Allendale Magazine | Jul - Sep 2022

@ the heart of the community

What’s on for kids at the Allendale?

Liz’s Living Wall

Magazine

ALLENDALE

The

Jul - Sep 2022, Issue 14

Tales of the Tapestry American Viscountess in Wimborne

01202 887247 • info@theallendale.org www.theallendale.org • Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset BH21 1AS

THE ALLENDALE MAGAZINE

Contents 4

What’s been happening?

7

Music, music, music

8

Leave a (ghost) light on

Sunny days are here again!

10

Liz’s Living Wall

13

Open Day report

14

Summer fire safety

21

Summer stargazing

17

What’s on for kids?

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Model of the Model Town

25

Kids’ Summer Activities

33

Flower festival & Duck race

26

SCAPA

34

American Viscountess in Wimborne

29

Lunch Club @ the Allendale

35

Tales of the Tapestry

30

Show in a Week!

36

With my other hat on

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Later in the year

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What is Morris?

42

Regular clubs & activities

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Wimborne in May winner

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This little piggy went to Market

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Till we see you again

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What’s coming up at the Allendale?

What’s On @ the Allendale

I hope the arrival of this issue finds you well. For us, the last two years have been challenging, though we hope the dark days of the pandemic are behind us. Over that time, we’ve been reminded of the value of community, and the desire that people have to be together, not apart, not isolated.

Now, we’re thrilled to see (and hear) the return of live music and other shows; happy to see both adults and children meet for activities, without restriction. Recently, we’ve enjoyed the return of the Wimborne Literary Festival and the Wimborne Minster Folk Festival. Looking ahead, we’re excited to have summer activities for the kids and a wide variety of events for adults and families.

In this issue, you can read about Liz’s Living Wall, Planet Wimborne’s plans, Tales of the Tapestry, a fun article about theatre superstitions and much more. Plus, we’re delighted to publish an article on Wimborne’s delights from Julie Montagu, whom you may know better as the American Viscountess.

Have a great summer, come and see us and join in - now joining in is back on the menu - and look out for the next Allendale Magazine in the autumn!

Gary Cox, Editor

@ the heart of the community Editorial team

Gary Cox

Jane Sorrell

Cover image Minster Market @ the Allendale, by Sam Bugle

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Production Manager Ben Pulford ben@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

Nate MacKenzie

With thanks to Sue Barber

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DESIGN, PRODUCTION AND SALES

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Media Sales

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What’s been happening at the Allendale?

We’ve been delighted to see ‘old’ events return and new ones take place. Events at the Allendale have included:

Handmade Wimborne

Lunch Club @ the Allendale

UK Subs (Mr Kyps)

WDCA Open Day

LiveNLoud

Bournemouth GaSP

Wimborne Literary Festival

Dorset Team Fair

Sing from the Heart

Bumper Blyton (Platinum Jubilee)

Afternoon Tea (Platinum Jubilee)

Wimborne Minster Folk Festival

See page 42 for Regular Clubs & Activities and page 44 for forthcoming events, or visit www.theallendale.org, call 01202 887247, follow us on social media or pop into the Centre.

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Music, Music, Music

By Gary Cox It’s been great to experience so much live music at the Allendale after two, literally, quiet years.

We’ve enjoyed styles from punk to choirs in the Minster Theatre and, as well as the regular, weekly sessions inside Café @ the Allendale, there was a lovely Easter Monday of music outside!

Keep up to date with live music events at www.theallendale.org or follow us on social media.

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Leave a (ghost) light on for me

By Bonnie Goodheart Theatre is a world where magic comes alive, where tales are recalled, where we suspend our disbelief and follow a story till its funny, sad or thoughtprovoking end. It’s also a world with its own customs and a raft of weird and wonderful superstitions. Join me on a tour around a few of them…

Probably the best-known superstition involves never wishing an actor ‘good luck’ – it tempts the mischievous pixies to do the opposite and create chaos during the show.

Replace it with break a leg. Not as cruel as it sounds: if the actor responds to applause by bowing/curtseying, he or she visually breaks the straight line of the leg. May the performance be so successful that you’ll have to break a leg. Meanwhile, you may hear opera singers utter the phrase toi, toi, toi.

This imitates the sound of spitting three times; three is a fortunate number and the saliva in spit has apotropaic qualities that ward off evil spirits.

Never whistle on stage.

Scenery flown in and out has been used in theatre for centuries.

Numerous ropes are involved and sailors, good with these on old ships, would often be employed to fly.

They communicated using different whistles for different instructions but if an actor whistled on stage and confused the flymen, they might get a heavy piece of scenery dropped on their head! More modern ways are used today but whistling - throughout the theatre, to be on the safe side - is still best avoided.

Leave a ghost light on.

Many theatres leave a single light illuminated on stage, even when the building’s empty. Well, maybe not quite ‘empty’. It’s left on so that the theatre’s resident ghosts can find their way around the stage at night, without tripping over the props. It also means theatre staff, returning to the stage, don’t have a similar mishap. And yes, it really is called a ghost light.

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Closed Mondays. It’s not unusual for a theatre to go performance-free on Monday nights.

The previously-mentioned residents are given a night to themselves, traditionally a Monday, and are likely to cause mischief if they’re ignored and a performance is staged.

Anyone sitting here? London’s Palace Theatre used to keep a couple of seats off sale so their ghostly guests had somewhere comfortable to watch the performance. It’s true. Imagine sitting next to them - would you strike up a conversation at the interval?

In pantomime, and some say in all forms of theatre, it’s unlucky to perform the whole show without an audience present. So how do you complete rehearsals? Avoid saying the last line of the show until there’s an audience present on the first night – and then hope you remember it!

