4Dorset November 2017

Established Over 35 Years Mid Nov 2017

Your Independent Local Magazine

VIEWPOINT

Volume 42, Issue 1

VERWOOD RINGWOOD FORDINGBRIDGE WEST MOORS WIMBORNE FERNDOWN ASHLEY HEATH ST IVES, ALDERHOLT

Three-year-old girl dies in Fordingbridge Hampshire police officers were called to an address in Whitsbury Road, Fordingbridge on the evening of 19 October following a report of a concern for welfare.

They attended with South Central Ambulance Service.

A three-year-old girl was taken to Salisbury District Hospital and an adult was treated at the scene, but not taken to hospital. Sadly, the

little girl was pronounced dead later in the evening.

A 35-year-old woman from Fordingbridge was arrested. She later had a medical episode and was admitted to hospital. Police have released the woman under investigation.

Turn to page 5 to read more on this story

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VIEWPOINT Volume 42 • Issue 1 • November 2017 MAGS4DORSET Ben Pulford managing director design@mags4dorset.co.uk Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

News Desk 01202 872813 Janine Pulford editor editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk Carol Waterkeyn contributing editor

Design 01202 233441 Louis Pulford creative director louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Adam Trimby graphic designer designstudio@mags4dorset.co.uk

Advertising 01202 816140 Mark Beechey account manager DD: 01202 941465 mark@mags4dorset.co.uk Russell Harness account manager DD: 01202 941466 russell@mags4dorset.co.uk Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

LOGISTICS Ian Lory Alexandra O’Neill

Dear readers

A bit of news you won’t be expecting…

If you don’t feel Christmassy now, you will after you’ve read Viewpoint.

It’s packed with events to put you into the festive spirit as towns and villages begin to celebrate the birth of Jesus – or is it the arrival of Santa Claus?

Somehow, the lion’s share of the publicity goes to Father Christmas these days, so it is refreshing to read about events that turn Santa into the gatherer, rather than the giver of gifts. He does this in Ringwood where the act of giving presents to Santa on Christmas Eve has become a huge event that makes children think about the real meaning of Christmas. We are all taught how much more rewarding it is to give rather than receive, but somehow that message can get muddled around Christmas.

As you will discover, I’ve had a busy month. There is a review of a mini break to Jersey on Condor Ferries and a food review I carried out at Drusilla’s Inn. Both were exceptional experiences.

I have always loved my job because it is so varied and I get huge satisfaction out of writing, but I shall soon be searching for an acting editor to work full time so that I can spend more time with my Mum. I will be looking for a journalist who understands community matters and enjoys attending events. So keep an eye out for the advertisement.

I said you wouldn’t be expecting that bit of news. Was I right? Until next time,

How to contact us

Enquiries: 01202 870270 Advertising: 01202 816140 Brightbox Designs: 01202 233441 Email: mags@mags4dorset.co.uk Web: www.mags4dorset.co.uk Twitter: @mags4dorset Facebook: mags4dorset.news King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN

next copy closing date:

24 NOVEMBER 2017 The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions in order to fit in with the editorial policy and style of the magazine

e Month Pic of th

Janine Pulford Editor

4Dorset is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in selected areas of Dorset and Hampshire. It is also available by subscription at £35 per year. Views or opinions expressed in 4Dorset are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed to be unsuitable for publication. Information about a service does not imply recommendation. All purchases made through this publication are done so entirely at your own risk. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with 4Dorset and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher.

Best dressed poppies in Ferndown © Tom Scrase

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

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Back in business!

Bubbly Children In Need event A variety performance at the Barrington Centre in Ferndown promises to be a bubbly one.

Starting with the mayor, Cllr Cathy Lugg, in a giant bubble and ending with a stunning 500 balloon drop mixed with giant bubbles, the show should go with a pop.

It will be held in aid of BBC Children in Need and will get everyone into the fundraising spirit with a variety of acts.

Pudsey Bear, courtesy of BBC Southampton, will be

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VIEWPOINT November 2017

arriving before the start and children can be photographed with the iconic mascot before the event and during the interval.

The mammoth fundraiser will also incorporate a tribute to the late Sir Terry Wogan sung by Del Satterthwaite.

Other entertainment includes Polz Apart, RCA Cheerleaders, Phoenix Juniors, Irish dancing, the Twins routine, Wessex International Majorettes and Ferndown Phoenix Musical Society.

Classic favourites will be sung by Lily Meads (winner of Miss Teen Dorset 2017), Warren Brown, Catherine Gray, Jenny Oag and Paul Michael aka Pavarotti amongst others.

Songs include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, When I Grow Up, Bring Him Home, My Way and Nessun Dorma.

The date is Friday, 24 November and the bar opens at 6.30pm with ‘King of Keyboards’ Neil Zebedee, Jules and Olaf. The show starts at 7.30pm. Book at the box office on 01202 894858.

Children from Oakhurst Community and St Mary’s first schools were excited to attend the official opening of the village’s refurbished play area at Fryer Field on 19 October.

Designed to appeal to children under 12 years old, the colourful new play equipment and artificial grass surfacing should make playtime a more pleasant experience.

The £98,000 makeover was funded by West Moors Parish Council and East Dorset District Council.

It was also assisted by a Tesco Bags of Help grant.

Help needed An appeal has gone out for volunteers to help with Carols on the Petwyn in West Moors. The annual Christmas event will be held on Friday 8 December and volunteers are required from midday onwards.

If you can help, please contact Jayne Lovegrove on 01202 892361.

...Continued from front page

Death of three-year-old girl in Fordingbridge Tributes have been paid to the three-year-old, Bethan Colebourn, outside the family home in Whitsbury Road, Fordingbridge.

Mayor of Fordingbridge, Cllr Malcolm Connolly said, “I would just like to say on behalf of the residents of Fordingbridge that we offer our sincerest condolences to those affected by this awful event. It is a tragedy of gigantic proportion, my heartfelt condolences are with everyone concerned.”

The initial post-mortem examination results on 24 October were inconclusive and further tests will be carried out whilst detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.

It is reported that Bethan’s mother Claire, 35, accompanied police from the address, and her father, Michael Colebourn, 37, is the chief executive of Trimline, a Southampton-based marine interiors firm.

Green Thursday sale As an alternative to Black Friday, Dorset Wildlife Trust is launching its first online sale on 23 November. ‘Green Thursday’ discounts will be offered with 100% of profits going back into wildlife conservation work in Dorset. Visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop on 23 November for online bargains.

Further arrest in murder investigation A 40-year-old man from Poole arrested on 19 October on suspicion of conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary in relation to the murder of Guy Hedger has been released under investigation.

Mr Hedger, 61, was killed in the early hours of Sunday 30 April 2017 at his home in Ringwood, when he was shot after intruders reportedly entered his home. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at hospital.

Kevin Downton, 40, from Winterborne Stickland, 41-year-old Jason Baccus and 44-year-old Scott Keeping, both from Bournemouth, are charged with murder and will be appearing at Winchester Crown Court on 14 November. As will Helen Cooper, also known as Helen Keeping, who was charged with assisting an offender. A 39-year-old Bournemouth man and 46-year-old Poole man, previously arrested in relation to the incident, were also released under investigation.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

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LAW SPOT

Know your consumer rights!

By Cath Porter, Partner and Head of Family Law at Harold G Walker Solicitors

The run up to Christmas is a busy time for shopping, and trading standards has issued some advice about the rights you have as a customer when buying those all-important presents and other goods.

Q. What is spousal maintenance and how long does it last?

A.

Spousal maintenance is money paid regularly, usually monthly, by one spouse to their former spouse following a divorce. It can be ordered for example in situations whereby one partner cannot support themselves financially, for example, one spouse has stopped working in order to raise the children. Maintenance can be ordered by the court for relatively short periods of time in order

to enable the recipient to become more financially independent by for instance, going back to work. This is known as term maintenance.

Maintenance can also be ordered for longer periods and can be terminated if the parties become entitled to draw income from their pensions. The level of maintenance can be varied upward or downward by an application to the Court.

The Courts always

have a duty to consider a ‘clean-break’ between spouses on a divorce and where possible, the Court will normally put this in place rather than ordering maintenance over a length of time. This can involve paying a lump sum instead of maintenance, which is known as ‘capitalising’ maintenance.

Spousal maintenance will often end if the recipient remarries or enters a civil partnership, or if either the recipient or payer dies. If there is also an agreed end to the payments, the maintenance will automatically stop at that date. It can also end if the recipient lives with a new partner for six months if the parties agree to this being an end-date.

Law Spot is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

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VIEWPOINT November 2017

Anything you buy must be: • of satisfactory quality • fit for its intended purpose • as described If the goods are faulty, you are limited initially to the first 30 days after you bought them to ask for a refund. So, make sure any presents you buy are examined within 30 days if you can.

Once 30 days has passed you can only ask for the goods to be repaired or replaced. But this must be done at no cost to you, within a reasonable time and without causing you significant inconvenience. After just one attempt at repair or replacement, if the goods are still not satisfactory, you can ask for a refund.

If repair or replacement is not possible, then you can choose whether to keep the goods or return them. If you keep the goods, you can claim a reduction in price. If you return them you are normally entitled to a full refund, less a reasonable amount to take account of any use you’ve had if it’s more than six months since you bought them.

For digital content, for example, computer programmes, smartphone apps, e-books, CDs, DVDs, etc, your rights are roughly the same as for ordinary goods.

But you do not get the initial 30 days to reject faulty digital content alone, and get a refund, unless the digital content is supplied as an inherent part of physical goods, such as computer systems, smartphones and washing machines.

For pre-shopping advice about a consumer problem, or to report something to trading standards call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or visit citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer

25 years in the Ministry Reverend Margaret Tilley’s 25 years in Christian Ministry in East Dorset was celebrated at St Martin’s URC in West Moors on 7 October.

25 teams of golfers celebrate the life of Sarah Green

Driving ambition raises wedge of cash The 15th annual Sarah Green Golf Tournament held at the Iford Golf Course has raised an incredible £10,000 for Macmillan Caring Locally.

Twenty-five teams took part in the event, which has raised over £90,000 for the charity since its inception.

Leaving an enduring charitable legacy, the tournament is named in memory of Sarah Green a local woman who suffered with leukaemia from an early age.

The fun day of golf is coordinated by Sarah’s brother Anthony Rogers who said the event would not be possible “without the kindness and support of the players, volunteers, sponsors, hosts and staff at Macmillan Caring Locally, all of whom deserve tremendous recognition for their efforts.”

Trust secretary of Macmillan Caring Locally, Neal Williams said, “We’re thrilled by the success of this year’s tournament. It’s great to see so many people from across the local area coming together in support of charity. Making a huge contribution over the years, the Sarah Green Golf Tournament is continuing to provide funding which enables us to enhance the specialist care of our patients.”

Macmillan Caring Locally provides specialist palliative care to patients with advanced, progressive, or incurable illnesses such as cancer. The charity is currently looking to raise over £4 million towards a new care unit at Christchurch Hospital.

Some 80 guests from local churches joined the service led by Revd Graham Long.

Voices of appreciation were led by Revd Andrew Rowland, and Revd Jeffrey Evans, who was present at Revd Margaret’s ordination, led the prayers of celebration.

Previously head teacher at Ferndown Upper School, Revd Margaret took up a second career upon her retirement and was ordained into the ministry as a nonstipendiary minister in 1992.

