at 7.30pm on Friday 11 October.

The 33rd annual Peter Alliss Invitational Charity Golf Day held at Ferndown Golf Club raised £40,000. Since its inception in 1987, the event has raised more than £1.25 million for the Peter Alliss Wheelchair Crusade – leading to the purchase of 300plus wheelchairs and walking aids.

Public school of the year Canford School took home the prestigious ‘Public School of the Year’ trophy at the annual Tatler Schools Awards held at the Landmark Hotel in Marylebone recently.

Sadly, he is no longer with us, but you can enjoy the sounds of ‘The Man in Black’ when the Johnny Cash Roadshow comes to the Tivoli on 4 October. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Cash’s San Quentin album and singer Clive John will be performing hits from that album.

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Tour company looks to 2020 Organisers of Ferndown Community Tours set out 150 chairs at the Beacon Centre in St Mary’s Church in Ferndown for the launch of their 2020 itinerary – but that was nowhere near enough for the company, which was launched in May this year. “I was thrilled to see so many familiar faces and look forward to helping them book their excursions,” said Freddi Colclough, who manages the office at

Ferndown Community Tours. Ferndown Community Tours welcome any comments and suggestions for current or future tours. The office is on the First Floor, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown BH22 9BZ. Telephone 01202 059735, office hours 9am1pm Monday to Saturday, Facebook, Ferndown Community Tours, www. ferndowncommunitytours.org

Bournemouth blooming Outstanding flowers and produce made the Bournemouth In Bloom Autumn Show a spectacular feast for the eyes. Flawless dahlias, sweet smelling roses, runner beans, tomatoes, potatoes and more were plentifully displayed at St Francis of Assisi Church Hall in Charminster. There

were more than 300 entries and exhibitors were aged from four to 91. Bournemouth In Bloom is hoping to boost membership for 2020. To find out more go to bournemouthinbloom.co.uk. Pictured with Bournemouth Mayor Susan Phillips, centre, are trophy winners.

Photo by Hattie Miles

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Woodland Nurseries As the autumn season starts to move in, a riot of autumn leaf colours, berries and fruits illuminate our gardens and landscape. Beautiful acers, liquidambers, parrotia and many other trees turn fiery red, orange and translucent yellow, giving stunning displays of colour. Large clusters of berries on rowans, malus, sorbus and pyracantha get ready to attract the garden birds and feed them through the long winter months. In our gardens pots, beds and borders can now all be prepared for spring bulb planting. Daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinth, snowdrops, alliums and many more can now all be planted for a mass of spring colour. It’s also nature’s natural time for tree, fruit tree, shrub, rose and perennial planting. At Woodlands, there is a large stock of trees, shrubs and

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garden plants. Hedging plants, beech, hawthorn, blackthorn and laurels are available, with orders being taken for natural species bare root, trees, hedging and fruit trees. Woodlands also stock all you need to prepare your garden for the winter; composts, fertilisers, lawn care, winter disinfectants, fruit tree bands and plant protection for all your trees and shrubs. Winter bird feeders and foods are now available ready for the autumn/winter season. If you’re planning a new border, planter or a complete garden makeover, pop along to Woodlands for all your plants, fertilisers and sundries, for a perfect result. Open every day.

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Youngsters tackle rugby event Wimborne Rugby Club’s Mini & Youth section hosted their first Try Rugby event on 8 September, welcoming over 200 children aged five-13 for a morning of fun and fitness. They enjoyed a host of activities with prizes for players demonstrating rugby’s core values. The club, which is run by volunteers, was supported by the local community with WOW Ladies Fitness leading the warm-up. This is an exciting time for rugby with the World Cup in Japan and for Wimborne Rugby Club as they gear up for a potential move to a new ground and facilities.

Wowed at Wimborne club’s Try Rugby event

Royal watercolour collection comes to Poole Poole Museum is to be the only venue in the south to stage a major exhibition marking the bicentenary of the births of both Prince Albert and Queen Victoria. Victoria & Albert: Our Lives in Watercolour, which opens on 29 October, showcases nearly 70 works loaned by Her Majesty The Queen from the Royal Collection. The exhibition explores the private and public lives of the couple throughout their marriage. Both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were avid patrons and practitioners of watercolour painting. According to Victoria’s journal, the couple spent many an evening organising much of their collection into albums. A series of nine watercolour albums created by the couple appears to have been particularly important to Victoria, since when Prince Albert died she stopped collating these, rendering them an even rarer treasure. Visitors will have the opportunity to view many watercolours depicting the pomp and spectacle of royalty, travel abroad as well as scenes from the private life of the couple. In addition, works by Queen Victoria herself will be on display. Victoria & Albert: Our Lives in Watercolour will run from 26 October until 5 January 2020. Entry is free, although donations are welcomed.

'Queen Victoria and Prince Albert landing at St Pierre, Guernsey, 24 August 1846’. Picture courtesy Royal Collection Trust Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news please mention 4DORSET Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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Congratulations Ferndown! Plastic Free Ferndown is celebrating new plastic-free status. It has been awarded ‘Plastic Free Communities’ Status by marine conservation charity, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), in recognition of the work it has done to help reduce the impact of single-use plastic (SUP) on the environment. and Viewpoint magazines. “Businesses were particularly keen and the 15 Plastic Free Champions we have on board have replaced or eliminated at least three SUPs each. “Ferndown Pharmacy swapped plastic prescription bags for paper bags, they did the same with their bulk order carrier bags. Where plastic bags are needed for certain medicines, they swapped plastic for biodegradable material. Just think if every chemist in the country followed suit,” said Janine. “These easy swaps would remove millions of tonnes of single use plastic from our environment.” Some businesses found it harder than others. “We admire our champions for being so resourceful and overcoming what may seem impossible hurdles,” said Janine. “Ferndown Florist and Xerocad were two businesses that had to really research alternatives.”

Community Allies Ferndown has joined over 600 communities across the UK that are leading the way to tackle throwaway plastic at source. The town can now celebrate achieving its new status and would like residents to join the party. An event is being planned and is likely to be linked to this year’s Christmas event in Penny’s Walk in November. More details will follow.

Local leads

Janine, Ben and Louis Pulford wanted to join the plastic free campaign because they felt passionate about the cause. They wanted to help reduce local consumption of SUPs as well as highlighting the campaign through their local community magazines Viewpoint and 4Dorset. Registering with the SAS Plastic Free Communities movement, the three of them had to set up a community-led steering group which implemented the SAS Plastic Free Schools education programme; obtained local council commitment and worked with local businesses, key organisations and community groups to minimise the amount of disposable plastics they use.

Plastic Free Ferndown has also linked up with community allies. Among those who have joined the campaign in force are Ferndown Town Council, The Barrington Centre, Ferndown upper and first schools, The Recycling Store, St Mary’s Church and Friends of Uddens and Cannon Hill Woodlands.

Not an easy journey

On behalf of PFF Steering Committee, Janine said, “We won’t pretend it’s been an easy journey, but the support has been overwhelming and the steering committee has met regularly and worked

hard to achieve this status for Ferndown.”

A united network

The Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Community network aims to free the places where we live from SUPs. Using a five-point plan, the aim is to empower communities to kick-start local grassroots action, which can then be built upon. The marine conservation charity, based in St Agnes in Cornwall, says it wants to unite communities to tackle avoidable plastic from the beach all the way back to the brands and businesses who create it. It says it is not about removing all plastic from our lives, but kicking our addiction to throwaway plastic and changing the system that produces it. Rachel Yates, SAS Plastic Free Communities project officer, said: “It’s great to see the work that Ferndown has done to reduce the availability of avoidable plastics, raise awareness and encourage people to refill and reuse.” For more information visit www.plasticfree. org.uk and www.sas.org.uk. Plastic Free Ferndown is still looking for more businesses and community allies to join its successful campaign and help make Ferndown a more environmentally friendly place to live. New PFF committee members are welcome. Contact: Ben, Louis and Janine Pulford, community leads: 01202 870270. Visit Facebook: Plastic Free Ferndown group, and page.

Plastic Free Champions

“Our local community really got behind us,” said Janine, who is also the editor of 4Dorset

A community in action

Haskins joins Plastic Free Ferndown Haskins Garden Centre in Longham is one of the latest Ferndown businesses to join the Plastic Free Ferndown campaign and become a community ally. The company has been looking into its recycling and waste policy in order to take steps to reduce its environmental footprint. Already all 600 staff over the four centres have been provided with reusable water bottles. Lisa Looker, brand director at Haskins Garden Centre, said, “As a leading garden centre group, we have an obligation to make responsible decisions to protect the environment and maintain sustainable and commercially viable garden centres. We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we are making little steps on the way to make an improvement and hope to continue to do more in the future.” Some of the conscious decisions taken at Haskins include provision of drinking water in glasses at Refill Dorset water stations in the café; no plastic straws; staff mugs; adult drinks sold in the restaurant are in glass bottles; use of lighter coloured taupe plant pots, which are suitable for kerbside recycling in some council areas; removal of polystyrene plant trays in favour of recyclable ones.

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4DORSET October 2019

PHOTO: Lisa Looker with Simon Hallam who is leading the Haskins initiative at all four centres including Longham

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education / the future relies on what we learn today.

Record breaking A-level results for QE A record number of students at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne are heading off to university, following excellent A-level results. Some examples of outstanding performance include: Daniel Baynham – Biology A*, Mathematics A*, Geography A; Oliver Heald – Mathematics A*, Further Maths A, Physics A; Taylor Sawyer – History A*, Law A, English A; James Wolstenholme – Drama A*, English Literature A*, Biology A,

Asha Ambasna – History A, Geography A, English A; Helena Gifford – Art A*, Graphics A*, English B. Katie Boyes, headteacher, commented, “I am thrilled for all of our students and incredibly proud of everything that they have achieved during their time with us. The students have worked exceptionally hard, and with the excellent support of their families and teachers have achieved fantastic outcomes.”

