Ferndown Matters Winter 2016

Issue 29

Winter 2016

RNS

RETU

BEACON SHINES AT ST MARY’S CHURCH

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON SUCCESS

Visit our website www.ferndown.gov.uk or like us on Facebook - Ferndown Town Council

Dorset mayors and chairman getting in the festive spirit On Thursday 10th December 2015 the Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Julie Robinson held a Civic carol service, for members of the community, the chairman and mayors from various parts of the county. The photo above shows the mayors and chairman indulging in some mince pies and mulled wine while getting into the festive spirit.

The mayor’s chosen charity for this year was Ferndown Stroke Club and during the carol service £120 was raised. Everyone who joined together at St Mary’s Church contributed generously towards her charity and made the evening thoroughly enjoyable.

Benchmark of Remembrance

F

erndown Town Council was proud to unveil a new seat in Ferndown Millennium Park in November following the Armistice Day service held at the nearby Royal British Legion garden.

Provided by the town council, the stunning bench commemorates 70 years since the end of World War Two. It was blessed by the Rev’d Patches Chabala, the new associate minister at St Mary’s Church, Ferndown.

Ford Lane Football Pitch

The work on Ford Lane Football Ground has finally been completed, the pitch is now available for booking.

All enquiries should be directed to the Town Council offices at the Barrington Centre. Tel: 01202 892249 Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

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The Beacon @ St Mary’s Church, Ferndown The official opening of “The Beacon @ St Mary’s” last October saw the celebration of the completion of the building extension to the church and hall.

Since then The Beacon Café has opened and St Mary’s are thrilled to be welcoming people from the local community.

The Beacon Café is open to all, Mon-Fri from 8.30am - 4pm and on Saturdays from 9am - 12.30pm, serving a full range of hot and cold drinks, cakes, traybakes, pastries, sandwiches, paninis, home-made soup and jacket potatoes.

There is also free wi-fi access and a children’s play area.

Paul Craddock, St Mary’s Café Manager, is delighted with how the café is going. “The café is run by a superb team of volunteers and we have been working very hard to ensure that we provide high quality food, drink and service. We received the top rating (5*) from our Environmental Health Officer and feedback from our customers has been very positive. It’s a fantastic setting, combining the comfort and airiness of a café with the beautiful architecture of the adjoining church. We have also received compliments from local business users, noting that volunteers are cheerful, welcoming and attentive.”

Rev’d Sarah Pix (Rector) is excited about the opportunities the café and new facilities at St Mary’s provide to build better links between the church and community. “From the very beginning we wanted to create spaces where everyone would feel welcome to ‘come as they are’. At St 4

Mary’s we are passionate about engaging with our community. Despite the social networking revolution, loneliness and isolation are real issues. As a church we are excited that our new facilities have enabled us to broaden our scope in addressing these issues. There is always someone in our café volunteer team available to talk with anyone in need. We are also conscious that businesses, charities and community groups need local venues with good facilities, and it has been great to welcome a variety of new venue users including U3A, running various interest groups for the over 50s, and Play Sportz providing fun sports activities for young children. Ferndown has very few meeting places for business people so we are pleased to be able to offer top facilities to help support local businesses as well. There is a warm welcome for everyone at St Mary’s.”

For more information about St Mary’s Church Ferndown see their website www.stmarysferndown.org.uk or call Sandy or Liz in the Church Office on 01202 897087 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am - 4.30pm)

Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

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Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

Ferndown footpaths/ bridleways

Survey says...

Ferndown Chamber of Commerce (FCOC) has recently instructed an independent company to carry out a survey within Ferndown to get an understanding from local business owners and the public as to their thoughts and insights of the town, focusing on running a business and shopping experiences within Ferndown.

The survey was carried out towards the end of last year and the full reports have only just arrived but here is a brief insight of the main points raised by local businesses; • It was generally agreed that parking was easy to find and accessible but businesses could do with additional parking closer to many of the towns retailers.

