Dear Readers!
I recently had a realisation.
When I was a teenager, my main hobbies were martial arts, singing and acting, and painting models.
Now, as an adult in my mid-30s, my hobbies are… basically the same. I’ve never stopped practising martial arts; in December, I auditioned for and got a part in ‘Shrek the Musical’ with Wimborne Musical Theatre; and in recent months, I’ve rediscovered the joy of building and painting small models.
Is this feeling of coming full circle, of returning to things from your youth, a common experience?
There’s the Bible quote: “When I became a man, I put away childish things.”
Certainly, that was the case when I ‘became a man’ in my early 20s. Out of university, I was desperately trying to build a career, maintain relationships, and save for a mortgage and pension. I didn’t have time for acting or painting toy soldiers, or so I told myself.
Now I’ve ‘become a man’ by some definition. I’m married, have children and have a mortgage to pay off. But do I feel grown up? Not necessarily. What does that even mean?
In 2026, I’ve allowed myself to take out those ‘childish things’ and enjoy them again. Acting in ‘Shrek’ has helped me socialise and connect with the community. I’ve found the mindfulness of painting to be incredible for my mental health.
As we barrel through summer and the second half of the year, take a moment to think about what childish thing you could reconnect with. Perhaps it will bring you joy too.
Luke Graham
Editor
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Pink grasshopper spotted in West Moors © Louis P
Royal reward for community group
A local food bank received royal recognition on Thursday 11 June when it was presented with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The award is the highest honour given to voluntary groups across the UK and is considered the equivalent of an MBE.
It was presented to Ferndown Community Support by His Majesty’s representative, the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley. He praised the group’s volunteers and said: “Volunteering is not simply about giving time. It’s about giving hope. It’s about showing up, quietly and faithfully, for those who feel unheard and unseen.”
Ferndown Community Support provides food, medicine and support to people in need in Ferndown. It was set up in 2020 by Hannah HobbsChell, a local councillor.
After being presented with the award, Cllr Hobbs-Chell gave a heartfelt message to the volunteers in attendance: “Look at what you have created, because you have created a difference. You have saved people’s lives. You have transformed people’s lives. You have made people feel wanted and appreciated and not scared and lonely anymore.”
To learn more about the support available, visit ferndowncommunitysupport.org.uk.
Social care crisis for council
The rising need for support for vulnerable children and adults in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area has resulted in BCP Council having a £4.6 million gap at the end of its financial year.
Cllr Mike Cox, deputy leader and portfolio holder for Finance, said: “We are calling on government to recognise the true scale of care needs and provide the funding required to support the most vulnerable in our communities.
“The number of children going into BCP Council care rose sharply last year, with 87 more children compared to 17 children the year before, bringing the total number of children in our care to 643. The number of people needing support for adult services also continues to increase, placing significant strain on already stretched budgets.
“This is about older people who have lived full lives and simply want to hold on to their independence for as long as they can, to be treated with dignity, with respect, and with compassion every single day.”
Cllr Cox warned that this is part of a growing national crisis and that, without action, councils across the country will struggle to protect and support those in need.
He added: “We’ve already reduced spending in other areas of the council, including £2 million in Resources and £5.9 million in corporate budgets, and we’ve delivered £8.7 million of savings. But efficiencies alone cannot keep pace with rising demand.”
The council has a legal duty to provide care for vulnerable children and adults.
A volunteer holds the King’s Award, next to the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley, Cllr Hannah Hobbs-Chell and the Chair of Dorset Council, Cllr Stella Jones
Sun, sea and a Russian ship…
Visitors to Weymouth this summer can enjoy the beach, fish and chips… and seeing a detained Russian shipping vessel.
In the early hours of Sunday 14 June, British armed forces and National Crime Agency personnel boarded a ship passing through the Channel, secured it and moved it to an anchorage off the coast of Weymouth.
The UK Transport Secretary then issued a detention direction, preventing the vessel from leaving the UK.
The stateless ship, named the ‘SMYRTOS’, is reported to be part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’, which delivers sanctioned oil around the world to fund President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.
The SMYRTOS is now being detained off the coast of Weymouth and will be monitored for any safety or environmental concerns.
The Department for Transport thanked local partners including Dorset Police, Fire and Ambulance services and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for their work so far.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “The UK government stands ready to take all necessary action to protect UK waters and strengthen our national security and will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our international allies to suffocate Putin’s war machine.”
The SMYRTOS has been detained off the coast of Weymouth © UK government
Miss Dorset 2026 crowned
A professional dance graduate was crowned the winner of the Miss Dorset 2026 pageant on Sunday 31 May at The Village Hotel in Bournemouth.
Catherine Spencer narrowly missed out on winning in 2025, coming in second place. The 28-year-old, sponsored by D&O South Coast Solar, returned to the competition this year and impressed the judges to take home the title.
Spencer said: “Last year gave me a taste of what this competition could offer, and I knew I wanted to come back.
“To win Miss Dorset this year is an incredible feeling. I’ve met some amazing women through the competition and I’m excited to make the most of the year ahead.”
Event organiser Larissa Hirst said: “A huge well done to every girl who competed. You made me so proud!
“A big congratulations to the new Miss Dorset, Cat, who proved that
while being first runner-up from the year before comes with pressure, diamonds are made under pressure, with pressure also being a privilege.”
The Miss Dorset 2026 final showcased more than a dozen contestants from across the county. This year’s first runnerup was Victoria Hillson, who appeared on the cover of May’s issue of Dorset View
As Miss Dorset, Spencer is looking forward to working with local organisations, supporting charitable causes and continuing her work supporting women’s confidence and wellbeing. She would also like to thank local businesses Dress Devotion and Earring Envy for their generous gifts and support throughout her Miss Dorset journey. Spencer will now go on to represent Dorset at the 81st Miss Great Britain Final, taking place in Leicester this October, where she will be competing against finalists from across the UK.
Catherine Spencer is Miss Dorset 2026 © Those Pageant Photographers
Wimborne and Ferndown Lions donated £1,500 to Julia’s House Children’s Hospice in June. Pictured are members of the Lions presenting the cheque to Laura Maidment, the charity’s fundraising manager. £820 of the donation was raised from a quiz night held at The Barrington Centre in April. The Lions are holding another quiz fundraiser on Saturday 19 September in the Allendale Centre.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Police volunteers wanted
Dorset Police are looking for volunteers. Special Constabulary recruitment is open now, as well as other volunteering opportunities. Visit the website: recruitment.dorset.police.uk.
Free school meals
Families across Dorset are encouraged to check whether their children will be eligible for free school meals from the September school term, following changes by the government. Check on dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/ free-school-meals.
Scam alert
Watch out for emails claiming that households will be charged £500 if they do not have a working smoke alarm. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is reassuring people that home fire safety visits are always completely free of charge and any alarms fitted during these visits are provided at no cost. Book a visit via the website: dwfire.org.uk or by calling 0800 038 2323.
Why marriage still matters for Inheritance Tax
By Rebekah Taylor, private client executive
In modern Britain, many couples build committed lives together without ever marrying. While that is a personal choice, the law surrounding Inheritance Tax has not fully adapted to that shift.
