Dear Readers!
I am writing this editorial in mid-May, a few weeks before my first anniversary of working at Pulford Publicity, the publisher of Dorset View and Viewpoint Magazine
I joined the company in June 2024, taking on the role of editor from the brilliant Janine Pulford, who has been very kind and gracious in her guidance and advice to me as I’ve learned to put this magazine together each month for our wonderful readers across Dorset. Thanks also to my colleagues Ben, Dexter and Louis, who have been very patient with me and are always open to my ideas.
So, this issue is a bit special to me, as it effectively caps off my first year of issues as editor. Thank you very much for sticking with the magazine over the past year and I hope you are still enjoying it. Feel free to email me with ideas for what you would like to see in this community-focused magazine.
Here’s something more light-hearted. Last week, while parking my car before work, I parked too close to another vehicle on the driver’s side and was unable to get out. That’s fine, I thought, I’ll climb over and get out of the passenger’s side.
But as I clambered across, my knee caught and released the handbrake, and I felt the car begin to roll backwards.
I was able to scramble back into my seat and put the handbrake on before an accident could happen. I took a breath and felt very foolish.
I guess the lesson is to always take the time to park properly with sufficient space to get out, rather than risk an accident.
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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Janine Pulford director janine@dorsetview.co.uk
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Massive chilli festival brings on the heat
Pictures and report by Janine Pulford
Hardcore chilli-heads fired up their taste buds at the annual Christchurch Cheese and Chilli Festival on 17 and 18 May, but one man bit off more than he could chew.
At Saturday’s chilli-eating competition, hundreds gathered at the main stage as six brave contestants took their places. During the opening round when a low rated chilli on the Scoville scale was being eaten, one participant got up in a hurry. George will be remembered as the first contestant ever to make a hasty exit in round one.
Winner Ross kept going through the following rounds as the other participants fell by the wayside.
The festival site featured a long avenue of stalls selling everything imaginable with a chilli twist. Live entertainment included music, cooking theatres, cheese challenges and an extensive family zone with crowd-pleasing wrestling, close-up magic, axe throwing and crazy golf.
All this plus a plentiful supply of food, drinks and ice creams made for a great family day out in the sunshine.
Ross (centre) won Saturday’s chilli-eating contest
Wrestlers Megastorm and Alice Azam
Yasmine takes up the challenge
Huge crowds enjoyed sunny weather
Silent Pool gin
Apprentices celebrated at awards ceremony
Winners of the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards were announced at a ceremony held in Ferndown in May.
Dorset Chamber and Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN) held the annual celebration with sponsorship from manufacturing firm Superior. The winners were:
• Supported Internship Award: Alfie Blake – BCP Council/SWRAC
• Intermediate Apprenticeship Award: Morgan Simpson – Nusura Thai Fire Kitchen/Bournemouth and Poole College
• Advanced Apprenticeship Award: Jack Lant – Poole Accident Repair/RWC Training and Skillnet
• Higher Level Apprenticeship Award: Aleasha Ellis – Bluebird Care/t2 group
• Degree Level Apprenticeship Award: Sarah Matthias – University Hospitals Dorset/Bournemouth University.
Former apprentice and upholstery expert from television programme ‘The Repair Shop’ Sonnaz Nooranvary presented the awards and shared her own experience about becoming an apprentice at 17.
Other presenters included Dorset Chamber’s Chief Executive Ian Girling, Superior’s Managing Director Tim Brown, Richard Jenkins of DSTPN, Cllr Mike Cox, deputy leader of BCP Council, and Cllr Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council.
Girling said: “Congratulations to all of our very worthy winners.
“They impressed the judges with their inspirational achievements in a field of incredibly strong entries that demonstrate the great depth of talent we have among our apprentices in Dorset.”
Wimborne holds Civic Thanksgiving Service
The Mayor of Wimborne Minster, Cllr Jeff Hart, marked his term in office with a Civic Thanksgiving Service on Sunday 11 May.
The event brought together a distinguished gathering of civic dignitaries from across Dorset. The day began with a parade from Church House to the Minster, led by the Quarterjacks of Wimborne marching band.
The service in the Minster was conducted by The Rev Canon Andrew Rowland and featured readings of poems from Thomas Hardy, as well as a musical performance by the mayor’s choir, Jubilate. The theme of the service centred on reflection and gratitude, paying tribute to the town’s achievements and the
many volunteers and organisations that serve the community.
Following the service, the Wimborne Militia delivered a rousing performance, firing both musket and cannon to mark the occasion. Cllr Hart lit the final cannon shot, a symbolic gesture representing Wimborne’s enduring pride, spirit, and unity.
Cllr Hart said: “It was a wonderful occasion that truly reflected the heart of Wimborne Minster. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who participated — from our civic guests and the Quarterjacks band to the militia, Jubilate choir, poem readers, and all the volunteers behind the scenes. It was a fitting tribute to the strength and community spirit of our town.”
Summertime and the living is easy
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By Paul Webb, Dorset Water Softeners
Make the most of June because, in the great English style, I predict rain in August.
If you are one of the lucky ones jetting off to foreign climes, I can also predict that you will come back glowing, with lovely skin and hair and maybe clutching a bottle of something that will be exiled to the back of your drinks cupboard.
That glow might be due to the sun, relaxation and alcohol, but I can tell you that so many customers realise while they are away that the soft water in their hotel is the magic solution for their hair and skin. None of that dry and itchy hard water they are used to at home in Dorset and Hampshire.
I would love to have a big sign at Bournemouth Airport on the side of the runway shouting out: “Every Day’s a Holiday with a Water Softener.” Okay, if on your holiday you had your room cleaned, food brought to your table and drinks delivered to the poolside, then the softener might be a disappointment. It cannot do all that, but every day it will protect your home from hard water, plus any existing scale will be removed.
Imagine how much the hard water is costing you in damage to your plumbing, inefficiencies and loads of cleaning products. With the money you save, you can spend it on more holidays. It’s a win-win.
Let’s speak when you get back. Bon voyage! For more information, please contact us on 01202 375565 or visit dorsetwatersofteners.com.
Civic dignitaries from across Dorset © Wimborne Town Council
Wimborne Militia in action © Dorset View
Last resident of Dorset’s ghost village dies
Peter Wellman was born and raised in Tyneham, a village that was evacuated in 1943
Just before Christmas in 1943, the village of Tyneham near Lulworth on the Isle of Purbeck was evacuated to enable the army to extend its ranges – and the inhabitants were never allowed to return to their homes.
Now Peter Wellman, who last year made a final visit to see the place where he was born and brought up, has died at the age of 100. He is the last Tyneham resident to die.
Around 250 people from Tyneham and the valley farms were forced out, but told they could return when Hitler had been seen off – but it never happened.
While still on MoD land, the ruins of the village and the walk to the beach at Worbarrow Bay are open to the public for 160 days of the year. They remain a moment frozen in time. The school that Peter went to and the church at which attendance was mandatory have been restored, but the rest is decaying with time.
Peter, who was born in Tyneham in 1924, passed away from pneumonia on 29 April in Swanage, not far from his boyhood home.
His daughter Lynne said: “Dad always loved Tyneham and he visited regularly until he had a fall a few years ago. He was delighted when we took him back last year.”
On his last visit, Peter recalled his childhood: “We had no electricity, no mains gas and no running water – we had to pump that from near the church. There’s a tap there now.
“I remember going to the beach and fishing and we often had mackerel. We were happy until we got moved out.”
Peter said he didn’t regret leaving the village because there was little there for younger people but would have liked the residents to return.
“They were told they could come back,” he said, “but they were never allowed.”
After a campaign led by Rodney Legg
to allow the residents back, the MoD in 1975 permitted people to visit what was left, and it has become an increasingly popular place for day-trippers and tourists.
Peter, a widower, had two children, two grandchildren, three great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Elise Neville from James Smith Funeral Directors, part of the Douch Family Funeral Group, who arranged the funeral, said: “Peter is the last living link to the village of Tyneham and with him departs a piece of history.”
The funeral was held in Corfe Castle on 22 May.
Cllr Lawrence Wilson was elected as the new town mayor for Ferndown at the annual full council meeting on Wednesday 14 May. Cllr Philip Leach was elected to be deputy town mayor. Mayor Cllr Wilson thanked Cllr Terry Cordery, the outgoing town mayor, for his hard work and dedication to the community this past year © Ferndown Town Council.
