4Dorset December 2015

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

Merry CHRISTMAS

FR

EE

from mags4dorset

CHRISTMAS

in Wimborne and Winton

MARTIN CLUNES

coming to Candlelight Service

© Sam Stewart

Your Independent Local Magazine

4DORSET

December 2015 Volume 13 Issue 5

Meet Button

Rudolph’s understudy!

COMPETITIONS • Spot the Santa - chance to win half a lamb from Webb’s Butchers • Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Regent Centre • Short story competition - get you entries in now

4DORSET Hello Readers, Volume 13 • Issue 5 • December 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

BrightBox Designs 01202 233441 louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

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.

Although we are preparing for Christmas, I cannot let the terror attacks in Paris on Friday 13 November pass without comment.

We were as shocked as everyone else when we heard the reports and our thoughts are with the injured and those who have lost loved ones.

The attacks were brutal and carried out to cause maximum shock and distress. Most, if not all of our readers will know the name of the organisation that carried them out, and I do not wish to publish that name in my magazine. All I would like to say, is that anyone who straps explosives to their body with the intention of blowing themselves up, is mentally ill. The fact that they are prepared to go on a killing spree beforehand, shows cowardice, not bravery.

Those who confront them are the heroes. And those who have to deal with the carnage afterwards and carry the awfulness of what they’ve seen throughout their lives, are the ones who show true courage and humanity.

If you have concerns about radicalisation or you have been approached by a terror group, please seek help. Despite what you may have been told, there is no religion that would expect you to kill innocent people, and no religion that would reward you for blowing yourself to pieces.

On a much lighter note, we may have found Rudolph’s understudy! Find out more about the magnificent Button on page 38. Do enjoy the whole magazine. It is packed as usual and Spot the Santa is back, so get searching. Good luck.

Contents

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

Around and About BCU Christmas Gifts BCU Christmas in Wimborne BCU Winton Wonderland Competitions Ferndown News Pets – Ask the Vet Property Section Specialist Services

34-36 27-29 18-25 31-33 4, 7 & 35 14-15 16 43-55 40-42

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

next copy closing date:

11 DECEMBER 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

|

3

ETITIO

N

Spot the Santa!

Hurrah! It’s time for our popular Spot the Santa competition!

Fabulous prize of half a lamb

4 |

4DORSET December 2015

The fabulous prize being offered by mags4dorset and Webb’s Butchers in West Moors, is half a lamb, worth £60. What a great saving off your Christmas shopping bill if you’ve got friends and family visiting over the holiday period.

This generous and quite delicious prize is being sponsored by Alex and Lou Webb. Alex says: “The half a lamb will include a shoulder, whole leg, loin chops, boneless neck fillet, mince and liver and the winner can choose how they want it cut and I will pack and label it ready for the freezer.”

So if you want a change to traditional turkey, or you’re responsible for the Boxing Day meal, or New Year’s dinner, enter our competition because you could be half a lamb better off

by Christmas.

With so many choice cuts, you

“

Find me!

“

COM P

will be able to roast, stew, grill and casserole all sorts of meals. Lamb three ways would be an impressive Masterchef dinner for your visitors.

To enter, all you have to do is spot the Santas. They are hiding in some of the advertisements throughout the magazine. The Santas have to be identical to this one or they don’t count. Jot down the name of the adverts in which they appear and give your total.

Get the kids involved. They are usually good at these competitions.

When you’re sure you have totalled all the Santas, enter online at www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send you entry on a card to our Ferndown office, at the address given on page 3. Closing date is 15 December and the winner must be able to get to Webb’s Butchers in Station Road, West Moors to collect their prize.

Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd and Webb’s Butchers are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. The editor’s decision is final.

Carols, candlelight – and Martin Clunes!

Actor Martin Clunes and designer Jasper Conran are the stars of a Christmas spectacular being organised

by Julia’s House at Wimborne Minster on Wednesday, 9 December.

The pair will be taking part in Carols by Candlelight, a festive evening of poetry, prose, music and traditional carols. Martin, who is patron of the children’s hospice charity and Jasper, a long-standing supporter, will be among the celebrity readers. There will also be performances by The Rock Choir.

Guests are invited to stay on after the concert and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies.

Tickets cost £15 with under-12s free and are available online at Juliashouse.org/carols or by calling the fundraising office on 01202 644220. Carols By Candlelight will be raising funds to support families with life-limited children across Dorset and Wiltshire.

Organiser, Jacqui Greenhaf of Julia’s House, said: “Christmas is a really busy time for families. Imagine how much harder it is to find the time to do your shopping, wrap presents or decorate the tree when you are providing round-the-clock care for a really poorly child. ”Carols by Candlelight promises to be a very special evening – but it will be made all the more magical knowing that every ticket sold will help us provide a desperately needed break for a family.”

Photos: Julia’s House patron Martin Clunes and his dogs during a recent visit to the Corfe Mullen hospice © Richard Crease Photography

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

|

5

TO ADVERTISE IN 4DORSET Call 01202 816140 or 870270

Crafty fundraiser

Wimborne Rotary’s annual craft fair held at the Allendale Centre on 31 October raised £1,400, aided by Barclays £ for £ support. The money raised by the event, sponsored by the club’s Business Partners, will go towards the Polio Plus campaign and other Rotary charities.

Chirpy chippy donates bird boxes Dorset Wildlife Trust’s (DWT’s) Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre has received a donation of nearly 100 items crafted from off-cuts of wood, by local carpenter, Barney Barker.

They include hedgehog boxes, doorstops, bat boxes, bug hotels, bird feeding stations and bird boxes. Each is unique, and expertly crafted.

Barney is a retired master carpenter, based in Poole, who spent much of his time making kitchens and bespoke furniture. Now he has turned his hand to help wildlife conservation in Dorset by offering his wildlife

© Vicky Ashby home creations to DWT free of charge, and has made similar donations to the DWT Urban Wildlife Centre in Corfe Mullen.

DWT Centre Assistant, Vicky Ashby said, “We couldn’t believe how many items Barney had donated – we were delighted when he turned up with them. They look more like works of art, and many of them have some lovely individual detail on the design, so that no two items look the same.”

Barney said, “I am very pleased to donate these to DWT so they can sell them to raise funds for conservation work in Dorset. I hope the people who buy my work enjoy watching wildlife take up homes in them in their gardens. I am always looking for off-cuts of wood, so would be grateful for any donations so I can continue my work.”

If you have any off-cuts of wood (preferably not pallets) please call Barney on 01202 547154.

This scam could be coming your way!

Fraudsters have been phoning victims telling them that they have been placed in the wrong council tax bracket for a number of years and are entitled to a rebate, warns Action Fraud.

The fraudsters normally say that this rebate should be worth about £7,000.

Once the victim is convinced, the fraudster tells them that in order to receive the rebate they will need to pay an administration fee in advance. The payment they ask for varies between £60–£350.

The victim provides the details and makes the payment, but then is no longer able to make contact with the person they spoke to on the phone.

When they phone their council about the rebate and the fact that they are in the wrong tax bracket, the council will confirm that they know nothing about it.

So far, the victims are aged 60 and over and live in Sussex, but it is likely that the fraudsters will also start targeting victims elsewhere.

Action Fraud urges people to protect themselves: • Never respond to unsolicited phone calls.

• Your local council won’t ever phone out-of-the-blue to discuss a council tax rebate. If you receive a call of this nature, put the phone down straight away.

• No legitimate organisation will ask you to pay an advanced fee in order to receive money, so never give them your card details.

• If you think you have been a victim of fraud, hang up the phone and wait five minutes to clear the line as fraudsters sometimes keep the line open. Then call your bank or card issuer to report the fraud. Where it is possible, use a different phone line to make the phone call.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone 0300 123 2040.

6 |

4DORSET December 2015

CAN YOU WRITE A SHORT STORY?

8

th mags4dorset Creative

Writing Awards (Fiction)

The mags4dorset short story competition for 2015 is now open.

Story length should be approximately 1,000 words on one of the following: ‘Girl on a bus’, ‘The thief next door’ or ‘The worst interview of my life.’ Let your imagination run riot and send us your finished story, including a covering sheet. Do not put your name on the manuscript. Use double spacing. Typed entries only. Closing date is 31 January 2016.

1st Prize: £150. Runner-up £50 plus publication in 4Dorset and/or Viewpoint and online. Fee: 1 story £4, 2 stories £6, 3 stories £8, £2 per story thereafter. Send cheques payable to PULFORD PUBLICITY LTD, or stamps to the value of the entry fee. The shortlist will be chosen by editor Janine Pulford. This entry form can be copied.

ENTRY FORM Name:

Email address or phone number:

Title of story:

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

|

7

AIR AMBULANCE – helping to save lives

By Liz Turner

8 |

W

ith an office in Ferndown, the team at 4Dorset are used to hearing helicopters overhead. But it is unusual for a helicopter to land on the playing fields outside. When the Dorset and Somerset

4DORSET December 2015

Air Ambulance did this on Thursday, 5 November, it provoked a lot of interest, not just for those working in King George V Pavilion but amongst passers-by.

A group of three little boys were very excited, yet behind the drama, a far more serious incident was playing out. The air ambulance had been requested by the South Western Ambulance Service because this was an emergency they needed assistance with.

A 57-year-old man had fallen onto scaffolding and when the ambulance arrived at Carroll Avenue, in Ferndown, the paramedics decided he needed to be airlifted to hospital. He had suspected back injuries and was having difficulties breathing.

With a police escort, the injured man was brought to the playing fields where air and land ambulance paramedics worked to prepare him for the flight to Southampton General Hospital.

It took about an hour from the helicopter landing to taking off and everyone watching was impressed by the efficiency and professionalism of all involved.

Teamwork as the patient is put into the helicopter

However, what many people still fail to understand it that the air ambulance is a charity and receives no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery and relies entirely on the generosity of the public for support.

Since it was launched in March 2000, it has flown over 10,700 missions, many of them life-saving. Every one is the result of somebody suffering a potentially lifethreatening injury or accident – a number that shows the need for an air ambulance for Dorset and Somerset.

It can attend up to eight or nine incidents in a single day during the summer.

The Eurocopter EC135 helicopter is based at Henstridge on the Dorset/ Somerset border and from there can be at any point in the two counties within 19 minutes. More importantly, the helicopter can then take a patient to any one of the major trauma centres in the

southwest within a further 20 minutes.

