Viewpoint January 2017

Established Over 35 Years Mid Jan 2017

Your Independent Local Magazine

VIEWPOINT

Volume 41, Issue 3

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

Plea for Syrian refugee family to be housed in Ringwood An impassioned sixth form student from Ringwood School is campaigning for Ringwood Town Council to help Syrian refugees by relocating a family in the town, after councillors resolved in 2015 to take no further action at that time.

Eighteen-year-old Evie Karkera addressed a full council meeting on 21 December 2016 saying that it was evident that Ringwood had the capacity to support at least one family and the town council’s arguments against this were weak and lacking in empathy.

Continued on page 6

take one it’s

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

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• COMPETITIO N: BOOKENDS AT THE BARRINGT ON • DISCOVER TH E GEORGE • VERWOOD BR OADCASTER RECEIVES BEM • HELP SAVE ST LEONARDS HOSPITAL

VIEWPOINT Volume 41 • Issue 3 • January 2017 MAGS4DORSET Ben Pulford managing director design@mags4dorset.co.uk Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@mags4dorset.co.uk

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

Design 01202 233441 Louis Pulford 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

Hello and Happy New Year!

How are your resolutions going?

Mine is that old chestnut to ‘lose weight’. I will do this with soup, cheese and biscuits. However bizarre it sounds, it gets results. To find out how I lost 11.5lbs in 24 days in 2005, visit the best-kept-secret blog around at http://janinesbestblog.blogspot.co.uk/ The next time I followed my eating plan was in 2015 when I lost 12lbs in less than a month. You’ll need to scroll through my blog to April and May 2015 to discover what I ate and how I felt each day – it wasn’t always torture. But, if you’re someone who likes to feel full when dieting, choose a different system. My strategy can leave you hungry at times, which is all in the blog. The way I see it is that you will lose weight if you have the power to see it through.

It only takes a few weeks of determination, after which, you should return to a normal diet.

Viewpoint has a great deal of news, including Forest FM’s Steve Saville receiving the BEM, many congratulations to him. There are meet the teams, join the teams and the tail end of how Christmas went – doesn’t that seem a long time ago now?

Next time I write, I should be several pounds lighter – will you?

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:

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

Janine Pulford Editor

4Dorset is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in selected areas of Dorset and Hampshire. It is also available by subscription at £35 per year. Views or opinions expressed in 4Dorset are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed to be unsuitable for publication. Information about a service does not imply recommendation. All purchases made through this publication are done so entirely at your own risk. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with 4Dorset and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher.

Pic of the month –

Ahead with fundraising

See Charlotte’s story on page 12

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

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Evelyn Stone (left) Celebrating 40 years with the Friends

ST LEONARDS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL: Under threat of closure

St Leonards Community Hospital provides a lifeline, BUT NEEDS ONE TOO

T

he annual raffle held by the Friends of St Leonards Community Hospital in Fayrewood Ward on 16 December raised £180, which will go towards buying equipment for activities to help rehabilitate elderly patients who are recovering from illness.

To the Friends’ shock, they recently found out that under new proposals put forward by the Clinical Commissioning Group, (CCG) the hospital they have so loyally supported has been earmarked for closure. Over the years the Friends have raised £1m for St Leonards and provided

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VIEWPOINT January 2017

equipment, televisions and sinks in all the rooms, footstools, refurbished bathroom facilities as well as provided a garden and outdoor activities cabin (which cost £10,000) for the elderly and for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. They also sponsor the activities co-ordinator Judy Martin for two days a week who, with a team of volunteers, helps to build patients’ confidence ready for their return home. This includes cooking, arts and crafts, quizzes, manicures and much more.

Chair of the Friends, Jacqueline Moss, said, “You won’t find a

happier hospital. I got involved with St Leonards after my mother came here and I found out what a wonderful job everyone does.”

She explained that local people can help save St Leonards by visiting the CCG’s Clinical Services Review (CSR) questionnaire online and strongly disagreeing with the proposal to close St Leonards Hospital. She said, “It’s down to people power now. If not enough support is gained for the hospital, it will be lost.”

Among many other controversial proposals included in the CSR, Wimborne Hospital would become a community hub and St Leonards would close.

Additional paper copies of the questionnaire are available at local

Winner of the raffle: Donald Tomkins with Georgina Smith and chair of the Friends, Jacqueline Moss

libraries and GP practices, so pick one up and make your voice heard.

Take some for your friends and neighbours too.

The full proposals and the questionnaire can be found at www.dorsetvision.nhs.uk See page 12 in this magazine for more details about the CSR.

KGV Pavilion could be redeveloped to meet modern day standards

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Major redevelopment of Ferndown’s KGV facilities and revival of Riffs At a meeting on 5 December, Ferndown Town councillors agreed, Mike in principle, to move Parkes forward with a major redevelopment at King George V Recreation Ground of the pavilion, playground and associated facilities, including a MUGA (Multi-Use Games Arena), which will see this key community asset redesigned to meet modern day standards and expectations.

Cllr Mike Parkes, the Mayor of Ferndown, said, “The King George V Pavilion and playing fields are a valuable community resource but it is essential they are invested in to ensure the facilities are of a contemporary standard and meet the diverse needs and expectations of Ferndown’s residents. The council, as sole trustee of the charity, has a duty to futureproof the charity for the next generation of users.”

At the same meeting, the council considered its key objective to invest in the town’s youth provision and agreed to submit a formal expression of interest to

Dorset County Council for the running of youth services from the Riffs youth centre.

Cllr Parkes added, “This is a fantastic facility for the young people in Ferndown which is sadly not being utilised following its closure last summer. The current youth provision in the town is inadequate and an injustice to the young people of Ferndown. Opening the doors of Riffs again to Ferndown’s young people will fill some of these gaps in provision. It will be a key priority that this dedicated youth resource will provide services and activities that are fit for purpose and engaging. The council is optimistic that its expression of interest will be successful.”

Cllr Parkes concluded, “This is an exciting time for Ferndown. To meet the diverse needs of the town’s growing community, we have to be ambitious and creative. If these key projects proceed, they will be a focal point for community pride, common heritage and values which the whole town can enjoy for many years to come.”

Further details will follow and Ferndown residents will be invited to put forward their comments on any future plans.

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

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Continued from page 1

Plea for Syrian refugee family to be housed in Ringwood

A

rmed with an online petition, Evie spoke during the open session at the town’s full council meeting saying that since the decision was taken in 2015, the conditions in Syria had significantly worsened and there were now an estimated 11 million refugees, with more than 2.5 million of those being children.

“These people are

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These people are desperate and have nothing, and are relying on places like Ringwood to give them hope and sanctuary,

desperate and have nothing, and are relying on places like Ringwood to give them hope and sanctuary,” she said.

In 2015, when reaching their initial resolution, Cllr

VIEWPOINT January 2017

”

Heron had said that in his opinion, it would be seen as a gesture of the worst kind that would isolate a family and put pressure on local services. He suggested that the council should instead look to support a coordinated response by central government or the county council. Cllr Ford and Cllr Wiseman had agreed that uprooting and isolating one family from everything and everyone they knew would be unfair and also not the best use of scarce resources. And Cllr Terry had spoken on behalf of her constituents, whom she said felt very strongly that support would be better directed at local homeless people.

But over a year later,

Evie’s campaigning efforts at school and in the local community have produced impressive results.

She started a petition on change.org, which gathered 663 signatures in three weeks and over 40 campaigners joined her at the council meeting to show their support.

She urged the council to reconsider accepting at least one refugee family, if not more, into the community.

At the meeting, Elena Fernandez-Lee, a teacher at Ringwood School, presented comments from the online petition, showing that Ringwood people are eager to create a welcoming community that would help a refugee family settle in and integrate. She also showed a selection from 500 postcards with comments made by students about the refugee crisis.

Ringwood resident, Peter Kelleher, commended the students and said it was a joy to see

such compassion in the younger generation. He challenged the arguments put forward by councillors in October 2015 and said that hundreds of thousands of refugees are isolated in camps, dependent on handouts each day.

“It would be fairer to give them hope and respite by bringing them into a safe and caring community where they would be welcomed,” he said, adding that Ringwood had a fantastic community spirit and this would give the community an opportunity to show compassion and save a family and give them hope.

The council resolved that the item would be included on the agenda for the Policy & Finance Committee meeting on 18 January 2017, at which members of the public would be welcome.

Anyone wishing to join Evie’s campaign can email karkerae.student@ ringwood.hants.sch.uk

Sale of Furzehill will create legacy for communities of East Dorset

F

ollowing the marketing of the Furzehill council offices, Cllr Ray Bryan said, “I am extremely happy with the quality and value of the bids received by the council for the site.

I look forward to working with the council to ensure any capital receipt is used to create a legacy for the benefit of the communities

of East Dorset.”

It is anticipated that the price paid will be finalised within six months of the preferred bidder being agreed by full council, and completion of the sale will be achieved three months after the granting of a satisfactory full planning permission.

Council staff have vacated the Furzehill

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk

building and the new office is now based in Allenview House in the centre of Wimborne. Civic meetings, including full council and cabinet meetings, will continue to be held at Furzehill until the end of April 2017. From then on they will then take place in the Quarterjack suite at Allendale Community Centre.

MAGS4DORSET donates £500 to Cherry Tree Nursery

The MAGS4DORSET charity of the year for 2017 can be discovered by turning to page 28

Director of MAGS4DORSET Ben Pulford presents a cheque for £500 to Tish Borrowman

Last year’s charity of the year chosen by MAGS4DORSET was Cherry Tree Nursery and readers found out more about this valuable Sheltered Work Opportunity Project through Cherry Tree’s monthly columns in Viewpoint and 4Dorset as the months went by. To round off the year of sponsorship, the directors of mags4dorset decided to donate £500 to Cherry Tree in time for their annual Christmas party. On receipt of the cheque, assistant manager at Cherry Tree, Tish Borrowman said, “A huge thank you from Cherry Tree for all your support.”

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

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LAW SPOT

Providing the answers to your legal questions I feel like my divorce is going from bad to worse.

I don’t want to start the New Year this way. What can I do?

It’s never too late to change the direction that your divorce proceedings are taking. If you feel that tension is escalating and you’re not progressing, it might be a good time to take a different approach. Collaborative law or Mediation may be approaches that could work better for you.

Collaborative law involves your lawyers working together and with each of you by way of strong communication. Collaborative law favours meetings over correspondence to keep matters constructive.

