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VIEWPOINT

Volume 50 • Issue 12 • October 2026

Dear Readers!

To me, October is theatre time. There are few things more exciting than sitting in a theatre, a community centre or church hall and waiting for the curtain to go up on an evening of entertainment. Having tried and failed miserably as an amateur – I was in a play some years ago where I actually went on stage with my lines written on the contents of a shopping basket – I am always in awe of those who have the courage and commitment to act in front of what in some cases can be big audiences, often containing friends and family. Our magazines are proud to say that we review as many local productions as we can – and this month we will be at both Wimborne Drama Productions and Ferndown Drama. In September, we reviewed Broadstone’s Plays ’n’ Chips, Round the Horne at the Allendale Centre and Bournemouth Little Theatre’s Killjoy. And, soon, we’ll be previewing the local pantomimes – oh yes, we will. Despite the plethora of streaming films, box sets and reality shows, theatres still boast big audiences, whether it is for professional or amateur productions, and we are very lucky in this area to have so many top-class venues. If you’ve never supported an amateur production, I would urge you to do so. You will be surprised at the professionalism of local groups that bring well known, and sometimes challenging, plays to appreciative audiences.

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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Major tourism plan for Dorset launched People are being encouraged to take their holidays in Dorset, with the launch of the firstever, county-wide, destination management plan. The unveiling took place at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery on 9 September. The plan is jointly funded by Dorset and BCP Councils, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and produced with the Dorset Local Visitor

Economy Partnership (LVEP) Advisory Board. It has been shaped by feedback from tourism businesses, partners and stakeholders through workshops and surveys held across Dorset. It will be delivered through the Dorset LVEP. Lyndsey Turner Swift, deputy director, VisitEngland, speaking at the launch said: “Dorset has brought together businesses, local authorities and industry partners around their vision for the future.” Cllr Richard Biggs said: “This launch marks an important milestone for our visitor

economy and demonstrates the strength of partnership working. Dorset Council is pleased to act as the accountable body for the Dorset LVEP, recognising that tourism is a vital part of the county’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and businesses.” He continued, “This plan provides a clear framework for sustainable growth over the next decade. By working together through our Local Visitor Economy Partnership, we can build on Dorset’s strengths, extend the visitor season, support our communities and ensure the county remains

one of the UK’s most desirable places to visit, live and work.” David Bailey, chair of the Dorset LVEP Advisory Board, said: “Dorset’s first Destination Management Plan provides a clear, shared framework for how we will work together to strengthen Dorset’s reputation, support local businesses, enhance the visitor experience and create sustainable growth over the next 10 years. This plan belongs to the whole county, and its success will be built on collaboration between the public and private sectors, communities and tourism businesses.”

Tourism leaders gather around the museum’s Ichthyosaur

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Avon Valley Shed now open After much anticipation and hard work, the new Fordingbridge Avon Valley Shed is fully built and open for users. An open day took place recently, with a lunch for most of its members. There was an abundance of guests, including Peter White, the mayor, representatives of the Town Council, two founder members (Malcolm Connolly and Gary Knight). Thanks were given to all the personnel and organisations who helped the AVS in its formation, including the Sports Club, the founders, The Churches (St Mary’s and the Methodist Chapel), Avon Valley Community Matters, the Green Gram, Fordingbridge Rotary, the Co-op Community Fund and the Town Council. All the various interest groups were represented, including the music, photography, electrical, genealogy, photography, computer and community engagement sections. If any of these groups interest you, pop in one Wednesday morning at 9.30am, to the Rec in the Sports Field, by the river, in Fordingbridge.

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Ringwood Carnival goes big on the bands Photo credits Steve Heap, Trevor Pogson and Ringwood Photography Club A little drizzly weather wasn’t going to stop the fun on Saturday 19 September as the carnival took over the town. Across two parades, the sound of drums was almost ever-present as four marching bands provided

VIEWPOINT October 2026

the rhythms, capping off a week of fun and events. In between the brightly lit drummers and brass, samba beats from Batala and Bournemouth’s Carnival Band, were floats that celebrated Toy Story, The Pirates of Ringwood

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(by way of the Caribbean) and Sir David Attenborough, while promoting causes including Ringwood Toad Patrol. A constant roar and buzz from tricked-out motorbikes, whizzy Sinclair C5s and puffing steam engines, added to the excitement. Unfortunately, the weather saw the cancellation of the day’s Spitfire fly-past, but otherwise thousands crammed in for both parades, dancing behind the barricades and in the side streets or listening to local

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singers throughout the event. Among the cheerleaders, Star Wars and Transformers characters, pre-parade BMX stunt action and nighttime fire juggling, there was plenty of food and drink to enjoy from stalls and eateries. A great day out was capped off with fireworks and the aftershow party at Framptons Bar, with around £6,500 raised so far for causes including Ringwood Community Fridge, Ringwood Youth Rider plus health and arts groups.

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Padel comes to rural Dorset A Britain’s Got Talent-winning farmer has received the green light for Dorset’s first rural indoor padel club. Chalk & Padel will bring three indoor courts, café and a wellness studio to his working farm on the A354, with building work starting shortly. As part of the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir, Ben Chick isn’t satisfied with singing success. His next project has won planning permission to build Dorset’s first rural indoor padel club on the family farm. Dorset Council has approved plans for Chalk & Padel at Thorneydown Farm, north of Wimborne. The farm sits on the A354 between Blandford Forum and Salisbury, with the club due to open in spring 2027. The venue will feature three indoor padel courts, a wellness studio offering reformer Pilates, yoga and breathwork, plus a café to wind down, serving Aroha, a New Zealandstyle speciality coffee, while creating four full-time jobs. Hawkstone owner Jeremy Clarkson would appreciate the farm’s diversification project.

Ben, at 28, is a third-generation arable farmer. He said: “I’m ecstatic. Getting planning permission was a massive hurdle, and I’m hugely grateful to everyone who backed us along the way. But now the hard work really starts.” Padel, a doubles racket sport often described as a cross between tennis and squash, is Britain’s fastest-growing racket sport. Yet there are no padel courts in north Dorset, and the nearest indoor courts are more than 20 miles away. Ben emphasised the club is about more than sport: “The courts aren’t the point. The point is giving people somewhere to meet, move and feel part of something. Farming can be a really lonely job, and a lot of the villages round here have lost the places people used to come together.”

Already, 750 people have joined the club’s waiting list, and founding memberships will be offered to them first. Anyone interested can sign up at chalkandpadel.co.uk and follow the build on Instagram at @chalkandpadel.

