The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 188

September 2015 Issue no. 188

Magazine archive at:

Wareham Wednesdays RULE! Pg 64-65

Purbeck Pastimes & Pleasures Pg 26-37

A Personal View of Immigration Pg 24-25

Swanage Folk Festival Pg59

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The Purbeck Gazette

Editor’s note...

W

elcome to the September edition of your Gazette!

We’re heading into autumn now, after what can only be described as a particularly awful summer as far as the weather goes. The hope is that September will make up for it!

Fingers crossed!

At least there’s still loads going on in Purbeck; the Swanage Folk Festival swings into action this month, an ever-popular September favourite, so get your bells on and don’t miss out!

Our feature this month also has a whole host of suggestions to keep you busy, with lots of wonderful local businesses and services appealing for you to pop in for a visit! Keep our community vibrant and try and spend your money locally - what goes around, comes around!

We’ve a bumper amount of pictures this month - a huge well done to the organisers of Swanage carnival, and the fab team behind Wareham Wednesdays - check out the picture pages of your events and see if you’re featured!

We also include a very personal and deeply touching account of one young person’s experience moving to the UK from Poland.

We’d like to thank Alicja for her absolute honesty, and for her willingness to share her experiences with you - we’re sure you’ll enjoy reading her article, and it may possibly make you think.....

FREE CAR STICKERS THIS MONTH! Collect from our office in Commercial Road, Swanage on Tues or Thurs!

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Public Notices & Information

TIDE TIMES SEPT‘15 Peveril Ledge, Swanage 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Low

High

Low

High

Low

05.54 06.36 -----00.14 01.17 02.12 03.00 03.41 04.22 04.59 05.31 06.00 06.26 ------00.41 01.42 02.33 03.21 04.06 04.49 05.32

11.18 -00.22 01.11 02.05 03.07 04.27 05.47 07.11 08.06 08.47 09.23 09.56 10.29 10.58 11.23 11.43 -00.18 00.55 01.42 02.48 05.05 06.14 07.11 08.00 08.46 09.29 10.12 10.55

18.16 19.00 07.20 08.07 09.05 10.25 11.40 12.47 13.47 14.39 15.23 16.05 16.43 17.17 17.47 18.14 18.40 06.54 07.25 08.04 08.53 10.02 12.06 13.18 14.11 15.00 15.45 16.29 17.12 17.54

23.37 12.01 12.47 13.37 14.32 15.37 16.56 18.39 19.50 20.38 21.14 21.45 22.14 22.43 23.10 23.31 23.51 12.06 12.38 13.19 14.12 16.03 17.40 18.44 19.37 20.25 21.09 21.51 22.33 23.16

- - ST+1 -19.45 20.37 21.44 23.04 - - NP ------ - NM -- - ST --19.10 19.45 20.30 21.28 22.56 - - NP ----- - FM -- - SP

ST=Spring Tide NP = Neap Tide NM=New Moon FM=Full Moon

Swanage Town Council Meetings - September 2015

Planning & Consultation Committee Personnel Committee Council

Mon 7th Mon 28th Mon 28th

7pm 9.30am 7pm

Please check the Town Council’s website www.swanage.gov.uk or call the Town Hall on 01929 423636 for the latest information.

Wareham Town Council Meetings - September 2015 Policy, Resources & Finance Planning & Transport Council Amenities Planning & Transport

Tues 1st Mon 7th Tue 22nd Wed 23rd Mon 28th

7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm

Purbeck DC Meetings - Open to public - September 2015 Overview & Scrutiny Committee Licensing Committee Council Policy Group Audit & Governance Committee Planning Committee

Tue 1st Thur 3rd Tue 8th Wed 16th Tue 29th Wed 30th

9.15am 9.15am 7pm 7pm 5.30pm 9.15am

Meetings are subject to change. To double check, see: http://www.dorsetforyou.com/ meetings/purbeck and see ‘dates of council and other meetings’

About The Purbeck Gazette & Purbeck Media Ltd The Purbeck Gazette prints 20,000 copies every month and delivers throughout the region from Swanage to Dorchester, Lulworth to Bere Regis. The Purbeck Gazette is published by Purbeck Media Ltd. All editing, graphic design and lay-up is completed in-house by Purbeck Media Ltd. The Purbeck Gazette is printed by Blackmore Ltd of Shaftesbury and distributed by Tudor Distribution Ltd of Poole.

The Purbeck Gazette Daily News and Gazette online website is managed and edited on-site by Purbeck Media Ltd. Purbeck Media Ltd also publishes The Purbeck Guidette, the Purbeck Visitor Guide.

All rights reserved.

OUR TEAM: The Gazette team consists of: Nico Johnson, Editor, Joy Lamb, Sales & Accounts Executive, David Hollister, Columnist, John Garner, Columnist, Charlie Hobbs, Columnist. Kim Steeden, Spotlight Diary Editor, David Bishop.

VOLUNTEERS: A massive thanks to our volunteers, whose help is invaluable each month with proof reading. They are the very professional: Gerry Norris and David Holman. Thank you both so very much!

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Calm before the rutting season, by Anne Elford

CONTACT US ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS/IT COMMUNITY MATTERS COUNCIL MEETINGS DIARY SPOTLIGHT FEATURES After all, we’re all people Friends of Swanage Hospital newsletter FEATURE: Pastimes and Pleasures Gazette Gardening, with Simon Goldsack John Garner writes - Because it’s WORTH it Liberty Parade of Swanage My Wartime Memories - Brian Guy writes Telling It Like It Is - David Hollister writes Wareham Carnival pictures Wareham Wednesdays pictures FOOD The Gourmet Peddler HEALTH & BEAUTY LETTERS MOTORING - David Hollister writes NATURAL MATTERS SPORT TRADE ADVERTS sponsored by Sydenhams YOUR PICS

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The legal stuff...

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this magazine, but the Editor is unable to accept responsibility for any omissions or errors that may occur. The inclusion of any article or advertisement does not constitute any form of accreditation or approval by the Editor. No part, written or visual, of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the Editor.