Mediation also promotes open communication and involves a third person helping you to discuss options and concerns with each other to reach a solutions together. Sometimes the introduction of a third neutral person to the dynamic can really help matters progress positively.

Other options involve a barrister providing an early neutral evaluation or an arbitrator making a definitive decision on matters where you can’t find

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VIEWPOINT January 2017

agreement. These options can ultimately save you time, angst and money. There are many flexible options and it is important to explore them to make sure you’re following the best route for you – it’s never too late to make a new start.

Toni Oxborough, Family Law Specialist

For further information please contact a member of the Harold G Walker Family team on 01202 881454 or email lawspot@ hgwalker.co.uk Law Spot is brought to you by Harold G Walker Solicitors, your Friend-inLaw. The answers in this feature are for guidance purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.

Welcome to 2017!

By Cllr Simon Gibson I hope this new year brings a sense of renewal and a fresh start after the manic Christmas period.

2016 ended on a high in Verwood as we held the 5th Community Christmas Lunch.

It is an initiative I set up when I was mayor in 2012, to provide companionship on Christmas Day. Since then the event, which is free, has thrived. This is made possible by fundraising efforts of the local community and the generosity of businesses. I often feel local businesses should get more credit for the support they give the community. Special thanks go to the Cinnamon Lounge in Woodlands who kindly let us use their lovely restaurant for the lunch free of charge.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the Local Government reorganisation decision, soon to be made by EDDC councillors. I have covered this topic extensively in recent columns and will continue to report back once councillors have

made their Cllr Simon Gibson choice on 30 January. Do let your councillors know your views before it is too late.

As important as reorganisation is to the future of local services, it is also important that we continue to work hard on the main purpose of our councils - providing support to our communities. I have started a hugely exciting piece of work with colleagues looking at new ways to try and provide more much-needed affordable housing. Important issues such as housing must not be stalled. To only look inwards at reorganising our structures will be to let down the residents that we serve.

Whatever your new year’s resolutions, I hope that 2017 is a successful year for our area. My resolution is to try and find new ways to engage with even more local residents, especially those who do not normally have their say on council matters.

Column supplied by Wessex Pensions

What awaits us in 2017?

Daniel Parkin

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

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

2016 was a year of unexpected events including Brexit, Donald Trump winning the US presidential election, and the Italian Referendum showing the dissatisfaction with the so called ‘establishment’. The Middle East was and still is troubled by war, and terrorist attacks continued throughout the world.

Last January oil was priced at US$36 a barrel, having plummeted the year before and had only recovered to around US$50 by December 2016. In August we saw the Bank of England slash the Base Rate in half from 0.50% to 0.25%, worsening the returns for savers who struggle to achieve even a 1% return on their bank or building society accounts unless they enter into a longer term fixed rate.

So what can we expect or hope for in 2017?

In January 2016 the FTSE stood at around 6,000, and despite the world events and a change of prime minister, 2016 (I am writing this in December) may end at around the 7,000 level – an increase of well over 15% for the year.

I could not find anyone who predicted that at the beginning of 2016. The main US Stock Market achieved similar returns, although the financial turmoil with both Italy and Greece saw negative returns of around 8% and 18% respectively.

Those who have recently been on holiday abroad or intend to go early in 2017 have seen the impact of the weak GB pound against the US dollar and euro. At a price not seen since 1985 the GB pound will get you $1.23 following the recent US Fed Reserve rate increase. It is possible this fall could continue, faced with UK public borrowing reaching a 2016 high and with the uncertainty over Brexit continuing. The euro is also at risk with continued political uncertainty and the challenges of immigration.

However, sterling weakness can have a positive impact on the UK’s economy as it has long been seen as a route to export-led economic growth by supporting exports and large-cap profit margins. With European shares having to face the elections in France, Germany and Holland, the US market may be seen as a safe haven, but also an attractive investment in its own right. The prospect of Trump’s proposals around fiscal stimulus and protectionist policies will make US domestic business pretty attractive, which we have seen so far with the recent rise in the US Stock Markets.

Uncertainty will be the main challenge for 2017. The new workplace pension legislation means more individuals than ever are contributing into a pension scheme, and they need to be aware that their pension values can fall as well as rise.

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

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education & classes

St Ives winner for ‘LOVE FOOD, HATE WASTE’ A school was recently presented with a special prize and cookery equipment when one of their pupils won a competition with a difference.

The Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP) asked children aged 7-11 from seven Dorset schools to trial a new, free competition with fantastic prizes.

The idea was simple.

Each child was challenged to create a recipe at home out of typical leftover Christmas food. Other ingredients could be used, but at least one component of the dish had to be considered to be leftovers.

The competition, as part of the DWP’s ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ campaign, aimed to raise awareness among children and their parents/carers

East Dorset District Cllr Ray Bryan with winner Charlotte Jones

about the environmental and financial cost of wasting food, encouraging everyone to create inventive and delicious meals out of leftovers.

Every entrant won

a certificate, and each school was asked to judge one winner who received a prize. Professional photographs were taken of the seven winning recipes, which were then made into recipe cards and inserted into a colourful cookbook folder, which has been given out at school festive events.

The DWP’s very own Sammy Strawberry

then chose an overall winner, Charlotte Jones of St Ives Primary School in Ringwood, who was presented with a special prize and over £200 of cookery equipment for use at the school.

East Dorset District Councillor Ray Bryan of the DWP’s Joint Committee, said, “This competition has been a tremendous success and it’s great to

Ringwood School students’ film screened at Southampton Festive Films

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VIEWPOINT January 2017

see how the schoolchildren have used their culinary creativity to come up with some truly delicious Christmas dishes.

“We all like to indulge ourselves during the festive period, but the average family could save around £700 a year simply by throwing away less food. The competition was a fun approach to showing both children and their families one of the ways this could be achieved and we hope to open it up to more Dorset schools in the future.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved and congratulate all the winners. I’m looking forward to trying some of the delicious recipes at home myself!”

Readers can download and print the recipe cards at the Dorset Waste Partnership’s Love Food Hate Waste page on Dorset For You at www. dorsetforyou.gov.uk/ lovefoodhatewaste Following on from the awards gained at Southampton Film Week in November, five talented Year 13 students from Ringwood School Sixth Form have had their film screened at this year’s City Eye Festive Films event.

On Thursday 15 December 2016, ‘The one with the murder’ (winners of Best Sound, the Audience Award and Best Film) was screened along with short films from other Southampton Film Week competitions and events, as well as other locally produced films.

Festive Films was presented as part of the City Eye Cinema series, which is an informal programme of screenings where filmmakers and filmgoers can intermingle.

‘The one with the murder’ by Georgia Stickley, Emily Morris, Evie Karkera, Stan Gulliford and Faegan White can be viewed at: www. southamptonfilmweek. com/yff-college-filmmakingchallenge-2016.

The screening took place at Mettrick’s Old Town, Southampton on Thursday 15 December.

Cranborne Chase AONB secures Heritage Lottery Fund support

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A grant of more than £1.68m has been given initial approval by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) through its Landscape Partnership (LP) programme, it has been announced.

The grant will be used to help conserve, enhance, and educate about this very special place known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Photos: Andrew Wiltshire The Cranborne Chase Landscape Partnership focuses on the traditional heart of a medieval royal hunting ground and the river valley to the north known locally as the Chalke Valley. There have always been historical, natural and social links between the valley and the Chase downland, which the LP scheme will explore and reinforce. A broad range of Our historic activities will allow people to conserve, enhance, landscapes understand and learn about are incredibly their unique heritage. important Starting early in which is why they are so richly 2017, local people will to people’s deserving of National Lottery be developing the projects wellbeing and money.” and activities to be delivered A development grant of through the scheme. The need to be £105,400 has been awarded by projects will also build on the protected HLF to enable the Cranborne links with the surrounding Chase AONB to develop its market towns such as plans and seek final approval Shaftesbury, Salisbury, and for the full grant amount. The Cranborne Wimborne. The programme will continue Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty until 2024. covers 380 square miles of countryside AONB director Linda Nunn said, “We overlapping the boundaries of Wiltshire, are absolutely delighted to have received Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset. this wonderful grant. It will transform our It is a diverse landscape offering ability to conserve and enhance this truly areas of rolling chalk grassland, ancient outstanding area.” woodlands, chalk escarpments, downland Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of the hillsides and chalk river valleys, each with Heritage Lottery Fund, said, “Our historic a distinct and recognisable character. The landscapes are incredibly important landscapes of the AONB today, as they to people’s wellbeing and need to be were in the past, are extraordinarily rich. protected. Some of the landscapes we An Area of Outstanding Natural are funding today are in the most remote Beauty is an outstanding landscape that’s parts of the UK; others form an important distinctive character and natural beauty are backdrop to some of our largest cities. so precious that it is in the nation’s interest What they all have in common is the to safeguard them. potential to make people’s lives better,

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

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CLINICAL SERVICES REVIEW – have your say on the future of healthcare in Dorset A public consultation on changes to healthcare in Dorset runs until 28 February 2017. It invites local people to give their views about the controversial proposals that will help shape the provision of health services in the future.

Produced by the NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the Clinical Services Review (CSR) details that by 2023 the population of Dorset will have grown from around 750,000 to 800,000 with older people making up much of this increase. People live longer than they used to, more live with longterm health conditions and the CCG want to see as many people as possible live healthier lives for longer. To ensure people continue to receive the generally good care that is currently provided in Dorset, they are proposing significant changes to the services. The CCG says that doing nothing is not an option because by staying the same our health care would get much worse. Other challenges being addressed are a potential funding gap of at least £1.58m per year by 2020 and workforce shortages that need to be filled.

Currently there are 13 community hospitals, most with beds. The CSR is proposing 12 community hubs across Dorset: seven with beds and a wide range of facilities – Poole or Bournemouth (depending on the outcome of the review), Wimborne, Bridport, Blandford, Sherborne, Swanage and Weymouth; and five without beds but with outpatient services – Shaftesbury, (with care home beds) Christchurch, (with care home beds for Christchurch and Bournemouth), Dorset County Hospital (also an acute hospital), Portland and

Losing your hair can be a traumatic experience as nine-year-old Charlotte Jackson knows only too well 12 |

VIEWPOINT January 2017

Wareham (with care home beds). Community hubs provide a joint health and social care team approach to caring for patients, particularly the elderly and frail. They will allow patients to have outpatient appointments outside of acute hospitals and closer to home. Care is provided from a single, central location.

