Viewpoint June 2017

Established Over 35 Years Mid June 2017

Your Independent Local Magazine

VIEWPOINT

Volume 41, Issue 8

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

MINUTE’S SILENCE AFTER MAYOR MAKING Following the election of Cllr Mrs L Dedden as Verwood’s mayor on 22 May, the full town council meeting was continued the following day when a minute’s silence was held in memory of all the families affected by the tragedy in Manchester.

THE SUICIDE BOMBING AT MANCHESTER ARENA ON 22 MAY LEFT 22 DEAD AND OVER 70 INJURED.

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JAZZ BY THE SEA A week-long Jazz by the Sea Festival will take place across multiple venues in Poole and Bournemouth from 11-17 June.

The festival will see numerous live performances in retail outlets, shopping arcades, hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs and pubs as well as in public areas, with musicians also playing from the festival’s unique Jazzmobile each day.

HERE’S A SNAPSHOT: mags4dorset in conjunction with Jazz By The Sea Festival has produced a full programme of events. Visit www.mags4dorset.co.uk/dorset-publications/jazz-by-the-sea-festival/ for a free to read online copy of the programme, or

www.jazzbytheseafestival.co.uk FOR BOOKING DETAILS.

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VIEWPOINT June 2017

11-17 JUNE: The Tom Gwyther Trio on the Jazzmobile stage at various locations.

16 JUNE: Revolution Club at Koh Lounge, Bournemouth – 7-9pm.

11 JUNE: Clare Teal and her Hollywood Orchestra, Lighthouse Poole – 7.30pm.

17 JUNE: World Jazz Jamboree at Lighthouse Sherling Studio, Poole – 12.30pm–9pm with Tommaso Starace Quartet (12.30pm), Monica Vasconcelos Quintet (2.30pm), Thokozile Collective (4.30pm) Omar Puente (7pm), Soothsayers (9pm). World class music from Europe, Brazil, Africa, Cuba and the Caribbean. Tickets £15 to £20 per concert, or a pass for all 5 is £65.

14 JUNE: Sharp 9 Duo, Neo Restaurant – 7-10pm.

15 JUNE: Jazz FM Blues & Boogie night, Lighthouse Poole – 7.30pm.

Sarah Bolter and Tina May, West Beach Restaurant – 8.30pm.

VIEWPOINT Volume 41 • Issue 8 • June 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

Logistics

Hello everyone!

It’s hard to know where to begin when writing about terrorism.

It’s woven into the fabric of our society where it remains because there doesn’t seem any way of eradicating it.

When it comes to suicide bombers there’s no way of knowing what’s in their minds, so no way of helping them out of the desperate pit in which they wallow. Whether simple or intelligent, their private thoughts can never be unpicked and examined.

I was as horrified as the rest of the world when a terrorist blew himself up at Manchester Arena and took 22 others with him and injured over 70 and our thoughts are with the victims and their families.

Please keep safe and vigilant as the UK remains on an increased terrorist threat alert.

If you see anything that may be related to terrorism, call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789321 or call 999.

Somehow, Viewpoint remains buoyant despite the thud of bad news that knocks us back now and again. Carol managed to fit in a holiday to Menorca and take a break. I could do with a holiday now, but must confess, the thought of terrorism has had an impact on my choices, even though I don’t want to be beaten down by it.

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:

30 JUNE 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

Ian Lory Alex O’Neill

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.

Happy 105th birthday Alma

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

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Oh the

BODY WORN VIDEO ISSUED TO FIREARMS OFFICERS ACROSS DORSET

bells

F

or the first time since 1976, the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers annual festival service was held in Wimborne Minster. It took place on 13 May and was hosted by the East Dorset branch, one of eight branches across the Salisbury Diocese.

The service was conducted by the Revd Canon Vanessa Herrick with the address given by the Bishop of Sherborne, the Right Revd Karen Gorham. The singing was led by a choir made up of ringers from the East Dorset Branch and David Warwick, tower captain at Wimborne, was on the organ.

Following the service the annual meeting of the Guild was held in Church House.

The Bishop of Sherborne, the Right Revd Karen Gorham with the Revd Canon Vanessa Herrick together with the deputy mayor of Wimborne Minster, Cllr Robin and Cllr Mrs Sue Cook, and bellringers Trish Hitchins, Kath and Alan Bentley, and David Warwick with Judith Williamson, Guild president and Robert Wellen, the Guild master

Body Worn Video (BWV) equipment was issued to 270 Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs), across Dorset Police last month. The roll-out of the cameras follows a successful trial and public consultation.

The cameras will now be issued to all firearms officers and represent a significant development in the use of technology to capture the best evidence for victims, and reduce the likelihood of victims and witnesses having to appear in court if an offender offers an early guilty plea.

This has proved particularly successful in domestic abuse cases where there has been an increase in earlier guilty pleas from offenders who know their actions have been recorded.

The cameras will be attached to the officer’s uniform and will not permanently record. This ensures that officers’ interactions with the public are not unnecessarily impeded.

All footage recorded is subject to legal safeguards and complies with national guidance and video that is not retained as evidence or for a policing purpose is automatically deleted within 31 days.

If members of the public wish to apply for footage taken of them they can apply in writing under freedom of information data protection laws.

Alliance specialist operations superintendent Nikki Leaper said, “This technology enables our firearms officers to record the very challenging circumstances they are asked to deal with on a daily basis and then demonstrate, more effectively, the reality of policing. It provides an opportunity for enhanced evidence capture and supports transparency trust and confidence in the police.”

The Body Worn Camera AFOs will be using is the ‘Axon Flex 2’

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VIEWPOINT June 2017

HAVE YOUR SAY ON COASTAL PATH ROUTE IN CHRISTCHURCH The coastline in Christchurch will soon be part of one of the longest coastal walking routes in the world.

England Coast Path will be a national trail around England’s coast, which is planned to be completed by 2020.

Natural England, the government’s advisor for the natural environment, is responsible for implementing the Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009, which requires them to secure a route around the whole of the English coast for the public to enjoy.

The route is being mapped in sections and, having recently identified its preferred coastline route in Christchurch, Natural England will soon begin a formal 8-week consultation.

It is expected to start in mid-June.

Railway history ON THE RIGHT TRACKS History will be made with the return of a public diesel train service from Swanage and Corfe Castle to the main line at Wareham – for the first time in 45 years.

The volunteer-led Swanage Railway plans to run its first diesel-hauled passenger train into Wareham station on 13 June.

It has been the longheld aim by determined railway campaigners dating back to 1972 when the Purbeck branch line was controversially closed and demolished by British Rail.

The first train will mark the start of a two-year trial public service operating on 60 selected days during the summer. There will be

four trains a day in each direction operating on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays until 3 September, 2017, inclusive.

The 10-mile journey will take 45 minutes.

Passengers should book seats in advance at www.swanagerailway.co.uk

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

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Venice sunset proposal rings true

Helen Molloy with the lucky couple

A lucky Dorset couple have made their wedding day even more special by winning their wedding rings in a competition held by Forum Jewellers in Broadstone.

Joel Wiltshire and Rebekah Smith beat 54 other couples into top place. Each engagement story was posted daily on Forum’s Facebook page and the five that received the most ‘likes’ were then

voted on, via the Forum website.

The idea came about when Forum learned one of their customers had proposed to his girlfriend at the bottom of The Statue of Liberty with a platinum engagement ring bought from the store. Realising there would be many romantic and interesting engagement stories, Forum decided to run the competition.

Joel proposed to Rebekah in a gondola at sunset during their holiday in Venice last summer.

The Bournemouth couple met at Cardiff University in 2010 and plan to marry in August 2018.

Rebekah explains how excited they were to win their rings, “We honestly still can’t believe it. We are so overwhelmed and grateful to everyone who took the time to vote for us, we couldn’t believe the response we got throughout the voting stages.

“We are still in shock but it all felt real when we visited Forum to view some beautiful rings once we found out that we’d won.”

Helen Molloy, Forum’s director said, “We had no idea when we first launched the competition that it would be so popular. All of the stories were so lovely and everyone received a voucher as a thank you for sharing their special moment with us.”

Crash course choir raises over £10,000 Bournemouth Hospital Charity has received a donation of over £10,000 from Bournemouth Male Voice Choir following the ‘Sing for Life’ concert where over 50 amateur singers joined the choir to help raise funds for men’s health projects.

After an intensive 10-week crash course, the amateur singers joined the Bournemouth Male Voice Choir to perform at Lighthouse, Poole.

Almost 1,000 people attended the ‘Learn2Sing’ programme’s concert finale – Sing for Life.

The tremendous efforts of the choir resulted in over £10,000 being raised from the concert. All funds will go towards blue light cystoscopy equipment at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s Urology Department, helping consultants to better identify and treat cancer cells in the bladder.

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VIEWPOINT June 2017

Enter online at www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your answer to Kids Zone, mags4dorset, 1st Floor King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9EN. Closing date is 4 July 2017. The first three correct answers drawn will be the winners. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd and New Forest Aqua Park are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final. Terms and conditions apply.*

COMPETITION Kids can have a

splashing time

Six tickets are up for grabs in Viewpoint to New Forest Aqua Park’s Kids Zone

M

ags4dorset in conjunction with the New Forest Aqua Park is giving away six tickets (three prizes of two tickets) to the New Forest Aqua Park’s Kids Zone, providing exclusive facilities for 6-14 year olds.

Readers have the chance to win two tickets each to take their children to the New Forest Aqua Park for a simply splashing time.

The floating modules include the ever-popular hurdles, stepping stones, slide, balance beam and an innovative roundabout in the centre of a fun-filled onwater figure of eight layout.

Kids Zone accommodates up to 30 children per hour and can be booked out exclusively at weekends for parties and events.

More info at www. newforestwaterpark.co.uk

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN TWO TICKETS TO THE KIDS ZONE SIMPLY ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

What age group is the new Kids Zone exclusively for?

*TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1.

Prize valid until end September 2017.

2.

The prize allows the winners access to New Forest Water Park from Friday to Sunday (inclusive) with one hour use of the facilities, which includes the Kids Zone. This must be redeemed in one transaction - the prize cannot be split across multiple days, times etc.

3.

Winners must be a minimum age of 6 years+ (or at least 110 cm in height) to use the facilities.

4.

Winners must be able to swim.

5.

If for any reason the apparatus is not in use, there will be no obligation to provide a cash refund.

An alternative date will be given at the park’s discretion

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

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LAW SPOT by Dee Woodcock

Employment Lawyer, Harold G Walker Solicitors Q. When does an employee need an employment solicitor?

A. Most employees tend to contact an employment solicitor when their relationship with their employer has gone awry, or their employment has come to an end.

Whilst this may seem the most logical time for an employee to contact a solicitor, employees would often be better served if they approached a solicitor for advice when matters started to go wrong, rather than when they may have passed a point of no return.

Employees who are proactive and actively seek advice to understand the situation they are in, will be better equipped to properly navigate and try to manage the situation at hand.

‘Grasping the nettle’ at the beginning is ultimately not as painful in the long run.