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Ben Chick, ready to Padel in 2027

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serves up culinary craft The third Wimborne Food Festival took over much of the town on Saturday 19 September. The day featured displays of cooking in the Dacombes’ theatre, plus feasts for the eyes and tastebuds. With fresh oysters, local beers and street food, the event delivered a smorgasbord of delights among the wine tasting, sampling and cakes. Colin Nash from the Colin Nash Restaurant took a star turn

VIEWPOINT October 2026

in the theatre. He talked through his career from working 100 hours-a-week as a young chef to having his own name above the door. He showcased local produce that included sea bass and seaweed, and a fine dish of pigeon in hedgerow salad. Along East Street there was plenty of fun activity. Cllr Chris Brown, with his Town Crier hat on, stopped by to play the decks outside The Butcher’s Dog, where a half of

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New Zealand Latitude 41 pale ale helped the fresh sausages from Keating’s Butchers BBQ go down very well. The cannoli from East Street Deli were also delicious (and Viewpoint’s editor felt no guilt in snaffling the last of the cappuccino flavour.) Wherever you looked, there were some clever food ideas, like a fig and Blue Vinny salami at Fluffets Home, or rare flavours of local jams and pickles in the

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Allendale Centre and at the farmers’ market in the square.

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Halloween adventure returns to Moors Valley - Advertisment feature -

The Halloween at Moors Valley illuminated light trail is back this autumn, bringing atmospheric wonder to the woodland. With eerie encounters, immersive scenes and spooky surprises tucked into the shadows, it will make for a great family evening out across 23 October to 1 November. Hosted by Forestry England, the lively seasonal night out invites visitors to explore the forest after dark, as familiar paths take

on a more mysterious feel. As the light fades, the trail comes alive with dramatic installations and characters. Guests can journey beneath towering giant skeletons standing watch over the trees and step foot into a carnivorous garden where the plants look suspiciously ready to bite back, all while keeping a careful eye on the sinister Demon Barber. Deeper into the woods, visitors will

experience hints of ancient forest rituals, revealed through flickering light, strange symbols and haunting sights that suggest something unsettling has stirred among the branches, offering plenty to spot, hear and photograph as the story unfolds around the route. For those in need of a breather between frights, a range of food and drink will be available throughout the evening. Guests immersed in the spooky woodland atmosphere can warm up with a muchneeded hot chocolate and marshmallows. Or if that doesn’t take your fancy, choose from delicious seasonal street food, or pick up a sweet treat. Separate charges apply. Booking early is recommended as there is limited capacity, with tickets from £15 to £19.50 for adults and £9 to £13 for children

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Starry Skies: Autumn delights By Mark Hardaker FRAS

October is when the evenings suddenly seem to arrive far too early. Fortunately for those of us who enjoy looking up, the darker nights bring some wonderful sights to the skies above Dorset. The star attraction this month is undoubtedly Saturn, which reaches opposition (the opposite side of the sky from the Sun) on 4 October. Therefore, it is at its brightest and best for the year. The ringed planet will rise around sunset, be due south around midnight and

remain visible until dawn. Even a small telescope will reveal Saturn’s famous rings, while binoculars may show its largest moon, Titan, as a tiny point of light nearby. Small telescopes can reveal several more of Saturn’s moons. It really is one of those objects guaranteed to

The planet Saturn. NASA JPL-Caltech

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make anyone seeing it for the first time say, “Wow!” By the middle of the month, another familiar old friend returns to the evening sky. Orion the Hunter rises in the east during late evening, signalling that winter is on its way. Look for his three distinctive belt stars, with the reddish Betelgeuse marking one shoulder and brilliant blue-white Rigel the other. Orion also gives his name to the Orionid meteor shower, which reaches its maximum around 21 October. These fast-moving shooting stars are debris left behind by Halley’s Comet. They can appear anywhere in the sky, so forget telescopes and binoculars, just find a comfortable chair, look upwards and be patient.

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Orion, the hunter. E. Slawik/ NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/M. Zamani/J. Hevelius/NASA Universe of Learning/USNO/STScI

For more astronomy news this month, listen to Starry Skies on Forest FM on the first Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm

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Keeping Dorset Safe: Visible Policing, Strong Partnerships and Listening to Communities By David Sidwick, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset Over the summer, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has continued its work to support safer communities across Dorset through visible policing, partnership working and ongoing engagement with residents. One of the key priorities in recent months has been supporting Dorset Police’s Good Safe Summer campaign. As thousands of people headed to Dorset’s towns, beaches and attractions during the busiest period of the year, additional efforts have been focused on keeping residents and visitors safe. A major part of this work is the use of hotspot patrols, which are targeted deployments of uniformed officers in areas identified through crime data and intelligence as experiencing higher levels of anti-social behaviour and violence. Evidence shows that these patrols can reduce offending, provide reassurance to the public and ensure officers are visible in the places where they are needed most. Dorset Police has continued to use this intelligence-led approach across the county, including in busy tourist locations such as Bournemouth and Weymouth. The OPCC has also maintained a strong focus on tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In August I joined

officers in Weymouth to observe Project Vigilant, a proactive operation designed to identify and disrupt predatory behaviour before offences take place. The operation combines plain clothed and uniformed officers, while specialist drugs dogs funded by the OPCC help detect substances linked to spiking and other offences. The visit reinforced the importance of prevention, victim support and partnership working in making Dorset safer for women and girls. Alongside operational activity, the OPCC continues to commission and support specialist services for victims. These include sexual violence support services, independent advisers and initiatives delivered through trusted partners. Work also continues through the county’s VAWG Improvement Panel, bringing organisations together to strengthen prevention, improve responses and ensure victims receive the support they need. Engagement remains at the heart of everything the OPCC does. Throughout the summer, I have attended a variety of community events with my team including meetings and public engagement events across Dorset. Some of these events included Dorset

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County Show, Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show, Littledown Family Fun Day, Bournefree, Highcliffe Food Festival and Bournemouth Crown Court Open Day. This provides residents with the chance to raise concerns, ask questions and share their views about policing and community safety. These conversations are vital in helping shape local priorities and ensuring the public’s voice is heard in decision-making. This is why I launched a public survey to give Dorset residents the opportunity to have their say on the future of policing, following the Government’s announcement of major policing reforms and a review of police force structures across England and Wales. Whilst engaging with the public at these events, my office gave residents the opportunity to complete the survey and get their voices heard. The results of the survey will be added to my website in the near future. As we move into the autumn, that commitment continues. By working closely with Dorset Police, partners and local communities, the OPCC will keep focusing on preventing crime, supporting victims and ensuring Dorset remains one of the safest counties in the country to live, work and visit.

