Viewpoint December 2017

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VIEWPOINT

Volume 42, Issue 2

VERWOOD RINGWOOD FORDINGBRIDGE WEST MOORS WIMBORNE FERNDOWN ASHLEY HEATH ST IVES, ALDERHOLT

Something to Scout about! See page 35

ISSN 2397-7183 (print) ISSN 2397-7191 (online)

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• SARAH FARM ER LIGHTS UP FERNDOWN • VERWOOD RO TARY’S BIG PA Y OUT • THE OLD CO TTAGE REVIEW ED • BUS SERVIC E 38 REARS IT S HEAD • INTERVIEW WITH WESSEX WARRIOR MATTHEW ADAM S

VIEWPOINT Volume 42 • Issue 2 • December 2017

Hello Readers The breaking news as I write is the engagement of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle. You may be fed up of hearing about the Markle sparkle by the time you receive this magazine, but I am very happy for the couple and feel sure you will be wishing them well, too, just like Prince Charles did.

Looking ahead to next year, we will not only have plenty of hype about the wedding, but we can also look forward to the arrival of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s third baby in April – a few silver linings in the event that the Brexit negotiations collapse.

But in between we have Christmas. Have you made your figgy pudding, Christmas cake and chocolate log?

I usually manage to make a log and I use a wonderful recipe handed down to me by my mum. It goes like this: buy a plain chocolate log and unroll it. Scrape out the cheap filling and discard it. Make chocolate butter icing, using butter, icing sugar and cocoa powder; add a dash of brandy (to your taste). Spread the mixture on the inside of the flattened unrolled sponge, roll it back up and coat the whole log with the remaining butter icing. Decorate with a dusting of icing sugar and a sprig of plastic holly. It’s as delightful as the royal breaking news, so enjoy.

Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Janine Pulford

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

NEWS DESK 01202 872813 Janine Pulford editor editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk

Carol Waterkeyn contributing editor

DESIGN 01202 233441

Louis Pulford creative director

louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Adam Trimby graphic designer designstudio@mags4dorset.co.uk

ADVERTISING 01202 816140 Mark Beechey account manager DD: 01202 941465 mark@mags4dorset.co.uk

Russell Harness account manager DD: 01202 941466 russell@mags4dorset.co.uk Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

Editor

LOGISTICS

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

editorial Picture of the month

Ian Lory Alexandra O’Neill

“Thanks for the lift” see page 5 © Tom Scrase

How to contact us Enquiries: 01202 870270 Advertising: 01202 816140 Brightbox Designs: 01202 233441

Email: mags@mags4dorset.co.uk Web: www.mags4dorset.co.uk Twitter: @mags4dorset Facebook: mags4dorset.news

1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN

next copy closing date:

20 DECEMBER 2017

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.

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

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Lighting up Wimborne Disposing of Christmas waste A beautiful light show projected on to the walls of Wimborne Minster will take place on Saturday 16 December. Son et Lumiere will begin at 5pm.

On 22 December another popular event takes place in Wimborne. Carols in the Cornmarket with glowsticks provided by the BID attracts a large crowd. Everyone is welcome and hot drinks are available afterwards in the Salvation Army hall.

Free parking in Wimborne is on 9, 16 and 18-25 December (not including Waitrose or Co-op car parks).

Real Christmas trees The Dorset Waste Partnership no longer collects real Christmas trees at the kerbside.

You can recycle your real Christmas tree by cutting it up and putting it in your garden waste bin if you have one, or by taking it to a household recycling centre. Alternatively, you may be able to book a Christmas tree collection with a Dorset-based charity. You can find a list of participating organisations at www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/christmas-trees

Festive recycling Most of us produce extra waste over Christmas, but much of it can be recycled using your Recycle for Dorset service.

Remember that you can recycle: • cooked and uncooked food • wrapping paper (not foil or glittery paper, please) • cardboard boxes and packaging • Christmas cards and envelopes.

You can find out more about what items can be recycled at the kerbside at www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/which-bin Your Christmas bin collection timetable Between Christmas Day and Saturday 13 January, your usual rubbish and recycling collection days will be different. There is a printed table on page 3 of this magazine giving full details. Tear it out and keep it handy.

You can also check your next collection dates and download your calendar at www. dorsetforyou.com/recycle

Remember: • Dorset Waste will collect up to two extra sacks of rubbish beside your bin on your first rubbish collection after Christmas Day • Dorset Waste will collect extra recycling if placed in your own boxes, with glass kept separate • garden waste collections are suspended over the Christmas and New Year period, from Monday 25 December to Sunday 7 January.

Household recycling centres are open from 10am to 4pm daily, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

Rosie & Daisy

Ben & Tony

© Tom Scrase

Clear skies for Sarah’s switch-on BBC South’s weather presenter Sarah Farmer brought a bright spell to Ferndown on 25 November when she arrived to turn on the Christmas lights.

A huge crowd gathered under the clock tower for the countdown led by the town crier, Mike Andrews, as Sarah prepared to pull the lever.

The event, with entertainment and a market in Penny’s Walk, was organised by Ferndown Rotary Club, Ferndown Chamber of Commerce and Ferndown Town Council.

No stranger to Ferndown, Sarah brought clear skies with her as well as a giant dose of happiness. She said, “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. It’s exciting to be here. This is my first lights switch-on.”

The famous Chamber hamper raffle prizes were won by: 1st Mrs Lisa Brown, 2nd Matthew Stickley, 3rd Louise Hartley.

Santa & Effie

Sarah Farmer lights up Ferndown © Tom Scrase

Timmy & Megan

George Phillips, Ferndown Rotary CIO greets Sarah Farmer © CatchBox

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

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LAW SPOT Nicola Lowe, Managing Partner of Harold G Walker Solicitors.

Five Ways Your Friend-in-Law can help you at Christmas

Christmas can be an extremely busy time for everyone. Making time to visit a solicitor may not be high on your agenda. However, here are a few reasons why it may be beneficial to seek advice from your Friend-in-Law over the festive period.

1. Family and relationships Festive celebrations have long been associated with relationship breakdowns and there are many potential reasons for this. Sometimes arguments can be triggered by the combination of couples spending a greater amount of time together and in some instances the stresses of debt.

But couples can at least be reassured that our high-quality divorce lawyers are available to advise and support them through any difficulties they face.

2. Christmas conveyancing With the New Year rapidly looming, you might be looking to start a whole new life, and that may mean moving house – perhaps for a new job. Whatever your individual circumstances in needing to sell your home and buy a new property, our specialist Conveyancing Team can help you. We can undertake all the necessary duties in a conveyancing transaction so you can relax and enjoy the festivities.

3. Christmas employment issues During the Christmas period employers face a minefield of HR challenges.

Workplace Christmas parties in particular bring up issues of conduct and discrimination. Whatever your individual circumstances, our experienced employment solicitors can advise you of your rights as an employer or provide representation for employees.

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

4. Gaining access to the children Christmas can be an extremely lonely and emotionally difficult time for separated parents, especially when they are not able to spend time with their children over the festive period. It’s therefore not surprising that some parents consider taking the legal route to securing contact with their children. Our team of experienced family lawyers and mediators are available to offer impartial advice and help them to compromise on contact arrangements.

5. Writing a will There’s no time quite like Christmas for realising the importance of your family. So, what better time could there be to write a will for the first time or update an existing one? In the absence of a will, your assets may not automatically pass onto your loved ones as you might have presumed. Our Wills & Probate Team can help ensure you get the right lifetime plan in place to suit you, with your assets being distributed as you wish.

For further information of how your Friend-in-Law can assist you this Christmas please contact us on 01202 203300 or email enquiries@hgwalker.co.uk.

Cheque recipients with Vern (front row, grey suit) and Ken (far right)

£12,000 Rustic Fayre pay out There were smiles all round at the Rotary Rustic Fayre pay out on 28 November.

Nearly 30 charities and local organisations benefitted from the Rotary Club of Verwood’s generosity and joined together to receive cheques in the Memorial Hall.

Club president Ken Armstrong needed a strong arm to keep up with all the handshaking as he made the presentations. He said the Rustic Fayre, now in its 24th year, had grown so big that the Rotary relied on other organisations to help out on the day and he thanked them for their support. He also paid tribute to the chairman of the event Vernon Harris and there was a round of applause for all his hard work. ‘Rusty’ Vern has organised the Rustic Fayre since it started and will be taking it into its 25th year in 2018. “We’ve probably got to do something really special,” said Ken. As well as the charitable donations, the club put money towards the National Rotary KidsOut Day when over 25,000 disadvantaged children are given a fun day out. Locally, around 1,000 are taken to Paulton’s Park and Marwell Zoo. The fundraising Rustic Fayre is held every summer Bank Holiday Monday on Potterne Park in Verwood.

Anna, Green Cottage Riding for the Disabled “the money will go towards buying presents for the children’s Christmas party”

Adding a punch to the presentation Stephen Lamberth (Taekwondo)

Verwood and Three Legged Cross Dementia Friendly Association

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

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Fire service says “Are we getting through?”

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has launched an awareness campaign, targeting poor or inconsiderate parking.

The Service is asking all drivers “Are we getting through?” as, when responding to a 999 call, every second that the emergency services are delayed could have serious, life-threatening consequences.

The smallest fire engine needs a minimum of three metres, or the width of two cars, to pass safely. If you called for help, you would want to know firefighters could get through.

Assistant chief fire officer Jim Mahoney said, “Inconsiderate and dangerous parking has long been an issue across the Service and, as more households have more than one car, the problem will only grow. If we can’t get to a fire or an accident because we can’t get our fire engines through, it greatly restricts our effectiveness. I’m asking everybody to think before they park; yes, it may be convenient for you at the time, but what if it was your house or your loved one we needed to get to? You would want to know that we are getting through.”

One particular area of concern is parking on roads near schools, as these are often difficult to pass through safely, especially when cars are dropping off or picking up children. Drivers may not be parking illegally, but the Service is urging everyone to see whether a smarter option, maybe a bit further away, is available.

Poor or inconsiderate parking can also affect high streets and the roads by fire stations. On-call firefighters have to be at their station within five minutes of their pagers going off, so any delay in arriving has a negative effect on the emergency response.

The Service is therefore asking drivers to think before they park.

For more information about the challenges caused by poor or inconsiderate parking, please visit www.dwfire.org.uk/ education/road-safety-education/ are-we-getting-through.

