Photo © Jayne Jackson
VIEWPOINT
Dear Readers!
A mobile phone, a handheld fan, a neck fan, a smart watch and a night-time light sensor. All items that require a USB cable and all are in a fight to be charged on an all too regular basis.
Numerous additional devices found their way into my house recently as I sourced anything that would bring me some element of relief during our prolonged heat wave.
And whilst we are on the subject of weather – what else were we talking about in July – we have been experiencing temperatures that we expect to enjoy on continental holidays.
Whilst staying in the south of France last year, I commented “Isn’t it wonderful to wake up in the morning and know you are going to see a blue sky and sunshine?”
That is precisely what we’ve had here.
And I am guessing we can become acclimatised, as recently I went to an open-air production of ‘Othello’ at Kingston Lacy. Although the temperature was 21 degrees at 9.30pm, I complained that I was cold!
So if, as has been predicted, these are the temperatures we can expect in future years, it could well boost tourism in our country, particularly along our beautiful local coastline.
By the time you read this, we will have said goodbye to Luke Graham who has taken a career move after two years as editor. He’s been great to work with and we wish him well. Editor-at-Large
Janine Pulford will be filling the role temporarily to ensure your favourite magazines will as always contain the latest news, exclusive interviews, theatre reviews and pictures from local events.
Marilyn Barber
News editor
The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions in order to fit in with the editorial policy and style of the magazine
VIEWPOINT is independently
VIEWPOINT
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Knife threat on Castleman Trail
A West Moors man who was threatened to be stabbed while cycling was left disappointed and frustrated with Dorset Police's response.
On 27 May, during the school halfterm, 72-year-old Chris Covey was riding his bike from West Moors to Ringwood along the Castleman Trail. Past Hurn Lane, where two iron bridges cross the River Avon, Covey encountered two youths blocking the path.
Covey said the teenagers were around 16 years old, around 5ft 10in to 6ft tall, wearing hoodies and swimming shorts. He rang his bell and asked for space to pass, which was refused, forcing him to squeeze past through the bushes, resulting in a scratch to his arm. Covey says the boys swore at him, which led to a verbal argument. One of the boys then said: “I'll push you off your bike and I'll wet you.”
Later that day, Covey spoke to his daughter, a former police
officer, who told him that 'wet' was slang for stabbing someone.
How did Covey feel about the threat? “I used to box as a kid. I can look after myself. [But] you never know these days. At 72, I'm not as fit and sprightly as I used to be.”
He reported the incident to Dorset Police and filled in a form, then heard nothing.
Two weeks later, he made a complaint. On 12 June, Dorset Police said it apologised for the poor response and that an inspector would contact him in the next few days.
Covey says nobody contacted him.
On 22 July, Dorset Police emailed Covey to say there were no further lines of enquiry to investigate, and the crime was now closed.
The incident has undermined Covey's confidence in the police. He said: “I've had no real response from the police. I'll never report anything else.
“Would I ring the police again? No.
“There's not one policeman comes down my road. Four years I've been here, I've never seen a police car ever, or a bobby on the beat. Even if it was just once a month [it would feel safer].”
Since the incident, Covey hasn't ridden the route. He refuses to use the trail until he knows it is safe.
“Something needs to be done. You can't just walk around and threaten people. It's horrid.
“They threaten people like me, and nothing ever happens to them. They think 'oh well' and do it again. And next time it gets worse.”
Dorset Police declined to comment, as the complaint is still being looked into.
Do you recognise the description of the youths? Have you encountered issues on the Castleman Trail? Email news@dorsetview.co.uk.
The part of the Castleman Trail where Chris Covey was threatened
Women ‘dare to bare’ this August
Several women are to take part in a topless sponsored swim to raise awareness of the barriers that can prevent women receiving life-saving CPR.
The DARE to BARE event on Sunday 23 August at Vobster Quay in Radstock in Somerset is also to raise funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA). According to research, hesitation around touching or exposing a woman’s chest may contribute to delays in people acting during an emergency.
Alongside the swim, participants will learn lifesaving CPR and defibrillator skills using Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s female CPR manikins. Designed to make training more representative, the manikins will help people build the confidence to act in an emergency, regardless of gender.
Tania Eveleigh, events manager at DSAA, said: “We know that some people are understandably hesitant about
24-hour volleyball rally
A local volleyball group will be taking on a 24-hour challenge to raise money for charity.
Bournemouth Beach Volleyball Community (BBVC) will keep a game going for 24 hours continuously on 22 August. Players will rotate through the day and night,
and members of the public are invited to get involved.
The day-long game aims to raise funds for the Steve Bernard Foundation, which supports sports along the South Coast.
To donate, visit justgiving.com/ page/sbf-bbv.
performing CPR on a woman’s chest, but when someone is in cardiac arrest, every second counts. The women coming to this event are sending a powerful message — it’s ok to save my life.”
To find out more and book a place, visit dsairambulance.org. uk/Event/daretobare2026.
Crime falls in Dorset, while PCC sues government
Latest figures show crime is falling faster in Dorset than in other parts of the UK
Despite this, Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has decided to begin legal action against the Home Office over what he describes as an outdated and unfair police funding formula.
Data released by the Office for National Statistics on Thursday 23 July show that total crime in Dorset fell by 7.9 per cent between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, compared with a national decrease of 1.4 per cent.
Victim-based crime fell by 7.3 per cent, alongside a 5.8 per cent reduction in violence against the person and a 9.7 per cent drop in violent offences where someone was injured.
Vehicle crime decreased by 21.2 per cent and theft offences fell by 9.5 per cent, both exceeding the drop seen nationally.
However, there was a 24 per cent rise in robbery offences, similar to the national rate. The Force says this increase was expected, as the way in which it records these crimes has changed to reflect offences committed
against both businesses and people.
PCC Sidwick said: “Once again, I am really pleased to see another fall in crime in Dorset, especially as these reductions are across the board, from the most serious offences to those which have considerable impacts on our residents, communities and businesses.”
However, on Monday 27 July, Sidwick announced his legal challenge to the government, claiming that the current method for funding the police fails to reflect the county’s needs and places an unacceptable burden on local taxpayers.
The national funding formula has been largely unchanged since 2013 and relies on very old data and assumptions. The PCC has now instructed solicitors to formally challenge the Home Office unless urgent steps are taken to reform the system, which has been criticised by police leaders, the National Audit Office and the Public Accounts Committee as being
out of date and no longer fit for purpose.
Sidwick said: “For years, Dorset Police and the people of Dorset have been short-changed by a funding formula that simply does not reflect the reality of policing our county.
“Dorset faces unique challenges. We police a large rural area, with communities spread across more than 1,000 square miles, and every year we welcome millions of visitors to our towns, beaches and countryside. Those pressures create significant additional demand on our officers and staff, yet neither rurality nor seasonality is properly recognised in the current funding system.
“The result is that Dorset residents are forced to pay far more towards policing through council tax than many other parts of the country. That is fundamentally unfair.”
The PCC added that he hopes the government will engage positively so that legal action can be avoided.
Drive safer in the New Forest
Businesses across the New Forest are being urged to join the New Forest Drive Safe Campaign to help protect animals.
So far, 50 businesses have signed up to the initiative which is led by the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) and New Forest National Park Authority in conjunction with New Forest Roads Awareness.