Ferndown Town Council shows support to local groups
During Ferndown’s annual parishioners’ meeting at The Barrington Centre on Wednesday 23 April, the town council presented cheques to local charities and organisations who had applied for and received grants over the past year.
Among the recipients were:
• £750 to Ferndown Arthritis Care and Friendship Club
• £500 to Dial A Ride
• £250 to Forest FM
• £200 to Ferndown and District Historical Society.
The cheques were presented by the Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Terry Cordery.
Peter and Linda Thornton, founders of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation, were also presented with a cheque representing all the money raised to date for the mayor’s chosen charity. More than £3,000 has been raised for the foundation through events and donations during Cllr Cordery’s mayoral year.
The town council also awarded Liz Judd with the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award. She said: “I’m totally shocked. I need to sit down.”
Summer is now in full flight
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By Plants Direct
It’s great to be out in our gardens, allotments and outdoor spaces. Baskets, patio pots and borders are all brimming with summer bedding plants, flowers and perennials in every shade and colour.
Plants and baskets can be planted for full sun or in shady areas; ask for advice at your local nursery and garden centre.
Vegetable beds and pots can still be planted. Peas, beans and root crops can all still be sown directly into the soil. Tomatoes, courgettes, cucumber, chillies, and peppers should be planted in hot sunny positions. Keep them all watered and well fed.
Top up the soil on your potatoes, to increase the yields. Do not dig them too soon as they need time to form and grow.
There will be plenty of dead heading and tying up all plants, roses and perennials. Stake everything to stop wind damage and keep blooms and fruits off the ground.
Water all your pots, containers, baskets and greenhouses daily.
Lawns and grass areas should be looking great now after all the spring raking, aeration, feeding and seeding. If the weather is very dry, raise the cut height by 20–25cm; this will be less stressful and keep your lawns greener for longer.
Keep an eye on bugs and pests, netting fruit and vegetables from birds, and use fleece to protect vegetable beds from butterflies and caterpillars. Some spraying to clear aphids and bugs can be carried out, but never in full sun. There are plenty of organic sprays and pest controls now available.
When all these tasks are done, then you can relax, admire your garden, and enjoy the sun.
Images © Ferndown Town Council
Blue Flags for BCP beaches
Beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have once again proven they are amongst the best in the country.
A total of nine have been awarded Blue Flag Status. Earlier in the year, Bournemouth was chosen as the 12th best beach in the world –and the best in the UK – at the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025.
Beaches given Blue Flag Status are: Avon Beach, Branksome Chine, Canford Cliffs, Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk, Friars Cliff, Highcliffe, Sandbanks, and Shore Road. Bournemouth Pier has also received a Seaside Award.
Cllr Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for Destination, Leisure, and Commercial Operations at BCP Council, said: “We are fortunate to have such a beautiful stretch of coastline on our doorstep and ask our visitors to help us stay award winning by picking up their litter, leaving only footprints and protecting our environment for generations to come.
“I particularly want to thank our partners, local businesses and organisations who have all united and worked together to fund the programme, in order to retain our Blue Flag status for another year.”
Sandbanks Beach has been awarded Blue Flag status in every year the awards have been running, with this marking its 38th year of accreditation.
Avon Beach in Christchurch
First-time buyers: how long does conveyancing take?
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By Laura Molloy, partner and head of conveyancing
Buying your first home is such an exciting time but it can also be very daunting.
Once you have found the property you want to buy, it’s a good idea to contact a local solicitor to get a quotation for conveyancing.
Your solicitor will send you various forms, and you will be asked to deal with other matters like proof of ID, source of funds evidence and funds on account.
It’s very difficult to predict a timeframe; there are often third parties involved and there may be a chain of property sales. However, there are things you can do to help keep the process on track, like making sure you return all the forms promptly.
Searches will need to be applied for in respect of the property. We would also recommend that you instruct a surveyor to carry out a house survey. Your solicitor will raise legal enquiries
with the seller’s solicitor, and you should have the opportunity to address any concerns you have as well.
Once all investigations and searches have been completed, you should be invited to sign the documentation. You will also usually need to ensure you have adequate buildings insurance in place. At this stage, you should then be ready to ‘exchange contracts’. The completion date is fixed on exchange.
Once completion has taken place, you can finally collect the keys to your new place.
We at HGW Solicitors are one of the largest providers of conveyancing services in the Dorset area, and we will tailor our service to meet your needs. We are also members of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, which is a quality standard for SRA-regulated firms in residential conveyancing.
Law Spot is for information only and does not constitute legal advice
Local lad helps food bank after theft
After hearing news that supplies had been stolen from Wimborne Foodbank+ over the Easter bank holiday weekend, a local four-year-old leapt into action to help.
Austin, a Reception pupil at Witchampton First School, collected food donations from friends and family, which he helped to deliver to the food bank after school.
Mum Sheri said that Austin planned to volunteer for one afternoon during the May school holiday to learn more about the food bank and get a better understanding of what they are doing to help the wider community.
Speaking to Dorset View about the burglary, Wimborne Foodbank+ manager Sharon Keenan thanked everyone for their kind donations. She said: “Ourselves, the managers and volunteers are very overwhelmed by the response from our community.”
To find out more about the food bank and where to make a donation, visit linktr.ee/wimbornefoodbank.
Austin collected donations for the food bank
CORRESPONDENCE
To express your opinion or idea about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk
Re: Ferndown café to close
At the council meeting on 23 April, I questioned Ferndown Town Council’s decision to close the café at The Barrington Centre. Ferns Café should remain open because it serves as a vital social hub for Ferndown residents, providing an accessible, busy, and much-needed meeting place. Despite claims of financial losses — which raise questions about mismanagement rather than lack of community support — the café remains visibly popular when open. Closing it now, after four years of inaction, appears unjustified and dismissive of the residents who have formally objected.
The council’s plan to limit its use only during shows is impractical, as ongoing maintenance costs remain whether open or closed. This move risks not only isolating community members but also suggests a concerning intention to quietly change The Barrington Centre’s use without proper public consultation.
Eleanor Green
Via email
The power of our communities
By David Sidwick | Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner
As Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, I make it a priority to remain closely connected to the people of this county. As your voice in policing, the views of Dorset residents shape so much of my work. From the Police and Crime Plan – a set of priorities from you, the residents of Dorset – through to scrutiny of the Force, staying engaged with our communities means you remain at the heart of policing. Week in and week out, I meet with the public; whether at summer engagement events, residents’ groups, neighbourhood watch meetings, community functions or other events, I know the value of hearing a wide range of views – from criticism to praise and everything in between. I welcome your feedback, which can often highlight where improvements are needed – and
where we need to shout louder about the good work taking place, because there is plenty. Improving engagement between the police and the public is highlighted in my Police and Crime Plan. Working with Dorset Police to improve visibility in our communities is something I remain utterly committed to, and with more funding as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, I look forward to seeing this in action. This extra £1.6m in funding will increase the numbers of police officers and staff working in frontline roles, boost visibility, provide vital reassurance to our communities and ensures officers can get closer to residents, visitors and businesses. Our Force is the second lowest funded in the country, so while this funding is very welcome, I will continue my work lobbying the government for a fairer funding
formula, to ensure the Force can have greater long-term certainty in their resources.
One of the most important benefits of greater connections to Dorset’s communities is the value community intelligence provides. Your information about something unusual where you live can provide the missing piece to the puzzle officers need to act.
We’ve seen the power of this in several areas; anti-social behaviour has fallen to the lowest level since 2007/08 in Dorset. Just recently, I attended a drug warrant in Bridport, where valuable community intelligence led officers to take successful action, making arrests and seizing illegal drugs. Over the past few months, further warrants aided by community intelligence have taken place in Sherborne, Bournemouth and Weymouth, all yielding
positive results in tackling drugs and organised crime. These results show why reporting the small things is so valuable. Engage with our officers, attend your local Community Contact Point and speak to your Neighbourhood Policing Team directly. Community Contact Points are an opportunity to engage with an officer face to face about something that may be worrying you, and I would urge anyone who wants to speak to an officer to use these regular meetings; make your voice heard. Whether you report to the police online, through 101 or by using a Community Contact Point, I thank you, because it enables the Force to take the robust action you have told me you want to see – and helps to ensure our wonderful county stays one of the safest in the country.