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There’s also a belief that good characters should enter stage right and the baddies, stage left. Right has long been associated with being honest and true. The Italian word ‘sinistra’ means left/ on the left and it’s the root of the English word ‘sinister’. So when a character creeps up on your left…

And while we’re talking sides: the next time you visit a theatre, unless you want to hex the show, lead with the right foot as you enter!

There are many other superstitions, including those linked to Shakespeare’s Scottish Play; I hope you’ve enjoyed this short guide to some of the more frequentlyencountered customs. I love theatre!

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Liz’s Living Wall & the Gulliver Garden

By Gary Cox Visit Café @ the Allendale this time of year and you’ll be greeted by the sight of the lovely Living Wall. Volunteer Liz Barge takes care of it, plus the Gulliver Garden at the rear of the Centre. Here, Liz tells us more.

“I’m just a very ordinary gardener so when I was asked to look after the two planters at the front of the Café, I was happy to do it. Then I was asked to create a Living Wall! I took to the computer and asked at nursery gardens, and it’s been trial and error to see what grows well and what doesn’t.

“Then I was asked to fill a planter and attract bees, and at the same time have been trying to form a garden at the back of the Allendale, for those coming to the Community Food Supply to enjoy. The Food Supply is based in the Gulliver Room, so we named the outdoor space the Gulliver Garden. We now have help from the clients, some of whom are coming to the garden to remember loved ones; another has sprayed the weeds, and one of our lovely drivers has been mowing the grass.

“Both spaces are maintained by volunteers and I hope you’ll be able to visit and enjoy them as much as we do.”

Café @ the Allendale wins award

By Gary Cox Congratulations to all at Café @ the Allendale, recent recipients of the Dorset Mind Award at the Wimborne Business Awards.

The award recognises the Café for employing staff who face difficulties in one way or another.

Congratulations also to Dacombes of Wimborne, with whom the award was shared.

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Allendale Centre Open Day 2022

War on Waste litterpickers ready for action.

What do St. George’s Day, Shakespeare’s birthday and our recent Open Day have in common? They all took place on 23rd April.

The day was an opportunity for people to come and see what we do, what events we hold and what we can offer the local community. Many of our regular event organisers attended, some offering taster sessions. The day was well attended and very successful.

We’ll hold another Open Day next year but until then, pop in and see us, call us on 01202 887247, visit www.theallendale.org or follow us on social media to keep up to date.

Green groups join forces With thanks to Jean Morgan

Wimborne is looking greener by the day – and that’s a decidedly good thing!

Green groups Planet Wimborne and Wimborne Green Festival have recently announced a merger. With their shared vision, ideas and enthusiasm for all things sustainable, this new linkage will strengthen their ability to promote environmental concern and engagement in the town and surrounding area.

Under its networking banner, Planet Wimborne brings together local community groups focussing on a whole range of environment-related initiatives: waste prevention, biodiversity and horticulture, fair trade and climate action; several churches and Wimborne Community Theatre are also involved.

To give you a flavour… Win on Waste’s monthly sessions accept items that can’t go in kerbside recycling, keeping them out of landfill and raising money for charity; War on Waste works to reduce single-use plastic and organises regular litter-picks; Wilding Wimborne tackles the local loss of insects and other wildlife; the Repair Café’s volunteers do their best to fix your items that would otherwise be wasted; Dorset Climate Action Network works for a clean, green, sustainable county…

And a key annual event – the newly-named Planet Wimborne Green Festival – will be back bigger and better this year, on 15–22 October. Save the date and watch out for programme details later this year.

Want to know more or volunteer?

E: planetwimborne@gmail.com or wimbornegreenfestival@gmail.com W: planetwimborne.org/ or facebook.com/WimborneGreenFestival/ www.theallendale.org

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THE ALLENDALE MAGAZINE

Stay safe from fire this summer With thanks to Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people of the importance of staying safe from fire this summer.

There have already been a number of heath fires this year, and any periods of dry and warm weather increase the risk of others happening. As seen at Wareham Forest in 2020, wildfires take a great deal of resources and time to bring under control, and cause devastation to heath, woodland and wildlife.

Group Manager Stuart Gillion said: “During the summer months, especially during the school holidays, we know that people will be out and about, and we want to be sure that the local area stays as safe as it can be for everyone. If you’re visiting our heathlands, woodlands or countryside, please avoid having a campfire and take a picnic rather than use a disposable barbecue – just a few simple steps can make a real difference to preventing fire from starting.”

He added: “We’d also remind people to take care if having a barbecue or bonfire at home. All too often, we see property destroyed when an initially small fire suddenly gets out of control.

Never leave a bonfire or barbecue unattended, and site them well away from fences, trees or buildings.”

If you see a fire in the countryside, call 999 and report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Please provide as much detail as possible about location and access, but also make sure you are in a safe place.

Landowners and land managers are advised to be prepared for fires, where possible, and ensure that fire breaks are cut and well maintained, with any cut grasses and vegetation removed from the site.

More information can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/safetyoutdoors

Useful Contact Numbers

Keep these numbers handy – you never know when you may need them!

Allendale Community Centre

01202 887247

Allendale House

01202 888992

Boots Pharmacy

01202 848226

Bournemouth Hospital

NHS non-emergency

111 (Covid 119)

Poole Hospital

01202 665511

Rail Enquiries

0845 748 4950

01202 303626

Samaritans (free call)

116 123

BT Faults

0800 800 151

01202 886116

Bus Enquiries

01202 338420

Tourist Information Centre

Citizens’ Advice Bureau

0344 245 1291

03457 740 740

Crimestoppers

0800 555 111

Wimborne Delivery Office

Dorset Police

101

Wimborne Hospital

01202 856410

Electricity power cuts

0845 770 8090

Wimborne Library

01202 882770

Gas Emergency

0800 111 999

Wimborne Town Council

01202 881655

Museum of East Dorset

01202 882533

Wimborne Model Town

01202 881924

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What’s on for kids at the Allendale?

