4Dorset March 2015

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March 2015 Volume 12 Issue 8

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4DORSET

March 2015 Volume 12 Issue 8

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

WIMBORNE SPOT THE SHOP CHANCE TO WIN

£60

SHOPPING VOUCHER

SOPHIE ELLISBEXTOR the Dulux face of ‘Copper Blush’

4DORSET Hello readers, Volume 12 • Issue 8 • March 2015

editor Janine Pulford

editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk

assistant editor Liz Turner news@mags4dorset.co.uk

managing director Ben Pulford design@mags4dorset.co.uk

design director Louis Pulford

design4dorset@btconnect.com

graphic designer Daniel Lee

design4dorset@btconnect.com

account managers

Mark Beechey sales@mags4dorset.co.uk Russell Harness advertise@mags4dorset.co.uk

company secretary Nick Pulford accounts4dorset@btconnect.com

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 £35 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.

Spot the Bunny is back for Easter. My, how this year is flying.

The magazines are growing so big, they are keeping Liz and I in a flat spin working our way through the editorial pages like proverbial busy bees and the designers knock the pages out at a rate of knots.

This month, 4Dorset is packed with news and articles, ranging from the new Purr Minister to ice swimming and the imminent closure of New Road in West Parley. Oh the chaos!

There is also a page devoted to The Voice: Ferndown Rocks, which we are proud to be associated with.

You will also notice we managed to get Sophie Ellis-Bextor on the front cover (inside front if you get my drift) because she is the face of the Dulux colour for 2015. Find out what the colour is on page 28.

CashUnity has taken on a new dimension with the £1,000 prize being split in a different way and our first winner was really thrilled with her win and the choices she had.

Our survey results were incredibly favourable, with competitions rating highly. Well we kind of new that by the number of entries we get, but in response we have a £60 prize, a chocolate rabbit and tickets to the Regent Centre all up for grabs this month.

Get stuck in and do get the children involved too. A chockie bunny will melt their hearts.

Until next month,

Contents

Editorial: 01202 870270 • Advertising: 01202 816140 • Email: mags@mags4dorset.co.uk • Web: www.mags4dorset.co.uk

Around & About Business Community Unity CashUnity Competitions Freeads Health and fitness Horoscopes Specialist Services

38 - 41 24 - 31 34 - 35 8, 22 - 23 & 39 44 12 - 13 45 42 - 43

Write to: The Editor, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN

next copy closing date:

13 MARCH 2015 The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions in order to fit in with the editorial policy and style of the magazine

Janine Pulford, Editor Follow us at www.twitter.com/mags4dorset Leave us a comment at www.facebook.com/mags4dorset.news Join the editor www.facebook.com/janine.pulford Visit our website www.mags4dorset.co.uk Email the editor at editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk

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

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Purr Minister the feline face of politics

Billy the cat, owned by Annette Brooke MP, has clawed his way to victory in the election to become Purr Minister 2015.

The accolade, organised and awarded

by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, seeks to raise awareness of rescue centres and encourage people looking for pets to consider rehoming.

Billy’s campaign, which led him to receive 23% of the vote, focused on issues like edu-CATtion, equality and rights, and safe and warm homes. ‘A rescue cat with a mission’ striving to ‘make life purr-fect’, Billy clearly won the hearts and minds of voters with his poignant story and progressive paw-licies.

“I’m really thrilled that Billy has won,” said Annette. “It has been a pleasure to be involved in this opportunity to

promote rescue centres such as Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, who do such good work. We acquired Billy from a rescue centre in Dorset last July, and were so impressed with them.

My family stay in touch, letting them know how

Billy is getting on, and I would really encourage anyone looking for a new pet to rehome from a rescue.”

Billy now joins a list of previous premiers that include the infamous Larry from Number 10.

40 FUS students receive JTYAF awards The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF) made awards on 9 February to 40 young people from Ferndown Upper School totalling over £18,000.

“This is the most exciting day in the JTYAF calendar,” explained trustee Pete Thornton, father of Lt John Thornton RM

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4DORSET March 2015

who was killed in Afghanistan “We are absolutely honoured to have the opportunity to meet these outstanding young people and present them with their awards. The students have clearly demonstrated their commitment in their chosen fields and it is fantastic that the JTYAF support will help them to further their ambitions.”

local

Sea Scouts make big splash For the first time in 30 years, the 10th Christchurch (Mudeford) Sea Scouts have won the prestigious Otter trophy at the Royal Navy Recognised Sea Scout Swimming Championships.

Model Club Home of National and International trophy winning modellers, Poole Vikings is a very friendly club that welcomes modellers of any age or standard using any medium for example wood, metal, plastic, card. Subjects are just as varied from aircraft to vehicles, civilian and military through to sci-fi figures of any size. The Vikings meet on the first Wednesday of every month to swap hints and tips and receive praise or criticism. Broadstone Royal British Legion Club, Tudor Road, Broadstone, BH18 8AW at 7.30pm.

Contact Jim Smith 01202 695129.

The trophy dates back to the 1930s and has been competed for annually, apart from the war years.

Nearly 200 Sea Scouts and Explorers from across the country travelled to HMS Raleigh, a shore based training establishment near Torpoint, Cornwall to compete in the national gala.

This year’s Scout team of Alex Bamford, Finley Dickinson, Daniel Jupp, Harry Lloyd, Jack Ogden, and Martin Underwood were triumphant in winning the overall Otter trophy against 22 other groups. The Scouts also won the Squadron Relay and came first in the U14 category and third in the U12s.

Scout leader, Julian Smith said: “Well done to all the Scouts and Neptune Explorers who represented Mudeford, gave good individual performances and in particular, thank you for their excellent standard of behaviour.

“This was the first time in 30 years that Mudeford Sea Scouts have won this national trophy which is almost as big as our younger members. The whole competition had a great spirit and we came away having made many friends from all over the country.”

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

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£2,000 REWARD

for information on West Parley burglary

T

he independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers, is offering a reward of up to £2,000 for information regarding a burglary in West Parley.

The victim was home alone watching television on the evening of Saturday 20 December, when two men broke in and threatened her with a long silver blade and then tied her up whilst they ransacked the house. They stole cash and a quantity of expensive and sentimental jewellery.

One man wore all dark clothing and a hood over his head and face, whilst the other wore blue tracksuit trousers with a white stripe down the side and a dark coloured hooded top with the hood up. Both men had their faces covered.

The charity is now offering a reward of up to £2,000 for information passed through Crimestoppers’ anonymous 0800 555 111 number that leads to the arrest and conviction of the

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4DORSET March 2015

perpetrators.

Crimestoppers Regional Manager for Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Paul Elliott, said: “I cannot begin to imagine what this woman has gone through during this terrifying ordeal.

“These men have left a lady feeling completely traumatised and unsafe in her own home. This is why I am urging anyone who knows anything about this burglary to contact Crimestoppers anonymously, safe in the knowledge that no one will ever know you spoke to us.

You won’t have to speak to the police and you won’t ever be called to court.”

If you have any information on this crime then please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

The reward will only qualify if information is passed to Crimestoppers. Information passed to the police will not qualify.

Big

challenge for council employee

M

att Reeks, the Christchurch and East Dorset Partnership Community & Open Spaces Manager, is one of only 10 council employees in the country to have been chosen to take part in the 2015 Local Government Association Challenge.

The winner can look forward to a careerenhancing scholarship worth up to £10,000 from the Bruce Lockhart Leadership Programme to be used to promote localism and local government through the exchange of ideas between the UK, the USA and Europe - and to put into practice successful ideas.

The findings are published to promote best practice and raise the status of local leadership and local government in the UK.

local

SURVEY PROVES

Water drops in price Good news for SEMBCORP Bournemouth Water (SBW) customers. The average household water bill is set to fall by £18 (over 11 per cent) for the period April 2015-March 2016.

The company is keen to emphasise that smaller bills will not mean a decline in service, or large bill increases in the future.

readers love 4Dorset

Harry Bryant

The survey carried out by mags4dorset about its magazines generated almost 100 responses. Editor, Janine Pulford, said: “The results are brilliant. Most of what we do is right and we are pleased that so many people took the time and trouble to fill out the survey. It was quite detailed, and we would like to thank them all. We’ve taken on board the negatives fortunately the positives far outweigh them. We also found out that printed news magazines are as popular as ever, with 94% of those surveyed reading them frequently. However only 7% said they read publications with limited news content.”

Here are some of the statistics revealed in the survey:

97% view 4Dorset favourably 85% think the news is well written 84% like the name 4Dorset 83% feel it has plenty of articles for a good read 79% like 4Dorset’s design 79% think the fact that 4Dorset is owned by a local

independent family company with a local office is important.

75% enter competitions frequently 75% like the front cover design 72% read it every month or most months 70% have used the advertisers

The most popular sections are local news (93%), in and

around the area (92%) and town features (86%). A third of those who took the survey keep the magazine for 1-5 months.

Other facts 74% are aged 45 plus 71% think CashUnity is a good concept 49% of readers use Facebook As well as being the editor, Janine is also a director and co-founder of the company that publishes 4Dorset and Viewpoint and added, “Viewpoint’s statistics are very similar.

I’ll be publishing those in the mid-March issue.”

Survey winner’s son collects prize!

The winner of the Asus Memo Pad in the mags4dorset survey draw was Gemma Bryant from Stapehill, Wimborne. Dad, Andy brought their youngest son Harry to the office in Peter Grant Way to collect the prize on her behalf. Gemma’s name was drawn from nearly 100 entries.

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

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TITION

COM P E

It’s Easter Bunny madness at 4Dorset

Spot the T

BUNNY!

he mischievous Easter Bunny has broken out of his mould and burrowed through the magazine.

Our graphic designers are hopping mad because he keeps popping up in the advertisements and we need your help to find him.

Have a good look through the magazine and count how many times the Easter Bunny, identical to the one shown here, pops his head up in the adverts and list the names of the advertisers where he appears.

SPOT ME! There is no need to count the bunny pictured here.

If you get the answer right, you could win this magnificent Lindt 1kg Gold Bunny as a prize, courtesy of mags4dorset.

(Worth £39.99). We all have our eyes on it, so hurr y with your entr y in case our willpower runs out.

Enter through the website at www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your answer to mags4dorset Easter Bunny, 1st Floor King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset. The closing date is 23 March 2015. There is no cash alternative. Employees of Page & Pulford are not permitted to enter. The first correct entry drawn will be the winner. The editor’s decision is final. mags4dorset will deliver the prize, but there is no guarantee this can be done before Easter. The winner will be welcome to collect it from the office and must agree to publicity photographs. Good luck!

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4DORSET March 2015

local

Faster treatment for emergency patients A faster treatment service for Emergency Department (ED) patients has been trialled successfully at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital BREATH - ‘Bournemouth Rapid Evaluation Assessment Treatment Hub’ - sees patients who arrive by ambulance transferred straight into a ‘hub’ where a dedicated senior doctor directs a team of nurses in heart monitoring and taking necessary blood samples or x-rays. This allows ED staff to design a plan of action for a patient’s urgent care within 20 minutes of their arrival.

Patients who need resuscitation are still seen immediately by the emergency resuscitation team.

After visiting the BREATH hub, patients are streamed to the most appropriate service for them, including the majors, minors and outpatients departments, or to ambulatory care.

The BREATH pilot has been successful in helping the Hospital Trust manage the increase in demand for emergency services in the past few weeks and has now been extended for further testing and refinement.

Alex Lister, Directorate Manager for Medicine and the Emergency Department, said: “Our teams have

Remembering our heroes Help for Heroes received a donation of £500 raised by Variety Remembrance at Verwood Hub last November. Photo shows some of those involved in the event as well as the organiser Warren Brown (front left) presenting the cheque to Neal Williams, H4H Team Dorset on 18 February.

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4DORSET March 2015

The BRE ATH team at work

been working incredibly hard to provide high quality patient care despite the national increased demand for emergency services.

“It is thanks to their flexibility and determination that the BREATH hub has worked well for our patients. We are very pleased the scheme is proving successful and will continue to explore different ways of working so that our patients always receive the best possible care.”

local

Confusion over crime in Christchurch People have got completely the wrong idea about the level of crime in Christchurch

However areas of crime from April to December which bucked the trend were domestic abuse crimes and rape and serious sexual offences which went up.

Cllr Bernie Davis,council portfolio holder for Crime in the borough from April to December 2014 Community, said: “We live in a very was nine per cent less than in the same period the safe part of the country and, thankfully, previous year. There were 123 crime is very rare. fewer crimes, serious acquisitive He added: “It’s crimes (domestic burglary, theft very disturbing to from vehicles and robbery) were about the rise We live in a very safe hear 23 per cent down while burglaries in domestic abuse from sheds, garages and beach and sexual offences. part of the country huts were 25 per cent lower.

Of course, welland, thankfully, Twelve per cent fewer incidents publicised national of anti-social behaviour were crime is very rare cases have meant that reported. confidence that these But, in the latest Community cases are being taken Safety Survey conducted by seriously has had an Dorset Police, 23 per cent of effect and we are seeing an increase residents felt crime had gone up in the last 12 in these crimes being reported. This is months with only 12 per cent believing it had gone perceived as being positive given we down. know this is a ‘hidden crime’.

Concerned that there is a general perception that crime is on the rise, he continued: “If anyone has any concerns then they can talk to our Community Protection team at the council by calling 01202 795000.”

“

“

- advertising feature -

T

his award winning park is guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained for hours as they enjoy fascinating talks and tours or wander around

exhibits from days gone by.

Meet the friendly heavy horses and farm animals.

Enjoy Dorset’s fine scenery on a heavy horse wagon ride around the park, or take a daring tractor trailer ride down the valley. ‘Drive’ a farm tractor in the off - road arena. Adventure play areas suit most ages and include an undercover go-cart arena, straw fun barn with

drop slide and zip wire, children’s fairground rides and pony rides. Learn about the life of the working horses and ponies on the Memory Lane tour. Relax with home cooked food at Smokey Joe’s cafe. It’s a unique and memorable day and at the same time visitors help provide a permanent home for over 20 rescued Heavy Horses.