Students bring Valentine card drama to life The Victorian drama of a Valentine card shop boarded up for 30 years has been brought to life in extraordinary animated form by a group of school students, as part of a community theatre project in Wimborne. Working with artists Nic Rawling, Alastair Nisbet and Hannah Small, the 12 and 13- year-old pupils from St Michael’s Middle School made both screen-based and Victorian zoetrope animations to tell the story of John Low’s Valentine card shop and

how it went on to become an award-winning museum. Ron Jenkinson, headteacher at St Michael’s, said the artists’ mini residency had given students a taste of life in the creative industries. “They have drawn, storyboarded, voice recorded, filmed and above all worked together as a team to make some beautiful work for a real world project and that’s been a great experience for them.”

A school that was completely destroyed when hurricanes Irma and Maria swept through the British Virgin Islands in October 2017 is being reconstructed by a consortium of UK businesses. Christchurch-based John Reid & Sons Ltd (REIDsteel) is leading the project to rebuild the Enis Adams Primary School on Tortola. Pictured is Hesketh Newton, managing director of Newton Construction Co Ltd, surveying work inside the new school.

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Message from Mrs Gill Allen, Headteacher Ferndown Middle School Prospective parents, carers and guardians, together with their child, are warmly invited to come along to our open evening and/or open morning. The purpose of the visit is to tour the school, talk to the staff and pupils, and to find out more information about us as a school. Ferndown Middle is a highly successful school with a real sense of community. I am very proud to be the head teacher of a lively and happy school providing a high standard of education as well as extensive opportunities for all pupils to engage with. By fostering the positive values of care and cooperation we provide a secure basis for children’s education. By working together as a team, our pupils of all abilities and backgrounds are encouraged to pursue excellence in all aspects of school life. We were delighted that, in January 2018, Ofsted recognized that: “the energy, vitality and high quality of middle leadership have a positive impact on

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teachers’ expectations. Effective planning by teachers, along with good-quality support staff, enables pupils to make good progress. They have increasingly high expectations of pupils’ learning development, with high-quality work produced in pupils’ books”; and that “the school provides a rounded and high-quality curriculum. Over their four years at this school, pupils enjoy rich and stimulating activities in a wide range of subjects. Pupils leave Year 8 well prepared for Year 9 and beyond.” If you are unable to make one of the open events please contact the school office to arrange a visit and tour; you will be made very welcome.

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Outstanding results for a third year in a row at Ferndown Upper School After receiving the highest results in Dorset for the last two years (combined GCSE Progress 8, A Level and Applied General value added scores), Ferndown Upper students have achieved another outstanding set of results this summer, which should now make it three years in a row. For GCSE, the school’s Progress 8 result is predicted to be +0.60, which should make Ferndown Upper School the highest achieving school in Dorset when the performance tables are released this October. 75% of students gained a grades 9-4 (A** to C) 50% of students gained grades 9-5 (A** to B) 18% of students gained the highest grades 9-7 (A** to A) Other subject’s highlights were 100% grades 9-4 in Engineering, Italian, Chinese, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Finance and Ethics - with French and Ethics having over half their students receiving the highest grades 9-7. Other highflying subjects were DT 89%, PE 87%, English 80% and Maths 74%. At A level, 35% of students received the top grades of A* or A and other highlights include: •

•

High achievement in the STEM subjects, particularly Mathematics, where 85% of students received grades A*-B. This figure is 100% for Further Maths students. The Creative Arts results were again superb,

•

with the highlight being 100% A*-B for Textiles and 90% for Fine Art. Other standout subjects were English Language and Literature, History, Music, Physics and Sociology, where 60% of the students received the top grades A*-B. Vocational subjects also performed very highly (CACHE, Sport, Media and HSC), scoring a Value Added score of +0.70, which means every student performed almost a grade better than predicted by the government.

Honey Andrews

Ethan Griffin

Headteacher Philip Jones stated, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the students and their teachers for all of their hard work and dedication. May I wish all of our students all the very best for the future? 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. It is no surprise that we are oversubscribed in every year group”. For more information about the school, visit www.fernup.dorset.sch.uk or call 01202 871243.

Jenna Seaton Ferndown Upper School pupils looking delighted with their exam results

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| 17

Looking after your money By Marilyn Barber

Does money slip through your fingers? Do you wonder where it all goes? Or, even worse, are you sliding into debt? If any of these apply to you, maybe you need to look at your expenditure very closely. And there is a formula – the 50/20/30 rule. This means you should spend 50 per cent of your after-tax income on needs,

30 per cent on wants, whilst allocating 20 per cent to savings. You could curb your spending, by embarking on the 30 day impulse spending rule. Tell yourself you’re going to think about the expenditure for 30

days. Take a piece of paper and write down the name of the item, service etc, where you found it and how much it costs. At the end of that time, you might think better of forking out the cash. You can help to manage your money better by writing down your expenditure. You might be surprised to see how much you are spending each year on coffees in cafes or by buying takeaway sandwiches for lunch instead of making your own.

10 ways to save money

1. Move bank accounts to take advantage of perks and to earn more interest. 2. Stop collecting and start selling. 3. Write a list before you go

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4DORSET October 2019

shopping and stick to it. 4. Invite friends to your home instead of going out for a meal. 5. Repair clothing instead of casting out items. 6. Avoid convenience and fast foods. 7. Turn off the lights when you leave a room 8. Do a price comparison on items you need to buy. 9. Cancel unused club memberships, magazine subscriptions and satellite channels you don’t watch. 10. Check out the free events in your neighbourhood.

Equity release

If you’re over 55 and consider yourself to be property rich but cash poor, equity release could be just what you need to have a more comfortable lifestyle. If this is for you, you need to consult an independent, specialist adviser who will search the whole market to find the right plan for you. They’ll explain all the options available. Remember that taking a plan reduces the value of your estate and may affect any means-

tested benefits you are eligible for. The most popular form of equity release is a lifetime mortgage where you will still own your home. As with any kind of mortgage, it is a loan secured against your home. And you can still move home, as many equityrelease plans allow you to move your loan to a new property, providing the lender approves the property first. If you take out a lifetime mortgage you may be able to choose whether to pay back interest or let it build up. The loan is usually only paid back when you die, when your property is sold, or if you enter into long term care. Equity release has the advantage of allowing homeowner to access the equity of their property without having to sell it and move to somewhere smaller. Reasons for looking into a home equity loan include debt consolidation; home improvements that will add value to the resale value of your property or a holiday of a lifetime.

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Five ways to protect your family’s future at any age By Jeremy Tucker, Head of Private Client at Dutton Gregory Solicitors

1. Make a Will

By making a will you are choosing to protect your family in the future. You can choose who will: receive your assets on your death, become guardians of your children, administer your estate and act as executor, and possibly save tax for your loved ones. Here at Dutton Gregory, we advise on the key decisions to consider when making your Will, and how to reduce the likelihood of it being challenged on your death.

2. Choose a Lasting Power of Attorney

If you were to lose your mental capacity with no Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place, your financial and property affairs would be handled by a deputy appointed by the Court of Protection, rather than someone you would have chosen. This can be a lengthy and expensive process, but we are here to help, guiding you through all the options, to assist you to appoint someone of your choice to look after your affairs.

3. Save Tax – Estate/Wealth Tax Planning

Where the value of a person’s estate exceeds the “nil rate” band (currently £325,000) Inheritance

Tax (‘IHT’) may be payable at 40% on the excess. However, by careful arrangement of your affairs, it is possible to save considerable amounts of tax. Our team are here to help you navigate the various reliefs/exemptions available, including the use of trusts.

4. Avoid the pitfalls of Estate Administration

Jeremy Tucker

When a person dies, someone has to take charge of dealing with their estate. If there is a will, this will usually be the executors. If there is no will, the intestacy provisions set out who is entitled to the estate. Our experts will safely guide you through the process, helping you avoid the pitfalls of being an executor, and alert you to any tax planning opportunities that may arise.

5. Set up a Trust Trusts can be a beneficial way to look after your assets for future generations, assist with tax planning, and protect vulnerable people including personal injury trusts. Get in touch with our team to find out more on trusts, and protecting your family. Call 01202 315005 or email contact@ duttongregory.co.uk to speak to one of our legal experts, and protect your family in the future.

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Positive life coach and author Sue Stone meets Louise van Wingerden Life coach and author of two books, Love Life, Live Life and the more recent The Power Within You Now!, Sue is extremely articulate and emits an aura of genuine positivity. Before I met her, I’d seen her website and so I already knew that she has a powerful story but hearing her tell it in person was even more impressive. Sue spoke of how 20 years ago she hit rockbottom in her life, with the spectre of poverty looming, before enlightenment struck after she read a number of selfhelp books on positive thinking. She is clearly very well-read and knowledgeable, reciting the names of many other authors and public speakers in her field, including Neville Goddard, Dr Joe Dispenza and Jack Canfield. She’s also passionate about her work, and what she calls her life mission, administered through the Sue Stone Foundation, which was established in 2011, to help other people achieve a positive mindset with true happiness, inner peace, health and abundance. To hear Sue speak, in the sitting room of her lovely home in West Parley (complete with swimming pool) it’s easy to believe she’s the living embodiment of all she preaches on the subject of

happiness and empowerment. Her daughter Natalie works as her PR and together they travel all over the world as Sue carries out her speaking engagements. A look at the Foundation website leads the eye to many featured television appearances including Channel 4’s The Secret Millionaire – as Sue tells it, she just had emails ‘out of the blue’ asking her to feature on various programmes. She doesn’t court television, but sees it as a way to spread her message, which is basically that ‘we live in an eternal moment of now’ and that positive thinking is scientifically proven to have a beneficial effect on our lives. Sue’s books are not autobiographical. Indeed, she says modestly that she’s sure people don’t want to know about her life. She says that rather than writing about her personal life, she concentrates on such subjects as her journey from inner critic to inner coach, in order to help other people. She never intended to become a writer but, again, fell into this as a way to spread her message of positivity. Her first book, Love Life, Live Life, was published 11 years ago and came into being after several people told her she

Q: In what year was the Sue Stone Foundation established?

should write a book. At first Sue replied that she couldn’t write, but after several days of telling herself she could, and then visualising herself having written the book, she found herself more than capable. The second book, The Power Within You Now!, came much more easily, in three short weeks of writing. She says, however, it was the culmination of twenty years of research and study into the subjects of quantum physics and neuro-science that produced the book, in which she has simplified these concepts so that they can be understood by all readers. As Sue puts it, ‘The science backs up the ancient wisdom.’ If you want to buy either of the books (there’s also an audio book which Sue narrated herself if you want to hear her compelling story told in her own words) visit www.suestone.com.