One of the key benefits of marriage or civil partnership is the Inheritance Tax exemption between spouses. When one partner dies, assets can pass to the surviving spouse free of Inheritance Tax, regardless of value.
For unmarried couples, the position is very different. No matter how long you have been together, transfers between partners can be taxed at 40 per cent above the available thresholds, creating significant and often unexpected liabilities.
Married couples can also combine their nil rate bands, potentially allowing up to £1 million to be passed on to descendants, free of Inheritance Tax. Unmarried couples do not benefit from these protections.
This is not simply a theoretical issue. We regularly advise clients
who are surprised by the exposure they face when planning their estates. In some cases, those conversations are followed fairly quickly by a visit to the registry office.
The issue was recently highlighted in the television series ‘At Home with the Furys’, which showed how high-networth couples such as Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague can build substantial wealth and families together without marrying, while still facing potentially large Inheritance Tax liabilities.
Marriage is not for everyone, and it should never be purely a financial decision. However, from an estate planning perspective, it remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your partner.
Our private client team provides clear, practical advice on Inheritance Tax planning, wills, and protecting your family’s future. We can review your circumstances, explain your options in plain English, and help you put the right structure in place.
Law Spot is for information only and does not constitute legal advice
Robot to combat killer weed
A robot will be visiting farms and land across Dorset later this summer.
Dubbed ‘Raggy’ by its creators, it has been developed to detect and remove ragwort while reducing chemical use and labour. It is being tested at Dorset Innovation Park’s BattleLab.
Ragwort is a poisonous weed that threatens livestock health, damages grazing land and creates major challenges for farmers and landowners. Usually it is pulled by hand, which is labour intensive, costly and can pose risks to people and the environment.
Ragwort does play a role in supporting wildlife, including pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Therefore, control is targeted, with plants removed mainly in areas where there is a risk to grazing animals.
Raggy was developed by South West firm Robotriks in partnership with Dorset Council, Telint and Neutral Networks, using funding from Qualcomm Incorporated.
Cllr Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council, said: “The team of rangers, who do a great job managing and maintaining Dorset’s fantastic Country Parks, nature reserves and open spaces, spend many hours each year removing ragwort by hand. We are delighted this autonomous and environmentally sensitive solution is being tested, evaluated and developed on our land here in Dorset.”
Bonjour, Valognes
Late on the evening of Friday 5 June, members of the Wimborne Valognes Twinning Association gathered in the Allenview car park to meet an entourage of cars with French number plates. Freshly disembarked from the Barfleur ferry, the visitors helped to launch the 2026 twinning exchange weekend.
Exchange visits have been taking place between Wimborne Minster and Valognes since 1968.
A civic reception was held by Wimborne Minster Town Council at Allendale House on the Saturday morning and Mayor Cllr Jeff Hart and the Mayoress Barbara Hart welcomed the visitors and their hosts. This was followed by the Quarterjacks of Wimborne Marching Band parading into the forecourt of Allendale House.
In the afternoon, the visitors and hosts were welcomed at Wimborne Community Garden in School Lane.
Wimborne Valognes Twinning Association President Damaris Eaton said: “Many thanks to Jane Benson and her helpers who made us all so welcome and enjoyed the entente cordiale with our French Twinners.”
In the evening, the party were well looked after at the Wimborne Town Football Club.
On Sunday, tours of the RNLI in Poole were arranged. To join the association, visit wvta.org.uk.
The Twinners at Wimborne Community Garden © Dorset View
Updates from Ferndown Town Council
In May, the Annual Council meeting of Ferndown Town Council elected Lawrence Wilson as the 46th Town Mayor of Ferndown.
This will be Cllr Wilson’s third term as mayor, having served in the role in 2022/2023 and 2025/2026. The mayor said: “It is a real privilege to be re-elected as mayor of Ferndown. This will be my third term, and I feel extremely honoured. I look forward to continuing the important work of representing our community, promoting the town, and supporting local groups and residents.
“I am pleased to have Cllr Simon Cable as my deputy mayor. We have a great deal of work to do in the year ahead, but I know he will be a great support. I would also like to thank the outgoing deputy mayor, Cllr Philip Leach, for all the help he has given me over the past year.”
Cllr Wilson has been a town councillor since 2015 and holds the record for being Ferndown’s youngest mayor.
Cllr Simon Cable was elected as deputy mayor at the same meeting. He said: “I would like to thank former Deputy Mayor Phillip Leach for nominating me and my fellow councillors for believing in me to take up such an important and prestigious role. I will of course support our Town Mayor, Cllr Lawrence Wilson, to the best of my ability.”
Dates for your Diary:
Saturday 24 October, 10am–12noon
Ferndown’s Poppy Appeal Launch at The Barrington Centre, Pennys Walk, Ferndown, BH22 9TH.
Sunday 8 November, 2.30pm–4pm
Ferndown’s Remembrance Day Parade and Service on Church Road and in St Mary’s Church, BH22 9EU.
Wednesday 11 November, 10.30am–11.30am
Armistice Day Memorial Service at the Royal British Legion Ferndown Branch, Church Road, BH22 9ET.
E customerservices@ferndown.gov.uk
T 01202 892249
W www.ferndown.gov.uk
Outstanding art on display in Ferndown
Ferndown Art Society held a special exhibition as part of Dorset Arts Week over the weekend of 23–24 May
The Barrington Centre and Ferndown Town Council welcomed the Ferndown Art Society for a special exhibition as part of Dorset Arts Week over the weekend of 23–24 May.
The exhibition featured over 100 paintings in various mediums, highlighting the talent and creativity of local artists from across the community.
Several pieces were also sold and will now be brightening the homes of local residents.
According to the town council, visitors were captivated by the outstanding quality and diversity of the pieces on
display, with many expressing their admiration for the talent showcased throughout the weekend.
Ferndown Town Council Town Clerk Liz Bishopp said: “We are thrilled to have hosted such a successful event and hope this marks the beginning of a long and exciting partnership, celebrating and supporting our wonderful local artists for years to come.”
Care home resident relives her singing passion
A care home resident who performed in musical dramas across the country in her younger days had the chance to enjoy a very special performance at Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre.
Zara Taken, who lives at Care UK’s The Potteries in Broadstone, began singing opera in her early 20s with Opera del Mar on Brownsea Island, as well as at The Regent in Christchurch and Lighthouse in Poole.
She also starred in ‘Madama Butterfly’ at Bournemouth Winter Gardens before it was demolished, so when the care home team heard Puccini’s masterpiece was going to be performed locally around her 91st birthday, they set to work to organise a surprise trip.
On arrival at the Pavilion, Zara celebrated with a glass of prosecco as she found her seat to watch one of her favourite operas.
After the show, theatre staff presented
Zara with a floral arrangement and she met the cast, where she reminisced about her past performance.