Taking advice early helps with both the employee’s mental, as well as physical preparation of addressing a disciplinary, redundancy situation or initiating a grievance. It helps the employee to more proactively and constructively deal with the situation, which in turn can also help to reduce the level of some of the stress and worry that

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VIEWPOINT June 2017

they will be experiencing during that time.

Equally employees should also look to use a solicitor when they may be negotiating terms or proposed changes to their employment, a bonus, or benefits scheme.

Employment solicitors can advise on, and check the benefits of, any proposed terms or changes to them and suggest additional terms or improvements not initially considered.

In essence then, an employee, at any time of doubt or decision about their employment, should seek the advice of an employment solicitor.

Dee Woodcock

Three charged with the murder of Guy Hedger in East Dorset Dorset Police has charged three men with the murder of 61-year-old Guy Hedger In a crime that shocked the local community, Guy Hedger was killed in the early hours of the morning on Sunday 30 April in his home in Castlewood in Ringwood. The post-mortem examination found the business executive died as a consequence of gunshot wounds.

Jason Baccus, 41, and Scott Keeping, 44, both of Verney Close in Bournemouth and Kevin Downton, 40, from Winterborne Stickland were charged on 5 May with murder and aggravated burglary. They appeared at Winchester Crown Court via a video link on 9 May and are due to appear at Winchester Crown Court in July.

A 40-year-old woman, also arrested in relation to this case, has been released under investigation as has a 45-year-old Poole man.

A sixth person, a man aged 39

and from Bournemouth who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary has also been released under investigation.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Connolly said that following a fast moving and thorough investigation, it would be entirely inappropriate for Dorset Police to comment further ahead of the trial. “It is vital that the justice system is allowed to follow its course,” he said.

John Montague, Senior District Crown Prosecutor from the CPS, added that with criminal proceedings now active the men have a right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings,” he said.

COLUMN SUPPLIED BY WESSEX PENSIONS

Daniel Parkin

Are you one of the 1.4million not claiming pension credit?

State pensions were first introduced by Lloyd George in 1908 and paid to those aged 70 and over to avoid destitution.

The state pension we know today, funded

by National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and claimed by more than 12 million, was part of the 1948 settlement that created the “cradle-tograve” welfare state, with men retiring at 65 and women at 60. Now both men and women have the same retirement age and the state pension age is gradually getting back to that age of 70 first introduced over 100 years ago.

Politicians continue to disagree and tinker with

the pension system, both with the state and private pensions as numbers reaching state-pension age are expected to double from 410,000 in the next tax year to 820,000 in 2029.

Living on a low income in later life is very hard work. Every penny has to be watched, council tax and utility bills regularly increase more than state pension increases and shopping lists have to be kept, with little room for luxuries. What does concern me is that pensioners living below the so-called poverty line and who are entitled to pension credit, have to make a claim rather than it be paid automatically to them.

The Government estimated that in 2014-15, £3.5 billion of low income benefits (Pension Credit and Housing Benefit) went unclaimed by older people.

This is likely to be due to a combination of reasons including: lack of knowledge about the complicated systems, an assumption they will not be entitled, negative attitudes to claiming, or because

people are put off by the processes. Recent news has estimated this to be more than one million pensioners. The triple lock system that was brought in during the coalition now seems to be on the scrap heap if Theresa May gets her way, and why it is even more important for an entitled pensioner to claim this benefit.

During this tax year of 2017-18 this pension credit is available to be claimed by a retired single person earning less than £159.35 per week or for a couple earning less than £243.25 between them per week.

To claim pension credit all a person needs to do is call the government helpline on 0800 99 1234, or use a paper application if unable to make a claim by phone. Voluntary organisations such as Citizens Advice or AgeUK are also willing to help.

Join the 93 Club The 93 Club, founded in 1993 (hence its name), is a retired person’s luncheon club that meets every third Thursday of the month.

Lunch follows an interesting talk and members meet at Sandy Balls Woodside Inn, SP6 2LA. In May, a talk about the Magic Circle kept everyone spellbound. Members heard about Harry Houdini and his various successors.

The next meeting is on 15 June. New members are welcome, so if you live locally and need to be kept off the streets at 10.30am until after lunch every third Thursday of the month, give Derek Ayling a call on 01425 650770 and ask about the 93 Club. Email hippotrain@btinternet.com

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

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

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

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education & classes

Dorset Art Prize now open for entries Designed to encourage and help to create a broader, more inclusive vision for the arts locally and to actively engage with the community, the Dorset Art Prize, created by the Bournemouth & Poole College, is now open to entrants.

Last year saw an outstanding selection of exciting and diverse pieces, with a variety of

traditional and digital art.

Two new awards: the Schools Art Prize and the Community Art Prize were also added and a large proportion of local schools and community groups got involved. Worth £500 each, these prizes will be given to the school that gives a significant contribution of submissions to the competition and the community group who

demonstrate outstanding art as part of a group or individual project.

The theme this year is ‘open.’ This will continue to allow artists the freedom to produce work in whichever style of format they feel most confident in. The tone, mood and subject matter are entirely the choice of the artist.

Artists can submit work in any media that is new or recently produced.

Students can enter final pieces of course work from degree, HND, A Level, Level 3, 2 and 1 diploma and GCSE. The judges include international artist and former student Stuart Semple, international photographer Tony

Worobiec and Michael Spender, museum and arts manager, Borough of Poole.

Ellie Douglas, photography lecturer and art prize co-ordinator at the college, said, “It was exciting to see how many different schools and community groups

Art Prize judge Stuart Semple is a former student of the college

Unprecedented enrolments FOR EARLY YEARS COURSES Aspire Training Team have reported a huge influx of Early Years’ Educator (EYE) level 3 starts due to the GCSE rule change. They say the increase from the same time last year is a staggering 1467%.

T

he government reversed their decision on the GCSE grade Cs in Maths and English being compulsory for the EYE, to allowing an equivalent level 2 Functional Skills from 1 April 2017.

Cheryl Hadland, founder of Tops Day Nurseries says, “Reinstating Functional Skills has enabled early

engaged with the prize last year. The standard of the work each year becomes higher and the artworks more diverse. We look forward to seeing this year’s entries.”

To enter the Dorset Art Prize or for more information visit www. thecollege.co.uk/artprize

years’ settings to hire and train the practitioners we need - to provide love, care and education to children in our nurseries.

“Parents and their children will directly benefit as this change will increase the numbers of level 3 qualified staff in the nurseries. This will enable those nurseries with waiting lists, due to staff shortages to re-open

places, which will be increasingly important if working parents respond to increased government funding for childcare by increasing their working hours and therefore their need for more childcare hours.”

In April, Aspire Training Team had 44 new level 3 starts, compared to the three starts last year in April, this is good news for the sector and in time will help fill the current level 3 staff shortage gap.

These learners had been held back by the GCSE ruling, which forced them to remain as level 2 instead of progressing to level 3.

Ringwood School celebrates ‘Good’ rating

Ringwood School has maintained a ‘Good’ rating in its latest Ofsted inspection.

The inspection team visited in March and were impressed with the level of care that teachers show towards students in their everyday work. The report highlights the good outcomes and strong teaching that students receive as well as the strong performance of Ringwood School’s Sixth Form. It also emphasises the excellent pastoral care and academic standards of the school.

Headteacher Leanne Symonds comments, “The inspection was a really rigorous process and has been a very positive experience for the school. The report highlights the great many strengths of the school and confirms the areas that we are working on to make it even better for our students and the community that we serve.”

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VIEWPOINT June 2017

GREAT INTEREST FOR AWARENESS DAY

Arthritis affects millions of people and the Ferndown branch of Arthritis Care held a free event at the Beacon Centre on 10 May. Free talks were headlined

by Dr Selwyn Richards, consultant rheumatologist at Poole and Bournemouth hospitals.

When asked about nutritional supplements, he said that those suffering with arthritis could benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement.

He extolled the virtues of methotrexate, a drug that helps control the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis saying that in the days before it was widely used, the autoimmune disease could reduce a patient’s life expectancy by 20 years. He also said the drug helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as dementia.

He recommended exercise to those with arthritis, but admitted that patients should not over-exercise as this could cause injury.

When questioned about fibromyalgia, he said it was a punishing and unfair illness because the suffering is out of proportion to the damage it causes. He said it is often associated with arthritis because pain is a driver of fibromyalgia, adding, “It’s a megaphone on suffering.”

Pam Bentley chairman of Ferndown Arthritis branch said, “The event exceeded our expectations, we were flat out all day with tremendous support from the community.”

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Looking for affordable prices to pursue your healthy lifestyle? Then visit Ferndown Leisure Centre. With great facilities and loads of activities, there is something for the whole family.

Kick-start your programme with a gym-only membership, at the fantastic price of £22.99 per month. The benefits are unlimited use of the gym, an induction, 100% money-

back guarantee, and shortterm commitment. Friendly staff are always happy to offer help and advice.

There is a swim-only membership for those who enjoy the water at only £24

per month. There are lots of benefits of swimming. Did you know for instance that 30 minutes of swimming at a steady pace burns 200 calories?

Ferndown Leisure’s swim and premium membership entitles you to use SWIMTAG. The technology is an incredible way to track calories burned, distance swum, and speed, to help keep you motivated and enjoying your swims.

Swim 400m (16 lengths) using any stroke and compare your time against others online or try to improve your time each week. ‘Rule the Pool’ is a weekly competition available on the SWIMTAG system, from Friday to Sunday. Your fastest 400m-time will be added to an interactive league table, which is published every Sunday night.

Gym-only members can use SWIMTAG for free when paying for a swim. Places members and non-members pay £1 in addition to paying for a swim. You will need to register online through the online membership system before your first swim, then you will be provided with a swipe card at reception to allow you to access SWIMTAG.

From tracking your swim to competitions, it’s hard not to love a dip in the pool with SWIMTAG. To find out more contact 01202 877468, visit www. ferndownleisurecentre. co.uk or email deanadudman@pfpleisure.org

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VIEWPOINT June 2017

Dr Selwyn Richards

in health & fitness

in health and fitness

Out with the old, in with the new Patients at Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s emergency department are benefitting from the use of a brand new ultrasound system following a £28,500 donation from the League of Friends charity.

The SonoSite Edge II ultrasound system is now being used daily to aid quick diagnosis in emergencies and help hospital clinicians to make life-saving decisions.

The newly-acquired machine replaces the original ultrasound system in the department – which the League of Friends also financed back in 2007.

Consultant in emergency medicine, Dr Peter Swallow, said the new machine will be a huge benefit to many of the hospital’s emergency patients.

“Technology has advanced massively since the League of Friends funded the first ultrasound system and the images

produced on more modern equipment are now much clearer,” explains Dr Swallow.

“The new ultrasound system will allow us to rapidly diagnose and treat a multitude of lifethreatening emergency conditions, ranging from intra-abdominal bleeding to heart conditions. The equipment will also allow us to accurately perform emergency procedures.

“We are very grateful for the ongoing support of the League of Friends in enabling us to deliver highquality, timely emergency care.”

Chair of the League of Friends, Rosie Havers, says League members are very proud to help their local

hospital in this way.

“Our members have a great sense of satisfaction in knowing this new piece of equipment will help patients receive quicker and improved treatment,” says Rosie.