Council leader explains funding challenges Dispite Dorset Council welcoming the government’s announcement of increased funding for council-run services, it still faces a challenging budget position. In September, Chancellor Sajid Javid promised access for councils across the country to £1.5bn new funding for social care, and an additional £700m to support children and young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND). He also outlined plans to increase school spending by £7.1bn by 2022-23 and £54m of additional funding to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping. The authority won’t find out how much it will be allocated until December. However, the council’s finance officers estimate that the funding could be as much as £10m from government for the next financial year. This is against current funding levels of £295m. Leader of Dorset Council, Cllr Spencer Flower, said, “I am pleased to see that the government has recognised the need to rebalance the past cuts in funding for essential local government services. I wrote to Chancellor Sajid Javid on 20 August with a plea for fairer funding for Dorset. I explained to the Chancellor that the recent local government reorganisation in Dorset, which he approved in his former role as Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government,

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4DORSET October 2019

mags4dorset has teamed up with Sue Stone to offer a copy of her latest book, The Power Within You Now! as a competition prize. For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the following question:

is indeed achieving significant efficiencies and cost reductions. We are on track to achieve a £10m reduction in our salary bill resulting from de-duplication of roles. And we will make further significant budget savings next year and in ongoing years through service redesign and economies of scale. “However, despite this, Dorset Council still faces a challenging budget position due to growing demand for children’s services (both children in care and SEND services) and adult social care, both of which we have a statutory duty to provide. This growing demand is due to demographic changes such as our ageing population and more children being diagnosed with special educational needs. Due to these pressures, we find ourselves forecasting a budget overspend of £12.6m for this financial year, which we are working hard to address. This is despite an increase in our 2019/20 budget provision in both adults and children’s services of about £10m. “I also want to be absolutely clear: the financial situation for local government in Dorset would be significantly worse if we had not gone ahead with local government reorganisation and the creation of Dorset Council.”

Enter at www.mags4dorset, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ. Closing date is 31 October 2019. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final. Personal details will be stored securely and will only be processed to determine the winner of the competition. The winner will be announced in the magazine.

Educational needs failure A recent report from The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman revealed that Dorset Council’s predecessor, Dorset County Council, failed to provide for a child with special educational needs and disabilities. Cllr Andrew Parry, portfolio holder for children, education and learning at Dorset Council, said, “We fully accept the ombudsman’s findings and apologise to the family for the stress and disruption caused, particularly to the young person involved. Improving our SEND services is a priority for the new Dorset Council. We have a new director and new head of Education & Learning and are working with schools to provide more alternative education for children with additional needs in Dorset. We’re also reviewing our internal processes to improve the way we support families. We have a lot of work to do but we’re determined to make things better for children and families.”

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health and care

If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. 4DORSET is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.

£5,000 boost for bowel cancer patients Paul Jenkins, 56, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016, has raised an impressive £5,000 to help support others living with the condition. A keen sea kayaker, he has taken on a number of challenges including kayaking from Swanage to the Needles on the Isle of Wight, as well as trips along the Jurassic Coast and circumnavigating Portland. Paul only discovered he had bowel cancer after visiting his local GP following a dull ache under his ribs accompanied by unexplained weight loss. He was referred to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital for further checks. An ultrasound scan revealed a thickening of his gall bladder and, following a CT scan and colonoscopy, it was discovered he had a tumour in his ascending colon. Paul was admitted to Ward 16, which specialises in major operations following a diagnosis of bowel cancer, and underwent an operation to remove the tumour. Paul kayaked to The Needles

Paul said, “The professionalism and dedication of NHS staff is unwavering despite all the challenges they continually have to face. I would like to say a big thank you to my family and friends and all those over the last 12 months who similarly supported and helped me reach my fundraising target.” Bournemouth Hospital Charity fundraiser, David James, said, “It’s only with generous donations such as this that we can provide the extra care and support we would expect for our own families. The charity pays for the little and big extras which are not funded by the NHS.” Further information on bowel cancer can be found on the NHS website at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/. To find out how you can support patients and staff at the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch hospitals, go to www. BHCharity.org or call the charity office on 01202 704060.

Volunteers at work

Lily's Place spruced up Volunteer gardeners and decorators from Colten Care and Colten Developments have helped to spruce up the garden of Lily’s Place, a respite home for disabled children in Poole. As well as weeding, trimming and other tasks, they painted two summerhouses and a number of raised beds and planters. Three members of the volunteer team were from Colten’s nearby dementia care home The Aldbury, which has chosen Diverse Abilities as its main charity to support this year.

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

HPV for boys The HPV vaccine, which can help prevent a number of cancers, has been offered to girls in school year 8 for over 10 years. From September the free Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine will also be offered to year 8 boys. If you are a parent of a child aged 12 or 13, look out for information from your child’s school about the vaccine and timings for the jab. If they miss out on the vaccination for any reason, talk to the school nurse or immunisation team about getting the vaccine later.

Nurse recruitment at Royal Bournemouth Hospital The Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) is hosting a recruitment event for newly qualified nurses on Saturday 5 October, with jobs being offered on the day. Those wishing to attend the day should sign up at www.rbch.nhs.uk/careers. Lunch is provided. To find out more about working at RBH, please visit: www.rbch.nhs.uk/recruitment.php

Dramatic turnaround for mental health trust Dorset HealthCare Trust has gone from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Outstanding’ in just four years. Following a recent inspection of its services, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has upgraded Dorset HealthCare trust’s rating from ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’. In June 2015, the trust was rated as ’Requires Improvement’. Dorset HealthCare is the first mental health trust providing community services in the South to be given this rating – and one of only a small handful nationally. Inspectors found that not only were a number of individual services outstanding – including, for the first time, community

health services for adults – but also that the trust was, overall, outstanding for being caring and well-led. As recently as 2014, Dorset HealthCare was in breach of its licence, and criticised for significant failings in governance and the quality of its patient care. Chief Executive Eugine Yafele said, “This is a fantastic achievement, and a testament to our staff’s hard work, dedication and relentless focus on quality improvement over the past few years. “Organisations do not provide outstanding care

Is your child protected? To be protected from measles, children and adults should have been immunised with two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. Find out whether your children are up to date with scheduled immunisations by checking their Red Book or visit the NHS website.

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– people do. Therefore, this rating reflects our collective effort and determination to deliver the very best outcomes and experiences for our patients, their families and friends... However, we are not complacent; nor do I believe that we are at the limits of the improvements that need to be made across our trust. We know we can always improve what we do and, ultimately, would want to see all our services rated as outstanding. That is our next challenge, and we are fully committed to meeting it.”

Hope for earlier cancer detection Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast have developed an early detection test for ovarian cancer. They discovered that the presence of four proteins together, known as a biomarker panel, indicates the likelihood of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC), a type of ovarian cancer. Using these biomarkers the researchers then developed a screening test that initial studies suggest may be able to detect ovarian cancer up to two years before current detection tests. In women in the UK, ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer. Dr Rachel Shaw, Research Information Manager at Cancer Research UK, said, “Around half of ovarian cancer cases are picked up at a late stage, when treatment is less likely to be successful. So developing simple tests like these that could help detect the disease sooner is essential. “...It’s really exciting to see these encouraging results for this type of ovarian cancer.” The project was jointly funded by the Eve Appeal charity and Cancer Research UK.

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health and care

Garden makeover for hospital Sixteen teenagers from Corfe Hills and Twynham Schools and Poole and Parkstone Grammar Schools raised over £500 to upgrade a garden area next to the Acute Medical Unit at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH). The group were taking part in the National Citizen Service (NCS) summer holiday programme with BCHA, a Bournemouthbased housing association, which has been delivering the course since 2011. -| advertiser’s announcement |-

Your health affects everything you do Aches, pains and illness can affect us at any time of our lives. That’s why at Alchemy Health Clinic in Wimborne, it’s no surprise that patients range in age from new born babies to a 104-year-old. For over 37 years, Alchemy Health Clinic has been offering natural health care in our community by experienced practitioners. These include chiropractic, homeopathy, physiotherapy, reflexology and counselling. Focus is on healthcare without side effects and treatments are tailored for each individual’s needs. To support continued good health, Alchemy also offers a range of enjoyable classes including Pilates, Yoga, Meditation, Birthing and Vegan/ Vegetarian Cookery. This month, Alchemy opens its doors for a special OPEN DAY event, which invites you to come and discover what the clinic has on offer and enjoy taster

sessions absolutely FREE! Please see the adjacent advert for more details. Why choose Alchemy? “Four generations of my family have been treated – my parents, children, grandchildren have all been patients and have been kept working, gardening and playing sports, even rugby! – into their 60s.” C Harding “Alchemy’s holistic approach to treating disease, by using methods of healing rather than seeking the cure, became a powerful influence within my own practice. I cannot recommend Nashir and his team too highly.” Dr Keith Glennis-Smith Consultant Anaesthetist (now retired)

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

Funding for canoeing

Oxygen safety warnings for the home

Three organisations which support charitable causes locally - Dorset Community Foundation, the Hospital of St Mary Magdalen Trust and Christchurch Round Table - have teamed up to fund Dorset Disabled Canoeing Unit, with a grant of £2,225. The grant will enable the volunteer-led group to purchase new equipment and cover the cost of training for essential new volunteers. Dorset Community Foundation is a local independent charitable foundation, which raises and distributes funding for those most in need across the county. www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org.

