of the Year
ISSN 2397-723X (print) | ISSN 2397-7248 (online)
Welcome to our May issue. I hope you enjoyed the Easter holidays. My family and I took a week off to visit Crealy Theme Park and Resort in Exeter, and we really enjoyed the break. Easter with small children is also fun, as they get so invested in the Easter Bunny and hunting for Easter eggs. I also took a quick trip to London with my daughter to take her to a West End show – I’m still trying to foster her love for theatre.
Speaking of theatre, there have been several brilliant productions in the area in recent months. You can read two reviews and two previews for upcoming shows in our Around & About section. Do try and attend them if you can, not only to support these groups but also the wonderful venues we have in the county.
At the time of writing, I have still not put up the bike shed I wrote about in the March issue’s editorial. I am blaming the weather for my lack of progress. When it was cold and wet, I didn’t want to be out shivering on the driveway, and when it was warm and sunny, I wanted to be out and about enjoying the bright skies or playing with the kids in the garden. Perhaps by next month I’ll have built it.
We have some exciting content in this issue. There’s an exclusive column from Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, a roundup of VE Day events, and a profile on Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol – an important cause close to the heart of our Creative Director Louis Pulford. Please enjoy.
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Martin Clunes, far right, with the Hover family and artist Judith Opsblum, bottom left © Jon Bolton
Martin Clunes, ‘Doc Martin’ actor and patron of Julia’s House, was at the launch of The Great Tail Trail in aid of Julia’s House children’s hospice charity in early April.
He met one of the artists of the 45 giant mermaid tail sculptures which can be found across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole until 1 June – as well as the family of the teenager who inspired her design.
Local artist Judith Opsblum’s design takes its name from a poem entitled ‘Footprints in the Sand’.
Opsblum was inspired to create her artwork in memory of Annabelle Hover, who was cared for by Julia’s House until her death in January 2024 aged just 18.
“Julia’s House is a lifeline for families like the Hovers,” said Clunes. “Every time I visit the hospice I’m touched by how amazing the staff are. Families tell me how much it means to them to have some respite and how much their kids love their time there. It’s all about fun.”
The trail is live until 1 June. For details, visit greattailtrail.co.uk.
A council-funded café in the heart of Ferndown is to be shut down from the end of May.
Ferndown Town Council announced the decision on Friday 11 April to close Ferns Café in The Barrington Centre on Pennys Walk.
According to the council, the café has been running at a loss for the last four financial years.
Despite efforts to improve its viability, and after consulting with an industry specialist, the council came to the conclusion that it was not financially responsible to continue subsidising the café with taxpayer funds.
The Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Terry Cordery, said: “We understand that this news will be disappointing for many in our community. However, after careful review, it is clear that we cannot justify
continued financial support for the café when it has consistently operated at a loss.
“Our priority must be to use public funds responsibly and ensure they are allocated where they can have the greatest impact.
“We ask that respect and kindness be shown to the staff as they navigate this transition.
“This decision was not made lightly, and we deeply appreciate their hard work and commitment.”
The council said it anticipates keeping the café open until the end of May to allow for a smooth transition. It is supporting the affected employees and helping them explore alternative opportunities. The council added that it will continue to engage with the community to discuss other ways to support local initiatives.
A fire engine was left unusable, and items of equipment stolen during a break-in at Ferndown Fire Station in Ringwood Road between 8.45am on Friday 11 April and 9am on Saturday 12 April.
Area manager Jason Moncrieff, from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the impact was greater than the loss of two pieces of equipment as the Ferndown crew was unable to attend incidents for much of Saturday and that public money has to be used to buy replacement items. “The offenders also damaged part of the fire station to get in, which has now been repaired, again at a cost to public funding,” he said.
Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 101 or at www.dorset.police.uk, quoting 55250051842.
Time is running out to put forward views on the controversial application for an incinerator at Canford Magna.
Following consultations, The Environment Agency says it is likely to grant the permit to the applicant, MVV Environment Ltd, which has applied to operate an incinerator to burn up to 260,000 tonnes of non-hazardous waste each year on the Canford Resource Park. Although a final decision has not been taken, the Agency says it will grant the permit unless it receives new information that gives cause for not allowing it.
To have your say, visit: https://consult.environment-agency. gov.uk/psc/bh21-3bw-mvv-environment-limited-draft-decision/ or email: pscpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk or write to: Environment Agency Permitting and Support Centre, Land Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4WF. Use the application number EPR/SP3127SF/A001. Deadline for comments is 11.59pm on Friday 23 May.
By Marilyn Barber, images © Dorset View
Civic leaders including the High Sheriff and mayors from across Dorset enjoyed a day of culture, history and community in Wimborne Minster recently at the mayor’s Civic Day.
After a warm welcome from the Mayor of Wimborne, Cllr Jeff Hart, they took part in a town trail before watching a series of acting scenes performed by Millstream
Theatre, a drama group for people with disabilities.
They toured the attractions of the Museum of East Dorset, before going inside the Wimborne Minster for a performance from Jubilate and a tour of the church, including the Chained Library.
Cllr Hart said: “I’m grateful to everyone who contributed to making the day such a success, as one mayor said, ‘One of the best Civic Days ever’ – we did Wimborne proud.”
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By Paul Webb, Dorset Water Softeners
Easter is now over, and we are all thinking of the jobs that need to get done this year. Spring tends to do that to us. It might be thinking about your garden or work in the house. I would like to think you are all going to get a water softener fitted, but that is not the point of this article.
In my business, spring means we think about improvement as well. I decided the first job was cleaning our vans. We have a jet washer, brushes and sprays, but the bottles were empty, and the buckets broken.
Usually, I visit a local supplier and buy supplies that last the year. Great service and easy. But while surfing the web, I fell into the trap I warn my customers about.
A product too good to be true, at a great price, with a free gift, and made in the UK. Their promo video was slick, and the cleaning liquids came in lovely colours. Obviously, they would be brilliant.
A few days later, a box appeared with my purchase. By then, my email account had been peppered with messages from the company asking when I would like to buy more, please review us and can we be best friends? Very needy.
We started cleaning the vans. But had I read the instructions wrong? Have we got the wrong type of dirt? Are we not doing it right? I tried to convince myself it was an ‘us’ problem. I could not admit I had fallen for buying a rubbish product.
We see this a lot in our industry: customers buy drinking filters promoted by celebrities, magic pipes promising to clear your home of scale, or my favourite, a shower head that increases pressure, saves and filters water and gives you luxurious hair.
Grandad said: “If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.”
With that ringing in my ears, I visited my cleaning experts, and my vans now look lovely. If you want great, straight advice on water, please call us.
Young people aged 11 to 14 are to have help in deciding their career paths.
The ‘Work Explore’ initiative aims to introduce younger people to different types of careers, before the time comes to choose subjects, or apply for traditional work experience placements.
The project is delivered by Dorset Chamber and is funded by Dorset Careers Hub and The Careers & Enterprise Company in partnership with Dorset Council, who are calling for organisations from across the region to support the next generation.
The project will bring employers together with 20
Dorset schools to facilitate opportunities for young people to explore diverse career paths, develop essential skills, and gain a realistic understanding of different sectors through activities including taster days, site tours, virtual visits, live projects, and meet the employer sessions.
Rosie Knapper, Dorset Chamber’s project lead, said: “This is a unique opportunity to make a difference to the future workforce – and your local community.
“We know that businesses have other priorities, so there are lots of different ways to collaborate and offer really valuable experiences.”
Nigel Hedges, who has returned to the role of president of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, says he wants membership to reach 760 – the level it was at when he finished his last term in 2013. He also wants to create a Chamber Business Hub in the town for hot-desking and meetings. Furthermore, he is planning a Business News TV project and to grow the ‘Next Gen Group’ of future leaders.
Hedges, who ran an engraving business in Bournemouth for 50 years and closed his shop just before Christmas, also wants to create
specialist network groups.
He said: “I want to continue the growth that happened under my predecessor Bill Perkins.
“I want to grow the Next Gen Group, which is young and diverse, and ensure there is a pathway for them to become president if they so wish.
“We will be creating more video content through a Business News TV project, and I want to create a Chamber Business Hub.
“I was pleased that Jessica Toale MP was able to be at our AGM when I was voted in, and she expressed her support for the Chamber and its members.”
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By Plants Direct
After a month of sensational spring weather, plants are flowering with vibrant colours and scents attracting bees and insects and keeping them busy pollinating away.
New foliage on Acers, Photinia and Pieris is visible in golden yellows, oranges, greens and reds. It’s the perfect time to add new trees, shrubs, perennials, fruit and herbs to your beds, borders and containers.
For best results, prepare your beds by digging over and adding compost and fertiliser to your vegetable gardens, glasshouse, borders and containers prior to planting.
Sowing of seeds, flowers and vegetables can now be done. Protect from frosts with fleece or tunnels. Sow in pots and containers indoors to bring on the plants quicker and transplant out when hardened off for best results.