DEADLINE FOR OCT IS NOON, THUR 10th SEPT

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The clue is in the heading above - these are our readers’ letters. They are NOT articles, they are letters. By you. Our readers. They are not our letters, they are yours - your letters. Simple!

Please send all letters to ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk with ‘letter to the editor’ in the email subject line. Please do not exceed 350 words. If handwritten, please ensure it is short and legible.

PLEASE DO NOT DUPLICATE LETTERS TO OTHER PUBLICATIONS WE DO NOT PRINT MULTI-PUBLICATION LETTERS.

OCTOBER edition deadline: noon on Sept 10th

Commemorating Young Pilot Dear Readers, At 12.20pm on 10th October 1940, an RAF Hurricane fighter crashed on Wareham Common, killing its young Czechoslovakian pilot, Sergeant Jaroslav Hlavac.

For many years someone came and left flowers by the site of the crash, now marked by a separate clump of trees on the Common behind the Wareham C Oil Well in Worgret, but none have been left there now for more than ten years.

I intend to mark the 75th Anniversary of the event by leaving flowers there myself, to commemorate the sacrifice of someone I did not know who died when I was a mere toddler.

Others may wish to do the same.

Dr Keith Major, Worgret, by email.

Deterring Gulls - Facts Dear Editor, Whenever wild animals o r b i r d s t r ou b l e u s humans, there follows the inevitable cries of ‘cull them’. Every summer millions of people flock to the coast where many gulls live. Despite warning notices, some visitors insist on feeding them, while others seem to find it impossible to place their leftovers in a bin.

The holiday period coincides with the birds’ breeding season and, being fierce defenders of their offspring, the birds will occasionally be aggressive - for a few weeks a year - to those they consider too close to their nests or young.

The fact is, there are simple, inexpensive and non-lethal methods that can be used to deter birds from nesting on flat roofs or chimneys, or from rummaging in our rubbish - we have free factsheets available on deterring gulls and a number of other species.

Otherwise we should show tolerance through the breeding season, not least because they are just being good parents, and six of the seven gull species are in decline.

Numbers of coastal gull species are dropping partly because we humans are stealing their fish. It would be a shame if we slaughtered them because they steal a few of our chips!

John Bryant, Wildlife Consultant, Animal Aid, The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1AW.

Win For ‘Greedy’ Developers Dear Gazette, I read David Hollister’s report with interest on Pavements, Protestors and Planning. Paying attention particularly to the last two paragraphs of this article, as the Gazette arrived on my doormat two days before I was due to go to a planning meeting in Wareham with Purbeck District Council!

The Purbeck Gazette I am appalled that we lost and that the developer was successful. The developer clearly does have deeper pockets than PDC for this was the only real reason he won as they were afraid they would lose if the case went to appeal.

The case officer almost seemed to be in his employ the case she submitted was so biased and four councillors abstained! How can they on such important issues abstain? What are they doing on planning committees if they refuse to actually vote? There were four in favour (one of whom was from Swanage Town Council, who were unanimously against this development) and two against, so the abstainers effectively allowed the yes vote to be carried. I am appalled!

Not only that they appeared to blame the government for allowing builders to tweak their builds a few inches here and there, but for the fact that they were allowing this builder to retrospectively change practically all the windows and doors, build the house in the wrong place and even to build both dwellings to a greater height and breadth.

Look out Swanage for scenes of weird and wonderful buildings to be put up and for the greedy developers to build whatever they want and however they want once the initial plans have been agreed, as they clearly do not need to stick to those plans at all!!!!

If Mr Hollister would like more information, on this I will happily supply it. Mr Hollister is unfortunately correct it is all down to money, and planning regulations do not seem to exist if you have deeper pockets than the Council.

Mrs W. Thorpe, by email

Planning System Flawed Dear Gazette, Swanage’s unfortunate ‘mourning’ at PDC Planning Meeting.

First on the Agenda.

After a prolonged site meeting, a group of local residents from the Hill Road area met to object to the many unauthorised changes to the development in their midst, however despite councillors admitting that they would not have allowed these if they had been submitted on the original application still voted in favour of the developer, even though the objections by this group who were only defending their corner were entirely valid. One speaker said she hoped the outcome would not be as predicted in David Hollister’s column this month! Unfortunately it was.

Second on the Agenda This was regarding our thorny problem at 2 Drummond Road regarding Appearance, Landscaping (of which 4\5 tweaked plans had already been submitted) and other matters. We are now veterans of this planning lark as we have been involved with it for 8 years and have survived and won an appeal against blocks of flats which is now history! Our troubles started in 2012 with an Agent who should not have been representing the company involved. Consequently they were granted planning permission for five houses by P.D.C. and the Agent eventually served time at Her Majesty’s pleasure on many counts. Unfortunately the five house myth has become barcoded onto the foreheads of the planning committee and strangely cannot be amended to a more workable three despite many opportunities to do so? The question is will this terrace of five actually fit the site, allowing room for recycling bins, wide enough driveways and importantly room for a water drainage holding tank to prevent the destruction of Drummond Road and the flooding to town as experienced recently. How do you build the final house when there is no access to the rear? Or will they be Pop-Up houses? No basic planning requirements appear to have been followed I.E. Recent site visits and pegging out of house positioning e.t.c. to be perused by all.

Back to the planning meeting.

We listened in amazement after councillors and committee rubbished the design of the architect award winning out of character Jelly Mould houses [whilst the agent squirmed] and the councillors said they would not want these houses in their back yard. Gloria Marsh suggested the houses could be individualised by painting each front door a different colour! Are you going for the Swanage beach hut effect Gloria?

The crux of the matter is that the present planning system as it stands is flawed as it is almost impossible for objectors to succeed because the threat of going to appeal will cost PDC money and they in turn blame this on government polices. We cannot go on making planning decisions where any unsuitable proposal is approved. When the time for our vote arrived at almost 1pm (because of the site visit delay), it was rushed through with indecent haste [nail biting stuff] It was 3 for, 3 against, plus 2 abstentions; seconds later Chairman Wharfe used his casting vote, he said let’s stop this now! And surprise, surprise, voted in favour of the developer.

