4Dorset April 2015

April 2015 Volume 12 Issue 9

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

RAGES

12 Over

Your Independent Local Magazine

4DORSET

NAVITUS BAY controversy

FR

EE

Lord Fellowes OPENS

Hardy centre

years

supporting WAGGY TAILS

Christchurch

Food Festival welcomes

R O OTS i V e L

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

Contents

4DORSET Hello readers, Volume 12 • Issue 9 • April 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.

OK so I’m 60. The milestone was reached on 18 March, which was the closing date of the Lacey Lightfoot writing competition and I am pleased to say that the standard of entries was outstanding. See page 28 to find out whose stories have been chosen.

N ove

l c a ke

I think I glossed over my birthday rather well, don’t you? But I can’t get away with it that easily. Instead of it being just another day, it started with a blaze of sunshine and a delicate piece of jewellery from Ben that brought tears to my eyes and rendered me speechless. Chocolate followed, well it was nearly Easter, and an apology from my husband that he hadn’t got me a present (that’s not like him). In the weeks running up to my birthday I had become aware that close friends had stopped communicating with me and I was on high alert. Something was going on.

The evening revealed all - a surprise party organized by my husband. It was rounded off with champagne and the cutting of some very novel cakes. Thank you Nick, it was one of the best birthday presents ever.

After toasting absent friends and family, a message came in from Louis who was in the Grand Canyon.

He should be back for the next issue! Meanwhile enjoy this magazine – it’s bursting with news and articles.

s

Around & About BCU CashUnity Freeads Gardening Health and fitness Horoscopes Specialist Services Waggy Tails

38-41 24-27, 31-35 36-37 47 16 17-18 46 44-45 22-23

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

next copy closing date:

17 APRIL 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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Latest angle on rod licences

VAS supports 101 A voice-activated switchboard (VAS) was introduced last month by Dorset Police to reduce demand on the 101 service. It gives the public the opportunity to connect directly to, or leave a voicemail message for an officer, department or member of staff.

This reduces the need to go via triage and the Force Command Centre and sit in a possible queue before connecting to a call handler to leave a message.

Superintendent Caroline Naughton, Head of Contact Management said: “We anticipate this will reduce demand on the 101 service by approximately 10% and therefore reduce call waiting times in the Force Command Centre.”

THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY HAS UNVEILED ITS NEW DESIGN FOR THIS YEAR’S ROD LICENCES

D

esigned by renowned angling and wildlife artist, David Miller, the image on the coarse fishing rod licence is a crucian carp (Carassius carassius) and the non-coarse is a salmon (Salmo salar). Last year David’s artwork featured on a range of sustainable fish stamps for the Royal Mail.

Sarah Chare, head of fisheries at the Environment Agency, said: “Rod licence income is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries for the benefit of anglers.

We want more people to go fishing this year and everyone who does will need one of these licences. We’re delighted to see David’s stunning designs yet again, which promote the beauty of our natural environment and encourage people to give fishing a go.”

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David Miller said designing the licences combined two of his passions: fishing and art.

Annual licences cost £27 for coarse fishing and non-migratory trout, or £72 to also fish for salmon and sea trout. There are flexible options: a 1 or 8 day licence or the full season.

There are also junior and concession options.

Anyone fishing without a licence can expect to be prosecuted and face a substantial fine. In 2013/ 2014 the Environment Agency checked 80,000 rod licences and prosecuted 2,795 anglers for fishing without a licence.

You can buy a rod licence online from the Post Office or by phoning 0344 800 5386.

Anglers are reminded that coarse fishing in rivers is off limits from 14 March - 16 June.

The ‘close season’ allows fish to spawn without interruption.

Beehive observation Avon Heath Country Park will be given over to children for nature talks and walks with the staff on 9 April. There will also be bee demonstrations given by Verwood bee keeper Deb Cruttenden (Totty), Angie Davis and Ros Parker. Two hives will be set up in the nature observation area and honey will be on sale.

Open all week Cherry Tree Nursery in Northbourne is now open to the public on Saturday and Sunday until 3pm. The local plant nursery is also open every weekday from 8am until 3.30pm. Cherry Tree provides a supported work environment for people with long-term mental health problems, and sells a wide range of high quality garden plants, forming an important part of the local community.

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HEARTFELT THANKS from man who ‘died’ Almost a year to the day since he collapsed and ‘died’ in a Bournemouth hotel, Lew Bell returned for a holiday - and planted a kiss on the manager who saved his life.

Mr Bell, 84, from Haworth near Doncaster, had just arrived at the Marsham Court Hotel in February 2014 when he suffered a massive heart attack in his room.

His wife Margaret raised the alarm and hotel manager Rosie Wallace rushed up two flights of stairs to get to her guest.

Using newly-acquired CPR and resuscitation

techniques, she worked on Lew for eight minutes until paramedics arrived and took over.

They later told her she had helped to save his life.

Lew spent three weeks in Bournemouth Hospital and was fitted with a pacemaker.

Now, finally fit enough to take a holiday, he knew exactly where he wanted to stay.

He said: “It’s thanks to Rosie and the Marsham Court that I am still around and it was lovely to be able to come back, look Rosie in the face and thank her with all my heart.”

Margaret, Lew and Rosie

For more local news visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk To advertise here call 01202 816140

Rosie received the first National Coastal Tourism Academy Customer Service Award in 2014, as a result of her life-saving actions.

She said: “When I saw Lew on the floor of his room, the adrenaline kicked-in and I just set to work.

“After he was taken to hospital I just collapsed in a heap.

“To have had him back here, recovered and well was absolutely fantastic.”

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

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local The Mayor of Poole with the flag Commonwealth

Commonwealth

More than 730 locations throughout the UK and Commonwealth raised the Commonwealth flag on Monday, 9 March. Pictured here is Cllr Peter Adams, the Mayor of Poole outside the Civic Centre where the flag was raised at 10am following a special message of good wishes from The Queen.

The mayor said, “We are proud to be joining people from all over the world in marking Commonwealth Day with the raising of the flag. It is a positive and uplifting way for us to link with fellow citizens of the Commonwealth.”

Ferndown’s poppy power Ferndown Royal British Legion is holding a sponsored walk around West Parley and Ferndown with every penny raised going to the Poppy Appeal 2015.

Mums, dads, families, school teams, pub teams, grandma and granddad teams are welcome to walk the walk on 25 April to support serving and exservices men and women and their families. The walk starts at 1pm at the Royal British Legion in Church Road, Ferndown.

The all pavement route is stewarded, so get sponsored, bring the dog, the pushchair and enjoy all five miles or as much as you can manage.

There is even a special prize for the best t-shirt on the day.

Visit Poppypower at www.rblferndown.org or e-mail with name and number walking to poppypower@rblferndown.org

FLAGS FLY Bournemouth’s first Cricket Fest With thoughts turning to balmy days of summer, Bournemouth’s Dean Park Cricket Ground has announced the town’s very first Festival of Cricket.

The four-day event will run over the May Day Bank Holiday as part of the celebration of Dean Park’s 135th anniversary.

The highlight of the festival will be the return of Hampshire Cricket Club to its spiritual home.

In what will be the first match of captain Jimmy Adams’ benefit year, a full-strength Hampshire side begin their T20 preparations by taking on Dorset at Dean Park on 4 May. Left-

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handed batsman Jimmy made his county cricket debut with Dorset in 1998 at Dean Park and is thrilled to be returning.

“I remember it well,” says Jimmy.

“Marcus Trescothick flayed us everywhere! My coach at school was the current Dorset coach Alan Willows and he got me involved again for a couple of games 10 years later.

“Dean Park has a wonderful history and association with Hampshire and it will be great to finally get back on the pitch there after a number of weatheraffected years.

“It will be nice to be back and I

hope it’s a good day out for all.”

The festival opens on 1 May when a special Mayor’s Select XI will take on Dorset Ladies and their guests. On Saturday, last year’s Dorset League runners up, Parley CC entertain Wimborne & Colehill; and on 3 May, last season’s Unicorns Knockout Trophy winners Devon face Dorset. There will also be a local food and drink festival.

Later this summer, Dean Park will play host to charity matches involving the England fans’ side the Barmy Army, the Lord’s Taverners and the all-star lashings World XI.

Jimmy Adams

local

Partnership praised at national awards T Christchurch and East Dorset Councils are celebrating after being presented with the Gold Award for Working Together at the national Improvement and Efficiency Awards held in Westminster

today - ‘how do we deliver better outcomes, at a lower cost to the public?’

Cllr Ray Nottage, leader of Christchurch, said: “We’ve been working together with East Dorset for more than four years now and to receive this accolade shows how much we have achieved.

“We were one of the first partnerships between

two councils in the country and many others have now emulated us, realising that this the right way to succeed in the face of the stringent government cuts we have been subject to. To have been shortlisted as one of the top three councils in the country is also a fantastic achievement.”

The leader of East Dorset, Cllr Ian Monks,

added: “We could only have achieved this successful partnership through the hard work of all of our staff and members. We knew that it would be challenging as we reviewed each of our services but we’re now coming out as much stronger authorities, financially resilient and with a highly skilled team of dedicated staff.

he councils’ partnership was also shortlisted as one of the top three local authorities for the award of Council of the Year.

The awards are hosted by iESE, an organisation that works with the public sector to help answer the biggest challenge facing Britain’s public services

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

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local

Retirement apartments revealed

Robin and Sue Cook with ‘Elvis’, Col Parker and Josie

Ferndown residents had an opportunity to meet developers when McCarthy and Stone revealed proposals for apartments in the town at an exhibition at the Barrington Centre. Approximately 900 households and local businesses were invited to the exhibition with 34 residents and community representatives attending.

The retirement house builder, wants to redevelop 426 to 434 New Road with approximately 35, one and two bedroom apartments, car parking and landscaping.

Elvis spotted in Parley A gala charity dinner organised by Cllr Robin Cook, Chairman of East Dorset District Council, in support of Alzheimer’s Society and Friends of Victoria Hospital Wimborne raised over £2,700.

Held at the Dudsbury Hotel in Parley, the star attraction of the evening was Garry J Foley’s Elvis Presley tribute act. There was also an appearance by Col Tom Parker, Elvis’s manager, together with Josie, a Las Vegas Showgirl.

Roadworks completed early New Road was due to be closed for three weeks but work was completed four days early. Long queues had formed during the closure with traffic diverted over Longham bridge and also going via the airport However HGVs will continue to be diverted until 3 July due to narrow lanes on Ensbury Bridge, which is being repaired and repainted.

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The A347 New Road in West Parley reopen to cars, vans and buses ahead of schedule following repair work by Dorset County Council

Cllr John Wilson, local councillor and chairman of the county council, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to finish this work ahead of schedule. This is partly due to the weather and the determination of our staff.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to local residents and businesses for their patience and

their forbearance during this time.”

The repair was needed because tests showed that the structure of the road was severely damaged. The county council employed specialists, Stabilised Pavements Ltd, who recycled material in situ and added bulking and binding elements to give the road a new lease of life.

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Fly on the wall look at police training Dorset Police is providing an insight into what it takes to become a police officer by following its newest officers through probationer training.

A new intake of student officers began their extensive training on 16 March and police will be following the new recruits every step of the way, offering a ‘fly on the wall’ look into the hard work and exciting training each student undertakes to become a police officer.

The intake will include 16 trainees, all of which passed the stringent application process to make it into the final group and

start their careers as police officers.

The public will be able to gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge the students learn, from law legislation and first aid, to officer personal safety training and custody training, as well as fitness tests and uniform issue.

Updates on the officers’ progress will be posted regularly on the Dorset Police website, Twitter page and Facebook page along with pictures and comments from the students themselves. Look out for the hashtags #DorsetPoliceRecruits #DPRecruits on social media to follow their progress.

Failings leading to MASSIVE overspend

“UNACCEPTABLE” An action plan has been agreed for Dorset Waste Partnership following its £2.8m overspend.

Councillors from seven Dorset councils have united to back a scheme to urgently improve the governance and financial management of the DWP. This follows three reviews of the DWP in response to the overspend, which includes more than £1m on hired vehicles.

Mike Harries, chair of the DWP management board and Dorset County Council’s director for environment and economy, reported that the DWP had met most of its key aims, including increasing the rate of recycling, reducing landfill waste and improving customer satisfaction. However, it must not be a case of delivering the service at any cost.

He said that the reviews raised significant concerns around the efficiency and effectiveness of the partnership, which the councils wanted to see urgently addressed.

