Viewpoint October 2018

Established Over 35 Years Mid Oct 2018

Your Independent Local Magazine

VIEWPOINT

Volume 42, Issue 12

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

First chief executive for Dorset Council Matt Prosser has been appointed as the first chief executive of Dorset Council, which goes live in April 2019.

His appointment follows a national search overseen by independent advisors and was made on 27 September.

Prosser has been chief executive of the Dorset Councils Partnership, serving North Dorset, West Dorset and Weymouth & Portland councils since 2014 and is the interim shadow head of paid service for Dorset Council.

Dorset Council, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council will be the first new local authorities to be formed in the UK for 10 years. The county is reducing the number of local authorities from nine to two in order to deliver local services more effectively and efficiently. It is estimated that the cost of service delivery will be reduced by around £108m in the first six years.

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ISSN 2397-7183 (print) ISSN 2397-7191 (online)

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• TRIBUTE TO VERWOOD MAN • COMMUNITY LOSES FAYREWOOD W ARD • THE RED SH OOT CHALLENG E CONTINUES • WEST MOOR S – THE VILLAG E THAT WON’T LET YO U GO

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VIEWPOINT October 2018

VIEWPOINT Volume 42 • Issue 12 • October 2018

Hello Readers

editorial

Picture of the month

MAGS4DORSET Ben Pulford managing director design@mags4dorset.co.uk

Inspiration comes to us in many ways.

We have a masterpiece by Picasso hanging in one of our office lavatories to inspire the staff. And before you rush over look at it – it’s only a print, yet it still has that quality that makes you think about the artist and wonder where he got his ideas.

I therefore make no apologies to Picasso for hanging such a magnificent work of art in our ‘smallest room.’

When checking my Facebook account recently, I came across some photographs in my news feed of Monet’s house in Giverny that one of my author friends, Judith Silverthorne, had posted. It made me ‘feel’ the inspiration that led Claude Monet to become one of the first French impressionist artists.

I asked if Judith would mind me publishing them in Viewpoint and she happily sent them over with a short piece of text.

Judith lives in Canada, so I can’t place any sort of local slant on this piece whatsoever. It just called out to me as something readers would like, so please enjoy.

It goes without saying that we all inspire each other, because if it wasn’t for that element in our lives, this magazine certainly wouldn’t exist.

So why not make yourself a hot drink, put your feet up and be inspired by Viewpoint Magazine. There are plenty of articles to enjoy as well as a lovely tribute to Verwood man Thomas Lenton.

Janine Pulford

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

NEWS DESK 01202 941469 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 Simon Thornton account manager DD: 01202 941470 simon@mags4dorset.co.uk Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

Editor

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

Ian Lory Alexandra O’Neill

Farewell Fayrewood: staff past and present say a fond farewell © Judy Martin (see story on page 16)

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

Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ

next copy closing date:

26 OCTOBER 2018

Viewpoint is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in selected areas of Dorset and Hampshire. It is also available by subscription at £40 per year. Views or opinions expressed in Viewpoint 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 Viewpoint and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher.

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

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A special year of Remembrance Like many cities, towns and villages throughout the country, Ferndown is planning a series of events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One. The launch of the 2018 Poppy Appeal will take place in Penny’s Walk, Ferndown on 27 October with the Young Poppies competition being judged at 10.15am. This will be followed by a parade of cadets and standards through the precinct to the Barrington. At 11am, an explosion of poppies will flutter over the precinct before the mayor buys the first poppy.

Local singers, led by the cast of ‘Pack up Your Troubles’ will entertain with songs from their show, which is due to be performed at the Barrington over Remembrance Week.

The Armistice Day Service will be held on Sunday 11 November in the Garden of Remembrance at The Royal British Legion in Church Road, starting at 10.45am. It will be followed by the full parade and service in the afternoon.

Led by the mayor and councillors of Ferndown, the parade will include veterans, cadets, Guides, Scouts and youth groups from around the area.

It will leave King George V Playing Field at 2.15pm before marching to

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VIEWPOINT October 2018

Appeal after Ringwood man assaulted

St.Mary’s Church along Church Road escorted by Wessex Military Vehicles and returning to take the salute at 4pm.

The day will end with Ferndown joining a nationwide tribute of 1,000 towns selected to join the ‘Battle’s Over’ project to feature the lighting of a Beacon of Remembrance and peal of church bells, together with the town crier giving ‘A Cry For Peace’.

The open-air event will be at the RBL Garden of Remembrance in Church Road at 6.45pm with the Legion open to all for mulled wine and mince pies from 6pm.

Poppy wreaths and crosses are available from the Area Poppy Appeal organiser at setchfield4@btinternet.com or via the Royal British Legion on 01202 877706

An 18-year-old Ringwood man was hit three times on the back of the head by a sharp implement when he tried to stop a fight in Charminster Road, Bournemouth.

The incident happened sometime between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Thursday 13 September 2018. The victim was outside Subway on Charminster Road with friends when he witnessed an altercation between two men in the road.

One of the men is described as being of Turkish origin with short dark hair aged in his mid- to late-20s, around 5’ 11” inches tall and of stocky build. He was wearing a light-coloured tracksuit.

The second man is described as being black, around 5’ 10” tall and aged in his 30s. He had a shaved head and was wearing a dark blue jacket.

PC Jon Park, of Bournemouth police, said, “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to please get in touch.

“I would also like to speak to anyone who can identify the two men described or has any information that could assist with my investigation.”

The victim was treated at hospital for cuts to his head.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180 148924.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

NEED ADVICE?

You can consult the Citizens’ Advice Bureau at Avonway Community Centre in Fordingbridge on Mondays from 10am to 1pm.

Julie Girling MEP comments on her expulsion from the Conservative Party MEP Julie Girling learned she had been expelled from the Conservative party on 25 September. She has been a member of the party for more than 40 years.

She told mags4dorset,”I received a letter from the chairman of the Conservatives expelling me from the party.

“I believe that this is an extreme and disproportionate measure which illustrates an increasing level of intolerance within the party particularly on the issue of Brexit.

“It is no secret that I disagree with the PM on her strategy, as do many others, but I am being treated very differently from others in the party, especially those with a much higher public profile.

“These are the tactics of a bully but I refuse to play the role of victim. I intend to direct my political energies into the People’s Vote campaign and ensure that the final say on any deal is put to test at the ballot box.”

Lighting up in Ferndown The mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Jean Read, will light up Ferndown on Saturday 24 November at 5pm.

The switch-on event, organised by the Rotary Club of Ferndown, Ferndown Chamber of Commerce and Ferndown Town Council, is Ferndown’s premier free to attend town centre event and will be full of Christmas cheer.

From 1pm there will be a Christmas market in Penny’s Walk including Ferndown Chamber’s famous giant Christmas hamper raffle, mulled wine, mince pies, food, drink, Townsend’s Amusements and live entertainment and not forgetting Father Christmas and a professional photographer to capture those magic moments. There will also be a Christmas craft fair at the Barrington.

The official programme produced by mags4dorset will be out at the end of October and will have the full details of the day’s event including the acts and timings – so keep an eye out for it.

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

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Farewell Fayrewood A farewell party for Fayrewood Ward at St Leonards Hospital was organised in September and paid for by the staff.

The ward was moved to Royal Bournemouth Hospital on 30 September.

This marked the start of the phased closure of one of the best NHS facilities in Dorset. The demise of St Leonards Hospital has come about following the Clinical Services Review.

The Fayrewood Ward party, organised by ward clerk Judy Martin, was enjoyed by past and present staff. One said, “It was such a lovely day.

The planes from the air show were going right over the hospital and it was like they were giving us our very own flypast.

Despite the tragedy of the hospital closing, we were celebrating the service we have been able to give over the years. There is nothing else like this in the area.”

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VIEWPOINT October 2018

Other local people have voiced their dismay to mags4dorset via correspondence and on Facebook: …many of us voted to keep open St Leonards because it was doing an excellent job,… I thought the consultation would uphold the views of the majority, but they just did their own thing and will be closing St Leonards. How sad is that. Lesley Eve, Verwood I have used the hospital as an outpatient and I have an appointment to attend again in the near future so feel that I know what I am talking about when I say that this hospital is a key part of our community. Roger Long, West Moors Despite our attempts, they close it; short-sighted poor decision. Community deserved better. Hold ups and no beds in main hospitals, this decision beggars belief. This was a predetermined decision making consultation a joke.

Andy Skeats, Facebook Surely a candidate for a much-needed care facility/ mental care facility. Has the NHS authority gone stupid?

Geoff Glover, Facebook So sad this hospital will be sorely missed. They have built all the new homes next door without any infrastructure no shops, doctors survey schools etc could they not have kept a section at least and turned it into a doctors surgery, dentist, etc… Pat Baddams, Facebook Have dealt with the fantastic staff at Fayrewood and Canford ward for a few years both on spoa and dhc. Good luck with whatever your future guys. It’s been a pleasure.

Mechelle Heynes, Facebook So sad to lose this hospital. Good luck to all the lovely staff in their future careers. Lisa White, Facebook Such a great loss to our community. There’s always a wait for people who need these rehabilitation beds, that’s bound to have an impact on bed availability at RBH. In addition, the planners seem to have completely overlooked the poor provision of public transport in this area for residents to access other hospitals. Noreen Larry, Facebook

Communications agency reaches finals UKSV, a creative communications agency based in Ringwood, which works with high-profile clients including the AA, IBM and Nationwide Building Society, is a finalist in the EVCOM Industry Awards’ Best Healthcare Event category. The EVCOM awards celebrate the creators of innovative content from across Britain’s creative industries.