Operating the service costs over £2 million a year - each mission equates to approximately £2,500. And it’s thanks to public support that the air ambulance continues to fly. Donations also purchase specialist pieces of equipment that aid paramedics’ training and help to save lives across the two counties. Money is raised through events, talks, collection boxes and a weekly lottery. Some people donate the gift of time as a volunteer, others leave a legacy, sponsor the air ambulance or recycle textiles, mobile phones and stamps. £2m is a lot of raise but every second counts after a serious injury.

To find out more about the air ambulance and how you can help go to www. dsairambulance.org.uk

Contact the elderly Volunteers are needed to help transform the lives of elderly residents who do not have family in the area.

Once a month, drivers take a group of residents out on Sunday afternoon for a run followed by tea in a volunteer’s home. More volunteer drivers and afternoon tea hosts are needed to help the elderly enjoy their Sunday afternoon excursions. Volunteers only need commit to one afternoon a year. If you think you can help contact Carolyn 01202 424482 or email Carolyn.dennis11@tesco.net

Bowled over by successes Local players have been celebrating at The Dorset Funeral Plan cricket league awards evening held at Wimborne and Colehill Cricket Club.

Christchurch won the division 2 title and will be playing in division 1 next season.

The performance of the year was won

by Broadstone’s James Brown whose score of 162 not out in the premier league saw off some stiff competition, including Karl Jones of Kingston Lacy who took 8-13.

The Dorset Association of Cricket Officers Fair Play awards in the Premier League went to Broadstone.

fundraisers can run or walk the two or four-mile course in a Santa suit and sponsorship money will go to the JTYAF or a charity of your choice.

Warm-up exercises are at 10.30am and the event starts at 11am on the Badbury Rings point-to-point course. Last year over £7,500 was raised for good causes.

From left to right, Joy Dennett, assistant secretary of Wimborne Rotary Club, Alan Griffiths, club president, with Pete Thornton, chairman of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation try out the zip wire

Entry is £10 and £6 for children (8-14) and includes a Santa suit. www.wimbornerotary.org

Santas’

festive fun for charity A whole sleigh-load of Santas will be donning their beards to raise money for charity in the run up to Christmas.

The Santa Zip Wire Challenge on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December will see a flight of Father Christmases zipping their way across the waves from the pier to the shore in Bournemouth.

This event has been specially organised for the JTYAF. The cost is £18 and that includes a Santa suit (to keep) and a donation of £2.70 to the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation and it is hoped people will also be sponsored for the charity. Zips are available between 11am and 1pm both days. Book online at www.jtyaf.org/events/ santa-zip-wire-challenge The fun doesn’t end there as on Sunday 13, the JTYAF will be the main beneficiary of the Wimborne Rotary Club’s annual charity Great Santa Fun Run at Badbury Rings. Festive

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

|

9

Junior cooks cook up a storm with TV chef Ten students from Christchurch secondary schools have been rewarded for their cooking skills by paying a visit to Lesley Waters’ Cookery School in West Dorset

Make a splash this Christmas Fancy chilling out on Christmas Day? The students were the finalists in the Junior Cook of the Year competition organised by Christchurch Food Festival Education Trust earlier this year.

TV chef Lesley Waters was one of the judges who visited The Grange, Highcliffe and Twynham Schools to choose the winners of the competition. Lesley was so impressed by the standard of the dishes that the students presented that she invited the first, second and third placed winners to hone their cookery skills further in a day at her school.

The eager students were given the task of preparing a three course meal consisting of a warm goats cheese and beetroot salad, chicken coated in a black pudding crumb served with an apple and cannellini bean cassoulet and a plum and frangipane tart.

They were then able to sit down and enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Mary Reader, president of Christchurch Food Festival and a trustee of the Food Festival Education Trust, said: “The students all had a wonderful time and I’m sure they came away having learnt a lot of new skills.

Lesley and her sister Jacks are inspiring and very patient teachers and we are so grateful to them for giving up a whole day of their time to reward the Junior Cook finalists in this way.”

10 |

4DORSET December 2015

Here’s the perfect way to make your day memorable while raising money for charity.

Bournemouth’s White Christmas Dip is taking place in the morning and everyone is invited to join the hundreds of hardy souls who charge into the sea at Boscombe every year.

The event is now in its 8th year, having raised more than £65,000 in total for Macmillan Caring Locally, the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch hospital, which is a Specialist Palliative Care Unit for cancer patients in the local community.

In 2014 over 600 dippers took to the sea on Christmas morning and the aim this year is to have 750 people in wacky fancy dress making a splash.

This is the charity’s largest annual event and aims eventually to raise in excess of £100,000 annually.

So enjoy some fresh sea air, set yourself up for Christmas dinner and blow away those Christmas Eve cobwebs while doing something crazy in memory of those who can’t be with us.

The dip takes place at Boscombe Pier at 9.45am.

For more details go to www. whitechristmasdip.co.uk www.facebook.com/ whitechristmasdip

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

| 11

Poole Men’s Shed

Have you heard of Men’s Sheds groups? They have been popping up all over the country.

The men of Poole’s Men’s Shed group have been meeting regularly for over a year and are now launching a weekly event.

The new Monday meet-up aims to encourage men of all ages to turn up for a coffee and a chat to find out more about Poole Men’s Shed group, and what the ‘shedders’ get up to.

“We can even offer help and advice to anyone thinking about setting up a new Men’s Shed group where it’s needed,” said founder member Howard Ellis.

Successful projects include making over 50 bird box kits for Dorset Wildlife Trust and refurbishing a couple of old bicycles. There are plans to refurbish a remote controlled galleon, upcycle salvaged furniture and build a Christmas tree from recycled materials.

The new Monday meet-up is 10am–12 noon at The Lookout Café inside the Project Climbing Centre adjacent to Poole Central Library on the first floor of the Dolphin Centre. The weekly get-togethers will continue until Christmas.

Dog poo costs owner dearly A Wimborne man who failed to clean up after his dog has been fined £220 and ordered to pay £200 costs and £20 victims surcharge.

Terry Corbin of Station Road, Wimborne was found guilty in his absence, at Weymouth Magistrates Court on 5 October, of allowing a dog in his charge to foul New Borough Road, Wimborne on 25 February 2015. This was under the provisions of the Fouling of Land by Dogs

(East Dorset) Order 2010.

Mr Corbin was spotted by an East Dorset District Council Animal Welfare Officer not cleaning up after his dog. The officer approached him but he ran away, refusing to give his name and address.

As the officer chased after Mr Corbin, she managed to flag down a passing police car and the police officers found Mr Corbin hiding behind a wall

in a car park of some flats.

Cllr Barbara Manuel, Portfolio Holder for Community at East Dorset District Council, said: “This case shows that we’re not prepared to allow people to let their dogs foul the pavements and not pick up after them. Dog fouling, apart from being unpleasant for anyone treading in the mess, can be very unhealthy, particularly in young children who come across it.”

Media Students from Queen Elizabeth’s School at Lighthouse L-R: Samuel Draper, Harry Elliott, Caitlin Adams, Jacob Morris and Hannah Conway

Students capture Lighthouse on film A group of media students from Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne have created a short film on behalf of Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts.

“A Day in the Life of Lighthouse will be used to demonstrate how young people view and engage with the venue but also as a reference as part of the ongoing capital refurbishment project,” explained Harry Webb, who co-ordinated the project on behalf of Lighthouse. He also said he hoped a series of films will be created in partnership with QE media students year-on-year as a way of documenting the development of the venue.

Karen Lincoln, head of media studies for QE School said, “The relationship we have forged with Lighthouse means that many more students in the future will also benefit from similar invaluable opportunities and we can’t wait to be involved in the next project.”

All five students involved in the Day in the Life of Lighthouse project will be using the film as part of their university applications and creative portfolios.

- advertising feature -

K&B INSTALLATIONS

“We are a local family run business and we have been trading successfully for four years now,” says Donna Byars. “With over 15 years personal experience in the kitchen and bathroom industries, we pride ourselves on providing top quality products and services for honest prices.”

Starting as a one man band, K&B expanded slowly and now have three vans on the road.

“We are now excited to announce that we are opening our first ever kitchen and bathroom showroom,” adds Donna, “where we will showcase some of the fantastic products we can supply, and we will be stocking a small selection of kitchen and bathroom related items such as shower caddies, taps etc, so if you just need something swapping we can hopefully help.”

K&B Installations will always give free advice. “We would be happy for you to pop in and have a chat about any small or big projects you may be only just starting to think about,” says Donna.

“We offer a FREE 3D design and quotation service that comes with no obligation and are able to carry out a full installation service, including electrics, plumbing and building work. We are also happy to carry out door changes, worktop changes and even just swap over a kitchen tap.”

You can find K&B Installations new showroom at 135 Station Road, West Moors BH22 0HT, open from mid December

12 |

4DORSET December 2015

FERNDOWN

news

Ferndown Chamber of Commerce

Clean for the Queen

Cllr Steve Lugg is appealing to the residents of Ferndown to make it a cleaner place in the run up to the Queen’s 90th birthday on 21 April 2016. There will be monthly litterpicks, and workplaces and schools are encouraged to organise their own. Resources and support are available from the Keep Britain Tidy website.

“In Ferndown we will generate litter blitzes in January and February with a weekend of litter clear-ups from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 March,” said Cllr Lugg.

“The first national anti-litter campaign was carried out in 1953, the year of The Queen’s Coronation,” he explains. “And this was swiftly followed by the establishment of Keep Britain Tidy.

“I hope you agree then how appropriate it is, in the year of the Queen’s 90th birthday, that we band together to attempt the biggest clean-up in history.”

If you wish to take part, please let the town council know: 01202 892249.

Hats off!

Absolutely!

In October, Absolutely WI Ferndown ladies

saw some wonderful handmade hats and fascinators brought in by Tina Williams of Valentina, based in Bournemouth. They ranged from everyday wear to special occasions such as weddings and Royal Ascot. A few brave ladies modelled the hats, which looked fabulous on them. For more information about Absolutely WI go to www. absolutelywi.co.uk or telephone 01202 861750

14 |

4DORSET December 2015

Ferndown ‘just gives’ to veteran After a despicable thief mugged a 93-year-old man in Ferndown, who was driving his mobility scooter home from the shops one Sunday afternoon, resident Jason Durow felt compelled to do something.

He set up a crowdfunding page at justgiving.com to raise money for veteran Jim Day. Jim was at the junction of West Moors Road and Wimborne Road East at around 3pm on 1 November when he was grabbed from behind and thrown to the ground. The cowardly thief stole cash from his wallet before making off.

Luckily, Jim did not require medical treatment, but after the frightening incident, Jason wanted to restore the pensioner’s faith in humanity.