The action plan provides a way forward by making the necessary improvements while ensuring vital services continue to be delivered.

The 37 actions set out in the plan include: • Earlier warning to councils of financial risks that may result in overspends • Better monitoring and reporting of vehicle hire • Clearer allocation of budget responsibility to key staff • Increased HR support to reduce staff absence A separate improvement plan for support services provided by the county council, the partnership’s host authority, is already in place.

The joint committee that oversees the partnership was told by the county council’s monitoring officer, Jonathan Mair, that the DWP awarded contracts for vehicle hire and consultancy without a lawful tendering process. Details of vehicle insurance were also not sent to the national database, as required by the law. Urgent action has been taken to ensure the unlawful activity has ceased.

Cllr Tony Alford, chair of the DWP joint committee, said: “I welcome the findings of the reviews and the action plan, which councillors will closely monitor to make sure the situation is turned around quickly.

“Partner councils are clear that the failings highlighted by the reviews are unacceptable.

Together, we are committed to putting this right and providing an efficient, business-like waste and recycling service to our residents.

“We must also recognise that the DWP has successfully met many of its aims, including increasing recycling and reducing landfill, and that the majority of residents also say they are happy with their service.”

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4DORSET April 2015

local

Schools celebrate

WORLD

BOOK DAY

West Moors Middle School

By Abi Hallam, YEAR EIGHT On 5 March, West Moors Middle School decided to dress up for World Book Day. As well as the pupils, many staff contributed.

The Headteacher, Mrs Pritchard, made a huge effort by dressing up as Maleficent. In addition, the Deputy Head enjoyed wearing his pink tutu because he was Angelina Ballerina. Although the staff looked brilliant, several pupils also put in an enormous effort, coming in to school as princesses, pirates and many animals.

As a result, West Moors Middle School had a fantastic day and raised money to buy new stock for their library.

Loving books at Talbot Heath Junior School

Talbot Heath Junior School

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Fun at Kinson Primary School

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Gruffalo’s ‘children’ win praise Pupils at Witchampton First School were able to celebrate their own writing success on World Book Day thanks to praise from former Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson.

After reading year 3 and 4 pupils’ play scripts based on her book The Gruffalo, the writer wrote saying, “Thank you so much for letting me see your play scripts. I was really extremely impressed by the high standard and plenty of humour.”

The author also sent the children a flier for her own play “Hip Hip Hooray for Superworm” and some stickers as a reward for their hard work.

Wizard of Oz at West Moor s Middle

Children choose court sentences Pupils from Allenbourn Middle School have been handed down a wide range of sentences at Wimborne’s Magistrates Court.

But these are ones which the youngsters have chosen and are contained in books ready for the school library.

The town’s former magistrates court is now home to Dorset County Council’s School Library Service. It moved from its previous base at Blandford Camp at the end of last year and Allenbourn’s year 6 book group visited the new resource with school librarian Rosalind Jensen to stock up on titles.

A happy hour was spent browsing the shelves and finding books on all kinds of different topics, from cake baking to teenage fiction to Formula One racing.

“It’s great having the service right on our doorstep,” said Mrs Jensen. “In the past it was quite a trip, and you had to go through security before you could get to the books.

Now you just have to ring the doorbell.”

The School Library Service is open to all schools in Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth, including the independent sector.

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

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local

Flowers and barges

New brooms sweep up model positions Wimborne Model Town has a new general manager, Greg Hoar, and a site supervisor, Nick Clark, to assist with the charity attraction which is open for the season. Former trustee, Greg is keen to recruit additional volunteers to help, especially at the weekends. Interested? Call 01202 881924.

The Inner Wheel Club of Ferndown recently listened to two speakers.

Experienced flower arranger Barbara Greaves talked about the preparation of flowers for arranging. The secret behind making flowers last longer is to immerse the stems in water as soon as possible. Trim stems with a diagonal cut and pull off the leaves as high as possible and use very clean vases to avoid microbes.

Terri Robinson presented an illustrated history of the canals. She said they were recognised as the best way of transporting goods hundreds of years ago because road surfaces were very poor. It took a while for the British waterways to develop but in the late 1700s and early 1800s barges were transporting goods with efficiency and their owners became rich. During the mid 1800s railways were developing and waterways were abandoned for the steam engine. Today canals have been restored for the leisure industry and there is a revival in barge art. Terri has learnt this form of painting and showed examples.

Greg (left) and Nick

- advertiser’s announcement -

Moyles Court School is within reach A new affordable price structure and door-to-door service means many more families can consider an independent education

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eadmaster of Moyles Court School near Ringwood, Mr Richard Milner-Smith said: “Independent education is sometimes thought of as exclusive, the preserve of the very rich only. Our aim is to overcome that prejudice and to convince many more parents that it is the right choice for their children.”

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At a time when most independent school parents will be contemplating an annual rise in fees, most families at Moyles Court School will be paying an average of 15% LESS next school year.

For example, new parents of reception class children will pay £1,775 per term, compared with £2,029 this year, whilst existing parents from the nursery will pay only £1,500 per term.

In the senior school, the average cut will be lower, reflecting the higher cost of secondary education.

New Year 7 parents will pay £3,620 per term, compared with £4,220 this year and again existing parents will get an additional reduction making the termly fee just

£3,500. Fees for the GCSE years, 10 and 11, will be frozen at the current year’s level.

The school’s transport network will also be expanded to cover a wider area. Bursar Geraldine Smith explains: “We will design the transport provision around families’ needs. If any child cannot be served by any of the bus routes we will provide a doorstep-to-school service to ensure that transport is not an obstacle.”

Moyles Court is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged three to 16 set within a 14-acre site in the heart of the New Forest. www.moylescourt.co.uk/ join-us

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- advertiser’s announcement -

Businesses welcome to CEIL a deal Budding entrepreneurs and young professionals from Ferndown Upper School’s Centre of Excellence for Industrial Liaison (CEIL) attended an educational business event held at Budmouth College.

FUS’s CEIL manager Cindy Lalani said “CEIL, is designed as a business centre to prepare sixth formers for the world of work and offers them the chance to work with local businesses on various projects to enhance their CVs and employability skills. Employers nationally are reporting that students are not ready for the world of work and don’t have the right skills. The CEIL programme aims to directly target this problem by giving students opportunities to develop these ‘soft skills’ such as organising and running meetings and presentations, dealing with customers, making phone calls etc. The whole idea of the day was to enable the CEIL students and staff to work together in a professional business setting, sharing best practice and shaping and developing the future CEIL programme. It was a very successful day and we all came away feeling positive about the future.”

If you run a local business and would like to be involved in the CEIL programme at Ferndown Upper School please contact Cindy Lalani. http://fernup. dorset.sch.uk/

Jewellery designed to help save orangutans FORUM JEWELLERS of Broadstone has commissioned British jewellery designer Harriet Bedford to create a unique piece for the Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS) charity.

The one-of-akind collar featuring a young orangutan swinging on a branch, will be auctioned by the charity to raise funds to help the conservation of orangutans in the wild.

Harriet designed and crafted the silver collar, as well as a silver pendant with chain.

Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered and could become extinct. The SOS charity is dedicated to turning this situation around.

Helen Buckland, the director of Sumatran Orangutan Society, said the charity was delighted to be working with Forum Jewellers and Harriet Bedford to raise awareness and funds to help secure a future for Sumatran orangutans and their forests.

Helen Molloy of Forum Jewellers said: “This project started with a passing comment to Harriet of how an orangutan would look amazing with one of her designs, and the idea has now come to fruition. It’s wonderful to be able to donate this commission and items to the Sumatran Orangutan Society and know that the charity will benefit, we hope they sell fast and SOS will be asking Harriet for more. ”

Buy the pendant online www.orangutans-sos. org/shop or at Forum Jewellers RRP £119.95

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

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gardening

Horatio helps hedgehogs Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is raising awareness of the decline of hedgehogs, one of the UK’s bestloved garden visitors, with a campaign leaflet that will reach over 120,000 homes in Dorset.

Working with local illustrator, David Burton, the story of Horatio is hoped to inspire local people to get out in their garden, and help support the declining population of hedgehogs by making small changes, such as providing compost heaps to create shelter and food.

Hedgehogs will be coming out of hibernation in the spring and DWT Membership Manager, James Haldane is appealing for gardeners to give them a helping hand, “We’re delighted to

be working with David Burton, who has really brought this campaign to life with his fantastic illustrations.”

David Burton said he was happy to help, “it was great fun sketching Horatio’s journey through the modern world. I’ve only seen one hedgehog in our garden in the last two years. It trundled through looking for food in the leaf piles as it went.

I’d love to see more hedgehogs in the future, and by supporting Dorset Wildlife Trust, there’s a good chance that will happen.”

The new leaflet provides some practical tips on how to help hedgehogs, but also states some alarming facts. In 10 years, one third of hedgehogs have disappeared in the UK. There are 15 million gardens in the UK, so if everyone did something for wildlife in their gardens or outside green spaces, perhaps it would start to reverse the decline of hedgehogs and other species, which are also in decline.

For more information visit www. dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/join or phone 01305 264620.

Horatio doordrop © DWT (illustration by David Burton)

Can you smash the

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foot record?

This year, mags4dorset is challenging Ferndown gardeners to grow the tallest sunflower in town and maybe even in the county The local publishing company which has sponsored the Ferndown in Bloom’s Tallest Sunflower competition since the class was introduced in 2011, is inviting schools, clubs, nursing homes, children, parents, grandparents and great grandparents to get planting and nurture their sunflowers to see if the record of a 12 foot monster set by Jean Read can be smashed.

If you feel able to take up the challenge, collect a free packet of seeds from Haskins at Longham and get planting.

Sunflowers are easy to grow. They can be planted now until late May. Simply fill a three inch pot with some good multipurpose compost to half an inch below the rim. Sow one seed per pot and water well. You can cover each pot with a plastic bottle ‘cloche’ to help with germination and to keep the seedlings warm. Plant outside in June when the frosts are over. Alternatively plant directly into the soil no more than one inch deep and about six inches apart from mid-April to late May. Sunflowers will grow at their best if they are planted in a position that receives direct sun (6-8 hours a day).

They are heavy feeders, so a slow release granular fertiliser mixed in at planting time will encourage strong root growth.

If possible plant in a spot that is sheltered from strong winds - along a fence or against a wall.

Watch out for slugs and snails that will attack the plants when they are small. Once established, water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots.

Once a week with a few gallons of water will do, unless the weather is exceptionally dry or wet, then vary accordingly.

If your sunflower needs support, use a bamboo stake to keep it upright and stop it falling over.

The kudos of breaking Ferndown in Bloom’s record will no doubt inspire you to take part, and if you win, you’ll also receive a certificate and a Haskins gift voucher for £50. Closing date is 31 August 2015.

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4DORSET April 2015

in health and fitness - advertising feature -

Hop On Down to

Ferndown Leisure Centre

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ave you eaten too much chocolate and other Easter goodies, leaving you feeling overindulgent and unfit? If so put a spring in your step, 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.

Kick-start your new healthy living programme with a gym only membership, at a fantastic affordable price of £19.99 per month.

The benefits of the gym only membership are unlimited use of the gym, an induction to the gym, 100% money back guarantee, and short-term commitment.

Martyn Rice, Fitness Manager at Ferndown Leisure Centre, explains, “Regular exercise reduces stress and makes people feel better about themselves.

“We also have a swim only membership

for those who enjoy the water at the great price of £23 per month. Swimming has a lot of benefits. Did you know, for example, that 30 minutes of swimming at a steady pace burns 200 calories?

“Other benefits include: • Losing weight and improving body shape.

• Water activity offers 12 times the benefit of a similar land based activity and it’s gentler on your body because it’s low impact.

• Swimming increases your fitness levels.

“Our swim membership entitles you to use SWIMTAG. The SWIMTAG technology is a fantastic way to track your swimming information, including calories burned, distance swam, and speed etc to help keep you motivated and enjoying your swims.”

To find out more about these memberships please contact a customer advisor 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 them on the centre’s website, or pick up a programme from the centre.

INTENSIVE SWIM LESSONS

Give your children a boost with their swimming.

Progress is good on the intensive swim lessons running during the holiday.

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

DATE FOR THE DIARY Disability Cricket restarts on 17 April at Ferndown Leisure Steve Bishop from Ferndown Way farers Cricket Club coaches these indoor sessions which helps you to improve your batting, bowling, catching and throwing skills through engaging gamebased activities. The sessions are fun with the opportunity to play in pairs and mini tournaments.