As well as activities and events for adults, we have a fantastic range of activities for children. Some regular - some coming up soon and not to be missed! Let’s find out more…

Regular babyballet (Mondays)

Children aged between 18 months and 5 years will gain skills such as confidence, co-ordination, balance, rhythm, posture and musicality. Please contact Miss Claire on 07915 665120 or bournemouthandpoole@babyballet.co.uk www.babyballet.co.uk.

Tappy Toes (Mondays)

An award winning, fun and active dance/ movement class for boys and girls with their parent, for 1-5 year olds. zoe@tappytoes.com to book in, or call Zoe on 07957 148960 for details.

Stagecoach (Tuesdays)

Classes run after school on Tuesdays!

Children develop Creative Courage for life, whilst learning new skills in Acting, Dance and Singing! For more, call Emily on 07732 719371 or email wimborne@stagecoach.co.uk

Coming in August – don’t miss!

Film Making Workshop, Wed 3rd Aug (9 - 13 years) – see page 25 Paint Like A Caveman, Mon 8th Aug (6 – 11 years) – see page 25 Project Dance, Thu 11th Aug – see page 25 Circus Skills, Wed 17th Aug – see page 25

Shining Stars (Wednesdays)

Drama classes for 2-4 year olds on Wednesday mornings. We explore different themes weekly with costumes, props, stories and music. Please visit www. shiningstarsdrama.co.uk or contact 07966 026590 for more details.

SCAPA (Saturdays)

Squashbox Theatre: Land of Stones and Bones, Thu 25th Aug (5+ years) – see page 25

Show In A Week, starts 22nd Aug – see page 30

SCAPA is running regular classes at the Allendale, from early September. To learn more and to book places, please see www. scapa.biz or call 07525 040296.

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Local policing teams offer commitment to communities of Dorset With thanks to Dorset Police

Dorset Police has renewed its local plans under the Neighbourhood Engagement Commitment (NEC) initiative so communities can communicate as effectively as possible with their local neighbourhood team. The NEC establishes minimum standards and common objectives that each neighbourhood policing team aims to achieve within their policing area.

Each community in Dorset has a dedicated neighbourhood policing team, designed to be a link between the police and the public. Spending time in the local area enables relationships to be built with communities and partnership agencies, providing a cohesive approach for all.

These renewed commitments will pledge regular engagement events among communities through pop up events such as face-to-face engagements, public meetings, and digital opportunities like Facebook LIVE meetings, as well as more visible policing in communities. These will help to raise awareness of the teams and builds trust, allowing for a more focused approach to policing.

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support communities and partnership agencies to prevent crime, harm and anti-social behaviour.

New plans will be published on the neighbourhood policing pages of the Dorset Police website – www.dorset. police.uk – over the next few weeks.

Personal experiences are impacted by the views and perceptions of crime. These NECs will ensure a local level response to crime, which is representative and meaningful of the concerns of the communities.

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Farrell, of Dorset Police, said: “Dorset Police is passionate about working with our neighbourhoods as we feel neighbourhood policing is the bedrock of community engagement.

Our vision is to create a safe county for everyone, and this sits at the foundation of everything we do.

“We are committed to being tough on crime, keeping people safe and putting victims first. These three elements are at the core of our day-to-day activities and will help to guide our decisions and identify our priorities and future direction.

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our local communities and understand what really matters to them. This is our purpose and will help us to achieve our vision and bring us closer to all communities, partners and visitors.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Making policing more visible and connected is one of the policing priorities set out in my Police and Crime Plan.

“I know how important local policing is to our residents and communities - seeing and knowing who your local officers and PCSOs are, is vital to building up a well-supported and understood community and I want every resident to know who is on their beat and how to get in touch with them.

“I welcome this important pledge from Dorset Police, and I look forward to working closely with the Force over the coming months and years to build on the Neighbourhood Engagement Commitment and ensure Dorset Police officers and staff are as close as possible to the people they serve.”

To find more information about your Neighbourhood Policing Team please go to www.dorset.police. uk/neighbourhood-policing /CentreAllendale

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Enjoy real live music and dancing?

By Ian Thorp

In a conversation a while ago I was very surprised to find that the person I was talking to thought ‘live music’ meant playing CDs for other people to dance to – a bit like a disco.

“Well,” I said, “you’d better come to one of our Tea Dances at the Allendale in Wimborne to find out what it really means. If you enjoy live music and you also have a passion for dancing, you will find it all there.”

That conversation took place fifteen years ago, shortly after Michael Wolfe asked me to join the band he was putting together. Having accepted his invitation, he then asked if I had any ideas for a name. I grew up in an era when tea dances were still common and folks were in the habit of

‘dunking’ their biscuit in a cup of tea, so my imagination came up with The Soggy Biscuit Dance Band. The name proved to be ‘catchy’, had people laughing and has stuck. The monthly events we now run are called Strictly Come Tea Dancing.

A few musicians have come and gone over the years, either through illness or a desire to swell the ranks of the ‘angelic hosts’. We remember them all with fondness as they are special to us. Also, those who have helped spread the word (publicity) or sat at the door for us (financial),

especially since offering the dances in Blandford, which are proving popular.

Regular band members are Ron Davage (percussion); Ray Shea (keyboards); Ian Thorp (bass); Andy Chislett (trumpet and flugal horn); Sarah Bolter (saxophones and clarinet), and Ian Ellis (saxophones and clarinet).