“We are always looking for new ways we can support the hospital and thank everyone who has supported us.”

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

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view from VERWOOD

Life as an Iranian housewife

APPEAL FOLLOWING THEFT OF STATUE IN VERWOOD

P

olice are appealing for anyone with information to come forward following the theft of a life-size bronze deer and fawn statue. It was reported stolen from an address on Doe Lane at around 9pm on Sunday 19 March.

PC Fay Sweeting, of Dorset Police, said, “The statue is estimated to be worth around £5,000 and is one of only two ever made. It has great sentimental value to the owners.

“I have now received information to suggest that the statue may have been transported to Wiltshire.

“It is believed that the vehicle which was used to carry the statue was also used to tow a caravan, which we think was stolen. It is thought to be a 2011 Sterling Celebration four-berth caravan.

“I am appealing to anyone who has seen this statue or the caravan for sale in suspicious circumstances since the time of the incident either in Dorset or Wiltshire, or has purchased the items in good faith, to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn. police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55170040536. Alternatively, contact the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

New furniture granted Good use is being made of seven new armchairs purchased by Age Concern Verwood after a grant was received from Age UK as part of its Friends & Forums Small Grant Programme 2017.

Both charities work together to improve things for people in later life, by providing services and support that serve the interests of older people.

Run entirely by volunteers, Age Concern Verwood meetings are on Mondays and Wednesdays in the Band Hall, Moorlands Road from 10am to 3pm.

Members enjoy assistance with transport to and from the day centre.

Refreshments are provided, together with a two-course midday meal. There are always activities, which are geared towards members’ interests and include an occasional outing.

Age Concern Verwood welcomes new members. If you would like to give it a try call Mark on 01202 821786 or Gordon on 01202 813805.

Sandra Simmonds gave an inspiring talk on life as a housewife in Iran at a May meeting of the Verwood Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild.

Coming highly recommended, this was Sandra’s second talk about her marriage to an Iranian in the 1970s. She described a hard life of restriction and extreme isolation, often being locked away for doing anything wrong, and the beating of women being commonplace.

The search for a prospective husband started when a girl was about six years old and, once married, her role was simply wife and mother; women were not allowed to go to work. They were the property of their husband who was allowed up to four wives, and as such, always had to walk seven steps behind him in the street.

Members of Verwood Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild also stood for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for much-loved member Marjorie Jones who died recently.

The recent ‘Posh Ploughman’s & Pud’ was a success. The Entertainers group took part in an Old Time Music Hall at the Memorial Hall earlier in May. If you are interested in joining the Townswomen’s Guild, please ring 01202 827339.

Mayor congratulates longstanding volunteers A coffee morning held for Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) volunteers at Verwood Library recently was attended by the mayor of Verwood at the time, Cllr Mrs Susan Shaw.

It brought together volunteers from the RVS Home Library Service

(HLS) and the Befriending Service in Verwood along with Lisa Knight, RVS operations manager for Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.

Longstanding volunteers Bob and Mary McKay were presented with their 15-year RVS medals for outstanding voluntary service. They started with Verwood Meals on Wheels and joined the HLS when that service ended.

They deliver books from Verwood Library to people who cannot easily get there, providing social contact as well as a regular supply of books and talking

books. They have come to know their readers well, and consider them as friends.

Lisa Knight said, “Bob and Mary have volunteered for the RVS for a long time, and their hard work and dedication is much appreciated by all.

“Our sincere thanks go to all our volunteers who so generously and kindly give their time on a regular basis, making a real difference to people’s lives.”

To find out more about the HLS and the Befriending Service in Verwood and surrounding areas, such as Alderholt, call the RVS Dorset & Wiltshire Office on 01305 236666, or local coordinator Anita Enefer on 07525 237093.

Mayor Cllr Susan Shaw congratulates Bob and Mary

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VIEWPOINT June 2017

view from VERWOOD

Council Matters

By Cllr Simon Gibson

I sat down to write this month’s column during a rare break from campaigning for the General Election.

Whoever wins, the impact for local councils will take time to become clear. The ongoing issue of local government reorganisation has been postponed as a result of the election and a decision, even in principle, could now be several months away.

T

his remains a significant issue for local councils, as clarity either way is required so that planning can begin, either to find the necessary savings to balance the books, or to change the structure of our local councils.

Personally, I am hoping that the new government, whichever party that may be, takes a positive approach to

the challenges faced by local councils. Genuine help is required to build the right type of housing for younger people, whilst ensuring that councils can protect the natural environment. I hope that they will resource councils sufficiently so that they can provide the key services that our residents expect.

It is right that councils continue to find ways of saving money and to make

Cllr Simon Gibson

savings in administrative roles but funding must also be provided for those who need it most. Dorset often gets less than its fair share of funding which is not right. So alongside a new government, councillors must continue to work with local MPs to ensure this is improved. Watch this space!

International Nurses Day marked in Verwood International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every year on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, to mark the contributions nurses make to society.

Waypoints in Verwood marked the occasion on 12 May by sending each of its nurses a flower and message. Waypoints chose to send each nurse a peony for its special meaning as it symbolises compassion as well as a happy life and good health.

Waypoints Care’s managing director Andrew Baxendine said, “We’re proud of all our staff as they help to make the lives of our residents living with dementia as happy and comfortable as possible. The flower and message we sent to each of our nurses on International Nurses Day is just a small token of appreciation as they make such a huge difference to each and every one of our residents’ lives – thank you.”

Waypoints Care Group runs three specialist dementia care homes in Dorset and Devon. Each home is purposebuilt and designed specifically for people living with dementia.

Schools’ orchestra

extravaganza

There will be a concert showcasing the Dorset Youth Symphony Orchestra, the talented Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra and the energetic Folk Group, Reel Dorset on 6 July at 7pm at Lighthouse Poole.

Among the massed orchestra of performers will be children from Verwood’s Emmanuel Middle School, as well as from Cranborne Middle, The Gryphon School, The Grange School, West Moors Middle, Lockyers Middle, Purbeck School, Sir John Colfox School, and Gillingham School.

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

| 15

Teenager sentenced to 21 months in prison Charles Fraser-Varney, 18, of no fixed abode was sentenced to 21 months in prison at Southampton Crown Court on 18 May after pleading guilty to three burglaries involving the theft of vehicles.

Fraser-Varney would break into the houses of people he knew through friends and family looking to steal various items, however he would always seek to leave in the victim’s car.

In June last year, Fraser-Varney was stopped by police after being observed driving a Toyota Yaris erratically in Blackfield.

He tried giving officers a false name but it was soon realised that the car had been stolen in a burglary in the New Forest while the occupants had been on holiday.

Apart from the car, he also took a TV, a bike, a PS3 and jewellery. Every room was ransacked and Fraser-Varney appeared to have cut his hair whilst in the address.

The victim continued to find his hair in her house weeks after the incident.

Overnight on 14 February 2017, FraserVarney targeted a home in Totton stealing a purse containing cash and cards along with the victim’s son’s car.

The burglary happened the day before the victim’s mother’s funeral. The impact of this crime occurring at this significantly emotional time was echoed in the victim’s statement heard in court.

He struck again in March at a home in Norfolk, where he stole a transit van and a car, with the help of another person.

Washing Day Blues

By Julian Hewitt, Fordingbridge Museum

W

ith modern washing machines, clothes are cleaned and often dried as well at the push of a button, but in the late 18th century washing would have been an arduous process that I suspect was dreaded by the women who did it.

Having heated the water over a fire it would have been tipped into a tub and the washing agitated by the use of a dolly – a pole with either a three pronged wooden end or a metal plunger – that was pushed up and down to drive the dirt out of the cloth. How their backs and arms must have ached after a busy wash day. Little wonder that washerwomen had a reputation for drunkenness.

Although soap was in common use by 1800 most poor people would still have used Lye. This was made by running water through ash from the fire and then mixing it with urine that had been collected fresh from the chamber pots. To get an extra white finish the washing could have been spread over a bush to be bleached by the sun.

Textile manufacturers in Fordingbridge bleached the material they produced

by laying it out in the field near the river that was called the Great Whiting Yard. For domestic use a blue bag could be used for a gleaming white finish. It contained a mixture of ultramarine and baking soda and was used in the final rinse.

The best known manufacturer of these bags was a company called Reckitts. An advert for their product in 1873 quoted Eliza Elder who had been, ‘laundress to the Prince of Wales for several years’ who said, “I consider Reckitts Paris Blue is the best I have ever used.”

As early as 1787 a washing machine was invented by Edward Beetham. This was a large wooden drum turned by a handle and could, “wash as much linen as six or eight of the ablest washerwomen.”

A writer in the publication The Regal Rambler asks, ‘Are the caps and aprons of your ladies to be cruelly tortured and

torn by the hands of a drunken washerwoman?’ before going on to praise the, ‘marvellous washing mill of Beetham’.

Fordingbridge Model Laundry was set up in the early 20th century just off Church Street. Its adverts boasted of large fitted drying and airing rooms, two acres of drying grounds, pure soft water and best materials only used.

By the 1940s domestic electric washing machines were becoming affordable for many households.

I can remember my parents buying one in the 1950s with a separate spin dryer. It was my job on wash day to hold on to the spin dryer to stop it ‘walking’ round the kitchen. A few years later they purchased the ultimate in sophistication, a twin tub.

Do come and look at our range of washing machines and washing artefacts in the museum.

Highcliffe zigzag path to remain closed until 2018

H

opes to reopen the Highcliffe zigzag path temporarily over the summer season have been dashed as recent surveys have shown that the cliff, which was closed for public safety in March, is not secure enough for a temporary solution to work successfully. Instead a full rebuild will be carried out starting this autumn.

The council has set aside funds of £350,000

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VIEWPOINT June 2017

and was also recently awarded approximately £280,000 towards the rebuild as part of the Dorset Coastal Community Bid although until the work is tendered the actual cost will not be known. It is likely that works will commence in the autumn and will take up to six months, depending on the weather, meaning the zigzag path could reopen in time for Easter 2018.

Matti Raudsepp, strategic director, Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, said, “…We understand the closure has impacted on local residents and visitors but the safety of the public has to be our priority. The recent period of dry weather has further exacerbated issues in the area, and recent cliff falls locally demonstrate why it is essential we do not reopen the zigzag path until we are confident that it is safe. We would like to thank people for their patience while the path remains closed.”

Where do UNEXPECTED we belong?

LANDING ON MINSTER GREEN

A Cessna 150 aircraft landed in Wimborne on 13 May. It formed part of the Mission Aviation Fellowship Focus Weekend (MAF), the latest charity to be supported by the Minster.

A coffee morning was held in Church House and raised £120 for MAF funds while the plane aired its wings.

MAF, a voluntary organisation founded 71 years ago, has 140 aircraft, the majority of which are 6 to 10-seaters, unlike the 2-seater on the Minster Green. Based in 30 countries and operating in 40, MAF is a worldwide operation costing £50m a year to run.

Flying onto desert and jungle airstrips, lakes and rivers, tracks and roads MAF’s light aircraft and their mission pilots go the extra mile to provide a lifeline.

Working in partnership with hundreds of Christian and relief organisations MAF enables practical help, physical healing and spiritual hope to be delivered to many of the most remote and inaccessible communities on the planet.

