Viewpoint December 2016

Established Over 35 Years Mid Dec 2016

Your Independent Local Magazine

VIEWPOINT

Volume 41, Issue 2

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

The long-awaited footbridge over the River Allen in Wimborne, which unites Willow Walk (Waitrose) with the Crown Mead Shopping Precinct and gives a more direct route to the town centre, was swung into position on Tuesday, 22 November.

Local resident Anthony Oliver took this photograph of the momentous occasion.

take one it’s

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

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• COMPETITIO N: THE NEW JE RSEY BOYS AT THE BA RRINGTON • YOU’D BE HO PPING MAD TO MISS THIS TOUR • RETRO DINI NG AT LA FOSS E • RUSTIC PRES ENTATIONS

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VIEWPOINT December 2016

VIEWPOINT Volume 41 • Issue 2 • December 2016 MAGS4DORSET DearReaders, 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 design 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

I have noticed over the years that when a very important consultation takes place, it often spans the Christmas period – almost as if the ‘powers that be’ think that people will be too busy at Christmas to make comments thus allowing unpopular decisions to slip through without too much trouble. Or am I just being cynical?

One of the controversial consultations this Christmas is the Clinical Services Review, which will affect our healthcare. I am sure that whatever the outcome, residents will be disappointed because decisions will be made that will seem to be backward steps.

For instance, it is proposed that the Royal Bournemouth Hospital becomes the major emergency hospital for east Dorset and that Poole becomes a major planned care hospital which could result in the loss of its A&E department. More locally, St Leonard’s Hospital has its neck on the chopping block. I sometimes wonder if the health service even knows how much money local people have poured into this much-needed facility to improve it over the years? The chair of the Friends of St Leonard’s Hospital told me it was over a million pounds and if St Leonard’s is closed, all that public investment will be lost. Now that would be a great wrongdoing.

So despite this consultation running over Christmas (and into the New Year), please have your say and make your voice heard.

Visit www.dorsetsvision.nhs.uk to find out where you can pick up a questionnaire or telephone 01202 541946 and ask for one.

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:

23 DECEMBER 2016 The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions in order to fit in with the editorial policy and style of the magazine

Have a very happy Christmas

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.

Pic of the month –

Pudsey and friends add variety for Children in Need

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

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MAGS4DORSET’S charity of the year

CHERRY TREE NURSERY The Age of Loneliness

Mother Teresa once said: “The biggest disease today is not leprosy or cancer or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted, uncared for and deserted by everybody.”

George Monbiot calls the present time ‘the age of loneliness’ and emphasises that loneliness has more profound and dramatic consequences on health than smoking or obesity.

Feeling isolated from others can disrupt sleep, raise blood pressure, lower immunity, increase depression, lower overall subjective wellbeing and increase the stress hormone cortisol.

Loneliness now severely affects people of all ages, with studies showing acute isolation among the young as much as the old.

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There are clear links between mental illness and isolation, one leads to the other, and they feed off each other. Loneliness often gives rise to emotions of anger, sadness, depression, worthlessness, resentment, emptiness, and vulnerability.

This explains why so many of our volunteers dread Christmas, the time when everyone is supposed to be enjoying a “happy family” time, and why Cherry Tree puts so much effort in to giving our loving community of volunteers a special happy time too. We would love to ignore the festival altogether, but society makes this impossible, so instead we put on a huge party with masses of food, and every single

VIEWPOINT December 2016

person gets a personally and carefully chosen parcel of gifts from Misses Christmas. Last year, Christmas Day was still a terrible, unbearable day for many people, so this year volunteers will have a selforganised day together. At Cherry Tree we believe in the power and strength of community, and have seen how it can bring people back to life again.

If you would like to contribute in any way to

this special celebration, please contact the nursery.

Gifts of food, gifts of money are very welcome, but no alcohol please.

Current opening times; Mon to Fri 8am to 3.30pm except Bank holidays, Saturday 9am to 1pm, Sundays closed. Please note the Nursery will be closed on Saturdays from 17 December 2016 until 4 February 2017.

We would like to thank Mags4Dorset very much

indeed for making us their charity of the year, and enabling us to write these monthly articles. We hope you have found them interesting!

Jessica Davies

Nursery Manager Cherry Tree Nursery, off Northbourne Roundabout, Bournemouth.

BH10 7DA Tel: 01202 593537

Explosive find not a viable explosive

“

Today’s planned controlled explosion involved a large number of agencies and I would like to thank them for their assistance and support

“

Roads were closed and properties evacuated prior to the controlled detonation of an unexploded World War II ordnance found in Corfe Mullen on 24 November. The device was discovered two days earlier at Henbury Quarry in Old Market Road and the Military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) attended and carried out procedures to make the area safe. Dorset Police implemented a 1,000-metre cordon which involved the evacuation of 32 properties and six businesses

and the closure of local roads including the A350 during the morning of the explosion.

Residents and businesses within a 2,000-metre radius of the quarry were also made aware. Superintendent Caroline Naughton, of

Dorset Police, said: “I would like to thank all those residents, businesses and motorists who were affected by the evacuation and road closures for their understanding and patience. Following the controlled explosion, the EOD examined the device and found it was a 5,000kg ordnance prototype and not a viable explosive.”

The planned controlled explosion involved a large number of agencies and Supt Naughton thanked them for their assistance and support.

Dorset HRCs closed at Christmas Don’t forget that Dorset’s household recycling centres (HRCs) are on winter opening times 10am-4pm daily. They will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Further information on all the county’s household recycling centres can be found at https:// www.dorsetforyou.gov. uk/recycling-centres/ household

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

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Variety Performance with tribute to Sir Terry Wogan

Del Satterthwaite sings ‘My Way’ Emmanuel Middle School

Warren Brown (far right)

The Variety Performance in aid of the BBC Children in Need appeal on 18 November was a great success.

Singer Lily Meads (12) and friends

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VIEWPOINT December 2016

Organised by Warren Brown and held at the Hub in Verwood, the concert, which included a tribute to the late Sir Terry Wogan, raised over £1,500.

Ocean sunfish washed up at Kimmeridge

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An ocean sunfish was found Washed up juvenile on the beach at Kimmeridge ocean sunfish at on 9 November and is Kimmeridge © Julie Hatcher possibly one of the first such strandings in Dorset.

It is the heaviest bony fish in the world, although the one found was a juvenile measuring 12 inches long.

The discovery was made by Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Marine Awareness Officer, Julie Hatcher. Little is known about ocean sunfish, which are generally found in oceanic waters around the world. Sometimes they come inshore to feed on jellyfish, their staple diet, and they have occasionally been spotted in Dorset. Those venturing into the Channel and North Sea during the summer may get caught out when the sea temperature drops in winter.

Julie said, “The disc-shaped body, very tall dorsal and anal fins and the lack of a tail make this an unmistakable fish. I knew immediately that this was a very special find.”

The scientific name Mola mola means millstone and refers to the shape of the fish. The English name sunfish derives from its habit of basking on its side at the surface.

The specimen has been collected to further research into the species by Queen’s University, Belfast.

The largest recorded sunfish is four metres, found in the Pacific.

Contact DWT about your marine sightings in Dorset: kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or on Facebook or Twitter. Or call the marine team: 01929 481044

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

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Column supplied by Wessex Pensions

Autumn Statement – what does ‘money purchase annual allowance’ mean?

There was a lot of talk as to what the new Chancellor, Philip Hammond, might do in respect of pension tax relief bearing in mind the government is still spending beyond its means and borrowing billions of pounds, and the total deficit expected to reach £1.64 trillion by March 2017 – that’s a lot of 0s. So how were pensions affected?

When an individual reaches the age of 55 or beyond, they can have access to their pension, both by way of tax free cash and taxable withdrawals. If you do not take an annuity for the income, you can take a variable income whenever you wish. This is called drawdown. Either way you can continue to pay into a pension if you so wish.

Daniel Parkin

For more information about pensions, telephone Daniel Parkin on 07801 432182.

17 Headlands Business Park, Salisbury Road, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 3PB

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There are two types of drawdown:

Capped drawdown puts restrictions on how much you can withdraw each year.

Flexible drawdown follows the previous budget in allowing individuals to access any amount of their pension fund. It is this flexible drawdown which then creates the money purchase allowance.

Basically, if you enter into flexible drawdown you are currently only allowed to continue to contribute into a pension up to a maximum of £10,000, each year, if you are still working. Following the Autumn Statement, the Government will now reduce the ‘money purchase annual allowance’ (MPAA)to £4,000 per year, which will most likely affect those still working who enjoy employer contributions into their pension.

However, one piece of good news was that Philip Hammond did confirm he would maintain the Government’s ‘triple lock’ for state pensions.

This means that an individual who is in receipt of their state pension will see this increase each year by the higher of 2.5%, inflation or earnings.

Whether this will continue post 2020 when the next parliament will be in place – who knows?

Careful planning may be needed and as my usual comment applies even more so here – please speak to an independent financial adviser should you have any concerns.

VIEWPOINT December 2016

£26,900

and still rising…

Fundraisers from the Ringwood and District Branch of The Royal British Legion are saying a big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who helped raise over £26,900 during the Poppy Appeal fund-raising collection that took place during the weeks leading up to Remembrance.

Val Aldridge, the Branch Poppy Appeal Coordinator said: “It’s a very impressive total given the continuing concerns being voiced about personal finances and we may still break the £27,000 barrier.”

The Poppy Launch started on 29 October when the mayor was presented with a poppy by WO1 Jon Payne, from Blighmont Army Reserve Centre.

Christchurch & Highcliffe Brass Band entertained and £2,255 was raised on the day. Street collections raised almost £6,000 and further appearances of the Legion Gazebo boosted the funds even more, as did the annual concert by the Band of the Hampshire Constabulary.

Multi-million pound investment plans for Poole town centre A multi-million pound investment proposal for Poole town centre has been approved.

Councillors unanimously agreed plans to restructure leasehold arrangements with LGIM Real Assets (L&G) for the Dolphin Shopping Centre, Towngate Square and Kingland Crescent. The plans will see L&G and the council invest in Poole’s town centre to improve the retail and leisure offer.

The council has been working closely with L&G over recent weeks to develop the terms of a new 150-year lease.

Under the terms of the restructured lease, L&G is planning to invest around £7.7M to improve Falkland Square and Kingland Crescent. The council will also fund £1.5M of further improvements to car parking facilities at the Dolphin Shopping Centre.

Charity’s brand-new respite home officially opens Diverse Abilities a Dorset disability charity, has officially opened its children’s respite home in Poole called Lily’s Place.

Over a year ago the charity, that supports children and adults with disabilities and their families, launched the Lilypad Appeal and thanks to many local supporters the respite home, formerly known as Smithers, has now been renovated and redeveloped to create a brand-new space.

Lily’s Place can accommodate additional children with disabilities for respite during the day, at the weekend and in the school holidays and it has been redesigned to focus on the individual needs of every child supported.

Brand new children’s bedrooms have been created in a dedicated overnight wing, all on the ground floor, with full hoist systems and are large enough to accommodate all the specialist equipment that many of the children require.

