Viewpoint August 2017

Established Over 35 Years Mid Aug 2017

Your Independent Local Magazine

VIEWPOINT

Volume 41, Issue 10

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

take one it’s

Ferndown has had enough!

Residents and businesses in Ferndown are exasperated by the lack of movement regarding the

sudden closure of their recently refurbished post office on 5 July.

Continued on page 5

ISSN 2397-7183 (print) ISSN 2397-7191 (online)

Free

• COMPETITIO N: WIN TICKET S TO THE LIVE AI D EXPERIENCE

@ THE BARRIN GTON • POPULAR LO CAL RADIO DJ

ALAN DOREY HA S DIED • RUNNING TI PS FROM MARK BEECHEY • GET READY FOR RINGWOO D CARNIVAL

VIEWPOINT Volume 41 • Issue 10 • August 2017 MAGS4DORSET Ben Pulford managing director design@mags4dorset.co.uk Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

News Desk 01202 872813 Janine Pulford editor editorial@mags4dorset.co.uk Carol Waterkeyn contributing editor

Design 01202 233441 Louis Pulford creative director louispulford@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Adam Trimby graphic designer designstudio@mags4dorset.co.uk

Advertising 01202 816140 Mark Beechey account manager DD: 01202 941465 mark@mags4dorset.co.uk Russell Harness account manager DD: 01202 941466 russell@mags4dorset.co.uk Richard Marrow account manager DD: 01202 941470 richard@mags4dorset.co.uk

LOGISTICS Ian Lory Alexandra O’Neill

Hello everyone!

Firstly I must thank Alan for sending me a link regarding keeping my bra straps in place. I had a feeling it would be a man who would help me out.

It was almost disappointing to find the link took me to Amazon – the global supplier of all things great and small.

I have to confess, I generally Google everything these days, from ailments to recipes and especially when I need to know what food is safe to feed a rabbit.

I had not thought to Google my bra strap problem.

In this world of technology there are times when I don’t have to think because I let the computer give me the answer. The problem is, I sometimes forget to think of the question.

Anyway, it was very refreshing to see a programme on TV recently about Jodi Ann Bickley and handwritten letters (remember that age-old tradition?). She is aiming to write ‘one million lovely letters’ and is spreading cheer around the world. So far she has handwritten over 4,000 letters, so if you are feeling down, and would like a boost, Google her website (darn it, you need a computer) and ask for a lovely letter.

On that note, I will say enjoy this issue of the magazine. There is plenty of local news inside and everyone at mags4dorset has worked hard to bring it together for you – especially Mark Beechey – see pages 18 and 19 to find out why.

How to contact useditorial

Enquiries: 01202 870270 Advertising: 01202 816140 Brightbox Designs: 01202 233441 Email: mags@mags4dorset.co.uk Web: www.mags4dorset.co.uk Twitter: @mags4dorset Facebook: mags4dorset.news King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN

next copy closing date:

1 SEPTEMBER 2017 The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions in order to fit in with the editorial policy and style of the magazine

Janine Pulford Editor

4Dorset is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in selected areas of Dorset and Hampshire. It is also available by subscription at £35 per year. Views or opinions expressed in 4Dorset 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 4Dorset and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher.

Kevin makes strides in Tae Kwon Do - see page 14

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

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FOREST FM DJ AND PASSIONATE SUPPORTER OF LOCAL MUSIC DIES Alan Dorey, one of the South Coast’s most popular DJs known for promoting unsigned bands and local musicians and a major figure in British SF fandom since the late Seventies, died aged 59, on 24 July.

D

orey was one of eight co-editors who started Interzone magazine in 1982 and his own fanzines included Black Hole for the Leeds University SF club.

His passion for radio grew and his first experience in radio came in the late-90s at BBC Radio Manchester.

Since 2006 he had been a presenter and DJ at Forest FM in Verwood, where his show ‘Music Box’ was described by him as a show that ran on a loose format, which could be summed up as “old, new, borrowed, blues.” It was a simple formula that he said worked to ensure there was always plenty of new music as well as older sounds and a mix of genres. The programme introduced and encouraged upcoming musicians and Dorey’s

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openness to new music and support for local artists is reflected in the floods of tributes left on his and his wife Rochelle’s Facebook pages and the Forest FM page.

Steve Saville, MD of Forest FM said Alan was one of the nicest, kindest persons he had ever had the privilege of knowing.

“His passion for music and talented people, especially local to us, was an inspiration. He helped and inspired so many people,” said Steve, adding that Alan will be missed so much, and had “gone too soon to that music lounge in the sky.”

Steve said that although Alan was unwell and had missed a few programmes, he was hoping to return, so his slot had been kept clear.

VIEWPOINT August 2017

Other Facebook tributes said:

…Alan was the first DJ to ever play The Villanovas music on the radio and was a very passionate supporter of local music that was loved by many in the local community and will be sorely missed! My thoughts are with his family, friends, and his colleagues at this difficult time.

Brett Smith-Daniels So sad and shocked to hear the sudden passing of a lovely man. RIP Alan Dorey. Thinking of your friends & family at this sad time. Jenny Oag Rest In Peace Alan Dorey, such a kind giving soul, thank you for everything you ever did for the local music scene and personally for me, you will always be a legend mate X Chris Payn

I’m greatly shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of one of the South Coast’s best radio DJs, and friend to unsigned and local musicians everywhere, Alan Dorey... He was the people’s DJ, and seemed happiest upon discovery of new music of varied genres from near and far. I didn’t know Alan personally, but he seemed like the kind of guy with whom you’d like to sit down and share a coffee and good conversation…

Lisa Wetton

Piano man, comedian Matt Black, who co-wrote the book Three Legs, Two Bikes, One Piano with Alan Dorey and John Cox, wrote Goodbye for now to one of the most intelligent, peace loving, helpful souls I have ever met.

Alan Dorey you left us as you lived – with dignity and truth – the next world will embrace you as your friends did here.

Dorey is survived by his wife, Rochelle, three sons and a daughter.

Ferndown has had enough!

Continued from page 1 Stuart Fleetham (left), Ben Pulford (right), Cllr John Muggleton (third from left), Mr Athwal (centre back) with residents

T

he lessee of the property, Mr Athwal is very keen to see the problem resolved, and had hoped that a temporary postmaster would have been appointed by the Post Office on 2 August.

This didn’t happen.

“I am shocked that the Post Office don’t have any regard for the community,” said Mr Athwal, “I’ve got a team that can be put in place almost immediately.

We could reopen the doors, but the Post Office won’t agree to it.”

Cllr John Muggleton said he felt Mr Athwal had made a generous offer to the Post Office.

District Councillor Julie Robinson said, “The top brass at the Post Office need to hang their heads in shame.

“The lack of communication from the post office to the Ferndown Community has been appalling, why haven’t they put in temporary staff until this dispute over the lease is resolved?”

In a statement, the Post Office said, “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Ferndown Post Office. We are not the owner of the premises so unfortunately we are unable to re-open the branch at present.

“We understand how much people rely on our services. We would like to reassure our customers that we are working hard to restore Post Office services to the area as soon as possible. In the meantime, alternative branches for customers include West Moors, Wimborne and Parley Cross.”

The Ferndown branch was closed following a dispute between the previous tenant and the new occupiers, who have

now left.

Residents and businesses are exasperated with the situation and the additional time and inconvenience it is costing to travel to other branches. Some elderly people are unable to achieve these journeys.

Julie Robinson pointed out that, “There is nowhere in the town centre that does pay point anymore, so residents who want to top up gas and electric, pay rent etc, can’t.”

Ferndown resident Tim Palmer said, “It’s outrageous.” Sylvia, who helps elderly people locally, said, “It’s disgraceful that it’s closed.” Dianne added, “It’s disgusting, especially for the older people.”

Ferndown Chamber is writing to the Post Office on behalf of the businesses and Stuart Fleetham from Xerocad, a senior chamber committee member said, “It’s a nightmare from a business perspective. We used the post office for our banking and now we are having to travel distances to get this done. It’s very time consuming.”

Ben Pulford, MD of mags4dorset and secretary of the chamber said, “Since HSBC closed its doors in Ferndown, we had to switch our business transactions through the post office, which was an inconvenience.

Now that’s closed, we are having to travel extra distances to carry out simple transactions, which is madness.”

Julie Robinson said, “The sudden closure four weeks ago of our post office is totally unacceptable.

“The Post Office just saying to residents and businesses to use West Moors or Parley and sorry for any inconvenience is not good enough.

“They have had 4 weeks to come up with a plan to continue to provide services to the Ferndown Community, it’s outrageous.

“There is a high percentage of residents who use the post office services as do our local businesses, and the post office has no regard for them at all.

“Other than Bournemouth and Poole, Ferndown is the second largest town in Dorset, and with banks in the town closing, Ferndown needs its post office.”

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

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Jake’s a force for good

B

ack in August 2016, Jake Moore took up his new role as the cyber-crime prevention officer for Dorset Police. Since then Jake has delivered over 100 talks to over 3,500 people.

The Dorset Police Cyber-Crime Unit is focused on ensuring that the Force provides a quality response to all forms of online crime in our communities. Evidence shows that 80 per cent of fraud and cybercrime is preventable.

As part of his role, Jake spends a large percentage of his time advising members of the public on how to protect themselves from becoming victims of online crime.

Various engagement methods, for example a cyber-crime YouTube channel, have been developed to reach more people who are unable to engage in the traditional means such as presentations and events.

These offer information on current crime trends and threats affecting online users, and pass

on advice, top tips and prevention techniques to help businesses and individuals stay safe online.

Jake Moore said, “The majority of cyber-crime and fraud is preventable. Verifying email links and attachments before you open them, making passwords long and unique, and backing up all your valuable data, will go a long way to keeping you safe online. It is frustrating to see so many crimes happening that could have been prevented.

“There are many quick fixes that are easy to implement that will

go a long way in keeping you safe from cyber-crime. Please go to our YouTube channel to view short videos for more information.

“I look forward to the next 12 months in post and have some exciting new engagement ideas planned…”

Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill commented, “Cyber issues weren’t a key focus in my previous Police & Crime Plan for Dorset, but now, in response to the emergence of this growing crime area and subsequent concerns from local people and businesses, we have a dedicated cyber-crime prevention officer.

“Jake has educated over 3,500 people in just 10 months on online safety measures we can take. This is a fantastic resource for Dorset and I look forward to seeing how Jake’s expertise will continue to benefit local people.”

For more information about cyber-crime and prevention techniques go to the website dorset.police.uk/cybercrime.

East Dorset Energy Switch East Dorset District Council is supporting a trial scheme to help residents get a better deal on their gas and electricity.

East Dorset District Council is introducing the East Dorset Energy Switch, which uses the collective buying power of customers to get lower gas and electricity prices.

Cllr Andy Skeats, portfolio holder for community said, “I’m pleased that we are introducing this trial scheme for our residents. Fuel poverty is affecting increasing numbers of people in our community and this collective fuel switch scheme offers residents the chance to reduce their energy bills.

“Many residents haven’t switched their supplier and might be missing the opportunity to save money. Anyone can register for the East Dorset Energy Switch with no obligation to change.”

Residents have until midnight on Monday 9 October to register their interest. Those who have registered will receive a switching offer and have time to decide whether to accept this offer. There is no obligation to switch and there are no charges for taking part, whether you opt to switch or not.

To register without obligation for the East Dorset Energy Switch, or to find out more information please visit www. dorsetforyou.gov.uk/energyswitch or contact 01202 795096.

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VIEWPOINT August 2017

Want to hire a hall?

The Pavilion at Fryer Field off Bond Avenue in West Moors can be hired for a variety of occasions. It has a screen and projector and a maximum capacity for 40 people. There’s a small kitchen, washrooms including a disabled toilet and five changing rooms with male and female shower blocks. The hire cost is £27.50 for a morning, afternoon or evening session. Call the parish council on 01202 861044.

Friendly bowling club Cranborne Bowling Club is into the final half of the season.

This friendly club has 11 new members receiving tuition, and more members are encouraged to make enquiries and ask about discounted membership. Call Steve on 01202 826685.

Fryer facelift Fryer Field play area in West Moors has undergone a £98,000 refurbishment and is about to open its gates offering new play equipment for children aged up to 12.