The proposals are that Alderney, Westhaven (Weymouth) and St Leonards would not be used as community hubs and the services currently based there would be moved to other hubs. Alderney and Westhaven may be used for other purposes. St Leonards would close. In addition, it is recommended that alternative sites are sought for the local hubs without beds in Portland, Shaftesbury and Wareham. If secured, these community hospitals will no longer be required and will close.

There are three major hospitals in Dorset – Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset County.

Under the preferred option Poole Hospital would provide major planned care and would focus on low risk, planned and day surgeries, and treatments for GP referrals. It would also have a 24/7 Urgent Care Centre instead of an A&E. This would treat lower risk injuries, such as a suspected broken arm, or minor head injuries. It would also include services such as a 24/7 high risk maternity unit, and higher risk complex care including cancer.

Royal Bournemouth Hospital would be a major emergency hospital with an A&E. Local people needing emergency care for life threatening and very serious injuries would benefit from 24/7 specialist consultant-led care.

Dorset County Hospital would remain a

Timetable of drop-in events Local people can drop into CSR events to complete the questionnaire and ask questions relating to the future healthcare proposals for Dorset. The drop-ins nearest to our readers are: 19 January – St Mary’s Longfleet Church Centre, Poole – 2pm-8pm 25 January – The Barrington Centre, Ferndown – 2pm-8pm 7 February – Christchurch Library – 2pm-8pm For other CSR events in Dorset visit www.csr.dorsetsvision.nhs.uk/2016/12/01/ consultation-drop-in-events/ district general hospital serving the west of the county and would be largely the same as it is now. However, it would form part of a Dorset-wide set of networked clinical services with hospitals in Bournemouth and Poole. The most seriously ill or injured patients needing specialist care would be transferred to the major emergency hospital in the east of the county.

This is similar to what would happen now, with the most seriously injured patients going to Southampton or other specialist hospitals.

To find out more about the proposals visit www.dorsetvision.nhs.uk or to fill out the questionnaire, go to www.csr.dorsetsvision.nhs. uk/have-your-say/ Dr Forbes Watson, chair of NHS Dorset CCG said, “We would like to reassure people that their views will be listened to and nothing will be decided until we have gathered the opinions of local people and final proposals have been agreed by the CCG Governing Body.”

If you do not have access to the internet, call 01202 541946 and leave your name and postal address so a copy of the questionnaire can be posted out to you.

A separate review of acute mental health services is also being carried out.

Diagnosed with acute leukaemia just before her fourth birthday, Charlotte remembers when chemotherapy caused all her hair to fall out.

But the selfless Year 5 schoolgirl from West Moors Middle, whose long dark hair has grown back over the last four years, chose to do something with it for other leukaemia patients.

She let her mother, Sarah, cut the majority of it off at a special assembly at school on 9 December, also attended by her grandmother Gill Jackson.

Charlotte, who is in remission, will donate all 11 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides real hair wigs for children.

She is also raising money for LEAF (Leukaemia Educating and Fundraising) a local charity that supported her during her treatment.

During the assembly, founder of LEAF, Natasha Hunt said, “Charlotte is a brave girl and by doing this she is helping other leukaemia patients in Dorset.”

Charlotte is also fundraising for cancer charities. Headteacher of West Moors Middle School, James Rielly added, “We already know Charlotte has hit her fundraising target of £500 and the school (PTFA) is donating £100. Pupils in year 5 are also holding cake sales to raise more money.”

Charlotte had her hair styled at the hairdressers following her ‘hair cut’ as Mum confessed that she wouldn’t do a very good job.

in health & fitness

Dorset Care Project – future care provision for older people, adults with disabilities and those with mental health issues Dorset County Council is working with Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group

(CCG) to look at how it provides care and support to older people, adults with

physical disabilities and those with mental health issues.

The current provider contracts are up for renewal in November 2017 and the county council’s Cabinet has approved plans for the re-procurement of these contracts.

The council is exploring a wide range of options and opportunities, including working more closely with partners

and providing services in different forms in community and residential settings. The council says the project is about making sure it delivers the very best provision for local residents.

Cllr Jill Haynes, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care said “Despite the challenges of increasing demand for social care services and reduced funding from Central Government, the county

Support for those suffering sexual abuse Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre, (DRCSC), works across Dorset to support anyone who has been affected by sexual abuse, violence or rape.

The charity has three core services delivering a confidential helpline, practical and emotional

support from its team of ISVAs (independent sexual violence advisors), and therapeutic counselling.

The charity recently appointed a new service manager, Helen Stevens.

She has worked in the private sector, NHS and the local authority and joins

council is not looking to reduce the care that individuals receive. We will be looking to work in closer partnership with our provider organisations to enable people to maximise their independence.”

Stakeholder engagement events are being held in January 2017. More information can be found at: https:// news.dorsetforyou.gov. uk/2016/12/14/care-andsupport-events/ the staff, volunteers and trustees at the charity’s centre in Poole. Helen said, “I am really excited to be working for DRCSC and the amazing work it does to support those affected by any sexual abuse. I am looking forward to seeing how the charity can further develop its services across Dorset.”

For more information about DRCSC please contact 01202 308855.

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Enhanced Living has available carers across Hampshire and Dorset.

Visit www.enhancedliving.co.uk to find out more, or phone on 0800 020 9563 or email: help@enhancedliving.co.uk.

Enhanced Living is also looking for additional professional and reliable carers. If you would like to find out more please get in touch.

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VIEWPOINT January 2017

in health and fitness - advertising feature -

‘My Personal Best’

T

he team at Ferndown Leisure Centre know it can be really hard to make changes to your life in January; however good your intentions!

Personal training To help you stick to your goals come and try Personal Training. You will benefit from a 1-hour personal training session with one of the Centre’s fantastic trainers for only £20.17. That’s a trainer dedicated to your needs and goals to motivate you, build a programme, and help you get the results you want.

technology to track and improve your swim. Pay £1 plus a pay-as-you-go swim fee. Surprise yourself – see your progression and become a better swimmer.

To find out more about how the team at Ferndown Leisure Centre can help you become fitter, healthier and more active in 2017, call 01202 877468, or visit www. ferndownleisurecentre. co.uk.

DATE FOR THE DIARY: Tuesday 31 January Discovery Event It’s time to get into a groove and find your perfect class at this month’s free launch event of new group exercise classes at Ferndown Leisure Centre. If the gym isn’t your thing or you’d like to keep your exercise varied, why not try one of these classes?

Plus if you’re already a member, why not bring a friend along with you to enjoy some #ActiveFun together!

Swimming lessons There are currently spaces available in the morning classes; these small group lessons are ideal for preschool.

Swimtag for £1 Make waves with SWIMTAG wearable

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

| 15

RINGWOOD NEWS

Club putts money in charity’s bag

Over 3,500 items donated to homeless by Ringwood School

Nigel Price, Captain of Somerley Park Golf Club, presented a cheque for £680 to Macmillan Caring Locally, at the Macmillan Centre in Christchurch. The money was raised at a club charity event in 2016 attended by members and guests.

When it comes to helping the homeless, Ringwood School knows how to step up to the mark. For the last 10 years they have been running a sixth form-led initiative to collect items to pass on to those less fortunate at Christmas.

This year students and staff collected an incredible 3,671 food tins and personal care items for onward transmission.

Donations were made to the school and at the main collection point at Grants Estate Agents in

Driving Miss Daisy A friendly and reliable companion driving service for the elderly and anyone unable to drive, but who wishes to remain independent, is Driving Miss Daisy. It operates in Ringwood and the surrounding areas and staff are first aid trained, dementia friends, police checked and use very noticeable liveried cars. Uniformed ‘Daisies’ arrive with a reassuring smile. Driving Miss Daisy is not a free service.

To find out more call Joanne on 07525 873 075 or Client Services Centre at Port Solent on 0333 014 6211.

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VIEWPOINT January 2017

Ringwood. The items were distributed to the main soup kitchen in Bournemouth run by the Salvation Army, a number of mobile homeless vans and a hostel in Portsmouth and a women’s refuge and homeless shelter in East London.

Nigel Himmel, head of pastoral care

at Ringwood School said, “Ringwood School students pride themselves on being at the heart of the local community.

Communities are judged on how they support those who are less fortunate and the generosity and consideration of our students is quite outstanding.”

view from VERWOOD

Mayor promotes town The Mayor of Verwood, Councillor Susan Shaw, hosted her Christmas Reception at the Hub on 4 December. Each year the mayor invites the mayors from Dorset and neighboring counties to Verwood to promote the town.

The visit started in the Heritage Centre, where a presentation was given by Mr Michael Shaw depicting the history of Verwood, and children from Hillside Community School sang carols. At the Hub, the dignitaries were greeted by Verwood Choral Society and the afternoon progressed with dancing from Katie, a local young lady, and Verwood Brass Band playing seasonal music.

Festive Fun at TG

At the last meeting before Christmas members of Verwood Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild and guests were treated to some festive fun by the guild’s Entertainers’ group.

Fresh from performing in a recent murder mystery evening for Verwood Rotary at the Memorial Hall, they provided sketches, poems and Christmas carols. Tea, sherry and mince pies plus a raffle were followed by presents distributed by two Mother Christmases.

For more information about the guild, please call 01202 827339.

Week of prayer Churches Together in Verwood are hosting a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This annual occurrence will begin on 22 January.

Members of all the Verwood churches will come together throughout the week to pray for the community and the activities of CTiV including Messy Church, the foodbank, the Youth Centre and other initiatives.

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

| 17

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Challenge

yourself

Would you like a new challenge in the New Year?

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VIEWPOINT January 2017

If so there are a mixture of advertisers on this page who may well be looking for you

in 2017

A

mong them you will find mags4dorset, publishers of Viewpoint and 4Dorset, Foxes Moon, Regard and Fordingbridge Dance Studios. So whether it’s a new career you are seeking or a new activity, take a look and see what’s on offer.

towns. Hawkers or ‘higglers’ would take cartloads of pottery to sell all over Southern England and this was later helped with the development of the railways, which meant that stocks could be replenished by rail. Pottery was also exported from Poole to as far afield as Newfoundland, New Zealand and Virginia, USA. By the early part of the 20th century the demand for heavier pottery dwindled and cheaper mass produced pottery was being made in the Midlands and distributed all over the country

by the railways. By the 1900s Verwood Pottery was diversifying by producing small costrels filled with perfume for fancy London shops such as Liberty. They also produced perfume bricks, using locally produced lavender that could be used in linen cupboards.

