Dorset View July 2025

Dear Readers!

Summer is now in full swing, and the sun is (mostly) shining. This time of year, the calendar can get filled up with all manner of local festivals, rural shows, carnivals, and school and village fetes.

In Dorset, we are lucky to be so spoiled for choice when it comes to events in the summer, with many of these festivals still offering free entry.

I must admit, before taking on the role of editor of Dorset View, I hadn’t realised just how many events take place in the county at this time of year. I’d been to the Dorset County Show several times and was aware of the Wimborne Folk Festival nearby when we moved to the area, but the full range and choice of events to go to hadn’t hit me.

In this issue, you can see my reports from two local events: Wimborne Folk Festival (pages 26–27) and Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival (page 34). We also provide previews of some of the brilliant festivals coming up, including Poole Goes Vintage (page 32) and Westival (page 30).

These events are a great opportunity to get outdoors and feel part of the community. They’re also lots of fun — as long as it doesn’t rain too much!

I’m sure there are other great events coming up that we’ve missed in the magazine. Do let me know your recommendations for your favourite summer occasions.

Luke Graham

Editor

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

DORSET VIEW

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Farewell to the Great Tail Trail © Dorset View

Council rejects Canford incinerator

Planning permission to build a controversial waste incinerator in the Canford Magna area has been refused by BCP Council

At a Planning Committee meeting on Thursday 12 June, councillors voted 6–3 to reject the application, citing concerns about emissions, traffic, and impact on the local area.

A company called MVV Environment Ltd had proposed building a 50m-tall facility with a 110m-tall tower at Canford Resource Park that would burn up to 260,000 tonnes of waste each year to generate electricity.

Local MP Vikki Slade said: “It is of great relief to many local residents that the proposed Canford Incinerator has been refused. I have long held concerns that the capacity and size of the planned site far exceeded the demand required and would result in waste being shipped into our locality from Devon and Hampshire.

“It is wonderful that today local people have been heard.”

In a statement, MVV said: “We will need to wait for the publication of the official reasons for refusal, and to see if the Secretary of State intends to intervene, before deciding whether to appeal.”

Earlier in June, the project had been granted an environmental permit from the Environment Agency, who said MVV had met the criteria required for a permit to be issued.

Interview with Vikki Slade, page 40.

Bournemouth air show grounded

The popular Bournemouth Air Festival is unlikely to return to the skies anytime soon.

Since 2008, the Bournemouth Air Festival has delighted crowds, but 2024 was the last to be organised by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council due to rising costs. Instead, the council announced it would look for an operator to take over piloting the event.

But a new report by council staff released in June revealed that BCP Council has failed to find a new operator.

While the council was in talks with one prospective company, negotiations had hit turbulence over financial and legal constraints.

Instead, the report recommended BCP Council’s Cabinet make the decision to stop any further work on an Air Festival for 2026 onwards. This would free the event team to work on other events, while leaving the door open for new proposals to come forward from operators.

The Cabinet was due to make a final decision regarding the air show at a meeting on 18 June, after this magazine went to print.

A Swedish fighter jet took part in last year’s show. Photo by Paul Johnson, Flightline UK

Bargates unites after Father’s Day vandalism

People living in the Bargates area of Christchurch were hugely saddened to discover vandals had knocked over three-tiered pedestal planters in the early hours of Father’s Day on 15 June.

However, local people including Chris Brockway, Richard Oswald from PP Printing and vice chairman of Christchurch & District Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Jamie Lafferty from We Love Group, and the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Vivienne Charrett, along with a dedicated team of residents, sprang into action. After several hours, and refreshments from Christchurch Baptist Church, the pedestals were back up and replanted.

Louise Berkhauer, Christchurch BID operations manager, said: “Thank goodness that the Bargates businesses and community responded so quickly. They replanted all of the pedestals and cleaned up the mess, showing the strength and kindness that define Christchurch.

“Thank you to everyone who reported this incident and shared it online; your support helped us rectify the situation quickly. It truly restores our faith in humanity.”

The vandalised pots. Photo by Chris Brockway

Poole remembers Dunkirk

People in Poole commemorated the 85th anniversary of the evacuation of Dunkirk

An emotional crowd surrounded Poole’s historic lifeboat station museum on Poole Quay on Wednesday 28 May to commemorate the contribution made by the town in 1940 to Operation Dynamo – the rescuing of thousands of British Expeditionary Force troops from the bombed and blasted beaches of Dunkirk in France.

At the exact time that the hastily gathered fleet set sail 85 years ago, bugler Kevin Steele of Poole Sea Cadets appropriately sounded the ‘Last Post’.

Flowers were then laid in Fisherman’s Dock in silent tribute to Poole’s seafarers of the time.

Within the RNLI Museum at the end of Poole Quay, the thenPoole Lifeboat ‘Thomas Kirk Wright’ is preserved to the present day. A Dunkirk ‘Little Ship’ herself, she was prominent in the mass evacuation, making several return voyages, and carrying

hundreds of escaping soldiers.

The crowd of onlookers, which included the crews of both of today’s Poole lifeboats, were welcomed by the new Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mark Howell, before the Rev Canon Lucy Hall led prayers and hymns. Poole Borough Band played on the dockside before thanks were given by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Admiral Sir George Zambellas.

Hopefully you are reading this in a sun hat and Bermuda shorts

-Advertisement feature-

By Paul Webb, Dorset Water Softeners

Writing this a month early to catch the deadline leaves me at a disadvantage of not knowing what the weather will be. It could be glorious or chucking it down. Yes, I know that can happen all in the same day in England, but you get my gist.

Hopefully the children are in the back garden, splashing around in the paddling pool, rather than sat on their phones telling you they are bored. As parents, we always plan to do loads in the holidays, but as the weeks pass, this ideal breaks down.

If you are lucky, the break is broken up with a Proper Holiday away from home. Will it involve jetting away or wellies and a tent? Ibiza or Abergavenny? Exotic seafood in the sun or a curled sandwich with a light spray of sand and rain?

Whatever the location, you will be experiencing different water. So many of our new customers come to us after being ‘away’ to ask why that water was so much better than at home. Their hair was glossy, their skin felt better, and the shower stayed clean. Say hello to the benefits of soft water. Do you know what hard water does to your home? Yes, you can see it, but do you know what that costs you in damage, cleaning materials, extra detergents and higher energy costs? When you sit down and crunch the numbers, you will see that hard water in Dorset may cost the average home hundreds of pounds a year. An amount much better spent on a holiday, I think you will agree. Contact us and we will be happy to come in and do a no obligation survey to see what you could save. Please contact us on 01202 375565 or dorsetwatersofteners.com.

Poole RNLI lifeboat crews © Bruce Grant-Braham

The Last Post is played beside a lifeboat that took part in the evacuation © Bruce Grant-Braham

Ferndown students crowned robotics champions

A group of talented students from Ferndown Upper School proved their engineering expertise by winning a robotics competition in April, securing them a place at a national contest.

A total of 16 teams of young engineers from across the region gathered at Bournemouth University for the South West regional FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) UK. Secondary school students spent months designing, building and programming robots to compete in head-to-head challenges. South West FTC UK was one of 14 regional competitions held across the country.

Team Python from Ferndown emerged as the regional champions alongside their alliance team Pieces of Eight Bit from Barton Peverill Sixth Form in Eastleigh. Both teams earned a spot at the FTC UK National Championship in London at the end of June (after this magazine went to print). The winning team at the nationals will travel to Panama to represent Great Britain. Team Python’s robot demonstrated exceptional performance in both autonomous and driver-controlled tests. The

students impressed the judges with their innovative solutions, strategic gameplay and bright green 3D-printed designs.

The team also secured the Design Award, which celebrates the team that demonstrates industrial design principles and balances form, function, and aesthetics alongside effective design.

Team captain Rhys White said: “We spend a lot of time refining our ideas and robots around preparing for our GCSEs as we are all in Year 11. We’ve poured a lot of effort into our robot for today’s competition.”

Another group from Ferndown Upper School, Year 9’s Team Clawlers, secured an impressive third place in the event.

A spokesperson for South West FTC UK said: “These young engineers have shown incredible dedication and creativity throughout the competition.

“The level of technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities demonstrated today reflects the bright future of STEM in our region.”

Team Python independently raised funds for the project and are extremely

grateful for the support from the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation, Splashdown and their sponsors, Fischer Panda, who helped them head to the National Championship in London.

A message from Ferndown’s Mayor, Cllr Lawrence Wilson

I can’t believe it has been 10 years since I first became a councillor for Ferndown Town Council back in July 2015. During my time in office, I have been involved in numerous projects and have witnessed many changes.

One of my proudest moments over the past decade was becoming Ferndown’s youngest-ever mayor in 2022, and I am extremely honoured to be elected as mayor once again. I look forward to serving and representing our great town, and I am determined to hit the ground running to make this year truly stand out.

Fortunately, we have dedicated staff who are a tremendous asset to the town, and we couldn’t accomplish what we do without them. Additionally, I have a fantastic team of fellow councillors who share the same passion for our town as I do, and together we will strive to achieve our ambitious goals for Ferndown in the near future.

We have some long-awaited community projects where we are finally making genuine progress. A significant upcoming project is the improvement work on Victoria Road. It has taken longer than we all hoped, and I

understand the frustration many residents have felt. I’m pleased to say that things are finally heading in the right direction; there’s definitely some light at the end of the tunnel!

Every new mayor selects a local group to support during their term, and I have chosen High Mead Farm, a non-profit organisation based here in Ferndown. If you haven’t heard of this wonderful local organisation, I hope my support will help bring attention to the great work they do with individuals living with mental and physical disabilities and other challenges.

Ferndown is fortunate to have so many fantastic charities and community groups, and while I have chosen High Mead Farm this year, I’m also excited to support and promote all our local organisations.

