4Dorset April 2020

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4DORSET

April 2020 Volume 17 Issue 9

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

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4DORSET April 2020

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Picture of the month

Volume 17 • Issue 9• April 2020

Hello Readers!

Not an hour goes by without some thought of Covid-19.

It has certainly affected businesses throughout the region and we are doing our utmost to make sure our magazines with their community news continue to reach you.

Unfortunately one member of staff had to go into self-isolation towards the end of this issue and I feel there will be many more of you out there who have had to do the same.

The government seems to be struggling with giving the right advice. Certainly the sharp rise in cases, 2,600 at time of writing, although a small number in the scheme of things (our population is over 66 million), is indicative of the upward spiral being experienced in other countries that are already in lockdown.

We all realise now that the UK does not have enough ventilators, hospital beds, doctors or nurses to cope with the pandemic, hence we are being asked to look after ourselves, so do try and achieve that. I am now working from home, having taken Marilyn’s sound advice on page 21 – although I will be wearing slippers.

But whatever happens, please look after your elderly neighbours, otherwise they could become isolated, hungry and frail. Turn to page 22 to find some helpful advice about staying safe and page 30 for some very helpful groups – if you feel alone – reach out.

Our Facebook page and website will keep you up to date with what is going on locally and at mags4dorset.

Until next month,

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 Karen Wyatt-Epapara deputy 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

Mike Talbot Alexandra O’Neill

Spring at Kingston Lacy

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

17 APRIL 2020

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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Apprenticeship benefits Dorset Council is encouraging businesses to consider offering apprenticeships. Apprenticeships offer businesses the chance to train the talent they need and the apprentice can earn a salary while gaining a qualification at the same time.

Financial help is available for businesses to cover the cost of training and assessment.

Dorset Council has apprenticeship levy funds and can transfer part of these to other employers to help boost the number of high-quality apprenticeships across Dorset.

However, funds cannot be transferred for apprenticeships that have already started. For more information email: apprenticeships@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Fly-tipper prosecuted A Weymouth man, who undertook a garden clearance at a home in Christchurch, has been prosecuted for fly-tipping offences.

Dominic Adrian Woods, 33, pleaded guilty at Weymouth Magistrates Court on 17 February and was given a suspended sentence of four weeks, on condition that he commit no further offences during the next 12 months.

He was ordered to pay £115 victim surcharge, £100 costs and made subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order for five years.

Woods, together with another man, owned and

operated a business called RightWey Man and Van Services. In June 2019 they undertook the garden clearance for which the householder paid £150, and was issued with a Duty of Care Waste Transfer Note.

They returned to complete more work at the home a few days later, this time removing concrete paving slabs, tarmac and other construction waste.

Again, the householder paid £150, however on this occasion, no Duty of Care Waste Transfer Note was issued.

The waste, instead of being taken to a licensed site for disposal, was then

dumped in a hedged area on private land at Coldharbour, Chickerell, near Weymouth.

There was no permit for waste disposal at this site.

Cllr Tony Alford, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Customer, Community and Regulatory Services, said, “Fly-tipping is a blight on our community and a drain on taxpayers’ money, so we take a firm stance when it happens.

“Residents should report fly-tips to us, only use reputable businesses or individuals if they need help moving their rubbish and get a waste transfer note when handing items to someone else to dispose of.”

More officers to be equipped with Tasers Dorset Police has welcomed the news that the force has been successful in its bid for additional funding to equip more frontline officers, from police constables to inspectors, with Tasers.

Every applicable officer who voluntarily wishes to carry a Taser, and is assessed as suitable, will be offered the chance to attend a week-long training course.

A training schedule will

now be implemented and it is hoped that this will be completed within 18 to 24 months.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said, “I know firsthand the devastating effect assaults on our officers has on the individuals involved, their families and colleagues.

“The safety of our officers is paramount and we are determined to ensure we equip our

frontline officers with the necessary equipment to protect themselves and the public from any dangers they may face.”

Dorset Police Federation chairman Anna Harvey said, “The impact of police assaults cannot be underestimated, and therefore this extra piece of officer safety equipment will give officers more options when faced with non-compliant individuals.”

Main road in Bournemouth to close for major works Road closures are to take place in the Wallisdown area for two and a half weeks from 4 April.

The full closure of Wallisdown Road with the junctions of Alton Road

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and Talbot Drive will enable essential works to be carried out along Wallisdown Road, from Boundary Roundabout to Fern Barrow Road. These will include a full depth

reconstruction of the existing carriageway, which is approaching the end of its useable lifespan.

During this time, access along Wallisdown Road will be maintained for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Working in partnership with local bike share scheme operator Beryl Bikes, the council is also offering a 50 per cent discount on all minute riding bundles. The discount code WALLISDOWN50 can be used on the Beryl Bikes app and will be active from 1 April to 19 April. This offer will only be available for the first 1,000 redemptions.

During the road closures there will be alterations to bus routes.

For all other road users, a signposted diversion route will be in place via Boundary Road, Columbia Road and Kinson Road with additional parking restrictions in place in some areas to enhance traffic flow.

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Coronavirus outbreak:

Government guidelines as at 31.03.2020

When am I allowed to leave the house?

Coronavirus symptoms • High temperature • A new continuous cough If you have either symptom, self isolate for 7 days (households isolate for 14 days). If your symptoms worsen contact NHS111 online or call 111 if you can’t get online. In a medical emergency call 999.

You should only leave the house for very limited purposes: • •

• • •

shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household. When doing this you must minimise the time you are out of your home and stay at least two metres away from anyone else that isn’t from your household. any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home wash your hands as soon as you get home

Do not meet others, even friends or family. You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.

For updated information visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus

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Apply to host free lecture Commmunity organisations across Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset and Wiltshire can apply to host a free lecture courtesy of the Knoll Gardens Foundation.

The Knoll Gardens Foundation, a Wimbornebased horticultural charity, researches the benefits of naturalistic, sustainable wildlife-friendly gardening, and provides practical advice on how to garden responsibly without sacrificing beauty.

The free, Knoll Gardens Foundation Annual Community Lecture will be delivered by Neil Lucas, charity trustee and owner of Knoll Gardens. Neil, the UK’s leading ornamental grass specialist, holds 10 Chelsea Gold Medals,

is a best-selling author and has been a council member at the RHS since 2012. His lectures normally cost over £500 plus expenses, but the Knoll Gardens Foundation Annual Community Lecture is offered completely freeof-charge each year to one community organisation able to provide a venue, audience and projector screen.

Interested organisations or groups are invited to complete a short application form, to be received by 31 August for consideration by the charity’s trustees. The successful group will be informed by 20 October 2020 with the lecture to take place before 31 December 2022.

John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation Sportsmen and women in Poole have been recognised for their success.

A total of 26 individuals and six teams received Certificates of Commendation in this year’s Poole Sports Awards. The most prestigious award – the Freddie Rowe Sports Cup – was awarded to Jill and her late husband Stuart Bailey, who sadly lost his battle with cancer in 2018, for their many years of contribution to sport, and particularly to the Royal Life Saving Society in Poole and across the UK. Hosted by Sport

Jill Bailey, winner of the Freddie Rowe Sports Cup 2019, with the Mayor of Poole

Poole and supported

by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council recreation and sports team, the awards were given out by the

Mayor of Poole, Cllr Marion Le Poidevin. The event was held at Magna Academy and sponsored for a seventh year by Everyone Active Leisure Centres.

Arts for free My Creative Life is a new programme set up by The Arts Development Company to bring free arts experiences to those with dementia or mental health conditions.

The programme gives a choice of different activities for people to take part in

outside of usual day care settings.

Locally, these include clay workshops at Potterne Park Pavilion, Verwood. More details from www.theartsdevelopment company.org.uk/my-creative-life/

Drone patrols to prevent vandalism Drone patrols have been introduced onto heathland in Poole to prevent vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Dorset Police, together with the Urban Heath Partnership is working with colleagues from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to patrol the area from the skies.

Inspector Ady Thompson, of Poole Police, said, “As around a third of the heathland forms part of

a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), drones cannot typically be flown over the area. However, with special permission from Natural England, officers will be able to use police drones to help reduce instances of anti-social behaviour.”

Dorset Police works with heath rangers, watch scheme members and the wider public to disrupt and prosecute those committing arson, poaching and traffic offences in heathland areas. Officers will also be

targeting riders of mopeds and minimotos who are often causing damage to local habitats and disrupting walkers on the heaths.

Martyn Underhill, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, said, “Dorset Police was the first force in the country to recognise the huge potential of this technology by creating a dedicated drone unit.

“A drone is able to view a far larger area, far quicker than an officer on foot would be able to, so this is another excellent example of working in partnership to introduce innovative technology, making the best possible use of resources to protect our natural environment and keep people safe.”

Dorset Police drone patrols

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What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

An LPA is a legal document that gives one or more people – known as attorneys – the power to make decisions on your behalf. Despite what the name suggests, attorneys can be pretty much anyone you choose. Typically, they’re family members or trusted friends.

There are two kinds of LPA, and Maplebrook Wills recommends you have both: •

Property and financial affairs

•

Health and welfare

A property and financial affairs LPA would be useful if you have to go into hospital, for example. You might be laid up for a few days and unable to get to the bank. Or you might feel too ill to cope with financial matters. Your attorney could help by withdrawing cash from the bank and making sure your bills are paid.

The second kind of LPA covers health and welfare.

This could be vital to you if the unthinkable happens and you fall victim to dementia, for example.

With an LPA in place,

you’ll have the peace of mind that one of your attorneys can make critical decisions about your health and welfare if you cannot. LPAs came into effect with the Mental

Capacity Act of 2005, replacing EPAs (enduring powers of attorney).

There was only one kind of EPA, covering property and financial affairs. If you have one of those, it’s a good idea to have an LPA to cover

health and welfare too. This would allow your children to help care for you while you remain in your home.

Most people agree that they would rather remain in their own home than be forced into a care home.

Everything you need for cooking at home

Salamander Cookshop in Wimborne offers everything you need if you like cooking or want to cook more at home in these challenging times. They have a vast range of kitchen tools, gadgets and superb multipurpose pans; even pasta makers enjoy making and easting fresh pasta. Le Creuset's Zen range comes with free recipe booklets so you can try cooking new dishes. If you're missing your favourite coffee shop Salamander stocks a range of coffee makers from simple espresso pots to the superb Sage machines. The shop remains open and, along with other local retailers, they have enhanced cleaning and sanitising processes. Provided you are well, do come and visit.

If you need something and can't get to the store you can get advice, place orders and make payment by phoning Salamander on 01202 840144. Salamander can help arrange delivery or hold your purchase for friends or neighbours to collect.

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Bus station offenders sentenced

Barrington closure

Four teenagers have been sentenced in connection with a disturbance at Poole bus station.

The four males – aged 13, 14, 16 and 17, all from Poole – appeared at Poole Youth Court on Tuesday 3 March and admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of or provoke unlawful violence.

At around 5pm on Monday 25 November 2019 a group of teenagers became involved in a verbal altercation with a man aged in his 30s.

The man was chased across the bus station and the 13-year-old defendant confronted the victim before pushing him in the back, causing the man to go into the road and into the path of an oncoming vehicle, which had to swerve to avoid him.

The 14-year-old then threw a traffic cone at the victim, who picked it up and walked back to the

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pavement.

The man was then repeatedly kicked and punched before security staff from the Dolphin Centre intervened and police were called.

The victim did not suffer any serious injuries that required hospital treatment.

Following enquiries by officers, members of the group were identified and subsequently attended police interviews.

The 13-year-old and the 16-year-old were sentenced to six-month youth referral orders, which include a threemonth curfew requirement.

The 14-year-old boy was sentenced to a nine-month referral order with a threemonth curfew and the 17-year-old was given an eight-month referral order.

As well as the four who were sentenced at court,

a fifth teenager – aged 14 and from Poole – was also issued with a youth caution for an offence of affray.

PC Chris Lee, of Poole police, said, “We are well aware of public concern relating to issues surrounding anti-social behaviour at Poole bus station and Dorset Police is committed to working with our partners to reduce problems in the area.

“I hope this case demonstrates that any youngsters causing issues in the area can face the prospect of a court appearance and criminal conviction.”

In February Yellow Buses announced that it was withdrawing services from Poole Bus Station because of anti-social behaviour. The company now serves the nearby railway station.

The Barrington Centre closed on 31 March 2020 for six months. It is expected to reopen again in October 2020.

Some people who had booked the theatre were upset to read the news on a Facebook post before being told officially.

A spokesperson for the council said that those affected by the closure of the theatre were in the process of being contacted officially by the Barrington administration team.

During the next six months, the Barrington will undergo major refurbishment that will include structural building works to the café, bar, lavatories and box office.

The front facing part of the building will be slightly extended out towards Tesco and a ramp will be built to enable disabled access to the café area. Whilst this is underway a programme of maintenance will also be undertaken, involving electrical lighting, work to the heating system, new flooring and further work in

the theatre.