There is also a stateof-the-art sensory room, multi-sensory underwater themed bathroom, large playroom and fully accessible garden featuring a soft play cabin, musical handrail, sandpit and a sensory tunnel.

At the launch event, donors to the appeal, families, staff and supporters were invited to the grand opening, where ceremonial keys were handed to the Children’s Team. Following the opening, guests watched a film showing the transformation of the respite home before touring the new building to see how the renovation will benefit the children.

Vikki Slade, capital appeals manager at Diverse Abilities, said, “We have been overjoyed with the significant backing we have received since the Lilypad Appeal started, and in the past few months we continued to receive a huge amount of generosity from the public to raise our final £35,000.

“All in all we have raised £360,000 to redevelop our respite home. Words can’t even express how thankful we are to everyone that has been involved. Without our

supporters, it couldn’t have happened.”

You can find out more about Lily’s Place and everyone involved in the project at www. lilypadappeal.org.uk

Colin, Victoria and Andrea Lennox-Gordon

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

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LIFT’s Zumbathon for Brooke

people there having fun while raising money for a fantastic cause. We were also supported by a large circle of friends, family and local businesses who donated prizes, cash, cupcakes, teddies and their time on the stalls. A huge thank you to you all, you know who you are.

“On the evening we managed to raise an amazing £1,485.80 and with additional donations since the event, we have raised a total of over £1,600.”

Debbie also gave a special thank you to the Beavers and Scouts who helped out on the evening.

A charity fund-raising Zumbathon at Verwood Hub to raise money for a local girl Brooke raised over £1,600

IF YOU WISH TO MAKE A DONATION TO BROOKE’S APPEAL PLEASE TEXT BRAP67 £2, £5 OR £10 TO 70070

S

ix-year-old Brooke has Cerebral Palsy Quadriplegia. This means she can’t walk, talk, feed herself or sit unaided. She is in need of a specialised profiling bed which costs over £7,000.

The Zumbathon included Zumba for kids as well as Zumba Gold which is for the less fit, or those recovering from an injury. The evening finished off with an hour-and-a-half of Zumba.

There was also a raffle with over 60 prizes plus stalls, glitter tattoos and a teddy tombola with 300 soft toys.

Debbie Caddy who organised the event said, “We had an amazing evening. It was lovely to see so many

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VIEWPOINT December 2016

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Caring Meg scoops awards A carer at a family-owned Dorset dementia home has won two coveted awards in the space of a week.

Meg Austin, a Healthcare Assistant at The Aldbury in Parkstone was named Care Personality of the Year at the National Dementia Care Awards. She was presented with her award by astrologer, broadcaster and author Russell Grant at a gala ceremony at the Brighton Centre.

In their citation, judges said Meg demonstrates “exceptional warmth and consideration for people living with dementia. She inspires others around her by drawing on her own personal attributes and values. Meg appreciates every worker’s contribution to delivering outstanding dementia care.”

“I really did not expect my name to be called out,” said Meg, 29, who lives in West Moors.

“Then I saw my picture on the stage. Everyone stood up and I was still sitting down. I had a delayed response. When I walked up to the stage, Russell Grant said: ‘You look really shell-shocked’. I said: ‘I am’.”

Just a few days later, she won the Dignity in Care Award for the south west region at the Great British Care Awards in Bristol.

Meg started at The Aldbury as a carer in 2010 and has expanded her responsibilities with team

leading, training and a one-to-one resident companion role. With Colten Care’s support, she is now in the final year of a Southampton University degree combining general and mental health nursing.

Meg said, “I chose the combination because it’s ideal for focusing on dementia care. I am passionate that people with dementia are treated as they should be, compassionately and holistically. I really push that approach at The Aldbury and help others in the home to follow it too.”

Alan Icely-Brown, Home Manager at The Aldbury, said: “Huge congratulations to Meg for gaining much deserved recognition through these separate awards.

She is a pleasure to work with and is totally focused on ensuring our home is a happy, successful care setting.”

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

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Christmas on the Farms It’s that time of year again when we are being drawn into the festive season.

Shops have been stocked with Christmas-themed products since the end of September and, as I write, Christmas trees are already up in Ringwood as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the season of goodwill.

Farmers on the other hand rarely stop to consider the day of the week, let alone Christmas.

Their livestock needs attending to whatever the day of the year. Cows need milking on Christmas Day, the same as any other day.

This is the time of year when many cattle will be housed in barns until spring. Dairy cows and calves may not be seen outside much as the cold and damp sets in. Some hardier breeds of beef cattle will be left out, but will have extra feed put out in large bales. From now on, we all hope for the weather

to remain reasonably dry, even farmers will dread long spells of rain, which make the ground difficult to deal with.

Surprisingly many sheep will still be seen outside grazing. They don’t need the long lush grass that cattle prefer and can be grazed on short grass that they can nibble. Some are grazed on turnip stubble in muddylooking fields, which to the general public don’t look very appealing. As long as there is still plenty there to eat, that’s fine. They must, however, have fresh water to drink and a dry lying area, which isn’t always easy after a spell of rain.

Some pigs will also be kept outside over winter and will churn up the ground, until of course it freezes. They also need somewhere dry where they can sleep comfortably usually a pig arc containing straw or hay.

During freezing spells, life for the farmers can be very difficult with water troughs and pipes freezing up. Their working days become very long at these times.

Right through the winter if we get complaints about any livestock we check it out to make sure all is well, not only with the livestock but maybe the owner, just in case there are problems beyond his or her control.

I am very easy to please at Christmas, woolly socks and thermals are normally on my wish list!

Christine

Animal Health Inspector If you wish to have any more information on this subject please contact us on 01305 224475, or visit Dorsetforyou.com and follow the links to Trading Standards, Animal Health pages.

Loves cuddles and a nice cup of tea!

This is Pasha an 8-year-old Shar-Pei who loves sleeping, cuddles and a nice cup of tea.

He is a strong boy and can be very stubborn. Pasha’s ideal home would be with a family that has plenty of space and children of secondary school age or above.

Although generally a good boy, he can be a bit shy of people at first, especially men. Once he gets to know them, he is very loving. Unfortunately he is not that way with other animals, so would have to be the only pet in the household.

For more details of Pasha or any of the other animals, please contact Waggy Tails Rescue on 01202 87500, e-mail: admin@waggytails.org.uk or visit the charity’s website www.waggytails.org.uk If you can’t re-home a dog, but would like to buy one of the homeless ones a Christmas present, they love Schmackos, Bonios, Dental Sticks and Gravy Bones (no highly coloured treats). Another way to support Waggy Tails is to buy an official calendar, available in their charity shops.

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VIEWPOINT December 2016

in health & fitness - Advertising feature -

Being A Better Swimmer For those wanting to start or improve their swimming we offer lessons at Ferndown Leisure Centre for all age groups. Lessons are taught by qualified instructors who will help to develop confidence both in, and around, the water.

Track swimming lesson progress online To continuously improve the delivery of our swimming lessons, we have the latest technology to record your performance during lessons. Through

an internet-based home portal you will be able to access information about your child’s, or your own, swimming lessons and move up as the swim stages are achieved.

Free swim assessment

We offer a free swim assessment to help you place your children within the best class to suit their ability.

New Duckling swim programme

Be a push and glide ahead

of the pack with the latest nationally recognised swim classes designed for parents and their children from 4 months to 4 years.

Adult swim lessons

Would you like to improve your swim technique?

We have adult improver swimming lessons of 60 minutes with Janet Latham on Sundays, 5.30-6.30pm.

Contact our Swim Team on 01202 877468 option 2 for more information or visit www.ferndown leisurecentre.co.uk

3 For 2 Zoggs Offer Splash, splosh, swim with our 3 for 2 offer on all Zoggs children’s products.

You’ll be sure to get some great stocking fillers for those little swimmers in your life who just love the water! Offer runs up to 24/12/16. Cheapest item free. Full price items only.

We would like to wish our Centre members and users a very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

Ferndown Leisure Centre

Health issues for men at Christmas and beyond

by Carol Waterkeyn There are several major health issues affecting men that they can find difficult to talk about, either because of concerns over perceived image, or they just find them awkward to discuss.

In November, many men took part in the Movember challenge by growing a beard or moustache for sponsorship.

The Movember Foundation is a worldwide organisation

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VIEWPOINT December 2016

that aims to address some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention. See the website at: uk.movember. com for more information.

There is a local Prostate Cancer support group Dorset PCaSO Prostate Cancer Network, that meets at St Marks Church, Talbot Woods, Bournemouth BH10 4HY, on Wednesdays

at 7.30pm every other month. The contact for enquiries is: Jim Davis on 01202 580436. There is also a PCaSO helpline on 0845 650 2555, email: dorset@ pcaso.org, website: www. pcaso.org.

Christmas and New Year can be a difficult time and drinking to excess or taking drugs may be particular issues. The reasons are many but could be due to stress, loneliness or trying to keep up with mates. If you recognise there might be a problem, or if your relationships are suffering go to www. talktofrank.com to find support near you.

The seasonal holiday can be bad for your heart, too, with all that extra fatty food and alcohol. Enjoy yourself, but don’t go too mad with the mince pies, brandy cream, roast potatoes and chocolates!

On a lighter note, watch out for those DIY tools you receive as Christmas presents. Make sure you read the instructions, use safety goggles and are in a safe area before you start using that chainsaw, or drill. You don’t want to spend the rest of the festive holiday in hospital now do you?

Wishing you a healthy and safe Christmas.

- advertising feature

-

DANCE WITH L L E S S U B Y E C DAR

DDMIX CREATOR, PRIMA BALLERINA AND STRICTLY COME DANCING JUDGE DARCEY BUSSELL IS HOSTING AN OPEN MAXIT DDMIX CLASS AT QUEEN ELIZABETH’S SCHOOL IN WIMBORNE ON SUNDAY 5 MARCH 2017.

The event is being organised by local DDMIX instructor - Miss Denise Booth - Principal at Studio One (Dorset’s Centre for Performing Arts) and can be attended by ticket holders only.

DDMIX is a full body aerobic workout based on a wide range of different dance styles with easy to follow steps.

The aim of DDMIX is to get people moving without being intimidated by the word ‘dance’ or the technicality of the steps, but instead to give a full body workout that is such fun - you don’t even notice that you are ‘exercising’.

What sets DDMIX apart from other exercise schemes is the constant change of styles within one workout, alongside a soundtrack that has been especially designed for the genres. The 50-60 minute programmes are then designed with a combination of different aerobic levels and complexity that suit every level of fitness and ability. With the vast number of dance styles around the world to choose from, no one will ever get bored!

Using easy to follow dance steps our existing genres include the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, Line Dance, Hand Jive, Bollywood, Putting on the Ritz, The Twist, Disco, African, Greek, Scottish, Jive, Charleston and many more – you will always find something to enjoy.

You need no dance experience - just enthusiasm, comfy clothes and a pair of trainers to enjoy it.

It’s fun and entertaining and stimulates the body and mind.

Studio One is currently running x2 weekly DDMIX classes in the Ferndown area and with a new class opening on 5 January at St Ives & St Leonards Village Hall (see advert).