We are in the process of finalising the council’s priorities for the future, and to be more open and transparent, we will be sharing these soon. This way, you can keep an eye on our progress and see how we are working to make real improvements for the people and businesses that make Ferndown the great place it is.

The pupils’ winning robot © FTC

Wish comes true for Cherries fan

A Bournemouth care home resident’s special wish was granted when he visited the Vitality Stadium to watch a Cherries’ match with his wife.

After AFC Bournemouth fan, Maurice, told the Talbot View care home team about how he’d like to go to the stadium with his wife to see a match, they made his wish come true and took him and Marian to the Cherries’ last match of the season against Leicester City on 25 May.

Maurice said it was “really enjoyable and very good” to be with Marian and watch the Cherries beat Leicester City 2-0.

Talbot View’s ‘Make a Wish’ initiative encourages residents to share details of the interests and hobbies which they can no longer do without support. The team then try and find a way to make it happen.

Marian said: “It was lovely to see Maurice back at the Vitality Stadium and he saw lots of his friends there, who were pleased to see him. We were impressed that Maurice even remembered some of the songs. I am so grateful to the Talbot View team for arranging this and helping him on the day.”

Talbot View is part of the Care South family of care homes.

NEWS IN BRIEF

AI for Dorset Council

Dorset Council has been chosen to take part in a trial for Minute, an artificial intelligence (AI) transcription and summary tool. The government says the AI tool will help speed up note taking across local authority services, streamlining burdensome admin tasks in areas like the planning process, to help meet the government’s target of building 1.5m homes by 2030.

Hospice funding

Oakhaven Hospice, which provides support to families throughout the New Forest area, has benefitted from fundraising of £168,700. This was raised by a walk to the hospice in Lymington from Sandbanks, Mudeford and Barton on Sea.

Reserve fund projects

Ringwood Town Council has identified three projects for the unallocated Community Infrastructure Levy reserve fund: £1,081 is to be spent on an asbestos survey on the roofs of the four brick bus shelters and repairs to the shelter in Southampton Road; £15,000 is to be earmarked for the cost of resurfacing the access road at Poulner Lakes; and £4,650 will go towards the boundary fence at Upper Kingston allotments.

Ringwood mayor re-elected

Cllr Rae Frederick is to serve as mayor of Ringwood for a second term for the coming year 2025–26. At a town council meeting, she thanked members for their support and said she was looking forward to continuing in the role for a second year. The deputy mayor is Cllr Philip Day.

King’s Award

Bournemouth Water has been awarded The King’s Award for Enterprise and Innovation in recognition of work that will directly support improvements to water treatment for customers across the region.

Maurice with wife, Marian, and the Talbot View team at the Vitality Stadium

law spot by Harold G Walker Solicitors

Why it is important to make a will

-Advertisement feature-

By James Rust, associate and head of the private client team

It’s incredibly important for everyone to make a will. If you die without one, then you risk the chance of your estate and assets not being passed on to your loved ones or the people you wish to benefit.

It is also a stressful time when you have recently been bereaved; making a will can take some of that stress away from the people you leave behind and avoids any complicated legal battles or even family disputes.

What should people think about when making a will?

There are various questions a solicitor will need to go through when making a will to address a number of issues. However, prior to a consultation it can be helpful to think about:

• Who you will choose as executors of your will. These people will be responsible for carrying out the wishes you make in your will.

• If you have children under 18, who will look after them when you die?

• Whether you wish to leave a cash or legacy (a specific amount of money or an item) to a particular person or charity.

• How you would like to divide your estate between your beneficiaries (e.g. your children and/or grandchildren) and if in percentages or equally.

• Who you would like to benefit if something happened to all of your immediate family (your spouse, children and yourself) for instance in a common accident.

• Your funeral arrangements.

Protect your loved ones by making a will today. It ensures your wishes are followed and helps avoid family stress and legal issues. Start planning now for peace of mind and security.

Helpline: We’re here 24/7 to support you after a loss. If you need help with wills or probate, call our caring team anytime at 0330 332 8233.

Law Spot is for information only and does not constitute legal advice

Fight back against scam mail

Despite living in a digital age, traditional postal scams are still a serious threat. To help fight against these fraudulent letters sent through your letterbox, Friends Against Scams and National Trading Standards Scams Teams have organised the SCAMnesty campaign.

Instead of binning unwanted or nuisance mail, the campaign encourages people to send in scam letters to help investigators disrupt fraud.

This is completely free of charge. Just drop the mail into an envelope and send it to NTSST, FREEPOST, MAIL MARSHALS. No stamp is required.

A spokesperson for Trading Standards said: “Postal scams come in many forms: fake lotteries, bogus health cures, clairvoyant promises, and investment traps. They often use official-looking seals, urgent deadlines, and personal touches to manipulate recipients. The goal? To extract money through deception, often targeting older or isolated people.

“What’s most alarming is that only five per cent of these crimes are reported.

“By participating in SCAMnesty, you’re not just clearing out your junk mail, you’re contributing to a national effort to protect others. Every piece of scam mail sent in helps the National Trading Standards Scams Team build cases, shut down operations, and prevent future harm.”

If you are affected by scam mail or have lost money to a scam and would like advice, then visit citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer or phone the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

New free festival for Ringwood

Carvers Recreation Ground in Ringwood is to host a new free community festival.

The New Forest Thrive event will take place on Sunday 6 July from 10am to 3pm to celebrate everything that makes the New Forest special and unique.

Led by the New Forest National Park Authority, the festival will include interactive displays and activities to inspire people of all ages and build a greater understanding of the Forest, its wildlife, habitats, and its people.

There will be a sneak peek performance from Theatre for Life’s youth-led ‘Bringing the

Outside In’, bike maintenance and security marking through the police and PEDALL New Forest Inclusive Cycling, as well as opportunities to help build a mini-beast estate and join in with wild play.

Local food and drink producers will be at the event, and attractions will be spread across four themed zones.

Cllr Mary DeBoos from Ringwood Town Council said: “The New Forest is at the heart of Ringwood’s identity, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have it on our doorstep.”

For details, visit newforestnpa. gov.uk/thrive.

The event aims to build connections with nature © New Forest National Park Authority

Poole Hospital has a newly refurbished play and assessment area thanks to a donation from businessman Ken Thorpe who died in early 2023. Thorpe lived in Dorset for many decades and ran a wholesale supplier of catering equipment. When he died, he left the bulk of his estate to several Dorset and Hampshire-based charities that support children.

Alongside Thorpe’s legacy, a grant from the Valentine Charitable Trust and donations from the community

brought the play area to life.

University Hospitals Dorset’s lead health play specialist, Caroline Fawcett, said: “The play area provides a space where children can freely be themselves and engage in play that supports their emotional wellbeing, physical recovery and developmental progress.”

The play area’s makeover includes a range of equipment for the hospital's young patients, including a nautical-themed climb and slide area, animal spring rider, colourful sensory items, swings and more.

Children jump for joy at new hospital play area Volunteers needed for REMAP

The Bournemouth branch of a 60-yearold charity is seeking local people with DIY, engineering and administrative skills to help them improve the quality of life for disabled people.

REMAP provides custom-made equipment, free of charge, for disabled people. It can help clients with anything from eating and drinking and getting around, to accessing sports, hobbies and employment. This work is made possible thanks to the skills and dedication of its volunteer ‘makers’ who design and build bespoke equipment for local people who have disabilities.

Many of the volunteers are engineers or have specialist skills such as carpentry or metalwork, but the charity also welcomes retired medical professionals and administrative personnel.

The branch also needs volunteers with skills in IT, administration, fundraising and marketing to help run the group.

Everything REMAP volunteers do can make a huge difference for clients whether children, young adults or senior citizens. If you want to give something back to your community, visit remap.org.uk or call 01202 604294.

Care home answers community group’s SOS

-Advertiser’s announcement-

A Dorset care home has stepped in to save a community group which was at risk of closure due to a lack of volunteers.

The Open House group has been operating for 25 years from the village of Sandford, near Wareham. It is a place where members of the community come together monthly for social interaction and activities.

However, the main organiser is about to leave the area, and two other volunteers are also retiring, so the future looked bleak for the group which regularly attracts over 20 people to its sessions.

But its future has now been secured after the Pine Martin Grange Care Community in Sandford agreed to take over the running of the group.

And Open House has come full circle, because the sessions are now held in the Sandford Heritage Hall, a refurbished Victorian school and church hall in the grounds of Pine Martin Grange.

Open House used to run from the hall when it was a church 10 years ago, before it moved to Sandford St Martin’s Church.

The next Open House session takes place in the Heritage Hall at 2pm on Thursday 17 July and every four weeks thereafter. People interested in joining future sessions can contact Helen Mutton at Pine Martin Grange on 01929 768201. More information on Pine Martin Grange can be found at dormycare. co.uk/pine-martin-grange.

The Open House group in Sandford Heritage Hall

Bournemouth babies eating better

A baby and toddler weaning programme with a 100 per cent success rate is looking to expand across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP).

Cooking charity The Friendly Food Club delivered the free, four-week Mush and Munch, Crunch and Munch and Fun with Food courses at BCP Family Hubs to support young families and encourage healthy eating.

The courses are designed by nutritionists following NHS guidelines and use play techniques to encourage children to interact with foods.

A total of 129 babies and young children and their parents/carers have taken part in the courses, with 100 per cent of attendees saying they have boosted their confidence and increased their skills.

One parent, Katherine, attended a Crunch and Munch course with her son. She said:

“I feel more relaxed around all aspects of food knowing now that if I practise getting him involved more, then he might have a good relationship with food. Following the course we have had lots of fun in the kitchen and at mealtimes.”

Groups, health centres, or community hubs interested in hosting the food courses should contact hello@ thefriendlyfoodclub.org.