Friday 4.30 -5.30 pm

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

Nursing Candles of Hope to shine in loving tribute at Relay for Life home fails to meet standards

Everyone whose life has been touched by cancer is being urged to light a Candle of Hope on 11 July at 10pm as part of Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life in Ferndown The Candle of Hope ceremony is incredibly moving and highlights the real reason why everyone joins together for Relay For Life.

As dusk falls, specially made Candle of Hope bags, decorated with touching messages – in memory or in celebration of loved ones - are filled with sand and lit up with candles around the Ferndown Leisure Centre Track and glow long into the night.

Candles are often placed to spell out the word ‘Hope’ and symbolise the heartfelt emotion of everyone who takes part in Relay For Life and supports Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research.

Everyone is welcome to join the festivities at the weekend event and to take part in the Candle of Hope ceremony.

Relay For Life organisers are accepting donations for Candles of Hope. Contact 01202 537624 or email R4Lbournemouth@gmail.com You can decorate them yourself, or the organisers can arrange to have your own chosen words applied.

There will also be some decorated ones available on the day.

Louise Trussell, Candle of Hope Chair of Relay For Life Bournemouth and East Dorset said: “Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer.

Taking part in Relay For Life is a positive way to be part of your local community and help make a real difference in the fight against the disease.

“Cancer Research UK doesn’t receive any government funding for its research so every step we make towards beating cancer relies on every pound, every hour and every person.”

Relay for Life takes place at the trackside at Ferndown Leisure Centre on 11 and 12 July.

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4DORSET April 2015

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has taken legal action to cancel the registration of CBS Nursing Care Limited, which was the organisation running Marlborough House Nursing Home, in Bournemouth Road and Marlborough Road, Poole. This means the provider can no longer legally operate a care service from the premises mentioned.

CQC had carried out 11 unannounced inspections at the home since December 2010 following information that had come to light about the service. A series of enforcement actions was issued to ensure improvements and safeguard people who use the services from abuse.

A final visit was carried out last November to see if improvements had been made. Inspectors were not satisfied care standards were being met - people using the service were at risk of receiving unsafe and inappropriate care.

Alison Murray, Head of Inspection for Adult Social Care (South Coast) at CQC, said: “The failings we witnessed at Marlborough House Nursing Home were completely unacceptable.

CQC took action to protect the safety and wellbeing of people by moving to cancel this home’s registration, meaning it could no longer operate.

“Taking action leading to the closure of any service is not something that we take lightly, but when we find very poor practice, as we did in this case, we have no alternative but to take action to protect the safety and welfare of people.

“I hope that this sends a strong public message that we are on the side of people who use services and will not hesitate to take tough action if a provider fails to meet the standards for care that everyone has the right to expect.”

local

Students’ parliamentary questions The work and role of the House of Lords came under scrutiny from Wimborne’s QE School when they were visited by Labour party politician Lord Whitty as part of the ‘Peers in Schools’ project.

The aim of the visit was to encourage students to engage more with the political and parliamentary process.

Lord Whitty, who was made a life peer in 1996, talked to 40 students including post-16 law and sociology students.

This was followed by a question and answer session which covered a variety of topics from the environment and fox hunting to votes at 16 and the general election.

He gave students a unique insight into the working of the House of Lords and made them think about issues involved in politics and the democratic process.

He was given a tour of the school before he had lunch with headteacher, Martin McLeman and students.

Funding for young triathlete Junior GB Triathlon team member and Talbot Heath School pupil, Elisabeth Hood, has recently been awarded a Sports Aid award of £1,000. The funding from SSE will help the 17-year-old pursue the sport and recognises Lizzie’s commitment and potential for the future. She has also been invited to be part of the SSE Next Generation programme which supports 100 young athletes across Britain. This four-year partnership with Sports Aid, helps young athletes - aged from 13 to 25 – who are identified as potential Commonwealth Games and Olympic medallists of the future.

Lizzie is currently studying for three A-Levels alongside a rigorous training schedule before and after school and at weekends.

Sprucing up the county Dorset falls below the national average when it comes to tree cover with only 11.9% cover compared to the national average of 13% and an average tree of 44% in Europe.

Local youngsters and community groups are taking action by getting their hands dirty and planting thousands of trees.

As part of the Woodland Trust’s free trees scheme, tree packs have been delivered in the county to six community groups and 23 schools including Kinson Primary, Poole Grammar and Dumpton.

The benefits of the new scheme to the county will be lasting. Trees capture carbon, create homes for wildlife, provide

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4DORSET April 2015

oxygen, improve air quality and can provide sustainable fuel.

John Tucker, the Woodland Trust’s Woodland Creation Director, said: “It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm for the Woodland Trust’s free tree packs. It takes just 10 years for trees to grow well above head-height, so communities could be enjoying the rewards sooner than you’d think, as well as creating a lasting, living legacy for future generations.”

Additional tree packs will be available this autumn. www.woodlandtrust.org. uk/freetrees or emailcommunitytrees@ woodlandtrust.org.uk

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HERE IS ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR, REGULAR FEATURES, WHICH ALWAYS BRINGS A SMILE TO THE FACES OF OUR READERS, PARTICULARLY THE YOUNGSTERS

years of supporting

Waggy Tails Rescue - the local animal charity For more than 12 years, we have seen many a child pick up our magazines and flick to the Waggy Tails feature to gaze at the dogs, trying to work out which one they would give a home to, if they could.

But not everyone is able to rehome a dog and if it’s out of the question, there are other ways to help Waggy Tails. You can make a donation, volunteer with dog walking or street collections and you can also sponsor a dog.

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RABBITS Homes are always needed for rabbits and guinea pigs too. Often these poor creatures suffer in silence, shut in cages, yet they are sociable, loving and in need of company and interesting things to do.

They also need regular vet care – vaccinations, worming and check ups. You can see them on the Waggy Tails’ website and they have their own Facebook pages: Mandy’s Rescue a waggy tails guinea pig dorset and Rescue a waggy tails rabbit dorset.

Editor of 4Dorset and animal lover Janine Pulford said, “After losing our beloved dog and knowing we couldn’t have another, I rehomed a pair of rabbits from Waggy Tails, and they helped fill the lonely space that Max left behind.

“As a local business, we are proud to have worked with Waggy Tails Rescue for over 12 years, and very much appreciate how our advertisers rise to the occasion by sponsoring the pets on a regular basis, thus helping the charity to re-home them.”

Shelagh Meredith, founder and chairman of Waggy Tails Rescue added, “We are extremely grateful for all the support you have given to us over the years.”

To offer a home, or sponsorship call Waggy Tails on 01202 875000. www.waggytails.org.uk

SPONSOR A DOG Most of the dogs handed in to Waggy Tails Rescue find new homes. However, a few, because they are too old, have medical problems, or a difficult past, do not. As Waggy Tails never puts a healthy dog to sleep, these special dogs are looked after in permanent foster homes for the rest of their lives.

Six of these are chosen to be ‘sponsor dogs’ and, for as little as £5 a month, readers can sponsor one of them to help give it the care and attention it deserves.

Sponsor dogs cost the charity about £18,000 a year for their care and no funding is received from anyone except Waggy Tails’ supporters.

When you sponsor a dog, you’ll get your very own best friend and receive a personal sponsorship certificate, with a picture of your dog and its story.

Your new pal will send you news updates twice a year, and Christmas and Valentine cards. Plus, when you join you will receive a free gift package including a car sticker.

To sponsor a dog, telephone the office and ask for a form, or download one from the website.

Some of the sponsor dogs are shown in this feature as well as the needy dogs and rabbits who are currently searching for forever homes.

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features

Caribbean flavourite headlines Food Festival 9 and 10 May - www.christchurchfoodfest.co.uk

T

- Facebook and Twitter @xchurchfood

he 2015 Christchurch Food & Wine Festival will have a touch of sunshine, whatever the weather, as the headline act will be the Jamaican chef famous for his Reggae Reggae products, Levi Roots.

Last year’s food market

S DEAN EDWARD

Masterchef finalist in 2006, Dean went on to work in the 2 Michelin starred Midsummer House restaurant in Cambridge and is currently a resident chef on ITV’s ‘Lorraine.’ He has taken part in various television programmes including the BBC series ‘Take on The Takeaway’ where he worked alongside Gary Rhodes, Jean Christophe Novelli and Angela Hartnett. His first book ‘Mincespiration’ was published in 2013 and his second book ‘Feelgood Family Food’ is due out this summer.

Twitter - @deanedwardschef

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4DORSET April 2015

Levi will be cooking up Caribbean recipes on 9 May in the demonstration marquee on the Quomps at Christchurch Quay.

Also joining the festival on 10 May will be TV chef, Dean Edwards.

Vicki Hallam, Chairman of the Christchurch Food Festival, said: “We are so fortunate to have secured these two great chefs.

“The festival will be bigger than ever as we spread out to another new location with the festival village on the Quomps.

Along with the demonstration marquee, there will also be a number of new stalls as well as a VIP tent located there. All this in addition to the usual popular festival market in the High Street.”

There will also be a Bake Day on the bowling green opposite the Kings Arms hotel on the Sunday.

To help those with mobility problems there will be a buggy, which can carry people and wheelchairs between the two festival sites.

LEVI ROOTS After moving from Jamaica to Brixton Levi Roots started making his home-made Reggae Reggae sauce in his kitchen and selling it from small outlets in London. His break came when he appeared on BBC’s Dragons Den in 2007 and secured financial backing for his Reggae Reggae brand from Dragons Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh.

Since then his range of products has grown and can be found in most supermarkets.

He has also written a number of cook books and hosted his own TV programme ‘Caribbean Food Made Easy’.

Twitter - @levirootsmusic

Photos from advertising features previous Food Festivals

- advertising features -

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Thousands of pies before your eyes

Almost a half century of hairdressing

Last year Crow Farm Shop sold 2,500 pies at Christchurch food festival and this year they anticipate a greater demand. The awardwinning traditional homemade pork pies are lovingly made by Alex, his mum Sally and Sam the butcher and will be sold alongside their scrumptious pasties, sausage rolls and Scotch eggs. You can even taste before you buy, as there will be free samples. The pies will also be sold at Highcliffe Food Festival the following Saturday, but if you want a regular supply call into Crow Farm Shop and Café in Ringwood during normal opening hours Monday to Saturday and stock up with these firm flavourites.

It’s 49 years since family run Tony Hair opened its first shop in the borough. “We are proud to have offered a friendly, top quality hairdressing service to the community for so long,” says salon director, Matt Smith, “We approach our half century with a great team of stylists and assistants who will listen and get it right.”

How would better hearing change your life?

Hearing loss can make life very difficult, especially in social situations.

People often suffer needlessly with a hearing loss for years before taking action.

Clarity Hearing Solutions in Christchurch have helped many people experience the joy of hearing clearly again.

Call them on 01202 478881 for a free hearing assessment.

From memorable pictures to passport photos - Thinkprint Jayne Miles, the owner of Thinkprint, will be celebrating seven years in Christchurch this summer. She says, “We all love taking pictures but with all those Smart devices and formats out there, printing them can be a problem.

“Don’t worry. At THINKPRINT we offer a warm, friendly service with full technical support, whether

we print a single memorable picture or a fully approved passport photo or Indian visa. Plus, with our fast, efficient photocopying service and competitive range of inks, printers, photo frames, albums and stationery products on display… why not call or visit us today?

“THINKPRINT… we know about printing!”

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

| 25

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features

Top chef cook off Short-listed chefs taking part in the first ‘best professional chef in the borough’ competition organised by Christchurch Food & Wine Festival will take part in a cook-off on Friday 10 April at the Bournemouth & Poole College. It will be judged

by David Boland, Fellow of the Academy of Culinary Arts and Senior Lecturer in Hospitality & Catering at the College. Two finalists will go forward to the grand final in the Neff Cookery Theatre

at Purewell Electrical superstore in Christchurch on Friday 1 May. The winner will be presented with their prize of a stay in the 5 star Royal Mansour Hotel in Marrakesh at a prestigious blacktie awards event on Monday 18 May. The prize will be presented by the Christchurch Food Festival CIC in association with Jean Claude Messant, Managing Director of the Royal Mansour Hotel, Marrakesh.

- advertising feature -

ELITE KITCHEN DESIGNS celebrates 32 years in Christchurch 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.

What can audiences expect from ‘Roy Orbison and Friends’?