Zara said: “Having played the part of Madama Butterfly myself, it brought back wonderful memories of that time. It was a magical evening, and the lady who played Madama Butterfly was exquisite, and the performance was simply perfect.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
Unpaid carers
Unpaid carers across Dorset are being encouraged to recognise their caring role and find out what support is available to them. For more info or to request a visit, email dorset.carers@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. Unpaid carers can also now access faster, more personalised support at any time of day or night through the updated digital service: carers.bridgit.care/app/dorset.
Fraud service
Dorset Police has launched a new 24/7 telephone fraud advice service called ‘Ask Damian’, giving residents instant access to support and guidance to help protect themselves from fraud. The new service is designed to be easy to use and available at any time. It offers advice on all types of fraud, aiming to spot scams early and encourage simple steps to prevent financial loss. The number is 01202 144688.
Land development
Dorset Council has granted permission for the severance of land to the rear of 105, 107 and 109 Lonnen Road, Colehill for the building of four detached properties.
Duck race
Fordingbridge Rotary Club is holding its annual Duck Race at Fordingbridge Recreation Ground on Saturday 18 July at 3pm. A prize of up to £500 is available, and proceeds go towards local charities and good causes.
Zara Taken with the cast of ‘Madama Butterfly’
Zara performed in ‘The Marriage of Figaro’
Mayor’s Musings Brief Encounter actress turns 100
Every week is busy for all mayors. I complete a weekly online blog to tell residents what their mayor is up to.
In early June, the ‘Twinners’ from Valognes came for a weekend exchange. On Friday 5 June, we met at Allendale House where we welcomed the visitors (in French) and exchanged gifts.
Valognes presented to our town a marvellous painting, and we gave them a Walford Mill design. The Quarterjack Marching Band entertained us in the rain — what a great band.
On Saturday 6 June (amid more rain) we opened the Sturminster Marshall Church Fete (and won champagne and port on the tombola). That evening was a gala dinner for the Twinners at Wimborne Town Football ground, with more speeches and welcoming.
Merci et bienvenue!
Geoffroi (Jeff) Hart
Mayor of Wimborne Minster
Margaret Cave, who as Margaret Barton is the last surviving member of the cast of the 1945 film ‘Brief Encounter’, marked her 100th birthday with a party at Streets Meadow in Wimborne Minster.
She was visited by the Mayor of Wimborne Minster Cllr Jeff Hart, the Rev Canon Andrew Rowland of Wimborne Minster, and Margaret’s stepdaughter Julia Palmer.
After the death of her son Michael in 1981, who was assistant director of music at Canford School and assistant organist at Wimborne Minster, Margaret and her first husband Raymond James moved from London to Wimborne. They launched the Michael James Music Trust, which continues to this day.
Margaret married her
second husband Rob Cave in 2018 after they had both lost their spouses. At the time, they were one of the oldest couples in the country to get married. Rob died in 2023 and Margaret is now cared for in Streets Meadow.
L-R: the Rev Canon Andrew Rowland, Margaret Cave, and the mayor © Anthony Oliver
Wimborne teen to swim for England
17-year-old Isabella Haynes will represent England at the Commonwealth Games
At the end of July, a teenager from Wimborne Minster will head to Glasgow to take part in the 23rd Commonwealth Games, an international sporting event featuring athletes from across the Commonwealth of Nations.
Isabella Haynes’ right leg was amputated when she was just a week old. In May, the 17-year-old found out she had been selected to represent England in the para swimming event. On 26 and 27 July, she will compete in the 100m breaststroke and 100m backstroke.
Isabella said: “I am very
excited and proud of myself, but mainly honoured and grateful for all the support and for being selected.
“Fortunately, it will be the school holidays, and I can fully enjoy the competition, as well as learn from Olympian and Paralympian swimmers.”
Mum Elizabeth said: “When the post arrived, Isabella was so excited. She saw the label ‘Team England: Ready to win’ and opened it as quickly as she could. Of course, my husband and I nearly cried, and she was over the moon. We are very proud of her.”
Elizabeth said Isabella got into swimming at a very young age.
“We were looking for a sport for her which would be easy to move around in and gentle enough to avoid blisters, and she found swimming.
“She learned to swim first, and at eight years old joined Swim Bournemouth Club, where she started training. It started just as fun, but slowly she was spotted by a coach and invited to compete in para swimming events, as well as able-bodied regional and national competitions.
“Team England then invited her to be part of the junior development team and helped her with lots of training, camps and opportunities.”
Isabella is dedicated to her training, under the supervision of coach Jeff Sandley from Swim Bournemouth. She trains early mornings three times a week from 5am to 7am and four afternoons a week.
Sandley said: “Isabella is an incredibly dedicated individual, she's one of the hardest working athletes I've ever coached and deserves every bit of success that comes her way. I'm sure this is just the beginning for her.”
She has competed around the globe, including at the English School Games in Brazil. At the Para Swimming World Series in Lima, she won five medals.
Isabella attends Queen Elizabeth School in Wimborne Minster. The school’s Deputy Head of Sixth Form, James Cook, said she has earned a remarkable achievement.
He added: “Her selection for Glasgow 2026 is a welldeserved reward for years of hard work. The entire school community will be proud to see Isabella represent her country at such a prestigious international competition and will be cheering her on every step of the way!” The Commonwealth Games take place from 23 July to 2 August.
Resident wants to thank good Samaritan
A Wimborne Minster resident who had a fall is looking for the kind nurse who helped her, to thank her and return her coat.
Mary Martin had a fall in Wimborne Square on Saturday 30 May, injuring her head. While waiting for an ambulance, a nurse came to her rescue, giving her a jacket to lie on.
After being collected and taken to hospital, the paramedic handed Mary the nurse’s jacket, thinking it was hers.
Mary was discharged from hospital and is now back home. She is keen to return the lightweight blue denim jacket to the owner. She has taken it to the Museum of East Dorset for collection. If you helped Mary on Saturday 30 May, or know who did, please email luke@dorsetview.co.uk.
The Wimborne in Bloom spring coffee morning raised £662 which will go towards the planting up of the flower towers and planters around town.
Pictured are local MP Vikki Slade, town councillor Will Chakawata, and committee members who helped to run the morning with treasurer Terry Wheeler and his wife Pauline. Photo © Anthony Oliver
Tales of the characters whose lives have enriched the Minster over the centuries were told in Wimborne Minster on Wednesday 14 May as part of The Wimborne Literary Festival. Pictured L-R: the Mayor Cllr Jeff Hart (as Isaac Gulliver), Jayne Twomey (Margaret Beaufort), Mike Twomey (Roger Gillingham), Tony Horitz (Walter of Wimborne) and Christine Oliver (St Cuthburga). Photo © Anthony Oliver
Planting, painting and pizza
By Jane Benson, Wimborne Community Garden
Predictable is certainly not a word that could be used to describe the weather we’ve been experiencing; we’ve gone through scorching heat, extremely dry spells, torrential rain, hail, thunderstorms… and gloriously balmy days too. What a mixture!
However, amongst it all, at Wimborne Community Garden we have managed to get all our beds planted. Hopefully, before too long, we’ll be sending off
boxes of produce to the Wimborne Food Bank and the Allendale Community Kitchen again. Roll on harvesting time!