Lawns and grass areas can now be weeded and fed.
Over sowing all bare patches with seed and compost mixed is an ideal way to improve lawns and grass areas.
Seeded wildflower gardens should be selectively weeded to remove pernicious perennial weeds.
Summer bedding, patio and basket plants, trailing and upright, are available now at your local nursery garden centre in every colour. Geraniums, Lobelias, Verbena, Fuchsias and hundreds of other varieties for every position, full sun, part and full shade.
Ask your nursery advisor to help with all your planting requirements. It’s a busy time in your gardens, allotments and green spaces but remarkably rewarding and healthy.
The British Sailing Team, including several athletes from Dorset, dominated an annual sailing regatta in Spain in early April, bringing home five gold medals, two silver and two bronze – thought to be the best results by any nation in the 54year history of the competition.
Held on the island of Mallorca, the Trofeo Princesa Sofia took place from 28 March to 5 April. The regatta is the first qualifying event for the 2025 Sailing Grand Slam (SGS) and signals the start of the build-up to the next Summer Olympic Games in 2028.
Two-time Olympic bronze medallist Emma Wilson, from Christchurch, not only won gold in the iQFoil windsurfing class, but also received the regatta’s top prize – the Princess Sofia Trophy – for winning 14 out of 21 races.
She said: “It’s crazy – I wasn’t expecting it at all. There are names on this trophy like Ben Ainslie, people I’ve looked up to since I was a kid. To have my name on there now is pretty cool.”
Other winners included Saskia Tidey,
from Portland, who won gold in the twoperson 49erFX along with Freya Black. In the kite surfing competition, Weymouth’s Lilly Young won silver, while Poole’s Ellie Aldrige (who won gold in last year’s Paris Olympics) took home bronze.
© Gerry Clarke
Christchurch and Boscombe & Southbourne Rotary Clubs are organising a river pageant as part of this year’s Christchurch Carnival, with proceeds going to local charities, and are inviting local community groups, clubs, and schools to participate.
The pageant will take place on the River Stour from Tuckton Bridge to Christchurch Quay on Saturday 16 August, starting at 12noon. The public will be able to watch from either side of the river. It will feature decorative floats, boats and other watercraft, including novelty rafts, stand-up paddleboards and canoes. The pageant will end with two dragon boat teams racing down the river. The pageant will raise money for Hengistbury Head Outdoors, Bourne Water Dragons and Pink Champagne Breast Cancer Survivors.
The Rotary Clubs are also seeking sponsorship from local businesses. Organiser Gerry Clarke said: “Whether you can sponsor the event, provide a prize, or help in any other way, we would love to hear from you.”
Contact Clarke on 07710 611123 or email 3gclarke@gmail.com.
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By James Rust, associate and head of the Private Client team
If you are appointed as an executor and trustee of a will which includes any form of life interest trust over the deceased’s property, placement of their residuary estate into any form of ‘trust fund’, or the creation of a discretionary trust, then it is more important than ever to seek the advice of a qualified wills, trusts and probate specialist before making your application for the Grant of Representation – a legal document issued by the Probate Registry.
The specific terms of a trust can have implications on the available inheritance tax-free thresholds, and so understanding the effect of each trust is important to ensure that the maximum thresholds available are claimed to reduce the value of the estate chargeable to inheritance tax.
The inclusion of these trusts, whilst beneficial, also come with complications which, if not dealt with correctly at the outset, can lead to costly and time-consuming work later down the line. Executors and trustees have a two-year period to prepare and execute documents which could potentially minimise or resolve these complexities, and so seeking advice early is imperative.
These trusts are also subject to registration with HMRC via their Trust Registration Service which should be completed within 90 days of the date of death of the testator of the will, the responsibility for which falls on the trustees of any will trust created.
If a loved one has recently passed away and their will references any form of trust, and you are unsure on what to do, please contact our friendly team of Private Client specialists who can advise you on the implications and formalities of dealing with these trusts correctly and effectively.
Law Spot is for information only and does not constitute legal advice
Dorset Council’s Trading Standards team is seeking volunteers to help residents stay safe from scams and fraud.
Residents are invited to become ‘Scamchampions’ and promote the national Friends Against Scams scheme. Already, more than one in every 100 people living in Dorset are a ‘Friend’ with the scheme.
A spokesperson for Trading Standards said: “Friends are taught how to spot the signs of a scam and can then use that learning to help other people. By having simple everyday conversations, these Friends can help to keep others safe, whether family, friends, work colleagues, or anyone else they might meet. Friends also know where to report a scam and where to go to get help.
“It’s very easy to become a Friend. Anyone can. Just visit friendsagainstscams.org.uk and take the 20-minute online training at a time to suit you. If you don’t have a computer, then ask at your local library how to access the training from a public access computer.”
Scamchampions will encourage people to join Friends Against Scams through initiatives such as attending events, face-to-face conversations in libraries, and giving presentations to local groups.
To volunteer, email tradingstandards@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
By David Sidwick | Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner
Being Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner is a great honour. Serving the people of Dorset as your voice in policing is a job I take extremely seriously. Ensuring residents are safe, and importantly feel safe, where they live, work, and play, motivates me, my team and everyone at Dorset Police to keep delivering on your behalf every day.
A key part of my role as PCC, alongside robust scrutiny of the Force and setting the police budget, is to provide a Police and Crime Plan setting priorities and a strategy for how they should be achieved. These priorities are based on what you, the public, have told me you want to see. In my first term as PCC, I purposely drew up a plan to cover the next eight years, ensuring long-term changes could be successfully delivered.
I knew the sticking-plaster effect of short-term fixes would not be enough to achieve the changes needed, and I knew Dorset could rise to the challenge of an ambitious strategy.
The priorities in my Police and Crime Plan cover the reality of policing a county like Dorset; a county which attracts a huge number of visitors each year and has proud rural communities and busy town and village centres. These priorities include a pledge to cut crime and anti-social behaviour; make policing more visible and connected; fight violent crime and high harm; fight rural crime; put victims and communities first; and make every penny count.
Of course, there will always be challenges in policing, but over my past four years as PCC, the Force has seen some
significant progress in several key areas. Dorset remains one of the top 10 safest places in the country — a particularly impressive feat considering our poor funding from central government and dealing with the challenges that seasonality and rurality present. Crime has fallen, and positive outcomes are on the rise, alongside a substantial reduction in anti-social behaviour which has fallen to the lowest level since 2007/08. Work is relentless to shut down harmful county lines and tackle street dealing thanks to initiatives such as Operation Scorpion and Operation Viper, as well as the proactive work of our neighbourhood policing teams. I know the issue of drugs is a key concern for the public; in every survey my office undertakes, it is always one of
the subjects consistently raised, along with burglary, anti-social behaviour, violent crime and violence against women and girls. My Police and Crime Plan has key commitments to tackle each of these issues through proven methods of enforcement, education and prevention.
Dorset is a special place to live, work and visit, and I am unwavering in my commitment to ensure we remain one of the safest counties in the country and continue to drive to be the safest. I want this column to be a true connection with you, the people I serve. If there is a general issue you want me to discuss, please let me know. To contact the PCC, visit the website dorset.pcc.police.uk.
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel www.youtube.com/@YourVoiceDorset
In the latest episode of Your Voice | Dorset Podcast, we invited local musician Polly Morris into the studio. Known for her funny songs and musical parodies, she regularly performs across the county.
The mother-of-three had a passion for music from a young age, listening to her father play the piano when he came home from work. She recalled: “I used to write songs when I was tiny. I mean, they weren’t very good! You spend your lifetime trying to get better at your craft, so hopefully I’ve been getting better and better.
“When I was two, I made up this song I would sing again and again and again, and the family used to get quite irritated by it.”
As a child, Morris learned to play the piano and was taught how to play the guitar by her brother, and to this day she still tries to learn to play new instruments. She said: “I love instruments, and often buy
instruments thinking ‘how hard can it be?’
Then I have a go — so there are quite a few instruments I can play maybe one tune on.”
After leaving school, Morris studied to be an engineer and went into risk assessment within the shipbuilding industry, while music remained in the background. “I was always writing songs, about the people I worked with or things that happened, and that happened more and more as I got older.”
Over her career, Morris has produced eight albums of original music. On the podcast, she went into detail about her writing process, her comedy inspirations, and the challenge of writing lyrics and fitting a tune around those words.
“I think as a singer songwriter, you write about what you experience, what has moved you, or what’s made you laugh, and it's lovely to package it up into a neat little three-minute song.”
As well as her solo work, Morris regularly performs with The Polly Morris Band, featuring Mandy Stansfield, Kate Hunter, Brian Harries and more.
“What’s so lovely [about performing with a band] is being able to talk about the event afterwards. When you’re performing on your own, it can feel a little lonely, because you do something and you’re not sure how it went down.
“Being in a group is really lovely.”
