VIEWPOINT
Dear Readers!
Lights, camera, action! Not just a classic filmmaking phrase and a 2024 song by Kylie Minogue, but December at Viewpoint Magazine
In November, we covered Remembrance Day services as well as the switching on of the Christmas lights in towns and villages across the region. We also reviewed several amateur dramatic productions. See reviews on pages 34 and 39.
Now we have our cameras ready to capture Christmas parades and festive events.
We realise how important it is for our magazines to be out meeting readers and advertisers and finding out what is happening in the community.
January can seem a little flat after the plethora of exciting seasonal events, but this is our chance to interview interesting people and to find out what clubs and societies have planned for the year ahead.
January and August used to be known as the ‘silly seasons’, when newspapers and magazines short of significant news filled their pages with light-hearted or trivial stories. These items often involved local oddities or strange animal behaviour — not that we’re averse to featuring quirky stories at any time of the year!
However, I suppose on a ‘slow news day’ in the dim and distant past, I have been guilty of writing a front-page article that may not have warranted such a prime position — not for this magazine though.
And they both involved animals in Wimborne. One stated that 15 to 20 wild cats were causing distress to people living in New Borough Road, and the other that rats had become a problem in Crown Mead, scampering through the garden and abseiling to get at food left for ducks!
And on that note, let me wish all our readers and advertisers a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.
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
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Police issue burglary warning
Dorset Police is solving more burglaries in the county, which has seen them move into the top quarter of all police forces nationally for positive outcome rate relating to reported burglaries.
However, it wants local people to do their bit to secure their homes, particularly in the festive period.
Detective Superintendent Steve May, of Dorset Police, said: “Multiple convictions have been secured for burglaries in recent months, all achieved through a dynamic and proactive response by a team dedicated to pursuing criminality.”
As part of the Stay Safe Season campaign, officers are encouraging residents to complete a home security selfassessment and consider measures to make their properties more secure in the run-up to Christmas.
During December, households typically have an increased number of valuable items in their properties in the form of presents and are more regularly unoccupied as people visit family and friends over the festive period.
“If you have information about someone handling or receiving stolen goods and you don’t want to report it to the police, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, free and anonymously.”
For more advice on how to keep your home secure, visit dorset.police.uk/protectyourhome.
Huge response to housing and transport plans
More than 10,000 people, a record number, have responded to two major Dorset Council planning consultations: the Local Plan and Local Transport Plan.
Among the responses, there was strong opposition to the amount of housing proposed, especially from Dorset CPRE.
Cllr Shane Bartlett, portfolio holder for Planning and Emergency Planning, said: “While we must positively address the government-set housing targets and explore all options to meet housing requirements, not every site proposed will be taken forward — some will not be deliverable.”
The Local Transport Plan will be finished first, with a report on consultation feedback expected early next year. The final plan will be published in spring 2026 and will guide transport across Dorset for the next 15 years.
In mid 2026, a summary of responses to the Local Plan consultation will be published and the council will continue to prepare the final version of the plan. This will be submitted to the government for independent review. If approved, the Local Plan is expected to be adopted by late 2027.
Early themes emerging from online feedback indicate that the Local Plan drew strong opposition to the government-set target of 3,246 homes per year. Meanwhile, the Transport Plan revealed deep concern about the decline of rural bus services and the need for better connectivity.
Residents attending a community event in Gillingham for the Local Transport Plan © Dorset Council
Photo © Dorset Police
Waste incinerator appeal launched
In June 2025, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council refused planning permission for the development of a new waste incinerator at Canford Resource Park.
Now MVV Environment Ltd, which submitted the application for the project, has notified the Planning Inspectorate and BCP Council of its intention to appeal the refusal.
The facility would burn 260,000 tonnes of non-hazardous waste each year to generate electricity at the site off Magna Road between Merley and Bear Cross.
MVV said it has been developing the Canford Energy from Waste Combined Heat and Power project in Poole since 2021. The application was submitted in July 2023 and was twice recommended
Community banker coming to Ferndown
Lloyds Bank closed its branch in Ferndown in November, leaving the town without a high street bank.
However, Lloyds has launched a new community banker service at Ferndown Library, offering banking support to residents.
The community banker will be available fortnightly on a Thursday from 10am to 3pm, offering face-to-face banking support to Lloyds personal and business customers. Cash services will not be provided, but the banker can help with account and bill enquiries and support with app and online banking.
A Lloyds spokeperson said: “Customers can also visit the local Post Office on Victoria Road to do everyday banking and pay in cash at PayPoint locations in Ferndown.”
The banker will next be available on 11 December, then 8 and 22 January, 5 and 19 February, and 5 March.
for approval by two separate officers before being refused at the planning committee in June. In parallel, an Environmental Permit was issued by the Environment Agency in June 2025.
MVV Managing Director Paul Carey said: “Having reviewed the reasons for refusal and taken legal advice, we believe the decision by BCP Council in June was wrong and should be appealed. We expect there to be a public enquiry in 2026.”
The project received considerable local opposition with the MP for the area, Vikki Slade, who said at the time: “I have long held concerns that the capacity and size of the planned site far exceeded the demand required and would result in waste being shipped into our locality from Devon and Hampshire.”
Adopt an animal for Christmas
Each year it seems to get harder and harder to choose Christmas gifts for friends and family, but there is one idea that is truly heartwarming.
Dorset Wildlife Trust has a range of eco-friendly presents – from digital animal adoptions and e-cards to wildlife-themed courses and clothing.
New this year is the opportunity to adopt a Dorset seal.
Other wild gift options include a Dorset Wildlife Trust gift membership for friends and family, or remembering a loved one with a handcrafted bench on one of their nature reserves. Wildlifethemed courses such as fungi foraging or bird identification at Kingcombe Visitor Centre also make unique, thoughtful gifts. And sending e-cards this year would reduce waste – and save on the cost of stamps – whilst supporting conservation.
Explore the full range of eco-friendly wild gifts at dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Two new homes
New Forest District Council has received an application to erect two two-bed properties with solar panels on the site at 32 New Road, Ringwood.
New care home
Highwood Ventures 19 Limited has been granted permission — with conditions — by New Forest District Council for the construction of a 68-bed care home on land east of Whitsbury Road, Tinkers Cross, Fordingbridge, subject to a legal agreement.
No to 20mph
West Moors Town Council has decided not to pursue the introduction of a speed limit of 20mph on Station Road. A survey revealed that 61 per cent of respondents did not want the council to spend public money on a town-wide consultation on this issue.
However, the council will investigate further measures at the St Mary’s School junction to improve safety in this area.
Winter Fuel Payment scam
Between April and September 2025, Action Fraud received 2,790 crime reports relating to Winter Fuel Payment scams, with victims reporting losses totalling over £27,000. Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically; people do not need to do anything. If you have received a suspicious text message, you can report it for free by forwarding it to 7726. If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Conservation volunteers
People interested in the conservation of a woodland at Talbot Woods are invited to become a volunteer. The new volunteer co-ordinator Charlie Marchant leads conservation sessions every Tuesday and Friday. Under Charlie’s guidance, volunteers can take part in important habitat management activities, such as removing invasive plant species and creating habitats to support wildlife. These efforts are vital in maintaining the health and biodiversity of the woodland throughout the winter months. Email charlie@talbotvillagetrust.org.
Beaver kit at the Dorset Beaver Project site © Steve Oliver
Barn owlets at the entrance to the Lorton Meadows nesting box © Paul Williams
Council responds to waste complaints
Missed bin collections have led to many people living in the New Forest District Council area (NFDC) complaining about the new waste and recycling service which has been rolled out in 2025, including Fordingbridge and Ringwood in October.
According to a council report, 89 of the 168 complaints received (53 per cent) related to waste and transport. Of these, 78 per cent were about missed collections, mainly in the early stages of rollout in Phase 1. In total, 74 per cent of all complaints were resolved at the first stage, with 64 per cent upheld or partly upheld.
Portfolio holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, said: “Changing the way we collect waste for thousands of households at once was always going to be challenging, and we know not everyone has had a smooth experience.
“The service is improving every week. Missed bin reports are now much lower than in the early phases, we have added extra resources where needed, and our crews have been working incredibly hard to adjust to new routes, vehicles and processes.”