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

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in health & fitness

CHARITY OF THE YEAR:

Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life Bournemouth & East Dorset

Join the Relay for Life

Pam Bentley pictured second from left holding the banner

11 and 12 July Hello everyone. My name is Pam Bentley and my role is to co-ordinate cancer survivors and help get them involved with the Bournemouth and East Dorset Relay for Life.

I also want to encourage readers to join in with the event which will be held at the Ferndown Leisure Centre on behalf of Cancer Research UK. Everyone is welcome.

It’s not only a fun 24 hour event undertaken by enthusiastic teams, it is also a celebration of survival.

We invite cancer survivors

to join us and lead the teams in a lap of honour before judging the best dressed team. After this, the celebration of survival is continued with a light buffet and entertainment.

It was not until I joined the committee of Relay for Life several years ago, as a cancer survivor, that I realised how amazing our young people are.

To see so many giving up a whole weekend, after weeks of fundraising, so that essentially I and many others can continue to enjoy the results of vital research undertaken by Cancer

Research UK is truly a humbling experience.

Relay for Life is also an opportunity for cancer survivors to meet, exchange stories, at the same time enjoying the enthusiasm of the hundreds of youngsters taking part.

If you are a survivor, and would like to register, you can do so by visiting cruk.org/ relay, following the links to Bournemouth and East Dorset.

Alternatively if you would like to learn more about the event, I shall be delighted to hear from you.

Thank you.

Pam Bentley

Co-ordinator pam.bentley@uwclub.net

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4DORSET March 2015

Highfield Manor Care Home rated as Inadequate The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has told RYSA Highfield Manor Limited that it must make urgent improvements at Highfield Manor Care Home, Bournemouth, or face further enforcement action.

During an unannounced inspection in October, inspectors found that the home in Branksome Wood Road was failing to provide care which was safe, effective, caring, responsive to people’s needs or well led. As a result of the inspection, the provider was issued with a warning notice.

Under CQC’s new programme of inspections, all adult social care services are being given a rating to help people choose care.

Overall, Highfield Manor Care Home has been rated as Inadequate.

A full report from the inspection has been published on the CQC website: http:// www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-671694051.

Adrian Hughes, CQC’s Deputy Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care in the south, said: “People living at Highfield Manor Care Home have the right to receive care which is safe, effective, caring, responsive to their needs and well led.

“At our recent inspection we identified serious concerns in a number of areas, and expect the provider RYSA Highfield Manor Limited to take urgent action to fix the problems we saw.

“We will follow up on the action we have required the provider to take and will take further action if they have not.”

in health and fitness

Rotary Club active in Nzara

W

imborne Rotary has been instrumental in helping to form only the second Rotary Club in the whole of war-torn South Sudan, in Nzara.

Additionally, in partnership with the Anglican Deanery of Wimborne, Rotary has been fundraising to provide the substantial funds needed to improve the future for the children of Nzara through better healthcare and educational facilities.

The president of Wimborne Rotary, Derek Radley, presented a visitors’ book to Sheila Soper prior to her educational visit to South Sudan.

She will deliver it to the president of Nzara Rotary to commemorate the formation of the new club.

- advertising feature -

Spring into fitness

It might only be March, but spring is here and it’s time to get up, get out and get active! And there’s no better place to do it than at Ferndown Leisure Centre. With great facilities and loads of activities to try, there really is something for the whole family to enjoy.

Plus, for this month, there is a fantastic offer of a three month fitness membership, which gives full membership benefits including unlimited use of the gym, swimming pool, SWIMTAG and workout classes. To help each member make the most of their visits, they are invited to take ‘Your Journey’ – a series of 3 tailor made oneto-one gym sessions, 1 FREE small group training session with a qualified fitness instructor, who will explain how to use the pieces of equipment correctly and safely, discuss fitness goals and devise a personalised programme to follow. The swim membership is also included in this offer and is great for those who enjoy the water, offering welcome sessions, Masters and coached fitness swim sessions.

General Manager, Glenn, explains: “If you’re keen to start exercising on a regular basis, but not quite sure how it will fit into your daily schedule, a short term membership is just what you need.

It offers excellent value for money and a perfect opportunity to use the facilities, find time in your weekly routine and get into the habit of working out, before signing up for a longer term commitment.”

To find out more about the three month membership offer running during March please contact Deana at Ferndown Leisure Centre on 01202 877468 or email deanadudman@pfpleisure.org

Easter Holiday Programme

Ferndown Leisure Centre is taking bookings for its exciting holiday programme. View this at www.ferndownleisurecentre.co.uk, or pick up a programme from the centre.

Swim Lessons

Due to a number of children progressing through the Swim Lesson programme at Ferndown Leisure Centre, there are currently spaces available in stage 1 and pre school classes.

Track down

Bournemouth Footwear Specialists in wide fitting shoes such as DB Easy Footwear and Da Bella, Bournemouth Footwear is on hand to help find the perfect shoe, no matter how wide your foot is.

Trading for 21 years at Wycliffe Road, Winton and in the footwear industry for 35 years, Kevin Turner certainly knows his bunions when it comes to helping people with foot problems.

With E, EE, 4E, 6E and 8E for ladies and up to 6E for men, Kevin says, “If your feet swell, there is no need to upsize your shoe. With the Fife you can have comfort at the right size simply by expanding the shoe to fit your foot. We also stock open shoes and a new stretchy shoe that doesn’t put pressure on the foot.”

The shop is well worth tracking down and as well as shoes for all widths, Bournemouth Footwear stocks Dr Martens, Caterpillar, Wrangler, hiking boots, slippers, basic trainers and sandals.

Call 01202 531210.

For more information about the centre and other activities available call Ferndown Leisure Centre on 01202 877468 or visit www.ferndownleisurecentre.co.uk

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

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local

Parish boundary changes and reduction in Support Grant blamed for tax increase Ferndown Town Council met on 2 February to agree its budget and precept for 2015/16.

This year residents will be faced with an additional cost to pay for their town council services. The Band D precept will rise from £44.31 to £53.15pa.

One of the reasons given for the

increase is the loss of a significant number of houses, previously within the parish of Ferndown, which now come under Colehill Parish Council. This is a result of the Community Governance Review relating to parish boundary changes and means Ferndown has seen its taxbase reduced.

Town Clerk, Vanessa Ricketts explained, “Each January we work

out how much we need to spend throughout the following financial year, this total sum, less any income we receive, is called the precept.

“The amount of precept is divided by the taxbase and this gives us the amount to be paid per Band D property.

“A reduction in the taxbase means there are less properties by which the total can be divided,

resulting in an increase to the precept.”

The Town Clerk added that this increase has been compounded by the reduction in the town’s Local Government Support Grant from East Dorset District Council.

She stated that local councillors have been working hard to minimalise any increase by cutting expenditure where possible, whilst continuing to deliver consistently improving services.“This year we aim to deliver more services to a great number of residents to ensure that Ferndown Town Council gives value for money.”

Council tax freeze set to continue Bournemouth’s Cabinet has recommended that full council on 24 February reduces its share of council tax bills, to ensure that Bournemouth residents see their bills frozen again 2015/16. This follows a rise in the precept by Dorset Fire & Rescue Authority on Tuesday (10 February). If agreed, this five year freeze will mean that each household paying council tax will, on average, be £150 better off in 2015/16.

Valentine’s

treat

James Webb from the Priest House Museum was the speaker at Colehill Evening Women’s Institute in February.

He explained that the museum houses over 400 Valentine cards dating from the late 1830s to the early 1870s. A nationally important collection, it is mainly unsold shop stock from William Low, a stationer, printer and tobacconist, who ran his business from the building that now houses the museum until 1872.

Printed Valentine cards first appeared in the 18th century as simple sheets with a written verse.

Soon afterwards the traditional symbols began to appear Cupid, flowers and hearts. The sending of Valentine cards rapidly increased in the 19th century as improvements in printing techniques and the new postal service made it more affordable.

Also the invention of envelopes gave more privacy and this increased popularity.

The Victorians developed highly decorative cards using materials such as paper lace, feathers, tiny mirrors and even hair. They also loved a practical joke, using caricatures and a humorous verse. Some examples went further and were intended to upset the recipient.

So perhaps our modern Valentine’s are not so odd after all!

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4DORSET March 2015

- advertising feature -

Looking to provide for your funeral?

You’re in luck - there is a local funeral plan available…

The Dorset Funeral Plan There are many funeral plan providers on the market, all offering a similar product, making it difficult to choose the right funeral plan for you. Many of these funeral plans are provided by large National companies. There is one plan provider however, that stands out from the crowd.

You may not know, but there is a local funeral plan available - the Dorset Funeral Plan is a prepaid funeral plan which enables you to choose the kind of funeral you’d like instead of your family and friends having to guess. And by paying now you can spare your relatives a financial burden at the time of your passing. You may choose a set plan, or a bespoke plan can be created to reflect your individual requirements. You may also choose to pay a one-off payment or spread the cost by regular instalments for up to five years. The Dorset Funeral Plan is available only from the Douch Family Funeral Directors, an independent

family business for over 100 years, with branches throughout Dorset. Experienced in local traditions and offering flexibility and value for money, they offer advice and guidance to suit your needs.

The personal touch Douch Family Funeral Directors have been looking after bereaved families in Dorset for many years. All of their branches are independently managed – together, they cover North Dorset, East Dorset, Poole, Wareham and the Isle of Purbeck. With experienced and compassionate staff, great care is taken to make sure that each funeral provided is professionally and respectfully carried out. Advice and support is offered on arranging a funeral, woodland burials, memorials, prepaid funerals and much more. The Douch Family has a long history of arranging funerals in Dorset – some of their independent funeral directors have been established since the 1800s. To find

out more, call your local branch and they can help you to decide what you wish to include in your plan.

Why prepaid funeral plans are financially the most sensible choice…

Why would you wish to pay for your funeral in advance when you can pay a small premium each month to an insurance company for a policy which will provide a fixed lump sum when you’re gone?

Whilst it might seem attractive to part with only a small sum each month, there are pitfalls to this approach. With over-50s life insurance products, you will pay the premiums for the rest of your life (or age 90 with some policies) and most people will end up paying more in premiums over the years than the lump sum paid out on death. The value of the lump sum will also be eroded by inflation over time and may not cover the cost of your funeral.

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Telephone money

SCAM ALERT

Vigilance is needed after a spate of telephone money scams.

Victims in Dorset have been targeted over the phone with the heartless fraudster claiming to be a police officer.

Some have been conned into handing over thousands of pounds. Victims received a phone call from a man claiming he was a police officer calling in Portsmouth. He told them that their bank accounts had been compromised and money had been withdrawn.

He said the money could be replaced and asked for the victim’s bank account details or requested that the victim withdrew a substantial amount of money which a courier would collect. One victim withdrew and handed over approximately £9,000.

Detective Inspector Andrew Roberts, of Bournemouth CID, said: “Police would never ask for anyone’s bank details over the phone and likewise, we would never ask that cash be handed to a courier.

“In previous incidents, victims have hung up the phone and picked it back up to call their bank or building society but the offending caller has remained on the line and tricked the victim into thinking they are talking to a legitimate banking advisor.

“I urge residents, when contacted by anyone trying to persuade them to hand over or transfer money, not to agree to any such arrangements and to inform Dorset Police on 101 at the earliest opportunity.

Police crime prevention advice • Do not reveal your bank details to anyone – banks already have these and will never ask for your card back.

• If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from your bank, do not give them any details, hang up and call your bank on their regular contact telephone number and the police – using a different telephone and phone line.

• Do not give your bank cards to strangers whatever reason they may give you to part with them.

• Do not allow any unknown or unexpected callers inside your home. If you are suspicious, call 999 immediately.

• Do not hand over any cash to people unknown to you.

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4DORSET March 2015

WEATHER

for a dip?

By Liz Turner

A

sking Rory Fitzgerald to take the ice water bucket challenge would have been a bit of a waste of time. As he jumps into freezing cold water on a regular basis there really would have been no challenge in it at all.

For Rory’s sport is ice swimming and he is about to represent England in the first world championships being held in a frozen lake in Russia on 20 March.

A hole will be cut through the thick ice in Lake Semenovskoye in Murmansk creating a pool eight lanes 25m long ready for 50 swimmers from across the world to take the icy plunge. The races will be 1000 metres and take place in temperatures of between 0-5 degrees C. Rory is the Responsible Finance Officer for Ringwood Town Council and the chilling news that he would be swimming outdoors in a Russian winter came as no real surprise for his colleagues. During the two years he has been at the council, he is already swum the channel and they are used to him regularly swimming in outdoor events and taking a dip in the river – all without a wet suit.

Asking Rory what made him first talk up the sport, I jokingly asked if he

Rory in China: air temperature – 30 degrees C, water 0-1 degree C

fell in my mistake.

“Actually,” he said “I was taking part in a New Year’s Day dip at Stokes Bay and was only in up to my ankles when I slipped in off the slipway. It wasn’t as bad as I’d feared.”

With a background in swimming, he decided to get involved in cold water competitions and took to it like the proverbial duck to water.

Last year he went to China for the Harbin ice festival where the air temperature was minus 30 degrees C, and the water between 0 and 1 degree C and while competing there was selected for the England team.

And recently he competed at Tooting Bec Lido in the UK Cold Water Swimming Championships coming 2nd in the 30 metre free style and 5th in the breaststroke – the water was a balmy 3.5 degrees.

To qualify for the world championships Rory had to prove he can swim 600m in water of 6 degrees C or less. While training in frozen lakes is clearly the best preparation for ice swimming, Rory mainly has to make do with Hampshire’s nearest equivalent – the rivers Avon and Itchen in Winchester. He’s been swimming for up to 30 minutes in the rivers and has also been in the icy

waters of Snowdonia.

Rory said; “It’s amusing to see people raise their eyebrows when I tell them what I am up to and most people just say “why?”. I enjoy the challenge of it and cold dips have long been considered healthy in many countries.”

