Viewpoint August 2015

Mid Aug 2015

Your Independent Local Magazine

VIEWPOINT

Volume 39, Issue 10

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

Free take on e it’s

Established Over 35 Years

A FIRST

FOR RINGWOOD

History was made by Ringwood Town Council at what is believed to have been the first outdoor council meeting in Hampshire and possibly in the whole of England. It took place on the evening of 29 July.

Suggested by the Mayor, Cllr Michael Thierry as a way of generating interest in council matters, it had the desired effect.

Continued on page 14

thisissue

Inside

• VERWOOD BL OOMS • SPOT THE SH OP £60 PRIZE • MEET THE TE AM • WOOFABILITY EXPANDS • TICKETS TO GIMM AT THE BARRIN E ABBA GTON

August Vol 39 • Issue 10

VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE 01202 870270

editorial

HelloReaders

account managers

It’s me, the temporary Assistant Editor here at mags4dorset! I started work here during the positively wintry July weather, but the office vibe, with its regular cups of tea and cheerful banter is so welcoming that I barely noticed it.

I was thrown into the swing of things, getting to pop down to Woodlands to visit Woofability, the charity that provides assistance dogs to people with various disabilities, and chat to the dedicated staff there about their expanding mission. I narrowly avoided being knocked over by some enthusiastic golden retrievers, but it was definitely worth it.

There are loads of interesting events to get involved in this month, from jazz concerts to charity balls to nature trails for all ages, and much more – definitely worth glancing at our ‘in and around the area’ pages.

Despite still being an undergrad student, editor Janine has largely left me to work independently, which is a great opportunity for a budding journalist. In coincidental circumstances, I went to school with Liz’s son Nic; it is a small world we live in. We’re all wishing her a speedy recovery. Thank you, Liz, for leaving everything so organised – you’ve made it very easy for me to slot right in.

sales@mags4dorset.co.uk

Have a great month everybody! Over and out.

editor

janine pulford editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk

assistant editor

liz turner

news@mags4dorset.co.uk

managing director

ben pulford design@mags4dorset.co.uk

design director

louis pulford

design4dorset@btconnect.com BrightBox Designs: 01202 233441 louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

graphic designer

daniel lee design4dorset@btconnect.com

mark beechey 07875 962344

russell harness advertise@mags4dorset.co.uk

01202 816140

company secretary

nick pulford

accounts4dorset@btconnect.com

Jasmine Watkiss, Assistant Editor (temp) Twitter @mags4dorset Facebook: www.facebook.com/mags4dorset.news Join the editor at www.facebook.com/janine.pulford Website: www.mags4dorset.co.uk Email the editor at: editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk

Pic of the month

Britain in Bloom judges Jeff Bates and Sue Wood inspect Wimborne Minster’s flowers with Richard Nunn, Chairman of the Wimborne in Bloom committee. The result is awaited.

Viewpoint Magazine is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in Ringwood, Verwood, Three Legged Cross, Ashley Heath, St Ives, West Moors and Wimborne. Views or opinions expressed in Viewpoint Magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed to be unsuitable for publication. Information about a service does not imply recommendation. All purchases made through this publication are done so entirely at your own risk. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Viewpoint Magazine and may not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher.

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

COPY CLOSING DATE 28 AUGUST 2015

First Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9EN Tel: 01202 870270

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

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MOTO GUZZI “we love Fordingbridge” “We are devasted with the news that this might be the last Moto Guzzi rally in Fordingbridge,” said the town mayor, Cllr Malcolm Connolly following reports that this August could be the last V-twin Rally held by the Moto Guzzi Club GB that the town will see.

Viewpoint tracked down the club’s secretary Serena Powis. She told us it will be the club’s 40th rally and its 9th year in Fordingbridge.

“We love Fordingbridge and don’t want to go...”

“Unfortunately, the event is losing money,” she said, “which makes it difficult for it to continue in its present form.”

All is not lost however and Serena said, “We love Fordingbridge and don’t want to go, but we have to look at the viability of the rally. We will be surveying everyone who books this year to find out what they want from the event.

“Some of our membership is ageing and though they still want to come, they

prefer to bring a car and chairs to sit on, or a camper van. We will have to wait to find out everyone’s response to the survey.

“We are looking to change the current format. If we can carry on with something that suits our membership then the Moto Guzzi Club will be back again next year.”

“The rally brings in visitors and contributes to the trade in the town,” added the mayor. “They’ve got some wonderful motorbikes and they are the most amenable motorcycle club I’ve ever run into. The town and the business people have got to know them personally and the rally is one of the highlights of our year. We don’t want this August to be their last.”

Twinners

The Fordingbridge Twinning Society had its most successful stand yet at Fordingbridge Rotary’s Summer Festival on 18 July. New banners drew attention to the twinning activities generating more enquiries. The society gained eight members, all were interested in, and asking about Vimoutiers, the twinned town in Normandy.

For further details, contact Derek or Alison Ayling on 01425 650770.

Webbs website launch: You could win £25!

To celebrate the launch of their website, Webbs Butchers in West Moors are holding a competition with a prize of £25 to spend in their shop.

Alex Webb said, “Our new website is the goto place to find our regular monthly offer.” It also showcases Webb’s homemade award winning products and contains easy-to-follow recipes.

For your chance to win the £25 prize goto webbsbutchers.co.uk and find the answer to this question: what is the name of the company that developed Webb’s Butchers website?

Send your answer via the contact page with ‘’competition answer’’ as the subject. Closing date is 22 September 2015.

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Final CashUnity winner announced

Girlguiding in West Moors West Moors Guides are working on their Fastnet Challenge Badge, supporting older members of Guiding who compete in the yacht race this August.

Activities are land-based but still involve water and lots of challenges, including making waterproof outfits, singing seashanties and visiting Moors Valley to ‘climb the rigging’.

New leaders are needed for West Moors Guides. If you are over 18, and would like a new challenge or to make a contribution to your community, get in touch. Training and support is provided. Contact Jane Songhurst 01202 891469, or Diana Fitch 01202 877471.

Abby with her record wedding invitation

Perrie, Abby and Ben

Record win for brideto-be!

It was Abby Russell’s lucky day when she ordered record-shaped wedding invitations from a CashUnity participating trader in Ferndown.

The bride-to-be was encouraged by Perrie at Xerocad to hang on to her receipt and enter the monthly draw for £1,000.

Not being one to win competitions, Abby sent in her entry and promptly forgot about it. When Ben Pulford rang to say she had won, she was convinced it was a hoax.

In fact she very nearly didn’t answer the call because she

didn’t recognise the number. “I must have sounded like the most ungrateful winner,” said Abby, who really didn’t believe her luck until Xerocad got in touch to confirm the win.

Abby was knocked over with her £500 cash and £500 shopping vouchers to spend at CashUnity businesses.

She said, “It was such a surprise to win and the money will help in all areas towards the wedding.”

She will be marrying Bert Morgenthal on15 September at Bournemouth

Registry Office and then go on to the Cumberland Hotel for the reception.

The couple will spend their honeymoon in Zimbabwe. Abby used to live in South Africa and is looking forward to the holiday because she will see her mother, who still lives there. mags4dorset wishes Abby and Bert a happy future and has asked for a wedding photo to publish at a later date.

This is the last CashUnity draw for the time being. The innovative scheme devised by mags4dorset, has paid out £18,500 since its launch in January 2014.

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

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Verwood in Bloom

Winner of Best Front Garden

Competition 2015 Verwood in Bloom’s annual competition is over for another year, after the town impressed with a colourful array of flowers and foliage. Paul Spencer, Plant Area Manager at John Browns, Wyevale Garden Centres judged the event. The green-fingered winners will receive a gardening voucher and a trophy, and the prize-giving presentation will take place at the Verwood & District Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show in the Memorial Hall on Saturday 19 September 2015.

Winner of Best Small Business

Winner of Best Garden Achievement (schools category)

Winner of Best Use of Containers / Hanging Baskets

Winner of Best Novel Planter Winners: (schools category) Residents’ category Best Front Garden - Mr D Giles Best Use of Containers/ Hanging Baskets - Mrs S Simpson Business, shop, or office frontage category Best Small Business Frontage - Plane Cuisine Schools category Best Novel Planter/ Planters - Trinity CE (Va) First School Best Garden Achievement - Verwood CE First School

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Volunteers recognised for long service A total of 120 years of volunteering at Green Cottage RDA Group was celebrated on 9 July by the presentation of long service certificates.

Sue Ingelby, chairman of SW Region of RDA presented them at Green Cottage Riding Centre, Verwood.

Jane Dowding was also honoured with an ‘Over and Above’ award from the SW Region of RDA for her outstanding work as a Riding for the Disabled volunteer.

The group meets every Thursday morning during term time and offers riding as emotional therapy for children with physical and learning difficulties.

The Green Cottage RDA Group was set up 40 years ago.

For more information or to volunteer call Jane on 0845 2415357 or visit www.greencottagerda.org.uk

From the left: Anna Taylor (20 years) Susan Jones ( 20 Years), Jane Dowding, Sue Ingleby, Vicky Gumm (40 Years) Jean Heaton (40 Years)

Bronze and personal best for Ryan

Verwood-based Ryan Webb, a student at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wimborne, returned from the English Schools’ Athletics Championship held in July with a bronze medal in the senior boys high jump.

