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Tom Daley © Viewpoint

Mid March 2022 Volume 46, Issue 5

To spend in Fordingbridge

Cause of the Year

VIEWPOINT March 2022

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VIEWPOINT

Volume 46 • Issue 5 • March 2022

Dear readers

VIEWPOINT

Following the pandemic our team is back together again in the office and deserves a big cheer. What a huge sense of achievement to know that despite everything Covid-19 threw at us, we have survived. Like so many other businesses, we were pushed to our limits and we want to thank our advertisers for supporting our extremely popular and well-established community magazines throughout the pandemic. Our family-run company will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year – quite a milestone. Nothing is ever straightforward though, and as soon as the Covid restrictions were lifted, something more menacing happened. Russia invaded Ukraine and our thoughts are with the people living in what, at the time of writing, had fast become a war torn country. After two horrific World Wars, to antagonise for a third seems like the work of a madman. War is cruel and the memories haunt us today. World leaders should be more concerned about solving environmental, health and severe weather problems rather than creating more disaster. Soon there will be no world left to fight over. On a more uplifting subject, we are helping local businesses out of the Covid years in recognition of the support they give us. In last month’s Viewpoint competition we gave away £500 of shopping vouchers to spend with our Ringwood advertisers, this month the prize is £250 in Fordingbridge. We can’t wait to find out where the lucky winner will use their vouchers. Would your business like to take part? The more businesses – the higher the prize. Turn to page 20 to find out more, or get in touch with Mark Beechey.

Janine Pulford

Ben Pulford managing director ben@dorsetview.co.uk Louis Pulford creative director DD 01202 233441 louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

NEWS DESK 01202 870270

Janine Pulford editor janine@dorsetview.co.uk Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk Karen Wyatt-Epapara deputy editor karen@dorsetview.co.uk

ADVERTISING 01202 816140

Mark Beechey account manager DD 01202 941465 mark@dorsetview.co.uk Simon Thornton account manager DD 01202 941470 simon@dorsetview.co.uk Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

DESIGN TEAM Dexter Elliot junior designer designstudio@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

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

LOGISTICS Mike Talbot

Picture of the month Dawn at Deadmans Hill, New Forest © @brambleandbeach

How to contact us 01202 870270 Email: news@dorsetview.co.uk Web: www.dorsetview.co.uk Twitter: @Dorset_View Facebook: dorsetview.news Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ Follow DORSET VIEW on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/dorsetview.news/

Copy date 30 MARCH 2022

VIEWPOINT is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in selected areas of Dorset and Hampshire. It is also available by subscription at £40 per year. Views or opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT 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 and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. The company’s privacy policy can be read at www.dorsetview.co.uk

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Speedier mobile phone connections for Dorset and Hampshire Speedier mobile phone connections could be on the way for Dorset and Hampshire. Dorset Council has been awarded £500,000 to spearhead a new pilot project to look at ways of boosting mobile digital coverage. Joining forces with partners Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and Hampshire County councils, this new ‘Wessex Digital Infrastructure Accelerator’ scheme will examine how online mapping technology can help speed up the rollout of connectivity. The successful funding bid was led by Dorset Council and is one of eight pilot projects to receive a share of the government’s £4million Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator fund. It will build on the platform already developed by the 5G RuralDorset team, which has looked at how publicly owned buildings and equipment can be used to encourage mobile operators to speed up coverage and reduce costs. The project will identify how street furniture, such as CCTV poles and road signs, can be used to improve 4G and 5G coverage. Rolling out seamless 5G requires a larger number of smaller sites to place kit to meet surging demand for connectivity. Mapping and identifying the different types of equipment the three councils own will demonstrate how local authorities can play an integral role in improving wireless coverage. Digital Infrastructure Minister, Julia Lopez, said: “Currently, mobile companies are finding it difficult to get the data they need to check that a lamppost, bus shelter or public building is suitable for hosting their kit. It is all part of our joined-up strategy to deliver world-class connectivity to every corner of our country.” The 12-month project is due to start in March.

Funding support for domestic abuse victims

Dorset Council has received additional government funding to help victims of domestic abuse. A £650,000 grant, which is in addition to £650,000 received in 2021, will be used in the next 12 months to make residents who have experienced any form of domestic abuse safer in their own homes, or in supported accommodation, as well as to provide specialist support for their children. The extra investment can be used to finance security devices to allow people experiencing domestic abuse to remain in their own homes along with the support of family and friends, to avoid the disruption of moving away. Funding will also help rebuild the lives and confidence of those who have felt the only way to escape domestic abuse is to move to a refuge. More children will also get help to manage the trauma of either witnessing abuse or coping with the psychological scars of living in a home where domestic abuse has occurred. Abuse does not always leave visual injuries and can be hugely detrimental to victims’ lives. Domestic abuse can be physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, economical and coercive and controlling behaviour. Cllr Molly Rennie, member champion for domestic abuse, said: “Domestic abuse in any form is totally unacceptable and the council supports many services designed to provide support. “This helps families to make good choices for their safety and the money will give more choice to those who have experienced domestic abuse to get on safely with their lives.” In January, the council published its Domestic Abuse Strategy. Created by the Dorset Community Safety Partnership, the strategy sets out how the council will work with organisations and communities in Dorset to tackle domestic abuse over the next three years. Trained advisers will listen to residents and can explore different options to work out what support is right for them, such as talking though worries or making a safety plan. Anyone affected can call the Paragon domestic abuse helpline on 0800 032 5204, 24-hours a day, search online for ‘DVA help Dorset’, or visit paragonteam.org.uk. Calls are free, but the number may show up on some itemised phone bills. In an emergency, always dial 999.

VIEWPOINT March 2022

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And they’re off – pupils from Wimborne First School

Rain didn’t stop play Report and photos by Marilyn Barber

It might have been raining, but the first time as a grandfather. for the third time in its 24-year He received a prize from history, Wimborne’s Pancake Viewpoint and Dorset View, Race was run inside the which was presented by Minster church. And it was very news editor Marilyn Barber, well supported with children in addition to The John from Dumpton, Allenbourn Loader Memorial Cup. and Wimborne First Schools See more on the website competing, along with adults www.dorsetview.co.uk. including the rector The Rev Canon Andrew Rowland. However, for the fifth year, the winner of the adults’ race was Scott Taylor, who said he was racing Marilyn presents the cup this year for

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Plan your royal street party Dorset residents who are hoping to enjoy a street party on 5 June to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee are being urged to start planning now as applications for a road closure must be received six weeks before the event in the Dorset Council area and by 22 April at the very latest for BCP Council. There will be no charge for this but roads that are on bus routes cannot be considered for closure. The four-day Bank Holiday weekend begins on Thursday 2 June and will include public events such as Trooping the Colour and a live concert at Buckingham Palace culminating in The Big Jubilee Lunch and Pageant on Sunday 5 June when people across the country will be invited to sit down together to enjoy street parties. National Thank You Day, where we say thank you to our communities, is also being held on the same day to coincide with the Jubilee and is hoping to break the record for Britain’s biggest ever national party as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. There are other ways to get involved too, with one of the national initiatives, such as the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, where some 60,000 trees have already been planted nationally, with people encouraged to ‘plant a tree for the jubilee’. - Advertising Feature -

Legal advice – yes! Fashion advice – no By Edward Holmes, Meesons & Spurlings Solicitors

As restrictions are lifted, we are all now starting to go out and about more and I believe everyone is looking forward to a sociable summer. We are all remaining vigilant and none less so than my wife. Maybe this only happens to me but, last week we were going out Edward Holmes for a meal with friends for the first time in quite a while; I went to get changed and then waited for my wife. She came downstairs, took one look at me and said, “Are you going to get ready?” She reminded me that the 80s were over 30 years ago, pointed out that I looked like a member of the Housemartins and said although she enjoys fancy dress parties, we were not going to one that evening. Foolishly I had attempted to pick my clothes for the evening without seeking any advice or guidance. Strangely that jumper I put on that day has never been seen since. Here at Meesons and Spurlings you will be pleased to know that we and, in particular me, won’t be providing any fashion advice but we are all very enthusiastic and ready to provide full comprehensive expert professional legal advice and assistance to clients in a safe environment to suit all. We are happy to see clients face-to-face and/or by video or telephone as applicable.

VIEWPOINT March 2022

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Chance to highlight Dorset’s heritage If you have a favourite local building that you feel deserves recognition, you are being asked to identify it – and it could affect planning considerations in the future. Residents across Dorset will now be able to nominate locally important buildings, structures, designed landscapes, sites and places to be considered on new Local Heritage Lists. Dorset’s economy relies on the historic towns, seaside resorts, villages, and landscapes to draw hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. This is a joint project between Dorset Council and BCP Council using a grant of £70,000, from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The Local Heritage Lists will provide a free publicly accessible record of nondesignated heritage assets,

whose conservation will then be a material consideration in planning decisions. Land Use Consultants (LUC), working on behalf of the councils, will consider the public nominations using a set of criteria to create a baseline Local Heritage List for each authority. These will be regularly updated with new additions in the future, with the records of all assets being added to Dorset’s Historic Environment Record. Find out more information about submitting a nomination, the assessment criteria and examples by visiting: For BCP Council area: www.bcpcouncil.gov. uk/localheritagelist For Dorset Council area: www.dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/locallist The nominations will be open for eight weeks.