There is a very serious element of danger to these swims so organisers insist on stringent health checks including an ECG three hours before the event and no one can stay in the water longer than 25 minutes.

In Russia there will be three fully equipped medical teams headed by a doctor. Each team will have its own ambulance that will also act as an ICU unit. There will be at least three divers by the pool side.

After swimming eight lengths in almost freezing temperatures, you might think Rory would be happy to stay on dry land with its relative warmth.

Not so – he will be staying on in Murmansk to take part in the Russian Open Winter Swimming Championships.

Rory explained that it is hoped to introduce the sport at the Olympics – many might give this an icy reception but not our cool man!

THESE GIRLS CAN - FOR ENGLAND Two Bournemouth pupils are ahead of the game when it comes to Sport England’s campaign ‘This Girl Can’.

Talbot Heath School’s Ella Pusey is in the U16 England football squad, while Abigail Robson has been selected for the England U17 European Competition squad for netball. Both girls, who are currently studying GCSE courses, are fitting in their academic studies around regular sports’ training.

Ella, 14, attended a two day football training camp at the FA’s St George’s Park, Burton-Upon-Trent, run by the ISFA (Independent Schools Football Association).

She said: “It was an incredible experience. Not only did I learn on the pitch but it gave me an important and exciting glimpse of what it would be like to an England international. It made me want to achieve my dream even more.”

Abigail, 16, is no less determined. The selection process for the squad involved a weekend in Sheffield training and playing matches. Her schedule includes twice weekly training in Bath on top of regular matches.

She will be touring with the squad in March.

local

Spring into action with bike ride Autism Wessex is inviting people to support the charity by getting on their bikes for a 30 or 60 mile challenge taking place on Sunday 15 March.

The circular routes will start at the charity’s Portfield School site in Parley and take in the beautiful New Forest countryside, through Brockenhurst and Burley, finishing at Parley. The route is all on road and fully supported with refreshment stations, signage, mechanical support and first aid.

Becky Chalk, from the charity said: “This is the second time we have run this event and we are hoping to appeal to a variety of people by offering two routes with different mileage.”

Register with British Cycling via Autism Wessex’s website or by calling Becky on 01202 703198.

Help needed for charity Volunteers are needed at the Sue Ryder shop in West Moors. The charity supports people living through the challenges of lifechanging illness.

Various positions are available from serving the customers to sorting the donations.

It is a friendly environment with everyone working to provide hospice and neurological care.

Call 01202 890293 and speak to Liz or Jackie, if you can help.

Residents and councillors have unveiled new signs in Highcliffe, Christchurch to act as an emblem of a revival which the village is undergoing.

Despite great beaches and the Grade 1 listed Highcliffe Castle, the village has suffered from being judged by its statistic of having the largest number of residents over the age of 60 in the country.

A group of enthusiastic residents has now been formed to dispel the myth of Highcliffe being the town that time forgot.

The Highcliffe Centre Partnership has been formed to look at ways of encouraging more people to shop in the village High Street. A consultation held recently asked local residents for feedback about the local shopping experience and the Partnership is using the results to identify any changes that could be made to benefit trade.

Residents are regularly litter picking and weeding throughout the area and will soon be replanting the planters in the shopping area and helping paint and decorate.

A campaign is being launched, called Highcliffe Revival, which will encompass a number of events.

The Highcliffe Centre Partnership is being supported by leading retail marketing consultant, Mary Portas, who

REVIVING HIGHCLIFFE

- no longer the town that time forgot

Mayor of Christchurch Cllr Denise Jones joined councillors and residents of Highcliffe to unveil one of the new signs in Highcliffe

is delighted that they are intent on making things happen. Mary said: “It is important to maintain a vibrant high street as the benefits of this are seen in many layers from the residents who live in the area, to the tourists who come to the area, to the increase in revenue enjoyed by the business owners.”

Malcolm Mawbey from the Highcliffe Centre Partnership said: “Since we started the Partnership we have seen a groundswell of interest from people willing to lend their help and expertise in making our campaign a success. If any other residents want to get involved we’d love to hear from them.”

On unveiling one of the new signs, the Mayor of Christchurch Cllr Denise Jones said: “I congratulate everyone from different sectors in Highcliffe who have got together to make something happen. Instead of sitting back and saying ‘do something for us’ they are working with partners to achieve something together.

“These signs will be something that represents the village and will be seen by everyone coming to Highcliffe.”

The Highcliffe Centre Partnership can be contacted at by emailing Malcolm Mawbey at malcolmmawbey@o2.co.uk or calling him on 01425 276117.

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

| 17

Some of the finalists

Book your tickets for

FERNDOWN VOICE 2015 17 APRIL @ 7PM THE BARRINGTON, FERNDOWN

Emma-Jane

Toop (16)

Nicole McNally (14)

Charlie Woodford (16

)

eur nya Levass Mumma: Ta ms ia ill W and Amy

Harmony Twist (2013 winner) © Paradox Photography

EXCITEMENT IS GATHERING FOR THE FINAL OF

THE VOICE: FERNDOWN ROCKS Okay, so you won’t find will.i.am or Sir Tom on the judging panel, (yet) but local musician and comedy legend Matt Black and radio producer come music guru Steve Saville of Verwood’s Forest FM will more than make up for their absence.

Auditions for Ferndown’s Voice have been held at monthly Sunday Clubs in the Barrington Theatre since September 2014.

These events have showcased many local upcoming stars and there will be around 16 finalists.

They will be singing / playing in front of the Chairman of East Dorset District Council, the Mayor of Ferndown and a full house, as well as that all important panel of judges, which also includes Brian Oliver of Basement Studio, Wimborne and local singing coach and previous Voice of Ferndown runner up Catherine Gray.

2013 winners, Harmony Twist will be performing whilst judges make the final decision. The prizes are sponsored

by Basement Studio, Forest FM and Ferndown Conservatives.

The concept of the local ‘Voice’ competition is to diversify the entertainment available at the Barrington Theatre, and establish Ferndown as a contemporary music hub. Live music

venues have been established at the Barrington Theatre, the Pure Drop, the Old Thatch and the Angel Inn. Organiser and compere, Steve Lugg said: “The competition also aims to increase town centre footfall and to support local musicians and singers in showcasing their talents and supporting their ambition to follow music careers.”

Steve is helped by co-compere Aidan Byrne, and supported by Andy Bryant, the manager of the Barrington Centre and Ben Pulford, managing director of mags4dorset. The official photographer is Donna at Paradox Photography. VIP support and security will be provided through Mr Paul Byrne.

A colour programme designed by mags4dorset will be delivered to houses in central Ferndown as well as being provided to ticketholders and finalists on the night. The programme has been well supported by local businesses and organisations, and will act as a local music directory for future bookings.

Tickets for the final are £4 each.

Everyone is invited to what promises to be a night of top entertainment helping to promote Ferndown as the hub of contemporary music in the area.

Karl Vogts

2)

Melissa (2

Katie Laurilla (19)

erald

Lauren Fitzg

Steve Lugg (judge/ organiser)

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Matt Black (judge)

4DORSET March 2015

Catherine Gray (judge)

Aidan Byrne (organiser) Amie Knight

(17)

local

Sun and fun at pancake races

Father Richard in Christchurch

Toddlers’ race in Wimborne

There was sunshine and blue skies in Christchurch and Wimborne for the annual Shrove Tuesday races This year’s Christchurch Food & Wine Festival was launched at the races in the cobbled part of Church Street in front of the Priory Church.

Frettens won the race for local businesses with Harry Fry from Splinters winning the chefs’ race.

The well-known faces of Christchurch race was won by Father Richard from the Priory Church.

This year’s Food & Wine Festival takes place throughout the Borough during May with the Food Market and a new Festival Village at Christchurch Quay taking place on 9-10 May. Proceeds from the races go to the Festival’s charity, Christchurch Food Festival Education Trust.

With 37 races and 198 competitors, the annual pancake race around Wimborne Minster was a record breaker.

It was the largest number of runners since the race was revived 18 years ago and a record amount of £227 was raised which is going to The Minster and The Priest’s House Museum.

Races for adults, toddlers and pre-schools, under 18s, and wheelchair users got under way when the pancake bell tolled at 11am Winners were toddlers Florence Van Der Feltz; first school - Albert Van Der Feltz from St John’s First School; middle school - Will Tripcony from Dumpton; upper school - Lucy Tarrant from Ringwood School; wheelchair race - Hilda Ward, aged 101, who also won last year and adults - Harvey Camp.

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

| 19

Trench with Sopwith Camel and Mark V tank

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Experience the sights, smells and sounds of the First War World

By Liz Turner

T

o mark the start of the Centenary of the First World War, the Imperial War Museum in London opened new permanent First World War Galleries where visitors can discover the story of the war - how it started, why it continued and its global impact, through the lives of those who experienced it at the time on both the front line and the home front across Britain and its Empire.

Drawing on IWM’s First World War collections, which are the most comprehensive in the world, over 1,300 objects including weapons, uniforms, diaries, letters and souvenirs, are on display alongside photographs, art and film – many of which have never been seen before.

When it opened, Diane Lees, Director-General of IWM said: “The Imperial War Museum was established while the First World War was still being fought to ensure that future generations would remember the toil and sacrifice of those who were impacted by it.

“These new galleries allow audiences old and young to explore the First World War in great depth.

They will experience the sights, smells and sounds of the recreated trench, see what life was like at the front with the Sopwith Camel fighter plane and Mark V tank looming above, learn of the terrible strain the war placed on people and communities and discover

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4DORSET March 2015

the role that women and children played on the home front. Visitors can consider some of the big questions and choices, ordinary and extraordinary, that people of Britain and its former Empire had to face in this first ‘total war’ and discuss the impact the conflict had on the world in which we live today.”

So it was with high expectations that I stepped into the galleries to see what I could find out about the First World War. I have to admit I love going to museums but even I was amazed at the range of exhibits on show and how fascinating these galleries are. Forget stuffy dusty museum cases, these galleries are interactive, with plenty you can touch and explore, and exhibits placed at child height so they can find learning about the war interesting and exciting.

Exciting may seem a strange word to use, but for children this makes all the difference. The First War World was horrendous but these exhibits mean children will get a real sense of what life must have been like in the trenches, at home and in the Middle East.

I visited at the beginning of the school half term and the museum was full of children, not school parties but youngsters with their parents, grandparents and older siblings. And not just English children, there were French, German, Americans and Austrialian – all fascinated by what they saw.

I was amazed to see objects, displayed for the first time, from the Christmas Truce, including a button from a German tunic that was given to a British soldier as a souvenir. Photos of the soldiers were especially moving.

A series of trench signs, such as those ‘to Hells corner’ and ‘Piccadilly Circus’ showed the complexity of the trench and dugout networks of the battlefields of the Western Front.

IWM Photo

listed in its entirety.

Seen by over 20 million people at the time, half the population of Britain, it is shown with the original musical accompaniment.

We’re shown how the war affected everyone’s lives at home.

Children were not spared from the efforts. A jumper which belonged to a Sea Scout tells the story of their observation role along the coast.

This is an exhibition which will appeal to all ages - those wanting to learn about the war in depth and those just exploring the themes for the first time. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time – it’s fascinating.

There is a catapult for hurling grenades, geophones used in mines beneath the trenches to detect the enemy, and a hollowed out fake tree which became a camouflage lookout in no man’s land. Nothing boring for children – or adults - about these.

You can walk around a naval gun from HMS Chester, learn about Jack Cornwell VC who at the age of 16 courageously manned the gun in the Battle of Jutland, through to Tirpitz, a pig that was saved from the sea after the German ship SMS Dresden sank off the coast of Chile and later became a mascot on board HMS Glasgow.

IWM London is at The Supply Line, uses an interactive table over 4 metres long Lambeth Road SE1 6HZ to show the unprecedented scale Admission is free and it is open of production required on the home 10am-6pm, closed 24-26 December. front to keep the troops fed and fighting. Visitors can help make shells, food and boots to be sent to the front, through large, digital animations.

At the centre of the galleries the towering 9.2 inch howitzer gun ‘Mother’ is on display, and there’s a Union Jack used by a chaplain to conduct burials on the Somme. Visitors can watch the original 1916 documentary film of the Imperial War Museum battle - now UNESCO

local

Police stations shut doors to public Six Dorset police stations are closing to the public on 1 March

The enquiry offices at Christchurch, Ferndown, Winton, Dorchester, Wareham and Shaftesbury were due to shut in September but the move has been brought forward.

Verwood and Wimborne who have been temporarily closed since May and June 2014 respectively, will not reopen.

The changes follow a lengthy public consultation process over the past two years. In the face of ongoing cuts to the police budget, the offices were identified as an under-utilised resource and an original proposal suggested the closure of 12 out of 15 front counter offices.

However, following public feedback and intervention from the Police and Crime Commissioner, this proposal was changed resulting in fewer closures and the re-allocation of staff in order to preserve some counter services, with six rather than 12 now closing.

It has been decided to shut these before the end of this financial year so that the Force can continue to keep open more counter offices

than originally intended while meeting the continued reductions in central government funding.

The changes to the enquiry offices – some of which received on average less than seven visits a day from members of the public – will result in savings of approximately £300,000, the equivalent of six front line officers or 10 Police Community Support Officers.

Chief Constable Debbie Simpson said: “Changes of this nature are understandably emotive and we continue to work with our partners to ensure that we meet our true demand within our budget constraints. Unfortunately, that simply means we can’t maintain such a costly and under-used service at the expense of other local policing.

“We have listened carefully to members of the public and retained services where they are most needed. Closing front counters does not mean that a police station is closed and officers continue to work in each area.

“The opening of

community contact points later this year will be just one of the alternative ways that members of the public can get in touch with us in the future.”

Negotiations are well underway with local councils and partners in order to provide alternative contact points for the public. These contact points are planned for introduction throughout the summer in accessible community locations such as libraries, community centres and council offices. They will provide online services, 101 telephone access and crime prevention information. Full details of local contact points will be announced once final arrangements are in place.

Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “This decision has been one of the most challenging faced by Dorset Police since I was elected and, needless to say, it is not one that has been taken lightly.”

He added: “I know that six front office counters are six too many, but we have to meet our cuts somewhere when we are losing 20% of our budget.”

FOILED no longer

Chance to potter around at work p Poole Pottery Delphis vases

Poole’s ceramic history is to be celebrated in a new creative project backed by £6,000 Arts Council England funding.

Borough of Poole Arts Service Free Time project will enable local workers to recapture the spirit that helped make Poole Pottery so important to the town.

When Poole Pottery was a thriving manufacturer, workers were given time and materials to explore their own creativity alongside their routine jobs – they called this ‘Free Time’. The designs they produced expressed a vibrancy that went on to define the pottery during the period.

Over four weeks, artist Ian Giles will hold ceramic glazing workshops during break times and in after-work sessions onsite at local workplaces.

He will produce a range of hand-thrown ceramics for participants to decorate, inspired by the

iconic shapes of Poole Pottery. Following these workshops Ian will work with the ceramics to produce a large-scale installation inspired by the retail stands used to showcase Poole Pottery in the 1960s and 1970s. Original examples of Poole Pottery will sit next to work produced in the workshops in an exhibition due to open at Poole Museum in September. Ian Giles graduated from Slade School of Fine Art in 2012 and has shown work at galleries including Tate Britain.

Councillor Xena Dion said: “We’re delighted that Poole’s history of craftsmanship and manufacturing excellence in the ceramics industry is being celebrated in this new and innovative way.”

Workshops are due to take place in May and early June. If you are interested in participating please contact arts@poole.gov.uk.

Foil can now be collected for recycling at the kerbside by Bournemouth and Poole Council’s Recycling teams.

In Bournemouth residents are being encouraged to put washed foil and foil trays into their Big Bin which will be recycled back into foil packaging or other metal products such as cans.

Councillor Michael Filer, cabinet member for waste, said: “We aim to send as little rubbish as possible to landfill in order to protect the environment and reduce our disposal costs. A staggering 91% of our household waste is reused, recycled or recovered and we’re pleased that residents can now recycle foil in their Big Bin which will help improve our performance even more.”

In 2014 Bournemouth Council collected approximately 17,000 tonnes of recycling at the kerbside, the equivalent of 178 full jumbo jets or 3,778 Asian elephants.

Poole’s fortnightly blue bin collection service also accepts clean foil, including foil trays from ready meals and bakery products.

Cllr Xena Dion said: “Last year an amazing 15,000 tonnes of household waste was collected to be recycled, which was helped by providing residents with larger blue bins last summer. By recycling more and putting less waste in the black bin, it is not only better for the environment but also saves the Council money. It’s great to know that we can now add foil to the list of accepted materials.”

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

| 21

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

CHANCE TO WIN £60 SHOPPING VOUCHER A

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The £60 voucher must be spent a on this feature, so please nomina Employees of Page & Pulford Ltd not permitted to enter. The editor will be valid for 30 days from the store is worth £0.001p

22 |

4DORSET March 2015

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

| 23

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

WEST PARLEY – customers welcome

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Frustrated business owners in West Parley are angry that they were not given more notice about the the closure of New Road below Parley Cross to Ensbury Bridge

BUSINESS AS USUAL DESPITE ROADWORKS

Carla Lawrence who owns Rejuvenate Beauty salon said:

Ensbury Bridge

T

he A347 is to close from 2 -22 March so resurfacing work can be carried out by Dorset County Council and while the traders accept the work has to be done, they have complained that they should have been told earlier about the road closure.

Customers will be able to get to the shops, as the road will be blocked off 150m below Parley Cross, but business owners fear their clients will not know this and just avoid the area altogether.

They say that If they had been given more notice, they would have been able to let people know and make sure their businesses does not suffer.

In a letter to Councillor Robert Gould, the leader of DCC, signed by nine of the shop owners, Jenna Milton, who owns Creations Haridressers said: “There has been absolutely no consultation with the local community regarding this significant work.

“As a result, the closure of this main road will have a major impact on our businesses. Our exiting customers will find it much harder to access our shops, therefore may

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4DORSET March 2015

choose to go elsewhere and we will lose out on vital passing trade that is essential to all of us.

She added: “We all understand roadworks need to take place but we feel that Dorset County Council failed to take into account the implications for businesses in the local community.

She continued: “We would have welcomed the opportunity to sit down with councillors to discuss how the impact of roadworks could be mitigated.”

She suggested the work could have been carried out at night or just one lane could have been closed at at time.

Local MP Chris Chope has also written to Councillor Gould about the points she raised.

However, Jenna and the other businesses have heard nothing back from the leader.

Jenna added: “We just think that no one is listening to us.”

Her concerns were echoed by Edward Petty, the proprietor of Cats Boutique. He said: “We launch our new season’s range in March so this is terrible timing. We have

“

The closure will be very detrimental to business. Most of my clients are from the Bournemouth area and the long diversion is unacceptable. The signs letting people know about the work have only given people two weeks’ notice – it’s just not long enough.

”

advertising feature

WEST PARLEY – customers welcome

bills to pay at the end of March and thousands of pounds of stock to sell. The businesses don’t seem to have been considered one iota. Why couldn’t the road have been done one side at a time. We just hope customers will not be put off.”

The closure will be in place for the full 24 hours for the whole duration of the works. Construction work will be taking place during the working day and at times at night and weekends. Traffic is being diverted via B3073 past Dudsbury Golf Club, along the A348 over Longham and back on the A341Wimborne Road through Kinson to Northbourne and Ensbury.

Traffic congestion seems inevitable as Ensbury Bridge is one of the main routes to Bournemouth from the Ferndown area.

Jenna added: “We hope the congestion won’t put customers off. We’re all open and waiting to welcome people to our shops.”

Residents have received correspondence from DCC explaining that they should be able to get to their homes.

Concerning the letter to Cllr Gould, a DCC spokesman said: “A response to the businesses will be with them shortly.”

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Jenna and staff with the letter from Chris Chope

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

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising feature

Kinson

REVITALISED War Memorial

Tesco and Costa Coffee at the new roundabout

It’s a time of change in Kinson

T

By Liz Turner

he new road system and roundabout have revitalised the village centre and the opening of Tesco and Costa Coffee have transformed the atmosphere along the main shopping street.

New shoppers are being drawn to Kinson and discovering that the village has lots of new things to offer. Independent stores selling a wide range of goods and giving that special customer service which brings shoppers back again and again, are nestling alongside the supermarket and Costa Coffee creating the perfect world for retail therapy.

The creation of 151 jobs by Tesco has added to the air of confidence amongst the local community.

This is partly due to the traffic improvements which have increased pedestrian safety for shoppers when visiting businesses on both side of the busy Wimborne Road and also for those wanting to go to the Kinson Hub, home of the library, the attractive Village Green, the Community Centre and Pelhams Park.

- advertising feature -

Kinson Primary School “Together we will: aspire, believe, learn and achieve.”

Kinson Primary is Bournemouth’s oldest school, established in 1836 as a National School close to Kinson Green. The keystone dating the school is on loan from Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and takes pride of place in the school entrance alongside other memorabilia from the past.

Community links

The school has a long history of community links. Charles de Gaulle’s troops spent the night in the school and were made comfortable thanks to a donation of blankets from around the village collected by Headteacher Miss Ward. The bulbs that spring up around Pelham’s House each year were planted by the children.

The school choir visits Kinson’s

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4DORSET March 2015

elderly residents each Christmas.

St Andrew’s Church support Kinson Primary School in collective worship.

Its community links continue to grow and the school is now developing a relationship with Tesco.

New students

New pupils are welcomed to Kinson at any time during the school year.

The school works together to create an environment where all members of the community feel valued and safe. It aims to develop self-discipline, self-respect and an awareness of the needs of others. There is an established code of conduct known as The Kinson High Five which all members of the school community are expected to follow.

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

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Pelhams Park has won a Green Flag award and is the largest park in the Kinson and Northbourne area.

Just off Millhams Road, there are lots of things to do here including bowls, tennis and a playground.

The Kinson Community Association and Pelhams Park Bowling Club Trust help Bournemouth Borough Council look after the park. The thriving Community Centre is in its own grounds adjacent to the park.

The building plays hosts to a wide variety of courses, leisure activities and entertainment and is the meeting place for many of the area’s groups, clubs and societies.

The dedication of Kinson War Memorial in November united residents and community groups, honoured to recognise the local heroes who have died in conflicts serving their country. Located on the side of the Hub building, this memorial reflects the pride the community has in the village’s history.

And it is a long history. Situated on the south bank of the River Stour, Kinson was part of the parish of Canford Magna until 1865 and it became part of the borough of Bournemouth in 1931.

Prior to the Norman conquest

it was called Cyneston, the Saxon name for a farm. The parish name changed over the next 900 years until it became Kinson in the early 20th century.

In the 18th century it became famous because of its connection with the smugglers who landed their contraband on the sandy coast from Christchurch to Poole. The graveyard of St Andrew’s parish church, contains the grave of Robert Trotman, killed by excise men on the shore near Poole in March 1765, and Richard Frampton who died in 1861.

Isaac Gulliver, 1745-1800, was the most famous smuggler in the area and owned several properties and land in Kinson. A Table Tomb of the Oakley family in the graveyard is supposed to have been used by smugglers to hide contraband and barrels may have been hidden on the roof of the church tower.

Now a bustling suburb of Bournemouth, there are still reminders of the past. Gulliver’s Tavern dates from the 18th century.

Pelhams House, was built in 1793 and still stands in its own grounds.

The grade II listed Kinson Manor Farm dates from around 1700.

There are also some cottages

from the 19th century but these sit comfortably alongside the modern day Kinson.

People have gathered in Kinson for centuries and the village is continuing to move with the times to ensure this is a vibrant community with shops and businesses to appeal to today’s residents.

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Kinson Community Centre Whether you’re looking to join a social group, learn a hobby or start an exercise class, there’s something for everyone this spring at Kinson Community Centre. A country market is held there every Thursday morning, and the hall, with stage facilities, hosts shows and events, with the added bonus of having a licensed bar.

On 6 March, Sensu’elle proudly presents a Burlesque Showcase and on 24, 26, 27, 28 March, KCA Players present ‘The Love Nest’, a farcical comedy by Raymond Hopkins.

Tickets for both are available from the office. A table top sale takes place on 20 March, where you will find plenty of bargains and refreshments available.

- advertising feature -

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MJP Law MJP Law offers a free initial consultation in total confidence at any one of its four offices and can help with all the usual issues you need a solicitor for, like moving house, personal injury, making a will, powers of attorney, probate, commercial, divorce and employment law as well as some more specialized areas like equine law and motoring law.

Candy Bar The Candy Bar is a traditional sweet shop with a modern twist, specialising in personalised sweet favours, party bags, sweet displays and sweet carts for all occasions.

There are also balloon displays, personalised banners, table ware and favours.

With sweets, ice cream, milkshakes & slushies there’s something for everyone.

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

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising feature

DISCOVERING THE MAGICAL IN THE EVERY DAY Sophie Ellis-Bextor is the face of ‘Copper Blush’, the 2015 Dulux Colour of the Year Like Sophie, you can be inspired by a colour that brings with it a warmer spectrum of pinks, reds and oranges. ‘Copper Blush’ combines perfectly with neutrals and crisp whites and is surprisingly versatile as a main or accent colour.

It will be the choice made by many homeowners this year, whether on the walls or on the floors of any living space, however styled.

‘Copper Blush’ was predicted as the Colour of the Year following extensive research by a 20-strong panel of global colour and trend experts who specialise in different areas of colour use, brought together by Dulux parent company, AkzoNobel.

Collectively the team scours the globe, exploring a broad range of different cultures and industries including interiors, fashion, beauty, design and even social and economic influences.

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4DORSET March 2015

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising feature

- Advertising feature -

The result of Akzo Nobel’s research is an annual trend forecast known as ‘Colour Futures’, which depicts five key trends for the year ahead and one true Colour of the Year. 2015 marks the 12th anniversary of ‘Colour Futures’, with ‘Copper Blush’ being the 12th Dulux Colour of the Year.

- Advertising feature -

INTERIORS COMPLETE

BRIAN’S KITCHENS Brian Pugh has lived and worked in the Fordingbridge area since 1979. He has been designing kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and studies for over 18 years and prides himself on providing quality products and a personal service, whether designing and fitting a complete kitchen or mobility adaptations in the bathroom.

He says, “Service is paramount especially when helping my customers choose their cupboard doors, tiles or appliances. There is no need to trawl round showrooms. Allow me to bring the designs and samples to the comfort of your home.”

Most types of kitchen appliances, bathroom fittings, sinks, taps and worktops are available.

If not, he will do his best to locate the items you require.

Brian’s Kitchens will help you create the ultimate bedroom or unique bathroom from a wide range of styles using contemporary, traditional or bespoke designs.

Due to an illness 17 years ago, Brian has a good understanding of mobility needs and the requirements for the less mobile, yet he will ensure the room still looks attractive like a standard kitchen or bathroom.

Oh what a year Stewart and Chris have had Since moving from Wimborne to Ferndown, their feet have not touched the ground. The success of the move has taken them completely by surprise.

The showroom has beautiful displays of fabrics, carpets, wallpapers and blinds including Sanderson, Morris & Co, Harlequin, Romo, Villa Nova, Prestigious Textiles and Voyage to name but a few to tempt you.

Interiors Complete offer a complete making and fitting service including curtains, pelmets and bedspreads all hand finished to your requirements.

Your beloved old chairs and sofas can be restored and re-upholstered. Just choose your fabric and leave the rest to Stewart and Chris.

If it’s difficult to get out and about, ask for the home choose service.

Interiors Complete is on the main Wimborne Road East in Ferndown, (next next to SAM’s newsagent). FREE parking outside the shop and at the back.

Visit soon you’ll find a warm and very colourful welcome.