Held at Gateshead, the championships attracted 1600 top young athletes in the country. Ryan jumped a personal best of 2m06 - a little above the height of a standard door frame.

A member of Wimborne Athletic Club, Ryan currently ranks number 4 in the UK in his age group.

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Ice cool comeback The Beach Bus has returned to the New Forest and has been renumbered ‘Route 99’ to highlight its free ice cream offer.

Passengers can claim their ice cream at Lepe beach on the summer service from Hythe to Lymington, which runs every day until 31 August.

Passengers can buy day tickets and enjoy 20% discounts at many attractions on route, including Exbury Gardens, Buckler’s Hard, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu and a new stop at Lymington’s Sea Water Baths.

There’s also free travel on the Hythe Ferry from Southampton when passengers buy their Beach Bus ticket in Southampton at the Red Jet terminal.

For timetables and full details of offers visit www.thebeachbus.info

Verwood Charity Tea-house raises over £500 for Mayor’s charities

Verwood Mayor’s Charity Fundraiser had its first event on Sunday 12 July; a look-alike ‘Jo Lyons Tea-house’ was prepared at the town’s Heritage Centre, where a delicious afternoon tea was served. An impressive £510 profit was raised, which will be donated to the charities chosen by the 2015 mayor, Cllr Sandra Grove: the Verwood Heathland Heritage Trust and Dorset Search Dogs.

Future fundraiser events include a Barn Dance at the Memorial Hall on 5 September (tickets now on sale), and a 40s Night, also at the Memorial Hall, on 24 October.

V-J Day 70th Anniversary Commemorated The 70th Anniversary of V-J Day, the end of the Second World War, will be remembered with a ceremony on the Minster Green, Wimborne at 11 o’clock on Saturday 15 August.

The Mayor of Wimborne Minster, Cllr Shane Bartlett, will lay a wreath on behalf of

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the people of the town to remember all who died in the conflict.

The event will include a poignant roll call of the 32 Wimborne men who gave their lives while serving our country between 1939 and 1945.

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Have Boots will Travel

of the Singapore Cricket Club’s soccer section for eight years. His connections with the International Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournaments are an eye-opener because he brought together a huge number of football stars.

With a foreword by Sir Geoff Hurst - the legendary striker who scored the one and only hattrick in a World Cup Final in 1966 when England beat West Germany (4-2) - it is obvious that Brian’s connections are the very best and he was perhaps the most overlooked footballer of his time.

In the main, the famous footballers in the company of their wives are seen as gentlemen who This fascinating and often hilarious autobiography enjoyed their soccer tournaments, organised by

by Verwood man Brian McIntyre has been longBrian well into their veteran years. awaited by all who know him and will appeal to The author also details his long-standing football fans and those with a sense of adventure. friendship with philanthropist Henrik Lorenz, Brian is the only person to have been arrested who died in 2006 and left behind an and charged for the same murder three times. Not incredible legacy. funny considering he was innocent, but it makes Brian had a variety of jobs, including interesting reading. one with Viewpoint Magazine in the late There are many laugh-out-loud moments, 90s. At the time, he would regale the including the story about the mysterious office with hilarious stories about his Walter Pumplier, who was signed up to the life. Now he has written them down, Semarang Mess and received regular everyone can share them. expenses. It took Brian five months to The one thing he never track him down, only to discover he revealed though, until now, was didn’t exist. the £37,000 bet he made on With so much packed into this book, behalf of a major league it will have you hooked and once you get football club on the 1987 into the mindset of the man FA Cup Final that couldn’t who wrote it, you will find fail to win. A few more it compelling. In places Brian’s in this world there are paragraphs would make it spin a bit that need unravelling and faster – and definitely no conversations that could be match fixing. better organised, but it’s an You can purchase exceptional life story written ‘Have Boots will in the author’s own voice.

Travel’ from www.

He charts his involvement havebootswilltravel.co.uk with amateur football in a variety of for £12.99.

Brian McIntyre with his book countries, including being captain

Brian James McIntyre

REVIEW BY JANINE PULFORD

At the launch, Taffy Richardson, Harry Redknapp, Andy Culliford and Brian McIntyre

Brian is donating the profit from sales to local firefighter and semi-professional footballer Andy Culliford. In 2011 and aged only 32, Andy was diagnosed with ALS, the most common form of motor neurone disease. He requires expensive medication not available on the NHS, costing £400 a day.

CONSERVATORY PROBLEMS HIGHLIGHTED IN RECENT SURVEY A recent online survey has revealed a number of issues for UK conservatory owners A conservatory is an expensive addition to your home, supposedly extending your home’s living space; however a recent survey of UK conservatory owners found that over 86% of them had at least one problem with their conservatory, an average of 2.66 problems per home.

The majority said they don’t use their conservatory as much as they’d like. Only 4 in 10 conservatories are used weekly or more, mainly used only at times of year when the temperature allows.

The most common problem found was the conservatory being too hot in the summer, with 91% of people having this as their main problem. Temperatures can be unbearable in the summer, with recorded temperatures inside glassroofed conservatories topping 52 degrees. Even with windows open and blinds closed, it can be too hot to sit in and enjoy.

Other common problems listed included freezing temperatures in winter, leaks, noise in bad weather, glare on television screens and

faded furniture. Some reportedly only use the space for storing drinks when the fridge is too full at Christmas.

Most conservatories have either a polycarbonate or glazed roof, which have been the most common conservatory roofing materials for the last 40 years. While they allow lots of light in (sometimes too much), they are the principle cause for the issues. Apparently 82% of conservatory owners are looking into solutions that could make their conservatory usable and comfortable all year round.

There are lots of options to help with these common problems, among them are blinds, air conditioning or heating and a comprehensive roof replacement.

With so many different options, prices and levels of quality and durability, you will want to do you research. A good place to start would be searching online, comparing companies and looking at independent review sites such as www.checkatrade.com.

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

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in correspondence

Chivalry on the road Perhaps you wouldn’t expect chivalry on the road these days, but two guys each took the trouble to stop on a busy road in Verwood to offer me assistance.

I had had a double blow-out and managed to struggle from just outside the Morrisons supermarket to the comparative quietness of Burnbake Road. The first man, driving a small commercial van, stopped and assessed the dilemma. He asked my permission to ring a Verwood tyre firm and

arranged for them to come out. Once satisfied he could do no more, he took his leave before I could thank him properly or ask his name.

A second man, a mobile mechanic Dale Kratzke of MVS also stopped and offered help.

He even offered to put my frozen purchases in his freezer as he lived nearby. When assured I was getting help, he went on to his lunch and I would like to thank him for his concern.

Verwood Tyre & Exhaust deserve a mention. Urged on by my first helper, they came out within 20 minutes, took away both wheels and were back within about half-anhour, fitted them and trusted me to follow them through Verwood to the Eblake Estate so I could pay the bill. This does restore the feeling that there are still a lot of good people on the road today.

Ken Horton West Moors Ken has told Viewpoint that he would like to track down the first man who offered assistance so he can thank him personally. Email editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk if you can help.

Asthma sufferers be weather aware The weather can mean the difference between life and death for someone with asthma. A change in weather can increase the risks of a potentially life-threatening asthma attack. Not only that but up to 80% of people with asthma also have hay fever, and high pollen levels can affect their asthma.

We urge readers who have asthma to check the Met Office weather and pollen forecasts daily; take their preventer medicines as prescribed and carry a reliever inhaler (often blue-coloured) at all times in case of an asthma attack.

To find out more goto www. asthma.org.uk or call our team of friendly nurses on the Asthma UK Helpline 0300 222 5800.

Andrew Proctor Director of Advice and Support Asthma UK

PPS in a different light As CEO of The British Polio Fellowship, I’m delighted to announce our latest project to raise awareness of the late effects of Polio and Post Polio Syndrome (PPS). We’ll be projecting the colours of British Polio’s PPS Day emblem onto high-profile landmark buildings across the UK on 22 October and we’re extremely pleased to confirm the first landmark building as the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

We’re urging anyone responsible for landmark buildings across the country to get involved.

I’m really looking forward to seeing our colours on some of the country’s most iconic examples of architecture. Thank you to the Millennium Bridge for getting the ball rolling. Please call Fatema at British Polio Fellowship on 0800 043 1935 for more information.

Ted Hill MBE CEO, The British Polio Fellowship

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New Forest photo favourites Over 2,200 votes have been cast and the winners chosen in a competition to find the best summer snap of the New Forest, with more than 160 photos submitted between 20 July and 3 August.

© Nick May

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Pictures of ponies and butterflies were among the prize-winning images in the summer edition of the ‘Seasonal Snaps’ photo contest, organised by the New Forest National Park Authority.

Photographers submitted their photos on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and a judging panel chose a winner.

Three more winners were chosen by a public vote on the National Park Authority’s Facebook page. The winners are: • Nick May, pony at Hatchet Pond near Beaulieu (Judges’ Pick) • Charmaine Mactaggart, pony near Setley Pond, Brockenhurst • Sandy Bemister, ponies at Whitten Pond near Burley • Daniel Brown, butterfly at Deadman Hill near Godshill Seasonal Snaps runs three times each year. The autumn 2015 competition dates are 4 to 18 November. For more details visit www.newforestnpa. gov.uk/seasonalsnaps.

Townswomen’s Guild meeting in Verwood Members of the Townswomen’s Guild were pleased to welcome Brian Cumming of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, at a recent meeting.