Jason said, “I live in Ferndown and I felt very angry and upset that this happened to a defenceless 93-year-old war veteran near to where I live. I wanted to do something to show him that there are far more good people out there that care about him and respect what he did for us serving our country.”

Jim served in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines at Dunkirk and Burma.

Jason set out to raise £200, but already over £500 has been donated and there is still time to donate (the page closes on 5 December). Jason said, “If we can replace what was stolen from Jim and give him a bit extra this Christmas, that would be great.”

Visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/jason-durow

AGM The Annual General Meeting of FCOC will be on 8 December in the lounge bar of the Barrington Centre from 5.30pm To vote or stand for election contact tony@y-notfinance. co.uk as soon as possible.

Current officers: president/ chairman James Edgar, treasurer Tony Brown, membership secretary David Staddon, secretary – vacant; committee members: Phil Fletcher, Ben Pulford, Andy Bryant and Tom Clark.

Unusually, it’s an all male committee, so if there are any lady members out there who want to help run the chamber, put yourself forward now. An updated constitution will also be open for adoption at the AGM.

FERNDOWN

news

SOFT PLAY Ferndown’s benchmark

GOES

of Remembrance

WOODEN!

Heatherlands Soft-Play Group would like to thank District Councillor Peter Oggelsby for the new indoor wooden climbing frame.

Soft-play group leader John Hanrahan said, “This is a much-needed new addition that will help our younger children learn balance, climbing and coordination skills in a fun way.

“I must say it also great to see our district councillors working ‘hands on’ within local community groups on their projects.”

Chairman’s Christmas cheer The Chairman of East Dorset District Council, Cllr Steve Lugg has chosen a Christmas card designed by a Ferndown Upper School student as his official card.

The student, 17-year-old Amber Turner from Verwood, is the winner of the chairman’s Christmas card competition with her artwork depicting Christmas market stalls.

Cllr Lugg said: “I was very impressed by the standard of the entries to the Christmas card competition but Amber’s entry was exceptionally good. I am delighted to be using it to send out my seasonal greetings this year.”

A new bench was unveiled in Ferndown Millennium Park on 11 November following the Armistice Day service held at the nearby Royal British Legion garden in Church Road.

Provided by the town council, the bench commemorates 70 years since the end of World War Two. It was blessed by the Rev’d Patches Chabala, the new associate minister at St Mary’s Church, Ferndown.

- advertising feature -

Lifestyle Kitchens and Bathrooms

Branches Out!

Ferndown-based Lifestyle Kitchens and Bathrooms Ltd are pleased to announce that they are now also selling Crown bedroom and lifespace storage solutions.

Refurbishment of their showroom has recently been completed with many displays by British manufacturers to give you inspiration.

Jo Gracie, Director of Lifestyle, has many years’ experience in design and sales, and knows how daunting it can be starting a new project.

She is happy to work with you to achieve your dream by offering free consultations, planning and design to help you achieve your aspirations and budget.

Lifestyle can provide as little or as much as you wish, from replacing worktops to a completely project managed supply and fitting service.

Kitchen units are available either flat-packed or ready-built, with a wide choice of laminate, composite, granite or quartz worktops, storage solutions, lighting, glass splashbacks and appliances.

Bathrooms, shower rooms and cloakrooms can be refurbished or converted to wet rooms, with a huge variety of branded bathroom suites, shower enclosures, vanity units, brassware, mirrors, cabinets, radiators etc.

Crown bedroom and lifespace fitted furniture enables you to maximise the space in any room in your home, whether it is for an office or study area, children’s room, living room, hobby space, movie room or music room.

Why not telephone Lifestyle on 01202 861988 to discuss your requirements or book a free consultation, or visit the showroom and chat with the design team

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

| 15

in with pets

Don’t over-indulge DON’T BE SOLD A PUP! Fido this Christmas Warning from Trading Standards

When most people think of trading standards, they think of officers dealing with counterfeit goods and rogue traders, but officers are also responsible for 150 acts, orders and regulations governing animal health and welfare Although this primarily involves farmed animals, it also includes the Rabies Order which includes dogs and puppies brought into this country whether with Pet Passports or on Commercial Trade Licence from Defra.

During the last few years, Dorset County Council Trading Standards Service has dealt with a large increase in puppies being brought into the UK. With the increase in demand for so called designer breeds, increasing numbers of puppies are being smuggled illegally into the UK from puppy farms in Eastern Europe. They are often bred for a few pounds in squalid conditions and sold in the UK for vast profit by organised crime gangs.

This frequently means the puppies have serious health issues.

Dorset Trading Standards Service is alerting the public to the fact that these puppies are being sold via adverts on the Internet and in newspaper small ads. The pups are often accompanied by false and forged documentation, which lead

buyers to believe they have been imported legally or bred in the UK. The UK is a rabies-free country and the rules and regulations surrounding animal imports are in place to protect this rabies-free status.

In the run up to Christmas, Dorset Trading Standards Service would urge you to follow some simple advice if you are considering buying a dog: • Always see the puppy with its mother at its home • If the puppy is being sold with travel documents and appears to have been imported, ask to see a copy of the sellers Commercial Trade Licence. If you are at all suspicious contact Trading Standards as below.

• Always consider carefully before buying a puppy around the Christmas period.

If you have any doubts about a puppy you are planning to purchase, speak to your vet or Dorset Trading Standards Service.

Contact: The Animal Health Team, Dorset County Council Trading Standards Service: 01305 224475

As Christmas approaches, we look forward to indulging on a festive feast and the temptation is for all the family, including pets to join in.

Sadly, many people unwittingly over-indulge their dogs with festive treats and human foods that, in some cases, can prove fatal.

Dog poisoning is a serious problem and every Christmas dogs become ill after eating human foods such as chocolate and raisins. Other dangerous foods include dates, grapes, mince pies, Christmas puddings, whole brazil nuts, excessive amounts of cheese, alcohol, onion, raw potato (green), turkey bones and high content cocoa chocolate.

It’s not always the dog owner’s fault. Greedy dogs will feed on festive treats such as chocolate tree decorations when their owner’s back is turned.

To prevent an emergency trip to the vet this Christmas, ensure all naughty treats are hidden and out of sight and smell of greedy paws!

Dogs Trust has devised a delicious, healthy three-course doggy Christmas menu. Here is the main course, to find the rest visit https://www.dogstrust.org. uk/whats-happening/news/dogs-trust-dog-friendly-christmas-menu

Cranberry and Turkey Gobble Gobble (festive stew)

225g potatoes 225g squash 110g celery 1 turkey breast (250g) 240g turkey/vegetable stock 2tbsp flour 55g fresh cranberries Peel and dice veg. Boil until soft.

Add cooked turkey. Whisk the flour into the cold turkey stock. Add stock to pan and simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Add cranberries and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and place in a dog bowl. Serve at room temperature.

ASK THE VET Q. My cat has lost the fur on her tummy! She’s been licking herself constantly for several weeks. How can I stop her?

A. They say that ‘common things are common’. Fleas

are the common culprits. Flea infestations are a year-round problem as our houses provide a warm environment for rapid breeding.

I presume you haven’t seen fleas? Most cats that over-groom, as you describe, will be eating the evidence but it’s best to check thoroughly. Use a fine-toothed comb and brush her coat onto a damp paper towel. If you see small black bits that turn a rust colour when pushed into the damp paper, that’s flea dirt.

Allergies can cause itching. The most common is Flea Allergy Dermatitis. If cats are Don’t forget to email Jade repeatedly bitten by fleas over time, they can become sensitive to the flea saliva, your questions to be chosen so it can take just one flea bite to spark for the December issue: off the allergic response. That’s why the hello@hillsidevets.co.uk most important treatment for this is strict, constant flea control.

I suggest that you contact your vet for the best advice on parasite control – you want to be confident that you use an effective product. Your vet might advise a steroid injection to calm the itch and break the ‘itch-scratch’ cycle.

There are other reasons for cats to over-groom. Bacterial or fungal infections, skin mites and other allergies can cause itching but are less common primary causes. Cats can develop Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) which can cause them to lick obsessively in the tummy or groin area. Stress is strongly linked to FLUTD. Stress alone is a suggested cause of over-grooming. Cats don’t exhibit stress as humans do and we can miss the signs.

I recommend that your cat is examined by a vet, so that appropriate treatment can be given, and she can get some relief.

Email your pet related questions to hello@hillsidevets.co.uk Jade Douglas BVMS GPCert (Ophthal) MRCVS

16 |

4DORSET December 2015

ALL CLEAR FOR WATER MERGER The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has cleared the acquisition by Exeter-based Pennon Group Plc of Bournemouth Water and the merger of Bournemouth Water with South West Water.

The CMA stated that the merger is unlikely to prejudice the ability of Ofwat, the industry’s economic regulator, to compare water companies’ performance and set price controls.

Pennon acquired Bournemouth Water in April from Singapore-

based Sembcorp Holdings Ltd for £100.3 million.

Bournemouth Water provides high quality drinking water to a population of 440,000 in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. South West Water provides water and wastewater services to a population of 1.7 million in Devon, Cornwall and parts of Somerset and Dorset.

The merger is expected to conclude by April 2016 with the operational integration substantially completed by the end of 2016/17.

Chris Loughlin, Pennon Group Board Director and Chief Executive of South West Water, said: “We’re delighted to get the go-ahead to

bring two good water companies together. Bournemouth Water is a well-respected, high-performing company and an excellent cultural and operational fit with South West Water. We strongly believe that the merger will deliver long-term benefits for both customers and shareholders.”

Although no conditions were attached to the CMA approval, South West Water said they will: • improve services and reduce bills for customers in both service areas as a result of the merger • continue separately to report the regulatory performance of South

•

• •

•

West Water and Bournemouth Water until at least 2020 ensure that the separate 201520 business plans of South West Water and Bournemouth Water continue to be delivered separately retain the Bournemouth Water name and brand ensure the merger delivers greater innovation and enhanced customer service, through the sharing of best practice return the small company premium on the cost of finance, reducing Bournemouth Water bills by £1 from April 2016.

Spare wheels stolen at alarming rate

VW Transporter van spare wheels have been stolen at alarming rate locally. Around 20 thefts were reported to Dorset Police between 4 and 9 November in Bournemouth and Poole. Some cases involved the removal of the spare wheel from underneath the vans and in other cases the bolts on the spare wheels had been tampered with.

Detective Sergeant Greg Tucker, said: “I am appealing to anyone who may know who is responsible for these theft offences to please call Dorset Police urgently. I would also like to make VW Transporter owners aware of these crimes. Please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police immediately. I would also recommend owners to check their spare wheel before they leave on a journey to ensure it is there.”