E

ast Dorset District Councillors Andy Skeats and Ray Bryan were instrumental in the application process of the £50,000 grant that was recently approved by East Dorset District Council. A further £2,000 was received from Tesco Bags of Help in February (an initiative provided by Tesco from the five pence charge levied on single-use carrier bags).

The remaining £46,000

was funded by West Moors Parish Council.

Visit the parish council website or www.facebook. com/WestMoorsPC to find out when the official unveiling is.

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

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LAW SPOT

Would you like to be a mail marshal?

with Toni Oxborough,

Family Lawyer at Harold G Walker Solicitors

Q.partner and would like

I’m separated from my

to take our son on holiday abroad, but my ex is causing problems - what can I do?

Do you, or someone you know, receive large amounts of scam letters? Do you know what scam mail looks like?

A.

If you are named as a person with whom a child lives under a Child Arrangements Order or a Residence Order then you are allowed to take a child out of England and Wales for up to 28 days without the consent of anyone with parental responsibility provided there is no Court Order in place which prevents you from removing the child from the jurisdiction.

If you do not have either a Child Arrangements Order or a Residence Order then you do require the permission of anyone else with parental responsibility before you can take a child (under 16) abroad.

If your ex-partner refuses to give you his consent then it is possible to seek the permission of the court to remove the child from England and Wales for a temporary

period by applying to the court for what is known as a Specific Issue Order to request the court’s permission to take a child on holiday abroad.

A court will grant permission if it can be demonstrated that it is in the best interests of the child to go on the holiday. It is a legal requirement to attempt mediation with the other person with parental responsibility to try to reach an agreement before any court application is made.

It is also a criminal offence under the Child Abduction Act 1984 for a person to take or send a child out of the country without the appropriate consent from anyone else with parental responsibility for the child.

Law Spot is for guidance only.

The answer in this feature does not constitute legal advice

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VIEWPOINT August 2017

It has been estimated that seven out of 10 older people in Britain are targeted by scams every month.

Scam mail is designed to look official and authentic, so for example, scam prize draws, lotteries, and sweepstakes letters may contain coats of arms, serial numbers, barcodes, rubber stamps and watermarks.

Clairvoyant and psychic scam letters may contain fake photos of ‘psychics’, spiritual and religious imagery, and astrological and supernatural references.

If you, or someone you know, get lots of these letters you could become a mail marshal for the National Trading Standards scams team.

A mail marshal can be anyone who is in receipt of scam mail.

They can be based anywhere across the country.

Mail marshals are responsible for collecting scam mail so that law enforcement can utilise the mail collected to target their future enforcement work and potentially

use it as evidence.

Victims of scam mail may even be asked to be witnesses if they would like to help more, but that is not obligatory.

Becoming a mail marshal can be very rewarding and fulfilling.

After signing a confidentiality agreement, you will agree to collect mail and record all details before placing it into pre-paid addressed envelopes which will be provided, and sending it to the National Trading Standards scams team or, if there is too much to record, you can send it as it is. Mail marshals will be issued with a certificate detailing their role.

If you would like more information about the scheme, or if you have responded to scam mail, or want to help someone who has, please contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06 who will take this seriously.

This helpline is the first point of contact for consumers seeking advice or wishing to report a problem to trading standards.

Closure of Dorset Online Learning causes concern Mike Haberfield of Ferndown has contacted mags4dorset to ask for support concerning an educational organisation He writes: DOL (Dorset Online Learning) offers a fantastic opportunity for children in Dorset, who for a variety of reasons, are not able to attend school for their education. Our daughter has been lucky enough to receive her education at home via DOL, and complete her GCSEs. We have just discovered that DOL is to be closed, and the ‘All Inclusive’ education service will be lost, with many children losing their educational lifeline.

We know only too well, how hard we had to fight for Bethany’s education, and feel very passionately that others should be able to receive the same opportunity.

We have raised a petition and campaign to save DOL, but only have until 4 September to do so.

The petition can be found at http:// you.38degrees.org.uk/ petitions/save-dol-dorset-

online-learning-fromclosure Currently, Dorset Online Learning offers real-time education to students unable to attend mainstream education full time. Students can be taught wherever there is an Internet connection – usually in their own home. mags4dorset approached Dorset County Council for their comments. Cllr Deborah Croney, Dorset County Council’s cabinet member for education, learning and skills, said, “Dorset Online Learning provides lessons across the Internet to young people who find it difficult to attend school, mainly due to anxiety-related conditions. Currently, 17 children each receive between one and four hours of lessons a week this way.

“Online learning is provided on a temporary basis as part of a package

of services. We work with children alongside health professionals to help get them back into full-time, mainstream education and give them the best opportunities in life. We set up DOL 11 years ago.

Since then, a number of other providers have entered the market, offering a wider range of subjects and expertise.

“It cost us £196,000 to run the service last year.

Having reviewed the quality and cost of the existing service, we plan to replace it with a combination of online and face-to-face learning and support. This move is not about saving money; it is about getting more appropriate provision for the children…

“We intend to introduce this change in January 2018, after the next school term. Each child will have an individual transition plan, based on their specific situation.

We will continue to work

with children, their families and other professionals to ensure they get the best possible education for them.”

For parents concerned about withdrawal of the

service, or for those who are having difficulties with getting their children into mainstream education, there is useful information on the Dorset County Council website.

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

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charity of the year

RNLI

The Dunkirk spirit

T

he new movie Dunkirk tells of the evacuation of Allied troops, and has stirred up memories. Thomas Kirk Wright, Poole’s lifeboat from 1939-62 was one of the ‘Dunkirk Little Ships’ – the 850 boats that were requisitioned by the government to take part in the rescue.

On 28 May 1940 she sailed from Poole to Ramsgate to join the flotilla and was the first of 19 lifeboats to reach Dunkirk on 30 May 1940.

British, French, Canadian and Belgian troops, who had been fighting against Hitler’s troops in Belgium and France, were forced to retreat to the French port.

They had been cut off

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during the Battle of Dunkirk but the Germans failed to overwhelm the Allies and an ambitious rescue plan codenamed ‘Operation Dynamo’ was hailed ‘the greatest rescue operation in history’, when hundreds of civilian sailors, along with the Navy and the RAF, selflessly risked their lives to evacuate over 338,000 troops from the beaches.

The lifeboat crew members had been told to have a hearty meal, some sleep and muster on Poole Quay with other vessels. The British Ministry of Shipping had put the call out and off went the lifeboat, not knowing what lay ahead.

At a speed of 6 knots it took her over 24 hours to reach Ramsgate.

At Ramsgate the Thomas Kirk Wright was

VIEWPOINT August 2017

captained by Leading Seaman Huntington, and, manned by naval ratings, she arrived off Dunkirk on 30 May 1940 and was the first lifeboat taken over.

According to Huntingdon’s official log, on her first trip, Thomas Kirk Wright was kept offshore by gunfire from shore batteries.

She returned to Dunkirk for a second time on 2 June 1940 when she was towed across by the tug Foremost 87, together with another RNLI lifeboat. They managed to get troops off the beach east of Dunkirk, and tried to save survivors from trawlers that had been blown up.

The lifeboat had a draught of only 76cm (2ft 6ins). The beach at Dunkirk was too shallow for larger boats, so she was used to shuttle troops to waiting warships, which then carried them back to England. The Thomas Kirk Wright made three trips in total, rescuing members of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), but on the final voyage she came under fire and was damaged, although no one aboard was hit. She managed to get back on one engine, and was then repaired and returned to back to Poole, where she continued to save lives until 1962.

By the ninth day of the evacuation, a total of over 338,000 British and Allied troops had been rescued by the hastily assembled fleet of boats. These heroic ‘little boats’ came under constant fire and, in the face of such danger, gave rise to the well-known phrase ‘the Dunkirk Spirit’, representing the stubbornness and refusal to accept defeat by all those who took part in the incredible evacuation.

The Thomas Kirk Wright is now on display in the Old Lifeboat Museum at Fishermen’s Dock on Poole Quay.

Save the date!

Following the success of the recent West Moors MAD event, the parish council has decided to hold a second village event on Saturday, 30 June 2018. It will be held on the Fryer Field off Bond Avenue and will be based around multi-activities.

A spokesperson at the parish council said it promises to be bigger and better next year with a full day of fun, entertainment and a wide variety of activities.

Hub’s 10th birthday

If you want to be involved, call Amie Fawcett on 01202 861044 or pop into the parish office at 4 Park Way, West Moors.

A fun-packed afternoon of taster sessions, bouncy castles, BBQ, games and activities heralded the arrival of the Verwood Hub’s 10th birthday on 30 July.

The well-attended free event included a visit from Cllr Derek Burt, chairman of East Dorset District Council and the mayor of Verwood, Cllr Lindsey Dedden, both of whom are pictured in the photograph sporting their chains of office.

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

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New Forest Water Park Review – The Aqua Park

By Adam Trimby

W

hen we arrived at the New Forest Water Park near Fordingbridge we knew straight away it was going to be an awesome day. The sign at the check-in counter said that the water was a glorious 27 degrees – a perfect day for swimming in what has to be one of the most beautiful lakes around.

Our day was set for a splash around the Aqua park. It is a massive 80 metres long by 40 metres and it has everything you need for an epic day out.

Although it is more fun to try to keep out of the water

for some of the elements to the course, staying dry is not an option.

Before setting out to the park, there was an eight-minute safety briefing and a quick check of our buoyancy aids. After this, there was nothing left to do but set out to the park and enjoy an hour of watery mayhem.

To get to the Aqua Park You walk along a big jetty, almost to the centre of the lake, and as you approach it, the size of the obstacles becomes apparent. The inflatables look like mini, luminous yellow islands that are simply made for fun. And for one hour,

that’s what you get.

There are too many different obstacles to list here, but some of the highlights were the jumping platform, the iceberg slide, the seesaw and, the element that brought us the most fun of all, was the trampoline with the flippers.

But, the entire thing is great. You find yourself running around with your friends and wanting to have a go at everything, smiling and laughing continuously at how funny it is to repeatedly fall into the water.

A highlight was definitely being part of a group of four grown men,

all trying to climb up the side of one of the inflatables and slipping back down with every single attempt, only to see a girl of about eight years old rush past us and climb up the side with ease. We couldn’t stop laughing.

Once our hour was up, we all left the Aqua Park feeling tired from what turned into quite a workout but buzzing from the good feelings of being out in the water on a beautiful summer’s day in the New Forest.

Even though the New Forest Water Park is host to various kinds of water sports, from wakeboarding to kayaking and most things in between, the Aqua Park is the perfect adventure for those not overly keen on the more rapid water sports.

It’s fun, it’s challenging and it’s wet. What more could you want on a hot day in the south of England?

Summer when the living is easy. Dream on!

Here we are in August already.

In the animal health department we have to juggle our holiday leave to ensure there is enough cover for the unexpected, which could be anything from complaints from the public about concerns with animal welfare issues, to illegal animal movements, such as illegally imported dogs and cats.

As with the routine trading standards work, it is a never-ending cycle that makes our work so diverse and interesting.

It has been quite a bad

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year for fly strike in sheep and vigilant owners have been busy keeping a close eye on them. Unfortunately it can sometimes get missed and we have to step in and check the sheep are being treated appropriately.

We are very lucky to live and work in such a lovely county as Dorset, especially spending a large part of our work out on the farms and fields. However, even on the hottest days we must still be aware of bio security and wear waterproof trousers and wellies that can be

VIEWPOINT VIEWPOINT August August 2017 2017

disinfected whilst visiting livestock.

Our team will again be giving up their time to steward the sheep classes at the Dorset County Show on 2 and 3 September; come along and enjoy a day looking at some of the best livestock in the county.

Christine Scott Animal Health Inspector

For further information contact 01305 224475, or visit www.dorsetforyou. com and follow the links to trading standards.

Picture shows recent jubilation when a new minibus was delivered to the MS Society at the Osborne Centre recently following fundraising efforts

Despicable and cruel act

T

he theft of a catalytic converter from a charity’s specially adapted vehicle used to transport multiple sclerosis sufferers to their day centre in West Parley has been called “a despicable and cruel act.”