Preview
Opera singer Rod Kennedy
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Opera singer Rod Kennedy joined us in the studio for episode six,
The talented opera singer Rod Kennedy joined Marilyn Barber in the studio for episode six of Your Voice | Dorset Podcast
Rod is now the artistic director of the Dorset Opera Festival, having retired from an international singing career. Rod has appeared all over the world, with over 500 performances at the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden.
Born in Birmingham, Rod began singing with Birmingham Cathedral Choir aged just seven, before moving to Bournemouth and joining the school choir.
Later, his mother joined the Wessex opera company, and after seeing the first show she was in, Rod followed suit, joining the company and singing in the chorus. Rod got more involved with theatre, including Brownsea Open Air Theatre, where he helped with set design.
Eventually he was recommended to take singing lessons, and a teacher in Bournemouth advised him to join the Guildhall School of Music. Rod’s application was successful, and he worked with several famous teachers while at the college. In the 1970s, he auditioned for the chorus at the Royal Opera House.
“They offered me a place
on the spot,” he recalls. Soon, he auditioned for bigger roles and got to perform alongside several famous names.
“I sang with the three great tenors: Pavarotti, Domingo and Carreras.”
Was he scared of working with these big names? Not at all.
“Domingo was really very nice, but a bit wrapped up in himself,” Rod said. “Pavarotti wasn’t [the easiest of people]. I remember him coming to rehearsals and he always wore the same colour shirt, so you never knew whether it was clean or not!”
Rod shared more anecdotes from his globetrotting career, as well as talked about the challenges of singing in different languages, including Czech and Russian.
“The Royal Opera House sings everything in the original language, rather like we do at the Dorset Opera Festival.”
Rod joined Dorset Opera in 2004, following the death of its founder Patrick Shelley in 2003. A friend had approached Rod to ask if he’d join as chairman. Rod declined, instead offering to take it over, which was accepted. Two decades later, Dorset Opera Festival is now about to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Taking place on 22–26 July 2025 at Bryanston School
in Blandford, the company will perform ‘Rigoletto’, ‘Cavalleria Rusticana’, and ‘Suor Angelica’. To book tickets, visit dorsetopera.com.
To watch the full episode with
out now
Rod, visit dorsetview.co.uk/ podcast and subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube. com/@dorset_view. Or search Your Voice | Dorset Podcast on your preferred podcast provider.
Get ready for the ultimate summer fete
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Macmillan Caring Locally has announced its third annual Summer Fete will take place on 14 June at Christchurch Hospital. The charity says this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.
What’s in store? Attendees can look forward to enjoying thrilling games, raffles, and the popular ‘Bag a Bottle’. Explore craft stalls, indulge in delicious food, and meet local heroes from the police and fire brigade. Plus, there will be exciting inflatables for kids.
The fete’s entertainment area will feature superstar performers and DJ Jay Ratchet, who will be keeping the party vibes alive all day.
Lin Sharp, Macmillan Caring Locally’s fundraising and communications director, shared her excitement: “We are thrilled to see this event become a staple in our community calendar. Last year, we raised an astounding £3,700 and we’re aiming even higher this year. Thanks to Burgess and Lee for sponsoring this event. We can’t wait to see everyone for a fantastic family day out.”
The event is free to enter and runs from 12noon to 3pm. Mark your calendars, bring your family and friends, and join Macmillan Caring Locally for a day of fun and community spirit.
Need parental support? Reach out now
Families in Dorset are being offered free relationship therapy through a funded project aimed at improving parental communication. The SIPCo (Support for Inter-Parental Communication) project is offering the therapy to parents in the Dorset Council area who have children of any age up to 18 (25 for young people with special education needs and disabilities).
To find out more, people can visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/supportfor-inter-parental-communication-sipco-project.
Kings Park Care Home in Ferndown welcomed the Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Terry Cordery, to its VE Day 80 commemorations. He is pictured with Jenna May, general manager of the Barchester Healthcare-run care home.
Charity of the Year
Get ready to party at our fundraising gala
By Eve Went, co-founder of Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF)
Dress up and enjoy fine dining and entertainment from London’s West End musicals — all whilst helping Dorset families suffering financial hardship because of cancer — at our Black Tie Gala 2025.
The highly anticipated Black Tie Gala is our biggest fundraiser of the year. In 2024, it raised over £50,000 to support Dorset families facing hardship following a cancer diagnosis. These funds, and all the money we raise, help cancer patients pay for items such as transport to medical appointments, household bills, domestic help and new home appliances. Our fundraising events are vital in enabling us to continue to help people in these ways.
A small number of tickets are still available for this year’s Black Tie Gala, which will be held in the glitzy Phoxtrott Ballroom at the four-star Hilton Bournemouth on Saturday 13 September.
The evening will begin at 6.15pm
with welcome drinks and the chance to peruse some of the fantastic lots in our charity auction.
Our compere will be the popular host Paul Kinvig, and our patron Jeff Mostyn (the former chairman of AFC Bournemouth) will be speaking and mingling with guests.
A sumptuous three-course dinner will follow, before guests are blown away as our entertainers make their ‘surprise’ entrance.
Sit back – or even better, get up and join in – as the singers and musicians of Singing Surprise perform their unique show, ‘A Night at The Musicals’, which comes direct from London’s West End.
The Black Tie Gala will also feature an exclusive auction featuring high value lots such as holidays, beauty treatments and thrilling experiences.
The night will end with dancing to our disco until midnight.
Jeff Mostyn said: “The Black Tie
Gala is one of my favourite events of the year and I hope people will take the opportunity to come along and support the charity whilst enjoying a truly spectacular night of entertainment. I look forward to welcoming you!”
Tickets to the Black Tie Gala cost £95 with proceeds going to the continuing work of the DCCF.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit dccf.co.uk or telephone 01202 124690.
Jeff Mostyn, left, with Eve Went
Air ambulance marks 25th year with bike ride
Over 200 cyclists took part in the annual Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge on Saturday 10 May organised by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) to raise funds for its vital work.
This year’s event marked the 25th anniversary of the air ambulance service, which provides lifesaving, pre-hospital critical care to patients in need.
Cyclists could choose either the 55-mile route from Watchet in Somerset to West Bay in Dorset, or a shorter 11-mile ride from Drimpton to West Bay.
Among the riders were former patients who had experienced the work of the air ambulance first hand, whilst others rode in memory of loved ones, or took on the challenge as a personal goal for a great cause.
Desperate call
A Christchurch charity says it is in “desperate need” of volunteers.
Christchurch Community
Since its launch in 2011, Coast to Coast has raised over £350,000 to help provide critical care to those in urgent need across Dorset and Somerset. Each air ambulance mission costs around £3,500 on average.
Alana Hardy, DSAA’s events officer, said: “Another fantastic Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge and what a brilliant way to celebrate 25 years of saving lives.
“A big thank you to the cyclists, supporters, our wonderful team of volunteers and supporters of the event who made the day not only possible, but something very special.”
DSAA is operational for 19 hours a day (7am to 2am), 365 days a year. To find out more, visit dsairambulance.org.uk.
for volunteers in Christchurch
Partnership aims to tackle loneliness and social isolation in that area by offering services including weekly lunch clubs, monthly coffee connections, Sunday roasts, afternoon teas, social outings, shopping trips, and more, plus transportation to and from events.
The charity transports residents in Christchurch as well as surrounding areas such as Burton and Highcliffe to events, but anyone is welcome to attend who can organise their own transport.
However, the charity needs volunteers to provide these vital services.
Liz Carter, Christchurch Community Partnership’s volunteer coordinator, said: “We are in desperate need of volunteers to help us.
“We are grateful for any time that volunteers can offer, from one hour a week
to half a day or a whole day a week. We are very flexible and can work around them.”
The volunteer roles available include:
• Minibus drivers to transport clients. Must be aged between 21–70 and have a clean licence for at least three years.
• ‘Bus Buddies’ to help clients on and off the minibus.
• Lunch club helpers.
• ‘Christchurch Angels’ who go into clients’ homes and encourage them along to activities. Must have a clean driving licence.
To apply, email liz.carter@ ccpartnership.org.uk or call 0751 606 8326 or 01202 989632. For more information about Christchurch Community Partnership, visit christchurchcommunitypartnership.org.uk.