And it hasn’t all been negative feedback, with NFDC reporting strong early progress in Phase 2 of its new waste and recycling service, with improving recycling levels, smooth operations, and positive feedback from residents and crews in the first four weeks.
Police and Crime Commissioner role to be scrapped
In November, the Labour government announced plans to abolish elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) throughout the country at the end of their current term, finishing in 2028.
Their powers will be transferred to regional mayors or council leaders, who will lead new policing and crime boards.
PCCs were first elected in 2012 during the Liberal Democrat–Conservative coalition government.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones told the House of Commons that the cuts would save £100m by the end of 2029. She thanked current and formers PCCs for doing important work but claimed the model “has weakened local police accountability and has had perverse impacts on the recruitment of chief constables.”
Dorset’s PCC David Sidwick said the announcement was “beyond disappointing” for many reasons.
He added: “To announce this without any consultation or satisfactory advanced warning, and with no tangible detailed plans for how scrutiny of Dorset Police will happen beyond 2028, is baffling. This move raises more questions over the future of accountability in policing than it answers.
“I utterly refute the criticism that PCCs are a so-called ‘failed experiment’. When done properly, with a strategic Police and Crime Plan where priorities are set by the people and enacted on their behalf, this works. This is what PCCs should be doing: acting on behalf of the public, as we are doing in Dorset.”
Sidwick called on the Home Secretary to explain how policing will be scrutinised. He also warned that Dorset and other rural
areas would be left behind by the changes.
“Local priorities and expertise will be lost as policing agendas are set by large regions and central government, rather than those who know their counties, and I am deeply concerned that those who will suffer will be the people of Dorset.
“By holding the Chief Constable to account, overseeing the budget, lobbying for vital changes to the funding formula, and supporting victims of crime, I am focused on delivering for each and every resident to ensure Dorset remains one of the safest places in the country to live, work and visit.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
Happy walkers
More than 350 people joined expert-led guided walks from 18 October to 2 November for the 13th annual New Forest Walking Festival, celebrating the National Park in its 20th anniversary year. People can discover walking routes on the New Forest NPA website or by downloading the New Forest National Park Walks app.
Pharmacy site
Dorset Council has received an application for the residential property at 10 Weston Road, Colehill to become a pharmacy. Works would include the erection of a single storey rear extension and the demolition of a garage and conservatory.
Redundant Cadet Centre
A proposal to demolish the Cadet Centre at Blind Lane, Wimborne and the construction of a building to create office space has been submitted to Dorset Council.
Verwood Afternoon TG
Members of Verwood Afternoon TG enjoyed an informative talk from Verwood Library’s ‘Digital Champions’ Julie and Ann. They are volunteers recruited by Dorset Council to give advice to those in need of help with technology, be it emails, internet, iPhones etc. People can make an appointment or call in at the library. For Guild info, ring Judi on 01202 053264.
Crime down in Ringwood and Fordingbridge
There has been a 10.1 per cent reduction in crimes reported over the last 12 months in the Ringwood and Fordingbridge area. In his report to Ringwood Town Council, Inspector Ord from the Neighbourhood Policing Team said the number of reported shoplifting offences had dropped compared to the previous three months. However, some businesses were not reporting incidents and were encouraged to do so.
Read David Sidwick’s latest column on page 18
Luxury kitchen showroom opens
Looking to refit your kitchen? A new showroom has opened in East Dorset offering design inspiration and innovative solutions.
Caterbitz, a provider of luxury kitchen appliances, has opened a brand-new showroom in Woolsbridge Industrial Estate near Three Legged Cross. The flagship showroom — the largest appliance showroom in the South of England — features six fully fitted kitchen environments and over 150 premium appliances from top brands including Miele, Gaggenau, and AGA.
To celebrate, Caterbitz hosted a grand opening day on Saturday 22 November. As well as guided tours of the showrooms, attendees were treated to cocktails, live talks and cooking demonstrations where professional chefs prepared dishes using Gaggenau appliances and Big Green Egg barbecue cookers.
“We wanted to create more than just a showroom — we’ve built a destination,” says Richard Moreton, managing director of Caterbitz. “It’s a place where design meets technology, where clients can explore possibilities and receive expert guidance every step of the way.”
The Caterbitz showroom is open 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday. For more information, visit caterbitz.co.uk or call 01202 028371.
The Gaggenau display at the showroom © Caterbitz
The new showroom at Woolsbridge © Caterbitz
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We ask Bournemouth Town Pastors, is Bournemouth safe?
Safety in Bournemouth has been a major issue in 2025, with national newspapers like the Daily Mail labelling the town as ‘crime-ridden’.
On the latest episode of Your Voice | Dorset Podcast, we spoke to Garry and Chris McDermott, the founders of Bournemouth Town Pastors, about their experiences.
Set up by the couple in 2017 after they moved to the area from Cambridge, the pastors patrol the town centre every Saturday night and one Friday a month from 10pm to 2am. Inspired by their Christian faith, they look after anyone who is drunk or has taken drugs, suffered an accident or injury, or is in distress.
“We try and help people in whatever way we can,” explains Chris. “We try and make sure everybody gets home safely.”
The pastors are governed by local organisation Faithworks, who ensure members are insured and DBS checked. They also work closely with the town council, local businesses and Dorset Police. They will stay with people who need an ambulance, freeing up police officers on busy evenings.
“In our rucksacks, we carry water to rehydrate people. Sick bags, wet wipes, foil blankets, a portable defibrillator… [even] a bleed kit,” reveals Garry. “We’ve not had to use either of those yet.”
He adds: “We’re first aid trained. In the eight years we’ve been going, we’ve only called the ambulance 10 times [for] things we couldn’t deal with: one was an overdose, one was an epileptic fit, one was a suspected heart attack.
“We can generally rehydrate
people and help them get back on their feet, so they don’t need an ambulance.”
How have things changed since 2017?
“Since Covid, there have been less youngsters out,” says Chris. “Occasionally you do see underage kids out, but not very often.”
“We don’t smell as much cannabis at night,” adds Garry. “We hardly ever see any nitrous oxide canisters. Before, [we’d see] people selling balloons full of nitrous oxide. That seems to have disappeared. I’m not suggesting it’s not still going on, but we don’t see it.”
So, is Bournemouth a safe place?
“We don’t feel it’s unsafe,” says Garry. “Things have happened. There have been murders, let’s be perfectly honest about that. But the
perception from what you read in some of the newspapers [is that] it’s awful out there. In our opinion, it’s not.”
Ahead of Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties, what is their advice for staying safe?
“Stick together,” says Chris. “Don’t leave anybody behind. Make sure you buddy up. Make sure that you’re looking out for somebody [and] they’re looking out for you, so that if you go missing, if you disappear into a doorway or something, somebody is going to notice you’ve gone.
“If you get split up, have a plan to meet somewhere.”
To listen to the full interview, visit dorsetview.co.uk/ podcast or youtube.com/@ dorset_view. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews and videos.
Garry, left, and Chris McDermott founded Bournemouth Town Pastors in 2017
Dorset girl crowned UK’s top cadet
A 17-year-old from Wimborne has won an award marking her as the nation’s top army cadet
An army cadet from Dorset beat thousands of competitors to win a prestigious award marking her as the nation’s top cadet earlier this year.
Charlotte Bedford, a17year-old from Wimborne, is part of the Dorset Army Cadet Force. In September, she was named the overall winner of the 2025 Cadet Vocational College Westminster Award at an exclusive ceremony held at the House of Lords.
The Westminster Award is the highest honour presented by Cadet Vocational (CV) College, recognising exceptional young people who have gone the extra mile in their cadet service, education, and wider community.
Charlotte triumphed following a rigorous, multi-stage selection process involving cadets and uniformed youth members from across the UK.
She was applauded for the leadership, compassion and selflessness she has
demonstrated as a cadet.
Charlotte has supported and mentored younger cadets, volunteered for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, and helped to raise nearly £4,000 to take part in a community project in Cambodia with Camp International. She has also excelled academically despite living with dyslexia, achieving top GCSE grades.
CV College Principal and Chief Executive Guy Horridge praised Charlotte as a “worthy winner” of the Westminster Award. He said: “I’m delighted for her, her family and Dorset ACF. The competition was tough, as it always is with so many excellent candidates, but Charlotte just had that extra something that means she is our winner this year.