Businesses joining the scheme are listed on the CDA website and can opt into a quarterly newsletter with key road safety messages and seasonal updates, which they are encouraged to share with their employees who regularly travel on Forest roads.
Animal accident hotline cards are also given out, highlighting who to call in the unfortunate event of an accident involving Forest livestock.
Businesses interested in joining the campaign can find out more and sign up at realnewforest. org/about/business-group.
World record for Dorset’s flying doctor
A member of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) has added a Guiness World Record for rowing to his list of achievements.
Felix Wood is an RAF emergency medicine doctor and DSAA clinician. In July, he and a team of rowers set a world record for completing one of the world’s toughest rowing challenges, whilst raising money for charity.
Team ROWMADS rowed more than 2,000 miles around the coastline of Great Britain as part of the 2026 GB Row Challenge. The five-person crew set off from Tower Bridge on 14 June 2026 and completed the non-stop, unsupported
challenge in 32 days, 30 minutes and 58 seconds, becoming the fastest five-person crew to row around Great Britain.
Wood said: “After 32 days at sea, we were the third fastest crew ever to row round Great Britain unsupported and we’ve also taken home a Guinness world record for the fastest five-person crew.
“My personal highlight was a close encounter with an orca in the far north of Scotland, and the low point has to be our soaking wet cabin during a storm in the Irish Sea.
“Throughout, the thought that we were raising money for worthwhile causes close to each of our hearts kept us pushing on
through the tough times. Just like at DSAA, we were only able to complete the mission due to strong teamwork and pulling together to a common goal.
“Knowing that my DSAA colleagues were following our progress on the GPS tracker also provided a little extra motivation!” DSAA provides life-saving critical care across the county. To learn more, visit dsairambulance.org.uk.
Team ROWMADS at Tower Bridge © GB Row
Join the conversation, urges Dorset Council
Community organisations are being invited to attend meetings to help shape decisions made by Dorset Council.
The first ‘Community Conversation’ was held in the Village Hall at Morden, near Wareham. It brought together organisations, town and parish councils, health partners and Dorset Council representatives.
Poppy Connell, who works as a service development manager at Help & Care, said: “This felt like an eye-opening opportunity for Dorset Council to gather insight and information from local groups and professionals who know the evolving needs of people living in their local communities.”
The programme of Community Conversations will continue over the summer and autumn. The events will take place across 13 local areas covering the whole Dorset Council area.
Cllr Matt Bell, Dorset Council Cabinet member for Public Health,
Prevention and Communities, said: “These sessions are not about Dorset Council talking at communities. They are about bringing partners together around the same table, listening to different perspectives, and working collaboratively to find practical solutions. We want the conversations to be as open, honest and inclusive as possible.”
For more information about Community Conversations, including how to get involved, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ community-conversations.
Husband-and-wife team launch new financial advice business
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A new financial advice company has launched locally, bringing together more than 40 years of combined experience from husband-and-wife team Matthew and Zoe Kemp.
Built around a face-to-face, personal approach, Ferndown Financial Planning aims to provide straightforward and trusted financial guidance for individuals and families across the community.
Matthew, the firm’s principal adviser, specialises in retirement planning, wealth management and inheritance tax protection, alongside a wide range of broader financial services. The couple say the business has been shaped by years of working closely with local people and understanding the importance of honest, reliable advice during major life decisions.
Rather than focusing purely on products or transactions, the company hopes to create long-term relationships built on trust, transparency and personal understanding. Having spent much of their careers supporting people within the local community, the team say helping others feel confident and informed about their financial future remains at the heart of the business.
For further information, please contact matthew.kemp@sjpp.co.uk.
Welly Wanging is a hit in Holt
The villagers of Holt held their first ever ‘Strawberry Picnic on the Green’ at the end of June, to fundraise for the parish and village halls.
In addition to a number of classic cars, the surprise star attraction was ‘Welly Wanging’, which was an all-time first for the historic village. The game required competitors to throw a Wellington boot as far as possible.
Villager Barbara Horn said: “I hear the World Record for men was achieved in Finland at 63.98 metres, but that did not come under threat in Holt.
“It was interesting, though, to see how the men of the village stopped laughing and suddenly took Welly Wanging seriously when their home-grown Dorset inner competitive spirit kicked in!”
Photo © Bruce Grant-Braham
Keeping Dorset safe this summer
By David Sidwick | Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner
Summer has arrived, and with it comes one of the busiest times of the year in Dorset. We are incredibly fortunate to live in a county that millions of people choose to visit every year. Our coastline, countryside and towns are the envy of many, and I want everyone, both residents and visitors, to enjoy everything Dorset has to offer, safely. The increase in visitors inevitably brings additional pressure on Dorset Police. However, I want to reassure you that extensive planning has taken place ahead of the summer season. Officers will be out in our communities, conducting high-visibility patrols across our busiest areas with neighbourhood policing teams engaging with residents and businesses, and officers ready to deal quickly and robustly with anyone
intent on causing trouble.
As your Police and Crime Commissioner, one of my priorities is ensuring Dorset remains one of the safest places in the country. I regularly hold the Chief Constable to account to make sure the Force is focused on the issues which matter most to residents, and I am clear that keeping people safe throughout the busy summer months is right at the top of that agenda.
That said, I have always been honest about the challenges Dorset faces. While our population swells during the summer, the number of police officers available does not. Dorset Police continue to do an outstanding job despite being one of the lowest-funded forces in England; that is why I continue to lobby government for a funding settlement that properly reflects the seasonal
demand placed on our county. Our officers deserve the resources they need to do the job asked of them.
Of course, most people who visit Dorset are respectful and make a positive contribution to our communities and local economy, and they are very welcome. But to the small minority who come here intending to commit crime, engage in violence or cause anti-social behaviour, my message remains simple: stay away. Dorset Police will not tolerate behaviour that threatens our communities; those responsible will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.
That commitment is being backed up with action. From seizing nitrous oxide cannisters from groups at the beach, targeting the illegal and dangerous use of e-bikes, tackling anti-social behaviour and keeping our town centres and public spaces safe for everyone, a tremendous amount of work is taking place across the county.
Officers have also taken part in another successful Operation Scorpion recently, working with police forces across the South West to disrupt drug supply networks, remove drugs from our
streets and protect vulnerable people from exploitation.
Supporting our rural communities is just as important. This summer, the Rural Crime Team is once again supporting Operation Recall, encouraging dog owners to keep their pets under effective control to prevent the devastating impact of livestock worrying. Mounted Rural Volunteers are also increasing patrols across our countryside, providing reassurance to rural communities and acting as valuable additional eyes and ears for Dorset Police.
Keeping Dorset safe is never something policing can do alone. Dorset Police continue to work closely with authorities including Dorset Council, BCP Council, Weymouth Town Council, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Business Improvement Districts and many other partners to make sure we are ready for the challenges the summer brings.
Finally, I would ask everyone to play their part. If you see something that concerns you, report it. Together, we can ensure Dorset remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place to live, work and visit — not just this summer, but all year round.
Have your say on future of Dorset’s rights of way
Ensuring public footpaths, bridleways and byways are kept open is so important for local people, and now Dorset Council is inviting residents to have their say on how those routes could be managed over the next decade.
The council has launched a consultation on the draft Dorset Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) 2026 to 2036.