Call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 6:287. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

Register now for garden waste service

Green fingered residents in Poole can sign up to next year’s garden waste service. Collections are fortnightly, running from February to December and are available to every household in the borough.

Residents wishing to receive all 22 collections (extended from 19) for the standard price of £37.55 per 240 litre bin, must register by 10 December 2015. Access to Leisure and Learning cardholders are entitled to a 50 per cent discount on the first bin ordered. The charges for the 2016 garden waste collection service have received an inflationary increase of 2.2 per cent compared to last year. Apply online at poole.gov.uk/gardenwaste or contact 01202 261700.

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

| 17

Christmas in Wimborne

f

18 |

4DORSET December 2015

It should be a cracker of a Christmas in Wimborne this year with a whole stocking full of events taking place. From the popular Save the Children parade to the atmospheric Carols in the Cornmarket, there is something for everyone, to ensure that shopping trips lead to a very happy Christmas.

With the trees in place, the lights switched on and a sense of bonhomie around the town, Wimborne is the place to go to experience the excitement of Christmas.

f

Santa’s grotto after last year’s Save the Children Parade

The giant Christmas pudding which is a familiar sight in the Save the Children parade

e h t n i t r a p e k Ta r i t S g n i d d u P t Grea The Victorian kitchen at the Priest’s House Museum and Garden in Wimborne will be brimming with the smells of Christmas pudding on Saturday, 12 December from 10.30am-4pm. Visitors are invited to take part in the annual Great Pudding Stir as the museum spreads a little festive cheer.

The recipe used is taken from the indispensable kitchen bible, Beeton’s Book of Household Management, edited by Mrs Isabella Beeton between 1859 and 1861. The original recipe for ‘A Plain Christmas Pudding for Children’ contained: 1lb of flour, 1lb of bread crumbs, ¾lb of stoned raisins, ¾lb of currants, ¾lb of suet, 3 or 4 eggs, milk, 2oz of candied peel, 1 teaspoonful of powdered allspice, ½ teaspoonful of salt.

It took five hours to make and would feed nine or 10 children at an average cost of one shilling and ninepence. Today 8oz of sugar is added to make it more palatable for modern tastes.

Visitors will get a chance to stir a huge bowl of the dry mix and make a Christmas wish, before sampling the final product heated on the coal-fired range.

Admission is £1.50 and £1 for children.

From 7 to 23 December (excluding 12 December), visitors will be able to celebrate the Christmas period with free admission to the museum from Monday to Saturday 10am-3pm. The house and garden tearoom will be festively decorated.

Visitors can also join in craft sessions with Sally’s Festive Fun Activities from 19 to 23 December.

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

| 19

2014 Parade

The 27th annual Save the Children Parade will take place through the centre of Wimborne on Saturday, 12 December The parade which has become a major part of Wimborne’s Christmas celebrations helps raise money for children throughout the world and this year, residents are being asked to think about the refugee children of Syria and North Africa for whom the charity is doing so much to support.

20 |

4DORSET December 2015

f The fund raising events start in the morning in Wimborne Square with a mini funfair, face painters, glitter tattoo artists, hair braiders and morris dancers.

There will be festive music from The Ukulele Band, Samba Panashe and Gugge 2000 At 2.15pm the parade leaves Cobham’s on Brook Road and travels along Leigh Road, Lewens Lane, Park Lane, East Street, King Street, West Street arriving at The Square around 3pm and finishing outside the Tourist Information Centre in the High Street. Led by the Dorset Youth Marching Band, there are 50 entries in this year’s parade including floats, vintage cars and tractors, walking groups, morris dancers, the Bournemouth Carnival Band, pirates, Vikings, traction engines, the Wimborne Militia and the Snow Princess. Schools, youth groups including Rainbows, Brownies, Scouts, pre-schools and local attractions are represented. It promises to be a wonderfully festive occasion with Father Christmas joining in the fun before taking up residence in his grotto in the TIC at the end of the parade, where he will welcome all children to hear their Christmas wishes.

f

2014 Parade

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

| 21

Information on the work of Save the Children will be available in the charity’s gazebo in The Square

Wimborne Militia

Everyone is encouraged to come and have fun and make a real difference to the refugee children of Syria and North Africa, where Save the Children workers toil endlessly, to make life bearable for extremely, traumatised children. Help give the orphaned children, devastated by Ebola in West Africa, some sense of security and love.

Alison Preston from Save the Children said: “It has been a year in which natural disasters and man-made ‘hells’ have turned the lives of hundreds of thousands of children upside down. We have to do everything we can to help and Save the Children is an expert, using money donated to the very best effect and helping millions of children every day of the year.

“This is a real community day when the people of Wimborne and the district, always give so generously, improving the lives of vulnerable children, both in the UK and abroad: children for whom life is far from festive both at Christmas and throughout the year.”

Save the Children’s fund raising will continue with a Christmas Concert at 2.30pm on Sunday 13 December in Wimborne Minster. This features the New Forest Children’s Choir and New Forest Chamber Choir, who are making their debuts at Carnegie Hall, New York in 2016, so expect to be impressed by their Christmas music! There will of course be chance to join in. Tickets priced at £6, children £3 are available from the TIC in Wimborne or ring 01258 840354.

- advertising feature -

Enjoy the

taste of Italy If the colder winter weather is making you long for hot summer days and the aroma of Mediterranean cuisine, then The Old Inn at Holt is the place for you.

To complement the Old Inn’s popular traditional dining experience, a new pizza terrace has been opened where you will be able to relive those warm days, when you shared a pizza with friends in the sun.

The terrace is in a cosy covered oak pergola, and your freshly made pizzas are cooked in a wood fired pizza oven. At a temperature of 400-500 degrees C, it only takes a minute for the pizzas to cook to perfection. Delivered straight from the oven to your table, these pizzas will still be sizzling as you tear them apart and savour your favourite flavours.

The emphasis is on creating a casual dining experience in the pizza terrace, where families or friends can meet to have fun. The terrace is proving to be very popular with pizzas priced from £8.50 - £12.

The menu includes favourites such as margherita, Hawaiian and meat feast as well as four cheese and Vesuvius with pepperoni.

There’s also the Old Inn pizza – tomato, mozzarella, anchovies, oregano, black olives and sun dried tomatoes and Porkies pizza – tomato, mozzarella, pulled pork, black olives and sautéed onions.

The pizza terrace is open from 5pm on Thursdays and Fridays and from 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

It can also be booked for parties and celebrations so if you want to banish the winter blues and recapture the flavour of Italian blue skies, treat yourself to a pizza at the Old Inn. 22 |

4DORSET December 2015

Christmas cheer at

Kingston Lacy

f

Visitors to Kingston Lacy are being promised a magical experience in the run up to Christmas. The property will be open daily from 10.30am to 7pm until 23 December allowing everyone to experience a traditional Christmas portrayed through the eyes of the Bankes family children. Grown-ups can warm up with a nip of sherry and enjoy food samples and the laundry will be decked in its festive attire. Everyone can also add a link to the Christmas wish paper-chain.

Santa Claus will be stopping by at weekends from 4 December. And after dark, visitors can explore an illuminated Christmas walk and see the house and garden in a different light. Along the walk there will be wooden reindeer and families can have a photo taken in Santa’s sleigh.

f

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

| 23

Saturday, 5 December All the fun of the Christmas fair in The Square with children’s rides and entertainment.

Thursday, 10 December Late night Christmas shopping until 8pm.

Entertainment from 3pm and the Anonymous Travelling Market will be in town.

Saturday, 19 December Circus Berzercus 10amnoon in the Allendale Centre, Annual free children’s show funded by the Wimborne Minster Chamber of Trade and Commerce. Tickets from the Allendale Centre.

01202 887247

24 |

4DORSET December 2015

Saturday, 5 December Christmas at Walford Mill Crafts 10am-7pm.

The best of contemporary British Craft, perfect for the gift-giving season. Makers’ demonstrations, festive food and drink and special offers on selected items.

Friday, 18 December Carols in the Cornmarket 6pm.

Get into the Christmas spirit at the annual carol concert in the Cornmarket. Last year’s collection raised £445 for the mayor’s charities.

Thursday, 24 December The Dorset Youth Marching Band plays in The Square in aid of the mayor’s charities.

Window shopping

Special

stmas Chrilunch The Wimborne British Legion will be holding its Christmas Eat & Meet Lunch & Quiz on Wednesday 9 December. A lunch is held once a month from 12noon to 2pm to encourage people who are on their own for whatever reason - widow, widowers/carers - to come together in a friendly atmosphere. A one-course lunch is £6 or two courses for £8.50. for non-members. Douch & Small Funeral Directors offer members a £3 subsidy bringing a one-course lunch down to £3 and two courses for £5.50.

To book a place please contact Andrew King on 01202 885541.

Wimborne Minster Chamber of Trade and Commerce Shop Window competition will ensure that eyes are drawn to the wonderful gifts they have for sale this year. Taking the theme of ‘12 Days of Christmas’ the display can be anything from a complete window to a simple painting or poster on display. There will be three categories: children under 8, ages 8-12 and adults.

The competition started on Saturday 28 November and closes on Saturday 19 December. Prizes will be presented to the winners of the children’s categories on Wednesday 23 December.

The chamber is also offering a gift-wrapping service – look out for posters in show windows.

f

f

Minster concert to support multiple sclerosis Celebrate the New Year with The Broadstone Community Concert Band at Wimborne Minster.

Come along on Saturday 9 January and hear the band playing polkas, waltzes and other popular favourites such as Finlandia, The Dambusters and a brand new arrangement of the music from the Disney film ‘Frozen’.

Proceeds from the event will go to multiple sclerosis. There will also be a retiring collection for the Minster funds.

The concert starts at 7.30pm with tickets priced at £5. contact@ broadstone-community-concert-band.co.uk

Free town parking

East Dorset District Council is allowing drivers to park for free in its car parks in Wimborne on Thursdays 3, 10 and 17 December and from Friday, 18 – Thursday, 24 December.

Co-operative and Waitrose charges will still apply and be refunded on making purchases from store.

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

| 25

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features

Highcliffe Christmas Cracker!

The Highcliffe Carnival ‘at the movies’ publicised in last month’s issue of 4Dorset has morphed into a Highcliffe Christmas Cracker!

Jeanette Lovelock, chairman of the committee is looking forward to the event and said, “We had to abandon the procession due to lack of entries, but the rest of the event on 12 December is very much on track.