Denise Booth became a qualified as an instructor in 2015 and says, “I have taught dance to children and adults for 36 years and I absolutely love teaching DDMIX. The dance routines are so easy to follow for class members, who love burning calories whilst having fun – my classes are suitable for all ages.”

A note from DDMIX creator Darcey Bussell...

“I really enjoy working out when I am fully distracted by the fun and entertainment of the routine, great music and the camaraderie of a group class. This is the core philosophy behind DDMIX. “As well as being fun and challenging, dance is quite simply one of the best forms of exercise reaching every area of the body.”

To book tickets for the open MAXIT DDMIX class hosted by Darcey Bussell, please contact the Studio One office on 01202 890707 / 855895

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

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RINGWOOD NEWS

RINGWOOD SCHOOL sweeps up film awards

A talented group of Year 13 students from Ringwood School Sixth Form swept up the awards at Southampton Film Week on 9 November picking up five of the six available.

Miguel Drummond, Head of Media at Ringwood School said, “I am extremely proud of our students’ achievements at Southampton Film Week’s Hampshire Colleges Film Making Competition.

Ringwood Sixth Form students have won Best Film and the Audience Awards for the 4th year running. Their creativity never ceases to amaze me and to pick up five awards in such hotly contested categories is true testament

to their hard work and dedication.”

Now in its ninth year, Southampton Film Week is firmly established as the time to celebrate film across the city. Ringwood School students entered the College Film Making Challenge 2016 and were given just two weeks to produce short films. The films had to meet three simple criteria; use the title ‘Impression’, the line of dialogue ‘I thought it was a suggestion’ and be no more than four minutes long. Beyond that the creative freedom was theirs.

Ringwood School Sixth Form students rose to this challenge and the results were: Impression – The one with the murder

by Georgia Stickley, Emily Morris, Evie Karkera, Stan Gulliford and Faegan White.

Winners of Best Sound, the Audience Award and Best Film Impression – The one with the forgotten bullet

by Charlie Round, Sol Collier, Matt Holley, Josh Brown and Rowan Elwell.

Winner of Best Editing Impression – The one with no ideas

by Jade Hillier, Dan Grevatt, Tom Atkinson, Matt Raybould and Sam Webb.

Winner of Best Script

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VIEWPOINT December 2016

December birthstone:

turquoise

By David at Fields Jewellers, Ringwood

Turquoise derives its name from the French word of the 1300-1400s meaning Turk. The stone was first brought to Europe by traders through Turkey from Iran where it was mined.

Turquoise is also found in Tibet, India, China and Russia as well as Mexico where it was used in Aztec jewellery. Native Americans still use turquoise mined in New Mexico and Colorado in traditional silver jewellery.

The colour varies from green and greenish blue through to bright sky blue.

Early Iranians believed turquoise represented the heavens, because of its beautiful blue colour and used it to cover domes of palaces and places of worship to represent heaven.

In folklore, turquoise is believed to attract money success and love. Its powers are said include protection, healing, courage, friendship, and luck. It is also said to relax the mind, ease mental tension and disperse negative energy.

RINGWOOD NEWS

Ringwood turns

Christmas Eve around As many children know, Santa sets off on Christmas Eve, in good time to deliver presents to every good child in time for Christmas Day. However, when he reaches Ringwood, something very curious happens.

Instead of Father Christmas handing out presents, excited children queue up to give him gifts that are later distributed to children’s homes and special schools.

The event, organised by the Rotary Club of Ringwood is held every year in the town’s Market Place, and acknowledges the true meaning of Christmas.

It attracts thousands of people and at around 6pm,

before Father Christmas arrives, they all join together with music from the Salvation Army Band and the Ringwood and Burley Band to sing carols.

The Market Place is festooned with lights and Father Christmas arrives in a lovely carriage drawn by the impressive Percheron horses of Robert Sampson before being welcomed into his grotto. Here children get the opportunity to give Father Christmas many hundreds of presents for children less fortunate than themselves.

Naturally, when Father Christmas has delivered all these additional gifts to the children’s homes and special schools, he will get on with the job of finishing

off his usual “We hope to see as Christmas deliveries! many people this What a busy year as we have had man he is. in the past and we Rotarian are hoping for good Trevor Williams says, “This weather.” event could not happen without the help of many people and organisations in the town and the Rotary Club of Ringwood would like to thank not just the people who will bring gifts for Father Christmas but also all those other people who lend us their equipment for the night. The cost of this event has been financed by a grant given by Ringwood Town Council. Many local firms and organisations also help with the event.

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

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RINGWOOD NEWS

by Russell Harness

When Ben and I were invited to take the Ringwood Brewery tour, it was easy to see why it was recently voted as the 5th best brewery tour in the world.

Greeted by our host and guide, Haydn, the visit started, appropriately, with a drink and a little history of the brewery. Haydn explained, “We start you off with a taste of Razorback (Best Bitter) 3.8% ABV as this is brewed using just the pale malt, which is the base of all our beers.”

Ben and I found this an easily quaffable and refreshing beer that went down very well.

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VIEWPOINT December 2016

RINGWOOD NEWS

Behind the scenes

A brief history of Ringwood Brewery

With our whistles wetted, Haydn took us behind the scenes to where the magic happens. Here we could smell the hops and taste the different varieties of the malt used in the brewing process. An explanation followed of the alchemy that creates the palatepleasing brews such as Boondoggle 4.2% ABV, Fortyniner 4.9% ABV, Old Thumper 5.1% ABV and the seasonal favourite XXXX Porter 4.7% ABV.

1978: Ringwood Brewery was founded

by Peter Austin following his time as master brewer for Hull brewery. The first two beers were Best Bitter (now called Razorback) and Fortyniner.

1979: David Welsh joined as a partner to look after the business side whilst Peter looked after the brewing.

Further tastings The informative tour gave us the chance to taste the malted barleys, sniff the hops and see the fermentations bubbling away.

There were also further tastings to look forward to. Haydn took us back to the Pin Room to sample the delicious ales produced in this brewery, and because we had tasted the malt and smelled the hops, we found ourselves analysing the flavours within the beers.

At £8.50 (£5 children aged over 8 and under 18) the brewery tour represents great value and is a great way for any beer-lovers to spend a couple of hours – it would also make a good Christmas present. I heartily recommend visiting this local jewel in the brewing world.

How to book a tour

The tour started at the mash tun where the barleys are infused with water, soaked and stirred. The mixture, or wort, is drained, strained, transferred to the copper and brought to boiling point. Hops are added to make the bitter flavour before the wort is transferred to the whirlpool and passed through a heat exchanger. From there it is moved into the fermentation tanks where the yeast is added. This converts the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, which takes about three days.

When fermentation reaches the appropriate level, the yeast is collected from the surface of the beer. Each fermentation produces about three times the amount of yeast added at the beginning. It was fascinating to learn that the yeast is used again and again and, incredibly, the strain being used today has been in use since 1978.

Once the process is complete the finished beer is sent to the barrelling area. Approximately 120 barrels are filled each hour, labelled and sent via the draymen to the pubs and clubs that sell the Ringwood ales.

Brewery tours are carried out daily and must be booked in advance. This can be done at www.ringwoodbrewery.co.uk. Stag and hen parties and private tours can be booked on 01425 470303, evening prices are available on request.

1984: A third, quality beer was created with a whopping 6%ABV and Peter and David ran a radio competition to ‘name the beer’. The winner, Mr Joe Leadham, thought superior quality beers always seemed to start with the word ‘old’, and as this one was a thumping good beer, ‘Old Thumper’ was born. At the same time the brewery was expanding and a move was made to the Tunks brewery site in Ringwood, which had a hop vine growing in the yard.

1986: The brewery extension was completed and Old Thumper won the Supreme Champion at the Beer of Britain Awards. After winning this prestigious accolade the ABV was reduced to 5.8% to appeal to a wider audience and is today, with its 5.1% ABV, still as popular as ever.

1988: Peter decided it was time for a new challenge and after selling his share of the brewery toured the world helping micro breweries around the globe passing on his extensive knowledge of beers and brewing.

2007: David Welsh retired. He wanted the brewery to be sold to someone with the same values and love of the beers that both he and Peter had. He decided that Marston’s Brewery would maintain their ethos and that the brewery would be in good hands. Marstons paid £19.2 million and the price included six pubs, the brewery and a vineyard, which has since been sold.

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

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RINGWOOD NEWS

RINGWOOD NEWS ‘Water’s edge’ by Hannah Burrows – the winner of the autumn 2016 New Forest National Park Authority’s Seasonal Snaps competition

The winners have been chosen in a competition to find the most popular autumn photos of the New Forest.

The National Park Authority’s Seasonal Snaps photo contest received 350 entries that were

viewed 30,000 times and attracted over 7,000 votes. Photos of a babbling brook, golden forest foliage and a stag in the mist were among the winning images.

Photographers submitted their autumnal photos of the New Forest on social media and four winners were chosen by a public vote on the National Park Authority’s Facebook page. A fifth prize-winner was chosen by a judging panel.

The winners are: First: Hannah Burrows, Second: Matthew Pinner, Third: Craig Hobbs, Fourth: Yvonne Holloway, Judges’ Pick: Steve Elson.

Barry Rickman, New Forest National Park Authority member, said, “The winning photos wonderfully convey the beauty of autumn in the New Forest and show why it is so important to safeguard this special area.

Autumn is a lovely time to explore

the National Park with your camera, so it is heartening to see that so many people have taken the opportunity. Congratulations to all the winners.”

Each of the five winners received one of several prizes, kindly donated by businesses: • Spa day for two at SenSpa, Careys Manor, Brockenhurst • Full afternoon tea at New Park Manor, Brockenhurst • Two tickets for a tour of Ringwood Brewery • Cream tea for two at Fairweather’s Garden Centre, Beaulieu • Family ticket for National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

You can see more winning photos and a selection of other entries at: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/ seasonalsnaps.

RINGWOOD TOWN CLERK moves on

S

teve Nash, current town clerk to Ringwood Town Council, will be leaving his post at the end of December to take up a similar position with Swanley Town Council in Kent.

He has been the Ringwood town clerk for about three years and has been a charismatic figure within the town, where much of his expertise has been in organising major events. It was through his efforts that the Christmas Fun Day, held on the first Saturday of December, showcased the town and did much to heighten the profile of Ringwood. Steve also introduced continental markets and the new monthly market held outside the Gateway Building.

Steve inaugurated the Ringwood Events Committee of

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VIEWPOINT VIEWPOINT December December 2016 2016

which he is chairman. He was able to use his unique skill in fundraising for the benefit of the town, sourcing funding and grants, which enabled events to be staged.

As a former serviceman he ensured that the annual summer Armed Forces Day became part of the Ringwood calendar.

In early November Steve and his events committee were the inspiration behind a town firework display held on Carvers and attended by thousands residents.

During his term of office The Place, the youth centre on Carvers, was built and opened and plans laid for the expansion of sporting interests at Long Lane.

The town council will now commence the process of appointing a new town clerk, to begin in the New Year.