If you haven’t yet given yourself permission, do come along to the Allendale, Wimborne (first Wednesday of the month), or the Corn Exchange, Blandford (third Monday of the month); you will be very welcome!

Stargazing on short summer nights

By Bob Mizon, Wessex Astronomical Society As summer sets in and the nights grow ever shorter, until at the end of June there’s almost no darkness at all, one might think there’s nothing much to see in the night sky. However, the Moon always repays a little observation if you’ve binoculars handy, especially if steadied on a tripod.

At dawn there is currently (from late May well into June) a parade of planets: Venus, Jupiter, Mars and Saturn in the dawn sky.

From a dark place you might see our home galaxy, the Milky www.theallendale.org

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Way, arching as a silvery stream above very late at night, and easily pick out some of its brightest stars like Vega, Deneb and Altair. Identify them with the free download Stellarium or one of the many free astronomical star charts available online.

To find out more about stargazing opportunities why not come and join us at the Wessex Astronomical Society meetings on the first Tuesday of every month at the Allendale? www.wessex-astro.org.uk /CentreAllendale

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Photo shows the Milky Way, taken

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- Advertising Feature -

Poole and Purbeck’s Own Crematorium With the closure of Poole Crematorium, Harbour View has become the only crematorium in Poole and Purbeck. Although the Poole Crematorium building is set to reopen in the Autumn of 2022, it will be as a ceremony hall only as there are no plans to replace the cremator.

The deceased will instead be transferred by road to Bournemouth Crematorium for an unattended cremation after the service, as has been the case since April 2020.

At Harbour View Crematorium and Woodland Burial Ground, cremations are carried out in a stunning, purposebuilt crematorium, set in a peaceful rural location adjacent to ancient 22 |

woodland. The choice of three airconditioned ceremony halls means that small or large congregations can be accommodated comfortably.

There is plenty of free parking just a short, level walk from the ceremony halls. A separation of at least 90 minutes is guaranteed between services. This is done to avoid the sometimes rushed atmosphere at other crematoria. State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment is available in each ceremony hall, and catering and refreshments are available at the Purbeck Tea Room, part of the main Ceremony Hall, which has spectacular views of Poole Harbour and the Purbeck Hills. Harbour View www.theallendale.org

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also offers a beautiful woodland burial ground for the scattering or burial of cremated remains. Mourners may also use the grounds for peaceful contemplation and reflection.

Funerals at Harbour View can be arranged directly, without the need for a Funeral Director, and because everything needed for a funeral service is available on-site there is no need for funeral vehicles, or to move mourners between locations. Funerals at Harbour View can also be arranged exclusively through branches of Tapper Funeral Services. All-inclusive funeral packages are available from £2,795. For more information, visit www.harbourview.co.uk

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SCAPA Saturdays at the Allendale With thanks to Jo Michaels

SCAPA is coming to the Allendale, from September

Wimborne’s new model of the Model Town

By Greg Hoar “Where is the model of the Model Town?” has been a constant question asked by visitors over many years at Wimborne’s vintage miniature world. Godshill Model Village on the Isle of Wight, Corfe Castle Model Village, and the 1/9th scale attraction at Bourton on the Water all offer miniature representations of themselves.

The unanimous decision by the charity attraction to build a 1/100th scale model of itself as its 70th anniversary project therefore came as no surprise.

A digital survey by Dorset Land Surveying in 2019 enabled an accurate scale footprint of the diorama to be established.

Volunteer Phil Runciman produced detailed images of all the existing buildings from which preproduction templates were drawn up by project leader and trustee, Penri Jones. The in-house design team linked up with Jack Gritton of Cobnut 3D who is producing the new miniature structures, while painting and finishing is completed by volunteer Becky Stares to match the colour scheme of the existing 1950s buildings.

Extensive groundwork for the “Model of the Model” site was carried out over the winter with the new diorama sitting on a raised base with a 26 |

brick surround to allow maximum visibility to visitors while ensuring the facility is secure. The position of the new mini model is behind the Corn Market, adjacent to West Row, representing the original location of Wimborne Model Town when it opened on 1st August 1952.

The new feature is expected to be complete by the main summer season and to all wags who might then say: “so where is the model of the model of the Model Town?” – that’s been covered too. Volunteer and experienced miniature military modeller Chris Cockwell has been busy painting a 1/1000th scale version of the tiny buildings that sit within the larger one!

South Coast Academy of Performing Arts (SCAPA) has been developed to encourage and nurture the next generation of performer and, most importantly, to ensure that all young people have an opportunity to capture and develop their creative spirit, in an environment that recognises their individuality. SCAPA prides itself in being a ‘fun family’ - everything we do aims to increase confidence, self-awareness, skills and communication in a supportive, affordable way.

In our experience, Performing Arts can really change the lives of those who partake, in whatever form, and this is why we now dedicate our time to creating experiences for young people - whatever their ability. We perform regularly in theatres across the South and are really proud of our students and the work they create. Our mission is to: NURTURE, ENCOURAGE and DEVELOP CONFIDENCE, and to ENJOY and ACHIEVE. SCAPA is running regular classes at the Allendale, from early September. To learn more and to book places, please see www.scapa.biz or call 07525 040296.

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Welcome to Lunch Club @ the Allendale

The only thing better than a tasty lunch is a tasty lunch you don’t have to cook yourself!

So it is with the monthly Lunch Club @ the Allendale: a two course lunch, freshly cooked on the premises, with tea and coffee included and bar open for optional purchases.

All for just £8 per person.