Our fate decided by someone who neither knows nor cares about our area. Perhaps his lunch or comfort break beckoned after three and a half

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hours. WEE certainly needed one.

At this point we would like to thank our lovely Town Council for the support and objections, which we managed to find on line.

Kay Leslie, Sailsbury Rd, Swanage

Illegal Woodworm Rumours Dear Gazette, There has been a lot of discussion over the Woodhenge at Worth Matravers.

The Council do not like it. Did you know that there are rumours that they have spent 40,000 Euros purchasing French woodworms via the Tunnel?

They do not know what to spend our rates on next - hope the “illegals” get among them (the woodworms) but perhaps it might be a good thing - in afterthought.

Regards, Mike Hobson, by email.

Heartfelt Thanks From Sister

Dear Readers, Farewell Nick Nick was my brother and I was very moved by the lovely piece written by the Purbeck Gazette and the poem by Zooks in last month’s edition.

The celebration and thanksgiving of Nick’s life, which was held at St. Nicholas Church, was a wonderful occasion and the Reverend Tony Higgins ensured that it was what Nick would have wanted.

So thank you Tony. I am also filled with gratitude for the care, warmth and companionship which so many of his close friends gave him and the one friend who cared for him until the end. Thank you also to the District nurses and the staff at Swanage Hospital who looked after Nick.

I will never forget the great chorus of voices raising the roof to sing Nicks’ favourite hymn, every voice a friend and from the very bottom of my heart, I thank you.

Jill Nice

Support SWANAGE Foodbank Dear Gazette, Many of your readers will have observed the notice which appeared in the window of the Nationwide Building Society inviting people to donate to a ‘local’ Foodbank; the charity concerned is a Trussell Trust Charity based in Bournemouth and has no connection whatsoever with our local Swanage Foodbank.

If people wish to donate to the Swanage Foodbank, there is a blue bin located at the front of Budgens, with another in Costcutters and yet

another at the rear of St Mary’s Church.

Your local Foodbank helped nearly three hundred people locally last year, and so far we have assisted almost one hundred and twenty people in crisis this year, people who live in and around Swanage.

We thank everyone for their continued support and kind donations which enable us to help those in need in your area.

Beryl Hopkins (for the Swanage Foodbank Team) N.B. We would have welcomed the Nationwide support for our foodbank!

Praise For Peter And Playland Dear Sir/Madam, On Saturday 1st August I drove my family to Swanage, as we wanted a weekend away in Dorset. During the afternoon we visited the amusement arcade (which we think is Playland, High Street); it was here that I must have placed my phone down, but we left and drove away to Weymouth.

It was only when we arrived in Weymouth that we realised the phone was missing. We called the amusement arcade, and fortunately a very helpful lady told us what we wanted to hear!

The phone had been handed in by a customer and would be kept safe. On the Sunday, we realised that we’d severely affect our plans if we returned to Swanage.

Fortunately, Mr Churchill helped us by stating he would post the phone back to our home address. We’d like to thank and praise the amusement arcade for all their help; their help was incredibly appreciated and very kind. We believe the employee’s name is Peter Churchill.

We’d be very grateful if you could acknowledge everyone’s help and goodwill.

Yours faithfully, David Baker

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toxic landfill on the panoramic site adjacent to the Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve and Durlston Country Park? Foot fall across the blind corner (with no pavement or safe crossing) has increased in the last twenty years, since planning was given for residential development (access for Plantation Close had to be paid for by the builders), public swimming baths and a dramatic increase in the residential caravans at Bay View and Shorefield.

Finally who thinks an Oil/Gas Well would be a good thing for Swanage?

Perhaps when some of us are stuck behind yet more industrial traffic, we might regret not opposing this non-essential Industrial development.

I can’t think of anyone who will make personal benefit apart from the shareholders. Well come to Swanage!

Jack Daniels, Swanage, by email, adress provided, witheld on request

Raising Concerns For Two Years Good morning Gazette, As you can see, for a short time a while ago the flags in the Square were colourful and attractive. Now they are plain blue and dull.

Can we campaign to have the colourful ones back again please?

Best wishes, Brian Case, by email.

Well, Well, Well!

Dear Gazette, Get Well Soon Swanage.

In reply to Telling It Like It Is (David Hollister August, issue 187) regarding the “small” number of residents who are against the Infrastrata Well Development next to California Farm, this is in fact a growing group of individuals; the online petition to ‘Stop the Swanage gas rig’ has 560 signatures so far….

Contrary to his statement that it may not “start at all”; Infrastrata’s CEO has clearly stated in a phone call to me that they intend to go ahead in 2016. Residents who have been attending STC monthly meetings over the past two years have not been harassing the council, they have simply been raising concerns and asking questions during public participation, STC initially refused to comment because they own the access road; this left many safety issues unaddressed prior to planning consent and as owners of the road, they may be liable. According to expert advice, a well blow-out could affect the whole of Swanage, with a possible two mile evacuation zone; this eventuality is rare but possible.

No one I know has called for Panorama Road to be closed apart from Infrastrata, who have stated parking restrictions and possible roads closures during rig construction and deconstruction. There have been several dangerous incidents on the blind bend at the foot of the very steep incline, including an HGV heavily laden with imported Asian stone, suffering transmission failure and having to roll backwards round the bend.

The professional risk assessment was called for by residents concerned for the safety of pedestrians and other road users who regularly use this STC owned road. It was identified that the quarry had no risk assessment and Infrastrata had not fully accounted for risks in their planning application.

The risk assessment condemns the road on numerous points as unsuitable for HGVs and the safety of this road is as much a consideration of the quarry employees as it is for pedestrians, etc.

The comprehensive risk assessment cost approx £1600, however the work necessary to make the road safe may cost thousands of pounds and residents believe that these costs should be covered by those making commercial profit from the free access granted by STC. Until the road is made safe for HGVs, I suggest that stone should be transported in smaller vehicles.