Two men were recorded on the premises of the Osborne Centre on 26 July at around 10.15pm when the catalytic converter disappeared.

Rod Slip, the chairman of the local branch of the MS Society said the vehicle had been rendered inoperable denying members, who relied on the vehicle, their usual visit to the centre.

The charity will now have to raise funds to pay the excess on the insurance to get the vehicle back into service.

The local branch of the MS Society is dependent on the generosity and goodwill of local people for its objective in supporting those with MS and their families. It receives no external funding.

“This incident has caused a lot of distress to people who have enough problems in their lives,” said Rod. “It was a despicable and cruel act.”

He said he found it unbelievable that anyone would want to steal from a charity.

SILVER-LINED COMPETITION In its 25th anniversary year, entries for Wimborne in Bloom were up on last year.

Chairman of the committee, Richard Nunn thanked everyone who entered.

He said, “Whilst not all can be winners, they are to Wimborne in Bloom, and continue to contribute to making Wimborne a very popular destination for visitors and residents alike.

“I think all will agree that the town looks really good and the weather has ensured the displays, and especially the hanging baskets, have flourished.”

He also thanked Littlebanks Nursery and Dutch Touch for their support for the ‘In Bloom’ campaign.

Judged by local organisations between 17-22 July, the results are as follows: Best shop: 1st Carnival Flowers, 2nd Going for Bust, 3rd Friends of Victoria Hospital, highly commended: Fairground Fair Trade shop, Douch & Small Best overall outside display, business premises – hotel, guest house, public house or restaurant (a) within town boundary: 1st The Minster Arms, 2nd The Rising Sun, Joint 3rd The Oddfellows Arms, The Green Man (b) in the country district: 1st The Horns Inn, 2nd The Stocks Inn, 3rd The Old Inn (c) business premises not entered in (a) or (b): 1st Nicholas O’Hara, 2nd Allendale Community Centre, 3rd Mill Lane Precinct Businesses, Best garden open to the public where an entrance fee is paid: 1st Wimborne Model Town Best church, churchyard or memorial garden: Joint 1st Royal British Legion Memorial Garden, The Green Man Memorial Garden, joint 3rd The Minster Church, Wimborne URC Best school gardens or grounds: 1st St John’s First School, 2nd Wimborne First School Best garden visible from the road (a) annual: 1st 9 Pye Lane, 2nd 73 Grove Road, 3rd 77 Hardy Crescent (b) perennial: 1st 10 Elizabeth Road, 2nd Bennett Lodge, 23 Rodway, 3rd 224 Leigh Road (c) mixed annual and perennial: 1st 9 Pye Lane 2nd 41 Wimborne Road West, joint 3rd 3 Richmond Road, 14 Chene Road (d) first-time entry: 1st Bennett Lodge, 23 Rodway, 2nd 37 Wesley Road, 3rd 41 Wimborne Road West Best back garden: 1st 15 Minster View, joint 2nd 32 Oakley Hill, 6 Cuthbury Gardens, 32 Greenhays Rise Best Communal garden or group of houses including residential/nursing homes: 1st Pye Lane Group, 2nd Allen Court, East Borough, Back Gardens 17 -19, 3rd Hobbit Cottage to the Tap House, West Borough Private dwelling: (a) best hanging basket: 1st 14 Chene Road, 2nd 5 Hamilton Court, 3rd Grove Road (b) best overall display – hanging and/or wall baskets, tubs or containers: 1st 14 Chene Road, 2nd 73 Grove Road, joint 3rd 41 Grove Road, 77 Hardy Crescent Best display surrounding a town sign: 1st Victoria Road (Stella & Derek Foote), 2nd Julians Road (National Trust), 3rd Cranborne Road (National Trust)

Presentation of prizes will be at Allenbourn Middle School on 23 September.

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

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verwood NEWS

A CLUB FOR ALL...

Kevin receives his yellow stripe from Stephen Lamberth

Congratulations to Kevin Pidgley. He has really worked hard over the past year and has recently achieved his first belt in Tae Kwon Do. At a recent grading at Stephen Lamberth’s School of Self Defence, where over 80 people participated from beginner to advanced levels, Kevin took his first test and passed with flying colours to receive a yellow stripe.

He’s had help from all the club members who have supported him along the way, in particular his carer, Glenn Everett, as well as Callum Graves,

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a 14-year-old black belt junior. Callum has carried out lots of teaching and assisting with Kevin, getting him ready to take his Tae Kwon Do exam.

Stephen Lamberth, club instructor, said, “We are pleased to announce that Kevin passed his first grading in June 2017 and is now a very proud yellow stripe. Congratulations Kevin – you’re in a club a real kick above the rest...

VIEWPOINT August 2017

Kevin with his helper Glenn Everett

“It is remarkable that the club has such a family supportive atmosphere. I could feel everyone willing Kevin on to pass his first belt.

“It’s been great for him to achieve and succeed with us. Keep it up Kevin.

Special thanks go out to Glenn and Callum who supported and assisted. It’s fantastic to see youngsters taking an opportunity to help others – who says youngsters are not helpful?

“In our club we teach students to be respectful and helpful. This is just one example of many good stories within our family club. As an international instructor I am proud of you all.”

If you want to know more about this club contact Stephen Lamberth on 01202 829012 or visit www.taekwondo4u.co.uk

Callum Graves who helped Kevin

verwood NEWS

Celebrations for education in Verwood

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here was celebration at Hillside Community First School in Verwood in July as staff members were lauded for their services to education in Dorset. Mrs Yvonne Kemp and Mrs Sally Christopher, both teaching assistants at the school, were invited to Dorchester to receive long-service awards for 25 years of continuous service in schools.

They started working at Hillside school as parent helpers, enjoying it so much that they trained to become teaching assistants, sometimes also taking whole classes.

Yvonne Kemp said that they had enjoyed the afternoon and the chance to reflect back over the

varied experiences they have enjoyed at the school.

The ladies each received a set of crystal glasses engraved with the Dorset crest, as gratitude from Dorset County Council for their devoted service to education over the last 25 years.

Both ladies are looking forward to continuing their roles at the school and are particularly looking forward to the 50th anniversary celebrations and tree planting in September, marking half a century since the school was built.

(L to R) Yvonne Kemp, headteacher Jeremy Harrison and Sally Christopher

Verwood LAG visitors PCSO Neil Mansell visited Verwood Local Action Group on 12 June and updated members on recent police matters. He pointed out that overall, Verwood residents live in a very safe town with only minor problems. He said he hopes to set up regular meet ups in Morrisons and Costa as points of contact as suspicions reported can prove to be invaluable.

He added, Black Hill parking at the bus stop has been reported to the highways department for measures to be put into place and traffic measurements on Ringwood Road related to Linden Homes’ traffic

survey for their recent development application.

Darren Spreadbury and Mark Prior from Verwood Hub attended the meeting and gave an update on the centre and the increase in attendance. They also spoke about marketing, and producing an advance list of events. Updated cinema equipment is to be installed shortly. The café menu has also been improved.

The Hub’s 10th anniversary celebration was held on 30 July.

The next meeting of Verwood LAG is on 11 September at 7pm at The Hub, Brock Way, Verwood, followed by 13 November and 4 December.

Townswomen’s Guild commits murder and more

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n a very hot afternoon recently, members listened to Hazel Wilson’s talk ‘Undercover Agent’. Not a spy, but a ‘corsetiere’ in a well-known department store, she had to be trained to sell corsets and was sent to the London Corset School. Following this and a written exam she was qualified to work in the larger stores. Nowadays tights have more or less taken over from corsets as they are also produced with tummy-control panels.

The guild’s entertainers more recently performed Murder In The Roaring 20s, in aid of their current charity Macmillan Caring Locally.

With a full house at Verwood Memorial Hall the evening consisted of a three-course supper

and a raffle, with prizes kindly donated by local businesses. Guests and helpers arrived dressed in 1920s’ costume and the audience got into the spirit of the evening with questions for the cast members on the ‘murder’, before having to decide ‘who dunnit’.

The evening was a great success and the guild will present a cheque to

Macmillan Caring Locally for the final sum raised over the year through coffee mornings, lunches and other events. The annual Amblers’ Lunch will take place in August, and the guild will be holding a ‘Jarbola’ stall at Verwood Rustic Fayre on Bank Holiday Monday.

For more information about the guild, ring 01202 827339.

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

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verwood NEWS

Verwood football clubs merge Verwood Town FC and Rossgarth Youth FC announced recently that they are merging into a single club called Verwood Town FC for the start of the 2017/2018 season.

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oth clubs are steeped in history and based in Verwood.

Rossgarth was founded over 50 years ago and has been providing football opportunities to girls and boys from 6 to 18.

From humble beginnings, Rossgarth has grown, over the years as the town’s population has significantly expanded; now offering football to local youth players with over 20 teams covering Bournemouth, Dorset and New Forest leagues.

There have always been strong links between the two clubs on and off the pitch, with players progressing

from Rossgarth Youth to Verwood Town FC. The Verwood-based clubs recently worked together to raise £1,000 for Julia’s House charity.

Verwood Town FC now has two senior men’s teams. The First Team play in the Sydenhams (Wessex) League and the Development Squad play in the Wyvern League.

The club is currently seeking an enthusiastic coach for the Development Squad to assist the current manager for the season starting 19 August, also additional players are needed to join the squad.

More details from Martin Gilham on 07921 246234 or email chairman@vtfc.co.uk

Verwood Ladies’ Team

In addition to the men, the Verwood Town FC Ladies’ team is joining the Hampshire League. It is the intention that Verwood Town FC will continue to build strong links with Verwood Girls FC to ensure there is a migration path for girls playing youth football to aspire to join the Verwood Town Ladies.

Verwood Town Ladies is a relatively new team, established over the summer of 2015. Training

over the summer months takes place at Potterne Park fields and over the winter, the Potterne Park 3G pitch. Matches are played within the stadium, which is shared on equal terms as the men’s first team.

Chairman of Verwood Town FC, Martin Gilham comments, “We are delighted to have completed this merger.

Whilst Verwood Town had a very challenging season

last year, the bringing together of the Youth and Senior clubs can only benefit the local community and football clubs.

Verwood Town’s goal is to push forward both on and off the pitch. The club is keen to establish close ties with the local community to provide a family-friendly environment, which we hope residents and local businesses in Verwood would have a desire to become involved in.”

Council Matters Cllr Simon Gibson

By Cllr Simon Gibson

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VIEWPOINT August 2017

Recently the council launched a new pilot scheme to help people with their energy bills.

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he scheme encourages residents to sign up for an energy switch, which uses collective buying power to secure a good deal for gas and electricity. This is a very important piece of work and I am glad that the council has looked at ways to help residents with their energy bills.

A similar scheme was proposed a number of years ago by Cllr Steven Lugg of Ferndown and, whilst not identical, it seeks to support people and save money. This new scheme has been started for a trial period with applications being accepted until 9 October 2017. If you would be interested in this initiative, please look online at www.dorsetforyou. gov.uk/energy-switch or contact 01202 795096. You can sign up without any obligation.

I support this scheme and sincerely hope that it

is a success. Fuel poverty is still far too common and anything that we can do as a council to help lower household bills is welcome.

Energy bills are a necessity and by benefitting from collective purchasing, I hope that genuine, muchneeded savings can be found. Everyone can benefit from this scheme but I hope that the most vulnerable residents will be able to participate and secure the savings. If you think this is of benefit to you or anyone you know, please do ask for more details.

On a final note, the long running saga of Local Government Reorganisation is still unclear. No decision will now be made until the Parliament recess is over in September. Either way, the Government must make a decision so that we can prepare for the challenges that are heading our way.

health & FITNESS Make an Active Promise and you could win a FitBit! The Active 4 Health partnership at Christchurch and East Dorset Councils would like to set you a challenge ….

They say keeping active All entries must be is really important for our submitted online by health and wellbeing, yet 30 September 2017. All many residents find it tricky prizewinners are to be to fit in the recommended notified by 6 October 2017.

30 minutes a day to keep The councils’ terms healthy. They add that just and conditions are: Only sitting can have negative one entry per person. By effects on your health, so entering the draw you Christchurch and East agree to be contacted after Dorset councils are asking 30 September 2017 by you to consider whether the councils to evaluate you are doing enough how you got on with your to enjoy the protective promise. Your details will benefits of being physically not be passed onto third active? parties or used for any Active 4 Health are other purpose. inviting you to make your Please note this is not a own Active Promise online. mags4dorset competition.