We must of course beware of having an idealised version of what it was like to be a field worker in the 18th and 19th century. It is easy to imagine rosy-faced workers going to get a drink from the costrel where it had been left in the cool under a hedge. The reality was that

field workers were often organised by gang masters who paid low wages and enforced long working hours. Men, women and children were often treated harshly and worked in all weathers and as The Penny Magazine reports, ‘unless a man is particularly expert with his sickle he will hardly find time during the hours of business to pay a single visit to the beverage he so much stands in need of.’

Fordingbridge Museum is now closed until April 2017 but when it opens, do try to to come in to look at its lovely Verwood costrel.

The Verwood Costrel or Owl In 1840 The Penny Magazine of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge reported that when labourers went into the fields to reap, ‘There is usually a barrel of ale taken into the field for the use of the reapers whenever they can spare the time to slake their thirst.’

Fordingbridge Museum has recently acquired a fine example of a renowned, locally made flask, known as a costrel, that was used to carry drink into the fields.

The beverage may have been ale or cider but was equally likely to be cold tea or water. Costrels were made of a sandy coloured earthenware pottery that was produced in Verwood. They had two lugs to which leather thongs would be attached for carrying. The ear-like appearance of the lugs meant that the costrel was sometimes called the Verwood Owl. There have been potteries in Damerham, Alderholt and Verwood since medieval times making use of the local clay soils and the plentiful supplies of wood for firing.

Verwood was a prolific centre of pottery using techniques that had not changed since Roman times. The clay was trodden by foot, the wheel turned by an assistant with a pole, pots were dried outside and the kiln fired by wood.

In the first half of the 19th century there were up to 12 potteries in the area.

Verwood produced a range of earthenware pottery including flagons, jugs, bowls and other kitchenware.

The Crossroads Pottery in the centre of Verwood closed in 1952. It had thrived because of its excellent strategic position on the routes to all the local market Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk for more local news

| 19

, R A E NEW Y New hobby?

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

new you,

new opportunities

by Carol Waterkeyn

O

ne of the best things about January, after the seasonal holiday and excesses of eating and drinking, is how you can take stock and make plans for the coming year.

Yes, I am one of the people who make New Year resolutions. Sometimes I even keep them. But, it’s nice to make plans for the coming year. Like many others, invariably for me it will be to lose some of the extra weight put on over the festive period.

Thoughts then turn to getting fitter, even maybe to take up a new hobby or course.

Many people have found that dancing is the perfect way to lose weight, tone up and it is also said that dancing helps prevent Alzheimer’s.

Whether line-dancing or ballroom, salsa, ballet or tap-dancing, it seems it’s all good for us. Now then, where are those dancing shoes?

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VIEWPOINT January 2017

In Dorset and Hampshire we have some spectacular scenery to explore, whether on foot, by bicycle, public transport or by car.

Take a camera or notebook and pencil with you to record what you see and you might start a new hobby that way.

January is the perfect time to start a new hobby or interest.

There is so much to choose from. Whether art or archery, golf or growing vegetables, rambling or rowing, tennis or training in computer skills, woodwork or watersports, there’s something for everyone.

Been inspired by the Great British Bake Off or Sewing Bee, or Kirstie Allsopp and her Handmade Christmas on TV? If so, there are many courses and clubs available. Check out your local sports, higher education or community centre, and your library for more information.

If you are retired, or semiretired, the University of the Third Age (U3A) has several groups locally offering all manner of courses and social events. If you have a computer you can search online for groups near you.

In Dorset and Hampshire we have some spectacular scenery to explore, whether on foot, by bicycle, public transport or by car. Take a camera or notebook and pencil with you to record what you see and you might start a new hobby that way.

Most of all, have fun with whatever you choose.

, s e i d La TIME FOR

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY For me, I find that being part of a slimming club can really help. Being with others who need to lose weight can encourage you, and you can celebrate each other’s successes (or commiserate when things go awry!).

It will give your confidence a boost and, if you go down a size or two, it’s a good excuse for some lovely new items for the wardrobe.

Here’s wishing you a very happy, confident and healthy new year!

an update?

Are you dissatisfied with your image? Feel like a change? In January we ladies often feel like having a new look for the new year.

A new hairstyle can work wonders. It can take years off you, and the whole experience of someone washing and styling your hair, and focusing on you for a change, is great.

How are your nails?

Is it time for a manicure, pedicure or beauty treatment to get you feeling

great all over?

If you’ve been to the New Year sales in the clothing retailers to spend your Christmas money, some of you might have been disappointed with how those outfits looked in the mirror. I know I was!

If the excesses of Christmas have finally got to you and you are feeling a tad heavy, a combination of healthy food and exercise should shift those extra pounds. It’s finding the motivation, though that’s the problem.

Am I right ladies?

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

| 21

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY UNITY IMPROVING YOUR |HOME

TIPS

cosy ing WINTER for keepTHIS

by Carol Waterkeyn

January isn’t everyone’s favourite month - particularly on the days when it is really cold. Make sure your home is prepared for the wintry weather.

Are your windows and outside doors double-glazed? If not, this is a good way to stop warm air escaping from your home. If you are renting, this might not be possible to change, but if you fit thermal liners to your curtains, and draw them as soon as it gets dark, this will help.

Use draught excluders on external doors when you are at home, to stop the cold coming

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VIEWPOINT January 2017

in, and you might want to fit a heavy curtain over a front door, which will help too. Also remember, your letterbox lets in the cold so affix a cover on the inside of the door.

Insulation: if your loft insulation hasn’t been replaced for a number of years, you might be able to get this done for free, or for very little. Consider cavity wall insulation, too. You

can often get grants for this. You could be eligible for financial help from the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) scheme if you’re on a low income, receive certain means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit, or live in a home that would be costly and difficult to make more energy efficient. To find out whether you’re eligible, call the Energy Saving Trust on 0300 123 1234 or visit www.energysavingtrust. org.uk.

To remain comfortable, keep your living room heated to around 70°F/21°C, and the rest of your home to at least 64°F/18°C - unless there are rooms you don’t use. Make sure your heating system is serviced every year to ensure it’s running safely and efficiently. Remember that gas heating must be serviced by a qualified Gas Saferegistered engineer. If you bleed your radiators, this will help them to work efficiently.

It’s also a good idea to have extra heating, aside from your usual central heating or night

storage heaters - such as a gas, coal/log burner or electric fire for the sitting room in case your main system breaks down, or for when you need more warmth.

If you use an electric blanket, these are very cosy but do ensure for safety reasons that your electric blanket is serviced at least every three years.

Otherwise, take a hot-water bottle, or microwaved wheat bag to bed, but never use a hotwater bottle and an electric blanket together as this can be dangerous.

When you are sitting down in the evening to watch TV, a fleecy throw can be used as a snuggly blanket. A hot drink in a mug, like hot chocolate, will warm both your insides and your hands, and a pair of thermal socks will keep your toes toasty.

Some of our tips have been taken from Age UK’s A Winter Wrapped Up guide. If you would like a copy, contact Age UK Advice free on 0800 169 6565 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/ healthandwellbeing.

2017: red

i p s n i beBY THE

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY UNITY IMPROVING YOUR |HOME

s e lu

b

a wonderfully diverse foundation for the 2017 trend palettes, which tells the story of ‘life in a new light’.

“With denim blue set to dominate the interior and fashion

trend agenda for 2017, Denim Drift is the perfect fit to reflect the times we live in, that real desire for simplicity. Designers love it and so do we.”

Continued on page 24...

Now the Christmas decorations are down and your home looks a little bare, you may be casting a critical eye over your décor. Perhaps it’s time to refresh a room or two and if you want to run with trends, you might be inspired this year by the blues.

Denim Drift, Indigo Shade

A

fter much research, Dulux has announced ‘Denim Drift’ as its defining colour of 2017 and says the beautiful, timeless and versatile grey-blue, is the must-have colour for the year.

Global colour and design experts from Dulux have developed their annual forecast

based on emerging trends that shape the way people live. From interior-design and architecture to fashion and beauty, through to social and economic influences; the colour trends inform the evolving landscape of our lives.

Dulux Colour and Design Trend Expert, Rebecca Williamson says, “Denim Drift is

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

| 23

Continued from page 23

A PALETTE THAT REFLECTS A NEW CONSUMERISM Dulux has developed a beautiful tonal colour palette specifically to complement Denim Drift, featuring a spectrum of blues and complementary blue-hued tones.

The collection has been designed to be used in combination across different elements of an interior from the walls to the furniture, furnishings and accessories. You can turn the visual impact up with the brighter blues and down with the muted blues to suit the style and personality of a room.

A new consumerism captures a new way of living in which value is placed on experience rather than possessions. Creating memories that are priceless is our priority as we look at the world with fresh eyes, not adding clutter but experiences instead.

It is the new way of consuming: buy less, choose well and make it last. You walk away with less but are infinitely more enriched.

The senses are stimulated in a magical, powerful way with soft textiles, tactile walls, beautiful smells, and music. It is a subtle and modest luxury, with poetic surprise rather than cluttered belongings.

Dulux Denim Drift, Rail Cloth

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VIEWPOINT January 2017

Dulux Denim Drift

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY UNITY IMPROVING YOUR |HOME

Dulux New Romanticism: Tumbled Glass, Blue Incense

NEW

m s i c i t n a m o R

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Dulux New Romanticism: Colour palette leaf

As the world becomes more passionate and vocal about issues surrounding the environment, this topic infiltrates the way we are living and our priorities in life, with sustainability and responsibility front of mind.

We are all connected to nature and yet we live in an overwhelmingly urban and digital world. Being closer to the planet allows you to reconnect with your spiritual self, ensuring you have a healthy mind and soul. Although this trend comes from a place that is deeply considered, it can be translated easily into our homes in a boho, eclectic fashion that immerses you in the natural world.

Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux says: “Lush greens and smoky violets team cleverly with wicker and natural wood which really come back into their own as affordable materials which reconnect our homes with the earth and nature.

The look is rooted in the found, revamped and restored rather than the pristine new and plants are everywhere, improving the air we breathe while they fill a space with life, colour and texture.