“At a time when many young people are viewed less than favourably for many reasons, Charlotte epitomises what is good about young people, with her selfless commitment
to her cadet organisation, and other community activities.”
Charlotte said: “This is amazing and I’m delighted to be the winner. Being a finalist was a great experience but winning is an incredible feeling. This has helped me feel more confident and I’m going to throw myself into things even more.
“If an opportunity turns up and I’m not too sure about it, I’ll just give it a go. Worst case scenario, I don’t like it but if I’ve given it a try, I’ll know I did my best, and that’s all you can do.”
Reflecting on her journey through the selection process,
Charlotte embraced the challenge of meeting new people and stepping into unfamiliar activities. She added: “I didn’t know anybody at the start, but I thought it would be fun to try different activities and get to know other people. That’s been one of the best parts. A huge thank you to CV College for this amazing opportunity.”
Charlotte’s ambition is to become an officer in the British Army Medical Corps. She hopes to build on her passion for first aid, developed through cadets, by pursuing a career in nursing or paramedic science.
Charlotte Bedford, centre, holding her award
Verwood Remembers
Communities across Dorset and Hampshire gathered for Remembrance Sunday services on 9 November, to remember the contribution and loss of British and Commonwealth servicemen and women in the two World Wars and all worldwide conflicts since.
In Verwood, crowds assembled around Ferrett Green War Memorial to mark the national
two minutes’ silence at 11am.
The service was led by the Mayor of Verwood, Cllr Spencer Flower, with a short sermon by the Revd Julian Macro JP, while Verwood Concert Brass provided music.
Members of 259 (Global Information Systems) Signal Squadron from Blandford Camp were in attendance in full military uniform.
Photos © Viewpoint Magazine
Revd Julian Macro JP
259 Signal Squadron
The mayor of Verwood
Verwood Concert Brass
Children and staff at Verwood CE First School created a striking Remembrance Day display, with the children designing and making their own poppies. Headteacher Annie Nesbitt said it was especially moving to see the children proudly sharing their work with their families. She added: “It is so important for children to learn about respect and tolerance, as these values help to build a compassionate and inclusive society for the future. One parent told me that the display had opened up opportunities for children to ask questions and learn more about the bravery and sacrifice of the many men and women who enabled us to live in peace so many years later.”
From shoeboxes to Saxons
By Louisa Hiscock, Verwood Rotary Club
Rotary is one of the world’s largest service organisations and supports projects worldwide to help others in need.
In early November, our club worked hard to collect shoeboxes of gifts for the annual Shoebox Christmas Appeal, including from local schools. Once sorted, we
were pleased to take 131 boxes to our district’s collection point. These will join thousands of boxes being transported around the world to disadvantaged children for Christmas, and we thank all who supported this appeal.
The club has been pleased to support more local projects. This has included funding wet-
weather kit for the Verwood Under-7s football team and working with other Rotary clubs to raise £10,000 towards furnishings and equipment for the children’s waiting area at the new BEACH Building at Bournemouth Hospital.
The club also donated towards the restoration of the Saxon Roundhouse
Collecting shoeboxes from schools
at the Ancient Technology Centre in Cranborne. This unique outdoor education centre brings history to life, and its displays at our Rustic Fayre are always popular. In recognition of our support, the Centre has carved the club’s details onto the Roundhouse’s main oak support in English and Saxon. We are now looking forward to hosting an
evening in January for all the organisations and groups we were able to support from the funds raised at the Rustic Fayre. It is always great to hear about the work they do in Verwood and the wider community.
For all the latest Rotary news, or if you are interested in joining the club, visit our website: verwoodrotary.org.uk.
‘Full house’ at bingo evening
A special charity bingo night raised a massive £705 for Verwood Youth and Community Centre.
Held on Friday 21 November, the Christmas Bingo fundraiser was run by young people for parents and friends of the youth centre also known as the Hive. All profits from the sale of bingo tickets as well as tea, coffee and cake will go towards the activities and support for young people in Verwood
and the surrounding areas. Keep your diaries free for April, when the youth centre will be running a quiz. The centre is run by Verwood Town Council and is open four nights a week for young people, offering access to qualified youth workers and volunteers. To find out more about the youth centre and the support available, visit verwood.gov.uk/ youth-community-centre.
The oak support at the Ancient Technology Centre
Standing up to anti-social behaviour in Dorset
By David Sidwick | Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) might sound like a small thing, but for those who experience it, it’s anything but. Whether it’s vandalism, intimidation, street drinking or abusive behaviour intended to cause distress or fear, ASB chips away at people’s confidence and damages the sense of community we all value so dearly.
I know from my annual surveys that ASB remains one of the top concerns for residents. They want to see action, and to feel safe and secure where they live. This is why Cutting Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour is one of the six priorities in my Police and Crime Plan; I know how important tackling ASB is and am working hard to help reduce it.
Dorset Police is also rightly focused on this and works closely with a range of agencies, including local authorities, housing providers, community safety partnerships and voluntary organisations, to ensure everyone can act faster and smarter when problems arise.
Not all ASB is dealt with by the police; in some cases, it may be an issue the local authority can address instead. But by sharing intelligence, coordinating responses and holding each other accountable, we’re making it harder for offenders to slip through the net.
I am pleased to say that this work is yielding positive results. Over the past year (April 2024 to March 2025), reports of ASB to Dorset Police fell by 11 per cent compared with 2023/24, according to ONS statistics released in March. This means that reports of ASB to Dorset Police are lower than at any time in the last 16 years. This is a great result, but it doesn’t mean we’re complacent; in fact, we’re more determined than ever to go further.
Last year, Dorset Police launched Operation Track to tackle ASB through increased high-visibility foot patrols. This year, thanks to further funding, patrols have expanded beyond last year’s pilot areas to include Dorchester, Blandford, Swanage and Wimborne,
Starry Skies
By Mark Hardaker FRAS
As Christmas approaches, astronomers are often asked about the Star of Bethlehem, especially when bright planets are visible in the evening sky, as Jupiter is this month. Did “wise men” from the east follow a moving star until it appeared to stop over a manger in the little town of Bethlehem all those years ago? If so, what could this mysterious light have been? Was it perhaps a planet or maybe two very close together? Maybe a comet or a brilliant fireball in the sky?
among others — areas identified as priority hotspots through careful data analysis. I’m delighted that Operation Track has already made a real difference to communities. By ensuring incidents are dealt with quickly and decisively, and by working hand in hand with local authorities and other partners, neighbourhood policing teams have helped reduce ASB and made people feel safer.
But enforcement alone is not enough to create lasting change; we must also invest in prevention and education, tackling the root causes as well as the visible problems. That’s why I launched the Operation Relentless Community Fund when I came into office. This initiative supports local projects that help reduce ASB, empower communities, and give young people positive opportunities that steer them away from crime. Over the past four years, the fund has awarded nearly £208,000 to 52 projects across Dorset. These include community outreach programmes, skills training, and sports initiatives — all designed to build safer, stronger neighbourhoods. Earlier this year, we opened the fifth round of funding, awarding more than £49,000 to 12 new projects.
I want to be clear: anti-social behaviour is not “low level”. It matters. It affects real people and their communities and will not be tolerated in Dorset. If you are experiencing ASB, please don’t suffer in silence. Report it. Together, with communities, partners and the police, we can make Dorset an even safer place to live.
Unfortunately, as with all religious texts, there is very little written evidence. All we have on the Star of Bethlehem is a passage in the Christian bible describing the event. We do not even have a date when this star was meant to appear; although Christians celebrate Christmas on 25 December every year, there is no historical evidence that Jesus of Nazareth was born in that month or even that it was the year AD 1.
A brilliant object such as a supernova would have attracted the attention of astronomers in China and other advanced civilisations, yet no such records exist. The movements of Venus and Jupiter, the two brightest planets in our solar system, were well known even to ancient man, and it is unlikely that a regular appearance of either of these two would spark the legend. Perhaps an unusually close approach — a conjunction or an appulse as astronomers call it when two celestial bodies appear to come very close together in the sky — of these two planets might be a good explanation. As Patrick Moore would have said, we just don’t know.