All those who submit their own Active Promise have the chance to win a FitBit, along with some other great prizes.

Visit www. dorsetfoyou. gov.uk/activepromise and complete the Dan Smith makes his Active Promise online form.

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Trying something new!

Are you looking for new active pursuits to try?

If so, join Ferndown Leisure Centre’s team.

Ferndown Leisure Centre is a friendly place offering great affordable prices to pursue your healthy lifestyle. There is a good programme of activities catering for all in the community.

Regularity of movement is one of the keys to improving or maintaining your health, and with that in mind there is a range of memberships at the centre to suit you and help save you money. These include gym only, swim only, and all inclusive.

You can take part in activities at the centre on either a pay-as-you-go basis, or by taking out a membership to suit

you – providing you with complete freedom of choice.

When should you take out a membership? – when you save money through the activities you are doing.

The team at Ferndown Leisure Centre want to help you make the right decisions for you, so please talk to them.

At the centre you will find a wide range of expertise across the leisure activities provided, and the team are keen to assist you with their knowledge to help you improve and ultimately enjoy and get more out of your choices.

You may be able to swim – but are you getting

the most out of your swim?

Ferndown Leisure Centre can help you to enjoy the water more.

To find out more about the centre’s memberships and making the right choice, please either pop in and speak to a customer advisor, call 01202 877468 or email deanadudman@ pfpleisure.org

For more information about the centre and other activities available call Ferndown Leisure Centre on 01202 877468 or visit www.ferndownleisurecentre.co.uk

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

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health & FITNESS

Tips to improve your running experience By mags4dorset’s Mark Beechey

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s a keen runner, I’ve learned there are many ways to improve your running, For example, by increasing the number of times you run each week (I would advise around three to four times), upping your distance per run – this should be done gradually and at a slower pace than usual to avoid injury, and working on speed and form. Here I’ve listed some other key ways that could help you improve and enjoy the experience even more...

Speed play

Mark Beechey

Running intervals are brilliant for increasing your speed: a fourminute sprint followed by a three-minute walk or jog and repeating the cycle over and over until you have completed your distance.

There are many free apps available for your phone to help. Simply search ‘interval timer’ and pick which one suits you.

Intervals build strength.

As you explode into a sprint you are able to work on your heart rate’s recovery time as you walk or jog.

Alternatively, perhaps you would rather undertake the humorously named ‘fartlek’ training which is Swedish for ‘speed play’?

For this you simply pick the next tree or lamppost you can spot on your route and sprint to it, then look for the next landmark and walk or jog to it, then pick a tree, bush or bench and sprint to that and so on. Intervals are excellent for increasing your aerobic and anaerobic capacity, which in turn will make you faster and more durable.

Aerobic = endurance Anaerobic = strength

Run for the hills

Incorporating hills into your run is tough work but will help build strength in your glutes and calf muscles over time. This also builds

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VIEWPOINT August 2017

your confidence, as you will be rewarded once you have reached the top without stopping. There is a saying I often think about when battling a steep incline, “There are many people that can run downhill, not everybody can run up them!’’ It is not important that you run at speed uphill; it is about seeing if you can keep moving at a steady pace.

And, it is important to remember this is training – you are not out to beat your personal best on every run.

Rest up

Rest is extremely important.

You must have rest days as this gives your heart-rate a chance to normalise, and for your muscles to repair and grow stronger.

A good way to explain this is if you were to rub your skin with a rough stone every three days, the skin would grow stronger and become calloused with each time period left alone. If you were to rub it every day it would become irritated and break.

Whether you are wanting to improve your form, or get rid of niggling aches and pains, here are seven tips, which could help you reach your goal:

Fuel your body

Eating the right foods can make a significant impact on your performance.

I will often reach for a banana rather than toast on race day, as it is easier to digest and releases potassium and sugar over an extended period. Fresh vegetables and fruits make all the difference; after all you wouldn’t catch Lewis Hamilton filling up his F1 race car with any old fuel.

Think about what you are putting into your body to

ensure you are getting the best out of it. Vary your diet by including kale, avocado, blueberries, sweet potatoes, bananas and tomatoes.

The right tools for the job

As with every activity, having the right tools for the job is key. With running, appropriate footwear becomes very important in helping you attain your goals and to progress without increasing risk of injury. At most running specialist stores, time is taken to assess your biomechanics and running style or ‘gait’. This is done by a series of static tests and then a video clip of you running on a treadmill. The video clip will be watched frame by frame to determine what level of foot support you’re likely to need. Running shoes vary in the level of stability they offer. Most have a high level of cushioning to help protect your joints from the impact running creates.

Often without the right cushioning and support, injuries can occur more frequently such as shin splints, ilio-tibial band syndrome (runner’s knee) or the dreaded plantar fasciitis (pain on the bottom of the foot). But with the right gear and a sensible approach to training, you are on your way to achieving your running goals.

Staying Pain free is no mean ‘feet’

With 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments in each foot, it is not hard to see how they can be prone to injury while running at speed when an average of six times your body weight travels through each foot with every step.

Achilles’ tendon pain, ingrowing toenails and the conditions already mentioned above, are probably the most common of complaints and left alone

health & FITNESS

Bournemouth Up & Running

to heal can become worse.

Debra, at Merriefield Podiatry, once gave me an acronym for early treatment for problems regarding muscular pain – RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). This has helped me in the past when dealing with swelling, but I would always advise that you contact a podiatrist or doctor for specialist advice with any injury.

Need motivation?

Have you thought about incorporating a personal trainer into your running programme? Not only do they keep you motivated and driven, they can also create a training plan to help reach your target – whether it’s completing your first 5k, 10k, half or even a full marathon, they will work on core strength and endurance to hone in on your weaknesses and turn them into your strengths. Their aim is to tune your body so that you can overcome your goal.

Maybe you have been working hard to bring down your personal best-ever time on a distance run.

A personal trainer could make the difference to achieving those marginal gains.

Join the club

There are a number of local running clubs available.

I am a member of the New Forest Runners Club and Park Run @ Moors Valley

An uphill struggle

we meet at Wilverley Plain each Sunday morning, when you can choose from a number of different distances to suit your speed. Each group has a leader who will set the pace and make sure there are plenty of water breaks.

There are also social events and club races, which you are welcome to attend but there is no pressure.

There are training sessions available mid-week for speed work and intervals, or just a general catch up with friends. Running with a group is inspiring, as you are able to build each other’s confidence and if you wish, you can have a chat to pass the time while you run. With many advanced runners there are lots of tips you can pick up to improve your running. You can find out more about the New Forest Runners on their website: www.newforestrunners. com or look for others in your area.

A run in the park

Parkrun is a fairly new worldwide initiative with free weekly, 5km runs.

They are open to everyone, including children, regardless of ability and are safe and easy to take part in. The events take place every Saturday morning from 9am in pleasant surroundings. Local venues include Moors Valley near Ringwood, Poole Park, Upton, Bournemouth (Kings Park) and Lymington.

Check out the website at

www.parkrun.org.uk for further information. If you’re interested in signing up to run at an existing parkrun event, or you fancy starting an event nearer to where you live, there’s more information on the website.

On your bike!

Taking up cycling is a good way to mix up your training. Some people do not run because they enjoy it, they run because they have a health or fitness goal in mind and they know that running is the way to reach it.

So why not switch it up and also take up cycling?

Not only will you work different muscle groups, it takes the pressure off your knees.

I know many runners who have actually transitioned over to triathlons this way.

Once you have found the right bike for you, you’re away! Visit your local bike shop and ask for advice. There are also electric bikes available that are perfect for easing into cycling or for the cyclist who wants to go for a more leisurely bike ride.

There are other ways that you could improve your running.

Unfortunately I am not able to mention them all.

Although, whether you are looking to smash your personal best, lose weight or are training to survive a long-distance run for a charity close to your heart, I hope that you find this article helpful.

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

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health & FITNESS Busting the target A grant of over £20,000 awarded to Bournemouth Hospital Charity is set to improve matters for breast cancer surgery patients by making treatment easier and more convenient.

‘Going for Bust’ – a local breast cancer charity with shops in East Dorset and the New Forest – have awarded Bournemouth Hospital Charity with a £23,650 grant to enable the hospital to purchase a new Dose Calibrator for sentinel lymph node (SLN) injections.

Most notably, the new calibrator will allow for breast cancer surgery patients to receive SLN

injections – an integral part of breast surgery preparation – at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital prior to their operation.

The injection of a radioactive substance and blue dye around the tumour allows doctors to locate the nearest lymph node. This can often help to determine the stage of the patient’s cancer and can be used to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Following recent guideline changes from the Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee (ARSAC) patients would have had to visit Poole Hospital for the injection prior to receiving the surgery at the

Bournemouth hospital, creating extra anxiety at what is already a stressful time.

The Going for Bust grant has also enabled the hospital to create a new, dedicated treatment room within the Jigsaw Building, where injections can be administered quickly and comfortably.

“This generous grant from Going for Bust will help to benefit around 400 breast cancer patients who undergo surgery at our hospital every year, so we’re very thankful,” says Amanda Iskender.

Going for Bust had previously donated £10,000 towards a new breast ultrasound machine for RBH’s Health Unit in 2016.

Neonatal’s £550 collection boost for Poole Hospital

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Rotary club collection held at Haskins Garden Centre at Longham, near Ferndown has provided much needed funds to boost training at Poole Hospital’s neonatal centre.

Following the collection, Parley Rotary Club has donated £550 to the neonatal centre to help provide nursing staff with the specialist skills needed to treat poorly and premature babies.

Sister Marianne White of the neonatal intensive care unit at Poole Hospital was delighted to accept the donation from Parley Rotary’s David Amey.

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VIEWPOINT August 2017

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STUDIO ONE (DCPA) – A NEW CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE Over the summer there have been a lot of changes happening at Studio One (Dorset’s Centre for Performing Arts). This one-time dance school, founded by Principal Denise Booth in 1981, moved to Ferndown in 1988, where it has continued to run successfully despite being spread over three buildings on Ferndown Industrial Estate.

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or the autumn term, though, they are very excited to be moving into their brand new premises just around the corner in Cobham Road, still on the industrial estate but with everything under one roof and a large car park for customers. The new centre will include two dance studios, a singing and drama studio, dancewear shop, offices, recording studio, changing and reception areas, and props & costume store.

Miss Denise said, “All being well we will be in our new premises in October.

It is a much bigger unit with a large car park – allowing us to increase the number of classes we schedule each week and to add several new adult classes including the NEW SILVER SWANS for over 55s, TAP FIT, Pilates and Yoga onto our timetable.

New children’s classes will include TINY TUMBLERS acrobatics/gymnastics for the under 5s,drama classes, an additional Nursery class for the Under 5s and more private tuition will be available for our students.”

Directors of the studios are keen to emphasise that all classes at Studio One (DCPA) are taught by skilled and qualified teachers and instructors, who are also accompanied by class assistants.

The Directors are also extremely proud of how the school, now in its 36th year under the guidance of Miss Denise, has successfully developed into a CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR PERFORMING ARTS. Studio One (DCPA) is affiliated to the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), British Theatre Dance Association (BTDA) and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and students are encouraged to enter for examinations in their core subjects at regular intervals throughout the year.

For those interested in a career in dance or performance, the centre offers expertise and aptitude to provide the best possible training for their chosen career; and for those who just want to attend classes for the pure enjoyment and exercise – Studio One (DCPA) is also the place to be!

Daily core classes are held for students in Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern/Jazz and Acrobatics – from Primary through to grade 8 – and Senior students have the opportunity to study for their vocational grades in core subjects.

The centre also offers Stage and Musical Theatre training, including singing and vocal coaching. And for the very young – the centre runs their famous Tots & Tiddlers Music and Movement Classes, which are extremely popular.

Denise Booth and her team open up many opportunities to students – this year alone they have performed at ‘Dance Proms’ – at The Royal Albert Hall, ‘Move It’ held at The ExCeL, ‘A Chance to Dance 2017’ at The Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth; and ‘Colours of Dance’ held

at Pavilion Dance South West at Easter. In March, the centre also held an open DDMIX class, which was hosted by Strictly judge Darcey Bussell.