MAF enables thousands of aid, relief and mission projects in really remote places, because that is where some of the greatest human needs are to be found.

The aircraft arrived by road without its wings and was assembled on the green, in case you were wondering.

Research student, Emma Ayling, from the Institute of Archaeology, University College London, wants your help.

In conjunction with The Priest’s House Museum and Garden, Emma would like to hear from people who are researching their families in East Dorset, as part of a project entitled ‘Belonging – performing genealogy and family history at the Priest’s House Museum – untold stories.’

This project will involve interviewing those who use the museum for family history research, or as visitors to the area on account of family connections.

The interviews will consider how the museum can provide a wider knowledge and understanding of East Dorset and its people and how this creates a sense of community Emma aims to gain a fuller understanding of what defines and makes a community, and how community museums form relations with people, in this case the East Dorset area and beyond.

Please note that participants must be over 18 years old.

Emma also wants to hear from local residents and explore how they view their locality.

Through the Mapping Community project, participants will be interviewed by Emma regarding what is important to them about their locality and how, as residents of East Dorset, they connect with their surroundings. During the interview there would be an opportunity to produce a visual expression of the discussion – this is optional.

For further information or to book a place, please contact Emma Ayling at The Priest’s House Museum and Garden, The Museum of East Dorset, 23-27 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1HR or telephone 01202 882533 or e-mail eayling@priest-house.co.uk

School creates ‘Roman’ mosaics

W

ith the support of Wimborne History Festival, creative Year 6 pupils at Dumpton School have designed and produced three ‘Roman’ mosaics as part of a Heritage Lotteryfunded mosaic project with artist Joanna Dewfall.

Working in small groups, pupils researched and drew designs that would be typically found as a theme in Roman mosaics excavated in Dorset.

They were taught how to cut tiles and create the mosaics. To make their mosaics more realistic, the pupils decided to make them look like fragments that might have been excavated.

As part of Dumpton School’s Roman Day, Wimborne History Festival was also able to provide a ‘Roman soldier’ who came to talk to the children about what is was like to be in the Roman army; the children were able to try on armour and clothing and practise marching.

Head teacher Mr Browning commented, “We are so proud of the mosaics made by our students - the children have shown great creativity and imagination. We will be mounting them for permanent display alongside our new Arts Courtyard.”

Year 6 pupils displaying the mosaics with head of Latin Mr Sam Moulton and mosaic artist Joanna Dewfall

Honorary Freeman of Ringwood dies Ringwood Town Council received the news of former councillor Neville Chard’s passing on 15 May 2017.

Neville joined the town council in 1973 and retired in May 2015.

There are multiple entries of his name on the council’s Roll of Honour. He served as chairman of the council in 1982/83 and then for three years from 1986 to 1989 and, latterly, in 1999/2000. In addition, Neville had been chairman of every committee of the council.

He was the first, and still is the only person to be awarded the title of Honorary Freeman of Ringwood town in 2010, in recognition of his long and outstanding service to the people of the town.

His service to the community began in the Second World War when he was an army cadet watching out for air raids from the observation post on the roof of the old public offices in Christchurch Road.

In 1948 he joined Bisterne Football Club and became its secretary in 1957, a

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VIEWPOINT June 2017

role in which he continued until recently.

He also served as groundsman to the club and had won many awards for the high standard of his pitches.

Neville joined the former Ringwood & Fordingbridge Rural District Council in about 1970 and, in 1973, became one of the first members of the newly formed New Forest District Council, on which he served until 1987.

Councillor Tim Ward the current mayor said, “I never had the privilege of serving with Neville but I have heard all about his long and dedicated service to this council, the New Forest District Council, the community of Ringwood and in particular his beloved Bisterne Football Club.

“For many years, he was known as the ‘father’ of the council and many decisions were made with the benefit of his knowledge and experience much of which came from the 51 years he spent as a postman in the town. He will be sorely missed by everyone and we send our very sincere best wishes to all of his family and friends.”

Neville Chard receiving his Hon Freeman title from the then mayor Cllr Christine Ford

L-r Ian Funnell, Ben, Louis, Robert and Nick Pulford, Janice Styles and Alma

Congratulations TO ALMA PULFORD 105!

Anyone who knows the Pulfords (the mags4dorset bunch) will know a wonderful lady called Alma. She reached the astonishing age of 105 on 19 May and celebrated with a family party.

N

ot many months before her birthday, Alma had ended up in hospital after a fall and a short time later she was admitted to a Bournemouth nursing home.

Incredibly, after just a few weeks, she discharged herself and returned home – initially with carers, but it wasn’t much longer before Alma’s independence shone through again. She is now almost fully independent although she is never short of visitors; they frequently stay-over, as her family, including children, grandchildren and great grandchildren is large and supportive.

She was born in Yorkshire in the same year that RMS Titanic sank, Suffragettes smashed shop windows in London’s West End and British polar explorer RF Scott

and his team of four reached the South Pole only to find that Ronald Amundsen had beaten them to it. George V was on the throne in 1912 and the country had a Liberal prime minister: Asquith.

Alma was widowed in 2005 when her husband, the British commercial artist Eric Pulford, died. In his obituary in the Guardian he was called ‘the single most important figure in the history of the British film poster’ having been responsible for some 1,000 designs during 50 years.

Eric and Alma were often seen at star-studded premieres in London.

Alma is Nick’s mother, Ben and Louis’ nanan, and Janine’s motherin-law and is an avid reader of 4Dorset and Viewpoint.

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

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RINGWOOD NEWS

Life in the Fairground

G

uest speaker at the Ringwood Group of the Hampshire Genealogical Society on 21 June will be Kay Townsend on ‘Life in the Fairground’.

Meet at the Greyfriars Community Centre in Ringwood. Both HGS members and visitors are invited. For further information call group organiser Paul Pinhorne on 07982 257510 or email ringwood@hgs-online. org.uk

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VIEWPOINT June 2017

Band’s first engagement Ringwood and Burley Band’s first engagement of 2017 was the Ringwood Fanfare Festival on 20 May. Before the performance, a cheque was presented by musical director Lloyd Rayner to Geoff Kay of Ringwood and Fordingbridge Lions. This was in recognition of the help given by the Lions at the charity concerts last summer.

- advertising feature -

BALLOONARRAY RELOCATES Balloonarray is a balloon and party supply shop owned and run by qualified balloon decorator Nickie It has recently re-located to High Street premises in Ringwood and can be found opposite Barclays Bank.

No order is too large or small, so if you want one balloon or one thousand, please pop in for a chat.

“Whether you are planning a first birthday or a corporate event we can help you get the party started!” says Nickie.

(Closed on Tuesdays).

Riveting and memorable

S

oloist Lucia Benjafield, accompanied on keyboard by her husband Mike, entertained the Ringwood & Fordingbridge Club for the Blind on 11 May. Lucia delighted the audience with popular songs from the 40s onwards and encouraged listeners to participate by playing instruments she provided or simply clapping or tapping feet in time with the music. It was a riveting and memorable performance.

The club meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (except August) at 2.15pm at Greyfriars Centre in Ringwood and invites new members. Where possible, volunteers collect and return members, so if you have a transport problem, please ring Kate Henderson on 01425 476568.

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

| 21

RINGWOOD NEWS - advertising feature -

Joules doubles in size at The Furlong One of Britain’s best-loved lifestyle clothing brands, Joules, has doubled in size at The Furlong shopping centre in Ringwood. The newly revamped store now features the latest womenswear collections, as well as bringing a greater childrenswear and menswear offering to its customers.

Joules has captured the essence of British style and has become renowned for its high quality clothing and interiors collections. This, along with its strong use of colour; bold prints – all hand-drawn by the talented inhouse design team – and unique signature detailing; has made the label a well-loved brand for families up and down the country.

For a full list of stores at The Furlong visit www.thefurlong.co.uk

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VIEWPOINT June 2017

Bumper fun and funds at May Fayre Ringwood Church of England Infant School’s May Fayre on 6 May raised a huge £4,385 for the school.

Children enjoyed entertainment, a bouncy castle, games, balloon animals, and chicks and other animals from Longdown Mobile Farm.

There was a BBQ, tea and cake pavilion, and beer tent for the adults, plus added prosecco.

Organised by Friends of Ringwood Infant School (FoRIS), the event was supported by pupils, parents, staff and the local community, with generous sponsorship from local businesses.

“We’re thrilled to have raised so much for the school, which will enable us to buy new maths and geography resources for Year 1 and 2 classrooms, plus play equipment for Year R,” said headteacher Mrs Hilary Silk.

RINGWOOD NEWS

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

| 23

in for a bite

The Fighting Cocks, Not as far as you Godshill think for a hearty meal

by Janine Pulford

Surprisingly, it only took about 18 minutes to get to The Fighting Cocks from our home in West Moors and the pub, located in the New Forest at Godshill is a mere four minutes drive from Fordingbridge.

Delicious homemade faggot

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VIEWPOINT June 2017

Tim Eyre

T

im and Kay Eyre took over in 2001 and have improved the pub with an extension, children’s play area and stunning murals on the walls by a local artist.

A master butcher by trade, and Lyndhurst man by birth, Tim keeps a tidy kitchen and takes pride in making his own sausages, burgers and faggots and even cooks his own ham.

He prepares much of the food, along with Jim, who has worked at the Fighting Cocks for 10 years and “is a huge asset to the business” according to Tim. As well as an extensive chalkboard with vegetarian, gluten free, small portions and a Good Elf choice (tell you later), there are menus on the table too.

After checking out the variety, I surprised myself by ordering the Duo of Tim’s faggots with mash, onion gravy and peas as I usually choose fish or vegetarian meals. I had noticed huge portions of food coming out of the kitchen, so I asked Tim to reduce my duo to a single faggot, which he did.

I must sing the praise of the faggot.

It was huge, meaty and tasty, and when eaten with the gravy, potatoes and peas, quite delicious.

Nick said he found the flavour strong, but he tasted it without the accompaniments, so it wasn’t a

Belgian waffle with ice cream, strawberries and strawberry sauce

true reflection of the dish. Not only that, he kept taking more, so he obviously liked it. The mash was so dense it could be sliced, yet it was exceptionally smooth.

Nick wolfed down his Prime chicken breast stroganoff with white rice, which tickled me because I didn’t know he liked mushrooms, and I watched in wonder as the whole lot vanished.

No doubt the button-size fungi imparted a different flavour to the ones I use at home.

Desserts were Belgian waffle with ice cream, strawberries and strawberry sauce and Baileys and coffee cheesecake. Both were enormous. The cheesecake was possibly a stage too far for me, but

in for a bite at least it was balanced with a walk in the beautiful New Forest after dinner.

The pub, as you can imagine, is extremely popular with New Forest visitors as it provides wholesome food and has four ales and scrumpy cider on tap. My Cawston gooseberry crush was a sparkling treat with my meal.

The outdoor area alone seats 200 people and overlooks a large green

frequented by ponies.

The acre of car park easily accommodates coaches and also plays host to many car clubs. Two can dine for £17 on a Wednesday; there are OAP specials and for those on a diet, the Good Elf, which is almost always available, is based on a sin-free Slimming World dish.