Historic practice should not be a bench mark for current safety standards.

Who in their right mind would now grant permission for the massive

Dear Readers, Approved application for a gas/oil well. Approved November 2013.

In response to David Hollister’s article on page 10 of the August Gazette: Swanage Town Council has a policy ‘not to discuss planning applications that include their land’. STC owns the access road to the drilling site. Dorset County Council determines applications for minerals/ hydrocarbons. Questions and concerns were raised by individuals at STC meetings prior to the determining stage of the planning process (2013). Many letters of concern and objection were forwarded to DCC planning officer, Andrew Helmore. The issues raised were considered to be appropriate and material to the application.

6..4 Relevant issues that are material to this determination • whether the proposals should be considered as EIA development (Environmental Impact Assessment) • traffic impacts including safety and amenity implications • visual impact and the location within the Dorset AONB and Heritage Coast • impact on Durlston Country Park • impact on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site • impact on tourism • impact on Rights of Way • noise and related impacts on tranquillity and residential amenity • groundwater contamination • light Pollution • air quality issues • biodiversity impacts and potential for impacts on SAC, SSSI and SNCI • the potential impact on neighbouring holiday let and camping business The planning committee voted 3 v 4. Three councillors confirmed that as there had been no site visit and they were not familiar with the area, that they could not support the application.

Consultees, such as Natural England, Jurassic Coast, Health and Safety Executive, Dorset Wildlife, Purbeck District Council, Swanage Town Council, Parish Councils, were contacted by DCC. Not all responded. If no response, it is considered as ‘no objection’. In addition to the material concerns above there are other issues.

UNESCO/IUCN confirm that no exploration, extraction, exploitation for gas/oil should take place in World Heritage Sites and that the setting should be protected from inappropriate industrial development. The Jurassic Coast Management Plan confirms that there are stringent policies in place to ‘protect the WHS and its setting’.

Experts working in the oil and gas industry (in oil/gas well safety) confirm that whilst it is rare, that ‘blow outs’ can happen at the exploratory stage so must be planned for. There is an HSE requirement that an Emergency Evacuation Plan be provided before drilling takes place. No Emergency Evacuation Plan was required or raised as a concern as part of determining

The Purbeck Gazette

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MATT HILLAN Building Alterations & Maintenance

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01929 427296 07971 690817 Happy to help and advise the application. A blow-out could have a social and environmental impact on land and sea.

Q. Have any discussions taken place with the local Emergency Services?

Q. Could local emergency services cope with such a situation?

Q. Future scenario. If gas/oil found in substantial amounts, where would a refinery/pipeline be built?

Individuals have not been ‘harassing’ STC, however they have been persistent and have politely asked for their concerns/questions to be seriously considered. Interested individuals have been attending STC monthly meetings for almost two years. It is a democratic right to attend meetings, raise questions and concerns in an appropriate and responsible way. Local representation is important.

Colette Drayson, by email, address provided, witheld on request

The Republican Response Dear Editor, In answer to a pro-monarchy letter that appeared in July’s Gazette, here are some points.

It’s a common argument that the monarchy is apolitical, but what could be more political than an undemocratic unelected, ultra conservative institution based upon class, privilege and stolen wealth?

Only recently did the monarch start paying taxes after centuries of political evasion. And he or she still has weekly meetings with the prime minister where political influence is brought to bear. Furthermore the monarch and other royals can often make their opinions more than clear with loaded political statements. (e.g. The Queen re Scotland and Charles re anything) In addition, of course, the monarchy symbolises the enshrined inequalities of our deeply class-ridden society and serves as a bulwark for the extended royal family, the aristocracy, the civil list, the House of Lords – all undemocratic and based on privilege.

Most other countries are far more socially equal and forward looking than Britain, and whilst North Korea is often cited as a bad republic we should note that the strongest economies in the world tend to belong to republics for example Germany, China and the U S A – In all three of these countries the differential between the richest 5% and the poorest 5% is smaller than in Britain.

Another common pro-monarchy argument is about tourism, but imagine how tourism would increase if the royal palaces and castles were all thrown open properly to tourists.

Meanwhile, there’s huge irony for me that there’s so much opposition to immigration at the bottom of our society whilst at the top we are reigned over by a German blooded woman and her Greek husband.

Of course, the reason why people tolerate and even support such a bizarre anachronism is because of the constant propaganda of newspapers, magazines and TV, where royal ‘news’ is always treated with dewy-eyed romanticism rather than the normal journalistic rigour. As a result, and often amazingly, countless royal ‘misdemeanours’ such as adultery, immorality and apparent racism, are regularly and effortlessly swept under the carpet.

North Korea would be proud!

Name and address supplied, withheld on request.

Blue Pool Ethics Praised

Dear Editor, I just wanted to share what became a wonderful day off in the season for me. I went to the Blue Pool. Now there is nothing particularly noteworthy of that you may think, however the first time I had gone there was fifty years ago and I was worried to imagine the changes that may have occurred in that time.

So perhaps you can understand my delight when I found that, other than

a little tickling up around the edges, almost nothing had changed. The place was really good value for money, and there was hardly a hint of commercial expansion. The site has been maintained and retained as a simple but beautiful backwater that hails back to an era when other values of life were placed in higher regard than raw commercial gain, and simply making a living was considered enough.

The whole place is a haven for wildlife and is deservedly worthy of its status as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI). For those that may not know, the Blue Pool came about from the mining of clay and it is those clay particles in the water that gives it its amazingly rich colours.

The unspoilt woodland areas that surround it bear testament as to what can be achieved when a little thought and love is invested in the land.

While walking around it made me sad to compare this with the fate of the SNCI at California Quarry. That land has also been mined and, while it would be unlikely to attain the staggering beauty of the Blue Pool, it has a beauty of its own which deserved better and proper reinstatement investment from the land owner after the quarrying stopped. Certainly it should not, in my opinion, now be threatened with being concreted over for the planned gas drilling site, making an utter mockery of all conservation efforts.