“Use strong colour to connect pieces of painted furniture that don’t match and add small clever touches of sharp cool green alongside broader areas painted in warmer verdant shades.”

Continued on page 26

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

| 25

Continued from page 25 BUSINESS | COMMUNITY | UNITY

Dulux Denim Drift, Muted Blush

The boundary between work life and personal life is shifting, and as such we seek a more balanced way of living and working.

The home has become an office, and likewise offices are becoming more like homes as we are living 24/7 lives, and so we need beautiful places to work in at home, and new inspiration for how to do this.

Dulux has developed a colour palette to help you create different zones in the home, and a fluid environment that fits both. Whether you like to take your laptop to the kitchen with a coffee, or carve out a specific area for working, you can be comfortable, relaxed and focused within your living space.

Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director for Dulux says: “There is no longer a line to blur between the places in which we work and we live but there are ways in which we can make our homes a better place to do both.

“Work spaces can be defined by painted blocks and circles of contrasting colour which at once become both zones for activity and focal points of interest.

“Use the cool neutrals in the palette as a backdrop to bursts of warm colour in graphic shapes which can either be dynamic and curved or more restful and in blocks.

Horizontal bands of colour instil an element of tranquillity which allows you to think clearly as well as relax and connect the working home interior together.”

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VIEWPOINT January 2017

Dulux colour palette squares

THE WORKING HOME

The Working Home: Dining Room

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY UNITY IMPROVING YOUR |HOME

Choosing Colours

for the Outside of Your Home Finding the right colour is never an easy job when it comes to the outside of your home. After all, you can alter the entire look and feel of your property with a lick of paint. Should you play safe with brilliant white or magnolia, or perhaps go for something more daring? Here are a few tips to help you choose the best colours for outside.

Consider the style of your house. Certain colours are strongly associated with specific architectural styles. For example, a traditional Dorset cob cottage will look very pretty in warm mid-tone colours, perhaps a buttery yellow or a rich Suffolk pink. Complete the look by painting doors and windows in a pale neutral eggshell. Little Greene’s wide selection of creams and neutrals

are all available in an eggshell finish formulated specifically for outdoor use.

For a Georgian townhouse take inspiration from 10 Downing Street. We are all familiar with the near black brickwork, complemented perfectly with off white on the sash windows and round the famous gloss black door. Be brave and go for dark carriage green or navy blue and pick out architectural details in a pale stone colour.

Consider the neighbourhood Look at other homes in your neighbourhood. Do you want your house to stand out from the crowd? Or maybe you prefer to blend in discreetly with your neighbours. Walking around your area can give you lots of ideas.

If you notice that all the houses in your road look very similar,

it’s worth checking if there are restrictions on the colours you can use.

Don’t forget the impact of other colours When focussing on choosing masonry paints it’s easy to forget the impact the colour of your roof can make. Black and grey roofs work well with most shades, but more care needs to be taken when selecting colours to go with red or brown roof tiles. Also consider how your new colour will look next to paving, gravel and other forms of hard landscaping.

Colour trends Each year the paint manufacturers update their colour cards to include the latest fashions. For example, cool stone colours are very popular now, whereas warm, yellowy creams were previously best sellers. Quality masonry paints carry 15-year guarantees.

While you may not

plan to wait that long before repainting, most people stick with their colour choice for five years or so. So when choosing masonry paints it’s best not to be swayed too much by the latest colour fashion. Select the colour that pleases you and sits well in its surroundings.

For more advice you can pop into Peter Robbins to discuss your options and obtain colour cards.

SUZY ORFORD

Peter Robbins Decorators’ Merchants

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

| 27

MAGS4DORSET’S charity of the year Viewpoint Magazine is pleased to be supporting Poole RNLI over the next 12 months as its charity of the year.

POOLE RNLI

– looking ahead Happy New Year, and a huge thank you to mags4dorset from everyone at Poole RNLI for the opportunity to be able to tell you our news and stories throughout 2017. We hope to be able to share the news about shouts the volunteer crew have responded to, the incredible efforts of our fundraisers who work tirelessly to bring in the funds we need to maintain our lifesaving work, and events that we’d love for you to attend.

But first, 2016 was a significant year for the RNLI volunteers at Poole Lifeboat Station. In November, we said goodbye to our all weather, Tyne class lifeboat, City of Sheffield.

The stretch of coast around Poole Bay and harbour is now served by two inshore lifeboats stationed at Poole, the 25-knot Shannon class allweather lifeboat at Swanage, the 25-knot Severn class at Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight and an inshore lifeboat from Mudeford.

A new D-class lifeboat is now stationed at Poole.

Commonly known as the workhorse of the RNLI, the D-class is highly manoeuvrable and capable of 25 knots. It has the ability to operate at speed in the busy waters and is ideal 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 RNLI coxswain of Poole Lifeboat Station, Jonathan Clark, took the wheel of the Tyne for her final launch in front of crowds of family, friends and supporters, joined by other long-serving crew members, 2nd coxswain Andy Elton, Gavin McGuinness, Anne Millman, former full-time station mechanic Paul Taylor and mechanics Wayne Belcher and Neil Ceconi, along with volunteer crew Oli Mallinson, Adrian Rosser and longserving volunteers and deputy coxswains Glen Mallen and Dave Riley.

After a Blessing of Thanks by Poole lifeboat Chaplain Lucy Holt, the City of Sheffield launched from Poole Lifeboat Station and were joined by a flotilla of local seafarers as it left the Quay.

Jonathan Clark, RNLI volunteer coxswain of Poole lifeboat says, “Back in 1998 when I officially became coxswain, it was one of the proudest moments in my life.

To be given the opportunity to take command of a Poole all-weather lifeboat was a privilege that few experience. 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 for all that we have done, will always remain with me. You can’t take that away.”

It was an emotional day for everyone, and the volunteers at Poole RNLI are looking ahead to 2017 when the new floating boathouse will be in place for both inshore lifeboats and we put our new D-class lifeboat through its paces as it works alongside the Atlantic 85 to save lives in and around Poole Harbour.

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VIEWPOINT January 2017

MEETtheTEAM

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

| 29

‘RIGHT SORT OF ANIMAL HEALTH AND THE LAW To be an animal health inspector you have prepared to study and keep up to WEATHER’ helps todatebewith all new legislation relating to livestock, and be prepared to put together honey harvest reports that may result in a court case.

BBKA’s annual Honey Survey results reveal that honey bees overcame summer starvation threats to provide 26lbs of honey per hive.

The results of the British Beekeepers Association’s annual Honey Survey were released towards the end of 2016 and revealed that the average colony of bees in England produced 26lbs (11.8 kilos) of honey - an increase of 5lbs (2.7 kilos) per hive on the previous year’s crop.

Despite a dismal start, 25 per cent of beekeepers reported ‘the right weather’ as having the biggest potential effect on honey quantity in the year’s crop, compared to just 9 per cent in 2015.

Tim Lovett, Director of Public Affairs at BBKA commented, “An unusually cold and windy spring prompted the National Bee Unit to issue a bee starvation warning to beekeepers urging them to feed their colonies.

The situation was then compounded by the late flowering of many summer plants. A better summer followed by a long, warm autumn, however, gave the bees a chance to build up their strength and their honey supplies and we’re delighted to see the season ended with a much improved honey yield.”

30 |

Weather conditions and other factors that influence the honey crop, such as the supply of forage and the impact of invader species including the varroa mite, vary enormously across the country. The average yield in the south west was 25.6 lbs.

“A varied diet is as important to the health of the honey bee as it is to humans,” explained Louise Jutsum, a beekeeper in the BBKA’s East ‘Adopt a Beehive’ region.

“Planting the right flowers and shrubs, leaving ivy to grow wild, or helping raise funds to assist good beekeeping practice by supporting the ‘Adopt a Beehive’ scheme, are all good ways to help the honey bee.”

One of the projects the BBKA’s Adopt a Beehive scheme has helped fund is an exploration of how to create ‘pollen patties’ as a food supplement for the bees. A nutritionally balanced diet is vital for honey bees to thrive.

Anyone interested in helping honey bees by supporting the ‘Adopt a Beehive’ scheme should visit adoptabeehive.co.uk

VIEWPOINT January 2017

Survey details The Honey Survey was based on email responses from a total of 935 beekeepers in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, who are members of the British Beekeepers Association.

By using education and cooperating with livestock keepers, including smallholders and pet livestock owners, we try to prevent problems becoming major issues.

But on occasions, when we find animals have been made to suffer, deliberately misidentified or affected by various other problems, or where the owner will not listen to advice and there need to be improvements, we are sometimes left with no alternative than to take the matter further.

From the moment we realise that an offence may have been committed, we must start collating information with notes and photographic evidence where appropriate. We become the investigating officer and will be

responsible for all the information relating to the case, including witness statements and interviewing the person responsible for the alleged offence.

When all the necessary information has been collected and we are sure an offence has been committed, a report has to be completed with all the relevant legislation highlighted. The completed report then has to be submitted to the head of Trading Standards and the council’s legal team for assessment before it is decided if formal action should be taken. Sometimes it will be appropriate to offer a formal caution, but otherwise it could end up in a court hearing. If that

happens then the individual officer will give evidence as necessary and follow the case through to the conclusion.

This is not a part of the job we relish but sometimes it cannot be avoided, and with any luck we will get some of the costs back.

In over 22 years in the job, unfortunately I have had to have a handful of people banned from keeping livestock, but I knew it was the right outcome when other farmers or livestock keepers said, “It’s about time you sorted that one out.”

Christine Scott

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

Equine sports massage in a new and innovative way

H

elena Whiting of Ringwood, Hampshire, is a qualified equine sports massage therapist who believes that more riders need to be made aware of the benefits sports massage can have for their horses.

Over the recent months, Helena has received some great feedback after providing a number of demonstrations at local pony camps and livery yards, as a fun way to educate riders on the matter.

Helena commented, “I know from experience, that regular stable management-type demonstrations can become quite uninspiring. But, a demonstration like this provides riders with an exciting and interactive way to learn something new, whilst showing riders of the benefits for their horses.

“Sports massage has many benefits for the competition horse. It helps to reduce the risk of injury, speeds up recovery after a competition, and ensures the horse is able to perform at his best. Sports massage is also beneficial to the happy hacker and the older horse, as it keeps the muscles supple, maintains a normal range

of motion within joints and encourages lymphatic drainage and endorphinrelease.”

Helena has further appointments booked at local yards and pony clubs.