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

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

- Advertising feature -

MORE SPACE FOR GREEN SPACE IN NEW RINGWOOD OFFICES

advertising feature

SOPHIE CAPTIVATES

COLOUR OF THE YEAR

Green Space UK, until recently a Poole-based company employing around 25 staff, has moved to new offices on Crow Arch Lane in Ringwood “We’re sad to be leaving Poole, however after huge growth in 2014, we simply needed more space," says Brennan, the owner of the business. “Much of our growth has come thanks to word of mouth and recommendations from our fantastic customer base; you just need to look at our Checkatrade reviews to see how happy they are!

We are a family-run business that focuses on our customers’ needs, and I think that’s what really sets us apart.”

Green Space UK offers artificial lawns as well as an exclusive insulated conservatory roof system that can keep conservatories warmer in winter and cooler in summer, turning them into a yearround usable room.

“Our team will be growing into our new larger offices, so we’re on the look-out for motivated and hard-working people in and around Ringwood to join us in our continued success."

Anyone interested in finding out more about careers with Green Space can call 01202 355 780 or visit www.gogreenspace.co.uk.

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4DORSET March 2015

Soaked in teal, last year’s Colour of the Year, Sophie wakes in a nightgown and begins walking around her bedroom

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising feature

As the sunlight seeps through her curtains, the copper light comes to life and reveals a unique insight into her first moments as dawn breaks and she prepares for the day ahead.

The overarching theme for Colour Futures and this year’s Colour of the Year is the concept of ‘finding the wonderful in the normal’ and ‘discovering the magical in the everyday’, as such we see Sophie Ellis-Bextor welcoming a new day and a new dawn in a beautifully dreamlike way.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor comments: “Style is incredibly important to my everyday life and although people regularly comment on my vintage fashion tastes, it was really great to be part of such a lovely contemporary shoot with Dulux.

Copper really is everywhere at the moment and totally on trend so it’s no surprise that ‘Copper Blush’ is this year’s Colour of the Year.”

- advertising feature -

ELITE KITCHEN DESIGNS Elite Kitchen Designs are celebrating 32 years of success at 19 Bargates, Christchurch “Many other kitchen showrooms have come and gone during that time,” said Alan Richards who puts his company’s success down to going the extra mile, “Whether that’s the personal service we provide, or the unbeatable quality we offer.

“From creating amazing kitchens to worktop changes or even just some general advice, we are always happy to help.

“It still amazes customers that an independent showroom can beat the likes of the big kitchen suppliers, not just on price, but on service, quality and expertise, whilst keeping everything local.”

With Dorset made cabinets and using local skilled fitters, when it comes to thinking of a local business, it doesn’t get much more local than Elite.

For inspiration visit www.ekdesigns.info and walk around their showroom online. Like-for-like quotes can be beaten. For a FREE no obligation quote and design appointment, call 01202 481177.

- advertising feature -

CONTAKT CARPETS Dave Pope has been in the carpet trade for over 45 years and his family run business, Contakt Carpets, was established in Ringwood 29 years ago.

Working with his son Ryan, they specialise in a first class, personal service and offer expert fitting with uplift and disposal of old flooring and moving of furniture if required.

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

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

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Rampisham Down site from Hooke Road © Tony Bates

Jeremy (left) is welcomed by MJP Law’s founder Martin Pate

Solar plans put on hold Planning permission to build a large solar station on a protected wildlife site, Rampisham Down in West Dorset, has been put on hold by the Department for Communities and Local Government, under the Town and Country Planning Order 1995.

West Dorset District Council approved planning permission for a 25MW solar station on the 72ha (178 acres) protected SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), Rampisham Down on 15 January 2015. In response, Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) and the Wildlife Trust’s nationally launched a campaign to urge the Secretary of State, Eric Pickles to ‘call in’ the decision, and decide for himself whether the development should go ahead, with the aid of a public inquiry.

Chief Executive of Dorset Wildlife Trust, Dr Simon Cripps said, “We have been overwhelmed by the amount of public support we’ve had, with nearly 7,000 people sending their letters to Eric Pickles, asking him to ‘call in’ the decision. It is good news that the process of issuing planning permission has been halted for the time being, but we need to continue putting pressure on the Government to get this perverse decision

New family homes for town centre A new housing scheme worth £10.4 million, to encourage more families to live in Bournemouth town centre, has been approved by the Council’s Cabinet. It will see the development of the 9-11 St Stephen’s Road car park, near Bournemouth Square.

Up to 56 new homes, made up of eight town houses and 48 apartments along with residential car parking will be provided.

over-turned. This is not only of local concern, but would also have national implications if a development such as this is built on a highly protected SSSI wildlife site, when other sites are available. DWT supports solar power, just not on an SSSI.” Rampisham Down is one of the largest sites of lowland acid grassland remaining in the UK. It supports a variety of wildlife, including adders, skylarks and a rare group of plants and fungi.

The holding direction on planning permission prevents West Dorset District Council from granting planning permission without special authorisation. The Secretary of State, Eric Pickles will consider the public views, along with other relevant information to decide whether or not to call in the application for development on Rampisham Down.

To submit your letter of support to save Rampisham down, visit http://wtru. st/SaveRDown to send a message to the Minister. Use #saverampisham on twitter, or visit facebook.com/dorsetwildlife for live updates and to share the campaign with others.

The proposals for three and fourbedroom town houses and two residential blocks made up of one, two and threebedroom apartments for open market sale will be aimed at young professionals working in the town centre. An affordable housing element is also being considered, specifically aimed at key workers in the town centre.

The Leader of Bournemouth Council, Councillor John Beesley, said: “Building high quality new homes in the central location of St Stephen’s Road will attract more families to live in the town centre. The development will help to boost further investment in the area, increase footfall and retail spend, as well as support local employment during construction.

The St Stephen’s site is currently used as a car park for council staff on weekdays and as a public car park outside these times.

Weekend and evening visitors travelling to the town centre by car will still be able to use the many other public car parks and on-street parking in the vicinity.

A planning application for the site will be submitted by the BDC (Bournemouth Development Company) in the summer. If progressed, work could start on site in early 2016 with the first residents moving in by 2017.

Going great lengths to conquer your fear

Do you have a fear of being in water?

Would you be interested in attending a Fearless In The Water course?

Ferndown Leisure Centre is inviting anyone interested to a free, no obligation, coffee morning to find out about the health and social benefits of getting involved in the programme.

If you are interested in finding out more or wish to reserve your place at the coffee morning, contact Ferndown Leisure Centre on 01202 877468.

Dorset law firm MJP Law appoint Jeremy Channon to reel in new commercial customers Jeremy Channon has been recruited by MJP Law to start up their new corporate and commercial department. He will be based at the Wimborne office.

A qualified solicitor, Jeremy has 15 years’ commercial experience working in both the UK and overseas, across a wide range of sectors which include investment funds, bullion trading, marine, gaming and on line business.

The new department will offer legal advice to business start-ups and established businesses. Jeremy has wide ranging experience dealing with shareholder agreements, director’s service agreements, commercial contracts, supplier contracts, website terms and conditions, sale of businesses and data protection.

Dorset born and raised, Jeremy may be a familiar face to many readers, he has appeared twice on the Ben Fogle ITV1’s ‘Harbour Lives’, featured working alongside Ben on board the family owned fishing boat, ‘Purbeck II’.

Says MJP Law founder Martin Pate, “Jeremy is enthusiastic, dynamic and professional and brings with him a wealth of experience, great contacts and a can do, practical attitude.”

Every new customer is entitled to a free initial meeting with Jeremy. “I will explain what I will do for you, in a jargon free and practical way, and for an agreed fixed fee,” he said.

Kerry Smith, senior customer services, Haskins with Maureen Eady

Green fingered winner has a spring in her step Retired legal secretary Maureen Eady from Ashley Heath won one of the competitions in January’s 4Dorset.

She rarely enters competitions but decided to have a go on line as she knew the answer (amaryllis) and was delighted to get the call to say she had won a Haskins £50 gift card.

She has decided to spend it on plants to boost her ¾ acre garden.

Maureen said, “I am extremely grateful and will so enjoy spending the prize at Haskins, which is looking at its very best, ready for spring, when it arrives!”

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

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From left: Head Judge Lyn Ovens, Matt Hill, Jean Read and fellow members of the Ferndown In Bloom committee

Blooming good committee!

“The challenge is on for residents within the BH22 postal district to compete in the 2015 Ferndown In Bloom. “ The announcement was made by the newly formed committee led by chairman, Cllr Jean Read.

The competition sponsor, Haskins Garden Centre, will be supporting the committee with a prize fund worth over £600 for various categories, including the overall winner for the best front garden. mags4dorset will be sponsoring the sunflower competition and will also be putting up the business prize for the fourth year running of a half page advert in 4Dorset magazine worth £350.

Lyn Ovens will lead the judging this year, hoping that residents who have gardens that look great

Allenbourn pupil’s award-winning Bikeability

will enter in a bid to hold the much contended trophy.

Matt Hill, General Manager at Haskins, pledged that all entrants to the competition would be offered a discount card to purchase plants and materials to help boost their entry. A special poster design competition has been introduced to the local first and middle schools in which they can win a £100 gift card.

The Ferndown In Bloom committee meets once a month and is keen to attract new members to join the team and help keep Ferndown blooming wonderful.

Cdream!

Bright future for Highcliffe Castle Highcliffe Castle is set to receive a grant of £2.9m from the Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF), including an initial development grant of £233,100.

The project, titled The Phoenix Files, plans to use the grant when Artist’s impression awarded to fund further repairs at the Castle and to reopen the Penleaze wing, which is still derelict inside.

This wing is planned to house a dynamic Heritage Centre and to display the Castle’s collection of stained glass.

David Hopkins, Highcliffe Castle Manager said: “The HLF has agreed our ideas in outline form.

“It is now saying that, provided we can prove that what is planned is what the public want; and that it is viable and sustainable in business planning terms; then the grant will be made and we can start building in 2016.”

A series of public consultations will be taking place in the early part of 2015. In order to find out more about these proposals and maybe suggest a few of your own ideas, please visit Highcliffe Castle and have your say by taking part in one of the upcoming consultations.

4DORSET March 2015

ake-maker’s

For information contact the Competitions Organiser on 01202 896071 or ferndowninbloom@ymail.com

A year 8 pupil at Allenbourn Middle Lorna receives School was awarded £100 worth of her certif icate Halfords vouchers because of the at Ferndown improvement she has made in her Leisure Centre cycling.

Lorna Welton from Wimborne admits she was “pretty wobbly” before she started the Bikeability course based at Ferndown Leisure Centre. She passed both her level 2 and 3 tests with flying colours, having done one test in the pouring rain.

“It’s made me much more confident,” she said, “and I’m hoping to cycle to school once the weather improves.”

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L-R Ben, Karen, Cassie, Gemma, front left Emily and Lily

Cassie Emery-Tyler is the winner of the January 2015 CashUnity prize draw The monthly draw, devised by mags4dorset and aimed at increasing footfall in local shops, is in its second year.

Cassie, who is training to become a midwife, was the first person to win the £1,000 prize, which is now given in a new and exciting way, and she literally couldn’t stop smiling.

“It’s the first thing I’ve ever won,” she said when she walked into Speciality Cakes to collect her cash and shopping vouchers. With her were daughters Lily and Emily and her sister Gemma Stockley.

Husband Kevin, though very pleased with Cassie’s win, was unable to make the photo shoot.

Cassie told the managing director of mags4dorset, Ben Pulford, that it was the second time she had entered CashUnity following encouragement by Speciality Cakes’ owner Karen Jacobs, who issued the winning receipt.

Speciality Cakes has been a participating trader in CashUnity since the initiative began in January 2014, and Karen said, “We always hand out entry cards and it’s really wonderful that one of our customers has won. It’s a fantastic

scheme to keep independent businesses trading and helps us as individuals.”

The new prize structure means that Cassie not only received £500 cash to spend as she likes, but she also won a £250 shopping voucher to spend at Speciality Cakes, and five £50 shopping vouchers to spend at any other CashUnity businesses.

Ben said, “The scheme has really taken off and our first winner of the cash combined with the CashUnity vouchers was thrilled with the variety of choice.”

Cassie chose to spend her vouchers as follows: £50 Speciality Cakes (yes, she loves baking), £50 Webb’s Butchers; £50 Tony Hair; £100 The Fish Inn. The icing on the cake for Cassie was the luxury of spending the money at Speciality Cakes because in her spare time, she makes cakes for friends and relatives. “Both my daughters have birthdays coming up too,” she said. “Lily will be six and Emily will be four.”

“We are confident they will be getting beautiful cakes on their birthdays courtesy of CashUnity,” said Ben.

Karen at Speciality Cakes is looking for a part time, afternoon person to help in her shop – get in touch with her if you are interested in applying for the job. 01202 572021.

CashUnity

Specified Period 1 Mar 2015 - 31 Mar 2015 BROADSTONE & POOLE FORUM JEWELLERS

£1,000 monthly prize guaranteed!

184E The Broadway, Lower Blandford Road, BH18 8DP 01202 600350 forumjewellers.co.uk

POOLE JOINERY

188 Stanley Green Road, BH15 3AH 01202 661299 poolejoinery.com

TIMS TILES

Innovation Close, BH12 4GF 01202 716969

CashUnity HAS CHANGED!

The popular initiative devised by mags4dorset and backed by local traders has changed.

Following the launch of the scheme last year, mags4dorset has given away £13,500 in prize money to shoppers as a thank you for supporting their local traders. There were over 7,000 entries in 2014 and all the prizewinners admitted they liked using their local shops and used them regularly. This is great news and proves the scheme is working. What is even better this year is that CashUnity will ensure some of the prize money is reinvested directly with the participating traders making it a win win situation.

The monthly prize being offered under the initiative is still £1,000, but it will be awarded as follows: £500 cash to spend as the winner likes, a £250 shopping voucher to spend at the participating trader that issued the winning receipt, plus £250 in shopping vouchers, which can be broken down into £50 vouchers to spend at any of the participating traders, published in the directory. So you see, the value is the same, but the local economy is instantly better off too. The winning receipt must still be produced before the prize is allocated.