Instead, we can gaze up into the night sky this December and find brilliant yellow Jupiter high in the sky. Look towards the south
in the constellation of Gemini, the Twins, and you can’t miss it.
If you have binoculars or a small telescope, point them towards the giant planet. Even the smallest optical aid will show you the four moons of Jupiter, first seen by Galileo in 1610, while a small telescope will show you hints of the dark, swirling bands of ammonia and methane gas which circulate in the planet’s atmosphere.
Perhaps Jupiter was high in the skies over Bethlehem that night; perhaps it was a brilliant fireball that attracted the wise men’s attention — we will probably never know.
May I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, with plenty of clear skies to come.
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.
The Operation Relentless Community Fund supported an AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust programme designed to help young people
The planet Jupiter © NASA/Hubble Space Telescope
Ferndown therapist shares tools for inner peace
Looking for a Christmas gift idea? A Ferndown-based life coach has released a self-help book aimed at improving your wellbeing.
Drawing on two decades of studying psychology and mindfulness, senior psychotherapist and mindfulness teacher turned life coach Chris Finn wrote ‘A Clear Mind’, which was published in June this year.
The book offers practical guidance and exercises to help readers understand how their mind works and how taking a fresh perspective can improve their mood and overall mental wellbeing.
In ‘A Clear Mind’, Finn argues that resilience, wellbeing and inner peace are innate and natural, but that negative thoughts and moods can
obscure our sense of wellbeing. He also suggests that humans are naturally happy, but are taught that happiness must be earned through doing or buying things — lessons he believes we must unlearn.
‘A Clear Mind’ is available online through Amazon, in local libraries, and in bookshops including Waterstones and Foyles.
Kane Chainey, manager of The Quay in Poole, with Anthony Woodhouse, chairman of Hall & Woodhouse, and Nicki Cluley, director of fundraising and comms at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care
Brewers raise £66,000 for charity
Hall & Woodhouse has donated £66,000 to charity following its Charity Day, with £33,607 going to LewisManning Hospice Care.
Author Chris Finn
On Tuesday 4 November, the Blandford-based brewers donated 50 per cent of net sales generated from its Managed House estate. Pubs that took part included The Olive Branch in Wimborne Minster and The Monmouth Ash in Verwood.
The overall donation was split between several charitable causes, with 25 per cent of sales made at each pub to be donated directly to its own chosen charity partner. Other notable donations include to Dorset Mind, which will receive a donation of over £2,400, and The Lantern Trust, which is to be gifted over £1,860.
Clare Gallie, chief executive of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, said: “The incredible donation will have a lasting impact on local people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
“Every year, LewisManning Hospice Care needs to raise over £4.2million to keep our vital services running, as only 12 per cent of these funds come from NHS Dorset.”
This was Hall & Woodhouse’s fourth annual Charity Day. In 2024, the brewery contributed over £800,000 to charitable causes and is on target to exceed that figure in 2025.
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Christmas campaign to support older people
The festive period can be a challenging and sad time for older people who could face not only winter pressures but also falls, isolation and loneliness.
To redress this, Age Concern Hampshire has launched its Christmas campaign called Past, Present, and Future.
By raising awareness of these challenges, the charity hopes to generate vital funds and attract new volunteers, helping to secure the longevity of its essential services across the county.
Age Concern helps residents to access essential financial support and provides guidance with form-filling through its information service.
Through its Foot Care clinics, it helps older people maintain mobility, manage foot health, and reduce the risk of accidents.
Isolation and loneliness can intensify during the Christmas season. Support is available at the charity’s Care and Wellbeing Centres, or through assistance in the home via the Help at Home service. In addition, there are practical support and social groups helping older people stay connected, engaged and supported throughout the winter.
Anyone interested in giving their time can find out more by visiting ageconcernhampshire.org. uk. The charity is also inviting donations from individuals and corporate supporters. Visit justgiving.com/campaign/ach40.
Christmas Fayre raises £2,000 for charity
An annual Christmas market lifted spirits as well as raised essential funds for Ferndown Community Support (FCS) on Saturday 22 November. Held in the Ferndown Day
Centre, the Christmas Fayre raised a total of £1,975.85, which will go towards Mission Santa Sacks — an FCS charity initiative to provide gifts to children and young people in East Dorset facing difficulty this season.
The fayre featured market stalls selling artisan goods and Christmas gifts, food, cakes and drinks, as well as games like hook-a-duck, tombola and raffles. Activities for children included face painting, a crafts room, and meeting Santa and his elves.
There was also the chance to buy a new children’s Christmas book, ‘Eli, the Very Hungry Elf’, written by FCS co-founder and member of Ferndown Town Council, Hannah Hobbs-Chell.
A spokesperson for FCS said: “Thank you so much to everyone who came and spent time and money with us, and we hope you all had a wonderfully festive time too.”
Hannah Hobbs-Chell, right, holding her new children’s book
Photos © Viewpoint Magazine
Christmas lights return to Pennys Walk
Residents of Ferndown were left disappointed in 2024 over the lack of Christmas lights along Pennys Walk and the clocktower. Then in August, they were frustrated to learn that the town council and Tesco were unable to reach an agreement over putting up lights for December 2025, meaning the pedestrianised shopping street would be left bare once again.
But on Thursday 13 November, residents were surprised to find that Christmas lights had been strung up all the way along Pennys Walk, in preparation for the Christmas in Ferndown lights switch-on event on Saturday 29 November, organised by Ferndown & Parley Rotary.
It turns out the new lights have been installed by none other than Tesco itself.
A spokesperson for the supermarket said: “We have installed Christmas lights at our Ferndown Superstore and Pennys Walk to help the community celebrate the festive season.”
Tesco added that it was sorry it was unable to reach an agreement with Ferndown Town Council earlier in the year regarding the installation of lights in Pennys Walk, stating that it needed to ensure they were put up safely.
Ferndown Town Council welcomed the newly installed lights. In a statement, the town council said: “Ferndown Town Council officers were pleased to see that Christmas lights have been installed in Pennys Walk, bringing some early festive cheer to the area.
“Following discussions with the local store manager at Tesco, we can confirm that the lights above the retail units in Pennys Walk were installed by Tesco through their managing agent.
“We welcome this contribution and are delighted that the retail side of Pennys Walk will also be illuminated in time for the Rotary’s ‘Christmas in Ferndown’ event on Saturday 29 November.
“We hope residents and visitors join us in thanking Tesco for this and enjoy the enhanced festive atmosphere.”
The Rotary’s Christmas in Ferndown took place from 11am in Pennys Lodge Car Park. The Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Lawrence Wilson, turned on the town’s lights at 5pm.
Photos © Viewpoint Magazine
Charity of the Year
Celebrating a year of fantastic fundraising
By Eve Went, co-founder of the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation
Financial hardship on top of a cancer diagnosis can feel like a burden that is just too heavy to bear.
Thankfully, our fundraisers have helped the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) award over £850,000 in non-returnable grants since 2012 to local people struggling to make ends meet during cancer treatment. These grants have enabled patients and their loved ones from across the county to pay for everything from transport to and from hospital to specialist equipment, household bills, and even potentially lifeextending drug treatment.
Here, we look back with huge gratitude on some of the amazing fundraising events undertaken for us so far this year, all of which have helped local families in need.
Fearless friends and fellow grandmothers Beccy Soulsby and Clare Wing from Shaftesbury made an incredible jump for us, skydiving from a plane at 15,000ft.
Schoolteacher Samantha Bumford also hit the heights when she abseiled 100 heartstopping metres down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.
Students from Bournemouth University’s Events Management degree course staged a whole week of events, while members of Wimborne Rotary took to the catwalk with a charity fashion show at Merley House.
Staff at Protect Line insurance, based in Bournemouth, chose us as their charity of the year and have already organised a special Wellness Week, including a static bike ride covering the 104 miles from their office to their London HQ.
A desire to challenge themselves led to friends Chris Helberg and Chris Bryer-Ash attempting to run seven marathons in seven days in March. Their herculean efforts have raised over £99,000 for the charity.
Inspired by the boys’ efforts, Jack Miller from Ringwood ran an incredible 100k in one single day.
Meanwhile, NHS workers Jane Austin and Judith Baker were so moved by their friend Win Wood’s fight against cancer, they walked a marathon in one day from Lulworth to Portland Bill, raising over £2,000.