Resplendent in his scarlet coat and decorated with medals, he described his life at the Royal Hospital, the home of the Chelsea

Pensioners for over 320 years, having been founded by King Charles II in 1681 as a home for soldiers who were no longer fit for duty. Nowadays, the average age of the residents is 84 years with the eldest reaching 104, and most regularly present for the Sunday morning parade and

inspection.

A report was read out on the recent National AGM in Glasgow, in which two guild members had presented a mandate for debate and had subsequently been presented to Princess Anne, Patron of the Townswomen’s Guild.

RED-HANDED ROBBER JAILED FOR 3 YEARS A Bournemouth man has been jailed for three years after being convicted of robbing a bank by threatening staff with a bomb.

Russell Gordon Napier, 46, pleaded guilty to robbery at Bournemouth Crown Court and was sentenced on 23 July.

The court heard that at 4.30pm on 15 June, Napier went into NatWest Bank on Christchurch Road in Boscombe, approached the till and said, “I’ve got a bomb under here, give me money.”

He repeated the threat several times and gestured to his stomach. He then demanded the cashier place cash in a white plastic bag.

The cashier did so but also placed a security dye pack amongst the cash.

Napier fled the scene with a substantial quantity of money but a short time later the dye pack activated covering the defendant and cash in red dye. This caused Napier to drop some of the money in a nearby supermarket.

Officers searched the area and found Napier sitting on the kerb in a car park on Hawkwood Road with red dye on his face and hands. When asked to stand up, a large quantity of cash fell from his T-shirt.

Detective Constable Ben Griffin, of Bournemouth CID, said, “I hope this sentence sends out a very strong message that anyone convicted of robbery will be caught and treated robustly by the courts.” He praised the quick-thinking cashier for putting the security dye pack in the bag, which undoubtedly led to Napier being caught and convicted.

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

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in health & fitness

Partnership secures NHS services at Christchurch Hospital The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (RBCH) and local developers Quantum Group have embarked on a joint venture that will help secure NHS services on the Christchurch site and offer senior living and care to the community.

A high-quality, 80-bed care home and 35 stylish senior living apartments will be built near the front of the Christchurch Hospital site in Fairmile Road. The residential care home, Fairmile Grange, will provide specialist nursing and dementia care. It will be run separately from RBCH as a commercial venture, but will create the much needed, high-quality care beds that are lacking locally.

Many facilities for patients are being improved, including a new entrance and X-ray department, as well as a new GP surgery, plus a pharmacy and community clinics.

Work on Fairmile Grange and the 35 apartments has now started and is expected to be completed in summer 2016. The care home will create around 100 jobs, benefitting the local economy.

CLIC Sargent helps families cope with cancer (l-r) Patrick Kneafsey, Construction Director at Quantum Group, and Edwin Davies, Associate Director of Estates at RBCH, with staff from Christchurch Hospital

Richard Renaut, Chief Operating Officer at RBCH, said: “We are really excited about this joint venture and the many benefits it will bring to our patients and the people of Christchurch, who have shown so much support for us over the years.

The one and two bedroom apartments will boast large windows, luxury kitchens, accessible bathrooms and under-floor heating. The marketing launch for the apartments will start in early 2016.

If you would like to register your interest in a Platinum Skies property, please call 01202 476960.

To find out more about the development at Christchurch Hospital, go to www.rbch.nhs.uk/ christchurch

Help CLIC Sargent support families coping with the impact of a cancer diagnosis by taking on their £170 challenge.

Why £170? Because that’s the grant CLIC Sargent gives to families after a child is diagnosed with cancer, to help with unexpected costs. Money may seem unimportant when a child is diagnosed with cancer, but families often find that their costs go up and their income goes down.

Get together with friends, family and colleagues and help CLIC Sargent support children with cancer by introducing the Power of Cake this September and hold a cake sale, or Go Retro and have a dress down day at work.

If you want to get involved, contact Joy Morley on Joy.Morley@clicsargent.org.uk for a helpful pack.

A cocktail of ways to help local cancer sufferers

C

ocktail-lovers will soon be able to support local cancer sufferers by enjoying their favourite Cosmopolitan.

The Penn Central bar in Penn Hill, Poole, is the latest business to agree to take part in Dorset Cancer Care Foundation’s (DCCF) fundraising Awareness Week, which runs from September 12 to 19.

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Throughout the week, proceeds from every Cosmopolitan ordered at the bar will go to the charity, to fund grants for cancer sufferers and their families.

DCCF fundraiser Diane Bird said: “Businesses are coming up with all manner of ways to raise money for us, but Penn Central’s Cosmo is certainly one of the tastiest.

“While we at DCCF don’t want to encourage people to drink too much, we’d love it if they enjoyed one or two for us!”

The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation was set up in 2012 to provide practical

help for people and families affected by cancer.

Every penny raised by the charity stays in Dorset and helps fund individual grants for anything from a new specialist bed, to a wig following chemotherapy, childcare for someone undergoing treatment and even hospital car parking.

Since launching its Awareness Week in March, more than 150 local businesses have already signed up to take part, hosting events, raffles, having dress-up days or just simply displaying one of DCCF’s collecting boxes.

Shiraz Laraba, manager of Penn Central said: “We take great pleasure from supporting local charities and were very impressed by the practical ways DCCF helps local people who are struggling with cancer.

DCCF is looking for more businesses and organisations to take part in its Awareness Week.

The week runs from 12-19 September and the charity can supply free banners, balloons and collecting tins.

For more information contact Diane Bird on 07718 318735 or email dibirddccf@ outlook.com

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Insight into workhouses JULIAN HEWITT, FORDINGBRIDGE MUSEUM

Many readers will have noticed that work has begun on the conversion of the old workhouse buildings in Fordingbridge to residential accommodation A parliamentary report of 1777 recorded a parish workhouse in Fordingbridge with about 70 poor inmates. It was located in Shaftesbury Street and was probably roughly where the old cinema is located today. In the 1780s there was a bill for thatching the building and a letter of application from a Mr Thompson for the post of master of the workhouse. He was 28 years old and was an educated teacher and had been married for five years but had no children, ‘nor none likely to have’. His wife had been brought up in the workhouse, ‘and understands the business very well’. The salary was one guinea a month plus board and lodging. By 1890 the master of the workhouse was being paid £24 a year.

Many of the poor at that time would receive outdoor relief.

This was a system by which the poor would be supported with money from the rates so that they could live independently.

Only in extreme circumstances would they have to be admitted to the workhouse.

In the early 19th century all this was to change. The end of the war with the French had resulted in large numbers of unemployed ex-soldiers returning to the county, many of them having been disabled in battle. There was also an agricultural depression, which was exacerbated by the development of farm machinery that replaced farm jobs. The number of people who relied on outdoor relief increased dramatically and some of the ratepayers resented paying the money to support the poor.

In 1834 a report was produced that was designed to reduce the cost of poor relief. The report suggested that outdoor relief caused farmers to pay low wages because they knew that these would be topped up to bare subsistence levels from the poor rates. The Poor Law act of 1834 abolished outdoor relief and set up Poor Law Unions to provide workhouses in groups of parishes. The report asserted that

Men would be made to do jobs such as breaking stones or crushing rotting bones...

poverty was caused by the fecklessness of individuals rather than economic and social conditions. It therefore concluded that workhouses should provide a penal labour regime where unpleasant work, confinement and prison-like discipline would ensure that only the very desperate would enter the workhouse.

On entering the workhouse, personal possessions would be taken away and impersonal uniforms would have to be worn. Families would be split up, with men, women and children housed in separate buildings with little or no contact. Men would be made to do jobs such as breaking stones or crushing rotting bones whilst women would be made to pick oakum, which was tar-coated rope. This hard labour was the same as that used as a punishment in prisons and was devastating for the health of the inmates.

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

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RINGWOOD NEWS

Continued from front page

Cllr Christopher Treleave

Ringwood makes history O

ver 60 members of the public turned out and took their places on benches surrounding the central table of councillors in Gateway Square. Microphones and loud speakers enabled everyone to hear what business was being conducted.

At the start of the meeting a grant of £500 from the council was presented to Troop X Company Army Cadet Force and a cheque for £200 was presented to the council to go towards the new skatepark.

Then referring to the turnout, the mayor said, “It’s a splendid evening.” He commented that there were probably more people at the open air

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meeting than would normally attend during an entire year of council meetings.

The business agenda was followed by a public session. Some residents who asked to speak raised concerns over the new Furlong Shopping Centre Development, trying to save the old cinema and the possibility of a new Arts Centre at Greyfriars.

After the meeting, the mayor said, “I am extremely pleased with the way the meeting went and it is a credit to those who attended and voiced their opinions in an informative and amicable way.

I will be asking my fellow councillors to repeat this event sometime in the future.”

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I will be asking my fellow councillors to repeat this event sometime in the future

RINGWOOD NEWS - advertisement feature -

About RFM Windows Ltd RFM Windows has been building its reputation in Hampshire and Dorset since 2007. The directors have over 45 years’ experience between them within the window industry.

“We don’t employ salesman as we don’t believe in high pressure sales techniques, the products and service sell themselves with 90% of our sales coming from returning customers and recommendations,” says director Andy Legg, “and the company prides itself on selling high quality products at a fair price.