Any local businesses wanting to be part of this amazing initiative that inspires local people to use their local shops, and puts money straight back into participating traders’ businesses, get in touch now. Ring Mark on 07875 962344.

Full terms and conditions of CashUnity can be found at www.cashunity.co.uk

CHRISTCHURCH & TUCKTON AVON CAUSEWAY

Hurn, Christchurch, BH23 6AS 01202 482714 avoncauseway.co.uk

CLARITY HEARING

45 High Street, BH23 1AS 01202 478881 clarity-solutions.com

HONORA (Wool Shop)

69 High Street, BH23 1AS 01202 486000 woolitwork.co.uk

NEALS & SON BUTCHERS 182 Tuckton Road, Tuckton, BH6 3AA 01202 429366 butchers-shop.co.uk

THINK PRINT

TONY SMITH KITCHENS

CROW FARM SHOP

UNDERWOOD EYECARE

THE FISH INN

517 Wimborne Road East, BH22 9NH, 01202 892200 tonysmithkitchens.co.uk

7 Penny’s Walk, BH22 9TH 01202 891955 underwoodeyecare.co.uk

XEROCAD PRINT CENTRE

527 Ringwood Road, BH22 9AQ 01202 897297 xerocad.co.uk

FERNDOWN IND. ESTATE DORSET SOILS & AGGREGATES LTD

Unit 4, 13 Cobham Road, BH21 7PE 01202 874207 sandandgravel.uk.com

HOWDENS JOINERY

47 Cobham Road, BH21 7NP 01202 876150 howdens.com

SELECT PVCU

112-114 Cobham Road, BH21 7PQ 01202 877977 selectpvcu.com

THE WHEEL SPECIALIST

21 Haviland Road, BH21 7RZ 01202 875553 thewheelspecialist.com/locations/ bournemouthdorset

FORDINGBRIDGE CAXTON DÉCOR

7 High Street, BH23 1AB 01202 473167

26-30 Salisbury Street, SP6 1AF 01425 652700 caxtondecor.co.uk

TONY HAIR

FORDINGBRIDGE BOOKSHOP

The Fountain, 1 High Street, BH23 1AE 01202 486868 tonyhair.co.uk

CRANBORNE LA FOSSE AT CRANBORNE London House, The Square BH21 5PR 01725 517604 la-fosse.com

FERNDOWN BARRINGTON THEATRE Penny’s Walk, BH22 9TH 01202 894858 barringtoncentre.co.uk

BASIC ELEGANCE

Unit 5 Longham Business Park, 168 Ringwood Road, BH22 9BU 01202 578093 basicelegancefurnishings.co.uk

CROWNING GLORY

515 Wimborne Road East, BH22 9NH 01202 892968

FERNDOWN ELECTRICAL SERVICES 125 Victoria Road, BH22 9HU 01202 872869

FERNGAS

40 Victoria Road, BH22 9HZ 01202 876020 ferngas.co.uk

INTERIORS COMPLETE

512 Wimborne Rd East, BH22 9NG 01202 890185 interiorscomplete.com

SWAN JEWELLERS

55 Victoria Road, BH22 9HU 01202 892990

15 Salisbury Street, SP6 1AB 01425 653725 fordingbridgebooks.co.uk

PRICE FARM FOODS 69 High Street, SP6 1AS 01425 652228 pricebutcheruk.co.uk

SELECT PETS & FOODS Green Lane, SP6 1HT 01425 655998

HIGHCLIFFE CHRISTCHURCH HEARING AID CENTRE LTD

351 Lymington Road, BH23 5EG 01425 272771 hearingaid-centre.co.uk

HIGHCLIFFE COACH HOLIDAYS

312 Lymington Road, BH23 5ET 01425 271111 highcliffecoachholidays.co.uk

KINSON SPECIALITY CAKES

1528 Wimborne Road, BH11 9AF 01202 572021 cakesindorset.co.uk

RINGWOOD ALLUM & SIDAWAY

47-49 High Street, BH24 1AD 01425 475180 allumandsidaway.co.uk

BICKERLEY GARAGE

Kings Arms Row, BH24 1BH 01425 470203 bickerleygarage.boschauto.co.uk

CONTAKT CARPETS

2 Pedlars Walk, BH24 1BZ 01425 477159 contaktcarpets.com

Close Date 7 Apr 2015

Crow, BH24 3EA 01425 473290 crowfarmshop.com

West Street, BH24 2AA 01425 473185 thefishinn.net

LIBERTY’S OWL, RAPTOR & REPTILE CENTRE Crow Lane, BH24 3EA 01425 476487 libertyscentre.co.uk

MADE CLOSER RETAIL LTD 2 High Street, BH24 1AF 01425 517715 madecloser.co.uk

MILLSTREAM MOTOR COMPANY

Unit 9 Millstream Trading Estate.

Christchurch Road, BH24 3SB 01425 477822 millstreammotorcompany.co.uk

PAPER MOUNTAIN

2 Meeting House Lane, BH24 1EY 01425 476751 papermountainuk.co.uk

POULNER FISH & CHIPS 4 Butlers Lane, Poulner 01425 478310

RINGWOOD SOUND & VISION 58 High Street, BH24 1AG 01425 478688 ringwoodsoundandvision.co.uk

SCOLTOCKS HEALTH FOODS 1 Market Place, BH24 1AN 01425 473787

SOUL SHED

(Cultural Gifts Store)

THE SWANS RESTAURANT

Pennine Way, BH31 6UL 01202 825777 marstonstaverns.co.uk/Verwood/ Swans

VERWOOD SURPLUS STORE 52 Ringwood Road, BH31 7AJ 01202 826994 verwoodsurplus.co.uk

WEST MOORS SELBY BUTCHERS

150 Station Road, BH22 0JB 01202 873121 selbybutchers.co.uk

WEBB’S AWARD WINNING BUTCHERS 165 Station Road, BH22 0HT 01202 855817 facebook.com/webbsbutchers

WEST PARLEY COZY STOVES

179 New Road, BH22 8ED 01202 573084 woodburnerdorset.co.uk

TIEGLA TILES

159A New Road, BH22 8EB 01202 594459 tilesdorset.co.uk

WIMBORNE DRUSILLA’S INN

Wigbeth, Horton, BH21 7JH 01258 840297 drusillasinn.co.uk

F B SALON

Mill Lane, BH21 1JQ 01202 842282

LITTLE CANFORD GARAGE

4 Fridays Court, High Street, BH24 1AB 07786 282381

98 Wimborne Rd West, BH21 2DS 01202 886980 littlecanfordgarage.com

ST MARTIN’S GALLERY

MIRAGE BOUTIQUE

Mockbeggar Lane, Ibsley BH24 3PP 01425 489090 stmartinsgallery.co.uk

28 Mill Lane, BH21 1JQ 01202 881931

TOWNHOUSE HAIRDRESSING

14 East Street, BH21 1DS 01202 884700 reevesandgallagher.com

19 High Street, BH24 1AB 01425 473666 townhousehair.co.uk

THREE CROSS LEWIS CONCRETE

Old Barn Farm Road, Woolsbridge Ind. Park, BH21 6SP 01202 821895 lewisconcrete.co.uk

PETALS FLORIST

John Brown’s Garden Centre, Ringwood Road, BH21 6RD 01202 827444 verwoodflorists.co.uk

VERWOOD CUSTOM CREATIONS

Unit 1 Enterprise Park, Blackmoor Road, Ebblake Industrial Estate BH31 6YS 01202 823231 customcreations.furniture

EBBLAKE AUTOCENTRE

Unit 4, Verwood Trading Estate, Blackhill, BH31 6HA 01202 824516 ebblake.co.uk

GILBEY CLEANERS

29 Vicarage Road, BH31 6DR 01202 826176 gilbeycleaners.co.uk

REEVES & GALLAGHER

SCF HARDWARE

Unit 1 & 2 Brook Road, BH21 2BH 01202 857140 scfhardware.co.uk

WIMBORNE TYRES LTD

Unit 3 Brook Road, BH21 2BH 01202 881509 wimbornetyres.co.uk

WINTON APPLIANCE ALLIANCE

8-9 Cardigan Road, BH9 1BJ 01202 513202

CARLY’S CRAFTS

1A Cardigan Road, BH9 1BJ 01202 512106

WAYAHEAD TRAVEL

731A Wimborne Road, BH9 2AX 01202 522484 wayaheadtravel.co.uk

local

Robert with one of last year’s foals

A bygone era lives on at Harbridge Farm

By Janine Pulford

As I approach the red brick farm on the Somerley Estate, I hear the familiar chink, chink, chink of a horseshoe being crafted on an anvil A man raises his hand in welcome. I notice his jeans have a hole in them and his coat is covered in hay. He will surely know who I’m looking for, so I ask him where Robert Sampson is.

“That’s me,” he says cheerily, lifting the grey cob’s hoof and shaving it a little before checking the shoe for a good fit and carrying on with the job.

He explains the skill was handed to him by his father and the same applies to two of Robert’s four children, Tom and Fred, who are also farriers.

My introduction to the owner of Sampson Percherons has come in the most unexpected way and I soon discover that Robert, like the generations before him, runs the farm in a traditional manner.

Most of the farming on the land near Ringwood is carried out by his magnificent black or grey Percherons. Ploughing, making haylage from the meadows, hauling and so on. Much, I imagine, in the same way as it was when Robert’s great great grandfather became the tenant of Harbridge Farm in 1882.

Despite Robert’s nationwide reputation as a breeder of Percheron heavy horses, a profile that was lifted hugely by ITV’s documentary ‘Horsepower’ with Martin Clunes, his sense of ordinariness prevails.

As I stand in the farmyard between the two cobs he is shoeing, a cart

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4DORSET March 2015

draws up and in the harness is a sturdy, yet docile Percheron called Jack.

The muscular black horse pulls an enormous bale of haylage fixed to a purpose built cart that Robert made.

“These days, it’s difficult to get hold of equipment,” says Robert, who explains that he sources harnesses from the Amish communities in the United States. “They make carts too, but I made and maintain this one myself.” He nods to Kirk Ross who sits open to elements on a wooden seat and encourages Jack to keep going to the next field where a number of horses are hungrily waiting for breakfast.

Robert explains that he has 25 Percherons as well as a mixture of New Forest ponies, cobs, cross breeds, (Percheron x New Forest for a heavy, clean legged cob), the odd hunter and a Shetland pony.

To me it’s horse paradise, but Robert says in no uncertain terms, “Sampson Percherons is a business not a nostalgia kick.”

Yet when I look around, I can’t help feeling nostalgic. Harbridge Farm transports me back to the days when I could hear the milkman approaching long before I saw him. The clip clop of his horse coming down the road was always a time of great excitement, particularly on the day he ate my little wicker chair that was in the front garden.

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Jack

Spreading haylage – Robert, Kirk and Claudia

Of course Robert knows the memories heavy horses instill, but he has to make a living, so he breeds and trains these noble creatures before selling them on as working horses.

It takes four years to fully train a heavy horse, so the farm always has a mixture of yearlings through to four-year-olds with the added excitement of new foals every year.

The wonderful part about what Robert does, and he can argue as much as he likes about it not being a nostalgia kick, is that he is preserving heavy horses for future generations and helping to ensure they don’t disappear from our countryside.

A fully trained Percheron costs £4,500 plus VAT and Robert aims to breed and train six a year to meet demand. They are not only purchased for farm jobs, but are used for riding, driving, hobby pursuits, wagon rides and timber work.

“We’re selling, when others can’t,” Robert says.

We’ve all heard the sad and sorry stories of unwanted horses that are being sold in quantity for slaughter these days and Robert tells me that the meat value of a Percheron is about £450. Luckily his horses are destined to keep the bloodlines strengthening as part of our farming heritage, rather than being slaughtered before their time.

Robert’s senior stallion Axl is aged 15 and is still doing a good job!

“Percherons are calm and easily managed, but can be unpredictable” Percherons originate from the former Perche province of France.

Originally bred as warhorses, they became carriage horses and were eventually used for agriculture, as Jack admirably demonstrated.

Harbridge Farm traditionally used shire horses and it was Robert’s father, Tom, who invested in the first Percherons in 1951. “He bought two from Chivers Jam,” says Robert. “They cost £7 10 shillings each.”

Little did he know how significant these purchases would be in the history of the farm. These days, Sampson Percherons improve the bloodline by buying horses from France - a far cry from the Chivers Jam stock.

When Jack reappears, it’s my turn to sit on the cart and discover, with Kirk at the reins, the horse’s steady gait and watch as Robert and his willing helper Claudia Weiss spread haylage over the field to feed a herd of horses that trot up for breakfast. (During a normal winter, the horses

Jethro

munch their way through 450 bales).

Being at one with the countryside is an incredible feeling and I see bullfinches in the bare trees and fill my lungs with the clear, cold country air. The horses’ breathy snorts and the unique horsy smell that fills my nostrils again spirit me back to my teenage years.

“It’s not always like this,” says Kirk bringing me back to 2015. “We have to do this whatever the weather. Even in the pouring rain.”

The job immediately loses some of its charm and then other drawbacks are thrown into the mix. Vets bills, horses that should be in foal that don’t get pregnant, and the matter of fights breaking out at feed time and the chance of being kicked if you’re in the wrong place.

It’s clear that you’d have to love the work to be involved with it and Robert, of course, has a natural gift when it comes to dealing with horses, he says: “Percherons are calm and easily managed, but can be unpredictable. The control you have over horses is a very thin veneer, the clever bit is not to let them know that.”

As well as looking after his own horses, Robert trains other people’s horses and runs courses, educational organized groups of more than 5 people and experience days. He and his wife Barbara also host an annual event at the farm.

So if you want to be at one with the heavy horse, contact Sampson Percherons through their website or Facebook, or put this event in your diary: 19 April, the Southern Counties Heavy Horse Association working event with craft tent and trade stands from 10am-4pm at Harbridge Farm.