Over the summer, Morris will be performing at several festivals, including Wimborne Folk Festival, Rustic Stomp in Wareham, and Petherton Folk Festival in Somerset. To listen to the full episode, visit our website dorsetview.co.uk/podcast, our YouTube channel youtube.com/@YourVoiceDorset, or search Your Voice | Dorset Podcast on your preferred podcast provider.
Funding available
Community groups, education settings and volunteer organisations in Dorset can now apply for funding through their Local Alliance Group. Apply at dorsetcouncil.gov. uk/w/lag-funding-for-projects-25-26.
Floodlights
Holt United Football Club has applied to Dorset Council for permission to install eight floodlights.
Water aid
Bournemouth Water customers have raised more than £1.7m for WaterAid since 1990 after adding £99,700 in donations in 2024. This contribution is enough to provide clean water to more than 4,600 people.
Air ambulance 5K
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s 5K Twilight Shift returns for its fourth year to Henstridge Airfield on 5 July. Participants will run, jog or walk the 5K distance around the operational base. Register at dsairambulance.org.uk/twilight.
Parkinson's walk
Local people are being urged to take part in a Walk for Parkinson's, which will take place at Moors Valley on Sunday 29 June. People have the choice of walking 1.9 or 5.9 miles. Sign up at events.parkinsons.org.uk/ walkmoorsvalley or phone 0800 138 6593.
Local MP Vikki Slade has said residents should back Dorset businesses in the wake of new US tariffs.
At the beginning of April, US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs designed to upend the global trade system. These included a 10 per cent tariff on UK exports to America.
Tariffs are a form of tax charged on goods from another country, which make them more expensive to buy and can cause exporting companies to lose profits or sales. Some governments use them to try and protect their country’s businesses from cheaper competition abroad.
In the wake of America’s new tariffs, the MP urged residents to “Buy Dorset and back Britain.”
Vikki Slade, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, said: “We should support our Great British products to protect them from the economic shock caused by Donald Trump’s aggressive trade war, whether it’s using local producers or spending on our high streets.”
The Liberal Democrat MP said she had visited businesses in the area to hear more about the challenges they are currently facing and to see what is already being done to support local retailers championing local producers.
She added: “I have also recently been hosting round table events where I have invited local professionals from a range of sectors to engage in discussions about the hurdles they face professionally and to explore what could be meaningfully done to have a positive impact.”
The Liberal Democrats claim that any trade deal with the US to remove the new tariffs would likely remove UK tariffs on imported beef, chicken and pork from America, which may harm the interests of Dorset farmers. American animal welfare standards are generally considered to be lower than those in UK farms.
Poole BID commissioned a stunning new mural for the underpass by Poole Bus Station
The underpass between Poole Bus Station and Lighthouse Poole has received a makeover courtesy of a local artist commissioned by Poole Business Improvement District (BID).
The first half of the mural, revealed in March, showcases the area’s diverse wildlife, including Brownsea Island’s red squirrels. The other half, due to be completed by May, is dedicated to Poole’s local history and heritage.
Jacqui Rock, CEO of Poole BID, said: “This mural is a fantastic way to celebrate Poole’s unique heritage and stunning natural environment. We’re thrilled to see such a positive response already, and we know this will become a landmark for both residents and visitors.”
The creator is local artist Tech Moon, who said: “I’m incredibly excited to be working on this project and bringing a bold, creative vision to Poole’s underpass.
The Wimborne & Ferndown Ladies Who Latte networking group, which was launched in February 2024 by Shelley Barker, has moved to a new meeting place: Kings Park Care Home in Ferndown.
Barker has now passed the hosting baton to fellow member Angela Moody.
Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month. To join, contact Jane Shanahan via jane.shanahan@ barchester.com or visit facebook.com/groups/ wimborneladieswholatte.
“The mural is designed to reflect both the history and nature of this amazing area, creating an immersive experience for those who pass
through. Seeing the positive reaction so far has been inspiring, and I can’t wait for people to experience the full piece once it’s completed.”
23 May 10am–12noon The Barrington Theatre
No longer working full time? Looking for social activities and learning opportunities? Then Ferndown u3a is for you.
Come along to Ferndown u3a Open Day and meet with other local members and group and class leaders. This year there are 97 different classes ranging from art, coach trips and bridge to astronomy, walks and music. There is something for everyone, all for just over £1 per week. Do come and join.
Communities across the country are planning events to mark the 80th anniversary of the ending of the Second World War in Europe which takes place on 8 May — Victory in Europe (VE) Day. Church bells will ring, special flags will be flown, town criers will proclaim the victory, and Beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace will be lit. Here are some of the events in the local area. Details correct at the time of writing: Christchurch
Christchurch Town Council has organised a free community event taking place on Thursday 8 May at Christchurch Quay from 6pm to 10pm. There will be historical displays, family entertainment, face painting, funfair rides, food stalls, and activities for all ages. There will also be live music including performances by The Fifinellas and Lisa Locarno, and the council is encouraging attendees to dress up in the style of the 1940s for the event. The event will include the Lighting of the Beacon at 9.30pm. Ferndown
There are a series of events over several days, including:
Wednesday 7 May
7pm: Free guest speaker evening at The Barrington Centre. Lt Col James Porter, a local battlefield guide and regular presenter of military history, will talk through the events of VE Day. Please call or email Ferndown Town Council to reserve your space.
Thursday 8 May
9am: Raising of the VE Day Flag outside The Barrington Centre.
10am: Town Crier National Tribute and programme for the day at the clock tower on Pennys Walk.
12.30pm: Seniors’ Afternoon Tea at The Barrington Centre for Ferndown residents. Please call or email Ferndown Town Council to reserve your space.
6.30pm: National Peal of Bells at The Barrington Centre and Hampreston Church. 7.30pm: Performance by Evelyn Walsh at The Barrington Centre. Free, non-ticketed event.
8pm: Bournemouth Youth Marching Band play in concert at The Barrington Centre. Free, non-ticketed event.
9.15pm: Twilight Parade in Pennys Walk.
9.25pm: Lighting of the Lamp of Peace and readings outside The Barrington Centre, followed by the Beacon Lighting and a 1940s sing-along.
Saturday 10 May
12noon–4pm: Picnic in the Park at King George V Playing Fields and Pavilion to celebrate VE Day 80. Bring your blankets and enjoy food, music, entertainment and games.
Ringwood
Thursday 8 May
6.30pm: National Peal of Bells at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Ringwood.
9pm: Music from the Ringwood and Burley Band in the War Memorial Gardens, followed by the Beacon Lighting at 9.30pm, when the global tribute will be read by the mayor.
West Moors
Thursday 8 May
9am: Raising of the VE Day 80 flag on the Petwyn on Station Road.
Wimborne Minster
Thursday 8 May
9am: A proclamation by the town crier, delivered in the Square.
2pm: A local ukelele group will play in the garden of the Museum of East Dorset.
3.45pm: Winning entries from a children’s poetry competition will be announced on the Minster Green.
4.15pm: The Land Girls will perform on the Minster Green.
5pm: The bells of Wimborne Minster Church will ring out.
6pm: A special service will take place at Wimborne Minster Church, featuring a blessing for peace and a reflection on the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom.
6.45pm: Wreath laying ceremony at the Wimborne Minster War Memorial.
8.30pm: Led by the Quarterjacks of Wimborne marching band, the town will come together in a procession to the Wimborne Cemetery, where a special tribute will be held for the fallen heroes of the war.
9pm: The graves of 31 fallen soldiers will be illuminated.
9.30pm: Beacon Lighting.
9.35pm: The day will end with a traditional discharge of muskets or cannon, performed by the Wimborne Militia.
A local four-year-old boy raised £334 for Comic Relief in March.
Austin, a Reception class pupil at Witchampton First School, heard about the charity and wanted to do his bit to help.
He and his parents decided that he would commit to running 30km throughout March, documenting all his runs on a running watch and with photos.
Austin was boosted after receiving inspirational video messages from British fitness coach and TV show host Joe Wicks and from former football player and manager Harry Redknapp.
Sheri Green, Austin’s mum, said: “Austin has always been sensitive to
the needs of those less fortunate than himself and has always taken an interest in charitable causes.
“He said we should do something for Comic Relief and so we decided to run 30km in March.”
Impressed by his commitment, the whole school community at Witchampton decided to run with Austin for his final two kilometres of the challenge.
Sharon Staddon, executive headteacher at Witchampton First School, part of Initio Learning Trust, said: “We were so impressed by Austin’s enthusiasm and dedication to run 30km for Red Nose Day that we were delighted to join him for the last leg of his target.”
A dozen excited children from Bethany Junior School in Boscombe spent a day learning golf skills at Remedy Oak Golf Club, near Wimborne.
The club gave the party from Variety the Children’s Charity a warm welcome and a day to remember.
Arranged by Variety Wessex supporter Peter Jenkins, the morning started with a three mile walk round part of the course with the club’s head professional Dominic Knight. After a demonstration showing the correct way to swing a golfclub, each child had the chance to try out some shots on the golf range.