The Mayor of Ferndown Town Council, Cllr Mrs Julie Robinson said that Dorset Council has provided the funding and, when complete, the residents of Ferndown will benefit from a modern, updated and environmentally friendly centre for the whole community to enjoy.

It is unclear how it will affect the council offices within the centre, but a council spokesperson confirmed, “There will be a time when the council will not be able to work in the centre, however, our phones will be diverted to our mobiles and emails will be accessed via the Cloud.”

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MAGS4DORSET

Charity of the Year Bournemouth and District MS Community Hub

Hi again, it’s me from the MS centre with my monthly chitchat about our branch.

Last month I finished my piece by telling you about our impending day trip to Lepe in Hampshire and I’m pleased to report that all returned safe and sound, thanks to our driver John. Hopefully this will be the first of several outings that our members will enjoy throughout the year, thanks to our volunteer drivers.

We held our first fundraising event of the year on 14 February when 20 teams took part in a Valentine's quiz evening.

All enjoyed a fish and chip supper, raffle and auction, which raised nearly £900.

A thank-you lunch was laid on for 70 centre volunteers, who enjoyed a choice of chicken chasseur or beef bourguignon, followed by sticky toffee

pudding or crumbles and custard. The wine flowed freely and a good time was had by all.

Our next fundraising events coronavirus permitting are: •

22 April – curry night

•

16 May – spring fair at the MS Centre in Church Lane, West Parley

•

28 June – open garden party at “Brackenwood”, God’s Blessing Green, Holt near Wimborne BH21 7DD commencing at 1pm

Our transition from the MS Society to a separate independent charity is still going ahead, although

finalising everything is taking longer than was anticipated. Hopefully, it will progress towards completion for August or September. I will keep you posted.

It is our intention to hold a launch party to coincide with the opening of our new charity and a subcommittee is busy formulating the event.

Children at Parkfield School - which is next to Bournemouth Airport - got a kick out of one special lesson when AFC Bournemouth midfield star Dan Gosling came to visit with a Yellow Bus. Gosling is player ambassador for the Cherries Community Sports Trust’s Soccer Safety School that is driving safety lessons into classrooms.

Lastly, if you want to find out more about our events, or have any spare time and would like to join us by becoming a supporter or volunteer, please do not hesitate to contact Kay on 01202 570300.

Speak again soon, Alan Lindsay Bournemouth and District MS Community Hub

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Good work Cancer Care matron Marie, left, with Dan and Sarah, plus Faye, Ilaria, Bruno and Luke, four of the team that helped care for Dan

Patient supports cancer unit Dan Hall and Sarah Manning have donated £8,765.40 to the Jigsaw Unit at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital to purchase a new ECG machine to monitor patients' heart rhythm and activity.

Dan donated the funds to say thank you to the team that cared for him after being diagnosed with leukaemia in October 2014.

His aunt-in-law Sarah set up a GoFundMe page in December 2016 to help fund extra treatment for Dan after he relapsed within a year of his bone marrow transplant.

The money raised was initially to pay for a trial period of a drug called Sorafenib, before becoming the main funding for Dan to continue the treatment until April 2018.

After four months of taking Sorafenib, Dan started to show improvements and signs of the leukaemia cells reducing to a

minimal level. At the end of 2017 he was taken off the medication, with a three-month reserve left for if and when it was needed.

By March 2019, and still under supervision of specialists, Dan thankfully hadn’t needed the medication and decided he wanted to give something back to the Jigsaw Unit and Ward 11 who had worked so closely with him.

He said, “I wanted to donate all my funding to these departments in particular because they worked closely with me since my diagnosis, and continue to do so, and I know just how much vital equipment like this is in high demand.

“As a patient still, it makes me immensely proud to be able to give something back to those who have tirelessly helped me and other patients.”

Julia’s House, the Dorset & Wiltshire children’s hospice charity, has been ranked 12th in the Sunday Times 100 best not-for-profit organisations to work for.

Jack is a Mastermind

Poole shines at light fest More than 52,000 people visited the town during the Light Up Poole festival in February. Funded by Arts Council England and main sponsor Poole BID, with additional contributions from BCP Council and private businesses, the event is estimated to be worth around £1.6 million to the local economy.

Jack Tarling, 10, who lives in Christchurch, has won BCP Council Libraries’ first ever Book Mastermind competition.

The final, which took place at Broadstone Library, was the culmination of a month-long tournament, and as well as being quizzed on their favourite book, the 9-11 year olds also faced a round of general knowledge questions.

Councillor Vikki Slade, Leader of BCP Council, said, ”I am passionate about libraries and, even though my daughter is almost a teenager, I still read books with her most evenings as well as being a member myself of a BCP Libraries reading group for over eight years.”

Jack was presented with a trophy, a certificate, and a £20 book token by local author Sarah Lean. The prizes were sponsored by Westbourne Bookshop; runners up received a £10 book token.

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The garden in spring Spring in the garden is in full force now with beautiful spring blossoms on trees, shrubs, herbacous plants and bulbs.

Acers, azaleas, rhododendrons and magnolias are putting on marvellous displays of foliage and flowers.

Everything is really moving quickly. With warmer, drier weather, it’s now the perfect time for planting all trees, shrubs, perennials, roses, herbs and fruit.

Prepare the ground with organic compost material and fertiliser for the best results, mulching with bark to suppress weeds, enhance the garden and help with moisture retention.

Sowing of vegetable and flower seeds can be carried out now for flowers and fruits and produce for the whole year.

Lawns should now have ben cut and may need feeding and weeding to create a perfect sward.

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Planning and planting of summer tubs and baskets may begin now but watch out for late spring frosts and protect as necessary.

With a little effort and planning now, you can enjoy a perfect start in your garden for the coming summer ahead.

Create a perfect place for flowers, fruit planted pots and containers for yourself and the birds, wildlife, bees and insects.

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4DORSET April 2020

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Local funding will enable training of new generation of African surgeons Thousands of seriously ill people across Africa, who have no access to surgeons, will be treated thanks to a major new surgical training programme part-funded by local Freemasons.

The Province of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight – which includes Ringwood, Fordingbridge, Bournemouth and Christchurch – has contributed £50,000 which will help fund a programme specifically designed to develop the next generation of surgeons in Africa. This will give them access to the latest life-saving techniques that are very common in the UK but not taught in the continent.

Currently, more than 90 per cent of the 1.2 billion people living in Africa do not have access to safe and affordable surgery, resulting in an estimated 17 million deaths every year.

The programme is taking place in Nigeria – which has approximately 200 million people and is the most populous

country in Africa – under the leadership of Professor Robert Lane, president of the International Federation of Surgical Colleges (IFSC). Professor Lane leads the surgical training courses, supported by a dedicated volunteer team of surgeons.

Professor Lane said, “We’re already liaising with the West African College of Surgeons to discover where the need is greatest and this new funding will allow us to start planning the first part of the training programme. Thanks to the Freemasons, we’re going to be able to help save many lives across the region.”

The programme will train 30 Nigerian surgeons and nurses who, in turn, will treat more than a thousand surgical patients every year across the continent. The donation will fund travel and accommodation for all the volunteer trainer surgeons, surgical training equipment, programme arrangements and administration.

BID issues rallying call Bournemouth Coastal BID - which covers Tuckton, Pokesdown, Southbourne, Boscombe, East Cliff and West Cliff, Seafront and Westbourne - is urging residents to use local businesses during the coronavirus outbreak - while they can.

Fiona McArthur, manager of the BID, said, “We represent wonderful local communities and we need to pull together. At this time of crisis we’re asking people to support their local businesses as best they can, while heeding all official advice. If everyone rallies round it will not only help the businesses financially but will let them know that we’re behind them. It is possible that the number of tourists will be down at the start of the season, which means there is even more reasons to stay local.

“While the coronavirus will cause a great deal of disruption it will be temporary and as far as we are able we must keep calm and carry on.

“We are monitoring the situation all the time and encourage everyone to follow official advice.

“We will also be sharing information and advice to our levy payers to help them get through this difficult time.”

Social housing survey

Local people have the chance to put forward their views on social housing in Dorset.

Dorset Council is drafting a new policy, which comes into effect on 1 April 2021. It aims to offer people seeking accommodation a choice about where they live, to be fair and easy to use and to offer solutions to those most in need while making the best use of the housing stock available.

The survey is to be found on the Dorset Council website, but paper copies are also available from your local council office or library.

The consultation runs until Monday 25 May.

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The Dental Centre Ferndown and OPUS The Dental Centre Ferndown is a family practice, which has been established for over 50 years on 59 Victoria Road in Ferndown.

The owner, Nigel Stribling, joined the village practice in Ferndown in 1969 as a young dentist, offering preventative dentistry for the whole family. The practice was known as NG Stribling & Associates and had a NHS contract. It offered Denplan and became private in 1991. Since then, the practice has grown and currently has a dental team of four dentists, two specialists, one under specialist training, two hygienists, four dental nurses and two receptionists.

When Nigel retired from clinical work, he decided to rebrand the practice as The Dental Centre Ferndown. Nigel is still the owner and likes to develop the practice.

The team actively practises preventative dentistry where they work to combat problems like gum disease and tooth decay. But sometimes, these things happen and if you do find you have need for it, the team can help with dental implants, dental crowns and bridges, orthodontic treatment on adults, facial aesthetics, IV sedation and other restoring services. The practice offers a dental plan, from

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4DORSET April 2020

£22.13 per month and it includes attractive insurance elements. The dental plan helps to spread the cost of dental care and has a preventive approach. The amount a patient pays per month depends on their dental fitness at the time they register. The dental plan helps to keep your teeth in good condition.

Fear of the dentist is a real thing – as many as one in nine of us suffer from fear and anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist. Dentist Tony Walshe can perform dental treatment while patients are under IV (intravenous) sedation.

Checks are carried out in advance to ensure this type of treatment is suitable for the patient.

Nigel expanded the general dentist team in 2005 with an in-house specialist division, OPUS, Specialist Dental & Implant Team, with acknowledged experts in their respective fields. The specialists are working together to provide the full range of dentistry services, such as periodontal treatment (gum problems), advanced oral surgery, implant surgery, implant crown and bridges, dentures, crown and bridge

work, and cosmetic treatment.

Confidence in your teeth and smile can have a big impact and the team can help with a ‘smile makeover’. They offer a range of cosmetic dentistry treatments including teeth whitening, dental veneers and ceramic crowns to restore colour and bridges to cover gaps.

OPUS takes referrals from other dentists across Dorset.

Gum disease is one of the most common problems. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, the gums become red and swollen, which is known as gingivitis. If this isn’t treated, you may develop pockets that deepen and turn into periodontitis (gum disease). This can lead to tooth loss. Advanced gum disease treatment is available at OPUS, Specialist Dental & Implant Team so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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health and care - Advertisement feature -

Learn to swim with Ferndown Leisure Centre If you can swim, you can enjoy all of the exciting activities that the water has to offer. Ferndown Leisure Centre offers lessons for all ages, all of which are taught by qualified teachers. The centre works to Swim England's Learn to Swim Pathway in all of its sessions.

Pre-school lessons Sessions are aimed at babies and toddlers aged between 0-5 years old and aim to build the foundation for a lifelong love of water.

Swimming lessons for school age children Seven stages of fun and exciting lessons developing all of the skills needed for children to be competent, confident and safe in the water.

Aquatic skills lessons When your child has completed stage 7 of the Learn to Swim Pathway they will have the opportunity to choose from a number of other aquatic activities such as competitive swimming and rookie lifesaving.

Setting goals

by Jenny Atkins, Bluebird Care We all like to record achievements - something done successfully with effort, skill or courage.

However our potential successes could be hindered by fear.

We all fear something: maybe our bosses as we know we have to perform well, starting a new job , or going for a promotion but worrying whether you are good enough. There can also be the fear of reaching out for help in case people think you are weak.

Fear can cause all sorts of emotions and can result in avoiding things or situations that can have an impact on your daily life. It can also cause unpleasant

physical symptoms.

A small amount of fear can serve a purpose by encouraging you to focus on your task. However, excessive fear can make you feel uncomfortable and you wish your way out of the situation.

And just because someone looks confident doesn’t mean they are feeling like that on the inside.

Setting goals can motivate and guide a person or group toward an achievement. The goal needs to be achievable but this doesn’t mean you have to be alone. We all have different skills, abilities and knowledge – seeking help

shouldn’t be seen as weak.

Achieving can make us proud and joyful. Not achieving can lead to feelings of failure but the failing can set you up better for achieving the next time.

See it as a learning curve, redesign, pull in resources and don’t give up.

So what are you going to set yourself to achieve?

Adult swimming lessons Adult lessons are available for all abilities, whether you have a fear of the water, haven’t been swimming since school or if you want to refine your technique ready for an event.