For more information, or if you would like to arrange a demonstration at your own yard, contact Helena on 07415 372819 or visit www. helenawhiting.co.uk.

MEET TEAM the

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

| 31

Winter

wildlife watching With some wildlife hunkering down for the big freeze, winter turns our attention to the species that need to work a bit harder to get through the frosty season.

So that’s why winter is the perfect opportunity to make a practical, real difference to wildlife in your local wild space. Leaving water and food out for birds might seem like a trivial task but, it can mean life or death to them if other food sources are scarce, or frozen. You will be rewarded with lovely sights of garden visitors such as the blue tit, goldfinch, red wing, or if you’re lucky, a great spotted woodpecker.

Garden birds aren’t the only active birds around this time of year. On a winter’s day at about 4pm you might see a flock of starlings, (also known as a murmuration), as they settle down to roost. A flock of birds has a huge advantage to a single bird this time of year – as there’s safety

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VIEWPOINT January 2017

in numbers. Large groups are believed to deter predators, making it hard for them to single one out; the sight of a whole flock is quite off-putting to a bird of prey. In large numbers, birds have a better chance of successfully hunting for food together, and they will stay warm at the same time. Keep your eyes to the sky for one of nature’s best performances!

Nothing is more delightful than seeing a splash of colour on the landscape when the trees are bare; so another favourite of this season is the much-loved snowdrop.

This distinctive white flower bravely comes into bloom in January and flowers until March, so for those who long for spring to arrive, seeing this flower is a sign that warmer times are ahead.

To get out for some winter walks in Dorset, explore Dorset Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves by checking the website www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves.

Ken Dolbear MBE

Winter bird feeding tips: • • •

•

•

Don’t put out too much – stale food can develop harmful bacteria.

Clean the feeders and the table regularly – use hot water and a pet safe disinfectant to prevent infections being passed between birds.

Replenish fresh water – birds need to bathe to keep feathers in good condition and keep them warm. Tip: stop water freezing by putting a tennis ball in it.

Recommended food includes: seed mixes, fat balls, household scraps such as raw fats, suet and lard, mild grated cheese, cooked potatoes.

Fruits include apples, and dried fruits such as sultanas and raisins.

Foods to avoid are: white bread, milk, salty or spicy food, loose whole peanuts. Runny fats from cooking, vegetable oils and margarines can clog feathers and cause birds to lose valuable insulation.

surprise and a delight

in for a bite

#restaurantreviewthegeorge

A

The George, Fordingbridge

by Carol Waterkeyn

A

R

un by Caroline Wright and James Roylance, the couple have been in situ since September 2013 and have certainly made their mark on the place. At the time of writing, a huge patio is being constructed overlooking the river to replace the former decking while the interior is the perfect combination of cosy and shabby chic with a great deal of attention paid to detail. Glasses and cutlery sparkle, fires are glowing, while service is warm and friendly to make your visit special.

I called in with my husband, Paul, on a Wednesday evening in November in the lead up to Christmas for a dinner à deux. It turned out to be an absolute treat.

We chose to sit in the conservatory overlooking the fast-flowing river. However, there is a choice of sitting in the cosy bar or the restaurant as well. Most dishes at the George are cooked from scratch by the chefs so you have to be prepared to wait a little for the magic to happen in the kitchen.

For starters we had chosen homemade broccoli and Stilton soup (for me) and a goat’s cheese and spinach tart, which was really crumbly and delicious. The soup was subtle and not too strongly flavoured, while my husband’s cheese tart was, I quote, “probably the best I have ever tasted.” It was served with a fresh, tasty salad and red onion marmalade.

With a friendly smile from the waitress, our main courses then appeared. Paul had chosen pulled pork with red onion marmalade served in a brioche bun and with sweet potato fries. He was keen to try the pulled pork burger, as he’d not had this dish before. I chose one of my all-time favourites, moules frites or mussels served in a cream and white wine sauce, served with fries. Both dishes were very tasty and the portions generous. We couldn’t quite manage a dessert each so chose from the menu, chocolate roulade with homemade vanilla ice-cream, fruit compote and … two spoons. It was a most satisfying end to our meal. To accompany our food, we had a white wine spritzer and glass of Pinot. There’s a good wine list to choose from, alternatively if you are a beer or cider drinker, there’s Old Speckled Hen, Seven Arches, Aspall and a range of bottled beers, ciders and spirits.

The menu at the George, courtesy of Head Chef Rob O’Neil and his team of five other chefs, changes with the seasons and there are always specials on the blackboard. There’s often game, and fish, and always a choice of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Some of the menu is suitable for those of us who follow a gluten-free diet. They even have gluten-free bread available.

t lunchtime, you can choose a delicious sandwich or maybe a sharing platter if you want a lighter option. The George also serves a wide range of speciality coffees from beans supplied by the Hampshire Coffee Company and cakes, or afternoon cream teas. There’s a children’s menu and their Sunday lunches are particularly popular. The pub is often busy at weekends, so you really need to book.

I was very impressed by the pub, and the staff, who were courteous and attentive. I liked, too, the ethos of the owners, who work hard to source local food – for example their milk comes from Maple Field Farm in Fordingbridge, their meat from the local Prices Butchers, their cheeses include New Forest Blue and Winchester Mature, they buy ice cream from New Forest Ice-Cream and there are many more local ingredients incorporated into dishes.

We think a return visit is on the cards soon, and are particularly looking forward to trying out the pub’s new patio. It’s a wonderful spot on a nice day to have a drink or a meal and watch the ducks and swans on the river.

...while my husband’s cheese tart was, I quote, “probably the best I have ever tasted.”

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

| 33

in for a bite

EATING OUT THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

by Carol Waterkeyn

“If music be the food of love, play on,” said Shakespeare in Twelfth Night. Well we can’t offer you music on this page, but we can certainly suggest some places to go to celebrate

Valentine’s Day with your loved one.

“The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” is another well-known saying and proverb, and one that I definitely believe

is true. So in these days of equality, the ladies can take the initiative too.

We’ve been celebrating Valentine’s Day since around the 17th century but, it’s never been as popular as it is today.

We hope you have a wonderful day, and if there isn’t a special someone at the moment, why not treat yourself to lunch or show the love to your family instead?

Last orders for Marsham Court Head Chef

AFTER more than 30 years in the kitchen, Marsham Court Hotel Head Chef Tony Shepard, 65, has hung up his apron.

Tony grew up on the Isle of Wight and trained in Silver Service at college in Portsmouth.

His first full-time job was at the Shanklin Hotel on the Isle of Wight. After a period at Winchester’s Wessex Hotel he came to Bournemouth, and began work at the Royal Bath Hotel. He swapped clifftops for mountain tops shortly afterwards as a chef for Four Seasons in Vancouver and Jasper Park Lodge in the Canadian Rockies. When he returned to Bournemouth, he took a position at the Royal Bath and was later second chef.

When he heard that the head chef of the Marsham Court Hotel was retiring, he asked for the job and moved up the hill.

“I never would have imagined I’d be there for the next 30 years,” said Tony.

34 |

VIEWPOINT January 2017

in for a bite

La Fosse at Cranborne Continues Winning Streak La Fosse at Cranborne received two prestigious accolades at last year’s Taste of Dorset Awards held in November at The George Albert Hotel, Dorchester. Nominated in the Best Dorset Restaurant or Dining Club category, La Fosse had stiff competition from multi-award winners the Dorset Burger Co and The Eastbury, but walked away victorious at the end of the night.

Alongside the Best Dorset Restaurant or Dining Club win, La Fosse was also awarded the Dorset Food and Drink Business of the Year – an award which highlights the contribution La Fosse makes to the local food economy and the success the establishment has seen over the years. Both awards were collected by Emmanuelle Hartstone, co-owner along with award-winning chef Mark Hartstone.

Culinary legend Prue Leith, known as a judge on BBC2’s Great British Menu and judge and co-host of Channel 4’s My Kitchen Rules UK, hosted the gala dinner.

Emmanuelle Hartstone, co-owner of La Fosse commented afterwards, “We’re over the moon to have received two awards at the Blackmore Vale Taste of Dorset Awards. In a category with the likes

of The Eastbury and The Dorset Burger Co, we’re very honoured to have been chosen to win. The Best Dorset Food and Drink Business Award was a wonderful surprise and we’re so pleased that over the last nine years, La Fosse has been recognised in this

way. Our little village had five businesses as finalists in this year’s awards and three winners – I’m exceptionally happy that Cranborne is building its reputation as a Dorset food and drink haven.”

La Fosse is an awardwinning restaurant and boutique B&B.

Chef Mark Hartstone

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

| 35

in and around the area

what’s on

this month 18 January 12 noon

Ferndown Probus Club lunch and talk on Rudyard Kipling at Dudsbury Golf Club. New members welcome. Contact Secretary on 01202 875757.

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

19 January 7.30pm

Verwood Jazz Club presents Roger Marks’ Cornish Armada at St Leonards Hotel, 185 Ringwood Road, St Leonards, BH24 2NP. Tickets are £11 at the door, contact 07798 721405. You can eat and drink in the restaurant or ask for it to be served in the St Leonards Suite (where the band plays) from 6.30pm when the doors open.

21 January 7.30pm

New Life Community Church in Fordingbridge will be hosting the Big New Year’s Quiz at Burgate School.

Each team entry costs £5, maximum of 6 per team. All money from entries will support Fordingbridge Foodbank.

Must book in advance, either call or text 07909 711886 or email: office@ newlifefordingbridge.com

21 January 7.30pm

The Grange Choral Society performing Mendelssohn’s ‘Elijah’ at Christchurch Priory. Marcio Da Silva, directing the choir with orchestra and soloists. Nave seats reserved £16, side aisle seats with television screens £10, students £5.

Tickets from Christchurch Priory box office Monday-Saturday 11am-2pm.

Telephone 01202 485804 (option 4) or www.christchurchpriory.org/events.

21, 25, 27 and 28 January

Verwood Pantomime Society presents Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of Treasure Island at the Hub, Verwood and the cast would love the audience to join in the fun by dressing as pirates.

Performances 2pm and 6.30pm on both Saturdays and at 7.30pm Wed, Thurs and Fri. Tickets £10, £7 children. Box office 01202 828740.

36 |

VIEWPOINT January 2017

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

21-28 January

Highcliffe Charity Players in Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at the Regent Centre, Christchurch. Tickets £12.50, concs £11.50, child £10.50.