There’s something for everyone in fact.

Booking at weekends is recommended.

Additional evening and weekend general assistants are required at The Fighting Cocks. For details contact Tim, Kay or Michelle on 01425 652462

Baileys and coffee cheesecake

Tim’s pork and nettle sausages are the tastiest I’ve ever eaten. He kindly gave me some to take home and try and I can highly recommend them

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

| 27

charity of the year

RNLI

‘Behind every great man there’s a great woman’

This expression is very much the case at Poole Lifeboat Station when it comes to Rod and Carole Brown and Jonathan and Anne-Marie Clark.

Local sail maker Rod Brown has been involved at the station since 1993 when he started as one of the four DLAs. The DLA (deputy launching authority) is the first point of contact when a 999 request comes in and will decide which lifeboat to launch.

Rod became lifeboat operations manager when the vacancy arose. In this pivotal role, he draws on his experience and network, to ensure there is a trained, competent and confident crew and that the boats are safe and ready to launch.

He also manages the boathouse and ‘so much more’.

TB:

A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH

Some of Dorset’s most iconic rural scenes show cattle grazing in the fields. But many local family farms have been facing an uncertain future because of a disease that is still rife across the county, and for which there is no cure: bovine tuberculosis, TB for short.

These farms represent the businesses of people who have devoted their working lives to raising and caring for

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their animals whilst producing high-quality British beef and milk.

Cattle in Dorset have to be tested for TB every year which is in itself very stressful. If a reactor is found on a farm all the cattle are placed under movement restrictions. The whole herd has to have two consecutive clear tests, 60 days apart, before the restrictions are lifted. However, if more reactors are found, the process goes on until

VIEWPOINT June 2017

Carole has been the station treasurer and Rod’s PA since 2001, literally picking up the ‘so much more’. She deals with the station’s administration: from answering emails, correspondence and taking minutes to managing the spending, doing the banking and producing annual accounts – all this, as well as working full-time.

Another husband and wife team is Jonathan and Anne-Marie Clark.

Jonathan is the longest serving volunteer at Poole with over 34 years service.

“I married the RNLI,” says Anne-Marie who remembers the pagers going off on their wedding day as they left the church – she made sure Jonathan was ‘anchored’ down on that occasion.

Like Carole, she soon realised what a big part the RNLI would play in married life. She said, “The only way it would work was for me to get involved.”

In 1998 just after Jonathan was appointed the 12th and last coxswain of Poole lifeboat, Anne-Marie took on the role as station honorary press officer (SHPO), promoting Poole lifeboat with her 35mm camera and fax machine.

In 2001, heavily pregnant with their first child, she recalls being in demand as an incident with X-Boats pinned against the chain ferry unfurled. the cattle test clear.

This period of not being able to operate normally can threaten the existence of a farm.

The stress and strain it places on the family and employees can be unbearable.

Over the past few years Dorset has lost many farms because of bovine TB. Transmission to humans is extremely rare and not seen as a problem in this country, mainly due to pasteurisation of dairy products.

The public will, understandably, always be divided over the part played by badgers regarding TB, but

One disintegrated as the lifeboats tried to tow it to safety and an elderly lady crewmember disappeared under the ferry. All this was captured by mobile phones and beamed around the world.

“The press fall out was huge and everybody wanted the story,” said Anne-Marie.

Today, the thirst for news is instant. Add in social media and the buzz word ‘marcomm’ and the SHPO became an LPO - lifeboat press officer.

Anne-Marie is now on her third laptop and second iPad, and Poole lifeboat crew carry state of the art video cameras on their helmets to capture ‘shouts’ as they happen.

Both Anne-Marie and Carole have been rescued by the lifeboat crew and are mindful that whoever is helped and whatever incident they find themselves in, it can be a stressful time. A person may have experienced anything from shock, intense pain, near death, fear, huge relief, to just feeling stupid.

Whatever the experience, it is important that the rescue report is factual, accurate and reliable with the underlying understanding that the crew are helping someone’s loved one; someone’s son or daughter. The crew never condone, never judge, they are just there to help, whenever people really need them, to save lives at sea.

DIARY DATE Harry Paye Day 17 June

The crew and swashbuckling ‘Stormy Stan’ will be supporting the buccaneers and Pirates of Poole joining in with the procession and shenanigans on Poole Quay. It’s a fun day and Poole lifeboat fundraisers will be manning a souvenir stall from 10am onwards.

scientists are adamant that, although other wildlife may play a part, badgers are the biggest host and threat to cattle. The hope is that one day TB can be eradicated in the UK not only in cattle, but also in the wildlife population.

Christine Scott Animal Health Officer

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

All the way

from Cyprus

Not much is known about Archie other than he was born in Cyprus and is probably about a year old.

When the Dean family from Wimborne went on holiday to the island, they kept bumping into a couple who were walking Archie. Daughters Jasmine, aged 12, and Daisy, aged 10, fell in love with him, so when they found out Archie was in foster care and needed a new home, the family made a big decision.

“We went on holiday and came home with a dog,” says mum Samantha giving Archie an affectionate cuddle. “He has a lovely temperament.”

What a handsome boy he

is.

Creating privacy in the garden

by Colin Knapman, of CK Garden Design

Following on from my article in last month’s Viewpoint when I discussed low maintenance being the top requirement in a garden, I found privacy to be the second most important when listing clients’ requirements

Privacy

With gardens tending to be smaller nowadays and most of us living in urban areas, providing privacy can sometimes create problems. Tall evergreen hedges can easily get out of control and become a high maintenance menace, too much fencing can become bland and uninteresting, but nevertheless we still do not want to be overlooked by our neighbours.

So here are a few things you can consider

Anything above the standard-height fencing could have a more open trellis strip added and planted with climbers. It is worth discussing this with your neighbour first and also you don’t want to block out your own light or feel too enclosed.

Strategically placed specimen trees can often obscure any overlooking upstairs windows.

Think about re-arranging your garden layout if you are being overlooked in a particular area. For example: •

•

•

•

•

Your paved entertaining area could be in another corner of the garden rather than the traditional position outside the patio door.

An arbour constructed over your patio can add privacy and act as a sunshade.

A full height pergola running along the fence can distract the eye if you have an unattractive view.

If noise, say from traffic, is a problem then a tumbling water feature is very good for distracting the ear and can be very relaxing.

Creating a ‘secret garden’ can be fun, exciting and perhaps the solution to your problems.

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

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Cllr Derek Burt third time chair

Louise Richardson (front left) with members of the Ferndown Cubs and Scouts with Stewart’s plant area manager Peter Wood (right)

Ferndown Scout Hut will bloom A tired Scout hut in Ferndown will look brighter this summer following an appeal in the March issue of 4Dorset magazine.

The Ferndown hut, used every week by over 50 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers, has been given a donation of £100 worth of plants and gardening equipment by Stewarts Garden Centre at Broomhill.

The centre’s staff responded to a plea in the March issue of 4Dorset magazine, published by mags4dorset, for volunteers to help give the hut a boost after more than 50 years of wear and tear.

Louise Richardson, head of fundraising on the Scouts executive committee, was invited to choose the plants by Stewarts plant area manager Peter Wood, so the hut can become a more colourful location.

“We are grateful for the donation from Stewarts and hope that we can find more volunteers to help us refurbish the hut to a high standard, and then have the potential to rent out the premises to other organisations for events,” said Louise.

Anyone who may be able to offer help can contact louise@ferndownscouts.org.uk or call 07850 849069.

New leader for Dorset County Council Cllr Rebecca Knox is the new leader of Dorset County Council. She was elected on 18 May with the deputy leader being Cllr Peter Wharf Cllr Knox said, “I know we are proud to have been elected to represent and serve Dorset’s communities. We want to make a difference, with commitment, clarity and courage. We are an inclusive council, one which listens to and understands its communities, recognising that each community within Dorset has distinctiveness and varying demands.

“The residents of Dorset have change in their own lives, both individually and as communities, and Dorset County Council continues to adapt and be flexible to that change. Financial constraints face us all, but this should not deter us from our collective aim to listen to residents and use evidence to make sure we are delivering the services that make a positive difference to people’s lives. But we can’t do

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that by ourselves: we will need to work even more closely with our communities, the voluntary sector and partners to support our residents to be safe, healthy and independent, and to make sure that Dorset is a great place to live and work.”

Her new-look cabinet included three new faces – Cllrs Peter Wharf, Daryl Turner and Tony Ferrari.

Cllr Hilary Cox was elected as chairman – the civic and ceremonial head of the council, with Cllr Andrew Parry appointed as vice-chairman.

Tributes were paid to former leader Robert Gould, and former chairman Andrew Cattaway.

Cllr Derek Burt, the new chairman of East Dorset District Council was sworn in at the annual meeting held at the Allendale Community Centre on 15 May and will be supported by his wife Janet.

It will be his third term as chairman as he previously held office in 1977-79 and in 2011-12.

Born in Wimborne, he attended Wimborne Boys School and Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School.

Following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps he joined the Wimborne and Cranborne Rural District Council in 1966. In 1974, the council joined with Wimborne Urban Council to form Wimborne District Council which, in 1988 changed its name to East Dorset District Council.

Cllr Burt represents Corfe Mullen and outside of his commitments to the council, he has been chairman of East Dorset Heritage Trust for nearly 30 years, president of the Priest’s House Museum for the past 22 years and is a vice-president of the Wimborne MovieMakers. Cllr Burt served as a governor on several local schools and has been chairman of the East Dorset Scout District Council for many years.

Cllr Burt said, “It is a great privilege to be elected as the chairman of East Dorset District Council for the third time and I look forward to representing the authority within the local community and across the county of Dorset.”

His chosen charities for the year are Julia’s House the children’s hospice in Corfe Mullen and About Face, which supports people diagnosed with cancer of the head and neck.

Cllr Mrs Toni Coombs was elected to serve as deputy chairman.

Un oeuf is enough

A

bus carrying 55 French visitors, including the Vimoutiers football team, arrived at Fordingbridge Rec on 26 May to start the 35th anniversary celebrations of the twinning between the two towns.

A welcome party held at Fordingbridge Town Hall included food and drink with music by the local New Forest Jazz Workshop.

During the party, the French football team was treated to a coaching lesson, laid on by the Fordingbridge Turks with an FA-trained football coach.

On 27 May an updated twinning charter was signed in the town hall by the respective mayors and twinning associations. Lunch at Burgate 6th Form College was followed by a football match, prior to which a tree was dedicated to the memory of Madame Germaine Beaugeard who had been instrumental in the establishment

of the twinning 35 years ago. Her daughter was present.

In the evening a barn dance and hog roast at Avonway Community Centre was enjoyed.

On Sunday morning the service at St Mary’s Church was read in both French and English.

A highlight was a reading by the Vimoutiers junior mayor, aged 10.

Celebrations continued with a ploughman’s lunch, guided walk and visit to Godshill Pottery and Godshill cricket ground, where visitors could watch a cricket match and enjoy a cream tea in the village hall.

It was an emotional ending when the bus departed, but three young French ladies had a story to take home. Having been put up in a shepherd’s hut overnight by their host family in Godshill, a chicken found her way in and tried to lay an egg on them. It really was a case of ‘un oeuf is enough’.