One of the world’s leading Roy Orbison tributes, Barry Steele, is appearing at the Regent Centre on 17 April. He will be presenting a contemporary production, celebrating the life and musical legacy of the Big O. Barry is backed in this live multi-media show, with not only a fabulous band, but a big screen featuring live streaming and images from the life and times of Roy Orbison, interspersed with factoids and information about the life and times of one of the best singers the world has ever known.

Joining Barry in this musical extravaganza is Paul Molloy as a young Elvis and Boogie Williams as Jerry lee Lewis.

Orbison’s songs have wonderful melodies and tunes. Not only does the music take you back in time, but it can bring out all your emotions, happy or sad. Orbison is known as a balladeer, but he also recorded and performed rock and contemporary songs. His songs are quite simply timeless.

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4DORSET April 2015

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features

- advertising feature -

AVON CAUSEWAY the family friendly pub Mark, Kayleigh and the team welcome you to The Avon Causeway, a family friendly pub with accommodation on the edge of the New Forest

The Mayor, Cllr Denise Jones, unveiling the memorial. Inset photo shows (back row from left) Head of The Priory School Claire King, Revd Richard Partridge, Dr Josie Lipsith, The Mayor Cllr Denise Jones, Rabbi Adrian Jesner and Bilha Weider with (in front) children from The Priory School

Holocaust memorial unveiled

In a moving ceremony, a holocaust memorial was unveiled at Christchurch Quay and a tree planted to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the terrible events of World War II. Prayers were given by Rabbi Adrian Jesner from Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation and Revd Richard Partridge from the Priory Church. The Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Denise Jones, talked about the holocaust and other subsequent genocides.

She quoted a survivor of one of the camps who said: “We survivors do not want our past to be our children’s future.”

She added: “We hear the statistics about the holocaust and the millions of people who were killed and ask ourselves ‘why did this happen?’ It happened due to the perpetrators not looking on the people they were killing as human beings because they were different from them and so they felt they could do what they did without a conscience.

“It’s up to us to keep the memory of these events alive and always treat everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

The mayor planted a memorial tree with the help of pupils from the Priory School, Mylo Adams and Orla Ring.

Two descendants from people who had been at Auschwitz were at the ceremony. Bilha Weider’s mother, Lilly Ebert who is now in her late 80s, was on one of the last trains to transport Jewish people from Hungary. She and her two sisters survived.

Dr Josie Lipsith’s grandparents, Joseph and Henrietta Rosenberg were killed in the camp in 1942. Dr Lipsith’s mother, Yvette Gould, had been born in England when her parents had lived there so had a British passport. She was interned in a camp in Germany for four years during the war but her life was saved because of her British passport.

A

fter undergoing an extensive refurbishment The Avon Causeway is now a wonderful venue for the whole family, a romantic meal or simply to socialise with friends over a couple of drinks.

Situated close to Bournemouth Airport and just 3 miles from Christchurch, 5 miles from Ringwood and only 6 miles from Bournemouth with its magnificent beaches, the Avon Causeway offers excellent food, award-winning ales and a great personal, friendly service.

The Avon Causeway is also a coaching inn for the 21st century, offering modern, clean and comfortable accommodation on the edge of the New Forest and is an ideal base for business stays or from which to explore the beautiful county of Dorset.

This historic inn, originally the old Hurn railway station, now boasts 12 en-suite rooms of varying shapes and sizes and all the mod cons you would expect from quality accommodation.

Head Chef, Gary West, brings over 30 years of culinary experience to The Avon Causeway and is passionate about good, unpretentious dishes, cooked simply with great flavours.

Offering great variety, the menu has tempting starters, delicious main courses and naughty puddings sitting alongside the regular pub classics such as bangers and mash, Wadworth beer battered fish and chips and the ‘must have’ homemade pie. Homemade pizzas with toppings such as shredded duck, hoisin and spring onion, Goat’s cheese and sun-blush tomato and many more, are always popular!

There’s nothing quite like Sundays here at The Avon Causeway.

Think the morning papers, freshly ground coffee with cake and recovery Bloody Marys. Imagine traditional Sunday roasts (including NEW sharing roasts of whole chicken and hog roast!) with a choice of rare roast beef, loin of Wiltshire pork or a half of a roast freerange chicken, all accompanied by delicious seasonal vegetables, crispy roasties, great big Yorkshire pud and pan gravy available alongside a choice of starters, main courses and naughty desserts.

“We look forward to welcoming you to The Avon Causeway!”

Bookmakers

ROBBED

Police have issued a CCTV appeal following an armed robbery at the Stan James bookmakers in Christchurch on 5 March at approximately 8pm.

A man threatened a member of staff with a knife before stealing cash and running from the scene toward Jumpers Road. Police, including armed officers, searched the area, but couldn’t find him.

The man is described as white, in his 30s, roughly 5’8” tall and of medium build. He spoke with an English accent and was wearing a dark grey hooded coat, dark jeans, black scarf and balaclava.

There was one other man in the bookmakers at the time who would have witnessed the robbery and police are keen to speak to him.

If you saw someone matching the description running in the area or know someone who was wearing similar clothing and acting suspiciously before or after the incident please contact police on 101 quoting incident number 5:373.

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

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

| 27

writing

mags4dorset

7th

Creative Writing Competition e-anthology WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Lacey Lightfoot goes to…

The 7th Creative Writing Competition is now closed and the e-book anthology ‘Lacey Lightfoot’s Awesome Adventures’ is in the process of being prepared for publication.

“Congratulations all round - there were some outstanding entries,” said editor and author Janine Pulford who had the task of choosing the stories. “I would like to give a huge thank you to all the talented writers who took up the gauntlet and entered their manuscripts.

“They came from all over country and from as far away as France.

“Competition was at its fiercest in Dorset as you will see by the number of local authors who have been selected.”

She added that if the ebook anthology

The authors selected for the anthology are: Tod Argent, Ferndown, Dorset: ‘Lacey goes to the desert’ Rob Forrester-Addie, Ringwood, Hampshire: ‘Lacey goes West!’

Christine Genovese, St Leger, France: ‘Lacey goes to Kabul’ Phyllis Higgins, Frome, Somerset: ‘Lacey goes to Guernsey’ Sue Kilpatrick, Wimborne, Dorset: ‘Lacey goes to Jim’s Rocks (almost)’ Kate Nivison, Woodford Green, Essex: ‘Lacey goes to Werarewi’

proved popular, it could set a precedent for the 8th creative writing competition, which will be announced by mags4dorset later this year.

“I was overwhelmed by how accurately authors followed the competition guidelines to create a sympathetic character who has some really incredible adventures,” said Janine. “On her travels, Lacey is charged at by a leopardess, goes in search of a bear, is held captive, goes on the trail of a big cat, puts her best foot forward to solve a crime and discovers the origins of her most unusual middle name. The final story will grip you to the end and could bring tears to your eyes. Will it round everything off, or will it leave the door open for more Lacey Lightfoot stories? You will have to read the anthology to find out.”

Jane Parkinson, Fordingbridge, Hampshire: ‘Lacey goes to Corfe Castle for Christmas’ Anne Peterson, Bournemouth, Dorset: ‘Lacey goes to Bulgaria’ Susan Row, Ferndown, Dorset: ‘Lacey goes to Turkey’ Ken West MBE, Christchurch, Dorset: ‘Lacey goes to the Isles of Scilly’ The date of release of the e-book anthology ‘Lacey Lightfoot’s Awesome Adventures,’ will be announced shortly.

Authors’ biographies Tony McDonald writing as Tod Argent moved to Dorset in 1991 after a career in the regular army and settled in Bournemouth with his family. He had a second career as a schoolteacher, then retired. Always interested in poetry, stories and storytelling, he has self-published children’s fiction and poetry and is now gathering momentum in a number of different genres.

The Dorset countryside is a constant delight for Tony, his family and dogs. Other interests include golf, astronomy and rockets.

To see his work, visit www.todargent.co.uk Phyllis Higgins began writing when she moved to Frome in 1999 and had more time to pursue her interest in this hobby. She writes both short stories and poetry.

She enjoys entering writing competitions and has been successful with many of her pieces being short-listed or winning. Her work has appeared in ‘Writing Magazine’ and she has read her stories and poems at the local ‘poetry café’ and on the radio station Frome FM. Phyllis’ story ‘In Sickness and in Health’ was highly commended in the mags4dorset Creative Writing Awards 2012.

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4DORSET April 2015

Robert ForresterAddie used to be a commercial photographer and travelled the world flying with the cream of the RAF test pilots for 25 years using mostly highspeed cine cameras. In the 60s, he designed and printed postcard cartoons to be sold in aid of the RNLI. In the 80s, he paddled round the Isle of Wight in an inflatable canoe for the RNLI. He also climbed Cadair Idris to raise funds for the Wessex Scanner Appeal. On his 70th birthday, he and his wife ascended Snowdon. He climbed Ben Nevis, with his son Max, for the Ringwood First Responders and is a Tuesday skipper at Sailability.

He’s had a few DIY articles printed in the 60s and70s, and a chapter in a Flying book in the 90s.

A member of the U3A writing for fun group in Ringwood, he said his ‘ghast’ was quite ‘flabbered’ when he learned his story had been included in the Lacey Lightfoot anthology.

Christine Genovese lived in Salisbury from 1971 to 1991 where she juggled teaching, family, gardening and life generally. She also discovered a passion for writing when she joined an evening class in creative writing.

She moved to rural Normandy in 1991 where she resumed her teaching career while immersing herself in a different lifestyle.

She continues writing about whatever catches her interest and she has recently had two literary articles published on the Threshold website. She has won second prize and been shortlisted in Word Hut competitions as well as winning first prize in the 2012 mags4dorset creative writing awards for her article ‘Brave Dame Mary’.

Sue Kilpatrick has been writing as a hobby for several years. She has attended creative writing classes, and experimented with both fiction and non fiction. To date, she has written a couple of articles for a Christian magazine, and had some poems published. She is pleased her story was chosen for the anthology, as it will be her first short story in print.

writing Kate Nivison was born in Boscombe and is now based in London. She is active in several writers’ groups and has had hundreds of short stories, serials and travel/general interest features published in a wide variety of magazines and newspapers, here and abroad. Her guide for beginner writers, ‘How to Turn Your Holidays into Popular Fiction’, was published in 1994 and her first novel, ‘Tiger Country’ (1998) is set mainly in Sri Lanka. Kate worked in Africa (Nigeria and Zambia) for 10 years, and two of her three children were born there. Her second novel, ‘The Wine is Red’ (2009) is based in West Africa and ‘Travelling Light – Short Stories and Travel Writing to Take You Away From It All’ (2011) are both available on Amazon.co.uk in paperback or on Kindle. She enjoys talking about writing, and loves lecturing on cruise ships because she doesn’t have to cook.

Jane Parkinson is a 51-year-old housewife and mother from Frogham in the New Forest.

She enjoyed writing at school but got side-tracked by her job as a PA and this is the first time she has put pen to paper since her student days over 30 years ago. In her spare time she enjoys travelling, photography and reading other people’s literary efforts.

She is hoping you will enjoy this anthology and that you recommend it to all your friends so she can become an overnight success!

Anne Peterson is a poet and writer who enjoys humour, particularly in performance poetry, as well as more serious work.

She has won and been placed in many competitions and had poems and short stories published on the Internet and in magazines.

Her writing career began in public relations writing newsletters, press releases, interviews and speeches. After gaining an MA in Creative and Critical Writing, Anne finished her first novel, and continued writing poetry and short stories. She has published a short collection of humorous verse and a children’s book. She is also part of SOUTH poetry magazine’s editorial team, responsible for typesetting and design.

Anne is a member of Poole Writers’ Circle, where she gives occasional poetry workshops, and also runs Speakeasy, a spokenword group in Wimborne. She has lived in Dorset since 1982 enjoying the opportunities for painting and gardening it gives her and is a strong believer in positive thinking.

She is now working on her second novel, set in Bulgaria.

Sue Row started writing short stories after taking voluntary redundancy from the civil service in 2004. She has entered several short story competitions and has had some success, winning first prize in a competition run by the St John Thomas Charitable Trust for novice writers in 2008 and second prize in the WritersReign short story competition in 2013. She is a member of the Society of Civil and Public Service Writers and has won third prize in their annual Lewis Wright short story competition. Sue subscribes to Writing Magazine and had one of her entries in their monthly short story competition shortlisted. Since moving to Ferndown last year, she has joined Ferndown U3A’s Creative Writing Group.