Cllr Nick Ireland, Dorset Council’s leader and Cabinet member for Climate, Communications, Performance & Safeguarding, said: “We want this plan to reflect the experiences of as many people as possible, not just regular users of the network. Whether you use local routes every day, occasionally, or feel there are barriers stopping you from using them, we want to hear from you.”
Public rights of way are the network of footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and byways that link towns, villages, green spaces and countryside across Dorset. Dorset Council is responsible for maintaining and protecting more than 2,855 miles of routes across the county.
To take part, log onto consultation.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/c-e/dorsetrights-of-way-consultation. The survey is open until 12 October.
Support our hospice hike
By Luke Graham
Julia’s House operates two children’s hospices in Corfe Mullen and Wiltshire. The distance between the two is around 60 miles.
To raise funds for this vital charity, which delivers care to Dorset children with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, a team from Pulford Publicity (the publisher of this magazine) plan to walk that same distance this summer.
Julia’s House is our charity of the year. To support it, the team will divide up the distance between the two hospices and walk that many miles each in one day.
The Connecting the Hospices Hike is scheduled for Friday 21 August. The team will tackle an iconic route along the Jurassic Coast. We need your help to hit our fundraising target of £1,500. To donate, please visit justgiving.com/page/connecting-the-hospices-hike.
School gardening club saved
A £2,000 grant from Dorset Community Foundation’s Wessex Water Environment Fund has saved a Wimborne school gardening club from closing.
The fund supports initiatives that benefit local biodiversity or the environment. It has awarded more than £16,000 to nine projects, including a weekly after-school gardening club at Wimborne First School.
Run by West Moors education charity DEED, the club lets pupils grow food and plants on the school grounds.
DEED’s Sarah Wise said the club had run out of funding at the end of term, but she was delighted to receive the grant.
“Now I can go back to the school and say we are able to carry on,” she said. “I know the kids want it, I know that two staff members are happy to support it, so I’m really excited about that.”
The club has helped pupils connect with the natural world and the food chain. Wise added: “One of the pupils wrote me a little note and said ‘Thank you so much, this has been the best club ever and I’ve learned some new skills’.
“Another told me ‘I’ve really enjoyed this, I’ve learnt so much and tried new foods’. Some of the children had never eaten carrots or didn’t even know what a mangetout looked like.”
To learn more about the Wessex Water Environment Fund, visit dorsetcommunityfoundation.org.
Memories of Manor House School
By Marilyn Barber
News that Moyles Court School in Ringwood closed this year has prompted a Holt Wood resident to reflect on its origins and her time there.
Sue Prust said she wondered how many people in the Wimborne area knew that Moyles Court was previously known as Manor House School.
She said: “Manor House came to Wimborne in the latter years of WWII and was situated at Lullingstone on Rowlands Hill.
“I started there in 1945. A year or so later it moved to premises at the top of St John’s Hill where it stayed until its transformation into Moyles Court in 1963.”
Sue was a pupil there until 1949. Her maiden name was Chaleel. She recalled that the uniform was grey
and that “it was a nice school”.
She added: “Miss Wild was the headteacher and she was quite a character. She would always lean forward to embrace people.
“I remember that the school had a lovely climbing frame which was like a castle.
“There must still be loads of older folk in the Wimborne area who went to Manor House. There were quite a few children who had parents abroad and Manor House was their ‘home’ in England in term time and holidays as well. It was a great school that gave so many children memories that will have stayed with them for the rest of their lives.” Do you have memories of Manor House? Email them to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk.
Manor House School pupils pictured in 1949
Starry Skies
By Mark Hardaker FRAS
August promises to be a rewarding month for stargazers. Not only has true darkness finally returned after the long summer twilight of June and July, but we are also set to enjoy two remarkable celestial events on the very same day.
On Wednesday 12 August, a deep partial eclipse of the Sun will be visible from the UK. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily obscuring the Sun’s light. Observers in mainland Spain and Majorca will experience a total eclipse; here in Dorset, the Sun will be around 93 percent covered. The eclipse begins at approximately 6pm and concludes shortly before sunset, just after 8pm.
skies ideal for observation.
Once the Sun has set and darkness falls, attention will turn to one of the finest meteor showers of the year: the Perseids. So called because they appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, the Perseids are renowned for their reliability and brightness. This year conditions are particularly favourable, as the Moon will be new, leaving dark
A word of caution: viewing the Sun without proper protection can be extremely dangerous, and looking at it through any form of optical equipment without specialist solar filters can cause permanent eye damage. To view the eclipse safely, Fordingbridge Astronomers will be gathering with their telescopes at Fordingbridge Recreation Ground from 5pm, where safe observing methods will be demonstrated. Check our website for more details.
While the press and social media promise spectacular rates, the Perseids typically produce around 60 to 80 meteors per hour under excellent conditions — roughly one per minute at peak activity. These “shooting stars” require no optical equipment to enjoy; in fact, the naked eye is best.
For the best view, find a dark location with an open sky, lie back in a comfortable deckchair and allow your eyes to take in as much of the sky as possible. Meteors may appear in any direction, although their paths will seem to originate from Perseus. Some will be bright and fast, others faint and fleeting. It
is worth wrapping up warm, as temperatures can drop significantly after midnight. The shower generally reaches its peak in the early hours of the morning.
For more astronomy news this month, listen to Starry Skies on Forest FM on the first Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm.
Mark Hardaker lives in Verwood. He is an amateur astronomer and treasurer of Fordingbridge Astronomers. The club has an observatory in the international dark sky reserve at Cranborne Chase and provides astronomy outreach events for scouts, guides, youth groups and other organisations on request.
A partial eclipse
Charity of the Year
A holiday that means so much more
By Julia’s House
As the sun shines and schools finish, many of us are looking forward to a trip away during the summer break. But for families caring for a seriously ill child, a holiday from home can feel impossible. There is often specialist medical equipment to pack, prescriptions to organise, accessible accommodation to find and, for many parents, the added pressure of reduced income because of caring responsibilities.
This is where Julia’s House, the Dorset and Wiltshire children’s hospice, steps in and helps the families it supports take a much-needed holiday to have fun, rest and recharge. Thanks to the generosity of the charity’s supporters, the life-changing respite care the hospice provides can also include the chance to enjoy a much-needed family break.
One of those special holiday destinations is a caravan at Hoburne Bashley Holiday Park in the New Forest, kindly lent to Julia’s House by IP database company, Lead Forensics. In 2025, 25 families supported by Julia’s House enjoyed a break there, with 20 more families already booked in for this year. Other short breaks, donated
by IDILIQ Hotels and Resorts, have helped families enjoy precious time together in Cornwall, Scotland and Wiltshire.
Making memories
For Lucy, mum to Sully, Hoburne Bashley has given her family a holiday that felt safe, accessible and joyful. She said: “It’s so much more than just a caravan.
“For our family, it holds a lot of memories. It can be so difficult to book an accessible holiday, and it makes you feel quite isolated.”
Being close to Sully’s hospital in Salisbury gives the family peace of mind, while the holiday park’s accessible facilities mean Sully can join in fully. Lucy added: “Everyone at the holiday park goes out of their way to ensure Sully can be included in everything — we don’t have to think ‘can he do that?’, he can just join in.”
Julia’s House Family Support Worker Emma said: “It’s just such a wonderful experience that we are able to provide for families.
“For some families, it’s the first holiday they’ve ever had. And for special occasions such as birthdays and honeymoons, we ensure it’s all decorated just for them.”