• It was felt that footfall within in the town has reduced over the last few years but it is felt that this is mainly due to high street competition and not the internet.

• To help improve the town it was felt that multiple retailers (stores like Next etc), should be encouraged to move into the town centre.

• It was agreed that overall the town was a clean and safe environment.

• To help improve footfall within Ferndown it was evident that businesses felt that regular markets, Christmas Events and radio advertising would help achieve this.

A full presentation of both reports will be made to the FCOC committee shortly and it will prove to be very interesting reading. Actions can then be taken from the findings so as to support Chamber members and enhance the experience of visiting the centre of Ferndown.

Hours at KGV Fields The evenings will soon be lighter and, as per every year, the opening hours for King George’s Fields will revert to summer times from 1 April, Monday – Sunday 8.00am – 8.00pm Any cars remaining in the charity’s car park after closing time will be locked in and will not be able to be removed until the following morning.

Please may we also take this opportunity to politely remind residents that the charity’s car parking spaces within the gates are for those people using the facilities at King George’s fields.

Please note that there is no school parking within KGV grounds – parking is for patrons of the charity only. People visiting the lower and middle schools for evening activities must park outside the gates to avoid being locked in after closing.

Please note that due to the charity’s risk of traveller incursion, it will be operating the width restriction bollard. This can be deployed as necessary at any time.

Pedestrian access to the fields will remain open 24 hours for those wishing to attend the evening sessions at Ferndown Tennis Club or merely walking the fields.

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Did you know there are 56 footpath/bridleways within Ferndown totalling a distance of approximately 15 miles. The majority are beautiful rural walks and due to nature get overgrown.

Bridgette Johnson and Terry Cordery are seeking helpers to enjoy the walks whilst at the same time helping to clear some of the overgrown foliage.

If you are interested in joining them call 01202 876293 or email terry.cordery@sky.com

Ferndown in Bloom 2016 The Annual General Meeting of Ferndown in Bloom will take place in February (date to be advised). If you would like to come along to the AGM, or would be interested in helping out this year in the competition, please contact Jean Read on 01202 875926. Ferndown in Bloom are always looking for new volunteers to assist and this can be for anything from planting bulbs, administration, fund-raising or judging. All help, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated and Jean would be delighted to hear from you. Let’s all help make Ferndown fantastically floral this summer!

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Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

The next issue of Ferndown Matters is Spring 2016 for advertising details contact mags4dorset 01202 816140 for editorial content contact Ferndown Town Council 01202 892249

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Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

LIVE: Ferndown

LIVE: FERNDOWN IS AN ANNUAL LOCAL COMPETITION TO FIND OUR MOST TALENTED LOCAL MUSICAL ARTISTS. THE WINNER IN 2015 WAS EMMA-JANE TOOP (PICTURED), A GUITARIST, ORIGINAL SONGWRITER AND SINGER, THEN AGED 16.

The event is organised by Steve Lugg, with deputy Aidan Byrne, in association with the Ferndown Community Association, and supported by East Dorset District Council.

Each season, Sunday Clubs run at the Barrington Centre on the first Sunday of the month from September to March, with a Grand Final in April. The winner of each heat receives a cash prize and finalists are chosen from the auditions.

The 2016 final will be held at the Barrington Theatre on 8th April, with host Chris Chrissyferkin Daines, lead judge Matt Black and Steve Lugg all involved. The audience play an important part, choosing their favourite act through voting, and the winner will receive £150 this year.

Get the March edition of the ‘Barrington’ magazine to pull-out the four-page spread detailing the finalists, prizes and programme for the night. Tickets are now on sale at £5.00 from the Barrington Centre, or from their website. But don’t delay, last year was a sell-out with 192 attendees in the audience! Live: Ferndown is encouraging more live music locally, and helping local talent to gain experience and ‘break through’.