Lighter sparks interest A rare Dunhill lighter is to be sold by Lawrences Auctioneers of Crewkerne. A table lighter, it is known as an aquarium lighter and these were made by Dunhill from the 1950s onwards. It has lucite panels on both sides with the interiors hand painted showing fish and underwater foliage. It measures 8cms high and 9.5cms across.

Expensive to purchase at the time, these table lighters continue to be highly sought after. This one is expected to make £1,000-1,500 at auction on 18 January. For further enquires contact Simon Jones on 01460 73041.

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

Moors Valley Country Park success at Awards Staff and volunteers at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest near Ringwood are celebrating having taken gold in the Large Attraction category at the Dorset Tourism Awards. The Park was also awarded silver in the new Artistic, Cultural and Learning Experience category, and communication ranger Katie Davies received a personal award for Outstanding Customer Service. Go Ape, which provides tree top adventures at Moors Valley also received silver in the Active and Sporting Experience category.

“To win one award is amazing, but to come away with so many is simply fantastic!” said Clare Gronow, team leader at the Park.

Jointly owned and managed by East Dorset District Council and the Forestry Commission, Moors Valley offers a combination of outdoor play, working forest and wildlife in a safe outdoor environment.

(l-r): Keeley Clayton, Mel Ewers, Jennifer Sutton, Doug King, Katie Davies, Karl Prince, Emma Reeks, Sally Norman and Ben Symes of Moors Valley

Happy anniversary

HILLSIDE Hillside Community First School in Verwood held a celebratory tea party on 5 November, exactly 50 years to the day after the school’s opening.

Guests included ex staff and governors and members of the community who have been involved and supported the school throughout its half century. Two previous headteachers, Judy Skipp and Roger Withey also joined the party. Tours around the school were enthusiastically taken, letting guests compare the school from then to now.

Displays in the hall told of the school’s history. Each guest, pupil and staff was invited to write a memory of their time at Hillside on a cut-out owl, the school’s symbol, and these were displayed.

Staff joined the party at the end of the school

day, catching up with old friends. Speeches reflected the school’s caring, nurturing and inclusive ethos throughout the years before the ceremonial cake was cut by Mrs Ruth Bussey, former chair of governors and headteacher Jeremy Harrison.

The day had started with an assembly led by Jeremy Harrison, who delighted the children by showing what life was like around the time of the school’s opening. Pictures

of the fashions and toys of the day led to great hilarity.

Parents and three members of staff who were previous pupils, told the children of their memories, including swimming in the school’s old swimming pool, waiting outside the headteacher’s office and taking their cycling proficiency badge.

Hillside pupils and staff are now looking forward to continuing its successes for the next 50 years.

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

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Petrol in days gone by

By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum

I am often accused by my family of being overly preoccupied with petrol prices and I would admit to experiencing a frisson of excitement if, as the tank approaches empty, I spot a garage with low prices.

In the early days of motoring petrol was sold in two-gallon cans from chemists, hardware shops and hotels. Drivers would strap the can to the running board of their car.

In 1903 East Mills Motor Works in Fordingbridge was run by Mr WH Crowdy who surrounded his petrol store with water for safety reasons.

Another petrol carrying business was run by Mr George Rogers from 57 Church Street. The petrol was stored above ground in the garden behind a low containing wall for safety. Mr Rogers was an amiable man who was short and tubby. It was said that if he took his belt off and held it up, it was the same length as his height.

The most popular brand was Pratts Petrol,

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

which was usually sold in green or red cans. These are now collectable as are the enamel advertising signs that were fixed to the walls of early garages.

Fordingbridge Museum has a well-preserved example of a Pratts’ enamel sign.

The first filling station in Britain was opened in Aldermaston in 1919 and served hand pumped petrol.

By 1923 there were 7,000 pumps in Britain often supplying Benzole fuel.

Mr Rogers also sold paraffin, which was used extensively to light and heat houses.

Many people will remember Molly Parker who sold paraffin from her shop in Provost Street. She

would drive the paraffin cans round in her Morris van. She was feisty and short with buck teeth and a speech impediment and several people I have spoken to were frightened of her when they were children. I am told that she was also a good singer and lost her speech impediment completely when she sang.

The first filling station in Britain was opened in Aldermaston in 1919 and served hand pumped petrol. By 1923 there were 7,000 pumps in Britain often supplying Benzole fuel. This was a by-product of burning coal and was increasingly home produced because importing it from Russia was seen as supporting the Bolsheviks after the 1917 Russian Revolution.

In Fordingbridge there were two garages run by the Blue Star company.

One was on Salisbury Street just behind the Old Manor House where there is now a block of flats.

The remains of the other one can still be seen to the left of the slip road into Fordingbridge when leaving the A338 from the Ringwood direction.

There was also a garage in Bridge Street close to where the mini roundabout is now and Candys garage near to where the fire station is.

Many of these garages developed on sites that had been blacksmiths as cars took over from horses as the main form of transport.

A good example of this was Nicklens Garage in Provost Street, which had been a blacksmiths. The site is now housing.

Perhaps my enthusiasm for finding cheap petrol stems from the fact that in the 1950s when I was a child my father could buy a gallon (4.5 litres) of petrol for about 50 old pence (20p in today’s money). Those were the days!

Fordingbridge Museum is closed for the winter and reopens on 20 March 2018.

Have a very happy Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Column supplied by Wessex Pensions

Daniel Parkin

Is it too early to start thinking about Christmas 2018?

By Daniel Parkin

I believe that budgeting is an important element of financial planning, not just for day-to-day, month-tomonth expenditure, but also for certain events such as birthdays and Christmas.

Credit cards are an easy way to spend during the festive period, but if no budget is set, it is so easy to spend more than you can afford. This can result in the credit card ‘hangover’ in the New Year, especially if you are paid early in December and have to wait until the end of January for your next pay.

According to research conducted by American Express earlier this year, the average cost of this year’s festivities is set to be an average of £767 per person. This includes the cost of presents, hosting and all celebrations, such as parties and going to the panto. That’s a lot of money.

So how about making this your New Year’s resolution: set up a separate savings account and save £65 per month over the next 12 months.

That will give you £780 set aside for next Christmas.

I would expect most financial magazines or reporters will give their thoughts for additional financial resolutions for 2018, such as taking advantage of tax allowances, comparing your utilities, insurance and borrowings via the various comparison sites available etc. These are important considerations that can save you money, especially when you consider the potential increased costs that will happen in 2018.

Base rates will probably start 2018 at 0.5%, and no one really knows whether they will increase again in 2018. Council tax usually increases in April. The pension contribution is due to increase as well, following auto enrolment, and where individuals in workplace pension schemes paying the current minimum of 1% of their qualifying earnings, will see an increase to 3%.

A tough year for anyone, but remember if in doubt, seek independent financial advice.

Wessex Pensions would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

For more information about pensions, telephone Daniel Parkin on 07801 432182.

17 Headlands Business Park, Salisbury Road, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 3PB

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

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business and RECRUITMENT Teachers Building Society wins award for mortgage application portal

Wimborne-based Teachers Building Society has won the 2018 Mortgage Finance Gazette Best Use of Technology – Lenders Award.

The Society won the national award for its new broker mortgage application portal, developed by Teachers with Bournemouth-based digital agency Appius. The portal allows brokers to complete a mortgage application for their client online and provides a quick and smooth experience; ensuring brokers are kept up to date at all stages of their clients’ mortgage application.

Jo Clarke, head of marketing at the Society, said, “We’re delighted to win this award for our mortgage application portal, which was designed around the needs of brokers. Feedback from those who have used it has been very positive, with some describing it as the fastest and easiest to use in the market. The Appius team had no small amount of challenges bringing the portal to life, so huge thanks to them and the project team at Teachers for delivering such a good solution.”

Karen Liddiard

Dorset law firm appoints new head of conveyancing department Dorset-based law firm Harold G Walker Solicitors has promoted one of its legal executives to head up the Residential Conveyancing department.

Harold G Walker Solicitors has appointed Karen Liddiard, who is based at the firm’s Christchurch office to lead the firm’s residential team.

Karen, who joined the business earlier this year, has built on her reputation as a proactive and competent conveyancer.

Originally from West Dorset, Karen qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in 2008. Her specialism in residential conveyancing enables her to advise on complex freehold and leasehold properties, as well as re-mortgages and transfers of equity. Her new role as head of department will allow her to continue serving her clients in the Bournemouth and Christchurch areas whilst developing the firm’s conveyancing service as a whole. She will be tasked with leading the department to achieve the highest levels of client care and satisfaction.

Harold G Walker’s managing partner, Nicola Lowe, commented, “Karen is a very wellrespected conveyancer and also has the skills and attributes required to lead our conveyancing team. We are delighted to be able to make her head of department and are confident that she will make a fabulous contribution to the firm’s conveyancing service and a welcome addition to the management team.”

Harold G Walker Solicitors has four offices across Dorset; including Wimborne, Christchurch, Broadstone and Verwood.

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

health & FITNESS - advertising feature -

Not all super heroes wear capes – some wear swim costumes!

For those wanting to start or improve their swimming, at Ferndown Leisure Centre they offer lessons for all age groups.

Lessons are taught by qualified instructors who will help to develop confidence both in, and around, the water.

Track swimming lesson progress online To continuously improve the delivery of swimming lessons, the Centre has the latest technology to record the performance of both children and adults during their lessons. Through an internetbased home portal, you will be able to track your child’s or your own progress and move up through the Swim England programme.

Duckling swim programme Your child can be a push and glide ahead of the pack with the nationally recognised swim classes designed for parents and children from 4 months to 4 years.

Adult swim lessons

3-for-2 Zoggs offer Stuck for gift ideas? Don’t worry, with the 3-for-2 offer on all Zoggs children’s products, you’ll be sure to get some great stocking fillers for those little swimmers in your life who just love the water! Pool games, goggles, swimwear and accessories are all included in the offer – with the Zoggs range catering for baby swimmers right up to teens competing at club level. The Centre says this is a fantastic chance to go and grab great gifts for friends or family, no matter their swimming ability! The offer runs up to 24/12/17.

(Cheapest item free. Full price items only, excludes Justice League products).