We’ve been busy with other exciting things too, including on 16 May when a group of us visited Witchampton First School and helped by doing a bit of tidying up in their flower beds, all ready for the children to bring in plants to brighten up their outdoor spaces. This was such a lovely project to be part of; encouraging children to appreciate the beauty and fun of gardens is always so rewarding.
Then, on 17 May, we were absolutely delighted to host the first of two painting events. Members and friends of the Wimborne Art Club came to the garden, set up their easels and got on with doing what they do so brilliantly as they captured the beauty of different areas of the garden on paper. They are returning on 2 August, and all are welcome.
On 27 May, we held our second kids’ cooking course at the garden. The children mixed and stirred, chopped and grated, and finally produced the most deliciouslooking vegetable pizzas and salad, using
produce from the garden. However, we had to be quick to admire these creations; without exception, the child chefs ate up all the pizzas before they’d been out of the oven for very long at all! We are going to be holding the next course, which is totally free for children, during the summer holidays. So, one way or another, it continues to be all go at Wimborne Community Garden, and we love it that way!
A young chef shows off their pizza creation
Artists taking inspiration from the garden
Dorset’s NEETs need help
By Vikki Slade, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole
Across Dorset, too many young people are stuck between education and employment through no fault of their own. National figures released in May showed that more than a million 16 to 24-year-olds are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Behind those statistics are young people whose confidence and prospects are being damaged because the system is not working.
In recent months, I have spoken to graduates who have applied for hundreds of jobs without receiving a reply and school leavers desperate to start apprenticeships or college courses but are unable to secure places locally. These are not young people lacking ambition. They are young people being let down.
Successive governments have failed to build an education and training system that works for every young person, particularly in rural Dorset. I have repeatedly raised concerns about students being forced to quit college courses in practical subjects such as catering, carpentry or construction, just because passing GCSE Maths defeats them. Young people who have found their vocation are pushed out of careers that suit their skills.
The challenge is made worse by pressures on schools and colleges. In areas like Dorset, falling rolls and outdated funding formulas leave providers struggling to plan ahead, despite rising costs. The Education for All Bill is a chance to secure fairer funding for areas like ours.
For many young people now classed as NEET, the difficulties began much earlier. I regularly meet families whose children left mainstream education at 14 or 15 because their needs were not being met. Many have SEND, autism or mental health challenges, yet families face long delays accessing assessments and support.
That is why I welcome moves towards a more inclusive education system and a broader curriculum that values practical skills alongside exam results. I was encouraged to meet local colleges helping young people return to learning after time out of school. Young carers are also disproportionately represented in NEET statistics. Dorset charity MyTime Young Carers is doing excellent work supporting these children. I am proud to be working with them on a Bill in Parliament which, if passed, would see a Young Carers Champion in every secondary school, so children are not
limited by their family circumstances.
For those in long-term unemployment, the government’s Youth Guarantee is a positive step, but 18 months is a long time. By then, many have already lost confidence and become disconnected from opportunity.
We need earlier intervention, more apprenticeships, more college places and stronger links between local employers and training providers. Businesses face rising costs, but employing young people can bring fresh energy and new perspectives. The Jobs Guarantee provides a financial incentive to taking on a young person out of work for a long period, and employers national insurance does not apply to workers aged under 21.
There are societal impacts from youth unemployment. As our population ages, the balance between those working and those who are retired shifts. Young people in good jobs support consumer spending, public services and future pensions.
If we are serious about economic growth and stronger communities, we cannot afford to leave a generation behind. Dorset’s young people have the talent and ambition. What they need now is a system — and a government — willing to back them.
Forest Holme Hospice won the Eco Award at the Bournemouth and Poole Business Awards 2026, organised by Marketing West. The success follows the Poole-based hospice recently becoming the first organisation to receive the Greener Palliative Care Silver Award. Pictured are Saskie Dorman, left, and Shonali Clarke, centre, from the hospice receiving the award.
Personal trainer Hannah Morley of Dorset Fit organised a 10-hour charity walkathon on Sunday 7 June. Over 35 people joined Morley to walk or run around King George V Playing Field in Ferndown. The total distance covered by participants was over 139 miles, and £601 was raised for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF). Pictured are Morley, centre, with JTYAF’s Peter and Linda Thornton.
New era for mental health care in Dorset
Poole and Bournemouth have new facilities to support people across Dorset struggling with mental health problems.
In early May, Chaddesley House, a £23m inpatient unit at St Ann’s Hospital in Sandbanks, was opened. It has been purpose-built by Dorset HealthCare to increase capacity and enhance services for local men and women needing 24hour care and intensive treatment.
Later that month, a new £17.9m specialist unit was opened that will treat Dorset children and young people facing a mental health crisis. Seastone in Bournemouth will provide 24-hour inpatient care for 13 to 18-year-olds.
As well as offering the latest facilities and expert support, the eight-bed unit — the first of its kind in the South West — will allow patients to be treated close to friends and family, greatly reducing the need for out-of-area placements which
can hamper the chances of recovery.
The facilities were funded thanks to a £70m investment in Dorset’s mental health services as part of the government’s New Hospital Programme (NHP).
Dorset HealthCare Chief Executive Matthew Bryant joined NHP Strategy Director Darren Crook for the opening ceremony for Chaddesley House, alongside representatives from the Dorset Mental Health Forum and developers Kier Construction, and St Ann’s staff. MPs Neil Duncan-Jordan (from Poole), Tom Hayes (Bournemouth East), Lloyd Hatton (South Dorset) and Jessica Toale (Bournemouth West) also attended the event.
Bryant said: “Chaddesley House will allow us to provide the highest level of care to more local people — here in Dorset, close to their friends and family.”
The cutting of the ribbon at Chaddesley House
The opening of Seastone in Bournemouth
Villagers receive CPR training
Thanks to volunteers from the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA), more than 50 Holt village residents recently received practical training in CPR and defibrillator usage. All age ranges were catered for at the two training sessions held in Holt Village Hall. Topics included how to identify heart attacks, when and when not to use CPR, choking, and how to
locate and use a defibrillator. There were also many opportunities to hone practical skills on the training dummies made available.
The point was made by the DSAA representatives that, when they attend a cardiac event, outcomes are usually enhanced if CPR skills have been used in advance of their arrival.
One villager said: “Before today, I would have been scared to use CPR for fear of injuring the individual concerned. I am now reassured. There would be nothing worse than being present and not trying to help. I would now not hesitate, as the session showed me in a very practical way what to do.”
The Holt community has certainly shown its big heart.
Good luck, Marathon Man!
Branksome man to run four marathons in one day
There are many stories about the courage of women with breast cancer, but very few about men suffering from the disease.
However, Paul O’Boyle from Branksome, who had the condition, was so grateful for the support he received from Poole Hospital that he is going to attempt four
marathons in one day to raise funds for the Ladybird Unit.
Starting from Bournemouth Pier on 4 July, O’Boyle will aim to complete eight laps of the Bournemouth Bay Half Marathon in one day — running almost 105 miles (169km) in one go.