Prioritise your quality of life

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Muscle and skeletal health is one of the most widespread and pressing health issues of our generation, as a massive 48 per cent of Britons are suffering from back or neck pain. Painkillers can sometimes offer short-term relief, but not solve the root of the problem. Surgery has been scientifically proven to be an unsuccessful first stage solution in the treatment of chronic lower back pain. However, osteopathy and chiropractic treatments have been successful in treating back and neck pain, headaches, arthritis related pain and many more issues. To reach the goal of having more years in good health – a long health span rather than a just a long lifespan – evidence shows people need timely treatment, rehabilitation exercises and support to manage their own health. The ability to move with more stability, flexibility and without pain has been shown to be directly related to the quality-of-life values for most people. Our highly qualified practitioners can talk you through how they would approach your problem. At Body Consultancy, we focus on rehabilitation, treating the cause, not just the symptoms. If you are willing to play your part with rehabilitation exercises, this would greatly improve the longevity of your Health Span, so your quality of life will be longer. Why not give us a call on 01425 473093 now to book your appointment so we can help you improve your quality of life. please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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Crematorium closed for 22 weeks Poole Crematorium is to be closed from 14 March for 22 weeks to enable substantial works to take place with services resuming from the first week of September. There will be improvements to the ceremony room and cloisters, the construction of a new, covered external waiting area, plus renovation of the reception and waiting room, including the toilet facilities. The work will also see the introduction of a wildlifeinspired mural by a local artist. Other improvements include the creation of a new Book of Remembrance private viewing room and a new outside floral wreath court alongside improvements to the lighting in the car park.

VIEWPOINT March 2022

These enhancements form part of the BCP Bereavement Care ‘Phase 1’ business plan approved by cabinet. Although no funeral services will take place during the temporary closure of Poole Crematorium, residents are welcome to continue to visit the grounds; the Woodland Glades and the Old and New Lawn areas remain open. Witnessed ashes strewing services in the grounds will also continue by appointment. Bereavement staff will be present on site daily for limited periods to oversee care of these outdoor facilities. Poole Crematorium’s Books of Remembrance have been temporarily relocated to secure and discreet rooms at

Bournemouth Crematorium where they can be viewed by residents. They can also be viewed online from home or via their local library. Cllr Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for Environment and Place, BCP Council, said: “The experience of many bereaved people throughout

the pandemic has shown just how important the right time and space needed to grieve is, so these vital refurbishments at Poole Crematorium will make a real difference to residents in their times of grief. I am pleased that the grounds remain open and the works are about to begin.”

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New Environmentalist apprenticeship discovers 65-year-old awards launched Dorset Chamber together with the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network has launched the inaugural Dorset Apprenticeship Awards, with sponsorship from manufacturing firm Superior Seals. The five categories are: Trainee of the Year (Traineeship); Level 2 (Intermediate) Apprentice of the Year; Level 3 (Advanced) Apprentice of the Year; Level 4 or 5 Higher Apprentice of the Year and Degree Apprentice of the Year. They are free to enter with entries invited from apprentices and their employers. Entrants must be undertaking a traineeship or apprenticeship programme, or have completed a programme within the last 12 months. Each finalist, along with two guests and their employer, will be invited to an awards celebration lunch on 18 May. Visit https://dorsetchamber. co.uk/dorset-apprenticeshipawards/ for more information and to enter.

washing up bottle

A washing-up bottle that is thought to date back around 65 years has been found on a local beach. Oly Rush, 37, was carrying out one of his regular beach sweeps in Dorset when he happened upon the Doby bottle. It is thought to date from the mid-1950s and the writing on it – including the ‘By Royal Appointment’ message – is still legible. The moulded container was discovered amongst the seaweed at Chapman’s Poole near Swanage. Oly immediately knew he had found a vintage item of waste and exclaimed ‘she’s an old girl’. Oly said: “This just goes to show how long plastics last. “They are awful for the environment and while I’ve pulled tons of the stuff from local beaches, this is the oldest thing I’ve ever found. “Whether it has been in the water all the time or has come out of a cliff I’m not sure, but either way it wasn’t doing any good. “If we can all do a little bit to cut down on plastic waste then slowly the environment will improve and it’ll be better for us all and for wildlife.”

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Oly with the washing up bottle

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West Moors residents snap up free trees © www.leecooperphotography.co.uk

Painted pebbles mark Queen’s 70-year reign

Children from the three schools in West Moors painted pebbles provided by the town council to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The 550 small rocks were decorated in colourful designs chosen by the children to mark the occasion of the Queen’s 70-year reign. Princess Elizabeth officially became monarch on 6 February 1952 at the age of 25. She ascended to the throne following the death of her father George VI and she has become the first British monarch to reach the 70-year milestone. To celebrate, councillors and staff of West Moors Town Council arranged the 550 painted stones to create a display on the Petwyn. West Moors Town Council will also be providing party packs to local care homes so that residents will be able to celebrate with the rest of the country from 2-5 June.

Over 60 residents from West Moors snapped up the chance of picking up a free sapling from their town council last month. The free tree initiative supports the council’s commitment towards the town reaching a carbon-neutral status by 2030. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to support the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) project. On offer were blackthorn, crab apple, dog rose, goat willow, hawthorn and rowan. The new copse behind the skatepark, where 105 saplings were planted by the local community in January (donated by the Woodland Trust), will be the new home for the saplings that weren’t collected, along with an additional 200 recently purchased by the council. For this, there will be a second

West Moors town councillors with some of the saplings

community tree planting session on Saturday 19 March from 10am. To find out more visit Facebook (@WestMoors TC) or check out www.westmoors-tc.gov.uk. As well as producing oxygen and removing harmful carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, trees create beautiful, uplifting outdoor environments that provide new habitats for wildlife. A town council spokesperson said: “Thank you to everybody who came along to pick up their free tree. It was wonderful to see you all. It also continues to prove that West Moors residents share our commitment to create a greener place to live.”

Enter spring show

Schedules are now available for West Moors Horticultural Society’s spring show which takes place at 1.30pm on 26 March in the memorial hall in Station Road. It is an open show and there will be classes for flowers, floral art, homecrafts and handicrafts. Contact Sue on 01202 871536.

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Taekwondo club survives Covid Like many clubs and organisations, Covid business has learned, evolved and adapted presented a very real threat to Stephen in difficult, trying times. We will continue to Lamberth’s livelihood. However, by being operate and do all we can to survive and provide flexible during the past two years, he the service to the community that we give. has managed to get through to the other Thank you to all those who have supported side with the future looking bright. the club and will continue to do so in to the Stephen began his journey into martial arts future no matter what journey we will have.” in 1981 and has been training or teaching ever For details, call 01202 829012 or since, now running his clubs SLTKD and SLAMA. email info@taekwondo4u.co.uk Going into national lockdown was frightening, with plenty of uncertainty ahead, but Stephen was determined to keep going. Online classes became the norm, followed by small, outdoor classes when allowed. Club members became more of a family, making the effort to socialise beyond the classes. Stephen even managed to secure a visit from Craig Revel-Horwood, who opened the club’s new premises, The Craig Revel-Horwood Slamazone, in Verwood. receives his beginner belt Stephen said: “The

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VIEWPOINT March 2022

Youth club open day Verwood Youth and Community Centre, along with Coach in the Community, is holding an open day on 9 April at The Hub. The event will showcase the positive support and services available for young people in Verwood and Three Legged Cross. Times will be published closer to the day, with details on Facebook @verwoodycc. The youth club is also looking for volunteers to help run its sessions. They are looking for people who are passionate about supporting the local community and able to commit a few hours each week. In return, you’ll get youth support work experience, training opportunities, and the chance to work with like-minded people, while having fun facilitating activities for young people. To find out more, email youthworker@verwood.gov. uk or call 01202 794359.

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verwood news

Verwood Rotary round up We have just celebrated the ‘birthday’ of our club at our annual Charter Evening. It was lovely to dress up for a special dinner and mark the formation of our club in 1988. We were joined by club members, partners and guests. The evening was an opportunity to reflect on the club’s journey over the last 34 years. The commitment made by our founding members to make a difference in the local community has not faltered and we keep trying to do this. This includes raising funds for charities and charitable causes. In the last 15 years alone this amounts to over £222,000. Our Big Band Dance with live music from ‘Swing Unlimited’ is coming up on Saturday 26 March from 7.30pm in Verwood Memorial Hall. There will be licensed bar. All funds raised are going towards Dementia UK. Please help us to raise funds for this wonderful charity whilst enjoying a great evening out. Tickets are £13 and can be purchased in advance from club members or give Vern a call on 01202 824005. We also support other local events and organisations as much as we can too. We are looking forward to being involved in Verwood’s celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June. Our membership may have changed since 1988, but our enthusiasm remains strong. If anyone would like to join our club, there is always room for more. Louisa Hiscock President of Verwood Rotary Club

Return of The Fayrewood Singers

Audiences at Verwood Pantomime Society’s performances of Sleeping Beauty in January donated £1,250 for Cheers for Chester. Chester Walton suffers from quadriplegic cerebral palsy, and the money will contribute towards rehabilitation, physiotherapy and new equipment. Prince Orlando (Abi Turner) and Princess Aurora (Megan Kemp) presented Chester and Mum Sam, the cheque.