Frances Cornelius, chairman of Variety Wessex, said: “A huge thank you to everyone at Remedy Oak Golf Club for giving these children such an interesting day.”
The day was part of the
Variety the Children’s Charity Great Day’s Scheme that aims to give disadvantaged children positive memories.
Visitors to the Wimborne Gardening Club Spring Show in the Allendale Community Centre on Saturday 29 March were greeted by over 100 entries across 39 different classes. These included daffodils, tulips, spring flowers, floral art, cookery, photography and – a first for the club – handicrafts. There were also classes for juniors.
In addition, there were displays set up by the local Townswomen’s Guild showing Wimborne Square over the years and Wilding Wimborne.
Seven trophies were presented to the winners of
the various sections, and each first-prize winner received a £10 voucher donated by Stewarts Garden Centre.
Jane Green, a member of the Gardening Club’s planning group who took over as show manager following the retirement of Tony Beard, said: “The beautifully displayed exhibits contributed to a very successful Spring Show.
Many visitors made very kind and enthusiastic comments which made me realise all the hard work and effort that our members put into the show were certainly worth it and I fully commend them all.”
By Jane Benson
This May, the Wimborne Community Garden hits its third anniversary, and it feels as though quite a lot has happened in the past three years.
We have grown from being an empty piece of land to a garden which is proud to give produce to the Wimborne Food Bank and Community Kitchen; a garden which now has over 50 volunteers working on it; a garden which delights in welcoming everyone, be it those who want to work or those who just want to sit and relax and enjoy some company; a garden which has been so fortunate in the extraordinary amount of generosity it has attracted from individuals and companies alike; a garden which has won RHS gardening awards and been named the winning Community Garden in the South and South East Area of the country for two successive years; a garden which we love.
So, as the daffodils fade and we creep on into the more productive growing season, we feel so lucky to be part of something that continues to grow and flourish.
As we develop, so does the Gardening Club we are helping to establish at St Michael’s Middle School. The children who attend are enthusiasm personified. They have so much energy and are a delight to work with.
Within three sessions, the club has managed to transform a barren piece of land into an emerging garden with dug beds, and the start of pathways. Seeds have been planted and as soon as the new term begins, they will be planted out and hopefully this will result in a harvest before the summer holidays begin. Fingers are crossed that we, nature and the weather will all play our parts well. Exciting times.
In March, Santander announced plans to close 95 bank branches across the UK, including two in Dorset: Shaftesbury and Wimborne.
The Wimborne branch will close on 4 August. The closure means the town’s residents will only have Nationwide Building Society and the Post Office in Morrisons Daily for their banking needs.
Santander said it was closing branches because more people are switching to online banking. Santander claims that 72 per cent of customers who use the Wimborne branch use online, mobile or telephone banking, and 32 per cent also use another Santander branch. It added that between July 2024 and December 2024, just 80 customers made three or more transactions and only used the Wimborne branch, while just a single business customer made three or more transactions only using the branch.
The nearest alternative Santander branches to Wimborne are in Poole (nearly eight miles away by car or 47 minutes by public transport) and Ringwood (over 10 miles away by car, or 63 minutes by public transport).
Wimborne Town Council said it was “very disappointed” in response to the announcement. It added: “This closure will significantly impact our community in terms of vulnerable residents who may not have access to online banking or transportation to branches in other areas, local businesses that depend on in-person banking services for daily operations, and town centre vitality as a prominent town square location becomes vacant.
“We also pass on our heartfelt sympathy to Santander employees affected by this closure.
“We request Santander ensures adequate transition arrangements are in place for all customers, maintains ATM services in the town square, establishes mobile banking visits to Wimborne potentially in partnership with the town council on a regular schedule, and supports vulnerable customers with personalised assistance during this change.
“The town council also encourages Santander and other banks that have left our town square to join together and research the option of creating and implementing a hub banking service.”
An ‘Auction of Promises’ on 19 March raised nearly £2,000 in support of the mayor of Wimborne Minster’s chosen charities: Planet Wimborne and Victoria Hospital.
Held at St Michael’s Middle School in Colehill, the event was opened by Wimborne AFC General Manager Jimmy Glass and led by auctioneer John Billington.
A raffle on the night contributed an extra £200 to the total funds raised.
The Mayor, Cllr Jeff Hart, said: “Not only did everyone have a great time, but we also managed to raise nearly £2,000 for two wonderful causes. We are incredibly grateful to Darren Ayling, headteacher of St Michael’s Middle School, for his support – and congratulations to him for winning some beer in the raffle.”
The fundraising efforts continued with another event on 30 April – a ‘Grand Quiz’ at Wimborne Town Football Club.
By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk
This year is a very special one for Wimborne’s Allendale Centre as it marks the 50th anniversary of its opening.
Built by the council, it opened its doors on 1 January 1975. The first play was performed by Wimborne Drama – now Wimborne Drama Productions – who presented ‘The Ghost Train’ running from Thursday 30 October to Saturday 1 November.
The cast consisted of John Anthony, Michael Waring, Elizabeth Knight, Christopher Hope-King, Janine Brockes, Elizabeth Anthony, Russ Guillaume, Jennifer Waring, Graham Brown, Arthur Brooks and Edmund Henbest and it was directed by Thelma Dryden.
To celebrate the golden anniversary, the Allendale’s seven trustees have decided to make the whole of 2025 a time of celebration with a full programme of events.
Brian Harries, chairman of the trustees, gave some background to the inception of this valuable asset to the town, which was built in the grounds of the adjacent Allendale House.
“When it was first built, the
café was where the Canford Room is now and what is now the office was the kitchen. The Quarterjack Suite was built as an extension in 1982. The hall walls were terra cotta and it had green curtains,” he recalled.
Care in the community Harries became involved with the Wimborne Minster Folk Festival in 2016, and then in 2020 when the tenant had relinquished the café, several people were approached to see if they would take it on.
The Folk Festival committee stepped up to the mark in the year which will forever be etched on our memories –the start of the pandemic.
“On the first day of lockdown, we had everything ready for our Wimborne Community Food Supply, although we didn’t think it would be needed. But it is continuing and now is needed more than ever. We support anyone on low or no income to eat a wellbalanced diet. We support children with school lunchbox requirements and provide home meal deliveries to the elderly and disabled,” Harries said.
Wimborne Community
Food Supply is open six days a week and has 49 volunteers plus seven drivers – but they always need more help, as does the Allendale Centre itself, which has nine volunteers.
Meanwhile, the café now employs 17 staff of whom half are people with disabilities.
In 2022, following the closure of Wimborne Market the previous year, the Allendale Centre established Minster Market @ The Allendale, which is open on Fridays from 8am to 2pm with around 50 stalls.
2025 sees it as an incredibly busy venue for live music, shows, activities and room hires.
During the summer of 2020 when venues were starting to open and people were desperate for some entertainment, the Allendale Centre started folk music evenings on Fridays from 6pm to 8pm, initially outside.
This hugely successful event continues today, and the café now hosts Brunny Folk Club on the second and fourth Mondays from 7pm to 10pm and Wimborne Folk Club from 7pm to 10pm on Thursdays.
Harries said they regularly
hold staff meetings to come up with new events. One of these is ‘Strictly Murder’, where the Sunday lunchtime audience must find out whodunit whilst enjoying a two-course meal. The next one is on Sunday 1 June and you will need to book as the first one in February was completely sold out, with a long waiting list. Home for the arts
A wide variety of entertainment is provided in the Minster Theatre within the Allendale, including High Contrast Cinema every month and the centre’s very own Grass Roots Theatre Company.
From Friday 6 to Sunday 8 June, there will be several concerts as part of Wimborne Minster Folk Festival.
And on Saturday 6 September an open day will be held to show local people just how many events take place at the centre.
Such is its popularity that regulars have already booked for 2026, and the centre is even taking bookings for 2027.
If you have any memories of the early days of the Allendale Centre, send them to newseditor@ dorsetview.co.uk.
By Eve Went, co-founder of Dorset Cancer Care Foundation
Friends Beccy Soulsby and Claire Wing will take part in a 15,000ft skydive on 14 June in Salisbury to raise funds for the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) — and they would love your sponsorship.
Claire, 52, from Shaftesbury, said: “Beccy and I are not daredevils by any stretch of the imagination, but we have both had our own experiences of cancer and we wanted to do something really meaningful for a local charity which helps so many families here in Dorset.”
Claire is married to Phil, and between them they have four children and seven grandchildren.
She explained that her skydive will celebrate a significant upturn in her own health: “Up until December 2023, I was struggling to the point that it scared me, so [in] January last year I started Slimming World, which
gave me the boost to do more.
“In May, I did the Trek26 for Alzheimer’s Society in Salisbury, and whilst soaking my tired feet after the walk I looked up and saw people skydiving. I turned to my husband Phil and said: ‘That’s what I am doing next!’”