In July 2024, O’Boyle was referred to the Ladybird Unit after he noticed something “just felt off” with his chest. He went to his GP after noticing some dryness and crustiness near one of his nipples, and the GP referred
his case to Poole Hospital. Just two weeks later, he was told he had cancer. O’Boyle underwent treatment, including surgically removing his nipple. Paul received the all-clear shortly after and was soon back at work. With over 100 miles to cover in just 24 hours, O’Boyle is pushing his limits to raise £10,000 for patients treated by the Ladybird Unit.
To make a donation, go to: justgiving.com/page/pauloboyle-marathonman.
Photo © Bruce Grant-Braham
Paul is an avid runner who has earned himself the nickname ‘Marathon Man’
Charity of the Year
Blake’s smile says it all
Blake is a smiley, sociable eight-year-old who has mastered the art of communicating with her eyes. She loves music with a strong drumbeat, being tickled and watching the world go by.
Blake also has an extremely rare genetic condition called HNRNPH2, which affects her mobility and speech. She uses a wheelchair and needs medication for epilepsy.
For parents Amber and Mark, getting a diagnosis took years of uncertainty, tests and unanswered questions. By the time Blake was five, the family were exhausted. Alongside caring for Blake’s complex medical needs, they were also supporting their other daughters, Olivia and Bella, with very little wider help. Amber and Mark had both changed jobs to make family life manageable, but the pressure was immense.
Then they were introduced to Julia’s House. Like many families, Amber and Mark weren’t sure that a hospice was right for them. The word ‘hospice’ carries a weight that felt at odds with where they were: caring for
an energetic, joyful eight-year-old. They weren’t sure what to expect.
But when they saw what Julia’s House was offering, they didn’t look back. What they found was expert, tailored support that helps the whole family. Staff took time to understand Blake’s medical needs, equipment, routines and personality, helping her enjoy music, sensory play, baking and garden time at the hospice.
Just as importantly, Julia’s House gives Amber and Mark valuable respite, support at home, and time to focus on Bella, while sibling activities and parent events help the family feel less alone.
But what Amber and Mark hadn’t anticipated was what Julia’s House has brought out of Blake. Mark said: “She didn’t used to reach for toys, and now she pulls her duvet to bring things closer to her. They’ve encouraged her by exposing her to new experiences.”
Julia’s House has helped expand what the family thought was possible. Blake is currently learning to use Eye Gaze technology at school so she can communicate more independently.
Mark said Blake now talks to the world in her own way, while Amber described Julia’s House as a “light at the end of what can be a very long month”. Their message to other families is simple: don’t be put off by the word hospice. For them, saying yes to Julia’s House has meant laughter, friendship, new experiences and the chance to move forward together.
To support Julia’s House, visit the website: juliashouse.org/donation.
Blake and Julia’s House nurse Yolande having fun with music therapy © Rachel McMullen
Fly-tipping is not a victimless crime
By David Sidwick | Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner
One issue that continues to blight areas across BCP and Dorset is fly-tipping. What some may dismiss as discarded rubbish is a serious crime. It damages the environment, harms wildlife, places financial burdens on farmers and landowners, and undermines confidence in public services and rural policing. Across Dorset and the wider country, waste crime has become an increasingly significant threat to those who live and work in rural areas.
That is why I recently launched a campaign aimed at tackling the illegal dumping of green waste. The timing is deliberate, as many residents begin summer garden clearances. Led by the Dorset Partnership Against Rural Crime (DPARC), which my office established, the campaign brings together partners including Dorset Police, the Environment Agency, Dorset Council, BCP Council and Forestry England to encourage residents and contractors to dispose of garden waste responsibly. This campaign is targeted at the whole county, as we know these problems are not just confined to traditionally rural areas. Fly-tipping of grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, branches and other garden waste can damage habitats, block rural roads and gateways, increase fire
risks, and place a significant burden on landowners and taxpayers. It is important that we all take responsibility for disposing of waste correctly and understand the options available to us.
Alongside this campaign, I welcomed a new report from the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) examining flytipping and how it can be tackled more effectively. As a board member of the NRCN, I know this report reinforces what rural communities have been telling us for years: fly-tipping is not a victimless offence. It is often linked to organised criminality, with offenders exploiting weak enforcement and fragmented reporting systems to generate profits while leaving others to deal with the consequences.
The report calls for stronger regulation of waste carriers, improved intelligencesharing between agencies, more effective enforcement, and a coordinated national response. I strongly support these recommendations. Communities across Dorset and BCP deserve to know that waste crime is being treated with the seriousness it warrants and that offenders will face meaningful consequences.
This work has been under way across Dorset for some time. Last year, I submitted
evidence to the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee’s inquiry into serious and organised waste crime. In that evidence, I highlighted the impact waste crime is having on rural communities, the work being undertaken in Dorset, and the growing links between waste offending and organised criminal networks. I also argued for tougher sanctions against repeat offenders, improved national intelligence capabilities and greater support for victims who are too often left to shoulder the cost of clearing illegally dumped waste.
And it is also important to highlight the practical action being taken. Through funding from my office, Dorset Council has maintained a dedicated fly-tipping enforcement officer, and the results are encouraging. During 2025, the council issued 80 Fixed Penalty Notices for waste-related offences, almost double the number issued the previous year, including 33 specifically for fly-tipping.
Dorset’s countryside is one of our greatest assets. By working together, reporting offences and supporting stronger enforcement, we can help ensure our rural communities remain safe, resilient and protected for future generations.
Stir Events’ Managing Director Mandy Polkey is on the podcast
Poole Goes Vintage, Shake & Stir Vintage Festival, Highcliffe Cliff Top Music Festival, Southbourne Food & Fun — if you’ve been to any of these fantastic summer events in the past few years, then you have Stir Events CIC to thank.
Mandy Polkey is the managing director of Stir Events and has been organising community events for over 10 years. Many of these events are themed around vintage music and fashion. What is the fascination with vintage?
“The whole thing is about vintage music, vintage lifestyle, vintage everything, to bring in the 1940s, 60s and 70s” Mandy says. “People love to dance, walk, stroll, Lindy
Hop and do the Jitterbug. We give people the opportunity to enjoy this fabulous music in a park festival arena, surrounded by vintage traders.
“People love the opportunity to dress up. People don’t dress up anymore, do they?”
This year’s Vintage Festival was renamed the Shake & Stir Armed Forces Weekend and took place on 27–28 June.
But despite the popularity of the event (Mandy says an average of 33,000 people come to the Southbourne event), it is financially very challenging. To cope with rising costs, Stir Events charged for entry in 2025, at just £6 a ticket, but only 3,000 came.
“We had a fabulous event,
it was beautiful. I was able to invest, I put in extra money and brought in bands from abroad, international bands. I added an extra flavour. It didn’t work,” she admits.
“We are a not-for-profit. No money comes in; we don’t get funded by anybody. We seek and try to find sponsorship, but it’s not an easy one.”
Mandy revealed more about the challenges of organising free community events.
“It is a big responsibility,” she says. “I get politics everywhere. Whatever you do, because you’re working with a community, you can’t please all of the people all of the time. You will never make everybody happy.”