Verwood ladies choir, The Fayrewood Singers, are a happy lot who sing all kinds of music in two and three parts. After a long break due to Covid restrictions, they are up and running and would love some new voices to join them. If you like to sing as much as they do, go along and try them out on a Tuesday afternoon at the Verwood Hub. No auditions are required. For more information, ring Linda on 01202 280491.

New home for Verwood TG

Verwood Evening Townswomens Guild has relocated to the United Reformed Church, Manor Road. The group meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm, and is open to new members.

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

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.

Healthy Heart Tip:

Getting Active By the Health Promotion and Education team at Heart Research UK Regular physical activity is strongly associated with a reduced risk of chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as improving mental health. Even small increases in physical activity can positively impact on health. Heart Research UK has some tips to help you keep active. Avoid long periods of inactivity Set a timer to go off at specific times throughout the day to prompt you to do 10 (or more) minutes of physical activity. Any activity is better than none. You can include a variety of light, moderate and vigorous activities such as a brisk walk, sit-ups, weight-lifting, gardening or housework. Reduce screen time for kids It is common for children and young people to spend too much time sitting in front of a screen. Why not talk to your children about the importance of staying active and agree on a set amount of screen time each day?

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VIEWPOINT March 2022

Don’t be a couch potato Rather than spending your evenings sitting on the sofa without moving much, why not try a few gentle exercises, such as leg raises, while watching your favourite TV show. Try opening YouTube and searching for a quick 10- or 20-minute workout video. Change your daily commute Now that many of us are heading back to the workplace, try not to jump straight for the car as the main choice of travel. If you do need to drive to work, park a little further away in order to get some valuable steps in.

New service to help smokers in hospital

For some people, going without cigarettes in hospital is a necessary inconvenience. But for others, it can lead to anxiety and agitation, which can lead to disruptive behaviour on wards. A new team is aiming to support these patients – and busy ward staff – by providing personalised expert support. The tobacco dependency team consists of a specialist acute nurse, advisor and mental health nurse, supported by a team of three healthcare assistants. Their role is to identify patients who might benefit from professional support beyond that which ward staff may be able to offer. This includes everything from prescribing nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for free while in hospital, to offering behavioural support information and guidance on ways to quit and lead healthier lives after leaving hospital. Patients are identified on admission through the electronic nursing assessment (eNA) tool, and then a member of the team is allocated to visit them at their bedside. Alex Szymanska, a tobacco dependency nurse specialist dedicated to UHD patients, said: “Our goal is for patients to be supported and abstinent while in hospital, and to take this new, much healthier lifestyle with them when they leave.”

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health and care

A good start in life Home-Start South East Dorset is to receive £3,000 from Care South’s Chairman’s 2020 Fund. The organisation aims to give children the best possible start in life, supporting parents to grow in confidence as well as strengthening and enjoying their relationships with their children, and widening their links with the local community. Through a network of over 600 volunteers, they are helping families struggling to cope with

mental health issues, isolation, domestic violence, disability and financial hardship. Since its inception in 1995, it has supported over 3,500 local families and over 10,000 children. The grant will be spent on providing specialist support to local disadvantaged young children and their families. It costs, on average, £800 to support a family with specialist 1:1 volunteer home-visiting support for six months.

Help Dorset children thrive Families, carers, education settings and communities are being asked for their thoughts on laying the right foundations so Dorset’s children have the best opportunities to thrive. Through an online survey, Dorset Council wants people to think about the skills preschool age children need to learn so they are ready socially, physically and intellectually to start school. The council wants to use

feedback gained through the survey to help it better define what is meant by the term ‘school readiness’. Traditionally, this is the term given to describe how ready children are socially, physically and intellectually ready to start school, usually in their reception year, aged four turning five years old. The deadline for the survey is 31 March. Take part at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ school-readiness-survey

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

Cycling in support of air ambulance Air ambulances across the South West are to benefit from funds raised at a charity cycling event on Sunday 5 June. The event, ‘The Ride4Hugo Sportive’, is being organised

by Thomas Yaxley and is being held in memory of his brother Hugo Yaxley and aunt Helen McCrory OBE. In November 2020, Hugo was involved in a serious road traffic accident in which he tragically lost his life. Just five months after, his aunt, Helen McCrory OBE, also passed away after losing her battle with breast cancer. After the accident, Hugo was cared for by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and airlifted to University Hospital Southampton to receive further treatment. Sadly, he died in hospital later that night as a result of his injuries. Any money raised will be split between four charities – Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance,

children’s mental health charity Place2Be and HVH Arts. Ride4Hugo is not designed to be a race and involves cycling through the beautiful Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire countryside. The event has three distances to choose from – 30km, 60km and 100km. All three routes will start and finish at Henstridge Airfield, on the Dorset/Somerset border. Thomas Yaxley said: “All these charities hold an incredibly special place in our family’s heart for their links

with Hugo and Helen. The work they do makes lives better every single day, but this is only possible due to the generosity of the public. We have already raised over £97,000 in their memory, hopefully this event will add to that total and mean these amazing charities can bring their life changing work to even more people.”

For more information and to register, visit the Ride4Hugo website: www.ride4hugo.com

Hugo Yaxley

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Enabling independence at home It can be a daunting feeling, knowing you are not as able as you used to be. We all try do what we can and sometimes don’t like to ask for help when perhaps we need it. Asking for help can be surprisingly hard, even when it’s only for some minor difficulty. Doing so may feel like an admission that you aren’t perfect, which can lead to feelings of weakness or inadequacy. Sometimes, realising you’re on your own and wanting to do something can be a frightening experience, but you are not on your own, there are people at Bluebird Care who can support you. Reaching out is a step in accepting you need or would like support, and it can be truly difficult to swallow your pride and accept that you can’t solve a problem on your own. Everyone has different needs and there will be a service out there that will suit you. The service is to promote your independence and just lend that helping hand or provide company and support through daily tasks which will have positive effects on your health and wellbeing. Being isolated and feeling trapped in your home is not a good quality of life, which is why Bluebird Care’s professionals choose the career they do, to enable and support people to maintain independence.

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VIEWPOINT March 2022

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

A network of roads built by Romans By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum When the Romans invaded Britain in AD43 one of the first things they did was to start building a network of roads linking places of strategic importance. In pre-Roman times, a system of rough trackways existed but these were often difficult to use especially in winter when they became an impassable quagmire. Road building was mainly carried out by the Roman army to move troops and supplies easily and rapidly around the country. An agger or bank was built to form the main core of the road and this was domed to allow water to drain off. The agger would be topped with whatever local material was available. For example, in iron producing areas the road may have been surfaced with the slag that was a by-product of the process. However, usually this was a roughly half-a-metre (20 inches) deep layer consisting of a foundation of medium to large stones topped with smaller flints or gravel. At the edges of the road there was a strip of land that was used by pedestrians and animals and this was flanked by ditches, which were a source of material for the agger, and also helped with drainage. The usual width of roads varied from approximately five to eight metres (16- to 26-foot) wide. At regular intervals there would be a wayside station consisting of a tavern

and some stables where horses could be rested or changed and travellers could be refreshed. These meant that horsemen could maintain an average speed of 20 miles an hour covering, for example, the distance from York to London in 10 hours. Every so often there would be a ‘mansio’ consisting of stables, a bath house, rooms to let to official visitors and a small garrison of soldiers. Here the tolls on goods were collected and working parties would keep an eye on the condition of the road. Roman soldiers or locally conscripted levies would keep the roads in good repair. Writing tablets from excavations in Vindolanda near Hadrian’s Wall record delays in deliveries of hides because of the poor state of the roads. They also show that the postal service was open to private individuals who could use it for non-military purposes. Milestones would be erected along the roads. These were large cylinders of stone often two metres (six-foot) high, which were inscribed with the name of the current emperor and the distances to destinations. There are some excellent examples of Roman roads in our area radiating from Old Sarum and leading to Bath, Silchester and London, Winchester and Dorchester. The names by which Roman roads are now known were not in use in Roman British times but were given in the later

Anglo-Saxon period. The 22-mile stretch of road from Old Sarum to Badbury Rings is referred to as Ackling Dyke. Much of it can still be traced but the best place to see it is where it crosses the B3081 just before the roundabout on the A364. It is notable for its unusually large embankment or agger which, in places, is up to 15 metres (50-foot) wide and two metres high. The speculation is that it was this size to make it a very visible feature showing the power of the Roman occupiers. In contrast, the Portway from old Sarum to Silchester was seven metres (24-foot) wide and the agger was made of chalk, topped by a few centimetres of flint and surfaced with 30 centimetres (12 inches) of gravel. The course of Roman roads is marked on Ordnance Survey maps and it is well worth tracing the ones local to you.

Ackling Dyke, close to Handley Cross Roundabout

Snowdrops galore Big year for By Janine Pulford

The carpets of snowdrops throughout Dorset and Hampshire were magnificent this year and those at St George’s Church in Damerham were no exception.