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education / the future relies on what we learn today.

A workshop for veterans with dementia

BU research studies veterans’ dementia risk Research at Bournemouth University’s Ageing and Dementia Research Centre (ADRC) is looking into ways to raise awareness of the importance of brain health for the veteran population. Previous research has found that around 45 per cent of worldwide dementia cases can potentially be prevented or delayed by making lifestyle changes. The SERVED (Supporting Evidence-based Research for Veterans Experiencing Dementia) project is working with veterans with and without a dementia diagnosis. The BU team aim to raise awareness around the risks and create a support network for veterans with dementia and their carers. Associate Professor Michele Board, from the ADRC who is leading the research funded by Dementia Research UK said: “Veterans could be at greater risk of developing dementia due to the exposures they face during their careers, including working in dangerous environments and exposure to traumatic events that could lead to brain injury.” Through workshops, veterans with dementia were invited to talk about their experiences in the military and their lives since leaving service. The research found that veterans were at risk of being alone later in life due to the pressures of their work on their relationships. They also discovered that there were stigmas faced about talking to others about the symptoms in the early stages of memory loss and this affected their ability to access services.

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health and care

If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. Viewpoint is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.

Dorset residents encouraged to register for organ donation With around 70 people in Dorset currently waiting for an organ transplant, University Hospitals Dorset is encouraging residents to register their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, as part of a national drive to encourage one million people to record their wishes by the end of the year. Almost 29 million people across the UK have already registered their decision to donate their organs after death. However, with family consent rates falling, NHS Blood and Transplant is urging people to make sure their loved ones know what they want. The latest figures show that family consent or authorisation for organ donation across the UK has fallen from 69 per cent in 2020/21 to 57 per cent in 2025/26. Specialist Nurse for Organ

Donation, Sophie Thorne said: “Many of us would hope to receive an organ if we needed one, so it’s important to consider what we would want to happen after our death. We want people to take a moment to reflect: if you would accept an organ, have you made your own decision about donation clear to your loved ones? Our team is here to work

closely with your loved ones, providing compassionate advice and guiding them through the donation process.” People can register their organ donation decision and find out more about organ donation through the NHS Organ Donor Register or by heading to https:// www.uhd.nhs.uk/services/ organ-donation-services

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Poole Hospital

Meet Dorset’s B12-deficiency support group B12d.org is a small charity with a big mission: to raise awareness of vitamin B12 deficiency and support those affected, especially older adults, housebound patients, and anyone struggling to get help. Founded by the late Dr Joseph Chandy and now supported by volunteers, the charity continues to offer free guidance. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause neurological, hormonal, immune and connective tissue symptoms. It’s often misdiagnosed as “just getting older,” and left untreated, can cause lasting damage. Common causes include pernicious anaemia, poor absorption, medications, and diet. The group is open to anyone affected by B12 deficiency. It meets on the second Friday of the month at The Angel Inn,188 Ringwood Road, Ferndown Wimborne Minster, BH22 9AP, 11.30am-1.00pm.

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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity.

Meet Gordon Wray, aka The Rodfather By Geoff Spick

At Viewpoint, we believe the people of Dorset are as much a part of the story as news and events. Enter Gordon Wray and his mission to make fly fishing accessible and promote wellbeing.

Gordon Wray

Viewpoint: How did you first get into fishing? Rodfather: Like most anglers, I started young and, got hooked on the thrill of catching fish. Fly fishing quickly became a particular passion, as there is always something more to learn. You can fish for decades and still learn so much from one day’s fishing. I’ve recently retired and studied for my Game Angling Instructors’ Certificate which I passed, so I’m now fully qualified to teach others.

Viewpoint: Is that something you see when you’re teaching clients? Rodfather: Absolutely. I often find that the fishing becomes almost secondary. Someone might arrive saying, “I just want to learn to fish,” but by the end of the session we’ve talked about everything from family, work and long-term goals. When you’re not being forced to converse, it removes the pressure to perform and lets you relax.

Viewpoint: What do you think fishing can offer people beyond catching fish? Rodfather: Fishing gets people outside and away from screens. For a few hours, you’re not thinking about emails, work, deadlines social media or whatever else is going on in life. You’re watching the water, feeling the rod and concentrating on what’s in front of you. I’ve found over the years it’s a real tonic for mental health and general wellbeing.

Viewpoint: What are you trying to achieve with the Rodfather? Rodfather: To make fly fishing less intimidating. People think of it as some sort of dark art. I aim to get complete beginners fishing independently in under one hour. I assume no knowledge and there’s no need to bring anything except a desire to enjoy it. A session is all about the basics, having fun, and how to cast a fly where the fish are hiding. Viewpoint: And how important is river care to you? Rodfather: Hugely important. Anglers have a responsibility because we’re out there regularly and we see what’s happening. It’s about the whole ecosystem. A healthy river supports insects, birds, wildlife, plants and, ultimately, people too. Viewpoint: Finally, what keeps you coming back to fishing? Rodfather: The fact that you never quite know what the day is going to bring. You can make all the plans you like, choose the perfect fly and convince yourself you’ve got everything figured out. Then the fish completely ignore you. But every now and then, everything comes together; the sunlight, the river, the cast, the take.. and for a few seconds, nothing else matters.

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Documentary: The Guy Who Fell From the Sky A Ringwood man, left paralysed after a paragliding accident has spoken publicly about his experience for the first time, sharing his story in a new documentary filmed in the New Forest Cameron Treble fell from the sky in a paragliding accident last year, an incident that severed his spine at the T10 vertebrae, leaving him paralysed from the waist down. Now, for the first time, Cameron has opened up publicly about the accident and aftermath in a short documentary, Cam Treble: The Guy Who Fell From the Sky, produced by local journalist and filmmaker Emma Trim, founder of Chapters - Your Story Lovingly Told. Speaking to Emma, Cameron reflected on the moment his life changed: “I think I kind of took it at face

value for what it was. Life’s not over, I’m still here and I’m still breathing and able to move my upper body. We’ve just got to deal with the cards as they come and see where we get to.” The documentary follows Cameron’s story as he adapts to life after his injury. For Emma, the project offered an opportunity to capture not only what happened to Cameron but how he has responded to it. “Cam’s story continues to evolve,” said Emma. “Reflecting on the day of his accident, he talked openly about how he processed the news he received from his hospital bed. His outlook on life is full of strength,

resilience and determination. With his relentless hard work, I think he’s a true inspiration to the entire wheelchair community.” One woman who watched Cam’s story online, commented: “You’re an incredible human and your attitude and approach to life will inspire so many!” Cam’s documentary not only reflects physical strength but highlights the importance of discussing men’s mental

health. His decision to speak publicly is providing support and a sense of community to other wheelchair users across the UK and beyond who may be facing challenges. You can watch the documentary at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=WfF3xnwMyU4 and find out more about Emma Trim at https://chapters. myportfolio.com/about-me

In September’s Viewpoint, within the Lewis-Manning Hospice Care article on page 16, we misstated that the charity has homes in Ferndown and Ringwood. It should have read “charity shops”, we apologise for any confusion caused and in the Barrington Café.