The caravan can also be a gentle introduction to Julia’s House for newly referred families, as well as a safe space for bereaved families to spend time altogether. Help Julia’s House bring more magical moments and memories to local families by visiting: juliashouse.org/donation.
Lucy and her family with Hoburne Bashley Holiday Park’s mascot
105th birthday for Beryl
A Wimborne Minster resident has reached the incredible age of 105. Beryl celebrated the remarkable milestone in July surrounded by family, friends and the care team who have supported her over the past four years.
Born and raised in Nottingham, Beryl enjoyed a successful career as a secretary.
Outside of work, she led an active social life and was a keen 10-pin bowler. She later moved to the Isle of Wight, where she lived for around 40 years, before spending more than six years in Fordingbridge. She now calls Wimborne home.
Beryl still enjoys knitting, reading and spending time with her two sons.
On Sunday 14 July, the GoodOaks Homecare East Dorset care team surprised Beryl with flowers and a birthday balloon.
GoodOaks have supported Beryl with care visits to her own home for the past four years. Adam Downer, director of GoodOaks Homecare East Dorset, said: “Celebrating a 105th birthday is an extraordinary milestone, and it has been a privilege for our team to support Beryl over the past four years. She is a wonderful lady with so many fascinating stories and a great
sense of humour. We were delighted to celebrate this special occasion with her.”
To learn more about home care with GoodOaks, visit goodoakshomecare. co.uk/east-dorset.
Live your life the way you choose
By Care UK
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Live every day your way at Ferndown Manor and The Potteries in Dorset, where you can continue with much-loved hobbies, try new activities and make new friends all in a welcoming, safe environment.
At our Dorset homes you can fill your day with activities you enjoy. From crafting, baking and gardening to laughterfilled days out, we’ll support you to live life to the full.
Dreams really can come true with our Wishing Tree initiative, which all residents can take part in. When you hang your wish on our tree, we will do our best to make it happen, no matter how big or small your request is.
At Care UK, we’ve been delivering high quality, personcentred care for over 40 years. That’s why over 16,000 families across the country trust us to care for their loved ones.
To find out more about our Dorset homes, call 0330 127 4748 or visit our website: careuk.com/dorset.
Forest Holme Hospice’s ‘Strictly Extravaganza’ has won the Emma Award for Special Event of the Year. The award was presented at a ceremony in London, celebrating excellence in charity events across the UK. Representing the charity at the awards were Sara Fripp, fundraising manager, and Tiff Watson, one of the contestants from the event in 2025. ‘Strictly Extravaganza’ will return to Lighthouse Poole on Saturday 23 January 2027. For tickets, visit forestholmehospice.org.uk/events/ strictly-extravaganza-2027.
Call for cancer survivors
A dragon boating team for cancer survivors based in Bournemouth has issued a call for new members.
Bourne Water Dragons are looking for new crew and helms to support the club’s ongoing project of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, making friends and exercising.
Based at Iford Playing
Fields, the team trains on Sundays at 9.30am and Thursdays at 6.30pm.
The opportunity is targeted at people who have had or are living with cancer. To find out more, visit bournewaterdragons. uk, email enquiries@ bournewaterdragons.org.uk or call 07770 927448.
Beryl with Amelie from GoodOaks
Early prevention must become the foundation of oral health
By Dr Victoria K. Hillson
Across England, tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admission amongst children aged five to nine. Despite being almost entirely preventable, thousands of children each year still require hospital-based tooth extractions under general anaesthetic. According to the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, a young person undergoes a preventable tooth extraction every 15 minutes. There were nearly 34,000 tooth extractions in 0-19-year-olds directly linked to tooth decay in the financial year ending 2025; an 11 per cent increase from the previous year, accounting for 60.5 per cent of all extractions in this age group.
Behind these statistics are children missing school, families facing growing financial pressures, and young patients developing fear and anxiety around dentistry from an early age.
Throughout my own work within schools, nurseries, and youth settings over the past seven years, alongside my work in dentistry, I have repeatedly seen how limited oral health education and delayed visits to the dentist can lead to these poor outcomes. Some simple, easy-to-implement habits can help optimise the benefits of toothbrushing. It is advised to spit out excess toothpaste after brushing without rinsing, as this allows the fluoride residue to remain on the teeth for longer. Children over eight years of age can use mouthwash, but it should be used after meals or before brushing, rather than immediately after brushing, to avoid diluting the fluoride. It is also important to ensure that teeth are brushed twice daily for two minutes each time. But beyond good oral habits, access to dentistry remains a
major challenge. It was estimated in 2025 that more than five million children had not seen a dentist in over a year. And many parents are unaware that children are encouraged to attend a dental appointment as soon as their first teeth appear, usually around six months of age. Early exposure to dental settings can help children become more familiar and comfortable with appointments from a young age, helping to reduce anxiety and encourage positive lifelong habits.
Another thing that could help is forging stronger links between dental schools and community outreach initiatives. I recently met with Sir Christopher Chope MP to discuss possibilities of universities and early dental foundation schemes working with Dorset nurseries and primary schools on dental initiatives. This would require greater investment to expand community prevention programmes linked to dental schools, training schemes and public health services, rather than small steps.
Greater investment should therefore focus on expanding community prevention programmes linked directly to dental schools, foundation training schemes, and local public health services. By strengthening these relationships early, we can normalise prevention-led dentistry, improve access to education, reduce avoidable disease, and help children grow into adults who are more confident and less fearful of dental care.
Prevention should not simply be viewed as the future of dentistry — it should already be its foundation.
Dr Hillson BDS AFHEA MFDS (RCPSG) is a dentist with Canford Cliffs Dental in Poole.
Get fitter in Ferndown
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If you are finding your balance, flexibility or fitness levels are not what they used to be, but are unsure what to do about it, you should check out Ferndown Fitness in Pennys Walk, Ferndown.
It’s a fitness club with a difference that offers personalised exercise programmes and as much help and guidance as you need from approachable, knowledgeable staff. There is also a great selection of classes available including yoga, chair yoga, Pilates, balance classes and flexibility classes, as well as several aerobic classes to help with stamina and fitness.
Experts in catering for the over 50s, even those who have never been to a gym before, Ferndown Fitness can really help you get moving again and get back into exercise at your own pace. So why not pop in or call 01202 855321 to have a chat or book a free guest visit?
Ringwood marks 800 years of history
By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk | Photos © Viewpoint Magazine
Hundreds of families gathered in Ringwood on Sunday 12 July to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the town’s Royal Market Charter. The milestone was marked with a day of live entertainment, interactive community stalls, family activities, local food, music, and a display of community spirit in the very place where Ringwood’s market heritage began eight centuries ago.
The celebrations began
with an uplifting service led by Churches Together.
Hosting the entertainment throughout the day was local author Chris Conaughton, who stepped into the role of Town Crier. He was joined by enthusiastic ‘Mini Town Criers’ from local schools.
Visitors were also treated to spectacular performances from headline act Farm Yard Circus.
The celebrations also marked the launch of
Ringwood’s very own story trail, created through collaboration with Culture in Common.
Ringwood Auctions hosted a traditional auction during the afternoon, raising almost £400 for two local charities: Greyfriars Community Centre and Moyles Court Wildlife Rescue.
The Mayor of Ringwood Cllr Mary DeBoos said: “Our rich heritage, cherished traditions and, above all, our supportive
community are what make this town so unique. I would like to thank everyone who attended, as well as the many volunteers, organisations, performers and local businesses who gave their time and support to make the day such a success.”