Jo Petheram has been appointed as lead nurse for children’s care with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. She has been part of the ambulance’s Patient and Family Liaison Team since 2018. Around 12 per cent of DSAA’s patients are children.
Riders at the start of the cycle challenge
Christchurch Community Partnership’s monthly coffee connections
Forget-me-nots and teddies support dementia awareness
A campaign to support the Museum of East Dorset’s forget-me-not campaign has received an overwhelming response.
A staggering 9,100 knitted and crocheted flowers were donated to support Dementia Action Week which ran from 19–25 May.
The initiative, inspired by the Alzheimer’s Society, invited knitters and crocheters of all ages to contribute handmade woollen flowers. The museum provided free patterns and wool.
Sally Palmer, who has been a volunteer at Museum of East Dorset for 13 years, was the driving force in getting people to knit the flowers.
She is part of the Reminiscence outreach project where museum artefacts and objects from bygone eras are used to help bring memories to life for elderly people and especially those living with dementia. Sally also serves in the garden tearooms, helps with monthly ‘Craft and Chat’ sessions, and dresses up as a Victorian kitchen maid to entertain visiting school parties.
Sally also knitted dementia teddies as part of the campaign. Freddy the Teddy will be on sale in the museum gift shop along with knitted forget-me-not pins.
The 9,000-plus flowers were knitted together to create giant forget-me-nots and showcased at the museum.
West Parley MS Centre needs your help
To mark the 40th anniversary of its official opening on 11 June 1985, the MS Centre Dorset in West Parley has launched a campaign to raise £40,000.
The facility known as the Osborne Centre provides support for those with Multiple Sclerosis, a neurological disease. The centre is named after Jack Osborne who had MS.
A spokesman said: “The MS Centre is now at a crucial juncture. We must raise £40,000 to ensure that this vital resource continues to thrive and serve those who depend on it.
“For four decades, the MS Centre has been a sanctuary for hundreds of people in Dorset, providing essential services and fostering connections among those affected by MS. We provide physiotherapy, yoga, tai chi, transport services, hot lunches and personal care for our members in a large building that requires constant maintenance [all of which] creates large bills for the use of utilities necessary to operate.
“We face a significant challenge: we do not receive funding from the council or health authorities. Every service we offer is made possible through the generosity of supporters and our own efforts in fundraising.”
To find out how to donate funds or to volunteer, visit mscentre-dorset.org.uk.
Sally Palmer with one of the giant forgetme-nots and Freddy the Dementia Teddy
Cheers to the Wimborne Cup Pets and fleas: not just a summertime nuisance
A total of 463 votes were cast to choose the design of a reusable plastic cup that will be launched at this year’s Wimborne Folk Festival to reduce plastic waste and litter.
Ahead of the festival, the people of the town were asked to vote on their favourite look for the cup, from a choice of three created by Becky Dodd of Doddy Design.
Dodd said: “It was great to see so many people voting for their favourite cup design. I can’t wait to see people with the cup at the Folk Festival and other events around town.”
Steve Cheshire from Wimborne War on Waste said: “There has been a terrific response to introducing the reusable Wimborne Cup at this year’s Folk Festival. We’re really pleased with the final design and hope people will enjoy
using the cup at the festival to help cut down plastic waste and litter. We also ask people coming along to the festival to look in their cupboards and bring their reusable festival cups with them.”
The cup can be bought for £1 from participating pubs around Wimborne.
-Advertisement feature-
Most pet owners think fleas are a seasonal nuisance — irritating for your pet and annoying for you.
But they are in fact a year-long problem that can cause your pet distress as well as spread disease.
Centrally heated homes are the perfect year-round breeding ground for fleas who are attracted to the warm environment, so they aren’t just a spring and summer issue. Eggs can lay dormant in pet beds, carpets, rugs and upholstery for months before finding a host (your pet). Much of the life cycle of the flea takes place in the animal’s environment, not on the animal itself.
Protecting your pet and your family requires this life cycle to be broken by yearround protection and ideally by using a treatment that renders the eggs unable to hatch. This
way, any that do transfer to the environment don’t start the cycle all over again.
Heavy infestations can lead to iron deficiency and anaemia in your pets and with young animals, sometimes sadly death.
According to Vetsmiths, reactive, one-off treatments are insufficient in preventing the spread of disease and do nothing to prevent the initial attack or break the life cycle. They recommend a regular monthly treatment with an integrated product which not only kills any fleas that attack your pet but also stops the development of eggs and therefore breaks the life cycle. This approach should stop any initial infestation and protect your home, your pet and your family throughout the year.
Speak to your vet about the best year-round preventative flea treatment for your pets. For advice, visit vetsmiths.co.uk.
Victory for Wimborne in youth tournament
Wimborne Town Football Club hosted an annual tournament for youth football teams in the early May bank holiday weekend, with two Wimborne teams winning their divisions.
A grand total of 92 youth teams from across Dorset took part in the six-a-side tournament on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 May, getting to play on the semi-professional
football club’s pitch. Teams competed across eight divisions: mixed teams aged under seven, eight, nine, 10, 11, 12, and 13, and girlsonly teams aged under 10.
It was an all-Wimborne final in the under 10 mixed division, as Wimborne Town Warriors took on the Wimborne Town Knights, with the Knights proving
victorious. Meanwhile, the Wimborne Maggies were crowned champions of the under 12 mixed division.
The other winning teams were:
• Under seven mixed: South Coast
• Under eight mixed: South Coast
• Under nine mixed: Bournemouth Poppies
TV chef to visit community garden
Celebrity chef and TV presenter Rosemary Shrager will appear at Wimborne Community Garden during the upcoming folk festival.
The 74-year-old is embarking on an epic 450-mile cycle in June, riding from Land’s End in Cornwall to Dover in Kent, to raise money and awareness for food poverty charities.
Shrager’s ‘Two Wheels for Meals’ challenge aims to raise £100,000 for Hendy Foundation, the independent charity affiliated with car dealership Hendy Group. The foundation will allocate 100 per cent of the money raised to local food poverty and food welfare charities across the south of England.
On one of her rest days,
Shrager will conduct a live cooking demonstration and talk to members of the public at Wimborne Community Garden on Saturday 7 June during the Wimborne Folk Festival.
The demonstration will focus on creating delicious yet affordable store cupboard meals. Attendees will get to sample the dishes and donate to Two Wheels for Meals.
Shrager said: “I’ve been wanting to do this cycle challenge for more than five years and at last I have found a wonderful group of people who believe in me, in particular, Hendy Foundation, Wisper Bikes and Freewheel.co.uk.
“It has been quite a journey so far, but I’m proud to be doing this challenge
for such a worthy cause that is so close to my heart.”
The cooking demo will take place at Wimborne Community Garden, School Lane, BH21 1HQ on Saturday 7 June at 4pm.
To make a donation, visit hendyfoundation.org/ rosemary-shragers-wheelsfor-meals-challenge.
• Under 10 girls: Merley Falcons
• Under 11 mixed: Bournemouth Electric
• Under 13 mixed: Holt United
The organisers said: “Huge thanks to all 92 amazing teams who made this year so special. Massive congratulations to our well-deserved winners. We’re already counting down to next year’s competition!”
Wimborne Town Knights won their division
Rosemary Shrager
Get ready for the Folk Festival
Preview by Marilyn Barber | Images © Dorset View
A glorious weekend of music and dance is promised at this year’s Wimborne Minster Folk Festival which will provide a wide variety of entertainment for people of all ages from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 June.
A total of 40 Morris troupes will be dancing in the streets as well as in the procession which takes place on the Saturday afternoon, starting outside The Cricketers Arms pub and wending its lively way through the town.
There are 16 headline concerts taking place at the Allendale Centre and the Minster church, as well as free music concerts at locations around the town.
The microbrewery is always a popular attraction. Sited between Allendale House and the Allendale Centre, it’s the perfect spot for food and drink plus great live music on The Microbrewery stage.
Children and families are well catered for, with a craft tent and play area in front of the Allendale Community Centre, storytelling in the Model Town, and a Puppet Musical at the Allendale Centre.
Workshops include a singalong, Irish music sessions and the chance to have a go at folk dancing.
In addition, local artists will be showing
their original work at Allendale House. Programmes are available from the Allendale Centre, or they can be downloaded from wmff.co.uk/programme.