What a pity the Blue Pool ethics aren’t more widely exercised, but well done them, and here’s to it retaining its tranquil beauty for the next 50 years!

Andy Kirkwood, Swanage.

Final Event At Bower Cottage Dear Nico, Saturday, 1st August saw the final coffee morning in aid of Cancer Research hosted by Beryl and Les Varney at Bower Cottage, Langton Matravers.

They have been holding the event on the first Saturday in August for the last 25 years, raising in the region of £35,000 for the charity.

The good weather brought out over 100 visitors who spent £1245 on cakes, raffles and bric-a-brac. Other donations brought the total raised to £2070 - not too bad for a two-hour coffee morning! Beryl and Les would like to take this opportunity thank all the family and friends who have supported them over the years in putting on the event.

Regards, Steve Peirson (son-in-law)

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Domestic & Commercial Work Undertaken APPROVED CONTRACTOR

A Return To Heidelberg

Dear Readers, Heidelberg is 16 miles south of Wareham’s twin town of Hemsbach and has also been visited by other town twinning associations. It is situated on the banks of the River Neckar and it is one of Germany’s most attractive towns. The Elector Ruprecht 1 established Germany’s first university here in 1386. In the late 17th Century the French virtually destroyed the medieval city and castle but the city was left intact during the Second World War. My first visit to Heidelberg was with the Swanage Town Twinning Association. Here we began with a picnic in the park followed be a tour of the remains of the castle, a trip to the city centre on a funicular railway, lunch at the market place adorned with the Neptune Fountain and a walk over the Old Bridge dating from 1788.

For me the day was ruined when someone stole my wallet with all my English money, credit cards, driving licence and membership cards and then started using my debit card. It was with some trepidation that I returned this year with my hosts in Hemsbach.

This time I just took 50 Euros and some coins in a purse chained to my belt. We went on a 30 minute boat trip to Neckargemund. There we had some Paulaner beer brewed in Munich with a light lunch at an open air cafe by the river. On the way we saw Philosopher’s walk built in 1817 on the hillside at an altitude of 650’, the old bridge and the castle. An interesting part of the journey was entering a lock just to the west of the old bridge and listening to the water rushing out as the water level fell by about ten feet.

Yours sincerely, Robin Brasher

Legal Oversight Costs £58k+ Dear Gazette, In the last edition of the Purbeck Gazette there was a discrete mention in the Wareham Town Council report that “The Amenities Committee heard that the town would not be receiving all the expected money from Bloor Homes for the play area at Westgate”.

It seemed to be a small sentence with a big implication for locals, so I wrote to Rod Curtis to find out more.

He replied attaching a copy of the minutes of the Amenities Committee of 3rd June which detail the situation in item 6, but in summary it is essentially as a result of an oversight in the complex legal agreement signed with the developers late in 2014 meaning the agreed sum of £58,240 will now not be paid as capital for a contribution to a Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP). The developers have declined to renegotiate the agreement.

As the Town Council now have to find this sum they will subsequently struggle to find the funds for the future maintenance of the area.

Perhaps it is a suitable subject for an objective report? (Personally I think it is despicable that Bloor have reneged on their agreement based on a technicality. Their pre-tax profits in 2014-15 were stated to be £35.6

01929 425528/07976 691128

million. They have gained substantially by selling houses at prices generally well beyond the reach of locals. It’s not the best vantage point for an objective report!)

Kind regards, Sue O’Kerwin, by email Extract from minutes of Wareham Town Council: Item 6, Weds 3rd June 2015. PLAY AREAS - WESTGATE and the RECREATION GROUND The committee considered: Correspondence received from Purbeck District Council’s Economic Regeneration Officer, Mr Alex Clothier, on the subject of changes that had occurred regarding the provision and maintenance of the Westgate play area (Bloor Homes development) off Worgret Road.

Mr Clothier was in attendance at the meeting together with Mr Alan Davies, PDC’s Development Manager, to explain the reasons for the anticipated receipt of less than expected funding in connection with the future costs of maintaining the play area to be constructed on the site. It was explained that this was the result of an oversight in the complex legal agreement signed late in 2014 with the developers and the sum of £58,240 would not now be paid as capital for a contribution to a LEAP (Local Equipped Area for Play), the developers having declined to renegotiate the agreement .

Mr Clothier explained that the developers had agreed to install bow top fencing on the perimeter of the play area, following the completion of the development. The site for the play area would be left as flat and grassed and the provision of fencing would reduce the price of the submitted play scheme from £38,000 to around £30,000 for play equipment and associated items. The Council would still be receiving the following sums: £21,760 for off-site play area provision, £56,494 for sports contribution at the Recreation Ground, £54,725 for capital and maintenance of the LEAP at the Westgate Recreation Ground.

Councillor Mrs N Wiggins stated that she wished to record her extreme disappointment with the outcome of the legal agreement with Bloor Homes and that, as a result of an error made by the District Council, the Town Council would probably be hard pressed to deliver funding for the future maintenance of the play area at Westgate. Councillor Russell concurred and referred to a projected sum of around £2,000 per year for maintenance of the LEAP in the letter from Purbeck District Council as a very poor amount in comparison to the anticipated sum.

The Chairman called for a show of hands and on a vote of 3 for and 3 against and with the use of the Chairman’s casting vote it was: RESOLVED that the Westgate development play area be adopted together with the sum of £54,725 for capital and maintenance of this feature.

That it be noted there is no change to the sums of £21,760 for off-site play area provision and £56,494 for sports contribution at the Recreation Ground to be received by the Town Council.

That the Council’s extreme disappointment with the final version of Purbeck District Council’s legal agreement with Bloor Homes be expressed.

Trevor Chadwick Letter Dear Editor, I was very interested to see the letter sent in by Crispin Sharp about Trevor Chadwick (August Edition) as this verifies something my grandfather said some years ago.