“We shall be closing Lymington Road to traffic from 9am–6pm, so we want everyone to come along to support the event, but most of all, to enjoy themselves.”

Bring the children to see Father Christmas in his grotto and say “hi” to this very special visitor.

As well as the shops being open, there will be all day entertainment, seasonal refreshments and food including a spit roast and barbecue.

Highcliffe Christmas Cracker! takes place between 10am-5pm on 12 December, enjoy!

26 |

4DORSET December 2015

TOP

giftIDEAS

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

By Janine Pulford

Unisex

advertising features

Slippers – a good old favourite. You can’t fail with this one if you know a friend or relative who needs a pair. Furry slipper boots are popular right now.

Spiralizer – turns vegetables such as courgettes and carrots into curly spaghetti.

Juice bullet / blender

Recipe book suggestion – Everyday Super Food by Jamie Oliver Adult colouring book – they are all the rage and available at bookshops Sketch pad and pencils – for the artist in the house CONTINUED ON PAGE 28…

from mags4dorset this Christmas When it comes to Christmas, top gift trends change and for some reason, everyone clamours after the same thing. I can remember when my sons were little, one of them asked Father Christmas for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figures. Could I get hold of them? It was the proverbial nightmare before Christmas and though I managed to get hold of three, I had to go on a waiting list for the fourth one, Donatello. I’ll never forget that elusive purple masked ninja! No doubt this year, people will be falling over each other to buy Minions’ Tumbling Stuart or My Friend Freddy.

After a little ‘office’ research, here are the mags4dorset top choices.

For him:

Video games: Fallout 4 and Halo 5 Bluetooth speakers Sonos Play:1 wireless speakers

Headphones Cuff links Dash cam – the must-have in-car gadget for motorists.

- advertising feature -

Lunns of Ringwood the place to go for art!

Lunns of Ringwood is an established family business in Ringwood, which is packed full with Art and Craft supplies with prices that compete with the Internet!

Special offers currently in store are 3 for 2 on selected paint and Artists Oil Colour 25% discount!– see advert.

Gift vouchers, painting sets, easels, wooden pencil boxes, luxury handmade sable brushes - an Aladdin’s cave of Christmas gift ideas that will suit any budget! Why not visit and like Lunn’s Facebook page for up-to-date information on offers and new products in store.

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

| 27

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY …Continued from Page 27

Top gift ideas from mags4dorset this Christmas

For Her:

Jewellery – there is so much to choose from, but here are a few suggestions: watch, pendant, charm, chain, bracelet, necklace, Gift voucher for a pamper session or holistic treatment Handbag or make-up bag Something to wear: for example over the knee socks, beanie, gloves, scarf

For the kids:

From Frozen to Thunderbirds and Tumbling Stuart, this year’s list of top children’s toys is dominated by the big screen.

Lego suggestion – Star Wars DVD suggestion – Minions Interactive My Friend Freddy – soft bear with interactive games and activities

- advertising feature -

BEAUTIFUL GIFTS for Christmas

We hope you are inspired by our gift ideas and the ones on this feature. Enjoy your Christmas shopping!

Turquoise for December

By David at Fields Jewellers, Ringwood

advertising features

S

December’s birthstone is turquoise; its name means Turkish stone as turquoise was brought to Europe from Turkish bazaars .

It is believed to contain heavenly energy, therefore providing protection from negativity and a connection to the purity of natural elements , especially water and air. It is one of the oldest stones and can be found in ancient talismans and amulets.

Turquoise is a relatively soft stone which can be easily scratched or broken.

Its colour ranges from green to blue, with the most valued being a sky blue.

a

FIND GIFTS TO TREASURE AT SIMPLY BEAUTY WITH CHRISTMAS BY CLARINS

Create the perfect gift for loved ones using the bespoke gift-wrapping service.

Owner Alison Smith explained: “Simply choose the Clarins products you wish to include in a gift box or gift bag, or choose one of our great value gift sets and let us take care of the rest, we will ensure that everything is beautifully wrapped ready to give.”

She added: “Don’t forget the men… We have the full range of Clarins Men including great value gift sets.

“We also have a glittering array of OPI Star Light Collection nail colours and gifts, Connock London products and for those friends and family who are a little harder to please, a Simply Beauty gift voucher is the answer.”

If you’re wanting to treat yourself to a pre-Christmas pamper, book now to avoid disappointment.

Christmas is simply all wrapped up at Simply Beauty!

28 |

4DORSET December 2015

advertising features

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Gifts GALORE New Forest Tree of Life in Ferndown is crammed with reasonably priced gifts that are a little bit different. Recent additions are bags, purses and scarves.

This unique holistic shop also offers treatments including Reiki, reflexology, Indian head massage, Eden Energy Medicine/ EFT Healing and much more – gift vouchers are available.

Telephone 01202 801145.

Watch out for these at Forum Jewellers CITIZEN have developed the light-driven watch.

Utilising electrical power converted from virtually any light source, this extraordinary innovation changed forever the way watches could be powered.

Eco-Drive eliminated the need to ever replace batteries, which made it especially beneficial to areas where such specialist batteries were not obtainable. Experience the joy of wearing a CITIZEN watch.

Pictured: Citizen Ladies Watch £429 BERING The cool look of the stainless steel and the puristic and clear line of the BERING watch design complement each other ideally and guarantee a glittering appearance. The elegant BERING look is achieved with a finely brushed or highly polished stainless steel surface.

Pictured: Bering Watch £269

Duncan Walton Cuff Links - £25 Fred Bennett Bracelet - £39.95

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

| 29

in health & fitness

Over land and seas Aboard the Dolphin 3 in Poole Harbour

Wimborne Stroke Support Group organised two ‘Round the Islands’ boat trips in Poole Harbour for its members. Coach trips followed to Swanage and Compton Acres.

Dave Saxton, topics and events co-ordinator for the group said: “This was our

At Compton Acres with the mini bus hired from Age Concern

first year of trips out and I am sure all felt they were a great success.”

The group meets on the second Wednesday of the month, usually at Wimborne Scout Hall in Station Road and occasionally at the Cedar Room, Haskins Garden Centre.

“Like the Stroke Association, with whom we all have links, we believe in ‘Life after Stroke’,” added Dave. “That’s why we try to support stroke survivors and the people who care for them living in the Wimborne and surrounding areas.”

If you are interested in joining, call Dave Saxton 01202 884737 or 07733 242013, or Angela Phillips 01202 242882.

Wimborne Rotary backs water for survival Wimborne Rotary has adopted Water-Survival Box as its principal ongoing charity. This organisation supplies aid to families who have lost everything following a disaster anywhere in the world.

The boxes are designed for a family of up to five people and primarily contain equipment to purify water, as well as essential items for cooking, eating and drinking; aids to health and hygiene; basic shelter and simple tools; and key household items – all to help survival in the early weeks and months after a disaster.

Rotarian Brian Dryden commented, “Water-Survival Boxes provide instant aid in areas where the first priority is access to water that is safe to drink. Their chemical-free water-purification system can provide sufficient clean water for a family of five for at least 12 months. At £150 each, the cost of the boxes is within the reach of clubs, schools and organisations that help us to raise money for this vital project”.

It is planned to have a demonstration with a sample box on display in Wimborne Square in the near future.

Pictured are four Wimborne Rotarians under the leadership of Brian Dryden. Left to right: John Gully, Brian, David Sumner and Helen Kanolik

Cancer support at home People over 50 affected by cancer can get one to one support from a trained volunteer. The volunteers can visit at home and accompany people to appointments. It’s a free and confidential service for people living with cancer at any stage and/or for carers. Contact Dorset Macmillan Advocacy on telephone 0300 012 0256 or visit www.dorsetmacmillanadvocacy.org

parkrun

comes to Moors Valley Moors Valley Country Park and Forest is now hosting a weekly parkrun every Saturday morning at 9am. The free, 5km timed leisure run is open to people of all ages, abilities and experience.

Runs take place every week but participants don’t need to make a long-term commitment and can take part as often as they want.

Events are free and runners simply register in advance online and print out a barcode which they present on the day of the run.

The only stipulations are that children under 11 should be accompanied by an adult, and dogs are limited to one per runner and must be kept on a lead.

The route taken by the Moors Valley parkrun is flat and easy to negotiate, even for children and people with limited mobility.

It starts at the totem pole near the Visitor Centre following gravel tracks and Tarmac paths through the forest before finishing by Crane Lake.

To help anyone interested in taking part, who isn’t quite ready for a 5km challenge, Moors Valley will be holding a series of beginners running courses in the New Year. They aim to get you parkrun ready in just 8 weeks.

The route and course information can be found at parkrun. org.uk/moorsvalley. Runners can register for the Moors Valley parkrun and print out their barcode at www.parkrun.org.uk/ register.

30 |

4DORSET December 2015

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features

WELCOME TO

Christmas in Winton

Christmas in Winton is going to extra special this year thanks to children from Linwood School who are proud to be connected with the community

W

inton may often be thought of as a suburb of Bournemouth but this doesn’t really reflect the true picture. For Winton has a real village feel about it and a sense of community that is growing stronger every year.

With a variety of shops, guaranteed to keep even the most ardent shopper busy all day, you can find everything you need here to make your Christmas perfect.

Food, clothes and hairdressers, gifts and electrical items, all are there meaning shoppers don’t have to face the crowds in the big towns. Shops are dressed for Christmas and Sturtons and Tappers window winter wonderland always attracts admirers.

And with an excellent selection of cafés and restaurants, you can enjoy the whole day shopping in Winton.

On 4 December Winton is to have its own lights switchon as the tree in the community garden created by children from Linwood School takes centre stage for Christmas

Linwood School pupils

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32…

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

| 31

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features

While the tree has been donated by Waitrose, credit must go to Linwood Special School in Alma Road, for creating the garden in which it stands.

The land outside Iceland in Wimborne Road was transformed last summer by the children of Linwood School, who worked tirelessly to create a beautiful garden out of a overgrown plot of land.

They even won an award from Bournemouth in Bloom for the most improved ward and the school has been made an honorary member of the Winton Traders’ Association. Now they have gone on to created a special winter garden this Christmas where a whole herd of ‘reindeer’ will be grazing.

The Forestry Commission at Brockenhurst in the New Forest donated silver birch logs to the school and children aged 11-16 have turned them into reindeer.

The idea came from the school council and the pupils have had a wonderful time sawing the wood up to make the reindeer, all of which have their own character. As all have red noses, there’s bound to one called Rudloph!

Their teacher Graham Martin, the science leader at Linwood said: “The children have learnt very important life skills making the reindeer through sawing, which they enjoyed and finding out about safety and wearing safety glasses.