Once again, the Wimborne Minster Folk Festival will be an event not to be missed.
Busy summer for Wimborne
By Marilyn Barber newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk
As in previous years, there is a full programme of events in the town of Wimborne Minster during the summer months.
Following the Folk Festival, people will be able to enjoy visiting 20 gardens open in aid of Wimborne in Bloom on Sunday 29 June from 11am–5pm. Start at any garden, in any order and pay £8 (cash only) at the first garden visited. It will be well signposted throughout the town and there will be maps put up in all the major car parks on the day of the event showing the location of all the gardens. Teas will be available at some of the gardens. Full details on wimborneinbloom.org.uk.
Wimborne Model Town and Gardens are staging a Model Building Day on Sunday 13 July where people will have the chance to try sculpting with plasticine and air-drying clay, as well as taking part in a building bricks challenge. Harvest Scarecrow Week runs from 11–17 August, and visitors will be able to enjoy Memories of Yesteryear on Saturday 13 September.
There is a programme of exhibitions at Walford Mill during the summer. From
Highlights from last year’s festival
4–15 June, Katherine Stainton from Saltbox Arts presents ‘Art for the Shoal’; from 18–19 June, Aaron Fewins explores contrast with ‘The Dark and Light’; 2–20 July, Fluff & Lally present ‘Girls for All Seasons’; from 23 July to 3 August, ‘Two Paths’ will compare the work of two local artists, Jason Pizzey and Tom Marshall; and 6–31 August, Walford Mill holds a summer show titled ‘The Great Outdoors’.
Meanwhile, there is always plenty to see at the Museum of East Dorset, with events throughout the summer. On Tuesday 17 June, there is a Creative Calm Workshop from 6pm–8pm where you can learn how to use art to relax and unwind.
The ‘Fun with Archaeology’ day is on Tuesday 29 July from 1pm–4pm, with archaeology-themed activities for families including badge making, a quiz, mosaic designing, and a chance to look at and handle real archaeological finds.
The Chained Library in the Minster church is open from Monday to Friday 10.30am–12.30pm and 2pm–4pm plus
the first and third Saturdays in the month from 10.30am–12.30pm through the summer. Founded in 1686, it was one of the first public libraries in the country. There is always an excellent choice of entertainment at the Tivoli Theatre, with highlights including Wimborne Musical Theatre’s production of ‘The Sound of Music’ from 12–14 June and ‘The McCartney Songbook’ on 27 June.
Wimborne Food Festival will take place from 11am–4pm on Saturday 20 September. Locations will include Willow Walk and East Street. The summer in Wimborne will end with the
Flower Festival which runs from 26 until 29 September in the Minster church. Featuring a 16-foot dinosaur, sheep, badgers, hedgehogs, mice and a deer, plus Isaac Gulliver and Mary Anning, the theme is ‘Delights of Dorset’.
Family fun at the Model Town
Museum of East Dorset
Visit the Minster’s Chained Library
CORRESPONDENCE
To express your opinion or idea about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk
Green spaces
Reading in your magazine, I see residents are very upset regarding the proposed development near Birchdale Road and of them losing their green space. I can understand how they feel as our housing estate was built on what was a lovely green space; fields with cows grazing in it. Also, having lived in Wimborne for over 80 years, I can remember when the land on which Birchdale Road residents now live was once a field full of primroses and a favourite walking place for many Wimborne residents who were able to walk from Greenclose lane, through the field and up to the top of St John’s Hill.
We didn’t like to lose our green space either to accommodate your homes. I don’t like to see all the green spaces disappear, but at the same time we were pleased to find a home in which to live in Wimborne. Sadly ‘progress’ happens. More people needing more homes.
I expect the residents of Birchdale Road and surrounding roads were pleased to have homes built there for them to live in, no matter what the nearby residents felt.
One has to look at it two ways. We want homes built for us to live in, but we don’t want to lose green space for others to live in.
Annie Chambers
Wimborne
Open invitation
Canford and Merley WI would like to invite you to join us to share friendship, education and fun.
We meet on the second Wednesday of the month, 7pm for 7.30pm start, at Merley Community Centre, Harrier Drive, Wimborne. Our next speaker meeting is on Wednesday 11 June at 7.30pm with Sarah Delves entitled: ‘Lipstick, Powder and Paint’.
If you are interested in joining us, please contact me on 07780 705702 for more details.
Hazel Clarke Via email
Shirley Critchley, a member of Canford and Merley WI, entertained members and friends at the April meeting with her fact-filled humorous presentation on the history of Wimbledon. Shirley was, in 2012, champion of Great Britain (in her age group) and fourth in the world in 2013. During the meeting, several rackets were displayed, ranging from one that was 100 years old to a bat for the latest trend of pickleball. Guests enjoyed a strawberry and cream tea served ‘Wimbledon style’, which was enjoyed by all.
Residents of Birchdale Road in Wimborne, who are fighting a proposal to build 55 houses on the adjacent Leigh Farm, held a VE Day 80 party on the adjacent green.
Apple and blueberry pie
Ingredients
250g plain flour, plus 1 tbsp and extra for dusting
225g light brown soft sugar
125g butter, at room temperature, diced
1 egg, separated
1kg eating apples, peeled and cored
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tbsp cornflour
1 lemon, zested
⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
800g blueberries
1 tbsp demerara sugar
200ml whipping cream
2 tbsp icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
The Tesco Real Food Team has created this mouth-watering recipe that features blueberries as a tangy twist on the classic apple and blackberry combo.
Blind baking the pastry case before adding the filling results in a crisp finish, and baking on a preheated tray keeps any soggy bottoms at bay.
This is a fabulous pudding for Sunday lunch. It serves 12 and takes one hour and 50 minutes to make, plus chilling and cooling. 321 calories per serving, it is freezable and vegetarian.
Method
1. Rub together the flour, 75g of brown sugar and the butter with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs, then add the egg yolk and 2 tbsp cold water. Mix into a dough. Shape into a disc, put it into a freezer bag, then chill for one hour.
2. Preheat the oven to gas mark 7, 220°C, or fan 200°C. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness and big enough to fit in an at least 5cm deep x 24cm diameter (internal base) round pie dish or fluted tart tin. Transfer to the tin and use your fingers to gently press into the corners. Trim the edges, leaving a 2cm overhang, then crimp using your thumb and forefinger to pinch the pastry from one side while using a second finger to push into a ‘V’ shape.
3. Put a sheet of baking paper into the pastry case, then fill with baking beans and blind bake for 10 minutes. Remove the paper and beans, then bake for 5-10 minutes until pale golden and cooked through. Set aside to cool fully. Reduce the oven temperature to gas mark 4, 180°C, or fan 160°C.
4. Meanwhile, thinly slice the apples into 5mm slices, then put them into a saucepan with 75g sugar, 1 tbsp flour, ¼ tsp cinnamon and 2 tbsp water. Cook over a medium heat for 10 mins, stirring often. Cover, then simmer for 5 mins until the apples are softened but still holding their shape.
5. Mix together the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon, cornflour, lemon zest, nutmeg and 3 tbsp water to dissolve the cornflour. Fold through the blueberries.
6. Spoon the apple mixture into the pastry case in an even layer. Spoon over the blueberries, then brush the pastry edges with egg white and sprinkle with the demerara sugar. Bake for 50 mins, covering the edges with foil if they begin to brown too quickly. Leave to cool fully.
7. When ready to serve, whip the cream to soft peaks. Add the icing sugar and vanilla and whisk again to stiff peaks. Spoon into a piping bag fitted with a large star nozzle. Pipe two rows of cream around the edge of the pie. The pie is best eaten on the day it’s topped with cream, but it’ll keep in the fridge for up to two days.
Tip: To prep ahead, make the pie up to the end of step 5. Once cool, cover and chill for up to 24 hours before following steps 6 and 7.
Freeze without the cream topping. For optimum flavour and quality, frozen items are best used within three months of their freezing date.
Summer of fun
14–15 June
Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival
The Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
This annual celebration of food, drink, arts and crafts sees Highcliffe High Street and Recreation Ground taken over for a funfilled family weekend.
As well as live music and family entertainment, attendees can look forward to browsing dozens of stalls selling artisan items, artworks and gifts, or sampling food from around the world.