A member of the team will give you advice on which lesson would suit your needs.

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

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| 15

Survey reveals staff satisfaction

L - R Georgia Grogan, Sarah Lockhard and Nathan Collins

Young politicians elected Four young people are taking their first political steps after being elected to represent Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in the UK Youth Parliament.

Following several weeks of campaigning, two Members of Youth Parliament (MYP) and two deputies were elected from the 45 contenders.

The new MYPs are Nathan Collins, 17, from Bournemouth School and Sarah Lockard, 17, from Bourne Academy.

The deputies are Georgia Grogan, 16, and Adaya Brandon, 14, both from Bournemouth School for Girls.

The MYPs will deliver their own personal manifestos to improve the lives of young people, which will include issues such as mental health and climate change.

Young people who are interested in becoming involved next year are encouraged to find out more on the UK Parliament website.

An NHS National Staff Survey has found that staff at both the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals (RBCH) and at Poole Hospital would recommend their trust to family and friends.

The trusts are preparing to merge under the banner of East Dorset Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in July.

Poole scored above average in seven of the 11 reporting themes, including equality, diversity and inclusion, safe environment (bullying and harassment) and team working. RBCH went even further to score alongside the best in the country in five out of the 11, including staff morale, safety culture and staff health and wellbeing.

Both trusts scored highly for equality, diversity and inclusion.

However, the survey results also show that there are still areas that the trusts need to work hard on. A higher percentage of staff at both trusts compared to 2018 reported

at least one incidence of physical violence at work from patients, relatives or other members of the public. Ensuring their staff feel safe at work will form part of both trusts’ focus in 2020, alongside other highlighted areas where there is still work to do.

The trusts have recently begun a joint development programme to help shape the values, behaviours and culture of the new merged organisation. This will build on some of the existing engagement work, and will be carried out by a diverse

mix of staff from across both organisations. These ‘change champions’ will continue to engage with their colleagues, seeking to understand how things can be further improved and ensuring that action is taken to address concerns.

Debbie Fleming, joint chief executive of both Poole Hospital and RBCH, said, “I am particularly pleased to see both trusts performing so well on important issues such as diversity and inclusion. We want everyone within our new organisation to feel valued and included.”

Debbie Fleming and Chairman David Moss

Pupils at St John’s CE First School in Wimborne took part in an Around the World Day, learning about the cultures of China, Brazil, Canada, Thailand and Kenya.

The school, part of Wimborne Academy Trust, transformed its rooms into a different world to help the children feel they were in another country.

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Luxury accommodation in the heart of Dorset Greenwood Grange was recently named Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year at the 2019 Dorset Tourism Awards. This award-winning collection of 17 luxury stone-built self-catering holiday cottages is set deep into Hardy Country near Dorchester in Dorset.

Greenwood Grange is an excellent base from which to explore this charming county.

Thomas Hardy’s birthplace is a five-minute stroll from the cottages. Visitors can also explore Greenwood Grange's own nature trails, as well as the many nearby Dorset Wildlife Trust nature reserves.

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4DORSET April 2020

Dogs are welcome in a number of properties at Greenwood Grange, so your four-legged friends can enjoy the walks too, either in the fully enclosed exercise area, or in the beautiful surrounding woodland.

The luxury accommodation, some with hot tubs, range from two-bedroom cottages to homes sleeping up to 12 people. Onsite facilities include a private heated indoor swimming pool, manicured grounds and tennis courts. With outstanding walks, the coast and world class attractions nearby, there is something to suit every visitor.

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in the female viewpoint

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Both dresses great for cruises, weddings and functions all year round.

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Using nautical stripes with a modern and feminine twist, this stunning Michaela Louisa dress is classic yet contemporary and a perfect choice for an event this season.

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

| 17

- advertiser’s announcement -

Victory Oak Laid back living is at the heart of Victory Oak – a collection of contemporary homes nestled on the edge of peaceful woodland, yet within easy reach of bustling towns, beautiful countryside and stunning beaches.

The homes offer light and spacious interiors with quality fixtures and fittings. Alongside welcoming living areas and comfortable bedrooms you’ll find contemporary kitchens with Zanussi appliances, plus sleek bathrooms and en-suites fitted with Porcelanosa tiles.

The attractive 3- and 4-bedroom homes deliver style and comfort, featuring light and spacious interiors.

Gardens are laid-to-lawn so you can enjoy your outside space from day one – while terraced properties have private parking and semi and detached homes benefit from a garage.

Pathways weave through this new community, where you’ll discover plenty of places to relax – including a woodland themed play area and that quintessentially English patch of green: a cricket pitch.

Visit victory-oak.co.uk, call 01202 946 900 or email victoryoaksales@sovereign.org.uk

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4DORSET April 2020

MS Hub wins while slimmers lose!

Customers of Alex and Nicki Edwards who have been losing weight using The 1:1 Diet

by Cambridge Weight Plan have raised £417 for the Bournemouth MS Society Hub while shedding pounds. They embarked on a 30-day challenge to raise the money and collectively lost over 9.5 stone.

Around 20 of Nicki’s clients took part.

The competition was closely fought but the winner lost over 8% of her starting weight – nearly 15 pounds over the 30 days.

A cheque was presented to Rod Slip, chairman of the Bournemouth MS Society Hub in West Parley who said the amount would go a long way to helping to support those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

The Hub provides a crucial meeting place for its members, with regular lunches, physiotherapy and indoor and outdoor activities. It relies entirely on the support of volunteers, fundraising events and donations and can be contacted on 01202 570300.

Alex and Nicki run a weight loss centre in Hutton Hair and Beauty in Ferndown.

Radio Wimborne now on FM Radio Wimborne, the community online radio station set up in January 2014 by local volunteers is now available on FM. Director Kelly Webb said “We were warned at the start that community radio usually folds after six months. We were determined that we would make a go of it and here we are six years later with an FM licence.”

The station is located in the centre of town with live shows every day covering local news, events and people.

Curiosity Café launches

People with dementia and their carers were treated to a morning of vibrant music and tasty treats at Red House Museum and Gardens’ first bi-weekly Curiosity Café in Christchurch.

Participants were joined by the museum’s trained dementia friend volunteers as well as professional musician and music-in-healthcare practitioner Fiona Pritchard from Colten Care, a partner in the project.

Each fortnight a different theme will be explored in the 90 minute sessions.

Alongside the Curiosity Cafés, Red House Museum has also launched Tuesday Strolls.

For more information about the next event or to get involved as a dementia friend call 01202 482860.

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foodie news

Cheese and Red Onion Baked Omelette We hope it won’t come to this, but if you have to self-isolate because of the coronavirus, you would need to cook a meal with ingredients from your store cupboard.

This recipe for Cheese and Red Onion Baked Omelette comes courtesy of Asda.

The traditional British pairing of cheese and onion adds a new dimension to this tortilla-style omelette.

Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing 500g red onions, peeled, halved and thinly sliced 6 large eggs 5 tbsp semi-skimmed milk 75g Cheshire cheese, crumbled Method: 1. Pre-heat the oven to 170C/150C Fan/Gas 3. Grease a shallow 21cm square ovenproof cake tin and line the base with baking paper.

2. Heat the 1 tbsp oil in a frying pan and cook the onions over a low heat, stirring often, for 15 minutes until very soft and starting to colour. They will reduce in size. Put on double thickness kitchen roll, then use more kitchen roll to pat as dry as possible.

3. Lightly beat the eggs with the milk and season with pepper. Stir in the cheese and onion. Pour into the tin.

4. Cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until just set. Cool for 15 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.

Serving six, each portion contains 207 calories.

6th Highcliffe Food Festival The Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival that was planned to take place over the weekend of 13 and 14 June, has been postponed until September.

The festival is set to include demonstrations by TV chef and author Lesley Waters as well as chefs from The Chewton Glen, The Hilton Bournemouth, The Jetty, Christchurch Harbour Hotel and Three Tuns at Bransgore. Over 100 food and drink stalls will line Lymington Road and the recreation ground.

For regular updates about Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival visit: www.highcliffefood andartsfestival.co.uk

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| 19

Des Curtis reflects on war in advance of VE Day 75 Report and photo by Marilyn Barber

As we all prepare to commemorate VE Day 75 on 8 May, Des Curtis, a navigator on a Coastal Command fighter in WW11, has shared his memories.

Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in May 1944 and the Legion d’Honneur in 2018, Des was one of the founder members of 618 Squadron, whose primary objective was to mount a daylight low-level attack by Mosquitoes on the German battleship Tirpitz within hours of the attack on the Ruhr dams. Codenamed Operation Servant, Des subsequently wrote a book entitled ‘A Most Secret Squadron’.

Now aged 96 – but with a persona and recall of a man 20 years younger - Des used to live in Wimborne where he became involved with a number of community projects including the relocation of the Model Town and the Millennium Appeal for Wimborne Hospital. He now has a home in Westbourne.

Like so many of his generation, his entry into manhood was a steep and dangerous learning curve. He would have been called up at 18, but a year earlier, he volunteered for the RAF and trained as an observer/wireless operator, serving on Beaufighters and Mosquitoes.

Military life wasn’t alien to Des as his father was in the Guards and he was brought up in Wellington Barracks. His brother also served in the RAF and he too survived the war.

However, just before he signed up in 1941, Des was to become aware of the horrors of fighting.

“I was travelling on a train to Torquay in order to stay with my sister, when some of the survivors of Dunkirk came on board. They were absolutely shattered.”

His posting to the north of Scotland as part of Operation Servant – which was subsequently aborted – has left some chilling memories.

“It was the worst part of the war for me. We knew there was the prospect of dying, but we didn’t know how it would happen.

“There were 12 beds in our Nissan hut, and on one occasion eight had become empty. Most of us from that environment moved towards pacifism.

“VE Day should be commemorated, but not celebrated. You can’t celebrate that carnage.”

He added that he doesn’t understand why wars have continued.

“Lessons haven’t been learned.”

Whilst living in Wimborne, he used to go into schools to speak about the origin of the British Legion poppy.

“Children often asked me how many Germans I’d killed. I would reply that I only remembered the madness. I wanted them to understand the futility of war.”

Those of us who were born after 1945 can

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have no concept of what it must have been like to wake each morning with the knowledge that this could be your last day on earth. However, Des said for people living in England, those fears were allayed once the Blitz had ended in 1941, as they tried to get back to a normal life, albeit with restrictions.

Des, who was demobbed in 1946, said that during his five years in the RAF he never thought about what he would do when the war was over.

He just lived from day to day.

Fifty years later, he formed a strong friendship with his adversary, a German U-boat captain he had located through a U-boat archivist.

He was nervous about that first meeting.

“We drove across the continent to meet him in Germany. We hugged each other and he said that he looked into my eyes and liked what he saw.

“He was just doing his job during the war.”

Subsequently, on a visit to England the captain asked, “Why did I have to wait so long to

find a younger brother?”

After much talking they agreed that war was futile.

“We both said that our worst memories were of seeing men jumping off burning tankers.”

When the U-Boat commander read Des’s book – the profits of which go to the RAF Benevolent Fund, and the print rights to the Mosquito Museum – he said he felt there had been no triumphalism in its content.

After the war Des had a hugely successful career in the oil industry, during which he met the great and the good and travelled extensively to such countries as Japan, America, Germany, France and Russia. A father to Peter and Sheila and with grandchildren, he has had more than his share of personal heartbreak having been widowed twice; his second wife Margaret was the first woman air traffic controller.

Today, he is certainly not idle, working as a volunteer for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Julia’s House.

In addition to having written A Most Secret Squadron, he has penned his autobiography ‘Around the Corner’, and is working on a couple of novels, one set in wartime, and the other a historical book. He is also an active member of Probus.

He isn’t sure why he has lived so long.

“There is no longevity in my family, but I think my mental attitude has helped. Having faced the grim reality of life as a young person, I don’t look back and say ‘what if’. Life is for living and I can’t plan for tomorrow.”

He had been a member of the Air Crew Association and the Mosquito Association, but sadly both organisations have folded as so many members have died.

Although 8 May 1945 marked the end of the war in Europe, the war in Asia continued until 2 September.

“This was the forgotten war, and in 1945 people had no concept of the horrors that had been perpetrated. It seemed very remote to the people of England.”

And his memories of VE Day 1945?

“It was a feeling of great elation as there would be no more killings.”

Des Curtis with his medals, in front of a picture of Mosquitoes in action Follow 4DORSET MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/4Dorsetmagazine

Benefits of working from home

Hall & Woodhouse has raised £268,365 in aid of eight local air ambulance charities – including the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance - in the past two years. A total of 53 pubs in the managed house estate across the south, came together to raise as much money as possible through a variety of fundraising initiatives such as quiz nights, sponsored events, family fun days and challenge events.

By Marilyn Barber

Contrary to what you might think, an urge to wash the kitchen floor or give the shower a deep clean, instead of sitting down at my computer didn’t cross my mind when I first started to work from home.