At the Lunch Club in Platinum Jubilee week, the room and tables were decorated in red, white and blue and there was a prize raffle (see photos of room being prepared).

The next dates, at the time of writing, are 28th June, 26th July, 30th August and 27th September. Tickets can be purchased from the Allendale or at www.allendale.org/boxoffice. Welcome!

Sing Together – an hour of great tunes and lots of fun

By Caroline Pugh

Everyone says, “singing together is so beneficial”, so what makes it so good? Research demonstrates the many health benefits of singing, but currently many medical practitioners are also focussing on the well-being aspects that can be gained from that sense of community when we sing together.

Comments from our members such as, “It lifts my mood, makes me feel better when I’ve sung some great songs” and “It’s always fun and light-hearted, I even notice my breathing has improved when I’ve been to a Sing Together session” endorse the view that current medical research supports - that community activities can be very valuable alongside clinical interventions.

We have lots of fun, there’s no pressure of performing, just a lovely time singing different songs from a variety of styles and decades. Recently our weekly themes have included ‘Songs from Musical Theatre’, ‘The Sounds of the 70s’, ‘A Tribute to ABBA’ and ‘Beatlemania’, as well as tunes that give us ‘A Fabulous Feeling’.

So come along to the Allendale and join us on Tuesdays, 11.1512.15. Sessions cost £6. For more details, contact Caroline on 07984 828642 or email creatingmusicalparticipation@gmail.com www.theallendale.org

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THE ALLENDALE MAGAZINE

Wimborne Minster Flower Festival returns With thanks to Anthony Oliver

For well over 30 years it has become customary for the Minster Church of St. Cuthburga to organise a Flower Festival every five years. In addition to this there were two extras, one in 2002 to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and one in 2012 to mark her Diamond Jubilee. The last main Festival was in 2015 and the Minster was to hold one in 2020, which would also have marked the 900th Anniversary of the start of the Minster building as we know it today. Due to the coronavirus pandemic this was postponed until this year.

It will now take place from Friday 2nd to Monday 5th September, with a private viewing on the evening of Thursday 1st September.

The Minster will be open Friday, Saturday and Monday from 10am until 6pm and on Sunday from 2pm to 5pm. There will be the usual Sunday morning services.

Sunday also marks the Minster’s Patronal Festival. Entrance to the Flower Festival will be £5 (no concessions; children

enter free of charge). The proceeds from the Festival will be for Minster funds, with a donation to the Forest Holme Hospice. Coach parties will be welcome. The title of the Festival is “Trades – Past and Present” and a number of Dorset flower clubs and one from Hampshire have already agreed to take part. The Minster’s own flower arrangers will be putting on displays. There will be a number of Tableaux and smaller arrangements.

The Festival is being designed by

Sharon Austin of Carnival Flowers with help from Christine Oliver and the Minster Team.

This will be one of several events being held this year in the Minster.

These include the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend event celebrating Arts, Crafts, Flowers and Music.

Please do support the Festival in this special year. For further information, including details about advance ticket sales, please contact the parish office on 01202 884753.

22nd Annual Duck Race in aid of Wimborne in Bloom With thanks to Anthony Oliver

The 22nd Annual Duck Race to be staged in aid of Wimborne in Bloom will take place on the River Allen on Saturday 27th August at 4pm. Tickets (Ducks) at £1 each will be sold in the Crown Mead precinct and nearby on Saturday 20th, Thursday 25th, Friday 26th and again on Race Day itself, Saturday 27th August.

The winner of the first Duck home will receive £50, second place £25, third place £10 and fourth, fifth and sixth, £5 each. Proceeds will be in aid of Wimborne in Bloom funds. www.theallendale.org

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THE ALLENDALE MAGAZINE

American Viscountess in Wimborne With thanks to Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke Presenter of the popular TV series An American Aristocrat’s Guide to Great Estates, Julie, who lives at Mapperton House near Beaminster, is no stranger to our town. Here, she recalls her discoveries at Deans Court and Wimborne Minster.

“Once a medieval monastery, Deans Court was transformed in the Georgian period and I was lucky enough to spend time there and film with Sir William and Lady Alison Hanham as well as visiting Wimborne Minster. The Hanham family have lived here for 500 years since the time of the Tudor Kings and Queens.

While at Deans Court, I explored the beautifully decorated interiors – from the splendour of the Georgian

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period to the colourful brushwork of the 1930s. And just a short walk from the house is a 1930s squash court and garage which have been transformed into a shop and café.

“This is an historic home which continues to surprise and inspire and tell the extraordinary and sometimes heartbreaking history of previous generations. I was lucky enough to help harvest organic vegetables in the extraordinary kitchen garden; encounter Orlando and Pringle – the resident goats who help mow the meadows; and hear how buried treasures were unearthed from the Roman period.

“Like so many historic houses across the UK, Deans Court is full of

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wonderful treasures and I marvelled at a mysterious Elizabethan ring belonging to one of Sir William Hanham’s ancestors. And enjoyed the delights of a Victorian music box.

“Lastly, I explored the breathtaking Wimborne Minster – historically linked to Deans Court since the Saxon period, I was amazed at the interior decoration, the historic chained library and climbing up into the belfry. What a tremendous day out full of stories past and present.

You can watch all of my adventures in Wimborne on my YouTube Channel, American Viscountess.”

Search ‘American Viscountess’ on youtube.com, to see more

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THE ALLENDALE MAGAZINE

Tales of the Tapestry Part 1.

Visitors to the Allendale will have spotted a large tapestry mounted in Reception. This was completed in 2000 and named The Millennium Tapestry.

The squares depict local businesses and organisations; some still in existence, others not. We thought it was about time we discovered more about some of the squares, hence this new series - Tales of the Tapestry.