First anniversary for Dorset maternity unit

A maternity team at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust is celebrating one year of supporting new parents and families from the ‘global majority’ (a term for people from diverse, usually non-white backgrounds).

The Meadow Team aims for expectant mothers to be seen by the same midwife, or a small group of familiar midwives, across all stages of their pregnancy. The same team of midwives are also on-call for women during their labour and birth, and their care and support is extended into the postnatal period with home visits for up to a month.

The team support women who choose to give birth at home, in birth centres, or in hospitals, depending on what is safest and appropriate for each individual. They also provide monthly face-toface education classes.

Midwives are either based at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital or Boscombe Children’s Centre and provide at least two home visits during pregnancy.

Elena Gray from Meadow Team said: “We absolutely love what we do, being able to build genuine, meaningful relationships with the people we support.”

The weaning courses have helped 129 babies and young children

Midwife Elena Gray, left, is part of Meadow Team

Charity of the Year

How Dorset Cancer Care Foundation can help you

By Eve Went, co-founder of Dorset Cancer Care Foundation

If you or a friend or loved one is experiencing financial hardship because of cancer, the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) could be of help

Learning you have cancer is a shattering experience — and if that diagnosis impacts you financially, this can exert huge additional pressure on a family.

But free help is available.

The DCCF is dedicated to supporting individuals and families across Dorset who need it most.

Founded in 2013 by three local nurses who witnessed the impact of cancer first hand, we provide nonrefundable financial awards to ease

burden and help those in need.

We can assist with:

• Transport and parking costs

• Respite support and care

• Food bills and household expenses

• Domestic help and essential items

• Accommodation during treatment

• And any other vital financial needs.

Our grants are funded thanks to the tremendous efforts of our fundraisers.

The application process is simple and fast. It just involves filling in a straightforward online form which must be signed by a doctor or cancer professional such as a Macmillan nurse.

All applications are overseen and administered by our Board of Trustees. Once approved, your money will be delivered straight to your bank account.

If you or someone you know could benefit from our support, please reach out or visit www.dccf.co.uk for more information.

Help with hay fever

By Luke Graham | luke@dorsetview.co.uk

If like me you suffer from hay fever, then the summer months can be the worst time of year.

Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen that can cause a range of symptoms, from sneezing and coughing to a runny or blocked nose, itching, headaches and fatigue.

Most sufferers are allergic to

grass pollen, so will experience their worst symptoms between May and July, while tree pollen affects people in late spring between March and May. Hay fever is at its worst when the pollen count is high, usually when the weather is warm, humid and windy.

Many can treat their hay fever using antihistamine tablets, eye drops and nasal sprays. Something I had not realised is that nasal sprays can take two to three weeks to become effective, so must be taken regularly and ideally started about a month before symptoms typically occur.

Hay fever affects around one third of the population, according to Dr Helen EvansHowells, who runs a GP clinic called Dr Helen Medical.

“Like all health conditions, [hay fever] brings with it a spectrum of severity,” she said. “Some people will have mild symptoms such as sneezing or mildly itchy eyes for which they either may not need to take any treatment or the occasional antihistamine. For others, even regular use of nasal sprays and antihistamines can have no benefit.

“For these sufferers, hay fever can have a significant impact on their quality of life with studies showing that young people with hay fever do not achieve their full grade potential during GCSEs and A-levels, and for adults, their productivity is affected.”

If standard hay fever medications are not effective for you, what alternatives are there?

Immunotherapy

One option is immunotherapy treatment. Patients are exposed to small doses of an allergen to build up a tolerance and train their body to stop producing the histamines which cause their hay fever symptoms.

“For those with severe disease, immunotherapy is the only treatment available which can modify the immune system and create longterm change and benefit,” explained Dr Helen.

Patients are typically given

a daily dissolvable tablet or spray containing grass or tree pollen. This treatment is available on the NHS for those with severe hay fever, or it can be accessed privately.

Dr Helen said: “This can bring long-term improvement, meaning that hay fever sufferers may have no, or very mild symptoms.

“This treatment is safe, effective and could change someone’s life. There is no need to suffer, book an appointment with a specialist to get the help you need to improve your condition.”

Hayfever injection

Another option is the hayfever injection, using a steroid called Kenalog, which works by suppressing the body’s immune system. Once injected, it slowly travels throughout the body and so is generally only taken once a year.

Most patients report a reduction in their hayfever symptoms after injection, but there is debate over its effectiveness and the NHS stopped offering it in 2018 due to health risks.

While the injection is available from some private clinics, they are banned from advertising it – a doctor I spoke to about the injection for this article could not give me their name on the record, to avoid appearing to promote its use.

If you’ve ever had the hay fever injection, or have advice for how you manage your allergies, write in to let us know your tips.

Second term for Mayor Hart

Cllr Jeff Hart is to serve as mayor of Wimborne Minster for a second term

The Mayor Making ceremony took place on Tuesday 27 May in the Town Hall chamber. It was attended by fellow councillors, members of the local community and the Wimborne Militia.

Speaking after his re-election, Cllr Hart said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be re-elected as mayor of Wimborne Minster. I look forward to continuing the important work of representing our community, supporting local charities, and promoting the town both locally and beyond. I’m also delighted to have Cllr Simon Wheeler as my Deputy, and I know we will work well together in the year ahead.”

Over the past year, Cllr Hart raised substantial funds for two charities: Planet Wimborne and the Friends of Victoria Hospital. Through a wide range of community events organised and supported by the mayor, a grand total of £8,355.19 was raised and split equally between the two organisations.

Cllr Hart’s chosen charities for the year ahead are Millstream Theatre Group and Dorset Community Action’s youth services.

PULFORD

PUBLICITY sponsors WIMBORNE COMMUNITY GARDEN

Get ready for our Fun Day

By Jane Benson

It’s time for the scarecrows to come back. Last year’s Fun Day at the Community Garden saw an amazing array of colourful, humour-filled scarecrows springing up in the field right next to the garden… and we’re really hoping that on Sunday 6 July from 12noon to 4pm we will see the same thing happen all over again.

Just as last year, everyone who comes to the event will be given two pieces of dry pasta. “Dry pasta?” I hear you say. “Why?” Well, the idea is, by each scarecrow there will be a flowerpot. Each visitor who comes to the Fun Day looks round all the scarecrows and then places their pasta in the pots of their two favourite scarecrows. At the end of the afternoon, the pasta is counted, and prizes are awarded to the most popular. Great fun.

Everyone is invited to take part, so if you have a wonderful idea for a scarecrow, do please make one and deliver him/her to the field opposite Beaucroft College (BH21 1HQ) and next to the garden on the morning of 6 July.

The more the merrier. Let the Scarecrow gathering begin!

The Fun Day also offers you the chance to: browse our plant stall; be tempted by our homemade cake stall; check out our produce stall; indulge in bacon baps or veggie rolls; relax with a cuppa; watch or join in with children playing multiple games such as obstacle runs or corn hole; lap up ice creams; have a wander round the garden; and see what you might find on the tombola stall. In short, enjoy a fun-filled, old-fashioned afternoon of ‘sunshine’ (whatever the weather).

So do come and join us on Sunday 6 July. We look forward to seeing you (and your scarecrow) soon.

Scarecrows from last year’s event

TV chef visits Wimborne Community Garden during charity cycle

TV chef and ‘I’m A Celebrity…’ contestant Rosemary Shrager paid a visit to Wimborne Community Garden on Saturday 7 June while resting from a 450-mile charity bike ride.

The 74-year-old took on the challenge to help raise funds and awareness for food poverty. She felt compelled to do a charity bike ride five years ago (even though, she admits, she’d never ridden a bike before) after being shocked by the scale of the issue in the UK.

“11 per cent of the population

is in food poverty, which horrifies me. It’s really bad,” she said.

“You don’t have to be poor to be in food poverty. It’s all sorts of people who can’t afford food, and these places [food banks and community organisations] are very important indeed. It’s humbling to see all the people who volunteer.”

The chef, who first became famous for teaching haute cuisine on the reality show ‘Ladette to Lady’ in 2005, set off on her epic ‘Two Wheels for Meals’ journey from Land’s

End in Cornwall on 1 June and was due to reach Dover in Kent on 18 June. She admitted the first days had been hard.

“It’s been a tough old week. The hills have been unreal. Cornwall to here has been the roughest time.

“I’ve been training for 10 months, and training on the bike since February, trying to get fit. I’ve lost three stone. My trainer has been fabulous.”

Rosemary aims to raise £100,000 for food poverty charities across the South. Rosemary expressed her gratitude to the Hendy Foundation charity for organising the cycle, and to the team supporting her.

“Without support, I could not be doing this race. I have six drivers because they have to do a change over every few days. They’re so

kind, because they know I’m struggling and they have to go very slowly up the hill.”

While in Wimborne, Rosemary did a cooking demonstration at Beaucroft College, showing how to use foods commonly available from a food bank to make chicken risotto and vegetable curry. She even used bay leaves plucked from Wimborne Community Garden.

Rosemary was full of praise for the community-run garden.

“Wimborne Community Garden is the most fabulous place. I couldn’t believe it. What they do here is marvellous.

“These people are magnificent and I’m in awe of them all.”

There’s still time to donate towards Rosemary’s cause. Just visit peoplesfundraising.com/ donation/two-wheels-for-meals.

Rosemary Shrager at Beaucroft College

Getting tough on drug crime

By David Sidwick | Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner

In last month’s column, I wrote about the power of community intelligence and how it helps the police to tackle issues in your community. I know Dorset Police greatly value the intelligence the public provide to them, and today I’d like to delve deeper into one of the areas where your information can truly make a difference: drug crime.