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

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in for a bite

INGREDIENTS

AN ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS DAY MEAL

For the pastry: • 500g vegan puff or shortcrust pastry, in a block • Flour, for rolling out For the inner filling: • 50g sun-dried tomatoes (oil reserved) drained and chopped • 1 onion, chopped • 300g cooked chestnuts, mashed • 400g tin butter beans, drained and mashed • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped • 50g ready-to-eat prunes, chopped • 1 tsp mild curry powder • 100g chopped mixed nuts • Salt and pepper

Chestnut & Butter Bean Wellington This vegan bake is packed with flavour Serves: 4-6

METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 180°C/gas mark 4.

Roll out pastry on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle measuring 40cm x 30cm. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

onion for 5 minutes. Add remaining inner filling ingredients, except the seasoning, and cook for 10 minutes over a low heat, stirring often. The mixture should be fairly dry and hold together. Season to taste. Set aside to cool.

2. Inner filling: heat a little sun-dried tomato oil (save some for later) in large frying pan and gently fry the

3. Outer filling: use the rest of the tomato oil to fry the mushrooms and garlic for 5 minutes. Add soy sauce,

For the outer filling: • 400g mixed mushrooms, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 2 tsp soy sauce • 200g frozen spinach • 1 lemon, juice and ½ zest only To glaze: • 2 tbsp soya milk

spinach, lemon zest and juice. Cook for 10 minutes, or until all the moisture has evaporated. Allow to cool.

4. To assemble the Wellington: line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper and transfer the pastry to it. With the long edge facing you, use the back of a table knife to lightly mark the pastry in half horizontally, giving two long rectangles. Place the inner filling in the top rectangle, leaving a 3cm border around the edges, and form it into a sausage shape. Pat the mushroom and spinach layer all over the filling to form the outer filling.

5. Brush the pastry borders with a little water. Fold the lower half of the pastry over to enclose the fillings and press all around to seal, crimp the ends with a fork.

Brush with the soya milk and bake for 45 minutes or until golden.

Note: This can be baked and chilled for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. If frozen, allow to thaw and then thoroughly reheat.

Energy: 725 kcals, Protein: 15.1g, Carbohydrate: 58g, Of which sugars: 10.1g, Fat: 45g, Of which saturates: 13.4g, Fibre: 12.8g, Salt: 1.1g, (based on 6 servings).

The Vegetarian Society’s new cook book is available from: www.vegsoc.org/ happyhealthydeliciousbook

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VIEWPOINT December 2016

in for a bite

A Plateful of Yesteryear at

La Fosse

by Russell Harness

WHEN MY WIFE CLAIRE AND I WERE INVITED TO A RETRO SUPPER CLUB EVENING AT LA FOSSE IN CRANBORNE, WE WERE LOOKING FORWARD TO BEING TRANSPORTED BACK TO THE 60S AND 70S

W

e were greeted

by Emmanuelle Hartstone who, along with her husband Mark, own La Fosse.

Emmanuelle showed us to the sumptuous seating area.

A roaring wood-burner and leather sofas made us feel at home and we were treated to a glass of something from the retro drinks menu. It included old favourites from our teenage years: Tequila Sunrise, Manhattan and a good old classic Babycham, which I enjoyed whilst Claire sipped a Tequila Sunrise.

We sat in front of the fire and entertained ourselves with the music trivia quiz cards from that era until our table was ready.

Our waitress, Emily, showed us the wine list and we chose from old favourites like Mateus Rose and the classic Blue Nun. The starter arrived - an array of mouthwatering delights that would not have been out of place on the table at ‘Abigail’s Party’, (for those old enough to remember that play).

The sharing platter consisted of a cheese-and-pineapple hedgehog, chicken, grape and Brie vol au vents, cheese balls, stuffed celery sticks and, of course, a prawn cocktail – that iconic starter of the era. The platter tasted as good as it looked and each mouthful transported us firmly back in time.

The main course was beef bourguignon for me, and a superb piece of haddock with a cream, white wine reduction with caramelised onion sauce for Claire. Both were accompanied by creamed potatoes, red cabbage and carrots. The beef, which had been slow cooked, simply melted in the mouth and the fish was

perfectly cooked and full of flavour.

To finish off we both had a slice of Black Forest gateau with cream and ice cream, once again reminiscent of our childhoods and quite delicious.

No dinner would be complete in the 60s and 70s without a coffee and the After Eight mint and we were not disappointed.

I had a chance to catch up with Mark after the meal to find out more about the Supper Club themed nights. He told us he wanted to offer something a little different from the normal A la Carte menu and came up with the Supper Club, which runs once a month.

“We have catered for the usual regional nights: French, Italian etc, and we wanted to give our customers something different.

We have several more supper nights planned with the next being a Great Gatsby evening with a taste of the roaring 20s.”

Claire and I found the evening very evocative of our growing-up years, and thoroughly enjoyed being transported back to the dinner table of our youth.

Further dining experiences La Fosse can be relied upon to tease your tastebuds on a daily basis with its A la carte menu from 7pm. Mark offers rustic-elegant food sourced locally, using only the finest seasonal ingredients. The menu changes frequently and can be adapted for most dietary requirements if notified at the time of booking.

Famed for his award-winning cheeseboard, Mark also creates a regular tasting-menu with six scrumptious courses designed to be enjoyed by the entire table.

In the run up to Christmas a 6-course Tasting Festive menu as well as a Festive December menu, with a vegan and vegetarian option, are available until 22 December.

Not only that, there is a Scandinavian BBQ hut that can be hired for parties and for a different dining experience. Also, the house itself can be hired on an exclusive basis with menus tailored to your occasion and, with six en suite luxury B&B rooms, you can spoil yourself with a comfortable overnight stay. With various walks from Cranborne to enjoy the next day, it is clear that this village treasure is well-worth investigating.

Reservations can be made online at www.la-fosse.com or telephone 01725 517604 Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 23

Emmanuel Middle School students enjoying some refreshments after working with 6th form students (Michaela Sibsey and Mara Tomei) at Ferndown Upper School

School’s ‘No Put Down’ Week grows Ferndown Upper School led a “We also focussed on the collaborative No Put Down week in social, moral, spiritual and cultural November. aspects of learning and our The event has been run at community. It is a week when we Ferndown Upper for several years celebrate all the positive aspects of but after news of its success our school. Children from the first spread across the local community, and middle schools also visited the other local schools wanted to get upper school to work with the older involved. So this year leaders from students and vice versa.”

Parley First School, Ferndown Sarah added, “We all know that First School, Verwood First sinking feeling when someone has School, Emmanuel Middle School, mocked us or ‘made a joke’ and Ferndown Middle we either hit back School and West with an equally witty Moors Middle put-down or try and School worked avoid being in that “‘No Put Down’ together under the position again. It week is designed guidance of Sarah is also a positive Bird, Assistant Head assertive strategy to help raise selfat Ferndown Upper. to counteract esteem and create Sarah said, “We bullying. We find wanted to celebrate students really like a happy positive the positive aspects it. We ask the whole anti-bullying of the Ferndown school not to put school community themselves down or ethos of valuing and encourage the anyone else for the each other in the students and staff to whole week and try school and in the achieve their best. to praise someone ‘No Put Down’ each day. community.

When week is designed “We hope we ran the event to help raise selfthis will spill over esteem and create to home life in last year, all the a happy positive the weeks which students said they anti-bullying follow.” ethos of valuing One of the felt happier in each other in the Y10 students school, achieved school and in the said, “Mentally community. When after being in a more highly and we ran the event positive, no putit was a very last year, all the down environment students said they for a few days you powerful.” felt happier in constantly think in school, achieved a positive way and more highly and it putting someone was a very powerful.” down doesn’t come across your During the week, staff and mind. By thinking and acting students gave each other positive positively you can take more away compliments on slips, and ‘No from lessons and so can your Put Down’ posters were displayed fellow classmates. So effectively, throughout the schools. There were positive people learn more.” rewards for positive contributions ‘No Put Down’ Week will take and special assemblies. place again next year.

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VIEWPOINT December December 2016 2016 VIEWPOINT

in the female viewpoint

Pre-Christmas coffee morning raises over £500 Wimborne in Bloom’s pre-Christmas coffee morning held on Saturday 19 November at the home of Anthony and Christine Oliver raised £519 “It is a splendid amount,” said Richard Nunn, Chairman of Wimborne in Bloom after the event.

Over 60 people attended. Richard Nunn thanked everyone for attending the event and all those that helped and supported it with items for the raffles, and bring and buy.

The money raised will go towards the In Bloom campaign in 2017, the year in which Wimborne celebrates its 25th anniversary of taking part. The inaugural meeting was held on 27 November 1992. Costs to plant up the town for both the summer and autumn, together with watering throughout the summer are likely to be in excess of £16,000.

Richard Nunn appealed for continued support. If you feel you can help please get in touch with him on 01202 888793 or go along to the annual meeting in the town hall on Monday 30 January 2017 at 7.30pm to find out what is involved. Full details of all Wimborne in Bloom events can be found on the website www.wimborneinbloom.org.uk

you

in the female viewpoint

Remember need looking after

D

too!

ecember is such a busy month. There’s present buying, wrapping, cards to write and post, and food shopping. There’s decorating the tree and rooms. Then there are Christmas parties, children’s school events, organising the family, arranging for extra visitors over the festive period, on top of the usual working day, not to mention the extra cleaning and washing up

Margery Ryan receiving the ‘Christmas Tree’ she won in the raffle from the Mayor, Cllr Sue Cook, with town crier Chris Brown and Chairman of Wimborne in Bloom, Richard Nunn

with a lovely treatment like a facial, massage or pedicure. And, how’s your hair looking or your nails? Are they party-ready for the New Year’s Eve festivities?

If you need a special outfit, bag, pair of shoes or piece of jewellery, why not try one of the local individual shops in places like Ringwood, Fordingbridge, or Wimborne to beat the crowds in the sales. Some of the charity shops also have posh frocks on their rails,

particularly useful if you only need something for the one occasion.

If someone asks you belatedly what you want for Christmas this year, why not ask for a hair/ beauty voucher to start the new year on a positive note? Go on, you deserve a bit of pampering after all that hard work!

by Carol Waterkeyn

involved. Phew!

It can all take its toll on you as the lady of the house, I’m sure you’ll agree. Although it’s a lovely time to be with family and friends, it can be extremely tiring and stressful. So it’s really important to look after yourself at this special time of year.

A pampering is just the thing to recover after this busy period.

Take an hour out to calm yourself

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

| 25

Age Concern Verwood: DRIVERS NEEDED Volunteer drivers are needed on Mondays and Wednesdays to drive a minibus transporting the elderly from their homes to the Day Centre in Verwood. Pick up: 9am and 10.15am and drop off: 3pm and 4pm. Drivers are always accompanied by an experienced adult escort. If you can spare a few hours a week on both or either days, and you would like to make a big difference to people’s quality of life and make new friends, please contact Mark on 01202 821786 or Gordon 01202 813805

Helping Overcome Bereavement Recently bereaved widows and widowers in Wimborne are being given a helping hand thanks to the establishment of two groups in the town.