Stoneleigh

By Helen Edbrooke “From memory, I was approached by someone from the Allendale Centre who wanted to make a tapestry which featured local organisations, clubs and businesses, to mark the millennium.

“Stoneleigh House was used briefly as a dower house for the Deans Court Estate and was subsequently owned

by Dr. Ray who used part of the house as a doctors’ surgery and lived in the rest of the house with his family. His son, Colonel Ray, who attended Milton Abbey School, then took over the house. Stoneleigh was then owned briefly by Mr. Percy, who was a teacher

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at Queen Elizabeth’s School, before my parents, Judy and Eddy Edbrooke, bought Stoneleigh in the mid-70s and converted it to a residential care home. Stoneleigh remains in the same family today and continues to provide loving care to local elderly people. I have managed it since 1990.

“Having been asked to do a tapestry square and being advised as to what size it was to be, I sketched out a design on graph paper. We had a rather jolly gentleman residing with

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us at Stoneleigh House at the time; a delightful gent who was well known in the town and, despite being in his late 90s, walked along the river past the Allendale Centre most days. He often picked flowers to give to his favourite carers and would often engage passers-by with cheery chat.

“When the tapestry was completed and displayed it was a wonderful representation of Wimborne’s clubs, businesses and organisations at that time and remains proudly on display.”

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THE ALLENDALE MAGAZINE

With My Other Hat On What do members of the Allendale team do when they’re not at the Allendale? In this edition, Customer Relations Manager Sue Barber reveals hats she’s worn and wears now.

“Dorset born and bred – I grew up in Wimborne and come from a family who have lived in Dorset for generations. I started my working career at the then-recently built Barclays International in Poole. I wanted to be part of everything that was going on, so joined numerous activities and societies organised by the bank and enjoyed league mixed hockey, ladies’ five-a-side football and go-karting; with the latter I was lucky enough to be selected to take part in an event run by Cadburys at Brands Hatch, where I raced against Nigel Mansell. Suffice to say I came well down the field!

“In my late forties, age was taking its toll on my sporting activities, so I turned to another passion - rock music. Having been to many live gigs and with a network of interesting friends and acquaintances, it wasn’t long before I was turning my hand to something else in my spare time managing a local rock covers band, Gasoline Alley. There I was, marketing this group of youngsters and trawling round the pubs, clubs and other venues at weekends, until the early hours. Some may think I was mad, but it was great fun and I met some very

interesting people!

“Another passion of mine is travel and, as a qualified scuba diver, experiencing the underwater sea life of various countries I’ve visited over the years; the most amazing experience being when I swam with giant Manta rays in the Maldives.

“I’ve been at the Allendale for a year now and love the buzz and business of the Centre with the variety of activities and events that we run here. I’m part of a wonderful team of enthusiastic people with many different life experiences, so I’m learning something new every day!”

Project yourself

(or just about anything else…)

By Gary Cox Need to present your idea or talk to a gathered audience, or have a remote speaker deliver a lecture to the room? Allow us to help you.

We have high quality projector, screen and PA systems in the Minster Hall and Quarter Jack Hall. In both spaces, the screen is viewable even from the back of the room and amplified audio, through ceiling speakers, can be clearly heard wherever your audience members sit. You can show still images or video, with/ without audio, or stream talks from 36 |

a remote lecturer. Both rooms have curtains and variable lighting for superb image clarity and as for capacities, the Minster Hall can seat 260 - 300 and the Quarter Jack Hall up to 100.

In addition, a small, portable projector is available in the Canford Room or Julian Room, quite adequate for smaller live talks and presentations.

Discover more at www. theallendale.org/audio-visualsystems and please get in touch with us at the Allendale to book. www.theallendale.org

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THE ALLENDALE MAGAZINE

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THE ALLENDALE MAGAZINE

What is Morris?

If you visited the recent Wimborne Minster Folk Festival you’ll have seen morris dancers at every turn. Like us, you may wonder about the origins of the style. Well known local dancer Judith Proctor explains all…

As a morris dancer I’m often asked about the history of this quintessentially English dance.

There tends to be a general assumption that it’s Pagan in origin – a belief for which we can blame over-enthusiastic Edwardians.

We now know that morris is old, not prehistoric, but still a good 600 years or so. It started out as a very expensive entertainment in the courts of the Tudor monarchs.

Henry the eighth might well have had morris dancers performing for him. (Account books may be dull reading, but from them we can see what the dancers were paid and even get clues as to their costumes.)

Fashions change… When the courts looked for new entertainments, the morris dancers moved a little downmarket and were paid to dance

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in processions for the Guilds.

A century or so later, their wages were falling, but they were popular in the countryside performing at church ales.

The church would tithe the parishioners wheat and barley, bake bread and brew beer for a party, pay the morris dancers to perform and charge people for the food and drink.

When the Puritans came along, dancing and merrymaking, especially on a Sunday, were heavily frowned upon. Morris dancing, along with a whole host of other things, was disapproved of. Morris went downmarket again.

In the Cotswolds, it became a way of preserving local identity and of getting an annual purse from the Lord of the Manor.

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In other regions, such as the Welsh borders where people were really poor, it became little more than begging with music and a few dance steps.

Morris might have been lost altogether, but for the enthusiasm of those who collected and taught the dances to new generations.

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THE ALLENDALE MAGAZINE

‘Tis the season With thanks to Vetsmiths, Wimborne

Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of warmer weather?

But for our cats it can be a different story!

Cats are seasonally induced ovulators, meaning they come into ‘heat’ during the warmer months, but don’t release their eggs until they have been mated.