For the last two years, Snowdrop Weekend at this pretty church near Fordingbridge had been cancelled due to the pandemic, but 2022 saw people travelling from far and wide to view the spectacle. St George’s Church was open on 12 and 13 February for homemade cakes, tea and coffee. Bric-a-brac, books and snowdrops for sale, donated by local people, all helped raise funds for the church. A visit on a cold February day to see the ground white with snowdrops is not only uplifting but the setting offers a warm welcome and time for reflection. There are several war graves that can be seen in the picturesque churchyard. If you missed Snowdrop Weekend this year, make a note to visit in 2023.

twinning association

This year, Fordingbridge Twinning Association will mark 40 years of being twinned with the French town of Vimoutiers. The twinning celebrations will take place over the weekend of 1-3 July with a long weekend of activities planned in France. During the weekend, the towns will be signing an updated Charter of Twinning and Friendship. The weekend will also include visits to local schools that have been looking at reducing food waste; a guided nature walk, a visit to the Chateau de Falaise and a spectacular

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equestrian show at a local stud. It promises to be a big party because Vimoutiers will also be celebrating its 50th anniversary of being twinned with Sontra in Germany, and its 25th anniversary of being twinned with Chatelet in Belgium. The association’s AGM takes place on 5 May with cheese and wine. New members are welcome at £10 per household for the 2022/3 year. For more details contact Keith Bennett on 01425 655331 or email hippotrain@ btinternet.com.

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e idg br ing rd Fo in d en sp to 0 25 n £ wi to ce an ch ur Yo BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY / real people, real news, local advertising.

This new initiative from Pulford Publicity is backed by local traders and gives shoppers the chance to win a huge prize worth £250. Forming part of Viewpoint’s Business Community Unity ethos, this month’s prize draw is aimed at people shopping in Fordingbridge and will put money back into the community at a challenging time, whilst promoting participating businesses. The prize of £250 in shopping vouchers will be

awarded to the winner, drawn at random, to spend in any of the participating businesses (advertising from p20-21 in the Mid-March issue of Viewpoint) in £50 lots. The winner will be able to spend a maximum of £100 in one outlet, with the remaining amount split into vouchers to the value of £50 to be spent in other outlets.

For example, it could be split as follows: 1 x £100 voucher, and 3 x £50 vouchers OR 5 x £50 vouchers In spending with the advertisers supporting the competition, you’ll be helping local and independent businesses to survive and giving the Fordingbridge economy a much-needed boost. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize is answer the following questions about businesses in Fordingbridge. Clue: all of the answers can be found on the adverts on pages 20 and 21.

1. What band is playing at The Royal Oak on Friday 18 March? 2. What is the postcode of Timothy’s? 3. Which café would you find at 26 High Street? 4. What will the new shop at Sandy Balls be called? 5. What is the name of the soft play and gelato café on Salisbury Street?

Terms and conditions: Enter online at www.dorsetview.co.uk or send your answer to the address on page three of this magazine. Closing date is 11 April 2022. The first correct set of answers drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity and employees of the advertisers in this feature are not permitted to enter. The editor’s decision is final. The shopping vouchers will be valid for three months from the date of issue. Entrants’ personal details will be

stored securely and will only be processed to determine the winner of the competition. The winner’s name and location (not address) will be announced in the magazine and their name and phone number will be passed to the appropriate advertisers for the allocation of the prize. It will be a condition of entry that the winner must be agreeable to be photographed for publicity purposes across any media outlet including magazines, websites and social media.

Any local businesses wanting to be part of this post lockdown initiative that inspires local people to use their local shops, and puts money straight back into participating traders’ pockets, please get in touch now. Ring Mark on 01202 941465.

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BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

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pets and wildlife / an animal’s eyes speak a powerful language

Rural hedgehog populations continue to plummet A new report issued on 22 February 2022 reveals hedgehog populations have declined by between 30 per cent and 75 per cent in certain countryside areas since 2000. Whilst rural populations continue to plummet across different areas of the countryside, urban populations are stable, and may even be recovering thanks to community action. Urgent action is now needed to try and bring the once familiar hedgehog back to the countryside. Fay Vass, CEO of The British Hedgehog Preservation Society, said: “Hedgehogs as we know them today have lived here for at least half a million years, but they’re now facing myriad pressures which are causing populations to plummet, particularly

in the rural landscape.” The report, published by wildlife charities People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), reviewed data collected from five ongoing surveys between 1981 and 2020. It showed that, whilst hedgehogs have undergone a long historic decline, now the vast differences between urban and rural populations are becoming increasingly apparent. The decline of rural hedgehog populations varies in different regions, with the most apparent in the East Midlands and the East of England regions, although more research is needed to get a more precise measure of how hedgehogs are faring across the country. David Wembridge, Mammal Surveys Coordinator at PTES,

Hedgehog © Cate Barrow

said: “Loss of landscape features such as hedgerows is partly responsible for the decline, but not fully, as recent efforts have been made to restore and improve them. “We now need to look at the wider management of farmland and field margins, how the invertebrate species that hedgehogs eat are faring, the impact of climate change, and how connected the wider landscape is. Once we know the full facts, we can start to help rural hedgehogs to recover.” Farmers and land managers are best placed to help, and many have already made positive changes to benefit

hedgehogs and other wildlife. But, to stem the rural decline more change is still needed, and PTES and BHPS plan to help farmers with new Environmental Land Management (ELM) government schemes to benefit hedgehogs. The charities’ Farmers Advice booklet is also available for free: www.hedgehogstreet. org/farmersadvice For top tips on helping hedgehogs where you live, visit: www.hedgehogstreet.org To read the full State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2022 report, visit: www. hedgehogstreet.org/stateof-britains-hedgehogs-2022

Cedar Vets is a Gold cat friendly clinic By Cedar Vets

Cedar Vets is happy to announce that we have received our Gold cat friendly clinic award. This means we have ensured that we have met a specific criteria set by the International Cat Care – Cat Friendly Clinic Board. You can find out about more at www. catfriendlyclinic.org We understand that cats need a slow and steady approach and be allowed time to adjust to their surroundings before a clinical examination. We ensure cats have plenty of areas within out consulting rooms, waiting areas and hospital wards to keep cats off the floor. With our recently refurbished cat ward, we have ensured that our feline patients are given the best consideration with housing and handling to feel safe and secure. We have had lots of building work going on in the practice and now have a dedicated dental suite including digital dental x-ray. This means we can start our dental procedures early when the time allows.

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ringwood news

NEWS IN BRIEF Council calls for police base in Ringwood At the last meeting of Ringwood Town Council, it was pointed out that the absence of a police base gives the impression there is little police presence. The current Ringwood & Neighbourhood Team is made up of a sergeant, eight PCs and four PCSOs, and about 50 officers in neighbourhood teams across the forest. The possibility of Gateway being used for police surgeries is to be discussed as the council would like local people to be able to access a police base in the town. Large Ringwood housing scheme New Forest District Council has received a hybrid application for land off Moortown Lane, Ringwood. This includes outline permission for up to 323 properties and full permission for 168 homes accessed from Moortown Lane. Castleman Trail improvements Works to extend the Castleman Trail to Crow Arch Bridge in Ringwood, subject to approval by highway engineers, should be completed by Easter. Nursery building Hampshire County Council has granted permission for the erection of a single-storey building for use as a nursery in the grounds of Poulner Infants School. Access will be off Gorley Road. Jubilee beacon The beacon for the Queens Platinum Jubilee is to be placed on top of Ringwood Parish Church and lit on Thursday 2 June. Bickerley sign Ringwood Town Council is looking into the possibility of erecting a sign at The Bickerley which will welcome visitors and convey information such as the ban on parking.

Ringwood Pedal Car Grand Prix

British Pedal Car Grand Prix back for 2022 After a two year hiatus, the British Pedal Car Grand Prix will return to Ringwood town centre this July. During the event, more than 40 pedal-powered racing cars will zoom around a town centre street circuit in a test of pedalling prowess and engineering skills as most teams will also be building their own car. The event, which was first held in 1987, is run by a team of volunteers including members of Ringwood & District Round Table. Race entries will be open soon and the volunteer team would like to encourage local companies, clubs, societies and individuals to get involved. Sponsorship for the event is also available. For more information, see the British Pedal Car Grand Prix social media profiles on either Facebook or Instagram.

Community groups come together Over 50 members of Ringwood community groups came together to infill gaps in the hedge around Ringwood car park. Organised by Ringwood Actions for Climate Emergency (RACE), the event involved the planting of mixed hedging to the north of short stay and in the middle of long stay. With the full support of New Forest District Council, members of RACE, together with Ringwood Carnival, Ringwood Men’s Shed, Rotary Club of Ringwood and Ringwood Benefice planted over 560 saplings, including green and copper beech, hornbeam, yew and alder buckthorn.