A Wimborne widowers group for over-50s has been set up by Richard Matthews following a grant from the county council’s Partnership for Older People Programme (POPP).

Mr Matthews lost his wife a couple of years ago and started attending the Phoenix Widowers Fellowship in Christchurch, which was set up to create opportunities for people to share regular stories and experiences with others who have suffered a similar kind of loss and to help them live with bereavement.

Impressed with the care and support, Mr Matthews - with the help and coordination of local POPP champion Sue Reynolds decided to set up ‘The Next Steps’ widowers’ group in Wimborne.

“I was aware there was a need in the town. Men find it difficult to cry and express emotions and feel ill at ease in mixed company. The inaugural meeting was packed with blokes all in the same boat.

“We meet on a weekly basis and sit down and talk and talk and talk about anything. We have around 18 members with a dozen turning up on a regular basis.

Talking is a great therapy.

“The group is branching out and having extra-curricular lunches and dinners and it’s been proposed to hire a minibus which will allow us to have trips around the county.”

The success of the club prompted an approach to Sue Reynolds by widows in the town who wanted a group for themselves. This led to the establishment of the POPP-funded ‘New Steps’ widows’ club.

Coordinator Linda Brazier said: “Some members have been widowed for years but still feel the loss and the pain of losing their loved one. Some of us were recently bereaved and need a place to go where we can talk of our loss and feel comfortable and supported. But we do talk and we laugh about many other things, like women do!”

Sue Reynolds, who lost her husband a few years ago, said she was delighted with the establishment of the clubs adding, “Coping with losing a partner is a massive challenge and for many years there was nothing out there for people to pick themselves up. These groups are so helpful as they help rebuild people’s confidence and show there is life after bereavement.”

Councillor Jill Haynes, Cabinet Member for Adult Health, Care and Independence, added that it was important bereaved partners did not go through the grieving process alone: “Talking and sharing your feelings can help and I’m delighted these POPP-funded schemes are making a difference to people’s lives.”

Next Steps Widowers Club takes place every Thursday from 10.30am12.30pm at St Catherine’s RC Hall at 4, Lewens Lane, Wimborne.

Contact Rick Matthews on 07821 633319.

New Steps Widows Club takes place every second Tuesday from 2pm at Wimborne Liberal Democrats Centre at 22, Park Lane, Wimborne.

Contact Linda Brazier on 07974 691018. www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/popp

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VIEWPOINT December December 2016 2016 VIEWPOINT

QUAKERS in Fordingbridge By

Julian Hewitt | Fordingbridge Museum

I suspect that most people, if asked, would not be able to furnish you with much information about Quakers. Quaker families have, however, played an important part in the development of our country, not the least in Fordingbridge.

After many years of persecution and prohibition, Quakers were at last allowed to worship freely by the Toleration Act of 1689. In the 1690s William Lumber built a house in Roundhill in which he lived but which was also to provide a space for Quaker meetings. Records show that the house cost just over £55 to build and that the garden at the rear was to be used as a cemetery. The wife of Moses Harris, who was a Quaker living on the site of Harrisons Stationery shop, was interred there in 1698 wrapped in a woollen shroud.

In the great fire of 1702, Quakers lost property valued at £939, which showed what prosperous members of the community they were. William Lumber’s house was badly damaged in the fire and he died the next year and was buried in his own garden. A new meeting house, probably a brick and timber house with thatched outbuildings, was erected on the spot in 1705.

The two most prominent Quaker families in the town were the Neaves who had flour mills at Stuckton, and the Thompsons who had flax spinning mills at West and East Mills. Both families were major employers in the town. Like

all Quakers they relied on their conscience as the basis for their morality. They were benevolent in the treatment of their workers and involved in charitable work and public service in the town.

The Thompsons lived in Bridge House and Southampton House in Horseport where Samuel built the Victoria Rooms for the use of the townsfolk. Samuel’s nephew Thomas Westlake came to work for his uncle at the age of 17 in 1843.

He eventually lived in Oaklands, the large house on the right as you walk up Marl Lane, and married Hannah Neave who, before she died of tuberculosis at the early age of 24, produced a son Ernest.

He became a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and The Royal Anthropological Institute. He also purchased Sandy Balls where he founded the Order of Woodcraft and Chivalry.

The Neaves made a fortune from their Nutritious Farinaceous Food aimed at “Infants, Growing Children, Invalids and the Aged”.

Their magnificent Highfield House, now divided into private apartments, is still to be seen on the left at the top of the hill on the road out of Fordingbridge towards Alderholt.

The Meeting House was rebuilt in 1835 but, with numbers attending meetings declining, it closed in 1905 becoming a school run by Miss Lock and then an auction room. It is now used for Pilates.

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

| 27

view from VERWOOD

Verwood Keyboard Society Verwood Keyboard Society’s next meeting takes place on Wednesday, 11 January at 7.30pm, when Janet Dowsett will be playing a Yamaha EL900.

All performers offer something different and each keyboard has different capabilities. Janet will provide a relaxing evening of popular music, from classics and popular tunes to pieces from the musicals and modern.

For enquiries, contact Janetta on 01202 822936 while more details about the artistes can be found on the Organfax website.

Hillside helps Pudsey

The pupils and staff of Hillside Community First School in Verwood have done it again, raising £471 for BBC’s Children In Need appeal.

The children paid a forfeit to go to school dressed in their pyjamas, onesies and various Pudsey paraphernalia on 18 November. The children also covered a giant Pudsey face with coins, and Year 4 youngsters were given the task of counting the money.

At the end of the day, a sale of cakes and loom bands added to their grand total.

Sad day for Verwood RBL In the middle of November, two Royal British Legion Verwood Branch Standards were laid up at Verwood Town Council Offices.

These were the Standard of the Verwood Branch and that of the Verwood Women’s Section Branch.

It was a sad day for Verwood as the Women’s Section decided, due to changes within the Royal British Legion, to close their branch. There had been a women’s section branch for well over 50

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VIEWPOINT October 2016

years of dedication and commitment.

The Verwood RBL Standard was also laid up.

More than 15 members of the branch, including the Women’s Section, attended.

The Branch Standard was accepted by Mayor Cllr Susan Shaw, and that of the Women’s Section by Town Clerk Valerie Bright. Both standards will now have a permanent place within the council offices, adjacent to the Book of Remembrance.

The Standard Bearers

were Capt Roy Slade (rtd) and Miss Linda Rose who were joined by Dennis Wright, Past President, and Anita Cox, past chairman/ president of the Women’s Section.

The Verwood Branch of the RBL was formed in April 1935 and used a small hut in Moorlands Road for their first meeting.

Now unable to find officers to run the branch, it was agreed to close it in 2016, after 81 years of “Service Not Self”.

view from VERWOOD

Burglary in Verwood Detectives have been appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Verwood.

Some time between 5pm on Monday 21 November and 8.50am on Tuesday 22 November, offenders gained access to the garage of a property on Manor Road, near to the roundabout that connects Pennine Way and Burnbake Road.

A number of items were stolen including a Landmaster chainsaw, a yellow plate hammer with a Honda motor and a red Trueshopping brushcutter.

Detective Inspector Neil Wright, of Bournemouth CID, said, “From our enquiries we believe the offenders would have spent some time gaining access to the garage.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in Manor Road at the relevant time to contact Dorset Police.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who has seen these items for sale in unusual circumstances.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 22:88. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Hospice donation Three months after their Charity Golf Day, Parley Rotary Club has handed half of the proceeds to the Forest Holme Hospice in Poole with the balance being donated to a second local charity, the Amelia Grace Rainbow Fund.

The £1,000, from the golf day staged at Crane Valley Golf Club in Verwood in September, was collected by the hospice’s Becky Chalk, pictured second left, from Parley Rotary’s representatives (l-r): Patricia Webb, Brenda Martin and Jenny Tolman.

An interesting year

By Cllr Simon Gibson 2016 has been one of the most interesting years, certainly in my lifetime.

As we come to terms with the perhaps surprising developments globally and nationally, the pace of change does not relent here in East Dorset either. East Dorset District Council’s new offices are now open in Allenview House in Wimborne; this is a more accessible location than before and also will save the council money.

One thing is sure, 2017 certainly looks like it will be a busy one for councils and communities across our area. The most obvious decision ahead is that concerning local government reorganisation.

All nine councils in Dorset will meet individually in January to decide their futures. This follows on from the period of public consultation that finished last month. For me it is vital that we listen to the views that have been expressed.

However, before I move too far ahead, there

is the busy Christmas period to look forward to.

As a councillor, this is my favourite part of the year as so many community groups and businesses enter the Christmas spirit. It may be a busy period but it is also one that reminds me of the strength of community that our area has. All across East Dorset, people come together to help those less fortunate or lonely. This is a much better representation of Christmas than the images of panic buying that we see on TV. Personally, I will be spending my Christmas Day with friends and family, helping with the Community Christmas lunch in Verwood.

It is the amazing spirit found in our communities that gives me great hope for 2017. Regardless of how the last year has been for you, I hope that the next one is peaceful and happy. Coming together as we always do, gives us the best chance for a brilliant 2017.

Cllr Simon Gibson

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

| 29

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Cheque recipients

Mark Prior, The Hub

Amy Quarendon, Greyhound Lifeline with King and Tilly

Steve Saville, Forest FM

George (9) receives cheque on behalf of Verwood Saturn Cubs and 2nd Verwood Guides

Pat Morrow, Verwood Community Christmas lunch

Ron Collins, Verwood Stroke Club

Nick, Rossgarth Youth Football Club

£11,000

Rustic give-away

by Rotary Club Following another successful Rustic Fayre on August Bank Holiday Monday, the proceeds of £11,000 were distributed by the Rotary Club of Verwood who organise the event on Potterne Park.

Representatives from charities and other local good causes gathered in the town’s Memorial Hall on 22 November to receive cheques.

Over 20 recipients were announced by Rotarian Vern Harris, who has organised the event since its foundation 23 years ago, and cheques were handed out by the club’s President, Ian Hudson.

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VIEWPOINT December December 2016 2016 VIEWPOINT

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY Riding for the Disabled, Anna and Jane

Sturts Farm Pam Smith, Macmillan Cancer Support

mas Day dinne t s i r r Ch

IS

a nd

going ahead

it’s not a curry!

Whilst receiving a cheque from the Verwood Rotary Club, Councillor Pat Morrow, who organises the Community Christmas lunch for the elderly people in Verwood who are on their own, confirmed that, despite rumours to the contrary, the dinner is going ahead. She said the only difference was that there had been a change of venue because Crane Valley Golf Club was fully booked. The kitchen at Cinnamon Lounge has been kindly offered to enable the Christmas Day meal, so looked forward to by so many, to take place at the Indian restaurant in the picturesque village of Woodlands.

Pat said, “Our chef is cooking a traditional turkey Christmas dinner – not a curry!” She thanked Cinnamon Lounge for saving the day and said last year’s meal was so popular, the chef had to cook for 73 people.

Anyone wishing to book a place should ring Verwood Town Council on 01202 820880.