Sadly, people with severe respiratory problems have to use oxygen therapy systems in their homes – but there are dangers that Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service say they need to be aware of. Recently, firefighters were called to a home where a man had suffered minor burns and smoke inhalation after the flame from a lighter ignited his oxygen supply. Ian Hopkins, the service’s prevention delivery manager, said, “The addition of concentrated oxygen into a room or surrounding environment will greatly increase the intensity of a fire should one start. Fortunately, on this occasion, the fire didn’t take hold. We would urge anyone who uses oxygen at home, or who cares for someone in that position, to take extra precautions to prevent a fire from starting.”

Members of Dorset Disabled Canoeing Unit

Local care and support workers celebrate being Proud to Care Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and local care providers have joined forces to launch the Proud to Care campaign in celebration of the valuable contribution that professional care and support workers make to local residents’ lives every day. The campaign aims to improve public perception, provide a better understanding of care and support work, to boost recruitment, and for carers to feel proud of their job. To find out more: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/proudtocare

The advice below should always be followed: • Make sure oxygen equipment is stored safely out of direct sunlight, well ventilated, always dry and away from heat sources. • Never smoke – or allow the person being cared for to smoke – whilst using oxygen equipment. This includes e-cigarettes (vapes). • Don’t use matches or any naked flame such as candles, incense sticks or oil burners in the same room as oxygen equipment. • Keep the oxygen supply well away from gas stoves, portable or open fires. • Make sure oxygen is turned off when not in use. • Contact your oxygen supplier for further guidance.

Work to prevent blindness in Africa Ben Parkin, a consultant ophthalmologist from the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) joined a team of eye-care specialists from around the UK in Kenya to offer health professionals working in Juba, South Sudan, free training in the latest eye-care techniques. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports approximately 26.3 million people in the African region have a form of visual impairment. Of these, 20.4 million have low vision and 5.9 million are estimated to be blind. Despite the availability of cost-effective treatments for most causes of avoidable blindness, a shortage of eye-care services

means millions of people in Africa remain at risk from vision-loss owing to cataracts, uncorrected refractive errors, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, corneal opacities, diabetic retinopathy, trachoma and onchocerciasis. Owing to political instability in the region, the training took place in Kenya and was attended by health professionals from surrounding countries, so it is hoped patients from across central, eastern and southern Africa will benefit. RBH donated several refurbished iPads, so trainees could have access to inter-active technology and review stateof-the-art eye-care techniques.

The trainees practise their skills

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4DORSET October 2019

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Free Health Checks Heart Research UK has welcomed the news that an increased number of pharmacies across England will begin to provide free heart check-ups. Patients will have their blood pressure and cholesterol tested. Experts have suggested that the programme, which may roll out to every pharmacy in the country, could potentially prevent up to 150,000 heart attacks and strokes in the next 10 years. Kate Bratt-Farrar, chief executive of Heart Research UK, said, “It is estimated that seven million people in the UK are living with cardiovascular disease, and coronary

heart disease is still the nation’s single biggest killer, responsible for more than 66,000 deaths a year. “Despite this, many people are still not aware of the risk factors. That’s why these free, accessible checks are so welcome. The more people that are aware of their blood pressure and cholesterol numbers the better, as they can then take positive steps to reduce their risk of heart disease. She added “Anything that can reduce stress on the NHS and help to improve public knowledge around heart disease can only be a good thing.”

health and care To advertise here call Mark Or Simon

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Lion's Donation Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club has donated £2,000 to the Lewis-Manning Hospice, the bulk of which came from the Easter Egg draws held in local pubs and clubs. Pictured are Mark Elling from Lewis-Manning with Lions Anne Lippitt, Ken Taylor, Joan Budden and Lions’ president Frank Fortey. -| Advertisement feature |-

Learning to Swim – an essential life skill. Most of us recognise that swimming is an important life skill, and with drowning still being one of the most common causes of accidental death in children in the UK, swimming is usually top of the list of extra-curricular activities. But did you know there are plenty of other great reasons why children should learn to swim? 1. It’s fun. Children love the water and all Ferndown Leisure's lessons follow the Swim England National Teaching Plan that advocates learning through fun activities and challenges. 2. It has numerous health benefits including improving cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance and flexibility. 3. It provides challenges and rewards, therefore promoting self-confidence. Remember how Olympic Champion,

Adam Peaty, reflected on his time learning to swim and getting his badges and certificates? 4. It opens up a whole range of opportunities to try different activities: Scuba Diving, Kayaking, Triathlons, Surfing and many more. Plus, there are the obvious holiday benefits of pools, beaches and waterparks. Spaces are now available on the Learn to Swim Programme, so whatever your motivation, get in touch to see how your child can become water safe and learn a lifelong skill they will never forget. For more information about swimming at Ferndown Leisure Centre please contact the swim team on 01202 877468 or visit www.ferndownleisurecentre.co.uk

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Otters are the talk of Wimborne By Marilyn Barber

Local people have proved how much they care about wildlife – with Wimborne residents in particular showing their concern for the otter spotted in the River Allen with a cable tie around its neck. Dave Webb, founder of the UK Wild Otter Trust, who together with colleagues, has been in the town several times recently in the hope of catching the mammal and freeing it from the plastic said, “The people of Wimborne have been fantastic, with cafes supplying us with free cups of tea and sandwiches. The search for the otter has drawn big crowds concerned for the animal.” Sadly at the time of going to press, the otter has remained elusive. People have been worried about how the cable tie came to be around the creature’s neck. “It could have been a home made snare and the otter just swam through it. The worry is that if the otter puts on weight, the tie will become tighter. However, it could just come off. This happened in Blandford, where an otter had worn a cable tie for six weeks.” Dave is fearful about the situation. He said “Otters are very

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4DORSET October 2019

elusive, and move around at night, so they are not often to be found at the same spot. This otter is not showing fear of humans which is rather worrying.” He explained that otters are complex creatures, and the Trust needed to build up a picture of what it is doing and where it is going. “Darting it is risky as they don’t react well to anaesthetic, which would take a few minutes to take effect, and could lead to the otter drowning,” Dave said. How many otters are there in the River Allen in Wimborne? “There seems to be a mother and two cubs upstream and a mother and two cubs downstream. When the cubs are 12-15 months old the mother kicks them out, and we think the one with the cable tie is one of the downstream cubs,” said David. The area in which the otter has been spotted mainly is in the part of the river adjacent to the Allendale Centre. The diet of otters is varied. “They will eat fish, small birds and small mammals. The River Allen has crayfish, which is high in protein,” said Dave. A local man, who has lived by

the River Allen for 40 years, said he had never seen an otter. Others report only seeing one once in a decade. Dave said that otters have been found in every county in the UK. The European Otter is a member of the same family as badgers, mink, weasels, stoats, martins and polecats. Otters have an acute sense of smell, hearing and eyesight and they communicate using whistles, twittering noises and spitting sounds. They live in holes in a river

bank called a holt, which may have two or three entrances, with one being above water level. Sadly they rarely live beyond the age of four. The UK Wild Otter Trust is dedicated to promoting a positive understanding of the otter and otter conservation in all areas to as many people as possible and to raise the awareness through education, involvement and information. They can be contacted on 01769 540560 or 07866 462820.

The otter pictured in Wimborne by the UK Wild Otter Trust

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foodie news

No hidden spectres at the

FISHERMAN'S HAUNT By Louise van Wingerden The Fisherman’s Haunt is a pub and hotel in Winkton, just outside Christchurch. It’s a beautiful setting, on the edge of the New Forest and right by the River Avon. Although built as a private house in 1673, the building has been a pub for many years. Once teeming with fishermen in their wellies and waterproofs, nowadays the Fisherman’s Haunt is a little more upmarket – although the restaurant meals are still very reasonably priced. Paul and I visited on a Saturday evening, and found that there was ample space in the car park. The initial impression was welcoming - outside the pub is a large courtyard with decking and room for plenty of tables, with a combination of fairy lights and old-style lampposts. A large apple tree laden with fruit completes the look. When we arrived, just before 7pm, a few of the outside tables were occupied but the bar was reasonably quiet. The restaurant was quite busy, however – which was a good sign, we thought. The décor was eye-catching but not garish, the facilities were clean and there were fresh flowers at our table. We were seated by the window, where we had a view of the terrace and several lushly cultivated hanging baskets. The service was excellent – as soon as we were seated we were asked whether we’d like a drink. We both opted for soft drinks, and a carafe of tap water was brought to the table along with these. We were also asked whether we had any allergens – clearly the Fuller’s staff training is exemplary. Our order was taken promptly. I asked for a prawn cocktail starter, which when it arrived had more prawns than I’ve ever seen on one plate. I used to love prawn cocktails in the eighties, before they went out of fashion for restaurant dining, and I’m very happy that they’ve come back in again. I can report that not only were my prawns plentiful, they were also tasty and succulent. Paul chose a starter of hummus with Kalamata olives and a liberal sprinkling of pine nuts, which was served with flat bread. Again, the portion size was generous. I can also confirm that the hummus was delicious. Paul might not have been impressed that, as I informed him, it was now my job to taste his food, but the arrangement worked for me. Leaving the restaurant for a quick rest break, I was surprised to see that the bar was full, with lots of people clearly enjoying their night out. No noise had filtered through to the restaurant

area, which was also filling up, mostly with couples but also with one or two families. This brought back memories of our last visit to the Fishermans’s Haunt, with friends, when our eldest daughter was a baby. That must have been 18 years ago… Anyway, after a wait of just the right length, our main courses arrived. I had selected blackened salmon – not burned obviously, but adorned with a tasty mix of Cajun spices. Paul agreed with me that the salmon packed quite a punch (I did let him share my food too). The buttered new potatoes that came with my meal were delicious and the plate was also loaded with avocado, tomato and tarragon salad. It was almost too much food. Paul had selected Owton’s dry-aged 8oz ribeye steak. This came with triple cooked chips and since it was now my job, I sampled one of these. According to a quick search on the internet before our visit to the Fisherman’s Haunt, Heston Blumenthal invented the triple cooked fries. They are first simmered to blanch them, then dried off and fried twice – this makes the perfect combination of crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Paul told me his steak was also very good and he particularly enjoyed the watercress and shallot salad that accompanied the dish, which was also garnished with mushrooms and a large beef tomato. By the time the dessert menu arrived, I was so full that I didn’t think I could manage another bite. But then my curiosity was piqued by the option of buffalo milk ice cream. We were informed by the restaurant manager that this comes from Laverstoke Park, a local bio-dynamic and organic farm. He said it was excellent – having a higher nutrient content and also more calcium and fat than cow’s milk. We both had the salted caramel flavour, and it was indeed very good - smooth, thick, and rich. Paul had a chocolate and orange crème brulee to go with his ice-cream, so

I struggled through a couple of spoonfuls too, which actually wasn’t a hardship. As our meal drew to a close and the evening darkened, our seat by the window paid dividends, as we were treated to a beautiful sunset. It was the perfect end to a lovely evening out.