“Every job is tailored to our customers,” adds Andy. “Our windows and doors are individually made to fit perfectly. All of our fitting teams are directly employed and have passed the FENSA Minimum Technical Competency examination. This ensures that the windows and doors you have carefully chosen are fitted properly, with care and attention to detail.

“When you decide to carry out home improvements, be it replacing doors and windows, adding a porch or conservatory or cladding, renewing guttering, fascia and soffits, you can be assured that RFM Windows operate to the highest standards.”

RFM Windows’ Ringwood showroom has a wide range of the latest doors and windows available. Feel free to visit for a no obligation quotation.

2014 London Irish rugby camp at Ellingham and Ringwood RFC - over 80 children attended

Premiership coaching London Irish, the Premiership Rugby Club, will be in Ringwood to host a three-day rugby camp from 24-26 August as part of ERRFC’s (Ellingham and Ringwood RFC’s) Rugby World Cup festivities.

It will cater for players aged 6–16. Children do not need to be members of ERRFC to take part and can book for one, two or three days.

ERRFC has a strong academy setup and focuses on rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship. With over 300 boys and girls playing rugby, the academy has enjoyed great form in recent seasons. The camps provide a good mix of technical coaching, fun and excitement.

For more details of the coaching clinic visit www.errfc.com

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

| 15

RINGWOOD NEWS

Royal seal of approval for New Forest almshouses

Work to transform historic almshouses in Emery Down near Lyndhurst has received a Royal seal of approval.

The 140-year-old Victorian Boultbee Cottages have been given a prestigious award by the Prince of Wales after undergoing a £600,000 restoration programme.

Jan Smart, Chairman of the trustees, said, “This is an unexpected honour and marks the completion of a long and frequently daunting project. Emery Down is a very small village and without local support the plan to restore and extend the Almshouses would never have been attempted. The renovated cottages are a source of pride and the homes they provide are a joy to their tenants.”

Almshouses provide affordable housing for the

vulnerable or needy and are run by local charitable trusts. The Emery Down Almshouses Trust has spent over five years raising the funds to restore and extend the five cottages that had become uninhabitable.

Prince Charles is the patron of the Almshouses Association and gave his Patron’s Award to the Emery Down scheme, one of only two awarded this year. The award celebrates excellence in architectural and living standards and recognises

outstanding projects and developments.

The trustees are hoping the Prince will visit the Grade II listed cottages to present the plaque personally.

Today there are around 1,800 almshouse charities.

They provide 31,000 almshouses in the United Kingdom, accommodating around 36,000 people.

Much-needed donations can be sent to: Clerk to the Trustees Roger Riley, Home Farm, Emery Down, Lyndhurst, SO43 7FH.

Ringwood Super-Band

Rocks Out Ringwood and Burley Band, under their new Musical Director Lloyd Rayner, joined forces with the Ringwood Rock Choir, directed by Natasha Willis, for a successful and wellattended concert in Ringwood Parish Church on Sunday 5 July.

The band played a variety of toe-tapping music, which included film soundtracks such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Breezin’ Down Broadway - a selection from many well-known shows - and the popular marches Montreal Citadel and Star Lake. The choir

performed several tuneful melodies from their repertoire, such as How Deep Is Your Love and Something Inside So Strong.

The concert was very well received, and the new super-band hopes to make music together again soon.

Peridot

– August Birthstone

By David at Field’s Jewellers

Many gemstones come in a variety of colours but the August birthstone, peridot, is always a pale green, ranging from olive to lime hues. Its gentle and mild green colour goes well in silver and platinum jewellery. It can be difficult to cut as it can crack easily, but once the cutting is done, it is a stone that is easy to wear and does not need any particular special care.

Peridot is a gem that has been around for thousands of years and has been found in ancient Egyptian jewellery.

It forms within the earth and is brought to the surface by volcanoes. In Hawaii this gemstone symbolises the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes.

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RINGWOOD NEWS

Hampshire Cameraman undertakes 800km trek for charity A freelance cameraman from Ringwood, Hampshire, is currently trekking over 800km (500 miles) across France and Spain to raise money for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) Action.

James Light, 33, began his journey on 6 July from Saint-JeanPied-de-Portin in France, and will end up in Finisterre on the western Spanish coast. The walk is dedicated to the memory of his brother, David, who suffered from epilepsy and sadly passed away in 2001.

James trained for the trek with regular 20-mile walks and aimed to raise £450 for SUDEP. Now over 300km in, James’ sister Helen reports that he is tired but thoroughly enjoying the walk and all the people he has met along the way. He has stayed in several interesting places overnight, including a monastery, and has already raised well over his target, with the money raised currently amounting to £1,290.

Prior to the start of the expedition, James commented: “I’m very excited to begin the trek for a charity so close to my heart. It’ll be a challenge but I’ve been inspired to fulfill my dreams of exploring and to

raise as much money as possible for such a great cause, which helps so many.”

There are at least three epilepsyrelated deaths a day in the UK, the majority of which are Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.

SUDEP care for bereaved relatives and friends, and work with families and professionals to make change and raise awareness of epilepsy. They use research and awareness to strive to find the answers that will save lives.

To donate to James, please visit: https://www. justgiving.com/ thefrenchway

So? What is a ShelterBox? Have you ever wondered what it must be like to be the victim of a disaster, to lose your home, and have to rely on living in a tent, especially in the winter months, with barely any possessions, whilst you rebuild your life?

On Saturday 22 August, the Rotary Club of Ringwood will be setting up a demonstration ShelterBox tent within the Furlong Centre and invites members of the public to sit inside to experience the feeling and imagine how they would cope in a disaster. Bring a camera, take a selfie inside the tent, and post it on your Facebook page!

A ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and vital supplies to support communities around the world that are overwhelmed by disasters or humanitarian crises, allowing them to

rebuild their lives in the aftermath of a devastating event.

Rotarians were recently out collecting for the Nepal disaster, and at least three of these ShelterBox tents were funded and deployed thanks to Ringwood’s generosity and compassion. A similar appeal went out previously for the Philippine disaster.

ShelterBox is the first project partner of Rotary International.

Rotarians and Rotaractors are the glue that binds ShelterBox together, by providing invaluable logistical support to the field operations and often acting as the first point of contact at the actual scene of the disaster.

For further information please go to the ShelterBox website at www. shelterbox.org.

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

| 17

RINGWOOD NEWS

Floats at the R

ready

ingwood Carnival, a spectacular annual event, will take place on Saturday 19 September. Led by the carnival queen Amy-Louise Hasted and her attendants Alanna Bingham and Molly Peters, the procession traditionally travels around the town twice. Once in the afternoon, starting at 2pm and again in the evening, starting at 7.15pm.

Meanwhile, on the village green from 12 noon, the crowds will find entertainers, stalls, food and plenty of fun. Adam’s Fun Fair will be there too and sparks will fly on carnival day at 9.30pm with a firework display.

Road closures in the town centre will be in place between 1.30pm-4.15pm and 6.30pm-9.30pm.

Anyone wishing to get involved in the event either as a stallholder on the village green, or as a volunteer to help the carnival committee, or by entering a float into the procession, get in touch at www.ringwoodcarnival.org or Tweet @RwoodCarnival

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VIEWPOINT August 2015

local

Dorset badger cull could go ahead

Winning comes naturally

Applications have been submitted to Natural England to carry out badger culls in Dorset later this year, to the disappointment of Dorset Wildlife Trust. DWT believes there are more effective and reliable ways of controlling Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB), such as better biosecurity, badger vaccination and, in the long term, cattle vaccinations. As such, the wildlife conservation charity has been carrying out a badger vaccination programme in west and north Dorset.

Chief Executive of DWT, Dr Simon Cripps, says that scientific evidence indicates that the cull will not reduce Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle. The problem could be made worse, as it could increase the number of infected badgers in an area previously cleared of badgers and risk contact with uninfected cattle.

To find out more about DWT’s badger vaccination programme visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ badgers.

Dorset Water Softeners, a family-run business based in Ferndown, scooped four prestigious top awards at the Industry Awards Dinner earlier this year.

“It is an incredible achievement to have received this recognition. The business originally was part of our plumbing company but two years ago, we decided that it was time to concentrate on one thing - water softeners,’’ said Paul Webb, one of the

© Wild Stock

Dorset Water Softeners receiving an award from Harveys Water Softeners

owners. “It has been great to offer a solution to the hard water in our area with great British products. My team have done amazingly well and I would like to thank all of our loyal customers who have supported us throughout the year.”

Free defibrillator training The Royal British Legion Club in Ferndown is offering free training in association with Community Heartbeat Trust on how to use a defibrillator.

The training will be provided at the club in Church Road, Ferndown on Wednesday 2 September 10am–12 noon.

Participants will receive a certificate at the end of the course, and may stay for lunch at Ferndown RBL Club after the training if they wish. To book, call 01202 877706 or email admin@rblferndown.org

The Mayor of Ringwood, Cllr Michael Thierry hands the grant to cadets

Cadets boosted by council grant Troop X Company Army Cadet Force received a council grant of £500 towards the purchase of new equipment. The grant was presented by the mayor at the first ever open air, full council meeting of Ringwood Town Council in Gateway Square on 29 July 2015.

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

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising feature

TITIO

E COM P

N

HO HE S

TT SP O

P!

How well do you know Verwood?

The advertisers on these pages have joined in with our competition to test your knowledge and give you the chance to win a £60 shopping voucher courtesy of mags4dorset.