James Robinson, Macie Lefaux, the mayor and Naomi Tilley Watson (customer services assistant with Ferndown Town Council) The Christmas tree was sponsored by Simons Group who are currently constructing the new Marks & Spencer on Ringwood Road

Lighting up Ferndown

Were you part of the crowd at Penny’s Walk for Ferndown’s Christmas lights switch-on at the end of last year?

Hundreds turned out for this growing event run by Ferndown Chamber of Commerce.

Local performers Jenny Oag, Evelyn Walsh, Catherine Gray and the Studio One student choir were followed by Gugge 2000. This popular band entertained before counting down to the switch-on by the Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Julie Robinson.

Everyone enjoyed the atmosphere, which included a fairground ride, stalls and festive treats such as chestnuts and mulled wine. Children loved meeting Santa in his grotto at the Barrington, where there was also a craft fair.

The raffle with hamper prizes generously sponsored by chamber members was drawn by the mayor. 1st P Leach, 2nd E Cranton, 3rd M Beechey.

The chamber’s Christmas Event committee is led by Ben Pulford (mags4dorset) and Stuart Fleetham (Xerocad). Ben said, “The event went really well and we intend to keep building on it.

Next year will be bigger and better and if you’re on the chamber and you want to help out, please let us know or give me a ring on 01202 870270.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the 2016 Christmas Lights Switch-on can contact Ben, or Stuart Fleetham at Xerocad.

Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

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Ferndown Chamber of Commerce joins Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry

F

erndown Chamber of Commerce (FCOC) became the sixth town chamber to affiliate with Dorset Chamber of Commerce(DCCI) bringing the total number of businesses represented to nearly 1,500. Joining DCCI adds strength and many benefits for Ferndown Chamber members whilst maintaining their own identity.

Other affiliates include, Weymouth and Portland, Broadstone, Dorchester, Poole and Bridport. Meetings will be help quarterly with representatives from all the chambers present. These meetings will help each Chamber with new ideas, problem solving and enhance communication across Dorset.

Ian Girling, DCCI chief executive, said: “Ferndown Chamber of Commerce will be a valuable ally in the pan-Dorset chamber network. With the weight of six chambers and nearly 1,500 businesses behind us, it is important that we take advantage of every opportunity to drive economic growth and fight Dorset’s corner.”

Town chambers work at a local level on issues of concern and trading conditions. DCCI has a more strategic role with a wider economic overview. The affiliation movement will also give county chambers a louder voice to represent business locally, regionally and nationally.

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Benefits for Ferndown Chamber include; 1. All training courses provided by DCCI to its members, our members will have unlimited access to them at member prices.

2. Our members will be able to have access to virtually all DCCI members’ events at normal non-member rates. Having said this, on a couple of occasions they will be able to qualify for discounted prices to events.

For example, two breakfast meetings per year will be allowed at member rates.

3. Full business support and advice. Marketing ideas and access to other DCCI members who can supply services and goods to help our own members.

4. Evening and social events.

VIP guests such as leading politician’s and leading business people.

5. Support from DCCI as the County Chamber on key issues 6. Access to the BCC Quarterly Economic Survey.

7. Input in to and recognition in Business Pulse 8. An annual policy meeting/ summit arranged by DCCI 9. Access to DCCI newsletter (electronic) 10. The opportunity to deliver events together 11. Annual networking event together

By becoming part of Dorset Chamber of Commerce, Ferndown Chamber have added many benefits to its members which in turn will enhance the business environment within the town

Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

Engaging East Dorset’s Young People in Democracy Soft play gets harder Heatherlands Soft-Play Group would like to thank District Councillor Peter Oggelsby for the new indoor wooden climbing frame.

Soft-play group leader John Hanrahan said, “This is a much-needed new addition that will help our younger children learn balance, climbing and coordination skills in a fun way.

“I must say it also great to see our district councilors working ‘hands on’ within local community groups on their projects.”