Ferndown Orchid House wellness event - Advertisment feature -

Organised by Ferndown’s Orchid House Surgery and its Patient Participation Group, a free Wellness Event for all ages takes place in October. Visitors can expect activities and exercise for all fitness levels, including chair yoga and seated Tai Chi. Over 20 community and support groups will be participating, including Arthritis Care, Dementia Support, the Friendship Group for Widows, Guide Dogs, plus Wiggles and Giggles for younger visitors. There’s also the opportunity to meet the team, connecting with health service professionals, surgery staff, volunteers, and local support organisations in an informal setting. The NHS encourages everyone to focus on their overall health, whether physical, mental or social. The event takes place on 10 October from 10am–2pm at The Day Centre, Library Road, Ferndown.

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Meet the Pros

REVIEW: Round the Horne, Allendale Theatre Company, Allendale Centre By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk It was rather good to sit for two hours on a wet Sunday afternoon with a smile on my face the whole time. The inaugural stage production by this company, which took place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, took the audience back in time to this 1960s’ BBC radio comedy, created by Barry Took and Marty Feldman. The audience didn’t need experience of the original show to enjoy sketches featuring the camp pair Julian and Sandy, the eccentric J Peasmold Gruntfuttock and Rambling Syd Rumpo. Open auditions were held for this production as they will for future shows, with the aim of finding the best and brightest talent in the community. They certainly

succeeded on this occasion. Directed by Alan Colclough, who absolutely got under the skin of Kenneth Williams – as he does with every part he plays. Justin Ellery, who has several TV productions on his CV, was as polished as Kenneth Horne, with Gordon Wray, adeptly adopting numerous accents as Hugh Paddick. Bev Beck was superb as Betty Marsden with her numerous parodies including a TV cook. Completing this very professional line up was Tony Lee as the radio announcer Douglas Smith, with Pam Mizon providing the sound effects. Music was provided by producer Brain Harries, Polly Morris and Bob Carter. And there is more to look forward to next year as the company is to stage The Good Life on 7-9 May.

Meet the Pros From personal or animal emergencies to domestic disasters, legal or investment queries to your next car or kitchen, Viewpoint’s collection of professional services are here to help.

October to January sees 40% of all reported boiler breakdowns. And, when the clocks go back, the AA reports that car accidents rise by 11%. All this and, in the run up to Christmas, there’s a rush for kitchen and home renewals, ahead of the holidays. In short, demand for repairs, improvements, replacements and professional advice will soon soar. If you have a problem and you can find someone to help in the following Pros’ guide, please let them know you found their A-Team in Viewpoint Magazine.

Hollywood screenwriter and Poole creatives drop charity food bank record Food banks often struggle to get airtime in the seasonal news, as outlets focus on positive stories. And, sometimes, it can take an outside perspective to change how food banks and charities tell their story.

Bournemouth Foodbank in action

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Enter Tim John, once based in Hollywood and screenwriting movies including A Street Cat Named Bob. Now based in Ashley Cross, he came across the story of Vicki Jarvis, a local single mother who founded a food bank in her garden shed in 2005. Working with a collective of talented local artists, they have launched a charity record Feed Your Soul (the food bank song) and music video. The project is dedicated to raising vital funds and awareness for the Bournemouth Foodbank, which has grown from a humble shed into a lifeline that provided over 115,000 meals over the last year as demand surged. Watch the video and buy the song using this link: https:// leelacofeatpeaz.bandcamp. com/track/feed-your-soul-thefood-bank-song /dorsetview.news

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Meet the Pros

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Meet the Pros

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Column by Fordingbridge Museum is sponsored by Adrian Dowding

Investigating Shakespeare’s second best bed By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum “Weary with toil I haste me to my bed.” Shakespeare Sonnet 27 Many people think it strange that Shakespeare left his “second best bed with the furniture” to his wife when he died. The furniture refers to curtains, mattresses and bed covers. However, this does not mean that Anne was being badly treated. She was in fact left very well off with extensive land and property rights. A best bed would have a full, often beautifully carved headboard and a mattress stuffed with feathers. A secondbest bed may have a half headboard and a mattress stuffed with flock. Best beds were reserved for guests and may even have been kept on view downstairs as a symbol of wealth and hospitality. They were regarded as valuable heirlooms to be passed down through generations rather than be left to individual family members. The second-best bed would probably be the marital bed and

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even may have been the one in which his much-lamented son Hamnet, who died aged eleven, was born. A Tudor bed for the comfortably off would be made of oak whilst the rich may have had walnut. The poor and servants would have slept on boards or the floor. The rich may have had a mattress stuffed with feathers from the Eider duck, hence the modern word eiderdown. These would have been put on top of mattresses filled with flock which was waste wool or scraps of cloth. The less well-off would have had several layers of straw or flock filled mattresses. Sometimes lavender would be included in mattresses to make the bed smell sweeter. Similarly, wormwood would be used because it was thought to be effective against parasites. In the 13th century, a cloth canopy or tester would be hung from the ceiling, and this would support curtains for

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privacy and warmth. In the 15th century, this arrangement was replaced by four poster beds which supported the curtains and tester. Often, in ordinary people’s houses, there would be no solid ceilings. The underside of the thatch would be above the bed so the tester would prevent thatch and bugs from falling onto the bed. The bed may have had a small truckle bed kept underneath it that could have been rolled out for children or servants to sleep on. All mattresses and bedding would have sat on a network of ropes threaded through the bed frame. These ropes would slacken after time and required regularly tightening with a wooden bed key. It has been suggested that this gives rise to the expression, “sleep tight.” Large wooden pegs or bed stays were inserted into holes in the bed frame to stop the mattresses slipping off the bed. Before bed these could be taken out and used to beat the mattress, so it was flat, hence the expression for going to bed of, “hitting the sack.” In winter, bedrooms could be cold places despite having fireplaces. In the days when buildings were made of wood and thatch, fire was an everpresent risk. At night, a curfew would be enforced when all @Dorset_View