Tel: 01202 499199.

21 January 5.55pm

Met Opera’s Romeo and Juliet live broadcast at the Regent Centre, Christchurch, starring Diana Damrau, Virginie Verrez, and Vittorio Grigolo.

Tickets £22, concs £20.

Tel: 01202 499199.

22-26 January

Churches Together in Verwood are hosting a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Members of all the churches in Verwood will be coming together throughout the week to pray for the community of Verwood.

23 January 8pm

Alan Pickering’s Spirit of New Orleans with guest John Maddocks on reeds at the Bournemouth Traditional Jazz Club. The club meets at the Bluebirds Social Club in Longham, BH22 9DP (opposite Haskins garden centre) and features a large dance floor, plenty of free car parking and affordable drinks. £6 admission, £7 for visitors.

24 January 9-11am

Dorset Women in Business (DWIB) breakfast at Urban Reef, Boscombe. £15 plus booking fee, which includes breakfast and guest speaker. Discover more at www.dwib.co.uk

24 January 7.30pm

Bournemouth and Beyond Discovery Group “Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance” talk. Meeting at St Andrew’s Church Hall, St Stevens Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6JJ.

25 January 10am-12 noon

and fourth Wednesday of each month, Dorset POPP Wayfinder. Are you over 50? Concerned about someone who is? Need information? Your local POPP Wayfinder can help. Held at Fordingbridge Library.

27 January

Alternative Burns Night, brave a fire walk hosted by Mayor of Bournemouth for charity. £30 per person. Includes training. Register beforehand on 01202 451117 or email: Mayor@bournemouth. gov.uk.

27 January

‘The New Beats’ playing at the Barrington Theatre in aid of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation.

Tickets £8 and available from the Barrington Theatre on 01202 894858.

For tickets direct from the JTYAF, contact Pete on 07792 121645.

28 January 10.15am

West Moors Horticultural Society coffee morning in the Memorial Hall, Station Road.

28 January 7.30-10.30pm

Dance Away social dance evening – ballroom, Latin, sequence at Main Hall, Allendale Centre, Wimborne. Tickets £5 in advance, £6 on the door from the office or from Carol 01202 572094.

31 January 7.30pm

Bournemouth and Beyond Discovery Group talk, John Hallett will reveal ‘The History of Kingston Lacy’ at St Andrew’s Church Hall, St Stevens Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6JJ.

31 January 7.30pm

Paper Birds Theatre Co present a revival of their critically acclaimed production ‘In a Thousand Pieces’ at the Layard Theatre, Canford, Nr Wimborne Tickets: £10 Box Office: 01202 847525 Email: layardtheatre@canford.com .

1 February 12 noon

Ferndown Probus Club lunch and talk, ‘Traitors in Wartime’ at Dudsbury Golf Club. New members welcome. Contact Secretary 01202 875757.

2 February 2pm-4pm

Knit & Knatter at Fordingbridge Library.

For new and experienced knitters.

Refreshments available at 50p.

2 February 7pm

The Confederation of Chinese Business UK (CCBUK) hosting Chinese Arts & Culture Night, at Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts. Tickets £15/£10 from 01202 280000.

3 February 7.45pm

Wimborne Movie Makers meet each Friday at green clubhouse next to the Allendale Centre. Ray Joyce is talking about ‘Filming A Project’. Contact Garry Court on 01202 378515.

7 February 7.30pm

Bournemouth and Beyond Discovery Group: ‘The Bankes Archive’ with David Beardsley. Meeting at St Andrew’s Church Hall, St Stevens Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6JJ.

9 February 2pm

Wimborne Horticultural Society ‘Lesser known life of the New Forest’ by Mr B Pincher at Minster Room, Community Learning & Resource Centre, 41-44 King Street, Wimborne (new venue for this year). Admission members £1, nonmembers £3. Details: 01202 887006

11 February 7pm

Sing from the Heart Community Choir Festival at Minster Hall, Allendale Centre, Hanham Rd, Wimborne BH211AS. With 6 choirs from Dorset - Bitter Sweet Harmony choirs from Dorchester and Poole, The Care Free choir from Poole, Island Voices from Portland, Verwood Community Singers, and the Basement Choir from Wimborne. Early bird tickets £10, on the door £12.50, phone 07840 976584 to reserve tickets. Also singing workshops during the day.

13 February 2pm

West Moors Horticultural Society AGM and talk by Terry Heard about “Traditional Woodland Crafts,” at the Memorial Hall in Station Road.

14 February 7.30pm

Bournemouth and Beyond Discovery Group talk on ‘Mission to Seafarers’ with Julie James. Meeting at St Andrew’s Church Hall, St Stevens Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6JJ.

in and around the area

Great Santa Fun Run

Simon and Garfunkel fan?

Dan Haynes and Pete Richards, known as COM P ETITIO Bookends, are bringing N their Simon and Garfunkel concert to Ferndown next month and mags4dorset and the Barrington Theatre have a pair of tickets to give away.

Bookends are wowing audiences around the world. As well as giving incredible live renditions of the iconic songs, their multilayered theatre experience also features original footage and interviews with Simon and Garfunkel.

The pair don’t dress up or try to act like Simon and Garfunkel but instead pay tribute to the duo’s iconic sound by recreating the perfect harmonies, timing and diction that mesmerised a generation.

Hear classic hits such as Homeward Bound, Mrs Robinson and the unforgettable Bridge Over Troubled Water.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to see Bookends on 23 February 2017 at 7.30pm at the Barrington Theatre, answer the following:

What is the title of Simon and Garfunkel’s fourth studio album?

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

M

ore than 100 Santas took part in Wimborne Rotary’s eighth Great Santa Fun Run at Badbury Rings on 11 December. Sponsored by the Rotary Club’s Business

Partners, the oldest couple were John (86) and Molly (85) Slow from Wimborne.

Beneficiaries included 12 charities with an additional £2,000 being raised for Rotary charities.

Men - learn to sing for free Bournemouth Male Voice Choir is offering a free 10-week course for men.

Learn2Sing starts on 31 January and rehearsals will be at Norwood Place, Pokesdown. All profits from the final concert on 28 April in Lighthouse, Poole will go towards the Urology Department for Men’s Health/Cancer Treatment at Bournemouth Hospital. Email learn2sing@ bournemouthmalechoir.co.uk or call the musical director on 07376 199817.

Getting the edge Ferndown Drama’s second play in their 51st season is Outside Edge, a comedy by Richard Harris directed by Steve Hawker. It will be performed at the Barrington Theatre on 18-21January. Book tickets on 01202 894858 or buy on the door.

Regal update The eight-week Crowdfunding campaign has resulted in pledges totalling over the target of £5,000 for a feasibility study into Ringwood’s Regal Cinema and Theatre project. To raise more funds there will be a charity night on 18 March at the David Lloyd Club with a meal and entertainment followed by an auction.

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

| 37

in and around the area Wildlife presenter Simon King

Steve Fletcher (centre) with Dan Gosling and Cherry Bear plus children from King’s Park Academy on the Cherries-themed bus

Family pays Cherries bring soccer tribute safety to school A family has paid tribute to Graham Trevor Manning, the 71-year-old man who died following a fatal collision on the A35 in Burley on 27 December.

They said, “Graham was a kind, caring and generous man who will be sadly missed by family and many friends.” Graham, from Poole, was directing traffic when the collision occurred.

Garden for all Seasons

Fordingbridge & District Horticultural Society members enjoyed a talk by Sara Gruzelier on ‘Creating a Garden for all Seasons’.

She discussed the many flowers and foliage demonstrating the range of colours and forms that can brighten the outdoors.

Sara then took members on a tour of her impressive traditional English garden through pictures to show the many complexions as the seasons change.

Variegated plants are abundant in her garden and are very good for winter colour and shine.

In spring the snowdrops, crocus and hellebores add early colour and interest and malus provides blossom as the garden becomes more alive.

A useful tip to keep pigeons off brassicas is to position toy snakes strategically. Another tip Sara gave was for pruning shrubs: if the flowers appear before the longest day, prune after flowering, otherwise, for those that flower after the longest day, prune next spring.

The next meeting is 30 January at 7.30pm, Avonway, Fordingbridge with a talk by Brian Pettit on ‘Wildlife of Hampshire and Dorset’.

38 |

AFC Bournemouth soccer star Dan Gosling visited King’s Park Academy recently.

The player ambassador for the Cherries Community Sport Trust’s ‘Soccer Safety School’ arrived on the Cherries-themed Yellow Bus along with mascot Cherry Bear.

Steve Cuss, the club’s head of community, said, “Together with Yellow Buses we have been bringing fun safety lessons to schools – and we are still looking for new schools to join.

“The Safety Soccer School highlights the risks and dangers that children face when out playing.

“These involve road safety, which is something that Yellow Buses are experts in.

“We all want our children to be healthy and fit but we also want them to remain safe when they’re playing.”

School’s fundraising record

Santa and his helpers were busy in the run up to Christmas at Ringwood Church of England Infant School. A recordbreaking £4,654 was raised by events organised by the Friends of Ringwood Infant School.

Headteacher Mrs Hilary Silk said, “We’re thrilled to have raised so much for the school, which will enable us to buy six iPads for Year R. I’m very grateful to all the efforts of FORIS.”

Police

saveSanta

Following the carol service at the Petwyn in Station Road, West Moors in December, something extraordinary happened. As Santa and Rusty the elf arrived to hand out gifts, a gang of at least 12 bikers, headed by Chris from Chris’ Collectables, roared through the crowd and Santa was forced at gunpoint onto the back of huge trike and driven off into the night. Luckily Rusty escaped and called the police. Within minutes Chris was arrested and Father Christmas was saved. The organisers of the visit from Santa, West Moors Youth Club, said they were very pleased with the way in which the situation turned out.

VIEWPOINT January 2017

© mags4dorset

TV star Simon backs volunteer fair Wildlife presenter Simon King is inviting budding volunteers to attend the New Forest Volunteer Fair, which will bring together more than 30 local groups including the National Trust and Forestry Commission to help potential volunteers find their perfect role.

He said, “Volunteers are the lifeblood of the New Forest National Park. Without the efforts of thousands of people you just would not have the beauty that we see all around us in the Forest. If you want to do your bit then why not come along to the volunteer fair and find out how.”