All you have to do is study the photographs and marry each one up with the correct advertiser in this feature. Some are harder than others, but if you know Verwood well, you will know them all. If you’re not so familiar, tear out the centre pages, take a walk around Verwood and see if you can identify them. Here’s a clue: they are not all in the town centre.

For your chance to win, enter online at www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your answers on a postcard to Spot the Shop, mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown BH22 9EN. Closing date is 7 September 2015. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. The £60 voucher must be spent at one of the businesses advertising on this feature and you must nominate your preferred retailer on your entry. Employees of Page & Pulford Ltd and the participating traders are not permitted to enter. The editor’s decision is final. The voucher will be valid for 30 days from the date of issue and if not spent in store is worth £0.001p

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VIEWPOINT August 2015

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising features

- advertising feature -

A

B

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F

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Billy Andrews hands over the apron strings Former owner of AW Andrews Butchers in Verwood, Billy Andrews, has handed over the apron strings to new owners Mark Drinkall and Martin Moores, the first non-family owners since the thriving shop was opened in 1954.

Mark and Martin began their careers in the butchers’ trade after leaving school in 1986 and 1988 respectively, and both worked at AW Andrews for several years before taking it over themselves.

They source their produce from as nearby as possible, and there is a wide variety of largely local products on offer: the lamb, beef and pork is delivered from Bridport, chicken is supplied from a little further afield in Norfolk, the fruit and veg on offer comes from Woodlands, the bread from Ringwood, and the cheeses and preserves are from Dorset.

Several homemade pies have also been added to the counter, as well as more varieties of sausage. Martin says the ‘Dorset Glory’ sausage is their “biggest seller,” a favourite that “flies out the door.” They also cook their own hams and make burgers themselves, and sell fresh fish from Poole every Friday. What more could you want?

The duo have decided to keep

the name of the shop as it is, fully affirming the phrase, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!’ But there are plans to replace the shop awning and sign with newer, more pristine versions, and the pair has already carried out a lot of work refurbishing the meat preparation area, which has recently received a five star food hygiene rating.

Mark and Martin would like to personally thank Billy for the opportunity and his support. As the shop was already a well-oiled machine, there was no need to change a thing. They’ve maintained the “same family atmosphere”, adding a few more lines to expand the already large selection on offer.

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

| 21

local

Over £30,000 raised in 24 hours

Rock Choir

Matthew Cuff

mags4dorset’s charity of the year: Relay For Life Bournemouth and East Dorset, held on the running track behind Ferndown Leisure Centre, broke all expectations by raising over £30,000 for Cancer Research UK It opened with an inspiring survivors’ lap of honour and continued for 24 hours over the weekend of 11 and 12 July.

Committee chairperson Karen Lynch said, “Our aim was to raise £10,000 this year to take us over the £200,000 mark since the relay started in Ferndown in 2008, but we’ve more than tripled it.”

Karen thanked everyone who took part and helped with the organisation of the event, which went without a hitch. She said 24 teams and a total of 340 relay participants, including 40 survivors, spent 24 hours walking or running around the track. At least one participant from each team had to be on the track for the duration of the relay and teams camped nearby so they could take it in turns to rest, while their fellow team members carried on. There was food, drink and entertainment throughout the weekend.

The Candle of Hope ceremony took place

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VIEWPOINT August 2015

at 10pm on Saturday (11 July) and included a silent lap of the track by the participants, organisers and visitors. Lit by almost 1,000 candles placed inside decorated bags to commemorate survivors or in memory of lost ones, it was a moving experience. Editor of 4Dorset, Janine Pulford attended with her family, having seen both her sister Lesley and 14-year-old niece Maya lose their battle with cancer within seven months of each other.

She said, “The silent lap was a very emotional journey and brought home the raw fact that everyone is affected by this indiscriminate killer. It was equally emotional to see how united people are against the disease and the huge determination they have to raise money for research so that one day ‘we can beat it’.”

Anyone wishing to donate to Relay For Life, Bournemouth and East Dorset should contact Karen Lynch on 01202 537624 or email r4lbournemouth@gmail.com

advertising features

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

ORIGINALLY PART OF WOOLSBRIDGE FARM, WOOLSBRIDGE INDUSTRIAL PARK NOW HAS OVER 50 BUSINESSES SITUATED ON IT AND IS STILL GROWING. THE SITE, WHICH CAME INTO BEING IN THE MID-70S IS OWNED AND MANAGED BY ANKERS & RAWLINGS In recent years, the businesses have formed a community and set up the 3X Business Watch.

Situated in a country setting, with a pub at the entrance - the original Woolsbridge Farmhouse - the

industrial park offers a good mix of large and small businesses.

The farmhouse was reputed to have been sold in 1919 for the princely sum of ÂŁ83, how times have changed.

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

| 23

f u n t a e r G local

KRAZY KEV

H, BRENDA GAIT AND DERICK SMIT LIONS ‘WIN A PUPPY’ STALL

from Sturt to finish!

py Joe’s)

CLAUDIA, SANDRA & JOE (Slop

West Moors Fun Day at the Farm attracted the crowds on 18 July

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VIEWPOINT August 2015

IAIN MITCHELL, PARISH CRIER OF WEST MOORS

There were stalls and activities spread across several fields belonging to Sturts Farm as well as a stage for live bands, an arena for children’s entertainment, tractor and train rides, homemade food and a licensed bar selling beer, wine and refreshing Pimms.

FAMILY DAY OUT

local

COWGIRL FREDDA WITH HER OWNER JEAN ALLEN (1ST in fancy dress)

TANIA AND FAITH (3rd in fancy dress)

Well-behaved dogs competed against each other and the Best in Show was rescue dog Charlie. He is pictured here with members of his family: Megan holding the cup, Emma-Leigh holding the rosette, and Mum Lianne.

Much admired Charlie also won Best Rescue Dog at West Moors Fun Day.

25TH

LARMER TREE’S It’s hard to believe Larmer Tree Festival has been running for 25 years

Bill Bailey

In 1990 Dick Heckstall-Smith headlined a bill of just six bands. The festival ran from midday until midnight and an audience of 150 turned up.

The line up in 2015 was brimful of top musicians and comedy acts. Bill Bailey, Levellers, Coco and the Butterfields, the FB Pocket Orchestra, Swingrowers, Show of Hands, Sara Pascoe, Russell Kane, Jimmy Cliff and Andy Kershaw DJ were just a few.

But the opening headline act really did Larmer Tree proud. Sir Tom Jones not only sold out on the original opening night, but due to overwhelming demand, he agreed to appear the night before, to make the festival’s 25th anniversary a six day extravaganza.

Reviews of Sir Tom Jones and comedian Bill Bailey’s performances can be found online at www.mags4dorset.co.uk

FESTIVAL

Tom Jones

Photos © Catchbox

CoCo and the Butterfields

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

| 25

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

advertising feature

MEETtheTEAM It’s always good to know who you’re dealing with when it comes to local businesses. As you will see, there are many friendly faces on these two pages and the teams will greet you with smiles, ready to help with your enquiries. Benson, Squidge and Higgins are the exceptions, but when you find out who they are, you will know why.

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VIEWPOINT August 2015

advertising features

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

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

| 27

S D N A P X E ty ri a h c y it il Woofab S S E C C U S f o rs a e y e v fi following local

PERFECT PARTNERSHIP: Woofability’s Jet delivers

by Jasmine Watkiss

Andy and Monty

DORSET-BASED CHARITY WOOFABILITY PROVIDES ASSISTANCE DOGS TO ADULTS AND CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES OR LONG-TERM ILLNESSES, HELPING TO IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE

H

aving been a highly successful local charity since 2010, the group is now expanding into Berkshire and Surrey. This is a fitting

legacy to one of the charity’s founders, Jenny Clarke, who sadly died almost a year ago.

The pint-sized team of five, headed by cofounder Andy Clarke, works tirelessly to run and promote the charity’s growing mission. The expansion into Berkshire and Surrey will require more staff, and the charity is in the process of applying for a Lottery Grant to fund more salaries.

At present, Woofability owns 54 dogs, 31 of which have already been placed with partners.

Some of these partnerships are with disabled adults and children who are wheelchair users; others are people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The team also trains disabled people’s own dogs, and has more recently started training support dogs for children with autism and Down’s syndrome.

In special cases, they can even train dogs for people with epilepsy or diabetes, which involves a similar training process to that of police dogs. A medical assistance dog can alert a person up to 40 minutes before an epileptic fit will occur, due to a change in body odour, which can help avoid potentially dangerous situations. The assistance dog’s heightened sense of smell also allows them to detect human blood sugar levels.

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VIEWPOINT August 2015

The latest Woofability recruits are eight-weekold retrievers. As with all puppies, they will be looked after by the team until they are a year old.

Then begins a two-year training programme, in which the dogs are sent out to live with socialisers – a person or family in their own home – for short periods of time; usually a weekend up to three weeks. A Woofability dog will live with around 25 to 30 different socialisers in this two-year period.

In this way, the dogs are socialised by interacting with people of all ages in a variety of different environments, and gain valuable life-experience, without getting too attached to anyone.

The dogs are personally matched with a partner at three years of age, as mature and experienced adult dogs, which is a unique Woofability policy.