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fires had to be extinguished. To make sure people complied with this, watchmen would look out for smoke coming from chimneys giving rise, some say, to the expression, “no smoke without fire.” Sharing beds was one way of keeping warm as well as using bricks that had been heated in the fire. Sleeping upright by propping yourself up with pillows was common practice because this aided digestion and other medical conditions and prevented your mouth being open which, they thought, may have allowed demons to enter the body. Today, we are spoilt by modern mattresses that can be soft or firm to fit our preferences. Despite this, if you are reading this before you go to bed, “sleep tight and don’t let the bedbugs bite.” Apologies for the repetition of the gravestone article in the previous issue. It should have discussed well dressing, which the pictures represented. @dorset.view

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foodie news

Beyond the autumn bramble: enjoy our lesserknown, late-season berries By Geoff Spick

As summer fades, while most are foraging for blackberries, there are plenty of other fruit out there to enjoy, either in the wild or for the adventurous gardener to grow. In the play park at Slade’s Farm is a mulberry bush (well, tree). It produces distinctive, and extremely squishy fruit, making for messy kids and great flavours, if you can carefully harvest a few berries. In the kitchen, reaching beyond the low-hanging fruit that supermarkets offer, there’s a world of joyous autumnal flavours from these rare and hybrid berries. If you can’t find the fruits; jams, sauces and syrups are more readily available. The tree-grown antique: Mulberries Resembling an elongated blackberry, mulberries go deep purple when ripe. They offer a striking balance of acidity and honey sweetness, backed by an earthy aroma that, some say, is like autumn woodsmoke. In the kitchen: Because

they are far too fragile to survive commercial shipping, you will rarely find them in shops. If you can find them, they’re perfect for deeply pigmented autumn puddings, rich syrups, or mulberry gin, a great Christmas fireside tipple. The Scottish harvest: Tayberries Bred in Dundee and named after the River Tay, the tayberry is a celebrated British hybrid resulting from a cross between a red raspberry and a wild blackberry. As such, it mixes the sweetness with reduced acidity and deeper aroma. In the kitchen: While delicious eaten fresh with a splash of single cream, their high sugar content makes them a good choice for turning into a stunning, bright preserve that will add sparkle to afternoon tea scones.

plant, described as cabernet sauvignon in fruit form. In the kitchen: Boysenberries lend a luxurious depth to hearty autumn comfort food. They create magnificent rich compotes and coulis, perfect for dark chocolate desserts or used as a glaze for seasonal game meats like venison and mallard. Get in touch and let us know what rarer fruits you enjoy and what you do with them

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A lovely find at Wimborne Food Festival

A sharp classic: Loganberries Accidentally created in the late 19th century, the loganberry is another raspberry-blackberry cross that has become a staple of traditional British allotment cooking and is a tart alternative to the tayberry. In the kitchen: This is the ultimate autumn cooking berry. Its high pectin content and sharp edge make it ideal for balancing out the sweetness of seasonal dessert apples and pears in rustic crumbles, cobblers, and deep-dish pies. The deep American cousin: Boysenberries A new one to me in researching this article, the boysenberry is a US invention that blends the raspberry, blackberry, dewberry, and loganberry into a single, and rare, powerhouse

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foodie news / most of us are sorry for what we said when we were hungry.

Review:

&Thistle

Rose

By Geoff Spick

Carpaccio of tuna

“Sunday roast sat-nav, take us somewhere with tree tunnels, a village out of a Helen Allingham painting and a great meal at the end.” Such an instruction delivered us to the Rose & Thistle in Rockbourne, near Fordingbridge. On our visit, picture perfect in the autumn sun, the pub has a welcoming garden, good parking at the rear, and a charming dining area for around 30-40 guests. We ordered carpaccio

Roast pork loin

of tuna to start. It was served in a floating bed of buttermilk white wine sauce with precise Saku blocks, topped with mandarin orange, jalapeño chilli and radish, delivering distinct flavours with every bite. Moving giddily onto the mains, the roast pork loin with brown butter apple sauce served up crispy crackling and melting pork. Plated with crispy roast potatoes, maple carrots, delicious butternut puree and greens, it came close to defining a perfect Sunday on a plate. The accompanying brisketstuffed Yorkshire pudding was also moreish, but maybe too much for smaller appetites. It could also come on a separate plate to make navigating

the rest of the dish easier (about our only criticism). Onto sweets, and the chocolate terrine with crème fraiche and poached plum required a strategic approach of tiny spoonfuls to enjoy the combinations in all their delight and density. While the “Strawberries and Cream” aka strawberry panna cotta, vanilla cream dehydrated New Forest strawberries and bubbles of basil oil was so light it threatened to float off the plate. All these for prices perhaps a smidge more than any chain or gastro pub, it is hard to imagine eating anywhere else. Starters and sweets around £10 each and mains around £25; rural ambiance and aesthetic – free.

Strawberries and cream

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Events Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk.

17 October 7.30pm

Wimborne Community Theatre Ceilidh at Holt Village Hall, BH21 7DJ. Tickets contact 07713 059862 or vivmillera@yahoo.co.uk

17 October 10am-4pm

Verwood Community Wildflower Planting Day. Volunteers needed. Send your name and contact number to verwoodhorticulturalsociety@gmail.com

around & about 21, 28 October 2pm-5pm

2 November 7.30pm

11 November 6.30pm–9pm

Edmondsham House, Wimborne BH21 5RE open in aid of National Gardens Scheme.

Wimborne Gardening Club, St Catherine’s Church Hall, Rodways Corner.

24 October 11am

5 November 5pm

Bournemouth & District Jazz Appreciation Society meet in Rm 1 downstairs at Kinson Community Centre. Full details on the website: bournemouthjazzclub.org.

Wimborne Craft Fair at The Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne, BH21 1AS.

24 October–1 November 10am-4pm

Ferndown & District Historical Society, the Barrington Centre.

24 October 10am

Ferndown Arthritis and Friendship Club, Ferndown Plus Day Centre. Call 03303 112793 for details.