The achievements of the school have been showcased in their annual productions since 1981.

This is the highlight of the year where all pupils are offered a chance to perform.

The centre also endeavours to raise money each year for local charity Julia’s House, with fundraising events, raffles and collections. Since 2007 they have raised a whopping £61,364.

The centre is open from 9.30am to 9.30pm Monday to Saturday, and Sundays for rehearsal time and examination sessions.

You can drop in to the centre for more information, or give them a call on 01202 890707 for more details.

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

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education NEWS C’est combien?

Year three and four pupils at Hillside First School celebrated their hard work and achievements learning French this year with a grand finale French celebration.

Pupils took part in a café role play where they bought and ate real food served by classmate waiters.

They had worked

hard over the last few weeks learning how to order and pay in French.

Other activities during the French morning celebration included creating collage artwork of mini-beasts in the style of Matisse’s famous snail collage, learning French rhymes and songs and sampling dance to a range of energetic French songs.

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Want to try ballet? It’s never too late with Silver Swans Classes are designed for the older learner to enjoy movement and dance, for life-long wellbeing.

They are tailored to meet the level of mobility for individuals: you can participate at the level you are comfortable with in a group activity, even with chair-based classes.

Sessions are based around a ballet class and include music.

So why not go along and improve your mobility, posture, coordination and energy levels, memory and

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VIEWPOINT August 2017

recall?

One of the first to be qualified in Silver Swans TM, Sophia Burghart BA RAD RTS of Fordingbridge Dance Studios is offering to visit your social group, residential home or coffee morning, for regular classes on a weekly basis, or one-off dance classes or workshops.

During August, Silver Swans are offering a reduced fee for the first class, so you can experience the enjoyment of dancing.

30 hours free childcare

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arents eligible for 30 hours free childcare from September have a few weeks left to apply for a code. Working parents of three and fouryear-olds have until 31 August to take their code to their childcare provider.

All three and four-yearolds get up to 15 hours of free childcare per week but parents earning at least £120 per week could now receive 30 hours, thanks to the government’s new scheme.

If you think you may be eligible from September, apply as soon as possible and take your code to your provider by the end of August.

The funding can only be used with childcare providers registered to access early education funding.

Visit www.dorsetforyou. gov.uk/childcare/30hours-free for more information.

Mystery object sparks a little history By Julain Hewitt

Fordingbridge Museum

I arrived at the museum to act as a steward for the afternoon and was shown a strange object that someone had brought in.

My fellow steward, Anne Pinhorn, asked if I knew what it was, and I had to admit that I had no idea.

She had immediately recognised it as something that she had been familiar with in her childhood. As I was on stewarding duty at the museum with her, I took the opportunity to delve into her recollections of life in the area when she was young.

Anne had been to a ‘Dame’s School’ in the 1940s run by Miss Lock in the building that had been the old Quaker meeting house, and is now a Pilates Centre in Roundhill. She told me that Miss Lock was the sister of the chemist whose shop was where Lloyds Chemist is now and was the archetypal strict schoolmistress.

Her grey hair was swept up into a bun and sitting at her high desk, she ruled the class with a rod of iron or more accurately a wooden cane.

There were two classrooms, one at the front for the older children

and a smaller one at the back for the younger pupils who were taught by Miss Gulliver.

Heating was provided by a black cast iron stove fuelled by coke, which was a by-product of the local gas works. The windows were high up only giving the pupils a view of the sky and there was no talking in class other than answering the teacher’s questions or reciting by rote.

Most people walked or cycled to school including Anne’s six-year-old friend from Damerham who cycled in with her older brother.

Anne was taken to school on the back of her mother’s bike whilst her brother rode a tricycle which was left at Mr Furber’s blacksmiths in Horseport. One day a heavy horse put his foot through the wheel of the trike but the blacksmith had mended it in time for the journey home.

There were no school outings, but they did have the occasional speaker, including one who told them about natives in exotic far off countries and made Anne, much to her embarrassment, try

£10,000 reward offered

BY CRIMESTOPPERS The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the recovery of a firearm used during the alleged murder of local businessman Guy Hedger, as well as the recovery of jewellery reportedly stolen during a burglary that happened in his Ringwood home in the early hours on 30 April.

If you have any information, please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Three men have been charged with Guy’s murder.

Kevin Downton, 40, from Winterborne Stickland; 41-year-old Jason Baccus and 44-year-old Scott Keeping, both of Verney

Close in Bournemouth.

They are next due to appear in Winchester Crown Court on 8 September.

Helen Cooper, also known as Helen Keeping, was charged with assisting an offender and was due to appear at Winchester Crown Court on 2 August.

A 39-year-old Bournemouth man, 40-year-old Bournemouth woman and 45-year-old Poole man previously arrested in relation to the incident have been released under investigation.

The murder weapon and stolen jewellery have never been found.

Guy’s husband SimonPierre Hedger-Cooper said, “Many of the items taken from our home hold great

on a grass skirt he had brought in to illustrate his talk.

In the event of an air raid, the class would take shelter in the cellars of the Lock family chemist shop carrying their identity cards and blue and red Micky Mouse gas masks.

Anne lived on a farm at Bicton, which her father rented from the Coote family who lived at West Park near Rockbourne.

On one visit to the farm, Mrs Coote once got her yellow Rolls Royce stuck on the lawn but refused to let the laundry man, who offered to help, sit in her precious vehicle.

Some of the workers were German prisoners of war who lived in a hut near the cemetery.

Dame Myra Hess, the internationally renowned pianist, often stayed in the village and would come down to watch the dairy cows crossing the river from their pastures to be milked.

A photograph of this picturesque quintessential English country scene, reminiscent of a Constable painting, was used in an advertisement for dairy products and Anne’s father once received a letter addressed only to; Where sentimental value and are very important to me. I am grateful to Crimestoppers for issuing this reward for the safe return of these items. Those of particular importance are our diamond wedding rings, an emerald and diamond ring and a diamond Cartier watch, which were anniversary presents, and a black onyx ring, which was given to me by my mother.”

The reward is valid for three months and will only qualify if information is passed to Crimestoppers’ 0800 555 111 number or anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Great news if you use the Severn Bridge

the cows crossed the river, The New Forest.

Many people think of history as kings and queens and battles, but for me this sort of anecdotal history is just as important and often much more interesting.

Unless it is recorded, it will be lost forever and that is why the museum is keen to record the memories of the older members of the community.

If you or someone you know could help us with our Oral History project, please contact the museum.

If you think you can identify the mystery object that was brought into the museum come along to our stand at the summer events in the area and have a go.

Information passed directly to police will not qualify.

Following the reward offer, police received intelligence and made a search of the river near New Road bridge, West Parley in the hope of finding the murder weapon.

The government has confirmed that tolls on both Severn bridge crossings are to be scrapped by the end of 2018, in a move that is likely to boost the Welsh economy by £100m a year. Motorists who use the Severn Bridge regularly could be better off by as much as £1,400 annually.

Interested in civil society?

A conference on working together for a stronger civil society will be held on 29 September in Dorchester.

Do you: • Want to know where society is going in Dorset after the local government review?

• Want to see a clear way forward and practical solutions to current challenges?

• Want a better deal for the civil society in Dorset?

If so, you are invited to voice your question to a panel of cross sector experts from private, voluntary and community, statutory sectors and a local MP. The day will be led off

by Professor Gerry Stoker and Dan Corry from New Philanthropy Capital who are leading the dialogue with government on the future of civil society in a new Britain.

The venue is the Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester DT1 1RR For more information contact Dorset Community Action, The Coach House, Acland Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EF.

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

| 23

foodie NEWS

Hot new watercress

recipe

for the summer

It features watercress, grown in flowing spring water in beds around Hampshire and Dorset. This peppery leaf adds a piquant heat to any dish, as well as a healthy kick containing, as it does, over 50 vitamins and minerals, while research suggests that there is a link between watercress and cancer prevention.

It’s so well regarded that watercress even has its own festival in May to celebrate the start of the UK season, which continues throughout the summer and into October.

With it so easily available and this delicious recipe to follow, there’s really no excuse not to add a little watercress into your life.

Hot-smoked salmon and watercress salad with apple, green beans and crème fraiche Deliciously simple with the crunch of apples and green beans contrasting enticingly with the softer texture of salmon and potato, and all brought together by the power of peppery watercress – a perfect summer salad.

SERVES 2

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

COOKING TIME: 20 MINUTES

For the salad:

For the dressing:

2 hot-smoked salmon fillets, skin removed 100g watercress, roughly chopped 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 tbsp white wine vinegar 200g baby new potatoes 100g green beans, trimmed 1 Braeburn apple, cored and sliced ½ lemon, cut into wedges

4 tbsp crème fraiche Juice of ½ a lemon 1 tsp cream of horseradish Sea salt and black pepper

Method © Lara Jane Thorpe

In a large bowl, toss the red onion with the white wine vinegar and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Place the new potatoes in a pan and cover with cold water. Add salt and boil until tender (about 20 minutes). Drain and allow to dry for a few minutes. Tip into the bowl with the red onion, season and mix together.

In a separate bowl, mix together the crème fraiche, horseradish and lemon

juice, adding salt and pepper to taste. Mix together with the potatoes and onion.

Bring a pan of salted water to the boil. Cook the green beans for one minute, then drain and cool down with cold water.

Divide the potato mixture between two plates. Scatter over the apple slices, green beans and watercress and flake the salmon on top. Serve with a lemon wedge on the side.

Lansdowne Street Market starts September Coming for the first time this September, an exciting and imaginative street market will be taking over Holdenhurst Road on the last Sunday of each month.

Metropole Market will take place on 24 September and will then be held on the last Sunday of the month in the run-up to Christmas, with December’s market held on 17 December.

It will feature an abundance of local producers, artists, craftspeople, live music, entertainment, and street food.

26 |

VIEWPOINT August 2017

foodie NEWS

Aaron triumphs with award A diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome at just nine years old has not stopped Aaron Corbin winning the Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Award 2017.

A

aron, 20, from Poole, was nominated for the award by his employers at the Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth.

Asperger’s can cause difficulties with social interaction, social communication and flexibility of thinking or imagination. It can also cause sensory, motor and organisational difficulties.

Aaron, however, completed mainstream education at Carter Community College, Poole College and at the South West Regional Assessment Centre (SWRAC), where he

studied hospitality.

The Marsham Court Hotel offered Aaron an apprenticeship last September, after he was ‘talent spotted’ by the hotel’s operations manager and former hospitality tutor and apprenticeship assessor for the SWRAC, Nigel Reeve, who had taught Aaron.

Nigel said, “I knew at the very moment of meeting him that there was something special about him. He had a deep interest and enthusiasm to learn.”

He offered Aaron a job at Marsham Court with an apprenticeship and became his mentor.

“Just six months after joining us,” said Nigel, “he suggested that he should train any temporary staff coming in to work on the bar, to ensure continuity in the department.

“He is a young man who has grown up with Asperger’s which can make it difficult for him to interact with others in a social atmosphere.

“Yet he is now training other staff and was recently singled out by the AA inspector for his politeness towards guests. We are all extremely proud of him.”

Aaron said, “My apprenticeship with the Marsham Court has given

me so much: a permanent contract and the stability that comes with it, plus valuable experience and a confidence in dealing with customers I thought I would never have.

“This award is a huge boost and makes me even more excited about what I can achieve in the future, both personally and professionally.”

The Dorset Apprenticeship Awards 2017 were judged by Geoffrey Warde MBE, Ian Girling, chief executive of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Rod Davis, chair of the Dorset and

Somerset Training Provider Network, and presented at the launch of the Dorset Business Awards at the Italian Villa, Compton Acres, on 6 July.

In 2016, Marsham Court Hotel won an award for its commitment to working with young people. It’s a key player in HALO, a scheme that encourages youngsters to follow careers in hospitality. It also offers work experience and permanent jobs to the long term unemployed through the SWRAC, and is home to the innovative, new CHI ‘training school’ for young people with learning differences.

Aaron Corbin of the Marsham Court Hotel with the hotel’s business development manager Jane Swift (left) and general manager Rosie Wallace.