Apart from her work supporting and preaching at many local churches, she has been heavily involved in all aspects of URC life. She also initiated West Moors Churches Together, which now includes five churches and continues to offer ecumenical support and activities in West Moors and Ferndown.

Revd Margaret Tilley (second from right – front)

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

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New fire chief appointed

A

new chief officer has been appointed to lead Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) and Isle of

Wight Fire and Rescue Service (IWFRS) from the start of next year.

Neil Odin will take over from current chief Dave Curry, who is

Neil Odin

stepping down from his role after a decade with the service. Neil will formally start his new role on 1 January 2018.

He said, “I am delighted to be taking on the role... It is a position that I know carries great responsibility, as our service strives to make life safer for every resident. Stepping into the shoes of someone as respected and admired as Dave will be a tough challenge, but I am confident I can bring a new perspective and insight to the role.

“There is no doubt I take on the job at a time of great change in the fire service but I am looking forward immensely to the challenge of ensuring we continue to supply an exemplary service to our communities and to leading such a great organisation.”

Neil was chosen

following a rigorous selection process and the transition will now take place over the coming months.

Neil joined the service as assistant chief in March 2012, having previously worked at West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service for more than 20 years.

Later as deputy chief and director of Service Delivery, covering community safety, response and resilience he was responsible for firefighting and frontline response, prevention, safe and well visits, business fire safety and community self-help plans.

The 44-yearold has a master’s degree in Business Administration and holds senior posts with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the commercial arm of HFRS.

Why you #LOVECED This autumn, Christchurch and East Dorset Council is asking residents and visitors to take to Twitter and tell them what you love about our region.

They will be running an online campaign until 30 November 2017. To take part they would like you to follow them on Twitter @ cb_edd_councils, and send a tweet to say what you love about Christchurch and East Dorset, including a photo and the hashtag #LOVECED. Once you follow the account and tweet with the #LOVECED hashtag, you will be entered into a draw to win one of several prizes from across the Christchurch and East Dorset area. These include: Go Ape passes; one month’s free Lifestyle Active Platinum membership; two cinema vouchers for the Regent Centre, Christchurch and a train ride experience at Moors Valley Country Park.

Additional security Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, near Ringwood is increasing its security following a recent night-time burglary which targeted the attraction’s pay stations.

The additional security means the Park is now staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Tracey Churcher, Recreation Manager for the Forestry Commission at Moors Valley said, “…These rare incidents are very disappointing but we hope the additional security will prevent any further issues and provide reassurance to all our visitors that there will always be a staff member on site even when the Visitor Centre is closed.”

- advertising feature -

Custom-made vehicle completes the fleet Nicholas O’Hara Funeral Directors took delivery of their latest hearse, a second Jaguar Pilato Queen II in October. This new vehicle matches the other Queen II hearse but with some very unique differences.

The vehicle, custom made in Italy, now completes the fleet – all built on the latest Jaguar XJ model with two hearses and two limousines, the first of their type and built outside of the UK. Nicholas O’Hara had chosen Pilato of Italy for the design and choice of options to personalise the vehicle to the family business’s own requirements.

Finished in the company’s trademark silver livery, the latest hearse has some new features: the front grille houses clear flashing lights to show traffic at busy junctions they are coming and this will be adapted into the rest of the fleet; an English pull-out deck to allow ease of loading coffin and flowers; and a PA system allowing the vehicle to be used as a speaker at large, or outdoor funerals.

Nicholas, who visited the factory in Italy, had kept the extra options secret and said all the staff were really impressed with its features and all take a real pride in the presentation of the fleet. Nicholas said, “Whenever we go somewhere new, the fleet, especially the hearses, make such an impression. We are often approached by people asking if they can take pictures… it is a real head-turner and for the families we care for, they are proud that their loved one gets a special send off.”

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VIEWPOINT November 2017

Queen Elizabeth’s School celebrates ‘Good’ Ofsted Staff and students at Wimborne’s Queen Elizabeth’s School are celebrating after Ofsted recently judged that the school continues to be ‘Good’.

The verdict was that the quality of education, the school’s clear determination to improve and its strong sense of community meant QE was maintaining the high standards previously set.

Headteacher Martin McLeman said, “We are delighted that Ofsted has said we are still a good school. We are proud that the inspectors recognised how ambitious we are for all our pupils.

“Our staff are determined that their teaching and pupils’ attainment continue to improve and I am pleased that Ofsted has recognised their hard work. We are also very pleased that the positive learning environment we pride ourselves in was recognised.”

The inspectors concluded that the school’s leadership has maintained the good quality of education and that leaders demonstrated clear expectations and a determination to improve, being supported by a strong governing body.

For the sixth form in particular, a change in leadership has had an immediate positive

Queen Elizabeth’s School headteacher Martin McLeman with student leaders

impact.

Praise was also given on how the school has strengthened the pastoral and subject leadership of the school.

The inspectors said the school provides a calm, purposeful environment, which the pupils take pride in and feel cared for.

Woman jailed for fatal road traffic collision A woman who admitted causing a fatal road traffic collision near Blandford that claimed the life of her three-year-old daughter has been jailed for six years and four months.

Alanda Jane Pike, aged 34 and of Shaftesbury, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on 26 October 2017. She had admitted charges of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol and drugs.

The incident took place on 24 August 2017 on the

A354 at Thickthorn Cross involving a Vauxhall Astra being driven by Pike, and a Ford Transit van. Pike, with daughter Louisa in the rear of the car, pulled out of a junction straight into the path of the van.

Pike suffered a leg and head injury and was flown by air ambulance to Southampton General Hospital, along with her daughter Louisa, who had sustained a serious head injury and sadly died the next day.

The driver of the van, a 44-year-old woman from Salisbury, was taken to

Salisbury District Hospital for treatment to serious injuries to her hand and arm.

Pike was also banned from driving for a period of nine years and two months.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

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charity of the year

RNLI

New floating boathouse on the horizon for Poole lifeboats

T

hink of flat pack but not the stuff you find in a certain Swedish store.

Give it a more practical, nautical feel and something more ‘cutting edge’ and that thought is becoming a reality as Phase 1 of ‘Project lifeboat house’, for the operational station at Poole, is well underway.

Phase 1 is the building, consisting of the steel framework and installing the floats. Phase 2 will be the construction of the external cladding and side walls, followed by the glazing, then installation of the electrics, boatlifts, and all the essential equipment to kit out the modern lifeboat house.

The proposed new boathouse is being constructed at its temporary home across the quay on the former power station site.

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When the works on the old lifting bridge are completed and the bridge re-opened, the new lifeboat house will be floated down between the quays and secured onto the piles already positioned alongside the bridge.

Paul Glatzel, Poole’s volunteer lifeboat operations manager said, “Our volunteer crew are very excited that the building work has begun and that the new permanent home for the lifeboats is becoming a reality. The new boathouse will provide much more space for the lifeboats and for the crew, enabling them to work safely in and around the boats. In the future we look forward to facilitating visits to the lifeboat house, promoting the work that the station does, and sharing the key sea safety messages,

VIEWPOINT November 2017

which in turn will help to save lives at sea. Exciting times are ahead.”

For over 152 years Poole RNLI’s lifeboats have launched into one of the largest natural harbours in the world, providing a lifesaving service for Poole Harbour and surrounding waters.

From 1865, when the first Poole lifeboat was launched, the crew had to be taken by coach from the Antelope Hotel in the High Street, to Sandbanks, where the lifeboat house had been built. In 1882 it moved to a new site leased by the Corporation of Poole at the east end of the quay, which is now the Old Lifeboat Museum.

It remained in the heart of the quay community until 1974, and then the station was relocated and established at Poole Harbour Yacht Club Marina at Lilliput.

In 1989, the lifeboats were re-sited to their present home on Town Quay adjacent to Poole Bridge, followed by a two-story extension to the police services building in

1990. Features included stores, an office and crew facilities and the extension officially opened by the mayor of Poole.

In 1995, a floating boathouse was constructed nestled alongside the lifting bridge for safe housing of the Atlantic class lifeboat.

A crew urban myth is that it was christened the ‘Pig Pen’ by the crew as when it was installed, a slurry lorry crossed the bridge and ‘blessed’ it, or maybe it looked like a pigpen before its refit. Either way, in 2008 it had an extension.

This was because the new Atlantic 85 class lifeboat

B826 Sgt Bob Martin (Civil Service No 50) was longer than the previous boat.

In 2016 the ‘Pig Pen’ was removed when work commenced on refurbishing the old Poole lifting bridge. The lifeboats are currently operating from a Versadock floating pontoon alongside the quay outside the station.

The volunteers are all following the progress of the ‘build’, watching the lifeboat house take shape and are looking forward to it being in place and launching from it in the not too distant future.

Bus pass holders could save service by paying fares Exclusive report by Janine Pulford

Would you be prepared to pay fares to save a bus service, even though you have a free bus pass?

I have recently received two letters suggesting this idea.

Marilyn Warburton from Verwood, who is concerned that her town has recently lost the Damory 302 to Salisbury said, “whilst I love, and regularly use my bus pass, there are in my estimation a great many pensioners who, like myself, would gladly pay half or full fare just to have the convenience of a service, or perhaps a driver willing to take this route on as a franchise business.”

In St Leonards and St Ives, the Morebus 38 service to Ringwood has just been cut from 10 journeys a day, to five, following Dorset County Council’s transport budget being reduced by the government.

Morebus operations director, Ed Wills, says the next review of the service will take place in May 2018.

Brian Curd, a resident from St Ives has suggested that the local community is facing an impending crisis.

He has spent time researching the 38 route and says with the current level of support, it can’t survive. Some morning journeys he says are well-supported but on many others, particularly in the afternoon, passenger numbers are as low as two or three. “All of them, including me, using bus passes,” he says.

He feels that if something is not done, the 38 is in danger of being lost leaving many very elderly residents in the area without any bus service at all.

One solution he says is that those with bus passes who use the 38 could make a payment of a supplementary fare on presentation of their bus pass.

He believes this suggestion has fairly widespread support.

Ed Wills from Morebus said, “A voluntary contribution from concessionary pass holders would certainly help protect the 38, and would probably allow us to reinstate the trips we lost when funding was cut. However, It is important to point out that we are not legally allowed to charge a fare if a passenger has otherwise used their concessionary pass.”

When asked if a supplementary fare was feasible, Gordon Sneddon the operations manager of Dorset Travel at Dorset County Council said, “Concessionary bus passes are part of a national scheme, so it is quite difficult for the council to set up local

arrangements that differ from this. We have made a number of proposals in the past about concessionary schemes, but this needs to be agreed by government.

He added, “It might be worth contacting the operator of the service to see what their future plans are. If you know of others who are affected by this service and would be prepared to come to some arrangement with them eg that you travel before 9.30am

and pay, then return later using your free pass. This might be a way of making the service more financially viable. However, this would need a number of people to participate.”

He also said, “If a number of people in a local community can identify a need to travel on a particular day at a particular time, then a community transport scheme may be a viable option.”

Another alternative put forward by resident Brian Curd has a

familiar ring, “If the majority of bus pass holders in St Leonards and St Ives used the 38 service a couple of times a week, it might have the chance of survival.”

It’s a matter of ‘use it or lose it.’ He also pointed out that the current cost for a taxi into Ringwood is £10 each way.

What are your views?