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r Pulford Publicity’s Cause of the Yea

It is hard to believe that February has already flown by, but the CJC team has been hard at work. With the team involved in various beach cleans throughout the month we have, collectively, removed almost 300kg of marine plastics throughout January – most of what we have collected can be recycled through the Ocean Recovery Project. Rope, fishing nets and many other plastics are regularly washing ashore during the winter storms and we, along with other volunteers, are on hand to collect as much as we can. We joined forces with the Dorset Clean Up Squad at Chesil Cove for one clean up, removing loads of rope from the rocks at low tide. The CJC team spent a day together volunteering at Lulworth Estate. Hannah, Zoe, Gordon, Lee, Louis and Roy helped Lulworth Rangers Kirsten, Derry, Tom

and Adam plant trees along a hedgerow, including beech, hazel and blackthorn. It was truly an epic day with over 3,000 trees planted along a 500m stretch. Days like these reinforce why we are such a good team – we may all come from different backgrounds and we cover quite an age range, but put us together and we all just click and get along. The monthly West Bay ‘5 Things Clear’ event bought in over 90kg thanks to roughly 70 volunteers turning up to help out. Prize finds included fishing net and a cash register! The cash register was handed in to the local police and returned to its rightful owner, a local shop that had been burgled recently. The West Bay event is run on the third

Tree planting at Lulworth Estate

Sunday of every month in collaboration with Bay Paddleboarding and West Bay Discovery Centre. Everyone is welcome. We will also be organising various beach cleans along the coast soon, details about all beach cleans will be on our website. Thank you for your ongoing support. The CJC team

Daley in Dorset By Karen Wyatt-Epapara There was excitement in the villages of Dorset in February as Olympic champion diver, Tom Daley OBE, cycled through while undertaking a fundraising challenge for Comic Relief. Tom, who is Team GB’s most decorated diver of all time, made his way through some of the villages of Dorset mid-way through his Hell of a Homecoming challenge in aid of Comic Relief. During the challenge, Tom

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undertook an epic journey from London to Plymouth, swimming, cycling, rowing or running all the way. Day one saw Tom begin his journey at the Aquatics Centre in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where he won his first Olympic medal at the London 2012 Olympics. He began with a six-mile row along the Thames, before switching to a bike at the Tower of London. From there, he cycled to Team GB’s

rowing training ground, the Redgrave Pinsett Rowing Lake. Day two started with an icy 1,000 metre swim in the rowing lake – the equivalent of 50 lengths of a swimming pool – followed by a 63-mile cycle to Southampton, where Tom began his diving career. On day three, Tom set off from Southampton, heading for Bovey Castle in Dartmoor, 130 miles away. Along the way, he cycled through Fordingbridge, Alderholt and Cranborne, making a pit stop in Gussage All Saints, much to the excitement of children from Wimborne St Giles First School and Cranborne Middle School, many of who came out to cheer him in. Despite still having 100

miles ahead of him, Tom stopped to chat and thank the children for the signs they had made. To one, he said that “gold” is his favourite colour and, asked whether he’d had his Weetabix before he set out this morning, he confirmed that he had, in fact, had porridge that morning. After a short break, Tom continued on towards Blandford and Dorchester before heading on to Devon for the last day of the challenge, when he took on a 30-mile ultramarathon, ending in his hometown of Plymouth. Tom was accompanied by a film crew, and will feature in a one-hour BBC One documentary about his challenge prior to Red Nose Day on 18 March.

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foodie news

Reduce your food waste Food Waste Action Week, which runs from 7-13 March, aims to create lasting change by encouraging everyone to reduce the amount of food they waste. Not only will this save on food bills in a time of fast-rising prices, but will also contribute to the fight against climate change. In wasting food, we are not only throwing away items that could have been consumed by someone else, but are also wasting the valuable resources that have gone into growing it and getting it to the consumer. Seeds, land, water and fertilisers are used in its production, while greenhouse gases are created in its production and transportation.

If you want to save on your food bill and contribute to saving the planet, there are plenty of things you can do. These include:

Did you know?

• Freeze food you are unable to eat in time – this can be done right up to the use-by date

• If food waste were a country, it would have the third largest carbon footprint after the USA and China • If we all stopped wasting bread at home in the UK for a year, it could do the same for greenhouse gas emissions as planting 5.3 million trees • Wasted food accounts for more greenhouse gas emissions globally than all of the commercial flights we take each year

• Turn your fridge down to 5°C or lower to keep your food fresher for longer • Know the difference between ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates – food that has a ‘use by’ date should not be eaten after it has expired may not be safe to consume, whereas ‘best before’ food refers to quality and may be eaten later if it looks and smells fine

• Use leftovers to make another meal, or save extra portions for a next-day lunch • Aim to use as much of your food as possible – leaving skins on and using vegetable stalks, for example, can maximise your nutrient intake while minimising waste For more ideas to reduce food waste, see www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/ food-waste-action-week

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CORRESPONDENCE To express your opinion or idea about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk Thinking back I’ve reached that time in life when my mind wanders at a greater speed than my legs can propel me and all sorts of half-forgotten names, places and incidents pop up uninvited. For instance, Albert Whelan. He was a very popular Australian radio entertainer, known for his whistling. My mother used to listen to him on Radio Luxemburg before WW2 when he whistled his signature tune Die Lustige Bruder to start and close his shows. Radio serials such as Dick Barton Special Agent with Jock and Snowy come to mind. They entertained at tea-time with an adventure that always closed with them in great danger so you tuned in the next day to hear how they got out of the trouble. Billy Cotton, remember him? He was a popular UK bandleader, who opened his shows with his call “Wakey! Wakey!” How about duo acts? Jimmy Jewel and Ben Warri, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Abbot and Costello. Later came Bob Hope and Bing Crosby with their ‘Road to…’ films topping the comedy double act films for many years. Kenneth Horn and Richard Murdock had a radio show Much Binding in the Marsh. Then there was Ken’s own show Round the Horn. And one of the finest mime drunk acts ever was Freddy Frinton. The list is endless as one memory brings up another, and this is happening as I type. Arthur English, Stainless Steven Sheffield, Edgar Burgen, with his ventriloquist dummy Charlie McCarthy, who was so bad you could see his lips moving, but he had his own radio show, so that got him off the hook. Then there was Ken Dodd with Dicky Mint, Peter Brough with Archie Andrews and the finest and most skilled ventriloquist act was straightfaced Arthur Worsley. The thing that occurs to me is that the variety of choice of programmes and artists available then far outshines what choices we have today! Ken Horton West Moors Wimborne Community Garden issues In the interest of balance, and relating to the prominent article about the planned community garden in Wimborne, Viewpoint January 2022 Volume 46, Issue 3, the following points are relevant. Mr and Mrs Benson are enthusiastic, but without relevant project experience and have failed to make basic checks on the land at Walford Mill. 1. The land is unsuitable to be turned into a managed garden. It is very uneven and slopes down to the river so would need to be terraced at great expense using heavy diggers which compact the soil, to provide paths for wheelchairs. 2. The adjacent river Allen is a precious chalk stream, and any contamination of the water during construction or run off of fertilisers/ pesticides (even organic ones ) could be catastrophic for the river. 3. This meadow is part of Wimborne’s history, being a remnant of the original Sheppard’s Field, farmland used for grazing cattle, not subject to modern farming methods. This area of grass was left untouched by the builders and has since only been mowed. It is an extremely valuable example of old pasture. 4. No information was given or views sought from local residents, who first learned of the project through the article. This is a classic mistake by those who want to steamroll a project through without local expertise or advice. There are other more appropriate sites for a community garden in Wimborne, for example, in the grounds of the old Victorian school in School Lane, now empty but about to be reopened as an annexe to Beaucroft School. Felicity Riley By email

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Jane Benson has received positive feedback - see letter

Dorset Council statement on community garden Dorset Council would like to add clarity to the article printed in Vol 43, Issue 3, January Viewpoint. The authority said that whilst it didn’t think there was anything overtly inaccurate within the article, the Dorset Council Assets and Property team had been contacted by some people who appeared to believe the proposals are a done deal when this wasn’t the case. A spokesperson said, “I appreciate the article text immediately begins with ‘If approved by Dorset Council…’ but some of the phrasing could easily lead some readers to assume the project is at an advanced stage of approval. “The land is Public Open Space and as such we are required to advertise any intentions to let (or dispose) of any such land. The purpose of this is to advertise for a statutory period of two weeks in order to allow for public consultation so that we can obtain the views of local residents and give due consideration to any concerns or queries raised. The proposal has not been ratified by senior officers as yet as we had not yet reached this stage in the process; we are continuing to determine its suitability, together with any necessary due diligence in respect of some of the aspects raised.”

Positive feedback for community garden in Wimborne During January, in Volume 46, Issue 3, Viewpoint ran an article about the proposed community garden at a site by Walford Mill and the response was amazing: so positive; so enthusiastic; so full of energy and I just wanted to say a big thank you. I wanted to amend something. At the time the article was written, I had been led to believe that as the proposed site was a piece of council land with a covenant on it stating it could only be used for a community project, if a suitable project was proposed the council was duty bound to fulfil their responsibilities by letting the project take place. However, I now know this is not the case and so I apologise for making it sound as though it was a ‘done deal’: a consultation phase will soon begin so all concerned can, quite rightly, have their say. This phase will, hopefully, be starting in the not too distant future. So we are not ‘within sniffing distance of the starting line’ as I had thought but I feel with your continued backing we will certainly go on to create a community garden in Wimborne, whatever happens: indeed with the level of enthusiasm there is for such a project, I feel this is something we must do. If it does go ahead at the Walford Mill site, the proposal is we would only use the area adjacent to the river; we would not encroach on the area behind the residents’ back gardens, leaving this as a meadow area. The Public Right of Way and access to the river would not be hampered in any way; we have taken advice from Wilding Wimborne and an ecologist in the Dorset Council Natural Environment team as to how preserve and create further habitats for wildlife; we have had it confirmed by the permitting officer of the Environment Agency that water abstraction would be permissible and we would operate under the local charity Faithworks Wessex. I believe the community garden does not need to cover a huge site to enable a great deal to be achieved: to facilitate feelings of well-being; to help alleviate feelings of loneliness; to produce food to share with the Wimborne Food Bank; to become a place where folk can learn and share new skills and most importantly enjoy each other’s company…whilst, of course, working hard! It would be wonderful if the proposed community garden could go ahead at the Walford Mill site, which afterall is an area the whole of Wimborne community currently pays to maintain through taxes, but whether on this site or another, I reiterate my sincere thanks for your support and enthusiasm; I feel sure together we will achieve a community garden in the town, accessible to all. Onwards! Jane Benson By email Follow VIEWPOINT MAGAZINE on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/viewpointmagazinedorset