When I became Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in 2021, I was determined to ensure that tackling illegal drugs and the harms they cause for not only individuals but society at large, were tackled robustly. I know the impact illegal drugs can have on a community, and that’s why I made sure dealing with drug crime was at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan.

This plan – based on feedback from you, the public – ensures Dorset Police takes a tough approach to drug-related criminality, using their powers appropriately to disrupt street dealing and county lines drug activity to reduce the damage caused to communities, as well as tackling associated violence, exploitation of vulnerable people, antisocial behaviour and acquisitive crime.

One of the ways Dorset Police uphold this commitment is through two operations: Viper and Scorpion. Operation Viper began in 2022 and continues to bring together a

county lines task force and Neighbourhood Enforcement Teams to drive out drugs from our communities. Operation Scorpion is a collaboration between the five police forces in the South West (Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Avon and Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucester), the respective PCCs, British Transport Police, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, and the charity Crimestoppers to make our region a hostile environment for illegal drug activity.

Scorpion has proven very successful at putting a ring of steel around the region. Last year, during weeks of intensive action, Dorset Police carried out 24 warrants, arrested 71 people, safeguarded 48 people, seized more than £220,000 of drugs, recovered £35,000 cash and removed dangerous weapons from the streets, closing several county lines permanently.

Alongside this enforcement, I also lead the Dorset and BCP Combating Drugs Partnership (CDP), a body which ensures supply chains are tackled, treatment and recovery systems are delivered, and that all relevant organisations are working towards achieving a generational shift in the demand for drugs.

When it comes to addressing the dangers of illegal drugs, there are three

essential aspects: prevention, treatment and enforcement. The CDP works across all three with a range of partners to combat the harm these substances cause.

I will not shy away from my tough stance on drugs. I will continue to lobby for changes from those in power, including supporting the review to change ketamine to a Class A drug and campaigning for cannabis to be the same, while doing everything in my power to protect Dorset’s communities from the harm these substances cause. Together, with proactive and strong partnerships alongside the vital intelligence you, the public, provide to Dorset Police, we will continue to smash the gangs, ensure treatment is available to those who need it and, with powerful education, divert more of our young people away from these toxic and dangerous substances. This is a battle we cannot afford to lose.

Danke schön, Renate

A German film actress who lived in Bournemouth has left her estate to a Dorset foundation

A German film actress, model, photographer and DJ who fell in love with Dorset has left her estate to Dorset Community Foundation to support its vital work.

Renate Morley, who lived on Milner Road in Bournemouth, died on Christmas Eve 2021 at age 85 after a long illness. Friends said she lived a long, colourful life, full of excitement, creativity and love. Her estate has been left to the foundation, which is Dorset’s largest funder of grass-roots charities and voluntary groups. It awarded more than £1.9m in grants in the last financial year.

According to her close friend Walter

Hell-Höflinger, Renate was born in East Germany but fled to the West in the late 1960s with her mother by swimming across a river in the dead of winter. She became a film and theatre actress and toured Switzerland with a theatre company. In 1970, she won a German Film Academy Award for her role in the film ‘Interview’.

Renate later met British journalist John Morley and moved to his hometown of Bournemouth. They were married at the Lutheran Church in Southbourne. John died in 2010. He was known for being an advocate for Native Americans, having spent 17 years living with the Iroquois tribe in Canada.

Walter first met the couple in Dorset in 1984. He said: “I was at a language school in Southbourne when I was 14 but I didn’t like the food where I was staying.

“A friend at the school was staying with Renate and John and he brought me home to eat the good German food she made. I got on very well with them and spent a lot of time with them. I came back to stay with them twice more and kept in touch with her.”

Renate told him about several stories from her youth. “Renate had a very colourful life right from when she was young,” he said. “She told me how she’d been a model and had once worked as a DJ in Switzerland where she was in

a glass bubble above the dance floor. She had lots of amazing stories.”

She and John started a wedding photography business in Bournemouth called Wedding Masters, and Renate photographed more than 500 weddings. She continued to work as an actress into her late 70s. “She got more successful with her character roles when she was older,” said Walter. “She was very capable of giving very hard facial expressions, which actually could frighten people.”

He added that he was not surprised Renate left her estate to charity. “She was a very kind person,” he said. “She wanted to give to people, to empower people helping themselves. She was very determined and encouraged people not to give up. Giving up was never an option for her and so she fought until her late age to stay working as an actress.”

Dorset Community Foundation Chief Executive Grant Robson said: “It is wonderful that someone as dedicated to Dorset as Renate should be remembered in this way. Her legacy will ensure her name lives on, not just through all of the friends and colleagues who loved and admired her but through the work to make life better for thousands of people that she is funding.”

To find out more about Dorset Community Foundation, visit dorsetcommunityfoundation.org.

Renate in one of her film roles

Renate Morley at Boscombe in her later years

The actress fled from East Germany in the 1960s

Meet the

professionals

By Luke Graham

If you need a job done right, it’s often best to choose someone who specialises in the task at hand

You may need the services of a solicitor to help with selling a house or writing a will, or perhaps you are looking for reliable financial advice or someone to take the stress out of your accounting.

And if you find yourself bereaved, a caring funeral director can help guide you through the funeral process sensitively at a difficult time.

Finding the right professional for your project may take time and effort to research, and could cost more than doing it yourself, but the peace of mind from knowing that a job has been done correctly by a skilled specialist is priceless.

In the long run, it pays to find someone who takes pride in their job, as we all lead busy lives, and the last thing you want is to use the services of someone who lets you down.

The local businesses advertising in our ‘Meet the professionals’ feature have all got reputations to consider and uphold. If you need any of their services, why not meet the professionals and find out if they can help you?

Folk festival delights despite the downpour

By Luke Graham. Images © Dorset View

It was all looking so hopeful on the morning of Saturday 7 June at the start of the Wimborne Folk Festival’s weekend celebration of traditional English music and dance.

The sky was overcast and there was a light drizzle, yes, but the weather was nowhere near as bad as the forecasts of thunderstorms suggested. Large crowds still gathered for a day of live music and fun.

Then around 2pm, the heavens opened and put a dampener (literally) on the day’s events. Attendees were quickly drenched, many of the Morris dancers and musicians taking part in the afternoon parade were soaked, and several stalls and stages closed early.

The annual procession is a highlight of the festival, but this year it was much smaller as several teams dropped out due to the poor weather forecast. Those who persevered still entertained the crowd as the parade wound its way through the streets of the town.

The procession was led by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wimborne, Cllr Jeff Hart and his wife Barbara. Among the parade participants were Gugge 2000 street entertainment band, several Morris dance troupes and The Quarterjacks of Wimborne marching band.

Sunday’s weather was much better, and crowds filled Willow Walk, the town square, the Minster green, and Allendale House courtyard to

Gugge2000 performed at the head of the parade

The rain-drenched town square A moment’s respite from the rain

L-R: Barbara Hart, Cllr Jeff Hart, and Cllr Chris Brown, with two local children

The Wimborne Militia were out in force

The not-so-fun fair on Willow Walk A rather wet Morris dancer

listen to live music, watch traditional folk dances, and take part in fun activities.

As well as entertainment, the streets of Wimborne were filled with all manner of stalls selling food, drink and goods.

The town’s pubs and cafes were also busy, and many attendees could be seen drinking from the new Wimborne Cup. Designed by artist Becky Dodd, the reusable cup was an initiative by Planet Wimborne, Wimborne War on Waste, the town council and Wimborne BID to reduce plastic waste.

Tammy Sleet, Wimborne BID manager, said: “The British spirit was definitely on show as people came out to enjoy the event on Saturday despite the rain, and we celebrated in the sunshine on Sunday.

“The new festival cups were a huge success and anecdotally drastically reduced the amount of plastic waste discarded over the weekend.”

The Mayor of Wimborne, Cllr Jeff Hart, said: “What a great Folk Festival yet again! The weather on Saturday was against us but we still paraded through the town, dancers and musicians shining. People love this annual delight, and next year as Wimborne will be Dorset Town of Culture 2026, we will really celebrate.”

Sunshine on the Minster green

Grimspound Border Morris from Newton Abbott

Morris dancers on Crown Mead

Becky Dodd, designer of the Wimborne Cup Demonstration by Aerial Arts Dorset

Luke and the junior editors

Craft tent on Willow Walk

100 YEARS OF SAND SCULPTING HERITAGE IN WEYMOUTH

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For over a century, Weymouth’s golden sands have been transformed into breathtaking works of art. Fred Darrington began his sand sculpting journey in the 1920s and spent 70 incredible years perfecting his craft, captivating visitors with his lifelike creations. His sculptures ranged from pyramids and sphinxes to The Last Supper and even a Loch Ness Monster. Renowned for his unique ability to add colour and intricate detail, Fred’s work became a must-see attraction on Weymouth Beach.

During this time, Jack Hayward, another legendary Weymouth sand sculptor, made his mark. Known for his stunning architectural designs, particularly of ecclesiastical buildings, Jack sculpted on Weymouth Beach from the 1930s to the 1970s.

Fred’s grandson, Mark Anderson, inherited his passion and talent, carrying on the family tradition. Mark fondly recalls how Fred would recreate his famous sandbread, often fooling amazed onlookers into believing it was real.

Mark later took over Weymouth’s beachfront exhibition, bringing fun, friendly characters to life and ensuring that Fred’s legacy endures. Over the years, he has sculpted everything from seahorses to royal landmarks, including a 20ft-wide Windsor Castle

for a royal visit in 2009, admired by the Queen and Prince Philip.

In 2011, Mark co-founded SandWorld, Weymouth’s first-ever sand sculpture festival, alongside his good friend and fellow sand artist of 20 years, David Hicks. Millions across the UK and beyond have admired David’s sand sculptures, including his celebrated tribute to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which received widespread attention, even earning a thank-you card from Buckingham Palace.