32 |

4DORSET December 2015

All the reindeer have individual names including Snowball, Snowflake, Holly and Mistletoe.

“They all had a wonderful time working on the garden in the summer with 70 children taking part. It’s only about a mile to the garden, so they were able to walk and they all got involved, cleaning the site and planting flowers. We had to keep watering them and Iceland was brilliant in filling the watering cans.”

He added: “The community really supported them and bought them drinks and food. It meant such a lot to the children.”

Parents will be viewing the reindeer at the school’s Christmas bazaar which is being held from 6-8pm on 2 December, and after being displayed in the garden, the reindeer will be sold via sealed bids to raise money for the school.

The tree lights will be switched on around 6pm and the Winton Traders’ Association is organising free mince pies, hot chocolate and a free raffle.

Father Christmas will also be there – no doubt keeping the reindeer in order – and making sure that everyone gets a big welcome to Christmas in Winton.

So proud of his reindeer

d Part of Linwood’s her

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features - advertising feature -

JASS Studio’s in Winton would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Dance, drama, singing and musical theatre classes range from beginners to advanced level with shows and exams throughout the year There is pre-school funding for our Little Stars classes, which will not affect your nursery funding. Our Little Stars classes start from two and a half and they are appearing at the O2 Academy on 13 December in our show Winter Wonderland.

Your first class is free to try if you bring along your copy of 4Dorset magazine. Make 2016 special and try something new!

- advertising feature -

WEBSTER Family Butchers

Webster Family Butchers in Winton, Bournemouth was established in June of this year by husband and wife team Kane and Carly Webster. Kane; a friendly Aussie has almost 20 years’ experience in butchering and is keen to bring his passion for good honest food to this thriving community.

At Webster’s you’ll find a full selection of free-range beef, lamb, pork and poultry, which is prepared fresh everyday as well as a wide variety of sausages that are becoming extremely popular with locals.

As a family run business we understand the need for high quality meat at an affordable price. We pride ourselves on our local produce and our customer service – we will always try our utmost to fulfil every foodie request.

This Christmas we are bringing delicious Appledore Bronze Turkeys to Bournemouth. Fresh from the Kent countryside these birds have won the Guild of Fine Food’s Great Taste Award for the past three years and promise to delight you and your guests. As well as turkeys we also offer many other Christmas dinner treats including ribs of beef, geese, ducks, lamb and pork and not forgetting other Christmas favourites such as ‘pigs in blankets’ and a wonderful selection of cheeses.

To place your order either visit us at our Winton store on 440 Wimborne Road, BH9 2HB or call us on 01202 548315. We also provide a home delivery service, which is available on request.

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

| 33

in and around the area

what’s on

this month 27 November - 23 December 10.30am-7pm

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

Parts of Kingston Lacy house decorated for traditional Christmas along with illuminated trail in gardens after dusk.

01202 883402

5 December

3 December 7.30-9.30pm

6 December 4.30-7pm

Reading of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Roy Slade.

Greyfriars Community Centre, Ringwood. £5, £3 children, in aid of New Forest Junior Netball Club. 01425 483254

4-6 December 11am-3pm

Christmas Tree Festival, St George’s Church, Church Lane, Damerham. Free.

01725 518350

Dates between 4-20 December

Santa Claus will be in his pantry at Kingston Lacy house with helpers Holly and Mistletoe. Small chocolate gift for every child. Check for dates and times.

01202 883402

4 December 6pm

Christmas tree lights switch-on, Winton community garden, outside Iceland, Wimborne Road. Winton.

Broadstone Christmas Parade 1.25pm.

Christmas market from 10.30am.

Christmas on Poole quay. Flotilla of lights as illuminated boats parade along Quay. Organised by Poole Harbour Commissioners.

12 December 10am-5pm

12 December 7.30pm

19 December 8pm

Autism Wessex Christmas carol concert.

The Priory, Christchurch. 01202 703198

9 December 7.30pm

13 December 2.30pm

Late night Christmas shopping Wimborne. Entertainment from 3pm.

10 December 6pm

Lantern Parade, Poole. Falklands Square to the Guildhall for carol singing and mince pies.

11 December 7.30pm

18 December 7.30pm

Save the Children Parade, Wimborne.

12 December 2.15pm

8 December 7.30pm

10 December

Carols in the Cornmarket, Wimborne.

Verwood Concert Brass, Celebration of Christmas concert with all three bands.

Verwood Hub. £10, under 19 £6. 01202 828740

Highcliffe Christmas Cracker, Highcliffe.

Bach’s ‘Christmas Oratorio’ Salisbury Cathedral Choir will perform parts 1 to 3 of Bach’s ‘Christmas Oratorio’ in German with the period orchestra Charivari Agréable Simfonie.

01722 555120

Verwood Keyboard Society presents Byron Jones playing a Wersi keyboard, Verwood Hub. 01202 822936

18 December 6pm

Save the Children Christmas Concert, Wimborne Minster with The New Forest Children’s Choir and New Forest Chamber Choir. Tickets £6, children £3 from the TIC in Wimborne or 01258 840354.

14 December 8-10pm

Meet at Hengistbury Head visitor centre to watch Geminid meteor shower.

Weather dependent. Booking essential £5, under 16s £2, incudes hot drink.

01202 451618

Soul and Swing Nite with Lewis-Manning Hospice, Key-West Bar, Bournemouth Pier. Enjoy a night of dance with the Soul and Swing Nite. Tickets £12 in advance. 07971 956329

19–23 December 10am-3pm

Sally’s Festive Fun Activities at The Priest’s House Museum, Wimborne.

Christmas craft activities. www.priesthouse.co.uk

23 December 7.30pm

‘Celebration of Carols’ at Lighthouse, Poole, with BSO and Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and Junior Chorus.

0844 406 8660

30 December 10am-4pm

4 December 7pm

Ferndown & District Horticultural Association, Martin Stewart talk on ‘The Stewarts’ Family Business’. Ferndown Village Hall, Church Road. 01425 276164

15 December 7.30pm

5-6 December 10am-4pm

12 -13 December 10am-4pm

16 December 2.30pm

Wimborne Railway Society open day, United Reformed Church hall, Chapel Lane, Wimborne. Features three layouts in gauge ‘0’, ‘00’ and ‘009’, including a scale model of Wimborne Railway Station which was closed in 1964, and members sales stand. 01202 874735

16 December 7.30pm

31 December 2pm and 7.30pm

Poole and Parkstone Singers Christmas concert, Highcliffe Castle. 01425 278807

New Year’s Eve Family House Party, Verwood Hub. 01202 828740

16 December 7.30pm

3 January 10am

Winton Salvation Army Carol Concert, Regent Centre, Christchurch. 01202 499199

New Forest Christmas Fair, The Showgound, New Park, Brockenhurst.

Organised by The New Forest Marque.

Showcasing locally produced seasonal gifts. Forestry Commission trees for sale.

Free. 01590 622400

5-6 December 1-3pm

Reindeer making at Hengistbury Head. £7 per child (over 5). Booking essential.

01202 451618

5 December 10am-7pm

Ringwood Christmas fair and lights swtich-on. Featuring snow machines, street entertainers, lantern parade, carol singing, food, arts and crafts and Santa in his grotto. 01425 47883

34 |

4DORSET December 2015

Christmas tree festival, St Mary’s Church, Sturminster Marshall. More than 20 decorated trees, dedicated to charities for which donations are invited.

Carol singing Sunday afternoon. Free.

01258 857606

12 December

Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society, popular music concert by Andrew Nix, Allendale Centre, Wimborne. 01202 676631

Cinderella pantomime, The Barrington Theare, Ferndown. 01202 894858

Christmas Craft Fair, Kinson Community Centre, Milhams Road, Pelham Park.

01202 576613

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra with Bournemouth Symphony Choir perform Handel’s Messiah at Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts. 0844 406 8660

12 December 10.30am-4pm

17 December 7pm

The Great Pudding Stir at The Priest’s House Museum, Wimborne. Admission £1.50, £1 for children (annual pass not valid). www.priest-house.co.uk

‘Baby’ Jools with the Jazzaholics at Verwood Traditional Jazz Club.

The Hideaway, 17 Moorlands Road, Verwood. 01202 873725

Autism Wessex Somerley 10k and 2k fun run, Somerely Estate, Ringwood.

10k at 10am, 2k for all the family at 11.15am. 01202 483360

3 January 3pm

Bournemouth Concert Brass’s Viennese Concert, Regent Centre, Christchurch.

01202 499199

in and around the area

Dementia– friendly film screenings Monthly daytime screening of some of the worlds most beloved musicals and film classics for people with dementia, their families and friends, are starting on Wednesday 2 December.

In a joint initiative between the Borough of Poole and Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, the Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon comedy classic, ‘Some Like It Hot’ is being shown at the Lighthouse at 2pm.

Staff are on hand to assist if needed, and the films will be screened with the lights up a little and sound down a touch. There will also be an interval.

Tickets cost £5.

Relax with a cuppa and a good book Visitors to Upton Country Park can now relax with a cup of tea and a good book at Poole’s third community library.

In partnership with Poole Libraries, a new community library has opened in the award winning Upton Country Park. Located in the tearooms, visitors can now borrow a book whilst enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the park.

The community library will be open to all residents and visitors to the park. The opening times are the same as the tearooms, daily from 10.30am to 3.45pm.

There is a great selection of books to borrow and enjoy. Staff and volunteers at Upton Country Park have chosen a new collection of books for Poole Libraries, inspired by their interests and experiences in and around the park, including books for children and adults, history, art, wildlife and gardening.

Readers do not need to be Poole Libraries’ member to borrow a book, and there will be no fees or charges for the service.

COM P

ETITIO

N

Who’s been eating my porridge?

‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ has enchanted generations of pantogoers, and Highcliffe Charity Players’ new production at The Regent Centre, Christchurch, has much more than the bear essentials. In fact there is a whole menagerie of animal magic, for Goldilocks is the daughter of circus owner and pantomime dame, the outrageous Ma Barnaby.

So roll up, roll up, as Barnaby’s Circus comes to Christchurch. It’s the greatest circus in town, but the evil Baron Von Trappem, with his hapless duo Dunn and Dusted, plans to put them out of business by stealing their animals for his zoo! Goldilocks must save the circus and Antonio, the romantic Romany, and the loveable Three Bears, are on hand to ensure a happy ending.

It’s another fun filled, brilliantly costumed, song and dance extravaganza from the celebrated, award winning players, so join in the fun and boo, hiss and cheer.