Morris dancing fun
The Mayor of Ringwood Cllr Mary DeBoos with Deputy Lord Lieutenant Hallam Mills
Wanted: a new family to love
Every year, Viewpoint Magazine provides a double page spread to highlight the work of local animal charity, Waggy Tails Rescue, which has been helping rehome animals since 1994. Over the past three decades, the charity has helped thousands of unwanted or abandoned dogs find new, loving family environments.
But it’s not just dogs that sometimes need a fresh start. The charity has also rehomed cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, hamsters, mice, budgies, one-legged cockatiels, battery chickens, horses, goats, a duck and even parrots.
Pictured here are just a few of the adorable critters at the rescue centre that are currently looking for their forever home.
If you’re unable to adopt, why not volunteer? The charity is always looking for people to help in its Turbary Road, Ferndown shop, at the animal sanctuary or in the office. Roles include helping with animal welfare, DIY, gardening, office support and home checking, as well as fundraising and helping at events.
To learn more, call the office on 01202 875000, enquire at the shop or speak to Waggy Tails Rescue at one of their upcoming events:
9 September
Gold Day at Barton on Sea Golf Club in New Milton
19 September
Annual dog show at True Lovers Knot in Tarrant Keyneston
25 October
Charity auction at Wimborne Town FC’s Wyatt Homes Stadium, Wimborne, BH21 2FU
28 November
Christmas Fair in Kinson Community Centre
To offer any of these animals a home, contact Waggy Tails Rescue on 01202 875000, email admin@waggytails.org.uk or visit the website: waggytails.org.uk.
Viewpoint Magazine has supported Waggy Tails Rescue with this regular feature for the last 20 years and is pleased to offer this free publicity through the kind support of the sponsors on this page.
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Here’s how to solve Codeword. Every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number. All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number.
To start you off, we reveal the code for four letters.
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Giving ‘well-dressed’ an entirely new meaning
By Julian Hewitt | Fordingbridge Museum
My son was on a short break in the Peak District recently when he visited Eyam.
This was a village where, in 1665, the bubonic plague had been brought from London in a parcel of infected cloth. The villagers made the sacrificial decision to voluntarily quarantine themselves to prevent the disease spreading to neighbouring communities. This saved many lives in the wider neighbourhood, although 260 of the 800 Eyam residents died.
In the nearby village of Ashford in the Water, my son came upon the interesting old custom of well dressing. This is a widespread phenomenon in the Peak District believed to have been practised in Celtic and Roman times as an offering to the water gods, given in thanks for wells that did not dry up in times of drought.
This practice was revived in the 17th century, after the Black Death pandemic, to give thanks for their clean water which Peak District residents attributed to saving them from the plague. As with many Pagan customs, it was integrated into Christian worship.
The method of dressing a well is well-established. A stout wooden board is placed in water, often a local stream, until it is saturated. The board is then coated in moist clay which has to be a happy medium between too moist and too dry. The clay has to be ‘well puddled’, a process similar to kneading dough in bread making. If the board is not saturated enough, the wood may shrink and cause the clay to crack.
A design is then prepared on paper. This could be
pictures or text or a mixture of both. The design is then placed on the clay, and the outline is pricked out on the clay using toothpicks or nails. The paper is removed and the design is painstakingly filled in using petals, leaves, seeds, tree bark, eggshells, moss, small cones, lichen and any other easily available natural material.
The well dressing is usually accompanied by a fete and church service. Morris and maypole dancing may also take place.
Although well dressing is relatively common in the Peak District, it does often take place elsewhere. I remember the well in the picturesque Cotswold village of Bisley being dressed when my parents lived nearby. A custom that still continues, as I understand.
Whitwell in the Isle of Wight has a tradition of well dressing in August (see the photo). Upway in Dorset has been dressing the well there since 1986, when newcomers from the Peak District imported the tradition. The natural spring there has clear water that bubbles up at a constant temperature.
George III, who was a regular visitor to Weymouth in the late 1700s, would visit the well to drink the water whilst sitting on a special stone seat. Today, because of health and safety concerns, I would not recommend drinking the water. However, the tea rooms on the site provide refreshment that you can consume whilst admiring the sub-tropical gardens.
Perhaps, inspired by this article, well dressing could be established locally. Mottisfont Abbey and the Abbots Well in Frogham spring to mind.
A well dressing in Whitwell, Isle of Wight from 2010 © Editor5807
WEST MOORS FESTIVAL BASKED IN SUNSHINE
CROWDS TURNED OUT IN WEST MOORS ON 11 JULY TO ENJOY A FAMILY-FRIENDLY FESTIVAL ATMOSPHERE ON FRYER FIELD, AND ALL FOR FREE
Westival, organised by West Moors Town Council, gets more varied every year. One of the organisers, Judi Weedon, said: “There have been a lot of people here. It’s been a good day.”
Urban Displays wowed an enthusiastic crowd with their daring leaps to and from the tops of vehicles.
How the Spider-Man themed Bournemouth Carnival Band managed to bear the heat in their long sleeves and trouser costumes defied belief. Their comedic stage act included rainy and watery musical contributions, probably driven by their longing to cool down. Also on stage during the festival were the popular Audio Allstars.
The pets’ corner was a great success, and animals were kept shaded by the tree line and the breeze. Birds of prey had large bowls of water to paddle and ruffle their feathers in.
Elsewhere there were stalls, food, drinks and ice creams. There was children’s entertainment with Krazy Kev, a climbing wall, water fun and aerial displays by Phoenix Aerial Circus, where children could have a go at circus skills took place throughout the day. The classic cars filled several rows in the centre of the field with a trophy for ‘the car I’d most like to take home’ being awarded. There was also a grand raffle with cash prizes.
Photos © CatchBox 2026
Urban Displays demonstrated their biking skills
Spider-Man themed Bournemouth Carnival Band
Heather and Ellie Vickers
Moors Scouts
CORRESPONDENCE
To express your opinion or idea about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk
Re: First underspend for Dorset Council, Viewpoint July
Well done Dorset Council for underspending £169,000 for 2025/26, and well done Viewpoint Magazine for reporting it. Verwood needs it for a secondary school! Whenever I ask at local forum meetings, our local councillors say there is no money for a new school. But the land is there, earmarked especially for a secondary school. According to Dorset Council (via a Freedom of Information request) on 17 November 2025, “there are a combined 433 students attending either Queen Elizabeth’s
School or Ferndown Upper School from a Verwood threedigit postcode.”
Many of those young people are bussed every school day, setting off and returning in the dark in the winter.
Plus, many others are going to other secondary schools around the area.
I think a town the size of Verwood, with all the extra housing on Edmondsham Road, should have a secondary school and I think Dorset Council’s underspend of £169,000 should go towards a muchneeded secondary school for Verwood.
Many thanks, Lesley Eve, Dewlands Park, Verwood
Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk.
16, 23 and 30 August 2pm–4.30pm Cream teas by the river at Damerham Village Hall, SP6 3HD in aid of St George’s Church.
17, 24 and 31 August 12.30pm
Organ recitals in Wimborne Minster church. Admission with retiring collection in aid of the Wimborne Minster Musical Heritage Trust.
19 August, 10am–12noon
Coffee morning and play drop-in at St Michael’s Church Centre, Colehill. Run by Cherubs Toddler Group, with refreshments supplied by the MU Prayer and Fellowship Group. Queries to 01202 841677.