Ken West’s background as a local government officer was all about being precise, factual and to the point.

He says he finds short story writing pretty difficult and is humbled at how good so many writers in Dorset have proved to be. His Lacey story is his first short story success. More of his work can be found at www. naturalburialcreator.co.uk

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

| 29

local

Bournemouth Council calls for REFUSAL OF NAVITUS WIND FARM PROPOSAL To mark the official close of the examination period for EDF Energy and Eneco’s controversial Navitus Bay offshore wind farm, Bournemouth Borough Council has warned that the development will significantly harm the region’s natural beauty, the setting of two areas of outstanding natural beauty and remove significant employment from the resort

T

he council is calling for the project to be rejected on the grounds that it will cause irreparable damage to the tourism industry and the beauty of the bay and contravenes national planning policy.

In its final message to the government’s planning inspectorate, responsible for making a recommendation to the Secretary of State to approve or reject the offshore wind farm, Bournemouth Council fiercely condemned the vast offshore wind farm development proposed in Poole Bay as follows: 1.

The industrial-scale, highly visible turbines, located in Poole Bay for over 25 years would be classed as permanent structures and fall into the highest category of harm in terms of visual assessment - further risking the international designation of the Jurassic Coast as a World Heritage Site. The Jurassic Coast is England’s first and only natural WHS.

2.

EDF and Eneco’s developer has provided inaccurate, misleading and biased information and assessments to the Planning Inspectorate by: • Dismissing and discrediting its own research revealing over six million visitors will stop coming to Bournemouth while the wind farm is constructed. A tourist exodus on this scale will undermine the local economy to the tune of £100m every year, yet Navitus Bay continues to argue that such an impact is ‘insignificant’; • Classifying the estimated 4,923 jobs lost as a consequence of this project as ‘insignificant’ while claiming that the estimated 140 jobs created amount to a ‘significant’ benefit; • Attempting to compare what would be one of the world’s largest wind farms in a thriving tourism resort to small and remote onshore wind farms or wind farms in resorts which are surely not comparable to Bournemouth and whose tourism appeal does not rely on beautiful, natural surroundings; • Using non-site specific data and surveys to make spurious economic impact assessments; • Adopting inconsistent methodologies to evaluate the employment effects in order to hide the jobs lost and promote the few jobs created.

3.

The area’s visitor economy is forecast to lose £6.3 billion over the life of the project with 4,923 people forced out of work. Yet the French giant – Electricite de France (EDF) and Eneco have failed to acknowledge or provide compensation for the damage it will cause.

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4DORSET April 2015

In response, Mike Unsworth, Navitus Bay project director said, “We have a long-track record of working with local communities on major energy projects and understand the concerns raised.

This is why the project team has undertaken an unprecedented four rounds of public consultation and provided extensive and independent insight into both the potential impacts and benefits the wind park could bring.

“Navitus Bay has engaged in extensive work with the conservation organisations involved in the management of UK Heritage Sites. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has taken these representations on board and concluded last year that the wind park ‘would not have an undue adverse effect’ on the site’s Outstanding Universal Value. The Culture Secretary was careful to make this point clear when he recently wrote: English Heritage and Natural England, advisory bodies to DCMS and DEFRA respectively have both expressed the view that the Wind Park will not cause significant harm to the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site and would not constitute a breach of Article 4 of the World Heritage Convention.”

Yet in a covering letter to local Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns, dated 13 February 2015, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Sajid Javid makes a contradictory statement: I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Jurassic Coast and take in its staggering natural beauty for myself. It would be a tragedy if future generations were denied the chance to enjoy this experience, and I share your concerns about the impact on your community’s economy if this unique site were put at risk in any way.

That’s why I have ensured that my department has now done everything possible within the law to make the planning authorities aware of the potential heritage and tourism implications of the proposed development.

Regarding tourism, Mike Unsworth said, “Tourism was addressed in particular detail and numerous independent studies have found that tourism in Bournemouth, and anywhere across the coast, will not be significantly impacted by Navitus Bay. This is supported by evidence collected from coastal towns and resorts near existing offshore wind parks – many of which are closer to shore than Navitus Bay would be.”

He added that opponents of the wind park had used statistics from the Navitus Bay tourism survey in isolation without taking into account the detailed wider analysis and conclusions of the report, which meant that some data had been viewed misleadingly. “Overall, the tourism survey found that the wind park will not have a significantly adverse impact on tourism,” he said.

But Councillor John Beesley, Leader of Bournemouth Borough Council strongly disagrees. “Navitus Bay threatens to industrialise and irrevocably damage the outstandingly beautiful and natural Dorset coast. Nearly 200 giant wind turbines, a third taller than the Isle of Wight as you look out to sea, will dominate Poole Bay. The area’s core tourism appeal offering an unspoilt bay with beautiful and natural views, will be lost. The life blood of local businesses will be sucked away - and the more vulnerable small independent businesses will be worst hit,” he said, adding, “Navitus Bay hurts Bournemouth to its

core. The sheer scale, location and risks of this development are unprecedented. Never before has a wind farm of this magnitude been proposed that also directly threatens Britain’s premier resort and jeopardises the Jurassic Coast’s status as a World Heritage Site.

“Renewable energy is important but should not need to come at the expense of a unique national asset, local jobs and businesses; nor should it force a thriving tourism economy into reverse.”

Mike Unsworth said, “Navitus Bay fully recognises the importance of the local tourism industry, and we have taken active steps to safeguard it. Independent studies have found that tourism in Bournemouth, and anywhere across the coast, will not be significantly impacted by Navitus Bay.” This is contested by Bournemouth Tourism Management Board (BTMB). Its new chairman Des Simmons, Managing Director of Bournecoast Ltd said, “It is totally unacceptable that Navitus Bay’s consortium led by Électricité de France (EDF Energy) is refusing to acknowledge or meet its environmental and economic obligations. It wants to turn England’s beautiful, unspoilt Poole Bay into an industrial landscape and destroy Bournemouth’s vital tourism business to boot.

The only reason for building the vast wind farm so close to shore is for EDF Energy and its Dutch partner Eneco to save money and profiteer.

“To rub salt into the wound they are not even prepared to discuss compensation with the tourism businesses around Poole Bay for the massive loss in income that Navitus Bay’s own research is predicting. They are compensating fishermen as well as boat and dive charter companies, why not other tourism businesses?”

BTMB is currently working with local businesses and the community to highlight the severity of the problems that will be caused if the scheme goes ahead.

“We recognise that offshore wind is new to the South Coast,” said Mike Unsworth, “and there are understandable perceptions and uncertainties with something new. For this reason, we have put in place a £15 million tourism fund to mitigate any minor impact relating to such perceptions. Navitus Bay could add significant economic benefit to the region of up to £1.6 billion, and will create at least 1,700 jobs. This will have a positive impact on the local community across the south coast.”

He also mentioned that there are currently over 1000 wind turbines in UK waters with the majority significantly closer to tourism resorts than Navitus Bay would be and that no significant impacts have been observed.

To conclude, he explained the mitigation option: “During the examination phase, we have provided the Planning Inspectorate with a ‘Turbine Mitigation Option’. This 630MW option is further offshore, with fewer turbines, and provides a different balance of impacts and benefits to the original 970MW scheme. While it does not replace our original 970MW proposal, it does provide PINS and the Secretary of State with a second option.

“The decision lies with the Secretary of State but we’re confident in our application and believe the scheme would make an important contribution to the UK and communities across the South Coast.”

The final decision should be made by the end of 2015.

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features

Ferndown Industrial Estate

LEADING THE WAY From its simple beginnings as a brickworks to its modern day factories and offices, Ferndown Industrial Estate has expanded rapidly over the years. It is now leading the way in many areas, including superfast broadband

T

he first Business Improvement District (BID) on industrial estates in Dorset was launched at Ferndown and Uddens last September.

Russell Bowyer, chairman of the Ferndown and Uddens BID and David McIntosh, Chief Executive of Christchurch and East Dorset Councils signed the five year Operational Agreement overseen by Cllr Simon Tong, East Dorset’s Lead Member for the Economy.

A BID is a formal designation that enables

groups of businesses to work together and commission projects to improve their local trading environment. BIDs are democratic and it had to be endorsed by businesses on the estates through a formal independent ballot before it could be established. The vote was carried by a majority of two to one.

There are 400 businesses employing 4,000 people on the estates and an approved business plan set out the main task to be achieved over the BID’s initial five year period. A lot has been achieved over the first seven months.

Russell Bowyer, chairman of the Ferndown and Uddens BID (left) and David McIntosh, Chief Executive of Christchurch and East Dorset Councils signed the five year Operational Agreement overseen by Cllr Simon Tong, East Dorset’s Lead Member for the Economy

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

| 31

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

What the

BID

has done and is doing Safety and security and CCTV

Improving security on the estates using modern CCTV has been the first priority. The chosen system uses advanced Number Plate Recognition and Infra Red technologies. By working in partnership with Dorset Police and Dorset County Council the cameras will be monitored in real time 24 hours a day.

Transport and accessibility

The BID is working with Dorset County Council to access the £100,000 Local Sustainability Transport Fund. This fund together with a contribution from the BID budget will be used to improve accessibility to the estates.

32 |

4DORSET April 2015

advertising features

DORSET TEA™ THE WHEEL Dorset Tea™ is the result of SPECIALIST 80 years blending tea in this beautiful county. Dorset Tea™ has carefully selected teas from Africa and India to create this Golden Blend tea that is deliciously smooth and full of flavour.

Bright, warming and invigorating Dorset Tea Breakfast Blend brings life, colour and vitality to everyday moments, giving you the natural taste of Dorset no matter where you are or what you’re doing.

The Dorset Tea™ range of fruit, herbal and green tea is inspired by life in Dorset and captures the all round loveliness of our beautiful county. Packed in 20 tag and envelope sachets in dual purpose cartons suitable for retail and food service, each of the flavours has a deliciously Dorset twist.

The Dorset Tea™ Golden Blend is proud to use 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified™ tea.

The UK’s leading alloy wheel repair, refurbishment and customisation specialist provides a professional service that transforms the look of any car.

The Wheel Specialist offers outstanding customer service, guaranteed quality finishes and durability. A same day service at a fraction of the cost of replacement wheels. Expert advice and quality whether drivers are looking for alloy wheel refurbishment or just want a new look.

Same day service available The refurbished finish is guaranteed for 12 months New tyres and specialist products available

STUDIO ONE

Established by Principal Denise Booth in 1981, Studio One (DCPA) has two Dance Studios, a dance wear shop and costume and props store, all situated on Ferndown Industrial Estate.

Providing classes for all ages in Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern/Jazz, Acrobatic Dance, Musical Theatre, Singing, Pre-School and Zumba.

Royal Academy of Dance / British Theatre Dance Association / London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features

AUTOGLAZE LTD NEWNHAM Autoglaze Ltd offer a fully mobile, AND JORDAN nationwide service for windscreen replacements and repairs, window SOLICITORS tinting and vehicle conversions, as well as other specialist vehicle glazing.

Any vehicle glass fitted; Domestic, Commercial or Fleet.

For fast, expert fitting with lifetime guarantee call 0800 028 4484 or 01202 864400. Visit the website for more information: www.autoglaze.co.uk

TECHNICAL WINDOW FILMS Technical Window Films offer window tinting for any application from vehicles and residential properties, to shop fronts and large scale commercial projects. “We are proud to be one of the only UK window tinting companies installing the newest and most technologically advanced window films and recognised as one of the best window film installers in Europe.” www.technicalwindowfilms.co.uk

Newnham and Jordan Solicitors is a fast growing and forward thinking legal practice offering a wide range of legal services.

Their core philosophy is to provide a fresh approach to your legal needs whilst supporting you with professional legal advice, high levels of customer service and a competitive pricing structure.

They aim to provide advice and assistance with the utmost integrity, in a friendly, approachable manner and in a language that you will understand.

Their head office at Peartree Business Centre on the Ferndown Industrial Estate is easily accessed from locations throughout Dorset, Hampshire, South Wiltshire and beyond. Peartree Business Centre has extensive car parking on site and comfortable private meeting rooms.

For full details of the services that they offer please visit our website www. newnham-jordan.co.uk or call them for an initial consultation on 0845 680 7871.

The BID services to business Broadband

By working with Superfast Dorset and the Dorset LEP the BID was able to ensure that the estates were the first in Dorset to have modern fibre based systems. These dramatically improve download speeds for businesses.