Mandy hasn’t always worked in event management. Originally from the Cotswolds, she used to work in quality control in food processing. She came to the area with her husband when he got a promotion to a job in Bournemouth. Her son was just two years old and is now 38.
“I’ve been down here a while, but I’m still called a grockle by my friends!”
To watch the full interview and learn more about what goes into planning a quality community event, head to dorsetview. co.uk/podcast or youtube. com/@dorset_view. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews and videos.
Mandy Polkey says organising events is a big responsibility
When you do need a professional
By Marilyn Barber
Doing it yourself is all very well and good — and there are just a few people who are adept at it — but there are certainly times when using a professional will not only save significant time but also reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
Hiring a qualified expert guarantees that the work is completed legally, safely, and efficiently the first time.
So, before you embark on a job — whether it has been on your to-do list for some time, or needs immediate attention — consider the following.
A professional will have undergone extensive training and will hold industry certifications. For instance, to become a fully qualified plumber in the UK, people need to complete a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma followed by a National Vocational Qualification. Meanwhile, to become a fully qualified electrician, you must complete an industry-recognised Level 3 vocational qualification, prove on-the-job competence, and pass a final industry assessment.
And do you really want to get covered in paint or balance on a ladder just to do some decorating?
Also, although it’s therapeutic to do your own gardening, there are just times when the task is too big for one person and specialist equipment is needed.
Experts can complete tasks quickly due to streamlined, repetitive practice and experience.
The experts advertising in our Meet the Professionals feature all have reputations to consider and maintain. Take the time to read about them and consider how they could help you.
Wimborne gets folk-y
By Luke Graham | Photos © Dorset View
Wimborne Minster proved it knows how to party on 12–14 June
The town held another very successful Folk Festival, with music, dance and fun activities taking over the streets and public spaces.
The annual celebration of traditional folk music and dance styles has taken place since the 1980s. Stages and ‘busk stops’ were set up around the town for musicians to perform at, and dozens of dance troupes from across the county — and beyond — came to show off their moves.
The Saturday afternoon procession was a major highlight, full of sound and colour as bands and Morris dancing troupes enjoyed the glorious sunshine — in stark contrast to last year’s wet and soggy parade.
As well as music and dance, other activities dotted around the town included storytelling, basket weaving, arts and crafts and lawn games, plus funfair rides on Willow Walk. What a fantastic weekend, blessed with gloriously sunny weather.
A very crowded Willow Walk
Several dance troupes took part in the Saturday afternoon parade
Three of a kind, lucky me!
Mayor of Wimborne Minster, Cllr Jeff Hart, and Town Mayor's Serjant, Cllr Chris Brown
A ‘busk stop’ on Willow Walk Canford Heath & Poole Steampunks
The Fifinellas on the Microbrewery stage
Lucanart
What is your name and what do you do?
My name is Mirek, but people know me as Lucanart. I am an artist, specialising in large-scale murals and illustrations, from street art to designing labels. I also do landscape photography.
How do you define yourself as an artist?
My art these days is all about bold lines and strong colour. In terms of the subject, inspiration often comes from the world of nature, old technologies or the history of places.
What could the local community, councils or government do more of for the art community?
We need more spaces to exhibit and create work, but also more 'yes' people in leadership. Taking a little risk here and there in terms of cultural events often brings huge rewards to the whole community. It works in other places, it can work here.
Why should people buy your art? That choice I leave to them. Buy it if you
Culinary delights
By Luke Graham | Photos © Dorset View
Warm sun, cool sea breeze, tasty food and amazing art. These were just some of the highlights of the two-day Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival on 13–14 June.
The weekend-long celebration of cuisine and culture featured a market for artisans and local crafters to sell their wares, and a wide variety of foods from around the world.
There was live music throughout the day, dotted around Highcliffe Recreation Ground and along the High Street.
Stallholders praised the festival, saying it had been a busy and brilliant weekend. Well done to the organisers for another successful event.
like it, if the message means something to you or to the people you are buying it for. W lucanart.com
I instagram.com/lucanart
Mead brewed by the Arcane Alchemist
Sculpture by Darren Allsopp
The amazing stilt walkers
Fresh paella on the High Street
Anyone for strawberries?
The Veil Speakeasy sold specialty cocktails
Strawberry tea in aid of Cancer Research
On Saturday 18 July, the Broadstone Cancer Reseach Fundraising Committee is holding a summer strawberry tea afternoon from 2pm to 4pm
Come and enjoy a scone, jam, cream, tea or coffee with stalls selling cake, books, greeting cards and more, plus a raffle.
Entrance fee is £5. Head to Broadstone URC Church Hall, Lower Blandford Road, BH18 9AB.
Jimmy Nail is coming to Ringwood
Acclaimed actor, singer, musician, writer and proud Geordie Jimmy Nail will be performing live at The Barn in Ringwood on Monday 5 October 2026.
His latest tour reflects on his seven-decade career. From the television series ‘Auf Wiedersehen, Pet’ to ‘Spender’ and ‘Crocodile Shoes’, which also spawned multi-platinum albums and chart-topping singles, Jimmy Nail’s work has resonated across generations.
His career spans hit records, celebrated television roles, and major film appearances including ‘Evita’ and ‘Still Crazy’, alongside leading performances on both Broadway and London’s West End. Following a recent run of sell-out shows in Newcastle celebrating the songs of ‘Crocodile Shoes’, Jimmy now brings audiences something even more personal.
Tickets, including Meet and Greet options, are on sale now: thebarnringwood.co.uk.
Art exhibition in Boscombe
For over a year, a group of Bournemouth Arts Club members have been soaking up vestiges of the past — ancient and recent, in all their forms.
A ruined church, an eroded coast, footprints in the dust, the dregs of a drink — these are all traces, remains and vestiges of past events, and the inspiration for this project, inspired by landscape and plein-air painter Frances Hatch.
The club will soon present their responses in a multi-media exhibition at the Auger Collective gallery at Boscombe’s Sovereign Centre under the banner of Southern Contemporaries, an exhibiting arm of the
Bournemouth Arts Club. Admission is free. The ‘Vestiges’ exhibition runs from 2–31 July. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10.30am to 4.30pm. Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. For further enquiries, visit bournemouthartsclub.co.uk.
After the Party by Barbara Davis
Events
Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk.
4–5 July 10am–4pm Quarterjack Quilters of Wimborne Patchwork and Quilting Exhibition at the Allendale Centre.
4 July 11am–4pm Summer market at The Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton, Blandford Forum, DT11 8RX.
4 July 2pm–4pm
Ferndown Arthritis and Friendship Club meets at Ferndown Plus Day Centre. Call 03303 112793 for details.
4 July 7.30pm for 8pm Film screening at Fordingbridge Town Hall. Episodes from ‘The Chosen’. Free refreshments. Free tickets from fordingbridgechurches. eventbrite.com, or The Branch, 1 High Street or AVCM Charity Shop, 52 High Street, Fordingbridge.
5 July
Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride, starting from Corfe Mullen Recreation Ground. Routes include 38, 48 and 58 miles. For details, visit macmillanbikeride.co.uk.