Heatherlands manager retires After nine years as manager of the Heatherlands Centre in Ferndown, well-known community champion, John Hanrahan will take early retirement on 29 January due to ill health.

He said, “I have enjoyed my time at Heatherlands and have met some fantastic people and worked with some fantastic people and I’m leaving at the top of the game.”

He will still be involved with the Ferndown Jitsu Club and the new Wednesday Mums and Toddlers Group at the Heatherlands Centre, but hopes to take a well-earned rest and have a holiday to recharge his batteries.

Matt Reeks, community and open spaces manager at East Dorset District Council said, “John Hanrahan has given a huge amount of hard work, commitment and enthusiasm towards the development of the Heatherlands Community Centre, both the development of the building and the support he has given towards the services it offers to the residents on the estate. We are sorry to see John leave and wish him a happy retirement. “ Bookings at the centre will be administered

by Lorraine Clark on 07710 365719 or email heatherlandscc@gmail.com

Cllr Steve Lugg is working to involve and engage young people from across the district in local democracy and has already been working with the proactive and enterprising new Head at Ferndown Upper School, Philip Jones.

Local Upper Schools have been asked to submit ideas for spending £1000 locally by 8th February. Representative pupils from the three schools will then meet at Furzehill Council Chamber on 11th March to debate, and decide upon the project that this money will be spent upon. During the session the Chief Executive will speak to the young people, and the Elections section will brief them on electoral registration and the election process.

Cllr Steve Lugg said, “Nobody has a monopoly on good ideas, innovation and service delivery. We need to support young people in understanding that local government needs to concern, engage and involve them. This Participatory Budgeting exercise is designed to show that there will always be competing priorities for a scarce resource, and hopefully bring out the analytical and communication skills of those taking part in the day in March.”

The ‘Great Barrow’ Project - Help!

Cllr Steve Lugg is engaged with the Heritage Lottery Fund and local partners including the Great Heath Project to restore the ‘Great Barrow’ signs onto Ferndown Common, and provide both website and town centre information about the Great Barrow.

Steve asks if any residents have any information, photographs or any knowledge that will support the project, please can they contact him through the council.

Steve says, “The Great Barrow is a central part of Ferndown’s heritage and we need to highlight it for residents and visitors alike.”

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The Barrington is celebrating it’s thirtieth year The Barrington was opened for the public in 1986

by HRH Princess Margaret with a grand opening and lots of people lining Penny’s Walk to celebrate this auspicious event for Ferndown. Since then the Barrington and it’s governing charity, the Ferndown Community Association, have been delivering a very valuable service to the community of Ferndown. Over the last thirty years the Centre has hosted some brilliant shows and events which have rivaled some of the bigger theatre’s in the area. In more recent years a few alterations have needed to happen with the way the charity has run the building and this has included the recent introduction of a new manager. Things are really starting to pick up pace going into this 30th celebration year with shows on the stage like The Three Degrees celebrating their 50th year tour to The Jam featuring Bruce Foxton bass guitarist from the original The Jam, and John Coghlan’s Quo. John Coghlan was an original member of Status Quo during the 70s. With regular events like these plus all the other tribute artists, live bands, daily groups, events and fairs, the Barrington is looking good and is still providing a home for even more of the community than ever before.

“I am pleased with the progress we have made in the first two years of my time here and we are starting to demonstrate that we can develop and grow the services we provide without the need for any additional external financial support. I hope that with all the staff and volunteers’ hard work and dedication, we will be able to keep providing these much loved services for another 30 years,” said Andrew Bryant, General Manager.