Free swim assessment

Would you like to improve your swim technique or maybe start from the beginning? There are adult beginner, and improver, swimming lessons, with a duration of 60 minutes with Janet Latham on Sundays: beginners 4.30-5.30pm, improvers 5.30-6.30pm.

New Justice League products

At Ferndown Leisure they offer a free swim assessment to help you place your child within the best class to suit their ability.

Contact the Swim Team on 01202 877468 option 2 for more information or visit www. ferndownleisurecentre.co.uk

Wonder Woman, Batman or Superman? With these fun products now on sale, everyone can find their inner superhero.

The staff at Ferndown Leisure would like to wish all of their members and users a very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

Ever stop to think what makes you happy?

By Georgie Harris, registered manager of Bluebird Care, Ferndown Happiness is the emotion we feel when we see someone we care for, we achieve a goal, or feel content or satisfied in our lives.

Happiness is also the thing we want for the people we love the most.

That’s why it matters so much.

But it isn’t easy to maintain a healthy, positive emotional state. Anger, worry, and hostility increase the risk of developing heart disease and, as people react to these feelings they also experience raised blood pressure, which is not good for their health.

Happiness is a positive emotion that has been linked with better health, longer life, and greater wellbeing. Being happy promotes a range of lifestyle habits that are important for overall health.

Happy people tend to eat healthier diets, with higher intakes of fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Being happy also improves sleeping habits, which is important for concentration, productivity, performance and maintaining a healthy

weight.

Feeling happy may help keep your immune system strong, too, which will help you fight off the common cold Georgie Harris and chest infections and also protect the heart by reducing blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.

Are you living a happy life? There is always a way to ensure a positive outcome even if a little, or a lot of support is needed to help achieve it.

To contact Georgie Harris, email CMferndown@bluebirdcare.co.uk or call 01202 977200.

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

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health & FITNESS ‘Carers Passport’ gives extra support Carers can now spend more time alongside loved ones in Dorset’s community hospitals, thanks to a new scheme on the wards.

Dorset HealthCare is introducing a ‘carer’s passport’ system, giving people hospital access outside of regular visiting hours and providing vital extra support to patients as and when they need it.

The passport was piloted at hospitals in Weymouth, Portland and St Leonards, near Ringwood, last year. Initially open to carers of people with dementia, it proved so successful it is now being rolled out to the 11 community hospitals in the county. It is open to anyone who cares for a relative, partner or friend with ongoing physical or mental health problems.

Under the system, carers identify themselves on arrival at the hospital and are given a badge, or ‘passport’, which allows them to stay beyond regular visiting hours – providing reassurance and additional help for the person they are caring for.

Hospital staff welcome carers throughout the day and into the evening, though overnight stays will be at the discretion of ward nurses.

Alison Low, senior sister on the Fayrewood Ward at St Leonards Hospital, said, “It makes a huge difference to the

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

Senior Sister Shirley Dow (left) and Student Nurse Olivia Purnell

care we can provide when we have inside knowledge of a patient from their loved one. It helps us to meet their individual needs more effectively, and also gives the patient additional support at what can be a difficult time.”

The carer’s passport idea was sparked

by John’s Campaign, a national initiative founded in late 2014 following the death of dementia patient Dr John Gerrard. His daughter Nicci faced restricted visiting access during his final days, and began campaigning for more access for carers, a move backed by NHS England.

Talk to any member of hospital staff to find out more about the carer’s passport scheme. More information is also available online at: www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk.

Dorset HealthCare’s community hospitals in this region include: Alderney Hospital, Poole, Blandford Hospital, St Leonards Hospital, and Victoria Hospital, Wimborne.

health & FITNESS

Anita and Mandy at St James’s Palace

Christchurch Hospital’s Macmillan Unit is one of just 40 organisations to be awarded the HRH Princess Royal’s Training Award recently.

The award for training excellence was given to the specialist palliative care unit for its innovative approach to training its end of life volunteers.

The programme, headed up by volunteer coordinator Anita Rigler, has seen the Unit recruit volunteers based on a number of values. It allows experienced volunteers to train new ones and support each other via peer support and supervision.

The new training follows a forty per cent increase in referrals to the Macmillan Unit and since it was introduced, more than 300 people have volunteered their time.

Not only has the training benefited the Macmillan

Macmillan Unit volunteers team receive royal award

Unit, other charities in the area are also adopting the same techniques, with volunteers going to Christchurch Angels, LewisManning Hospice and the Motor Neurone Disease Association as well as local care agencies, to deliver training on the innovative programme.

Anita Rigler, along with her husband, and volunteer Mandy Preece, attended a presentation

by HRH The Princess Royal at St James’s Palace to accept the award.

They were joined by representatives from 39 other organisations.

Anita said, “It’s an absolute honour to have our hard work acknowledged by a Princess Royal Training Award. Our service simply wouldn’t be the same without our wonderful volunteers so it’s important we attract the right people

Merry Christmas

From BrightBox Designs

to volunteer with us and support and train them as best we can for the important work they do – this award is for them.

“It’s also a great honour to share our learnings and practice with other organisations that rely on the support of volunteers. We’re always happy to discuss our practice and learn from other organisations too.”

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

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verwood NEWS eetings r g s a m t is chr Fro m

Verwood

The Verwood community launched Christmas in the town on 9 December with the Christmas Extravaganza on Ferrett Green, and the switchon of the Christmas lights by Mayor Cllr Lindsey Dedden.

Verwood Concert brass provided some festive entertainment to keep everyone entertained and Santa popped in to say hello on his way from Lapland.

Local businesses would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and new year and look forward to seeing you in 2018.

Benefits from the sun Forest FM DJ Charlie Hassell

R

ecent Verwood Solar Farm Fund awards have proved very successful and are already benefiting the community.

More than 20 people have taken up Forest FM’s

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

offer to teach them how to use the radio station equipment, how to record and edit using specialist software, plus interview and presentation techniques.

Some were so successful that their interviews have

been played on air and Charlie Hassel, pictured, was so good and eager that he now presents sports bulletins on a Saturday.

You can contact Forest FM if you live locally and would like the same opportunity.

Another recent success story is that the fund has enabled ‘Relate’ to set up a service in Verwood.

The application form for the Solar Fund is on the Verwood Town Council website, or a paper copy can be obtained from the Verwood Town Council Office. Applications need to be received two weeks prior to committee meetings, which are scheduled for 29 January, 11 June and 8 October 2018.

verwood NEWS

Council Matters

By Cllr Simon Gibson

The headline news for the council this month is that the Secretary of State has (finally) made a decision in relation to the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). After months of delay, Rt Hon Sajid Javid has stated that he ‘is minded to support’ the proposals to create two new unitary authorities for Dorset.

So what happens now?

Well, there is now a short period of time for councils who did not support the plans, to submit alternatives before the Secretary of State makes a firm and final decision.

East Dorset District Council did not support these proposals and it is now for councillors to decide what actions they wish to take. Either way, I am grateful that some clarity has now been given as to delay much longer would

have risked leaving local councils in an impossible position, with not enough time to make the required changes that need to be made, inside or outside on Local Government Reorganisation. I will keep readers posted as this develops.

As this is my final column of the year, I have been reflecting on 2017 as a whole. It cannot be denied that this year has been challenging in a number of ways.

The tragedy at Grenfell Tower in particular serves as a reminder that both Government and councils must do all that they can to ensure that lessons are learned and mistakes are not repeated. Closer to home, the lack of clarity around LGR has brought about its own challenges.

However, within the challenges, I have seen

Cllr Simon Gibson

numerous instances of terrific service and support given by the community and by councils that have made a big difference to people. Over the Christmas period, I will once again join volunteers as we serve the 6th annual Community Christmas in Verwood.

Whatever your plans are for the Christmas break, I hope that it is restful. Something tells me that 2018 might be just as unpredictable as the year that is just finishing.

There will be plenty of opportunities to seize upon to better our communities, but for now, I hope that you have a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Remembrance weekend in Verwood On Friday 10 November the Orchard Nursery visited the Memorial Stone on Ferrett Green in Verwood and laid three wreaths.

On the Saturday, young musician Niamh Thompson played the bugle and a few residents braved the horrible weather to mark their respects at the 11th hour, on the 11th day.

On Sunday 12 November, the 15th Signal

Regiment joined the community of Verwood at the Remembrance service. Representatives from the community included the Mayor, Cllr Mrs Lindsey Dedden and fellow town councillors, representatives from the Royal British Legion, Simon Hoare MP, the Royal Airforce Association, the Guides, Scouts, Verwood Rotary, Probus, Churches

Together and others.

Trinity School visited the memorial on the following Tuesday to lay their tributes too.

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

| 17

Wessex Warrior Matthew Adams talks to Janine Pulford

When he was just seven years old, Matthew Adams from West Moors was diagnosed with Becker Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive muscle-weakening disease, which began to change his life.

A Matthew with his awards

J. When you first trained for the Wessex Warriors how did it feel?

M. There were a lot of people and some excellent players. I was worried I wouldn’t be good enough.

J. Who has inspired you?

M. I really looked up to one of the players, Rob. He made me want to improve. Unfortunately he is no longer with us, but he made a big impression in a short space of time.

A visit from England captain Jon Bolding was also inspiring. He took one of our training sessions.

J. What sort of chair do you use?

M. When I started I had a Storm 3 Competition chair, which was pretty old and battered and I made it worse with my style of play.

To improve my game and be competitive I felt it was important that I purchased a Strikeforce wheelchair by Power Soccer Shop, which is specifically designed for powerchair football.

It’s lower, accelerates faster and spins quicker than the Storm 3 Competition. With a Strikeforce you can hit the ball harder, and can close people down quicker when defending. It had to be made to order to my exact specifications

lover of sport and a keen supporter of Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth, it’s not surprising that like most young boys, Matthew wanted to play football, but as time progressed, instead of running around on a football pitch with his mates, Matthew became more dependant on a wheelchair. By the age of 16 he had started to use one full time.

His interest in football didn’t falter and eventually he found a wheelchair football club at Warsash near Southampton. With high hopes he went along to a training session. “Unfortunately

and needed extras fitted due to my lack of strength. It was built in the US and shipped over ready to use.

It cost approximately £7,000.

J. That’s a huge amount of money to find. How did you fund the purchase?

M. I started a crowdfunding page on Just Giving and friends and family kindly donated as well as total strangers. I was humbled that so many people wanted to help.