Please email the editor at editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

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education NEWS Busy activities at Ferndown Middle School Ferndown Middle School was busy with activities for the children before October half-term.

The Year 7 students engaged in a session with Paul Stevens exploring the topic of internet safety. Paul got the children thinking about the dangers of chat rooms, social media and all things online. He helped them to understand how the comments we make online can often be interpreted in different ways and that we should be careful about

how we interact with not just our friends, but anyone online.

The school’s students got involved in Chartwell’s ‘On your marks, get set, cook’ event, run by James Plumridge. The professional cooking show was hugely popular with KS2 and 3 students who fully embraced the session led

by James. Students were asked questions about healthy balanced diets and the Eatwell guide. They then had the chance to cook a professional meal in Chartwell’s

Practising CPR

cooking pods, all in 15 minutes with the support of two celebrity chefs. Students worked as a team to present their healthy dishes to student and staff tasters. The

winning teams were chosen by students based on taste, and also teamwork.

The school also welcomed Richard Newton and his team from Evince Training to lead CPR training for all of the year 7 and 8 students as part of this year’s European Restart a Heart Day. Students engaged in a practical session where they learned how and when CPR should be administered. Now a further 250 young people will know what to do if they have to deal with an emergency of this kind.

Richard and his team provided the sessions free of charge and the John Thornton Young Achievers’ Foundation funded the purchase of two sets of resuscitation dummies for the training of young people of Ferndown.

Lessons in kindness Alongside the traditional display of harvest produce and tins of baked beans, children at Ringwood Church of England Infant School also celebrated Harvest Festival with lessons in kindness in October.

Before they brought in food donations from home, pupils at the school, aged between four and seven, were encouraged to think about people in the local community and beyond who might not be as fortunate as them. More than 90kg of food was collected by Friends of Ringwood Infant School (FORIS) and donated to Ringwood Foodbank – enough to feed nine people three meals a day for three days.

As well as donations to the local foodbank, children took part in the Rotary Shoebox Scheme, filling small boxes with toys, books, toothbrushes, gloves and hats for disadvantaged children of the same age as them in Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Romania.

“One of the school’s key Christian values is love, so it’s wonderful to see the children living out this value by thinking of others before themselves,” said headteacher Mrs Hilary Silk.

“The team of parents and staff in FORIS raise valuable funds for the school, but I’m equally grateful for the work they do to help others in the community and further afield.”

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VIEWPOINT November 2017

health & FITNESS

Enjoying ‘Music for a While’ at Dorset County Hospital

O

Zumba for breast cancer charity

Music for a While with BSO Associate Neil Valentine

n 17 October, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) held the second session of its pioneering project ‘Music for a While’ at Dorset County Hospital. The session saw BSO Associate Neil Valentine deliver a music workshop and performance to patients living with dementia in an acute hospital setting. The ‘Music for a While’ project, in partnership with Arts in Hospitals that has been funded by Dorset County Hospital and BSO Participate, will take place at the hospital for two years.

Initially starting out as a pilot project working with nursing staff and patients at Poole, Portsmouth and Winchester hospitals, ‘Music for a While’ apparently resulted in such a marked improvement to the quality of patients’ lives that the BSO

now delivers regular sessions at Poole Hospital, with the aim to extend the project to additional hospitals across the region.

The BSO’s new partnership with Arts in Hospital, a small charitable organisation, aims to enhance the healing environment and the wellbeing of patients. It will enable the orchestra hopefully to change more lives through the power of music.

At the moment the ‘Music for a While’ sessions are taking place once a month, with 17 sessions planned so far, and further sessions anticipated until August 2019.

There are also additional performances by BSO musicians taking place at Christmas and during Dementia Awareness Week in May 2018.

The Music for a While project has also been generously supported by grants from several charitable trusts.

More than 130 male and female Zumba® participants joined together as one to raise money for local Breast Cancer Charity ‘Going for Bust’ in October, raising more than £2,200.

The event was organised by local instructors Samantha Davis and Jane Alexander in October, which was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to help raise awareness and much-needed funds for the charity and was hosted by The Junction Sports and Leisure Centre in Broadstone.

Several local Zumba® instructors led the energetic crowd through one and a half hours of fitness, fun and laughs and local businesses were also very generous in providing over 50 prizes for the raffle that was held on the day.

Samantha and Jane and the other instructors were in an array of pink clothing for the afternoon session and encouraged anyone that attended to do the same as they danced together for this worthy cause.

All the instructors teach locally, see www.zumba.com for class details near you, and regularly gather together to raise money for charity.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

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health & FITNESS - advertising feature -

Top-rated care at home available in north and east Dorset

Masen and Jenny Naidoo established their first Bluebird Care franchise in Frome in July 2014 and rapidly expanded to another territory in Dorset, with an office in Ferndown.

Bluebird Care started as a small family business in 2004 and is now one of the UK’s largest providers of care and support for people who want to stay in their own home.

“Its founding ethos was that its staff would only deliver the level of care that they’d expect for their own friends and relatives,” said Jenny, who is operations director.

“That’s the standard we set for ourselves and deliver to our customers.”

The East Dorset branch and its team is run by an experienced registered manager, Georgie Harris.

“We are happy to now add the East Dorset franchise to our care group, and be able to bring the same level of safe, compassionate care to new customers, as evidenced in our CQC report,” said Masen, who is director.

Jenny is an RGN with 25 years’ nursing experience, specialising in orthopaedic surgery and medicine. She has also been a registered manager of care homes for

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VIEWPOINT November 2017

the past eight years, before becoming operations director of the Bluebird Care franchise. “We take the concept of care to way beyond the ‘basics’,” she said.

“We’re proud of our record of delivering personalised, independent care, and of our friendly and approachable staff.”

Bluebird Care can help you with a range of care needs, whether you need assistance for a couple of hours, up to live-in care; personal care, domestic help, companionship, shopping, respite care, palliative and dementia care, rehab following hospitalisation, and help for those living with, or after, a stroke.

A free, no obligation assessment will be carried out by a registered manager, who will match your requirements and needs to a plan. Bluebird Care values the unique qualities of each customer and sees the whole person, not just a list of care needs. Their services are flexible and respond to your changing priorities and needs. “We always listen carefully to what customers tell us about how they want to receive care and support,” said Masen.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

„

Bluebird Care (Mendip) is celebrating receiving a Care Quality Commission rating of ‘outstanding’ for being well-led, and a rating of ‘good’ overall – and is looking forward to bringing the same level of attentive, high-quality care to customers in north and east Dorset.

We’re proud of our record of delivering personalised, independent care, and of our friendly and approachable staff.

„

If you would like a career which makes a difference, Bluebird Care is recruiting for senior care assistants, care assistants, and retired nurses who may be looking for extra hours.

“We have also employed many people who have been caring for a loved one or family member, and who may be looking to do a similar job,” said Jenny. “They are perfect for the role.”

“We’d also like to talk to people who have an interest in care,” said Masen, “who may not have any experience. Excellent training is provided, and all our staff can expect a good level of ongoing training and CPD.” A range of hours are available: full-time, parttime, weekdays, evenings or weekends. You must be able to drive and have your own car.

A mileage allowance is paid along with a competitive rate of pay, and pension.

To find out more about Bluebird Care in the Ferndown and Christchurch areas, or to enquire about joining the team, call the Ferndown office on 01202 977200 or visit www.bluebirdcare.co.uk.

health & FITNESS - advertising feature -

Join the junior swim lesson programme

for £20.17 We know the importance of learning to swim, that’s why Ferndown Leisure wanted to let you know about their special offer.

Jump into the junior swim lesson programme before 30 November and pay £20.17

What will I receive?

• One swim lesson per week • Get free swimming lessons in December • Pay nothing until 1 January • Free swimming for your child in all-welcome swims.

For further information call 01202 877468, option 2, to speak to the swim team.

Adult membership

Revolutionising liver health care across Dorset Bournemouth Hospital Charity, through the support of Christchurch Rotary Club, has purchased a new ‘Fibroscan’ portable liver scanner that will enable liver nurses to provide outreach community clinics across Dorset every week.

The new portable device will operate alongside an existing static scanner at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Consultant nurse, Hazel Allen, says the new scanner will benefit liver patients around the county, allowing them to be seen and scanned without having to travel to the hospital.

“This is a revolutionary piece of kit that we’re very lucky to have been able to buy,” says Hazel. “We can now take this portable scanner across the county to scan patients in their own communities, because our service covers the whole of Dorset.

“Fibroscan is a non-invasive way of seeing if someone has advanced liver damage. It can take a reading from a liver and check whether there is any scarring by assessing how stiff the liver is.

“If patients show signs of advanced liver damage, we can act quickly to bring them under our care and look after their liver.”

The new scanner has been entirely funded thanks to a very generous donation from the Christchurch Rotary Club.

Its president, Richard Reader, says the club members were very keen to support the project and donated the £29,300 required.

Consultant nurse, Hazel Allen, and Bournemouth Hospital Charity’s Sara Armstrong with new portable liver scanner

Is staying in shape always something that gets bumped to the bottom of the list?

Get all of this with a Premium membership: • Unlimited gym, swim, and classes • Free use of the Places Locker App • Track your swim with SWIMTAG • 14-day advanced booking • 3 free one-to-one sessions.

A swim-only membership is also available for those who just wish to take a plunge in the pool, or a gym-only if you just like to work out in a gym.

You can join online today by visiting www. placesforpeopleleisure.org or call 01202 877468.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 15

Police volunteers win coveted award

Minibus give-away Team with Martyn Underhill outside the venue with horses

Held to highlight the dedication and hard work of special constables and police support volunteers, a regional awards ceremony has recognised the work of those in Dorset.

The event in Gloucester saw the Dorset Victims’ Bureau walk away with the coveted award for Police Support Volunteer Team of the Year 2017.

The team was established in 2013, with Dorset being one of the first forces in the country to approach supporting victims of crime in a more joined-up way. The bureau provides updates to victims of crime on the progress of their investigation, and support for individuals affected by their experience. It handles over 3,500 new crimes every month.

Seven volunteers have given over 1,000 hours of their time to supporting victims since the beginning of the year.

Martyn Underhill, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, said, “…I wholeheartedly congratulate the team on winning this award, as it recognises their hard work, dedication and professionalism in supporting victims through the crime investigation process.”

Historic tandem ride

Over 20 people from Fordingbridge visited the annual Fete de la Pomme, (apple festival), hosted by the twin town of Vimoutiers, with two arriving on a tandem.

Tim Wheatley and Dave Green cycled from Le Havre and enjoyed a celebratory drink at ‘Le Fordingbridge Bar’on their arrival.

They had followed in the tracks of six cyclists who pedalled the same route 35 years ago, to inaugurate the beginning of the twinning with Vimoutiers in Normandy. One of the original cyclists was Tim’s father, Brian Wheatley. Another, Peter Adams, was present in Vimoutiers to welcome Tim and Dave.

Never a dull moment It has been a busy month for the animal health team. Along with our general responsibilities involving visits to check on farm records, health and welfare etc, we have also been dealing with a number of concerns from the public.

These range from lame cattle and sheep to the importation of rescue dogs.

Most dairy farmers will, at some time, experience having lame cattle. Invariably they will be under veterinary treatment but it takes time for improvements to show. A cow that is lame will look far worse on hard ground and will lag behind the herd when walking on or crossing a road, which is generally when she will be noticed by the public.