When settled with a partner, Andy or one of the team visits them every three months for life, as they remain the property of the charity and are given on a loan basis. Andy says, “By the time of the six-month visit, the dog will have formed a lifetime bond with the partner.”

Dogs will be retired when they reach 11 or 12 years of age. High demand for assistance dogs has caused the charity to start planning a breeding programme of their own.

The charity is involved with local schools, having just completed a ‘Reading Project’ pilot trial at St Joseph’s infant school in Wallisdown.

Monty the Golden Retriever has lived with the school’s headmistress and, in a project designed to help pupil’s literacy, 12 students who struggle with reading have

spent six months reading to Monty in one-on-one sessions. The programme allows the children to read aloud to Monty, and as he can’t correct any mistakes made, their confidence and self-esteem are boosted instead of lowered. They also feel privileged for spending time with the dog outside of class, and become more interested in reading.

What’s more, this programme helps Woofability with the socialisation process, as Monty is now comfortable around young children; all in all, a winwin situation.

The same style of programme has taken place in the US for over a decade, with outstanding results: if a child reads to a dog for two hours a week for six months, their reading level improves on average by a whopping two years, which produces a knock-on effect of accelerated academic progress and an improvement in behavioural problems.

Due to the success of the trial, Woofability is looking to extend the project to other schools in the area.

Woofability is attending several upcoming events. Having just appeared at the New Forest Show, the charity will go on to attend further shows at Romsey, Gillingham and Ellingham. Woofability is also West Quay’s charity of the year, the Southampton shopping centre is sponsoring a dog they named Pepper.

Andy explained there are many ways for the public to get involved, “You can make monthly donations from £3 upwards, and sponsoring a dog has an incentive as you get to name the dog yourself. “mags4dorset sponsored us during our first two years and held a competition to name one of our puppies. Her name is Magsie,” Andy added.

Four local schools each sponsor a dog, and Andy also mentioned that the charity is always looking for corporate sponsors. There are also several fundraising events coming soon: on 31 August, a ‘Woofability Plane Pull’ will take place at Bournemouth Airport, and there’s a black tie fundraiser ball at Dudsbury Golf Club on 26 September. Get involved and support this wonderful charity that is improving lives across the South.

Andy with Tom and Waffle

local

MONTHLY HOROSCOPES with RUSSELL GRANT AUGUST 2015 Any artistic endeavour is good at the end of August. The Full Moon on the 29th will bring a shocking secret to light. Prepare to change your opinion about a fellow worker you have always trusted.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21

The New Moon on the 14th could prompt you to make changes to your domestic routine. Be sure to attend a friend’s birthday party towards the end of August, or an angry encounter will ensue.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21

The second half of August is perfect for expanding your home or finding a bigger place to live. Don’t assume your boss will grant a request for time off at the end of the month. Your services may be needed.

VIRGO August 24 - September 23

Try not to be defensive with an authority figure during the second half of August.

Their questions are aimed at finding your strengths and weaknesses. The Full Moon on the 29th marks the end of a friendship with an overly demanding person.

LIBRA September 24 - October 23

AQUARIUS January 21 - February 19

The Full Moon on the 29th brings a health problem to light. If you’re going to get better, you will have to improve your diet, become more active and get more sleep.

Old habits will die-hard. Eventually, you’ll feel the benefits of your new regime and wonder why you ever resisted it.

SCORPIO October 24 - November 22

The Full Moon on the 29th will force you to defend your beliefs to a sceptical relative or colleague. Try not to get too personal when making your case. Better yet, just don’t discuss such a personal issue.

The second half of August proves quite sociable. Be sure to attend as many parties as possible. Spending time with friends helps put your life in a healthier perspective. The Full Moon on the 29th brings an end to a troubled romance. Although you’re sad to part ways, it’s a relief to escape all the fighting.

If you’re single, you may decide to abandon a creative pursuit that has been giving you grief.

LEO July 24 - August 23

SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21

CANCER June 22 - July 23

The Full Moon on the 29th warns against buying things on credit. If you take extra steps to conserve your resources, you’ll avoid a great deal of financial problems.

Focus on living beneath your means. The money you save will sustain you through lean times. It will also give you an extra measure of freedom.

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20

Be sure to negotiate a raise in the second half of August, when your powers of persuasion will be at an all time high. The Full Moon on the 29th warns of putting too much pressure on your best friend, lover, or business partner.

Your leadership ability will be applauded on the 23rd, when you’re put in charge of an important project. The Full Moon on the 29th prompts you to spend more time on domestic pursuits. A child needs your help with a difficult situation. This may require you to spend fewer hours at the office.

A friend will invite you along on a holiday or shopping spree on the 19th. Be sure to take plenty of photos, as you’ll want to remember this wonderful time. The Full Moon on the 29th brings about an ethical dilemma.

Obey your conscience.

PISCES February 20 - March 20

The second half of August proves very productive, when you’re able to team up with a creative colleague.

The two of you make a fantastic team and will produce impressive results. The Full Moon on the 29th prompts you to attend to some personal needs that aren’t being met by a partner.

FREEADS Proceed with caution when buying privately. mags4dorset cannot accept any liablity for transactions carried out as a result of responding to these freeads.

Scooter for the disabled. Needs attention, hence £50. Bargain.

Christchurch 01202 475155 Blue Guitar CD holder. Originally from Next. Will hold 21 CDs. Full instructions and template for positioning on wall. £3. Verwood 01202 827715 Dartington Crystal large daisy bowl ex condition. £15. Verwood.

01202 826153 Artistic blank Art Box canvas, 3 in total. All 3 for £10. Verwood.

01202 827715 Table tennis table wanted.

Ashley Heath. Ringwood. 01425 482664 Hayter self propelled motor mower, 16 inch cut, electric start, roller and grass box. Excellent condition. £150. Woodlands.

01202 822066

2 security grilles for window and door, white diamond pattern.

BGC. £120 ONO. Ferndown, 01202 875299

Haynes car repair manual for citroen C5 petrol/ diesel (014-08) As new, never been used. £12.50.

Fordingbridge. 07867 813213

Flymo garden vac, as new. £40.

Bowling ball, VGC. £30. Alderholt.

01425 657518

Binatone telephone system, 4 handsets and answerphone. £20.

Ringwood, 01425 480337

Bird cage, 24in (w) x 14in (d) x 28in (h) and stand 20in (w) x 12in x 26in. £25. West Moors. 01202 893760

3’ single divan bed, unused. Cost £200 new. £90. West Moors 01202 280807

TV stand, plate glass and chrome, 70cm (w) x 45cm (d) x 50cm (h).

Immaculate. £35 ono. Verwood.

01202 824854 Private Eye magazine, 480 issues, covering issue 905 to present. £125. West Moors. 01202 870262

Hardwood oval garden table and 4 director chairs. Table measures 1.5m x 1.0m x 700 high. £99.99.

Ringwood 01425 470079 Roberto Vianni ladies black leather boots, calf length, size 6, zip-up leg, comfy and stylish. £10.

Fordingbridge, 07867 813213

Ladies’ mixed clothes, three sacks, some men’s. £10.

Ringwood. 01425 471682

Car-boot items, golf bag & clubs, toys, 2 scooters, curtains, books and loads more. £25 the lot.

Ringwood. 01425 471682

Roger Black exercise/rowing machine, new. £60. Leafed table, light oak, white legs, seats six. £30. West Moors. 01202 871943

Ercol Round Table and four chairs, Immaculate condition, £550 ONO. Ferndown, 01202 875299

Large quantity of small bottles, early 1900, varying conditions.

Accepting offers from collectors.

Ringwood, 01425 472657

Janome 9000 memory cards, various numbers. £20 each.

Alderholt. 01425 652035

Exercise machine. Pro fitness air cross trainer. Exercise monitor with functions (calories, speed, etc). As new. £35. Ringwood, 01425 473637

David Winter Cottages, in boxes. £30-£60. Colehill. 01202 886054

Yamaha PSR-80 electric organ.

Comes with stand and stool, variety of ‘teach yourself’ books and CDs. £80. West Moors 07851 640416

2 wood and metal wine racks, each holds 36 bottles. £25.

Ringwood, 01425 470533

WANTED – wooden playhouse. Will dismantle and collect. Good price paid. West Parley 01202 986127.

If you wish to advertise in this section, complete the form and send to mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Free insertions limited to two items per person.

Trade adverts must be paid for £30 per item plus VAT, max 25 words.

Name: ....................................................................................................

Address: ................................................................................................ ...............................................................................................................

Item for Sale (short description max 25 words): ............................... ............................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................

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

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Vector Graphics by VectorOpenStock.com

ARIES March 21 - April 20

in and around the area

what’s on

this month Alternate Wednesdays

Moonrakers Writers’ Workshop, 8pm to 10pm. Writing for Profit and Pleasure - chance to mingle with other groups - talks and competition, plus feedback on all works. Meetings are held in Corfe Mullen. Contact Veronica 01202 696436. email: ronniewilt79@gmail.com

Until 31 August 10am-4.45pm Mon - Sat, 1pm-5pm Sunday

Ringwood Art Society’s 47th summer exhibition, Greyfriars Community Centre, 44 Christchurch Road, Ringwood, BH24 1DW. Free entry, parking and wheelchair access. www.ringwoodartsociety.org or call David Lowe 01425 482602

Until 18 September

‘Life through the lens’ by Toni Poland LRPS - a variety of landscape, portraiture and animal photography on show at the Hub in Verwood. Toni Poland is more widely known under her married name of Toni Coombs and received her LRPS accreditation from the Royal Photographic Society in August 2014.