The free fair takes place on Sunday 29 January, 10.30am to 4pm at Lyndhurst Community Centre. www. newforestnpa.gov.uk/volunteerfair.

CONGRATS

to Steve Saville!

The director of Forest FM, the Verwood-based community radio station, is to receive the British Empire Medal for services to broadcasting and the community in Verwood.

“This award really was a complete surprise and totally unexpected. When the envelope arrived I thought it was a parking fine. It still feels a little surreal,” said Steve Saville.

He retired early from work, which enabled him to spend time getting involved in the local community, in particular with Rotary and the Verwood Carnival committee.

He started campaigning for a community radio station in Verwood back in the 80s, but it wasn’t until 1999 that he achieved a broadcast licence for four weeks.

“Since 2006 the radio has been running full time and through the radio we’ve been able to help out local clubs and societies as well as schools and also at council driven events,” he said.

He has no idea who put him forward for the award but said, “There’s one person who deserves a big thank you and that’s my wife Diana for helping me all the way and putting up with the fair bit of disruption the radio station has caused to our daily life.”

in and around the area Sir Bryn Terfel

Rare German Elefant arrives in UK for major exhibition One of the largest combat vehicles to see action in the Second World War arrived in Southampton more than 70 years after it fell into Allied hands.

Commonly known as Elefant, the Panzerjäger Tiger (P) has undergone an historic 3,500 mile return journey across the Atlantic from the US where it was on display.

The 70-ton German tank will form part of a major exhibition at the Tank Museum at Bovington. It is the first time an Elefant has been seen in the UK. It will feature in ‘The Tiger Collection – the Tanks, the Terror & the Truth’ exhibition at Bovington sponsored by World of Tanks and set to open in April 2017.

- advertising feature -

Be part of a successful year with Stephen Lamberth Stephen Lamberth’s Schools of Tae Kwon Do and Self Defence have just celebrated a successful 2016.

A delighted Stephen said, “We had four coloured belt gradings throughout the year and have awarded over 250 belts to students through 2016.

“We also gained 12 new black belts and two 3rd degree black belts along with four new 2nd dan black belts.

“There were also a host of medals and trophies for those who chose to enter the competitions.

“It looks like 2017 will be another successful year - will you be part of it?

I hope too see you at the lessons. Call me to arrange a free trial 01202 829012 or contact me via the website taekwondo4u.co.uk” Here are 12 New Year’s resolutions that you will enjoy keeping with Stephen Lamberth’s Schools of Tae Kwon Do & Self Defence: 1. To have a great new hobby that helps you get fitter and gain in confidence.

2. Meet and socialise with new people enjoying a sociable environment.

3. To relieve stress

4.

5.

6.

7.

and enhance concentration.

Improve discipline and co ordination whilst learning in a safe and controlled environment.

To help and assist in weight loss and toning up the body and mind.

To get enjoyment and satisfaction with regular goal setting.

To push yourself at your pace and achieve when you are ready.

8.

Learn a viable life skill that will change your outlook in a positive way.

9. To learn an art form packed with skill and precision.

10. To have great fun.

11. Do something viable and worthwhile as a hobby with the whole family.

12. Succeed together, work hard together and get your belts together.

Sir Bryn set for classic evening Newly-ennobled, Bryn Terfel, one of the world’s leading opera singers, is looking forward to performing at the Upton House Music Festival this summer.

Renowned Welsh bass-baritone Bryn has performed in all the great opera houses of the world and is especially recognised for his portrayals of Figaro, Falstaff and Wotan.

He will appear at Upton Country Park, Poole, on Thursday, 8 June with Australian soprano Lauren Fagan, the celebrated BSO Concert Orchestra conducted by Escala the acclaimed Gareth Jones and exciting all-female electric string quarter Escala.

Call 01202 255161 for more details.

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

| 39

specialist services AERIAL & SATELLITE INSTALLERS

ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

CHIMNEY SWEEP

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

DECORATING

DISABILITY PRODUCTS

ELECTRICIAN

FENCING

FENCING

MAINTENANCE

FITTED FURNITURE

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

| 41

specialist services GARDENING SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

LOCKSMITH

PLUMBING & HEATING

SHUTTERS

TREE SURGERY

42 |

VIEWPOINT January 2017

TREE SURGERY

TOYS WANTED

specialist services TREE SURGERY

WINDOW REPAIRS

WINDOW REPAIRS

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

10 jigsaw puzzles, 1000pcs, good variety £1 each. Royal Doulton figures from £14£22. West Moors. 01202 890097 Intex ultra plush inflatable bed, electric pump, as new. 39” x 75” x 18” £20. West Moors. 01202 280807 37” Samsung TV. Excellent condition, HD ready. Full access for HDMI and scart connections. Beautiful picture. Selling due to upgrade. £100. West Moors. 01202 895739.

4 pairs men’s cord trousers, 44” waist, 29” inside leg, all nearly new £9 each.

Ringwood. 01425 483158 Wooden gate-leg dining table with 4 folding chairs that fit inside. £30. Ferndown.

07704 785554

DVD box set, the Pacific 10 discs, metal box and peleliu. £8. 01202 389756 Dual settee unit, L-shape 80” x 66”, dark brown velour, 4 seat, 7 back cushions, fair condition £150 ono. Wimborne. 01202 883289 Fridge freezer tall £30. Under counter fridge vgc £60. St Leonards. 01425 483896 Bespoke table and chairs, solid dark wood. Beautifully maintained. Table 7’ long with 6 wooden chairs including carvers.

Would suit grand kitchen or large dining room. £450. Large dark wood open dresser over 50 years old. Plenty of display space. Absolute bargain: £350. Tel: West Moors 01202 877968

Wicker linen bin, and wicker hamper 15 x 9 x 5 ins, both vgc. £4 each. Ferndown.

01202 861588

Electric flame coal effect fireplace with wood surround, mantel and hearth, display cabinets, lighting, glass doors. £50.

Ferndown. 07704 785554

Cat Carrier transporter (plastic) large. £10.

Travel cot – Britax. £10. Ferndown. 07792 178733 (no text messages or withheld numbers please)

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

01202 814177

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June 2015

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ASK THE

EXPERT

Nolan Irving

Q. What can I do if my solicitor really isn’t performing? I instructed them six weeks ago.

I’ve paid for searches and have a mortgage offer, but they still haven’t raised enquiries.

A. Well, this is where the choice

of a great estate agent really begins to prove its worth as they will get involved and assist you in understanding why nothing seems to have happened. An experienced agent will spend a great deal of time trying to resolve the situation on your behalf to keep things moving forward.

Good estate agents will take a personal responsibility for the sale progression side of things and they will keep in regular contact with you, the seller and all the solicitors involved to ensure that things are proceeding as they should be.

Experienced agents will have built strong relationships with a good number of solicitors over many years

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and will therefore be able to help push things along when required and take on most of the sales progression on your behalf. So, if your solicitor is not responding to you, then I would suggest that you raise this with your agent as soon as possible so that they can chase things on your behalf.

Over the past few years, I have seen an increase in online-only solicitors being involved in our sales and whilst I appreciate they may be cheaper for the client, in my opinion you get what you pay for. What we usually find that what you may save in your fees, you will probably end up paying for in increased stress and hassle!

We seem to be moving into a world where people think that you

can get an equivalent service from using online-only services, which is just not the case. Most high street solicitors can provide you with online updates and will respond quickly to emails but what you also get is the reassurance of knowing who is personally looking after your sale or purchase. You can also visit their high street premises (if required) as well as contacting them on direct dial phone numbers. I would also add that it probably isn’t actually going to cost much more, if anything at all, once all the costs are calculated.

What some solicitors knock off their headline price to appear cheaper, they may add onto their other fees to make it back up again!

Whatever type of conveyancing

service you decided to go with, it is very unusual and difficult for a customer to switch conveyancers or solicitors halfway through a transaction especially if they already have the search results and instructions from the mortgage lender.

So, my advice to you in your current situation is to talk to your estate agent immediately and ask them to help. My advice to anyone else when considering which solicitor to instruct is to take the advice of the estate agent and ensure that your estate agent is prepared to take a personal responsibility for progressing the transaction and liaising closely with the solicitors throughout the transaction.

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motoring

TACKLING FOREST ANIMAL ACCIDENTS

M

ore than 30,000 animal emergency hotline cards are being sent to local people in an attempt to reduce animal deaths on New Forest roads.

Prompted by a suggestion from local resident Gilly Jones, these cards, produced by the New Forest National Park Authority, will be distributed by New Forest District Council with their 2017 parking clocks for the first time.

The cards provide drivers with the phone numbers they need in the event of an accident. It is

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the law to report all accidents involving a pony, cow, donkey, dog, pig or sheep to the police as soon as possible.

Gilly Jones from Burley, said, “I am so pleased that this idea has come together so quickly and would like to thank the District Council and National Park Authority for their support.”

The hotline cards are part of a range of activities undertaken by Forest organisations to increase drivers’ awareness of the animals roaming the Forest.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

This includes using changing road signs, reflective pony collars and a mobile police road safety camera, part funded by the Verderers, which last year caught almost 10,000 motorists speeding in the Forest. The Verderers also run a hit and run reward scheme, with £1,000 for information leading to the conviction of a driver who fails to report a collision.

New Forest district councillor Fran Carpenter, said, “If the thousands of people who buy NFDC parking clocks this year are reminded to drive more slowly and carefully in the presence of animals on forest roads, and know exactly who to contact in the event of an accident, this joint venture may protect some animals from unnecessary suffering. I hope the information cards will be kept in cars, just in case. It’s a very positive step, and I thank Gilly for her idea and all parties for coming together to make it happen.”

Be ready to stop - ponies may step out even when they’ve seen you approaching.

Drive slowly, especially at night and when other cars are approaching with their headlights on.

Give animals grazing by the side of the road a wide berth.

Take extra care when there are animals on the verges on both sides of the road.

Remember that deer easily jump the fences alongside roads and when there is one deer more will usually follow.

The faster you are going, the greater the damage will be to the animal, your car and your passengers - start your journey early so you don’t have to hurry.

IF YOU WITNESS AN ACCIDENT: If you witness or are involved in an accident involving a pony, donkey, cow, pig or sheep, call the Police (999 for an emergency or 101 if it’s not an emergency). Animal emergency hotline cards also give you the numbers to call if you see sick, injured or distressed animals.

To stock the cards contact the New Forest National Park Authority at enquiries@newforestnpa.gov.uk.

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