I also approached a number of charities. The Joseph Patrick Trust, Sport Foundation for the Disabled and The Richard Overall Trust all donated and I received some signed merchandise to auction from the MU Foundation and AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust. My uncle and the Wessex Warriors PFC also contributed.

Without all this help, I would never have been able to afford the Strikeforce chair. I am so grateful to all those who donated; it’s lovely to know people care.

J. Was it worth the investment?

M. Yes. Since I’ve been using it I feel my game has improved a lot.

It took me a bit of time to get used to the extra forces generated on my body when spinning the chair but my confidence has increased each time I’ve used it. I’m looking forward to improving further.

J. When did you first start playing in the league?

M. I made my competitive debut for

I had to use my own wheelchair and it got damaged,” said Matthew. The repair was costly and he didn’t go back, but his desire to compete didn’t go away.

Many years later, in January 2016, when he was 31, he spotted a flyer about the Wessex Warriors PFC based at Victoria School in Poole and he got in touch. Soon after that he started his first training session and since then has become a goal scorer and won two awards.

He enjoys the sport so much, he has started writing a blog about it and I caught up with Matthew last month to find out more.

the club in September 2016 against Crystal Palace in the South East Regional League, a game we won.

J. What position do you play?

M. I have cemented my position as a central player. This is the busiest position on the pitch. You have to be able to defend well, start off attacks and get forward to try and score goals. I feel my strongest attributes are passing and blocking. I do need to improve my shooting accuracy and positioning while defending set pieces though.

J. What are your most memorable moments?

M. During the season we appeared on BBC South Today and were interview by Tony Husband at Victoria School, this was a big honour and great recognition for the club.

Last season I won two awards: parents’ player of the season, presented in July, and a special recognition award.

This was presented at the club’s Sportsman’s Dinner by Jon Bolding who was a special guest along with two ex footballers, Wayne Fereday and Andy Howard. It was a great night attended by the coaches, players and sponsors and took place in August.

J. What advice do you have for anyone taking up the sport?

M. Find a club that has competition chairs you can use. Using your every day wheelchair isn’t ideal and

Cherries Community Fund supports Wessex Warriors PFC with a donation

it could get damaged. Fundraising is important if you need your own wheelchair and can also help you attend matches. It can be an expensive sport to play without financial help.

J. What other hobbies do you have?

M. I love cars and motor racing, films and music. I also like going to watch AFC Bournemouth and have a season ticket.

J. How has powerchair football affected your life?

M. I have really enjoyed powerchair football so far and have made some great friends. I hate conceding goals and am very critical of myself when I make mistakes. I’m very competitive and hate to lose. I have started to write a blog about my experience with the Wessex Warriors and would love readers to follow me at https:// agame4warriors.wordpress.com/

During the 2017/18 season Matthew will be playing league football in the MDUK Championship. This will involve spending five weekends in Nottingham. It will cost him £2,000 to attend the last three weekends. Marden Edwards has already contributed £250 towards his expenses for which Matthew would like to say a big thank you. If anyone else would like to sponsor Matthew, contact him on Facebook or through his blog.

New powerchair

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

To find out more about the Wessex Warriors PFC contact info@wessexwarriors.co.uk or call 07880 495389.

Or to make a donation visit www.wessexwarriors.co.uk/donate.

foodie NEWS

Tony’s figgy pudding in demand!

Chef Tony Shepard retired from Bournemouth’s Marsham Court Hotel last year after 30 years in the job. But the 65-year-old was happy to pop back and cook up a batch of his ‘secret recipe’ Christmas puddings recently.

Tony joined the Marsham Court hotel in Russell-Cotes Road as head chef 31 years ago, when it was owned by the De Vere hotel group.

Shortly afterwards the hotel was bought by Jennie Deavin and her family – for whom Tony worked for the rest of his career, until finally hanging up his apron last December.

Rosie Wallace, daughter of the late Jennie Deavin and now MD of the Marsham Court, said, “I’ve watched Tony make the Christmas puddings since I was about 10 years old and it was like losing a member of the family when he retired, so it’s great to see him back in the kitchen working his magic.

“Our Christmas puddings are a key part of our festive celebrations here at the Marsham Court, with guests taking turns to stir Tony’s mixture and then a grand lighting and serving ceremony on Christmas Day itself.

“The recipe is also a closely kept secret which Tony cannily took with him – so he has guaranteed himself an invitation back every year!”

Chef Tony dished up the Christmas pud to guests at the Marsham Court Hotel for over 30 years

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

| 19

foodie NEWS The Old Cottage Restaurant in Ringwood Review by Carol Waterkeyn

Photos ©Paul Waterkeyn

The current owners, Paul and Tricia Harper, have been at this beautiful location for 28 years. The interior is welcoming, with inglenook fireplaces and several small rooms used for dining, and the Mill Stream bar is said to date back to the 13th century.

Upstairs are two holiday apartments that can be rented for the weekend or week; and prove a very handy location for visitors.

We were recently invited along for a meal, so Mr W and I visited at the end of October, before things got too busy with

Christmas dining. Paul Harper was chef that day and his enthusiasm for good food, and then cooking it, clearly shows.

I would say this is mainly British food at its best. As well as steaks, lamb and chicken on the menu, there was quite an impressive selection of locally shot game (by the owner), and fresh fish.

Vegetarians have choices too, and special diets can be catered for. There’s also a children’s menu for family outings.

I’m so glad we arrived hungry. We decided to

try three courses each from the comprehensive selection on offer.

“

We were already impressed by the food, and we still had main courses and desserts to follow

“

Nestled in West Street near the bridge, the thatched Old Cottage Restaurant was once four cottages that were built more than 600 years ago. At some point in their more recent history they were converted to make one building and this configuration has become a restaurant in more recent times.

Being a large menu, it took us some time to make our choices.

Eventually Paul and I selected starters of Crispy duck salad, and Artichoke hearts with melted cheese and toasted almonds.

Paul was choosing from the à la carte menu and I was selecting from the fixed-price one, which is excellent value at £18.50 for two courses, and £22.50 for three. The crispy duck

Bread and butter pud

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

foodie NEWS was declared ‘yummy’; it was served coated in hoisin and sweet chilli sauce served on a bed of crunchy lettuce with spring onions. I had thought the artichoke hearts sounded really interesting. I’ve only ever seen them in Italian restaurants before. They were in a rich cheesy sauce and the toasted almonds gave a satisfying crunch.

For our accompanying drinks we chose a glass of red Shiraz and a white Pinot Grigiot. Both were at the perfect temperature.

We were already impressed by the food, and we still had main courses and desserts to follow.

Paul doesn’t often get treated to fillet steak at home, so his first choice was Medallions of fillet steak with Stilton and cream, a crunchy salad and twice-cooked chips.

In contrast, I liked the sound of the Chicken cooked with garlic, rosemary and black pepper. I had so nearly chosen King prawns wrapped in bacon, which sounded equally delicious.

Without exaggeration, I can tell you this was the moistest, tastiest chicken I have ever encountered.

The secret’s in the cooking, according to the other Paul – the owner and chef.

It was served with creamy Dauphinoise potatoes and fresh vegetables – a lovely melée of lightly al-dente vegetables.

Mr W commented that his fillet steak was perfectly cooked and he enjoyed the surprisingly subtle flavours in the blue cheese sauce.

Onward to desserts, and while my husband chose Bread and butter pudding served with vanilla ice-cream, I went for the lighter option of Duo of fresh fruit sorbet with garnish of fresh fruit.

The bread and butter pudding was excellent apparently, and the

sorbets were amazing.

They were mango and lemon, which correlated together particularly well with the strawberries and blackcurrants that accompanied them.

Feeling rather full, we thanked our hosts for a truly delicious meal. I am sure we will be revisiting in the not-too-distant future.

This family-run

restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday, both lunchtimes and evenings, and on Sundays from 12-2.30pm. It is advisable to book at weekends.

They can accommodate wedding, birthday and other parties. The Old Cottage also provides bespoke catering for events large and small, should you require.

Duo of sorbets

Chicken with garlic and rosemary

dding with ice-cream

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

| 21

ringwood NEWS etings e r g s a m t chris Fro m

Ringwood Following the arrival of Santa during Ringwood Parade on 2 December, businesses have really got into the Christmas spirit by joining here with mags4dorset to wish their customers season’s greetings. Events in the town are still on-going and there will be a Farmer’s Market to enjoy in the Furlong on 23 December and the Christmas Eve miracle when children can give presents to Father Christmas in the Market Place. Enjoy!

Bursary for glass project Ringwood School has received £1,000 bursary for a Glass in Society STEM mini project from The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London, who promote the use of glass in arts, crafts, science and technology in education.

The project will span a number of year groups to ensure as many students as possible benefit from the bursary. Students will look at the effect of colour filters on light through the context of stained glass; the different properties of ‘smart’ glass; how medieval scientists stained glass through the use of nanoparticles and the refractive properties of different glasses.

Hannah Belben, Science teacher at Ringwood School comments, “We are

Year 7 STEM Club students, Louis Evans and Freya Burke with Andy Brockett, Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London

delighted to have been successful in securing the grant from The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London. We will use the bursary to buy new apparatus and equipment to support the various projects across the year groups. I hope the focus on the use of glass as a project will help to inspire the future career paths of many of our students.”

Do you recognise these youths?

Hampshire police have released e-fits of two youths they would like to speak to following an assault in Ringwood. It happened on Southampton Road near the main bridge

over the A31 on 12 October at around 7.30pm.

A 42-year-old man was assaulted by up to six people, leaving him with injuries that required hospital treatment.

The people in the e-fits are described as white males with local accents.

One was around 13 years old, 5’ tall, average build with noticeably round lips, short dark hair and wearing a baseball cap. The other was aged 14-16, 5’5” to 5’8”, large stocky build, thick black stubble on his face and short, spiky black

hair and possibly wearing a white and blue checked shirt. A third person was described as a white male, aged 14 -16, smaller build than the other two with a round face. He was wearing a hat or cap and a tracksuit, possibly grey or blue and spoke with a local accent If you have any information, please call PC Simon Hughes at Lyndhurst Police Station on 101 quoting 44170396940 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

E-fit images of two youths the police would like to speak to

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

ringwood NEWS

Clean sweep by Ringwood media students A talented group of Ringwood School Year 13 media students have won all six available awards at the annual Southampton Film Week 2017.