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

It ’s party time! By Marilyn Barber

You may not ‘wish it could be Christmas everyday’ but it will be here soon enough, and if you haven’t booked your dinners and parties don’t delay as local companies report that their calendars are filling up faster than you can say ‘mince pies’. Let’s look at the different options you could consider.

A group of friends

Meeting for a lunch or dinner in the lead up to Christmas is a great way to catch up with those you might have seen only infrequently during the year. Either a pub or a cosy restaurant would make ideal venues. And for a bit of fun, why not have a modest dress code, such as asking everyone to wear a bit of eco glitter, a head adornment or something in a particular colour. The venue will usually provide the organiser with a menu and ask diners to book their choices before the day. Now it is a well-known fact that

very few of your party will remember their menu choice, so the organiser is advised to keep a record of what everyone has ordered. “Christmas meals can be a nightmare as bookings are made well in advance and most people have no idea what they’ve ordered,” said a waitress from a local hotel. “On one occasion I just managed to retrieve a meal, telling the woman that she hadn’t ordered the turkey at all and was just about to eat someone else’s meal.”

Family

The blissful Christmas Day lunch portrayed in Victorian cards with the hosts dishing up a perfect meal can be a nightmare for those unused to cooking for a big group of people, so why not let a hotel or restaurant do all the hard work. What a treat to wake up on Christmas morning and to know that getting everything ready at the same time is someone else’s

problem. And it means that instead of getting stressed you can enjoy the family gathering.

Don’t overdo the roasts

The chances are that you will have several roast meals over the Christmas period, so how about choosing a restaurant that serves something more exotic such as Indian or Thai.

Office parties

If there is one minefield in life, it can be the office party. If you work for a big company, the chances are the party will be organised for you, but if your organisation is small, you might like to join other companies in a Christmas party night at a hotel. That way you will probably be able to enjoy Bucks Fizz on

arrival, streamers, crackers and most importantly a disco. But whether you are part of a small or a large event, there are one or two tips on how to behave. Don’t drink too much; don’t dress up as though you are going to a nightclub; avoid bad mouthing your colleagues and boss and keep your conversations on a positive note.

Buffet

You tend to think of friends, family and office parties as sit down affairs, but you might consider booking a finger buffet at the hotel of your choice. This is such a good way of ensuring that you get to speak to all the guests, whilst they are enjoying such delicacies as Brie bites, vegetable spring rolls and mini kebabs.

Do-it-yourself

If you’ve decided to hire a hall or to have a party at home, you will need to make the room look festive and welcoming. Think party hats, crackers

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4DORSET October 2019

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foodie news and novelties. And there is an amazing variety of table decorations available such as mini Christmas trees, bauble trees and even animated reindeer. And if your guests are more on the extrovert side, you could invite them to dress as elves or snowmen!

Allergy alert

If you are organising a ‘do’, make sure you check that you have identified if your guests have any allergies. Restaurants, pubs and hotels are very up to speed on this and can ensure there is something suitable for every diner.

Getting home

Police forces across the country run pre-Christmas and New Year drink driving campaigns, and the Dorset and Hampshire forces are no exception. Don’t take any risks as one drink can so easily lead to another. And although there are usually one or two people who are happy to be the designated drivers, it really isn’t fair to have them motoring all over the area late at night, dropping off their friends and family. A taxi has to be the sensible answer, even if you are teetotal, as it makes the start of the evening a bit special, and ensures you get home safely. But do book well in advance.

Have fun.

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

what’s on

this month 9, 16 and 23 October 2-5pm Edmondsham House, off B308. Six acres of mature gardens open for NGS. Walled garden and 12th century church to explore.

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

8 October 7.30pm

Top Dog Film Festival at Lighthouse, Poole. A cinematic celebration of dogs and their people.

Janette Merillion will present ‘Birds, Butterflies and Bees’ to Broadstone Horticultural Society at the War Memorial Hall, Tudor Road. Table show, plant stall, refreshments and raffle. For more information call 01202 695873 or 01202 697241 or visit broadstonehortsoc. blogspot.co.uk.

5-6 October 10am

9 October 7.30pm

3 October 7.30pm

Bournemouth Marathon Festival starts in Kings Park. Choice of runs including half marathon, 5k and 10k as well as marathon. To enter go to bournemouthmarathon.com

5 October 7-11pm

Muscliff Garden Club, a talk on bees and bee keeping by Totti the beekeeper at Muscliff Community Centre Shillingstone Drive, Bournemouth.

10 October 7.30pm

Vinyl Survivalists at the Community Learning and Resource Centre (CLARC) at 41-44, King Street, Wimborne. Licensed bar and refreshments.

Lions’ annual autumn quiz at the Barrington Theatre, Ferndown. Entries invited for teams of up to six players. Cost £8 per player including refreshments. Contact ronneave@yahoo. co.uk or on 01202 873551.

5 October 8.30pm

11 October 7.30pm

A tribute to Elvis at Verwood Memorial Hall, raising funds for St Michael’s Church, Verwood and the Children’s Society. Tickets £7.50 pre booked and £9 on the door. Doors open 7.45pm. Contact Brian Cox on 01202 824885, email brian.handsandfeet@ talktalk.net

7 October

Bournemouth William Temple Association, Marsham Court Hotel, Russell-Cotes Road, Bournemouth. Dinner at 7pm and a talk and question time at 8.10pm. Information on jjnewbold@btinternet. com give details of the subscription and charges for the meal at the hotel, or telephone 01202 761749.

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4DORSET October 2019

Bingo at Verwood Memorial Hall. Bring your own drinks and food and enjoy an evening of fun and fundraising for the Friends of Verwood First School. Great prizes up for grabs. Tickets £8 per person, which includes seven rounds of Bingo and a dabber! Email the FoVFS on friends_of_ vfs@hotmail.com to buy tickets. Over 18s only.

12 October 1-4pm

At Salamander Cookshop, 57 High Street Wimborne, meet Sue Currie from Artisan Cookware manufacturers Netherton Foundary. The family restored an old foundry in Shropshire and now produce artisan spun iron pans, casserole dishes, woks, loaf tins, baking trays and tagines.

12 October 2.30pm

The World Ship Society meets at the Broadstone Community & Arts Centre, 21 Dunyeats Road. Kevin Patience will tell the story of Stoker James Hancock from HMS Pegasus.

12 October 8pm-10.30pm

JigJam present traditional Irish music with Bluegrass and Americana at Ferndown Village Hall. For tickets contact Adrian and Juli on 01202 083740 or Linda and Les on 01202 623740.

14 October 2.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society illustrated talk ‘Spring in Japan’ by Rosemary LeGrand at West Moors Memorial Hall. More details: Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536.

14 October 7.30pm

Wimborne Horticultural Society harvest meeting at Allendale Centre. Malcolm Angel will talk about Wimborne facts, myths and legends. Please bring food for a shared supper.

15 October 7.30pm

Dorset Family History Society meets at St George’s Church Hall, Darby’s Lane, Oakdale, Poole, BH15 3EU. ‘It’s the Way You Tell ‘Em’ by David Gynes. £2 to include refreshments. Everyone welcome. More details on www.dorsetfhs.org. uk or email contact@dorsetfhs. org.uk or Tel 01202 785623.

16 October 10-2pm

As part of Get Online Week, digital champions will be at Ringwood Library to assist with devices including personal phones, tablets and computers. The event is free.

21 October Black and white print competition. Wimborne Camera Club. Join this club for a diverse programme and support for photographers of all abilities. Visit the website for further information www. wimbornecameraclub.org.uk

15-26 October Dorchester Literary Festival at various venues. Includes presentations by Prue Leith, A N Wilson, Simon Heffer, Dom Joly, Sir Tim Waterstone, Victoria Hislop and Kate Williams. dorchesterliteraryfestival.com/

17 October 2-4 pm At Ringwood’s Greyfriars Community Centre, Jenny Bluck will talk about ‘Experiences of her 2018 trip with three fellow Trefoilers to set up Guide Groups in more isolated regions of Russia’. For more information visit ringwoodu3a.org.uk or call Pete on 01425 478077.

19 October 7.30pm Bourne2sing male voice choir concert at St Mary’s Church, West Moors, BH22 OJF. Funds raised go to local charities. Tickets available from 01202 890098 or possibly at the door. The price includes refreshments.

19 October 11am-3pm Salamander Cookshop, 57 High Street, local artisan manufacturers Freda and Anna who produce Beeswrap, the eco and reusable alternative to cling film, will explain how it is made and how to use it.

19-26 October

Wimborne Green Festival in the town centre includes Zero Food Waste demo with Lesley Waters, a Green Fair, children’s themed craft activities and Fungi Forays with John Wright of River Cottage.