The Deputy Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr George Farquhar, also gave a ‘marathon performance’ — completing his second consecutive half marathon for the charity.
George was joined in Run Bournemouth by six other DCCF runners: Katy Beel, Taylor Bangezhano, Emily James, Chris Speers,
Nuno Almeida, and Samantha Bumford.
Our annual Black Tie Gala at the Hilton Bournemouth in September was, as always, a glitzy affair raising funds and awareness for the charity. Special guests included the incredible Jason Dean, who has received help from the DCCF and has since gone on to host a celebration of life event, a quiz night, and a coffee morning for us — despite now living with a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Many of these amazing people have been featured in Viewpoint Magazine in the past year, and the charity is immensely grateful to editor Luke Graham and his team for giving us this opportunity to raise awareness of our work.
Anyone wishing to support the DCCF in 2026 is asked to please get in touch.
Whether you fundraise, donate, or attend one of our fantastic events — such as our monthly coffee mornings — you will be making a real difference to the life of a person facing cancer here in Dorset. For more information, visit dccf.co.uk.
Charity of the Year 2026
With the end of the year approaching, it is time once again for Pulford Publicity to announce its charity of the year for 2026. We’re pleased to announce that our next Charity of the Year will be Julia’s House! This children’s hospice supports families of seriously ill children in Dorset and Wiltshire, providing respite care and emotional support. Visit juliashouse.org to learn more about this vital charity.
Fearless friends Beccy Soulsby and Clare Wing skydived from 15,000ft for the DCCF
Cllr George Farquhar (left) and fellow DCCF Run Bournemouth runners Katy Beel, Chris Speers and Taylor Bangezhano
Samantha Bumford abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower for the charity
Jane Austin (left) and Judith Baker (right) were met at the end of their marathon walk by their friend Win Wood (centre) whose cancer battle inspired their fundraising challenge
The two Chrises — Bryer-Ash and Helberg — raised over £99,000 for the DCCF
Photo contest captures beauty of West Moors
Photographers in West Moors have captured the character and beauty of the local area for a competition organised by the town council.
First place was awarded to Lee Cooper for his image of sunlight shining through trees on the Plantation. Second place went to Colin Perry for his shot of the library viewed through a spider’s web, while Margaret Holden took third place with her photo of pumpkins on hay bales outside Gulliver’s Farm Shop.
The judges were Cllrs Penny Yeo and Keith Wilkes,
who praised the variety of photographs submitted, which will be added to the town’s historical archive.
All entries from the autumn competition — the first round of the new ‘Seasons’ Photographic Competition — are on display in the West Moors Town Council Office.
The winter round is open for entries until 31 January. Photos should be taken within the boundaries of West Moors and submitted in digital format, including the date and location (preferably using What3words), to office@westmoors-tc.gov.uk.
Lee Cooper’s photo won first place
Third-place photo by Margaret Holden
Colin Perry’s photo placed second
Nature’s Footprints
The UK’s favourite bird
Report by Janine Pulford | Photos by Danny Howe Photography
There is a less polite version of the rhyme ‘Little Robin Redbreast’ (see photo captions) on the internet that is said to have been published around 1744. It has been used in nurseries as a fingerplay since the 1920s and could account for the reason why the iconic, tiny, red-breasted robin was chosen as the UK’s favourite bird: it topped a poll in 2015 when more than 200,000 people voted for it as the country’s first national bird.
With its bright orangey-red breast, the robin has become synonymous with the festive season and often features on Christmas cards.
The scientific name for the European Robin is Erithacus rubecula. Its conservation status is green, which is unsurprising as the UK breeding population, according to the RSPB, is listed on their website as 6,700,000 territories.
Both male and female robins have red breasts, so it’s impossible to tell them apart. Their broods, however, are brown when they fledge and their breasts are speckled with golden brown spots. The babies’ underbellies show the promise of white, which will eventually contrast with their smart red breast when they become adults.
Robins have a distinctive upright stance, as if they are proud of their red breasts, and they bob about, hence the famous song ‘When the Red Red Robin Comes Bob-Bob-Bobbin’ Along’ by Al Jolson. How many other birds can claim to have rhymes and songs written about them?
Extremely territorial robins defend their plots of land aggressively; their breasts are used as warning signs and not in courtship. In summer, a mated pair will defend their territory (around 0.55 ha in size) and in the winter, single birds hold smaller winter territories. Come summer or winter, robins will join you in the garden when they see you digging and will bob about almost within touching distance if they spy tasty grubs being unearthed.
These charming little birds sing all year round — sometimes late into the night if they live near a lamppost — which makes them even more endearing.
Niddle noddle went his head, wiggle waggle went his tail
Little robin redbreast sat upon a rail
Ringwood Remembers
Ringwood marked Remembrance Sunday with a procession through the streets of the town to gather at the War Memorial for a service.
The Remembrance service was opened by the Revd Sue Baker, who was recently appointed as
the new reverend of Trinity United Church in Ringwood.
In attendance were many of the town’s residents, members of the town council, veterans, and groups of local cadets, scouts and guides.
Photos © Viewpoint Magazine
The doctor will see you now
A new private medical practice has officially opened in Ringwood, offering residents access to appointments seven days a week.
Dr Helen Medical is located at Suite 1, Endeavour House, Crow Arch Lane, and offers free on-site parking. It is led by experienced GPs Dr Helen and Dr Lexi, who together bring over 37 years of combined medical experience.
The clinic is run by husband-and-wife team Dr Helen and Gareth, parents of five, who understand how challenging it can be to fit healthcare around busy family life. To make medical care more flexible, personal and accessible, they offer weekend and extended weekday appointments, as well
as same-day or next-day GP and specialist consultations.
“Opening in Ringwood allows us to support our local community in a way that truly fits their lives,” said Dr Helen. “We want patients to feel heard, cared for and confident they’ll be seen when they need us — without the long waits.”
As well as private GP appointments, other services offered by the clinic include paediatric care, women’s health (including menopause and weight management), lifestyle medicine, dermatology, ENT, allergy, health checks, blood tests and more.
Patients can book an appointment directly, without a referral. For more information, visit drhelenmedical.co.uk or call 01202 022 956.
Local lass wins national dance comp
A 16-year-old from Ringwood is celebrating after becoming a national champion in her category at a dance competition.
Chloe Bleakley competed against hundreds of other dancers from around the country at the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing’s Disco, Freestyle and Rock ‘n’ Roll Grand Finals held in Guildford on 11–12 October. She won by dancing a ‘street’-style routine.
Chloe, who has been training at Sally Adams Danceworks since she was three years old, had qualified for the finals earlier in the year after winning her local event.
Not only was it an exciting and proud day for the teenager, but her victory was made even more special when her trophy
was presented to her by none other than Shirley Ballas, the head judge from the BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. Well done, Chloe!
The new medical practice is led by experienced GPs Dr Helen and Dr Lexi
Council receives permission to build storage facility
By Marilyn Barber
Ringwood’s Carvers Recreation Ground could in the future have a new storage facility to replace a scattering of small sheds.
While the town council has received planning permission, no decision has yet been made to build, and there are no timescales at this stage. If taken forward, there will be opportunities for residents to view the plans and ask questions.
The new building would bring essential equipment and welfare facilities together in a single, purpose-built space while keeping its footprint as small as possible to protect the recreational area. The new building would sit within the area already used by the old shed and yard, so no playing fields would be lost.
Some residents raised concerns during the planning process about possible increases in vehicle movements on the site. The council said that activity around the facility would remain very modest.
“This is about making sure the people who look after our parks, play areas and green spaces have safe and suitable working conditions,” said Cllr Andrew Briers, chairman of Recreation, Leisure & Open Spaces.
“The current sheds simply aren’t up to the job anymore. A modern facility will help the team care for the places our community relies on all year round.”
Classical crossover singer Russell Watson is coming to The Barn in Ringwood on Saturday 14 November 2026 as part of a nationwide tour. Watson’s debut album ‘The Voice’ came out in 2000 and reached Number One in the US Classical Album chart. Expect powerful renditions of beloved songs and behind-the-scenes tales from someone with over 25 years of experience in showbusiness.