Keeping the town’s rich sand sculpting tradition alive, SandWorld at Lodmoor Park, Weymouth showcases incredible, original artwork from some of the world’s finest sand artists and continues to amaze and inspire visitors of all ages. Mark also continues to sculpt at his exhibition pod on Weymouth Beach, delighting holidaymakers all year around.

While Mark and David’s artistry has reached global audiences, their hearts remain in Weymouth, where generations have marvelled at the magic of sand transformed into art.

SandWorld’s International Sand Sculpture Festival 2025 is open daily from 10.30am to 3pm until Sunday 9 November. See www.sandworld.co.uk for more details.

Mark with his grandfather Fred Darrington

Mark Anderson and David Hicks

Get ready for

A popular free festival in West Moors will take place on Saturday 12 July

Organised by West Moors Town Council, Westival is now in its sixth year, and it is bigger than ever. Taking place from 12noon to 4pm on Fryer Field Recreation Ground, BH22 0LL, attendees can look forward to a day of live music and family-friendly fun.

Attractions include a climbing wall, bouncy castle, fairground rides and games, face painting, tombolas, woodcarving, treasure hunts, a penalty shoot-out, over 50 stalls and a delicious variety of food and drink.

Highlights include live music from pop-rock party trio Chill and local singer-songwriter Charlotte Geary, and a stunning demonstration of bike stunts by Urban Displays.

Car fans can gaze at over 150 vehicles on show at the Wheel Display, while children can get crafty at the make-and-take workshops run by Creative Kids UK, try out the tightrope with Steamship Circus, or enjoy magic and mayhem with entertainer Krazy Kev.

Animal fans can look forward to ferret racing fun courtesy of Wessex Ferret Club, as well as seeing birds of prey in flight thanks to The Falcon’s Crest.

There is even a chance to win up to £1,000 in the cash raffle, so don’t forget to grab a ticket.

Free parking is available in Julia’s Farm via Bond Avenue, off Station Road, while disabled parking is available in the Pavilion car park. For more details, visit the West Moors Town Council website or Facebook page.

If you would like to volunteer to help on the day, even for just one hour, contact 01202 861044 or email office@westmoors-tc.gov.uk.

Highlights from previous years at Westival

REVIEW Bates Restaurant 350 Charminster Road, Fiveways, Bournemouth

By Luke Graham. Meal provided courtesy of Bates Restaurant. Images © Dorset View

Situated in the heart of Charminster, Bates Restaurant has been keeping the people of Bournemouth well fed for 25 years.

I visited the restaurant in early June with my motherin-law Gill. After a hectic day of running after children at the Wimborne Folk Festival, we were looking forward to a delicious meal.

Stepping through the exposed brick entrance, we entered the relaxed, cosy atmosphere of Bates Restaurant.

The venue serves traditional English cuisine, homemade and cooked by the owner John, while co-owner Cheryl runs the front-of-house.

After looking through the options, we decided to try out the evening special menu, which offers two courses for £27.95 or three courses for £34.50 – great value on a night out.

To start, I had salt & pepper squid served with sweet chilli sauce. It tasted delicious and spicy. Gill had deep fried breaded Camembert cheese served with a yummy tomato relish.

For mains, Gill opted for a pan-fried, 21-day matured 8oz sirloin steak with pepper sauce, while I chose slow roasted lamb rump that came with a mint and redcurrant gravy. All the mains came with fresh vegetables

plus roast and new potatoes.

The bar at Bates Restaurant had a full drinks selection with plenty of choice. I had a refreshing Peroni while Gill went for a tasty lime and soda (she was driving).

The portions were incredibly generous and tasted amazing. The lamb melted in your mouth and the gravy sauce was rich and decadent. Gill likes her steak well-done (a controversial choice, I know) but it was still full of flavour and lovely, especially the delicious pepper sauce.

We really enjoyed the vegetable sides, especially the roast potatoes which we devoured.

We felt stuffed after the first two courses but couldn’t resist ordering a pudding. We weren’t disappointed.

Gill opted for profiteroles, which were light and fluffy and came with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. I chose a creamy cheesecake with sweet cherry sauce; it was scrumptious.

At the end of our meal, we felt full and satisfied from the incredibly well-cooked, quality food. The service was also impeccable, and we felt thoroughly looked after by Cheryl and Tracey.

We’re keen to go back and try out the Sunday lunch option. As Gill put it: “I’d eat here again, and that’s high praise from me.”

Delicious deep fried Camembert Sirloin steak with pepper sauce

Going back in time

Celebrate retro culture at Poole Goes Vintage 2025

On Sunday 13 July, visitors to Poole will feel like they are stepping into the past as Poole Goes Vintage takes over the town.

This annual celebration of the 1940s to the 1960s will see live music, stalls and performers across Poole’s historic Old Town, Old Orchard, and High Street.

Everyone is encouraged to dress in their best retro outfits and vintage fashion as nostalgia fills the air. There’s even a vintage fashion show in the afternoon, and prizes for the best dressed attendees.

Among the artists performing are the Land Girls, the Fifinellas, DJ Dave Norrell and Peter Gill as Jerry Lee Lewis.

There will also be a vintage car display, vendors selling handmade treasures, Punch and Judy shows and facepainting for children, and plenty of food and drink available from the brilliant bars, cafes and restaurants in Poole.

So head to Poole on Sunday 13 July from 11am to 6pm for a fun-filled day at Poole Goes Vintage. For more information, visit poolegoesvintage.com.

Jitterbug Jive

DJ Dave Norrell

Retro Rita

Aphrodites

GI45

Fifinellas Swing Band

Images © Old Bakery Photography Studio & Oak Photography

More summer events in Poole

As well as Poole Goes Vintage, there are more highlights to look forward to this season

For motor fans, don’t miss Bike Nights and Car Nights on Poole Quay.

Bike Nights take place every Tuesday from 5.30pm to 9pm until 30 September. The event creates a unique, exciting atmosphere for avid bikers and spectators to enjoy a relaxed evening, while enjoying the waterside cafes, bars, restaurants and food kiosks along the quay.

Each week, the ‘Bike of the Night’ competition takes place where a different judge selected by Poole Quay Events chooses their favourite bike on display. The winner receives some brilliant bike-related goodies, courtesy of Muc Off. Entry costs £3.

From 4 July until 29 August, Car Nights will be on every Friday from 6pm to 9pm. Each week there is a different theme, giving car owners a chance to show off their vehicle. Highlights include Land Rovers, emergency and military vehicles on 18 July, supercars and Subarus on 1 August, and (new for 2025) TVRs and Jaguars on 8 August.

Discover something different at Kingland Crescent

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Looking to breathe new life into your home or find the perfect gift? Step into Wild Roots, the beautiful house plant and home interior shop in the heart of Kingland Crescent, Poole. Wild Roots specialises in unique, hand-picked pieces that bring warmth, character, and style to any space.

From lush, easy-care houseplants to carefully curated home décor, every item in store is chosen with love and an eye for detail. Whether you're shopping for a friend or treating yourself, you’ll find something truly special — perfect for birthdays, housewarmings, or just because.

Wild Roots believe your home should reflect your personality, and its collection of one-of-a-kind products helps make that happen. Expect sustainable, design-led pieces, friendly advice, and a shopping experience that’s anything but ordinary.

Come and explore a world of greenery, creativity, and inspiration. Visit Wild Roots at Kingland Crescent, Poole, and let the team help you bring the outside in — with style. Open seven days a week at 18 Kingland Crescent, BH15 1TB.

Also in August, the RNLI will celebrate two major milestones in the town: the RNLI College turns 21 this year, while the volunteers at Poole Lifeboat Station are celebrating 160 years of saving lives. They are holding a two-day celebration on 9–10 August and you are invited.

On Saturday 9 August, there will be live music, food and drink, circus workshops and face painting at the College on West Quay Road, as well as behind-the-scenes tours and a chance to meet the RNLI mascot Stormy Stan.

Then on Sunday 10 August, head to Poole Lifeboat Station at the end of the quay to visit the floating boathouse, meet the crew and see the lifeboats close up. There’s also the chance to learn vital water safety skills, watch lifeboat demonstrations, and browse food and drink stalls.

And for music fans, be sure to check out Poole Harbour Festival from 25–27 July in Baiter Park. With 60 acts across five stages including UB40, Feeder and Happy Mondays, this is sure to be a highlight of the summer.

Visit the Royal National Lifeboat Institution College in August © RNLI

By Luke Graham. Images © Dorset View

Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival enjoyed fabulous weather for its annual food and arts festival on 14 and 15 June.

This year marked the festival’s 10th anniversary. The recreation ground and High Street featured dozens of stalls selling foods from around the world, as well as local artists selling all manner of paintings, pictures, portraits, pottery and handcrafted pieces.

The recreation ground also featured a demonstration tent (renamed “Mary’s Kitchen” after the festival’s founder Mary Reader) where chefs, including the festival’s headline sponsor Colin Nash, shared their knowledge.

Stilt walkers, the Kids' Kitchen and a circus skills workshop kept the children entertained, while three music stages provided an upbeat soundtrack to the festivities.

For a 10th year, the Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival was a great success.

Get ready for fun

at Verwood Carnival

On Saturday 12 July, head to the event field on Potterne Park for a day of family fun at Verwood Carnival.

There will be lots to see and do from 12noon until 10pm. From browsing stalls and enjoying funfair rides, to trying yoga and watching the dog and animal shows.

Arena acts until 5pm include camel racing, RentaDinosaur, and a line dancing demonstration.

In the evening there will be live entertainment showcasing local musical talent including Vocalise Choir. Entry is £5 for adults, while accompanied children are free. For more information, visit verwoodcarnival.com.

Beautiful garden ornaments

Highcliffe High Street was packed

A bus/bar Art for sale

Life Chiropractic

Stilt walkers enjoying an ice cream

Headline sponsor and restaurateur Colin Nash

Anyone for paella?