20 October 7.30pm

Royal British Legion Ringwood & District Branch. A Concert by The Hampshire Police Band in Aid of the Poppy Appeal at Ringwood Parish Church. Tickets £9 in advance from Grants in the Furlong, Meeting House & Greyfriars or £10 on the door. Contact Val Aldridge for further details on 01425 47833.

21 October

Black and white print competition. Wimborne Camera Club. Join this club for a diverse programme and support for photographers of all abilities. Visit the website for further information www. wimbornecameraclub.org.uk

26 October

Zombie Fest in Poole’s Falkland Square and the Dolphin Shopping Centre. The free-to-enter Zombie Parade will begin at Falkland Square at approximately 4pm and will travel along the high street and end at the Town Quay at 4.45pm. Prizes will be awarded for the ‘worst dressed’ zombies.

26 October 7.30pm

Beaulieu Fireworks Spectacular celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Tickets can be bought in advance online before 5pm on 24 October and on arrival from 3pm. For tickets or more details see www. beaulieu.co.uk/events/ beaulieu-fireworks/ or call 01590 612888.

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around & about

The Tank Museum - full of suprises By Louise van Wingerden A day out at the Tank Museum (formerly known as Bovington Tank Museum) proved to be, for me, full of surprises. We’ve been all over the local area as a family but never here before. I’ve never been particularly interested in tanks and imagined that a tank museum would be a dusty place, full of rusty machines. Wrong. I don’t remember my husband, Paul, ever being so immersed in a family day out (we took our sons, aged 14 and 11) and he definitely inspired the boys with his enthusiasm. According to Paul, Bovington is the largest international museum of its kind. I’ll take his word for that. What I do know is that its many collections – not just of tanks but also other vehicles such as personnel carriers and other armoured vehicles - are imaginatively collated and curated, labelled and explained. There are 10 exhibitions, including The Tank Story, The Trench Experience, Warhorse to Horsepower and so on. As we passed through the various areas (and there were many) I learned about the war from the POV of real soldiers who had served in the Tank Corps, read their stories and saw their medals. Once or twice I found myself close to tears. This, I was not expecting. Another surprise was that the place was so well attended, mostly by families but there were quite a few army cadets and also some fully fledged soldiers. Male attendees at the museum probably slightly outnumbered women, which is a first for any family day out I’ve ever experienced.

A live action display takes place outside on weekdays in the school holidays. The day we visited, the hillside was packed with spectators. We were treated to half an hour of riveting entertainment including real explosions. Then we headed back inside the museum. I say ‘we’ but I have to admit that the boys and I retired for a cup of tea (me) and ice-creams (them) while Paul went off to see all the tanks he’d missed and to take a second look at the others. At the end of the afternoon we went to visit the vehicle conservation centre, which was amazing – a massive warehouse-type building containing a huge array of tanks. Volunteers and staff work together to maintain and repair the vehicles, which are often donated to the museum in various states of deterioration. The conservation building is open to the public only at certain times, and was built with money from the Lottery Heritage Fund. Which brings me to another surprise (they just kept coming) which was to learn that Bovington Tank Museum is a registered charity – you can gift aid your admission and they get an extra 25%. It was a great day out and I would definitely recommend a visit. You can book tickets online at www.tankmuseum.org and if you want to see the impressive Tiger collection, visit by 3 November 2019.

The vehicle conservation centre at the Tank Museum

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

Two strangers, one conversation A perfect murder will be committed at the Tivoli Theatre, when Wimborne Drama Productions present Strangers on a Train by Craig Warner from 17 to 19 October. This gripping thriller is based on Patricia Highsmith’s acclaimed novel, which was the inspiration for Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary movie. Guy Haines (played by Rob Cording-Cook), an ambitious young architect, and Charles Bruno (Richard Cawte), a charming but spoilt mother’s boy with a taste for drink, meet on a train journey across America. Because they are strangers they ‘can say anything they like’ to one another. A seemingly innocent conversation soon turns into a dangerous reality for Guy. Ahead lies a deadly nightmare of blackmail and psychological torment that threatens to cost Guy his career, his marriage and his sanity. His choice: to kill, or to be

framed for a murder he didn’t commit. The play is directed by Phyllis Spencer. Also in the cast are James Bourner, Jemma Cable, Judy Garrett, Colin Pile and Richard Scotson. Tickets - £13 for the evening performances and £11 for the Saturday matinee - are available from the Tivoli Theatre Box Office telephone 01202 885566 or book online at www.TivoliWimborne.co.uk.

Richard Cawte, left and Rob Cording-Cook, right.

Review: Plays ‘n’Chips, Broadstone Players Theatre Company By Marilyn Barber In a format that works really well, this theatre company once again provided a good evening out, much enjoyed by the audiences. The production gives new members the chance to appear in a one-act play at the Broadstone Memorial Hall, as well as the opportunity for new directors to hone their skills. And in the first interval the audience was provided with a supper of fish, sausages or veggie burger and chips. A cream tea was provided at the two matinee performances. What is there not to like? Tunnel Vision, with new director Alyssa Thompson, told

the story of five people awaiting a delayed train on a platform on an underground station. As they bickered and chatted, strange and unsettling things started to happen. Newcomers Sali Pike and Alicia Needham put in spirited performances and looked confident on the stage. Alicia was clearly not one to reject a challenge, as she also appeared in Gosforth’s Fete in a contrasting role. The latter play, written by Alan Ayckbourn and directed by Chris Clayson, was a great way to end the evening, as it told the story of a fete that went spectacularly wrong. Calum Hearne, who is a regular with several local production companies, showed his talents as the event organiser, whilst Jill Darling put in an impressive performance as the vicar. Sandwiched between the two plays was a very original production entitled All by Myself, directed by Michelle Barter. Set somewhere in the South Seas, it told the story of ‘lonely Larry’ who believed he was the only man on the island, only to find out that there were many others. Peter Watson (Larry) is a seasoned and talented actor and his altercations with Pemberton, played with lots of fizz by Lesley James, provided highly amusing encounters. Other actors who gave good support in the three plays were Roger Clayson, Suzanne Viney, Michael Griffiths, Paul Stocker, Peter Amos, Chris Kemp, Chris Clayson and Jill Darling.

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4DORSET October 2019

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around & about

You can ‘hear it through the grapevine’ Soul singing sensation Wayne Hernandez and his star studded band will take the audience on a trip down memory lane at the Regent Centre, Christchurch on Friday 22 November. You will be able to hear some of Marvin Gaye’s most iconic hits, including How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You), Ain’t That Peculiar, I Heard It Through the Grapevine, What’s Going On, Let’s Get It On and many more, in this celebration of the Prince of Soul. Wayne has worked with the likes of Jay Z, Ed Sheeran, Quincy Jones, Rag & Bone man, Tina Turner, Gorillaz, Tori Amos, Blur, Grover Washington, Roberta Flack and Madonna. He has also toured extensively with Kool and the Gang and Regina Bell and is a well-established songwriter and producer. Wayne is part of the Kingdom Choir that sang at the Royal Wedding.

Enter at www.mags4dorset, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ. Closing date is 31 October 2019. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd and the Regent Centre are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final. Personal details will be stored securely and will only be processed to determine the winner of the competition. The winner will be announced in the magazine and their name and phone number will be passed to the venue and/or to the promoters should this be required with respect to the ticket allocation.

Mags4Dorset has teamed up with the Regent Centre in Christchurch to offer two tickets for An Evening with Marvin Gaye on Friday 22 November.at 7.30pm. For a chance to win, all you have to do is answer the following question: Q: What was Marvin Gaye’s nickname?

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| 33

motoring / keeping you on the road.

The five best cars for students With the start of the academic year, many students will have decided they would like to purchase their own transport – perhaps with a little help from the bank of mum and dad! To that end, the Westover Group has come up with the five most suitable cars. The ŠKODA Citigo is an eco-friendly and economical choice. With a return of over 60pmg and sitting within the lowest insurance group, this vehicle is cheap to run and maintain. The 1.0 litre engine car was also rewarded the full five stars in the Euro NCAP crash safety rating. The hatchback offers space for four, plus more luggage and boot space than is often expected with cars of this size. Similarly, the Hyundai i10 offers drivers a spacious interior and a large boot. This five-door car gained four out of five stars in the Euro NCAO crash safety rating, and comes with a warranty that covers the car for an unlimited number of miles over five years. The Renault Twingo is also covered by a three year or 60,000-mile warranty, that includes UK roadside assistance. The car offers a modern and spacious interior and uses two small petrol engines guaranteeing an affordable running cost. For those who pack light and do not require as much luggage space, the Toyota Aygo could be a good choice.

With C02 emissions of less than 100g/ km, this car is extremely cheap to run. It is quiet on the motorway making it an ideal long-distance cruiser. It was also awarded four out of five stars in the Euro NCAP crash safety rating and comes with a fiveyear or 100,000-mile warranty as standard as well as a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty that can be passed onto the next owner. The Kia Picanto comes with a sevenyear or 100,000-mile warranty, which can be transferred to a subsequent owner if sold. Models with the 1.0 litre engine start in insurance group four, the fourth cheapest bracket, meaning this car will be cheap to fuel and keep on the road. The practical Kia Picanto makes the most of its small size and was rated four out of five stars in the Euro NCAO crash safety rating. Andrew Dyer from Westover Group said, “When looking to purchase a secondhand car, it is always important to check out the documentation that accompanies the car before purchasing. Be sure to check for any damage or signs the vehicle has been in a collision as well as looking up the car history and MOT log.”

The Toyota Aygo

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4DORSET October 2019

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motoring

“Can I fit a coffin in the back of a Ford Modeo?” This is one of the weirdest questions asked by customers of used car dealers. CarGurus surveyed thousands of its UK used car dealers to find out the peculiar foibles of British car buyers and here are10 of the strangest requests. • Will a coffin fit in the back of a Ford Mondea? • Can I take the car home to see if my dog likes it? • Can you make this left-hand drive? • Would you take animals/property as payment? • Can I check the chassis number to see if it’s lucky? • Can I take my 80-year-old wife for a test drive to scare her? • Can you fit it with a radio and tape deck? • Can you deliver it to Australia? • Can you put the seats down so I can see if I can sleep in the back? • Can you fill it with balloons and put a bow on it?