Farmers generally have a ‘hospital’ field or barn where sick animals can be isolated whilst being treated. Of course there have been times when we have had to act to prevent problems arising or getting out of hand, so we do appreciate concerns being highlighted to us.

Sheep are also susceptible to lameness. Thankfully most

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VIEWPOINT November 2017

livestock keepers are well aware if they have a problem and act to improve it. In the event that they are not as quick to act as they should be, we can issue an improvement notice to be completed within a specified time. If this is not met, we can take the matter further.

Recently, a couple of us have been investigating rescue dogs that have been brought into Dorset from rescue centres in Romania for re-homing in England. Whilst many people think we should not be bringing more rescue dogs into the country, the law allows it to happen. Our job is to ensure all the rules around inoculation and identification are met to reduce the risk of introducing diseases such as rabies.

There is never a dull moment in the animal health team!

Christine Scott Animal Health & Welfare Inspector For more information on the subject of animal welfare, please contact 01305 224475, or visit www.dorsetforyou.com and follow the links to Trading Standards, Animal Health pages.

A free minibus has been presented by vehicle hire specialist, Abacus, to Bournemouth-based charity Michael House, an organisation that provides emergency and other vital support to homeless people.

The Wolfenden family, who own and operate Abacus, ran a competition to give a minibus to charity and over 150 entries were received.

Dave Wolfenden, who founded the hire company in 1985, said that he and his team read through the entries and decided that the local Michael House team would make the most of the prize.

“It was important to us that the vehicle would be fully used by the winners and having met the team, we are confident that the Ford Transit will be kept busy over the years to come,” said Dave Wolfenden. “We wanted to put something practical back into the society that has made our business successful over the decades.”

Mark Horsford, the chief executive of Michael House said, “We really appreciate the generosity of the Abacus family. We are now able to take our residents out into the countryside for walks and offer family-style outings without our volunteers having to use a small fleet of cars.” He said the first expedition would be a trip to Tyneham and added that currently all Michael House residents are fully engaged in education, Tom Wolfenden (left) presents a training, voluntary work minibus to John Malins and and/or employment.

Mark Horsford

Bereavement group

LAUNCHED A free monthly bereavement group for those mourning a loved one has been launched by Douch Family Funeral Directors.

It takes place at the Ferndown Royal British Legion Club in Church Road on the first Thursday of the month from 11am to 12.30pm and is led by qualified Emma Regan and Cindy Weller counsellor Cindy Weller, who can also provide one-to-one sessions.

Emma Regan from the funeral group said, “Bereavement is the time that people spend adjusting to loss; there is no standard time limit and there is no right or wrong way to feel.

“Grief can manifest itself in a huge range of unexpected ways; some get angry, some withdraw further into themselves and some become completely numb.

“Sometimes, grief can turn into something more serious – like depression.”

The funeral group supports several bereavement charities and wanted to help further.

The Ferndown branch, AE Jolliffe & Son, will be supporting the meetings and is inviting anyone in the community along – no matter how long it is since they lost a loved one.

The next session will be on 14 December. To book a place call AE Jolliffe on 01202 872050.

Christmas ringwood in Ringwood NEWS -advertising feature-

Employment advice

By Matthew Parker, Solicitor, Forest Edge and Meesons Solicitors

The Supreme Court recently scrapped tribunal fees in employment matters. This will now have a significant impact on both employees and employers. Employees who have been worried about fees can now bring claims at no cost. Employers, however, may now be facing an increase in claims against them with employees taking a chance and bringing a claim irrespective of its strength.

There are always two sides to the story. I recall many years ago an employer came to me and said, “I have a terrible employee who came into my office and tried to resign, but I didn’t let him, I dismissed him on the spot!” My client, however, had sadly not followed the correct procedure and despite his reservations about the employee, the employee had a claim for unfair dismissal.

On the other side of the coin, I have had an employee who was upset about the way her employer was treating her so resigned and then endeavoured to claim constructive unfair dismissal. She came to me for advice and although she had not been treated well, she had resigned too early so could not succeed with her claim. The appropriate step would have been to commence a grievance procedure instead of resigning.

In both these cases my respective clients should have taken legal advice before acting. Here at Forest Edge and Meesons Solicitors, we offer an initial 30 minutes’ free advice on employment matters for both employees and employers. These 30 minutes could be the difference between success and failure.

Please ring today on 01425 484420 to arrange your free consultation.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 17

Christmas in Ringwood

Chris tmas in Ringwood Another year and Santa’s nearly here…

Ringwood Town Council wants everyone to celebrate the arrival of Father Christmas and the Ringwood Events team has been busy helping to organise a smooth landing and great big welcome.

In the Market Place 10am–6pm As usual, the Market Place will come alive and there will be small funfair rides for the little ones, food stalls and market stalls with plenty of gifts on sale.

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VIEWPOINT November 2017

Christmas in Ringwood

Bigger and better grotto 10am-3pm Santa’s elves have been very busy and this year’s Christmas grotto promises to be much bigger and better than in previous years. It will be open from 10am to 3pm.

Parade 4pm Father Christmas will parade through the streets at approximately 4pm. He’s usually a bit of a stickler for punctuality, but with so many children to see throughout the day, he may be running a little late. Even so, he should arrive in the Market Square to switch on the lights at around 4.30 and light up the town.

The Ringwood Events team invites everyone to come and join the festivities and would like to say a special thank you to Chris Chambers at In-Excess Garden Centre in Ringwood who has donated several items of décor for the grotto and a tree for the Market Square.

Pop along and see for yourself.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 19

Christmas in Ringwood

Fes tive Fun at The Furlong

Festive Music Event

Friday 8 December, 11am–3pm

Music lovers can join together in the courtyard at The Furlong shopping centre for an early festive treat. The centre will be playing host to local artists for an Acoustic Christmas music event.

Enjoy festive favourites and other classic songs from Kez Hinton, Samantha Laurilla (with Tom Laurilla), Calvin-Billington Glen and Nicole McNally.

The music will be set up in the courtyard for all to enjoy from 11am-3pm.

Nicole McNally

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VIEWPOINT November 2017

Christmas in Ringwood

Christmas Farmers’ Market Saturday 23 December, 10am–2pm

Pick up all your last minute festive treats at this buzzing Hampshire Farmers’ Market.

Browse, taste and buy the most delicious, fresh, in season, locally produced, high quality food at great value prices. © Tom Scrase

All events are free to attend with complimentary parking in The Furlong shopping centre car park for up to two hours. Just turn up and enjoy.

More information on all events in The Furlong can be found at www.thefurlong.co.uk

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 21

Christmas in Ringwood

The Miracle of Christmas Eve Christmas celebrations in Ringwood town continue right through to Christmas Eve when one of the most popular and magical events of they year takes place.

Organised by the local Rotary Club, it attracts throngs of loyal families from Ringwood and the surrounding areas. Last year it was estimated that nearly 3,000 people attended.

The crowds start to gather just before 6pm when a welcome is given and carol sheets are handed out before the Ringwood and Burley Band play Christmas carols.

Meanwhile, Father Christmas is preparing to come down the high street in an illuminated sleigh being pulled by a pair of Robert Sampson’s percheron horses. Amid cheers, his sleigh draws up by the church before Santa moves to a lorry where he announces he is ready to receive gifts.

Yes, you heard right. In Ringwood, they do it differently.

The reason Father Christmas comes all the way to this market town, on the busiest day of his year, is to himself receive all the gifts.

The Ringwood Rotary Club then sort out the 30 or so sacks full of toys collected, so they can distribute them to a number of disadvantaged children, who otherwise would not be enjoying the usual Christmas joy as we know it.

It takes up to three quarters of an hour for the children and mums and dads to present Santa with their parcels in this collective act of giving.

At around 7.15, Father Christmas says his farewells as he has a very busy night ahead and a few more carols are sung as he leaves.

The Ringwood Rotary Club says (in advance) “Thank you people of Ringwood, and all those involved who make this miracle happen.”

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VIEWPOINT November 2017

Christmas in Ringwood

Photographs are courtesy of Geoff Timms

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 23

foodie NEWS Drusillas – where traditional meets contemporary

By Janine Pulford

Nestled in the Dorset countryside with splendid views of the famous Horton Tower, privately owned Drusilla’s Inn is not only a traditional pub, but offers contemporary dining.

N

o one could deny that Drusilla’s is a visual treat with its iconic oasthouse-shaped thatched roof. This unique landmark houses a tasteful restaurant extension that blends with the traditional thatch of the original olde worlde pub.

At the back of the Wessex Freehouse is a large, modern function room.

When we arrived, it was the sheer uniqueness of the round restaurant with its splendid centrepiece chandelier that drew us to dine in this unusual setting rather than in the bar with its cosy wood burning stoves.

A Peroni and glass of Zinfadel rosé were enjoyed whilst we studied the menu.

Ingredients are sourced locally where possible and

© Paul Waterkeyn

the new chef changes the dishes monthly to provide the best seasonal flavours.

There is also is a daily specials board.

“Ingredients are sourced locally where possible and the new chef changes the dishes monthly to provide the best seasonal flavours.”

Starters…

My delightful starter was squash and goats cheese arancini – gorgeous soft and fluffy risotto balls with a crunchy breadcrumb

coating and delicious notes of sage butter. Nick chose salt and pepper squid, which paired beautifully with the garlic and lemon mayo.

Mains…

We stayed fishy for the mains. Nick with a Thai style king prawn green curry with jasmine rice. A superb bowl of prawns, mushrooms, carrots, mange tout and aubergines in a “no messing about” hot curry sauce that kicked with authentic Thai flavours and paired well with the rice.

My whole Poole Bay plaice was from the specials board. The fish was perfectly cooked. The textures and flavours of every ingredient on the plate complemented each other, from the tiny squares of tomato, tender kale

Poole Bay Plaice

Squid

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VIEWPOINT November 2017

Arancini

foodie NEWS

Crème brulee

leaves, and new potatoes to the crunchy mange tout and fabulous pops of capers. The whole was brought together with a delicate buttery sauce.

In general…

Ellie Clifford who owns Drusilla’s with her business partner Philip make a good team, possibly because they are father and daughter. Ellie has been in the pub industry since leaving school and though she’s only 32, she has been at Drusilla’s for 10 years.

She managed it from 2007 and in 2014, when she was expecting her first baby, she took the brave step to buy it.

Since then, the traditions at the pub have continued. There is live music once a month, and the Steam Up, a charity fundraiser, is held every August with up to 50 steam engines in the large car park.

For those wanting to stay in the grounds with breakfast at the pub included, there are two shepherd’s huts with en suites, which are let throughout the year.

The function room is well-used for birthdays, weddings, wakes, conferences and live music.

Themed nights are popular. Recent ones include seafood, game and an evening with medium Dan Clarke. Ellie says, “He visits regularly and is so popular, tickets have to be booked.” Advance notice is given on Drusilla’s Facebook page.

a home made white and milk chocolate cookie that melted in the mouth. Nick chose from the specials board and lavished himself with a Champagne, elderflower and raspberry jelly flute.

Had it been a spring afternoon, we may have taken one of the three walks that start from Drusilla’s to work off a few calories.

Other menus…

There’s a children’s menu for the under 12s, a lunchtime-only menu that offers sandwiches, scampi, ham egg and chips and other pub dishes and 2- or 3-course set special offer Monday to Thursday.