Ringwood School students entered the College Filmmaking Challenge 2017 and were given just two weeks to produce short films no more than four minutes long. They also had to use the title ‘Formidable’ and the line of dialogue ‘The icing on the cake.’

The screening of the films, took place on 16 November at Southampton Solent University.

Angela Jones, Head of Key Stage 5 Media at Ringwood School said, “I am immensely proud... This is the fifth year that we have entered the College Filmmaking Challenge and year on year we come back

with awards. We have won Best Film for the last five years.”

Each year Ringwood School has seen numbers on Media A-Level courses grow and the numbers of students going onto media related courses and careers after Sixth Form have also risen substantially.

Media students relished the most recent challenge and the results were: Best Cinematography, Best Script, The Audience Award and Best Film: ‘The one with the phones – Formidable’ by Livvy Savage and Phoebe Gibson.

Best Editing: ‘The one with the dream – Formidable’ by Sam Webb.

Best Actor: (Ariana King), The one with the date – Formidable’ by Ariana King, Freya Slater, Denver Collison, Abi Lum Kin. Best Sound: ‘The one with the pool – Formidable’

by Emma McConologue, Ally Oliver, Anneka Bower, Charlotte Lambert and Isaac Skirton.

Ringwood School Year 13 Media students Livvy Sargent and Phoebe Gibson who picked up an incredible four awards at Southampton Film Week 2017

‘The class of 2018’ at the annual Southampton Film Week awards with Head of Media Mr Miguel Drummond and Head of Key Stage 5 Media Mrs Angela Jones

All the films are available to watch on YouTube.

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

| 23

ringwood NEWS Ringwood and Burley Band fundraiser

‘We Will Remember Them’ was the theme for Ringwood and Burley Band annual fundraising concert on Sunday 29 October at the Barrington Theatre.

The nostalgic programme of music associated with the war years included a selection of Glenn Miller melodies and First World War songs such as ‘Pack up your Troubles’ and ‘Keep The Home Fires Burning.’

The band’s guests, the all-girl singing group the Bobbies entertained with 40s’ style arrangements and other music included a trombone quartet entitled Trombola, and a solo ‘Bring Him Home’ featuring the band’s soprano player Di Bartlett.

Ringwood and Burley Band will holding a Christmas Concert at Greyfriars on 16 December; they will be at the Fish Inn on 20 December; and will be playing carols in Ringwood Market Place on Christmas Eve at 5.30pm, so join them if you can for a sing -song.

The band is mainly self-supporting, and has no lead sponsor at the moment so if you would like to offer support, get in touch with them through their website. www. ringwoodandburleyband. co.uk

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

U3A Ringwood Ringwood U3A continues to flourish and now hosts a Bridge Club at Greyfriars every Tuesday afternoon in addition to the numerous other varied activities on offer.

Last month the U3A held a very successful open morning, but if you missed this you can always find out more by visiting www.ringwoodu3a.org.uk or pick up a leaflet at Greyfriars.

Apart from regular group sessions, Ringwood U3A holds a monthly meeting with a speaker on the third Thursday of the month at Greyfriars from 2-4pm .

Upcoming subjects are ‘Ancient Egypt – a History in 10 Objects’ (January), ‘Wildlife photography in the Falklands’ (February) and ‘150 years of the London Underground’ (March). Visitors are welcome and the cost is £2.

Bring and Buy for the blind

Ringwood and Fordingbridge Club for the Blind enjoyed its annual bring and buy sale in November at Greyfriars Activity Centre in Ringwood.

A huge variety of donated items were on sale and approximately

£100 was raised, all of which will be used by the club for the benefit of the members.

Having had their fill of shopping, afternoon tea was enjoyed, followed by a raffle.

On 14 December members will meet for musical entertainment and tea with a festive theme on the lead up to Christmas.

Anyone with a visual impairment is welcome to attend the club meetings on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, 2.15pm to 4.15pm at Greyfriars. Transport can be arranged if needed.

Please contact Kate 01425 476568 or Russell 01425 476618. For more details e-mail rwfbclubforblind@ hotmail.co.uk or visit www. rfcb.co.uk

ringwood NEWS Memory tree for those missing a loved one © Geoff Timms

The Miracle of Christmas Eve Prepare yourself for a twist on the festive season.

A magical event, organised by Ringwood Rotary Club on Christmas Eve, attracts thousands of people.

Crowds start to gather in the town’s market place just before 6pm for Christmas carols with Ringwood and Burley Band.

Anticipation builds until Father Christmas is spotted coming down the High Street in a horse-drawn sleigh. Amid cheers, he stops near the church where he prepares to receive gifts.

Yes, you heard right. The reason Father Christmas comes all the way to this market town, on the busiest day of his year, is to receive, rather than give gifts.

Children with their mums and dads queue up to hand Santa their parcels in this collective act of giving.

The Rotary Club members wait in the wings to distributes the toys and gifts to disadvantaged children who otherwise would not be enjoying the usual Christmas joy as we know it. At around 7.15pm Father Christmas says his farewells because he has a very busy night ahead.

The Ringwood Rotary Club says, “Thank you people of Ringwood, and all those involved who make this miracle happen.”

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year for faith, celebration, love, and family, but it is also a time that may be difficult for those who are remembering someone dear to them.

Eden Funeral Directors joined in the Christmas lights switch-on in Ringwood on Saturday 2 December with a Memory Tree to remember loved ones.

Heidi and Rob were at the Christmas market with the tree and memory stars. Anyone who wanted to leave a message to a loved one was able to decorate and design a star, or simply write some words of comfort or a loved one’s name.

The stars were hung on the tree and this has now been placed in the Lady Chapel in St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Ringwood, where it will remain for the Advent period.

Heidi from Edens said, “Anyone can put a message on the Memory Tree. We have stars available from our office on Castleman Way, or you can call us to write your words and will hang the star on the tree for you to ensure your memories are included.”

Heidi and Rob can be contacted on 01425 837080.

Sheiling receives grant The Talbot Village Trust has awarded £120,000 to the Sheiling Ringwood.

The donation was used towards the construction of a new building at Sheiling College, which contains two purpose-built classrooms, increasing the college’s potential intake to 42 students. The building also includes toilets and two quiet rooms.

Corine van Barneveld, Principal of the Sheiling Ringwood, said, “The Sheiling is grateful to Talbot Village Trust for recognising the potential in our students and, by giving so generously, enabling our learners to progress and move on to more fulfilling lives.”

Russell Lucas-Rowe, Trustee of Talbot Village Trust, added, “We believe that everyone has a right to an education and it is so gratifying to see that our funding has been used in

such a way that it is already greatly benefiting students, and will continue to improve future learning for years to come at Sheiling College.”

The Sheiling is the only residential provider of specialist college education in Dorset for 19-25-yearolds. The college offers day and residential placements to students locally and across the UK, as it is one of a limited number of colleges accepting

students with severe and complex learning disabilities.

Talbot Village Trust, a grant giving charity, meets biannually, and will be accepting applications for funding from both previous and new applicants in the area before the trustees meet in spring next year. Please go to www. talbotvillagetrust.org for more information.

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

| 25

Thinking of others this Christmas A visit to young people’s homeless services by local MP Michael Tomlinson MP took time out of his schedule last month to visit Waverley House in Wimborne, which provides accommodation for vulnerable young people within his constituency of Mid-Dorset and North Poole.

The service for 16–21-year-olds is run by

BCHA, a local specialist housing and support provider, who help homeless and vulnerable people access the right housing, health provision, learning and work opportunities.

The visit followed a meeting earlier this year between BCHA’s CEO,

Martin Hancock and Michael, at the time when he was also a member of the Public Bill Committee for the Homelessness Reduction Act. The new law, which was given Royal Assent in April, will require earlier intervention by councils to prevent homelessness, becoming the first major piece of homelessness legislation for 15 years.

Michael met with staff to find out more about the work of BCHA and Waverley House in supporting the eight young people who currently live there and also spoke with residents Ella, 18, and Joe, 22, about their own experiences and future plans. The MP also talked

(L-R) Joe, Waverley House resident, Michael Tomlinson MP, Lisa Hudson, BCHA project leader for Dorset Young People’s Services and Grace Butler, police community support officer

to Grace Butler, a local police community support officer, about successful partnership working with BCHA that has led to some very positive outcomes within the community.

Following the visit, Lisa Hudson, BCHA project leader for Dorset Young People’s Services, said, “We really appreciate

“No put down”

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

Michael taking time to come and visit us; it really meant a lot to both staff and residents. He took time to talk to everyone individually and find out more about them, and what more the government can do to help. The feedback from everyone following the visit has been extremely positive.”

Ferndown Middle School children are normally to be seen in their uniforms, but in November pupils and their teachers donned some very strange outfits for one day to draw attention to “No Put Down” week. This is an annual event that is run in collaboration with Ferndown Upper School, Ferndown First School, Emmanuel Middle School, Hillside First School and Parley First School.

The middle school focused on the importance of being happy and being kind to each other.

On Friday 17 November, everyone at the school dressed up in mismatched clothing to show the idea of “all different, all equal” to celebrate the end of No Put Down week and BBC’s Children in Need.

charity of the year

RNLI

Christmas at Poole Lifeboat Station

ceremony for the D class lifeboat and, as always, it will be business as usual.

“As the year ends, we are mindful of not only the support from our families, but our employers; quite poignant for me as from September, I have been at Sunseeker for over 30 years. So for three decades they have supported me, permitting me to go to help others when my pager went off.

“We at the station would also like to thank the museum, crew and fundraisers, who help so much by raising money, so that we can launch the lifeboats to continue to save lives at sea,” added Jonathan.

Thank you “I’m sad this is my last column for Viewpoint. Thank you for the opportunity,” said RNLI press officer Anne-Marie Clark as she wrote this last piece for Poole Lifeboat Station, which has been mags4dorset’s chosen charity for 2017.

“Our volunteer crew members are on call 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Christmas and New Year are no different and we thank our loved ones who must also be prepared for Christmas to be disturbed by the call of the pager,” Poole lifeboat’s longest-serving volunteer Jonathan Clark said.

“Always here to help, 2017 has been a busy year for the station with over 100 ‘shouts’. It’s also been quite a transitional one, with new trainees and a few of the older crew and station officials standing down. As we look forward and welcome 2018, there’s lots to be excited about.