Claire has just retired from a career in care which began at the age of 16, but she is still working part-time as a supervisor cleaner for Shaftesbury School and as a shop assistant.
She continued: “I wanted to fundraise for a cancer charity after losing my beautiful mum to the disease and I found the perfect one in DCCF.
“When I told Beccy what I wanted to do, she said she would do it too — and now we have two slightly crazy women falling from the sky at 124mph.”
Beccy, a self-employed carer from
Sherborne, is married to Lloyd. They have two children and two grandchildren.
She said: “I turned 50 in January and decided I needed to dare myself to do something that scares me –and thanks to Claire, this is it.”
She added: “My family have been hit by cancer several times throughout my life, and an old school friend of mine has terminal stage four cancer having already lost her mother and twin sister to cancer within a year of each other.
“We hope people will help us raise as much money as possible for the DCCF and its great work to support Dorset families struggling financially because of cancer.”
To sponsor the ladies, please visit justgiving.com/page/claire-wing-2.
You don’t have to skydive to support the DCCF. For more ideas of how you can fundraise, please visit dccf.co.uk.
-Advertiser’s announcement-
With longer days, golden sunshine and blue skies, now is the perfect time to enjoy all that summer has to offer at Upton Manor Care Home in Upton, Dorset.
Set in beautiful surroundings, the care home’s warm and welcoming community offers everything from elegant garden parties and alfresco dining to botanical workshops. Whether you’re enjoying nature or relaxing with friends, every day brings new opportunities for joy and connection.
Upton Manor’s award-winning team delivers person-centred, holistic support that focuses on the individual needs, preferences and wellbeing of each resident. From gentle encouragement to expert assistance, dedicated Homemakers are always on hand, offering not just care, but genuine companionship and emotional support.
Looking for a short summer break, or considering a more permanent move? Now’s the time to experience all the benefits of life at Upton Manor with this seasonal offer.
Visit today
Come and see the difference for yourself. Call 01202 160142 or search Upton Manor Care to arrange a tour and discover a place where you can relax, thrive, and enjoy a truly care-free summer.
A former SAS soldier living with a rare cancer is to take on an epic cycling challenge to raise funds for local hospital services.
On one day in August, Bob Perry will cycle to the top of France’s iconic Mont Ventoux not once, not twice, but three times. In total, he will cover 137km and raise £10,000 for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity.
Half of the funds raised will create a safe, comforting space at the Jigsaw Building in the Royal Bournemouth Hospital for cancer patients and their families receiving difficult news, while the other half will support University Hospitals Dorset’s cardiac services.
Perry understands the importance of such a space after living with Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM), an incurable type of blood cancer. Fewer than 400 people are diagnosed with WM in the UK each year.
He has founded a community with other people living with WM, created a support group for veterans in the Dorset area, and devoted his time to giving back to charities.
Inspired by Perry’s spirit, cycle shop Trek Poole has pledged their support for his challenge. Mark Wratten, a sales associate at Trek Poole, will join Perry and cycle once to the top of Mont Ventoux – a climb of over 1,400 metres. To donate, visit justgiving.com/page/robert-perry-5.
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Leonardo Carer Support (formerly The Leonardo Trust) is the largest unpaid carers charity in Dorset. It was founded in 2001 by a former carer to provide help and support to unpaid carers. Since the charity was formed, it has helped many thousands of carers in a multitude of ways.
The charity provides a range of services and support, including grants for individuals and groups, respite in their own holiday home, counselling service, free alert lines, benefits application service, free wills service, first aid courses and lots more.
Ask for a free information booklet called ‘If only I’d known that’ which has been written by a former carer and gives lots of helpful advice and more importantly tells you where you can access support.
For further information please go to: www.leonardocarersupport.org, email info@leonardocarersupport.org or telephone 01202 698325.
Dorset’s disability charity Diverse Abilities is organising the sixth annual Country Challenge in five different activities: clay pigeon shooting, target rifles, archery, fly fishing and catapults.
The tournament will take place on Friday 20 June at Purbeck Shooting School near Wareham. It costs from £550 for teams of four to enter. The fee includes a bacon sandwich and lunch, and each activity will come with expert tuition.
Money raised will go towards the charity’s vital services including days out for children during the school holidays, equipment at Langside School, and activities at The
Beehive – the charity’s day centre. To sign up, visit diverseabilities.org.uk/ daevents/country-challenge.
As May marks National Walking Month, the charity Winston’s Wish is calling upon people to take on a sponsored walking challenge locally.
The Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge will take place on the weekend of 17 and 18 May. As Winston’s Wish are an affiliated partner on this event, you will get a 25 per cent discount on the ‘Full Sponsorship’ registration fee when signing up to support Winston’s Wish and an exclusive support bundle plus lots of extra benefits on the day, including free food, medal and a glass of fizz at the finish line.
Depending on the distance you choose, the
route will encompass Corfe Castle, Swanage, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door to Weymouth and for those taking on the full 100km challenge there’s Portland Bill, Chesil Beach and West Bay with the finish in Bridport.
Established in 1992, Winston’s Wish supports children and young people in the UK up to the age of 25 when their worlds are turned upside down by bereavement.
To support Winston’s Wish when you participate in the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge, please visit https://events.winstonswish.org/event/jurassiccoast-ultra-challenge/
The three sons of a Ferndown care home resident pulled out all the stops to help their father enjoy his 100th birthday.
Tony, who lives at Care South’s Fairlawn, was joined by Christopher who had flown in from Denmark and Paul, who had travelled from Torquay. Tony spoke to his other son, Stephen, who lives in Sri Lanka, on Facetime.
Tony’s extended family also attended the celebration.
When asked what the secret is to reaching 100, Tony said: “Just luck.”
At the start of the Second
World War, Tony was an RAF flight mechanic, travelling across Europe and eventually ending up in India, where he was demobbed. After leaving the forces, he worked as a draughtsman.
Tony then moved to Kenya to live with his father, which is where he met his first wife, Barbara.
Together they welcomed three sons before moving to Australia, where the family lived for 20 years.
He went on to meet his second wife, Rosie, who already had three
daughters. Tony retired in Australia in his 50s.
His son, Christopher, said: “Growing up, he was always
a patient and gentle dad to my brothers and I, and then supported his second wife Rosie’s three daughters.”
University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) has been awarded £1,368,761 to install further solar panels at both Poole Hospital and the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. This will save £177,000 a year in energy costs and support
investment into frontline care.
It is part of a wider £100m package from Great British Energy, announced by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and supporting the NHS to install solar power and battery storage solutions
to help drive down energy bills.
The grant will fund solar panels on multistorey car parks and will fully cover the cost of delivering these new panels. The solar panels are expected to generate 700,000 kWh each year, reducing energy bills by £177,000 each year. The panels are guaranteed for 15 years, meaning UHD will save at least £2.5m in energy costs over the life of the project.
The installation will take place this summer and will contribute around 200 tonnes of carbon savings each year.
UHD is also taking a new approach to the decarbonisation of its estate with efficient new hospital buildings such as the new BEACH Building and a £2.1m LED lighting investment to bring older buildings up to modern standards.
By Luke Graham
Since January, volunteers have been braving the cold, wind and rain to drive along dark lanes and rescue toads, newts and frogs attempting to cross busy roads.
For the past 36 years, Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol have helped to save the lives of migrating toads as they cross a rural road alongside Blashford Lakes north of Ringwood.
At the start of the breeding season around mid-January, male and female toads crawl down from the wooded hills above the lakes to find a mate and breed. To do so, they must crawl across Gorley Road, putting them at risk of being crushed by vehicles. By early spring after their eggs are laid, they make the return journey, once again facing the dangers of the road.
The patrol was first set up in 1989 by Teresa Baker, a local wildlife lover and conservationist, and is registered with wildlife charity Froglife, who co-ordinate toad patrolling throughout the UK through a national campaign called Toads on Roads.
Every evening between January and the end of March, members of the patrol drive slowly up and down the mile-long road where the toads cross. When they spot an amphibian crawling or sitting on the road they stop their car, put on the hazard warning lights, get out and pick up the toad to carry it across the road to safety in the direction it’s pointing.
“Loss of habitat and changing weather patterns are affecting toad populations badly,” said Nicola Yorke, who runs the patrol. “But the particular route we look after on the edge of Ringwood next to Blashford Lakes can be especially dangerous for them as they risk being killed under the wheels of cars and vans. So, it’s more important than ever that we do all we can to help them.”
While the patrol officially finished at
the end of March, this year it carried on into April, as weather conditions hadn’t been right on many nights for toads to cross – either too cold or too dry.
“Toads are choosy” added Yorke. “They only move when it’s warm enough – five degrees and above. They love wet nights but they’ll also cross when it’s not raining.
“With toad numbers falling, we need to carry on helping them to stay safe.”
In 2025, the patrol was able to save around 400 toads, more than 20 frogs and around 150 newts. Unfortunately, many toads still get killed under the wheels of cars and vans, with a casualty rate of about 12 per cent of the number the patrol save.