Goldilocks is sure to be a New Year treat with performances from 16-23 January and mags4dorset and The Regent Centre have a family ticket to give away for the show on Monday 18 January at 7.30pm

Enter through our website: www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your answer on a postcard to Goldilocks and the Three Bears, mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Closing date is 21 December 2015. The first correct entry drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd and The Regent Centre are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative.

The editor’s decision is final. The ticket is for a family of four.

To be in with a chance of joining in the fun answer this question:

What is the name of the panto Dame in this production?

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

| 35

in and around the area

Ringing support for Sea Music sculpture

Husky adventure in forest You don’t have to travel to Lapland to experience the thrills of husky sled dog trekking this winter

A project to celebrate Poole’s Sea Music sculpture is in tune with the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Borough’s Museum Service has been awarded initial support including a £44,600 development grant from the HLF in support of its plans to conserve and celebrate Sir Anthony Caro’s Sea Music sculpture on Poole Quay.

Sea Music, which dominates the Quay, was designed and given to Poole by Sir Anthony Caro in 1991. Caro, who died in 2013, is today recognised as one of the most important modern British sculptors.

The sculpture is Caro’s only site-specific public sculpture and was designed to evoke the sound and appearance of the cascading sea through interlocking rings and curves. The central vertical plate recalls the masts and sails of the ships. The sculpture and three viewing platforms have suffered from the elements and are now in need of conservation and repainting before their condition significantly worsens.

Before Caro died, he specified some changes to the painting of Sea Music, including changing the colour of the viewing platform metalwork from blue to silver to better distinguish the sculpture from the viewing platform. It is hoped this will be completed in time for Sea Music’s 25th anniversary on 25 November 2016.

The HLF initial support is for the development phase of the project, which will centre on an arts and volunteering programme to celebrate the sculpture. A range of arts’ events will be staged and volunteers will document and provide interpretation of Sea Music.

A major exhibition of Caro’s musical sculptures is being planned for Poole Museum, accompanied by a book with newly commissioned photography.

Councillor Xena Dion, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for local economy, culture and leisure, said: “We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund recognises the importance of the Sea Music sculpture to Poole. Sea Music divides, but always stimulates opinions locally. There is no doubting its international importance as a work of sculpture, and its significance as a flagship tourist attraction for Poole Quay.”

Instead Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood is giving visitors the chance to meet working huskies up close, learn how they are cared for and find out about the sport of husky sled racing.

There should also be an opportunity to complete a short 500m sled run on your own with guidance from the experienced handlers and members of Team GB from Arctic Quest.

Minimum age is strictly 6 years and all children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating, paying adult.

The ‘Husky Experience’ takes place on 12-13 December. Booking is essential.

Team GB member Vickie Pullin with huskies, Yukon, Delta, North and Elmer. Vickie is the only UK musher to hold a sprint top 10 ranking on snow, placing 7th in the world in the four -dog class. Recently returned from the World Championships in Germany she was the first British musher to compete in the four-dog team mass start. Meet Vickie and the huskies on 12 – 13 December.

The seasonal countdown at Moors Valley, stars with the sale of Christmas trees on Saturday 5 December and goes on until 20 December. Trees range from four to eight feet in height, and there’s a choice of traditional Norway Spruce or the non-drop Nordman Fir. The Christmas Craft Market also runs daily on these dates featuring beautiful handmade gifts from Dorset and Hampshire.

Other activity workshops range from willow weaving, making wreaths and table decorations, clay decorations, and a chocolate workshop for adults and children.

Anyone who has a festive Christmas jumper tucked away at the back of their wardrobe is invited to give it an airing on Christmas Jumper Sundays - 6, 13, 20 December - and receive a small gift.

Contact Moors Valley on 01425 470721 for more details

WINNER

Graham Woodhams from Upton was the winner of The Simon and Garfunkel Story competition in October’s magazine. He won two tickets to the show at The Regent Centre, Christchurch. Answer: The Graduate.

36 |

4DORSET December 2015

Street light switch-off is safe National research published at the end of July has shown that part-night street lighting is not associated with road traffic collisions or crime.

The study, by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in partnership with UCL (University College London), suggests that local authorities can safely reduce street lighting at night, saving energy costs and reducing carbon emissions. Dorset County Council, which was part of this survey, has completed a part-night street lighting programme as part of its drive to reduce energy costs.

Researchers analysed 14 years of data from 62 local authorities across England and Wales who had implemented a range of reduced street light strategies, including switching lights off permanently, reducing the hours that lamps are switched on at night, dimming lights, and replacing traditional orange lamps with energy efficient white light LED lamps.

Crime and road safety data between 2010–2013 was analysed, the type of street lighting used was examined alongside traffic collisions and night-time offences.

The findings suggest that energy saving street lighting adaptations have not increased area level crime in the neighbourhoods that

were studied.

The county council has worked with Dorset Police, parish and town councils to decide which streets are included in the partnight switch off.

Areas that remain lit include town centres, designated traffic routes, roundabouts and roads with vertical speed humps.

Some areas with higher crime levels, CCTV installations or all night use (near police stations, hospitals) continue to be lit all night.

Cllr Peter Finney, the county council’s cabinet member for environment, said: ”The findings from this survey support the results of an earlier Dorset Police’s investigation.

“By turning off street lights at midnight (GMT) we are looking at initial savings of at least £300,000 per year. This money can be used to provide essential services for the taxpayers of Dorset.

“Although there is no actual link between crime, traffic collisions and turning off streetlights in the early hours, many residents still have a fear of these happening.

“This research by an independent body should help to dispel those fears.”

More information about Dorset’s part– night street lighting can be found on www. dorsetforyou.com/partnightlighting

Hamworthy rail crossing rattles along Work on the long-awaited rail crossing, costing approximately £780,000, and offering a direct route for local people accessing Hamworthy Park, is moving on at a pace.

John Rice, engineering manager, Borough of Poole, said: “We are still on schedule to welcome the first local residents to cross the bridge in December 2015.”

Poole Councillor Vishal Gupta, ward member for Hamworthy East, said: “The bridge will be a vital link for pedestrians and cyclists saving them time getting to and from the park and will provide a panoramic view of the harbour and the neighbouring islands.”

POOLE PARK AND RIDE Every Saturday until Christmas, buses will leave the Creekmoor Park and Ride site in Poole every 15 minutes from 8am until 6pm. The 10 minute trip costs £1.50 (adult return), and 50 pence (accompanied children return); free for holders of an English National bus pass.

Free parking for Christmas shoppers

Free parking in Poole’s town centre car parks in the run up to Christmas is as follows: Every Sunday until 20 December 10am–6pm Every Thursday until 17 December 6pm–9pm 21 December 6pm–9pm.

In Broadstone, Ashley Road, Penn Hill, Ashley Cross and Canford Cliffs there will be free parking in district car parks from noon until 6pm on 5, 12 and 19 December.

Why not join us at the RBL? Grant Parrott accepts a wreath from Ferndown First School Garden of Remembrance

A veteran lays a wreath

Chairman of Ferndown Branch of the Royal British Legion, Grant Parrott with students from Ferndown First, Middle and Upper schools

BLOOMING MARVELLOUS! For the second year running, The Royal British Legion was awarded first prize in the Ferndown In Bloom competition for the superb Garden of Remembrance in Church Road.

The garden is the home of Ferndown’s War Memorial and features the unique Portland stone, Poppy Stone, the town’s Roll of Honour and the World War One Centenary sun-dial. Newly installed this year and unveiled as part of the VJ Day Commemorations in July, the garden now has a stone bench to let visitors sit, enjoy the planting and spend

a little time in a busy day thinking of past and present friends and family.

The garden is looked after by a dedicated team of Royal British Legion members and volunteer helpers led

by Michael Baker. Every year they are responsible for the design of the beds, planting for each seasonal plan and care of the now-famous grasses, such a permanent and calming feature of the garden all year round.

This year’s winning garden was filled with geraniums, French marigolds and cosmos impatiens, which gave a

glowing backdrop to another busy year of services and commemorations, but for Michael and the team it is the personal use of the garden as a place of private reflection for the people of Ferndown that takes pride of place.

“There is no finer recognition of the role of the garden in the town. We have to think ahead and have just replanted with pansies and primroses for our display next spring,” said Michael.

Come and see the work of the team and enjoy a few moments for yourself in the Garden of Remembrance.

Meet and make new friends at The Royal British Legion in Ferndown.

Whether you are new to the town or perhaps on your own in the town, come along and rediscover your social life.

With nearly 900 members and an entertainment programme for all ages from 18 to 108 you will find something for everyone.

Here’s a taster: • Big fun quizzes / little serious quizzes • Jive/zumba/ ballroom tea dances • Giant bingo nights • Indoor bowls/skittles/ snooker/pool/ darts • Live entertainment every Saturday.

Add to that, a really friendly bar and hot meals every lunchtime (except Monday) and you have the RBL recipe for making new friends.

Come and join us – for more information ring 01202 877706

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

| 37

Susie and Button

SUSIE STEWART of Stewarts Garden Centres talks to JANINE PULFORD about the Centres’ herd of reindeer

Father Christmas has arrived at Stewarts Garden Centres and has been reunited with Comet, Dasher, Jingle, Snowy, Twinkle and Button in time for Christmas. These beautiful reindeer are delighted to see him again and are looking forward to meeting visitors at the Winter Wonderland grottos.

J. I understand you look after a small herd of reindeer for Santa. When did you start doing this?

Susie: It’s hard to believe, but it is over seven years since we took the leap to take on this commitment.

J. Did you decide to do it on a whim?

Susie: Not at all. It’s a big responsibility to look after reindeer, whether for Santa or not, and we wanted to do it properly. We did our homework. The year before they arrived, Bev Stewart and I stayed with ‘The Reindeer Man’, Steve Swinnerton, a renowned reindeer expert in the Midlands, to learn as much as we could about these fascinating animals.

J. Did your reindeer all arrive at once?

Susie: No. A year after visiting Steve, we returned and chose our first two boys, Comet and Dasher.

They were joined gradually by others.

J. Santa obviously sees them every Christmas, but what about the rest of year?

Susie: They are now part of the Stewart family and very much loved. When not helping Santa, they live on our land and are fed and checked twice a day.

They have wonderful facilities, field shelters and plenty of ground to roam.

J. They are not native British animals. How do you manage their welfare?

Susie: We take the welfare responsibility for them very seriously, not only through regular visits from Damory vets in Blandford but also the RSPCA and Steve Swinnerton.