Neil Coombes, senior account manager at UKSV said he was enormously proud of his team.

Jon Tarrant-Heckford

Kisses 4 Jon This happy 10-year-old Ringwood boy suffers from Sanfilippo Syndrome, an incurable metabolic disorder. Sadly, Jon TarrantHeckford’s condition is terminal and according to Great Ormond Street Hospital he is unlikely to reach his teenage years.

Kisses 4 Jon would like to fund a specially designed changing table, so that he can be changed comfortably in his home.

Seasoned Ringwood fundraiser, Rob ForresterAddie will be jumping out of plane to raise money for Kisses 4 Jon. “This is a 79th birthday gift,” said Rob, “but I need

lots of encouragement with sponsorship to help young Jon TarrantHeckford who needs new equipment as soon as possible.”

Rob will be doing his first tandem Freefall Skydive on 20 October at Netheravon Airfield (weather permitting).

In 2016, Rob climbed Ben Nevis for Ringwood’s First Responders. He’s also paddled canoes around Poole Harbour and the Isle of Wight to raise funds for various causes.

If you wish to sponsor Rob, email him at rforresteraddie@ btinternet.com

Regal’s future in the balance The Save the Regal group recently met with the developers U+1 Group. Chairman of Save the Regal, Mike Tuck said the developers explained they are negotiating with a potential buyer, and had been doing so for about nine months. He also said the end use of the site would be different to the plans put forward by Save the Regal and though another potential purchaser, more aligned to the community cause had made an approach, the developers were remaining loyal to their buyer.

“Ideally we would make a counter offer but we currently do not have the funds and therefore need to be patient and wait,” added Mike Tuck.

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

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Hannah and Jacob from Wimborne at Plastic Free Wimborne’s street party

PLASTIC FREE

FERNDOWN an update

Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Ferndown is gearing up for another event, which will be on 24 November in Pennys Walk. “We intend to have a stand at the Christmas lights switch-on,’ said PFF community leader Janine Pulford, “so do come and see us between 1pm and 5pm.

“Not a day goes by without more tragic news of how plastic is affecting the lives of everything on the planet in a detrimental way. One of the latest reports comes from the remote Lord Howe Island, which is more than 600km off the east coast of Australia. Here shearwater chicks are literally ‘drowning in the weight of plastic’ as their parents mistakenly feed them up to 200 fragments of the stuff before they set off to fledge.

Sadly, the weight of plastic in their stomachs fills them up and prevents them from flying and having any chance of survival. The Natasha Ray with sooner we all take action to cut bamboo toothbrushes out single use plastic, the better.”

Shout outs

Ferndown Upper School – plastic free cutlery and containers have been purchased for the café, plastic bin liners have been removed. The school is now collecting lids for Lush. They are also collecting single use plastic bottles, which will be turned into an outdoor sculpture as a comment on the need to go plastic free. Kudos to FUS. Plastic Free Wimborne – congratulations on achieving plastic free status. The Mayor of Wimborne Minster, Cllr Kelly Webb officially opened the Wimborne War on Waste plastic free street party on 22 September. It was held to celebrate those who have worked together to gain plastic free status for the town, by meeting the criteria laid down by the charity Surfers Against Sewage. The event battled against the rain, which eventually had the last word, but those who braved the weather discovered all sorts of alternatives to plastic.

Pictures by CatchBox taken at Plastic Free Wimborne’s street party

Freya and Benji with Maddie from Lush making bath bombs

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VIEWPOINT October 2018

Demolition taking place to make way for the new homes

Milestone reached on landmark site in Blandford Development of a landmark site in north Dorset has reached a milestone before work starts on up to 180 new homes.

Homes England has reached the midway point of a £2million programme of demolition and infrastructure work on the former Hall & Woodhouse brewery in Blandford. Having completed demolition, work to install new infrastructure for the site will now begin.

The site is being marketed to house builders with the aim of construction beginning summer 2019 and completion of the first homes in 2020.

The Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) – the predecessor to Homes England – bought the site in January 2018 from Hall & Woodhouse after it relocated its operations to another part of its site in Bournemouth Road.

With its aim of 180 new homes, including affordable homes, the development will bolster North Dorset District Council’s Opening Doors campaign.

The old Victorian brewery has been empty for nearly 12 years. The development will include refurbishment of the core buildings of the historic Victorian Brewhouse as well as newly built properties.

The Opening Doors housing programme has been launched by North Dorset District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council. It aims to encourage the construction of 20,000 more good quality homes by 2033. People are being urged to sign the Opening Doors Home Ownership Register to get the latest news about new homes for rent and sale.

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

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LAW SPOT

History made by Astoria

Laura Molloy, Residential Conveyancing Solicitor, Harold G Walker Solicitors Q. We are first time buyers and have just got our mortgage agreed and found a place to buy!

We’re keen to move in asap so what can we expect and how long does the conveyancing process take?

A. Buying your first home is such an exciting time but can also be very daunting as you enter the unknown of the conveyancing process.

Once you have found the property you want to buy, it’s a good idea to contact your local solicitor to get a quotation for the legal fees and disbursements so that you can plan your budget in advance and also obtain appropriate advice regarding a mortgage to finance your purchase.

Your solicitor will send to you various forms for completion and you will likely be asked for supporting documents like ID etc and money on account. Make sure you return all the forms completed along with the other items requested promptly so that as soon as the papers arrive from the seller’s solicitor, work can begin.

Your mortgage offer should be issued once the valuation has been carried out and searches will also need to be applied for in respect of the property. We would also recommend that you instruct a surveyor to carry out a survey of the property.

At this stage, your solicitor will raise legal enquiries with the seller’s solicitor and you should have the opportunity to address any concerns you have as well.

Once all investigations and searches have been completed, and any enquiries raised about the property satisfied you will be fully reported to and then you should be invited to sign the documentation in respect of the transaction. You will also usually need to ensure you have adequate buildings insurance in place. At this stage you should then be ready to ‘exchange contracts’

and this is the point of ‘no return’! The completion date is fixed on exchange and you can start packing.

The day of completion is when the monies are actually paid over to your seller’s solicitor and the legal title to the property is transferred to you. Once completion has taken place you should receive a telephone call from you solicitor with the exciting news that you can finally get your hands on the keys to your new house.

Harold G Walker are one of the largest providers of conveyancing services in the Dorset area and will tailor their service to meet your needs. Whether you want to keep in touch by phone or email, or would like to call into one of our offices to talk about things face to face, a solicitor or conveyancing executive will be available to help with your concerns.

This column is for information only and does not constitute legal advice.

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VIEWPOINT October 2018

(L -R) Captain Michail Smyrnaios, Astoria, Jim Stewart and Chris Coates

Poole Harbour saw history made on the 31 August when the Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) ship Astoria departed from the new berth at the port.

CMV’s Group commercial director, Chris Coates, said it was, “…good to see how many of those on board had come from the local area to sail from, and support, their regional port.”

Coates added, “I was also blown away by the fantastic display put on the by Red Arrows and am sure the passengers on board also enjoyed their front row seats.”

Jim Stewart, CEO for Poole Harbour Commissioners, said, “It’s a very exciting time for the Port of Poole. Astoria is the largest cruise ship we’ve seen on our new cruise berth, South Quay since it opened earlier this year.”

education NEWS - advertisement feature -

Ferndown Students Excel Again Ferndown students had another excellent set of exam results this summer, equal to their record-breaking year in 2017.

Come and see why at their upcoming open evening:

6th Form Open Evening Thursday 18 October 2018, 6.30pm – 8.30pm Headteacher talk at 6.30pm Headteacher, Philip Jones commented, “I am very proud of the achievements of our students; they have performed superbly and have now received their just reward.

From a whole school point of view, this is now the third year in a row of outstanding results and I am very proud to be the headteacher of such a highly performing school, where students enjoy their learning and also gain the qualifications that they need for their future careers.”

At GCSE, 17% of all grades achieved were A* or A grades (grades 9-7), and over half of all grades gained by students were A* to B (or grades 9-5). Progress 8, the new key government accountability measure is predicted to be +0.30, an improvement upon last year when Ferndown was placed in the top 20% of schools nationally and the highest achieving school in the area.

After receiving the highest A Level results in Dorset last year (combined A Level and Applied General value added), Ferndown Upper students performed

even better this year with 10% of students receiving the highest of grades, an A* or Distinction* (beating the national average), 33% receiving A* or A grades, and 100% passing (also beating the national average).

The outcomes for STEM and Creative Arts subjects were superb, placing Ferndown Upper as the very heart of STEM excellence in the area. Other standout subjects were MFL, Sociology, Textiles, Business, HSC and Travel.

Vocational subjects also performed extremely highly (Sport, Media and IT), scoring a ‘Value Added’ score of +0.80, which will place their achievements in the top 1% of the country.

“The school is very pleased of the fact that 100% of our Year 13 gained a place at university, employment or on an apprenticeship,” added Philip Jones.

For more information about the school, visit www.fernup.dorset.sch. uk or call 01202 871243.

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

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ringwood NEWS

CA R N I V A L RINGWOOD

Ringwood Carnival took place on Saturday 15 September with an afternoon and evening procession, followed by a spectacular firework display.