Events The details of the events below are accurate at the time of going to press but will be subject to any government regulations in place at the time of the event. Check before travelling. Send in details of your events to: newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk 13 March 11-4pm Wimborne creatives exhibition at Walford Mill Wimborne. 14 March 2.15pm Thomas Clarke of Exbury Gardens will give a talk on Naga Land to West Moors Horticultural Society at West Moors Memorial Hall, Contact Sue on 01202 871536 for details 15 March 8pm Alan Bennett, author of ‘Wimborne Minster, Portrait of a Town’ will speak at Wimborne Civic Society at the Quarterjack Suite at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne. £1 for members, £3 for visitors. 16 March 12.15-1.15pm Christian Aid lunch at Wimborne Methodist Church, King Street, Wimborne. Bread, cheese, fruit, tea/coffee. An inspiring five minute talk at 12.45pm.

around & about 17 March 7pm Discover the mysteries behind the organ pipes with Jeremy Sampson in the WOOFYT Project at Wimborne Minster church. Tickets to include refreshments from the parish office on 01202 884753 from 10-noon Monday to Friday. 18 and 25 March 10am-3pm Friday Craft Fair and Table Top Sale in the Druitt Hall, Christchurch. Free entry, dogs welcome 20 March 9.30am-12.30pm Indoor car boot sale in the Druitt Hall, Christchurch. Free entry, refreshments available 21 March 7.30pm The Friends of Wimborne Cuthburga Lecture to be given by William McVicker on ‘Overhauling the Minster Organ’. Tickets to include refreshments from the parish office on 01202 884753 from 10-noon Monday to Friday. 21 March 2pm St Alban’s Garden Club present a talk entitled New Forest National Park by Steve Roberts at St Alban’s Church Lounge, Charminster Road, Bournemouth.

23 March 12.15-1.15pm Christian Aid lunch at Wimborne Methodist Church, King Street, Wimborne. Bread, cheese, fruit, tea/coffee. An inspiring five minute talk at 12.45pm.

30 March 12.15-1.15pm Christian Aid lunch at Wimborne Methodist Church, King Street, Wimborne. Bread, cheese, fruit, tea/coffee. An inspiring five-minute talk at 12.45pm.

26 March 6pm Uncaged and Little Red Riding Hood story telling at the Cranbore Earthhouse. More details and tickets for all the shows are available on https://crickcrackclub.com/ whats-on/the-earthhouse/

2 April 7.30pm Wimborne Choral Society will sing Mozart’s Requiem and Duruflé’s Requiem in Wimborne Minster. Soloists soprano Jacqueline Foan, contralto Elizabeth Denham, tenor Michael Aitkenhead and bass Jonathan Prentice. Tickets from Square Records, High St, Wimborne or from Sophie Milhofer at milhofer@ talktalk.net or 01202 603569.

26 March 11am Seed and seedling swap at Greyfriars Community Centre, Ringwood. Run by Ringwood Actions for Climate Emergency. Stalls and displays and activities for children. No entry fee but donations appreciated. 26 March 1.30pm West Moors Horticultural Society’s spring show in the memorial hall in Station Road. Details Sue on 01202 871536. 29 March 7.30pm West Parley Gardening club presentation by David Moon on NGS Open for Charity Scheme. Visitors welcome £3. Refreshments available. For further details please contact Rod Darch 01202 896711. Email rod@rdconsulting.co

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3 April 9.30am-12.30pm Craftroom clearout and indoor car boot sale in the Druitt Hall, Christchurch. Free entry, refreshments available. 3 April Simply Aston Martin at the National Motor Museum Beaulieu. Tickets from www.beaulieu.co.uk. 6 April 12 noon Ron Taylor will talk on ‘A Journey down the Stour’ to members of Ferndown Probus Club at Dudsbury Golf Club. Contact Alan Stevens, secretary 01202 876826 www.ferndownprobusclub.org

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

REVIEW:

When We Are Married, Wimborne Drama Productions, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne The three couples

By Marilyn Barber It was the talk of Wimborne with the buzz being ‘did you see this brilliant play at the Tivoli?’. By J B Priestley, it tackled the smugness and hypocrisy of the Edwardian upper middle class in a comical way, telling the story of three couples gathered together to celebrate their weddings 25 years previously – who find they may not have been legally married after all! The production had not been without its problems, with illness forcing one minor character to be dropped and Tracey Nicholls, the stage manager having to take on the part of servant Ruby at the eleventh hour. However, although Tracey

had the script in her hand she barely needed it, putting in the sort of sterling performance we all expect from her and – like the rest of the cast – her strong Yorkshire accent was maintained throughout. This was a very experienced cast, and it really showed, with many of the actors having graced the Tivoli stage on many occasions. Dealing with their performances in order of appearance, because they were all so good: Rob Cording-Cook as organist Gerald was very laid back as the only southerner in the cast. Chrissie Neal embodied the disgruntled servant Mrs

Northrop with laconic humour, whilst Richard Scotson made the most of his smaller role at Fred the reporter. Chris Durham had his work cut out to maintain the drunken photographer Henry but he maintained the persona throughout. Gary Paine’s expressive face said it all as the bumptious Alderman Helliwell, teaming well with Beverley Beck as his wife Maria. Tony Feltham always gets under the skin of his roles and is one of the best local character actors. He clearly enjoyed playing the all too wordy Cllr Parker, with his real wife Boo as the longsuffering Annie Parker.

Colin Pile encapsulated the seemingly meek Herbert, making a brilliant team with his imperious wife Clara – the sort of woman you certainly wouldn’t dare to cross – played with much skill by Tracie Billington-Beardsley. And to add to the mix was Lottie as a lady who ‘knew’ all three husbands, a part in the capable hands of Michelle Barter with Simon Jackson sealing the story as Rev Clement Mercer. Many congratulations to director Richard Neal and his team, with a special mention for set designer Chris Durham who made the audience feel as if they had gone back to the beginning of the 20th century.

Outdoor art to be created in Dorset this summer One thousand local people are to be recruited to participate in a mass gathering in Dorset on Saturday 11 June. Green Space Dark

Skies will see people come together with artists and creatives to forge powerful collective connections to the local landscape. The artworks will be created at dusk by participants from the local area, known as Lumenators. Guided along pathways or waterways and carrying smart lights, that are sensitive to the nighttime environment, the digital choreography will be captured on film and available to watch online afterwards. Taking place in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the exact

location won’t be revealed to the general public until after the event, to protect this amazing landscape. Green Space Dark Skies is inspired by the 90th anniversary of the 1932 Kinder Scout Mass Trespass, a pivotal event in the movement to secure access to the countryside for ordinary people that influenced the creation of the UK’s network of National Parks. Outdoor art experts Walk the Plank are the lead creative organisation in the production of Green Space Dark Skies and Dorset-based

Activate Performing Arts are the local producers. The Green Space Dark Skies team is working with Dark Skies representatives in many locations to explore how the project might highlight issues around light pollution in our towns, cities and rural landscapes to support wildlife to flourish. Events will take place across the UK from 23 April with the finale in September featuring events in all four nations of the UK. Become a Dorset Lumenator by registering at: https:// greenspacedarkskies.uk/

The late Cyril Tridgell, who was a member of Wimborne Art Club, painted this picture of Wimborne Town Crier Chris Brown some while ago, and his widow Doreen presented it to Chris recently.

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around & about

REVIEW:

Songs in the Key of Love,

Phoenix Musical Society, Ferndown Village Hall

Storytelling in a magical venue The Crick Crack Club will be bringing a new season of twisted mythology, wild epic, ancient folklore and fairytales for grown-ups to the magical venue of Cranborne Earthhouse. March will see a double-bill: ‘Uncaged’ and ‘Little Red Riding Hood’. The retelling of ‘King Lear’ will be in celebration of Shakespeare Day on 23 April. And in June, ‘The Thief’s Tale’ and ‘The Game of Candles’ will see another double bill of folklore and customs. If the weather is good, bring a picnic. To find out more visit: https://crickcrackclub.com/whats-on/ the-earthhouse/

Greyfriars in the spotlight

With the opening up of facilities across the country, the people of Ringwood can always be assured that there is plenty happening at Greyfriars. Built in the late 18 century, the elegant Georgian house – which has been extended over the years - has been a community hub for learning, education and friendship since 1958. A registered charity, the community centre boasts over 100 clubs, societies and organisations that regularly meet in its halls and rooms, which are also hired out for events. There is a huge selection of reading material in Wyn’s Bookshop. Most books are just 50p for adults ad 20p for children. In the calendar for March is a four-week course on canals presented by Dr C Jolly. To enrol contact: office@ greyfriarsringwood.org.uk Volunteers are always needed. Just call in and speak to the managers Claire and Anne or ring 01425 472613.