Christmas…

Christmas bookings are now being taken. The party menu is £18.50 (two courses), £22.50 (three courses). There is also a six-course Christmas Day menu and Boxing Day feast, so check out the website or call 01258 840297 for more details and to book your space.

Champagne jelly flute

Desserts…

And so to desserts: my classic crème brulee had a real snap to the crunchy caramel topping and paired delightfully with sweet fresh fruit. Alongside was Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 25

foodie NEWS

Choosing your Christmas dining

If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to book those Christmas parties, before all the best places get filled up. Whether a family gathering or a business celebration, don’t delay or you may lose out on the restaurant of your choice.

Whether the choice is for traditional turkey with the trimmings, or something spicy and exotic, you need to start checking menus and prices and make those bookings.

Our advertisers on the Foodie pages are offering Christmas dining in the lead-up to the big day, with some even open on Christmas Day, but you will need to make a reservation. This way you can let someone else cook for your celebration, so you can relax and enjoy this special time. If you want to drink, don’t forget to make your taxi reservations, too.

However, if you prefer to do your own catering, don’t forget to order your turkeys

and Christmas meat in good time.

If you have vegetarians among your gathering, they will need looking after too.

If you are totally baffled at the prospect, Quorn, available in most supermarket freezers, makes a good turkey substitute, and remember vegetarians will need their own vegetable gravy. They can’t eat suet either, which is in many mince pie fillings and Christmas puddings, and check pastry ingredients for lard – which again is animal fat. You should be able to find vegetarian versions of these in most major supermarkets or specialist food shops.

10 don’ts at the Christmas party Once you have booked your Christmas party and everyone has made their choices, here’s a tip: take a copy to the party.

It’s surprising how many people forget what they ordered.

Most of us look forward to the company’s Christmas ‘do’, but don’t get carried away with an open bar and sparkly lights – you don’t want to be the one with the red face in the morning.

Here are 10 don’ts to save you ending up in trouble.

1. Dress to impress – keep it classy for the party – but don’t be too outrageous.

What you wore to the club last weekend should stay at the club.

2. Don’t overdo the booze and make a fool of yourself. Even if it’s a free bar. Exercise restraint.

Humiliation and regret are hard to bear especially with smartphones around.

3. Don’t ask for a pay rise.

It’s unlikely that any drunken slurring will impress, even if you do think you’re the best employee.

4. Don’t be a Grinch. If you’ve fallen out with a work colleague, don’t choose the Christmas party to tell them what you think, or gossip behind their back.

5. Keep away from the mistletoe. You could find yourself in a case of sexual harassment.

6. Don’t become the Twerk Master. Even if you’re sure your dance moves are superior – they’re probably not.

7. It’s not a silent night, so don’t be anti social by spending the night on your phone.

8. Leave the trimmings behind. Even if the food is free and there are some scrummy leftovers, don’t be seen stuffing them in your purse or pockets. Leave them for Santa.

9. Don’t take the after party home. There’s no need to take the whole department back to your flat. It won’t make you like them any better.

10. Don’t drink and drive. If you intend to drink, make provision to get home safely.

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VIEWPOINT November 2017

Enjoy!

foodie NEWS - advertising feature -

It’s turkey time!

With Christmas only a few weeks away, now is the time to start getting organised.

Webb’s Butchers in Station Road, West Moors will be selling free-range turkeys from a family-run farm in Owermoigne, near Dorchester, that specialises in rearing top quality turkeys.

From eight weeks of age, the turkeys roam freely in pastures by day, and are grown to maturity to the highest welfare standards. Their cereal-based feeds do not include growthpromoting additives.

Using traditional production methods, the birds are plucked, finished by hand and hung wholebodied in a cold store for at least a week. This allows the meat to tenderise and develops the flavour.

Webb’s Butchers also sell Red Devon beef from the Paradise Herd, reared less then four miles from the shop. The beef is dry-aged for a minimum of three weeks for a full and exceptional flavour, just how beef should taste.

Also for the table are free-range chickens and ducks from Devon.

Webb’s Butchers produce a variety of homemade products, including luxury Christmas cakes and puddings, cranberry sauce and dry-cured bacon that is traditionally oak smoked. The shop’s own award-winning products, including jam, chutney and sausages, are available too. And, new for this year, you will find homemade cocktail sausage rolls and Santa’s stuffing balls.

Ordering is recommended, so pop into Webb’s Butchers at 165 Station Road to place your Christmas order now.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 27

Letters to the Editor Looking for a forever home, Woofalo!

My name is Chico and I am a one-year-old Chihuahua X who is very active. I came into Waggy Tails Rescue a while ago and although I’m very happy with my foster family, I would really love my own family to live with. I’m an affectionate boy who loves being with people, but would not like to share my humans with any other pets. I love my walks and when I come home, I settle down really well. All I need is a patient, but active owner and when I find you, I will become a loyal member of your family.

To find out more about me call Waggy Tails Rescue on 01202 875000 or email admin@ waggytails.or.uk or visit their website www.waggytails.org. uk.

And by the way, if you want to support the charity you could buy their calendars featuring all the dogs needing homes. I wonder if I’m in

Photos by Tom Scrase

Poppy petals have great appeal

there. I will have to take a look.

Anyway, it’s only £5 from the Waggy Tails shops or online.

Chico x

Table tennis success

Praise for Viewpoint

The new Table Tennis Group, which meets at Godshill Village Hall on Monday evenings 7pm– 9pm, had its second meeting last month. The meeting was even more successful than the first one. Both have been really enjoyable, helped along by the ongoing refreshments provided at a very small charge. The entry fee for the evening, to include everything, except the refreshments, is £2. Tables, bats and balls are all provided, and so far, there are three tables. Participants are asked to turn up in soft shoes, like trainers.

For further details, call Mike, Derek or Alison, on 01425 650770 or 652644.

We have an advert in Viewpoint (October 2017) and I would just like to compliment you on the people you employ, from Mark [Beechey] who first approached us, and had such a nice manner, to the lovely lady [Alexandra O’Neill] who delivers our magazines.

Mark was very helpful, and not at all pushy, but persuasive all the same. We were very impressed that the lady who delivers knew that we had an ad in this month.

A customer has just come in as a result of the ad, and said she’ll be coming regularly. All in all we are very happy with Viewpoint.

Derek Ayling Fordingbridge

Rebecca Gureci BTH Pet Supplies West Moors

Editor’s quote: still true today The Townswomen’s Guild in Verwood has been asking members to give a short synopsis of their lives in five minutes, one at each monthly meeting.

In my talk, I featured Viewpoint and finished with the following: I believe we have a very special community here in Verwood in which our TG plays an important part and I treasure a quote written in 2005 about Verwood in the Viewpoint Magazine by Janine Pulford which reads: “I’ve often heard it said that nobody knows where the real heart of the town is. Well, I’m pretty sure I do – and it’s not in a shopping mall, nor in a high street as these

28 |

don’t exist – Verwood’s heart is in its people.

“In particular those volunteers who give their time and energy towards helping others and organising fundraising events. This in turn benefits the whole community, young and old.

Verwood definitely has a heart and it cares for itself in a truly remarkable way.”

It’s still true today.

Thank you Janine for expressing that so well.

Angela Daymond Verwood Angela Daymond was one of the volunteers who founded Viewpoint Magazine in the 1970s.

VIEWPOINT November 2017

Ferndown’s Poppy Appeal was launched on 28 October with an explosion of poppy petals falling from the roof of the Barrington Theatre in Penny’s Walk.

To start the event, the mayor, Cllr Cathy Lugg led the young poppies parade through the precinct with the Bournemouth Youth Marching Band.

Chelsea Pensioner, Brian Cumming MBE and Mr Gerry Nunn, the county chairman of Dorset Royal British Legion joined the mayor amongst other guests of honour for the service. Andy McGregorRobb who had just completed the London to Paris bike ride in aid of the appeal was also at the launch.

The highlight for many was the poppy explosion from the roof of the theatre, with thousands of poppy petals falling during the Remembrance two-minute silence.

Afterwards, the band played military themed pieces before the crowd joined in with The Land Girls’ collection of wartime favourites and the more modern sets of Tanya Miller and Anne-Marie Davis.

Chairman of Ferndown Royal British Legion, Grant Parrott said, “It is tremendous to see that the poppy launch has become part of the town’s year. We are very grateful to all the people of Ferndown who took part or came along to support and gave us such a wonderful start to the poppy appeal. We look forward to an even bigger event in 2018, the centenary year of the end of WW1.”

Andy McGregor-Robb just returned from the London to Paris bike ride in aid of the Poppy Appeal with the mayor and Chelsea Pensioner Brian Cumming MBE

Bournemouth Youth Marching Band

BEN benefits Amelia’s Rainbow The Bournemouth Entertainers Network presented ‘The BEN Show’ in October half term at Poole High School.

Seven top entertainers: Get Up and Groove, Krazy Kev, Jamie Jambo, Jamie Jigsaw, Jules the Entertainer, Mr Merlin and Party Time for Kids joined together to create a nonstop show of fun. From magic to ventriloquism, it proved a great family event. Ticket sales went to the local charity Amelia’s Rainbow to help sick and terminally ill children in Dorset create lasting memories.

It was the first time all seven entertainers had joined together in one show. Tom Scrase was there to capture some of the magic moments.

verwood NEWS

Council Matters

By Cllr Simon Gibson

Cllr Simon Gibson

In October I attended a seminar about the forthcoming Homelessness Reduction Act. This is a substantial new piece of legislation and perhaps the biggest change to homelessness in decades.

The Act came into being thanks to the Conservative MP Bob Blackman who proposed it as his Private Members Bill last year. After working its way through Parliament, where it received cross party support, it will come into force in April 2018.

The essence of the new Act is that everyone who requires homelessness assistance will now receive help. Whilst there are a few exceptions to this, such as relating to immigration eligibility, it requires councils to provide greater assistance to all eligible residents, not just those with a specific need. It also changes the emphasis to much greater assistance in prevention, helping people to avoid homelessness completely.

East Dorset District Council has taken this approach for a number of years, with plenty of successes.

However, this will be a big culture change for a number of local authorities. I am delighted to see the change of approach and hope that it will lead to an ever-more helpful service for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

However, these new rules will require big changes to housing teams in all councils. Whilst this new Act is funded by new money from the Government, this will be a challenge for councils to implement. We are working hard to get our new staff and policies in place ahead of the start of the new legislation.

Overall, I fully support these long-overdue changes.

This new approach is the change that we need to recognise that prevention of homelessness is better for both the council and our residents. This new Act does not build any new houses but will place greater demand on our small existing stock. We must now raise our game to increase the number of properties that we can use.

Verwood Mayor buys first poppy In October, Verwood Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs Lindsey Dedden purchased the first poppy for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal launch from Mr Bob Richmond, who is the honorary Poppy Appeal organiser.

Verwood voices Verwood Choral Society is presenting a concert of Christmas music and carols at Verwood Methodist Church, Vicarage Road, Verwood on Saturday 9 December.

The concert will commence at 7pm.

Tickets, which include tea/coffee and seasonal mince pies at the interval, are £6 for adults and £2.50 for children and are available on the door.

All proceeds will be donated to The Children’s Society, a local charity, which last year helped more than 13,000 vulnerable young people, and they continue to do so.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 29

verwood NEWS A visit to the Verwood Christmas Extravaganza The Verwood Christmas Extravaganza will be on Saturday 9 December this year on Ferrett Green between 5pm and 8pm.