19 August 7.30pm
Merley Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Community Hall, Harrier Drive.
20–23 August
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival at Purbeck Valley Farm.
20, 27 August
Entertainment starts at 7.30pm on Poole Quay with fireworks at 10pm.
22 and 29 August 11am–11.45am and 1.30pm–2.15pm Bee Walkabout at Church Field on Brownsea Island. Free sessions, no booking required, normal admission fees apply.
22 August 10am–4pm
Vintage tractor show at Pamphill Parish Hall, BH21 4ED. Donations accepted for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Friends of Victoria Hospital.
25 August 7.30pm
West Parley Gardening Club meets at MS Centre, Church Lane, BH22 8TS.
26 August 10am–12noon
Coffee morning in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society at St Michael’s Church Centre, Colehill. Queries to 01202 841677.
29–31 August 10am–4pm
Twenty 4 Art presents art and craft sale and exhibition at Pamphill Parish Hall, Wimborne, BH21 4EF in aid of MS Centre Dorset.
29 August 1.30pm–4pm
West Moors Horticultural Society
81st Summer Show at the Memorial Hall, BH22 OHZ. Free entry. Refreshments available. Competition classes for flowers, art and homecraft. For information on how to enter, email: wmhorticultural. society@gmail.com.
29 August 3pm Wimborne in Bloom Duck Race on the River Allen, launched at the bottom of Mill Lane.
30, 31 August 2pm–5pm
Staddlestones, Witchampton, BH21 5DE open under NGS.
3 September 7.30pm
Ferndown & District Historical Society meets at the Barrington Centre with a talk on ‘Mrs Kray – Married to the Mob’.
5 September 10.15am–11.30pm Win on Waste at Lantern Church, Merley.
5 September 12noon–4pm Wimborne Gardening Club Late Summer Show at the Allendale Centre.
5 September 2pm–4pm
Ferndown Arthritis and Friendship Club meets at Ferndown Plus Day Centre. Call 03303 112793 for details.
5 September 7.30pm for 8pm Free film screening at Fordingbridge Town Hall. Episode 7 of Season 3 of ‘The Chosen’. Free refreshments.
7 September 10.30am
Reading Friends at Wimborne Library.
7 September 7pm–9.30pm
Bournemouth Bluebird Jazz Club meets at Bluebird Social Club, 4 Ham Lane, Longham, BH22 9DP.
8 September 7.30pm
Verwood and District Horticultural Society meets at Verwood Memorial Hall. Details on verwoodhorticulturalsociety.co.uk or call Ollie on 07508 577114.
Events
9 September 6.30pm–9pm
Bournemouth & District Jazz Appreciation Society meet in Rm 1 downstairs at Kinson Community Centre.
9 September 7.30pm
Canford and Merley WI meets at Merley Community Centre, Harrier Drive. For details, call Hazel on 07780 705702.
10 September 7.30pm
Ringwood Natural History Society meets at Greyfriars Community Centre, BH24 1DW. Visitors welcome £3. Contact John Gurney on 01425 471362 or 07395 855 404.
14 September 2.30pm
West Moors Horticultural Society meets at the Memorial Hall for an illustrated talk ‘If you go down to the Woods today’ by Brian Pettet. Contact Jo Breen on 07960650611 or email wmhorticultural. society@gmail.com.
14 September 7pm for 7.30pm Ferndown & West Moors Philatelic and Postcard Club meets at The Hamworthy Club, Magna Road, BH21 3AP. Call Paul Barry on 07932 581791 or email paulrichardbarry@hotmail. co.uk for programme details.
15 September 7.30pm Wimborne Civic Society meets at Allendale House.
Free film screenings
Parents and carers may wish to visit the Allendale Centre in Wimborne Minster this summer, as the venue is screening several free family films
Doors open at 10am for a 10.30am start. No ticket or booking is required, and there are refreshments available to purchase.
The schedule of screenings is:
• Thursday 13 August — ‘Robin Hood’
• Sunday 16 August — ‘Moana 2’
• Wednesday 19 August —
‘Herbie: Fully Loaded’
• Thursday 27 August —
‘How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden Kingdom’ For details, contact the venue on 01202 887247 or email info@theallendale.org.
Pick up a pen and join Ferndown Writers
By Eleanor Green
Take this opportunity to join a wonderful new weekly writing group in Ferndown library. It will be held every Tuesday from 10am until midday.
The aim is to provide a place where writers can come together to share their work and support each other with ideas and experience.
Everyone is welcome, from practised writers to complete beginners. It will
be an encouraging space to read, write, contribute, and listen. Above all, it will be a pleasurable two hours.
The Ferndown library now offers various monthly groups, ranging from craft, reading, knitand-natter to a Thursday weekly social refreshments group.
The librarians are always on hand to give helpful advice.
Your printing and scanning requirements can also be
processed, and there's a number of volunteers who can help you research your family history. If you need computer skills, help is always readily at hand. To join the Ferndown Writers, or for more information, please contact me as soon as possible. Places are limited. Email green.eleanor2@gmail.com.
COMPETITION
Win novel by best-selling Dorset author
Local author Della Galton has offered readers the chance to win a copy of her latest novel, ‘One in a Million’.
Released in February, this is a gripping story about one woman’s journey to wrestle with her past and find happiness.
Sarah-Jane Crosse — SJ to her friends — is desperate to avoid going to her parents’ ruby wedding anniversary party. She’s terrified of introducing her new husband, Tom, to her estranged sister, Alison, because the siblings have history. Meanwhile, her supportive best friend, Tania, has a surprising secret.
With the help of an everfaithful dog, a few reformed characters, and a lot of selfreflection and home truths, the future looks a whole lot brighter for SJ. The statistics speak for themselves:
she is one in a million… Check out the opening of the book below, then read how to enter the competition on the next page.
‘One in a Million’ by Della Galton
The first thing SJ noticed was the tinny metallic taste in her mouth. And then came the thirst. The thirst was so bad it had got into her dreams and forced her awake. No, not awake, aware — a slowly growing awareness which was coming, sense by sense. Like sound. She could hear an echoey blur of footsteps and voices, which rolled in and out of her head. Closer by, something electronic beeped. Beep, beep, beep — steady and rhythmic — beep, beep, beep. Where was she? SJ opened her eyes and was hit by a wall of light. She shut them swiftly.
She felt as though she was made of crystal, cool and brittle. She was a thin glass person who could be shattered by the slightest touch.
After a while she tried opening her eyes again. This time the room swam in various shades of light, but she managed to squint long enough to focus. To her left was a tall metal stand with a clear bag of fluid clipped to the top. To her right was a machine, which was the source of the beeping. Against her cheek was the edge of a thin blue woven sheet, but it felt more like a tablecloth than a sheet. She shifted away from its roughness and her head spun.
“So you’re awake then?”
A blurred face came into view. SJ made out red lipstick, a thin line of a nose, kind eyes.
“Drink?” SJ gasped.
The face moved away, then loomed back in and she was aware of a straw close to her mouth. “Take it steady.”
Ignoring the advice, SJ sucked greedily and her throat was awash with coolness — the wonderful coolness of water — and then she was retching, choking, drowning. A firm hand supported her back. “Easy does it.”
She tried again,
more carefully, and with more success.