I have in my possession a letter sent to my grandfather Bob Brown, by Trevor Chadwick dated December 1943. In it he describes his time in the R.A.F. He was in an air crash, bombed in Algiers and torpedoed, and then had a jeep land on top of him in Africa. After all this he was invalided out of the R.A.F. He also speaks of the happy times he had whilst serving here on the Swanage lifeboat and that it was perhaps the only achievement of his life that he was proud of.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Square & Compass Worth Matravers. 01929 439229

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www.squareandcompasspub.co.uk I don’t know about the years he was assisting with the kindertransport, as he does not mention this at all in the letter, but my grandfather certainly knew about it.

A little note about the Chadwick family. If they had not moved here to run Forres School I wouldn’t be here! They brought with them a housemaid called Ellen. She met my grandfather, fell in love and married him.

Kind regards, Jan Bishop, Harmans Cross.

£8000 Raised By Rotary Fete!

Dear Editor, Swanage and Purbeck Rotary would like to thank everyone who turned out in force at its annual fete on Sandpit Field in Swanage.

It would not be possible to hold the event without the support of so many local people and organisations, who provide invaluable help to setting up the arena and manning the stalls. Thank you also to local artists whose fabulous stalls added to the wonderful variety of things on offer.

Nearly £8000 was raised towards local good causes and international projects supported by Rotary. Put the date in your diary for next year – Thursday 11 August!

Linda Winter, President, Swanage and Purbeck Rotary

Moonwalk Success Raises £800 Hi Nico, Jacquie Wilson and I completed the London Moonwalk (26 miles through the London streets overnight) back in May in memory of our friend Vikki Thornhill who died of breast cancer last year.

The theme was “A Night at the Movies” so we both are tried our best to look like Audrey Hepburn, not that she ever had the initials “VT” shining on her chest in tiny fairy lights I don’t suppose.....

Between us we managed to raise almost £800, many thanks to our friends and families and also many complete strangers who approached us to sign the form after reading your last letter about our challenge in the Gazette, Jane Linger

Stunning Beauty

Dear Nico, We are writing to say how stunningly beautiful and professional last month’s production was of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at the Mowlem Theatre.

Caroline Ranger-McGrory and her team at Ranger Productions are a huge asset to this community. They thoroughly enjoyed the standing ovation they got from us all on the Friday night.

We are so glad we managed to get the last tickets.

Jan Owen & friend, Swanage.

SELF STORAGE UNITS From 15ft x 6ft up to 15ft x 15ft For furniture, classic cars, documents Insured & Alarmed At East Stoke, Wareham

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Navitus Decision This Month Dear Nico, After over four long years of consultation and examination, by 11th September we will finally get the government’s decision on the Navitus Bay wind farm.

We think there are three possible outcomes: • The wind farm will be refused.

• The original application for a 970MW farm 8.9 miles from Durlston Head will be consented, or • the smaller “Mitigation Option” of 630MW capacity 11.7 miles from Durlston will be consented.

After the decision has been announced, there is a six week period in which anyone (including the developer) could mount a “Judicial Review”. This is a legal challenge to the way in which the decision has been made, rather than the rights and wrongs of the decision itself. This is an expensive process, requiring professional and legal advice. Challenge Navitus will be looking closely at the decision if consent is granted and we may need more help from the public.

We still maintain that of all the places around the UK where offshore wind farms could be built, Navitus Bay is a really bad choice for its impacts on the protected landscapes of Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The recent decision by Forewind not to develop another 2,400MW of capacity over 80 miles out in the North Sea leaves at least 4,800MW of undeveloped capacity in the Dogger Bank zone alone.

So, “Navitus Bay” is not the only place a wind farm could be built and if the nation’s natural assets are to be managed properly, those sites with the lowest overall impacts should be prioritised. Unfortunately, the government’s planning process was not well-designed to achieve this.

Andrew Langley, Challenge Navitus

New Kingston Festival Dear readers, The lovely Church of St James at the top of Kingston Hill will be hosting a new festival this year, one which celebrates ‘ Heavenly Foods’ in the form of a combined Flowers and Craft Festival, at which you will also be able to enjoy live music at certain times of the day. The event is open to the public from 10am until 5pm on Saturday 19th September and Sunday 20th September and is free of charge. We hope to have the bell tower open for people to enjoy the splendid views over Purbeck, and at certain times you can enjoy hearing the amazing set of ten bells.

This will be our major fundraiser of 2015 in the absence of the Fete and Christmas Tree Festival, so please come and support it, and enjoy the special surroundings whilst savouring refreshments on the lawn. There will be local crafts, including glassware, stonework, woodwork, fabric and many more interesting things to see and may be try.

Kind regards, Judy Forgan – Kingston PCC

WPM Residential Lettings If you need to Let or want to Rent, contact WPM. We offer a personal service to Landlords & Tenants 23b Commercial Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1DF. Tel: 01929 426200 Web: www.wpmlettings.co.uk Email: wpm.tiller@virgin.net

The Purbeck Gazette

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It’s The Little People!

David Hollister writes...

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nless you’ve been living in a cave, you can’t fail to have seen the media coverage over ‘Woodhenge’, Charlie Newman’s amazing wooden sculpture, built on a whim at his own expense on his own land in Worth Matravers. It didn’t seem to have been up for more than ten minutes before the PDC Planning people issued an ‘order’ for the removal of the structure. Actually, I feel that in view of the way in which numerous other breaches of planning law remain un-enforced, often for years, this was a few little men with “authority” flexing their muscles with undue haste – and making themselves not only thoroughly unpopular but also a laughing stock with almost everyone who’s heard the tale.

Charlie and friends put up this structure in twelve hours in June, and despite his protestations that the council “hadn’t been unreasonable” and that he has “no issue with them”, I still feel that is possibly more due to the fact that due to the very nature of his business, the planners and councillors could well make his life difficult if he were seen to protest too much.

There is a ‘deadline’ for removal, by September 4th. A council spokesman said “The Council will check at that time.” Well, bully for them.

It’s a good job for them that Charlie’s such a pleasant and laid-back guy because if Woodhenge were mine, I’d wait till the enforcement officers came round and organise a protest of supporters, dressed as druids, in full presence of the TV cameras so the whole world could see just how petty and pathetic they are.