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

| 27

ringwood NEWS

S C I L O R F L A V I N R A C D O O RINGW R E B M E T P E S 6 1 Y A D R U SAT

It’s the highlight of Ringwood’s year. It’s nearly time for Ringwood Carnival with its enthusiastic and colourful participants and its spectacle. A festival of fun for the whole family, the carnival supports the local community for the rest of the year.

There are plenty of car parks in and around Ringwood for you to use on carnival day (including disabled bays). There are both short and long stay car parks, some of which are free. Please see the illustrated map of Ringwood on page 29 showing key locations, however, for more specific information on all car parks please, please visit the Ringwood Town Council website.

28 |

VIEWPOINT August 2017

Photos taken by mags4dorset at last year’s carn ival

ringwood NEWS g both Road closures take place durin sions; the afternoon and evening proces these closures are clearly marked by road signs displayed during the week before the carnival.

timings: Afternoon assembly:

1pm–1.15pm with judging 12.45–1.45pm.

Afternoon procession: starts at 2pm, road closure at 1.30pm, re-opens again at 4.15pm.

Parkside evening assembly:

6pm with judging 6pm – 7pm.

Evening procession: starts at 7.15pm, road closure from 6.30pm, re-opening again at 9.30pm.

The judging of the entries in the procession takes place at Parkside off the B3347 to Christchurch Road. The procession then goes towards Ringwood, along Christchurch Road, up the High Street and to the Market Place before turning up Meeting House Lane, along Mansfield Road and back to Parkside. It will include steam engines, horse-drawn carriage with the Carnival Queen and princesses, marching bands, floats, walking entries and more.

Continued on page 30.

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

| 29

ringwood NEWS Continued from

page 29.

ICS L O R F L A V I N R A C RINGWOOD R E B M E T P E S 6 1 Y A SATURD Shops and stores will be joining in the fun and don’t forget to visit the Furlong, where they are proud to support this community event. On the village green, which is at Carver’s Field this year, there will be entertainment from 12pm to 5pm, with kids’ entertainers, charity stalls, food and craft stalls, face painting and more. There will be a funfair from 1pm to late (also on Thursday and Friday evenings). You can enjoy the fireworks from 9.30pm on Saturday.

- advertising feature -

Let’s Accommodate, your local independent letting agent Due to the recent expansion of Let’s Accommodate, they are now based in Ringwood and Fordingbridge, giving a wider radius within which to support landlords and tenants.

This family run business has just celebrated 27 years of successful trading.

Both offices offer the same dedicated property management expertise with all members of the team trained to a high level to protect the interests of both landlord and tenants.

Sophie Burgess-Kennar MARLA, daughter of Barbara Woodifield and co-director, is based in Ringwood and is supported by Natasha Shaw and Amelia Shoulder. Director Barbara Woodifield is now based in Fordingbridge but has the support of members of staff from the Ringwood office on an alternate daily basis.

If you have any property management enquiries or need advice on letting your property, please call them today for expert advice and attention to detail.

They offer: • free rent guarantee as standard • inspection reports on all managed properties • reasonable commission rates • efficient management systems • ARLA Propertymark protected.

Sophie says: “Let us accommodate you! Wherever your property may be in the local area, we are just around the corner.”

30 |

VIEWPOINT August 2017

summer fun at the place

ringwood NEWS

Once again Ringwood Town Council is providing a range of free activities for all age groups of young people at Carvers Recreation Ground during the summer holidays and will be making full use of the new youth building called The Place, and will be the base for those activities below: 7 – 18 August at 1pm – 3pm (weekdays only) Creative art, craft and outdoor games for all age groups under the eye of qualified staff.

4, 18, 25 August and 1 September at 11am – 1pm “Let’s get active” sports with qualified sports staff from New Forest District Council.

Weekdays only at 10am – 3pm Café open for light refreshments, drinks and ice-creams, especially for parents while the children have fun.

Weekdays only at 10am – 3pm (start times may very each day) General youth and sport activities under the guidance of qualified staff.

Wednesdays at 6pm – 9pm and Fridays at 8pm – 10.30pm General youth sessions.

Further details can be found on the Town Council’s website at www.ringwood.gov.uk

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

| 31

ringwood NEWS

A31 improvements under discussion

by Carol Waterkeyn

L

ocal people will know what a nightmare the A31 near Ringwood can be, especially during rush hour, holiday times or weekends. With several access and exit points, a 70-mile-an-hour speed limit and people needing to cross lanes, it’s no wonder there have been a number of incidents in recent years, some sadly fatal.

The Highways Agency has been consulting on an option to improve the A31 at Ringwood between the A338/B3347 (Ringwood) junction and the B3081 (Verwood) junction. Their preferred option includes addition of a third lane on the A31, closure of the West Street access to the A31 and reducing congestion.

The extra lane would

32 |

be westbound, to the right of the existing carriageway, utilising part of the existing central reserve and approximately 1km (0.6 miles) in length. This would necessitate widening the existing bridges over the River Avon and Bickerley Millstream. The agency says it would help relieve the existing bottleneck on this section of the A31.

The agency says there is a safety issue where traffic joins the A31 from West Street. They therefore propose to close West Street where it meets the A31 but would provide space for vehicles to turn around at the end of West Street and traffic signs showing no access to the A31 from West Street.

To improve safety, the proposal would also close the access to and from the Fish Inn directly onto the

VIEWPOINT August 2017

A31 but access from West Street would remain open.

They are currently carrying out a safety review of the A31 between the Ringwood and the Verwood junctions to identify if the current speed limit of 70mph is appropriate.

For full details and information on the scheme, visit: http:// roads.highways.gov.uk/ projects/a31-ringwoodroad-widening/

Ringwood Town Council in favour of the A31 scheme There was a full council meeting of Ringwood Town Council on 26 July, prior to which there was a public forum to discuss the A31 Improvements Scheme.

Following the discussions in the public forum, the council’s response to Highways England in respect of the A31 Improvement Scheme was amended.

Cllr Treleaven explained that a coherent business plan was needed for town centre

improvements, in order to bring all town projects under one banner and to assist with funding bids.

The town council approves of the proposal to widen the westbound carriageway to three lanes, in order to reduce congestion for users of the A31 and for local people, to improve journey times and reduce pollution.

They also support the proposed closure of West Street on safety grounds, with a caveat that there needs to be emergency access onto the A31 from the Market Place.

The town council also recommends that there is no direct access to or from the A31 for the petrol station in the interests of safety but proposes that, in the event that this is rejected, the slip road at the petrol station should be extended the full length to the Verwood turnoff and investigations made into alternative solutions for entry/exit to the petrol station.

They also say there needs to be a robust implementation plan in place to minimise the

impact on residents during the construction period which is expected to be 18 months duration.

In addition, Highways England must ensure that the works do not coincide with planned works on the A338, between the Blackwater and Cooper Dean junctions. They would like to see town centre access improvements for pedestrians and cyclists and also signage and lane management improvements from Picket Post, in order to keep traffic on the A31, and that consideration be given to the introduction of a 50mph speed limit from Picket Post.

The Planning, Town and Environment Committee is to further discuss town centre improvements and to consider appointing two members of Ringwood Town Council to a working group with representatives of the town, district and county councils, to draw up a business case for town centre improvements to be funded by Highways England, as part of the A31 Improvement Scheme.

ringwood NEWS

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

| 33

Air Ambulance Take it from bowled over with donation here…

Whilst playing bowls and generally enjoying themselves at the President’s Day, Ferndown Bowls Club raised £200 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

D&SAA volunteer Joy Whittingham collected the

cheque from president Mike Power. Joy said, “We are absolutely delighted with this donation. Every single penny counts. It costs £2m each year to run the air ambulance.”

She said the air ambulance team in

Dorset and Somerset now includes highly skilled paramedics and doctors, adding, “These days, the D&SAA brings the hospital to you and the team are able to carry out a lot of procedures that would normally be done in A&E.”

Dramatic increase in homeless children

D

id you know that councils are housing an extra secondary school’s worth of homeless children each month?

Local government leaders have warned that the numbers of homeless children councils are having to house in temporary accommodation has increased by more than a third in the last three years, equivalent to an extra secondary schools’ worth of children every month.

The Local Government Association says the latest

34 |

figures show councils are currently providing temporary housing for 120,540 children with their families, which is a net increase of 32,650 (37 per cent) since the second quarter of 2014, an average of 906 extra children every month. There are 946 pupils in an average secondary school.

The LGA, which represents 350 councils in England, said the current situation is now unsustainable. The net cost of providing temporary accommodation has tripled in the last three years, as

VIEWPOINT August 2017

the extra demand places increasing pressure on local government, who face a total £5.8 billion gap in funding by 2020.

In a new report ‘Housing our Homeless Households’ - the LGA sets out the lengths that councils are going to in order to tackle homelessness. Examples include innovative modular housing, dynamic purchasing systems and private rented sector offers.

But the LGA said councils need to be able to build more genuinely affordable homes and provide the support that reduces the risk of homelessness in the first place. This means councils being able to borrow to build and to keep 100 per cent of the receipts of any home they sell to reinvest in new and existing housing.

Council leaders are also calling for an adaption to the implementation of welfare reforms to reduce the risk of homelessness and for access to funding to provide settled accommodation for families that become homeless.

Cllr Martin Tett, the LGA’s housing spokesman, said, “Councils are working hard to tackle homelessness with some truly innovative work around the country – and we now need the government to support this local effort by allowing councils to invest in building genuinely affordable homes, and taking steps to adapt welfare reforms to ensure housing remains affordable for low-income families.”

The winner of Live:Ferndown 2016, local girl Amie Knight released her new EP Take It From Here at the Barrington Theatre in Ferndown on 29 July.

The 20-year-old singer and rising country star has already had two top 10 singles on the iTunes charts. Her debut single Two Guys was released on 9 September 2016 and shot straight to number 7 in the

UK iTunes country charts, where it stayed in the top 10 for several weeks. This was also the song that won her top prize in the Live:Ferndown competition.

Her second single Get Away was released a few weeks ago and topped the charts again at number 6.

Jazz it up in the New Forest The New Forest Jazz Workshop takes place at Godshill Village Hall, right opposite the Fighting Cocks Public House once a month on a Wednesday evening.

New members from

beginners to semiprofessional are welcome.

The musicians at the workshop can also be booked for gigs.

Contact Derek Ayling on 01425 650770, or email hippotrain@btinternet.com

Bells on route to Ypres will be on display at Great Dorset Steam Fair A new ring of eight bells, cast at the world famous bell foundry of John Taylor & Co in Loughborough for St George’s Memorial Church in Ypres, Belgium will form part of this year’s World War One commemorative display at the Great Dorset Steam Fair between 24 and 28 August at Tarrant Hinton.

Martin Oliver, GDSF managing director said, “With 31 July 2017 marking the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of Passchendaele, officially known as the Third Battle of Ypres, to have the new bells attend this year’s show, as the 100th anniversary commemorations of the battle continue in Belgium, will be very humbling and poignant.”

The bells will be brought to the fair on First World War Dennis and Thornycroft army lorries, with the same vehicles delivering them via the Menin Gate Memorial to St George’s Memorial Church in Ypres.

Once in situ, they will ring for 100 years and more.

St George’s Memorial Church was built between 1927 and 1929 to serve the British Community that had settled in Ypres following the First World War. A fine tower was built and it is clear that the original intention was that it would contain change ringing bells. This intention will now be realised, to coincide with the centenary of the First World War.

around & ABOUT

Pedal Power vs Parkour AT RUSTIC EVENT It’s fair to say that you won’t find a bigger fayre in Verwood than the Rotary Rustic one and this year Pedal Power vs Parkour will battle it out in the arena.

Both styles of extreme sport will be seen in an exciting, heartstopping performance. The athletes will demonstrate the latest tricks that many will have only ever seen on the Internet or TV as pedals vs parkour push the limits of what’s physically possible in their attempt to win over the crowd. See them at 2pm and again at 4.15pm.