We will have a new floating boathouse, a naming

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

| 27

around & ABOUT

what’s on

this month 9&10 December 11am-4pm

Santa Special on Moors Valley Railway with visit to Santa in his railway grotto. £16 per person.

Booking essential at www. moorsvalleyrailway.co.uk

11 December 2.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society. An illustrated talk ‘Fresh ideas for summer bedding, containers and hanging baskets’ by Chris Evans. At West Moors Memorial Hall, Station Road.

13 December 7.30pm

Bournemouth Hospital Charity carol service at Christchurch Priory for hospital staff, patients and loved ones but everyone welcome. Accompanied by Bournemouth Male Voice choir.

With mulled wine and mince pies. Entry free but donations to the charity welcomed.

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

14 December 7.30pm

Bourne2Sing Male Voice Choir Concert showcasing festive and popular songs at St Peter’s Church, Ashley Cross, Poole BH14 0NN. Tickets £6, in aid of Mosaic for Dorset, a charity that supports bereaved children and families. Visit www.bourne2singchoir.uk, for tickets.

15 December – 1 January various times

Ron Martin and Born2Perform present Aladdin at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne. Tickets from £16.50 adults, £13 children. Book via the box office on 01202 885566 or online at www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk

13 December 7.30pm

Verwood Keyboard Society concert with Dirkjan Ranzijn on Bohm keyboard in the Hub theatre. Tickets £10 on the door. Further information from Janetta, 01202 822936 or Organfax website

13 December 7.30pm

West Moors Singers Christmas concert, “The wonder of Christmas” at St Anthony’s Church Hall, Pinehurst Road, West Moors. Tickets £8, includes programme, available from the Epicentre, West Moors or Ticket Manager 01202 870769

14 December 7.15pm

Wimborne Horticultural Society meeting and talk ‘Antarctica and Shackleton’ by Paul Daniels. Take a plate of food for a shared supper for this Christmas meeting held at the Minster Room at the Community Learning & Resource Centre, 41-44 King Street, Wimborne.

Admission - members £1 and non-members £3

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15 December 7.30pm

West Moors Singers Christmas concert “The wonder of Christmas” at the Barrington Theatre, Ferndown. Tickets £8, includes programme, available from the Epicentre, West Moors or the Barrington Theatre on 01202 894858

15 December 7.45pm

Wimborne Movie Makers party time at the clubhouse next to Allendale Centre, Wimborne.

Details Marion Westcott on 01425 470329 or email m.westcott1@sky.com

16 & 22 December

Dick Whittington pantomime at Sandy Balls Holiday Village, Godshill, Fordingbridge with mulled wine for adults and Christmas goodie bags to round off the festive experience. Tickets £7.50 and details from 01442 508850.

VIEWPOINT December 2017

16 December 12pm to 2pm

Frozen/Superhero lunch for children. Dress up and bring the family along to the Hub in Verwood’s premier event of the winter, The Frozen and Super Heroes Christmas Lunch.

Includes music, games, disco, meet the characters and a tasty Christmas dinner. £12 per child. Book on 01202 828740.

16 December 6.30pm

Music for Christmas to include Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols” at St Luke’s Church, Winton with Bournemouth Bach Choir and conductor Tim Hooper.

Tickets £10, children free, from Nigel Spratt on 01202 824413.

16 December 7.30pm

St Mary’s Special Choir and Unison Theatrical choir present ‘Bethlehem, Belles and Beaus’, a musical Christmas at St Mary’s Church, West Moors.

Tickets £8 available on the door, includes mulled wine, festive nibbles, tea and cake in interval.

16 December 7.30-10pm The Verwood Concert Brass Christmas Concert at The Hub, Verwood. A selection of festive tunes to get you in to the Christmas spirit. Tickets £10 (Under 19s £6) from The Hub box office 01202 828740.

18 & 19 December 6.30pm

Christmas pantomime – The Frog Prince at Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath.

Bumblefly Theatre joins with Forest Forge Theatre Company. £10 a ticket, booking essential. Details www.moors-valley.co.uk or call 01425 470721.

19 December 10am New Forest Disability Information drop-in at Fordingbridge Library. No need to book. Details 01425 657524.

19 December 1.30pm

1 January 3pm

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will perform works

by Strauss and two of Puccini’s arias Musetta’s Waltz and O Mio Babbino Caro, with Soprano Rhian Lois at Lighthouse Poole.

Tickets £11 upwards from BSOlive.com or from the box office.

Santa’s Christmas Wish show at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne with a Christmas present for the children from Santa afterwards. Adults £10, children £8. Book on 01202 887247

8 January 2.30pm

19 December 7.30pm

11 January 2pm

Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society presents concert of popular music by Andrew Nix at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wimborne. Visitors welcome. £5 payable at door. Info: 01202 895254.

21 December 7.30pm Christmas Soiree with Cantilena Voices at Merley House, Wimborne. Tickets £7 from 01202 881324.

23 December 10am-2pm Christmas Farmers’ Market at the Furlong, Ringwood for your last-minute festive treats.

31 December 7.30pm to 1am New Year’s Eve family party at The Hub, Verwood for family and friendship groups.

Includes: Nintendo Wii Mario Kart, Soft play for under 5s, arts and crafts, disco and a photo booth. Finger buffet is also included. £18 per adult, £9 per junior, family ticket £45 (2 adults and 2 children). Book on 01202 828740

West Moors Horticultural Society Illustrated talk “The most flowering places in the world” by Bob Gibbons at West Moors Memorial Hall, Station Road.

Tea Dance in the Function Rooms, Lighthouse Poole.

Informal event for those who enjoy dancing or listening to live music. Go on your own, with a group or with a partner.

Advance booking essential.

Ticket (incl refreshments) £6.35. Tel 01202 280000 to book.

12 January – 9 February

Ringwood Art Society will be holding their popular annual art exhibition at Salisbury District Hospital. More details: 07977 781842.

12 January 7.45pm

Wimborne Movie Makers Museum Pieces talk about 30 years’ working with Poole Museum at clubhouse next to Allendale Centre, Wimborne.

Details 01425 470329.

16 January 7.30pm

Bournemouth & Beyond Discovery Group talk on Gordon Selfridge by Steve Roberts in the main hall of St Andrews Church, St Stephen’s Road, Bournemouth BH2 6JJ. Visitors welcome £3. More details at www. bournemouthandbeyond.co.uk

THIS CHRISTMAS s t n e Ev

The Tulsa Time Band at The Barrington Theatre Review by Tom Scrase

Festive shopping and songs The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation was delighted to have been selected as Sainsbury’s Ferndown Local Charity of the Year for 2016/17.

The JTYAF will be in store at Sainsbury’s Ferndown from 15 to 17 December and shoppers will be treated to a bit of added festive sparkle with several choirs singing Christmas carols, including the Bournemouth Male Voice Choir. Why not put the dates in your diary? The charity says your Christmas shopping is set to be more fun with the JTYAF around.

The first British tribute act performing the music of American country music singer Don Williams throughout the UK attracted a full house at the Barrington Theatre on 26 November.

Lead singer Mark Osmond not only looks like Don Williams, but sounds uncannily like him too. With backing vocalist Sandra Dickinson introducing the tracks and special guest Lydia Hannah supporting the gig, this country music feast had everything from slow love songs to upbeat foot tapping music, which got the audience singing and clapping along.

The Tulsa Time Band is a realisation of a dream for lead vocalist Mark Osmond who used to go to Don Williams’ concerts with his father. Mark met Sandra Dickinson some 15 years ago doing pantomime in Lighthouse Poole and they got married in 2009. The core Tulsa Time Band has been together for around five years and the enjoyment they get from gigging was evident at the concert.

Great sound creates the best audience enjoyment and The Tulsa Time Band got everything right. Memorable hit songs on the night were ‘You’re My Best Friend’, ‘I Recall a Gypsy Woman’ and Williams’ best known 1981 hit ballad ‘I Believe in You’ with Paul Daviz on lap steel guitar.

Following a standing ovation from the 200-strong audience at the end of the show, the band is sure to be back, so keep checking the Barrington Magazine for the next date.

around & ABOUT

A plethora of beautiful things Winchester Antiques & Decorative Arts Fair + Vinyl records takes place on 1 January, New Year’s Day at River Park Leisure Centre, Winchester with free parking SO23 7DD. This well-established fair (previously Magnam Fairs) is open from 9am-3.30pm.

All members of the family are welcome, with over 150 stands to tempt you, including Georg Jensen jewellery, contemporary and traditional glass, toys, kitchenalia, Moorcroft, art deco, art nouveau, vintage accessories, textiles and costume; Victorian and Edwardian items, jewellery, maps, stamps, clocks, prints, tools, porcelain, ceramics, militaria, inlaid wooden boxes, bronze figures, silver and gold jewellery, furniture and books, as well as curios and much much more... Only £2 for entry, with children free. Refreshments and wi-fi available.

For more information, email: jackieedwardsmarketing@ gmail.com, tel: 07514 680872/02380 611068, or see Facebook: Antique & Art Fairs, and Twitter:@ArtDesignFairs

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Festive fun at Moors Valley this winter There’s a whole host of festive events to enjoy at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest this winter.

Alongside traditional favourites like Christmas crafts and carol singing, new attractions include farm animals from the stable and the opportunity to make memories with a special family photograph featuring a bird of prey.

Plus, don’t miss the family show of The Frog Prince, filled with madcap humour and a sprinkling of magic.

Parking is free when you buy a Christmas tree, for pre-booked Christmas meals and with selected events. For full events details visit www.moorsvalley.co.uk/christmas Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 29

around & ABOUT Business Jelly co-working groups

Are you self-employed or a homeworker? Would you like to meet up with others? Every Tuesday and Wednesday you can join with like-minded business people to work together in a different environment, to exchange help and advice over a cup of coffee and maybe even come up with a new idea to collaborate on.

There’s a Business Jelly group that meets at Basepoint Business Centre at Aviation Business Park, Christchurch on Tuesdays 10am-2pm, and another at the Village Green Café, Allendale Centre, Wimborne on Wednesdays 10am-2pm.

Both are free and have free wifi; just pay for your coffee.

For more details, contact economy@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk or call 01202 795467.