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

| 31

RNLI/David Riley

Poole RNLI volunteers say farewell to City of Sheffield It was ‘Tyne’ to say goodbye to a faithful servant, Poole’s all-weather Tyne class lifeboat City of Sheffield in November

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VIEWPOINT December 2016

“

... I will miss going out on the lifeboat and not seeing it alongside but that feeling of pride and honour of all that we have done, will always remain with me

“

The lifeboat slipped her anchor for the last time on Saturday 12 November with farewell celebrations held over that weekend. The City of Sheffield had been moored alongside Poole Lifting Bridge since September 2001, when she replaced the previous lifeboat.The lifeboat has been a pivotal part of Poole Quay life, not only on call to save lives at sea but bringing Father Christmas to the Quay, carrying the official starter and adjudicator for the annual New Year Bath Tub Race, to joining in the fun on the town’s historic Harry Paye Day and the Fishermen’s Regatta.

The ‘big orange boat’ as quay visitors called her has been retired from the RNLI’s fleet, as Poole lifeboat station reassigns from an all-weather lifeboat station to an inshore lifeboat station.

The stretch of coast around Poole bay and harbour will now be served by the 25-knot Shannon class allweather lifeboat based at Swanage, the 25-knot Severn class at Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight and the inshore lifeboats from Mudeford and Poole.

A new D class lifeboat will also be stationed at Poole and will be able to operate at speed in the busy waters and will be suitable for the shallow areas within Poole Harbour. It will complement the work of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat Sgt Bob Martin, which has been based at the station since 2008.

The 12th and last volunteer Coxswain of Poole’s lifeboat station, Jonathan Clark took the wheel of the Tyne

for her final launch, joined by other long-serving crew members. The City of Sheffield was joined in a farewell flotilla as she left the Quay after a blessing by Poole lifeboat Chaplain Lucy Holt for passage to Weymouth.

On Remembrance Sunday, 13 November the lifeboat returned to Poole Bay to rendezvous with the inshore lifeboat and lay a wreath to remember and give thanks for all those who gave their lives in the two World Wars, and past conflicts around the world.

Jonathan Clark, RNLI volunteer Coxswain of Poole lifeboat says: “There has been a lot of training going on to get the crew ready for the arrival of our new D class lifeboat and plans have been drawn up for the new floating boathouse, which will be in situ when the bridge work has ended. I am very proud to have been the Coxswain and along with other crew and station volunteers, I will miss going out on the lifeboat and not seeing it alongside but that feeling of pride and honour of all that we have done, will always remain with me.”

The City of Sheffield launched 557 times since arriving in 2001 and the number of people rescued was 650. The lifeboat celebrated her 25th birthday in Poole in 2013, escorting the RNLI’s Patron, Her Majesty the Queen after she officially opened the RNLI College in 2004. The lifeboat will be fondly remembered by the volunteers, Coxswains and crew that served on her and also by the 650 grateful people that she brought safely back to harbour after rescuing them.

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

| 33

Candy floss treat for brothers Lucas (4) and Jacob (6) from Ferndown

M

ore than a thousand people turned out for Ferndown’s Christmas lights switch on extravaganza, which has built steadily over the last three years since the Chamber of Commerce set up an event committee to organise it.

With the help of Ferndown Town Council and Ferndown Rotary Club, plus full permission to use the whole of Penny’s Walk for the first time, there were 25 stalls, a Santa’s Grotto, live entertainment, hot food and fairground rides as well as the Chamber stall with mulled wine, mince pies and raffle.

The festive atmosphere started in the afternoon with visitors able to pet a pony, meet Father Christmas and take aim in the Parley Rotary Club’s coconut shy as well win tombola prizes and browse a variety of charity and other stalls.

Live performers included the Studio One Choir, Matt Griffiths, Amie Knight and the ever-popular Gugge 2000 band who got everyone joining in.

And when it got dark, the town crier Mike Andrews with the Mayor Cllr Mike Parkes started the countdown to a breathtaking light switch on that made Ferndown sparkle magically with new sets of lights strung through Penny’s Walk, in the trees and throughout the town. To everyone’s delight, the Christmas tree in Victoria Road took centre stage by switching on after everything else.

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Town Crier and the Mayor

c e n lebrates w o d n r e F Matt Griffiths

Parley Rotary Club

Linda

& Pete

Thornto

n Ellie and her mum from Ferndown meet Father Christmas

s ri t h m C as lights r e v e t sbe

VIEWPOINT December 2016

S

switch on

Chamber stall L-R: Ben, Dave, Stuart and Andy

tuart Fleetham, chairman of the Events Committee said, “Over the past three years I have headed the FCOC Christmas Events Committee with Ben Pulford and I can safely say 2016 has been our best one yet.

“I must extend a massive thank you to all of the volunteers and stallholders who gave their time freely.

“All feedback I have received has been extremely positive, with people saying have much they now look forward to Christmas in the town.

“The investment made on the Christmas lights by both Ferndown Town Council and FCOC is clearly shown with the lights in Ringwood Road and also the new lights on the clock tower and Penny’s Walk trees.

“Ben and I look forward to working closely with Ferndown Rotary Club to make 2017’s Christmas Lights Switch On bigger and better.”

Winners of the hamper raffle prizes were: 1st Mrs Hales, 2nd Perrie Winter, and 3rd Ellie Rew

Ferndown Town Centre Strategy Result of public feedback A better range of shops and restaurants, more on-street parking, new trees and environmental improvements to help businesses in Victoria Road, a new space for the market and special events and an opportunity to enhance the Barrington Centre. All of these proposals have been included in the draft Town Centre Strategy for Ferndown, following feedback from residents and businesses.

The Town Centre Strategy has been commissioned by East Dorset District Council and Ferndown Town Council. Following a competitive tender process which attracted a high level of interest, the councils commissioned NEW Masterplanning, a Poole based company with expertise in working with local communities to deliver town centre improvements. NEW Masterplanning are excited about the opportunities in Ferndown and have developed a series of proposals to show how the town can work together to achieve its full potential.

The draft proposals show how new shops and restaurants can be provided in Penny’s Walk, meeting demand from national retailers and delivering one of the key aims of the Ferndown Town Plan. It provides the opportunity for a new civic space for Ferndown, hosting town events, outdoor theatre or cinema, pop-up shops and festivals. It could provide a permanent home for the market which has demand for up to 30 stalls.

At the September exhibition, 90% of people said that this proposal was a high priority and could also help deliver improved council services. New office space could be provided for the County Council. The Day Centre is currently at capacity and these proposals could help it improve the important service it provides. The public toilets could be provided at the Barrington Centre and there is potential to expand its café and bar area.

There are projects to help existing businesses on Victoria Road. On-street parking will help reduce pressure on existing car parks, and allow quick trips to local shops. There are proposals to replace the planters with larger and healthier trees and to create a better environment for tables and chairs outside cafés.

The strategy is also supporting the work being undertaken to reroute HGVs and reduce the impact of traffic in Ferndown. It includes proposals to make it safer and easier to cross Ringwood Road and Victoria Road and safer to walk and cycle along Church Road.

The proposals have been developed following extensive discussions with local businesses, community groups, service providers and residents. They have been available on the Town Council and District Council websites and there are opportunities to provide feedback on-line, by writing to Ferndown Town Council or direct to the design team at public events. So far there has been strong support for the strategy objectives and it is hoped this will continue as the projects are developed in more detail.

The draft strategy will be available on the Town Council and District Council websites along with details of future public events and opportunities to comment. People are being urged to get involved by making sure their views are heard to help make Ferndown even better.

The next stage will be the preparation of an Action Plan prior to a formal consultation period to be held at the end of the year/beginning of 2017 before the strategy and action plan are finalised. Business and community support for an agreed action plan is essential if Ferndown is to attract public funding and private investment.

Sketch of Penny’s Walk

Plan of Penny’s Walk

Plan of Victoria Road Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 35

in and around the area

what’s on

this month Until 30 December Ella Frears, shortlisted for the Young Poet Laureate award, will be artist in residence in The Observatory at Bucklers Hard. Ella works with text, printmaking, moving images and audio to explore memories and the female voice. More details: www.bucklershard. co.uk/attractions/the-observatory.

Until 8 January Christmas at the Mill exhibition and craft sale at Walford Mill, Stone Lane, Wimborne. 01202 841400. www.walfordmillcrafts.co.uk

16 December–2 January Sleeping Beauty pantomime at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne. Book on 01202 885566.

17 December 9.30am-12.30pm

Christmas and craft fair at Barrington Centre, Ferndown in aid of Waggy Tails rescue.

17–18 December 11.30am-4pm

Festive Fun Weekend at Moors Valley with Christmas crafts drop in, from £1.

01425 470721

17 December

Children’s show at the Allendale Centre in Wimborne Minster organised by the Chamber of Trade and Commerce. Also Shoppers Carol Service at the Minster.

17 December 7.30pm

Verwood Concert Brass at The Hub, Verwood. Tickets £10.

17 & 18 December

Father Christmas will be back in Cranborne Garden Centre’s very own Shepherd’s hut. Booking is essential, £5 per child, which includes a gift.

There will also be a host of festive events throughout the Garden Centre BH21 5PP. Opening hours Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm. Tel: 01725 517248.

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VIEWPOINT December 2016

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

17–24 December 7pm, some days at 2pm

Christmas Spectacular by the Glad Rag Production Company at the Regent Centre in Christchurch. Returning for its 5th fabulous year. Book on 01202 499199

18 December

Waggy Tails Rescue choir singing carols in the Dolphin Shopping Centre Poole.

Listen while you shop.

18 December 10.30am

Joyous carols at Verwood Family Church, The Hub, Verwood. All welcome.

19–23 December 10am-3pm Sally’s Festive Fun Activities – selfdirected craft activities. Standard admission price. Call 01202 882533 for more details.

20 December 11am-3pm

The Longdown Christmas Farm event at the Furlong in Ringwood. Miniature donkey, newborn chick and more.

20 December 7.30pm

Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society presents concert of popular music by Tony Stace at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wimborne. Visitors welcome. £5 payable at door. 01202 895254

21 December 6pm

The Elves and the Shoemaker at Moors Valley £10. 01425 470721

21 December 7.30pm

New Forest Jazz Workshop, Godshill Village Hall - opposite the Fighting Cocks. All levels of musicianship are welcome. For details call Derek Ayling on 01425 650770, or contact by email on Hippotrain@btinternet.com

24 December

Parkstone Baptist Church choir singing carols in the Dolphin Shopping Centre Poole. Listen while you shop.

24 December 6pm onwards Christmas festivities in Market Place, Ringwood organised by the Rotary Club with carols, Salvation Army Band, nativity and more, plus a visit from Father Christmas who will be collecting gifts for local children’s homes and special schools.

26 December–1 January 10am-2pm

Family Christmas Quiz Trail at Moors Valley, £1 per trail card.