Robert with Jack, Kirk at the reins

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

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in and around the area

what’s on

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

7-8 March

Spring lambing weekend, Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park, Dorchester.

01303 215001

7 March-31 May 10.30am-6pm

Spring flowers including daffodils, tulips, camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons, Kingston Lacy. Normal admission prices.

01202 883402

8 March 10.30am-2pm

Damerham Potato Day and Seed Fair, Damerham Village Hall.

01749 86003

9 March 2.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society, West Moors Memorial Hall, illustrated Talk ‘Queen Victoria’s Kitchen Garden at Windsor by Mrs S Campbell.

01202 871536

10 March 7.30pm

Bournemouth and Beyond Discovery Group, ‘Napoleon is coming’. Richmond Hill St Andrews United Reformed Church Hall, St Stephen’s Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6JJ. www. bournemouthandbeyond. co.uk

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11 March 10.30am -12.15pm

‘My Life in the Theatre’ talk by Margaret James in The Cedar Room, Haskins Garden Centre, Longham, in support of The Phoenix Stroke Survivors Support Group, Wimborne. 01202 884737

14 March 7.30pm

Verwood Rotary swing band dance featuring The Swing Unlimited Community Big band, Verwood Memorial Hall. £12.50 including buffet supper. 01202 824005

14 March 7.30pm

Blood donor session, Verwood Hub. 01202 828740

Quayside Cloggies Morris Team’s ceilidh (barn dance) at Ferndown Village Hall, Church Road, Ferndown. £5. 01202 824079

12 March 7.30pm

14 March 8pm

11 March 1.30-3.30pm 4.30-7pm

Verwood and 3LX Twinning Association, talk by Tooty Goodlife ‘Bee Keeping’. Verwood Heathlands Heritage Centre. £3. Honey for sale. 01202 826449

13 March 7.30pm

Ferndown & District Horticultural Association, ‘The Arts and Skills of Wildlife Photography’ with Mike Read.

Ferndown Village Hall, Church Road, Ferndown.

14 March 7.30pm Dorset County Orchestra concert, Wimborne Minster. £10, accompanied children free. www. dorsetcountyorchestra. org.uk

4DORSET March 2015

DJ Rockin’ Si presents Jack Rabbit Slim, rockabilly / garage / sleaze-a-billy music with a lot of rockin’ rhythm, 1950s to 21st century.

Playing their own material (record label Western Star) as well as cover songs from Elvis to Garry Newman. Barrington Theatre, Penny’s Walk, Ferndown. £10 adv. £12 on door.

17 March 7.30pm

Broadstone & Corfe Mullen Floral Decoration Society, Corfe Mullen Village Hall. Demonstration by David Martin ‘Visions of Cornwall’. Visitors welcome £5 entry. 01202 690736

17 March 7.30pm

Bournemouth and Beyond Discovery Group, ‘Excavation of a Roman villa’. Richmond Hill St Andrews United Reformed Church Hall, St Stephen’s Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6JJ. www. bournemouthandbeyond. co.uk

17 March 7.30pm Verwood Historical Society, Film by Brian Petit ‘Wildlife on my Doorstep’. St Michael’s Parish Centre off Manor Road. 01202 824175

17 March 7.30pm

Concert of popular music by Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society at The Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne. 01202 590383

18 March 7.30pm Band concert featuring all 3 Verwood Concert Bands. HUB. £8, under 12 £4. 01202 828740

19 March 7pm

West Moors library murder mystery evening.

Refreshments included. £1.50. 01202 873272

19 March 8pm

Verwood Traditional Jazz Club, The Hideaway.

17 Moorlands Road, Verwood presents New Orleans Heat. Doors open 7pm 01202 873725

21 March 1.30pm

Verwood and District Horticultural Society spring flower show.

Verwood Memorial Hall.

01202 814376

21 March 7pm

Barndance in aid of About Face Head and Neck Cancer Charity, Twynham School, Christchurch. £15 including fish and chip supper. 01202 269519

23 March 10.30am

Music for the Mind for people with memory problems, aimed at carers and cared for, United Reformed Church, Verwood. 01202 827800

25 March 7.30pm

Verwood Organ & Keyboard Society. Robert Wolfe playing the Lowrey Royale at the Hub, Verwood. £7 (members £5)

26 March 10-11.30am

West Moors library coffee morning with representative from NeighbourCar organisation.

01202873272

26 March 11am

Fleet Air Arm Association meets at Royal British Legion, Church Road, Ferndown. 07815 824841

25 March 7-10pm Stargazing from Badbury Rings with Wessex and Fordingbridge Astronomy Group. Booking essential. 01202 883402

28 March 12noon-4.30pm Bournemouth Orchid Fair and Show. Entrance fee £3 per person. Children U16 free with paying adult. Exquisite and intriguing orchids on display. Orchid clinic.

Orchids on sale. Free potting demonstrations.

Bring along your plants for free advice.

Repotting service from £1. Allendale Community Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne BH21 1AS. 07712 479056

28th March 1.30pm West Moors Horticulural Society Spring Show, Memorial Hall, West Moors. 01202 871536

31 March 2.30-4pm West Moors library Easter activities for children aged 5 - 10. Free event but need to book.

01202873272

1 April 12noon Ferndown Probus Club lunch and talk ‘Freelance Comedy Writing’, Dudsbury Golf Club.

01202 875757

in and around the area

TITION

COM P E

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The Manfreds – Hits, Jazz and Blues Tour will be rolling into the Regent Centre at Christchurch on Friday 27 March.

Since Manfred Mann formed in 1962, they have firmly secured their place in the history books of British popular and R&B music.

Between 1964 and 1979 Manfred Mann scored three British number one hits – plus two more number ones in America and another seven that went top five and six more that made the top 10.

The group is now considered to be one of the finest and most respected bands from that era.

Their numerous pop hits were R&B based with an undercurrent of jazz - a very unusual but winning combination of playing style.

The Manfreds re-formed in 1991 and have been in constant demand throughout the world.

Original Manfred Mann members Paul Jones, Mike Hugg and Tom McGuinness, are joined by Rob Townsend, Marcus Cliffe and Simon Currie as the exciting new line-up of The Manfreds. Their tracks have a timeless quality and some 53 years on, The Manfreds will be performing many of their hits, along with a mix of jazz and blues songs, from some of their best known albums.

STUNNING PHOTOS ON VIEW Moors Valley Country Park will be hosting the British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) exhibition (21 March-4 May). Around 100 stunning wildlife images will be on display ranging from cute looking voles to sharks, puffin munching otters and starlings holding hands. www.bwpawards.co.uk

Blue Shark, ‘Blue on Black,’ Cornwall - British Nature in Black and White category © Alex Mustard BWPA

Plays cards right at bridge club Christchurch Duplicate Bridge Club is holding weekly sessions at Bournemouth Bowls Club Kings Park on Thursdays at 6.45pm for beginners or those returning to the game. More details on 01202 873714.

Congratulations Irene Hickson of Christchurch is the winner of the competition for two tickets to The Sound of Cinema with the BBC Big Bang at the Regent Centre Christchurch on 7 February. The answer was Daniel Craig.

If you would like to be in the audience to relive the magic of the 60s, the Regent Centre and mags4dorset have two tickets to give away.

For a chance of winning the tickets answer this question:

How many British number ones did Manfred Mann have?

Enter through our website: www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your answer on a postcard to The Manfreds competition, mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Closing date is 18 March 2015. The first correct entry drawn will be the winner. Employees of Page and Pulford Ltd and The Regent Center are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final.

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

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in and around the area Councillor Perry (in the digger) helps celebrate the start of the building work

Ringwood’s youth centre finally comes of age

T

By Liz Turner

here was a clear sense of pride when young people, councillors and architects gathered in Carvers Recreation Ground to mark the start of the construction of the Ringwood’s youth centre.

It’s 30 years since it was first suggested that young people in the town needed a space of their own. By the time the schools break up for the summer, their dream which will be named The Place, should be a reality.

The building will be taking shape, next to the skate park, on Carvers Playing Field, over the next 24 weeks at a total cost of £548,000. Hampshire County Council has contributed £400,000 to the project, from its ‘Investing in Hampshire Fund’, adding to a £70,000 contribution from New Forest District Council, £75,000 from the Town Council and £5,000 from Ringwood School.

The Place will provide a permanent base for youth based activities and youth workers, to include a youth club, as well as charities and voluntary organisations that provide advice and support services for young people. It will also be a meeting place for the Town Council’s Youth Advisers and can be hired for parties and events.

It was HCC leader Councillor Roy Perry’s support that secured the majority of the funding.

He met Ringwood School students, who have

campaigned for the centre, telling them that he was delighted to show the county’s support for the town’s young people.

He said: “There are 1.3m people in Hampshire and on average they are all contributing 40-50p towards this project. I am sure it will be well used.”

Margaret Oliver, assistant head at Ringwood School explained that the students had worked hard to support the centre.

“The original students who had the idea of building this centre have now left university but it has been well worth the wait.”

She added that fund-raising would continue at the school to help buy equipment for inside the building.

Student Sam Whittington, is one of the Town Council’s Youth Advisers. His brother George, aged 19, had started campaigning for the centre when he was in year 10.

Sam, aged 15 said: “It’s amazing that it is finally happening and students at school are delighted that their fund raising has paid off.

Ringwood really needs this youth provision as it has not been good for years.”

He also paid tribute to town council clerk Steve Nash and Councillor Jeremy Heron for their support.

Youth Adviser Sam Whittington overlooking the site

Anyone interested in volunteer work at the new facility or at the Youth Drop-In at Carvers Recreation Ground on Monday and Wednesday evenings should contact Jenny Critchlow on 0797 1533301

Cheers at the Regent Chance to lead a healthy walk

Greg gets behind the new Circle Bar to serve a celebratory drink to his deputy manager, Felicity Crabb

There were cheers all round at the Regent Centre in Christchurch, as a new bar opened as part of the programme of improvements at the theatre and cinema. Regent manager, Greg Rawlings, was the mastermind behind the idea of the new bar in The Spreadbury Suite which also has a new kitchen, volunteers’ cloakroom and a secure IT server room.

Situated on the mezzanine floor between the foyer and the circle, it was originally known as the Spreadbury Room, consisting of offices and a small kitchen. It was named during the late 1980s after the six-time Mayor of Christchurch, Eric Spreadbury.

Greg said: “The new circle bar will join the foyer bar in serving patrons during intervals between live shows. Our foyer bar has always been exceptionally busy and having the circle bar will enable everyone to get their drinks in comfort and in good time for the start of the second half of the show.”

Volunteers are always needed at the Regent Centre and anyone who would like to help in the new bar should contact volunteer co-ordinator, Julie Corbin on 01202 499199.

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4DORSET March 2015

Walkers who would like to lead their own groups are being offered the chance to train for free.

Walking has been proved to be a way of improving health and happiness. Community First New Forest’s volunteer walk leaders already make healthy walks possible throughout the Forest and it is now offering a free day’s training on the Wednesday 11 March.

The charity works to improve the quality of life for people and communities living in the New Forest District and surrounding districts.

Nigel Owen, Volunteer Walk Leader at Blashford Lakes said: “ I have been surprised

and pleased at how the small group of walkers has continued and grown over the past six months and for me, as walk leader, that has been very gratifying. People come to enjoy the exercise and the company.”

The training will ensure leaders feel well equipped for leading walks, The training focuses on the practicalities of leading a health walk, but also touches on the benefits of walking, route planning and leading walkers with special requirements.

If you feel you can offer a group of people an opportunity to enjoy regular walks in friendly company then please contact Jan Barratt, Healthy Walks at healthywalks@cfnf. org.uk or call 07788 558864.

Call to protecting important trees The Woodland Trust and Country Living magazine are calling for a National Register to classify, celebrate and protect the UK’s most important individual trees (Very Important Trees), like Dorset’s Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Tree.

Current planning guidance in England states that ‘ancient woodland and veteran trees must be protected’. An ancient woodland inventory (AWI) already exists but no equivalent exists centrally that lists or maps individual nationally important trees.

A National Register would enable developers to locate special trees when preparing planning applications and plan to retain and appropriately protect them within the landscape. It could also help

owners of the trees to access support such as specialist advice and grants, to help them care for these trees.

Jill Butler, Ancient Tree Specialist at the Woodland Trust said: “Many of our nationally important trees go unnoticed and are unprotected.

“Our campaign is a call to create a formal register of nationally important trees like the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Tree. It would consist of trees that meet an agreed set of criteria, recognising their historical, ecological and/or cultural value, and would offer a useful tool for planners and landowners alike.

For more details go to www. woodlandtrust.org.uk/vitrees

in and around the area

Remarkable story about a remarkable man REVIEW

The THEORY of

EVERYTHING (PG-13)

1 February 2015 The Regent Centre RISING STARS: Finlay and Oliver (front) with friends and family outside the Regent Centre, Christchurch (courtesy New Milton Advertiser)

By Janine Pulford

T

his extraordinary film about the famous theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking gives an insight into what must be one of the greatest stories of devotion ever told. Based on the memoir ‘Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen’ by his first wife Jane Hawking, it starts during the couple’s Cambridge University days in the 1960s when they fall in love. At the same time, 21-year-old Stephen develops the devastating symptoms of motor neurone disease and is given two years to live.

Undaunted Jane stands by her man, they marry and have a family. With her unflagging support, Stephen embarks on his most ambitious work, studying time - the very thing he is told he has so little of.

Defying impossible odds, he breaks new ground in science, achieving more than most able bodied people achieve in a lifetime.

Professor Hawking’s brain, it seems, works overtime almost as if compensating for the failing muscles in his body which put him in a wheelchair and rob him of his voice.

Starring Felicity Jones as Jane, and Eddie Redmayne who has won a BAFTA and Golden Globe as Stephen, the story is convincingly and sensitively portrayed.

Seeing The Theory of Everything at the Regent Centre, in the knowledge that in the audience were two young Christchurch

stars who had roles in the film, made watching it even more enjoyable.