17 August 10.30am

Coffee morning in URC Hall, Verwood. All proceeds go to Cancer Research UK.

17 August 8pm

Alan Pickering’s Spirit of New Orleans at the Bournemouth Traditional Jazz Club, starting at 8pm. The club meets at the Bluebirds Social Club in Longham, BH22 9DP (opposite Haskins garden centre) and features a large dance floor, plenty of free car parking and affordable drinks.

30 |

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

18 August 7.30pm

Concert of popular music

by Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society at the Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne.

01202 590383

20 August 10am-12 noon

Your Care Home Questions Answered by Colten Care Homes at Local Epicentre Coffee Lounge, 137 Station Road, West Moors

22 August 1.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society summer show at West Moors Memorial Hall. 01202 871536

22 August 8pm

The Bernie Farrenden Jazz Delights Trio in the restaurant at The Nelson Tavern, 75 Mudeford, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 3NJ. Contact 01202 485 105 or enquiries@nelsontavern. com. Thai and English food.

Jazz starts at 8pm.

25 August 10am-12pm

Little Explorers: “Down in the Woods!” at The Priest’s House Museum & Garden, Wimborne Minster. Arts and crafts, stories and games for children 2 years+. Admission £1 per person, limited numbers, first come first served basis. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For further information, call the museum on 01202 882533 or visit our website at www.priest-house.co.uk

26 August 9.30am

Verwood U3A Open Day at Verwood Memorial Hall (not in September as reported in last month’s Viewpoint).

VIEWPOINT August 2015

26 August 7.30pm

Verwood Organ and Keyboard Society. Elizabeth Harrison playing a Roland Atelier at the Hub, Verwood. £7 (members £5). 01202 814976

27 August

Verwood Jazz Club presents the Fryer-Huggett All Stars, 8pm at “The Hideaway”, 17 Moorlands Road, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7PD. Tickets £11 on the door (£10 for members).

Doors open at 7pm. Contact 07798 721405. You can eat and drink in the restaurant or in the bar prior to the jazz, or in the function room.

27-30 August

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, at Purbeck Valley Farm, located just off main A351 in Harman’s Cross, 1 mile outside historic Corfe Castle village (will be well-signposted). Line-up includes Richard Thompson (Fri), Keston Cobbler’s Club (Sat) and Stornoway (Sun).

Tickets £120 adult, £60 youth and £20 child. Visit http://www. purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk for more info and to book.

28-31 August

Moto Guzzi International V-Twin Rally, Fordingbridge - big parade of motorbikes in the town - not to be missed.

29 August 9am-12pm Canford Classics Open Morning; join 150 Porsche enthusiasts from all over the UK. Canford Classics is a Porsche restoration/ servicing company. Venue: The Old Haybarn, Winterborne Kingston, Blandford Forum DT11 9AT. Complimentary refreshments provided by The Dancing Goat Coffee Roadshow and Fishface Catering. Tel: 01929 472221

29 August 10am-4pm

Artisan Market, Saxon Square, Christchurch. Local foods, arts and crafts.

29 August 12-4pm

Charity family fun day with bouncy castle, cakes, stalls, face painting, lucky dip, balloon modelling and much more.

The Hideaway, 17 Moorlands Road, Verwood, in aid of Bliss (premature babies).

29 August 12.30pm-4.30pm

Frogham Fair. Traditional fair with craft stalls and local produce. Paws For Thought Dog Display Team in the arena, terrier racing and wheelbarrow race. Traditional games, vintage cars and motorbikes. If you’re interested in a stall call Sue on 01425 652084.

29-30 August 12 noon-7pm

Party in the Park, Ashley Cross Green, BH14 8UF. 2 day festival of live music, market stalls, world cuisines, arts and crafts and more.

For ticket prices see website.

For information contact jane@janejonespr.co.uk or 01202 770160 www.partyintheparks.co.uk

30 August

Barrington coach tour to the Isle of Wight. Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits.

Comfort stop. Departing from Wimborne, West Moors and Ferndown. £25.50 pp.

01202 894858 barringtoncentre.co.uk

31 August 12 noon-5.30-ish

Verwood Rotary Rustic Fayre, now in its 22nd year – all the fun of a traditional family event at one great venue: Potterne Park, Verwood. Arena displays, stalls, car boot sale, classic cars, music, food, beer tent and lots more. Arena events include Crash and Fall Stunt Display Team, gun dog handling and tug of war with Hubby bear.

See you there on August Bank Holiday Monday!

31 August

The Dorset ‘Woofability’ Plane Pull, at Bournemouth Airport.

Attempt to pull a Boeing 737 over a distance of 50 metres!

For more information contact Woofability 07790 341721 or katie.woofability@gmail.com

2 September 10am-12 noon

Your Legal Questions Answered by Harold G Walker Solicitors at Local Epicentre Coffee Lounge, 137 Station Road, West Moors

2 September 12 noon Ferndown Probus Club lunch and talk ‘Victorian Urban Philanthropists’, Dudsbury Golf Club. 01202 875757

3 September

Wareham River Cruise – Barrington coach tour departing from Wimborne, West Moors and Ferndown.

After a gentle cruise up the scenic Wareham river you’ll have an hour-and-a-half ashore to visit the local market. There is also the option to have a fish and chip lunch for an additional cost. The coach tour and cruise is £14.90 per person.

01202 894858 www.barringtoncentre.co.uk

in and around the area

P

atrons of the Regent in Christchurch will be relieved to hear that the work on the new lavatories has been completed. In addition, the foyer coffee bar has had a full makeover.

Flushed with the success of the renovations, the management is aiming high and the new loos at the Regent promise to be the best in Christchurch.

Interestingly, when the Regent was built in 1931, indoor toilets were a rarity, with many houses only having an outdoor privy to retreat to, so once again the Regent, as the leading public building in Christchurch, will be boasting the latest in WC comfort and technology for the benefit of its patrons.

The number of cubicles in the ladies has doubled from three to six; there are additional facilities in the men’s toilets and improved access for the disabled toilet.

The project has cost around £100,000 and has been financed from the Regent

More bums on seats as Regent project is flushed with success Development Fund. Fifty pence from every ticket sold at the Regent goes towards the Regent Development Fund to improve facilities for the community. In addition, generous donations from the general public, a £2,500 donation from the Bournemouth Airport Community Fund and a £200 donation from the Twynham Forest Group of Women’s Institutes have also been used to help fund the new toilets and foyer coffee bar.

Regent Centre Manager, Greg Rawlings welcomed the opening of the new toilets: “It’s been worth every penny to have these new toilets up and running for our patrons. Their comfort and enjoyment is of paramount importance to all of us here at the Regent. All of our hard work is certainly paying off, because we have just heard that we have been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for achieving consistently outstanding reviews from visitors to the Regent.”

The Regent cinema, theatre and arts centre has faithfully served the entertainment needs of Christchurch and the surrounding area since it opened as the town’s cinema on Boxing Day 1931. It will continue with its exciting rolling programme of redecoration, repairs and refurbishment as part of the constant policy of improvement at the Centre.

Meanwhile, next time you visit, you’ll have nothing to ‘loos’ by experiencing that Regent flush of success for yourself.

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

| 31

Heads will turn skywards in and around the

area

Rust-arians at Potterne Park will make heads turn

Classic cars

Colin Bateman and the team promote this year’s event by raffling an AFC Bournemouth shirt

32 |

VIEWPOINT August 2015

After the deluge on August Bank Holiday Monday last year, the Rotarians of Verwood went a little rusty, but it didn’t put them off organising this year’s Rustic Fayre at Potterne Park in Verwood. ‘’Rusty’ Vern Harris, who has helped organise the event for 22 years said, “It was the first washout I can remember so we haven’t done too badly.”

He and his fellow Rotarians have organised an epic Rustic Fayre for 2015. As well as the usual stalls, beer tent, car boot sale and classic vehicle display, the arena events will have some exciting moments.

These include breathtaking stunts by Crash & Fall, Rossgarth YFC ‘minimatch and beat the goalie’, tug of

war with dear old Hubby Bear, Stephen Lamberth’s School of Tae Kwon-do and gun-dog handling.

Bands will be playing throughout the day and comedy pianist Matt Black, will be entertaining the crowds.

For the first time, there will be a corporate duck race in the River Crane with many local businesses going quackers over their ducks.

The Fayre will be opened at noon on 31 August by the carnival queen and will close with the unusual art of egg catching - see how far you can throw your egg before your partner misses a catch or gets splattered.

The Rustic Fayre may also be interrupted by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, so be ready to turn your head skywards.

Doreen and John Turner Entrance £4, enjoying a previous Rustic Fayre under 13s free.

in and around the area

Gimme, gimme, gimme COM P ETITI

ON

an evening with ABBA

COMPETITION WINNERS – Viewpoint July Tickets to see Michael Chapman at the Barrington Theatre – Sonja McGuirk, Fordingbridge (Answer: Hull) Tickets for return trip to Bournemouth Air Festival – Heather Ellis, Winchester, and Francine Johnson, West Moors (Answer: Red Arrows)

ABBA tribute band Gimme ABBA will be performing at the Barrington Theatre on 12 September, as part of their 2015 tour, in “a theatrical tribute to the greatest pop group in the world”.