The existing sheds at Carvers may be replaced
Recording our heritage
By Julian Hewitt | Fordingbridge Museum
Fordingbridge Museum recently celebrated its silver anniversary. We wanted to give something to the town which would act as a lasting legacy of the event and came up with the idea of marking buildings of interest with green plaques.
This idea is not new. In 1863 Willian Ewart MP suggested, in the House of Commons, putting up plaques on notable buildings. Three years later, the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) began a scheme to do just that. The earliest plaque to survive is one to Napoleon III in Westminster that was put up in 1867.
The plaques put up by the RSA were chocolate brown with a decorative border. Not many of these survive but a good example is to be found on Dr Samuel Johnson’s house in Gough Square, London. In 1903, London County Council took over the scheme and formalised the selection criteria. They were followed by the Greater London Council, and in 1986, English Heritage took over the erection of the plaques.
Early plaques were of different colours, designs and shapes. Some were made of bronze, stone or lead and were sometimes coloured blue, brown, sage or terracotta. The RSA’s brown ceramic plaques were made by the Minton factory.
By 1921, blue was chosen as the colour that stood out best and these were made by the Doulton factory. In 1938, the modern simple blue plaque was designed by an anonymous student at the Central School of Arts and Crafts. He or she was paid what seems like the measly sum of four guineas for it. Today the plaques are made by hand by Ned Heywood, a potter in Chepstow. Whilst English Heritage runs the London blue plaque scheme, Historic England deals with the rest of the country.
Anyone can suggest a suitable building for a plaque, and strict criteria are applied. These include: the plaque should be visible from the public highway; there should be no more than two plaques on a building; and any person honoured with a plaque should have
been dead for at least 20 years. A panel of experts, appointed by English Heritage for London or Historic England for the rest of the country, decide what plaques to authorise and where they are to go.
In Fordingbridge, we have decided that the museum’s plaques should be green to distinguish them from the Historic England blue ones. The four plaques we have put up so far commemorate a building rather than a person. One is on the museum building, another on the Victoria Rooms, a third on The George riverside pub, and a fourth on the former Quaker Meeting House in Roundhill.
Putting up the plaques is not a straightforward process. Thorough research has to be done to ensure the wording on the plaque is accurate. The building’s owners need to agree to the plaque, and planning permission must be obtained if the building is listed. Fordingbridge is full of buildings of historic interest, and we would like to put up more plaques. However, they are expensive, so we are looking for sponsors to enable us to expand the scheme.
Fordingbridge Museum Manager Jane Ireland said: “Our historic plaque scheme is a gift to the town from the museum in return for the support local people have given us over the last 25 years. We hope that the plaques will fascinate both locals and visitors alike and will be a permanent reminder of the cultural heritage that we all live with.”
If individuals or organisations would like to sponsor a plaque, they can contact the museum on info@fordingbridgemuseum. co.uk or 01425 657850.
One of the new plaques on Fordingbridge Museum
Great Fordingbridge Bake Off
Dozens of families took part in a free baking activity during the October half-term, which invited children to compete to find out who had made the best baked treat.
The activity was run by the outreach team at The Green Gram, Fordingbridge’s community-owned refill
shop, and sponsored by the town council.
A total of 30 families signed up to receive ingredients and instructions to make spider cookies and autumn-themed activities. The ingredient packs were prepared by shop volunteers, and once the cookies were made, children submitted
Green plans for the future
Some 40 people attended Fordingbridge Greener Living’s AGM to hear updates on its current projects and to learn about the group’s exciting new plans.
Reports were given on the work and progress of the Repair Café and blister pack recycling scheme; the Community Garden and its remit to provide education to young people on gardening skills; the Community Fridge, which recovers food that would otherwise be wasted; the Recycling Shed and its range of recycling resources; an update on the bathing status and water quality of the River Avon; the current status of the Ridan Composter and whether it will still be used with the arrival of new food bin collections.
Fordingbridge Greener Living has existed in an informal style since 2019, and the steering committee proposed to the meeting that it is now time to formalise its status by becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), with the intent of acquiring a woodland in the centre of Fordingbridge for the community to use for recreation and learning.
This CIO status would enable the group to apply for funding to develop the woodland and expand existing projects.
Those present at the meeting agreed to pursue becoming a CIO; a group will be formed to organise the application.
To learn more about Fordingbridge Greener Living or offer your skills, email fordingbridgegreenerliving@ gmail.com.
their best one into a competition.
Top bakers
Maverick and Blake Smith
The Green Gram’s outreach coordinator said: “There were so many wonderful cookies that it was difficult to choose. As the standard was so high, we decided to award two £10 prizes, with the winners being Maverick and Blake Smith and Jonah Frostick. Congratulations to everyone who took part.”
The shop is planning more activities in the future, as well as events and talks. To find out more, visit thegreengram. org or email outreach@ thegreengram.org.
Theatre group seeks new members
A local troupe of thespians is looking for new actors to help stage an ambitious new play.
Fordingbridge Players will perform a brand-new play, ‘Norman the Conqueror’, in the autumn of 2026. The story follows 90-year-old Norman during the Covid lockdown in 2020, as he looks back on his life in wartime Southampton in 1940. The play is rooted in real events and has a special connection to Fordingbridge through Norman’s marriage to a local girl.
Wendy Reid, Norman’s granddaughter, said: “The play is going to be our most expansive production to date with a large cast, live music and song, and complex set with scenes shifting effortlessly between 1940 and 2020.”
To bring the story to life, Fordingbridge Players are looking for more actors to join the team. If you are aged 16 or over and you enjoy live theatre, reach out to the Players by emailing fordingbridgeplayers@ gmail.com or calling 07847
The AGM
Fordingbridge Community Garden
Concept art for ‘Norman the Conqueror’
A special thanks to Burley’s Home Care for sponsoring puzzle zone
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 three letters.
To solve Sudoku, you need to fill the grid so that each row, column, and three-by-three box of cells contains the digits 1 through 9, without repetition.
Start by looking for rows, columns, or boxes that are almost complete, and fill in the missing numbers. Then use a process of elimination to look for the only possible cell within a row, column, or box where a number can fit.
REVIEW Drusilla’s Inn
Wigbeth, Horton, Dorset, BH21 7JH
Opposite the iconic Horton Tower folly stands a picturesque thatched-roof building. Described as a ‘passion project’ by Michelin-trained head chef James Beard, Drusilla’s Inn is a warm, welcoming pub that also offers a fantastic fine-dining experience.
My wife and I went along in early November to try out the restaurant menu, and were warmly greeted by our server, Mike, who led us from the rustic and jolly bar area into the Inn’s sophisticated restaurant dining area, complete with a chandelier.
The restaurant menu only has around four options per course, but the focus is on quality over quantity, with many of the ingredients locally sourced from Dorset suppliers.
After a serving of freshly baked bread and butter, we chose a pumpkin risotto and shellfish cocktail for our starters.
The risotto was creamy and delicious with the sweet flavour of the pumpkin, served with cubes of goats’ cheese and roasted, chopped walnuts. My wife’s shellfish cocktail contained crab, brown shrimp and prawn, which tasted fresh and high quality. The restaurant’s seafood is supplied by Flying Fish Seafoods, based on the Cornish coast. The tiny brown shrimp were full of flavour, and the prawn was succulent.
For the main course, I had roast pork sourced from the nearby Bog Farm. There was also lamb from another local farm on the menu, which sounded delicious, but we decided to try something a bit different and opted for the mushroom Wellington.
The pork was incredibly tender and melted in the mouth. It came with a delightful apple, herb and chive jus, a side of super smooth and creamy mashed potato and cauliflower, and a serving of black pudding in breadcrumbs — this tasted incredible, with a smoky, meaty flavour.
The Wellington also came with mash, which my wife described as the best she’d ever tasted, as well as well-cooked vegetables and a lovely, tasty gravy. The mushrooms were wrapped in a buttery, flaky pastry and tasted soft and savoury. The dish was rich and full of flavour.
For dessert, I went for coconut and pineapple rice pudding with a side of sorbet. The rice was fragrant and aromatic, and I tasted mint and clove in the dish alongside the sweet fruit flavours. This pudding was a complete surprise and absolutely delightful.
Meanwhile, my partner went for her personal favourite: sticky toffee pudding. It was light and fluffy while the sauce was delicious. She called it “amazing” and a “treat”.