Photo (L-R) seated: Mr James Rush, Mr Bernard Holloway, Mrs Barbara Holloway, standing: Verwood Mayor Lindsey Dedden, Cllr Derek Burt, Mrs Janet Burt, Mayor of Verwood’s escort, Alan Dedden, Cllr Toni Coombs, deputy chairman

Celebrating 70 years of marriage The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh celebrated 70 years of marriage on 20 November.

While the Royal couple celebrated privately, Chairman of East Dorset Council, Cllr Derek Burt and his wife Janet Burt arranged to meet two East Dorset couples who had already celebrated their platinum wedding anniversaries earlier in the year. The Chairman put on a special afternoon tea, which was held at Allendale House in Wimborne.

Bernard and Barbara Holloway of Three Legged Cross married in April 1947 at the Minster in Wimborne, whilst James and Betty Rush of Verwood were married in the same year in Ashford, Surrey. Sadly Mrs Rush was unable to join the celebratory tea due to ill health.

Over £80,000 raised at Gala Ball The Diverse Abilities charity is celebrating after raising £82,000 at the annual gala ball held in November.

More than 450 people attended the Narnia-themed event. Guests enjoyed a drinks reception before entering the magical ballroom through a doorway filled with fur coats, snow and trees. The Snow

Queen and Mr Tumnus surprised those in attendance with a mystical performance before the three-course meal and wine was served.

Other entertainment was provided by local band Funkty Dumpty, Higher Beings POI performers, plus a photo booth and a post-dinner treat of Turkish Delight.

Verwood Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild Members of the guild were treated to a fascinating slide show by highly recommended wildlife photographer, Brian Pettit, at their recent meeting.

This was the first presentation of his new talk, ‘Zimbabwe: Off The Beaten Track’, and showed the amazing variety of animals and birds of that region.

Brian has visited the guild several times with various talks, and includes the sale

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

of greetings cards produced from his photos, which prove very popular.

The ever-popular ‘Soup & Pud’ event was a great success with the proceeds going to the guild’s current charity Macmillan Caring Locally.

Events planned for December are a Christmas Lunch at Crane Valley Golf Club in Verwood, the Dorset Federation Carol Service at Wimborne Methodist Church, and a visit to Kingston Lacy to see the house all dressed up for Christmas.

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Regal Cinema transformed to former glory The Regal Cinema in Fordingbridge reopened in the summer of 2017. This beautiful Art Deco building has been transformed into its former 1930s’ glory, providing a unique cinema experience. In addition to the original foyer entrance there is a deluxe 30-seater auditorium and an elegant bar area.

The Regal Cinema first opened in 1933. It was built in a classic Art Deco style, and had 290 seats. It thrived for many years, but sadly, closed in 1965. The building then operated as a pottery, which closed in 2012. In 2016, the site was purchased by Corintech, a Fordingbridge-based electronics company, which has converted part of the building into apartments for staff.

The re-opened Regal Cinema is operated as a not-for-profit community cinema by the Fordingbridge Regal Cinema Club (FRCC) and is membership-based. It shows a variety of classic, modern and recent films from a range of genres and has specific family friendly screenings. It is also available for private and corporate hire.

Annual adult membership is from £25, with screenings £8.50 adults/£4.50 children. If you get in quick, during December you will be able to see some wonderful classic films, Christmas favourites and more recent releases like Dunkirk.

For more information, visit www.theregalcinema. org or ring 01425 652602.

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Verwood Indoor Market Come and join this friendly weekly market in the Memorial Hall, Verwood, situated next to the park (opposite Tesco).

It’s open every Friday morning between 9.30am and 1pm and has plenty of free parking.

Sarah Jackson’s cards are back by popular demand, so please come and support her and all the other local traders, with: Avon Organic fruit and veg, local honey and homemade cakes and savouries.

The last market before Christmas is Friday 15 December, and it returns on Friday 19 January 2018. Enjoy! Contact Kathy on 07900 511911 or kathylowe59@outlook.com for more details.

Competition winner The winner of the Adopt a Beehive competition in the October issue of Viewpoint was Caroline Dupplaw of Wimborne. The answer was 6.

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

| 31

motoring NEWS

Grandparents urged to fasten-up

N

ew research from insurer LV= reveals that almost three quarters of a million* (700,000) British grandparents are driving their grandchildren around without following correct safety procedures.

In a study to understand awareness of child safety rules among older generations, around one in seven (14%) grandparents admitted they don’t always follow recommended car seat rules.

Added to this, two in five (39%) grandparents wrongly think a seatbelt is just as safe as a car seat, and over a quarter (26%) of those with a grandchild aged between six and nine feel it’s safe to drive without a car seat or booster seat.

The research comes following a

crackdown in the law earlier this year, stating that children must use a car seat until they are aged 12 or have grown above 135cm tall. Three in five of the grandparents surveyed admitted they weren’t aware of the changes, with over half (55%) saying this new knowledge would definitely change their behaviour.

As a result, LV= has committed to working with its customers to raise awareness of the law. The company is also calling on the Government to work in partnerships with manufacturers, schools and the authorities to raise awareness among both grandparents and parents to help them better understand the importance of using the appropriate child seats.

*The research was carried out by Opinium, on behalf of LV=, between 5 and 12 July 2017.

The online survey was responded to by 2,001 drivers who are grandparents of children aged 12 or under.

New electric car club launched in Poole Drivers can now enjoy the benefits of using a car at evenings and weekends without having to own one.

The Borough of Poole has partnered with Co-wheels, the country’s only independent national car club, to provide three electric cars on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Co-wheels car club members can benefit from a cheaper, greener and more convenient alternative to owning and using their own car. By booking a car online or over the phone, and using a membership card to access it – there’s no need for a key. At the end of the booking, people simply return the car back into its bay. Insurance and fuel are included, and you only pay for the time you hire.

Although the electric cars in Poole will be exclusively used by council staff between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday, the cars are then potentially available to members of the public and staff for personal use, during evenings, weekends and public holidays.

Poole Car Club is part-funded by a £39,000 grant from the government’s Developing Car Clubs in England fund. For more information visit the website www.poolecarclub.org.

Co-wheels car clubs include many locations around the country including Bournemouth and Poole. To find out more visit www.co-wheels.or.uk

Two electric cars at the launch of the new Poole Car Club

Wallisdown road improvements Commuters travelling via Wallisdown crossroads are set to benefit from a major set of highway improvements following a £2 million government grant to develop the road network.

As part of the £345.3 million National Productivity funding package to improve local roads and public transport across the country, Bournemouth Council has been successfully awarded £2 million for improvements at Wallisdown crossroads on the A3049.

Council officers will be working on the scheme details and, subject to consultation, work on the ground is likely to start in 2018.

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

motoring NEWS

Ensure your tyres are safe Drivers are increasing their motoring costs as well as the risk of being involved in an incident by ignoring tyre maintenance, according to TyreSafe.

The organiser of Tyre Safety Month has drawn together a reference guide: Insurance:

An insurer may not be obliged to pay the owner’s costs if an incident they are involved in is proven to have been caused by defective tyres on their vehicle. In such instances where poor tyre maintenance is proven, the insurer may only be required to pay the third party costs and not those incurred by the person deemed to be responsible. To be certain, always check tyres are in good roadworthy condition.

Underinflated tyres:

Tyres driven below the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended setting increase the amount of fuel used. Tyres will also wear more quickly, meaning owners may only benefit from 90% of a tyre’s potential life and will need to change them more regularly. To avoid this, find the right setting, which can be found in the handbook, door sill or filler cap, and use an accurate gauge to check the pressure is correct before setting off.

Tread depth:

Driving with tyres which have tread below the legal minimum limit of 1.6mm leaves drivers

vulnerable to a potential £2,500 fine for each tyre found to be illegal. It is almost impossible to predict how quickly a tyre’s tread will wear so the only way to be sure is regularly checking it. Ideally a tread depth gauge should be used but a 20-pence piece may be used as a guide.

When inserted into the tread, if the border of the 20-pence piece is clearly visible, the tyre may be illegal and should be checked by a professional using an accurate gauge.

Don’t leave it to the MoT:

Defective tyres are the second most common cause of cars’ MoT failures in Britain and tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are also part of the test. If a car is failed for defects with either, it cannot legally be driven away from the test station.

Buying used tyres:

While the biggest concern with buying used, or part worn, tyres is uncertainty of their safety, they also cost more in the long term. TyreSafe research has shown it can cost over £1 more per millimetre of tread for a part worn than a new tyres.

Tyre checks are a win-win, and TyreSafe encourages all of Britain’s motorists to make this maintenance routine, at least once a month, every month.

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

| 33

Over £1,300 raised for Children in Need Local fundraiser Warren Brown put together a spectacular Variety Performance at the Barrington Theatre in Ferndown on 24 November, which raised over £1,300 for Children in Need.

Held in the presence of the town’s mayor and deputy mayor as well as BBC Children in Need’s representative Pam Bacon, there were a few other larger than life characters including Pudsey Bear.

Non-stop entertainment included singing, dancing, music and a bubble party. Jenny Oag, Ferndown Phoenix Musical Society, Polz Apart, Aimee’s Dance Academy and celebrated pianist Neil Zebedee were just a handful of performers,

Spots before the eyes and local celebrity Del Stevens sang a tribute to the late Sir Terry Wogan.

Warren Brown thanked all the performers and said, “Warm applause echoed throughout the theatre. Hats off to all the technicians and stage management crew and all the support team that ensured its smooth running. It was a fantastic show.

Well done everyone!” He also thanked the hosts Prama CEO Steve Robinson and operations director Paula Jones who were present.

West Moors man remembered A plaque to commemorate the life Roy Galway who tragically died at the age of 69 whilst out walking in West Moors on 8 August was unveiled on 25 November by his widow Ursula.

Relatives, friend and neighbours joined to pay their respects to this popular character. A fan of the football team Wolves, Roy was well-known as the neighbourhood watch coordinator for Uplands Road.

He also helped the police by assisting with the speed watch camera in the village.

Many will remember him delivering custom lunches and much to the amusement and delight of his customers he dressed as Father Christmas while delivering the meals last year.

The plaque in memory of Roy is attached to the bench on the green near Uplands Road.

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

Money in the pot for Dorset youth projects Dorset County Council has relaunched its #CrowdfundDorset campaign with a new Innovation fund of £200,000 for local youth projects in the community.