6 July 7.15pm for 7.30pm Wimborne Gardening Club meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Wimborne for a talk by Christopher Brown on ‘Gardening the World’.
6 July 7pm–9.30pm
Bournemouth Bluebird Jazz Club meets at Bluebird Social Club, 4 Ham Lane, Longham, BH22 9DP (opposite Haskins garden centre).
8 July 6.30pm–9pm
Bournemouth & District Jazz Appreciation Society meet in Rm 1 downstairs at Kinson Community Centre. Access direct from car park. Full details on the website: bournemouthjazzclub.org.
8 July 7.30pm
Canford and Merley WI meets at Merley Community Centre, Harrier Drive. Rose White to present ‘Dogtors’, a talk on medical detection dogs. For details, call Hazel on 07780 705702.
11 July 9am–1pm
Scouts car wash at St Michael’s Church car park, Colehill, with refreshments available while you wait. No booking required. Fundraising for Colehill Scouts and Church.
11 July 12noon–4pm Westival at Fryer Field, West Moors.
11 July 7.30pm
Grange Choral Society at Christchurch Priory. Tickets from christchurchpriory.org/servicesand-events, or call 01202 143867 Tuesday to Thursday 10am–2pm, or on the door.
12 July 10am–4pm
South Western Model Railway Club hosts a Model Rail Showcase at Cobhams Sports & Social Club, Merley Park Road, BH21 3DA. For details, call 07751 257666.
13 July 7pm for 7.30pm
Ferndown & West Moors Philatelic and Postcard Club meets at The Hamworthy Club, Magna Road, BH21 3AP. Call Paul Barry on 07932 581791 or email paulrichardbarry@hotmail. co.uk for programme details.
13 July 7.30pm
St Aldhelms Orchestra concert at St Aldhelms Church, BH13 6BT. Free entry with retiring collection.
14 July 7.30pm
Verwood and District Horticultural Society meets at Verwood Memorial Hall. Details on verwoodhorticulturalsociety.co.uk or call Ollie on 07508 577114.
14 July 7.30pm–9pm
Fordingbridge Musical Theatre Choir Summer Showcase at The Forde Inn. Book via ticketsource. co.uk/fordingbridge.
15 July 7.30pm
Merley Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Community Hall, Harrier Drive, Merley.
17–19 July Christchurch Music Festival.
18 July 12noon–5pm
Fordingbridge Park Fest on Fordingbridge Recreation Ground. Free event with live performances, arena attractions and family entertainment.
18 July 2.30pm
Concert in aid of local cancer charities at St Martin’s Church, 2 Moorlands Road, West Moors. Tickets from Brewer and Brewer or talksbychristopher.co.uk.
18 July 3pm
Duck race organised by Fordingbridge Rotary Club at Fordingbridge Recreation Ground. Up to 3,500 yellow ducks will race downstream, with the winning duck carrying a £500 prize. All proceeds go to local charities.
19 July 1pm
Garden Party at Brackenwood, God’s Blessing Lane, Holt, BH21 7DD in aid of Dorset Cancer Care and Dorset MS Centre.
25 July 11am-2pm
Christchurch River Pageant starting at Tuckton Tea Gardens and finishing at the Quay.
28 July 7.30pm
West Parley Gardening Club meets at MS Centre, Church Lane, BH22 8TS.
29 July-30 August
Debby Kirby exhibition at Walford Mill Crafts to mark her 40 years of weaving.
-Advertisement feature-
After 53 years of existence, the members of the Bournemouth Big Band Swing & Jazz Club have decided to change the name of the club to: Bournemouth & District Jazz Appreciation Society
The Tempest to be staged in Canford Magna Change of name for jazz club
The new name will describe more accurately the society’s activities and was unanimously approved by the members.
If you are interested in jazz music, then why not consider joining Bournemouth & District Jazz Appreciation Society?
The society meets at the Kinson Community Centre on the second Wednesday of the month when, between 6.30pm and 8.45pm, members enjoy listening to and discussing programmes of recorded jazz music covering all genres of jazz from traditional and big band to bebop, swing and modern.
There is plenty of free parking at Kinson Community Centre, Pelhams Park, Millhams Rd, BH10 7LH.
Access to the ground floor meeting room is easy — even from the car park.
The society uses state of the art hi-fi equipment and Vic Grayson, the programme secretary, uses his extensive knowledge of jazz to ensure a very enjoyable evening for all jazz lovers. The society has a mix of 18 male and female members and is very keen to increase its membership. So, if you are interested, your first trial meeting will be without charge. For more information, please visit bournemouthjazzclub.org.
Fans of William Shakespeare should look forward to the next production from Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT). They will be performing ‘The Tempest’, which will run from 3–15 August in the grounds of Canford School.
Director Brian Woolton said: “‘The Tempest’ is a wonderful play to stage outdoors — it’s full of magic, mischief and imagination. The play is very dear to BOAT’s heart and it’s sure to make fantastic evenings of theatre. We’re looking forward to welcoming audiences back this summer and sharing the story with them.
“On a personal level, having acted and directed for BOAT many times before, I am delighted to have been asked to lead this year’s company again.”
Originally founded in 1964 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth, BOAT began performing on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour before moving to the mainland. Tickets for ‘The Tempest’ are available now: brownsea-theatre. co.uk/tickets.
See Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ this August © Barbara Szente
REVIEW Ghost Writer Broadstone Players Theatre Company, Broadstone War Memorial
By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk
Despite the intense heat on the first night of this comedy thriller in late May, none of the audience were tempted to abandon it, such was the standard of the acting. ‘Ghost Writer’ is a rather clever play written by David Tristram, who also penned the ‘Little Grimley’ one-act plays.
Jeremy Mills was on stage for the entire time, and he ran through the whole gamut of emotions as Edward, a writer whose tempestuous wife Ruby died a year ago in
suspicious circumstances. This was an impressive performance by Jeremy.
With her expressive face, the part of Ruby the ghost that only her widower can see was perfect for Sue Spencer and she absolutely nailed it. It was shades of ‘Blithe Spirit’, but funnier.
Simon Langford played Alex, his best friend, with lots of sympathy, whilst Maria Scholes had the chance to go from a very ordinary potential
girlfriend for Edward to someone rather more interesting.
Jenny Hughes says she enjoyed playing the bitchy actress Frances and hoped the audience would really hate her. Definitely, Jenny! Her performances always light up the stage, with her facial expressions saying so much.
There was a lot of humour in this play, which heightened with the arrival of faded and way over-the-top actor Hedley. With his orange wig, hugely
Summer day out in Ferndown
Summer Artisan Food & Craft Fayre returns to The Barrington Centre in Ferndown, on Saturday 25 July, from 10am to 3pm. Come along for a wonderful day of shopping, browsing and discovering a fantastic selection of artisan
food and handmade crafts from talented local makers and producers.
Whether you’re searching for unique gifts, delicious treats, handcrafted jewellery, home decor, beauty products or something special for yourself,
there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Meet the makers, support small local businesses and soak up the friendly community atmosphere.