Events

Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk.

5 July

Junior Chess Club for ages six to 14 years at Ferndown Library. For details, visit ferndownjuniorchess.co.uk or email graham7morris@gmail.com.

5 July 10am–3pm

Summer fete at Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne Minster. Free entrance to garden.

6 July 10am–3pm

New Forest Thrive event at Carvers Recreation Ground, Ringwood. Free entry.

6 July 4pm

Afternoon tea music concert at St John’s Church, Broadstone, BH18 8AR. Book via www.broadstonemusicseries. info and TicketSource. Tickets include tea and cake.

7 July 10am

Reading Friends meets at Wimborne Library.

7 July 6.30pm for 7pm

Wee Four jazz band perform at the Bluebird Jazz Club, Ham Lane, Longham, BH22 9DP. Visit bournemouthbluebirdjazz.uk for details.

7 July 7.30pm

Wimborne Gardening Club meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall.

7, 14, 21, 28 July 12.30pm

Lunchtime recitals at Wimborne Minster. Free admission. Retiring collection.

9 July 6.30pm–9pm

Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meets in Kinson Community Centre. Details on bournemouthjazzclub.org.

9 July 7pm for 7.30pm

Canford and Merley WI meets at Merley Community Centre, Harrier Drive, Wimborne. Speaker Mike Tuck will talk about wood carving. For details, contact Hazel on 07780 705702.

11 July 6pm–8pm

Lecture by Neil Lucas, owner of Knoll Gardens at Museum of East Dorset. Pre-booking essential at ngs.org.uk.

12 July 12noon–4pm

Westival in West Moors at Fryer Field, BH22 0LL.

12 July 12noon–10pm

Verwood Carnival at Potterne Park, BH21 6RS. Entry £5, children free. Details on verwoodcarnival.com.

12 July 3pm–5pm

Tea and cake event in the garden of Anthony and Christine Oliver, ‘Wits End Corner’, 34 Park Lane, BH21 1LD. Raising funds for September’s Flower Festival in the Minster Church.

12 July 7.30pm

The Grange Choral Society presents an evening of French music in Christchurch Priory to celebrate the re-opening of Notre Dame. Tickets from christchurchpriory.org/ services-and-events, call 01202 143870 Mon–Sat,10am–4pm, or on the door.

13 July 12noon–5pm

Tranquil Japanese themed water garden at 22 Avon Castle, BH24 2BH, open under National Gardens Scheme.

13 July 1pm–4pm

Witchampton Village Fete and Dog Show at Brook Cottage Paddock, BH21 5AG. Raffle, bottle tombola, bric-a-brac and produce for sale.

14 July 2.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society meets at West Moors Memorial Hall. Contact Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536.

14 July 7pm for 7.30pm

Ferndown & West Moors Philatelic and Postcard Club meets at The Hamworthy Club, Magna Road, Canford Magna, BH21 3AP. Call secretary Paul Barry on 07932 581791 or email paulrichardbarry@ hotmail.co.uk for details.

19 July 10am–4.30pm

Wimborne Art Club pop-up exhibition at the Church House in Wimborne. Free entry.

20 July 11am–4pm

House and garden at 1C Rectory Road, Poole, BH15 3BH, open under National Gardens Scheme.

21 July 10.30am–11.30am

Reading Friends group meets at Ferndown Library.

21 July 6.30pm for 7pm

Karen Pitt Sextet from Swing Unlimited at the Bluebird Jazz Club, Ham Lane, Ferndown, BH22 9DP. Visit bournemouthbluebirdjazz.uk for details.

21 July 7.30pm

St Aldhelm’s Orchestra to play at St Aldhelm’s Church, Branksome, BH13 6BT. Free entry. Retiring collection.

25 July 10am–2.30pm

Stitch4u club for embroidery and textile art meets at MS Centre, West Parley. Details at astitch4u.com.

25–27 July Poole Harbour Festival at Baiter Park.

26 July 10am–3pm

Artisan Makers Market at Wimborne Community Centre, 41–44 King Street, BH21 1EA. Handmade arts and crafts for sale. Free entry. Dogs welcome.

28 July 7pm

John Maddocks’ Jazzmen at the Bluebird Social Club, Ham Lane, Ferndown, BH22 9DP.

REVIEW My Fair Lady

P&P Productions, Lighthouse, Poole

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

I will give the first words of this review to my friend who saw the original production starring Julie Andrews in London back in the day.

“This is very, very good,” she said.

And so it was. Joyful, exuberant, polished, and clearly rehearsed to the nth degree.

With a stellar cast of lead actors and 40 hugely accomplished singers and dancers, this musical with the book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and with music by Frederick Loewe will

surely go down as one of this company’s finest productions.

Based on the book ‘Pygmalion’ by George Bernard Shaw, it tells the story of a badly spoken flower girl who thanks to the tutelage of Professor Higgins becomes a society lady.

With such familiar foot tapping songs as ‘Wouldn’t it be Loverly’, ‘With a Little Bit of Luck’, ‘The Rain in Spain’, and ‘I Could have Danced all Night’, the play was on a winner to start with, but it does need talented singers – which this

production had in spades.

Leonie Beck lit up the stage as Eliza Doolittle, both with her appearance and with her beautiful voice, teaming so well with her husband Alexander Beck who absolutely nailed it as the bombastic professor.

Ian Metcalfe was perfect as the professor’s friend Colonel Pickering, with Catherine Attridge providing a good foil as the housekeeper Mrs Pearce, who wants to protect Eliza.

Not only does Adrian Lane have an excellent voice, but his portrayal of Alfred

Doolittle was also epic.

And all putting in excellent performances in the other six main roles were Trae Walsh as Freddy, Amanda King as Mrs Higgins, Clare I'Anson as Mrs Eynsford-Hill, Lewis Baines as Jamie, Luke Earl as Harry and Dean Rawson as Prof Zoltan Karpathy.

In fact, every single person in this large cast deserved to be named, not to mention the musical director Chris McDouall and the director and choreographer Claire Camble-Hutchins.

REVIEW The Sound of Music, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne

By Luke Graham

Wimborne Musical Theatre Society’s latest show was a brilliant performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic ‘The Sound of Music’.

Set against the backdrop of 1930s Nazi-occupied Austria, ‘The Sound of Music’ tells the story of Maria Rainer, a free-spirited young woman

whose aspiration to become a nun is derailed when she takes the job of governess to the seven von Trapp children.

Lauren Ferger-Andrews was excellent in the iconic role of Maria, made famous by Julie Andrews in the 1965 film. Lauren portrayed Maria as mischievous and cheeky, and her singing was wonderful.

David Cooper was brilliant as Captain von Trapp. He had an incredible stage presence and perfectly captured the Captain’s transformation from the stern and distant authority figure to the softer, more loving father.

Selina Rumbold was also amazing as the Mother Abbess. Her performance of ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ at the end of Act One was powerful and moving.

All seven von Trapp children charmed the audience with their singing, dancing and acting, especially the youngest members of the cast. None seemed intimidated by the large audience on opening night. A very professional bunch.

In fact, the whole cast was exceptional. Well done to director Duncan Trew, musical director and conductor Alastair Hume and choreographer Jenny Jalie for managing this huge ensemble.

The society has been performing for over 50 years. Their latest show was dedicated to Sylvia Walpole, who was chairman of the society for 25 years but sadly passed away in February.

Leonie Beck as Eliza Doolittle

REVIEW Birthday parties at Discovery Village

By Sarah Graham

Here is one mum’s experience of the children’s birthday party package offered by Dorset’s leading immersive role play centre

If like me, you dread the thought of having 15 cake-filled, screaming children in your house, or making 50 sandwiches whilst watching your toddler fall off the church hall bouncy castle, then let me tell you about my daughter Emma’s fifth birthday party.

This year, we decided to do things a bit differently and booked a birthday package at Discovery Village; a charming immersive play village for 1–8-year-olds based in Christchurch. There are two packages to choose from: Platinum offers you exclusive use of the venue with up to 30 children and 70 adults, while Gold allows up to 15 children and 20 adults. Both packages include a dedicated party host, a cold buffet with cupcake tower, and the birthday child gets a card and gift.  We went for the Gold package (Emma’s

class only has 10 children) and did it jointly with one of Emma’s classmates. Shortly after booking, we were contacted by Debbie who talked us through the process, sent us beautiful invitations for Emma to give out, and helped with our queries.

On the day of the party, we were allowed to come in 10 minutes early and met the owner Chris who made sure we had everything we needed (and a coffee). Each party guest got a name tag, and the adults were able to sit on reserved tables.

The birthday girls were made to feel extra special by the performer leading the session, including getting the whole room to sing happy birthday. The kids enjoyed playing in the village (as always) and the pizza-themed story and games were great fun – we especially liked the confetti cheese.

Half-way through the session, the

buffet was brought out. The food offered was amazing: sandwiches, fresh fruit and veg sticks, biscuits and a cupcake tower. It all looked beautiful, and the kids loved it — along with the unlimited squash.

After two hours, we said goodbye to the guests. Emma then received a lovely birthday gift from Discovery Village, and then we went home. Yes, that meant no tidying up!

Overall, the party was a huge success. I would very much recommend this as an excellent, stress-free alternative to hiring the village hall — and for around the same price, too.

Second Summer of Love

Lighthouse, Poole, 19 July

A top-rated show from the Edinburgh Fringe is coming to Poole in July. Inspired by real life, ‘Second Summer of Love’ is a celebration of the 1990s’ UK rave culture.

Written and performed by Emmy Happisburgh, the play follows Louise as she wonders how she went from ecstasy-taking idealist to respectable, disillusioned, suburban mum? Triggered by her daughter’s anti-drugs homework and at peak mid-life crisis, Louise flashes back to the early 90s’ rave scene.