According to Toad Patrol, the local and national toad population is in decline: a few years ago, Froglife reported an overall decrease in toad numbers of 68 per cent over 30 years.
“All this makes conservation efforts more important than ever, and every life we’re able to save is precious,” said Yorke.
Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol has a full rota of more than 50 passionate volunteers but is always looking for new members to join.
One volunteer, Judith, has been a patroller for four years. She said: “There’s something special about saving a toad crossing the road. It’s a small gesture but a special moment of interaction knowing I’m making a difference to help the declining population.”
Another patroller, Lucy, added: “I’ve been a patroller for only a few months but I’ve loved being out in nature helping to save toads. I know that with enough help, more of these mysterious and charming creatures can survive and enrich our local ecosystem.”
If you would like to volunteer or want more information, email rptoadpatrol1@gmail.com.
By Nick Churchill
A songwriter living in Bere Regis celebrated the ‘miracle’ release of his latest album in April – more than 50 years after it was recorded
Graham Dee, an unsung hero and fixture of the 1960s London session scene, as well as a prolific songwriter and producer, is celebrating the release of his long-lost album ‘Mr Super Cool’.
“I thought only a couple of tracks had survived on a battered old acetate disc that was made at the time – but by some miracle we now have the entire album,” said the 82-year-old musician who lives in Bere Regis.
Dee was a prominent guitarist for hire throughout the 1960s, moving alongside the likes of Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck as a session player. He filled in for Syd Barrett in the early Pink Floyd, appeared on TV with The Rolling Stones, and played in front of The Beatles as part of The Bobcats, the house band at famed 1960s’ nightclub
The Scotch of St James.
More recently, Dee has been enjoying a 21st century career reboot after signing to Acid Jazz Records for the 2011 release of ‘The Graham Dee Connection: The 60s Collection’ and its 2020 follow up ‘Carnaby Street Soul & West Coast Vibes’. Both recordings were made during the 1960s and 1970s during his time as an in-house producer for Atlantic Records in the UK.
With his record label eager to release more archive recordings, Dee shared the acetate of side one of an album he had recorded in 1973.
“The master was in a state and, at best, only two tracks would be salvageable,” explained Acid Jazz boss Eddie Piller.
Then events took a strange turn. Around the same time,
Piller was contacted by a record collector in possession of 15 master tapes from a house which had once belonged to the songwriter Gerry Shury, who had worked with the likes of The Bee Gees, Barry Blue, Lynsey De Paul, The Rubettes… and Graham Dee, whose name appeared on some of the tapes. Only a few of the tapes were good enough to be digitised.
“Remarkably, what came back were both sides of Graham’s original lost album,” said Piller.
“It sounds like some longlost film soundtrack. Highly evocative of its time, it offers a fascinating insight into early 70s record-making and is a reminder of Graham’s unique talent, and the joys of serendipity.”
Dee had recorded the album, titled ‘Mr Super Cool’,
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An independent, grassroots music event will be held in Dorset during the May bank holiday weekend.
This year’s Cursus Festival will feature headliners Dub Pistols and Mad Dog Mcrea. Supporting acts include Skimmity Hitchers, Carsick, Mad Apple Circus, The Great
Malarkey, Imprints and many more original acts.
As well as live music, there will be a DJ tent, rural craft demonstrations, a campfire and tuk-tuk rides, and a DIY Den activity area for children.
Festival organiser Kev Davis said: “If you’re looking for a genuine festival
in 1973 at Sarm Studios in East London. He said: “I could hardly believe it, hearing those songs again after all this time has been such a thrill.
“I’ve always felt very at home in the countryside, especially now in Dorset where I live pretty quietly these days with my friends in the village, but this blast from the past reminds me of another life.”
To listen to the title track, visit youtube.com/ watch?v=vTuepNICgzo.
experience without any of the hassles or expense of a major event, Cursus is the place to be.”
Family weekend tickets start at £99 including camping, and day tickets are available. Visit cursusfestival.com to book.
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Poole Quay Events is back for its second year hosting a full programme of entertainment for all the family from April to September 2025.
Poole Quay Events was formed last year by Anna (recently retired landlady of the Lord Nelson pub) and Michelle (landlady of the Poole Arms) who, with the backing of the businesses
on The Quay, now host the programme of summer events including Bike Nights every Tuesday evening until 30 September.
This year, these community events have been sponsored by Poole BID, Clarke Rowe Solicitors, JTEC, County Foods, Muc-Off, JPS, Vets4Pets Holes Bay, and Hall & Woodhouse.
Wimborne Musical Theatre Society is to stage ‘The Sound of Music’ at the Tivoli Theatre from 12–14 June.
Set against the backdrop of 1930s Nazi-occupied Austria, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic tells the story of Maria Rainer, a free-spirited young woman whose aspiration to become a nun is derailed when she takes the job of governess to the seven von Trapp children.
The musical features all the timeless songs an audience would expect from the much-loved 1965 film soundtrack, including ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Edelweiss’, ‘My Favourite Things’ and, of course, the eponymous ‘The Sound of Music’.
Director Duncan Trew said: “We are delighted to be bringing this iconic musical
to life in Wimborne, in what is the film’s 60th anniversary year. It is a privilege to have such a talented cast and crew on board with us. This includes our two junior cast teams, local children who are excelling in their roles and who are guaranteed to be the show stealers.”
Alastair Hume is the musical director, with Jenny Jalie as choreographer. The adult cast includes Lauren Ferger-Andrews, David Cooper, Selina Rumbold, Alan Colclough, Julie Gower, Rosie Nye and James Bourner.
There are evening performances from Thursday to Saturday, plus a matinee performance on the Saturday. Book via the box office on 01202 885566 or online at tivoliwimborne.co.uk.
Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk.
10 May 10am
West Moors Horticultural Society plant sale at West Moors Memorial Hall.
10 May 3pm
The Fayrewood Singers perform ‘Springtime Reflections’ at Verwood Methodist Church. Tickets at the door.
11 May 3pm
Mayor of Wimborne’s Civic Thanksgiving Service in the Church of St Cuthburga. Members of the community welcome.
12 May 7.30pm
Wimborne Gardening Club meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall.
12 May 7 for 7.30pm
Ferndown & West Moors Philatelic and Postcard Club meets at The Hamworthy Club BH21 3AP. Secretary Paul Barry 07932 581791.
14 May 7.30pm
East Dorset Antiquarian Society meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Wimborne.
14 May 6.30pm-9pm
Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meet downstairs in Kinson Community Centre. www.bournemouthjazzclub.org
14 May 7pm for 7.30pm
Canford and Merley WI meets at Merley Community Centre, Harrier Drive. More details via Hazel on 07780 705702.
16 May–2 June 10am-4.30pm
Poole & East Dorset Art Society exhibition at The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park, BH17 7BJ.
16 May 6.30pm
Cantilena Voices concert at St Nicholas Church as part of Winterborne Kingston Spring Festival. Tickets from www. cantilenavoices.co.uk.
16 May 7.30pm, 17 May 2.30pm
West Moors Singers present A Tribute to Music of Stage and Screen at St Martin’s Church Centre, BH22 0JW. Tickets from 01202 870769.
17 May 2.30pm–4.30pm
Dorset Hardy Plants Society plant fair at Colehill Village Hall, BH21 2LR.
17 May 7pm-9.15pm
Vivamente Voices concert at St Nicholas Church, Winterborne Kingston. Tickets from www. vivamentevoices.co.uk.
19 May 10.30am
Verwood Local Fundraising Committee for Cancer Research coffee morning at the URC Hall, Manor Road, Verwood.
19 May 10.30am-11.30am
Reading Friends group meets at Ferndown Library.
19 May doors open 6.30pm for 7pm
John Maddocks Jazzmen at the Bluebird Social Club, Ham Lane, Ferndown, BH22 9DP.
19 May 9.45am
Wimborne Minster WI meets at the Catholic Church Hall, Lewens Lane. More info: Jill Haywood 01202 888194.
21-24 May 7.30pm with Saturday matinee 2.30pm Poole and Parkstone Productions presents ‘My Fair Lady’ at Lighthouse Poole. Tickets from www.lighthousepoole. co.uk or on 01202 280000.
22-24 May 7.30pm
Castle Players presents ‘Journeys’ a night of music and readings at Lytchett Matravers Village Hall. Tickets from: www. castleplayers.com/tickets.
22-24 May 7.30pm with Saturday matinee 2.30pm
Wimborne Drama Productions presents ‘Calendar Girls’ at the Tivoli, Wimborne. Tickets from 01202 885566 or www. tivoliwimborne.co.uk
23 May 10am-2.30pm
Stitch4u: club for Embroidery and Textile Art meets at MS Centre, West Parley. 24 May 2pm-5pm North Dorset Beekeepers meeting in Shillingstone. Visit www.northdorsetbeekeepers. org.uk to book a place.
24–28 May
The Creatives at Cranborne Garden Centre new exhibition. See thecreativesgallery.wordpress.com.