“You’re in the Intensive Care Unit,” the voice explained. But SJ wasn’t really listening, didn’t really care; the need for water blanked out every other sense, every other feeling.
It was about 30 seconds later that the pain kicked in.
There was a deep ache in her lower back, sparked off by the movement of leaning forward. She moaned and the voice returned. “Gently does it, love. Slowly, slowly…”
The other voices — the further-away voices — were still rumbling in the background, and now she could make out odd snatches.
“She’s in a very weakened condition — I really wouldn’t advise visitors.”
“I want to bloody well see her. Tell him, Jim. Tell him we want to bloody well see her now.”
Oh, God, that was her mother. What was her mother doing here? And why was she swearing? She never swore. Something bad must have happened. Something very, very bad.
Beneath the awful aching, her heart began to thump harder, and the beep of the machine sped up to keep time.
Enter the competition
For your chance to win a copy of ‘One in a Million’ by Della Galton, simply answer the following question, then head online to enter our prize draw:
In what month was ‘One in a Million’ released?
Enter online at dorsetview.co.uk. Closing date is 28 September 2026. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final. Personal details will be stored securely and will only be processed to determine the winner of the competition and allocate the prize. The winner will be announced in the magazine. If you can’t wait and want to read on about SJ, you can purchase ‘One in a Million’ by Della Galton from bookstores or online. It is published by Boldwood Books, ISBN 978-1806580163.
Get ready for the Rustic Fayre
By Louisa Hiscock, Verwood Rotary Club
As the new Rotary year gets underway, Andy Maw continues as our club president. Andy has chosen Home Start Wessex as his President’s Charity for 2026–2027. This supports vulnerable and disadvantaged families with young children. We look forward to sharing more details about fundraising events for this soon.
This month, everyone is focused on our upcoming Rustic Fayre on AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY (31 August) at Potterne Park in Verwood. We are really looking forward to hosting this great family event for the local community again. All the profits are distributed to a range of organisations, charities and causes, both local and much further afield. We are delighted that Jeff Mostyn, former chair of AFC Bournemouth and
author, will open the fayre as our Guest of Honour. All the old favourites and new attractions will be there. Our headline act in the arena is a professional BMX stunt crew who will perform a thrilling show of huge jumps and aerial stunt tricks. You will also find food and market stalls, live musical performances, crafts, children’s activities, and a beer tent. The classic vehicle display will be there, and in the afternoon, you can watch the hotly contested duck races set off.
Check out our website on verwoodrotary.org.uk for updates. You can also buy tickets online in advance, as well as on the day. Ticket prices have been held again at only £7 for adults with accompanied children under 16 free. We will see you there!
Lantern parade lights up Dorchester
The opening weekend of a new play concluded with a dramatic procession through the streets of Dorchester.
After three sold-out performances at Dorchester Arts on Saturday 25 July, audiences joined the cast of a new community production as they carried handmade lanterns to illuminate and honour real women from Dorset’s past.
The parade ended at the statue of celebrated Dorset writer Sylvia Townsend Warner, where actor Helga Brandt, who portrays Sylvia in the production, sat proudly beside the statue holding a beautifully crafted lantern featuring
artwork by activist and photographer Jayne Jackson, created especially for the production.
‘Unearthed’ is written by Stephanie Dale and directed by Penny Levick from the Women of Dorset collective. It follows a young woman as she learns about the women whose lives and achievements helped shape the county. It featured a cast and community chorus of more than 40 women aged from nine to 82 using dance, live music and song.
The play was later performed at Lighthouse Poole on Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August, followed by a lantern parade through the town.
The cast of ‘Unearthed’ with a statue of Sylvia Townsend Warner © Jayne Jackson
Watch where you park in BCP this summer
If you’re planning to drive to the seafront along Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) in August, be careful, as anyone who parks illegally anywhere from Sandbanks to Southbourne will face hefty fines.
BCP Council trialled higher parking fines last summer which reduced illegal parking, so a second trial is taking place until 31 August. The trial received approval from the Department for Transport.
Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) fines are set by the government and currently cost £70 for higher tariff parking offences (reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days) and £50 for lower tariff offences (reduced to £25 if paid within 14 days).
During the trial period, parking fines will increase in the trial area to match London rates and will be £160 for higher tariff offences (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days) and £110 for lower tariff offences (reduced to £55 if paid within 14 days).
The fines for towaways will also rise significantly during the trial. They currently stand at £105 for release from Car Pound, £12 for Storage Fee (per day) and £50 for Disposal Fee.
During the trial period, they will increase to match the levels set for London: £280 for release from Car Pound, £55 for Storage Fee (per day) and £100 for Disposal Fee.
Discover the benefits of hybrid driving
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Map of the trial area
The joys of cycling
By Dilys Gartside, Bikeability training provider
Adults looking to learn or improve their cycling skills or join group rides to gain confidence on the road should take part in the Big Bike Revival this summer, a series of free sessions promoting the benefits of cycling.
Open to all adults, but aimed particularly at parents and carers of children, government funding enables me to offer small group sessions in Shillingstone DT11 in August, September and possibly October. Contact me for more information or to reserve a free place: cyclewisesouthampton@ gmail.com.
Earlier in the year, I organised the Easter Harbours Cycle Tour. It was everything we’d hoped for… and more.
This was my third annual tour for those who had learned or rediscovered cycling in older age but never considered a cycling holiday.
I secured good hotel rates, staying two nights at each location. But weather is not something I could plan, only pray for.
So, after a very wet March, forecasts kept improving as our early April week approached, giving not just sunshine but wind direction to fill our spinnakers. My intention was to showcase Hants and Sussex’s beautiful but intricate coastline.
Day 1
Starting early on Easter Sunday from Bedhampton, eight riders followed National Cycle Route 2 through Havant Station, via a quiet A27 underpass to our first harbour, Emsworth. We enjoyed a delicious Sunday roast at The Kings Arms which fuelled us for the afternoon’s exertions. We idled in Prinsted enjoying ice creams, so by the time we reached Bosham, it was high tide. We cycled alongside the A259 until a hole in the hedge signed
us to Fishbourne and the Roman Palace, then popped us out onto the old western road to Chichester, now a Low Traffic Neighbourhood with flower boxes and tree calming, making a delightful entrance to this cathedral city.
Day 2
We cycled to Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve via Chichester Ship Canal, then south across fields and lanes for coffee at The Crab and Lobster, an unscheduled tour of Selsey’s caravan site, and lunch at The Seal. Home via Salterns Way Cycle Path took us past a yacht club and Dell Quay. Riding beside a hedge strewn with late trimmings of blackthorn resulted in a puncture — mine! It was fixed by wonderful Craig.
Day 3
Back to Bosham Harbour, this time along the low shore road. After stopping in Havant to bid farewell to one of us, we continued south on the
Hayling Billy Trail and bike ferry across Langstone Harbour to Portsea Island, known to most as Portsmouth! The new five-mile Southsea cycle path was a sheer delight, leading us around the Historic Dockyard and Spinnaker Tower.
Day 4
A day of sightseeing with trips up the Spinnaker and to see the Mary Rose.
Day 5
Time to go home, but not before a lap around Portsmouth’s West, South and East Coast cycleways. Cycle paths circumnavigated the maze of motorway junctions and magically took us back to our starting point the previous Sunday. We cycled over 80 miles, some on electric bikes, with four nights’ hotel accommodation costing £120. When room sharing, that’s cheaper than camping!