You can also visit Mary’s Kitchen where top chefs will share their knowledge with audiences. Highlights include local restaurateur Colin Nash (who is this year’s headline sponsor), Nelly Ghaffar from ‘The Great British Bake Off 2024’ and TV chef Sarah Ali Choudhury.
For more information, visit highcliffefoodandartsfestival.co.uk.
21 June 11am–6pm Fete on the Field, Ferndown
Organised by Ferndown & Parley Rotary CIO, the highlight of the Ferndown community calendar will take place later this month on King George V Playing Field.
This free event will feature market stalls, arena entertainment, funfair rides, and live music.
Highlights will include performances by Verwood Brass Band and Ferndown’s own Charlotte Geary, falconry displays and bike stunts performed by Urban Cycles.
Motorheads can look forward to the car show, where dozens of classic, custom, commercial and agricultural vehicles will be on display.
Profits from the day will go towards local charities.
Here’s a preview of events to look forward to across the region in the coming weeks
28–29 June
Shake & Stir, Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne
The award-winning Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival will turn 11 years old at the end of the month.
The festival will feature musical acts covering genres from rockabilly to swing, as well as sets by top DJs Mr E and Dave Norrell. Netherlands-based rock ‘n’ roll band The Explosion Rockets are this year’s headliner.
As well as live music and dancing, there will be classic cars, retro displays, and vintage and artisan market stalls, plus plenty of tasty treats from food vendors. Best of all, attendees are encouraged to dress to impress in their finest vintage outfits and celebrate the styles of the 1920s to the 1970s.
Day and weekend tickets available from ticketsource.co.uk/ shakeandstir.
18–20 July Xchurch Music Festival, Christchurch Quay
An unforgettable weekend of music will take place in mid-July as Christchurch Quay hosts the town’s annual music festival.
With a full line-up of music across three stages, there will be no shortage of talent on display, so make sure to bring your dancing shoes.
As well as live music, there will be a wide range of food and drink on sale from local vendors. Plus, there will be plenty of entertainment for the whole family, with funfair rides and a Kid Zone offering face painting, interactive games and arts and crafts. Book tickets and see the full lineup by visiting the festival’s website: xchurchmusicfestival.co.uk.
Highlights from last year’s Fete on the Field © CatchBox 2024
Images © Oak Photography
Artisan market returns to Ferndown PREVIEW Humble Boy Bournemouth Little Theatre, Winton
-Advertisement feature-
Classy Bird is back with its Artisan Food & Craft Fayre.
Get ready to once again be amazed by these talented businesses with their unique crafts, from bespoke woodcrafts to indulgent bakes and cakes, to handmade cards and quality jewellery. There will be artisan breads and scrumptious sausage rolls.
So make sure to mark your calendars and join in for a day full of creativity and inspiration at The Barrington Centre in Ferndown on Saturday 28 June, 10am–3pm.
Bournemouth Little Theatre Club will be performing this mystical yet amusing play from 10–14 June.
First performed in 2001 and written by Charlotte Jones, ‘Humble Boy’ is about sociallyinept Felix, a Cambridge research fellow, who returns to his Cotswold family home
after his father’s death. He finds out that his mother, the appalling Flora, has disposed of all his father’s belongings, including his bees, and is contemplating remarriage.
The play is inspired by ‘Hamlet’ and draws upon the techniques of other famous British playwrights such as Tom
Stoppard and Alan Ayckbourn.
‘Humble Boy’ is the last of the club’s 2024/25 season of performances focused on six of the best British classics. They will be announcing the plays for their 2025/2026 season soon.
To book tickets, visit the theatre’s website: bournemouthlittletheatre.co.uk.
Wimborne theatre group needs your help
Wimborne Community Theatre is holding a skittles evening to raise funds for its next production on the theme of ‘Home’. It will be held at the Coach and Horses pub in Wimborne on Friday 6 June. For bookings, contact 01202 884201 or email
barbarahart414@gmail.com.
Meanwhile, the group is hoping people will come forward with ideas on the subject of home. They want to know: what does home feel like? What’s it like for someone to move to a new house or town? And
REVIEW Macbeth
how do they begin to feel a sense of being ‘at home’?
To take part in a survey, log onto wimbornecommunitytheatre. co.uk/take-our-shorthome-survey-about-whatmakes-you-feel-at-home.
Most Rare Vision, Bournemouth Little Theatre
By Jecs Davies
The moment you took your seat at the Bournemouth Little Theatre, you were greeted with a stage lit blood red, sounds resembling echoes from the woods and a sense of apprehension. This production of ‘Macbeth’ was
not for the faint-hearted.
Theatre company Most Rare Vision brought their version of a Shakespeare classic to Bournemouth at the end of April.
The tragedy of ‘Macbeth’ follows a Scottish thane and his wife’s descent into tyranny after receiving a prophecy from witches.
With two actors playing over 20 characters, the play offered a spectacle of talent, clever choreography and storytelling that made you shudder.
Ant Henderson played a convincingly ambitious yet erratic Macbeth and further key characters like the vulnerable King Duncan and his son Malcolm.
Martha Ibbotson portrayed the cunning and manipulative Lady Macbeth excellently, as well as other roles such as Banquo and Macduff.
The transitions between characters were seamless through the actors’ impressive use of accents,
body language and props.
My personal favourite part of the show was Martha Ibbotson’s portrayal of the witches in Act Four, moving across the stage almost like a contortionist. This, accompanied by her intense eye contact with the audience, was certainly supernatural and unnerving.
Events
Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk.
4 June 2pm–4pm
Lytchett & Upton floral club workshop at Lytchett Matravers Village Hall, BH16 6DF. No experience necessary.
5 June 7.15pm–9.15pm
Ferndown & District Historical Society meets at The Barrington Centre, Longham Room. Visitors welcome.
5 June 7.30pm
Verwood and District Horticultural Society meets at Verwood Memorial Hall. Details on verwoodhorticulturalsociety.co.uk or call Ollie on 07508 577114.
6 June 7.30pm
Wimborne Community Theatre skittles evening at the Coach and Horses pub in Wimborne. For bookings, contact 01202 884201 or email barbarahart414@gmail.com.
6 June 8pm
Corfe Mullen Carnival Race Night at Corfe Mullen Royal British Legion Hall.
6–8 June
Wimborne Minster Folk Festival. Details via wmff.co.uk.
7 June 2pm–4pm
Ferndown Arthritis and Friendship Club meets at Ferndown Plus Day Centre. Call 03303 112793.
7 June 7pm
Verwood Choral Society concert at Verwood Methodist Church. Money raised will be donated to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Tickets can be purchased from a member of the choir or on the door.
8 June 2pm–5pm
10 Ryan Close, Ferndown, garden open under National Gardens Scheme.
8 June 7pm
Broadstone Music Series Summer Sonatas at United Reformed Church, 1 High Blandford Road, BH18 9AB. Tickets via broadstonemusicseries.info.
9 June 2.30pm
West Moors Horticultural Society meets for a talk plus rose show at West Moors Memorial Hall. Contact Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536.
9 June 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 programme details.
9 June 7.30pm
Ferndown French Circle meets in the George Room, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, BH22 9EN for AGM followed by a showing of the film ‘Le Retour de Martin Guerre’.
11 June 6.30pm–9pm
Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meet downstairs in Kinson Community Centre. Full details on bournemouthjazzclub.org.
11 June 7pm for 7.30pm
Canford and Merley WI meets at Merley Community Centre, Harrier Drive, Wimborne. For details, contact Hazel on 07780 705702.
13 June
Junior Chess Club for ages six to 14 years at Ferndown Library. Visit ferndownjuniorchess. co.uk or email graham7morris@ gmail.com for details.
14 June midday to 3pm Forest Holme Hospice’s Tie a Yellow Ribbon memorial event Poole Park. This free event is open to everyone.
14 June 1pm
Corfe Mullen Carnival procession to the recreation ground where there will be a variety of entertainment.
14–15 June
Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival on the High Street and Highcliffe recreation ground. Free event.
15 June 1pm–5pm Manor Farm, Hampreston open under the National Gardens Scheme.
16 June 10.30am–11.30am
Reading Friends meet at Ferndown Library. Contact the library for more info.
16 June 7pm
Wimborne in Bloom AGM at Wimborne Minster Town Hall.
20-22 June
Upton House Music Festival.