27 May 7.30pm
West Parley Gardening Club meets at the MS Centre Dorset, Church Lane, West Parley BH22 8TS.
29 May 10am-12noon
Coffee Morning raising funds for Green Cottage Riding For The Disabled Association at Verwood Memorial Hall.
31 May 10am–3pm
Artisan Makers Market at Wimborne Community Centre, 41–44 King Street, BH21 1EA.
31 May 3pm
Free concert by Courtlye Musick in St Mary's Church, Dorchester. See courtlyemusick.co.uk.
31 May- 1 June
Family Fest in Wimborne in the field near Julian’s Bridge.
6-8 June
Wimborne Minster Folk Festival. Details https://www.wmff.co.uk/
7 June
Junior Chess Club at Ferndown Library. www. ferndownjuniorchess.co.uk.
7 June 2pm-4pm
Ferndown Arthritis and Friendship Club meets at Ferndown Plus Day Centre. Call 03303 112793.
Now in its 106th year, Poole and Parkstone Productions returns to the Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, this May with a dazzling new production of Lerner & Loewe’s musical ‘My Fair Lady’.
Set in Edwardian London, the story follows the spirited flower girl Eliza Doolittle, who meets sharp-tongued phonetics professor Henry Higgins in Covent Garden Market. Higgins wagers he can transform Eliza into a lady of high society simply by teaching her to speak ‘properly’.
Packed with wit, warmth, and a wealth of iconic songs – including ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly’, ‘The Rain In Spain’, ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’, and ‘On the Street Where You Live’ – ‘My Fair Lady’ is a treat for all theatre lovers.
The production runs from Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 May at 7.30pm, with a matinee on the Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets available from lighthousepoole.co.uk or on 01202 280000.
By Luke Graham
Oscar Wilde’s classic farce was brought vividly to life at Bournemouth Little Theatre in April.
First performed in 1895, ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ still holds up. No wonder it has stood the test of time.
Director John Billington and assistant director Tracie Billington-Beardsley did a phenomenal job. Their take on the material emphasised the physical comedy within the script, and they were helped by an excellent cast.
Topher Lynn, who has appeared in several Little Theatre productions, was fantastic as Jack Worthing. Alex Welsford was splendid in his debut as the rakish Algernon Moncrieff.
Vanessa Turner played the tricky role of matriarch Lady Bracknell well. Philippa Hendry was entertaining as Jack’s love interest Gwendolen, while Sophie Powell as Cecily was very amusing in her flirtations with Algernon. Denise King was delightful as the governess Miss Prism.
Other cast members, including Lauren Killham, Andrew Whyatt, Michael Mackey and Simon Nightingale, were superb.
There were some opening night jitters, with lines being stepped on or mispronounced, but not enough to spoil the show.
A special mention for the costume team who created the show’s incredible outfits, especially the extravagant bustles worn by some of the female cast.
As always, the Little Theatre’s set design team did an excellent job. Having never actually seen Wilde’s famous play before, I thoroughly enjoyed Bournemouth Little Theatre’s traditional production.
By Luke Graham
Ferndown Drama’s parody of Alfred Hitchcock’s spy thriller ‘The 39 Steps’ in April was a big success.
Hitchcock’s 1935 film is a classic of the genre, based on a book from 1915, but this comical stage adaptation by Patrick Barlow requires actors to perform multiple roles, often at the same time, and plays with the conventions of theatre, with plenty of prop humour. Ferndown Drama rose to the challenge and put on a very entertaining show.
The story follows Richard Hannay, an upper-class gent drawn into a conspiracy involving spies, military secrets and death. Framed for murder and on the run, Hannay traverses the country from the London Palladium to Scotland and back again.
The large cast all performed very well, thanks to great direction by Karen Ward. Special mention goes to Jeremy Mills as Hannay, who is on stage for practically the whole play and is a very funny performer. Peter Watson played a perfectly devious villain, complete with an exaggerated Germanic accent.
While the whole cast was very funny, Scott Bedwell and Gareth Dunning were particularly good as a pair of salesmen/policemen. David Pile was hilarious while giving a speech at a political rally.
This version of ‘The 39 Steps’ requires the cast to overact at times for the jokes to work. A member of the audience behind me didn’t understand that and kept tutting at parts of the play – very distracting.
This was the first production I’ve seen by Ferndown Drama, and I was very impressed. Well done to the cast and crew.
In our February issue, in partnership with BH Live we offered readers the chance to win two tickets to see jazz star Gregory Porter perform at Bournemouth International Centre on Wednesday 14 May.
The winner was Ruby Lawrence from Merley. She correctly answered that Porter’s voice has been described as “liquid gold”. Congratulations, Ruby!
Located next to Motabitz on Ringwood Road, the family-run restaurant Love All Food has been trading as a breakfast and brunch venue for over four years.
But as of mid-April, the restaurant is now a fully functioning licensed bar and restaurant, open on Friday and Saturday evenings and offering roast dinners on Sunday afternoons.
The team are excited to welcome locals to try the food and drinks that have been so carefully put together.
All dishes are made from scratch with produce and drinks locally sourced wherever possible, and the menu has been developed by highly experienced daytime manager and chef Kath, assistant manager Hollie and new fine dining chef Tony Doyle along with the owners Sam and Suzy.
Love All Food tested the new menu on Saturday 12 April with some of the restaurant’s regulars, as well as family and supporters, and the taster sessions were extremely well received.
Owner Sam Lovell said: “We salute you Ferndown, such a fantastic community. We hope that our fresh, locally sourced produce, skilled, friendly team and ambience will be a welcome addition to our lovely town. The support so far has been wonderful.”
Once Love All Food has settled into Friday and Saturday night trade and the extended Sundays for roast dinners, the team plan to open on additional evenings in the week, with a new lunch menu on its way soon.
To book a table, see the menu or enquire about events and private hire, visit www.loveallfood.co.uk.
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By Ben Clark, Foray Motor Group
Late last year, I was privileged to receive an exclusive invitation to a secret location in the heart of London to witness the highly anticipated arrival of the All-Electric Ford Puma Gen-E. This was a truly special occasion, as it marked the first time anyone had seen this remarkable vehicle in person. Now, I’m thrilled to finally share the exciting news with you.
The All-Electric Ford Puma Gen-E takes the UK’s best-selling vehicle to a whole new level. With its sleek and familiar shape, the Puma Gen-E maintains the sporty design and elevated driving position that made the original model so popular. However, beneath the surface, this new Puma is fully electrified, offering zero-emission power and cutting-edge electric performance.
The Puma Gen-E is powered by a 43kWh battery that provides a 233-mile range based on the WLTP combined cycle, with the ability to achieve up to 326 miles in urban (city) driving. This makes it a highly practical option for both daily commutes and longer trips, while keeping the environment in mind.
Inside, the Puma Gen-E combines luxury with advanced technology.
The 12.8-inch digital driver display and 12-inch SYNC 4
KEY SPECS
Fuel type: Electric
Body type: Sport Utility Vehicle
Transmission: Automatic Range: Up to 233 miles
Price: Models start from £29,995
touchscreen provide seamless connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a wireless charging pad ensures your devices are always powered. The vehicle is available in Select and Premium trims, with the Premium model featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, a B&O Premium Sound System, Sensico leather upholstery, and Dynamic Matrix LED headlights, further enhancing the driving experience.
For those who are looking for a vehicle that offers cuttingedge tech, advanced features, and a fun-to-drive electric experience, the Puma Gen-E truly stands out.
Whether you choose the Select, packed with essential features like a rear-view camera and wireless charging, or the Premium with all the bells and whistles, the Puma Gen-E offers something for every driver.
This spring, we’re inviting customers to an exclusive New Puma Gen-E launch event. As one of the first to get behind the wheel, you’ll experience the future of Ford.
To reserve a space, please call myself or the team on 01202 712136 and I look forward to welcoming you.
Review by Rebecca Smith
Having only driven a couple of electric cars before—and usually driving a diesel—I wasn’t sure what to expect from the new Ford Puma Gen-E. However, from the moment I set off, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to adapt.
Design-wise, the Gen-E keeps the sleek, sporty shape and slightly raised driving position that made the original Puma so popular. A standout detail is the stylish white Ford badge on the rear—a small touch that sets this model apart. Underneath it all, the Gen-E is fully electric, powered by a 43kWh battery offering up to 233 miles of range (or up to 326 miles in city conditions). Perfect for going off on weekend adventures.
The inside is spacious, with plenty of storage. There’s a surprising amount of space under the bonnet— great for stowing away charging cables, shopping bags or outdoor gear. The boot is generous too, and even comes with a drainage plug— ideal for rinsing out muddy boots or even the dog after a muddy walk! For the British weather, there are heated seats as well as a retractable sunroof — all weather conditions covered.