And yes, I’m fully aware of the need for

proper Planning Permission for permanent structures, but really! He’s planted some trees – in a field. Right next to his own winter woodpile which is actually bulkier and contains more wood than the sculpture. So I guess he will have to take it down and lay it flat – in his own field. Next to the existing woodpile. And within clear view of the horrible metal mast (pictured, bottom left) which presumably Worth Matravers Parish Council have erected in their car park and for which I trust they have applied for Planning Permission from the Little People at Purbeck District Council?

No, this isn’t about a wooden sculpture. Its about the authorities getting really annoyed because their permission wasn’t asked first. But of course, all Charlie has to do is to encircle the uprights with a piece of rope, leaving one small gap, and then it becomes a stock fence to encircle his own cattle. No permission required for stock fences. Come on, Purbeck, grow up.

A Council spokesperson said: “When Purbeck District Council was notified of the structure, the landowner agreed with the Council that he would remove it in early September. If the landowner wishes to keep the structure in place longer than that, then we are happy to discuss the options with him.

“The Council always tries to work with landowners to try and facilitate their plans and proposals, taking into account any planning requirements.

If anyone is planning any sort of work, they should get in touch with the Council to ascertain whether planning permission will be required”.

I had an interesting discussion with Worth Matravers Parish Council on the subject of Affordable Housing. Following the refusal of the 2002 AH application on land adjoining Abbascombe Cottages, I’m told that WMPC assembled a list of ten sites in the parish, suitable for AH building, and sent them to PDC. They received a reply from the then planning officer indicating that none of the sites was suitable and that no further consideration would be given. I’ve therefore asked WMPC to write again to the current Planning Committee setting out – again – the ten sites which they consider viable for AH. But bearing in mind that the AH criteria seem to involver proper infrastructure such as public transport and local shops so I guess that cuts WM out anyway. We shall see.

Not so Langton Matravers. Following the furore caused some months ago when I supported the large scheme for AH on Spyway Orchard as a viable rural exception site which would provide – at a stroke - the village’s perceived need for AH, it was made clear to me that there were many other smaller and more suitable sites in the village where AH could be provided “in a sensitive and responsive way”. OK, I may have missed something and if I have, I apologise, but I’ve looked through the Planning Applications from LM over the past six months and not one such site has come up; not one application for AH of any shape or size appears to have been made.

This could be because everyone is waiting for the Langton Matravers Community Land Trust or the Langton Matravers Affordable Housing

The Purbeck Gazette Community Working Group to do something. If their progress is anything like as fast as the way their interesting and informative website is updated (last date mentioned is December 2014), then I guess that the homeless of Langton Matravers will have to wait a sight longer for their homes. Unless of course, the District Valuer and Mr Turner reach agreement over the exact number of ‘market houses’ he can build alongside the twenty-four affordable homes he is offering the village.

If his plans had been accepted in 2014, we’d have been a long way towards satisfying the need and housing the homeless; at least, a damned sight further on than we are today.

I was glad to learn that several people share my view that where planning is concerned, the developer with the deepest pocket will always win over the impoverished Purbeck District Council who simply cannot afford to stand their ground at appeal. Letters from Ms Leslie and Mrs Thorpe (letter’s pages this month) seem to bear that out. I was particularly disgusted at the way in which the Chairman’s casting vote was used in favour of the developer.

I may be old-fashioned, but I was always told that any Chairman worthy of the title would use his casting vote in favour of the ‘status quo’, but apparently such moral mores are no longer in fashion. And which District Councillor, on leaving the meeting, was heard to mutter that his attendance on behalf of his own electorate was actually a total waste of time?

At a recent ‘Transport Meeting’ at Swanage Town Hall, it was ‘agreed’ that for a ‘trial period’ the traffic on Swanage’s Shore Road should be ‘managed’ in accordance with a plan put forward by those ‘numpties’ at Dorset Highway Authority. That’s all incoming traffic using Shore Road from the Bull & Boat down to the clock. One-way. And that all outgoing traffic - lots of it - should be diverted through the residential areas of De Moulham Road and Northbrook Road. Including buses and lorries. And not ‘one way’.

Metered parking should remain on Shore Road, and (eventually), the pavement should be made wider ……. if funds permit and if the scheme works. But traffic worked perfectly well in both directions when parking was not permitted in the summer; it’s only since the money meters went in that the hypocritical council decided that after all these years, and despite the hugely increased volume of traffic, parking is safe.

It’s been suggested that all vehicles should be banned from Shore Road, fifty-two weeks a year. That’s fine unless you happen to be elderly or disabled, and enjoy getting out in your car for an hour to look at the

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seaside in your own home town.

This is the very same Dorset Highways that initially insisted that the organisers of the Purbeck Folk Festival erect temporary traffic lights – at their own expense – on the A351 between Harmans Cross and Corfe Castle. On a busy main road. On a Bank Holiday weekend. Imagine the queues! Even the organisers didn’t think it was necessary – and fortunately after much lobbying from our County Councillor Mike Lovell, DH retreated and now only require a properly trained ‘traffic marshal’. If I am perceived to be scathing at the activities of those officers at DCC who I can only believe have half a brain between them, then you’re right. As a columnist I am allowed to express a personal opinion. And mine is ‘idiots’.

I would like to congratulate the Church dioceses who were responsible for the fabulous new buildings for St Marks School and St Mary’s school, built on land previously owned by the local authorities. You have not only brought progress and excellent schooling to Swanage, but have also managed – so I have been told – to put the old buildings up for sale without even a hint that perhaps the money could go to the cash-strapped local authorities in gratitude for the land on which the new schools have been built. Once again don’t hesitate to correct me if I am wrong; I sincerely hope I am.