21 June 11am–6pm Ferndown Fete on the Field at King George V Playing Fields.
21 June 2pm–5pm North Dorset Beekeepers meets in Shillingstone. Visit northdorsetbeekeepers. org.uk to book a place.
24 June 7.30pm West Parley Gardening Club meets at the MS Centre, West Parley.
25 June 11am–4pm Deans Court in Wimborne open under NGS.
27 June 10am–2.30pm Stitch4u club for embroidery and textile art meets at MS Centre, West Parley. Details at astitch4u.com.
28 June 7.30pm
Wimborne Choral Society Concert in Wimborne Minster Church.
28–29 June
Shake and Stir Vintage Music Festival held on Fisherman’s Walk, Soutbourne. For tickets, visit shakenstirfest.com.
29 June 11am–5pm
Wimborne Open Gardens. For details, visit wimborneinbloom.org.uk.
30 June doors open 6.30pm John Maddocks Jazzmen at the Bluebird Social Club, Ham Lane, Ferndown, BH22 9DP.
PREVIEW The Music of the Carpenters
Verwood Hub, Friday 13 June
Jazz singer Kerry Le Bern presents an immersive tribute to the legendary 1970s’ brother-and-sister duo, the Carpenters.
The show, ‘Rainy Days, Mondays & Good Old Dreams’, will explore the music and lives of Karen and Richard Carpenter and is peppered with anecdotes and visuals from Le Bern’s own research.
Le Bern, who will be performing alongside her Jambalaya Band, said: “I
decided to create this show as I grew up with and adored the Carpenters – I spent many hours singing along to my cassette recorder, pretending I was Karen Carpenter – and now, I have the honour of being able to celebrate their timeless music.”
The show takes place at Verwood Hub on Friday 13 June at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £18. Book via dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ verwoodhub.
Craft market pops up in Poole
A monthly pop-up craft market selling handmade items has launched in The Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole.
Items on sale will include cushions, embroidered art, framed and unframed paintings, macramé, jewellery, bags in various sizes, spectacle cases, iPhone pouches, and crochet clothing and home furnishings.
Plus, there will be a hands-on workshop available for both beginners and experienced crafters to try
their hand at making something.
Organiser Eleanor Green said: “Materials are provided for a small fee to encourage creativity and inspire others to discover the joy of craft making.
“Our main aim is to sell our unique, handmade creations while sharing our passion for crafts with the community.”
The next craft market will take place on 17 and 18 June at Gather (near Beales) from 10am to 3pm.
You’re invited to a garden party
The owners of Brackenwood, a private garden in Holt, are inviting members of the public to a charity garden party on Sunday 20 July.
The party is being held to raise money for cancer care at Poole Hospital and Wimborne Scout Group.
As well as browsing the garden’s lake and fernery, there will be a plant stall, tombola and cream teas and crafts for sale.
Christchurch & District Concert Band will also be performing.
Organiser Fay Clifford said: “Last year
we raised over £2,000 at this event and hope to match this again. It is much more than a garden, beautiful though it is, as we have a superb band to entertain and many other attractions including two miniature steam engines for the first time this year.”
There is parking available and the garden is wheelchair friendly. Dogs are welcome on leads.
Brackenwood is in God’s Blessing Green, Holt, BH21 7DD, next to Stewarts Garden Centre in Broomhill. The party will be held on 20 July from 1pm.
Play brings WWII to life
Amongst the entertainment on the Wimborne Minster Green on VE Day 80 was a performance by Scaplen’s Community Players.
The Players spoke to people about their memories of VE Day 1945 or relatives who recounted stories of real events their family members had been involved in during the war. The result was ‘Echoes of Love’ written by local playwright Katy Nutt. Putting in convincing performances were Elle Newing, David Vintner, Molly Jackson, Amanda Senitt, Stuart Glossop, Malachi Pike and Peter Court with an introduction by Carole Allen, artistic director. There were also extended performances that week at Lighthouse Poole, Bournemouth Little Theatre and The Grasshopper pub in Parkstone.
© Dorset View
See super stunts at summer show
Two spectacular stunt acts are confirmed to be performing at this year’s Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show on 13 and 14 August.
Taking place at the Turnpike Showground in Motcombe, the annual show raises funds for the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society to help support farming and the local countryside.
This year, audiences can look forward to exciting stunt performances in the main arena.
Making its first ever appearance in Dorset, The Knights of Albion will thrill visitors with breathtaking jousting displays, original storylines, moviequality armour and vibrant costumes.
Moving from medieval to modern horsepower, the Tigers Motorcycle Display Team will also be roaring into the arena. Riders as young as five will perform stunts including jumping through fire and formation riding.
Book your tickets now by visiting gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk.
Dorset View has partnered with the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show to give one lucky family the chance to experience the show for not one but two days with a free pass worth £91 for two adults and two children (aged five to 16 years old).
This year’s show takes place on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 August at the Turnpike Showground at Motcombe. It will feature thrilling displays, stunning livestock, and hands-on activities for all ages.
For your chance to win the family pass, answer the following question:
Name
the showground where the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show takes place?
Enter online at dorsetview.co.uk. Closing date is 11 July 2025. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd or Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. Prize does not include travel or refreshments. The editor’s decision is final. Personal details will be stored securely and will only be processed to determine the winner of the competition and to allocate the prize. The winner will be announced in the magazine.
Left: Young farmers show off their flock at last year’s show. Right: a stunt rider from Tigers Motorcycle Display Team
Police target bad drivers in road safety operation Tell Dorset Council about small collisions
More than 140 offences were detected and two arrests made in a recent road safety campaign conducted by Dorset Police.
Between Monday 28 April and Friday 2 May, a specialist operation was held using a heavy goods vehicle to carry out targeted patrols on roads across the county. The vehicle allows officers to be in an elevated position and use a video camera to capture evidence of any offending. This information is then shared with officers who intercept the offending motorists.
During the operation, one driver was seen travelling on the Dorset Way with both hands off the wheel eating their breakfast.
Meanwhile, a heavy goods vehicle driver was stopped after being reported by a member of the public for suspected drink driving. He was intercepted and arrested, before being charged and sentenced to a 28-month disqualification from driving, as well as a 12-month community order and a £1,200 fine for breaching
the drivers’ hours limit.
Throughout the week, 77 motorists were fined for not wearing a seatbelt, 27 people were dealt with for using their phone while driving, 15 people were found to be driving without due care and attention, 13 motorists were not in proper control of their vehicle, 12 vehicles were insecurely loaded, and two vehicles were seized.
In 2024, 267 people were killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision in the county. The Force is continuously looking for ways to ensure the safety of road users, using specialist tactics like in this operation to prevent injuries and collisions.
Dorset Council is keen for people to report all collisions or near-misses online, even if there is no injury or little damage and no police involvement.
Collisions involving injury, where someone is in danger, where an offence may have been committed or details have not been exchanged, should always be reported to the police.
Having information about damage-only, non-injury incidents and near-misses helps the council identify where road improvements are needed.
Near misses, which might be at low speed with another vehicle, a pedestrian or bike, and dents often go unreported. They may be minor, but lots of small incidents at the same location can highlight the need for changes. This might be something simple, like new signs, or require bigger changes, like a new junction design.
Report your damageonly collision or near miss at dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/roads-highwaysmaintenance/road-safety.
As well as giving details about the incident, you can pinpoint the exact location using an online map.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet member for Place Services at Dorset Council, said: “If we don’t know about incidents, we can’t make changes.
“We recognise that people will make mistakes or feel an incident is minor and not worth reporting. However, we need this data to help us make changes. Without it, it is difficult to understand where we can target funding and improve safety on our roads.”
Information provided will only be used for gathering evidence to make road improvements. It will not be used for any other purposes.
Vegetable oil to help council hit climate goals
Dorset Council is to reduce its carbon emissions by swapping diesel in some of its big vehicles for hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
By this summer, 75 per cent of the council’s non-electric vehicles will be running on HVO, a cleaner alternative to diesel that can reduce carbon
emissions by up to 90 per cent.
The council trialled using HVO last summer, and since the autumn its waste depot at Ferndown has been operating its vehicles on HVO. Other depots, including Shaftesbury, Bridport, Poundbury, Wareham, Charminster, Blandford, and Gibbs Marsh, will follow suit in the next couple of months.
HVO is made from recycled vegetable oils, animal fats and waste oils that would otherwise be thrown away.