This year, the town council backed Ringwood Carnival Society and helped fund an associate schools’ programme.

This new initiative by Forest Forge Theatre Company, saw a collaboration with year 5s from Ringwood Junior School, enabling them to explore themes around recycling and eco-living that are currently and hugely relevant.

The funding allowed the initiative to work directly on producing a multiart piece for the carnival procession.

Working with local artist Charlotte Moreton they made walking sculptures out of recycled materials provided by wastage from the school itself.

Any schools interested in the initiative can contact Jo Billingham at education@forestforgetheatre.co.uk.

It is hoped the collaboration will allow the initiative to be part of the carnival procession in future years to come.

Our photos were taken by Forest Forge, Shelley Morris and Andy Street

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VIEWPOINT October 2018

ringwood NEWS

-advertisement feature-

You never know what’s around the corner

By Edward Holmes, Forest Edge & Meesons Solicitors I don’t know about you but sometimes you get up in the morning with a plan; obstacles appear from nowhere and then suddenly everything changes.

I was lucky enough to attend a European Law Conference in Zagreb and on my last day in the office before my departure, I had a cunning plan to clear my desk.

I aimed to be at my desk by 8am, but from the very start, everything conspired against me.

Firstly, my daughter missed the school bus. That added an extra 30 minutes to my travel time.

Then certain road works, which we are all no doubt feeling the pain from, delayed me further. However, without breaking the speed limit, I managed to squeeze in by 9am.

I looked at my ‘To Do’ list and off I charged. I had set myself various tasks and then the telephone rang and a client had a rather unusual and urgent problem, which required my immediate attention. My morning was knocked out.

I then headed into the afternoon and was on a mission to

get back on track. Everything was looking good and I then I received an email. Have you written the editorial for the Viewpoint which is needed immediately, it said. I had to try to write something topical, interesting and vaguely witty.

Hopefully one out of three isn’t too bad.

I successfully cleared my desk a little later and with all obstacles overcome I was then off to the airport on a coach leaving at 4.20am. Who needs sleep anyway? When I got on the coach, my only dilemma was should I say ‘good night’ or ‘good morning’.

So for whatever legal obstacles come your way, myself and all the team at Forest Edge and Meesons are happy to help.

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

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Ferndown Industrial Estate more than meets the eye

Whatever you need for your home or vehicle, Ferndown Industrial Estate is a great place to start your search. It enjoys easy access from the south off Wimborne Road in Ferndown and in the north, off the A31. Its main artery is Cobham Road where you’ll find Carpet Barn but the many adjoining roads and smaller business parks are home to a huge mix of businesses. The Cats Protection charity even has a rehoming centre on Ferndown Industrial Estate, which just goes to prove that there’s much more than meets the eye on this estate. See below for additional information.

- advertisement feature -

Alloy wheel refurbishment and customisation – from start to excellent finish A family run company, which is part of a national franchise. Whether restoring, repairing or customising, the Wheel Specialist’s experienced, professional and friendly wheel technicians are highly trained; each happy to discuss and advise you on the best options for your wheels. The Wheel Specialist offer a wide selection of finishes and services including: powder coated finishes, manufacturer match silvers, bespoke designs, diamond cutting service and cosmetic wheel repair. The TWS team will take care of both you and your wheels – from start to excellent finish.

- advertisement feature -

Dedicated professional surfacing specialist The Surfacing Company Ltd was originally formed in 1996 when director Barry Draper identified a gap in the market for a dedicated professional surfacing specialist. With this in mind The Surfacing Company was launched and has in 18 years become one of the largest surfacing specialists in the Bournemouth and Poole area. To ensure provision of all your surfacing needs the company has built up a large and specialist range of equipment to cover all aspects of surfacing work whether it’s large or small.

Plant and equipment is provided to you at very competitive rates and supplied with fully trained operatives.

- advertisement feature -

The main aim is to keep you on the road Ferndown Commercials understand that customer’s vehicles are a vital tool to their business or everyday life. The company’s main aim is to keep their customers on the road. They pride themselves on pulling out all the stops to ensure your vehicle is back on the road as soon as possible, whether it’s following a service or a breakdown.

With a large workshop, Ferndown Commercials can offer heavy goods vehicle servicing and maintenance. Their technicians are multifranchise trained, giving Ferndown Commercials the opportunity to work on a variety of vehicles and franchises.

A first for first school children

Three Legged Cross First School organises a two-day trip to the Springhead Rural Centre near Shaftesbury every two years for its Year 3 and 4 children.

The trip is often the children’s first experience of nights away from home.

During their recent two-day stay the youngsters took part in pond dipping, a treasure hunt, an evening torchlight walk, den building and an egg boat race in the stream.

Another Forum accolade Forum Jewellers, one of the Top 100 Independent Jewellers in the UK, has been honoured in with a recent business award for customer service.

Amid stiff competition, the Broadstone-based jewellers scooped the Blackmore Vale business award for customer service.

Helen Molloy, Forum’s director says, “To win the customer service award is particularly special to the whole team at Forum as

we really pride ourselves on our long-standing and well-earned reputation for excellent customer service and we are known for going the extra mile for customers.”

This latest accolade follows on from winning the customer experience award in 2017 at the Dorset Business Awards and being shortlisted in Retail Jewellers & Professional Jewellers Awards in 2018.

10th Creative Writing Awards The 10th mags4dorset short story competition will be based around a ‘plastic nightmare’. The competition prizes are bigger than usual to celebrate the contest’s 10th anniversary.

If over 100 short stories are received, mags4dorset will donate £100 to the registered charity, Surfers Against Sewage.

The shortlist will be judged by author and short story writer Della Galton.

RULES • Entries must be fictional and your own work • Stories to be inspired by the words ‘plastic nightmare’ • Submissions should be double-spaced and typewritten • Do not use famous people’s names or brands • Word length 1,000 words or under • FEE: First entry £5. Further entries £3 each. Cheques to Pulford Publicity Ltd. • A title page, with a title, must be included with contact details, pen name if used, and word length • There must not be any identifying marks on the story itself other than its title and page numbers.

• Closing date: 30 October 2018

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VIEWPOINT October 2018

PRIZES 1st £300 plus publication in 4Dorset or Viewpoint or in both, and online.

2nd £100 plus publication as above.

Copyright remains with the author. mags4dorset’s privacy policy can be read at www. mags4dorset.co.uk Enter online at www. mags4dorset.co.uk or send to: Creative Writing Awards, mags4dorset, Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ

health & FITNESS - advertisement feature -

Warming homes across the south The Warmer Group Ltd are proud to announce that they have been trading in the Dorset area installing insulation for over 30 years.

The Warmer Group Ltd delivers energy efficiency solutions for customers across Dorset, Hampshire, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Sussex. Established in 1988, their family-run business ensures that their teams meet the required professional standards for installing insulation.

Overall the government has been trying for the last 20 years to improve the energy efficiency in low-income homes. Dorset County Council also have the same obligation as the government to increase the energy efficiency in low-income properties and they have nominated many areas in Dorset which enables homeowners to have cavity wall and loft insulation installed free of charge. The Warmer Group Ltd mainly install cavity wall and loft Insulation, which is funded by one of the government schemes. The government recently released funding for a new scheme, which is called ECO3 (energy company obligation).

“When I founded my first company almost 30 years ago, I was driven by a passion to help homeowners live more comfortably and save money on their home heating costs,’’ said Danny Godfrey CEO, managing director and founder.

“I am very privileged to be in a position where my work, the people I employ and the customers who we serve are all able to make a positive contribution to reducing carbon emissions.”

Since The Warmer Group (Southern) Ltd started providing home insulation solutions, more than 125,000 households have been helped to achieve improvements in efficiency and reductions in their fuel bills.

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

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health & FITNESS

charity of the year

Animals provide magical moment at local hospice Staff at Forest Holme Hospice greeted a surprise visitor recently when Skipper the pony came in to see its owner who was a patient at the hospice.

Skipper, who belonged to a terminallyill woman at the hospice in Poole, was brought in by the patient’s family, along with her dog Buzz Lightyear, providing a truly magical moment for the owner, as well as for staff and other patients and visitors.

Paul Tucker, fundraising manager at the hospice, said, “We always encourage families to bring pets in to visit loved-ones and have had cats, dogs, rabbits and even a horse visit. Our incredible nursing staff always go that extra mile to make wishes come true and create memories for patients and their loved-ones. It was a beautiful moment and we feel privileged to have been able to facilitate this visit at a crucial stage of her care.

“It is absolutely right that we should pull out all the stops to ensure that our patients

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VIEWPOINT October 2018

and their families receive personalised, compassionate and dignified care at the end of their life and this is what we will always strive to achieve.”

Forest Holme, which will be celebrating its 25th anniversary next year, provides specialist end-of-life care to patients living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck.

The hospice is part of Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and is supported

by Forest Holme Hospice Charity, which needs to raise at least £820,000 every year to help enhance the NHS provision at the Hospice and ensure that Forest Holme is there for patients and their family and friends during the most difficult time of their lives.

health & FITNESS - advertisement feature -

Work, Gym, Social. Repeat Make time for your health this month. To help you until the end of October, Ferndown Leisure Centre is offering new joiners 3 months for the price of 2 with no joining fee on their premium and swim-only memberships, saving you up to £63.