Delivery was ahead of schedule.

Directory

An online estates Business Directory is being prepared so that levy payers can know their neighbours better and the services and expertise they provide. This can foster trade on the estates and closer collaborations to save time and money.

Planning protocol

A protocol that gives the business voice greater strength is being developed with East Dorset District Council as part of their ‘Going for Growth’ initiative. This protocol will ensure that the BID is consulted on proposals that could have an impact on running a business on the estates. This will include the Blunts Farm employment site located between the estates and the A31, any proposed allocation for a Gypsy and Traveller site as well as individual applications for planning permission.

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

| 33

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

BID Communications Events

Three free information events have been held on the estate where specialist on topics including Superfast Broadband, Cyber Crime and available Business Support have been attended by over 100 businesses. A future event will provide practical information on the apprenticeship system and help for training. Information has also been provided on events held by partners that might be of interest to levy payers.

- advertising feature -

KNIGHTS AUTOS

It’s business as usual at Knights Autos with new owners Tom and Kerry Taylor welcoming existing and new customers to the garage which has been a part of Ferndown Industrial Estate for the last 13 years.

The husband and wife team took over the business in February and have drawn on their 11 years of experience of vehicle serving, MOT testing and diagnostics to ensure the garage continues to give the excellent service for which it is known.

With Tom running the engineering side of the business, and Kerry offering a welcome in reception, drivers of all types of vehicles are discovering that Knights Autos is still then place to go for high quality service.

34 |

4DORSET April 2015

advertising features

Ferndown Industrial Estate

advertising features

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Wimborne’s best kept secret

Ferndown Industrial Estate according to its postal address, is actually in Wimborne - advertising feature -

RED ONION BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Let Red Onion Business Solutions help deliver fulfilment/hand assembly projects including sending out your calendars/gifts/letters to your customers, adding contents to gift bags for a business show, attaching samples of your product to information cards, fold items and attach/glue items together.

Outsource your fulfilment and free up space in your business premises as well as freeing up time to work on your sales.

DANCING DAISY

Dancing Daisy sells good quality dancewear and dance shoes online at value for money prices, making ballet and dance an affordable and enjoyable pastime available to everyone. Priding themselves on customer service, the staff at the Dancing Daisy family are always happy to help. The website is open for orders 24/7 with same day dispatch and secure payment system. Local click and collect available.

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

| 35

local

Are you ready for

THE VOICE?

THE HEAT IS ON – WITH AN EPIC SHOWDOWN OF MUSICAL TALENT ABOUT TO TAKE PLACE - THE NEW ‘VOICE OF FERNDOWN’ WILL SOON BE REVEALED The final will take place on 17 April at the Barrington Theatre in Penny’s Walk so book your tickets now before its too late.

With 15 acts to see, prepare yourself for a great night of entertainment. The running order is as follows: 7-8pm Charlie Woodford, Catherine Smith, Mark Anstead, Amie Knight, Annelies Paris, Jenny Oag, Yui Karlberg and Hazel Feighery. A 15 minute break will be followed by Katie Laurilla, Nicole McNally, Emma Jane Toop, Carlos Anthony Heath, Lauren Fitzgerald, Karl Vogts and Melissa Barton.

Judges include local music and comedy legend Matt Black, manager of Forest FM Steve Saville and singer and music agent Jax Hall. Compere and organiser Steve Lugg said, “We are building the contemporary music hub for East Dorset right here in Ferndown and expect the now famous Sunday Club (where the finalist are selected) to return in September. Do keep your Programme and use it as your local music directory when you need an artist.”

As well as the judges’ choice, there will also be a public vote.

Previous winners Harmony Twist will perform while the decisions are made. The winner, runner up and public favourite will then be presented with their prizes before singing their final song.

Tickets are only £4 from the Barrington Theatre, 01202 894858 or book online www.barringtoncentre.co.uk

Disappointment for Studland Bay protection plans Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is shocked and bitterly disappointed that Studland Bay has not been included in the latest MCZ (Marine Conservation Zone) public consultations.

DWT’s Marine Awareness Officer, Julie Hatcher said, “Currently there is still no protection in place for Studland Bay, despite clear ecological evidence in support of the designation, and Natural England identifying it as a site at high risk of damage.

During a survey carried out in 2013, 88% of er tch Ha ie Jul Seahorse © boaters questioned

expressed support for protection for Studland Bay.” The bay is home to a large sea-grass meadow, which is a priority conservation habitat and important for both UK seahorse species – the spiny seahorse and the short snouted seahorse. It also provides a nursery area for a range of commercial fish species such as bream, plaice, sole, pollack and bass, and for the endangered undulate ray.

Julie adds: “DWT believes that management measures are available that will allow recreational boaters to carry on visiting the bay and strengthen the local economy. Defra has not taken into account that there are potential economic benefits of designating the site and restoring it to its full health.”

DWT is looking for as much support as possible to get Studland Bay considered in the next set of public consultations. To send an email to Defra asking them to consider this important site for protection, visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/saveMCZs

BIONIC

Storm

When Vanessa Ricketts from Bournemouth woke one morning to find her eightyear-old Doberman paralysed and crying in pain, she rushed her to the vet. Storm needed specialist treatment and was referred to Southern County Veterinary Specialists in Ringwood where she was admitted for an MRI scan.

Wobbler syndrome, a debilitating condition causing compression of the spinal cord and prevalent in Dobermans and Great Danes, was diagnosed and Vanessa was told that Storm required surgery costing nearly £5,500.

Luckily she had Storm insured, or so she thought, but regardless of the insurance, Vanessa gave the go-ahead. All

36 |

4DORSET April 2015

she wanted was Storm to regain her quality of life. “She’s only eight and has a good few years left in her,” said Vanessa who works at Ferndown Town Council. “I’d already lost another Doberman at the beginning of the year when he died aged 14, and I couldn’t face losing Storm too.”

Adamo disc surgery was carried out by two vets who completed the pioneering surgery entering through Storm’s neck and inserting a titanium Adamo disc to relieve the pressure.

When Vanessa checked her insurance policy, she was dismayed to find that her policy would only cover 35% of the costs because of Storm’s age, and that was after the excess had been paid, plus the limit of the policy was £4,000.

Vanessa said, “The most important thing was to save Storm, but my recommendation to other pet owners is to check their insurance policies. It wasn’t until Storm was seriously ill that I checked mine and discovered that the amount covered by the insurance was greatly reduced when Storm reached eight, because she was classed as an older dog.”

Storm’s treatment is still ongoing, with follow-up x-rays required. She is also having physiotherapy, but is recovering well. This picture shows the scar on Storm’s neck after surgery.

L-R Michele of Carly’s Craft s, winner Jan and Ben Pulford, MD mags4dorset

Birthday entry scoops

£1,000 Entering CashUnity on her birthday proved lucky for Bournemouth woman Jan Wiltshire A regular customer of Carly’s Crafts in Winton, Jan entered on her birthday after buying wool from the shop owner Michele Kennedy to Jan designed this beach hut knit a gift for throw and knitte d it for a friend a friend.

To her amazement, her entry was drawn as the winner meaning she is £1,000 better off.

A clerk at Beales HQ, Jan won £500 cash, £250 to spend at Carly’s Crafts and five £50 vouchers to spend at other CashUnity businesses of her choice, making a total of £1,000.

Knitting has been a part of Jan’s life since she was a child, “I find it relaxing,” she said. “I knit for family and friends and like to be creative.

I recently made a beach hut throw as a personal gift and an unusual knitted trinket box.”

Jan has put her £500 cash towards a holiday in Australia that she and her husband are saving up for. She is looking forward to buying £250 more wool at Carly’s Crafts for future projects and will be spending her 5 x £50 CashUnity vouchers as follows: £100 at Forum Jewellers, £50 at the Fish Inn, £50 at the Avon Causeway and £50 at Selby Butchers.

Michele at Carly’s Crafts said, “Whenever a customer spends £10 or over, I always push CashUnity. It is lovely to see a regular customer win such a treat. CashUnity is a great way to get people shopping locally.”

CashUnity

Specified Period 1 Apr 2015 - 30 Apr 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 £14,500 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

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

THINK PRINT

7 High Street, BH23 1AB 01202 473167

TONY HAIR

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

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

Close Date 5 May 2015

UNDERWOOD EYECARE

THE FISH INN

XEROCAD PRINT CENTRE

LIBERTY’S OWL, RAPTOR & REPTILE CENTRE

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

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

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

FORDINGBRIDGE BOOKSHOP 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

CROW FARM SHOP

Crow, BH24 3EA 01425 473290 crowfarmshop.com

West Street, BH24 2AA 01425 473185 thefishinn.net

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

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

RINGWOOD SOUND & VISION

DRUSILLA’S INN

58 High Street, BH24 1AG 01425 478688 ringwoodsoundandvision.co.uk

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

SCOLTOCKS HEALTH FOODS

F B SALON

1 Market Place, BH24 1AN 01425 473787

SOUL SHED

(Cultural Gifts Store) 4 Fridays Court, High Street, BH24 1AB 07786 282381

ST MARTIN’S GALLERY

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

TOWNHOUSE HAIRDRESSING

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

THE SWANS RESTAURANT

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

Mill Lane, BH21 1JQ 01202 842282

LITTLE CANFORD GARAGE

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

MIRAGE BOUTIQUE 28 Mill Lane, BH21 1JQ 01202 881931

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

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 euronics.co.uk/service-support/ store-finder

CARLY’S CRAFTS

1A Cardigan Road, BH9 1BJ 01202 512106

WAYAHEAD TRAVEL

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

in and around the area

what’s on

this month 28 March-12 April 1.30am-4pm

Easter Egg Trail at Kingston Lacy, Wimborne. 01202 883402

1-11 April

Buster Bunnies Big Easter Activities, Priest’s House Museum and Garden, Wimborne. 01202 882533.

4 April 1-4pm

Ferndown and District Horticultural Association spring show, Ferndown Village Hall, Church Road, Ferndown. Free entry. Schedules and entry forms 01425 276164.

8 April 10.30am-12.15pm

‘History and Work of The Priest’s House Museum’ talk by James Webb in The Scout Hall, off Station Road, Wimborne, in support of The Phoenix Stroke Survivors Support Group, Wimborne. 01202 884737

9 April 10.15am

New Milton Decorative and Fine Arts Society. ‘From Michelangelo to You – The Story of Art and Science’ by Sally Hoban at Memorial Centre, Whitefield Road. 01590 643046

10 April 7.30pm

Ferndown & District Horticultural Association, ‘Location. Location’ a photographic journey around Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire with John Lewis.

Ferndown Village Hall, Church Road, Ferndown.

11 April 12noon-4pm Wimborne Horticultural Society spring show, Allendale Centre, Wimborne. 01202 887006

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4DORSET April 2015

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

13 April 7.30pm

Jonathan Duke, regional community fundraising manager, talking about Save the Children’s programmes running in the UK at Christchurch branch’s annual meeting, Portfield Community Hall, Portfield Road, Christchurch.

13 April 7.30pm

Wimborne Horticultural Society, ‘Trick or Treat’ by Ron Taylor.

Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne. £1, non-members £2.

13 April 2.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society, illustrated talk ‘Daffodil/Narcissus Hunting in the Wild’ by Derrick DonnisonMorgan. West Moors Memorial Hall. 01202 871536

16 April 8pm

Verwood Traditional Jazz Club, The Hideaway. 17 Moorlands Road, Verwood presents Bob Reynolds New Society Jazz Band. Doors open 7pm 01202 873725

18 April 10am-4pm

Braeside Bowling Club, Braeside Road, St Leonards, open day. 01425 476754

18 April 10am-4pm

New Forest Jazz Workshop meets at Godshill Village Hall, near Fordingbridge.

Different musical director / tutor every time. For anyone of any musical level and taste who aspires to have a go at improvising, without any ‘dots’ who gradually wants to learn to play by ear. 20 members.

Several gigs a year.

For more information call Derek 01425 650770. www.NewForestJazzWorkshop. co.uk

18 April 7.30pm

Swanage Railway Steam Gala.

01929 425800 800

Grange Choral Society Concert, Christchurch Priory including Duruflé Requiem, Faure’s Requiem, Cantique de Jean Racine, and Pavane.

Conductor Marcio Da Silva.

Tickets 01202 479059, and 01202 399139 and on door. £16, £9, students £5.