While the most common questions fielded by dealers are typically about more conventional things; whether or not the car has a full-service history, what the dealer’s ‘best price’ is, or how long the used car has been on the market for – 31 days on average according to CarGurus – but there are customers who take things much further. Some asked if the car could be transported hundreds of miles away so they could view it in person, and it’s not uncommon for used car dealers to be asked to deliver cars as far away as Australia, Malta and Nigeria. www.cargurus.co.uk

To advertise in this space contact Mark Beechey on 01202 941485 or Simon Thornton on 01202 941470

Apology The article last month concerning the offence of driving while using a hand-held phone unfortunately quoted incorrect information relating to the penalties for the offence. The offence now carries (from 1 March 2017) a £200 fine (previously £60), and 6 penalty points. If taken to court you

could face disqualification and a fine of up to £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or a bus). New drivers who have passed their test in the last two years will automatically lose their licence. mags4dorset apologises for the publication of out of date information.

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October’s front cover photograph 'Reach for the stars’ was my first ever shot using a tracker. I have an incredibly strong passion for photographing the night sky and spent a year doing astrophotography ‘the old way’ and trying to learn the skill of taking the image just with a camera. Eventually, I took the plunge and saved up to buy a tracker. I was absolutely blown away by the sheer

detail and the length of time I could take an image. Although setting it up can be a pain, the results are astonishing and I have been hooked ever since. Each month I look forward to being out at night and it is good brain therapy giving me time to reflect, while taking in the incredible beauty the dark skies have to offer. Phil, Instagram @CAPTURING.THE.ELEMENTS

Elderly residents in East Dorset targeted by scammers Police are urging older readers to be vigilant after three local people were contacted by scammers on 20 August. An elderly woman received a phone call from a man purporting to be from NatWest bank in Ringwood. He told her she needed to go to the bank to hand over her bank cards for them to be amalgamated. She was unable to make it to Ringwood, so the man sent a courier. He arrived at the victim’s address in Church Hill, Verwood at 2.15pm. She handed over three cards and later received a genuine call from NatWest to say that there had been fraudulent activity on her accounts and £500 had been withdrawn. Her cards were then cancelled. The offender is described as black, aged in his 20s, six feet tall and wearing a high-visibility jacket. At noon two men called at an address in Cranfield Avenue, Wimborne and told the elderly occupant that the bank had to issue new cards and she would receive them the following day. The victim invited one of the men – described as black and aged

in his 20s wearing a high-visibility jacket – into her home. She handed over her empty cheque book and some personal details. It is not believed any money was stolen. The second man is described as white, five feet eight inches tall and wore a shirt and trousers. A third incident occurred around 2pm when a Wimborne resident received a phone call from a man claiming to be from the local NatWest branch. The scammer seemed to know the victim’s address and said someone would attend to take away his old debit and credit cards. Luckily this man contacted Dorset Police. He also contacted his bank who confirmed that it was a scam. If you saw someone acting suspiciously at the relevant places and times, or have dashcam or home CCTV footage get in touch with Dorset Police on 101, quoting 5519 0130 592. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. The bank will NEVER send someone to your home to collect your bank cards or ask for your PINs.

Dorset Growth Hub is launching a one-day event for Dorset businesses who are looking to scale up and take their businesses to the next level. Dorset Growth Fest will take place at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium on 9 October. A prestigious line-up of business leaders includes Dyson’s global head of social media Kate Peregrine and AFC Bournemouth’s chairman Jeff Mostyn. Guests will also hear Dorset success stories. Visit www.dorsetgrowthfest.co.uk to register your interest.

Bournemouth’s new gift card The Bournemouth Town Centre Gift Card will be launched on 5 October. The scheme works in the same way as department store gift cards but can be used with scores of retailers and businesses across the town centre. Purchasers simply choose how much they want to pre-load onto the card and then

give it to family, friends or work colleagues to spend as they wish. Among those participating are Odeon, Lush, Pandora, Beales, Cath Kidston, Skechers, Pizza Express, Las Iguanas, The Real Greek and Mr Mulligans. www.bournemouthgiftcard.co.uk

Obituary – Tom Porter Friends and business acquaintances are saddened at the death at the age 93 of former regional pub chain owner and entrepreneur Tom Porter. Tom, who served in the Royal Navy with HRH Prince Philip, had an executive position with the Brickwood and Whitbread breweries in the 60s and 70s. He went on to develop his own range of highly successful restaurant pubs, his first being The Bakers Arms at Lytchett Minster. He later developed his own chain of pubs. Together with Sharon Burns, he developed the Pub Quiz. They started with just 32 pub teams, but became the market leaders in this field, producing quizzes for up to 10,000 teams per week across the country and writing questions for many television quiz shows, as well as publishing pub quiz books with Corgi. Tom wrote many books. As a

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school governor near his home in Burley, he produced a reference library of each of the subjects within the school curriculum with the aim of assisting parents who wished to home educate their children to a high standard. When in his 60s, Tom gained his helicopter Private Pilots Licence and purchased his own aircraft, a Robinson R22. His health began to fade after the sudden death of his wife of 63 years Pip in 2013. He took up canal boating and moved nearer to his brother in Pershore, Worcestershire.

Tom Porter

Wimborne Rotarian, Neil Hutchinson has presented a cheque for £5,000 to Officer Commanding1069 (Flight Refuelling Wimborne) Squadron, Nigel Winton and Air Cadets Civilian committee chairman Sue Cook.

Big Sleep Easy On 16 November, almost 200 representatives from local businesses will be bedding down under the stars at The Bournemouth Sports Club at Chapel Gate as part of YMCA Bournemouth’s ‘Big Sleep Easy 2019’. The event is designed to raise awareness of local homelessness and fund projects that aim to keep individuals safe from homelessness over the long-term. Members of Dorset Chamber taking part include Lester Aldridge LLP, TeamJobs, Homeline Mortgages, Marquee Elegance, Ward Goodman, Motley, REIDSteel, Hoburne Holidays, FC Douch & Son and

the Hope For the Homeless team led by BrightBox Designs and MAGS4DORSET. “No one should be sleeping on the streets in the 21st century and in fact this problem seems to be getting worse,” said Dorset Chamber CEO Ian Girling. “As a Chamber we are really keen to back the great work of YMCA Bournemouth in providing support for people experiencing homelessness and we are really pleased to be taking part in the Bournemouth Big Sleep Easy.” To get involved email fundraising@ ymcabournemouth.org.uk or call Sheena Dayman on 07824 333505.

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in the home

Don’t delay: Service your appliances! By Marilyn Barber There’s no denying it – the temperature has dropped significantly. However, have you got round to having your gas fire or boiler serviced yet? Gas fire If the answer is no to this one, then don’t delay, as ideally you should have your gas fire serviced once a year. Gas appliances in your property need to be safety checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer and serviced according to manufacturer’s instructions. Any appliance left unchecked could leave you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s an extremely good idea to have your gas pipework inspected at the same time as having a gas safety check, every year – and it’s the law if you’re a landlord. If you notice any of the following warning signs, you’ll want to get your appliance serviced right away: 1. The gas appliance is not working properly 2. The appliance is burning with a lazy yellow flame rather than a crisp blue one 3. Black marks/stains are evident around the gas appliance 4. The pilot light keeps going out 5. There is increased condensation in the room Boiler You should make sure your boiler is serviced every year too, as this ensures it operates safely and at peak efficiency. Regular servicing also ensures your warranty stays valid and that it is combusting fuel safely and efficiently, minimising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. And for the elderly, vulnerable and those with young children, ensuring you have a working boiler is a must. And once again, you need to employ a Gas Safe registered installer. During your service, the engineer will clean out your system and replace any broken components. This will make your boiler more efficient which can help to cut your heating bills. Remember your boiler is subject to wear and tear over time, especially over the winter months when it is used increasingly. Boilers should last up to 15 years, and if yours is approaching that age you might like to think about saving for a new one.

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in the home / home is where the heart is .

Do your windows need work? By Marilyn Barber Householders are being urged to check for signs their windows need work this autumn. Action to ward off further damage now could help householders save cash by spending on

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4DORSET October 2019

repairs rather than replacing their windows, according to national trade body for painters and decorators in the UK, the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).

Cracking, peeling paint and rust stains could indicate issues with window frames, particularly on wooden units that face directly into the sun. Des Cass, who runs a family painting and decorating business, said, “Cracking is the first thing to look for on any kind of window. Cracked paint or a visible crack in the joint of a UPVC window will need

to be repaired as soon as possible. “You need to look to see if any paint has blistered off. This could indicate a very high moisture content in the timber, which can cause the wood to rot. “Look for rust stains, cracked putty or leaks, as these could all be signs that water is getting between the wood and the coating,

which can again cause wooden frames to rot away. “Windows that are in direct sunlight are most vulnerable as the heat causes the wood to expand and contract.” Members of the PDA must have at least five years’ experience before they can apply to join the trade body. They also need to be qualified and sign up to the organisation’s Code of Practice, ensuring that all members provide professional, quality workmanship and adopt fair practice throughout their business activities. Des said, “PDA members won’t just paint your window frames. A good decorator will know how to treat the wood, metal or UPVC to repair any defects and will also be able to advise you on the specialist primers and coatings available for each surface. “Wooden windows often need a coating that will flex, while tired looking UPVC can be brightened up with specialist cleaners, or even repaired and painted any colour. “It is absolutely critical to apply the right coating in the right way - some exterior paints may need specific tools or techniques. With peeling or blistered paint for example, the coating needs to be burnt off right back to the wood. “I would always advise people to check any trader’s insurance.”