Flying high with Stunt Riders Live Tour

Verwood Carnival entertains the crowds

A carnival that in recent years was under threat of being lost due to lack of support is now regaining popularity

Clowns scoop first

There were more floats in Verwood Carnival’s procession this year and the route was extended. Results: 1st Hillside First School, 2nd Guides, 3rd Verwood Sports and Social Club. When it came to the walkers it was the clowns who scooped a first with Star Wars Trooper close on their heels followed by the Pantomime Society.

Highly commended were Curtain Cabin, Threads and Treads, Verwood Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild and Verwood Girls’ Football Club.

All participants were thanked by the carnival committee for an excellent turnout.

Meanwhile in the arena, the Poole Field Gun Display, the Meridian Corps of Drums and the incredible Stunt Riders Live Tour entertained. Stalls, Punch and Judy and a fun fair added to the mix.

Guides jumped out of books

Panto characters Star Wars

hiteside (18) Carn ival queen Rosie W Page (left) with princesses Lauren . and Evie Jones, (both 11)

Verwood Sports and Social Club out to party

Dedden The mayor, Cllr Lindsey and Alan attended with her husb

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

| 31

in and around the area

what’s on

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

9-11 June

Wimborne Folk Festival throughout the town. Wide range of musical performers, comedy, stalls and much more. More details from www. wimbornefolk.co.uk or from the Allendale or Tourist Information Centre in Wimborne.

10 June 7pm

Verwood Choral Society’s summer concert at Verwood Methodist Church, Vicarage Road. Tickets £6, £2.50 for children, available on the door.

All proceeds to be donated to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

10-11 June

Cheese and Chilli Festival, Hurn, Christchurch. With live music, beer festival, chilli eating contest, falconry display and amazing stunts. Details at www. cheeseandchillifestival.com

10-25 June

New Forest Arts Festival.

Workshops and events for the family at Forest Arts Centre, New Milton. Details from 01425 612393 or visit www.forest-arts. co.uk

16-18 June

Blandford YFC Charity Transport & Heritage Rally at Merley Hall Farm, Julians Road, Wimborne BH21 1EF. Wide range of exhibitors from steam engines to tractors, displays and demonstrations and music.

More info from blandfordyfc1@ hotmail.com or call 07493 885098

20 June 7.30pm

Bournemouth Electronic Organ Society present a concert of popular music by Paul Carman at Queen Elizabeth School, Wimborne. Visitors welcome. £5 at the door. More details 01202 895254.

16-25 June 10am onwards

Bournemouth Food & Drink Festival 2017 in the Square, Bournemouth BH2 6EG. Free event with demonstrations, street food, farmers’ market, cook-off challenge and children’s kitchen.

17 June 7.30pm

Bournemouth MS Society garden open afternoon in Church Lane, West Parley, BH22 8TS. Cream teas. Plant and other stalls. 01202 570300.

Concert by the Dorset Police Male Voice Choir. Tickets £8.

Holtwood Methodist Church BH21 7DT in aid of church funds. Book your place on 01202 882876 or 07765 855541.

11-17 June

17 June 12-4pm

11 June 2pm-4.30 pm

Jazz by the Sea Festival at various locations around Bournemouth and Poole. Clare Teal headline act on 11 June at Lighthouse, Poole. More details at www.jazzbytheseafestival.co.uk

16 June 7.30pm

Tony Waller and his ‘Prohibition Jazz’ with music from the Roaring ‘20s; traditional and Dixieland Jazz favourites, at Barrington Theatre, Penny’s Walk, Ferndown. Tickets £10, call 01202 894858

32 |

VIEWPOINT June 2017

Verwood Horticultural Society’s summer show, Verwood Memorial Hall. 01202 814376

18 June 2-5pm

Visit Michael Evan’s wildlife garden, a real garden designed to support wildlife at Farrs Coach House. Also tea & cake available. Between Wimborne and Cowgrove.

Turn at Wimborne hospital, after approx 1/4 mile park next door at Farrs House. Cost £3 donation to DWT.

20, 22-24 June 7.30pm The KCA Players present Theft, a comedy by Eric Chappell, at Kinson Community Centre, Pelhams Park, Millhams Road, Kinson BH10 7LH. Tickets £8, concs £7. Tickets available at the centre. Call 01202 572826

20 June 6.30-9pm

Ringwood Woodcarvers Club.

Meets at St Leonards and St Ives Village Hall, Braeside Rd, St Leonards, BH24 2PQ on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Beginners and experienced woodcarvers welcome. Basic tuition given.

Contact: 01425 475129 or www.ringwood-woodcarvers. org

21 June 10.30am-1pm Safety awareness course for mobility scooter users or those thinking of purchasing a mobility scooter in Dorset.

Sessions cost £10. Tea and coffee will be provided.

Places limited so book by emailing helen@safewise. org or by calling SafeWise on 01202 591330.

24 June from 11am

Ferndown Fete on the Field at King George V Playing Fields, off Church Road, Ferndown.

Fun-filled day for all the family.

Live entertainment, stalls and shows. Plus the inaugural John Thornton Obstacle Pram Race. www.ferndownfotf.org

24 June 11am onwards

Feel Good Festival at Boscombe Beach. Activities to try from Pilates to family Zumba. Festival and activities free. Supporting various charities including Dorset Blind Association and YMCA.

24 June evening

Bright for Sight night run in aid of Dorset Blind Association.

Starting from Boscombe Pier 5k or 10k. Entry £15. Contact 01202 712864 or email fundraising@dorsetblind.org.uk for more details.

25 June 11am-5pm

Twenty gardens will be open in Wimborne Minster in aid of Wimborne in Bloom. Entry £6.

Pay at first garden. More details www.wimborneinbloom.org.uk or tel 01202 880131

28 June 7.30pm

Verwood Keyboard Society concert with John Mann on Eminent keyboard in the Hub theatre. Tickets £10 on the door. Further information from Janetta, 01202 822936 or Organfax website www. organfax.co.uk

30 June 7.15 for 7.30pm

Bournemouth Orchid Society meeting with speaker Tom Mirenda on the subject of ‘Orchids of South Western Australia’. Bournemouth Natural Science Society, Christchurch Road, BH1 3NS. Entry free, but email Melville at: programme@ bournemouthorchidsociety. org.uk

30 June-2 July

Shake and Stir Vintage Festival, Southbourne Grove, Southbourne. More details available from www.southbournefestival. co.uk , or email info@ southbournefestival.co.uk if you would like to get involved.

1 July

MAD Fun Day event at West Moors. Full details are in this magazine.

1 July 9.30–11am

Children’s Animal Crafts at Fordingbridge Library. Drop by and get creative. Children must be accompanied.

1 July 8am – 3pm

Plant sale at Cherry Tree Nursery, off Northbourne Roundabout, Bournemouth BH10 7DA. Tel: 01202 593537

1 & 2 July 1.30-5.30pm Open Gardens in Tarrant Monkton & Launceston.

Entry Ticket £5. Under 16s free. Cream teas available at the Village Hall. Proceeds to Church and Village Hall funds.

For information contact 01258 830484.

5 July 12 noon

Ferndown Probus Club lunch and talk ‘Walks around Dorset’ at Dudsbury Golf Club. New members welcome. More details from the secretary 01202 875757

6 July 7.30pm

Verwood Horticultural Society meeting at Memorial Hall. Wild Flowers - Geoff Hawkins 01202 814376

8 July 7.30pm

The Grange Choral Society at Christchurch Priory. Opera Gala with arias and choruses.

Conducted by Marcio da Silva. Tickets from www. christchurchpriory.org or call 01202 485804.

8-9 July

Pommery Seafood Festival at Weymouth Harbour, with celebrity guests, well-known chefs, cooking demonstrations, kids zone, and many stalls.

Free entry. Raising funds for the Fishermen’s Mission. More info from www.dorsetseafood. co.uk

in and around the area

COM P

N ETITIO

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS TO SEE MARTY WILDE AND THE WILDCATS

Marty Wilde MBE (otherwise known as Reg Smith) was a huge pop star in the 1950s and 60s with massive hits including Rubber Ball and Teenager In Love. His first chart hit, which reached number four in 1958, was Endless Sleep. Incredibly, Marty is still touring the nation’s concert halls and getting a great reaction from audiences up and down the country.

His show, Born To Rock ‘n’ Roll, which he performs with his Wildcats, has received wonderful critical acclaim and has not only attracted his original fans but a whole host of new ones, who are just discovering the man and his individual brand of rock ‘n roll. The show has somewhat of a cult status and is one not to be missed.

The legendary Marty and his Wildcats will be appearing at the Barrington Theatre in Ferndown on 21 July at 7.30pm. For your chance to win two tickets for the performance, please answer the following question:

WHAT WAS MARTY WILDE’S FIRST CHART HIT? Enter online at www.mags4dorset.co.uk or send your answer on a postcard to: MARTY WILDE COMPETITION, mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Closing date is 30 June 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.

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? ‘How Does Your Garden Grow?’ is a new exhibition at the Priest’s House Museum & Garden in Wimborne and runs until 30 September.

The exhibition celebrates all things garden-related, from planting and maintaining allotments to winning floral shows. Have you ever wanted to learn more about the history of gardening? Discover how gardens have developed from simple medieval vegetable patches to sprawling Georgian parkland. Step back in time and peek inside a wartime potting shed, complete with seedlings ready for planting.

‘How Does Your Garden Grow?’ also includes artwork by Lys De Bray, a botanical artist and author based in Wimborne, and beautiful examples of Verwood pottery. The museum is proud to display a selection of trophies awarded to Wimborne in Bloom since it began 25 years ago.

The museum is open daily (except Sundays) from 10am to 4.30pm.

Standard admission charges apply.

COMPETITION WINNER

Janet Wilks of Ringwood won the £60 dining out voucher in April’s Viewpoint. The answers were steam, fry, roast, baste, stew, barbecue and the word that didn’t fit in the grid was grill. Janet chose to spend her voucher at the Elm Tree.

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

| 33

in and around the area

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR SHAKE & STIR The Original Shake & Stir Vintage Festival, takes place from 29 June to 2 July. This year the organisers have planned an even bigger event, involving an all-day road closure of Southbourne’s main high street, and are asking volunteers to lend a helping hand.

Shake & Stir will include talented vintage musicians, classic cars, bikes and bicycles, alongside food and drink stands.

On both 1 and 2 July, people are needed to help with stewarding, guiding festivalgoers and running stalls as well as tidying the event site. In particular, for people able to do four-hour shifts.

Volunteers are also required to help with sewing and craft for the ‘Make ‘n Shake’ evenings. These weekly gettogethers during June, bring folk together to produce attractive bunting. This will fill the town with colour by decorating Southbourne in true vintage style.

Donations of any spare colourful or vintage material to help make this possible are also welcome.

Mandy Payne, co-event organiser said, “With Shake & Stir well on its way, now’s your chance to get involved. Every year volunteers provide vital support for our festival. Growing every year and attracting visitors to Southbourne from far and wide, we need at least 20 people each day to keep things running smoothly. Anyone of any age can get involved; you don’t need any experience – just passion and enthusiasm.”