29 December 10am-3pm

The Holes Bay Stroll, join DWT’s Poole Group for annual event and enjoy learning about natural history. Meet at Upton House car park. 01305 264620

30 December 10am-4pm

Wimborne Railway Society Open Day with three model railway layouts in ‘0’, ‘00’ and ‘009’, including their scale model of Wimborne Railway Station as it was until closure in 1964. Also a member’s sale stand will offer model railway items from a bequest. At United Reformed Church Hall, Chapel Lane, Wimborne BH21 1PP. 01202 874735 www.wimrail.org.uk

2017 5 January 12.30pm

‘Eat and meet’ lunch with quiz for anyone who would enjoy some lunchtime company. Royal British Legion Ferndown Club, Church Road BH22 9ET. £3, nonmembers £6, in association with Douch & Son. 01202 877706 or email admin@rblferndown.org

5 January 7.30pm

Verwood Horticultural Society meeting at the Memorial Hall. ‘The Hidden Gardens of London’ by Bob Ayres. 01202 814376

9 January 2.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society, talk ‘Dorset Owls’ by Paul Sturgess, West Moors Memorial Hall. 01202 871536

10 January 7.30pm

Bournemouth and Beyond Discovery Group. “Bournemouth Cinemas” talk to be given by Hugh Ashley. Meeting at St Andrew’s Church Hall, St Stevens Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6JJ.

11 January 7.30pm

Verwood Keyboard Society concert with Janet Dowsett on Yamaha EL900 keyboard in the Hub theatre.

Tickets £10 on the door. Further information from Janetta, 01202 822936 or Organfax website.

11 January 7.30pm

Canford School, Britten Sinfonia will be performing ‘Four pieces for violin and piano, Op.7’ by Webern, ‘Verklarte Nacht’ by Schoenberg arr. Steuermann and a world premiere of ‘Dann klingt es auf’ by Sohrab Uduman – who will be conducting the ensemble. Tickets £10 - £14, available from www.ticketsource. co.uk/canfordmusic or by phone on 01202 847486.

14 January–26 February

British Wildlife Photography Awards exhibition will be at Moors Valley - the only place south of London to host the BWPA national exhibition and the 100+ spectacular images.

17 January 7.30pm

Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society presents concert of popular music by Brett Wales at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wimborne. Visitors very welcome. £5 payable at door. Details 01202 895254.

17 January 7.30pm

Bournemouth and Beyond Discovery Group. “Finding Pitt-Rivers” talk with Jane Ellis-Schon. Meeting at St Andrew’s Church Hall, St Stevens Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6JJ.

19 January 2-4pm

Martyn Underhill speaks on “The role of the Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner” at U3A Ringwood, held at Greyfriars Community Centre, Ringwood. 01202 890833

in and around the area

WIN TICKETS TO SEE COM P

ETITIO

N

If you have enjoyed the music of the Jersey Boys stage show, then you’ll like The New Jersey Boys. They offer a variety of tributes to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Showaddywaddy, soul greats and more to get your toes tapping with hits like Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man and Sherry.

The group of four lively fellas dressed in their colourful Teddy Boy outfits, have been touring the UK for the last four years after spending seven years working in Spain. They have also been doing shows for the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

The New Jersey Boys will be appearing at the Barrington Theatre on 17 February.

If you would like the chance to win tickets for this show, the Barrington Theatre and MAGS4DORSET have two tickets to give away for the show, which starts at 7.30pm.

For your chance to win, answer this question: which cruise line have the New Jersey Boys been appearing with?

Enter online at www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your entry to: New Jersey Boys, MAGS4DORSET, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. The closing date is 6 January. The first correct entry drawn will be the winner. Employees at the Barrington Theatre and Pulford Publicity Ltd are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final.

What’s it worth?

The winner of the October What’s it Worth? Viewpoint competition was Pamela Uden of Broadstone who answered correctly that Eric Knowles was born in Nelson in Lancashire.

Music from the Forties and more for blind club November was an entertaining month for the Ringwood and Fordingbridge Club for the Blind. At their first club session of the month, members were enthralled with the songs and music presented by the Songbirds, a group of talented ladies accompanied by a male colleague at the piano. They sang songs and arias from popular shows of the 40s up to the present day.

The second session of the month was also enjoyed by all present. The afternoon had a lively jazz theme and again a number of members were tempted to get up and dance to the music, while others clapped to the beat and tapped their feet. Mark Bussell on the keyboard treated his audience with music from the same Roaring 40s period, with hits of artists like Dean Martin, Doris Day and many others, and culminating with We’ll Meet Again.

Refreshments followed the entertainment and the sessions ended in a raffle with all prizes donated by members.

New members and volunteers are always welcome. Please contact Kate on 01425 476568 or Mary on 01425 470008 for more details.

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

| 37

in and around the area

Bass Section Brings It Home

It was celebrations all round for Verwood Concert Brass on Saturday 26 November. Not only was the band crowned champions of the Wessex Brass Band Association Winter Contest – a great achievement – but the winning of the Arthur Spencer trophy for the best bass section gave the day even more oomph!

The trophy had been donated to the Wessex Brass Band Association in 2005 in memory of Arthur Spencer, following his death at the age of 89. A former president of Verwood Concert Brass, Arthur is best described as a very important part of the band’s heritage and the four winning musicians: Nigel Tiller, Mike Dunnings, Duncan Smith and Jane Cottee said it was a dream come true to bring the trophy home

and a very proud moment.

Nigel Tiller said, “Since 2005 we had seen other bass sections from other bands winning the Arthur Spencer Trophy and it was just a dream that one day we might actually win it ourselves and bring it home to the ‘Spencer Room’ in our band hall.

“Arthur was a great bass player and even after he stopped playing he attended all the band’s concerts and took great pride in the band’s achievements and progress. He would have been delighted with Verwood’s recent rise back up to the Championship section and all the contest awards received but, as a bass player, I’m sure he would have been extra delighted with us winning

the best bass section award.”

And the awards didn’t stop there. Conductor Kevin Smith received the South Wilts Cup for best musical interpretation of the score, and principal cornet, Elaine Close, received the Kevin Bolton Plaque for best instrumentalist on the day.

Arthur Spencer receiving 50-year award

BEST BRASS SECTION

“ TTawke o”

Horse by Sunlight

by Tessa White

A photographic exhibition currently at Verwood Hub showcases the work of Toni Poland LRPS and Tessa White.

Both are local photographers.

Toni Poland – more widely know under Silver Reflections Tessa White enjoys her married name

by Toni Poland experimenting with different of Toni Coombs – areas of photography from gained her Royal sport to pets, to landscapes.

Photographic Society distinction Her passion lies with animals and in 2014. The collection of images sports photography as she enjoys in the exhibition focuses on local the movement and unpredictability landscapes, although Toni is of both. passionate about portraiture of The exhibition runs until children and animals.

6 January 2017.

38 |

VIEWPOINT December 2016

in and around the area

Best of British wildlife photography at Moors Valley Country Park Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood will soon be displaying over 100 stunning images of wildlife from across the country. The collection of striking photographs feature in the highly-acclaimed British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) exhibition running at the park from 14 January until 26 February 2017.

This year’s BWPA overall winning shot, ‘Hitchhikers’, was taken underwater off the Island of Hirta in Scotland and features what award-winning photographer George Stoyle describes as, “one of the largest jellyfish I’ve ever encountered”. The amazing folds, frills and kaleidoscopic colours of this giant lion’s mane jellyfish should make ‘Hitchhikers’ a winner, but it is the shoal of shimmering fish finding sanctuary amongst its tangle of stinging tentacles that make this unique picture really stand out.

Lifesaving ribbon cutting ceremony Wimborne and Ferndown Lions have funded a defibrillator which has been placed on the wall of West Moors Memorial Hall.

Councillor Andy Skeats initiated the project and was instrumental in helping the Lions obtain funding.

Cutting ribbon: Cllr David Shortell, Chairman of East Dorset Council with Lions Godwin Micallef and president Teresa North, (left), Memorial Hall chairman, Mark Farthing and Cllr Andy Skeats (far right)

Coast and Marine winner and overall winner: ‘Hitchhikers’ lion’s mane jellyfish. © George Stoyle and BWPA

Nearer to home, highly commended images include Jane Morgan’s close-up of a feathery, tentacled fan worm in Weymouth, Dorset whilst Hampshire is represented this year with two

highly commended images from Paul Colley featuring the amazing underwater colours of the county’s freshwater fish.

Naturalist and TV presenter, Chris Packham, said, “The British

Wildlife Photography Awards generates an incredible catalogue of splendid, exciting, imaginative and artistic images, proving beyond doubt that we have the richest palette of life to celebrate in our own backyard. Anyone passionate about protecting and preserving wildlife will be inspired by the British Wildlife Photography Awards, which has done more than any other award to raise the profile of British wildlife.”

The British Wildlife Photography Awards exhibition opens daily from 14 January in the Visitor Centre at Moors Valley Country Park. It is free to view.

Parking charges apply. For more information go to www.moorsvalley.co.uk or call 01425 470721.

The 2017 British Wildlife Photography Awards opens for entries in early February. Details can be found at www.bwpawards. org

Christmas trees on sale with a free ‘grow your own’ sapling You can buy your fresh Christmas tree from Moors Valley Country Park between 10am–4pm daily.

They are sustainably grown and include the traditional scented Norway Spruce and the childfriendly, non-drop Nordmann Fir. Every tree sold comes with a free baby Christmas tree sapling, allowing you to plant and grow your own real Christmas tree for the future. Holly wreaths mistletoe and tree stands will also be on sale.

Fair amount raised for charities Opened by the town mayor, Cllr Mrs Sue Cook, the grand charities fair organised by Wimborne in Bloom at the Allendale Centre attracted 29 local charities and organisations manning 37 tables. It took place on Saturday 12 November and raised almost £5,000 for various causes. Next year’s charities fair will be held on 11 November.

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

| 39

motoring

ROAD SAFETY WEEK BACKED BY Dorset Police THE BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY urge all motorists

Road Safety Week - held at the end of November - was heavily supported by The British Horse Society (BHS) as they revealed that more than 2,000 reports of road

40 |

VIEWPOINT December 2016

incidents in Britain involved horses in the five years to March 2016. Of these, 181 resulted in the death of the horse, while 36 resulted in the death of a driver.

The national week-long Road Safety event, run by road safety charity Brake, aimed to prevent road deaths and injuries by raising awareness through schools, sports clubs and other organisations.

The BHS launched its campaign, ‘Dead or Dead Slow?’ in March calling for greater protection for horses and riders using the UK’s roads.

Since the launch, the BHS has worked with a number of partners including the Department for Transport and, most recently, Conservative MP Jake Berry who is helping to campaign for more information to be included in the Highway Code.

Alan Hiscox, BHS director of safety said, “We are asking drivers to slow down to 15mph when they see a horse on the road. A lot of people aren’t sure how to safely pass a horse when driving, and that is why we are working towards strengthening the Highway Code so that all drivers know they should slow to 15mph when they meet a horse on the road.”

Horse accidents can be reported to the BHS via the website: www. horseaccidents.org.uk

‘LEAVE YOUR PHONE ALONE’

In November, Dorset Police took part in a week-long crackdown on people using their mobile phones while driving.

Figures from the RAC show that the number of motorists who illegally use mobile phones while at the wheel is rising and Department for Transport figures show that a driver “PEOPLE impaired or distracted by their phone HAVE was a contributory factor in 492 accidents in Britain in 2014, including BECOME ADDICTED 21 that were fatal and 84 that were classed as serious.