TO ADVERTISE IN VIEWPOINT Call 01202 816140

Premium membership includes: • • • • • • • •

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Swim-only membership includes: • • • • •

Places Locker – the app for quick online booking, to track your moves, join challenges, download programmes and more 14 days advanced booking Unlimited pool use for Just Swim, Fitness and Fun sessions Free use of SWIMTAG – wearable technology to track your swim performance and stroke Receive news and promotional offers.

Children’s swimming lessons

Contact Becky or Sue from the Swim Team if you would like your children to become safe and confident in the water.

Make time to be a swimmer or better swimmer

Would you like to be confident in the water, or learn to swim or improve your swim technique? There’s an adult swim programme that will help you achieve this.

For more information contact Ferndown Leisure Centre on 01202 877468 or email enquiries@ferndownleisurecentre.co.uk

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

| 17

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WVS turns 15!

Worldwide Veterinary Service is at the frontline of animal welfare, providing teams of vets, nurses, medication and equipment to animals in need all over the world. From a small office in Cranborne, Dorset they are achieving big things worldwide. In November 2018 WVS is celebrating its 15th birthday!

By becoming a member of WVS, you can be a part of the journey and enable this invaluable service to do even more in the next 15 years. For just £4 a month or £40 a year you’ll be helping train more vets, treat more animals and respond to even more emergency cases in the years to come.

Join WVS now!

Charity needs more volunteers!

Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre is seeking to recruit a new team of community fundraisers to help raise awareness and additional funds for the charity. This is an exciting time to join the charity as it continues to grow and expand its services throughout Dorset.

The new fundraising team will be involved in a number of different events from local shows to bagpacking in supermarkets.

Full training and induction is provided as well as on-going support and volunteer events.

For more information please email info@ dorsetrapecrisis.org on contact Elsa Travers – Fundraising Trustee on 07776 688767.

TO ADVERTISE IN VIEWPOINT Call 01202 816140 18 |

In the summer climbing roses’ bloom over the arches in the central alley. In the fall nasturtiums are left to grow at will

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VIEWPOINT October 2018

EXCLUSIVE

When inspiration just keeps

Give-rny-ing

Award-winning author Judith Silverthorne recently visited Claude Monet’s fabulous home and gardens in Giverny. The editor of Viewpoint invited Judith to share her experience.

Judith writes: I love Claude Monet’s paintings. I have several prints hanging on my apartment walls. I was thrilled to see his home, gardens, lily ponds, and bridges in Giverny recently, 80 km west of Paris. This site is spectacular, even in the fall.

Six full-time gardeners are kept busy all year round as Judith Silverthorne: Pure joy different flowers bloom throughout the year, all orchestrated at being present in Monet’s originally by Monet. The beauty and peacefulness was gardens exquisite, even with many awed tourists.

His home has been preserved and contains his actual belongings in most cases.

Only the paintings on the walls are reproductions; the real ones are in museums around the world.

Each of the rooms was decorated in a different colour; so vibrant, yet beautiful.

Although his large original studio/work area is now a gift shop, the integrity of his home and the gardens is intact and magnificently captures his place of inspiration.

Monet’s workshop/living room

Monet found inspiration from his gardens and lily pond for more than 20 years

The artist’s (summer) home was restored to its former glory after the Second World War. His bedroom overlooked his colourful gardens

The yellow dining room was filled with family, and occasional artist and gardening friends most days. Monet enjoyed having people around though he always rose at 5am and went out to paint alone, returning for lunch

Judith is a multiple-award winning Canadian-based author of more than a dozen books, many of which are children’s or young adult novels, with one translated into Japanese, plus two non-fiction biographical adult books. Honouring the Bison, her first picture book was released in 2015, with a French translation published in 2016. Her latest novel, Ghosts in the Garden, is a sequel to her juvenile fiction ghost series. See more on her website www.judithsilverthorne.ca

foodie NEWS

THE RED SHOOT challenge remains

By Janine Pulford

When visiting a pub in the New Forest, part of the experience is the journey.

The scenery is spectacular and you are almost guaranteed to see wildlife.

On our way to the Red Shoot, we saw donkeys, ponies and deer.

As we parked, the sunset was spectacular with beautiful pink clouds streaking a turquoise sky.

Tia showed us to our table in this spacious country pub that has an incredible 120 tables indoors and further seating for 150 diners outside.

Despite the chill in the air, people were sitting outside watching the sun go down while sipping their beers. The Red Shoot has its own micro brewery and Tom’s Tipple, New Forest Gold and Muddy Boot sit alongside the Wadworth range, and prove very popular.

My son Louis and I browsed the menu. It wasn’t that long ago when I last I visited the Red Shoot to review the food and my favourites were still there.

To warm me up, I chose soup of the day, home made leek and potato. It arrived with rustic bread and was lovely and creamy. Seasoning was required, but as the Red Shoot has salt and pepper grinders on the tables, I could season to my heart’s delight.

Before I got the first spoonful into my mouth, Louis had polished off his starter. Four generous slices of cheesy garlic and herb bread. I was astounded and convinced he was going to crush the Red Shoot challenge that I set during the last review.

Okay, he’d said he was

Bread and butter pudding

hungry and was looking forward to eating three full courses, but his first one had vanished in seconds.

I, on the other hand, had come back to take my own advice and after the starter, I ordered from the small plates menu. Should I have fish of the day or macaroni cheese? Or go against all my instincts and opt for lamb’s liver and bacon.

Louis dived in and ordered a butterflied chicken burger from the main menu. I did warn him about the portion size, even so, he insisted on a side order of cheesy chips for us to share. I quaked at the thought and this decided me to ask for a small plate of macaroni cheese with a side salad. A perfectly respectable dish for a small person.

AN INCREDIBLE 120 TABLES INDOORS AND FURTHER SEATING FOR 150 DINERS OUTSIDE The burger landed and looked delightful. Louis chomped through the brioche bun, butterflied chicken breast, bacon, cheese, lettuce and tomato and chips. He stopped only to lick his lips and say it was delicious, but then I noticed him flagging over the extra portion of chips.

The cracks were beginning to show.

I loved my small plate of baked macaroni cheese, chive and mature cheddar, served with garlic bread and dressed

Soup of the day: homemade leek and potato

Cheesy garlic and herb bread

Macaroni cheese (small plate)

Butterflied chicken burger

salad and even managed a few cheesy chips. But I kept a space because I really wanted the lemon meringue that had eluded me on my last visit.

Louis had other plans.

He brashly ordered the traditional bread and butter pudding with vanilla pod custard. I scrapped the lemon meringue because I knew he wouldn’t be able to eat all the bread and butter, and I don’t like waste.

When the pudding arrived, stuffed with lots of plump raisins, all Louis could do was admire it.

Eventually, he managed one spoonful, but Mum had to eat the rest.

So you see, that Red Shoot challenge isn’t as easy as it sounds, even when you’re starving hungry.

The Red Shoot is a friendly pub, and also dog friendly with biscuits on the counter for hungry pooches. There were at least three doggy patrons on the night we visited.

There are quiz nights, darts nights and coming soon is the fabulous Christmas menu with gluten-free options. My advice, is go easy, eat slowly and enjoy!

The good news is, if you pay for your Christmas booking in full by 1 November, you will get a 10% discount on your total food bill (this offer does not include Christmas Day).

I hope to return for a third attempt at the lemon meringue. I wonder what my chances are.

Tia

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

| 19

foodie NEWS

It’s time to plan for your

By Carol Waterkeyn and Janine Pulford

Why not check out our advertisers for a great selection of places to hold your Christmas celebrations this year?

Whether it’s for the annual works shindig, or a family festive lunch, Viewpoint has got it covered.

There’s a wide range of venues to consider for your perfect party.

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Are you having a dress-code theme such as outrageous Christmas jumpers, your best sparkly party outfits and suits, or fancy dress? Whatever you choose, don’t leave it too late to make your reservation(s).

Remember to circulate your chosen menus in good time so your

VIEWPOINT October 2018

colleagues and family members can make their selections in advance and the venue can ensure it has enough Christmas pudding, turkey or whatever gourmet delights you require, and crackers, of course.

If you’re planning on drinking alcohol, and many of us are at this time of the year, don’t spoil a great lunch or night out by drinking too much and having to leave your car behind in the car park when you go home.

Instead, if you’re going out with friends, designate a non-drinking driver to ferry

you home at the end. That way you can enjoy your drinks and get home in safe hands.

If this isn’t possible because all your friends want to drink, there are other alternatives.

You could walk, cycle or catch the bus. These may not be alternatives that immediately spring to mind, but they are cost effective, and you will also get plenty of fresh air and exercise.

Hiring a taxi is a sensible option. Your taxi driver will take you door-to door, but do remember,

if you’re picked up after midnight, the carriage fare will increase. It’s always a nice gesture if you can leave a tip. United Taxis has a mobile app so you can book and track your cab at the touch of a button.

Another solution is to ask a friend to pick you up, obviously not one who is boozing down the road. A good friend won’t mind doing this, and you could return the favour when it’s their work’s do.

It would be polite to offer them petrol money and

foodie NEWS TO ADVERTISE IN VIEWPOINT Call 01202 816140 or 870270

maybe something for the inconvenience if you call them at 2am!

If you want to arrive at your party in style and there is a small group of you, there’s always limo hire. The limo company may expect you all to be at one house for the pick up, and they won’t want to be driving all over the country for the after-party drop offs, so clarify everything with them at the time of booking.