To volunteer for Shake & Stir 2017 email: mandy@originalshakeandstir. co.uk. To find out more about the Shake & Stir Vintage Festival, visit www.southbournefestival.co.uk.

Sale e k a B t e s r o D t a e r G m

r o t s a p u s cook

B

ake sales took place across Dorset last month in aid of Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, raising over £1,600, which will further support children and adults living with physical and learning disabilities, and their families.

People within the community, local businesses, churches and

community groups took part and baked delicious treats to raise some dough.

Over the last six years, the initiative has raised over £12,000 for the Dorset disability charity.

For further information regarding Diverse Abilities, visit www. diverseabilities.org.uk or call 01202 718266.

Ringwood Folk Club Dave Webber and Annie Fentiman will be appearing at Ringwood Folk Club on 20 June from 8pm.

Dave and Annie give wonderful harmonies, and a wealth of traditional repertoire from this meeting of the South West (Dave) with the North East (Annie). Dave has written many great songs and folk lovers must have sung Lady of Autumn. You can expect to sing along on this evening.

Ringwood Folk Club is held on Tuesdays at Bisterne Village Hall, on the B3347, Bisterne, Ringwood, BH24 3BN. Entry is £9. There is no bar, so take your own drinks. Details at www.ringwoodfolk.org.uk.

34 |

VIEWPOINT June 2017

Go MAD

in and around the area

in West Moors

on Saturday 1 July

Free entry for a fun day out!

West Moors Parish Council is inviting people to a MAD day out on Fryer Field in the village from 11am to 3pm.

Entrance will be via the Memorial Hall car park along Station Road.

The day is organised by the parish council and sponsored by Brewer & Brewer Estate Agents and will be opened at 11am by the Chairman of East Dorset District Council, Cllr Derek Burt, alongside a representative of West Moors Parish Council

A message from the main sponsor Brewer & Brewer Estate Agents of West Moors are delighted to be the main sponsors of the West Moors MAD Fun Day event.

As a family owned business, established for over 65 years, Brewer & Brewer do their utmost to support many different local events, charities, schools, clubs and organisations.

The team at Brewer & Brewer says: “We hope everybody has a really great day on

1 July and look forward to many more events in the years to come which Brewer & Brewer will be delighted to be involved in. Oh and don’t forget if you are thinking of anything to do with property call us at Brewer & Brewer on 01202 872227, pop in and see us, catch up with us on Facebook and see lots of local information or take a look at our Website www.brewerandbrewer.co.uk. Don’t move home without us!”

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

| 35

in and around the area

MAD day out schedule 11am opening speech by the chairman of East Dorset District Council 11.30am–1.30pm Wall climbing (£2.50 for 5 minutes) 12 midday Waggy Tails Novelty Dog Show – classes will include best child handler under 14, best trick, most beautiful eyes, dog the judge would most like to take home and of course the dog with the waggiest tail. Pay just £1 per dog to enter the ring.

12 midday Ferndown Brass Band 12.30pm West Moors Singers 1.30pm Musical mixture 2pm classic car presentation and raffle draw (at least 50 prizes)

Throughout the day Zumba and Active 50+ classes (free) Bouncy castle obstacle course (£2 for 7 minutes) Swing ball and slow cycling Hoverball archery (free) Football coaching and challenges by JSC (Junior Sports Coaching) 50p a go Crafts with Girl Guiding

36 |

VIEWPOINT June 2017

Tennis coaching by Dorset Tennis Academy Classic car show Horse shoe throwing – see what luck you have with this outdoor game Face painting (£2) and nail art Sizzling sausages van Stalls Forest FM will be in attendance

in and around the area

Proceeds will go towards the development of Fryer Field facilities mags4dorset is proud to be associated with the MAD Fun Day Event as sponsors of the official programme and would like to thank all the advertisers for their support.

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

| 37

motoring

SMART MOTORWAYS

– do you know how to use an ERA?

ESSENTIAL NEW WEBSITE

launched for Abacus Vehicle Hire Abacus, the vehicle hire specialist, has launched a new website.

Founder of the busy hire company, Dave Wolfenden, said bookings on their previous website had grown to over 45% and he was convinced that something more user-friendly was required.

Dave says the response to the new booking page has been tremendous, adding, “We will continue to offer online incentives with pre-booking discounts and customers have the opportunity to provide their driver licence details and credit card info, which makes for a faster turnaround when customers collect their vehicles.”

The website also provides immediate quotes for travelling in mainland Europe and information and advice to help plan journeys. “It even allows for our ‘night before free’ collection and delivery options to be selected at the reservation stage whilst still only paying for 24 hours but getting 36,” says Dave.

Abacus operates a total fleet of 700 vehicles, ranging from cars, vans, trucks, minibuses and motorhomes.

The business employs 60 people within the Andover and Ferndown hire centres and its sister company Horton Commercials. Its annual turnover exceeds £8 million.

38 |

VIEWPOINT June 2017

More than half of UK drivers are unfamiliar with how to use emergency refuge areas (ERAs) on smart motorways, new RAC research reveals.

I

ncreasingly, the hard shoulder on such highways is used as a running lane for traffic, either consistently or just during the most congested times of day.

But the RAC study, which questioned over 2,000 drivers, discovered that 52% didn’t know that the lanes act as a refuge for accident stricken or broken down vehicles, in the absence of a hard shoulder.

Furthermore, 64% are not aware of the correct procedure for what to do once stopped, and 65% are not sure how to re-join traffic.

Also among the disturbing findings, it was discovered that only one respondent (from the overall 1.5% who had actually used an ERA) knew they needed to contact Highways England to help them back onto the motorway, if the

hard shoulder was operating as a running lane. The rest assumed they had to wait for a gap in traffic and dangerously accelerate to reach motorway speed.

On the positive side, 98% knew that ERAs should be used in the case of a breakdown, and 90% after accident.

However, 40% thought it was appropriate to use them for medical reasons, while 27% thought they were a good spot for carsick passengers to be sick.

The RAC has been working closely with Highways England and is backing work to improve the motoring public’s understanding of ERAs. RAC chief engineer David Bizley says, “It is essential that motorists understand how and when to use an emergency refuge area so they do not put their

own safety and that of other road users at risk.

“Vehicles should pull up to the indicated mark on the tarmac or the emergency telephone and then the occupants should leave the vehicle from the passenger side. Everyone should stand behind the barriers and should use the emergency roadside telephone provided to speak to a Highways England representative.

“For anyone who hasn’t driven on a smart motorway there are some very noticeable differences, the main ones being that there is no permanent hard shoulder, overhead gantries with variable mandatory speed limits, emergency refuge areas spaced up to 2.5km apart and variable message signs.

“Driving is just the same as normal but motorists need to be very aware of the speed limit applicable at the time as well as watching out for red ‘Xs’ which indicate that a lane has been closed and it is an offence to drive in it.”

The RAC has outlined everything you need to know about smart motorways on its website www.rac.co.uk.

motoring

Reckless bikers

suffering life-changing injuries that they may never recover from.

“It is without doubt one of the worst examples of dangerous riding that I have seen.”

Shocking footage of the erratic driving was filmed on a body camera by one of the motorcyclists. It was released by the police and can be seen on the mags4dorset website: www. mags4dorset.co.uk

SENTENCED A group of motorcyclists has been sentenced following a horrific collision on a busy dual carriageway near Dorchester which seriously injured three people – leaving two with life-changing injuries.

A

dam Wilde, 29, of Carnation Road, Swaythling in Southampton, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on 12 May, after pleading guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was handed a jail term of three-and-ahalf years for each offence to run concurrently and following that he will be banned from driving for five years with a requirement to take an extended retest.

A teenage girl travelling on Adam Wilde’s bike sustained catastrophic life-changing injuries, including two bleeds on the brain, severe damage to both arms, which she is still unable to use, and a large open wound on her abdomen that required major skin graft surgery.

One of the motorcycle riders suffered a broken right arm and leg and another broke his right hand. Adam Wilde suffered a broken shoulder blade, injuries to his hand and foot and severe grazing.

Other sentences given were: Daniel Lincoln, 21, Fareham: 12-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, 150 hours of unpaid work. 18-month driving ban with a requirement to take an extended retest. Curfew order for six months.

• Nima Biniaz, 19, Southampton: 8-month prison sentence suspended for 15 months, 150 hours of unpaid work. Two-year driving ban with a requirement to take an extended retest. Curfew order for four months.

• Ellis Caplen, 21, Southampton: 12-month driving ban, £120 fine, £40 court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

• Christopher Wilde, 28, Southampton: six penalty points, £100 fine, £50 court costs and £30 victim surcharge.

Senior investigating officer Police Sergeant Joe Pardey, of the traffic unit, said; “The actions by those involved in this case were nothing short of mindless and irresponsible.

They showed a total disregard for the safety of themselves and other people using the road at that time.

“Their behaviour prior to the collision demonstrated that they believed that they were in some way clever and impressive, but the subsequent destruction they caused has changed lives forever with some of the injured

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

| 39

specialist services ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

AERIAL & SATELLITE INSTALLERS

ARTICLES WANTED

BLINDS & CURTAINS

CARPENTRY

40 |

BUILDING SERVICES

CARAVAN ACCESSORIES

COMPUTER REPAIRS

EXTERIOR DESIGN

VIEWPOINT June 2017

specialist services DECORATING

GARDENING SERVICES

GARDEN BUILDINGS

FENCING

FENCING

FENCING

FLOORING

GARDENING SERVICES

GRAPHIC DESIGN

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

| 41

specialist services LANDSCAPING

LOCKSMITH

MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE

PATIO & DRIVEWAY CLEANING

TREE SURGERY

TREE SURGERY

WINDOW REPAIRS

42 |

VIEWPOINT June 2017

OLD TOYS WANTED

TILING

WINDOW REPAIRS

WINDOW REPAIRS

specialist services 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.

Bed settee (red) not used. Chest of three drawers, light oak as new. £50 each. West Moors. 01202 875443 Girls’ dressing up clothes (black sack). Includes witch’s outfit, Mrs Santa Claus, princesses and more. £20 the lot.

Ringwood 01425 471682 Worktop ideal for workstation 2.3m x 500mm x 38mm brown. £10. Also 7 square yards of clean second-hand 150mm x 150mm x 5mm white glazed tiles. £10. Ringwood 01425 470079 Lounge units light beech. 1 x 6’ long, 1 x 3’8” long. Two glass wall cupboards and centre piece. £150 ono. Ringwood 01425 540103 or 07876 464645 RST Motorbike leathers. Men’s 2-piece black and silver, size 48. £70. Ladies’ 2-piece red and black, size 14. £40. Exc condition. Verwood. 01202 829371 Garden furniture. 4ft diameter teak table and four chairs. £55. Verwood.

01202 820313

Double centuries in County Cup In the first round of the U14 Dorset Cup, Canford School’s Tom Prest and Freddie Peters (pictured) set a school record of 287 for the second wicket against Bryanston. Excellent shot execution and superb running between the wickets saw Canford reach 298-2 from their 30 overs. Freddie fell on 111, but Tom finished on 157 not out, as well as taking five wickets when bowling, and a catch.