The tribute band has had 14 years of success performing internationally in countries such as France, Holland, Germany, Spain, and Brazil, as well as all over the UK. The show is jam-packed with the Swedish export’s greatest and bestloved hits, “bring[ing] back the memories of that golden ABBA era”, in an unmissable evening.

The Barrington Theatre and mags4dorset have teamed up and are offering two tickets to see Gimme ABBA next month.

The show runs from 7.30pm to 10pm and tickets are worth £12.50 each. All you have to do is answer the following question to be in with a chance of winning:

What are the names of the original ABBA troupe?

Enter through our website www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your answer on a postcard to Gimme ABBA Competition, mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Closing date is 4 September 2015. The first correct entry drawn will be the winner. Employees of Page and Pulford Ltd and The Barrington Theatre are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative.

The editor’s decision is final.

Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements

Jun 2015

Pulford Publicity Limited (“the Publisher”) reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertisement without notice or explanation.

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

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

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

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

Cancellation of an advertisement must be advised in writing 28 days prior to copy date.

Unless agreed otherwise in writing by the Publisher the terms of payment for credit accounts are 10 days from date of invoice. Any discount, which the Publisher may have agreed with the advertiser will be forfeited in the event of failure by the advertiser to meet these credit terms. All rates quoted are subject to VAT at the current rate in force at the time the advertisement appears.

Copyright of advertisements produced wholly by the Publisher belongs to the Publisher. Advertisers may not reproduce such advertisments without the Publisher’s consent.

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

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

| 33

motoring

COMMEMORATIVE RUN:

Original photo

90th anniversary reconstruction

Blue Bird ‘flies’ across Pendine Sands

Pendine Sands came alive as hundreds of spectators watched a commemorative run of the iconic 350hp Sunbeam, on the 90th anniversary of Sir Malcolm Campbell’s World Land Speed Record of 150mph The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, marked the anniversary with a low speed demonstration run in the restored Sunbeam with Sir Malcolm’s grandson Don Wales at the wheel.

Don, who is also a Land Speed Record holder, said, “I was thrilled to be given this amazing opportunity to sit at the wheel of my grandfather’s car back at Pendine where he set his record. It was an honour both to follow in his footsteps and to drive this iconic car on such a special occasion.

“My grandfather was a remarkable man and for us to remember him and honour some of his achievements in this way is very humbling. I really must thank Beaulieu for this opportunity and for all the hard work the restoration team have done on her.”

The car was the brainchild of Sunbeam’s chief engineer and racing team manager, Louis Coatalen, and was constructed in Wolverhampton during 1919 and early 1920. Its power came from a modified 18.322 litre V12 Manitou Arab aero engine, as used on naval seaplanes.

34 |

VIEWPOINT August 2015

The Sunbeam, renamed Blue Bird by Campbell, holds three World Land Speed Records, the first achieved by Kenelm Lee Guinness at Brooklands in 1922 (133.75mph).

Campbell then purchased the car, had it painted in his distinctive colour scheme and in September 1924 achieved a new record of 146.16mph at Pendine, raising it the following year to 150.76mph.

Campbell then sold the Sunbeam and it passed through a number of owners and was in a poor condition when purchased by Lord Montagu in 1957, for his ever-expanding motor museum. It was restored to working order and when not on display, it was taken to motoring venues in the UK, Europe and as far afield as South Africa. Its last outing was at the British Automobile Racing Club Festival of Motoring at Goodwood in July 1962 when Lord Montagu took it on a 3-lap demonstration run and Donald Campbell did a lap d’Honneur.

During a test fire-up in 1993 to assess the car’s condition, disaster struck when a blocked

motoring oil way in the engine caused it to seize and ‘throw a rod’. For several years after that, the car was on display in the museum with a very visible hole in its engine where the piston and con-rod had exited.

In January 2014, following a complete mechanical rebuild undertaken by the National Motor Museum’s workshop team over a period of many years, the Sunbeam was fired-up again - the first time it had been heard in public in over 50 years. The following month, it was a star of the show at Retromobile, Paris and was also run at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Doug Hill, the National Motor Museum’s Manager and Chief Engineer, said, “When we were rebuilding the Sunbeam, I always hoped it would be finished by 2015 so we could run it here today on the 90th anniversary of its World Land Speed Record. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to Louis Coatalen, the designers, the engineers who built it and the people who developed it during its racing history. I am also indebted to our team of engineers and volunteers who have spent more than 2000 working hours returning it to running condition.”

Remove, secure, lock!

Dorset Police has launched a new vehicle crime awareness and prevention campaign to coincide with one of the busiest times of year – the summer school holidays.

Detective Inspector Andy Dilworth of Bournemouth Police Station says that a large amount of vehicle crime occurs in Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole during the summer months. Thieves target those who leave their vehicles unattended in deserted places for a long time.

“In this hot weather, people sometimes leave their windows open and doors unlocked… or leave smaller items like sunglasses on show, which entices the thieves to try door handles and break-in to the vehicle.”

A convicted car thief, who committed vehiclerelated crimes locally, is working with the police to advise motorists on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

He said, “The more security that your car has, the less likely it is to get done. When I’m looking at a car, I’m looking at what kind of security it’s got, I’m looking at whether it’s going to be something quick and easy or if it’s going to take a bit of time.

“Don’t leave anything on display –

nothing. I wouldn’t even leave anything in door wells.”

The local man added that certain things deter a criminal from breaking into your car: “Stickers, security signs that say ‘this car is alarmed’, visible alarm systems – the flashing red lights – steering locks, gearstick or handbrake locks…These tell me that this person has gone out of their way to secure their car and, therefore, they are more forward-thinking so would be less likely to leave anything of value in their car.”

The ex-car thief mentioned that it takes no time at all to make your car secure and look clean and empty, which would deter someone from breaking in.

The Police advice is: remove your valuables, secure your vehicle, lock it!

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

| 35

specialist services AIRPORT TRANSFERS

BUSINESS SERVICES

BLINDS

FENCING

BUILDING & REPAIRS

COMPUTER SERVICES

GARAGE DOORS

36 |

VIEWPOINT August 2015

CARPET CLEANING

DECORATING

GARDENING SERVICES

GRAPHIC DESIGN

specialist services LOCKSMITH

ROOFING

TREE SURGERY

PARKING REQUIRED

MAINTENANCE

TILING

WASTE MANAGEMENT

WINDOW REPAIRS

WEB DESIGN

WINDOW REPAIRS

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

| 37

local

ASK THE EXPERT

By Nolan Irving

Q. Our home had literally only been on the market for a week or so, and we have received several quite good offers. Does this mean it was undervalued in the first place?

arrange for them to view the property as soon as possible in order to generate enough interest to force offers close to the asking price.

Taking this into consideration, I would suggest that your agent has actually done a pretty good job in pitching your asking price at a level that has generated so much interest – not to mention resulted in several offers that you yourself describe as “quite good.”

What’s more, judging by what you say, your agent hasn’t tried to persuade you to accept the first halfway decent offer, either – which also suggests to me that he knows what he is doing.

So, my advice is to focus on the fact that you have several people keen to buy your home and you ensure that your agent capitalises on this interest and secures you a sale at the highest possible price.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) is urging private landlords to apply for free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms so they are compliant with new legislation that comes into force this autumn.

The new regulations will make it compulsory for landlords to fit a smoke alarm on every floor of their property as well as a carbon monoxide alarm in every room containing a solid fuel-burning appliance. The regulations come into effect on 1 October 2015. Any landlords failing to comply with the new laws will face a fine of up to £5,000.

Although tenants will be responsible for regularly testing and maintaining alarms, landlords will be required to check that the alarms are working at the start of every new tenancy.

A limited stock of free smoke detectors will be available to private landlords in Dorset as part of the Government campaign to increase safety in rented properties. To find out more visit the #Alarms4Life website.

These alarms will be available to landlords from six fire stations across the county. Staff from DFRS will also be on hand to provide advice on the correct installation of the alarms.

They can be collected locally at: • Hamworthy: 7 September 9am-12 noon, 1pm–4pm; 5 October 9am-12 noon, 1pm–4pm.

• Blandford: 4 September 1pm-4pm; 2 October, 1pm-4pm • Westbourne: 5 September 9am–12 noon; 3 October 9am–12 noon.

Selling or renting? Then give me a call at Irving and Sons Estate Agents 01202 823333

Free home safety checks are available to everyone in Dorset – please call to request one on 0800 038 2323 or register at www.dorsetfire.gov.uk

A. The short answer is: not necessarily.

Of course, I can understand why you might think so. In fact, questions of this kind are not uncommon. Which is rather ironic, when you think about it. After all, if someone offers something for sale and is immediately inundated with offers, you would normally expect them to be absolutely delighted! But of course, when it comes to property, everything gets turned on its head and we immediately start to suspect that we could have got a higher price.

Provided you were happy with the valuations that you received for your home prior to it going on the market, and the valuations were backed up by good comparable evidence, then you shouldn’t be surprised that everything is happening so quickly. The whole point of pitching the asking price at a particular level is to attract buyers not to drive them away. Nor should we forget the generally accepted fact that properties usually attract the most buyer interest during their first couple of weeks on the market.

A good agent always knows of those buyers in a good position to buy and will

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VIEWPOINT August 2015

Landlords: pick up a smoke alarm free