On the plus side, they usually seat eight and though it is an expensive option, you can share the cost, and it is the sort of experience that will ramp up your evening to the next level. Bubbly is often provided to get you in the party spirit before you arrive. On the down side, you will have to give a time for pick ups and stick to them. There is no point being a Cinderella these days anyway – there are no princes left, even if the shoe fits!

Lastly, have a great time, but don’t go too mad on Facebook and Instagram, you may regret your drunken posts the following day.

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

| 21

home IMPROVEMENTS AVOIDING WINTER WOES IN YOUR HOME

By Arabella Watkiss and Carol Waterkeyn

Hot, sunny days on the beach seem like a distant dream now that we’re in October and it’s important now that the cold weather is approaching, to carry out some essential jobs with radiators, windows and other fittings in the house. Here are a few things to do to prepare for winter:

HEATING

During the winter months, you are going to need powerful radiators and so bleeding them is hugely important. A sure sign that they need bleeding is if the radiators are not completely heating up when you turn on your central heating. If trapped air is in the radiators, they may not work at all, or only warm up at the bottom because the water cannot fill the space containing the air bubble.

Remember to turn off your heating system first. Grab your radiator key (if you can’t find it, you can get a replacement from any DIY shop). Twist the key slowly in an anti-clockwise motion to release the air. Protect the floor with towels. You should be able to hear air escaping. When this stops, it means that water will soon come out of the hole so do the valve up quickly when all the air is released.

If you haven’t already done so, you should have your boiler serviced before the colder months creep in. This will help avoid a breakdown in the depths of winter and keep your boiler running smoothly.

WOOD BURNERS AND OPEN FIRES

These look very cosy in winter, but don’t forget to order in a good supply of fuel to keep you going through the colder months. You don’t want to suddenly run out. The same goes for oil, if you rely on oil-fired heating.

WINDOWS

If your windows are single-glazed, you are likely to feel colder indoors than if your house has double- or triple-glazing. Single-glazed windows have only one layer of glass, which allows heat to escape more easily. Re-glazing might be something to think about in preparation for the winter months ahead. If you don’t want to re-glaze, consider sourcing window insulation film for the glass.

- advertisement feature -

Big Bang Promotion!

The Benchmarx Big Bang promotion is still on!

Don’t miss Benchmarx Kitchen and Joinery’s biggest promotion of the year for kitchens, doors, flooring, Velux windows, taps and more.

This local supplier has a massive selection readily available to the trade and also offers a free design service for the homeowner.

Made to measure worktops include

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VIEWPOINT October 2018

granite, quartz, Corian and Silestone. New in: the true handless range for your kitchen.

The Big Bang promotion runs until 31 October 2018, but Benchmarx will provide any kitchens in November at October prices. A deal not to be missed! Check them out now at www. benchmarxkitchens.co.uk and for a free design call 01202 577712.

home IMPROVEMENTS DOORS

A double- or triple-glazed front and back door will make a significant difference to the heat loss from your home. The postman probably won’t thank you, but also think about letterboxes which you can get covers for. You can use draught excluder ‘sausages’ on draughty internal doors. These can be easily purchased, or made from material and stuffed with kapok.

TO ADVERTISE IN VIEWPOINT Call 01202 816140

LOFTS AND WALLS

It has been estimated that around 25% of heat is lost through the roof and so, it might also be a good idea to think about upgrading the insulation in your loft. Insulating with mineral wool or fibreglass is a simple way to reduce heat loss and therefore your energy bills. If your loft is easy to access and has no condensation problems, you might be able to insulate the loft yourself using rolls of mineral wool. However, it is also possible to get it done professionally.

You would need to be a reasonably competent DIY-er for this as it can be a little dangerous if you’re using fibreglass. If you’re unsure, call a professional installer to do it for you. It’s worth researching to see if there are any government grants available. These can sometimes be organised through your utility provider. Dorset County Council is involved in a scheme for loft and cavity wall insulation and more. If you are aged over 65, have one of several listed health conditions, or are on a low income you may also qualify to have a new heating system installed free of charge.

Visit www. healthyhomesdorset. org.uk for more details or telephone the Centre for Sustainable Energy on 0300 003 7023 to speak to an adviser.

Continued on page 24

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

| 23

home IMPROVEMENTS FABRIC ENHANCEMENTS

Rugs, throws, and velvet or fake-fur cushions in darker shades will add to the feeling of warmth around your home. Thermal-lined curtains in warm fabrics and tones are also a very effective way of keeping the heat in.

DAMP

With the advent of colder, wetter weather, damp and condensation can be a problem.

Ensure your home is well ventilated whenever possible. Open windows or use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens to let out the steam. If you dry washing indoors, again ensure that windows are open. Dry window sills and glass that have condensation to prevent mould from appearing.

GUTTERS

After October-time, it is a good idea to clean the gutters. Leaves and pine needles that have fallen will have collected in drainpipes and gutters and so it is the perfect time, after the autumn months to clear them. Blocked drains and the potential resulting leaks through gutters or walls, are not things you want to be thinking about around Christmas!

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VIEWPOINT October 2018

home IMPROVEMENTS How your wall colour affects your mood

By Josie Klein

Understanding the psychology of the colour of the walls in your house may help you transform your home and contribute to feelings of positivity and relaxation.

Wall colours are not something that everyone consciously notices, and whilst we don’t spend a lot of time staring at a wall, its colour can affect our moods everyday. Colour psychology offers an insight into how certain colours impact mental, emotional and behavioural responses. It can, therefore, be used to guide paint colour choices and give you more control over the way you desire to feel in each room.

Using various colour combinations can introduce a variety of instinctual emotional reactions: be it calming, aggressive or dramatic. Reactions to colour can be subjective with each individual experiencing a different emotional reaction to a palette, but generally, certain types of colours produce particular responses. Colours can be either warm- or coolbased in tone. Warm colours, which are hues with warm undertones such as reds, yellows and yellow-greens, are radiant and cosy, instilling a feeling of intimacy as they can make rooms feel smaller. Cool colours, which are hues with cool undertones such as purples, blues and blue-greens, are calming when paired with natural light; however, they do have the ability to make a room feel larger and colder. It is, therefore, important to consider the impact you want. Every individual room can introduce positivity as long as it is painted with colours that evoke healthy responses.

Dulux, the UK’s leading paint brand, has revealed its coveted Colour of the Year for 2019, named Spiced Honey. An expert panel of colour designers, design specialists, trend forecasters, architects and editors from around the world have created a colour that suitably embodies the mood of the moment for the year ahead. 2019 marks the 16th year of the global ColourFutures™ annual trend forecast from the brand. The Spiced Honey colour is comprised of warm and inviting amber tones, which can be both warm and cool depending on the light surrounding it and represents the societal need to reach out in the coming year.

If you are considering colour changes in any rooms in the house, colour psychology can be used to assist with your choices so that the palettes you use in any given room help it achieve a particular mood, goal or function. The key is to go for whatever makes you feel good: Dulux colour of the year 2019: Spiced Honey your house, your rules.

TO ADVERTISE IN VIEWPOINT Call 01202 816140

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

| 25

West Moors

-West Moors Drama-

Naughty secrets on the stage

what’s not to like?

By Janine Pulford

Having lived in West Moors for the last 40 years, it goes without saying that I love living in this village.

After getting married in 1976, we bought a flat in Poole. Two years later we wanted to move to a detached property.

We searched the county and ended up in West Moors because it was inexpensive.

Ten years later and with a new family member, we wanted to move somewhere bigger and could afford to move out. We searched for a long time and surprised ourselves by ending up – you’ve guessed – in West Moors. I have since discovered that this happens a lot in the village.

People try to move out, but somehow end up down the road or around the corner.

When we arrived in 76, West Moors was a rural haven, accessed by a long country lane. Sadly, this

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changed with the arrival of the beastly and busy A31, which blighted the village for a long time. We even put our bungalow up for sale, and tried to move to Corfe Mullen, but the village once again worked its ‘you can’t leave’ magic on us and we stayed.

A quieter road surface on the A31 eventually resolved the issues many of us complained fiercely about.

Our children grew up in West Moors. There are good schools, a couple of doctors’ surgeries and useful shops at both ends of the village.

A forest plantation and other open spaces help keep you active by giving you lovely areas for long walks or bike rides. There is even a booklet called 60 minutes around West

VIEWPOINT October 2018

Moors available from the library. The village also has a memorial hall, level playing field, youth club, Scouts and Guides, many other clubs and societies, tennis courts (free to use), a bowling green and the famous library that we all rallied round and saved from closure.

The parish council is a friendly place, the four churches offer spiritual support and a couple of pubs offer plenty of spirits. The memorial on the Petwyn green draws the whole village together

on Remembrance Day. Other community events happen at Christmas and in the summer with a MAD day out.

If I could have a wish granted, it would be for an Indian or Thai restaurant, so I could walk out for something exotic to eat other than a pub meal.

Other than that, when thinking of West Moors, the village has a definite ‘what’s not to like’ feel about it and if you move here, you could be in for the long haul. Why not visit soon and see what you think.

For a few years pensioner Mavis Davis has secretly been writing ‘naughty novels’ under an assumed name. The books are a big success but someone has leaked her identity to the press. Wishing to maintain her anonymity Mavis and her friends go to great lengths to keep the press from her door with hilarious results and chaotic consequences.

West Moors Drama presents ‘Grandma’s Secret!’ at West Moors Memorial Hall from 29 November to 1 December at 7.45pm. Tickets £8, under 16s £4. Bar available. Tickets on the door or in advance from Dixon Kelley Estate Agents in West Moors.