By Marilyn Barber Celebrating Valentine’s Day, members of the society sung numbers from both old and new shows, illustrating courting, love, marriage and memory. It gave singers from 12 to 82 the chance to perform, with both the youngest and oldest putting in some fine renditions. Olivia, 12, gave a spirited and animated delivery of Maybe from Annie, whilst Scott, 82, received huge applause for Love Changes Everything from Aspects of Love. The society had to change its plans because of illness, going from an ensemble of 21 to 14, but clearly all had worked hard to produce polished performances. There were too many singers to mention everyone, but some stand out performances need accolades, notably from Phil with Maria from West Side Story, Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific, with the chorus for Get Me to the Church on time (My Fair Lady) and with Linda with Sunrise Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof. Chelsea’s You Must Love me from Evita was tear jerking and Rachel shone with the chorus on I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right Outta my Hair from South Pacific and with On My Own from Les Miserables. Laura has a hugely powerful voice which gave so much emotional impact to Love Never Dies. The show ended on the catchy Love is All Around, followed by Bring Me Sunshine. And on a stormy week, that’s what we all needed.

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Challenging short walk around Damerham near Fordingbridge Around 3,000 steps, 30-45 minutes By Janine Pulford Damerham is a picturesque village near Fordingbridge. This walk is circular and starts at St George’s Church, which dates back to the Norman period and was possibly in existence in Saxon times. From the pretty churchyard take the footpath opposite the front porch. A track leads you to a road, turn left, walk up the hill and on reaching the footpath fingerpost on the right, enter the field. We are taught that we must walk around the perimeter of a field, but it is obvious that walkers cut straight across the middle of this one to the opposite side where there is a stile, which is not the easiest to negotiate. From there, follow the well-trodden footpath to a similar stile. A third stile is more straightforward and leads to a small wooden bridge. Follow the footpath at the edge of the field until you reach a wooden walkway leading into woodland. This will take you to a clear and fast running stream. There is a further wooden walkway with tree trunks and branches to negotiate, one of which might inspire you to become a limbo dancer. From there cross the stream on a narrow wooden bridge with a rail on one side. A wooden footway, and footpath that can be muddy, lead to a metal gate. To the left is Damerham Fishery, which is private. Turn right and walk along the road before following a

footpath fingerpost down a track. This can be muddy. The track leads past a pond. Further on you will reach a small wooden property on the left, which looks like a railway carriage or shepherd’s hut that has been lovingly restored. Continue past someone’s front door before following the roadway into the village, past the old rectory. There is a small stream running along the right-hand side of the road. After a few minutes take a right turn that warns of a weak bridge and proceed along a very narrow road back to the church.

Seed and seedling swap

Thanks to an increase in interest in growing your own fruit and vegetables, Ringwood Actions for Climate Emergency (RACE) has organised a seed and seedling swap event on Saturday 26 March at Greyfriar’s Community Centre from 11am. There will be an opportunity to find out more about the community growing projects in the Ringwood area and the chance to ask questions about organic gardening and to understand more about gardening and wellbeing. People will also be able to share and swap vegetable and flower seeds, seedlings and experiences. Natasha Duggan, local environmental artist explained a little more about what to expect: “Our seed scatterers will be on hand to help you share seeds and early spring seedlings. You can bring, share or just take away. There will be something for everyone, all designed to help towards a more sustainable future.” The event will include: • stalls and displays for beginners and experienced gardeners alike • hands-on activities for children, from planting sunflower seeds to making mini bird feeders • a space to sit and share gardening knowledge and tips and to make new connections with like-minded people • refreshments – tea, coffee, cakes and soup • a panel discussion and gardener’s question time People can also find out how to get involved in community projects such as the Community Market Garden and Orchard at Long Lane Farm, Transition Ringwood’s Community Allotment and Forest Garden, RACE’s Community Tree Nursery, the Dementia Action Group’s wellbeing allotment or Greyfriar’s gardening club. Entry is free but donations would be appreciated. For more information, visit www.racegainsttime.org.uk

Connecting with nature at Poulner Lakes Over the past two years, Ringwood Actions for Climate Emergency (RACE) has worked with Ringwood Town Council to increase the biodiversity of the land near Poulner Lakes. This area was previously a quarry and is used primarily for dog walking. A wider variety of UK native trees and flowers have been planted and volunteers from RACE have been nurturing the trees, recording the over 120 species of wildflowers on the site. To encourage people to spend more time at Poulner Lakes, observing the birds, insects, flowers and trees around them, RACE holds a quarterly photo competition.

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Rosemary White, trustee of RACE and one of the competition judges, said: “We have had some great entries so far and would love to get even more people involved. We know that connecting with nature and being outdoors is good for wellbeing and that the more we understand about the natural world around us the keener we are to protect and enhance it.” There are three age groups: 11 and under; 12-18; and over 18, with the first and second places each receiving a voucher for a local shop. The next competition will run through the month of April. For details, see www.racegainsttime.org.uk

Jack Baskett’s winning entry from the December competition in the 12-18 age group

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in the home

Burglaries predicted to rise With more people returning to work, homes that are now unoccupied during the day may present temptation to would-be burglars, and there could be a rise in break-ins, an insurance broker has warned. Figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales show residential burglaries in the South West fell from 12,774 in the year ending September 2020, to 10,488 in the 12-month period up to September 2021. Nationally, there was also a drop from 233,154 in 2020 to 189,093 incidents in 2021. The Office for National Statistics (ONS), which conducted the survey,

attributed the fall to the impact of lockdown, when working from home became the norm. Insurance companies are warning residents not to be complacent as they return to the office. Amanda Harman, of insurance brokers Lycetts, said: “While a return to normality and fall in the number of burglaries is welcome, people can ill-afford to be complacent and extra attention should be paid to home security as homes have become easier targets for burglars. “It is important homeowners check their home security systems are up-to-date. Alarms, security lighting, cameras and smart locks,

should be in good working order,” Harman said. It is also important to check that current insurance policies have the correct level of cover. For example, if you have invested in extra technological equipment or any home improvements, such as an extension or garden office, you may need to alter your policy. Harman said: “It is upsetting enough to be a victim of burglary but finding that you are under-insured adds can compound the distress.”

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in the home / home is where the heart is .

Tips to Back to basics reduce your energy bills

By Karen Wyatt-Epapara

The recent storms left many Dorset homes without power, our home included. Storm Eunice was predicted to cause widespread havoc, schools were closed, services suspended and, to be honest, I was looking forward to a cosy day at home catching up with a few jobs and keeping an eye on the action at the winter Olympics. It seemed Mother Nature had other ideas. We lost power mid-morning on the Friday, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise (not withstanding the fact that Team GB’s curlers were about to start their semi-final match), and I powered through my planned list of chores without the distraction of my phone or other devices. The lack of power had mixed reviews from the children – the older one was happy he couldn’t access the internet, so no home learning could be done, while the younger, who was mid-baking, was disappointed that her cake wouldn’t be ready for lunch. The power came back on early evening, we settled into our normal routines and forgot about the inconvenience. Until Saturday morning, that is. The power went off again early in the morning and, yet again, in the middle of a crucial Olympics moment. This time, it was to stay off for the best part of three days. At times like these, we realise how much we rely on electricity throughout our lives. Living in a rural area, we have no mobile phone signal or access to the internet, so no WiFi meant we were not contactable, and were unable to make a call or check messages without a 10-minute walk up the hill. It turns out that our oil-fired heating and boiler runs off a thermostat that requires electricity to work, so once our hot water rations ran out, it was cold water only. Luckily, we have a log burner, so we managed to stay warm, and heat enough water on top for a cup of tea. A lack of power breeds a certain creativity. I delved into the shed and pulled out the camping equipment, the most useful of which was the camping barbeque. Conscious that food would be going off quickly, I made a plan for one-pot meals that would prevent food waste and wouldn’t use too much of our precious gas. On the plus side, with no gadgets on hand, the whole family came together in the evenings. We played games and had fun together in a way that we very rarely do. As I began to make dinner by candlelight on day three, the lights came on, to much excitement. I have to admit, though, that once the novelty wore off, I felt a bit of nostalgia for our few days off-grid.

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Rising energy costs are a fact of life for now, with the average household spending around £1,277 a year on heating and power – a cost that is likely to keep increasing over the year. For those on a budget, finding ways to reduce energy usage will help keep on top of the household finances. Fresh Student Living offers these tips for ways to save on your energy bill Flick the switch That little switch on the wall next to where your microwave or TV is plugged in – turn it off. If the appliance is not in use there is no need for it to be on standby. Turn off any lights in your house that you are not using. If the kitchen lights are on whilst you’re in the living room, this is wasting energy. Consider switching to LED lights, which use over 75 per cent less energy than a regular bulb. Be more efficient with your laundry Washing your laundry at 20 or 30 degrees rather than 40 degrees or more can help you to reduce your energy usage. Where possible, air-dry your clothes. Tumble dryers use a lot of energy – if you do need to use it, keep the filters clean to keep it running efficiently. Smart Meters are actually smart If you don’t already have one, getting a smart meter installed can help you monitor where you are using the most energy in your house, and know where you can cut back. Your energy provider will be able to install a smart meter, which should be free of charge. Be smarter about water When washing up, use a bowl of hot water, rather than a running tap – this can actually save around £25 a year. Being more cautious about water in general can help you save on your energy bills too – opt for showers over baths and cut down your shower time. Just one minute a day less in the shower could save on average £7 a person per year. Turn down the heat Almost half the money spent on energy bills is absorbed by heating costs. Turning your heating down – even by just one degree could save you up to £80 a year.