As well as a range of wines, Drusilla’s Inn has a fully stocked bar, including draught beer like Hawkstone and (my personal favourite) Neck Oil IPA from Beavertown, a pint of which I had alongside my meal.
Everything not only tasted great and was generously portioned, it was also well presented and professionally served by the staff, offering a high-class experience. James’s experience working in Michelin-starred London restaurants was clear throughout the dinner, and we had a fantastic evening. If you’ve ever wanted to try fine dining in a unique countryside location, I fully recommend Drusilla’s Inn.
Coconut and pineapple rice pudding
Shellfish cocktail Delicious black pudding Pumpkin risotto
The Inn’s classy restaurant Roast pork
Mushroom Wellington Sticky toffee pudding
REVIEW Abigail’s Party
Broadstone Players, Broadstone War Memorial Hall
By Marilyn Barber
Such has been the success of this play since it was first performed in 1977, that it was a huge challenge for this company – but they pulled it off.
It tells the story of Laurence and Beverley who decide to entertain their new neighbours Angela and Tony as well as Susan, whose 15-year-old daughter Abigail is having a party next door.
And it isn’t the get-together that anyone would like to be invited to, as the conversation is fatuous and embarrassing.
Stepping into the shoes of Beverley was Lisa Claxton, who made a very impressive debut with this company in the role. Her delivery was punchy and she got under the skin of the character from start to finish.
Chris Hugill put a lot of energy into the role of
Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk.
Until 23 December
Christmas tree festival at Highcliffe Castle.
Until 24 December 6pm Christchurch Living Advent Calendar. Different music acts every evening throughout the town.
Until 24 December 10am–6pm Christmas Tree Festival at St Aldhelm’s Church, Branksome, BH13 6BT.
Until 1 January
Poole Christmas Light Trail.
Until 4 January
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland in centre of the town, and SKATE Bournemouth ice rink in the Lower Gardens.
Until 5 January
Christmas Activity Trail at Moors Valley Country Park.
10 December 6.30pm–9pm
Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meet downstairs in Kinson Community Centre. Full details on bournemouthjazzclub.org.
15 December 7.30pm
St Aldhelm’s Orchestra concert at St Aldhelm’s Church, Branksome, BH13 6BT. Free entry. Retiring collection.
Beverley’s husband, Laurence, who is knocked down at every stage by his overbearing wife.
Sue Spencer and Scott Bedwell teamed well as Angela and Tony. She couldn’t stop her inane talk and he was monosyllabic.
Sue Gibson evoked much sympathy as Susan, Abigail’s put-upon mother, who finds herself at odds with her neighbours’ ideals and behaviour.
There were lots of moments of humour in this play, which had an innovative ending to send the audience away with a smile on their faces: the cast took part in a dance routine!
Take a bow directors Stella Henney and Hannah Tointon for a good evening’s entertainment. The company’s next production is ‘Deckchairs’ from 24 to 28 February.
18 December 1.45pm
Dorset Cricket Society meets at Hurn Bridge Sports Club, Christchurch, BH23 6DY. Visit dorsetcricketsociety. co.uk for details.
19 December 6pm
Carols in the Cornmarket in Wimborne. Singing will be accompanied by members of the Broadstone Community Concert Band and choristers from Wimborne Minster. There will be a collection for Wimborne Minster Funds and the mayor’s charities.
20 December 10am–2pm Ringwood Farmers’ Market in Gateway Square.
22 December 7.30pm
John Maddocks Jazzmen at the Bluebird Social Club, Ham Lane, Ferndown, BH22 9DP.
25 December 9.45am–11.45am
White Christmas Dip at Boscombe Pier. Take a dip in the sea to raise money for Macmillan Caring locally.
1 January 10am
Charity Bath Tub Race along Poole Quay from The Customs House Steps to the Lord Nelson.
3 January 2pm–4pm Ferndown Arthritis and Friendship Club meets at Ferndown Plus Day Centre. Call 03303 112793 for details.
REVIEW History in Harmony
Poole & Parkstone Productions, The Barrington Theatre, Ferndown
By Marilyn Barber
History came alive in Ferndown in the most vibrant, colourful and entertaining way with this company using musicals to mark history’s defining moments. It was a mammoth task for the production team, as there were 43 adult and 42 child cast members.
Take a bow director and choreographer Kellie Oxborrow for getting the very best from the adults, and choreographer Leanne Holland for bringing out the enthusiasm and stage presence of the children.
The opening number from ‘The Greatest Showman’ was an indication of the treat the audience had in store for them, with the company proving that their rehearsals had paid off.
Throughout the show, the dancing and costumes were
5 January 10am
Reading Friends meets at Wimborne Library.
5 January 10.30am–11.30am
Reading Friends: Reading Your Way at Ferndown Library.
5 January 7.15pm for 7.30pm
Wimborne Gardening Club meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Rodways Corner. For a talk by Phil Broomfield on Highcliffe Castle.
6 January 7.30pm
Wimborne Town Football Club match against Taunton Town at the Wyatt Homes Stadium, 16 Ainsley Road, BH21 2FU.
7 January 10.30am–11.30am
Reading Friends Group meets at Ferndown Library.
10 January 3pm
Wimborne Town Football Club match against Basingstoke at the Wyatt Homes Stadium 16, Ainsley Road, BH21 2FU.
10 January 7.30pm
Grange Choral Society presents John Rutter’s Magnificat and Benjamin Britten’s St Nicholas at Christchurch Priory, Quay Road, Christchurch, BH23 1BU. Tickets at christchurchpriory.org/servicesand-events, 01202 143870, or on the door.
spot on. We were treated to some excellent solo performances from singers too numerous to mention.
Shows featured included ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Les Misérables’, and ‘Six’, and it ended with a medley from ‘Tina, The Musical’.
Live music was such an important part of the production too, so take a bow conductor Chris McDouall for his band.
Clare Albanozzo, chairman of the society and musical director, said each of the four performances had sold out two weeks before the first performance. This is testament to the popularity of this company, who will return to The Barrington from 25–28 March with ‘The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’.
Events
12 January 2.30pm
West Moors Horticultural society meets at the Memorial Hall. Contact Sue Hamlett on 01202 871536.
12 January 10.30am–11.30am Reading Friends group meets at Ferndown Library.
12 January 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.
12 January 7.45pm–8.45pm
‘Tales & Ghosts’, a guided ghost walk through Ringwood, starting in The Furlong Shopping Centre. Book via hauntednewforest.co.uk.
13 January 7.30pm
Verwood and District Horticultural Society meets at Verwood Memorial Hall. Details on verwoodhorticulturalsociety.co.uk or call Ollie on 07508 577114.
14 January 11am-1.3pm Colehill Community Cafe, St Michael & All Angels Church Centre, Colehill. Visit stmichaels.lemonbooking.com.
Pantomime time
It’s panto season, and we don’t want readers to miss the chance of a great family outing, so here are the local productions in date order.
Bournemouth Pavilion is staging ‘Cinderella’ from 6 December to 4 January. Book via tickets.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
At Lighthouse Poole, see ‘Dick Whittington’ from 11 December to 4 January. Tickets from lighthousepoole.co.uk or call 01202 280000.
‘Best Ever Christmas Panto’ is at the Allendale Centre in Wimborne Minster from 12–24 December. Tickets from theallendale.org/tickets.
Made to Measure Productions present ‘Goldilocks and The Three Bears’ at Wimborne’s Tivoli Theatre from 13 December to 4 January. Book via calling 01202 885566 or visiting tivoliwimborne.co.uk.
At Christchurch’s Regent Centre, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ will be performed from 13–28 December. Tickets from regentcentre.co.uk.
Weymouth Pavilion are staging ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ from 19 December to 3 January. Book via weymouthpavilion.com.
Broadstone Pantomime Productions are performing ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ at Broadstone Memorial Hall on 4, 9, 10, 11, 16 and 17 January. Book via ticketsource.co.uk/broadstone-productions.
Castle Players are putting on ‘Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs: Babe in the Hood’ at the Village Hall, Lytchett Matravers on 23, 24, 30 and 31 January. For tickets, call 07771 444376 or visit castleplayers.com/tickets.