To find out more about the thirtieth year celebrations and what’s on stage please visit the Barrington’s website. www.barringtoncentre.co.uk

Join us at our Memory Cafe in Ferndown If you have dementia, or are caring for someone with dementia, come along to your local café Location: Barrington Centre, Penny’s Walk, Ferndown BH22 9TH Time: The first and third Wednesday of every month, from 1.30 – 3pm For more information contact: Alzheimer’s Society local office in Dorset on 01202 764352 or dorset@alzheimers.org.uk

We look forward to seeing you About our Dementia Café If you have dementia, or are caring for someone with dementia, you’ll be welcomed at one of our cafés. Come along to meet others in a similar situation, in a relaxed social setting. You can spend time sharing information and experiences, or simply have a cup of tea and a chat. Friendly Alzheimer’s Society staff and volunteers will be on hand to give you information and support, and there will be a range of refreshments available.

Your local café Your local café meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month, from 1.30-3pm at Barrington Centre, Penny’s Walk, Ferndown BH22 9TH. If you’d like to find out more about the café, please contact your local Alzheimer’s Society office in Dorset on 01202 764352 or dorset@ alzheimers.org.uk “It’s nice to socialise with people who have dementia. I can have a few laughs with them, without worrying about my memory.” Person with dementia

Free community dog event April 2016 sees compulsory microchipping of dogs comes into force. To help you, EDDC have teamed up with the Ferndown Central Town Team (formerly the PACT), Town Council through the KGV Charity, local businesses and dog groups to bring you a community dog fun day on Good Friday, 25th March. This event will be held on the KGV Fields Ferndown for all East Dorset residents from 1-4pm.

Free microchipping of your pooch and “Ask the vet” will be available, as well as relavant stalls, taster dog classes, and refreshments. This will be a good early Easter day out for all the family, free and useful!

For more information contact Rachel Taylor at EDDC or Cllr Steve Lugg, Chairman of the Town Team.

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Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

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FERNDOWN

For illustrative purposes only

steps

make swimming

easier

Ferndown Leisure Centre is pleased to announce that the swimming pool is now more accessible to people with mobility difficulties following the arrival of a new set of steps.

They were fitted in December to aid entry into the pool by way of a gentle gradient and this will, in most cases, avoid the use of the hoist.

Jo Sinclair, health and wellbeing coordinator said, “In the past, pool users found they had to use the hoist because our top step is very steep, or they did not have enough strength in their arms to pull up out of the water using the vertical ones.”

The new steps will overcome these problems.

“We still have the hoist available, as some users will still need this, but the steps should open up access for quite a few users,” added Jo. The new steps are moveable and will be put into the pool for certain session.

10K RUN After the success of the inaugural run last year the Ferndown 10k is again up and running This year the run will take place on 18th June 2016 and start at 11.30am from the King George V Playing Fields and there will be also be a 5K and a shorter run probably around 1 – 2K so everyone can have a go and get those endorphins flowing.

The multi terrain 10K and 5K runs will be registered and classified with England Athletics and will take in Ferndown roads and Ferndown Common tracks. This year the hills have been left out by popular request.

The runs are in conjunction with the annual Ferndown Fete On The Fields which opens its gates at 11.00am so when the runs are completed there will be plenty of entertainment available for the rest of the day.

For further information contact Harry Worth; 01202 895923 or visit the website www. ferndown10k.org

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New

Ferndown Fete on the Fields

We are delighted to announce that Fete on the Fields will return this year, bigger and better! The Rotary Club are kindly orgainising this event again this year and it will take place on Saturday 18th June 2016 – note the date, more information in the next edition of this magazine.

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Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

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Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

FERNDOWN

Remembrance Parade

Sunday 8th November saw the annual Remembrance Parade and service held at St. Mary’s Church in Ferndown

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he Band of Poole Sea Cadets and civic dignitaries including MP Christopher Chope and Chairman of East Dorset District Council, Cllr Steven Lugg, led the parade of veterans, serving personnel, Ferndown Royal British Legion, cadet units and a large contingent of Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies, Beavers, Rainbows and other local groups representing all ages and parts of the community.

The parade also saw the return of the Wessex Military Vehicles Group for the second year

bringing back memories of past times to many of the large crowd who lined the route to St. Mary’s Church and then filled the church to standing room only.