Canford won by 150 runs to progress to the second round.

The school has reported an excellent start to the Canford cricket season also in regular block fixtures, with the 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI and 4th XI unbeaten – recording wins so far against Winchester College, Clayesmore, Portsmouth Grammar, Milton Abbey and Millfield.

Genuine leather m/cycle jacket.

Ladies‘ size 12. 70s style patrol. Good condition. £120 ono. Fordingbridge.

07867 813213 Michelin 205/55 R16 tyre and wheel for Meriva (Vauxhall). Wheel brace and scissor jack. £50. Verwood. 01202 814059 Aquarium with black-coated metal stand L36” x H15” x W12”, with accessories and set-up books. £45 ono. Barton-onSea. 01425 616804 Child’s first bed (no mattress). £4 ono.

Drop down loft hatch. Brand new, still in packaging. £8 ono. Verwood. 01202 827023 Theraposture electric automatic adjustable bed. Buyer collects. £99.

Ashley Heath. 01425 472930 Qualcast 12” Equip 320 electric lawnmower. £25. Electrolux petrol hedge trimmer 19”. £25. West Moors.

01202 870328 Pushchair Mirage Plus, £15. Lilac jacket size 12, £18, Teddy bear Hamleys, £10. Bournemouth. 07893 164902

If you wish to advertise in this section, complete the form and send to mags4dorset, 1st Floor, King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Free insertions limited to two items per person. Trade adverts must be paid for £30 per item plus VAT, max 25 words.

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

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

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

Price:................................................................................................................

Telephone number:........................................................................................

DECLARATION: PLEASE CROSS OUT THE STATEMENT THAT DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU AND SIGN THE FORM BEFORE POSTING. I confirm I am not a tradesperson | I am a tradesperson and enclose a cheque for £36 PER ITEM including VAT Signature …...................................................

Date ….............................

TRADESPEOPLE MUST PAY BY CREDIT/DEBIT CARD AT TIME OF BOOKING

Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements

June 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ASK THE

EXPERT

Nolan Irving

Q. I was just about to put my house on the market but now the Government have announced the election I’m not sure what to do. A few friends have said the market always goes quiet around election time. Is this true?

A. Well there are always people who are willing to offer their opinions when it comes to the property market but I’m not sure you should let them put you off going on the market, especially if the time is right for you to do it now. In fact, by the time you read this, the election will probably be over and we will be back to talking about the impact of Brexit on the property market!

O

ver the past few years we have had plenty of factors which people have said will have an effect on the property market like the previous general election and of course Brexit but, none of these have so far even slowed the market slightly, certainly not in our area anyway.

People tend to believe that timing things to avoid or work around things like elections can

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make all the difference. Personally, I think this is a bit of a myth and if you have read any of my previous articles you will notice that I always advise people to move when the time is right for them. Second guessing the property market isn’t easy and if you are buying and selling at the same time then, as always, my advice is to put your home on the market and go from there.

Even if the market did quieten down a little, properties still sell and if anything that means there should be more choice out there for you to buy! In a fast-paced market, you may sell quickly but that also means that you have to make a quick decision on your next home without much choice.

For the past few years there has been a shortage of homes available which is still the case and I just can’t see this election having a depressing or cooling effect on the housing market. The property market is just too buoyant for a forthcoming election to slow it down and I personally don’t think the outcome, whichever party wins,

will have any immediate effect either.

In the case of this particular election, it will be over before we know it and I believe the housing market will just continue to roll onwards and upwards over the course of the next few weeks and months. In the first half of this year overall sales numbers are up on previous years, certainly for my office in Verwood anyway and house prices are still rising.

I would advise you to carry on as you were intending and look forward to moving home over the next few months irrespective of which political party is in government.

MAKING TAX DIGITAL

The way in which businesses manage their taxes is changing, so now is the time to ditch your spreadsheets and take your accounting online.

Back in the 2015 budget, April 2018. This is less than the government announced a year away. its plans to revolutionise HMRC launched its the service it provides to vision of Making Tax Digital taxpayers and to become a few years ago while trying one of the most digitally to simplify and modernise advanced tax systems in the way we all submit our the world. tax returns and pay our By 2020 most taxes, but in reality, there is companies, sole traders, a fear that this new regime landlords and partnerships could increase workload for will be required to keep many businesses. track of their tax affairs Here at Artema Ltd, digitally and report to we have already started HMRC every quarter. working closely with clients Those who are currently who will be most affected submitting quarterly by these changes. We VAT returns should be have partnered with Xero, aware that by 2020 the the cloud-based software, Government Gateway will and we are currently not be available to submit helping many businesses their VAT returns, and they to make the move away will need to upgrade their from manual records, accounting system to one spread sheets and desktop which will comply with the software to the cloud. If you new rules. would like to hear more The changes are closer about it – feel free to come than you might think, some in for a coffee, it’s on the unincorporated businesses house. (for example, sole traders YUVAL SALOMI ACCA and partnerships) are Director required to submit their Artema Ltd quarterly returns (oh yes, www.artema.co.uk and pay their tax too!) from

Would you like to fly in a Spitfire?

D

orset-based Wordcaster PR has organised a very different online competition in conjunction with two specialist aviation companies. The unusual prize will be a formation flight.

The Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, where Spitfires are restored, and Oriens Aviation who are the UK distributors for the Pilatus PC-12 NG executive aircraft, will offer the lucky winner a flight in a two-seat Spitfire, whilst up to eight of their family and friends can have a rare opportunity to view the Spitfire in formation.

The Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar has renovated six Spitfires and project manager Paul Campbell says that demand for the Spitfire flights grows every year.

“Our display pilots enjoy

the chance to let the recipients experience the view over Kent in a more relaxed flight than compared to the Battle of Britain era when the Luftwaffe would be out to shoot you down,” Paul adds.

One of the two-seat Spitfires used for the experience flights was converted by the RAF from a single-seat version

that saw action.

The Pilatus PC-12 NG that will fly in formation will be flown by Edwin Brenninkmeyer who says, “My mission will be to give our VIP passengers a very stable, pleasant flight as we fly with the Spitfire so they can get some great air to air photos and enjoy the freedom of flying in a luxury executive aircraft.”

The draw will take place on 30 September 2017 from entries that answer the follow question correct.

Which World War did the Spitfire help us to win?

Entries can be posted to the Heritage Hangar at Biggin Hill or be submitted online at www.flyaspitfire.com/spitfire-andpc12-formation-flight-draw where the competition terms and conditions can also be found.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A MAGS4DORSET COMPETITION.

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

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9th

SHORT STORY COMPETITION

closing date approaches

Entries are now being invited for mags4dorset’s 9th Short Story Competition with a top prize of £150 and publication in 4Dorset and/or Viewpoint.

Inspiration for your story is to be drawn from one of the photographs below. If you are a prolific writer you could take inspiration from all three because multiple submissions are acceptable.

As in previous years, the shortlist will be chosen by editor, author and publisher Janine Pulford and the first judge to be announced is Adam Trimby MA Lit who has a masters degree in literary media.

The Rules • Length: roughly 1,000 words.

• The inspiration for each story must be taken from one of the photographs below.

• You must give your story a title.

• All entries must be typed and double line spaced.

• The title of the story, your name, address, email address and phone number must be on its own page.

• The title of the story or identity of the author must not appear on any other pages.

Prizes winner: £150 runner up: £25 Entry fee: £4 for the first story, £3 per story thereafter.

Entries can be submitted and paid for online at www. mags4dorset.co.uk or sent by post with a cheque for full payment to mags4dorset, CWA2017, First Floor King George V Pavilion, Peter Grant Way, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9EN. Entries can also be emailed direct to CWA2017@mags4dorset.co.uk but will not be considered until payment of the entry fee is received.

mags4dorset reserves the right to publish the winning story and runner up story in 4Dorset and/or Viewpoint Magazine and online on the mags4dorset website. The author retains copyright.

Closing date: 31 August 2017

FAKE GOODS COULD FUND TERRORISM

U

K Border Force officials have advised that buying counterfeit goods could be funding terrorism. They claim that this illegal trade profits criminals by tens of millions of pounds each year.

Not only that, hard-earned cash is wasted in our communities on fake products that can also be unreliable and dangerous. The public are often drawn in by cheap prices for items that appear to ‘look the part’.

Rebecca Phillips from Dorset County Council’s Trading Standards Service explains some of the worrying problems that can be found with fake goods. For instance, they are not subject to the same stringent safety checks that genuine goods undergo.

Rebecca says a recent safety survey of counterfeit iPhone chargers saw a 99% failure of basic safety checks. Chargers were found to be without fuses, and with unsafe labelling, potentially leading to overheating and exploding.

Other counterfeit items recently found have been lifejackets stuffed with packaging instead of buoyance aids, sunglasses with no UV protection causing lasting damage to the eyes and perfume found to contain cyanide and in some case human urine and toxic levels of chemicals.

It can sometimes be hard to spot a fake, but Dorset County Council Trading Standards Service say that the chances are that if it seems to be too good to be true then it probably is.

THE MESSAGE IS: ALWAYS SHOP FROM A REPUTABLE TRADER. If you want to report concerns, or if you would like advice about your consumer rights, then contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506.

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VIEWPOINT June 2017

Etches opens £1m geography building The new £1m geography building at Ringwood School was officially opened by Mr Steve Etches MBE on 26 April.

A local celebrity amongst geologists, Mr Etches has amassed a nationally significant collection of over 2,000 fossil specimens from the Jurassic Coast over the last 30 years. Known as the Etches Collection, it can be viewed at Kimmeridge Museum.

The school’s new geography building offers students an inspiring learning environment and is the result of

funding obtained from the Government’s Condition Improvement Fund.

An improved thermal efficiency was also key in the planning, to reduce Ringwood School’s energy consumption and carbon footprint. The building was constructed in seven months by Modulek Ltd. Also present at the official opening were the Mayor of Ringwood Cllr Tim Ward, Modulek’s representative Mr Brian Pester, Mr Kevin Jones from Sheerin Bettle Architecture and Ringwood School geography and geology students.

Wimborne lady walks LEJOG Retired headteacher, Vivienne Arkell from Wimborne, is walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) with a small group of fellow trekkers. Viv’s husband Dave also started the journey with them.

They have been walking an average of 15 miles a day, and have gone well beyond the half-way mark at Leeds having clocked up over 700 miles, mainly along a string of long-distance paths.

At Brighouse, Viv wrote: “I am amazed at our progress through no less than nine counties since leaving Land’s End on 1 April. The four of us, Jo, Tracey, Jason and I decided we must be mad then, and on day 47 we still think that. What an incredible experience it has been emotionally, mentally and physically. Jo and I are raising £2,500 between us for Classrooms in the Clouds. This charity builds schools and trains teachers in the Everest region of Nepal in a sustainable way.”

At the time of going to print, Viv reported having passed Hadrian’s Wall and had reached Scotland.

Vivienne, who has trekked in recent years in countries such as Nepal, China and Tanzania, is enjoying the challenge of walking in her own homeland and she is loving learning more about British geography and mapreading.

The four trekkers plan to be at John O’Groats at the end of June.

If you would like to donate to Viv’s cause, you can do so at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vivanddave

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

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