The funding will be available as a match to projects that raise 25 per cent of their target and meet Dorset’s criteria.

For more details visit http:// www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/ youth-projects

Hillside Community First School in Verwood supported Children in Need by wearing spots and bringing in donations in return for a craft afternoon. Donations were placed around a large Pudsey Bear. A total of £200 was raised.

Letter The 38 should be available at sensible times I was surprised to read in the Viewpoint November (page 11), that yet again the 38 bus has been written about.

The key criteria seems to be that if the local people do not use the bus, it will cease running. I understand the logistics of this statement, but the current service has been reduced by half disrupting many travellers.

Using the reduced timetable, it is just possible for people to use the 38 to get to Ferndown to pick up the 13 to go to Bournemouth.

There is about enough time to have an hour-and-a-half there before returning home to connect with the 38 again. The same goes for Wimborne, and Salisbury is now out of the question.

We used to enjoy a day in Poole, shopping, having lunch and returning in the afternoon, knowing we could get back to Ferndown for a 38. Another excursion (albeit once a year) on the New Forest Big Open Topped Bus will not be possible now because there is no bus home from Ringwood.

There are activities in Ringwood and Ferndown, which residents would like to attend, but this is not now possible. The service now ends its day at 1.22pm – Ferndown to Ringwood and the last bus from Ringwood to Ferndown is at 2.05pm.

This service is vital to the people of Ferndown and Ringwood – with us in Ashley Heath using it on a regular basis.

The timetable is the problem – because now leaving Ashley Heath at 9.53 in the morning means that anyone with an appointment in Ferndown for 10am is going to be late. Also the 38 travels around Heatherlands without picking up customers. This is because a Yellow bus arrives just ahead of it. The 38 used to leave Ashley Heath at 9.18am.

The whole concept of a bus to and from Ferndown/ Ringwood, or Ringwood/ Ferndown is that it has to be available when people want to travel.

Another point is that a large housing estate is being built on the A31 near St Leonards hospital. Some of the homes are ‘affordable’ which could mean additional people will use the bus. How are they going to get to work in the mornings? It’s not possible.

This saga needs to be sorted out now. It states in the article that a decision will be made in May 2018. Let us hope that the ‘old’ bus timetable is reconnected to pick up all who want to travel – it’s a service to the community. We are given free bus passes to use – unfortunately, the bus pass will be a thing of the past if the service is reduced or worse still cancelled all together.

I use the 38 for six to eight journeys a week; without it, I would be missing out on shopping trips to nearby towns. Also an afternoon club I visit in Ferndown would have to stop, because I cannot get home without a bus. I am sure a lot of other people have activities they undertake that would have to stop… What a shame that would be.

June Jones (Mrs) Ashley Heath

Something to Scout about!

Photographs by

Tom Scrase

Ferndown Middle School was buzzing on 21 November as Scouts from all over East Dorset gathered for an award presentation evening.

Held in the presence of Derek Burt, chairman of both East Dorset District Council and the East Dorset Scout District, certificates were presented by Cheynne Marley from Dorset Community Police.

Recipients of the Chief Scout’s Award included Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers who had taken part in many activities to complete the highest award in their section.

District Commissioner David McGregor said he was

delighted to also present Martin Sanders, group Scout leader of 1st Wimborne Group with a 30-year service award adding, “this is one of over 24 awards presented to leaders in the last six weeks – all voluntary – we do not get paid.”

He said eight young people from East Dorset District have been selected to represent Dorset County Scouts at the 2019 World Jamboree in North America.

They will be part of the 70+ members from Dorset and the Isle of Wight and the Jamboree will cost each child £3,600. A fundraising programme was started at the award ceremony.

Pledges from East Dorset Scout District amounted to £4,500 (£500 for each member, and £500 for the leader) and a collection on the night raised a further £126.71.

The evening was attended by parents and family friends of the award-holders plus mayoral representation from Ferndown, Verwood, Colehill and Wimborne.

FREEADS

If you wish to advertise in this section, complete the

Proceed with caution when buying privately.

MAGS4DORSET cannot accept any liablity for transactions carried out as a result of responding to these freeads.

Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN.

Karma battery-operated wheelchair, suit larger person, has controls at rear for attendant to operate. Recently serviced, vgc, £300 ono. Bournemouth area. 01202 576569 Butler cutlery set, boxed, EPNS numbered and patent, 8 place settings, 72pcs plus 4 servers, incl fish knives and forks, soup spoons etc £65. Ashley Heath. 01425 470614 Haynes car repair hardback manuals; Peugeot 205 petrol (8397) and Peugeot 406 P&D (99-02) new £12 each. Fordingbridge. 07867 813213.

Rollator, lockable brakes, never used £30. Ferndown. 01202 861991.

Single metal frame bed, wooden slatted base, cream, plus single mattress. Will separate. £50.

Ringwood. 01425 839042 Guest bed for Christmas? Hardly used 3ft single bed c/w pullout trundle space saver bed on wheels £100. Two bedside cabinets, French Rococo style shabby chic, single drawer with shelf. £175 for pair (cost £190 each). Ferndown.

01202 873411 Oval 52” mirror on stand with single drawer, French shabby chic style, rare £45. Mothercare highchair, hardly used, kept at grandparents £25. Ferndown 01202 873411

form and send to mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V

Golf bag, Dunlop tour TP £10, golf trolley 2 wheels £5. Ferndown.

01202 871026

M&S King-size duvet cover, brand new, pale pink £20. Verwood. 01202 826153

Pro-Fitness treadmill, motorised, folding, in vgc. £125. Verwood.

01202 826069

Ladies’ moleskin trousers, size 18, dark lovat. Still with labels, cost £50, accept £20. Poole. 01202 695561

Animal housing unit 4’ x 2’ for indoor/outdoor use for rabbit/ guinea pig. Good condition. £25.

West Moors. 01202 861155 New Aquaglo T8 aquarium bulb – boxed £5, also aquatic log, small brand new and boxed £5. Verwood.

01202 826153 Waders, size 10, brand new, never worn, ideal gift for fisherman, cost £45, selling for £30. Bournemouth.

01202 575527

Collection of 30+ porcelain dolls, large, medium and small. Exc condition, need a new home. £75.

Ferndown. 01202 895590 Jigsaw puzzles, selection of 8 in exc condition and all complete. £1 or £2 each, or £10 the lot.

Ferndown. 01202 861588 Ladies/girls’ Bearpaw black suede boots size 4, band new £20.

Bournemouth. 01202 527294

Trailer, aluminium with lights, 5’6” x 3’4” in good condition. £100.

Verwood. 01202 824503

24 x 1950s records, 78rpm, church music, mainly choral, in black case. £5ono. New Milton. 01425 623588

Camera/camcorder accessory bag, padded with shoulder strap and various pockets, little used. £15.

Bournemouth. 01202 575527

Ercol dining table 39” diameter and 4 swan-back dining chairs.

Perfect condition £950 ono.

Bournemouth. 01202 518720

Flush-type porta potty, suitable for caravan, as new £35. Bike rack, fits onto tow bar £25. Ferndown 01202 890049

Caravan cover, would suit caravan length 19’, width 7’3” wide, with door towards rear. £40.

Fordingbridge. 07799 098881

Beautiful leather cowboy boots, conker brown, size 8 exc condition £35. Ladies’ black leather coat/ jacket size 18-20, vgc, button fastening, two patch pockets £75.

Fordingbridge. 07867 813213

Tyres, two new tubeless tyres 165x80x15, £40 pair. Also pair of almost new metal studded winter tyres 155x80x15 £40 pair.

Ringwood/Fordingbridge. 01425 476043

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

| 35

specialist SERVICES AERIAL & SATELLITE INSTALLERS

AERIAL & SATELLITE INSTALLERS

BLINDS & CURTAINS

CHIMNEY SWEEP

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FENCING

DISABILITY PRODUCTS

FLOORING

LANDSCAPING

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LOGS

WINDOW REPAIRS

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

specialist SERVICES MOTORHOME ACCESSORIES

MAINTENANCE

ROOFING

TREE SURGERY

FENCING

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

| 37

EXPERT

Q.

Nolan Irving

ASK THE

Thank you for your recent valuation, we have decided that we would like you to market our home after Christmas but can you give us some ideas on what we can do in the meantime to get the property ready?

A:

That’s great news and I am delighted to be able to help you move home.

I’m not sure that you really need to do too much to your home but here are a few things that I would advise to anyone thinking of putting their home on the market, especially at this time of year.

Your home’s first impression really does count and although we are fortunate enough to live in an area where we have plenty of trees and greenery around us, you do need to make sure that your property is not covered in leaves and other garden debris. With the weather at this time of year being fairly dull, why not take the opportunity to enhance the outside of your property by introducing some winter flowering shrubs.

It is also important to ensure

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VIEWPOINT December 2017

that the external areas are clean and tidy and any tired external woodwork should be repainted and any UPVc should be blasted with a jet-wash as should patios, paths, guttering and decking. You can really make your property stand out when everyone else’s gardens are looking at their worst at this time.

If you are going to put your house on the market straight after Christmas then ensure that all the decorations are packed away and the children’s rooms are free from the clutter of their new toys.

Clutter-free rooms are so important when promoting your home to prospective buyers and the purpose of every room should be clearly defined, and clean and tidy to show it off to its best.

In most cases it is not worth going to the expense of replacing

kitchens or bathrooms but it is worth clearing worktops, fixing broken fittings, cleaning the shower screen, replacing broken light bulbs and generally making sure that your kitchens and bathrooms are as appealing as possible. It is also worth going through the property with a quick coat of paint should any of the rooms require it, as it will make a big difference to the presentation of the property when the viewings commence.

The other thing you could think about is not actually waiting until the new year to go ahead and that you consider putting it on the market this side of Christmas. This time of year is not as quiet as you might expect and we sell almost as many homes in December as we do in any other month. It is quieter in terms of viewing levels, but the

buyers that do come out and view tend to be buyers who have sold their own homes and are literally waiting for properties to come onto the market.

December is a good month to put properties onto the market because there are a fewer properties coming on and therefore less competition. If you can pick up a buyer this side of Christmas then it means that you will yourself be a prime buyer going into the new year when we traditionally see an increase in new instructions.

If you or anyone else would like some free advice on preparing your home for sale, then just give me a call and I will be more than happy to arrange a time to pop round and help.

Nolan Irving