Learning that the office of the magazine I was then employed by was to close, and that I would have to work from home for the foreseeable future, left me devastated.

“You’ll love it – your time will be your own,” my then editor said unconvincingly.

“Hmm,” I replied, “we’ll see.”

There would be no more chats about last night’s television or debates as to who had stolen the last teaspoon from the kitchen. I envisaged a lonely, isolating life – rather like the one we all fear following the outbreak of coronavirus.

The IT department set me up with a work station, desk and chair, and I was ready to go.

This is what many of our readers will be facing as more and more companies arrange for their staff to work from home.

For a gregarious woman I managed to adjust pretty well.

I was determined that I wasn’t going to be the person who worked in her nightdress and slippers – which apart from anything else would be pretty embarrassing if anyone came to the door.

I get ready for a day’s work in the same way as I did when I went to an office – and always wear shoes rather than slippers.

I remember an actress saying that in order to get into a part, she had to put on the character’s shoes – and it works the same for home workers.

I suppose if I was being very silly, I could put on a pair of impossibly high heels with the knowledge that I only have to totter from my home office to the kitchen to make coffee – but I don’t take things that far.

Undoubtedly you do have to be disciplined, but working from home does give you flexibility – and is great for someone like me who is a lark, preferring to start work early.

When I joined 4Dorset 15 months ago, I said I was happy to work from home. And I do have the chance to get out and about – well until recently anyway – covering events and interviewing interesting people.

So my message to other people who are going to be working from their spare room or dining room is – don’t panic. You could well get to like it – and it means you don’t have to fight with the traffic or to find a parking space.

Self-isolating does BBC TV not have to be boring licences for

By Janine Pulford If you are self-isolating but feel fit enough to carry on with your lifestyle and would like some ideas about what to do with your time, here are a few suggestions.

Colouring books – you can get these for both adults and children.

Read – check out your bookshelf and dust off those novels. If you’ve got a Kindle you can download more books without even having to venture into the outside world. As an author, I will always be happy for you to download any of my exciting novels from Amazon and write a review if you feel so inclined.

Write – you could fill a lot of time writing short stories.

Don’t forget you need a beginning, a middle, and an end.

And write what you know about. If you are really ambitious why not fill your time writing a novel?

Draw – you probably have a drawer full of old pencils and lots of scrap paper around the house. Learn to draw, or just sit and doodle. It can be very therapeutic. And who knows? You could become the next Banksy.

Puzzles – if you’ve stored your old puzzles away in the loft, get them out and find out if you still have the patience to finish them off.

Exercise – as long as you keep your distance from other people, there is nothing to stop you going for a brisk walk, cycle ride or a run. If you have a dog, you are going to have to do this anyway.

Music – learn a musical instrument. If you still have your school recorder, get it out and play a few tunes. Try singing to your favourite songs – it will lift your spirits.

Knit or crochet – yes, that is a good old standby. You can even learn how to do it online if you can’t already use a pair of needles or a crochet hook.

Cook – there is nothing more satisfying than a home cooked meal, a home baked cake or a batch of biscuits.

Pull out a recipe book and see what you can make.

Decorate and clean – well maybe not. There again if you’re normally full of energy, you could take the opportunity to open that pot of paint that’s stored in the garage and freshen up a wall or two. Or get on your hands and knees and scrub the skirting board. (Definitely put that one off for another day).

Ironing – it may be the job we all love to hate, but if you pop the ironing board in the lounge, you can iron while watching your favourite TV programme. Now why haven’t you thought of that before?

Posture – be mindful of your posture. It is easy if you are confined in the house to let your shoulders slump. Every so often, pretend you are squeezing an orange between your shoulder blades to remind you to adopt a better posture.

over 75s

BBC TV licence changes due to come into effect on 1 June 2020 have been deferred until 1 August in view of the national coronavirus situation. A joint statement was issued on 16 March to this effect by the BBC and DCMS.(Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport).

Waste: Guidance for people with confirmed or possible coronavirus Personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths can be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags.

These bags should be placed into a second bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste in the room in which you are self-isolating.

Keep these bags aside for at least 72 hours before putting into your usual black wheelie bin.

People without wheelie bins who use authorised blue bags for their rubbish should place personal waste in a securely tied disposable rubbish bag (like a black bin bag) before placing in your blue sack.

This also applies to those who use gullproof sacks.

Rogue traders working in east Dorset Dorset Police have received a number of calls about rogue traders approaching a property and offering services such as power washing driveways, tree-felling and gardening work, and general building work including laying tarmac. They may also attempt to sell items such as chainsaws and generators in exchange for cash.

If you think you have been scammed or are being targeted contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@ dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.

Alternatively you can contact Trading Standards on 03454 040506.

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

| 21

How to protect yourself during coronavirus outbreak Neighbourhood Watch has issued advice to local people as the coronavirus (Covid 19) outbreak spreads across the globe.

In order to protect the community, particularly the most vulnerable members, the organisation has come up with 10 helpful suggestions.

• Meet with household members, other relatives, friends and neighbours to discuss what to do if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community and what the needs of each person will be.

• If your neighbourhood has a website or social media page, consider joining it to maintain access to neighbours, information, and resources.

Alternatively, share phone numbers and email addresses particularly with those who are isolated or vulnerable.

• Consider establishing a ‘buddy’ system within your community to ensure everyone stays connected to COVID-19 related news, services and can receive support safely, such as essentials deliveries.

• Plan ways to care for those who might be at greater risk for serious complications.

• Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy.

• Learn how to self-isolate.

Guidance can be found on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/ conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/selfisolation-advice/ • Create a list of local organisations that you and your neighbours can contact in the event that one of you need access to information, healthcare services, support, or resources.

Consider including organisations that provide mental health or counselling services, food, and other supplies.

• Create an emergency contact list of family, friends, neighbours, healthcare providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.

• Learn about the emergency operations plan at your child’s school or childcare facility, and your employer’s emergency operations plan.

• Practice everyday preventive actions including regular hand washing. The NHS provides guidance on how to wash hands: https://www.nhs.uk/livewell/healthy-body/best-way-to-washyour-hands/.

The World Health Organisation provides guidance on basic protective measures: www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/ novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention provides guidance on handwashing for families www.cdc.gov/ handwashing/handwashing-family.html

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4DORSET April 2020

Otter in net

Jailed for shooting a protected otter Report the Asian hornet With the coronavirus uppermost in most of our minds, we really don’t want to give readers anything else to worry about.

However, Dorset Council is warning residents to keep a look out for Asian hornets, unwelcome invaders, which will eat all kinds of pollinators, with their favourite food being honeybees. They also have a very nasty sting.

Asian hornets are about the size of a wasp. They are dark black/brown with an orange band on the fourth segment of their abdomen; they have yellow legs and an orange face and their wings are slightly longer than their body.

The queens will come out of hibernation in April and May, and start laying eggs in nests which can be found in towns and the countryside.

Sightings of the Asian hornet should be reported to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk with details of the location and a photo of the insect. A seasonal bee inspector will be out at once to verify the sighting and call in a team to eradicate the nest.

A fishery owner who killed a protected otter to stop it from eating his fish, has been jailed.

Stuart Jones, 54, owned the Lyons Gate Caravan Park and Fishery near Dorchester in Dorset, boasting of well-stocked lakes for people wanting to fish on their holidays.

When local otters found Jones’ lakes and started eating the fish, he complained about it to his partner and visitors to the campsite, as he was unhappy about losing valuable fish.

Jones illegally set a trap to try to catch the otters, because he didn’t want to spend thousands of pounds on fencing that would deter the animals from fishing in his lake.

When an otter became caught in an angler’s net by accident in July last year, Jones used this opportunity to shoot the otter in the head with his rifle.

He did this in view of holidaymakers, who reported Jones to the UK Wild Otter Trust and to the police.

Jones admitted he had shot the otter despite knowing they were protected. In February, he pleaded guilty at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court to setting an illegal trap and to killing a protected wild animal.

He was sentenced on 6 March to two months in prison and CPS prosecutors are pursuing a confiscation order to deprive Jones of the money he saved by shooting the otter instead of building a fence to keep them out.

Mark Gammon of the Crown Prosecution Service said, “Otters are a wellloved and important part of British wildlife and Jones knew that when he shot the animal he was killing a protected species.

“Jones had plenty of options to stop the otter from eating his fish, but he decided that he would save himself the expense of a fence by shooting the otter.

“He did this with no regard for the otter or the holidaymakers who were witness to this traumatic incident.”

Coronavirus scams Inevitably fraudsters are exploiting the spread of coronavirus to facilitate various types of fraud and cyber crime.

Since February, the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has identified 21 reports of fraud where coronavirus was mentioned, with victim losses totalling over £800,000. Ten reports were made by victims who attempted to purchase protective facemasks from fraudulent sellers.

Fraudsters are also sending out coronavirus-themed phishing emails in an attempt to trick people into opening malicious attachments or revealing sensitive personal and financial details.

Some of the other tactics that NFIB has identified from victim reports include: Fraudsters purporting to be from research organisations affiliated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) contact potential victims over email.

They claim to be able to provide the recipient with a list of coronavirus infected people in their area. In order to access this information, the victim needs to click on a link, which leads to a malicious website, or is asked to make a payment in Bitcoin.

Watch out for scam messages:

Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for your personal or financial details.

Shopping online:

If you’re making a purchase from a company or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first, and ask a friend or family member for advice before completing the purchase. If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, use a credit card if you have one, as most major credit card providers insure online purchases.

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Christchurch ood Festival F – August Bank Holiday weekend

By Marilyn Barber

The Christchurch Food Festival, scheduled to take place from 8-10 May, has been postponed until 29 to 31 August, the August Bank Holiday weekend, because of the constantly changing situation regarding Covid-19.

A spokesperson said, “Thanks to the support of BCP and Christchurch Town Council, we have secured the venue and have agreement for road closures for the new dates.

“From the Festival’s perspective, regardless of whether by then the government has ordered a ban on large gatherings (which in our view seems very likely), our feeling is that this would be a catastrophic time period to be trying to deliver a large scale public event, particularly with regard to the health of visitors, traders and our staff.

“Our aim has always been to deliver an event that supports small independent businesses with the opportunity to enjoy fantastic trading conditions as well as creating an exciting experience for tens of thousands of visitors. We do not believe that the current dateline [May] will now offer this.

“We are obviously very sorry that we have had to take this decision and for the inconvenience it will cause.

However, we passionately believe that this will provide the best outcome for the thousands of visitors, the traders and the sponsors who support the festival each year and that by the end of the summer things will be back to normal so we can all enjoy an outstanding and successful event for everyone.”

Read on to find out what is planned over the August Bank Holiday.

Continued on page 24

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

| 23

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY / real people, real news, local advertising.

Continued from page 23

Christchurch Food Festival

Festival plans

Throughout the festival the High Street will be loaded with stalls brimming with local produce and delicious street food – all the way down to the picturesque riverside setting of Christchurch Quay.

This year there will be even more food, drink and entertainment with demos showcasing the best local chefs alongside some of the biggest names in the UK, a Sheep Show and an entertainment stage dedicated to VE Day performances.

The Red Devils Parachute Display Team will also be appearing.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Chef Demonstration theatre with some top local and national chefs sharing their culinary skills. They include Rosemary Shrager, James Golding, Alex Aitken, Max Lowery, Luke Matthews, Cyrus Todiwala and Colin Nash.

As well as a fabulous line-up of food and drink, there will be some great entertainment to include war-themed revelry.

There will be music and dance with acts such as the talented Victory Sisters, focusing on strong vocals and brilliant harmonies to recreate the sights and sounds of a bygone era. Jitterbug Jive will wow with their routines and get everyone dancing.

Sheep Show

The Sheep Show brings live sheep to the festival with fun, educational and inspiring entertainment for all the family.

Learn about different breeds, such as ‘Nobby’ the Norfolk Horn, and all their different attributes; watch a sheep shearing demo and learn how wool from a sheep’s back becomes a jumper; discover all the products that wool is used for (including lanolin, used in cosmetics and lip balm), and don’t miss your chance to see sheep dance ‘The Sheep Show Hustle’.

Doing their bit for the environment

T

he Christchurch Food Festival, which is organised

by Real Food Festivals, recognises that major events such as this can have a huge impact on the local, regional and global environment, and they say their goal is to minimise this.

To that end, single use plastic drinks bottles

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4DORSET April 2020

will not be sold anywhere within the festival.

The company only allows compostable or reusable plates and cutlery, including drinking straws. All cutlery used by food stalls must be made from FSC-assured wood.

Disposable singleserving sachets, like those used for sauces or sugar will not be available.

Throughout the festival the organisers we will be providing reusable cups for alcoholic, non-alcoholic and hot drinks. You will need to pay a deposit which you get back when you return your cup, so that they can wash and reuse them.

They will ensure that much of the waste generated is recycled.