During this period, the queen (un-neutered female) can become flirtatious, reaching sexual maturity at four months. Behaviour changes can include rolling and rubbing on the floor, marking and ‘calling’ (making a demanding rising and falling pitch noise) – all of which can be confused with signs of illness.

Boys, Toms (un-neutered males) will be on a mission, quite often with plenty of local competition, all wanting the same end goal. They’ll search out a queen well before owners have even noticed what’s going on. This

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can lead to several Toms hanging around your home, spraying (once smelt never forgotten), as well as ‘calling’ and fighting other Toms.

This unsociable behaviour can also happen around neutered females, causing them a lot of stress and potentially not even wanting to venture into their own garden.

Kittens are cute fluffy little things, but with the population of cats everincreasing with unwanted pregnancies, re-homing centres are often full to the brim in the Spring/Summer months.

The stray population can also carry diseases, parasites and health conditions causing increased risk of our own feline friends contracting these conditions.

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We advise: • Neuter – from four months old.

Spay for girls, castration for boys • Vaccinate – important to protect your pet from diseases • Keep up-to-date with parasitic treatments • Microchip – always ensure your details are kept up-to-date • Provide a safe place for them at home and in the garden, including hidey places, easy get aways and access back into the house if they feel scared • Report any strays to your local RSPCA/CPL who are helping to capture and treat the population • Always seek veterinary advice if you are concerned about your cat. www.vetsmiths.co.uk

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THE ALLENDALE MAGAZINE

South Pacific awaits you…

By Charlotte Prosser, Phoenix Musical Theatre We’re delighted to announce our production of Rogers & Hammerstein’s classic, South Pacific, at the Allendale from Thursday 6th to Saturday 8th October! This unforgettable musical features timeless songs including Some Enchanted Evening, There Is Nothin’ Like A Dame, Happy Talk, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair plus many more. The show is directed by Marie Coltman.

We’re busy preparing – and we need new members. Could that be you? We especially need men, dancers and just new faces to join us for South Pacific.

We meet on Monday evenings, 7.30pm, at Ferndown Village Hall.

Please see the poster or www. phoenixmusicalsociety.co.uk

A short history of Phoenix Musical Theatre We formed in 1985 and did our first performance of The King and I at the Barrington, Ferndown in 1986. This was seen by Bournemouth Arts Council and we were asked to perform it at the Pavilion Theatre, backed up by them. Full scenery and hired costumes extended to cast and dancers. One of these was Louise Bale, sister of Christian Bale, who is now a famous actor in the United States. Christian was in the audience and was captivated by the magic of theatre as a small boy, watching us! Margaret Coltman, a founding member, is still very much involved within the company with her daughter Marie, who’s directing South Pacific.

Please get in touch if you’d like to join us. To buy tickets for South Pacific, please go to www.theallendale.org/ box-office or visit the Allendale during Reception opening hours.

Also later in the year…

You may be thinking about sun & summer holidays as you read this but we’re already planning a few months ahead. Exciting events include:

Sleeping Lions, 14th October

Bond On The Rocks, 15th October

Spooktacular Halloween Party, 30th October

Find out more and book tickets at www.theallendale.org 40 |

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Going, going…. live!

THE ALLENDALE MAGAZINE

With thanks to Tammy Sleet, Wimborne BID From a bookshop to a baker, icecream parlour to a pizzeria, over three hundred businesses in the East Dorset town of Wimborne are being showcased live as the town launched a new website on 1st June.

The new-look Wimborne Hub https://www.wimborne.info/ is the culmination of three months’ intensive work by Wimborne BID (Business Improvement District).

The Wimborne BID is a notfor-profit, business-led initiative to invest money into the local economy of Wimborne and represent the businesses of the town. Funding is raised through collecting a levy payment from each business and is invested back into Wimborne.

As well as individual business profiles, the custom-built website boasts a client area, an events listings module and specialist search functionality.

Wimborne BID manager Tammy Sleet said: “The new site

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combines a clean modern design with a nod to the traditional values of our market town, to create a one-stop virtual space for visitors, residents and businesses alike.”

The site was designed by web design specialists CW Marketing, based in Gaunts Common near Wimborne.

Local business owner Darren Rands, from Swain & Rands Home Improvements, has been trialling the online portal. He said: “The website is a great asset to the town and a fantastic virtual shop window for the range of independent businesses here.

“Having the flexibility to go in and quickly and easily update our own business profile page in a manageable way is a great promotional tool. It’s also really helpful for businesses that may not have or cannot afford their own website presence.

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They now have the opportunity to enjoy this online exposure and reach a wider audience of visitors to the town as well as local people.”

BID Manager Tammy Sleet added: “Businesses want to reflect their own brand and message so giving them an element of ownership to the site through the online portal was key to the development of Wimborne Hub.”

L-R Carl Wilson - CW Marketing, Tammy Sleet - Wimborne BID, Sylvia Wilson, CW Marketing

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THE ALLENDALE MAGAZINE

Regular Clubs and Activities @ the Allendale We have a wide range of regular events, for adults and children. For more information, please see www.theallendale.org, call 01202 887247 or email info@theallendale.org

MONDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

Weekly:

Weekly: Shining Stars, morning

PlaySportz, morning

((BOUNCE)), evening

Tappy Toes, morning

Monthly:

Baby Ballet, morning

Strictly Come Tea Dancing, afternoon

East Dorset Parkinson’s Tai Chi, morning

Central Southern Gauge O Group, evening

DanceAway, afternoon

THURSDAYS

((BOUNCE)), evening

Weekly:

Allendale Bridge Club, evening

Claire Matthews Pilates, morning

Monthly:

Wimborne U3A Bridge, afternoon Destined2Dance, evening

The Arts Society, afternoon

Monthly:

Happy Patchers, afternoon

Wimborne Quaker Meeting, evening

Wimborne Horticultural Society, evening

FRIDAYS

TUESDAYS

Weekly:

Weekly:

Minster Market @ the Allendale, 8am – 2pm

FLexercise, morning

SATURDAYS

PlaySportz, morning and afternoon

Weekly:

Sing Together for Health & Wellbeing, morning

Itsy Bitsy Dance, morning

Allendale Bridge Club, afternoon

SCAPA, afternoon (from September)

Stagecoach, afternoon/early evening

SUNDAYS

Intuition Pregnancy Yoga, evening

Fortnightly:

Monthly:

Wimborne Quaker Meeting, morning

Lunch Club @ the Allendale, lunchtime

Please note that some activities run term times only. Details correct at time of going to print.