TO USING New rules, expected to come in THEIR during 2017, will see fines and points PHONES doubling for drivers caught using handheld mobile phones.

WHILST Inspector Matt Butler, from the DRIVING...”

Alliance Roads Policing department, said: “People have become addicted to using their phones whilst driving; from sending a text to scanning their newsfeed. I can assure all drivers that there is nothing to be seen on their phone that is more important than their own safety and the safety of drivers and pedestrians around them. I urge all motorists to be considerate, be safe and put their phones away whilst behind the wheel.”

A licence to drive is not the same as a licence to own a firearm but it can be just as lethal in the wrong hands.

specialist services AERIAL & SATELLITE INSTALLERS

ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

ARTICLES WANTED

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

DECORATING

CHIMNEY SWEEP

DISABILITY PRODUCTS

FENCING

FIREWOOD

ELECTRICIAN

FENCING

GRAPHIC DESIGN

MAINTENANCE

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

| 41

specialist services FITTED FURNITURE

GARDENING SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

LOCKSMITH

PLUMBING & HEATING

SHUTTERS

42 |

VIEWPOINT December 2016

specialist services TREE SURGERY

TREE SURGERY

WINDOW REPAIRS

TREE SURGERY

WEB DESIGN

Crowdfunding update

WINDOW REPAIRS

The Ringwood Regal group launched a Crowdfunding website on 27 October, to raise money for a feasibility study on the Regal Cinema and Theatre project. So far 74 backers have pledged £3,045 towards the target of £5,000.

The final day of donations is 22 December, when the target must be met, or the group will receive

none of the money pledged. Urgent support is needed. Donations can be pledged at www.crowdfunder. co.uk/ringwood-regal-feasibility or go to the fundraising page at www. ringwood-regal.co.uk/fundraising.

If the target of £5,000 is reached through this route, the Heritage Lottery Fund will consider matching these donations.

Charity shop gutted A Sue Ryder charity shop was destroyed and five other shops damaged in a fire that is thought to have started in a bin in Ringwood.

Hampshire Fire Control was called to the rear of the shops in Meeting House Lane on 27 November.

On arrival the crew discovered the fire had spread into the roof space of the building. Eight fire

engines were called from across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire to deal with it. Flames leapt from the roof and around 50 firefighters used water and foam jets, as well as the aerial ladder platform, to contain the fire. No-one was injured in the blaze, but eyewitnesses reported that some of the building collapsed on parked cars.

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.

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

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

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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.

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

| 43

Pam’s Indian Trek for Macmillan Cancer Support Pam Smith, Verwood fundraiser, mother of three and grandmother has just returned from her 11th trek with Macmillan Cancer Support, and her 26th in total - as she does many by herself.

Her latest trek with Macmillan was through the stunning Kerala National Park in Southern India.

She joined 21 other trekkers who took on nine peaks including Meesapulimala (the second highest in Southern India) and crossed the high plateau of the Western Ghats. This very tough challenge took them through fragrant cardamom, coffee

and tea plantations, then on up to spectacular ridges and mountains before they descended through mango and coconut plantations. They passed through hill stations, mountain villages and camped along the way with basic conditions and no washing facilities. Pam said, “It was very physically challenging for many of the trekkers as the days were very long and we often ended the day by spending the last two hours walking in the dark with head torches.”

Pam always pays for her own treks, but she was able to raise

another £4,330 for Macmillan Cancer Support in Dorset and SW Hampshire. She said, “Not only do I have unforgettable memories and a great group of new friends, but I know that it will make a huge difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.”

She has raised almost £45,000 in recent years by participating in trekking events.

She also gives talks with slides of her many expeditions to local groups (donation for Macmillan) and is always delighted to receive items for tombola or sponsorship for her fundraising.

Choral Society’s Advent Concert

by Helena Houghton Cantus, Ringwood Choral Society, gave a wonderful, well-attended concert on Saturday 26 November in Ringwood Parish Church, under the baton of musical director Malcolm Harding.

The concert opened with Palestrina’s Matin Responsory, I Look From Afar, which for many people is the essence of Advent.

The principal piece was Bach’s Sleepers, Wake! (Auf Watchet) which not only show cased the choir, but demonstrated the

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VIEWPOINT December 2016

beautifully balanced voices of Catherine Smith (soprano) and Alex Cook (bass) in the duets.

James Hutchings (tenor) produced an equally light quality of tone. Chris Tapley (male alto) came to the fore when he sang Gibbons’ This is the Record of John, which was written, appropriately, to be sung on the eve of Advent.

More followed from the choir and there were three Advent hymns requiring audience participation before the concert concluded with Bach’s rousing

Chorale Prelude Watchet Auf, echoing the principal choir item, played magnificently on the organ by Timothy Rice, who accompanies Cantus during their weekly rehearsals.

Established in March 2014, Cantus is an enthusiastic choir that meets on Monday evenings in the Parish Rooms, behind Ringwood Parish Church.

Rehearsals for the Easter concert begin on Monday 9 January. If you would like to join in, please call Malcolm on 07502 417950.

Please contact Pam at pamcsmith@ hotmail.co.uk. Tel: 01202 822198, or donate at https://www.justgiving. com/fundraising/Pam-Smith11 so that no one has to face cancer alone.

It’s never long before Pam has another adventure planned and next year she hopes to trek coast to coast across Costa Rica.

Did you seen anyone carrying a safe?

A West Moors property was burgled on Station Road near the junction of Moorside and Pinehurst roads between 7.30am on Thursday 24 November and 7.15pm on 25 November. Items stolen included a large quantity of cash, highvalue watches and a large safe. Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in Station Road at the relevant time to contact them on 101. Detective Constable Matt Cooke, of Bournemouth CID, said, “I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw a large safe being carried in the area.”

With Armistice Day services and Remembrance Day parades throughout the region, we received many photographs at MAGS4DORSET and would like to thank everyone for their contributions.

Here is a selection from around the area:

Armistice Day Service

Ferndown: parade © Tom Scrase

Wimborne: Pictured outside the Minster are the Rector of Wimborne Minster, the Rev’d Canon Vanessa Herrick, the Mayor’s Sarjent Chris Brown and Royal British Legion officials

© Tom Scrase

We will remember them

West Moors: aerial view

Verwood: wreaths laid at the memorial on Ferrett Green

TANK 100 – AJAX UNVEILED IN POPPY EXPLOSION AT BOVINGTON The British Army’s newest armoured fighting vehicle was unveiled to the public for the first time at The Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset in November.

As a grand finale to the Tank 100 event, hundreds of thousands of poppies were launched into the air and dropped from the skies, but it was the appearance of the AJAX that attracted much of the attention.

It carries up to four crew and has a 40mm cased telescopic cannon, modular armour, electronic architecture and remote weapons system as well as numerous other capabilities.

It is a sobering thought, that as we remember the fallen, we still have to make bigger and better weapons to protect ourselves. Editor 46 |

VIEWPOINT December 2016

A poppy drop

Proceed with caution when buying privately. MAGS4DORSET cannot accept any liablity for transactions carried out as a result of responding to these freeads.

FREEADS Quality 4’6” silver metal bed frame, combined spring/foam mattress and bedding. £100.

Westbourne. 01202 764663

Golf clubs – set of 9 Top Flite irons, 3 to pitch, excellent condition. £25, bag £5. Verwood.

01202 826148

855748 Mirror, walnut surround, 23”x 14”. £15. Rug, pale green, thick, 27” x 53” £8. Wimborne. 01202 885390

24 records, 78rpm in black case, church music – mainly choral recorded in 1950s. Any offers? New Milton. 01425 623588

Alba twin-deck 33/45rpm stereo midi-system, mains only, FM/ MV cassette with pair of speaker boxes. Brand new. £30. Brand new Osaki stereo twin deck radio cassette recorder, mains/battery £20. Southbourne. 01202 433688

Two matching 2-seater settees, one year old, oatmeal. 132cms/52” wide. £200 each. Bournemouth.

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Beer glass collection, brewery printed. £20. Ferndown. 01202 891521 Brand new green hearth rug. £10.

Verwood. 01202 826153 Hayter electric mower, good condition. £30. Lawn raker and scarifier. £20. Verwood. 01202 813803 Six dining chairs includes two carvers, very attractive, medium brown with cream seats. £150 ono.

St Ives. 01425 476846 Pine triple bunk bed with mattresses. Vgc. £70. Poulner.

01425 475883

Intex Ultra Plus inflatable bed 2m x 1m x 50cm, electric pump. Used once. £25. West Moors. 01202 280807.

2 pairs long leather boots, 1 x size 6 and 1 x size 7. £45 each. ¾ length leather coat size 16/18.

VGC. £70. Fordingbridge.

07867 813213 Pondomatic fish pond vacuum cleaner, used only once. Cost £129, now £30, no offers.

Ferndown. 01202 874710.

Belle Minimix 150 Cement Mixer 240 VAC. £250 ono. Ferndown.

01202 591076 Baby’s white metal highchair in good condition £20. Wimborne 01202 887618 Mountain bike – maroon,18 Shimano gears, 18” vgc. £50.

Christchurch. 01202 478277/0777 3305145 Snooker table, folding 4’6”, never used, incl cues and balls. Was £99, now £35. Ringwood. 01425 489478 Rotary Mower, 1000w, good condition. £15. Ringwood. 01425 461368

Men’s black jacket size 40, worn once. £10. Men’s ¾ sheepskin jacket size 40, beige, Shearlings International. £25. Ensbury Park, Bournemouth. 01202 512902.

Nathan teak sideboard, classic design, 4 small drawers, 2 cupboards, 40” long, exc condition. £120. Bookcase oak finish, 2 glass sliding doors, adjustable shelves, 30” long, good condition. £10. Ferndown. 01202 873125.

Brand new pyramid caravan awning 925 x 950. £300. Corfe Mullen. 07907 333972

Escape folding wheelchair, as new. £110 ovno. Ferndown. 01202 877072

2-wheel golf trolley. £5. Golf bag. £10. Both as new. Ladies’ walking boots size 6. £5. Ferndown. 01202 871026

SAAB 93 1999 manual petrol, FSH, MOT Nov 17, regularly serviced, recent clutch and gearbox replacement. Tidy interior.

Ideal short-term vehicle. £350.

Wimborne. 01202 887769

Records (50), popular assortment, mostly light classical. £15.

Ferndown. 01202 872596

Collection of Alberon dolls, from £10 each. 22” television £40.

Lymington. 01590 677471.

Action Man vintage Jeep and horse. £20 each. Ferndown. 01202

4-wheel mobility rollator with seat. £25. Colehill. 01202 882487

Child’s electric ride-on car, age 3-7 years, £25. Carl Lewis exercise bike. £25. Verwood.

01202 825989

Bosch dishwasher W45 x H85.5 x L61cm, vgc. £95. Ringwood.

01425 614170.

Lost tortoise (microchipped) from Albion Way, Verwood in November. £200 reward offered to anyone who finds him. Verwood.

01202 814177

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