38 |

4DORSET December 2015

Comet and Santa

J. When you first took the step to care for your reindeer, you must have been nervous.

Susie: Absolutely. It’s hard now remembering how daunting the early days were. It was at times a little scary, but amazing. Until you have lived through the full yearly lifecycle of losing and growing antlers it can be a little weird! Seeing them grow took a bit of getting used to.

J. Can you tell our readers more?

Susie: First there is the rapid growth of the soft, beautiful, velvety antlers in the spring. Then there is the agonising look of the antlers as the reindeer begin to rub the velvet off in the autumn. They finally lose them completely during the winter. They also shed their thick, winter coats before the whole cycle starts all over again.

J. I can imagine it being weird the first time you see that. Is it just the boys that grow antlers?

Susie: No. In most species of deer, it is only the males that grow antlers, but this is not true of our reindeer. Both boys and girls grow antlers.

J. That’s something new I’ve learnt today. What about the ‘pecking’ order in the herd. Have you got a reindeer who thinks he is Rudolph?

Susie: Yes. Button is the self-appointed ‘head boy’.

He is a very handsome chap and loves visiting ‘his audience’ at Christmas time at the garden centres and of course, meeting up with his great pal, Santa.

Button © Sam Stewart

J. Well, Susie, I can tell how much you love being custodian to these six gorgeous reindeer. It is good to hear that they have become such a part of the Stewart family and have settled into their home in Dorset. I expect Santa was very pleased to see them again.

Susie: Yes, he arrived on 28 November and is staying at our Winter Wonderland grottos with some of his favourite reindeer until Christmas Eve. J. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about the reindeer before you go?

Susie: They really are very precious to us and we love them loads. Our reindeer are part of the family 12 months of the year.

Stewarts are proud to be members of the British Reindeer Herders’ Association.

Children can visit Stewarts Garden Centres’ Winter Wonderland grottos at Broomhill (Wimborne) and Christchurch.

Booking is essential. You can book online at http://www.stewarts.co.uk/ Santas-Winter-Wonderland-at-Stewarts or call Broomhill 01202 882462 or Christchurch 01425 272244.

specialist services ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

DECORATING

BLINDS

BUILDING WORK & REPAIRS

CLEANING SERVICES

BUILDING WORK & REPAIRS

COMPUTER SERVICES

40 |

4DORSET December 2015

FENCING

FENCING

specialist services GARAGE DOORS

GARAGE DOORS

INTERIOR DESIGN

HAIR & BEAUTY

TREE SURGERY

LOCKSMITH

SHUTTERS

TILES

TILING SUPPLIERS

WASTE MANAGEMENT

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

| 41

specialist services WINDOW REPAIRS

WINDOW REPAIRS

MONTHLY HOROSCOPES with RUSSELL GRANT DECEMBER 2015 ARIES March 21 - April 20 By the time Christmas arrives, you’ll be ready to spend some quality time with family. This will prove one of the most enjoyable holidays ever, with a variety of relatives coming together in the interest of peace and harmony. You will receive some really nice gifts too. Ring out the old year with friends from a different country.

CANCER June 22 - July 23 Make preparations for Christmas with your best friend or romantic partner.

This is sure to be a special season for the both of you. The Full Moon on the 25th prompts someone to make a selfless gesture on your behalf. Get a head start on your New Year’s Resolutions by launching a health programme at the end of December.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21 The New Moon on the 11th brings great financial news, when your best friend or partner gets a raise. You will be sure to get a share of their earnings. Alternatively, you could win a lawsuit or get money through an insurance settlement. Go ahead and splurge on Christmas presents and decorations. Ring out 2015 with your favourite person by your side.

LEO July 24 - August 23 The Full Moon on the 25th marks one of the happiest Christmases in recent memory. Revel in the company of family and friends. You’ll be able to ring out the old year in style, when you receive an invitation to a very glamorous party. Wear something special to this glittering occasion.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21 The Full Moon on the 25th ensures this will be one of the best Christmases in recent memory. Your stocking will be filled with lavish gifts. Best of all, you’ll have a marvellous opportunity to connect with your nearest and dearest. Ring out the old year with the object of your affection.

VIRGO August 24 - September 23 Attend as many holiday parties as possible. The Full Moon rises on the 25th, giving Christmas a magical feeling you will never forget. Don’t be surprised when a cherished wish is granted to you. Ring out 2015 at a glamorous party.

You’re sure to make some valuable professional contacts at this event, so bring some business cards.

LIBRA September 24 - October 23 The Full Moon falls on Christmas and it looks like you will be receiving some truly fabulous gifts. A big dinner featuring traditional recipes will make this a day to remember. You’ll get a last minute invitation to an exclusive New Year party. Be sure to accept. You’ll be rubbing elbows with some very attractive people at this gathering.

SCORPIO October 24 - November 22 An intense flirtation adds a welcome dash of spice to the second half of December. The Full Moon falls on Christmas this year, making this one of the most romantic holidays in recent memory. Ring in the New Year with your favourite people this year. An intimate gathering is preferable to a big bash.

SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21 The Full Moon falls on Christmas. This is a fabulous time to pledge your devotion, exchange rings, or join households. You’ll be looking your best at the end of December. Be sure to wear something fabulous to a New Year’s Eve party.

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20 The Full Moon on the 25th marks a tender celebration with the one you love. Prepare to receive a lovely present that brings tears to your eyes. Are you single? A relative or neighbour will offer to set you up on a blind date. Go ahead and accept.

2015 ends on a quiet note. Spend New Year’s Eve cuddled in your amour’s arms, rather than attending a wild party.

AQUARIUS January 21 - February 19 Christmas will be a relaxing, laid back holiday this year. The Full Moon falls on the 25th, inviting you to cuddle with the one you love. If you’re single, you may opt to spend a few hours on a rewarding creative project. You’ll feel a lot more social on New Year’s Eve, when you’ll attend a glamorous party.

PISCES February 20 - March 20 This month’s Full Moon falls on Christmas, making it one of the most romantic holidays in recent memory. Be sure to give your amour a beautiful token of your appreciation. If you’re single, somebody will race forward to kiss you under the mistletoe. Be sure to attend a work party on New Year’s Eve. You’ll have a fabulous time.

Vector Graphics by VectorOpenStock.com

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

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

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

42 |

4DORSET December 2015

JULY 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY Property| UNITY news

advertising features

The benefits of living in

Ferndown

Being the second largest inland town in Dorset, Ferndown has all the benefits of its size, yet it’s a peaceful place, surrounded by countryside, as well as a number of prime golf courses.

This makes it a popular retirement area, with 34 per cent of the population being over 65 (2011 Census). It is also a great environment for children and offers plenty of housing for families, coupled with good schools.

Keeping active is important, so the well-kept,

outdoor sports facilities are popular. These include excellent tennis courts, a first rate bowling green, level football pitches, a cricket pitch, skatepark and large, grassed playground, which is well-fenced, beautifully maintained, and secure. Indoor pursuits are equally catered for with a leisure centre that offers a huge variety of classes, has two pools, a state of the art gym and various indoor sports halls.

Those who enjoy being entertained, will find Ferndown fits the bill. The town has its own theatre,

providing an eclectic mix of shows and live music.

It also provides the community with a great place to meet and put on events.

The town is also beautifully positioned in Dorset, being within easy reach of the market towns of Wimborne, Ringwood, Salisbury and Christchurch, and a proverbial stone’s throw from Bournemouth and Poole.

Anyone thinking of moving to Ferndown and wanting to know other advantages, read on.

mags4dorset contacted local estate agents to get their views and ask them to give their top reason to move to Ferndown and this is what they said:

“Location and suitable properties - there is a great selection of bungalows ideally suited for the retirement buyer moving into the area. Properties are generally on the level and close to good local amenities.”

Paul Dehon, Valuation Manager, Edwards Estate Agents

“Close to the great outdoors. Ferndown is a short drive away from the New Forest National Park with its heritage, wildlife and conservation attractions. If you want to stride out closer to home, there are large playing fields just moments from the town centre, as well as a choice of local heathland and forest walks.”

Olivia Lee, Senior Negotiator St Quintin Property Group

“Good schools in the area. Over the last few years we have seen an increasing number of people moving to Ferndown to get the benefit of the schools. Ferndown schools focus on continual improvement and are achieving good Ofsted reports.”

James Hadley-Clift, Branch Director, Hearnes Estate Agents

“Ferndown has something for everyone from young families to the retired. It’s a safe haven for families with excellent schools, low crime rate and excellent variety of shops, bars and restaurants. For the elderly there are excellent community clubs, great transport links and plenty of recreational activities such as Ferndown Golf Club.”

Tom Williams, Branch and Valuations Manager, YOUhome

“Well positioned for a visit to the sea and award-winning beaches including the naturist beach at Studland, which is just a short ferry trip away from Poole.

Inhale the sea air and enjoy the beautiful sea scapes, before winding down and returning to the peace and quiet of Ferndown.”

Anthony Smith, Paul Hannah The Estate Agents

“I call Ferndown the Goldilocks Zone.

It’s the perfect location. Its proximity to everything offers accessibility to so many different places, but it’s also just far enough away for residents to be able to enjoy the peace and quiet, far from the madding crowd. It’s close to the airport and commuter links to London and most buses seem to come through Ferndown.

Property really holds its value well and remains strong even when other areas take a dip.”

Scott Werran, Branch Manager, Connells Estate Agents

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

| 43

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features

- advertising feature -

Do you have an interest only mortgage?

By Anthony Peters, Planit Mortgages

Anthony Peters

As with any mortgage, the institution that lent you the money to buy your home will want the capital back at some point or other.

That’s fine if you have a repayment mortgage which is designed to ensure the final payment you make will clear the balance completely.

But what if you still owe the full amount at the end of the term?

For younger borrowers first getting onto the property ladder, the interest only mortgage was a good idea as you would have 30 years to pay back the loan. Once your income increases you could convert to repayment and eventually clear the balance.

We are now encountering older borrowers with big mortgages, small equities in the property and only a few years to go before they have to pay the loan back.

A few years ago, it was assumed that the growth in the value of the property would pay off this amount with plenty to spare but that theory seems to have gone the way of the endowment policy.

With interest rates as low as they are currently, perhaps it is time to remortgage onto a lower rate and use the savings to reduce the capital or even go onto a full repayment mortgage.

If this is you, give us a call and we will help you make sure you get back on track to clear your mortgage at the end of the term.

Planit Mortgages 01202 233660 info@planit-mortgages.co.uk www.planit-mortgages.co.uk

44 |

4DORSET December 2015

advertising features

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

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

| 55