Originally performed as a one-woman show at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022, the play has been refreshed with three actors, including Rosa Strudwick (Happisburgh’s real-life daughter) playing Louise’s offspring Molly. The play examines

themes of coming of age and fulfilling your potential whilst offering a new perspective on recreational drug use and embracing mid-life.

Happisburgh said: “‘Second Summer of Love’ is not a ‘true story’, but it is inspired by real life events and real people from when I was luckily, and very accidentally, right in the middle of the rave zeitgeist.

“It’s not a tale I’ve seen authentically told in theatres; especially not by a midlife woman. I am grateful to bring the ‘one love’ message of the original rave movement to the stage.”

‘Second Summer of Love’ will be performed at 8pm on 19 July at Lighthouse, Poole. Tickets cost £16. Book via 01202 280000 or lighthousepoole.co.uk.

Ringwood Colour Run to brighten up town

The streets of Ringwood will get colourful when students from a local school take part in a Colour Run on Thursday 17 July.

Nearly 1,000 students and 200 staff members from Ringwood School will tackle a 3.5-mile route around Ringwood, running or walking their way through five stations where they’ll be showered with bursts of brightly coloured powder. By the finish line, participants will be covered head to toe in colour.

The powder is non-toxic, eco-friendly and is easily brushed off or washed away by rain. A dedicated cleanup team will ensure that the event leaves behind nothing but “colourful footprints”.

The event is being

held to raise funds for new student changing rooms.

Sam Coombes, operations manager at Ringwood School, said: “Following the success of our event in 2022, we’re thrilled to bring the Colour Run back to Ringwood this year.

“It’s a fantastic way to unite our school community, promote fitness and fun, and raise funds for much-needed improvements to changing facilities for our students.”

The school needs marshals to help line the route, ensuring the safety of students and cheering them on along the way. If you are interested in volunteering, contact scoombes@ ringwood.hants.sch.uk.

Game, set, match

Fancy trying something new this summer, or getting back into an old sport?

Ferndown Tennis Club is keen to attract new members to take up the pastime.

Held at King George V Playing Fields, the club offers training sessions for beginners and ‘rusty racquets’ on Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm. Intermediates play on

in Ferndown

Tuesdays from 6pm to 9pm, and there are sessions for all levels on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 9.30am to 11.30am.

Your first three visits are free of charge, so why not give tennis a try to see whether it’s right for you? For more information, email membership@ ferndowntennisclub.org.uk.

Knights, bikes and dancing sheep — all at one show

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Get ready for an unforgettable countryside extravaganza at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show — a celebration of rural life, bursting with fun, food, and thrilling entertainment for the whole family.

This much-loved event takes place on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 August. It will be packed with interactive exhibits where you can get hands-on with farming, meet adorable farmyard animals and discover the countryside in a whole new way.

Watch in awe as talented sheepdogs and gundogs showcase their skills, and don’t miss the energetic dancing sheep, proving that farm animals have more rhythm than you’d expect.

The Heavy Horse Village is not to be missed with plaiting demonstrations on these gentle giants.

For adrenaline-seekers, brace yourself for motorbike daredevil stunts that’ll have you on the edge of your seat, alongside dramatic, clashing medieval

jousting. Cheer on your favourite knight as they battle in a breathtaking display of skill, bravery and incredible stunt riding.

And for a laugh, see the speedy competitors in the ever-popular terrier racing, as these pint-sized athletes dash towards victory.

Get creative with “have-a-go” country crafts, try traditional skills and take home your own handcrafted masterpiece. Wander through the vibrant food stalls, savouring delicious local produce and enjoying a feast of flavours celebrating the best of British farming.

With dog and sheep shows, farmyard fun, live music and much more, there’s something for everyone at this value-for-money countryside day out. Whether you’re an animal lover, thrill-seeker or foodie, the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show is the perfect way to celebrate rural life.

Gather the whole family and experience the countryside at its best — a day out you won’t want to miss.

Tickets on sale now via gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk.

Look out for exciting bike stunts by Tigers Motorcycle Display Team

Preview

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Vikki Slade MP talked about campaigning and Canford waste incinerator in episode eight

Last year, Liberal Democrat politician Vikki Slade was voted to become the Member of Parliament (MP) for Mid Dorset and North Poole, but she’s been involved in politics for more than a decade, first being elected as a councillor in 2011 and twice been leader of BCP Council.

Speaking on Your Voice | Dorset Podcast, she talked about the transition from Dorset to Westminster politics.

“It’s been a mad year. Being a leader of a council, you have lots of perceived power and control, but what you don’t have is control over how much money comes in,” she said.

“You can decide how to spend the money you’ve got, but you’re governed by the rules set in Parliament.

It’s been great to be at the other end of the system and try to influence it.

“It’s a very different job.”

In her first year, Slade has been very active, from helping protect Wareham’s pedestrian rail crossing to campaigning against heathland wildfires. She has spoken in the House of Commons over 140 times.

“I think I’m among the top third of speakers in Parliament,” she said. “My goal is to speak three to five times a week.”

Slade discussed how she balances local and national issues.

“There’s more crossover than people realise,” she explained. “At times we get hyper focused on one or the other, so it’s about trying to localise a national problem.

“For instance, when the government brought in an increase in employer National Insurance contributions, that affects businesses all over the country. My job is to tell the story of a local business, so I was talking about Julia’s House Children’s Hospice and Tops Day Nursery, so that people will then understand.”

Canford waste incinerator has been a major topic for Slade – she raised the issue directly with the Prime Minister. While the incinerator has been refused planning permission by BCP Council, Slade warned that the developers could appeal.

“The appeal people will look strategically. It’s tricky in Dorset as we’ve had the Portland incinerator approved.

If we look at what happened there, the local council refused it, it went to planning appeal, then to the minister and the minister approved it. If that one gets built, then we don’t need one in Canford.

“It’s a bit of a dance at the moment. All I can do is try to put out the risks. We should not be ‘feeding the monster’ and creating more capacity [to burn waste] than we need, because that means we need to drive waste in from other places.”

To listen to the full interview, search Your Voice | Dorset Podcast on your preferred podcast provider. To watch the recording, visit dorsetview. co.uk/podcast and subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@dorset_view.

Vikki Slade, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole

REVIEW MINI Cooper S Sport 5dr

By Luke Graham. Review car kindly supplied by Marshall Bournemouth MINI

Many cars now come with the latest technology, but nothing I’ve driven has felt as fully customisable as the MINI Cooper S Sport.

At the start of my test drive, I downloaded and registered the MINI app and connected my phone to the car. This meant I could play my music over the exceptional Harman/Kardon speakers. The app provides useful information like how much fuel is left, and lets you send commands to the car such as to turn on the heating or airconditioning before even getting in, to ensure the car is at the right climate when you set off on your journey.

MINIs are of course a compact car (the clue is in the name), but the interior still feels spacious and high-end. The steering wheel has soft textured leather and smooth, tactile control buttons, while the circular touchscreen display is incredibly stylish.

You can fully personalise your driving experience, including selecting which driving safety features you prefer, such as lane assist and speed warnings. I especially liked the automatic locking feature, so that the car unlocks as you walk towards it with the key.

The projected heads-up display is fully adjustable and placed directly under your eyeline for safety and convenience. While navigating, the display helpfully shows a map rather than simple directions. The car also boasts a crystal-clear rear-view camera to help with parking.

For extra safety, the car comes with an emergency call button, meaning if you have an issue you can contact a service desk who can

Car type: Petrol Engine: 2.0 litre Transmission: Automatic

remotely run diagnostics, or automatically send help if you’re in an accident.

While driving, the MINI felt fast and responsive. You can switch between different driving types, including the ‘go-kart’ mode which offers enhanced throttle response and tighter steering for a sportier driving experience – great for cruising along A roads and motorways.

How much?! Parking permits are a goldmine for BCP

New data reveals BCP Council has earned over £1.54m from residential parking permits in the past five years

Over a five-year time period, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has earned a massive sum totalling £1.54m from residential parking permits, according to data from cinch, the online used car retailer.

According to a Freedom of Information request submitted by cinch, the number of residential parking permits issued across the BCP conurbation has grown by 15.7 per cent in five years, from 3,253 in 2020 to 3,680 in 2024.

The biggest spike in demand occurred between 2020 and 2021, when permit numbers rose by 16 per cent from 3,253 to 3,765.

Permit prices vary

significantly across the region.

In Bournemouth, permits cost between £60 to £242 per year, Christchurch parking permits cost £48 for six months or £85 for 12 months, while permits in Poole cost just £66 for 12 months.

Here’s how much BCP Council has generated from parking permits over the last five years:

2020: £243,728.07

2021: £300,412.89

(+23.3 per cent)

2022: £302,730.68

(+0.8 per cent)

2023: £327,876.53

(+8.3 per cent)

2024: £372,629.64

(+13.7 per cent)

Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, said: “Parking permits can be great for making sure residents have somewhere to park near their homes, but there should be a balance between affordability and accessibility.

“Our research shows that parking permits are getting more expensive across the UK, putting extra financial strain on residents already dealing with rising living costs.

“Multi-car households are often the most affected. Second and third permits come at a premium and can be as much as four times more expensive than a first permit in some areas.”

Do you have a BCP parking permit? Does it offer value for money? Write in to let us know.

CORRESPONDENCE

To express your opinion or idea about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk

Re: 20mph zone proposed for Bournemouth

My observations on 20mph zones are that they are a pointless waste of taxpayers’ money, being spent on new signage.

Areas that have been made into 20mph zones are typically so busy at peak times that the traffic can’t get to 20mph because of congestion. When the areas are not busy, there is no point in slowing the traffic as this only creates more pollution with cars driving in first and second gear and braking. Also, at slow speeds, cyclists often overtake the cars, causing more hazards. It would probably be better to spend the money on educating people that roads are for vehicles.