Progress your career with a grant If you live in West Moors and are taking up an apprenticeship or vocational training, your local parish council would like to hear from you.

West Moors Parish Council has reserved funds to support residents aged 16 to 20 years by providing them with a grant. The council recognises the difficulties that can be faced by young people, particularly in terms of the cost of buying the tools of the trade. The fund offers support and helps

to create a bond between young people and the local community and instil a sense of pride on both sides. It also tries to ensure that every young person has the same opportunities to benefit from a vocational training course or apprenticeship.

Since July 2016, two grants have been awarded to residents of West Moors, Ben Watts and Charlie Hewitt, who both used the money to purchase tools essential to their training.

The most recent award was made to Mr Liam Griffin who is embarking on a career in plumbing.

He received £250 and was presented with his cheque on 23 August by the parish council chairman Cllr Mike Hawkes (pictured).

Cllr Hawkes said, “It was a pleasure to contribute towards Liam’s journey and we wish him success for the future.”

Applications are considered in January, July and September. Pop into the parish office at 4 Park Way, West Moors to pick up an application form or download one from www. westmoors-pc.gov.uk. For more information call 01202 861044.

Aspire to inspire There is still time to apply for the Jean Ware Legacy Award 2018.

Previously known as the Legacy Award, it was set up by the parish council to inspire a generation after the 2012 Olympics.

It is now awarded in recognition of the commitment and hard work of the late Cllr Jean Ware.

If you are, or you know of an aspiring young person who excels in sport, design, drama, music or the arts, get in touch with the parish council now.

Up to £1,000 is available for a young person aged between 11 and 17 years, who

is a resident of West Moors. The award can be put towards help with travelling, equipment and coaching or training costs.

The most recent grant, and glass trophy, were received

by Charlotte Ayton, a long-jumper.

Download an application form from www.westmoors-pc. gov.uk or collect one from the parish office.

The closing date is 30 November 2018.

West Moors Library 11 October 10.30-11.30am

To celebrate National Libraries Week, local author Sarah Thompson will be visiting the library. She has created wildlife colouring books, which will be on sale on the day, and she will talk about her work whilst you enjoy the colouring. Just turn up.

23 October 3-4pm

Craft and stories for children during half term, led by the Urban Heath partnership. This type of event is always well supported so booking is essential.

Saved by it’s residents: West Moors Library

30 October 7-8.30pm

Quiz Night. Tickets £3 to include refreshments. Tables of 4 or if alone, come along and join in with others. Call into the library or phone to reserve your seat.

Regular events: Children

Tuesday 4.30-5.30pm – Lego Club for ages 6-11 (under 8s to be accompanied by an adult).

Saturday 10am-12 noon – Duplo Club.

One Saturday a month 10-11am and 11.15am-12.15pm – Code Club.

Computer coding run by a digital champion for ages 9–11.

Thursday 10.30-11.15am – Rhyme Time.

Rhymes and a story for under 5s and a chance to meet new mums.

Adults

Monday 2-3.30pm – Knit and natter.

Tuesday afternoon, Ancestry once or twice a month depending on demand. Booking essential.

Tuesday (second and fourth of the month) 2.30-3.30pm – Board games.

Thursday fortnightly 10.30-11.30am – Coffee and colouring for adults.

Friday, twice a month, 10am-12pm – Computer help. One-to-one sessions.

Booking required.

The library also has four reading groups and a housebound service for those having difficulty getting to the library.

Just launched at the library is the Armed Forces Veterans and Families Community Hub. The hub will offer a source of information and advice to any person who has served in the armed forces and their families and for families of serving members of the armed forces.

For further information or ideas on other activities you may like to consider, please call into the library or phone 01202 873272.

Christmas Card Competition Children attending Oakhurst and St Mary’s First School in West Moors can enter this exciting competition to design a Christmas card for West Moors Parish Council.

It can be drawn, painted, collaged or computer generated on to an A4 piece of paper.

Deadline for designs is mid-November 2018 and the governors of each school will choose three winners to be submitted to the parish council. There will be one winner and two runners up.

Home Watch Roger Long, the chairman of West Moors Home Watch would like to stand down from his role next year. He has tried to do this before, but everyone thinks he does such a good job, they won’t let him go. He has promised to stay until the AGM in 2019. If you are interested in taking over from Roger, give him a ring on 01202 896939 or email westmoorshomewatch@gmail.com to find out more.

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

| 27

verwood NEWS

Tribute to man who died in collision near Verwood The family of a man who died in a tragic road traffic collision on 25 August has issued a tribute.

Their statement reads, “Our son, brother and friend Thomas Benjamin Lenton was tragically taken away from us on the early morning of Saturday 25 August 2018.

“Thomas was only 23 years old and lived life to the full every single day. He will always be remembered for his own personal style and confidence, for being our ray of sunshine with his presence and his very caring nature.

“He has so many friends who have shown him so much love and given the family so much strength to help them through this very sad and difficult time.

“Thomas loved his sport and the gym.

He was an avid West Ham United fan, enjoyed a kick-about with friends at the local park, golf with friends and was a fan of MotoGP. “With his outgoing nature, Thomas knew how to have a good time even to the Thomas Lenton

point where family and friends would say it wasn’t a party without him. He also loved the simple things in life, like walking Dizzee the family dog around the forest, listening to music new and old and the occasional TV series binge. He loved spending time with his loving niece Skyebear.

“The love he shared with his best friend and soul mate Melt was second to none with their amazing ability to be silly and stupid while keeping the party going. There aren’t enough words to describe Thomas, he will be forever in our hearts.

“Thomas leaves his mum and best friend Gina, his dad Mark, step-mum Lynsey, his three beautiful sisters Yasmin, Olivia and Magenta and his adorable niece Skye.”

A JustGiving page has been set up in Thomas’ memory at www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/thomaslenton for anyone who would like to make a donation.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the collision, which happened at around 5.45am on 25 August on th B3081 Verwood Road.

September celebration Verwood’s mayor, Cllr Sandra Grove and representatives of some of the Verwood Memorial Hall’s regular hirers attended the reopening of the hall in September. It had been closed throughout August for improvements.

Grants of £5,000 each had been provided by the Town Council, and the Verwood Solar Farm, while Morrisons in Verwood gave £20 towards the buffet for the event.

The photo shows (L to R), Mayor’s Escort Vivien Clifton, Dennis Wright (chairman), the Mayor, Ann Abernethie (secretary/treasurer), and standing behind, representatives from Pilates, the Townswomen’s Guild, 1086 Dance Club, Sweet Charity Choir, the Flower Club, Salvation Army, The Horticultural Society and the Friday Market.

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VIEWPOINT October 2018

verwood NEWS

Rotary presentation

Remembering through poppies This year, as it is the commemoration of the end of the First World War on Sunday 11 November, the Rotary Club of Verwood has asked residents and local community groups to knit large poppies for display along the Verwood Memorial Ground fencing. Irvings and Morrisons have acted as collection points and supplied wool. The poppies will be displayed from 3 November.

The Knit and Natter group members are providing poppies to be displayed between the two flag poles on Ferrett Green and also the commemorative seats.

There will be a service at St Michael and All Angels Church at 9.45am on 11 November, followed by a parade from the church at 10.45am led by Verwood Concert Brass to Ferrett Green.

Ringwood Road will be closed for approximately 15 minutes while wreaths are laid.

Verwood Local Action Group (LAG) report Verwood Town Council presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Vernon Harris of Verwood Rotary Club on 4 September for the club’s 25 years of service to the town with their popular Rustic Fayre held in August.

This year’s fayre raised in the region of £10,000 and over the 25 years, more than £200,000 has gone to local and Rotary good causes. There is still time to apply for a share of this year’s funds. To apply email: rusticfayre@verwoodrotary.org.uk

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At the meeting in September, respects were paid to LAG regular for 11 years, Mick Willis, who passed away during the summer.

Chief Constable James Vaughan and PC Andy Robertson gave an overview of the proposed police merger with Devon & Cornwall. So far 20 services have been rationalised, and future collaboration is expected to save another £12m across the three forces. A merged force is expected to put 100 police officers back on the ground. Increased funding is to be requested due to recent national terror events. There’s been a spike in violent crime and sexual offences, including historic cases. In general though, Dorset is a peaceful low crime area. Notwithstanding this, there are new crimes – child exploitation (80 cases in Dorset), and cyber crime incidents (many from abroad). More police time is also being spent on mental health issues, showing a need to improve available resources across all providers. This year has been the most demanding ever for Dorset police with the Bournemouth Air Show, and the Great Dorset Steam Fair, while the Salisbury Novichok incident needed 100 officers from Dorset.

Following the recent B3081 fatality, there is a renewed call for a cycle path from Verwood to Ringwood; although there is an access track through the forest, it is not easy to access at either end. The width of pavements along Ringwood Road are too narrow for cyclists as they are not wide enough for more than one person at a time.

Developer contributions are needed to fund the works and volunteers would offer to help build if the materials were provided.

Cllr Flowers delivered the Three Legged Cross-West Moors cycle path, which took three years to progress. He will resurrect previous discussions with Hampshire County Council for the Verwood-Ringwood one.

The next meetings of VAG will be on 12 November and 3 December at 7pm at the Hub, Brock Way, Verwood.

around & ABOUT

what’s on

near you 14 October

Pop-Up Opera La Tragédie de Carmen by Bizet at Farrington Hall, Port Regis School near Shaftesbury. More details www. popupopera.co.uk including time of performance.