The Easter Harbours Cycle Tour visited Chichester
Pre-holiday car checks
Four simple checks for a stress-free trip
August is the peak time for holidays, so a motoring charity has provided a very valuable 10-minute list of checks that could save your holiday from disappointment.
GEM Motoring Assist says drivers should focus on four key areas: tyres, fluids, lights and load.
Tyres
Check that tyre pressures are adjusted for the increased vehicle weight, especially if driving with luggage, tents or bikes. Ensure tread depth is legal — you can do this by inserting a 20p coin into the tyre’s grooves. If you can’t see the outer band of the coin, the tread should be okay. Finally, inspect for any visible damage and remember to check the spare tyre or repair kit as well.
Fluids
Top up engine oil, coolant and screen wash to the correct levels, helping the car run efficiently and reducing the
risk of overheating in heavy traffic or hot weather.
Lights
Walk around the car and make sure all lights work properly. Ask a family member or neighbour to help with brake lights and indicators. Pack a spare lightbulb kit just in case; you can buy one online or from a car shop.
Load
Pack the car carefully so that luggage doesn’t obstruct your view, and secure loose items so they can’t hurt anyone if you stop suddenly.
GEM’s head of road safety, James Luckhurst, said: “A holiday road trip should be something you look forward to, not a source of anxiety. Taking just 10 minutes to check your car before setting off is one of the easiest ways to protect your family and your wallet. Those few minutes can be the difference between arriving
relaxed at your destination or spending hours on the hard shoulder waiting for help.”
Also, make sure you have breakdown cover. Breaking down on a family holiday without it can be very
expensive: GEM’s figures show that a single long-distance recovery from around 100 miles away can leave you with a bill of about £500 — before you even begin to count the cost of hotels, taxis and repairs.
How to add value to your home
Upgrading your home’s flooring can make it look more stylish — and valuable
Flooring Superstore’s trend expert Alex Heslop has identified one often overlooked improvement that could add five per cent to the value of your home: flooring.
If you are trying to sell your home, don’t overlook the value of having the right flooring. According to Alex, upgrades can help homes stand out and sell faster.
She said: “The difference comes down to how the home looks and feels the moment a buyer walks through the door. And nothing shapes that first impression more than what is underfoot.
“The floor is the first thing that buyers notice when they step into a home. Often, the decision is made within seconds of stepping inside and in a market where every listing is competing harder than ever, worn carpets, scratched surfaces or outdated styles can make a property feel older, while newer modern finishes can instantly modernise a space and make it feel move-in ready.
“We’re seeing a shift away from cool greys and whitewashed wooden flooring toward warmer tones. Wood and woodeffect floors, warm oaks, soft taupes, and caramel hues are growing in popularity and are fantastic at creating inviting and cosy
spaces. Grey tones will still have a place in flooring design in 2026, but these shades are particularly effective when showcased through stone or porcelain tiles in subtle limestone or marble effects.
“Once reserved for period properties and high-end renovations, herringbone and chevron are now within reach at every price point, and they signal quality in a way that buyers respond to instantly.”
However, carpet still belongs in the bedroom.
Alex said: “Buyers in 2026 want warmth and texture underfoot in sleeping spaces. There’s no better way to add soft and comforting textures into your decor than with a high-quality carpet. An earthy toned, neutral loop pile carpet that brings
subtle depth to a minimalist space and perfectly complements natural woods, stone and soft whites, blending seamlessly into your decor and making it a perfect choice for living rooms and bedrooms.”
She added that mismatched floors make spaces feel smaller and more fragmented. Having the same flooring throughout your house will give a feeling of cohesiveness and create a sense of space.
As far as colour goes, interior designers say there is no single mandatory rule, but that your flooring should be one to two shades darker than your walls. This provides a natural, grounded visual foundation — much like the earth under a sky — making the space feel balanced, secure, and structurally sound.
Time to check the boiler
With temperatures soaring, your boiler is probably taking a wellearned rest, only being used occasionally to heat water for baths, showers or the washing up, instead of to warm up cold radiators.
That’s one reason why summer is the best time of year to have your boiler serviced, according to trade professionals.
Luke Stanyer, City Plumbing ambassador and owner of Blue Bulldog Plumbing and Heating, said: “An engineer is far more likely to have availability in the summer. During the colder months, we tend to be booked out with breakdowns and emergencies, so we need to prioritise customers who need repairs.
“Secondly, if there are any problems during your service, you are far less likely to miss your boiler during the warmer months compared to when you are relying on it every day.”
Boilers should be serviced once every 12 months. Regular servicing can help keep boilers working efficiently and flag any problems before they become more serious.
An annual service can also be important to keep your boiler’s warranty valid, as many manufacturers require a yearly check by a Gas Safe engineer. Some home insurance policies may also require annual boiler servicing, depending on their terms and conditions.
Stanyer added: “Regular services help your boiler work at its best if they are done on a yearly basis. Engineers can clean elements, check for leaks and make sure it is working at the right capacity.
“A service can also detect early warning signs and faults such as corrosion, leaks or damage. That means problems can be fixed earlier. If left to develop, they can damage the boiler or the system and become much harder to put right.”
According to Stanyer, the best time to get your boiler serviced is between April and September. Having your annual service done at the same time of year and by the same engineer can also be helpful, because they will remember the property and its boiler. They will also know that every three to five years, the boiler will require a full strip-down service.
“Prevention is better than cure,” added Stanyer. “Getting your boiler serviced regularly can address small issues before they become bigger problems.”
COMPETITION WINNER
In May’s issue, we offered readers the chance to predict the winner of the Fifa World Cup and get a chance to win £100 to spend with a local business.
Out of 79 entries, 17 correctly guessed that Spain would lift the trophy. The winner of the £100 voucher to spend with Oak Valley Plastering went to Heidi Charles from Bear Cross. Congratulations, Heidi!
NEWS IN BRIEF
Join a choir
Verwood Choral Society is hoping to attract new members. The society sings all kinds of music from ‘Sister Act’ and ‘West Side Story’ to Vivaldi and Handel. There are two concerts for charity: in the summer and at Christmas. It meets Mondays from 7pm–8.30pm in St Michael and All Angels Parish Church, Verwood. The autumn session begins on 14 September at 7pm. There are no auditions. Contact Ann Mayo, musical director, on annsmayo@yahoo.co.uk or just come along.
Heritage events
East Dorset Heritage Trust’s autumn booklet is now available from Allendale House and online at edht.org.uk. Talks include ‘One Century – Two Pandemics’, ‘A Spy Descended from Royalty’, ‘Jack the Ripper’ and ‘British Settlers to South Africa 1820’. As well as courses, there are visits including a coach trip to The Newt in Somerset, and a visit in November to Hook Court near Sherborne.
Homes proposal
Andell Developments have asked New Forest District Council for Permission in Principle to build nine homes at Gander Cross Farm, Fryern Court Road, Fordingbridge.
Bank conversion
The former National Westminster Bank at 1 High Street, Ringwood is to be converted to provide four one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroom flat, with part of the ground floor to be kept for commercial use.
Strictly
Tickets for Forest Holme Hospice Charity’s Strictly Extravaganza are now on sale for an evening of dance, glamour and entertainment at Lighthouse, Poole on Saturday 23 January 2027. Book via tickettailor. com/events/forestholme/2259368.
puzzle zone
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