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Getting there

The organisers do not recommend people driving to the festival as there is limited car parking. Yellow Buses have a number of routes into the town, and Wilts & Dorset run the X1 and X2. There are five trains an hour stopping at Christchurch Station, which is a 10-minute walk from the town centre.

The festival opens at 10am on all three days, closing at 8pm on the Friday and Saturday and at 5pm on the Sunday.

In addition to toilets in Saxon Square and on Christchurch Quay, there will be additional portaloos in the town centre.

Tops Day Nursery, which is at Priory Hall, Princess Avenue, will be open over the festival weekend for baby changing and feeding.

Twenty per cent of the profits from the festival will go to the Christchurch Food Festival Education Trust, which offers education, training and guidance on healthy eating and on food preparation.

Much of the Trust’s work is undertaken all year round in partnership with local schools. The annual schools cookery days began in February and around 1,000 children took part. A cookery challenge for budding young chefs culminates at the Food Festival, where the ever-popular Kids’ Kitchen events take place.

Sponsors of this year’s Christchurch Food Festival are BCP Council, Dorset Food & Drink, Hampshire Fare, Harbour Hotels, Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa, Yellow Buses and Wave 105.2FM.

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| 25

Road safety to be improved in Weymouth

Photo courtesy Jakob Ebrey Photography

Ferndown-based Malin targets title challenge

Dorset Council and Network Rail have won £1.137m in special government funding to improve road safety in Weymouth by removing the rail tracks from the old Weymouth Harbour Branch Line.

Reinstating the carriageway will remove an ongoing hazard to cyclists and other vulnerable road users, reducing the number of incidents resulting in personal injuries.

The Weymouth Harbour Branch Line is a redundant railway line along Commercial Road and Custom House Quay, which access the town centre, the harbour and peninsula area.

The rail lines are fully decommissioned and cannot be repurposed for other uses due to their deteriorated condition.

Dorset Council and Network Rail have both contributed an additional £200,000 to the scheme, which is estimated to cost £1.537million.

Border Force double donation boost Border Force has gifted Lewis-Manning Hospice Care in Dorset a generous twofold donation, comprising seized goods worth around £2,000 plus a cheque for £500 raised from tuck shop sales.

The seized goods may be sold in the charity’s shops or used as raffle prizes for fundraising events.

Paul Trayler, who has worked for Border Force in Dorset for over 25 years said, "In line with Home Office guidelines, these items may be donated to charitable organisations for use in their fundraising, and all are genuine and in new condition.

We have donated several boxes to other non-profit organisations and wanted to ensure Lewis-Manning Hospice Care was one of them.”

Following a sensational first season in the championship in 2019, Josh Malin will return to the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge this year and he has a title challenge in his sights with leading team Richardson Racing.

The Dorset racer made the transition to one-make Ginetta competition last year as a two-time class champion in the BARC Max5 Racing Championship, and he immediately showcased his raw speed once again behind the wheel of his Ginetta G40.

Malin, who recently celebrated his 20th birthday, secured a superb podium finish in just the sixth race of the season at Silverstone. He followed that up with a standout meeting at Donington Park, with a podium double including a breakthrough maiden victory and a new GT5 lap record for the circuit.

Throughout the rest of the campaign, Malin made his mark with some eye-catching overtakes on his way to three more podium results in the final four races, and a top five championship finish.

The Ferndown-based driver heads into the new campaign with a clear ambition of challenging for title glory in the ultra-competitive series, which this year will once again race in support of British GT and the British Touring Car Championship.

The upcoming season will mark the latest chapter in an inspiring journey for Malin, who is Type 1 diabetic and was told at an early age that he could never be a racing driver. He will continue to defy the odds as he competes with the support of loyal partners TheCarGuys.tv, Digital Motorsports and Motorsport UK Academy.

“Twelve months ago, the first few rounds in the GT5 Challenge were a bit of a baptism of fire as there was a lot for me to learn,” said Malin. “But I started well and was able to build on my results as the year went on. With a season of experience and knowledge under my belt, I can take a lot of confidence into 2020.” He said he has a “lot of hunger and desire” to push for the goal.

Gwyn Richardson, Richardson Racing Team principal said, “Josh’s results last year were hugely impressive and he really made a mark on the series. We were keen to try and keep him onboard for 2020 and there is no doubt in my mind that he will be one of the drivers to beat on track this season.”

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Christchurch Sailing Club were named the winners of the 2020 RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year Award. They were awarded for their strong family ethos and wide variety of sailing and social activities. Their hard work on major facility developments and their strong community spirit was praised by the RYA.

Haskins Garden Centre in Ferndown raised £7,738.75 during 2019 for its nominated charity, Faithworks Wessex. Throughout the year, Haskins’ team members completed a number of challenges including a virtual marathon that saw 18 team members each complete 26 miles of exercise in a month. For 2020 Haskins has selected Dorset Blind to be its nominated charity of the year.

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David with the Amorican staters

Aaron Francis Phillips

Ringwood man jailed for burglary

Coins dating back 2,000 years found in a field Wimborne-based Stour Valley Search and Recovery Club have had another amazing find. David Eagles, a long time member of the club, out one Saturday morning with the club, in the midst of a storm, found 40 gold Amorican staters in a field of mud in North Dorset. The hoard - which would have originated in Gaul or what is now France - were minted in about 100 BC 70BC. They are rare in this part of the world and the mystery is how they got to Dorset and were lost in a field.

They have been sent to the British Museum for examination and recording.

Stour Valley Search and Recovery Club are very highly regulated and any landowner who would like their lands explored for treasure, or even every day artefacts from the past, should contact www.stourvalleysearchandrecoveryclub. co.uk.

Aaron Francis Phillips, 37, of Meadow Close, Burley was sentenced to two years and five months in prison at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 6 March after admitting a charge of burglary.

At around 12.30pm on Wednesday 1 January 2020 Phillips was seen on CCTV to try the doors of a property in Windham Road, Bournemouth. Unable to get in through the doors he eventually climbed in through a kitchen window.

He then attempted to remove a television but was unable to do so, due to a cable attaching it to the wall. He picked up a pair of trainers before leaving the property with them.

Two residents who were upstairs in the property went out after him but were unable to catch up with him.

Phillips was linked to the scene through forensic examination and was then identified through the CCTV. He was arrested on Friday 31 January at his home.

The defendant also admitted to shoplifting at the Bookends book store in High Street, Christchurch on 14 November 2019.

He was sentenced to one month in prison for that offence, which will be served concurrent to his burglary sentence.

Phillips was again identified from CCTV.

Avoid fishy tales Local residents are being urged not to buy from door to door fish sellers, who have reportedly been seen in the area.

The cold callers offer ‘fresh’ fish that comes from the black market and puts buyers’ health at risk. It comes with no proper packaging, has no date or species information, and is unlikely to have been refrigerated when being transported.

As well as accepting cash, the sellers have been known to use hand-held card machines where they input large amounts that are hidden from the buyer. No receipts are given, and any business information may be false.

A spokesperson for BCP Council said, “While there are many legitimate fish sellers trading in the area, con men are starting to pressurise people into buying large amounts of fish at the door for extortionate amounts.

“I would advise everyone never to deal with anyone at their door. Cold callers prey on older and more vulnerable people, and very often cannot be traced.”

You can report any incidents to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 113, or by calling the police non-emergency number on 101.

Residents contest town status Without any consultation, West Moors Parish Council voted to become a town council on 27 February 2020.

When the news broke, resident Andy Skeats sent an official complaint to the council as he believes there should have been a consultation on such a decision. He encouraged residents to attend the new town council’s meeting on 26 March to make their views known.

The outcome of this meeting was not available at the time of going to print, but independent surveys carried out by mags4dorset on Facebook, that asked ‘West Moors – village or town? What is your preference?’ showed an overwhelming majority of people preferred the village status.

Nichola Cook posted: “Village with an amazing community,” and Jo Dashper wrote: “Why change it… it’s clearly a village.” Grahame Cutler said, “Village for me.”

Janine Pulford, who settled in West Moors over 40 years ago said, “I have always been very proud to say I live in a Dorset village. If I had wanted to live in a town, I would have moved to one.”

An official statement released by the new town council on 9 March explained that following the creation of the unitary authority of Dorset Council and loss of East Dorset District Council last year, the local council had taken on many more services and responsibilities and would be required to take on even more in the future. It also said the population of West Moors (over 7,500) puts it 15th largest in Dorset out of 164 settlements. Under the draft local plan to be produced by 2024, West Moors is categorised as Tier 2 – Towns and Other Main Settlements within the proposed Settlement Hierarchy.

The statement also said: West Moors has very clearly defined boundaries and there will not be a change to its nature or character by this change of name. It may mean that the council is better placed to protect and enhance what we already have and can respond positively to any future challenges. The costs of this change will be small, mainly being changes in signs; letterheads, invoices etc are printed ‘as required’ so no additional cost. A town council is not required to have a mayor.

The change of name from parish to town will also help to clarify the difference between the civil parish and the church (Ecclesiastical) parish as, unfortunately, the office has had many enquiries for booking for christenings and confirmations.

Your council will continue to protect and enhance the facilities and social life of West Moors and ensure that the community continues to thrive.

The next meeting of West Moors Town Council is the Annual Public Meeting on 16 April at St Anthony’s Church.

The council has confirmed that the role of mayor will be discussed in May when a new chair is appointed.

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| 27

Former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman to sell off iconic memorabilia A rare collection of musical treasures, costumes and memorabilia from the iconic former Rolling Stones member, Bill Wyman, will be exhibited at the Museum of Style Icons, Newbridge Silverware, Co Kildare in Ireland.

Free to enter, ‘The Bill Wyman and his Rolling Stones Archive Exhibition’ is courtesy of Ripple Productions and runs until the 20 April 2020.

The property will be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, California on 29 to 31 May 2020 with a portion of the proceeds of the auction benefiting The Prince’s Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support and CCMI (Central Caribbean Marine Institution).

Bill Wyman said, “Collecting and archiving has been one of the great pleasures of my life and will undoubtedly be one of my legacies, it feels like the right time to share my archive with the world. I hope people will get as much joy from my collections as I have.”

This exhibition is the only European showcase of the former Rolling Stones member’s unprecedented collection.

A number of Wyman’s fine guitars will be on view including: • 1969 Fender Mustang bass with a Competition Orange finish designed by Leo Fender and used by Wyman in 1969.

• 1978 custom-built Travis Bean custom shortscale bass used by Wyman in 1978 and in the 1980s.

• 1981 black Steinberger custom short-scale XL-series bass played during the 1988 AIMS Gala concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Rolling Stones 1982 tour.

• 1974 Dan Armstrong prototype bass used by Wyman on several performances such as, the Rolling Stones’ 1975 performance on a flatbed truck in New York City, the Rolling Stones 1975-76 tour and Wyman’s 1981 Top Of The Pops performance of his hit single, “(Si Si) Je Suis Un Rock Star”.

Another guitar in Wyman’s collection is a 1968 Gibson Les Paul Standard Model Gold Top guitar and case used by Brian Jones.

Other items from the archive include Wyman’s gold and black satin two-piece stage ensemble worn in the 1970s from famed London boutique Mr Freedom in Chelsea. This suit features a zip front jacket with matching trousers and a signature melting ice cream cone design on the back of the jacket. Wyman’s records indicate that he purchased it in September 1970 and wore it during stage performances with the Rolling Stones.

There is also a Jim Morrison Tribute To Brian Jones original pamphlet containing a poem by Jim Morrison of The Doors titled ‘Ode to LA While Thinking of Brian Jones, deceased’. Distributed by Morrison at the Aquarius Theatre, Hollywood, it is thought very few of the 500 copies printed in July 1969 have survived.

Wyman said, “It is easier to let these items go knowing that a portion of the proceeds from this sale will support three causes that are close to

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my heart: The Prince’s Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support and CCMI (Central Caribbean Marine Institute) who are at the forefront of restoring the health of the world’s reefs and oceans.”

Born William George Perks Jr in Lewisham, South London on 24 October 1936, Wyman began taking piano lessons at the age of 10. He bought his first electric guitar in 1959 and later fell in love with the bass guitar after hearing one at a Barron Knights concert. Lee Wyman was his stage name, which he later changed to Bill Wyman, taking the surname of a friend in the RAF, with whom he served from 1955-1957. He legally changed his surname to Wyman in 1964.

His band, The Cliftons, needed a bass-player.

Nobody wanted to play bass so Wyman decided to do it himself. In 1961, he created and played the world’s first fretless bass guitar with his band, and later with the Rolling Stones.

On 7 December 1962, the 26-year-old bassist went to the Wetherby Arms pub in London to audition for the Rolling Stones – whose line-up consisted of Ian Stewart, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones and Tony Chapman. After buying the poor musicians a round of drinks while impressing them with his musical equipment, rock ‘n’ roll history was made.