The Verwood Christmas Extravaganza is organised by the Town Council and volunteers from the Rotary Club and local organisations, who work very hard to bring the event together.

This is a wonderful family event where the community comes together to celebrate the lead-up to the festive season. So why not wrap up warm and join in the celebrations?

Lights The Christmas light will be switched on by the mayor, Cllr Mrs Lindsey Dedden with the help of Father Christmas as soon as he arrives from Lapland at around 5pm.

Music The joyful and talented Verwood Concert Brass will be playing on the night.

Food So no one gets hungry, the Scouts will be producing burgers, hotdogs and more.

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VIEWPOINT November 2017

verwood NEWS

Entertainment There will be charity stalls selling gifts, and there will be a number of entertainments to keep the children amused. Father Christmas will then be in his grotto handing out goodies to well-behaved children. We’re sure his elves will turn up to help.

Afterwards Verwood Concert Brass will also be putting on their Christmas Concert at the Hub on 16 December at 7.30pm with a great selection of festive tunes to get you in to the Christmas spirit. Tickets are £10, with under 19s £6, available from The Hub box office 01202 828740.

The local churches will all be holding Christmas Services to remind us of the origins of the Christmas festivities. It’s a chance to sing more carols and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 31

Jersey mini break ON CONDOR FERRIES Review by Janine Pulford

When taking a mini break across the English Channel there is nothing more satisfying than setting off in the sunshine.

Condor Liberation was berthed in Poole and, as requested, we arrived an hour prior to departure.

The best view as we set sail was from the open-top deck, which is a smoke free zone. Being so high up, it’s possible to see the whole of Poole Harbour – even into Brownsea Island’s bird sanctuary.

Once in the Channel, Nick and I were mesmerised by a sea rippled with colour as the sun sprinkled over the water. It was a great start to our short break.

It’s only a four-and-a-half hour crossing, but having left the mooring just before midday, lunch was essential. The Bistro Casquets offers a varied menu and though it only sells take-out meals, the food was well-prepared and tasty.

We had Ocean Plus seats in the Horizon Lounge at the front of the ship, for which an additional fee is payable. The view was worth it and the lounge had its own bar.

There was another bar in the general area and for those who love to browse (me included), a large duty free shop offers everything from alcohol to perfume at discounted prices. Free tasters of salted caramel Baileys were available. It was so delicious I made a note to visit again on the return journey.

It didn’t seem long before we were passing the Casquets (the restaurant’s namesake) – numerous rocks near Alderney inhabited by seabirds. Here the water took on an eerie quality with whirlpools and waves indicating hidden dangers and proving, beyond doubt, how skilful our captain was as he navigated safely through.

Soon after, we were docked at St Peter Port in Guernsey. A number of passengers disembarked and others joined us for our onward trip to Jersey. It all went very smoothly and an hour later we arrived at our destination.

St Helier was as exciting as I remembered when we used to visit the Channel Islands with our children for holidays. It was rather nice returning as an older couple – we would see Jersey through different eyes, yet that salty tang of the seaside was just the same.

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VIEWPOINT November 2017

“

Hotel spa

Here the water took on an eerie quality with whirlpools and waves indicating hidden dangers and proving, beyond doubt, how skilful our captain was as he navigated safely through

“

FAREWELL POOLE

Hotel restaurant

FOUR STAR ACCOMMODATION

The imposing Hotel de France was only a short distance from the ferry port and on reaching our four star accommodation the free parking made life easy.

Laden with bags, we were welcomed at the sumptuous reception area.

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

Once in our fourth floor room, St Helier stretched out before us in spectacular fashion with the

sea beyond. It was a wonderful and unexpected view. The free WiFi worked brilliantly. There was a large TV, the bed was comfortable with extra cushions and the en suite with bath and shower benefitted from an endless supply of hot water.

MEETINGS AND EVENTS

There are a selection of function rooms catering for events ranging from a small, intimate private dinner for 10, to a gala dinner banquet for up to 280 guests.

Room with a view

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

BENEFITS

The fabulous Ayush Wellness Spa offers Ayurvedic therapies and a luxurious swimming pool. We used the pool during our stay and found swimming under subdued lighting was an incredibly relaxing experience.

The spa is visited by many people wanting to enjoy a health restorative break. There is also a hair and beauty salon.

DINING

Breakfast in the Orangery was exceptional and plentiful. As well as a full English or Continental breakfast there were many healthy options such as bio live yoghurt, fresh fruit, seeds and nuts. In the evening we dined in the Garden View Restaurant, which has a reputation for excellent cuisine and is reasonably priced. Our meals were beautifully presented and delicious. Had we wanted to be more indulgent, Saffrons, also within the hotel, offers stylish fine dining with an Indian accent and to avoid disappointment, it should be booked.

St Helier

La Corbière Lighthouse

Beauport

JERSEY UNCOVERED

On our second day we took the free shuttle from the hotel to St Helier. The pedestrianised main street is not to be missed. Bursting with shops, cafés and restaurants, a day can easily be whiled away.

Two markets: a general food and flower market, and a fish market add to the experience.

Jersey is famous for its flowers and you can order boxes of carnations to send home. We did this for both of our mums.

But there is much more to Jersey than shopping. With the children we would have headed to the famous zoo, war tunnels, adventure park and beaches. This time, we strolled leisurely around St Helier and on the following day we drove out of town to St Aubin for a delicious Jersey cream tea.

The pretty little harbour there is full of charm even when the tide is out. There is also a wonderful vista across the sweeping bay, which has an islet with the imposing St Aubin’s fort on it, which you can walk to at low tide.

We also visited the sandy beach at Beauport, spending hours enjoying the sunshine in this picture postcard setting. The small bay benefits from a steep climb, so is one of the quieter beaches on the island. We also visited la Corbière lighthouse, which is quite a tourist trap.

There was much more exploring to do, but our last day was nearly over as we’d spent a lot of time relaxing on the beach and feeling for the father who had to carry a bucket high up the rocks to his young daughter who insisted

he brought it to her because she had caught a fish. By the time he got there, the fish had escaped.

With our mini break drawing to a close, it was time to head back to the ferry.

The return crossing was calm. It also included a drop-off at Guernsey and I have to say that Condor Ferries worked incredibly hard at the logistics. When loading the ferry, they did it with such precision that the Guernsey stop seemed effortless.

As we sailed back to Poole, a second visit to the duty free shop was obligatory. Remember that salted caramel Baileys? I hadn’t forgotten the delicious flavour and made a beeline to the counter clutching two one-litre bottles. One was a present. The other was for… well can’t you guess? After all, it would have been foolish to buy one bottle for £15 when you could get two for £22.

Condor Ferries operates a year-round service to the Channel Islands from Poole with its fast ferry Condor Liberation, alongside a conventional ferry service from Portsmouth. To book, visit condorferries.com or call 0345 609 1024.

Our trip to Jersey was complete. Thank you Condor Ferries for an unforgettable experience.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 33

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Passing the traction engine test

By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum

The Royal Shooting Saloon: a fairground traction engine perhaps owned by Bartletts Steam Fair. Note the speed limit of 5 mph.

Knowles Bridge in Fordingbridge joins Provost Street to Church Street. If you had been near the bridge in August 1884 you would have seen the old familiar structure being demolished.

Once called the Lesser Bridge, but later called Knowles Bridge after a 17th century mercer who had a house nearby, the bridge had become unable to deal with the weight of traffic and had to be replaced.

If you had returned in December 1884, you would have seen the new iron bridge surrounded by a small crowd, including the county surveyor and the Highways Board.

Suddenly, enveloped in smoke, a clanking, rumbling and hissing traction engine was deliberately driven over the bridge at high speed. It must have been with some relief that the visiting officials noted that this assault on the bridge caused only the slightest vibration.

The bridge had passed the test.

Over the course of the century the muddy and rutted tracks around Fordingbridge would have been transformed, using carefully graded stones, to make a smooth and robust surface with better drainage that would be able to take wheeled vehicles.

In 1878 the old turnpike trusts that had looked after the roads, in exchange for fees paid by the users, were abolished. They were replaced

by Highways Boards and the money to look after the roads was in future to come out of taxes.

Traction engines were a new phenomenon in the middle of the 19th century, often replacing horses both for transport on the better roads, and for agriculture. They were also used to drive machinery and power industrial processes. However they did not come without their problems.

They were heavy and noisy, causing damage to bridges and frightening the horses.

There is a notice in the Motor Museum at Beaulieu that comes from the Great Bridge in Fordingbridge saying: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT LOCOMOTIVES ARE PROHIBITED FROM PASSING OVER THIS BRIDGE. In October 1892, a carriage containing three young ladies and a small boy overturned when the horses pulling it were frightened by a passing traction engine. This happened outside the row of houses near the National School in Fordingbridge, which is now Avonway. The children were thrown into the road and suffered minor injuries but were later able to continue to West Park, near Rockborne, where they had been staying.

Traction engines were widely used around Fordingbridge well into the 20th century but gradually went out of use as petrol engines were developed, resulting in lighter more flexible vehicles and power sources.

In 1934 the tax on petrol was reduced and the road tax on locomotives was raised to £100 a year.

This sounded the death knell for traction engines, which gave way to the speedier petrol driven vehicles of today.

Perhaps our government will do something similarly unpopular to herald the demise of the ‘infernal’ combustion engine as we approach 2040, when the plan to ban the sale of new vehicles powered by petrol and diesel comes into force.

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4DORSET November 2017

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Fordingbridge n o h c it w s s a m t s i Chr lights

Friday 1 December 2017 5.30pm – 9pm

Carols around the Christmas tree

This popular event in Fordingbridge starts at the top of the town where you can warm up with the brass band by singing carols around the Christmas tree.

Barbecue and other refreshments

Mulled wine, mince pies and a tasty barbecue should all be available in the high street and some shops even throw open their doors a little later than usual and offer a festive drink or nibbles whilst you browse.

Watch out for Father Christmas at 6pm

The crowds begin to gather in time to see Father Christmas steaming up the high street at around 6pm. After making a grand entrance, Santa will be in his grotto, which won’t be far away.

Teenage market at Avonway

This was introduced last year and was such a success that it has been decided to hold it again.

Young entrepreneurs who make or source items to sell, can showcase their skills by having a table at the market and selling to the local community. They can do this in the warmth of Avonway Community Centre, where parking can be reserved for those taking part. New entrepreneurs are welcome.

If you feel this is an opportunity for you or for someone you know, either call Sylvia Smith on: 01425 656 286 or email her at sylvia@innewman.co.uk.

She will answer any questions you have, book you a table and will keep you updated with arrangements as they develop.

Make the time to make a difference to your community.

Fordingbridge will be delighted to see old and new faces for their Christmas celebrations, so why not join the fun?

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

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around & ABOUT

what’s on

this month 14 November 7.30pm

The Australian Outback talk by Tony Bates with Bournemouth & Beyond Discovery Group at St Andrews URC main hall, St Steven’s Road, BH2 6JJ. Visitors welcome £3. More details www. bournemouthandbeyond.co.uk

14 November 7pm

Medium Jenny Docherty in an evening of clairvoyance at Ringwood Library. Tickets £8, available through the booking line 01425 474255.

15 November 11am

Military expert Rod Arnold will mark the centenary of the Battle of Passchendaele in a talk at Bournemouth Library.