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A Ringwood Biker’s Lament When I was fifteen I was given a bike, A Raleigh with three useful gears. It had butterfly handlebars, a bell and some lights And I used it for several years. I disliked the buses so had to be cool (Both brothers were cyclists then), So in term time we sped the four miles to school. And afterwards, raced home again! I cycled at full speed round twisting Welsh roads And not once did I fall off or crash. I read all the details about Highway codes So survived without one little scratch. I bought a new bike when aged sixty five And I used it for shopping and sport, But then I moved south for a different life And my cycling time was cut short. I’m eighty two now and my bike can go fast It’s got eighteen gears, that’s good. It’s a Hybrid to take me on tarmac or grass And panniers to carry some food. In Ringwood the streets are quite narrow I’ve found And the traffic’s non-stop every day. It’s getting quite scary to pedal around ‘Cos there isn’t a safe cycle way! Robbie Forrester-Addie | February 2022 TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF ALL PAID FOR ADVERTISEMENTS Pulford Publicity Ltd (“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 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. In no case shall the total liability 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 21 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 written consent. Full details of copy dates are obtainable direct from Viewpoint and/or its representatives. The placing of an order for an advertisment shall amount to acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

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Buying and selling in the current climate By Nolan Irving, Irving and Son Q: We are wanting to move but as soon as we see a house that looks suitable, it has gone under offer before we can even book a viewing. We are concerned that if we put our house on the market and get a buyer quickly, we may not find anything. What would your advice be? A. Unfortunately, with the current property market as it is, it is incredibly unlikely that you will be able to find a new home before you have put your own home on the market. To be honest, you are currently going to struggle to even get a viewing on a property if your own home isn’t sold subject to contract. In previous years, it was possible to see something before listing your own home because properties would sit available on the market

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for longer. However, with such a shortage of property listings, not only locally but across the country, what does become available usually sells within days and, in many cases, with an offer at, or over, the asking price. In the 25 years that I have been helping people move in the Verwood area, I have never seen so few ‘available’ property listings. I believe this is a knock-on effect of the recent stamp duty holiday which created a significant increase in property listings and transactions during that period as everyone who was thinking of moving in the near future rushed to take advantage of the significant tax saving. This has resulted in fewer properties coming to the market since the end of the stamp duty holiday and, currently, there are no signs of a sudden flood

of new property listings. There are, however, plenty of buyers. This supply and demand imbalance has enabled property prices to rise at the fastest rate for many years and for those properties that do become available to sell within days of them coming to the market. In many instances, agents will be in receipt of multiple offers giving those potential sellers who are not in a position to make an offer immediately no chance of acting quickly enough. My advice to anyone who is in your situation is: put your house on the market now and ensure that your agent is upfront and honest with any potential buyers that you still need to find your next home.

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Knit the Royal Family for the Platinum Jubilee A new community knitting and crafting initiative aims to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by inspiring people to make items related to this special event. You can knit, crochet, sew, patchwork, embroider, felt, bead or craft members of the Royal Family, their pets, crowns or palaces, bunting or items for a royal tea party, or anything else with a royal theme. “This is an ideal project for knit and natter and craft groups across the area to get involved in, as well as people at home,” said Maria Jacobson, service manager of the Dorset Home Library Service. “We are planning to organise an event or two in June to showcase what people have made for us. “All items will then be sold to raise money for Royal Voluntary Service and our work here in Dorset and BCP, in particular our Home Library Service.” Call 07786 635154 or email maria.jacobson@ royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or visit www. royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.

New funding available for voluntary organisations in Dorset Social, voluntary and community organisations in Dorset are invited to apply for funding from Dorset Council’s Organisational Support Revenue Fund (OSRF). Grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 for running costs are available for organisations that support the needs of vulnerable people in the community and provide activities and emergency, health and social care provision. Applications must be submitted on the council’s online application form. Further details including eligibility, exclusions, funding criteria, closing dates and guidance on completing your online application form can be found on the council’s website. If you require any further information before applying, please contact a member of the team on communities@dorsetcouncil.gov. All applications must be received by Friday 1 April and awards will be made on 20 April.

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NEWS IN BRIEF Fordingbridge plan – Northshore Companies Ltd has applied to New Forest District Council for full planning permission for the erection of four detached properties at 2, Park Road, Fordingbridge. New climate change chief at Dorset Council – Steven Ford is the new corporate director for Climate and Ecological Sustainability at Dorset Council. Mr Ford was previously head of Environmental Growth, Climate Change and Heritage at Cornwall Council. Second thoughts – a scheme to build three detached properties on land at Midgham Farm, Midgham Road, Fordingbridge has been withdrawn by the applicant. Festive funding – volunteers, local businesses and supporters raised more than £9,000 for Julia’s House children’s hospice by collecting around 434 Christmas trees in Dorset and 231 in Wiltshire following the festive season.

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motoring / keeping you on the road.

Predictions for new electric vehicles Forecasts by DriveElectric show that at least 330,000 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will be registered in the UK by the end of 2022, despite vehicle shortages which are expected to remain until the middle of the year. The forecasted registrations represent a significant increase from the number of electric cars registered in 2021, which was around 183,000. This will make up approximately 16 per cent of all sales, and does not include plug-in hybrids. The forecast assumes that demand will outstrip supply until vehicle shortages, primarily due to semiconductor

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supply issues, are resolved; production of EV cars will begin at new factories such as two new Tesla factories; the launch of new electric models from a variety of manufacturers; further increases in UK energy prices; and businesses moving to reduce their carbon footprint. Mike Potter, managing director, DriveElectric, says “EV registrations will continue to increase, however issues such as the semiconductor shortage will still have an impact on the availability of vehicles as we enter 2022. We see this challenge improving by mid-2022 and sales for the remainder of the year should offset the slow start, helped by yet more new EV models coming to market.” Looking further ahead, higher numbers of EV sales are expected from 2025 onwards, accounting for around 50 per cent of registrations. Registrations of petrol and diesel vehicles will decline naturally ahead of the 2030 ban, as people will stop buying them due to poor residual values, which means higher lease costs, and as EV prices become competitive with prices of ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles.

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Grants for local organisations Wimborne Repair Café and Win on Waste were two of 68 organisations to receive funding from Dorset Council’s Community Recovery Grants scheme. Organisations could apply for one-off grants ranging from £500 to £2,000 and so far a total of over £95,000 has supported local organisations to restart their activities and to recover from the pandemic. Charlotte Smith, director at Wimborne Repair Café, said: “The restart grant has made a huge difference. It has secured Wimborne Repair Café community sessions at our venue for the foreseeable future. This has enabled us to make future plans to grow and extend the repair services we offer. We’ve also been able to purchase some consumable items to facilitate repairs.” Stacey Woods, Win on Waste business manager, said: “The grant was used to provide venues for our monthly collection sessions, which would have normally taken place in the library. The funding from Dorset Council meant we were able to help those communities with their hard-to-recycle waste, and pass on what we could to charities that use items such as corks, milk bottle tops, stamps and mobile phones for either their project work or their fundraising. “So far, we have been able to remove over 250 kgs of waste from landfill and kerbside recycling collections and have helped nearly 300 households dispose of common household waste in a responsible way.”

For the first time ever Wimborne Creatives are to stage an exhibition in the gallery at Walford Mill. Led by Heather Gibbons, a well-known Purbeck artist, who exhibits regularly in Purbeck and Dorset Art Weeks, Wimborne Creatives are a group of artists whose work emphasises their ‘individualism’ both in subject matter and working practice, resulting in a range of paintings encompassing land and seascapes, still life, portraiture, moving towards abstraction and surrealism. The exhibition is open from Wednesday – Saturday 10 - 4pm and Sundays 11 - 4pm until 13 March.

Works completed on Ferndown’s Ringwood Road Whilst work is now taking place along Wimborne Road East in Ferndown, works on Ringwood Road are complete. Improvements at the new junction of Ringwood Road with Casterbridge Road – near the Angel Inn – consist of an upgraded junction layout and new pedestrian crossings, controlled by a new set of re-phased traffic lights. The work is part of the current Ringwood Road sustainable transport improvements project which is itself part of a new 27km sustainable travel route linking Ferndown and Wimborne to Poole town centre. Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “Ferndown is a muchloved residential area and we want to make it a safe residential area. Over 19,000 vehicles use Ringwood Road everyday including a large number of heavy goods vehicles. This can make it a difficult road to cross. This new junction and crossing will enhance safety for residents in the area as well as to improve the traffic flow along the road.”

Historic grants

Historic England is inviting local community or heritage organisations to apply for grants of up to £25,000 to fund projects that will celebrate the built or historic environment near them. Applications for funding for smaller grassroots projects of less than £10,000 are also welcome. The funding will focus on heritage that links people to overlooked historic places, with a particular interest in recognising and celebrating working class histories. Applications close on Monday 23 May. For more information visit www.historicengland.org.uk or email EverydayHeritage@HistoricEngland.org.uk please mention VIEWPOINT Magazine when you contact our advertisers

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Viewpoint March 2022