17 April 7pm

18 April 7.30pm

17-19 April

Ferndown Voice 2015 final, Barrington Theatre. £4. 01202 894858

18 April 10am-4pm

Poole Vikings Model Club scale model exhibition, Parkstone Grammar School, Sopers Lane, Poole. Displays include aviation, military, transport, marine and sci-fi models. Over 100 tables showing art and craft of scale model making. £3, £1.50 children. 01202 743494

Fayrewood Singers spring concert, Verwood Methodist Church. 01202 280491

19 April 7.30pm

Bournemouth Gilbert and Sullivan Operatic Society, ‘I Have a Song to Sing, O!’ at Regent Centre, Christchurch.

01202 499199

21 April 6pm

Dream Machines, Poole Quay.

21 April 7.30pm

Verwood Historical Society, talk by David Reeve ‘Law and Disorder in 17th century Wimborne’. St Michael’s Parish Centre off Manor Road.

01202 824175

21 April 7.30pm

29 April 7.30pm

Verwood Organ and Keyboard Society. John Mann playing an Eminent at Hub. £7, members £5. Doors open 7pm. 01202 814976

4 May 11am

Southern England Town Criers’ competition, Wimborne town centre.

Concert of popular music

by Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society at The Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne.

01202 590383.

6 May 12noon

23 April 11am

8-10 May

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

23 April 7pm

St George’s Day concert, Wimborne Minster. Organised

by EDDC chairman Cllr Robin Cook in aid of Alzheimer’s Society and Friends of Victoria Hospital Wimborne.

Bournemouth University and Arts University Orchestra and Chamber Choir. Music by English composers. £10, £5 students. Wimborne TIC or 07968 265897

25 April

Melverley School, Colehill (1931-1970), tea party reunion.

01202 825774

26 April 9am-5pm

Boatjumble, Boatmall and Boatmart, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst. 01590 612888

27 April 2-4pm

Ringwood WI demonstration of ‘Chocolate Creations’ by Angela Brice. The Meeting House, Ringwood.

01425 470826

Ferndown Probus Club lunch and talk ‘Writing Books’, Dudsbury Golf Club. 01202 875757 Diesel gala, Swanage Railway, Swanage. 01929 425800

8 May 7.30pm

Ferndown and District Horticultural Association, ‘Bournemouth and Area Magic Lantern Show’ with Janet Burns. Ferndown Village Hall, Church Road, Ferndown.

9 May 10am

West Moors Horticultural Society plant sale, West Moors Memorial Hall.

01202 871536

11 May 11am

Understanding Dermatology

by Dr Ian Pearson, Consultant Dermatologist. Organised

by Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at the Village Hotel, opposite RBH. 01202 704271

11 May 7.30pm

‘Shakespeare’s Fantastic Garlands’ by Gerald Ponting.

Wimborne Horticultural Society, Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne. £1, non-members £2.

in and around the area

Upton Country Park expands Poole has a new area of parkland An additional 12 hectare extension has been opened at Upton Country Park providing space for walking and includes meadows, woodland, views and a stream which can be crossed via bridges or stepping stones. To celebrate, 200 native bluebell and daffodil bulbs have been planted ready to flower for the 200th anniversary of Upton House in 2016.

The new parkland is a designated Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). As well as providing public open space, dog walkers will be able to let dogs off lead as an alternative to using Upton Heath SSSI and other protected heathland sites where increased use can have an impact on the fragile local habitat. An enclosed dog training area will be created in time for the summer. A 24 space car park with access off Poole Road (opposite Pony Drive) is to be built.

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Peter Adams, said: “The new parkland has a wonderful network of paths to explore new aspects of the country park and for all the family to enjoy the great outdoors.”

The expansion work has been funded by £350,000 developer contributions from local building projects which have been set aside for heathland mitigation.

Cllr Xena Dion, Poole’s cabinet portfolio holder for open spaces, said: “Poole is growing and has to provide 10,000 new homes by 2026, which also increases our need for recreational space. This new parkland offers an attractive open space for everyone and an alternative to using local protected heathland which is home to some of the rarest wildlife in the country.”

English music for PATRON SAINT Wimborne Minster will be the venue for a concert organised

by Cllr Robin Cook in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society and Friends of Victoria Hospital, Wimborne, the charities he is supporting during his year in office as Chairman of East Dorset District Council.

Starting at 7pm on Thursday 23 April, the concert will be performed by Bournemouth University and Arts University Orchestra and Chamber Choir featuring music by English composers.

Robin said: “I am delighted that the Universities have agreed to support this event, and will be able to show off their musical talent in this fine venue.”

The best loved musicals in one spectacular show If you love musicals, mags4dorset and The Regent Centre, Christchurch have the perfect competition for you.

Back To Broadway, the all-singing, all-dancing, theatrical sensation that invites audiences to take a breathtaking journey through the magical world of musicals, is coming to the Regent. Now in its 4th successful year, Back To Broadway has a stunning new show for 2015. The best loved songs from the world’s greatest musicals including Phantom of the Opera, Lion King, Chicago, Les Misérables, West Side Story, Wicked, Copacabana and many more. With unforgettable performances, dazzling costumes and original choreography, all backed by a stunning New York setting, this is a hit show not to be missed.

There are two tickets to be won for the show on 23 May at 7.30pm For your chance to be in the audience answer this question:

In which city would you find Broadway?

COM P ET

ITION

HOWTOENTER Enter through our website: www.mags4dorset. co.uk or send your answer on a postcard to Back to Broadway competition, mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Closing date is 5 May 2015. The first correct entry drawn will be the winner.

Employees of Page and Pulford Ltd and The Regent Centre are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final.

Ticket £10, £5 for students. Contact Robin on 07968 265897.

Congratulations The winner of the competition for two tickets to see the Reduced Shakespeare Company in the Complete History of Comedy at the Regent Centre in Christchurch was Mike Hawkins from Somerford. The answer was America.

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

| 39

in and around the area - advertising feature -

Spinnaker Sailing Club

S

ituated on the outskirts of Ringwood, Spinnaker Sailing Club has been home to an enthusiastic band of dinghy sailors for over 50 years. Attracting families from all over Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire, Spinnaker Sailing Club is used for sailing all year round and offers members a varied menu of gentle cruising, fleet racing, team racing, training and a wide variety of social events. When time is short Spinnaker Sailing Club is the place to sail - anytime, any conditions, you can be on the water with a minimum of delay.

As a recognised RYA training centre Spinnaker Sailing Club offers courses to anyone aged 8 to 88! Sailing courses are available after school, evenings, weekends and during the school. As a family friendly sailing club the emphasis is on safety whilst having fun and learning.

To find out more about Spinnaker Sailing Club, please visit www. spinnakerclub.co.uk

Which bird will Britain take under its wing?

Barn Owl

What’s your favourite bird?

Mute Swan

For nearly 50 years, the robin has been recognised as Britain’s favourite But it could be about to be knocked off its perch following a new vote.

After months of voting, a shortlist for Britain’s Vote National Bird Campaign has been announced. Members of the public now have until 7 May to choose which of 10 birds will be crowned Britain’s National Bird.

The first round of voting took place in the autumn of 2014, when over 70,000 people voted from a long list of 60 iconic British birds The Vote National Bird Campaign was launched by David Lindo, broadcaster, writer and one of the UK’s leading ornithologists.

He discovered Britain is one of the few countries in the world not to have its own national bird - America has the Bald Eagle,

Sweden the common blackbird, Japan the Green Pheasant, France the Gallic Rooster and India has the peacock.

He explained: “It is hard to believe as a nation of animal lovers, that Britain has not got a National Bird! I want to encourage the great British public to vote for the bird that best represents all that is great about this nation.”

One of the aims of David’s campaign is to get more children interested in and enthusiastic about Great British wildlife and to encourage greater awareness of British birds in schools.

Vote at www.votenationalbird.com or by paper ballot at selected nature reserves across the UK. u

Regent’s gala fund-raiser Flushed with the success of the ongoing refurbishment programme at the Regent Centre in Christchurch, a special gala fund-raiser is being held to raise money for new toilets at the popular venue.

The black tie event on 24 April will begin with the Red Fez Orchestra in the foyer with canapés and a glass of bubbly. This will be followed by the Swing Unlimited Big Band entertaining in the auditorium.

The Red Fez Orchestra plays the music of the 1920s and 30s, a golden era of Jazz and Art Deco style which produced some of the world’s greatest dance bands and introduced the era of the flappers and their iconic dance crazes – ‘The Charleston’ and ‘Black Bottom’.

It features the talents of some of the UK’s finest musicians and they come together to create a great sounding, Fez wearing, Macassar oil slicked dance band.

Dorset’s ever popular Swing Unlimited Big Band, will be getting everyone ‘In the Mood’ with a selection of classic big band

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4DORSET April 2015

and swing standards. Their repertoire will be taken from across the decades of the Regent’s history from 1931, when the centre first opened, to the present day.

There will also be a chance during the evening to see some of the archive photos taken from the Regent’s 84 year history and featuring the life and times of the centre over the years.

Work on the new toilets at the Regent will begin during 2015 and represents the next phase in the current refurbishment programme at the centre which so far has included a new circle bar, re-decoration of the foyer and new sound and lighting facilities in the auditorium.

The gala starts at 7pm and tickets are £25.

in and around the area

Blue Tit

Hen Harrier

Kingfisher

Puffin

Red Kite

Robin

Wren

The shortlist – in no particular order - is Mute Swan

The mute swan is one of the largest flying birds in the world weighing in at anything up to 20 pounds (9kg). Once considered to be the property of the Crown they are the epitome of beauty and grace.

Red Kite

Wren

The wren is a tiny bird with a mighty voice, the third smallest bird in Britain.

Many people mistakenly believe that the Jenny Wren has always our national bird.

Hen Harrier

This beautiful raptor is the most persecuted in the UK and there is perhaps just one pair remaining in England.

Blue Tit

Amongst the most familiar of garden birds they are avid users of the feeders and nest boxes that are put out for them.

Blackbird

The blackbird is one of the most familiar birds in the land with a truly mellifluous song.

Photos: Vote National Bird Campaign

Blackbird

Barn Owl

You can’t help but be impressed by the sight of a barn owl flying at night in the countryside.

Robin

Perhaps Britain’s most famous bird, it is a member of the thrush family and rarely lives longer than a couple of years.

This glorious aerial master has won the hearts of the British public and they are an amazing conservation success. From a tiny dwindling population based in Wales, there are now in excess of 3000 red kites in Britain.

Kingfisher

The dazzling jewel of the British bird scene, but not an everyday sight for most people. Despite their bright colours, kingfishers can be easily overlooked as they spend a lot their time perched motionless by riverbanks.

Puffin

This seabird is called the sea parrot in northern Scotland. They are only in Britain during the summer before slipping off to spend the winter months in the middle of the ocean.

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

| 41

local

Julian Fellowes

opens Hardy centre ‘Under the Greenwood Tree’ Story and photos by Liz Turner It was with great enthusiasm that Lord Julian Fellowes described the new Thomas Hardy visitor centre as a hub for the telling of the author’s story.

Standing on a tree trunk, which he laughingly described as very Hardy-esque, Lord Fellowes opened the centre describing it as a “very exciting development.”

The timber built visitor centre is situated in the heart of Hardy country and Lord Fellowes said, “We are incredibly lucky to have the story of Thomas Hardy on our doorstep.” He added: “The stories are born from this soil.”

The Hardy Birthplace Visitor Centre is in Thorncombe woods, at Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester just a short walk from Hardy’s Cottage.

Lord Fellowes with members of the New Hardy Players

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4DORSET April 2015

A joint project between Dorset County Council and the National Trust, the centre is designed to help visitors find out more about Hardy and the surrounding woodland and landscapes that influenced his work.

The centre, said Lord Fellowes, who is president of the Thomas Hardy Society and lives nearby, would help establish Hardy Country as a destination for visitors in a similar way to Bronte Country in West Yorkshire.

“We’ve got so much of Hardy here,” he said citing his birthplace and his study in the Dorset County Museum. “Everything is here for people to see. It’s a very coherent story.

“I think that is a very exciting privilege for Dorset to have.”

Lord Fellowes was joined at the opening by the New Hardy Players, who performed songs and readings from Thomas Hardy.

Hardy wrote several of his early short stories, poetry and novels including ‘Under the Greenwood Tree’ and ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ in the cottage and a number of interactive activities and events are planned to help visitors learn about his life and work, as well as the conservation tasks needed to look after the area. The Hardy Players are also due to return to the cottage for some performances later in the year.