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in the home

How many smoke alarms do you have? Statistics show that one smoke alarm may not be enough to provide you with the best chance of escaping a fire in the home. Most people know that working smoke alarms save lives. They provide the vital early warning that allows for a safe escape a tragedy avoided. But, despite the majority of homes (95 per cent) having at least one working smoke alarm, smoke alarms only alert householders to one in every three fires in the home in England. The most common reason a smoke alarm fails to activate was because the fire is outside its range. For this reason, the Fire Kills campaign and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are encouraging people to have a think about the smoke alarms in their home. “We all must make sure that we have enough smoke alarms in our homes and that they are in the right places,” said Vikki Thomas, safe and well manager from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. “If your whole home isn’t covered, you could be leaving it to chance and, in a fire, you might not get the early warning that you need.” She continued, “It’s also important to remember that smoke alarms don’t last forever. The power might work, but the detection mechanism deteriorates with time. So, whether they are battery operated or wired to the mains, to work at their best they should be replaced every

10 years. Don’t forget to test your smoke alarms regularly. They can only do their job if they’re in good working order.” Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service offered these five smoke alarm top tips: • A single smoke alarm is not enough - install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home. • The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room or on a hallway or landing. • Consider fitting additional alarms in other rooms where there are electrical appliances and near sleeping areas • Don’t put alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident. • Replace your smoke alarms every ten years. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are also urging carers and people who keep a close eye on less able relatives to check that these homes have enough smoke alarms in the right places too. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service offer free safe and well advice to local residents, and those who qualify can receive a home visit from a safe and well advisor, which can include fitting smoke alarms where appropriate. To apply call 0800 038 2323 or visit www. dwfire.org.uk/safety/safe-and-wellvisits/

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in the home

Carolean country seat to write home about If you’re looking for a chair with a history to give a bit of atmosphere to your home, how about a 17th Century oak wainscot chair with sumptuous carved details? The one in the picture is part of a group of 10 from Crowcombe Court near Taunton, nine of which made a total of over £7,000 at auction recently. This one chair made £13,750 on its own. Not quite to your budget? Then a piece of good quality Howard & Son furniture might hit the spot. The sofa pictured, which admittedly has seen better days, would set you back £9,250 as seen. This was the recent price paid for the sofa at Lawrences of Crewkerne three-day summer fine art auction Carolean seat sale.

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The good cooks’ shop Salamander Cookshop is an independent retailer on the high street in Wimborne. They aim to serve people who enjoy cooking, want to cook more, or know someone who does! In addition, they provide inspiration and great ideas for gifts, with a chance to see products for real before you buy. Top brands they stock include Le Creuset – autumn ‘cook’s special offers’ in store now; Kitchen Aid – makers of the iconic artisan mixer; Sage – for making café quality coffee at home; Robert Welch and Wustof for some of the best quality kitchen knives; Oxo Good Grips and Joseph Joseph for innovative tools and gadgets; pans from Judge, Circulon, Kuhn Ricon and more; Chilly’s drinks bottles and a growing range of eco and artisan products. Visit the store this autumn, support the high street, meet their friendly and knowledgeable team, and sign up to their monthly newsletter with details of new products, in store events and special offers for subscribers too.

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in the home

Are you top of the interior design stakes? Have you got an average UK living room or are you trending at the top of the interior design stakes? Data from furniture retailer Taskers.com has revealed a photo-fit of the nation’s most likely living room. Created using their sales and search data over the last 12 months, it reveals that we’re most likely to have a grey twoseater sofa, a colourful accent chair, an industrial style coffee table and vintage-style floor lamps.

Single accent chairs in bright colours have seen a surge in sales, making them one of this year’s must-have items. According to Taskers.com, the industrial and reclaimed furniture style is also here to stay, as the rustic wooden design was the best-selling coffee table type, making up a third of all purchases, followed by white minimal (22%) and

contemporary glass (9%) designs. When it comes to home lighting, the industrial trend also leads the pack, with tripod film lights and anglepoise lamps becoming a must-have in 2019, followed by contemporary chrome and glass free-standing models. To read more about the research and the best-selling items visit the blog www.taskers.com/ blog/most-commonbritish-living-room

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

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

CARPET CLEANING

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

CHIMNEY SWEEP

DECORATING

COMPUTER SERVICES

ELECTRICIAN

DISABILITY PRODUCTS

FENCING

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4DORSET October 2019

ELECTRICIAN

FENCING

FENCING & TIMBER

FENCING

GARDENING SERVICES

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specialist services LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING

LOCKSMITH

LANDSCAPING

PLASTERING

ROOFING

MAINTENANCE

ROOFING

TILING SUPPLIERS

TREE SURGERY

WINDOW REPAIRS

WEB DESIGN

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Hen party business prosecuted: £65,000 fine The owner of a Corfe Mullen online fancy dress costume business has been ordered to pay up over £65,000 for the misuse of trade marks. Ms Michelea Mariner, 49, of Ralph Road was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on 5 September, having pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to seven offences, under the Trade Marks Act 1994, of selling, advertising and possessing costumes bearing illegal copies of registered trade marks. The case was initially prosecuted by Dorset County Council and concluded by Dorset Council. Ms Mariner was given a three-year conditional discharge, ordered to pay a Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation order for £65,000 and £1,500 towards prosecution costs. A forfeiture order was made for 196 counterfeit costumes seized from her home address by Trading Standards. Ms Mariner operated the internet-based business ‘The Hen Party Store’, which traded as ‘Henpartiesandmore’, from her home. Following a complaint to Trading Standards, test purchases were made and in July 2018 costumes, documents and computer equipment were seized.

Most of the products being sold were illegal copies of costumes bearing trademarked images such as Snow White, Supergirl, Harry Potter and Batman, without permission of the trademark owners. The court also heard that in October 2017 one of the internetbased selling platforms she was using, Etsy, contacted her advising that she was selling trade mark-infringing copies and that they were closing her online shop, but she continued selling through a variety of other online outlets.

Council proposes lottery In order to support voluntary and community organisations, Dorset Council is considering introducing a community lottery. It is proposed that a ticket would cost £1. Players would be able to nominate good causes they wish to support when buying their ticket. Of the £1, 50p would go to the local cause, and 10p towards a community grant. Players would get a chance to win prizes of up to £25,000. Every

ticket purchased would have a one in 50 chance of winning and winners would be given the option to reinvest their winnings to their nominated charity or community group. Tickets would be available to purchase online for a weekly draw. To share your views on the idea of a local community lottery visit www.snapsurveys.com/ wh/s.asp?k=156328632851

Dorset Business Awards finalists A total of 36 finalists are in the running for the Dorset Business Awards. They were chosen by judges and sponsors from over 100 entries in 12 categories. Award winners will be announced at a gala dinner ceremony on 28 November at the Bournemouth International Centre. Stuart Dixon, head of marketing and communications at Dorset Chamber, said, ‘‘From all of us at Dorset Chamber, we want to congratulate those who entered and have reached the penultimate stage of this year’s awards. The standard of

entries was exceptionally high, so reaching this stage is a real achievement for all finalists.” He added, “Each year we are astounded with the quality of work that is produced in our county and we are proud to represent the vast number of businesses who deliver it.” For tickets for the blacktie awards gala dinner visit www.dorsetbusinessawards. co.uk/gala-dinner/ or contact Dorset Chamber on 01202 714800. All finalists are based in Dorset or have a BH or DT postcode.

Some of the counterfeit goods

Vinyl survivalists With the sales of vinyl records showing no signs of slowing down, the Vinyl Survivalists evenings in Wimborne have been growing in popularity. Join other lovers of vinyl at their events, planned at the Community Learning and Resource Centre (CLARC) at 41-44, King Street on 5 October and 9 November from 7-11pm. Hosted by DJ Dapper Dan and the Maccassaman, air guitarists

are most welcome. There will be a raffle, where every entrant will have the chance to make the selections for half an hour or so, which adds to the idiosyncratic mix of music. As part of the organisers’ commitment to Plastic Free Wimborne, people are encouraged to bring their own glasses. There is a licensed bar and refreshments and vegan food is available.

Paint the town green! Whether you fancy apple pressing, upcycling jewellery, guided nature walks, supporting sustainable initiatives or finding out about reducing food waste and singleuse plastic… then Wimborne is the place to be between 19 and 26 October. Local community and church groups have joined forces to arrange a whole variety of fun and informative events. Here are a few tasters: 19 October – Eco Fair at the Allendale 10am-4pm; 22 October – WOW plastic-free family afternoon 2pm4.30pm;

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4DORSET October 2019

23 October – cookery demonstration with Lesley Waters in Allendale Minster Hall at 7.30pm; 26 October Alchemy Health Clinic Open Day, WOW Nappy Campaign 12-1pm at the Allendale Centre as well as Workshop and Crafts with Dorset Scrapstore 10am-12pm and 1pm3pm. Visit the Green Festival in Wimbonre to find out ways to care for the planet more effectively. There will also be films, nature walks and fungi forays. Check Facebook WimborneGreenFestival for more details.

We are being ignored!

LETTERS to the

EDITOR

I have read with interest your item on P44 of 4Dorset (August 2019) regarding cashless parking. I totally agree with you as I also am behind the times: no smart phone, won’t pay at the pump for fuel and my card is not one of these ‘tap’ types. I put my debit card in the machine and until I can no longer remember my PIN number, will continue to do so. As we live longer, there are more and more pensioners, like myself, who do not wish to be part of the techno race. I feel we are being totally ignored! Parking meters must cater for both ways to pay.

Mrs M Hawkins Ferndown

Not for me! Cashless parking is not for me, I am registered as hearing impaired (severely) and live in an area with no reliable mobile signal therefore on two counts the ownership and use of such a device is not for me in any event. The increasing use of mobile technology is getting intrusive as those who for any reason do not use iPhones face a growing level of social exclusion. Where, I wonder, does consideration of observance of the disability discrimination legislation come into the planning process for the adoption of such systems?

Roger Cadogan Email

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