Refreshments afterwards.

Contact Michael Stead, at Bournemouth Library for more information.

15 November 7.30pm Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, under conductor Kirill Karabits, performing Brahms, Beethoven and Rachmaninov with the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and soloists at Lighthouse Poole. Book direct at BSOlive.com

16 November 2pm

Ringwood U3A at Greyfriars Community Centre, Ringwood.

Speaker Susan Howe on ‘History Minus the Boring Bits’. A host of disgraceful historical facts you’ve never heard before. Visitors welcome, more information from www. ringwoodu3a.org.uk

16-18 November 7.30pm (plus matinee on 18th) Bournemouth Musical Theatre Productions present Starlight Express at The Life Centre, Moordown, Bournemouth.

Tickets £17- £20 from bhlivetickets.co.uk or 0844 576 3000.

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Details were correct at the time of going to print but readers are advised to check before attending events

17-19 November

25 November 1pm

Wimborne Art Club autumn exhibition and sale at Pamphill Parish Hall, Abbot Street, Pamphill, Wimborne, BH21 4EF. Entry free, with refreshments and parking on site. Original paintings, cards and crafts ideal for Christmas gifts. Open 1-4.30pm Friday, 10am-4.30pm Sat and Sun.

Christmas lights switch-on and events in Ferndown with live entertainment, Santa’s grotto, Christmas market and more, with switch on at 5pm.

18 November 10am-12 noon Coffee morning with bring and buy and raffle for Wimborne In Bloom at ‘Wit’s End Corner’, 34 Park Lane, Wimborne. All welcome. Information: info@ wimborneinbloom.org.uk

18 November Dorset Theatre-goers Club visit to see ‘Legally Blonde’ – musical at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton.

More details from Lynda Maidment on 01305 269892 or see the website www. dorsettheatregoersclub.co.uk.

18 November 7pm ‘Respect Your Elders’ event at Pavilion Dance for the over 21s to demonstrate their love of dance. All proceeds going to Bournemouth-based youth empowerment project Centre Myself. Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth BH1 2BU. Ticket £10, concs £8. Tel 01202 203630 for more details.

19 November 3pm Forget-me-not service with the Dementia Friendly Group in St Marys Church, West Moors.

25 November 11am-4pm Wimborne Christmas Market at the Allendale Centre, Hanham Road. Entry £1. Under 16s free.

VIEWPOINT November 2017

25 November 2.30pm The Fayrewood Singers of Verwood present their concert ‘Season of Celebration’ at Verwood Methodist Church.

Tickets £5, to include tea and mince pies, available at the door, or on 01202 884248.

25 November 7.30pm Wimborne Choral Society perform Rutter, Handel and more at Wimborne Minster to mark start of their 40th year, accompanied by Decadent Brass and organist Sam Hanson. Tickets in advance from Square Records, or tel 01202 603569 or on the door £9-£12.

26 November Grandma’s Attic antique and collectors fair at Allendale Centre, Wimborne.

29 November 7.30pm Verwood Keyboard Society concert with Elizabeth Harrison on Roland Atelier keyboard in the Hub theatre. Tickets £10 on the door. Further information from Janetta, 01202 822936 or Organfax website.

2 December 10.30am onwards Broadstone Christmas Market, Christmas Parade and visit by Father Christmas to receive gifts for children less fortunate than others.

2 December 11am-4pm Christmas Bazaar at Ringwood Waldorf School, Folly Farm Lane with free entry. Park and ride service, home cooked cakes and meals, magical events and activities for children, artisan market, live music and entertainment. More details 01425 472664

3 December 11am-5pm Christmas Open Studios by Emma Leonard and Charlotte Miller with handcrafted jewellery and ceramic gifts. At Units J4 and W3 Granville Works, 46 RL Stevenson Ave, Westbourne, BH4 8EG. Enquiries charlottemillerceramics@ hotmail.co.uk or emma@ emma-leonard.co.uk

4 December 7pm Verwood Local Action Group meets at the Hub, Brock Way, Verwood.

9 December 10am-4pm The Save the Children Parade, plus The Great Pudding Stir at the Priest’s House Museum, Wimborne.

9 December 7pm Stargazing event at 1st Woodcutts Scout HQ (on B3081), Sixpenny Handley, Dorset SP5 5NW. The event will last for around 2-2.5 hours, depending on weather conditions. Adults £5, children free. Pay cash or cheque on the night (includes a free tea/ coffee). Book in advance, tel 01725 517417, or email: info@ cranbornechase.org.uk.

9&10 December 11am-4pm

Santa Special on Moors Valley Railway with visit to Santa in his railway grotto. £16 per person.

Booking essential at www. moorsvalleyrailway.co.uk

11 December 2.30pm West Moors Horticultural Society. An illustrated talk ‘Fresh Ideas for Summer Bedding, Containers and Hanging Baskets’ by Chris Evans. West Moors Memorial Hall, Station Road

13 December 7.30pm

Verwood Keyboard Society concert with Dirkjan Ranzijn on Bohm keyboard in the Hub theatre. Tickets £10 on the door. Further information from Janetta, 01202 822936 or Organfax website

14 December 7.15pm

Wimborne Horticultural Society meeting and talk ‘Antarctica and Shackleton’

by Paul Daniels. Take a plate of food for a shared supper for this Christmas meeting held at the Minster Room at the Community Learning & Resource Centre, 41-44 King Street, Wimborne. Admission members £1, non-members £3

15 December 7.45pm

Wimborne Movie Makers Party time at clubhouse next to Allendale Centre, Wimborne.

Details Marion Westcott on 01425 470329 or email m.westcott1@sky.com

16 December 12pm to 2pm

Frozen/Superhero lunch for children. Dress up and bring the family along to the Hub in Verwood’s premier event of the winter, The Frozen and Super Heroes Christmas Lunch.

Includes music, games, disco, meet the characters and a tasty Christmas dinner. £12 per child. Book on 01202 828740.

around & ABOUT

Dick Whittington and his cat journey to Christchurch

(L-R) Naomi Mantle as Dick Whittington and Stanley Smith as Tommy the Cat. ©Charles Michael Duke

No Christmas period would be complete without a trip to the pantomime.

The Highcliffe Charity Players are presenting their version of this rags to riches story at the Regent Centre in Christchurch from 13-20 January 2018, including three matinees, a mid-morning and a teatime show.

Tickets are £12.50, £10.50 for children. Profits will go to local charities.

The traditional story sees penniless Dick journey to London with his cat Tommy to seek fame and fortune. He falls in love with Alice Fitzwarren the Alderman’s daughter and is confronted by the villainous King Rat. Forced to flee onto the high seas with a motley crew, Dick is eventually washed up on the rat-infested shores of Arabia. Good triumphs over evil as, with the help of his faithful Tommy, Dick defeats King Rat and his vermin army and makes it back to London, to win the hand of Alice and the high office of Lord Mayor of London.

This is classic panto at its finest, with HCP’s renowned formula of great sets, spectacular costumes and lively song and dance routines, combined with the usual quota of slapstick comedy and audience participation. (Oh yes you will!)

Be sure to book early. Tickets are on sale at the Regent Centre Box Office on 01202 499199.

A journey to myth and magic with Harry Potter events Have you ever wanted to delve into divination, ponder the peculiarities of potions and discover magical creatures? Now you can.

Working in partnership with the British Library, Bournemouth and Poole Libraries are proud to host the Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition.

On display in Bournemouth Central Library from now until 30 December 2017, and in Poole Central Library from 8 January until 28 February 2018, the exhibition will be capturing the traditions of folklore and magic at the heart of the Harry Potter stories, including potions and alchemy, divination and magical creatures.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Poole and Bournemouth libraries are two of 22 major libraries across the UK participating in the exhibition.

Bournemouth and Poole will be delving deep into their respective local history archives for a display of magical treasures and tales from the local area. Poole Museum will be providing local trinkets to display and Bournemouth Library has links to Mary Shelley and Frankenstein.

Events include: ‘The Harry Potter Effect’ - two live screenings from the British Library’s Hogwarts Curriculum Lectures on 23 November between 7 and 8.30pm and ‘Women, Witches and Witch-Trials’, which will be hosted at Poole Central Library on 5 December between 7 and 8.30pm.

Harry Potter Quiz Night will be on Friday 26 January at Hamworthy Library from 7.30-10pm.

The exhibition will cater to all ages, with crafts and activities provided for children. The live screenings and quiz evening are not suitable for children.

The British Library’s major exhibition in partnership with Bloomsbury, Harry Potter: A History of Magic, is open in London from now until 28 February 2018.

MS Fair The Multiple Sclerosis Society Bournemouth & District Group Christmas Fayre is at the MS Centre, Church Lane, West Parley, BH22 8TS on Saturday 18 November from 11am2.30pm. There will be stalls including toys, bric-a-brac, jewellery, cakes, cards, books, Christmas gifts.

Entrance 50p, Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

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around & ABOUT In the lead-up to Christmas there’s lots to keep all ages entertained, with parades and festivals and lights switch-ons in many local towns BROOMHILL AND CHRISTCHURCH

The Winter Wonderland grotto at Stewarts Garden Centres in Christchurch and Broomhill, Wimborne will be open from 25 November to 24 December. This is an experience for all the family.

Santa and his merry band of helpers will arrive by tractor and trailer at Christchurch Stewarts at 10.30am and then at Broomhill at 1.30pm on Saturday 25 November. Santa will then be in residence until Christmas Eve with the real reindeers. Book in person or on the website at www.stewarts.co.uk to avoid queuing and disappointment!

BROADSTONE

Broadstone Christmas Parade promises to be a festival of colour. It follows the switching on of the Christmas lights on the Broadway on 30 November at 6pm.

A few days after the switch on, the Broadstone Christmas Parade along the Broadway will be held on 2 December. Starting at 10.30am with the Christmas Market, and stalls, there will also be barbecues outside the butchers and entertainment from the Broadstone Community Band. Tea, coffee and mince pies will be served in the Methodist Church Centre and there will be free cartoons for the children followed by a festive family film also in the warmth of the church.

The parade starts at 1.30pm with floats, walking entries and marching bands.

In Broadstone, the message is all about giving and accompanied by his four trusty elves, Santa will be receiving gifts, not giving them, for the Ted Webster Family Centre in Poole.

CHRISTCHURCH

Christchurch’s Christmas celebrations kick off on 25 November with the lights switch-on – a hugely popular festival that celebrates Christmas in the community.

Taking part from 10am until late, it includes a Christmas market, live music, entertainment, and craft market. The festival takes place along the High Street and at Saxon Square. The procession will take place late afternoon at around 4.30pm. The route begins at Priory Church and ends at Saxon Square. The Christmas lights switch-on will be at around 6pm performed by the Mayor Cllr Nick Geary at the mayor’s parlour.

You will find Santa in his grotto in Saxon Square.

Some of Christchurch’s food and drink businesses will be taking part, so there’s no need to go hungry. The Alpine Bar will be serving seasonal drinks, and German beers, and live music will be provided.

FERNDOWN

The Christmas lights switch on in Ferndown on 25 November is set to be the biggest yet with BBC South’s weather girl Sarah Farmer breezing into town to throw the switch.

Organised by Ferndown Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Ferndown, with the lights provided by the town council, the event will include live entertainment, Santa’s Grotto, children’s rides and amusements, a Christmas Market, food, candy floss, mulled wine and mince pies and a Christmas hamper being raffled to raise funds for the next event.