Wimborne Civic Society, evening Wessex Astronomical Society, evening 42 |

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THE ALLENDALE MAGAZINE

This little piggy went to Market…

You don’t have to be a little piggy to visit Minster Market @ the Allendale. Outdoors and in two halls indoors, the Market offers a huge range including fruit and veg, plants and flowers, meat, fish, eggs, cheese, olives, Turkish delight, cakes, wholefoods, jewellery, antiques, Indian textiles, vintage hats and jewellery, French soaps and bags, pies and homewares.

Great value, freshness and quality – everything you need for a weekly shop, and a whole lot more. Fridays, 8am to 2pm. Plenty of parking in adjacent public car parks. See you soon!

Time on your hands?

The Allendale Centre (managed by the Wimborne & District Community Association) is run by a small team of employees, greatly assisted by a number of volunteers.

We’re now looking for extra volunteers to help out – could this include you?

How do volunteers help?

Meeting and greeting customers, showing customers around rooms, looking after the pre-loved book stall, helping with the Minster Market, helping with events held here at the Allendale, and more. We’d also welcome volunteers to assist with photography, technical tasks (theatre), room set-ups, light maintenance, or some gardening around the outside of the Centre.

Why volunteer at the Allendale?

It’s a lovely place to work; everyone’s very friendly; you get to meet new people; if you’re retired or semi-retired, it’s an opportunity to socialise, and you get a great sense of satisfaction!

To find out more about volunteering at the Allendale, please email info@theallendale.org, call 01202 887247 or pop in between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

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‘Wimborne in May’ photography competition winner Congratulations to Isla Merrell, winner of our ‘Wimborne in May’ competition. Isla submitted three entries: one of Wimborne Minster, one taken from the grounds of the Minster, and one alongside Wimborne Library. Isla wins a £20 gift voucher – well done! www.theallendale.org

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THE ALLENDALE MAGAZINE

What’s coming up at the Allendale?

We have a great range of events in July, August, September and beyond. For updates, ticket information and more, see www.theallendale.org, follow us on social media, call us on 01202 887247 or pop in. Events include:

DanceAway Social Dance, June, July & Sept

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Minster Market @ the Allendale, Fridays

Lunch Club @ the Allendale (see p. 29)

Kids’ Summer Activities, August (see p. 25)

Show in a Week! 22nd - 26th Aug

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THE ALLENDALE MAGAZINE

Grandma’s Attic

Antiques & Collectors Fairs

Allendale Centre

Hanham Road, Wimborne BH21 1AS

Sunday 28 Aug Admission £2 | Open 10am - 4pm For bookings or enquiries call 01202 779564 or 07960 502508

www.grandmasatticfairs.co.uk

Wimborne Horticultural Show, 10th Sept

Grandma’s Attic Antique & Collectors Fair, 28th Aug

Little Pickles Markets, 18th Sept

Bournemouth Orchid Society Show, 24th Sept

Viva Voce concert, 1st Oct

Sleeping Lions, 14th Oct

Bond On The Rocks, 15th Oct

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Phoenix Musical Theatre, South Pacific, 6th - 8th Oct

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Spooktacular Halloween Party, 30th Oct

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THE ALLENDALE MAGAZINE

Have a great Estival!

By Geoff Cobblestone

“He’s made a mistake there,” you’re saying, “he’s missed the F from the start of Festival”. But no; estival is a word, meaning ‘belonging to or appearing in summer’.

Following my article about springrelated words in the last Allendale Magazine, the nice folks there asked me about unusual words to chuck into conversation this season. Well now… if it’s hot enough you may become an aquaholic (addicted to water) and

will sigh with relief at the first sniff of petrichor (the pleasant smell in the air when it rains after a long, dry spell). Once it dries out, you’ll again feel the urge to apricate (sunbathe or bask in the sun) until languorous (tired or inactive, but in a pleasant way). In the cool of the evening, if near river or sea, you could marvel at the moonglade (the bright reflection of the moon’s light on a body of water).

We could, and I recommend we

should, import the Norwegian word utepils, meaning ‘a beer enjoyed outdoors’ or ‘the act of sitting outside on a hot day enjoying a beer’. If our weather is canicular (of or relating to the period between early July and early September when hot weather occurs in the northern hemisphere; related to the position of the Dog Star; also known as dog days), I also recommend you try a few of these lovely words in conversation.

Especially after a utepils or two!

Till we see you again…

The Allendale Centre, Wimborne has a great deal to offer hirers, event promoters and the local community. Please visit www.theallendale.org or contact our Customer Relations Team, who will be happy to help with your enquiries.

• Room & facility hire for one-off, occasional or regular hirers • Live events & activities • Theatre bookings • Ticket sales, and much more

Please call us on 01202 887247, email info@theallendale. org or visit Reception.

We look forward to hearing from you!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this issue of the Allendale Magazine.

See you next time!

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