Rev’d. Sarah Pix, Rector of Ferndown and the Chaplain of Ferndown Royal British Legion, Lieutenant Commander Ralph Dodds, Royal Navy (retired), led the service to commemorate the lasting sacrifice made by all those involved in past and present conflicts, before the parade returned to the KGV Field with the salute taken by the Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Mrs. Julie Robinson.

Remembrance window displays “All our branches across Dorset invited people to drop in photos of people they had loved and lost who had served in the forces over the years,” said manager of A E Jolliffe, Michael Wilton. “We had a fantastic response and the feedback and comments we have had from passers-by has been lovely.

“We are always looking for ways to work more closely with our local community. At our Wimborne office, Douch and Small, we also invited people to knit poppies for us to sell and raise money for the poppy appeal. Some staff here also knitted for us as well. This was following the success of last year and not having enough to sell so we wanted to make sure we could keep up with demand! Again we had an fantastic response both people knitting for us, and with the sales of the poppies.”

A E Jolliffe has a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and Linked-in. Social media is used for community and charity posts and events, go to: https://www.facebook.com/Douch-FamilyFuneral-Directors-713213938815775/?fref=ts Each branch has it’s own location page.

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Help for hedgehogs at Knoll Gardens The declining UK hedgehog population was highlighted at a special Wild About Gardens event at Knoll Gardens near Wimborne recently as part of a Knoll Gardens Foundation initiative to explain how we can all share our gardens with wildlife.

Visitors were able to handle hedgehogs and learn about these prickly creatures from Dorset Wildlife Trust officers, and get advice on ways to create suitable hedgehog habitats and ‘wildlife corridors’ to encourage hedgehogs into our gardens.

The UK hedgehog population has radically declined in both urban and rural areas in the last 12 years with The People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) suggesting that numbers have dropped by one third to fewer than a million. The Knoll event was one of more than one hundred around the UK organised to support the recent joint RHS/Wildlife Trusts Wild About Gardens week.

Learning and Interpretation Officer with Dorset Wildlife Trust Nicky Hoar said, “Hedgehogs are in serious decline so we are keen to encourage people to help them. They are not only wild native animals that need our protection but they also help us to control slugs and snails in the gardens – so what’s not to like? We hope that this event and the Wild About Gardens campaign will be a big boost to hedgehogs in our area and that can only be good for all of us.”

Knoll Gardens is renowned for its naturalistic style and known internationally for its ornamental grasses. The Knoll Gardens Foundation is a charity dedicated to refining and promoting a wildlife-friendly naturalistic gardening style using the garden at Knoll as a practical example and base for experimentation. The Foundation runs events to help gardeners to create truly stunning gardens that are both wildlife-friendly and reduce reliance on scarce natural resources.

The team is busy planning its event programme for 2016 and more information on wildlife and plant inspired days will be posted on www.knollgardensfoundation.org.

More details about the RHS/Wildlife Trusts Wild About Gardens campaign can be found at www.wildaboutgardens.org.uk

KNOLL GARDEN IS OPEN 10AM – 4PM UNTIL MARCH (CLOSED FROM 19 DECEMBER – 2 FEBRUARY) AND FROM 10AM – 5PM THEREAFTER

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP THE BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED The Blind Club in Ferndown is well-loved by its blind and partially sighted members who attend on alternate Tuesday afternoons, but it needs extra drivers and an organiser to maintain its programme. Members come from Wimborne, Verwood, St Ives, and Ferndown for a friendly social afternoon just for them.

It is run by volunteers, with volunteer drivers 22

providing the essential transport.

If you can offer a couple of hours each fortnight, or just help out occasionally as a relief driver, please call the Dorset Blind Association on 01202 712865 or a Ferndown Blind Club volunteer on 01202 854688.