It all commences at 1pm in Penny’s Walk, with the switch-on at 5pm.

HIGHCLIFFE

Get into the festive spirit on 1 December with the Grand Illuminations switch-on in Highcliffe.

The excitement and fun starts at 5.30pm, with mulled wine and mince pies and Santa will be dropping by.

Christmas music will be provided by students from CODA, an awardwinning music school based near Christchurch.

Lots of shops and businesses in the town will be taking part, with stalls along the main street.

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VIEWPOINT November 2017

around & ABOUT

WEST MOORS

With festive music old and new Wessex Consort, the cathedral choir of twelve dynamic young singers, are performing a special Christmas concert. On 7 December they’ll be singing a programme covering the 500-year history of traditional carols in ‘A Real Dorset Christmas’ at St Mary’s Church, West Moors. The performance begins at 7.30pm and will also include musical portraits of Dorset landmarks and life including Lulworth Cove, local markets, Dorset shipwrecks, Thomas Hardy, William Barnes and Mary Anning. Tickets are £8 on the door and include refreshments.

The next evening at 6pm is the Carols on the Petwyn annual event and Christmas fair, with a candlelit procession at 6pm from the same church. There will be stalls, a visit from Santa and more, with the local youth club, businesses, schools and churches getting involved.

WIMBORNE

In Wimborne, the fun starts on Saturday 25 November, – with entertainment in the Square from 10.30am, including local musicians, choirs and dancers. The lights will be illuminated at 4.30pm.

On Saturday 9 December, it’s the Great Pudding Stir at the Priest’s House Museum and Garden from 10am to 4pm. Also on that day, the annual Save the Children parade brightens up the town with entertainment all day in the Square. The Square will be closed to traffic and the parade starts at Cobham’s in Brook Road at 2.15pm.

On Saturday 16 December it is the Radio Wimborne Son et Lumiere with a beautiful light show projected on the walls of the Minster from 5pm at Minster Green.

There will be the singing of carols in the Cornmarket on Friday 22 December from 6pm.

Broadstone Community Concert Band will provide the accompaniment. A collection will be taken for the Mayor of Wimborne’s charities. Glowsticks for lighting and carol sheets are being provided by the Wimborne BID. See our separate pages for Ringwood, Verwood and Fordingbridge and have a great time, whatever you choose to do in the lead up to the Christmas season.

Christmas Spectacular

Returning for its sixth year of family entertainment, The Glad Rag Production Company is bringing the Christmas Spectacular 2017 to the Regent Centre stage.

Bursting with festive delights Glad Rag will create a magical Christmas treat for the whole family to enjoy.

Running from 16-24 December, once again, audiences will be treated to dazzling costumes and sparkling production numbers brought together by a heartwarming festive story, making this production the best winter warmer in town.

Back at the North Pole, Santa is preparing for another Christmas...

As always the elves will be causing a little chaos, and Benji and Bruce the Polar Bears will be saving the day. Together, they’ll be creating a little Christmas magic right in Christchurch.

With an exciting musical blend of up-beat dance routines, popular ballads, Christmas favourites and Irving Berlin showstoppers, all performed by theatre professionals and adorable youngsters, this is a festive treat for the whole family to enjoy and to fill you with the spirit of Christmas.

Tickets are priced from £15 and are available from the Regent Centre box office on 01202 499199.

Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 39

motoring NEWS

LETTER

Switching to EV cars – the issues nobody is talking about

Referring to your article in last month’s Viewpoint, I would like to share with you and your readers my viewpoint regarding fuel costs and switching to EV cars. I am one person in a renewable/investment group based in China, where 99% of the group are foreign business people and investors living and working in China. There, the issue regarding EV cars, lithium and where the electricity will come from, and much more, is very topical.

I will begin with your points of view about increasing fuel costs: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Prior to the banking crises of 2008, when I lost my local solar energy business, the price of fuel was £1.48 a litre, when the exchange rate was $1.70 to the pound and a barrel of oil was $120.00.

Now oil is as low as $50.00, but the exchange rate has fallen to $1.30 to the pound, the current price at the pumps at around £1.17-£1.19 in the Wimborne area is still very cheap compared to 10 years ago.

Also, it’s the high tax taken by the government in fuel duty, then a hike from 17% to 20% VAT that is the real issue being 75% of the pump price.

There are many cars being produced that can travel up to 50 miles on one litre, but as we all know when you look at the 25 million plus cars being driven in this country a great many are purchased for looks, speed and reliability, not for the petrol consumption.

Moving on to the idea that the UK will ban all new petrol/diesel car production by 2040, while Volvo in Sweden will stop producing its cars that burn petrol from 2020 and France from 2025 with more to follow, the following are the big issues nobody is talking about yet.

1.

2.

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Millions of homeowners without a garage, without a parking space outside their back/front door, will not be able to re charge the car overnight.

Switching to EV cars does not resolve the problem of too many cars with a single driver on the road.

Where will the government get the taxes from that are currently added to pump fuel costs?

When we have storms as seen in Ireland recently, with power supplies down for up to 10 days, how will car owners charge the battery?

Unlike the amount of oil available across the world, one of the metals required in all lithium batteries is cobalt, which I believe is found in just three countries, with other metals also limited to a few countries.

I do not know of any recycling facility anywhere in the world for lithium battery technology.

I understand the EV battery bank has a life of 5,000 cycles (around a 10 year life if charged once a day).

Lastly, if as happened last month, the M3 was closed for 12 hours with millions of cars not moving and it was winter time, and the heating was switched on, the battery bank would be dead leaving millions of cars unable to be moved.

The future, for me, is a hybrid car, which has a petrol or LNG gas fuel tank as a back-up to the electric motor that requires a large battery bank using lithium. I can’t see in my time how an EV car that relies 100% on a battery pack, which also needs to power the lights, window wipers, radio and air con as well as heating the car in winter and defrosting the windows, can win over buyers when they consider all the facts. Also, they would have to spend 15-20 minutes at a charging point every time the battery needed to be recharged.

Eric R Hawkins Renewable Energy Designer / Outsourcing Consultant Wimborne

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VIEWPOINT November 2017

motoring NEWS

Defying the odds to win at Silverstone

A

Y13 student at Ferndown Upper School has just won the Class B MaX5 Racing Championship at Silverstone, despite being told from a very young age that due to his illness, he would never be able to become a racing driver.

Josh Malin had ambitions of becoming a racing driver whilst still in nappies and watching his uncle and grandfather compete in Hill Climbing and Sprint Racing competitions. His dreams were almost destroyed when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just four years old and told that a career in racing driving would not be possible. Thirteen years to the day, Josh strutted off the tarmac at Crofts Circuit as the winner of his

Teenager Josh Malin

first race.

Josh said, “Despite hearing from a doctor that I would not become a racing driver due to my diabetes, I continued to harbour a desire to try, and spent a lot of time on a simulator at home. As luck would have it, the founder of the MaX5 Racing Championship moved in to the house next door and became a family friend. He saw my performance on the simulator and encouraged me to try racing in a real car.”

In March 2015, Josh bought a Mazda MX5 and spent the next 15 months preparing it for the racing tracks.

“I stripped the car out, installed a roll cage system, racing seats and other necessary parts designed to keep me safe.

On 19 June 2016, I competed in my first race at Donington Park and came second! Following that, I competed in the next season at Brands Hatch and finished 2nd and 5th. My first win was at Anglesey where I came 1st and 2nd. The final race of that season was at Silverstone where I achieved a double win.”

When asked which his favourite race was, Josh said, “In May 2017, I raced at Castle Combe in

the pouring rain. Our cars were actually aquaplaning. The thrill of the race definitely made it that little more fun, especially as I won that race, too. Had I have been in Class A, I would have finished 2nd, but because I drive an older car in Class B (which is technically slower) I won my class by quite a way.

“The atmosphere at the races creates a real buzz, too. It is great to be a part of a close-knit community where other racers help

one another if someone needs a tool, etc. My family are supportive and come to as many of my races as possible. Although due to financial constraints motor racing is currently a hobby for me, I am actively seeking a sponsorship to help me to progress further in this sport.”

Josh will be attending an awards ceremony in November at the Leicester Marriott Hotel to collect his trophy for winning the MaX5 Championship.

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Celebrities and Dorset businesses say yes

Charity celebrates founder’s 100th birthday

A host of celebrities and 150 local businesses have shown their support of the #sayYEStoSEN campaign launched by South West Regional Assessment Centre (SWRAC) in Dorset.

Phyllis Edwards, the founder of Diverse Abilities, turns 100 this month and to commemorate her birthday, the local Dorset charity is celebrating how far the charity has come thanks to her incredible courage, unwavering belief and sheer persistence that there must be a better way to support those with disabilities.

In 1948, Phyllis’s first child, Marilyn, was born with cerebral palsy. It took two years for her disability to be diagnosed and doctors told Phyllis there was no other option but to send her daughter away to an institution.

But Phyllis was determined that more could be done. Despite many setbacks, she sent two letters to the press in 1955, the second of which received nine responses and within two months a group was formed with the intention to provide better opportunities for children with physical and learning disabilities. This was the start of Diverse Abilities, then known as the Bournemouth, Poole & District Spastics Society.

Within a year the first centre opened in Bournemouth and in 1957 the Society was registered as a charity. From then on, the charity grew and developed to offer more services to more people.

Today, Diverse Abilities supports more than 2,000 local people a year through its wide range of services. Over the past 63 years, families have been kept together as thousands of children and adults with disabilities have been cared for and given the support and services they needed to fulfil their potential.

Much of the provision provided to local people with disabilities is down to the support from the local community raising vital funds.

Andrea Lennox-Gordon, mum to Victoria who is supported by Diverse Abilities, said, “If it was not for Phyllis, who knows what life would have been like for hundreds of children and adults with disabilities in Dorset? A life in an institution or hospital away from the family, not knowing how long they will live and what sort of life they will have.

“I can’t thank Phyllis enough for not giving up all those years ago.

Because of her I don’t need to worry about my daughter, as the charity is not only here for her but us all as a family.”

Jules Robertson, Kathy Lette, the Mayor of Poole, Adrian Gunner, Rosie Jones, Cllr Graham Wilson, and the Mayor and Mayoress of Christchurch

The campaign aims to source internships and work opportunities for those with special educational needs (SEN). The big names included ITV news presenter Fred Dinenage, British wheelchair rugby athlete Steve Brown, TV personality Lizzie Cundy, tennis player and TV presenter Andrew Castle, British Paralympic athlete Danny Crates, and Paralympic rowing champion Naomi Riches, all of whom have got behind the campaign in the #sayYEStoSEN video.

The launch event was held in Bournemouth and attracted over 150 businesses from Dorset and Hampshire and celebrity speakers included Jules Robertson from BBC’s Holby City, who informed people about his personal experience with dealing with Asperger’s in the acting world. He was joined by his mother, the internationally acclaimed writer Kathy Lette, and comedian Rosie Jones. There were also talks by professional speakers from within the local business sector.

Adrian Gunner, Principal of SWRAC adds, “Recently I heard the shocking statistics that in Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole there are 8,000 people with special educational needs, and of that 8,000 only 500 are in paid work, which shows we are at the beginning of a very long journey and hopefully this campaign is the start of that.”

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VIEWPOINT November 2017

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