Other arena events include Three Legged Cross Dog Agility display, adrenaline-fuelled terrier racing, a display by Stephen Lamberth’s Tae Kwon-do club and a mad scramble as spectators rush to take part in a traditional eggthrowing contest. There will also be

Verwood Town FC boys’ and girls’ mini matches, duck races on the River Crane, classic cars, a pets’ corner, mini horses, beer tent, craft marquee, car boot sale, Café René, BBQ, music, bandstand, Pimms tent, stalls and turn your heads skywards for the Battle of Britain memorial flight fly-past (weather permitting). The grand draw with a prize of £500 will be announced at 4pm and the show closes at 5pm.

With such a packed programme, there’s really no need to go further afield for your family entertainment on Bank Holiday Monday (28 August) than Potterne Park, Verwood.

Proceeds of the fayre are distributed by Verwood Rotary to charitable causes.

To read your free online copy of the full programme of arena events, visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk and follow the ‘publications’ link.

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

| 35

around & ABOUT

what’s on

this month until 28 August

49th Annual Summer Exhibition of Ringwood Art Society from 10am to 4.45pm Monday to Saturday, 1pm to 5pm Sunday, at Greyfriars, 44 Christchurch Road, Ringwood BH24 1DW. Free entry, parking and wheelchair access. More info www.ringwoodartsociety.org

15 August 7.30pm

Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society presents a concert of popular music by Michael Woolridge at QE School, Wimborne. Visitors very welcome. £5 payable at door.

Info: 01202 895354

16 August 10am-1pm Verwood U3A Open Day at the Memorial Hall, Verwood. Find out more about the University of the Third Age for retired/ semi-retired people.

16 August 2-4pm

Pirates and Princesses Disco Party at the Allendale Centre, Wimborne for under 10s.

Tickets £4 per child (includes squash and biscuit). Fancy dress optional but there will be a prize for the best-dressed pirate and princess. Details 01202 887247

17 August 11am

Author talk by Gerald Ponting at Fordingbridge Library on ‘James Coventry, Gentleman Photographer’. Tickets £5, incl refreshments. Call into the library to book or call 01425 657524

17 August 2pm

Ringwood U3A at Greyfriars Community Centre, Ringwood.

Speaker – retired police officer Paul Stickler on ‘Murder of an English Actress from 1947’. Visitors welcome, more information on website: www. ringwoodu3a.org.uk

36 |

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

18-20 August

The Luna Cinema will be at the Waterfront, Pier Approach, Bournemouth where you can watch classic films under the stars.

25 August 7.15 for 7.30pm

30 August 7.30pm

Verwood Keyboard Society concert with Chiho Sunamoto and Jon Smith on keyboard and piano in the Hub theatre. Tickets £10 on the door. Further information from Janetta, 01202 822936 or Organfax website.

Bournemouth Orchid Society meeting with speaker Peter White on commercial orchid growing in Holland. At Bournemouth Natural Science Society, Christchurch Road, BH1 3NS. Entry free, but email Melville at: programme@ bournemouthorchidsociety. org.uk

31 August 10.30am-12pm

25-26 August

Bournemouth Air Festival – four memorable days of action and entertainment on land, at sea and in the air

Somerley Beer & Music Festival, Walled Garden, Somerley, Ringwood. BH24 3PL with live music, real ales and ciders, food vendors and children’s entertainment. Friday 6-11pm, Saturday 12pm12am. More details from www. somerleybeerfestival.com

26 August 1.30pm

Summer Show – West Moors Horticultural Society, West Moors Memorial Hall, Station Road.

26 August 4pm

Duck race on the River Allen in aid of Wimborne in Bloom.

Tickets (ducks) at £1 each. For more information email: info@ wimborneinbloom.org.uk

28 August 12-5pm

Verwood Rotary Rustic Fayre at Potterne Park with stalls, crafts, dogs, cars, music and more. Fun for all the family. See page 35

VIEWPOINT August 2017

Children’s author talk by Veronica Cossanteli – Dragons and Dinosaurs at Fordingbridge Library. Tickets £5, call 01425 657524

31 August – 3 September

31 August 7.30pm

Jazz at the Meeting House, Ringwood, BH24 1EY with the Memphis Jazzmen. All proceeds from the raffle will go to Julia’s House. Admission £7.

Free car parking after 6pm in the Furlong car park opposite.

2 and 3 September

Dorset County Show, Dorchester. Grand parade of livestock at 2.30pm on both days. Heavy horses, sheep shearing, ferret and terrier racing, poultry, rabbits, food hall, Dorset artisan craft marquee and Shopping@ theAvenue.

3 September 7.30pm Heather Small live in concert at the Regent Centre, Christchurch. Tickets £35 from the box office on 01202 499199.

5 September 10am-3pm Bournemouth Council is holding an in-car child safety clinic at the Littledown Centre. Drivers will have the opportunity to have their child car seats checked free of charge with experts on-hand offering advice. Just turn up or for more information, contact Bournemouth Council.

6 September 12 noon

Ferndown Probus Club lunch and talk ‘The Schneider Trophy’ at Dudsbury Golf Club.

New members welcome. More details from the Secretary 01202 875757

6 September 10am–1pm

Wildlife Art Workshop ‘Pair of Tiger Eyes’ at Ringwood Library, Christchurch Road with Karen Coulson £15. Book online or call the library on 01425 474255

7 September 2-5pm

NGS Open Garden at Staddlestones, 14 Witchampton Mill, Witchampton, BH21 5DE. 01258 841405. Admission £4, children free. Cream teas available. Cottage garden leading over chalk stream, with wheelchair access to first half of garden.

9 September 8am–3pm Plant sale at Cherry Tree Nursery, off Northbourne Roundabout, Bournemouth BH10 7DA. Tel: 01202 593537

9 September 12-4pm

Wimborne Horticultural Society Autumn Show at the Allendale Community Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne 12 noon to 4pm. Contact details from 01202 887006

9-10 September 10am onwards

Poole Thai Festival, Baiter Park, Poole with cookery demonstrations, Thai boxing, Thai carving, costume parade, traditional music and dancing and more.

9 September 10.30am-2pm

Craft Fayre at the Osborne Centre, Church Lane, West Parley to raise funds for the Bournemouth branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

There is still time to reserve a table to display and sell your crafts and the cost is £10. To book call Kay 01202 570300.

9-10 September 10am-4pm

Community Open Weekend at Priest’s House Museum and Garden, Wimborne, part of Dorset Architectural Week.

Entry free.

11 September 2.30pm

Illustrated talk ‘Gardens of Japan’ by John Baker. West Moors Horticultural Society, Memorial Hall, Station Road.

11 September 7pm

Verwood Local Action Group meets at the Hub, Brock Way, Verwood

14 September 7.15pm

Wimborne Horticultural Society talk by Mr C Evans on the history of Bournemouth Lower Gardens. Held at the Minster Room, Community Learning & Resource Centre, 41-44 King Street, Wimborne. Admission: members £1 and non-members £3

16 September

Ringwood Carnival with events in the town and carnival processions at 2pm and 7.15pm. See page 28

around & ABOUT

Win tickets to THE LIVE AID EXPERIENCE An all-new production celebrates the work of the many artists gathered together in the UK and USA in the ultimate charity concert that stood the test of time. Now performed by a live, full rock band and singers, the concert pays homage to the greatest performers and songs from this historical event.

It profiles music from artists such as Elton John, Dire Straits, Status Quo, David Bowie, Queen, The Beach Boys, Madonna, Spandau Ballet and so

many more.

Expect to sing your heart out and dance in the aisles. You won’t see a bad wig here. This isn’t a tribute act, this is simply paying tribute to musical legends.

The original event was organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for the Ethiopian famine.

This Live Aid Experience brings the best of the music of that time. It’s taking place at the Barrington theatre in Ferndown on 7 October.

The Barrington Centre and mags4dorset have teamed up for this competition to offer two tickets to see the show.

For your chance to win, just answer the following question: What year did the original Live Aid dual concert take place?

COM

P ETIT

ION

Enter online at www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your answer on a postcard to: ‘LIVE AID’ COMPETITION, mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Closing date is 15 September 2017. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd and the Barrington Theatre are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final.

Felicity Porter with the award

Regent achieves highest admissions The highest admission total for the 2016-17 season of live satellite broadcasts from the Royal Opera House and the Royal Ballet to over 200 independent cinemas, was achieved by the Regent Centre, Christchurch.

The figures were collated from September 2016 to July 2017 and then entered into an independent cinema league table.

After finishing ninth in 2014-15, the Regent Centre stormed to the top of the table for the 2015–16 season and has now retained the title and the number one spot for the highest number of admissions in the 2016-17 season. An etched glass trophy was formally handed over to the Regent’s general manager, Felicity Porter on 19 July.

Felicity later celebrated the achievement at the Regent’s brand new Foyer Bar, which opened on 22 July for the full house attending the Andre Rieu screening of his Maastricht 2017 concert.

Felicity said, “I am absolutely delighted with this brilliant achievement of retaining the Regent’s

number one spot, which is a tribute to all of the hard work by the Regent Centre staff, volunteers and to the loyalty of our valued patrons.

“It gives us a great opportunity to launch the

new Royal Opera House and Royal Ballet Season for 2017-18, which begins on Wednesday 20 September at 7.15pm with a brand new screening of Mozart’s The Magic Flute live by satellite from the Royal Opera.”

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

| 37

around & ABOUT Old traditions brought to life Fordingbridge Museum and David Shering will be holding a demonstration of working horses with a barbeque picnic on 2 September at 2.30pm.

The event will take place in the field behind St Mary’s Church. David Shering will demonstrate the traditional use of working horses in farming and forestry with Comtois working horses.

Tickets are £7 for adults, £4 for children and £18 for a family and are available from Fordingbridge Bookshop. The ticket price includes a burger or sausage roll and salad. Take your own drinks and chairs.

Verwood Choral Society concert is ‘heaven’

O

n 10 June, Verwood Choral Society presented their summer concert to a packed audience at Verwood Methodist Church.

They sang a wide range of music, from the beautiful chorus from Haydn’s Creation ‘The Heavens are Telling’ to wellknown pieces including ‘Fields of Gold’ and ‘Edelweiss’. As the concert was entitled Lands of Hope and Glory, it concluded with that wonderful rousing piece with audience participation and patriotic flag waving. All of the concerts raise money for charity and £690 is being donated to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

The Christmas concert will be performed at the same venue on Saturday 9 December at 7pm,

so please put a note in your diary for some lovely Christmas music.

Again, all proceeds will go to charity.

Verwood Choral Society was formed in 1988 by Anne Mayo, who is still the musical director, and next year the society will be celebrating 30 years since its inception. They are now taking a break until the autumn term, which starts on 11 September. New members, ladies and gents, are always welcome. The choir meets on Monday evenings at the Parish Church of St Michaels in Verwood from 7.30–9pm.

Further information can be obtained from chairperson Sue Longstaff on 01202 829212 or secretary Bella Jordan on 01202 820941.

AIR-RAISING ATTRACTIONS at Bournemouth Air Festival The vibrant Bournemouth Air Festival starts at the end of this month on 31 August and goes on until 3 September, and this year is celebrating its 10th year.

Organisers believe it is now the UK’s biggest air festival, with four days of action in the air, on land and at sea.

As always, the Red Arrows will be a big draw, and will take to the air on Thursday at 6pm, Friday 3.30pm and Saturday at 12 noon, subject to weather conditions.

Also taking to the air will be the Blades Aerobatic Display Team, the Sally B – B17 Flying Fortress, the Breitling Wingwalker, The Great War Display Team, the Tigers Parachute Team and many more.

On the water will be a variety of naval vessels with demonstrations and ship visits on offer.

On the ground, there will be plenty of action and entertainment, from funfairs, demonstrations and food and drink, to the military villages representing the three main military services and opportunities to meet the display teams.

In the evening, expect some night-time fun with live music and firework displays.

There will be ‘A Very Vintage Sunday’ on East Overcliff Drive.

From vintage aircraft in the skies and cars on the ground to skiffle, swing and lindy hop it will be family fun for everyone.

For more information, check out the facebook page, or the website at: https://bournemouthair.co.uk

COMPETITION WINNERS June Viewpoint The winners of two tickets each for New Forest Aqua Park Kids Zone were Christine Jones of Fordingbridge, Malcolm Chiverton of Boyatt Wood, and Philippa Turner of Warminster. Answer: 6-14 years old

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VIEWPOINT August 2017

motoring NEWS

Goodbye to petrol and diesel cars?