Alternatively visit the website www. dorsetblind.org.uk

Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

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Charity urges couples to start the year talking money Money and relationships are famed for starting rows but a local debt counselling agency is recommending East Dorset residents get talking about finances early in 2016 Christians Against Poverty says having ‘the money conversation’ with a partner can be one of the hardest things to do but it is a move that can really change your year ahead.

Pam Ansell, Centre Manager of the East Dorset CAP branch said: “I see people who have fallen into crisis debt every week and I can tell you it is crucial for your health and happiness in 2016 that you have a reality check of your finances as soon as you can in this New Year.

“It might be nerve wracking to bring those bank statements out into the open but until you both know what’s happening, you can’t start to tackle it. Working at your finances together, setting goals together and resolving to sort things can be an amazing step forward for the whole family.”

The Money Advice Service found in a poll of more than 2,000 UK adults that nearly half (45%) weren’t always honest with their partner about finances while a quarter were lying about spending.

Christians Against Poverty’s latest research shows three in four debt clients said their situation had caused arguments while nearly a quarter (23%) said debt directly led to their relationship breaking down – so the stakes are high.

CAP’s top tips for having “the money conversation” are: 1.

Pick your time when things are quiet at home and no one is dealing with any immediate stresses.

2. Avoid the conversation when the children are around, your mum-in-law is visiting or a big bill has just landed.

3. Agree that you want to make it a year when you get on top of finances together and that the money conversation isn’t about blaming anyone.

4. Acknowledge that money management can be hard, especially when stressed, or if you’re on a low income. Mistakes may have been made but this is about looking forward.

5. Remember your attitudes to money might be very different. Past experiences can shape these but you can play to each other’s strengths.

6. Decide on a shared goal you want to aim for, like a day out, a holiday or a new car or just a ‘getting back in the black’ celebration.

This will happen twice as fast if you’re in it together.

7. Use one of the many online tools – or book into one of the hundreds of free CAP Money Courses – to begin to build your budget.

8. If you have debts, don’t delay in getting help from a free debt counselling agency like Christians Against Poverty, Stepchange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice, Payplan, the Money Advice Service or, if you’re self employed, Business Debtline.

9. Make payday the day you review how it’s all going and make adjustments to the budget where necessary.

10. Avoid credit wherever possible and begin to save as soon as you can, even if it is a small regular amount.

To find out more about CAP see capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006 alternatively visit the weekly information table at the Barrington Theatre in Penny’s Walk every Thursday morning 24

Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

Meetings of the Town Council

Meeting dates may be subject to change – IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND ANY MEETING, PLEASE CHECK THE DATE AND TIME on the agenda displayed on Council noticeboards or by telephoning the Council Office on 01202 892249

2016 FEB

Mon

1st

7:00pm

TOWN COUNCIL

Barrington Centre

Thu

4th

7:00pm

Planning Committee

Barrington Centre

Mon

8th

7:00pm

Grants Committee

Barrington Centre

Mon

25th

7:00pm

Planning Committee

Barrington Centre

Thu

29th

7:00pm

Personnel Committee

Barrington Centre

MAR

Mon

7th

7:00pm

Environment Committee

Barrington Centre

Tue

8th

7:00pm

KGV Sole Trustee

KGV Pavilion

Mon

14th

7:00pm

KGV Management

KGV Pavilion

Thu

17th

7:00pm

Planning Committee

Barrington Centre

Mon

21st

7:00pm

Finance & GP Committee

Barrington Centre

APR

Mon

4th

7:00pm

KGV Sole Trustee

KGV Pavilion

Thu

7th

7:00pm

Planning Committee

Barrington Centre

Mon

11th

7:00pm

TOWN COUNCIL

Barrington Centre

Mon

25th

7:00pm

Personnel Committee

Barrington Centre

Thu

28th

7:00pm

Planning Committee

Barrington Centre

MAY

Tue

17th

7:00pm

TOWN COUNCIL AGM

Barrington Centre

Wed

18th

7:00pm

TOWN COUNCIL AGM

Barrington Centre

Thu

19th

7:00pm

Planning Committee

Barrington Centre

Tue

23rd

7:00pm

KGV Management AGM

KGV Pavilion

Meetings, other than those of the Personnel Committee, are normally open to the public.