The visitor centre has been sensitively designed to have minimal impact on its setting, and built where the Dorset Countryside Rangers’ local depot previously stood. It provides interpretation and a café and toilets, as well as an office and workshop. It also has space for school and community groups to use.

The £1,027,241 project was made possible thanks to a grant of £535,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the development of the visitor centre and education trails in Thorncombe Wood.

Cllr Peter Finney, Dorset County Council’s Cabinet member for environment, said: ‘’By working together, the county council and the National Trust have managed to improve access and experience both for tourists and local residents. It will improve the way that our countryside service manages the ancient woodland at Thorncombe Wood and the associated

“Very exciting development” heathland and will provide a significant service in helping visitors to access, use and learn from both the cottage and the woods.”

Helen Mann, the National Trust’s general manager for West Dorset added: “With the new centre now open we can now give the quality of welcome that visitors expect when coming to see where Hardy lived and to show them more of the landscape that gave him such inspiration. The new building will provide a warm welcome and some basic facilities which could not be provided at the cottage but still on a scale and design appropriate to the area.”

As well as funding from the HLF, the project has also received donations from the Garfield Weston Trust, the Fine Family Foundation, the Kinsurdy Trust, National Trust Centres and Associations and the Hardy Society.

More information about the visitor centre can be found at: www.dorsetforyou.com/ Hardysbirthplace and www. nationaltrust.org.uk/hardys-cottage

specialist services AIRPORT TRANSFERS

BUILDING WORK & REPAIRS

DECORATING

CARPET CLEANING

CARPET CLEANING

GARDENING SERVICES

INTERIOR DESIGN

44 |

4DORSET April 2015

FENCING

FENCING

GARAGE DOORS

GRAPHIC DESIGN

LOCKSMITH & GLAZING

specialist services SHUTTERS & BLINDS

TILES

STAIR PARTS

STORAGE

TILING SUPPLIERS

WINDOW REPAIRS

ADVERTISE

TREE SURGERY

WEB DESIGN

WINDOW REPAIRS

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

| 45

local

MONTHLY HOROSCOPES with RUSSELL GRANT APRIL 2015

ARIES March 21 - April 20 A short trip for pleasure will lift your spirits during the middle of the month.

Be ready to accept an unusual offer near the 18th, when the New Moon invites you to take a bold, but calculated risk. You might have to spend a little more money than you would like, but this is a worthwhile expense. Money from a scholarship or grant will become available as April turns into May. Take this opportunity to expand your horizons. This is a great time to learn a craft, like landscaping, making furniture, or designing clothes.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21 Money for luxuries will be more readily available during the first half of the month. Take this opportunity to splurge on a new computer, collectable book, or fun trip. The New Moon on the 18th will inspire a vivid dream. Keep pencil and paper near your bed at this time, as you need to remember this powerful message. A friend will ask you for a loan during the second half of April. Be ready to refuse. You can’t afford to throw your resources away on someone who doesn’t understand the meaning of hard work. It’s time to put an end to this dysfunctional relationship.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21 Don’t buy into any conspiracy theories near the 8th; they’ll just stop you taking advantage of a golden opportunity.

Keep your activities under wraps towards mid-month. The last thing you need is to get unsolicited advice about an important project.

The New Moon on the 18th puts you in contact with some dynamic pioneers. Being in their presence will make you more innovative.

A fantastic idea for conserving resources will occur as April comes to a close.

This concept can be spun off into a profitable business or product.

CANCER June 22 - July 23 Easter could get stressful, thanks to tension between you and your partner. Try to share the spotlight with your amour or resentment will set in. You will feel rather reclusive in mid-April. Give yourself a little extra time to rest and relax before work really picks up. The New Moon on the 18th will attract an exciting career opportunity. If you’ve ever wanted to launch your own business, this is the best time of the entire year to do so.

An executive will entrust you with a secret at the end of the month. Mum’s the word.

LEO July 24 - August 23 Easter could take a stressful turn due to a nagging health problem. The sooner you get treated for this condition, the happier you will be. It will be much easier to pursue your dreams around the middle of the month, when obstacles that once blocked your path vanish into thin air. The New Moon on the 18th will inspire you to go on a glamorous holiday. Take advantage of last minute discounts on hotel rooms and plane fares. Your career gets a big boost as April turns to May. Be ready to apply for a promotion or high-powered position. The fringe benefits of this job will be significant.

VIRGO August 24 - September 23 An interest in law, publishing, or education will prompt you to take a class at mid-month. The New Moon on the 18th brings a windfall in the form of a royalty check or insurance settlement.

Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to collaborate on a book as April turns to May. This project will bring you plenty of intellectual stimulation. It will also allow you to make a name in your desired field.

LIBRA September 24 - October 23 The chance to write a book or study abroad will arrive in midApril. Prepare to expand your horizons. The New Moon on the 18th is perfect for entering into a business agreement or signing legal papers. Resist the urge to rush a physical relationship in the closing days of April. Patience and understanding will help your partner overcome some childhood taboos.

SCORPIO October 24 - November 22 A writing project will have to be revised in mid-April. Don’t be discouraged.

The corrections you make will be a tremendous improvement. The New Moon on the 18th is ideal for launching a health regime. Taking an unusual fitness class will be a lot more fun than you expected. Let your best friend or partner talk you into making a personal transformation as April turns to May. SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21 The opportunity to study with a talented teacher arrives on the 6th. Sign up for this class before all the spaces are taken. It becomes much easier to get the funding you need for academics in mid-April. The New Moon on the 18th is ideal for launching an art project. If you’re in the market for love, you’ll meet someone who makes your pulse pound. The attraction will be instantaneous. Avoid going to extremes as April turns to May. Practice moderation in all things.

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20 Easter could be stressful, due to a stubborn relative who challenges everything you say. Stay as far away from this trouble maker as possible. The New Moon on the 18th is perfect for adding a member to your household. Make room for a quirky relative or roommate. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to write a book or teach a class in the closing days of April.

There is a considerable market for your expertise.

AQUARIUS January 21 - February 19 The New Moon on the 18th affords a great opportunity for networking. Be sure to attend a professional conference or party near this date. Your family will be a wonderful source of support during the second half of April, offering to run errands and even financial assistance if you are in a position to help. A generous relative may even offer to guarantee a small loan for you. You’ll be very flirtatious in the final days of April, thanks to an attractive newcomer to your social circle.

The two of you have similar tastes and dislikes, which makes for hilarious conversation.

PISCES February 20 - March 20 If you’ve been looking for work, you’ll get promising responses on or around the 8th.

Mid-April is ideal for taking a class. It will take some time to master new material, but with a little patience and persistence, you will acquire expert knowledge. The New Moon on the 18th brings an unexpected source of income. It will be much easier to afford luxuries after accepting this job. Family members may not understand your growing interest in a particular subject. Don’t take the bait when they try to tease you. You will feel on top of the world when someone you respect singles you out for praise and attention at the end of April.

Vector Graphics by VectorOpenStock.com

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.

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4DORSET April 2015

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.

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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.

local

(from l-r) Councillor John Beesley, Councillor Lawrence Williams, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, and Bill Cotton, Executive Director for Environment and Economy

Revamped Pier Approach

READY FOR SUMMER Work is nearing completion at Pier Approach as the council’s 20-year vision to develop a world class seafront in Bournemouth comes a step closer.

Specially designed paving has now been laid around the water play feature to create the illusion that the Bourne stream flows from the Gardens to the sea once again.

Timber roofs are currently being built on the steel leaf structures which will form the new open shelter and landmark tourist information kiosk. Specially commissioned glass surrounds will shortly be craned into place to house the structure closest to the sea which is well on its way to becoming the new information kiosk with the internal fit-out to follow.

Two 25 metre high lighting columns have been installed either side of the Pier Entrance building and the Prom Cafe has now reopened.

The Leader of the Council,

Councillor John Beesley, said: “Improving the gateway from the gardens to the seafront is a vitally important investment for the Council and is another step towards creating a world-class resort.

“Bournemouth is bursting with award-winning gardens, parks and beaches and the redevelopment of Pier Approach will demonstrate the quality of what Bournemouth has to offer. We want the town to retain its crown as the best UK coastal resort which will require highquality attractions and continuing investment.”

The council has funded these improvement works on the eastern side of Pier Approach to underpin the tourism economy at a cost of £4 million. A future phase of work for the western side of the Pier will follow as funding allows.

The transformation of Pier Approach will be completed ahead of the summer season.

Happy ever after thanks to Facebook

The wedding photo used on Facebook

Baby and wedding photos which were accidentally given to a charity shop have been reunited with their owners thanks to community good Samaritans.

Christine Caferler, from Bournemouth, handed the priceless photos to the Sue Ryder Charity shop in Winton, not realising they were in a fan heater box.

When they were discovered, the charity store, which is a part of the Winton Shopwatch scheme, told the police community support officers who launched a Facebook appeal to reunite the photos with their owners.

PCSOs Adam Cleaver and Roslyn Curtis posted one of the wedding images onto the Winton Safer Neighbourhood Team Facebook page. The photo spread quickly, with over 100 shares, and someone recognised the couple in the picture.

Christine said: “I wanted to donate a heater and handed the box over without thinking that there was something else inside.

“I certainly would’ve been devastated to have lost them! I am very grateful to the staff at the charity shop and to the Winton officers for their efforts.”

Police Constable Gareth Bridger, of North Bournemouth’s SNT, said: “This is a great illustration of the initiative and community spirit shown between the stores on the Shopwatch scheme and the SNTs. “It also shows how social media can be used in a positive way.”

For more information about Winton Shopwatch, contact PC Gareth Bridger on 101.

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

Linen chest and lining bag. As new. £25 ono.

West Moors. 01202 870703 3 piece suite, G plan, cream and leaf pattern.

Excellent condition. Sale due to house move. £150. West Moors. 01202 896922 Thread cotton, over 300 assorted reels, general and machine embroidery. New. £20.

Alderholt. 01425 652035 5ft bed, solid pine, 4 drawers, 2 x 2ft 6in mattresses and linen. Free – pay for transport.

Verwood. 01202 825191 Reebok motorised running machine. £150 Large glass/stainless steel TV table. £40.

Both as new. Verwood. 01202 829363 Table tennis table wanted. Ashley Heath.

Ringwood. 01425 482664 Two single headboards, padded £30. Under counter silver larder fridge. £40. St Leonards.

01425 483896 Swan slow cooker, large. £15. Samsung DVD/VCD/CD/MP3 player 5224. £30.

Fordingbridge. 01425 656986 Chamberlain auto single garage door opener. £39. Draper WTL90 variable speed wood turning lathe, stand and centres. £59.

West Moors. 01202 892185

Fully lined curtains, light gold colour, pencil pleat heading. 1 pair 1.3 x 1.3m, 1 pair 2.1 x 5.4m, 1 pair 2.1 x 3.4m and single double sided 2.1 x 3.2m. Excellent condition. £75. Ashley Heath. 01425 480468

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.

Approx 70 pieces of hardwood, mainly oak.

Sizes 880 x 60 x 60cm to 1200 x 60 x 32cm.

Offers. Ringwood. 01425 470079

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

Men’s black patent lace up evening shoes, size 13/14. New. £25 ono. Alderholt. 01425 650282

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Aluminium wall greenhouse, 6ft x 2ft. £22.

Alderholt. 01425 655944 Brass headboard, 4ft 6in. £25 ono. Ferndown.

01202 890049 Baby’s shawl, white hand knitted, 100% acrylic, machine washable. New. £25.

Ferndown. 01202 861588 Dining table, oblong drop leaf, 5ft x 3ft 7in closed. £50. Tall fridge freezer. £25. St Leonards. 01425 483896 Dartington crystal Daisy serving bowl, large. £20. Verwood. 01202 826153 Box of CDs, approx 50, various artists. £65 ono.

Cocktail cabinet, Art Deco, with glasses, £70 ono. Wimborne. 01202 891492

Address: ..................................................................................................................

Item for Sale (short description max 25 words): ................................................. ................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................

Price: ........................................................................................................................

Telephone Number:................................................................................................

DECLARATION: PLEASE CROSS OUT THE STATEMENT THAT DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU AND SIGN THE FORM BEFORE POSTING. I confirm I am not a tradesperson | I am a tradesperson and enclose a cheque for £36 PER ITEM including VAT Signature …...................................................

Date ….............................

TRADESPEOPLE MUST PAY BY CREDIT/DEBIT CARD AT TIME OF BOOKING

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