With free entry and plenty to see, it’s the perfect summer day out for family and friends.
mismatched colourful clothing and faux Shakespearean voice, it was a gem of a part for Patrick D’Ardenne.
Suzanne Viney should be complemented for her choice of actors and direction of this play.
The Players’ next production is ‘Plays ‘n Chips’ on 4, 5, 11 and 12 September.
Campaign to tackle green waste fly-tipping
With the gardening season in full swing, people are being urged not to dump green waste across Dorset.
A campaign launched by the Dorset Partnership Against Rural Crime (DPARC) brings together partners including the Office of the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Dorset Police, the Environment Agency, Dorset Council, BCP Council, and Forestry England to encourage residents and contractors to dispose of garden waste responsibly.
Authorities are reminding householders that they have a legal responsibility to ensure their waste is disposed of correctly. Fly-tipping of grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, branches and other garden waste can damage wildlife habitats, block rural roads and gateways, increase fire risk, and place a significant burden on landowners and taxpayers.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Fly-tipping is not a victimless crime. It blights our countryside,
harms wildlife, and creates unnecessary costs for communities and landowners.”
Chris Burch, one of Dorset Council’s waste enforcement officers, said: “Flytipped garden waste can cause harm to grazing livestock. It can also risk the introduction of non-native species in areas of scientific importance, as well as looking unsightly.”
For more information on how to dispose of garden waste responsibly, residents can visit countrywatchdorset.co.uk/fly-tipping.
Summer security
If you’re planning a holiday, one of the items on your ‘to-do’ list must be to ensure that your home is secure from thieves.
Burglaries over the summer months are often the result of opportunity. Criminals target unoccupied homes as people jet off on holiday, or properties where windows and doors have been left open amid warmer weather. Many of these crimes are preventable.
As part of Dorset Police’s Good Safe Summer Campaign, the Force is highlighting a few simple steps homeowners can take to make it harder for offenders to gain entry:
• Ensure electrical items and other valuables are not left on display
• Keep keys hidden away in a secure place
• Keep doors and windows shut and locked where possible, even if you’re in your property
• Secure any garden sheds with locks and put garden tools or ladders away;
burglars can use these to break into properties
• Consider fitting your property with a house alarm, video doorbell or CCTV
• Ensure any existing CCTV is clear of spider webs, shrubbery, etc.
• There are some extra measures you can take if you’re planning on going away this summer:
• Let your neighbours and friends know you’re going away, but don’t put it on social media; this is an advertisement to burglars that your home is empty
• Give the impression your home is occupied — use a light timer switch, draw the curtains, and cancel milk and newspaper deliveries if you’re away for a while
• Consider getting a house sitter.
What are your tips for home security? Email luke@dorsetview.co.uk with your ideas.
specialist services
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Whilst the Publisher will endeavour to represent the best interests of the client in undertaking client’s instructions, it is fully understood that it is the agreed responsibility of the client to supply Dorset View accurate copy details of the advertisement(s) to be placed and any alterations to the copy must be received prior to copy date.
Guarantee of insertion cannot be given and the Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement or by the total or partial failure, however caused, of publication or distribution of Dorset View. In no case shall the total liability of the Publisher for any misprint, error or omission exceed the price charged by the Publisher for that advertisement. The Publisher shall not be liable for any damage or loss save as stated and, in particular, the Publisher shall have no liability to the Advertiser in any circumstances for any claim for damages to, loss of, or costs in respect of any anticipated profits, revenues, business opportunities or for any other indirect or consequential loss. Claims for any
The blight of illegal parking
In one weekend in May, BCP Council issued nearly 3,000 Penalty Charge Notices to motorists
With the summer holidays approaching, Bournemouth is preparing for a wave of illegal and irresponsible parking along the coast.
During the late May Bank Holiday weekend, almost 3,000 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued, although Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said there was more than enough spare capacity at car parks a short walk away from town centres and beaches.
Cllr Herrett said: “It is very frustrating to be in this position yet again.
“We know that the last thing residents and visitors want is to be stuck behind a car parked where it shouldn’t be — or worse, blocking access for emergency service vehicles.
“We are doing all we can to tackle this behaviour, with enforcement teams out daily issuing fines and keeping
routes as clear as possible, but lasting change depends on the government giving councils the powers to increase fines.”
BCP Council asked the government for permission to increase the fines for PCNs to deter illegal parking. Last summer, a government-backed trial allowed BCP to more than double the cost of parking fines to match the levels charged in London. The council claimed the deterrent worked because it issued seven per cent fewer fines during the trial month of August than the year before.
In June, Bournemouth East Labour MP Tom Hayes confirmed that the government had agreed to give the green light to ‘London-style parking fines’ to run in the BCP area.
Hayes said: “The people I represent want peace of mind, not the chaos of illegal parking in their communities.
“This is about people coming into our town
and disrespecting the people who live here.”
According to a Freedom of Information request, BCP Council collected over
£2.7 million in parking fines in 2025. The total number of fines issued last year increased to 95,203, up from 94,999 in 2024.
Wimborne gun shop to close after 49 years
By Marilyn Barber
John March Firearms Ltd in West Street, Wimborne Minster, is shutting down after nearly 50 years of business
Having been in business for 49 years, and during that time only having had one week’s holiday, at the age of 84 John March certainly deserves to retire.
Initially working five-and-a-half days a week, for many years he has been doing a six-day week.
However, now John March Firearms Ltd in West Street, Wimborne Minster, is closing down.
I must confess that it is one of the few shops in the town centre that I had never visited, but on the day I popped in, it soon became clear from the customers who were looking for a bargain that he is very well thought of in the shooting community.
And they love his two dogs too, who add to the ambience. At one time, John and his wife Dianne — a former mayor of Wimborne Minster — had 10.
John told me that his father had firearms and that at the age of seven he was allowed to use an air pistol.
“We lived in Cobham in Surrey, and my father used his .22 rifle for shooting rats,” said John, who added that the village was surrounded by open countryside and woodland.
Whilst at school in Lyme Regis, he joined the cadets.
“We used rifles, machine guns and submachine guns,” he said.
When he left school, he went to work for London County Council as a trainee surveyor.
In 1976, he and his family moved to Witchampton, although he commuted to London for work.
A new career beckoned.
He had always shot at Bisley Shooting Ground, and he got talking to a man who had opened a gun shop.
“I learned all I needed to know from him and I was determined to find a shop. Fortunately, the man whose company at that time owned the Tivoli Theatre was a friend, and he rented an adjacent shop to me. It opened in May 1977,” said John.
The shop later moved to its present site.
In addition to firearms, ammunition and gun sport accessories, the shop
also sold clothing and walking sticks. I say sold, because by the time this article appears the shop may have closed, such has been the demand for goods as his customers come from far and wide, including the continent. What isn’t sold will go to auction. John admitted that there are now fewer gun shops in the country.
“Parents don’t want to encourage children to have firearms,” he said.
John still shoots at Ferndown Gun Club, where he has been a member for 45 years.
And what does he plan to do in his retirement?
“I haven’t decided, but I’m not a lover of going on holiday,” John said.
84-year-old John March, who still shoots at Ferndown Gun Club, is retiring