FERNDOWN ANNUAL TOWN MEETING The Annual Town Meeting is an opportunity for residents to meet the Council, District and County councillors and ask questions. This year’s event will be held at the Barrington Centre on Wednesday 13th April at 7pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend, this is not a formal council meeting, and members of the public will be free to address the council. Tea and coffee will be provided.

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Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council

Your Town Council Town Clerk - Mrs Vanessa Ricketts The Barrington Centre, Penny’s Walk, Ferndown, BH22 9TH Tel: 01202 892249 Email: enquiries@ferndown.gov.uk

Your Ferndown Town Councillors Links Ward: Cllr. Ms P M Cooper Cllr. Mrs J Robinson Cllr. L L R Wilson

12 Corbin Avenue, FERNDOWN, Dorset BH22 8AZ 18 Medway Road, FERNDOWN, Dorset BH22 8UX 163 Leeson Drive, FERNDOWN, Dorset BH22 9TL

Central Ward: Cllr. M R Parkes Cllr. J A Muggleton Cllr. M R Jones

36 Dorset Avenue, FERNDOWN, Dorset BH22 8HW Tel: 01202 861858 3 Moorhaven, Princes Road, FERNDOWN, Dorset BH22 9JG Tel: 01202 872975 59 Amberwood, FERNDOWN, Dorset BH22 9JT Tel: 01202 894631

Central North Ward: Cllr. S M Lugg

c/o Ferndown Twon Council, The Barrington Centre, Penny’s Walk, FERNDOWN, Dorset BH22 9TH

Cllr. D M J Andrews

27 Sherborne Drive, FERNDOWN, Dorset BH22 8HU

Tel: 01202 896676 Tel: 07513 578177 Tel: 07793 440765

Tel: 01202 872066 Tel: 01202 949136

Hampreston & Longham Ward: Cllr. L Ovens 357 Ringwood Road, FERNDOWN, Dorset BH22 9AE Tel: 01202 896701 Cllr. P Lucas 14 Landford Gardens, Throop, BOURNEMOUTH, Dorset BH8 0PH Tel: 01202 533765 Cllr. P H Graham 36 Portland Road, BOURNEMOUTH, Dorset BH9 1NQ Tel: 07939 501674 Stapehill Ward: Cllr. N J Wellstead Ameysford Ward: Cllr. J L Baxter Cllr. Mrs C A Lugg

36 Wimborne Road West, WIMBORNE, Dorset BH21 2DP

Tel: 01202 880705

Greenacres, Angel Lane, Longham, FERNDOWN, Dorset BH22 9DZ Tel: 01202 897884

c/o Ferndown Twon Council, The Barrington Centre, Penny’s Walk, FERNDOWN, Dorset BH22 9TH

Cllr F W (Harry) Worth

156 Leeson Drive, FERNDOWN, Dorset BH22 9QQ

Links South Ward: Cllr. T Cordery Cllr. Mrs J Read

79 Dorset Avenue FERNDOWN, Dorset BH22 8HL 288 Ringwood Road FERNDOWN, Dorset BH22 9AS

Tel: 01202 872066 Tel: 01202 895923

Tel: 01202 876293 Tel: 01202 875926

We are keen to hear your comments Please feel free to contact us - we are listening!

Visit our website www.ferndown.gov.uk Ferndown Town Council does not accept responsibilty for the content of advertisements, promises made, or the quality or reliability of the services offered in the advetisements in this publication. All purchases made through this publication are done so entirely at your own risk. Information about a service does not imply recommendation.

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Ferndown Matters - The Magazine of Ferndown Town Council