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

19-20 October 9.30am-1pm

‘Kingfisher Barn and the Stour Valley’ talk for St Alban’s Garden Club by Tom Bennett at St Alban’s Church Lounge in Bournemouth.

Traidcraft Autumn Event: wide range of fairly traded everyday/ Christmas items to buy or order (catalogue); gifts, cards, foods, household and much more.

Refreshments. At Verwood United Reformed Church (next to the Library). All welcome.

01202 814270.

16 October 7.15pm

20 October 10am-4pm

15 October 2pm

Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society presents a concert of popular music by Ian Griffin at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wimborne. Visitors welcome. £5 payable at door. Info: 01202 895254.

Rotary Club’s Autumn Craft Fair at Allendale Centre, Wimborne, with a wide variety of locally made crafts on sale. Entrance free. Donations welcome on exit.

17 October 7.30pm

Plant heritage meeting at Colehill Memorial Hall. Chris Ireland Jones, from Avon Bulbs, will be giving a talk entitled ‘Special plants means specialised nurseries’. There will also be a plant swap and Avon Bulbs for sale. Visitors welcome, £3 payable at the door.

The Ringwood Group of the Hampshire Genealogical Society (HGS) is meeting at Greyfriars Community Centre.

The subject is ‘Strangers and Aliens’ with guest speaker Cheryl Butler. Visitors welcome.

For further information on the HGS, contact Alison on 01425 473198 or email ringwood@ hgs-online.org.uk

17-22 October

Salisbury Literary Festival at various venues. Details salisburyliteraryfestival.co.uk

18-20 October 8pm also matinee on 19th Hannah and Hanna in Dreamland; a story of friendship and prejudice, migration and identity played against the backdrop of an ever-changing England. At Lighthouse, Poole. Box office: 01202 280000.

19-20 October

BourneVaria, Oktoberfest at Bournemouth International Centre

20 October 2pm

20 October 7.30pm

Royal British Legion Ringwood & District Branch concert by The Hampshire Police Band in aid of the Poppy Appeal in Ringwood Parish Church.

Tickets £9 in advance from Grants, the Meeting House or Greyfriars, or £10 on the door.

20-28 October

Halloween trail and a variety of craft opportunities for children throughout the week at Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre, at Stour Valley Nature Reserve, Bournemouth. Visit www.visit stourvalley.co.uk or tel 01202 451548 for details.

20-28 October

Halloween quiz around the Wimborne Model Town site, Wimborne.

20-28 October 10am - 4pm

Halloween Half Term fun at Shire Hall Courthouse Museum, Dorchester. with slippery slime-making workshops, spider trails and gruesome touchy-feely guessing games, spooky tales and more. Normal admission applies. Kids who are dressed up go free but each must be with a full paying adult.

21 October 10am-4pm

The Central Southern Gauge O group present their annual model railway show at the Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne. Features include layouts, test track, demonstrators and traders.

Adults £4, accompanied children free. Info: csg0g.org

22 October 7.30pm

Chris Ramsey Live 2018 at the Regent Centre in Christchurch.

Tickets £20.50. The age recommendation for this show is 14+ Book on 01202 499199 or online at www.regentcentre. co.uk

22-26 October 1-4pm

Deano’s Spooky Craft Den for kids at Moors Valley with painting, making and creating.

No need to book. Cost £2 per item made.

23 October 7.30pm

Bournemouth & Beyond Discovery Group talk ‘Changing Energy Sources – Options for Today and Tomorrow’ by Charles Miller at St. Andrews URC main hall, St Steven’s Road, BH2 6JJ. Visitors welcome £3. More details: www. bournemouthandbeyond.co.uk

23 & 25 October

Halloween Family Fun Shows with Mervyn Cole at Wimborne Model Town, Wimborne.

Details: 01202 881924.

24-27 October

‘Entertaining Angels’, a play

by Richard Everett at the Barrington Theatre, Ferndown with Ferndown Drama. Tickets £8.50 from the Barrington on 01202 894858. Details www. ferndowndrama.org

26 October 7.30pm

Talk on air shows and professional display teams with Phil Holt at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne. Tickets £5 from www.theallendale.org

26 October 7.30pm

Family barn dance in aid of Forest Holme Hospice charity at the Hamworthy club in Wimborne. Tickets £13 adults and £7 children. For further details, telephone on 01202 670644.

26 October 7.30pm

‘Islands in the Stream’ – a fabulous tribute to the music of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers at the Regent Centre, Christchurch. Tickets £23.50 from the box office on 01202 499199.

27 October 11am onwards

Poppy launch outside The Ringwood Gateway with the 165 Port & Maritime RLC, and 266 Port Sqn RLC Blighmount Army Reserve and the Mayor of Ringwood. Music from Verwood Concert Brass and The Flamin Ukes.

27 October10.15am

West Moors Horticultural Society coffee morning at West Moors Memorial Hall.

27 October 7.30pm

Fireworks Spectacular ‘Back to the Eighties’ at Beaulieu in the New Forest. Choreographed to music. Arrive at the show from 3pm to enjoy old time fairground rides and Wave 105 stage. Tickets: www.beaulieu. co.uk/events/

27 October

Musical Soiree organised

by Fordingbridge Twinning Association at Fordingbridge Town Hall. Tickets from Caxton’s, Jessica’s and Fordingbridge Bookshop.

Further information, Derek Ayling on 01425 650770.

27 October 7.30pm-midnight

Halloween Disco with music from the 60s to 00s in aid of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation at the Royal British Legion, Church Road, Ferndown. Tickets £10 per person, available from Pete on 07792 121645.

30 October at 10am-12.30pm

Creative Clay For All botanical wall plaques workshop. Workshop suitable for beginners or more experienced. At Dorset’s Craft Barn, Milton Abbas. Adult £30. Book in person or by emailing dorsetscraftybarn@ gmail.com.

31 October 7.30pm

‘Verwood In Tune’ concert at the Hub, Verwood with David Thomas on Roland Atelier keyboard. Tickets £8 from the Hub on 01202 828740.

2 November 7.20pm

Charminster Art Club - bring your own paint and materials to produce your own artwork at Trinity URC Church Hall, Sutton Road, Bournemouth. Visitors welcome, £3 incl tea and coffee.

More details: Kathy 01202 393977 or Judy 01202 775909.

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

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around & ABOUT

Bournemouth GaSP presents a double-bill Having been a popular and successful group since 1947, Bournemouth Gilbert and Sullivan Operatic Society has been rebranded and re-launched as Bournemouth GaSP – Gilbert and Sullivan Productions.

The first production under the new banner is a double-bill of Trial by Jury and HMS Pinafore, old favourites but with a modern twist. Helen Brind wields the baton and Claire Camble-Hutchins directs – she has lots of surprises up her sleeve for both shows, with ‘Trial’ set in the present and ‘Pinafore’ with a 1920s’ slant.

Trial features the jovial judge (Mike Griffiths) telling his story in ‘When I,

Good Friends, Was Called To The Bar’, Angelina the jilted bride (Eleanor Riley) and the defendant Edwin, played by David Robinson. In Pinafore, meet Bruce Vyner who boasts ‘I Am The Captain Of The Pinafore’, Amy McIntosh (Josephine) who sings ‘Sorry Her Lot Who Loves Too Well’ and Amanda King reveals ‘I’m Called Little Buttercup’. Richard Moore makes his GaSP debut as lowly sailor Ralph

and Robin Lavies is Sir Joseph Porter in a cast that combines youth and experience.

This lively ‘doublebill is the perfect antidote to autumn chills so join Bournemouth GaSP at Lighthouse, Poole from Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 October at 7.30pm, matinee Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets available from Lighthouse Booking Office.

Fordingbridge Players offer four in one Following an acclaimed performance of Snake In the Grass, the Fordingbridge Players will be back for their autumn production at the Victoria Rooms from 18–20 October at 7.30pm.

This time they will be performing four short plays ranging from sinister to poignant to hilarious.

A Cut In The Rates by Alan Ayckbourn – when Miss Pickhart visits the illusionist Ratchet on official town hall business, she discovers a sinister secret but the play takes an unexpected twist.

Acorn Fields by Barry Wood – Charlie is visiting Acorn Fields to move his father in. He’s much impressed with the facilities, but is the great hospitality all due to a misunderstanding?

Towpath by Robert Iles – sitting by a canal bank, a lone woman finds herself at the centre of a growing group of strangers, each with a tale to share and a problem to solve.

Doggies by Jean McConnell – a humorous play about two owners of very different dogs – a Pekingese and a scruff, out for a walk on the beach.

Tickets available from the box office: www. fordingbridgeplayers. org.uk or at Jessica’s, Fordingbridge, phone 01425 652395.

Winner

The lucky winner of our September £100 pampering competition was Dawn Gough. The answers were: The Wobble Room, The Skin Clinic, House of Beauty and Wimborne Holistic Health Centre, in that order.

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VIEWPOINT October 2018

around & ABOUT

Have a ball of a time It’s showtime at this year’s gala ball hosted by Diverse Abilities on Saturday 24 November.

The local disability charity will be bringing a Parisian adventure to Poole and you can join them for a great evening, which will help make a difference to children and adults living with disabilities in the county.