A novel feature for me was the
one-pedal driving mode, which lets you accelerate and slow down using just the accelerator. It took a few minutes to get used to, but was surprisingly smooth and might be especially handy for stop-start city traffic. On the dual carriageway, the Puma Gen-E really came into its own—the drive was incredibly smooth and quiet. Manoeuvring when parking was made very straightforward with a reversing camera and sensors.
For those who are not convinced about the quietness of an electric car, the Gen-E includes an option to choose ‘propulsion sound technology’. It gives a subtle feeling of an engine accelerating without the need for an exhaust.
Inside, it’s packed with tech: a digital display, a touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Personally, a car that is fun to drive and has space for a muddy dog in the boot is always a winner for me!
Drivers may unknowingly be at risk of hefty fines simply for hanging an air freshener in their cars. Authorities are tightening regulations on obstructed windscreens, and even common dashboard decorations could now lead to penalties.
Road safety experts, including car accessories company Number 1 Plates, warn that an increasing number of motorists are being caught off guard by this little-known rule. With fines reaching up to £1,000 and penalty points on the line, drivers must now reconsider their choice of in-car accessories—or risk paying the price.
Under Rule 30 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, drivers must ensure their windscreen provides a clear and unobstructed view of the road. Similarly, the Highway Code (Rule 92) warns against anything that restricts visibility, including satnavs, phone holders, and even fluffy dice.
According to a traffic officer: “Many drivers don’t realise that even small obstructions like air fresheners or parking permits could impair their view, especially at junctions or roundabouts. Officers are trained to spot anything that could compromise road safety.”
If an officer deems your windscreen to be obstructed, you could face an on-the-spot fine of £100. However, if the case escalates to court, fines can soar up to £1,000 and may include three penalty points on your licence. Repeat offenders risk further legal action and potential licence suspension.
Recent studies found that visual obstructions contribute to
over 10 per cent of road accidents in urban areas.
To avoid unnecessary fines and penalties, follow these simple steps:
• Keep the windscreen clear
• Check your visibility before setting off and if stopped, comply with officers’ requests to remove any obstructing items.
• If using a satnav or phone holder, use legal mounting options and position the device as low as possible without interfering with the view of the road.
In March, BCP Council proposed cutting speed limits to 20 miles per hour (mph) in the Winton, Moordown, Charminster and Talbot Woods area. According to the council, Winton and the surrounding area currently rank as having the highest number of road accidents in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Over a five-year period
starting from 2019, there were 217 casualties from road accidents, with 36 people suffering serious injuries.
Cllr Richard Herrett, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations, said: “We are committed to making roads across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole safer for everyone, and this proposal for a 20mph
Neighbourhood for Winton and the surrounding area is ultimately about saving lives.”
There are currently more than 70 of these 20mph speed limit zones across the BCP conurbation. Data collected over a 10-year period shows there was on average a 40 per cent reduction in casualty collisions in these areas.
The proposed 20mph Neighbourhood for Winton would be funded entirely through an external government grant received from the UK government’s Department for Transport (DfT). It is not being funded through council tax.
BCP Council ran a public consultation on the plans until 28 April. The council has not announced its final decision at the time of writing. Sharing the space Dorset View asked Dilys Gartside, lead co-ordinator for campaign group 20’s Plenty for Dorset, about the proposals. She shared this response:
“It is Monday before Christmas and I am cycling up Wimborne Road in Winton. The road is busy with shoppers and drivers looking for a slot to park. At 9am, people hurrying to work on foot, by bus, scooter and cycle are mixed with cars and commercial delivery vans.
“Winton’s high street is fed by many side roads along its 3km stretch from Castle Lane to Talbot Avenue. As I reach Cowper Road on my left, I see a Vauxhall Zafira approaching the junction and attempt eye contact with the driver.
“As I commit to passing the junction, the car moves out into my path. I hear my highpitched scream and swerve away. We stop inches apart.
“Initially, the driver appears more shaken than me, repeating that he didn’t see me due probably to the vehicle’s wide quarterlight. I reassure him I’m okay, but later sit on the kerb while delayed shock sets in.
“The busier the street scene,
the more likely humans are to make errors of judgement, but these need not, and should not, result in serious injury and worse. The Winton shopping area is one such scene and in recent years has recorded the highest number of collisions with serious and fatal injuries throughout the BCP region. The design of the area does not allow space to segregate vulnerable road users, such as those on foot and cycle, from the now heavyweight contenders.
“A vehicle travelling at 30mph takes twice the stopping distance as one travelling at 20mph. Fortunately for me, the Vauxhall driver had slowed to approach the junction and was able to stop within a couple of metres.
“The 2024 DfT guidance ‘Setting Local Speed Limits’ clarifies that the highway authority (in this case BCP) should consider 20mph as the appropriate speed limit on major streets where there are, or are likely to be, significant numbers of journeys on foot, and/or where pedal cycle movements are an important consideration, and on residential streets in cities, towns and villages, particularly where the streets are being used by people on foot and on bicycles, there is community support and the characteristics of the street are suitable.
“In September 2023, Wales changed the national default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph in built-up areas and statistics for the first 12 months of operation showed a 28 per cent reduction in casualties, equivalent to 100 people not killed or seriously injured. This reduction is not reflected elsewhere in the UK and cannot be accounted for other than the 20mph introduction.” What are your views on 20mph zones? Write in to news@dorsetview.co.uk to share your thoughts.
A butterfly charity is urging garden owners to let their grass grow long this summer
We are in a butterfly emergency.
That’s according to the national charity Butterfly Conservation, which recently declared 2024 as one of the worst years on record for UK butterflies following the release of data from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS).
UKBMS found that, for the first time since records began in 1976, more than half of butterfly species in the UK are now in long-term decline.
Among the worst affected is the Small Tortoiseshell, a butterfly species recognisable from its bright colours and appearance, which can live in all parts of the UK. Since records began in 1976, its abundance has dropped by 86 per cent. Numbers in 2023 were the worst ever at that point, and last year were down again.
Other common butterfly species that live in gardens,
parks and the wider countryside had their secondworst year since 1976.
To help the insect recover, Butterfly Conservation is urging people across the UK to put away their lawnmowers and let their grass grow long until September.
The charity said: “Last year, we published new research showing that letting parts of your garden grow wild with long grass can increase butterfly numbers up to 93 per cent and attract a wider range of species.
“[April to September] is the most important time of year to have long grass because it’s when most caterpillars feed and adults shelter, breed, lay eggs, and drink the nectar from flowers.”
The charity also urged gardeners to leave 20 per cent of their lawn uncut when they do start mowing again. This patch
of uncut lawn can provide refuge to insect species all year round.
Dr Marc Botham, butterfly ecologist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, said: “Butterflies are valuable not just in their own right but also as indicator species, meaning
they can tell us about the health of the wider environment, which makes the UKBMS data invaluable in assessing the health of our countryside and natural world in general.”
To find out more, visit butterflyconservation.org.
If your boiler has been making strange sounds recently, you shouldn’t ignore them. According to the website My Home Improvements, unusual boiler sounds can be your home’s way of warning you that something isn’t right. Here are five boiler noises you should never ignore, and what they could mean:
Kettling (a loud rumbling or boiling sound)
If your boiler sounds like a kettle boiling, it could mean limescale or sludge has built up around the heat exchanger. This restricts water flow and causes overheating — left untreated, it could damage the boiler.
Banging or clunking
This one’s hard to miss. Banging usually points to air trapped in the system or issues with the pipework or pump. It
could also signal imminent part failure, so don’t wait it out.
Whistling
A high-pitched whistling sound can be caused by air in the pipes or a failing valve. It’s often harmless at first, but it’s best to get it looked at before it escalates into something more serious.
Gurgling
Gurgling noises are often linked to trapped air or frozen condensate pipes. It’s usually fixable, but if it keeps happening, your system may need bleeding or rebalancing.
Humming
A low hum can suggest issues with the fan or low water pressure. A humming boiler running constantly can drive up your energy bills and wear out internal parts more quickly.
“Don’t ignore odd boiler
noises. Most issues start small — but catching them early can prevent a costly breakdown,” said My Home Improvements. Why not speak to one of the plumbers advertised in this magazine to see if they can help you?
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Residents of Birchdale Road in Wimborne are continuing their fight against development on their doorstep.
In June last year, an outline application for 55 houses on the adjacent Leigh Farm was turned down with the plan receiving more than 500 objections. The development had been refused on three previous occasions.
Now the owners of the field, Nightingale Land, have put in a further application for 55 houses on the land.
Resident Jill Whitfield said: “We will be fighting this. We have created a poster to put round the roads to get people to object. The planning application number is P/OUT/2025/01997.”
She added that residents had put forward an application for the bottom of Birchdale Road to become a Town Village Green, but Nightingale Land had objected.
“We have responded to this objection and wait to hear Dorset Council’s decision,” Whitfield said.
The only access to Leigh Farm, which had previously been under family ownership, would be through a piece of land at the end of Birchdale Road.
Nightingale Land were approached for a comment.