Over 30 homes open to visitors for Dorset Greener Open Homes. To book www.dorsetgreenerhomes.org Friends of Wimborne Cemetery meet at the chapel. More details 07434 256392.

Uncovering Roman Wimborne weekend at Allendale House, Wimborne Free entry.

17 October 10am

19 October 2.15pm

The Arts Society Wimborne and Blandford meet at the Allendale Centre, for a talk on Monet and the Impressionists.

20 October 7.30pm

Wimborne Civic Society, Allendale House for a talk on Tiles and Terracotta in and around Wimborne.

20 October 10am

Moordown & Winton Townswomen’s Guild, Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue BH9 1TW. Contact: 07977 734563

5 November 7.30pm

Broadstone Art Society Art Fair at The Youth Centre, Moor Road, free entry. West Moors Horticultural Society coffee morning at the Memorial Hall. Contact Jo Breen on 07960 650611 or email wmhorticultural. society@gmail.com

17, 18, 24 and 25 October

Free firework night on Poole Quay. Family entertainment followed by firework display at 8pm.

24-25 October 10am-4pm

7 November 2pm–4pm

7 November 7pm, 8pm and 9pm Fireworks at BH Live, Littledown Centre, Chaseside, BH7 7DX

9 November 7pm for 7.30pm

West Parley Gardening Club, MS Centre, Church Lane, BH22 8TS.

Ferndown & West Moors Philatelic and Postcard Club, The Hamworthy Club, Magna Road, BH21 3AP. Email paulrichardbarry@hotmail. co.uk for programme details.

30-31 October

10 November 7.30pm

27 October 7.30pm

Halloween Ghost Train at Swanage Railway. www.swanagerailway.co.uk

1-29 November 10.30am-4pm Quantum Manifold exhibition by Tony Butcher at Auger Collective, Christchurch Road, Boscombe, BH1 4SX.

2 November 10.30am Reading Friends at Wimborne library.

Verwood and District Horticultural Society, Verwood Memorial Hall. Details on verwoodhorticulturalsociety.co.uk or call Ollie on 07508 577114.

11 November 7.30pm Canford and Merley WI, Merley Community Centre, Harrier Drive. For details, call Hazel on 07780 705702.

13 November 11.30am-1pm The Dorset B12 Deficiency Support Group, The Angel Inn, 188 Ringwood Road, Ferndown Wimborne, BH22 9AP. Contact Patricia: dorsetb12deficiency@gmail.com

14 November 10am-3pm Market House, Grenville Rd, Wimborne BH21 1WW, tabletop sale, art, craft and gifts. Free parking. Refreshments available.

14 November 6pm-8pm Lewis-Manning Candles on the Green at Wimborne Minster church. https://lewis-manning.org.uk/ candles/

14 November 2.30pm and 7.30pm

11 November 7.30pm-9.30pm

Wimborne Musical Theatre Society presents ‘The Magic Behind the Curtain’ at the Allendale Centre. Tickets from: theallendale.org/ tickets or 01202 887247.

East Dorset Antiquarian Society, St Catherine’s Church Hall, Lewens Lane, Wimborne.

Merley Townswomen’s Guild, Community Hall, Harrier Drive, Merley.

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18 November 7.30pm

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around & about / what’s happening in your area.

Best blooms at Verwood’s flower show Verwood & District Horticultural Society boasted a ‘blooming good’ autumn show on Saturday 12 September. More than 350 exhibits were entered across the many classes, giving the judges a difficult task as they considered the impressive standard of entries. The Mayor

of Verwood Simon Gibson presented the awards. There was success across several sections for Bill Howarth, who collected several trophies for his entries in the flowers, pot plants, vegetables and fruit categories. Roger Church also enjoyed success, taking

The prize winners show off their haul

the award for roses and presented with the RHS Banksian Medal. The medal is awarded to the exhibitor gaining the most points across the Flower, Vegetable and Fruit classes who hasn’t won the prize for the previous two years. The dahlia classes were a particular highlight, with a spectacular riot of colour providing one of the show’s most eye-catching displays. Ollie Greensmith took the trophy for Best Exhibit in Dahlias with a bowl filled with flowers in a beautiful selection of pastel shades. The Sid Dommett Cup for Best Onion Exhibit went to newcomer Robert Driscoll, who’s perfectly presented set of onions, carefully dressed in raffia, impressed the judges. In the flower arranging section, Doreen Norton claimed Best Exhibit for her imaginative interpretation of the theme “Pzazz”, chosen from 15 creative floral displays.

The children’s classes were also well supported, with Verwood schoolchildren showcasing their creativity through a colourful collection of crafts and cupcakes. Carter Hayes won the Junior Best Exhibit for his artwork, while prizes were awarded to children who had taken part in a Summer Scavenger Hunt. The society continues to welcome new members and visitors to its meetings, held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm at Verwood Memorial Hall.

www.verwoodhorticulturalsociety.co.uk.

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around & about

Del Amitri talking music in Ringwood for 2027 Blithe Spirit play haunts the Barrington The oft-performed play and several movies have entertained generations. Now you can see what the fun is about as Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit hits Ferndown, directed by Peter Gutteridge. The latest take on the riotous 1930s-set classic runs at Ferndown’s Barrington Theatre from 14-17 October at 7.30pm, with a matinee on the Saturday. The play revolves around novelist Charles Condomine, who

invites an eccentric medium, Madame Arcati, to his home to conduct a séance. The evening takes an unexpected turn when the ghost of his first wife, Elvira, is accidentally summoned. Mischievous, glamorous, and determined to reclaim her husband, Elvira quickly disrupts Charles’s comfortable life with his second wife, Ruth, who, to make matters worse, cannot see or hear her ghostly rival.

The Scottish rockers are going on tour without their instruments, talking the talk with an unscripted evening of chat and humour. Del Amitri’s founding members Justin Currie and Iain Harvie are visiting Ringwood next year for an intimate and unscripted evening of conversation. The brand-new tour, featuring storytelling and reflection, is titled 45 Years of Modest Failure: An Evening of Conversation with Justin Currie & Iain Harvie, a nod to the band’s dry wit. The show visits The Barn in Ringwood on Sunday 18 April 2027 As the driving creative force behind hits such as Roll to Me, Always the Last to Know, and Nothing Ever Happens, singer Justin and guitarist Iain have shared more than four

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decades of songwriting, world tours, and band history. Now they are stepping away from the amps to share candid, hilarious, poignant, and sometimes absurd tales from life on the road and inside the studio.