Soon after Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts joined, the Rolling Stones went on to become one of the most popular and notorious bands on the planet. Their unique sound, coupled with their youthful swagger, provocative song lyrics and stage performances and rebellious attitude, made them 1960s’ counterculture idols. The band became a cultural phenomenon that conquered the United States in 1964 and the rest of the world soon after.

In addition to playing bass, Wyman contributed vocal and song-writing talents on two of the Stones’ early recordings. From the mid1970s, Wyman recorded three solo albums that produced the Top 20 hit “(Si Si) Je Suis un Rock Star,” from his self-titled album. In the 1980s, he

©BW Archive

composed music for the films Green Ice and Dario Argento’s horror classics, Phenomena and Terror at the Opera. In 1989, Wyman with the Rolling Stones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

Wyman left the Rolling Stones in 1993 to pursue other projects and new musical endeavors including the formation of Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, the acclaimed rhythm and blues band. Since 1996, The Rhythm Kings has recorded six studio albums and two live albums with a rotation of some of the top musical artists of all time including Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Peter Frampton, Mark Knopfler, Mick Taylor and more.

An acclaimed photographer, Wyman’s images have been exhibited world-wide and in his book, Wyman Shoots Chagall, he captures his friendship with artist Marc Chagall. Wyman is also the founder of Sticky Fingers, the famous restaurant in London; a metal detector enthusiast; an inventor and a best-selling author of many books on a wide range of topics. His latest book – Stones From the Inside – is a collection of rare Rolling Stones images that went on sale in February.

William Doyle, CEO of Newbridge Silverware and the Museum of Style Icons said, “It is a huge privilege for us to host this wonderful exhibition.

Bill Wyman is a musical legend and we are looking forward to showcasing this important archive of musical treasures. This exhibition is a ‘must see’ for anyone who loves music, Rock and Roll and The Rolling Stones.”

For more information on the auction (29-31 May) email info@juliensauctions.comFor more on Newbridge Silverware see www.visitnewbridgesilverware.ie

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Market to close after 165 years

By Marilyn Barber

Traders have been given the shock news that Wimborne Market is to close later in the year.

The operators, Ensors, cite excessively high business rates and changing shopping habits, adding that it had become financially unviable.

The company says it hopes to relocate to a new facility at Lake Gates, close to the junction of the A31 and B3078, and that talks with Wimborne Town Council and the planning department of Dorset Council will start shortly.

A letter to market traders stated that ‘A new market of rural character with the intention of turning the clock back and not forward would ignite public interest and highlight the 2,000 years of Roman history locked below the showground site’.

Ensors say they have instructed a firm of local architects, and they hope to be able to display sketches and initial plans of how the market will look in the near future. New facilities would be built to accommodate regular stallholders and traders. In addition the plan is to hold one-off events and shows. Market days would stay the same at Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Local people have reacted with surprise and disappointment to the announcement.

KD Johnson a local councillor said, “The proposed new site for the market at Lake Gates

is a non-starter for several reasons.

“It is not inside the Wimborne boundary (it is in the Pamphill Civil Parish area), has poor access for pedestrians and public transport, is on a flood plain and most of the site is covered by a scheduled ancient monument. It presumably has neither water nor electricity supply nor nearby sewerage connections.

“Lack of investment or interest by the owners and managers in the operation of the current market site has caused it to become run-down; however it is still a popular one-stopshopping destination for a lot of local people - myself included.

“The thousands of houses being built in the area can only increase the demand for a thriving local market. Properly managed and promoted, Wimborne Market could re-attain or exceed the popularity of its heyday.

Wimborne Market in the days of the Farmers Market (2010) © CatchBox

“There is a common sentiment that we have more than enough housing being built in this part of Dorset. If the proposal is to develop the current site for yet more housing, then I expect it to meet widespread opposition.”

Thomas Ensor founded a livestock market in 1855 on fields adjoining the new Wimborne railway station. In the 1970s it became an antique and bric-a-brac market and by 1990 had become one of the largest open and covered markets in the south of England.

No-one from Ensors was available for a comment.

Bournemouth entrepreneur in House of Lords spotlight In the lead up to International Women’s Day (8 March), Sarah Ali Choudhury from Bournemouth attended an exclusive reception at the House of Lords on 4 March to speak of her experience of being on the f:Entrepreneur #ialso100 List for 2019.

The #ialso100 is a collection of female entrepreneurs, recognised for inspiring their peers and communities through their businesses and wider activities.

Sarah shared her successes over the past year, which included being featured in Forbes, presenting a BBC programme, being a Smile Ambassador for Dental Concepts, her collaboration with Podcast Labs for The Curry Queen Podcast, various book endorsements and speaking opportunities.

The aim of f:Entrepreneur is to showcase multi-achieving women like Sarah in the #ialso100, to provide lessons of challenge and success for all small business founders – both men and women.

Founder of f:Entrepreneur and Small Business Britain, Michelle Ovens MBE, who is also director of Small Business Saturday, spoke alongside event host and

former cabinet secretary Lord Young of Graffham, and Sarah Ali Choudhury.

Ovens said, “The idea for the #ialso campaign was born from International Women’s Day 2018, during a breakfast event where the phrase used most by the gathered entrepreneurs was ‘I also…’, with each woman describing their work as being much more than a singlejob career. It led us to want to highlight the work of incredible women, creating the most amazing opportunities for their communities and doing so much more than just a day job.

“We are making the case that the word ‘entrepreneur’ should not be reserved for men – with the word ‘female’ tagged onto the start for women who have started small businesses. f:Entrepreneur demonstrates the breadth of sectors women are leading in and the value they bring to so many people’s lives.”

Sarah at the House of Lords

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| 29

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

March sunset in The New Forest | photo © Louis Pulford

what’s on

this month Announcement Verwood It is with regret that we will not be publishing a list of events as usual on this page. Encouraging people to attend events would go against the government guidelines released on 16 March, which are to avoid “non-essential” travel and contact with others to curb coronavirus. The government measures include avoiding gatherings and crowded places, such as pubs, clubs and theatres.

In view of this, mags4dorset will dedicate part of this page to neighbourhood groups that are available to support those in isolation.

If you would like your group included, please email editorial@ mags4dorset.co.uk with full details and contacts. Editor

General

www.nhs.uk for health information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19)

Ferndown Community Coronavirus Support To provide physical and emotional support to those who are or may feel socially isolated as a result of the current COVID-19 virus outbreak. https://www.facebook.com/ groups/139388397456610/

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4DORSET April 2020

Community Support Group

To help those in the community of Verwood who have to self isolate or who feel vulnerable and alone. The initiative hopes to run four different groups all led by a DBS-checked coordinator. They will cover: • Medical concerns and advice • Home shopping and errands • General concerns, enquiries • Dog walking and vet contact. https://www.facebook.com/ groups/144162880244556/ about/

Ringwood Coronavirus Assistance

A group to co-ordinate volunteer assistance for those who are affected by the current Coronavirus situation in Ringwood and surrounding areas. They plan to help out people who are selfisolating and so cannot leave their houses. People are free to ask for, and volunteers are free to offer, other kinds of assistance related to the impact of coronavirus on local residents. In all cases they will follow government guidance. This group does not seek to replace our public services, who do an excellent and vital job. It augments what they can do for the benefit of residents.

Website www.ringwoodcoronavirus.org.uk Facebook https://www. facebook.com/groups/ ringwoodcoronavirusassistance/

Other Facebook sites include: Coronavirus Help East Dorset and Poole Covid 19 Community Support Group.

At the time of going to press, the Allendale Centre in Wimborne say that if a hub or drop off collection point is required for any plans being made to help support the community they would be happy to help. The centre will remain open until told to do otherwise.

Gullivers Bookshop in Wimborne says it will happily deliver a book to people living in the BH21 area.

Contact: info@gulliversbookshop. co.uk Clubs etc that had submitted information to us for this listings page and who would welcome enquiries about their future events are:

Broadstone Horticultural

Society 01202 695873 or 01202 697241 COPD Support Group Ferndown (for those with lung conditions).

For details contact 01202 959052 or email Warren Brown wb71124@gmail.com.

Ferndown Bowls Club 01202 877437 or 619349 Ferndown Probus Club 01202 876826.

Fireside Theatre (East Dorset branch) 01202 813565 Fordingbridge Twinning Association 01425 654134 St Michael’s Church Centre, The Sunday Pause 01202 877429 VERSUS Arthritis Ferndown 01202 872074

West Parley Gardening Club, Malcolm Plascott 01202 950521 West Moors Horticultural Society, Sue Hamlett: 01202 871536 Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club 01202 873551 Wimborne Methodist Church, Easter Celebration 01202 884474

CANCELLATIONS/ POSTPONMENTS at the time of going to press Dorset Chamber Choir, The Crucifixion at St John’s Church, Macaulay Road, Broadstone. If you have bought tickets contact 07522 188364.

The National Education Union Annual Conference, due to take place at the BIC has been cancelled.

Christchurch Food Festival is postponed until 29 to 31 August.

Poole Harbour Boat show cancelled for this year.

Poole Lifeboat Station is closed for public visits. Anyone with an existing booking will be contacted to rearrange visits.

The election for the post of Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner has been postponed until next year.

Verwood Carnival is cancelled Woodlands Fete and Dog Show scheduled 8 May is cancelled.

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around & about

Keep happy and join the video conference

The HAPPY people, places, planet conference that was going to be held at Bournemouth University in April has been postponed.

Instead, an hour-long video programme will be streamed online. It will introduce the 12 speakers and feature ways of increasing happiness and improving wellbeing in the home, the community and the workplace.

Please visit: www.world-happiness-project. com/conference There is also good news about the next Happy Café meeting on Monday 6 April. It will continue at 11am as an online meeting via the videoconferencing app, Zoom. Again readers can check the website for latest the details.

In the past the Happy Café has been talking about the GREAT DREAM the 10 keys to happier living, and here they are: G is for GIVING - Do things for others Helping others is not only a good thing to do, it also makes us happier and healthier too. And it's not all about money - we can also give our time, ideas and energy. So if you want to feel good, do good!

R is for RELATING – Connecting with people People with strong and broad social relationships are happier, healthier and live longer. Close relationships with family and friends provide love, meaning, support and increase our feelings of self worth. So taking action to strengthen relationships and build connections.

E is for EXERCISING - Taking care of your body Being active makes us happier as well as being good for our physical health. It instantly improves our mood and can even lift us out of a depression. We can boost our well-being by unplugging from technology and getting outside.

A is for AWARENESS - Living life mindfully Learning to be more mindful can do wonders for our well-being in all areas of life – such as our walk to work, the way we eat, or our relationships with others. It helps us get in tune with our feelings and can stop us dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

T is for TRYING OUT - Keep learning new things There are many ways to learn new things - not just through formal qualifications. We can share a skill with friends, join a club, learn to sing, play a new sport and much more.

D is for DIRECTION - Have goals to look forward to Feeling good about the future is important for our happiness. Choosing ambitious but realistic goals gives our lives direction and brings a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when we achieve them.

R is for RESILIENCE - Find ways to bounce back We often cannot choose what happens to us, but we can choose our own attitude to what happens. In practice it’s not always easy, but

recent research shows that resilience, like many other life skills, can be learned.

E Is for EMOTIONS - Focus on what’s good Take a positive approach to life. Positive emotions – such as joy, gratitude and contentment are not just great at the time.

Research shows that experiencing them creates an upward spiral.

A is for ACCEPTANCE - Be comfortable with who you are No one’s perfect. But so often we compare our insides to other people’s outsides.

Dwelling on our flaws - what we're not, rather than what we’ve got - makes it much harder to be happy. Learning to accept ourselves, warts and all, and being kinder to ourselves when things go wrong, increases our enjoyment of life, our resilience and our well-being.

M is for MEANING - Be part of something bigger People who have meaning and purpose in their lives are generally happier, feel more in control and get more out of what they do. They also experience less stress, anxiety and depression.

But where do we find meaning and purpose?

It’s not about money. It might be our religious faith, being a parent or doing a job that makes a difference. Individual answers vary, but they all involve being connected to something bigger than ourselves.

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

| 31

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

Private pool to hire First ever female head - Advertisement Feature -

Ever fancied having a pool all to yourself?

Why not try out Secluded Swim in Ferndown? They have a beautiful, private pool, available to hire by groups and families.

Lots of people love swimming but don’t like public pools. This is the perfect solution. The pool is completely private and warmed to 33 degrees. When you hire the pool, you get complete privacy, with private changing rooms and the pool all to yourself.

Located at 352 Ringwood Road, there is public parking close by.

For more information, take a look at their website www.secludedswim.co.uk

teacher for grammar school The governors of Poole Grammar School have appointed a new head teacher, to replace Andy Baker who will be leaving at the end of the academic year.

Dr Amanda Smith is currently deputy head teacher at South Wilts Grammar School.

Dr Ken Power, chairman of governors, said, “The school attracted a truly exceptional field of candidates, and it speaks volumes for the school that we were able to attract many high quality applicants.”