Cllr Nick Ireland, leader
of Dorset Council, said: “This initiative has not only enabled us to meet our interim target of a 40 per cent reduction, but also supports our long-term goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2035.”
The vehicles that will switch over include highway lorries, 3.5-tonne tippers, vans, and waste and recycling vehicles. This initiative will complement the council’s fleet of electric vans, with over 500 diesel vehicles set to change to HVO in the coming months.
A vehicle at the Ferndown depot
Save water this summer
With temperatures rising as we enter the summer months, water companies are urging residents across the UK to reduce their water usage.
In late April, when we had a bout of warm weather and reports of a ‘mini-heatwave’ in parts of the UK, Bournemouth Water shared advice on how to save water – and cut bills – by using less in their garden. Here is their advice:
First, plant wisely. Think about where and what you want to plant and use hardy, drought-resistant varieties which can thrive in drier environments. This will mean you can rest and enjoy the blooms rather than running around with a watering can all summer.
Water first and last thing. Watering plants in the morning or evening while it’s still cool ensures they are able to absorb all the
water you’re feeding them. Invest in a water butt. They are easy to fit and can capture water when it does rain.
Don’t worry about your lawn. If it needs mowing, set your lawnmower to cut higher and leave clippings where they fall to act as mulch.
Reuse water from the home. If you haven’t got a water butt full of rainwater, you could try saving washingup water (if it doesn’t contain bleach) or bathwater by putting it into buckets and then using it to water your garden. Keep a jug by the sink to collect spare water.
Use a watering can. It might take more time, but will ensure you’re only using what your garden really needs. Add a layer of mulch on top of soil to trap water. Depending on the type you use, it can also add nutrients to soil and stop
weeds from growing. So weed your flowerbed or container and add a layer of mulch around the plants.
Soak up excess water. When you’re watering plant pots, put an absorbent mat or saucer underneath them to catch water as it flows through; the roots can soak up the water left at the bottom. This will maximise the water that your plant is getting. Also, placing drip trays beneath pots will collect drainage to avoid waste from overwatering.
Thomas Harrison, from Bournemouth Water, said: “Gardening can be an important activity for many
people and although it can use lots of water, there are plenty of small steps you can take to reduce water consumption.”
Bournemouth Water says it is playing its part in making sure the region’s water resources are as healthy as possible ahead of the summer with a 25year plan of investment.
For more ideas on how to save water in the garden and in the home, and to view Bournemouth Water’s range of free water-saving devices, visit bournemouthwater. co.uk/household/yourservices/save-water/ every-drip-every-drop.
© Eclipse Images
Asbestos in your home
By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk
Apart from reading about the fact that exposure to its fibres, particularly through inhalation, can lead to serious respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, I had never given much thought to asbestos.
Until recently.
Following a flood in my house, the vinyl flooring in my kitchen had to be removed. Under it was lino and under that were Marley tiles, which contained asbestos. Apparently, the company stopped using the material in tiles in 1992, but my house was built in 1969.
A specialist firm had to be called in to remove the tiles which were stuck to the floorboards — so they had to be removed too!
So, what is asbestos?
It is a naturally occurring group of six fibrous minerals known for their strength, heat resistance, and chemical inertness. It was widely used in various industries and building materials but is now recognized as a significant health hazard.
It was used for its insulation, fire resistance, and strength. It was incorporated into various products, including building materials, automotive parts, and even some household items. Specifically, it was used in materials like insulation for buildings, boilers, and pipes, as well as in products like car brakes,
floor tiles, and asbestos cement for roofing sheets.
If asbestos-containing materials are intact, they pose very little risk. However, if asbestos-containing products are damaged in some way, fibres may be released.
People are most likely to be exposed to asbestos fibres by breathing in fibres that are suspended in the air.
A government website says: “Intact asbestos materials in a place where they are unlikely to be disturbed should not cause any harm. If you come into contact with asbestos fibres, you should remove yourself from the source of exposure. If you have got asbestos fibres on your skin and clothes do not shake or brush the fibres off as this will make them airborne and prone to being inhaled. Remove all visible dust and fibres from the body, clothing
and footwear by wet wiping with a damp cloth using a gentle patting action. Remove any contaminated clothing (not over the head) and place in a bag with the damp cloth.”
Asbestos may be present in any house or building built before the year 2000 as it was widely used in a variety
of building materials.
The UK Health Security Agency does not recommend the DIY removal of asbestos without advice. If you find any asbestos which requires removal, you should contact your local council for more information about asbestos and its disposal.
PLUMBING
NEWS IN BRIEF
CPRE conference
People in Dorset have the chance to join the Dorset CPRE Summer Conference at 6.30pm on 4 June by Zoom. People can register at dorset-cpre.org.uk/get-involved/events/2025planning-conference.
‘Outstanding’ children’s services
Dorset Council’s Children’s Services has been rated as ‘outstanding’ in its overall effectiveness. The inspection took place in March and found that the authority is ‘outstanding’ in three of the four graded areas, ‘good’ in the fourth, and outstanding overall.
Help for parents
Dorset Council has produced the EasyPeasy app containing advice for parents of children from birth to five years old. It is available from the App Store or Google Play.
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
Dorset marks VE Day 80
Communities across the country celebrated the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on Thursday 8 May. Here are some highlights from across the local region.
Christchurch
A huge crowd gathered for an evening celebration on Christchurch Quay.
Hosted by MC Paul Kinvig, highlights included vintage music performances from Lisa Locarno and The Fifinellas, as well as lively sets from the GI45 DJs. The Band of the Royal British Legion Christchurch and an appearance from Scottish Piper John Adams added gravitas to the occasion.
In the late evening, the beacon lighting ceremony, sponsored by REIDsteel, was followed by a heartfelt tribute from the mayor and a moving rendition of ‘I Vow to Thee, My Country’.
Christchurch Town Council contracted Stir Events CIC to organise the evening. Following the event, the town council said: “Our VE Day 80 celebration on Christchurch Quay was a beautiful tribute — filled with music, memories, and community spirit.”
Wimborne
By Marilyn Barber Images © Dorset View
Wimborne Minster did what Wimborne Minster always does when it comes to marking a historic occasion –providing unforgettable events.
At the start of VE Day 80, the Town Crier Chris Brown gave a shout in the square accompanied by the Mayor, Cllr Jeff Hart.
At midday, local people congregated around the Minster Green for the national two-minute silence. In the afternoon, the Allendale Centre provided a celebration lunch in the café with music by 98-yearold war veteran Bob Barter. ‘Band on the Strum’ appeared at the Museum of East Dorset, and there was a programme on the Minster Green including a production by Scaplen Community Players, the school poetry competition prize giving and singing from the Land Girls.
Following the ringing of the Bells of Peace, a service was held in the Minster Church conducted by the rector the Rev Canon Andrew Rowland. This was
Ferndown
Ferndown held a packed series of events to mark VE Day and even received a visit from TV’s Martin Clunes.
On Wednesday 7 May, the town council organised a free speaker evening at The Barrington Centre. On the morning of Thursday 8 Day, the VE Day flag was raised outside the centre, and the town crier read out the National Tribute underneath the cloth tower on Pennys Walk.
At midday, a Seniors’ Afternoon Tea at The Barrington Centre was held for Ferndown residents, who were treated to a visit from the actor Martin Clunes. Best known from ‘Doc Martin’ and ‘Men Behaving Badly’, Clunes spoke to residents and members of the town council.
In the evening, Bournemouth Youth Marching Band played a concert at the centre, then led the Twilight Parade from the clocktower to The Barrington. Around 9.30pm, the Lamp of Peace was lit, followed by the Lighting of the Beacon.
During closing remarks, the Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Terry Cordery, thanked the youth in attendance, including cadets and members of local scout groups. The mayor described these young people as “an absolutely honour” to Ferndown.
by a wreath
The events were attended by Vikki Slade MP, Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick, and Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset Victoria McConaugh.
The day culminated in a procession from the town, led by the Quarterjacks of Wimborne marching band, to the cemetery where a beacon was lit at 9.30pm followed by Wimborne Militia discharging their cannon.
followed
laying ceremony.
Martin Clunes met Ferndown residents © Eleanor Green
Poetry competition winners
Band on the Strum
Bob Barter entertained at the Allendale Centre
The Quarterjacks led the procession
Banners lowered © Dorset View