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motoring / keeping you on the road.

Winter driving safety tips Autumn and winter weather conditions such as ice, rain, fog and low sun, significantly increase road hazards. The AA reports a 23 per cent national spike in seasonal accidents. In

the West of England with more untreated, rural roads, that risk jumps to 28 per cent, according to data from insurethebox. Wherever you live in Dorset, now is the time to prepare for the unpleasant driving conditions ahead and ensure you are equipped to deal with any situation. Preparing for winter roads Stock up on de-icer for your windscreen, buy a good scraper plus spares, and consider window blankets or keeping vehicles in the garage to prevent ice buildup. Check the status of your car’s battery and have it charged or replaced as needed. Keep spare, warm, gloves in the glove box and put jackets and blankets in the boot for all family members. Add a stash of drinks and snacks in case of any breakdown, long delays or accident. Also, pack a first aid kit and fire extinguisher, plus selfwarming gloves and heat packs if you expect serious cold. Add winter windscreen wash to your car’s reservoir to improve anti-ice and cleaning performance in harsh conditions.

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Consider changing to winter or all-season tyres if you regularly drive beyond the relative safety of town or city roads. Winter tyres offer more grip in icy conditions, but with extreme ice conditions, the best advice is not to travel, regardless of your tyre choice. Advice for winter driving Many drivers are spending their first year with an electric or hybrid vehicle. Understand that battery performance is limited by cold weather, with driving range falling by between 20 to 30 per cent on a UK typical winter day, with temperatures below five degrees centigrade, and up to 40 per cent in freezing conditions. These cars are also slower to recharge, with pre-warming of the batteries required before they will accept fast-charger voltages. To protect your batteries in EVs or ICE cars, use heated seats (if you have that luxury)

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motoring

when driving, as these use less power and directly keep you warm rather than blasting hot air into the entire cabin. Driving to the conditions Check the weather at intervals along long journeys as local conditions can vary wildly Even a short journey can see wildly different conditions across hills and valleys, so don’t trust your immediate area forecast promising warm sun or the odd shower. Drive with extra care in any winter weather, applying appropriate lighting and

speeds to the conditions. Drive as smoothly as possible, avoiding turningand-braking, and monitor other traffic front and rear as far as conditions allow. With manual gearbox cars, choose second gear to pull away, and choose higher gears for gentle acceleration and better control. In automatic vehicles, use snow mode to pull away in icy conditions. When driving, remember braking distances can be five-to-six times longer than on a dry road, keep your

distance accordingly and find safe gaps on multi-lane roads to change lane. Above all, never rush your journey, plan to take plenty of time, and set off to avoid the worst of conditions or heavy traffic periods.

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in the home / home is where the heart is.

House plant care tips for winter By Geoff Spick

Most plants’ natural rhythms see them slow down and conserve energy across winter. In response, your care routines for them should change to meet their reduced needs. Primarily, plants require less water as they go dormant, even if the room temperature rises due to your central heating. The top inch of soil should be dry before you water again, although the time between watering may vary between species. Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant. Keep plants warm, but away from unusual cold (drafts) or heat sources (by radiators). If you can, boost their access to light by putting them close to windows during the day, bearing the temperature in mind. And, if you see leaves turning brown, plants may need moving to a more stable environment. You should also stop feeding them with fertiliser or growth boosters, as the roots won’t absorb the nutrients, and can damage the plant. Also, while you might think that misting the plants is beneficial, there is a minimal effect, making it unnecessary. A little TLC over the winter months,

brushing off any dust, and avoiding big changes like repotting should see your house plants ready for another year of delight in the spring. If you want some flowery colour in your home over winter; poinsettia, amaryllis, moth orchids, some begonias and crocuses can all add a dash of brightness to cheer a room up.

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VIEWPOINT October 2026

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in the home

Open the door to a new look By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Your front door is the first thing people see when they visit you, but it is something many of us forget to appraise as we hurriedly put the key in the lock However, it is both a security point and a style statement. Improving a home’s kerb appeal can increase its value by as much as 10 per cent, according to industry estimates from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). It is also one of the quickest ways to transform the exterior of a home. Rather than mixing different finishes, homeowners are increasingly opting for matching door furniture sets, ensuring the door handle, letter plate, knocker and key surrounds all sit within the same finish for a polished, design-led look. British security brand Ultion says that simple details like letter plates, escutcheons and house numerals are often overlooked, but replacing tired or rusted hardware can dramatically improve the overall look of a property for very little cost, As for the door itself, current popular colours are shades like sage green, warm eucalyptus, claystone, and cream. Homeowners are also embracing cheerful, highpersonality pops of colour like tart red, sunny yellow,

and French navy, with black and deep heritage greens remaining strong staples for traditional properties. Walnut and oak grain textures offer a luxurious, minimalist aesthetic whilst for period homes, opt for traditional four-panel, sixpanel, and rustic planked designs with glass. Finally, but probably most importantly there is the choice of the most secure lock. Police and crime prevention groups recommend locks that meet official security standards like BS 3621 for wooden doors and TS 007 3-star or Sold Secure Diamond ratings for uPVC and composite doors. The meaning behind red doors According to cultural tradition, homeowners in Scotland would paint their front doors red to celebrate paying off their mortgage, meaning they were officially ‘out of the red’ with the bank. In addition, in early America, a red door meant a welcoming home where weary travellers could stop for a meal and a place to rest. In Ireland a red door was historically believed to ward off evil spirits and ghosts.

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puzzle zone / take a break and give your mind a challenge.

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 have revealed the code for four letters.

Codeword

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.

Good luck and enjoy. Solutions are on page 37.

Sudoku

Scan this QR code to visit the Bright Heart Home Care website. Bright Heart Home Care is part of the Burley’s Home Care family and a trading name of Burley’s Home Care Limited. Regulated activities are provided by Burley’s Home Care Limited, registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

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specialist services BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

AGGREGATE

CARPENTRY

ELETRICIAN

CARPENTRY

DECORATING

FENCING

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

COMPUTER SERVICES

FENCING

HAIRDRESSING

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

LANDSCAPING

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MAINTENANCE

MOBILITY SERVICE & REPAIRS

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specialist services / who to contact for the service you need. MOBILITY

PEST CONTROL

PLUMBING

PLASTERING

PLUMBING

SEALANT APPLICATOR

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ROOFING

WINDOW CLEANING

WINDOW REPAIRS

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TREE SURGERY

WINDOW TINTING

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NEWS IN BRIEF Simpler, faster, easier

Residents applying for a Blue Badge in the BCP Council area will soon benefit from a simpler application process with a new digital system designed to improve the customer experience and reduce processing delays. From 13 October 2026, Blue Badge applications will be managed through the council’s in-house system, replacing the current externally hosted platform. For more information about the Blue Badge scheme, visit https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/parking/ blue-badges-for-disabled-parking

Despicable break-ins

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s Poole shop has suffered two break-ins within two weeks leaving the charity facing around £5,000 in repairs and diverting essential resource away from the care it provides for people with life-limiting illnesses across Dorset.