Bourne Free are performing an adult panto (age 16+) ‘Jack Off The
We’re not in Kansas anymore…
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Get ready for a spellbinding journey down the Yellow Brick Road with Verwood Pantomime Society’s performance of ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ on 24–31 January.
Join Dorothy, Aunt Em, Skeeter and Toto the dog as they befriend a brainless Scarecrow, a loveable Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion on their quest to thwart the evil powers of Grotbag, the Wicked Witch of the West, with a little help from Glinda the Good Witch and the almighty and powerful Wizard of Oz.
Good is sure to conquer evil and send Dorothy back to Kansas, because there’s no place like home! Go “somewhere over the rainbow” and down to the Verwood Hub to see this timeless classic brought to life with dazzling costumes, songs, dancing and a sprinkle of panto magic. It’s guaranteed to give you the feelgood factor and a massive lift at the start of the New Year. Tickets from verwoodpantomimesociety.com.
Beanstalk’ at The Barrington Arts and Community Centre in Ferndown from 16–24 January. Tickets available from barringtoncentre. ticketline.co.uk.
Finally, Colehill Music and Drama Society (Co.Mad) are producing ‘Cinderella, a Twisted Tale’ at Colehill Village Hall on 6–8 February.
‘Dick Whittington’ at Lighthouse Poole
REVIEW Heroes & Villains
Wimborne Musical Theatre Society, The Minster Theatre, Allendale Centre
By Marilyn Barber
This production — a musical compilation featuring the heroes and villains from the West End’s biggest shows — began and ended on the right notes, with lots of good performances in between.
Kicking off with eight women singing ‘Holding Out for a Hero’ and with the curtain coming down with three numbers from ‘Les Misérables’, what was there not to like?
There were numbers from musicals to please all generations, from ‘Oliver’ to ‘Hamilton’, and from ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ to ‘Six’.
As the adult cast was made up of 17 members, it isn’t possible to highlight all the specific performances, but I did feel that the female chorus numbers from extracts from ‘Chicago’ were particularly good. So well done to Mikaela Buckby, Jemma Cable, Evelyn Kearney, Bea Oakley, Lauren Ferger-Andrews, Selina Rumbold, and Debbie Potter-White.
And Alan Colclough certainly deserves a mention. He turned himself inside out as ‘Jekyll & Hyde’, and didn’t hold back in singing ‘I Am What I Am’ from ‘La Cage aux Folles’.
The society won’t be short of adult members in the future if the performance by the 12-strong junior cast was anything to go by. They were simply stunning, lighting up the stage with every appearance.
Directed by Selina Rumbold, the production team also deserve accolades for the two performances on Saturday 15 November.
Mental health and motorbikes
How learning to ride a motorcycle helped a West Moors man navigate grief
A man from West Moors has revealed how learning to ride a motorcycle following the devastating loss of his wife earlier this year helped him deal with grief.
Adam Wills spent five years caring for his wife as she battled cancer and motor neurone disease. After she passed away in May, and once her affairs were settled, Adam decided it was time to pursue a lifelong dream and learn to ride a motorcycle.
Speaking to motorcycle insurance broker Carole Nash, Adam explained how the training was a “healthy distraction” while he was mourning.
He said: “Within a couple of months, I was astride my new Triumph Bonneville 2100 and swooping through the New Forest! It’s quite honestly the best therapy for me, and I love
every single second of it.”
How did riding help Adam navigate his grief? He said: “To ride safely, you need absolute focus. That mental clarity, and
the space it gives you, is a welcome break from reflection.”
According to Carole Nash, Adam’s story highlights the healing power of riding.
Research by bike insurer Entire Cover found that 59 per cent of motorcyclists said the benefits to their mental health was the most rewarding part of riding.
“The mental health benefits of riding shouldn’t be underestimated,” added Adam, who also found enjoyment in the physical and technical aspects of riding.
“Understanding the machine,
how to position it on the road for corners, getting the gearing right — it’s fascinating.”
Currently, Adam rides his bike at least once a week. He is building up his confidence and skills towards one day riding to Austria, for the “mountains, incredible food and excellent beer.”
Adam said: “I’d recommend riding to anyone — especially later in life.
“Start slowly with individual courses and you’ll very likely surprise yourself with how invigorating and enjoyable it is.”
Adam Wills enjoys riding his bike through the New Forest
Get your car winter ready
With temperatures dropping, many of us will wake up to frost covering our cars and gritters patrolling the roads. Let’s make sure our vehicles are safe and ready to drive, so we can all avoid breakdowns and accidents.
The RAC recommends motorists should remember their ‘FORCES’ as a reminder of what needs to be checked: fuel, oil, rubber, coolant, electrics and screen wash.
First, does your car have enough fuel for your journey? Vehicles use more fuel in heavy traffic and in start-stop conditions, which happen regularly in winter. In severe weather, journey times will take longer.
Second, do you have enough oil? A lack of oil can cause problems to your engine, so use the dip stick to check your oil level and top up if necessary.
Third, check the rubber of your tyres and wiper blades. If the wiper blades are split or dirty, they may fail to clean your windscreen. It’s recommended to change wiper blades every 12 months. Meanwhile, your tyres need a tread deep enough to maintain safe contact with the road during wet conditions. To check, try inserting a 20p coin into the grooves of
your tyre. If you can’t see the coin’s outer band, then your tread is above the limit. If not, your tyres may need replacing.
Fourth, top up your coolant so the liquid rests between the min/ max marks on the side of the tank.
Fifth, check your lights and indicators are working and replace any broken bulbs or fuses. Batteries often fail during the winter, so check if yours needs replacing. Finally, top up your screen wash
with a product that works down to at least -15 degrees Celsius. This will help to keep the windscreen free of ice and dirt caused by road salt.
Also, consider packing an emergency kit for your car, in case of a breakdown. Recommended items include a blanket, jump leads, ice scraper, gloves, torch with spare batteries and even a first aid kit. You can buy prepacked emergency kits online for £20 to £30. Drive safe!
Calico creations
If you’re thinking of redecorating this New Year, choosing a new colour theme can give you some direction and give your home interiors a unifying identity.
One of the colour trends for 2026 is calico. Described as bridging the gap between white and beige with ease, calico brings a gentle warmth to interiors.
Its creamy undertone works to soften bolder schemes while bringing balance to minimalist spaces, creating a sense of calm that feels both familiar and refined.
Used across textiles, ceramics and painted finishes, this versatile, neutral colour can anchor a space while allowing texture
Here are some calico creations to give you decoration inspiration.
Wall clock from Click Style, £65
Pouffe from JYSK, £69.99
Chair from Pottery Barn, £529
Velvet knot doorstop from Rowen, £14
Wallpaper from Woodchip & Magnolia, £120
Gnome from Dobbies Garden Centre, £9.99
Candle holder from Tenovus Cancer Care, £12.99
Tiles from Walls and Floors, £17.95 per sqm
Paint from Earthborn
Open new doors for 2026
By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk
During December, all thoughts naturally revolve around Christmas and New Year celebrations and events, but if you can spare a little time to think about 2026, it might be worth planning a new project for those gloomy days in January, when not a lot is happening.
And inspiration can come from unexpected sources.
A change I initiated came from a visit to a friend who lives in one of the new houses in Wimborne.
“I just love your internal doors,” I said. “I must have some the same.”
And replacing the dated pine doors has transformed the appearance of all the rooms in my 1969-built house.
Needless to say, I had to call in a professional to take out the old doors, but I am pleased to say that they have all gone to good homes, so haven’t been scrapped.
So, if you too want to give your home a really good new look for 2026, what type of doors should you choose?
Solid core doors are heavy-duty and soundproof, whereas hollow core doors are lightweight and budget friendly. Glazed doors with toughened glass provide
natural light and a contemporary style.
One of the hottest trends is for frameless doors, especially in modern and minimalist homes. These doors offer a seamless transition between rooms, blending into the wall without visible frames or hinges.
Experts say that internal doors need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years as they work hard in most homes, being opened and closed many times during the day.
Popular colours now are earthy
neutrals such as rich browns and terracotta, although white — which I chose — is still very in demand, giving a light and airy feel to rooms.
And you can replace an interior door without replacing the frame, as long as the new door panel is the same size as the old one.
So, when those decorations come down and everywhere looks bare, why not go for a new look for your home?
Knock, knock. Limb door by PullCast
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