Dr Smith, who becomes the first female head teacher in the school’s history, said, “I am delighted to have been appointed as head teacher of Poole Grammar School, and to be joining such a vibrant and thriving school in September. I am looking forward to working with the students, staff and parents of the school, as well as with the wider community of Poole. I am deeply committed to providing a broad and balanced education for our young people in order to give them the best opportunity to thrive in their adult lives.”

Dr Amanda Smith

New look for council chamber

Wimborne Town Council has sympathetically refurbished its council chamber to make the most of its period features which include a barrel vaulted ceiling. Large chandeliers and new seating and tables have been installed and new blinds are to be fitted. The chamber had not been refurbished for 20 years.

A spokesman said, “The existing scheme was beginning to look dated and the council wanted to ensure it could get best value from it as a resource - for example from room bookings such as civil ceremonies."

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around & about

Works underway at Poole Park Further works to improve Poole Park were scheduled to start on 23 March.

They form part of a £2.7 million National Lottery grant that was awarded to the council in 2017 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.

The initial stage of the Access works began in February with the removal of 33 trees that were diseased or in decline, with a tree replacement programme of 51 semi-mature trees being planted towards the end of the year.

The main phase of the works is expected to last approximately five months and includes: 1. Making the park more accessible, with friendlier crossing points for pedestrians 2. Removing highway features such as the roundabout and reducing the amount of tarmac surface 3. Providing new lighting along the Carriage Drive and from the cricket pavilion to Copse Close 4. Installing new drainage and resurfacing roads and paths to prevent local flooding issues 5. Resurfacing the southern half of the cycle track and improving the drainage around the cricket pitch to the freshwater ponds 6. Resurfacing access to the Lodges 7. Removing infrastructure such as metal knee-rails and opening up garden spaces for public use with new benches During each stage of the works, the park will remain open with certain traffic restrictions in place which may include the closure of a vehicular entrance. This starts with the Seldown Lodge entrance near to the Dolphin Leisure Centre being closed to all vehicles from Tuesday 14 April for up to seven weeks. Local diversions will be in place and all park facilities will remain open throughout the works, accessed through the entrance on Parkstone Road near to the Civic Centre, or on Whitecliff Road.

Peter Russell and Shane Bartlett unveil the map

Lost piece of history returns Saved from the scrap heap over 30 years ago, a piece of local Wimborne history was returned to the town in a special ceremony at Allendale House recently.

A copy of the Ordnance Survey Map dated 1888, originally made to assist in legal queries regarding local landowners, hung in the Estate Office at Kingston Lacy for many years before being disposed of in 1981. Former countryside warden David Smith spotted the map just in time, rescued it and safely stored it in his granary.

In 2018 Mr Smith gifted the map to East Dorset Heritage Trust in the hope that it could one day be displayed at Allendale House. A chance visit by friend of the trust, Peter Russell, set the ball rolling for conservation work to be carried out by Jenny Barnard at the Dorset History Centre and then expertly mounted and framed by Wessex Pictures. Peter, an Old Winburnian, generously funded and organised the whole process.

Joined by the Chair of the Trust, Derek Burt, Mayor of Wimborne Minster, Shane Bartlett, Staff and Trustees, the restored map was officially unveiled by Peter on 2 March at Allendale House.

A message from the Regent Centre General Manager in Christchurch regarding Coronavirus As of Tuesday 17 March 2020 at 5pm the Regent Centre will be temporarily postponing all films and events until further notice. We are taking this action in response to the announcement by the government that members of the public should avoid theatres, clubs, pubs and restaurants and in consideration for the health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, and the community. This is a difficult decision to make, but it is a necessary one.

We have always prided ourselves on being an inclusive place where people gather, drawn together not just by the latest events, but by a sense of community. This has always been our greatest strength, but right now, under these extraordinary circumstances, it is also what creates an avoidable risk.

Although our doors will be closed, we plan to stay busy at the Regent Centre.

First, we’ll continue our programme of cleaning and improvements around the building. We’ll then prepare for our refurbishment this summer. We’ll also continue programming into the times that we are planning to re-open.

It is impossible to realize the full impact the coronavirus will have on the Regent

Centre and other local arts organisations.

If you are a ticket holder, we will be contacting you in the coming weeks regarding the status of your transaction.

You do not need to contact us. If your event remains postponed or cancelled, we’ll discuss whether you’d like to support us by donating your tickets to our development fund. Alternatively, we may ask if you’d like to convert your tickets into a gift voucher to use at another time. With a reduced number of staffing, it may take us some time to contact you so please do bear with us.

We look forward to when the risk of the virus has abated and when we can welcome audiences back to the Regent Centre. Until then, we remain grateful for everyone’s support, patience and understanding. For updates and news, please visit our web site, read our emails or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Matthew Vass-White General Manager The Regent Christchurch www.regentcentre.co.uk

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

Sandbanks Ferry toll increase The Sandbanks Ferry Company has made an application to the Secretary of State for Transport to increase the Maximum Tolls Chargeable amounts, which were last approved under a Toll Revision Order in February 2015.

The proposed cash tolls, or single trip ticket prices, are between a 5% to 5.56% increase on the last approved amounts. This represents an increase of less than half the rate of inflation since then.

The application also proposes freezing the discount level of bulk purchase tickets at the current level until at least 2021. Bulk purchase tickets are proposed to remain unchanged until they reach 26%-30% less than single trip tickets. Bulk purchases, which are now managed via online purchasing, are primarily used by local residents and commuters and are currently discounted between only 10-24% of cash toll prices.

To be rearranged more details: Check website for uk wimbornefolk.co.

Lighthouse closes until mid-April Lighthouse will be closed until Tuesday 14 April.

There will be no performances or cinema screenings. Events will be reschedule wherever possible. Ticket holders will be contacted directly, and there is no need for customers to call or email Lighthouse until further information is given.

Lighthouse is a charity and most of its funding comes from people seeing shows and spending money on tickets, drinks and refreshments. Ticket holders are being asked to please consider donating the cost of their ticket rather than requesting a credit or refund.

Appeal for VE day memorabilia Have you any memories of, or items relating to, the Victory in Europe Day celebrations in Fordingbridge and the surrounding area?

VE Day was celebrated in Fordingbridge with large crowds dancing in the street, flags and bunting, the ringing of church bells, a large bonfire and a church service and parade through the town.

Museum manager, Jane Ireland said, “This was a big event in Fordingbridge in 1945 and there must be people who can remember the celebrations or may even have photographs of the events.

Fordingbridge museum is keen to record

these memories and identify any items that may have survived. These will be used in the celebration planned by the Town Council and Fordingbridge Events Committee on 8 May on the recreation ground. They will also add to the museum’s collection. We are particularly interested in making some short oral recordings of what people can remember, so do ask relatives, friends or neighbours to see if they could contribute.”

Anyone who might be able to help can contact the museum on 01425 654322 or 01425 657850.

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Bournemouth GaSP old time music hall Live music, drama and spectacle to lift your spirits, please the eye and fill every heart with

song are promised by Bournemouth GaSP, who present three evenings of Old Time Music Hall. Meet

ion with COVID-19 at tu si t en rr cu e Due to th date website with up to r ou k ec ch se ea pl : event information .org.uk bournemouthgasp

Burlington Bertie, Daisy Daisy and Champagne Charlie and sing along with My Old Man said Follow the Van and Keep the Home Fires Burning.

Have a cockney knees-up at the Old Bull and Bush and take The Lambeth Walk, while the esteemed Chairman has even more melody, merriment and mayhem to amuse and astonish.

Formerly Bournemouth Gilbert and Sullivan Operatic Society, is now Bournemouth Gilbert and Sullivan Productions, performing other musical genres alongside G&S. In October at Lighthouse, Poole, the society is delighted to be presenting Carousel by Rogers and Hammerstein.

The Old Time Shows launch Bournemouth GaSP so choose a venue and come along, music hall costumes optional but very welcome.

Wednesday 20 May at Allendale Centre, Wimborne, Thursday 21 May at Kinson Community Centre and Friday 22 May at The Spire, Poole. Tickets £12.50, curtain up 7.30pm.

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around & about

Operation Swift tackles crime Arrests were made during Operation Swift, an initiative involving police officers in New Milton, Dorset Police and the British Transport Police that targets people using the rail network to come to areas of the New Forest to commit crime.

On Wednesday 11 March officers from all three forces stopped and searched nine people suspected of being in possession of illegal substances in New Milton.

They also arrested a 22-yearold moped rider after he tested positive for cannabis and seized his moped for no insurance. He was released under investigation.

Two young teenagers were found in possession of cannabis, which was seized and the boys will be interviewed.

Another teenager was arrested for possession with intent to supply after a quantity of cannabis was located on him. A further search at his home found more of the substance, valued at just under £1,000.

Towards the end of the day, two suspicious males were spotted who boarded a train at Pokesdown.

They failed to produce tickets for

their journey when requested by officers and after getting off at New Milton railway station, both were searched and master keys for bike padlocks, mini bolt croppers and a screwdriver were found, as well as a bag of white powder and front bike light. Both men were arrested and taken into police custody.

A 27-year-old man from Bognor Regis was arrested for going equipped for burglary, possess a knife blade in a public place, and possess a controlled drug of class A. He was released under investigation.

A 27-year-old man from Wolverhampton was arrested for going equipped for theft and handling stolen goods. Following a thorough investigation, he was released without charge.

However, he was wanted on a European Arrest Warrant and was detained and handed over to the appropriate authority.

Inspector Mike Minnock said: “This was a really successful joint operation and one that we regularly undertake in New Milton and Christchurch with our colleagues from Dorset and the British Transport Police.”

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Discover Wimborne in April Discover Wimborne this spring with a special event taking place through April.

Businesses, charities and clubs across the town are throwing open their doors to host special events, competitions, activities, tours, money-off offers and much more.

The event is organised by Wimborne BID, a business-led organisation working to support businesses in Wimborne. BID Manager, Tammy Sleet, says that this will be the fourth Discover Wimborne; “Discover Wimborne is a festival to celebrate our wonderful town. Everything you could ever need is right here on our doorstep, and we have a great community that wants to support local businesses.

This is our way of helping people to find out more about the town and why they never have to leave!”

Discover Wimborne is set to include around 50 businesses, charities and others taking part in more than 100 events in April. Highlights include the annual Buskers Bash on 25 April. “It’s going to be a busy day,” Tammy said, “there will be six “busk stops” across Wimborne and we also have a classic car show taking place in the Square on the same day” Other highlights include guided town walks; the Handmade Wimborne craft fair which supports local micro businesses; pop up restaurants, special offer entry at the Model Town and competitions to win everything from free Folk Festival tickets to delicious cakes.

To find out more about Discover Wimborne, please visit Wimborne Minster BID on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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| 35

Huge boost to robotics appeal Officers receive awards

Gerry and Pauline Smith with members of the stroke team

Bournemouth Hospital Charity has received £150,000 from the Alan Miller Charitable Trust just weeks after launching its Walkerbot appeal, which needs to raise £365,000.

The charity is fundraising for a state-ofthe-art Walkerbot to help patients living with stroke re-learn to walk by enabling them to take the thousands of steps needed to allow their brains to rewire during rehabilitation.

The Alan Miller Charitable Trust was set up when Gerry and Pauline Smith’s friend, Alan Miller, passed away in 2018 aged 81. He was past president of the Westover & Bournemouth Rowing Club and a dedicated volunteer for Dorset Wildlife Trust and the National Trust on

Brownsea Island.

Alan left a large sum of money to charity in his will, naming Gerry and Pauline as the executors to distribute the money in his memory.

Pauline said, “A lot of our friends or people we know have had strokes.

Alan was an incredible walker; he loved the outdoors and was a very caring person. The Walkerbot sounded like something he would support and it is going to help change the lives of thousands of people.”

Dr Louise Johnson, consultant therapist in the stroke unit at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, said, “720 people are admitted to our hospital each year with stroke and the Walkerbot can even

help those with no activity in their lower limbs. It’s a really clever piece of technology that moves a patient’s legs for them in a consistent pattern with help from robotics, a harness and a treadmill. It’s vital that patients practice movements to retrain the brain and the Walkerbot will help patients achieve the high intensity practice needed in a safe way.”

If this fundraising campaign is successful, the Walkerbot would be the only one of its kind in an NHS hospital in the southern region.

For more information on the Walkerbot or to find out how you can support the appeal, visit BHCharity. org/walkerbot or call the charity office on 01202 705307.

Plants donated to boost Sixth Form wellbeing Sixth form students at Poole High School are enjoying an environment designed to enhance their well-being, thanks to a donation from Stewarts Garden Centres.

The school, led by acting sixth form assistant headteacher Sarajane Wingrove, researched ways to help the wellbeing of its students, particularly during the exam season.

It pinpointed studies that proved that, when surrounded by plants, our mood and stress levels improve, whilst blood pressure, fatigue and headaches are reduced.