New play improvements

Setley Gardens (behind Castlepoint) and Chesildene Avenue play areas will both be improved following a community consultation. Setley Gardens will undergo a full refurbishment and Chesildene Avenue, which had previously been proposed for repurposing, will now receive repairs designed to enhance the existing play offering for local families. These improvements form part of BCP Councils Plan for Play strategy.

Lyscombe joins King’s series

Lyscombe Nature Reserve has been designated as a King’s Series National Nature Reserve by Natural England. The designation recognises not only the site’s existing wildlife value but also its role within the wider 5,700-hectare Dorset Downs landscape, helping to create bigger, better and more connected habitats for wildlife.

Strength and Balance sessions

As part of its Plan Ahead – Live Well programme, Kings Park Care Home in Ferndown welcomes members of the local community to its new strength and balance sessions led by Hannah of Dorset Fit. The next session will take place at 10.30am on Tuesday 13 October and thereafter every second Tuesday of the month. Would you like to join? Email kingspark@barchester.com or call 01202 863630.

Do you need a smart thermostat? By Geoff Spick When you next upgrade your home’s boiler, or find it in need of repair, a common question that pops up is, “Could your home benefit from a smart thermostat?” With boiler maintenance and inspection season upon us, or a greater chance of something going wrong as dormant heating systems kick into gear, now could be a good time to answer that question. The key feature of installing a smart thermostat is, along with the smartphone app, easier control over your heating schedule. The smart thermostat can dynamically set the central heating on if the temperature dips and turn it off again once it has reached your ideal temperature. Using the app, you have better control over the heating and can turn the temperature up or the water on, for example, when you’re coming back from a winter’s walk with a mucky dog or children. As a more advanced option, if you have a larger property, multiple thermostatic radiator values can deliver room-by-room control for ideal temperature all around the house, turning off kitchen and bathroom radiators if those rooms are hot from cooking and bathing. More efficient boiler management can reduce your bills, with typical savings of 8 to 12 per cent possible quoted by popular brands. That’s a more likely scenario if you have a busy family coming and going, but if you have a regular schedule and are comfortably warm, there is little benefit over your current model from a smart thermostat. Your plumber or electrician can provide a specific advice for your property, but smart thermostats can be installed easily with a little electrical knowledge. Or let the specialists do the work safely.

puzzle zone Solutions

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‘Move 4 Free’ offer from Pennyfarthing Homes While Dorset house prices have been largely flat this year, the extra costs continue to rise through taxes and the cost of doing business across the property market. Family-owned housebuilder Pennyfarthing Homes is helping make moving more affordable. Its ‘Move 4 Free’ incentive covers up to £30,000 of moving costs for buyers of select homes at four of its new local developments. The offer covers contributions towards Stamp Duty, legal fees, estate agent fees and removal costs.

According to the HomeOwners Alliance, the average cost of moving home in 2026 is £13,018, based on the typical costs of buying, selling and moving to an averagepriced property worth £292,000. For buyers of larger or more expensive homes, those costs can rise significantly. That’s why Pennyfarthing Homes’ Move 4 Free offer is guaranteed to make moving more affordable, covering eligible moving costs of up to £30,000 and helping buyers find their new dream home.

Sheetal Smith, Sales and Marketing Director at Pennyfarthing Homes, comments: “Buying a new home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and we believe the moving process should be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Rising moving costs can be a significant hurdle, which is why we’ve introduced our Move 4 Free offer. By contributing up to £30,000 towards eligible moving costs, we’re helping buyers move with confidence, making the journey into their new Pennyfarthing home simpler, more affordable

and far more enjoyable.” The Move 4 Free incentive is available on reservations made until 28 February 2027, with the offer applying to selected homes at The Green, Potters Wood in Verwood; Oakwood Grove, Alderholt; Whitsbury Green, Fordingbridge; and Danes Park in New Milton.

7 November RINGWOOD A service at the Commonwealth War Graves in Ringwood Cemetery at 10.45am Poppy crosses will be laid on the graves of service personnel whose last resting place was Ringwood.

8 November POOLE Parade starts from the Cricket Pavilion in Poole Park at 10.20am led by the Poole Sea Cadets Marching Band. 10.50am service in Poole Park with music provided by the Poole Borough Band.

8 November FERNDOWN Parade forms up at King George V Playing Fields at 2pm and at 2.30pm marches to St Mary’s Church for a service at 3pm

8 November BOURNEMOUTH Service at the Cenotaph in the Central Gardens at 10.55am, following a 10.35am parade.

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Remembrance events in 2026

Communities across the region will be marking Remembrance with services and parades. Any further details for inclusion in November’s Dorset View (our sister mag) should be sent to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

8 November RINGWOOD Various services take place around the town after which a parade will gather in Market Place, by the Parish church at 11.30am. The procession will walk to the War Memorial Garden opposite Greyfriars Community Centre where a short service will take place, followed by the formal Act of Remembrance at 12 noon. This will include a formal wreath-laying ceremony. The procession will then walk back to Market Place. 8 November WIMBORNE Remembrance Sunday parade starts at the Wimborne Royal British Legion at 2.40pm walking towards the Minster church for a service. Please be seated by 2.45pm. Wreath laying on the Minster Green after the service.

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VIEWPOINT October 2026

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8 November WEST MOORS Service at the War Memorial at the Petwyn at 10.45am 8 November COLEHILL Service and parade at Colehill War Memorial at the junction of Colehill Lane and Wimborne Road. 11 November RINGWOOD On Armistice Day, a service will take place at the War Memorial Garden in Ringwood at 10.45am when a National two Minute Silence will be observed at 11am. The start and end of the silence will be marked by the firing of a maroon generating a loud bang heard around the town. 11 November FERNDOWN Armistice Day Memorial Service at the Royal British Legion Ferndown Branch 10.30am arrival for a 10.45am start. @dorset.view

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