Drivers with old cars may have to conserve fuel in the future

Banning new petrol and diesel car sales from 2040 “will cost trillions” says the FairFuelUK Campaign.

F

ollowing the government’s announcement in July that the sale of new diesel and petrol cars will be banned from 2040, the FairFuelUK Campaign says that it will cost trillions to consumers and the economy.

Th campaign welcomes the fact that Michael Gove has listened by not using punitive toxic tax hikes to hit hardworking drivers – a victory for FairFuelUK’s extensive campaigning and working closely with MPs from all parties. FairFuel UK also acknowledges the inevitability that carbon-based fuels will be phased out in favour of cleaner fuels but says to do it as a cliff edge in 20 years is “naïve and ill thought out.”

New fuel technologies, they

say should be phased in to work effectively and be supported, without a target date to terminate diesel and petrol.

Howard Cox, founder of the FairFuelUK Plan said, “We have practical proven ways to reduce emissions available now. Why has Michael Gove ignored these in favour of a draconian policy that will hit small businesses and lowincome families the hardest.”

With several proven solutions to lowering emissions available now, such as retrofitting systems, bulk additives and for the petrol mix of bioethanol to move from e5 to e10, FairFuelUK says the minister has missed an opportunity to solve the emissions issue now, fairly and at little cost.

Quentin Willson, lead spokesman for FairFuelUK said, “So by 2040, no fuel stations, no garage repairs, no car parts suppliers and 15m diesels scrapped. The cost will be trillions.”

Howard Cox, added, “The energy supply infrastructure and the National Grid will disintegrate in a breakneck move to nascent electric technology which will guarantee to cripple the economy.”

Whilst many people will be pleased about the announcement made by Michael Gove, there’s certainly a lot to think about. mags4dorset would be interested to hear readers’ views on the matter.

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

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motoring NEWS

Chris Harris in the driving seat

V

isitors to Beaulieu on 14 July watched an exciting driving demonstration by TV presenter Chris Harris before he officially opened the refreshed World of Top Gear display with The Stig and Lord Montagu, which now reflects recent changes to BBC’s Top Gear.

New exhibits include the impressive Ssangyacht, the longest limousine selfie opportunity and

a marine feature displaying boat challenge vehicles, while the Enormodrome boasts a brand new studio in keeping with the style of the latest series with presenters Matt LeBlanc, Chris Harris and Rory Reid.

Chris Harris said, “It’s very exciting, seeing all these incredible cars in one place. It’s a privilege to have a home for all of the weird Frankenstein creations that we have on the show.’’

The new-look display still

includes a homage to the past, with a heritage corridor timeline which pays tribute to the show’s 40-year history which began with Angela Rippon as the first presenter and has continued through four decades including more recently Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Lord Montagu said, “The World of Top Gear continues to be a

popular feature at Beaulieu and I was delighted that Chris Harris was able to take part in the launch with a display of his skills behind the wheel.”

Entrance to the World of Top Gear is included in a general admission ticket to Beaulieu, which also offers entrance to the National Motor Museum, the 13 century Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House.

Free minibus to deserving charity Abacus, the Ferndown-based the decades,” says Dave. vehicle hire company, is offering to “The minibus, with a year’s donate a minibus from its hire fleet MOT and two-month warranty is to a deserving regional charity. to be offered in just a plain paint Abacus is inviting local scheme so that the winning charity charities to apply to receive the or community project can do their gift of the six-year-old Ford Transit own design. It will be theirs to drive 17-seat vehicle, which has been away and use to enrich the lives of fully maintained by the company’s the people they support,” own workshop. The minibus is not he added. equipped for disability transport.

Applications for the free Dave Wolfenden, who founded minibus should be emailed to the busy family-run hire company minibus@abacusvehiclehire.co.uk in 1985, says that his team will be before 31 August. asked to vote for who they think the minibus should be donated to following receipt of applications.

“We would like to put something practical back into the society that has made our business Dave Wolfenden with the minibus awaiting donation to charity successful over

Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements

June 2015

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

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

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

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

40 |

VIEWPOINT August 2017

specialist SERVICES AIRPORT TRANSFERS

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LANDSCAPING

ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

ARTICLES WANTED

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VIEWPOINT August 2017

FENCING

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GRAPHIC DESIGN

specialist SERVICES HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE

PLUMBING & HEATING

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specialist SERVICES WINDOW REPAIRS

TO ADVERTISE IN VIEWPOINT Call 01202 816140

FREEADS Proceed with caution when buying privately.

MAGS4DORSET cannot accept any liablity for transactions carried out as a result of responding to these freeads.

Collection of 40+ porcelain dolls of different sizes. Exc condition but need new home. £75. Ferndown. 01202 895590 PS4 games for sale, Sky Rim, Mafia 4, £10 each. The Division, Battle Front, FIFA 16 £8 each.

Reasonable offers considered.

As new. Kinson 01202 389756

Ladies’ sports bicycle, reasonable condition, £15.

Bournemouth. 01202 571360 Builder’s wheelbarrow, excellent condition, £35. Poole.

01202 695561 Mobility scooter, up to 12.5 miles per battery charge. £250.

West Moors. 01202 875774

Rollator, foldable 4-wheeled with seat, as new. Buyer collects. £60 ono. West Moors.

01202 897074

Metal mobility trolley, with two trays 15.5” square, height handle to floor 36.5”. £20. West Moors, 01202 875774

Citroen 2015 C4 Picasso space saver spare wheel with full kit – unused. Cost £290, selling for £50. Buyer collects.

Child Okeford. 01258 860801

Bunk beds, very sturdy and in good condition, £50 ono.

Display Cabinets, dark wood, set of 3, £30. Bear Cross, 01202 524794

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VIEWPOINT August 2017

Sony DVD player with sub woofer and 4 speakers for surround sound £50. Ladies bike 6-speed complete with pannier bags vgc. £75.

Verwood. 01202 824503

Concrete mixer Al-Ko top 1201. Electric. Bought new cast iron drive. Ball-bearing mounted drum vgc. £125.

Christchurch. 01425 276566

Gent’s mountain bike 20” British Eagle, mexicano red with Shimano gears £45. Christchurch. 01202 478277/07773 305145

Winemakers’ demijohns £3 large, £1.50 small. Corfe Mullen. 01202 801975

Box trailer 4’ x 2’6” steel chassis, good tyres, needs some new wood. £65. Colehill.

01202 840280.

Single upholstered headboard, unused. Free.

St Ives. 01425 478288

ADVERTISE IN FREEADS If you wish to advertise in this section, send full details of item for sale including your name, address and phone number to mags4dorset, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN.

Crosstrainer XTZ from John Lewis, electronic display, 12 programmes, pulse, calories, speed etc. £30 ono.

Ferndown. 01202 877609

Alternatively visit mags4dorset.co.uk/freeads to submit your advert

The History of the 2nd World War, three hardbacks, £20.

Wimborne, 01202 886611

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Free insertions limited to two items per person.

ASK THE

EXPERT Q.

I’ve seen the adverts for online agents that can save me money, but I’m concerned that I may be gambling £1,000s of pounds by being tempted with a cheap deal. They want their money upfront and this makes me nervous. When I moved previously, I really liked my agent and they move a lot of people in my area so I’m not sure what to do. Any advice?

A.

I think you’re right to be concerned because an initial perceived cost-saving could actually turn to be more expensive, either by wasted money on an upfront payment with no guarantees, or by underselling of the property due to lack of market exposure, valuation and negotiation experience and ultimately incentive.

My advice would be to consider who is best placed to negotiate the best possible sale price and coordinate the entire move on your behalf by liaising with all parties.

Choosing who to entrust with selling what is almost certainly our single most valuable asset ought to be one of the most considered decisions any of us will ever take. Yet bizarrely, many choose their estate agent with a good deal less serious thought than ‘who will do it for the cheapest price?’

Personally, I would start by researching the local high street agents that you know are successful in your area. The majority will be working on a nosale no-fee basis and won’t earn anything unless you move home successfully.

Whereas, the majority of online or cheap service agents secure their fee at the point they put the property onto the market and it doesn’t matter to them what happens from then onwards.

Go to the local agent’s website and see how they promote the properties they are marketing. Check things like the quality of their photos, floor plans, and if their descriptions are detailed. Visit their ‘meet the team’ page and see how many members of staff they have.

Read their Google and Facebook reviews.

Try to discover how active they are within the local community. Local agents who live in the area are more accountable for the service they deliver. For many, like me, it’s their own business and their local reputation is everything to them, as is securing repeat business.

Once you are satisfied with their online presence and profile, visit their offices. If you like the way they deal with your initial enquiry, there is a good chance that your potential buyer will be treated in the same way. It’s all very well meeting the director/ manager at the valuation appointment in your home, but it’s just as important to meet the rest of the team as they all play their own important role in helping you move.

If you received excellent service the last time you moved, why would you risk paying upfront for a service elsewhere which isn’t

proven, and gamble by paying a fee even if they do nothing? Your agent did a great job for you last time and that’s probably because their fee was not guaranteed until they had done their job successfully.

Local businesses work very much within the community and for their community because reputation, referrals and repeat business are critical to their future. At the end of the day, the initial perception of savings is a bit of a falsity. I am confident that a good local agent who has been refining their selling and negotiating skills in your area over a long period of time will get you the best possible sale price.

So don’t believe all the cost savings that you see advertised as being a good deal. I’m sure that a decision to go back to the person who earned your trust previously will be fully justified at the point you move into your new home.

For a no obligation discussion and an honest market appraisal of your home, just give me a call.

Nolan Irving – Irving and Sons 01202 823333

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

| 45

Superior Decking – the next generation

Stewarts win best stand trophy at New Forest Show

By Colin Knapman of CK Garden Design

Rebecca Moy, Landscaping “I was pleased that the conditions Manager at Stewarts Garden improved for the hundreds of Centres, was awarded the trophy plants so we could promote good for the best overall stand at this practices in wildlife and bee-friendly year’s New Forest Show in July gardening. The award is well with her winning stand showing a deserved by all of the team,” said display of annual meadow flowers.

Rebecca.

It included an educational theme to Bees are creating a definite make the visit interesting for young buzz at Stewarts Garden Centre in children. The meadow display drew Christchurch where 12 beehives, big crowds of visitors throughout tucked away in a fenced off area the show. of wasteland, are busy producing Martin Stewart, managing honey that will be sold for the first director of the family owned garden time in the centre. centre group and the vice chairman The hives will remain until at the New Forest Show, said that September so that the colonies can he was proud and delighted that take advantage of the yield from the hard work by Rebecca and heather. Around 160 jars of honey the team also caught the eyes of will be produced per hive during the judges. “Rebecca was very the year. concerned that the heavy storm showers would be destructive for the display before the show even opened. Fortunately the meadow plants rallied to make a beautiful meadow area,” he said.

Over the last 10 years, Rebecca has planned the annual display, which involves preparing the land and sowing and planting early in the spring Martin Stewart congratulates Rebecca Moy for what is expected to be major at the award winning wild meadow stand attraction within the event. at the New Forest Show

As a garden designer, it is disappointing to see that decking has become less popular in recent years. This is surprising really as decking gives a great summer feeling and blends in perfectly with the currently popular lowmaintenance gravel gardens we see so much of nowadays.

It is also a style that suits the majority of properties in this area with its modern Mediterranean look. Decking is very versatile as it can easily be cut into different curved shapes and is perfect for raised verandas and creating level patios in sloping gardens.

H

owever, unless timber decking is maintained regularly, it deteriorates badly and can become slippery when wet – especially during the winter. But there are some very good treatments for preserving and extending the life of the timber, which can also alleviate the slippery problems.

What is now becoming very popular is composite decking.

This is made entirely from recycled materials and is in a wide range of colours and timber textures. The finished look is stunning and, the other main advantages are that

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VIEWPOINT August 2017

it is non-slip, without splinters, and willow rot and warp free, so apart from cleaning, it’s virtually maintenance free.

There are several different manufacturers of composite decking so you have plenty of choices to compare and they nearly all guarantee their products for 10 years.

This then compares favourably with sandstone paving which is normally the first choice for patios.

Remember, good-looking gardens not only give you lots of pleasure but also add value to your property.

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

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