Oliver Payne aged 10 and his Priory school friend Finlay Wright-Stephens, both Swish of the Curtain students, were cast as Stephen’s sons Robert and Tim and got a deserved round of applause as the credits rolled up.

Before the screening, Finlay aged nine

described the film as sad, phenomenal and quite emotional, which says it all.

Stephen Hawking is now 72 and has beaten all the odds of his daunting diagnosis by half a century.

This is a must see film about a truly great man who manages to retain a thread of humour in everything he does.

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

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

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

JAN 2015

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

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

Cancellation of an advertisement must be advised in writing 21 days prior to copy date.

Unless agreed otherwise in writing by the Publisher the terms of payment for credit accounts are 10 days from date of invoice. Any discount, which the Publisher may have agreed with the advertiser will be forfeited in the event of failure by the advertiser to meet these credit terms. All rates quoted are subject to VAT at the current rate in force at the time the advertisement appears.

Copyright of advertisements produced wholly by the Publisher belongs to the Publisher. Advertisers may not reproduce such advertisments without the Publisher’s written consent.

Full details of copy dates are obtainable direct from 4Dorset and/or its representatives. The placing of an order for an advertisment shall amount to acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

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

| 41

specialist services BUILDING WORK & REPAIRS

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

DECORATING

CARPET CLEANING

CARPET CLEANING

42 |

4DORSET March 2015

FENCING

FENCING

GARAGE DOORS

GRAPHIC DESIGN

INTERIOR DESIGN

LOCKSMITH & GLAZING

specialist services ROOFING

SHUTTERS & BLINDS

STAIR PARTS

STORAGE

TILES

TREE SURGERY

TILING SUPPLIERS

WINDOW REPAIRS

WORKTOPS

WINDOW REPAIRS

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

| 43

local

Action to tackle Dorset Waste Partnership budget issues The significant overspend in the Dorset Waste Partnership’s budget has been described as “unacceptable” by local councillors following a rigorous review of finances

T

he seven Dorset councils that make up the Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP) are taking urgent action after investigations showed unexpected increases in this year’s budget overspend.

Late last year, the DWP’s newly installed finance team reported an increase in the 2014/15 overspend to £2.3m. In response, the team carried out an urgent and rigorous investigation of all areas of the DWP budget.

This detailed work found an additional £492,000 of previously unbudgeted costs – including a further £300,000 on hire vehicles – taking this year’s overspend to £2.76m.

The costs making up the total overspend include: £1.3m on hire vehicles, £556,000 on operational staffing costs, including agency fees, £441,000 on disposal costs for the increased total amount of household waste while falling prices for recyclable materials, reduced income by £284,000.

An urgent financial improvement plan is now in place, including additional financial expertise to monitor budgets

more closely and tighter controls on the hire of vehicles.

Recommendations from two independent reviews of the DWP, by South West Audit Partnership and Local Partnerships (jointly owned by the Treasury and the Local Government Association), will be considered by the DWP Joint Committee.

A third, wider-ranging external review, requested by the Chief Executives of Dorset councils, is still being finalised.

Cllr Anthony Alford, Chairman of the DWP Joint Committee, said: “The unexpected increase in the DWP overspend is unacceptable to partner councils, who joined together to deliver better services for local people at a reduced cost. Stringent measures are now in place to prevent future inaccuracy and restore partners’ confidence.

“Councillors will carefully consider the recommendations from the independent reviews to agree the necessary actions and future direction.

“Dorset councils remain committed to working together to provide the best possible waste services for the best possible value during these very challenging times.”

...taking this year’s overspend to £2.76m

Awards for school Two major national curriculum awards have been presented to QE School in Wimborne It is the only secondary school in Dorset to hold the NACE (National Association for Able Children in Education) Challenge Award. NACE specialises in working with schools and teachers to improve learning for able learners and is recognised as the UK’s leading independent education organisation in the field of education for able learners.

Headteacher Martin McLeman said: “To have a major national awarding body recognise the fantastic work we do for our gifted and able students through our High Performance Programme is very pleasing.”

The school has also been named as Dorset Hub and key partner with the Mathematics and Science Learning Centre at the University of Southampton.

It offers professional development opportunities for maths and science teachers across Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole and South Wiltshire.

FREEADS If you wish to advertise in this section, complete the form and send to mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Free insertions limited to two items per person.

Trade adverts must be paid for £30 per item plus VAT, max 25 words.

Name:.....................................................................................................

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4DORSET March 2015

Proceed with caution when buying privately. mags4dorset cannot accept any liablity for transactions carried out as a result of responding to these freeads.

Next sideboard, light oak. £50.

Verwood. £50. 01202 827129

Smeg electric hob, 2 ring.

Hardly used. £20. 01425 511932

Blender, Kenwood 1 litre, new. £20. Haden Health Grill, small size. New. £15. Bournemouth.

01202 512263

Electronic keyboard, Yamaha Portasound PSS-50. Excellent condition. £40. Ferndown. 01202 896045

Medicam Ped Abs Pro unisex adult ab bench, with pedal crank, for abdominal fitness. £20.

Ringwood. 01425 473637

Cata single oven, new, unused, built in or built under, not fan, £50.

Ashley Heath. 01425 511932

Victorian chamber pot, white with green leaves, ideal for house plant. £25. Ringwood. 01425 473637 Model railway magazines, bound sets and loose. Ferndown.

01202 891521

Leather suite, 2 sofas, swivel chair, storage footstool, dark aubergine, chrome feet.

Contemporary design, extremely comfortable. 5 years-old, sale due to house move. Excellent condition. £795. Bournemouth.

01202 064640.

Opus craft stand, holds hoops or tapestry frames. £30. Verwood.

01202 827420

Janome sewing machine memory cards, various numbers. £20 each. Alderholt. 01425 652035

Curtains, fully lined, two shades of dark red, 100” x 100”. Excellent condition. St Leonards. 01202 876630

Needlecraft items, embroidery, silks, wools, canvases and frames.

Large quantity. £20. Colehill.

01202 882487

Recliner armchair, full size, dark brown leather. Cost £700, downsizing. £200. Verwood.

01202 822812

Chest of five drawers. Clean condition. £10. West Moors. 01202 870703

Cream AGA saucepans, range from 1-3 litre, cake baking pan and cast iron frying pan. £100. West Moors. 01202 904811

M & S Home dining table, oval, 70 inch extending another 21 inch.

VGC. £45. Courier travelling suit bag, for men or women’s clothes. £5. Ferndown. 01202 873411

Corner hanging wall cabinet, vintage shabby chic, ivory painted. £35. Mirror, white wooden frame with gilt tracing, approx 24 x 18 inch. £12. Ferndown. 01202 873411 Teak table, oval drop leaf, 10” wide opens to 5’ 3”. £50. Larder under counter fridge. £50. St Leonards. 01425 483896 Lervia super automatic sewing machine, 34 programmes, manual and accessories.

Used twice. £30. Elna electric steam press, with manual. £40.

Fordingbridge. 01425 656986 Treadmill, Roger Black gym sized silver treadmill. Little used. £170.

Ferndown. 01202 8995241 Chest of five drawers. Clean condition. £10. West Moors. 01202 870703 Reebok motorised running machine. As new. £150. Oval glass coffee table, £100.

Verwood. 01202 829363 Dartington crystal large Daisy serving dish. Excellent condition. £15 ono. Verwood. 01202 826153 Gents M & S trench coat, size 41-43 inch, fawn gaberdine.

Never worn. £20. Verwood. 01202 820637

MONTHLY HOROSCOPES with RUSSELL GRANT MARCH 2015 ARIES March 21 - April 20 The early days of March are ideal for meeting someone special. Don’t bother blending in with the crowd, stand out and shine. The secret of your allure is a distinctive appearance. Your love life will blossom and bloom like spring flowers mid-month, but your work will suffer. Don’t be surprised if your boss starts taking you to task for leaving on time and doing the bare minimum.

Fortunately, the Solar Eclipse on the 20th brings an exciting career opportunity.

Working behind the scenes at a hospital, university, or government agency works well for you. Your financial situation will improve dramatically towards the end of March.

Take care to put a portion of your income into a savings account or your boosted bank balance will soon disappear.

LIBRA September 24 - October 23 A hidden benefactor will come to the rescue with a domestic matter in early March. Don’t be surprised if someone gives you an inside tip on a property or investment deal. Taking advantage of this offer will result in a big, spacious home that is quite affordable. An intimate relationship becomes a lot more serious during the second half of March. It looks like you and your amour are on the verge of making a serious commitment. If you already have a partner, they will come in to some extra money, which will benefit you. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th brings a fabulous work assignment. Getting paid to be creative is an answer to a prayer. The final days of March are perfect for adding decorative touches to your home.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21 Spending time on your own will refresh your energy in early March.

Sneak off to some secluded beauty spot that has always inspired you.

Even waking up early to watch the Sun rise will prove therapeutic. The Solar Eclipse on the 20th is perfect for launching a group effort, joining a humanitarian organisation or helping a charitable fund raising effort. Don’t be surprised when a respected authority figure develops a crush on you as March turns into April. The two of you will make an impressive power couple. Do you already have a lover? Then take a romantic trip together.

SCORPIO October 24 - November 22 A promotion or high profile job will be awarded to you quite suddenly in early March. It’s good to know you have the confidence of your superiors.

You’ll be able to quit a bad habit on or around the 6th, thanks to your terrific willpower. Resist the urge to do battle with a colleague in midMarch, or it will become impossible to do your work. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th is perfect for falling in love, getting engaged, or launching an art project. The final days of March will prove romantic, when your partner gives you a fabulous gift. Are you single? This is a great time to post a provocative profile on an online dating site.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21 You’ll be feeling restless at the beginning of March, but resist the urge to schedule a trip. You’ll just have to cancel when a pressing obligation occurs. Fortunately, friends will be a welcome diversion while you’re stuck at home. Be sure to attend a big surprise party. You’ll have a lot more fun than you expect. Schedule important career talks after the 13th of the month when your boss will be receptive to your suggestions. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th invites you to apply for a position that becomes available quite unexpectedly. This is your chance to move up the ladder of success. This job will have significant fringe benefits.

Your social life picks up as March melts into April.

SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21 Beware of promising more than you can deliver in the first days of March.

Unexpected delays will force you to cancel a commitment. Extraordinary romantic luck is coming your way on the 3rd. If you’re looking for love, you will find it in an unusual place. If you’re already in a relationship, your amour will have some exciting news that benefits you both. If you’re out of work, you may get disappointing news about a job you wanted. Keep your chin up; better times are ahead. An opportunity to travel, write, or teach will arrive in mid-March. The Solar Eclipse on the 20th is perfect for finding a more spacious home or adding a member to your household.

CANCER June 22 - July 23 A raise, promotion, or well paid position will be offered to you in the beginning of March. Your star is on the rise. You’ll be put in charge of an unusual project in the first half of the month. Your unorthodox management style will prove effective. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th will find you taking an overseas trip. This unexpected journey will prove extremely romantic. If you’re in a relationship, be sure to take your partner along. Spending more time with friends will brighten your mood as March turns into April. Be sure to attend as many parties during this exciting period as possible. All eyes will be on you. This calls for a shopping expedition.

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20 The beginning of March augurs very well for your home life.

If you’re looking for a place to live, search an up and coming neighbourhood. You could find a spacious place for an incredibly good price. Are you already happy with your abode? Think about making improvements to the bathroom or kitchen. Modern conveniences will add tremendous value to the place. You will have to reconsider a spiritual matter in mid-March. Be willing to back away from a limiting philosophy. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th will prompt you to sign up for an art class. Developing your creativity will boost your self esteem and bring hidden talents to the surface.

LEO July 24 - August 23 Your broad minded optimism attracts lots of fans in early March. Don’t be surprised if you’re given an opportunity to study abroad or publish a book. You’ll have to make a few budget adjustments to cover increased expenses.

A mentor will push you to expand your horizons at mid-month.

You would be wise to follow this advice. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th brings an unexpected windfall. Put a good chunk of this money into savings, where it will protect you against financial uncertainty. A romance with someone who is much older or younger spices up the final days of the month. The two of you have lots to teach each other. If you’re already in a relationship, encourage your partner to develop their artistic talent. Your support will prompt your amour to reach a whole new level of success.

VIRGO August 24 - September 23 Your love life will sizzle with excitement as March gets underway. Don’t expect much cooperation from colleagues, who will be annoyed by your dreamy expression. It’s hard to focus on work when you’re falling deeper and deeper in love. A close relationship will get stronger at mid-month, when the two of you join forces on a creative project. The Solar Eclipse on the 20th will prompt you to launch a romance, business venture, or both.

Two heads are much better than one on this magical day.

Creating a budget is strongly advised towards the end of the month, when your financial priorities will change.

AQUARIUS January 21 - February 19 Practice humility throughout the early days of March. A wonderful teacher will come forward to help you. Turning away their assistance will be a terrible waste. Open yourself to new ideas.

Working with a group will allow you to turn a good idea into a great one. You’re sure to get some valuable feedback from the quirkiest members of the group. The Full Moon on the 5th forces you to dig down deep to pay a bill. You’ll have to be extra frugal throughout the rest of March. Big changes will impact your social circle on the 17th, forcing you to reassess several friendships. Prepare for some shocking secrets to come to light. A plum position will be offered on the 20th, when a Solar Eclipse improves your financial prospects. This job will give you an extra measure of freedom, which is a relief. The closing days of March are ideal for domestic pursuits of all kinds.

PISCES February 20 - March 20 A lucrative job will fall in your lap in the opening days of March. Money will come in quite quickly during the first half of March. Resist the urge to go on a wild shopping spree.

You’re better off putting your earnings where they will work for you. You’ll be given a greater measure of freedom at work in mid-March, when a boss is too busy to monitor your progress. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th is ideal for transforming your appearance. Now is the time to get a salon treatment, cosmetic procedure, or dental work.

Keep your mobile charged as March turns to April, because you’ll be fielding a lot of calls. That’s the price you have to pay for being popular.

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

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