It then approached the interior landscaping

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4DORSET April 2020

(from left) Sarajane Wingrove with Stewarts team Jonathan Robson, Sandra Wilkinson and Rebecca Moy

team at Stewarts Garden Centres with the research.

The team was impressed and donated plants especially chosen to enhance areas used by

the students.

Landscaping manager Rebecca Moy said that the plants will be maintained by the team on a regular basis.

Cadet Molly receives her Cadet of the Year award from police and crime commissioner Martyn Underhill

Dorset Police recognised officers, staff and volunteers for their exceptional contribution to policing at the annual awards ceremony on Wednesday 26 February.

The ceremony, which took place at Queen Elizabeth School in Wimborne, saw the presentation of a total of 24 awards by chief constable James Vaughan, high

sheriff Philip Warr, police and crime commissioner Martyn Underhill, former chairman of the lay custody visitors Kathleen Emery, and previous Dorset chief constables, Jane Stichbury and Dirk Aldous.

The youngest recipient of an award was cadet Molly, who will take on the role of the High Sheriff’s Police Cadet.

New freephone number for the Citizens Advice Consumer Service The national Citizens Advice Consumer Service has a new freephone number. This service is funded by central Government and is the first point of contact for any consumers needing advice on unfair trading, or unsatisfactory goods and services they have bought, or to report a matter to local Trading Standards, at Dorset Council.

This replaces the normal rate 03454 04 05 06 number, which will still work and carry an introductory message to invite callers to make use of the freephone number.

An adviser will answer your call as soon as possible, usually within a few minutes. Once you are speaking to an

adviser your call should take an average of 8 to 10 minutes.

Calls are free from mobiles and landlines using the new number: 0808 223 1133.

More details on the Dorset Council website, Trading Standards pages: www.dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/businessconsumers-licences/ trading-standards/tradingstandards-consumeradvice/trading-standardsconsumer-advice.aspx To enable Trading Standards to investigate offences and intervene in appropriate cases, referrals from Citizens Advice are made electronically overnight or by instant call contact where required.

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motoring - Advertisement feature -

Quality craftsmanship at Trickett Welding Trickett Welding Ltd is a motor vehicle welding, fabrication, repair, rejuvenation and restoration specialist based in Poole.

A family run business, it was established in 1977 by Graham Trickett, who was later joined by son Nigel and wife Christine. Originally offering welding and fabrication services, the company has diversified and now focuses on vehicle maintenance and repairs – anything from exhaust repairs to full body restoration.

Trickett Welding prides itself on enabling customers to keep their classic, vintage, sports or family cars, commercial vans, 4x4 off-road vehicles, camper vans and motor homes fully functional and roadworthy. They can strip down a vehicle to its component parts, remove any rust, treat them to protect them from future corrosion and put them back together. They work with external specialists where required.

The company has built a reputation for highly skilled craftsmanship and has a team of specialist staff to undertake mechanical work, panel beating and spray-painting. It has invested in specialist machinery and equipment to meet demand.

The hourly labour rate is comparable to most independent garages however, as the team use only high quality materials and products and are very thorough in their work, their quotations can be a little higher than some. They believe this is a small price to pay for their reliable service.

For more information, call Nigel Trickett on 01202 625050.

Technicians backing mental health charity Stigma around male mental health has inspired a team of car technicians to embark on a year of raising cash and awareness.

Poole-based Star Tech has joined forces with mental health charity Dorset Mind and will be holding events, including a special open day this spring, collecting donations, and has pledged to donate a set amount to Dorset Mind for every invoice fulfilled across the next 12 months.

Not only that, Star Tech will also be training staff in mental health awareness and sharing information about Dorset Mind at its service centre and via its website and social media platforms.

To learn more about Dorset Mind visit: https://dorsetmind.uk/

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| 37

motoring / keeping you on the road.

Watch out for potholes

You don’t need to be told that we have experienced an unprecedented amount of rain recently – however, you do need to be aware that the appalling weather could have damaged road surfaces.

Road safety association GEM Motoring Assist is warning of safety risks caused by potholes made worse by rainwater on road surfaces, as well as

reduced grip from the excessive amounts of mud, leaves and loose gravel found on roads all over the country.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth commented, “Strong winds, accompanied by persistent heavy rain, has brought down many trees and weakened others in recent weeks. We urge all road users to be vigilant, as there is now the risk of many more trees falling, even with lighter winds.

“Pay particular attention in wooded areas and on twisting country lanes where it’s difficult to predict what might be round the next bend.

“More potholes have appeared, with others sure to follow. Since there has been so much rain, these potholes are likely to be full of water, meaning it’s

difficult to gauge just how deep they are.”

GEM’s tips for staying safe during, or after, a spell of bad weather: • In bad weather, turn on your headlights. Do not rely on automatic lighting systems – it’s up to you to ensure you can see and be seen.

• Slow down, allow extra distance for stopping and stay well back from the vehicle in front.

• After heavy rain, expect all kinds of debris to accumulate on road surfaces – this is likely to reduce your vehicle’s grip on the tarmac and increase your stopping distance, so adjust your speed to ensure you stay in full

•

•

control.

Try not to drive through a pothole, especially if it’s full of water. If you can’t safely steer round it, slow down before you hit it and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.

When it’s safe, check your car for signs of damage if you have driven through a pothole. Look for one or more deflated tyres, cracks or bulges in

•

the tyre, dents in the wheel rims or any shaking and pulling to left or right.

As potholes can be so damaging and dangerous, make sure you report a pothole using the government’s reporting system. If you feel the danger is more immediate, contact the appropriate highways authority, local council or the police.

Yellow Coaches turn green No, you’re not going to see lots of coaches painted green; instead Yellow Coaches is upgrading its vehicles to ones that produce less harmful nitrogen oxide than the

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4DORSET April 2020

average family diesel car.

The operator – part of Bournemouth-based Yellow Buses – has re-branded its fleet so they stand out even more on the roads.

Two new luxury

specification Irizar i6 Integral coaches have been added, which can enter the increasing number of Clean Air Zones.

Jay Thornton of Yellow Coaches said, “The management buyout of Yellow Buses last year provided an opportunity to review our coaching fleet plans and adjust the business to tackle some industry challenges and better meet client demand, such as the increasing number of Clean Air Zones.

“Irizar are one of the best all-round brands on the

Jay Thornton, centre, of Yellow Coaches, with two of the new re-branded coaches and the drivers

UK market and we acquired our first in September 2019, retro-fitted to Euro 6 standard.

“We returned to Irizar in December to acquire two further Integral i6 coaches which boast a high specification, a superior

level of comfort and are equipped with modern Euro 6 technology.

“This enables us to enter clean air zones in UK cities, lowering our carbon footprint, seeing higher client satisfaction and improved fuel efficiency.”

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motoring

Volvo XC90 B5 diesel mild-hybrid AWD automatic Driven by Steve Bulley

This month, size matters …

If you are in the market for a practical seven-seat SUV that can deliver you to a meeting feeling fresh after a long drive and get the family to the beach at the weekend, the new XC90 mild hybrid from Volvo Cars Poole is a serious contender.

The new efficient 48-volt midhybrid diesel powertrain combines Volvo’s established 2.0-litre 235hp diesel engine with a 48-volt battery, a KERS kinetic energy recovery system and an integrated starter generator.

The system improves fuel economy – by up to 15 per cent in real-world driving.

Volvo were early innovators of the large SUV with the first XC90 launched in 2002. The latest generation remains faithful to Volvo’s design architecture and this model’s optional 22-inch wheels give the car an assertive look without compromising the ride quality.

As you’d expect, the interior is luxurious with seven seats and a long

list of standard features including voice-activated infotainment, LED headlights, a rear parking camera, a nine-inch central touchscreen and immense quantities of electronic safety equipment. It even has massage seats which took a little getting used to if I’m honest!

On the road, it’s a big car but it’s no slouch – with a smooth auto box you swiftly hit the legal limit. Parking is made easier with the overhead display on the large screen but the XC90 is a big car for today’s parking spaces. On the road, I managed around 32mpg in mixed driving, which is acceptable

for a vehicle of this size and power.

Overall, each detail of the XC90 is designed to make driving simpler, more enjoyable, and less stressful, and it works.

For more information speak to Paul Taylor at Volvo Cars Poole 01202 065555

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| 39

in the home / home is where the heart is .

Curtains or blinds – the choice is yours Curtains

Your choice of curtains can make a room – but only when selected with care.

You need to consider the colour and fabric,

the length and lining and custom-made, versus offthe-shelf.

The material will dictate how well your curtains function and hold up over time. If they’re too

By Marilyn Barber

heavy they may not fold crisply when drawn; too light and they may not fall well.

Sunlight will fade fabrics over time, so if the room has a lot of light, it’s best to avoid bright colours.

How to measure up for curtains

Take the measurement from the curtain rail to the windowsill or the floor - depending on your preference.

When measuring the width of the window, add four to eight inches on both sides and double the total number to ensure curtain fullness.

Think about tone

Curtains should tone in with the colour of your walls, so for a coordinated look, make sure a pattern contains at least a bit of the wall colour.

If you’re opting for plain curtains, you can choose either a light or darker version of the wall shade, but in the same colour family.

You also need to consider the colour of your sofa.

Consider patterns

If your room is small, avoid heavily coloured horizontal patterns or large flowered prints, which will dominate a room, creating a feeling of less space. However, a fabric with a broad horizontal stripe can make a room feel wider.

Material and linings

The choice of materials is huge – voile, lace, nylon, cotton, muslin, synthetics, linen, silk, velvet, damask and brocade.

Blackout curtains are the best option for children’s bedrooms, particularly when we have lighter evenings.

And thinking of heat conservation, invest in curtains with thermal linings – good for the environment and your purse.

Door curtains

In the same way, why not install a curtain over your draughty front door?

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4DORSET April 2020

Fixings

Then you need to choose the curtain fixings.

Curtain tracks have a looped cord to pull the curtain open from one end – which is ideal for larger or bay windows.

Curtain poles are versatile and will take any kind of heading.

Adjustable rods can be used to hang sheer or voile curtains.

Blinds

To complete the look of a room, it’s good to have blinds as well as curtains – and the choice is vast.

Anti-glare blinds are the answer if you are troubled with sunlight coming into your lounge as the sun sets. In addition, this type of blind can reduce the damage caused by UV rays on carpets and furniture.

Cellular pleated blinds - where the fabric folds or concertinas up when the blind is retracted - are ideal for conservatory roofs and

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in the home

side glazing.

Roller blinds, which are suitable for all types of windows, are a good way of adding a touch of colour to a plain room, or can be in neutral shade to co-ordinate with your existing dĂŠcor.

Believe it or not, Venetian blinds actually originated in Persia, and became popular in the United States in the 18th century. A patent was taken out in England

in 1760.

They are still a popular choice for many rooms in the house today, coming in an ever-expanding range of colours, patterns and finishes.

Vertical blinds are an easy way of shading windows, especially patio doors.

The louvres or slats of the blinds can be tilted to control the light entering the room or can be fully closed for privacy.

If you would like to know more about blinds, contact the British Blind and Shutter Association on www.bbsa.org.uk

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| 41

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

BLACKSMITH

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CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

DECORATING

CLEANING SERVICES

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GARDENING SERVICES

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specialist services GARDENING SERVICES

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ADVERTISE

To Advertise

HERE Call: 01202 941470

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

TILING SUPPLIERS

TREE SURGERY

TREE SURGERY

WINDOW REPAIRS

TREE SURGERY

News in brief Verwood afternoon TG

At the recent Verwood afternoon Townswomen’s Guild AGM the Entertainers group lightened the proceedings with amusing poems. Tea and cakes were served and a raffle was held.

The Dorset Federation general knowledge quiz took place in March and some members enjoyed the annual federation residential break in Bournemouth recently. Verwood guild will be holding a spring lunch in April. For more information ring 01425 475785.

WINDOW REPAIRS

Event registration for heritage week

The Oakdale Oaks (pictured) – won the 27th annual Wimborne in Bloom Wine and Wisdom quiz at the Allendale Centre. The raffle raised £500 to contribute to the total raised for the evening of approximately £1,800 – boosted by the Barclays Bank Matched Fundraising.

Dorset’s Northbourne Lodge, in partnership with Dorset Masonic Care, has donated £1,000 to Forest Holme Hospice Charity. Pictured are Chris Black and Patrick Dancer, of Northbourne Lodge presenting the cheque to Paul Tucker from the hospice’s fundraising team.

Registration is open until the end of April for buildings, homes, properties and venues wishing to take part in Dorset Architectural Heritage Week this September.

If you have a building with a story to tell, or you wish to share your knowledge of a particular area or building with architectural appeal, and you have never taken part in Heritage Week before then, now is your chance. Just get in touch with the DAHW booking office on 01202 888992 or dahwoffice@ gmail.com.

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4DORSET April 2020

April 2020

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