Gala ball guests will be treated to a drinks reception from 6pm before sitting down to a three-course gourmet meal with wine, and entertainment from a local band and DJ, to keep everyone dancing until late.

The Parisian-themed event, sponsored

by Franses Jewellers of Bournemouth, also includes other surprise entertainment and the opportunity to win prizes throughout the night.

Tickets for the gala ball are £80 per person or £750 for a table of 10. To find out more or to book online visit www.diverseabilities.org.uk/galaball or call 01202 718266.

Wimborne Rotary Craft Fair Following the success of last year’s charity Craft Fair, Wimborne Rotary is once again holding the fair at The Allendale Community Centre in Wimborne. It’s on Saturday 20 October 2018. Doors are open from 10am until 4pm.

Entrance to the fair is free.

Refreshments are available from the Village Green Café at the centre.

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

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specialist SERVICES AERIAL & SATELLITE INSATLLERS

BLINDS & CURTAINS

DECORATING

FENCING

FENCING

BUILDING SERVICES

DISABILITY PRODUCTS

FENCING

GARAGE DOORS

GARDENING SERVICES

LANDSCAPING

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VIEWPOINT October 2018

GRAPHIC DESIGN

specialist SERVICES LANDSCAPING

LOCKSMITH

TREE SURGERY

LOGS

MAINTENANCE

TREE SURGERY

PLASTERING

WINDOW REPAIRS

TREE SURGERY

WINDOW REPAIRS

WEB DESIGN

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF ALL PAID FOR ADVERTISEMENTS Pulford Publicity Ltd (“the Publisher”) reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertisement without notice or explanation.

Whilst the Publisher will endeavour to represent the best interests of the client in undertaking client’s instructions, it is fully understood that it is the agreed responsibility of the client to supply 4Dorset accurate copy details of the advertisement(s) to be placed and any alterations to the copy must be received prior to copy date.

Guarantee of insertion cannot be given and the Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement or by the total or partial failure, however caused, of publication or distribution of 4Dorset. In no case shall the total liability of the Publisher for any misprint, error or omission exceed the price charged by the Publisher for that advertisement. The Publisher shall not be liable for any damage or loss save as stated and, in particular, the Publisher shall have no liability to the Advertiser in any circumstances for any claim for damages to, loss of, or costs in respect of any anticipated profits, revenues, business opportunities or for any other indirect or consequential loss.

OCTOBER 2018

Claims for any error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement must be made within 10 days of publication to the Administration Department.

Advertisers are requested to check their advertisements after the first insertion. The Publisher will not be responsible for any errors on subsequent insertions, which have not been advised to them.

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Full details of copy dates are obtainable direct from 4Dorset and/or its representatives. The placing of an order for an advertisment shall amount to acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

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

| 35

ASK THE

EXPERT

Nolan Irving, Irving and Sons Estate Agents

Q.

I’ve heard that the property market has slowed and that property prices are starting to fall. Is this really due to Brexit or something else?

A.

It seems that hardly a day goes by without someone asking me about Brexit and what will happen to the property market and house prices when we leave the EU. If you listen to politicians or read the national press then the answer depends on whether they want Brexit or not. My honest answer at the moment is that I really don’t know what will happen next year, but I can tell you what the current situation is with the property market as I see it.

Firstly, the property market has started to slow down this year, house prices in most areas are no longer going up and homes are taking longer to go under offer. I don’t personally think we can attribute

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VIEWPOINT October 2018

the general slowdown in the market solely to Brexit though, as there are so many factors that can affect and influence the market; the upcoming Brexit is just one of them.

In the last couple of years, the government has changed stamp duty with the introduction of an additional 3% on top of the usual stamp duty amount for investment buyers buying additional properties. They have also changed the tax relief on buy-to-let mortgages and these two factors have now made investing in buyto-let properties less attractive and there has been a significant drop in buy-to-let purchases across the country over the past 18 months.

The government’s help to buy-scheme tends to incentivise

first time buyers to buy brand new homes, which doesn’t help the rest of the property market move forward. A reduction in first time buyers and investment buyers at the same time means that although there are plenty of people wanting to move on, there are fewer buyers at the bottom of the chains kickstarting things off for everyone else.

In our big cities, I’m sure that the unknown or uncertainty of the impact of Brexit will be a large part of the reason for the slowdown particularly in London, which currently appears to be hit harder than most other areas.

Overseas buyers working for big corporations seem to be waiting to know what the deal is before they decide if they are going to

settle here long term, especially with major companies holding off from committing to remaining in the UK until the details of the deal are formally agreed.

Another factor for the downturn in the big city property market could be that according to Hometrack The minimum income first-time buyers need to purchase a home in the UK’s largest cities has increased by 18% in the past three years.

These factors as well as a recent rise in interest rates are impacting now on the property market nationwide and with a budget plus Brexit around the corner, I believe the property market is entering a period of uncertainty.

Well, Well, Well!

by Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum

A constant supply of clean water is something we all take for granted today and any break in the water supply immediately brings home how much we rely on it for cooking, personal hygiene, cleaning and numerous other aspects of daily living.

At the beginning of the 19th century the water and sewage provision in Fordingbridge was fairly primitive.

Sewage was disposed of either into cess pits or into the rivers.

In large urban areas, pollution was made worse by the increased use of flush toilets that drained into the rivers. In London in 1858, so much raw sewage was in the Thames that parliament found it hard to function because of the, “great stink”. They soaked their curtains in a mixture of chlorine and lime in a futile attempt to overcome the overwhelming stench from the river.

Despite the pollution, drinking water continued to be drawn from the rivers and cholera killed large numbers of people each year. At that time, water-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid were thought to be caused by “miasma” or bad air.

It wasn’t until the pioneering doctor, John Snow, connected an outbreak of cholera in London’s Soho in 1854 to the local water pump being polluted by cess pits, that people started to accept

the cause of such diseases was something in the water. Beer was widely drunk as a safer alternative to water and in 19th century Fordingbridge, John Jefferies’ brewery in the High Street was advertising good beer at 10d a gallon.

In an attempt to improve sewage disposal and water supplies, the 1848 Public Health Act encouraged local authorities to appoint medical officers of health. The 1866 and 1875 sanitary acts made the local authorities responsible for sewers, water provision and rubbish disposal.

However, as late as 1897 the medical officer of health for Fordingbridge, Mr Rake, reported that the Public Health (Water) Act of 1878 was not being enforced.

This act required every dwelling to be certified as having access to a supply of wholesome water. In his 1898 report Mr Rake commented, There is no system of sewage or refuse collection in the town. He went on to say,

I have every reason to believe that late at night or early in the morning the streams, etc near the town are contaminated by the emptying of such refuse into them.

The town pump in Fordingbridge was in the corner formed between Wilts and Dorset (later Lloyds Bank) and the Greyhound pub.

This used the water from the spring that rose in the cellars of the pub, but the pipes and the pump, which we have in the museum, were all made of lead.

This could not have been good for the health of those who used the water from it. Some properties had their own wells, which would have been less of a health hazard, so long as there was no leakage from local cess pits into the underground water.

When the town hall was being renovated in the 20th century, an old well was discovered under the emergency exit door. This was 15 feet deep and lined with chalk blocks. It was found to contain five feet of water.

Another domestic well was discovered when 57 Church Street was being renovated. The well appeared to be about 300 years old and was built of sandstone, flint and brick, and apparently the water in it was very clear.

Recent concern about pollution of water by plastic, and the potential to introduce chemicals into underground water supplies by fracking, might be seen by some as history repeating itself. Let us hope that we can deal with these threats as well as the Victorians dealt with their pollution problems.

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

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motoring NEWS Focus on bikes as Ford sponsors Road Safety Week 2018

Ford is a headline sponsor of this year’s Brake Road Safety Week, the largest road safety campaign of its kind in the UK. The week-long national campaign – coordinated with the support of the Department for Transport – will take place from 19 to 25 November 2018.

The theme of this year’s Road Safety Week is ‘Bike Smart’, which shares its main objectives with Ford’s ‘Share The Road’ campaign, both focusing on the safety of vulnerable road users on two wheels. With more than a third of people killed or seriously injured on our roads being those travelling by bicycle or motorcycle*, Ford and Brake want to raise awareness of the dangers this group of road users face and encourage safe

© Ford

behaviour among all road users.

“We must recognise that more work can be done to make the country’s roads a safer place, especially for statistically vulnerable road users such as cyclists,” said Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain. “We are proud to sponsor Brake’s Road Safety Week, which shares common synergies with our Share The Road campaign.

Together we can make roads safer for all users.”

“Road Safety Week provides a unique opportunity to focus the public and policy-makers’ attention on saving lives on our roads. We’re pleased to welcome Ford as headline sponsors for this large national campaign – the biggest of its kind,” said Joshua Harris, Brake’s director of campaigns.

“With their help we can raise awareness about the need to protect those on two wheels by ensuring we’re all Bike Smart.”

* Reported road casualties Great Britain: 2016, Department for Transport, 2017

Driving in Europe next summer?

One of the thorny issues arising out of Brexit after March 2019 is that if there is no deal, what will happen when UK nationals want to drive in the European Union?

Before 29 March 2019 your driving licence will be valid. After that date, you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in the EU, or through the EU. There are different types of IDP dependent upon which country or countries you wish to visit. An IDP is already needed for driving in many countries outside of Europe.

For more information go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/driving-in-theeu-if-theres-no-brexit-deal

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VIEWPOINT October 2018