Name supplied Via email

New and improved bus services

Residents in Canford Magna and the surrounding areas are now enjoying major improvements to their bus services.

Thanks to funding from the Department for Transport and contributions from housing developers Taylor

Wimpey and Cala Homes, several enhancements have been made to provide faster, more frequent and more reliable services.

Changes include a new number 11 bus route from Canford Paddock to Bournemouth, and

merging the 6 and 6a bus routes from Wimborne to Bournemouth to increase their frequency to every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council worked closely with Morebus on the enhancements, to ensure both new and existing residents across a wider area benefitted from higher-quality public transport options.

BCP Council said: “This is a positive step forward for public transport in Canford Magna and the surrounding area. We have worked in partnership with

Morebus and the developers to ensure that existing residents in the area benefit from better public transport links, and especially by making services available to our new residents as they move in, this helps to combat congestion in the area.”

The expanded services are designed to serve a range of journeys and travel needs, including commuting, school travel, and access to local services and retail. To see the full list of changes to timetables and route improvements, visit morebus.co.uk/timetableimprovements-24-may-2025.

Rejuvenate your home and garden this summer

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

When was the last time you made any changes to your home or garden?

If you can’t remember or if it wasn’t even this century or in the last 10 years, then maybe it’s time to make a very close inspection of your surroundings and bring in a new look.

Not only would it give you an emotional boost, but it may also potentially add value to what is likely to be your most valuable asset.

And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

For instance, you could transform your rooms by giving walls a fresh coat of paint. Grey, which has been a popular colour for some years, has now been replaced by beige and warm neutrals as the interior design colour for 2025. Shades of brown, like taupe, clay, and burnt umber, are also gaining popularity, as well as richer, more saturated colours like violet.

And whilst you’re in the painting mood, why not upcycle that brown furniture? It

might have been in the family for decades, but it does deserve a new look. Upcycling is a creative and environmentally friendly way to give new life to old furniture, by repainting it, through upholstery, or

transforming it into something original.

Acrylic paint is a versatile option that can be used on most types of furniture, including wood, metal, and plastic. It dries quickly, is easy to clean up, and comes

in a wide range of colours and finishes.

You can also use chalk paint on many different surfaces, including wood, melamine, terracotta, and metal, and you can even use it to paint floors, glass, and laminate furniture.

Updating light fixtures and adding different types of lighting can dramatically change a room’s ambience without breaking the bank.

Renovations in kitchens and bathrooms are worthwhile as these areas often have the most significant impact on the value of your home.

New rugs, curtains and other accessories can add a lot of character to rooms.

And what about those pictures on your walls? Do you even still like them? If you really don’t notice them anymore, it is time for a change.

One thing that made a huge difference to my 1969 house was replacing the internal doors. When I moved in, 23 years ago, the doors were sapele, but we soon changed them to pine.

However, when I visited a friend who lived on one of the new estates in Wimborne last year I was struck by the white internal doors. I had to have similar ones.

The transformation to all the rooms has been immense.

And how about the garden? Could this do with a makeover?

First, start by clearing the garden beds of debris, such as fallen leaves, branches and old mulch.

Once again, it could be time to get out the brushes as you refresh your garden fence with a coat of paint.

Also, it could be that some plants have really had their best years, and need to be replaced with colourful, easy-to-tend varieties.

An old garden can be modernised and given a sleek look by choosing brick, wood, stone or gravel edging, or for a softer look, plant low-growing floppy plants such as heuchera, cranesbill geraniums and lady’s mantle at the front of your borders, which can grow over the edges.

Just a few jobs to do this summer – but it will all be worthwhile.

New pictures and frames can revitalise a room

Don’t waste water

In recent years, the UK has suffered several heatwaves, so it’s more important than ever to manage how we use water, particularly in the garden. If you’re worried about how to look after your garden as temperatures rise, then

here are 10 water-saving tips from Rachel Smith, plant team leader at Haskins.

1. Water either in the early morning or late evening. Avoid watering plants during the hottest parts of the day, as most of the

moisture evaporates before it reaches the roots.

2. Focus water where it’s needed. Smith recommends using a watering can with a rose attachment and pouring water directly onto the soil around the base of your plants.

3. Collect and reuse rainwater using water butts. It’s free, better for your plants than treated tap water, and reduces your reliance on the mains water supply.

4. Add a layer of mulch to help the soil retain water. In pots, try using decorative stone chippings to lock in moisture.

5. During hot or dry weather, move pots, tubs and hanging baskets into a cooler, shaded area. This helps retain moisture and reduce the frequency of watering.

6. Add water-retaining gel

or granules to compost when planting containers to extend the time needed between watering.

7. Feed your plants a regular supply of nutrients. Well-fed plants use water more effectively and have stronger roots.

8. Weeds compete with your plants for both water and nutrients, so remove weeds when you can.

9. Reuse leftover water from washing vegetables or rinsing dishes. If the water doesn’t contain chemicals like bleach, it can be reused in the garden.

10. Choose plants that need less water. Hardy plants such as lavender, rosemary and thyme thrive in dry conditions and bring colour, texture, fragrance, and even cooking ingredients into your garden.

Rachel Smith from Haskins shares her advice on keeping your garden well-watered

Home CCTV camera warning

If you’re thinking of updating your home security this summer, be careful.

An increasing number of homeowners are installing CCTV cameras and smart doorbells without realising that their placement could land them in legal trouble.

Common security devices could breach the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Human Rights laws if they record footage beyond a property’s boundary — including public pavements or neighbouring gardens — without the correct signage or legitimate purpose.

While these devices are marketed as crime deterrents, experts warn that improper use can result in data protection breaches and fines of up to £1,000 — or more if the case escalates to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Darren Gallagher, property

expert at Elite Realty Invest, said: “It’s easy to assume you can point your camera wherever you want on your own property — but that’s not always the case. If your doorbell captures audio or video of people walking past your home, or your neighbour’s private space, you could be violating their privacy rights under UK law.”

The issue hit headlines after several high-profile legal cases, including one where a homeowner was ordered to pay compensation to a neighbour after a doorbell camera was deemed “intrusive and excessive”.

Gallagher said: “Homeowners should treat their devices like any other form of data capture. If you’re filming people who haven’t consented, especially in private areas, you must have clear signage and a valid reason under the UK GDPR.”

Here is some advice for homeowners:

• Make sure your cameras only capture footage within your boundary

• Display a clear sign warning that CCTV is in operation

• Avoid capturing neighbouring properties or shared spaces

• Regularly review what your device records

• Only store footage for as long as necessary.

PLUMBING

NEWS IN BRIEF

Air ambulance fundraiser

Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance are hoping local people will take part in a self-led fundraising event ‘Brew for the Crew’ as it marks its 25th anniversary this year. Register online to receive a downloadable fundraising pack containing everything you need to hold an event: dsairambulance.org.uk/brew-for-the-crew.

Dementia award

West Moors Town Council has given a grant of £114 to West Moors Dementia Action Group to fund pocket-sized prompt cards, offering guidance on dementia and advising who to contact for more information or support.

Turned down

Dorset Council has refused an application for the demolition of a garage and outbuilding at 50 Churchill Close, Sturminster Marshall and the erection of two, two-bedroom bungalows.

Green light

A proposal to demolish the property at 32 Highfield Road, Corfe Mullen and to erect two, four-bedroom bungalows was granted by Dorset Council.

Bad bee-haviour

Dorset Police are warning owners of beehives to report any offences following an incident in Wimborne on 14 May when vandals knocked over and damaged some hives.

printing of any advertisement must be made within 10 days of publication to the

Administration Department.

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

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

Unless agreed otherwise in writing by the Publisher the terms of payment for credit accounts are 10 days from date of invoice. Any discount, which the Publisher may have agreed with the advertiser will be forfeited in the event of failure by the advertiser to meet these credit

Volunteers helped make the town spick and span

Spring clean for Christchurch

Christchurch is sparkling following a huge community effort.

Residents, businesses, and community groups came together for the Christchurch Big Spring Clean in May.

Organised by Christchurch & District Chamber of Commerce, Christchurch BID, and the Project Bargates Community Group, the event gathered volunteers of all ages for a dedicated day of litter picking and town sprucing.

Participants targeted key areas including Christchurch car parks, the High Street, and Bargates, contributing to an impressive transformation.

The event was supported by an array of local organisations and officials, including Christchurch Baptist Church, Pro2Col, PP Printing, We Love Group, Southern Domestic Appliances, Christchurch Town Council, and local resident Simon Hill, who took a video of the event.

Ellie Howes, Christchurch BID operations manager, said: “The Christchurch community continues to flourish, and organisers are committed to maintaining the momentum throughout spring and summer, so Christchurch remains a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.”

New life for West Parley Community Hub

Works to revitalise West Parley Community Hub began on 23 June.

After years of neglect, West Parley Parish Council has secured funding for a complete redevelopment and refurbishment of the entire building on 275 Christchurch Road in Ferndown, at no additional cost to residents.

The repaired building will provide much-needed community space with rooms for use by the parish council, sports clubs, charity pre-school and other community users.

The parish council said it understands the importance of a community provision and that this project will protect the facility for many years to come.

A spokesperson for West Parley Parish Council said: “In a time when so many community facilities are closing or under pressure, it has been a fantastic effort by all concerned for the works to begin.

“The parish council want to provide a fantastic facility for all its current users, and we look forward to welcoming new user groups to the Community Hub.

“The parish council would like to thank everyone that has helped get us to this point, especially to Westmade Construction, Spase architects, Veolia Environmental Trust and ECO Sustainable Solutions.”

The project is expected to finish by October.

Members of the parish council, Westmade Construction and Spase architects in front of the hub