Please be aware that the introduction of superfast broadband into various areas of Swanage also brings with it an onrush of ‘scam’ phone calls saying that they alone can connect you to superfast and offer you the ‘very best deal’. Before doing anything, you need to contact BT and confirm that you really can get superfast; one local lady who was told by BT that it would be at least another six months before it became available to her was tricked by the scammers into signing up for it and parting with her money ….. no names, because legal action is ongoing.

I know that I can get ‘superfast’ in Harmans Cross very shortly, but am still wondering what I will do with the ten seconds a day which it promises to save me at a cost of only another tenner.

Finally, here’s a special note to all the 12,911 readers registered with Swanage Medical Practice who made appointments between March and June. Especially the 655 of you who couldn’t be bothered to either attend or cancel your appointments. That works out to twelve days-worth of appointments. You should be totally ashamed.

I did try to obtain this information from Wareham but they ‘couldn’t give out’ that sort of information. Strange. Swanage’s was in their own newsletter, and on the surgery wall. Wareham’s must be a state secret……

The Purbeck Gazette

UNACCEPTABLE DANGER TO ALL

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nstitute Road in Swanage town centre was the site of a recent road accident, in which FOUR people were hit by a car whilst they were on the pavement. In that case, the driver claimed to have been distracted by a wasp, swerving onto the pavement and mowing down four pedestrians.

Despite the extraordinary narrowness of the road, and ignoring the fact that during the summer months, the road is a hotbed of pedestrian activity, with narrow pavements often forcing walkers to spill out onto the narrow road, some idiot in the Highways Department apparently deemed it suitable for a ‘Loading Bay’ to be situated on the lefthand side of the road, thus reducing the traffic to one lane.

We snapped the above shots on Friday August 7th, clearly showing that lorries HAVE NO OPTION but to mount the pavement in order to pass vehicles parked in the loading bay - thus seriously endangering pedestrians, who have no idea a lorry is heading up the pavement behind them.

In recent weeks a lorry also damaged the balcony at Beavers Restaurant (Beavers can be seen in above pics on the right, with hanging baskets).

The lorry made contact with the balcony when forced to drive on the pavement whilst attempting to pass the vehicles parked in the loading bay.

Thankfully, no pedestrians were harmed - this time.

Our suggestion? GET RID OF THE LOADING BAY BETWEEN 10AM - 5PM, APRIL - SEPTEMBER and STOP ENDANGERING OUR LIVES AND THOSE OF OUR VISITORS!! We thank you!

Jail For Isom In Corfe Castle Murder Case

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man has been jailed for life after being found guilty of the murder of Corfe Castle mum-of-four Samantha Henderson (pictured, left).

Dominic Isom, 28, (pictured, below right) was convicted of killing the 25-year-old by a jury following a seven day trial at Winchester Crown Court. He was handed life imprisonment and was told he would have to serve a minimum of seventeen years before being considered for parole.

The court heard that Samantha was reported missing by boyfriend Isom on the morning of 22 January 2015, sparking a major search. He told police she had walked out of the house at around 4.30pm the previous day wearing his slippers. Isom told officers her disappearance was completely out of character and they were planning on starting a new life in Exeter the following month. The jury were told that by the time Isom had reported Samantha missing, she had already died.

Isom killed Samantha in the shed outside their home sometime between 3.15pm and 3.52pm on 21 January 2015, before wrapping her body in a plastic sheet and children’s duvet. That evening he drove her body to Hamworthy Lake and claims to have carried it into the water, wading in with it and then attaching two large stone slabs to weigh it down. The court heard that Isom tried to cover his tracks by leaving voicemail messages on her phone, sending her numerous text messages and pleading with her to come home on WhatsApp. Her diminutive body was discovered still wrapped in the plastic sheet and duvet by police dogs and divers on the lake bed in Hamworthy on 30 January 2015 – nine days after she disappeared. Also with her body were some of Isom’s clothes and slippers and Samantha’s mobile phone. The court heard Samantha had sustained 23 injuries and some of the numerous

injuries to her head and neck were caused by severe blunt force.

When giving evidence Isom admitted that he had lied to the police, family members and friends and finally admitted that he had caused the injuries from which Samantha died. However, he claimed he never intended to hurt her, to cause her any serious harm or kill her.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Neil Devoto, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Isom carried out a violent and sustained attack on Samantha and then went to great lengths to hide the crime. He lied to police about Samantha going missing and even gave the impression he was concerned for her by sending messages to her phone pleading for her to return home. Isom’s brutal actions that day robbed her four young children – aged seven, five, two and one – of their caring and loving mother.”

“Samantha’s family and friends have been left devastated by her tragic death and I hope the conviction will in time bring some small comfort that justice has been served. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”

Janelle and Richard Henderson, on behalf of Sam’s family, said: “Although justice has been served nothing will bring Sam - our caring, fun and vibrant daughter - back after we were cruelly robbed of her in January this year.”

“We would like to thank from the bottom of our hearts the communities of Corfe Castle and Poole for helping in the search for Sam and the support they have given us.”

“We also wish to thank the police investigation team, family liaison officers, victim support and all who have helped in the conviction of Mr Isom and for the support they have tirelessly provided.”

The Purbeck Gazette

Swanage RNLI Fundraising Comes To A Fitting End During Lifeboat Week

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wanage RNLI launched a fundraising appeal in June 2013 to raise £200,000 for their new lifeboat station, which will house the new, state of the art, Shannon class lifeboat.

Since the launch the total money raised has now reached a remarkable £400,000, the charity’s fundraisers will use Lifeboat Week as an opportunity to thank everyone involved in the appeal and invite them to celebrate its success.

Building is currently underway for the new lifeboat station, which will provide the necessary housing for the new Shannon class lifeboat. It will also provide much improved facilities for the volunteer crew including; a crew changing and shower room, a fully-equipped crew training room, mechanics’ workshop, office space and a base for the station’s D class inshore lifeboat.

Swanage RNLI celebrated reaching their fundraising target of £200,000 at the town’s Lifeboat Week in August 2014. However, since then they have managed to raise an astonishing £400,000 thanks to the remarkable support from the Swanage community and beyond.

As well as support from the local community, the appeal achieved overwhelming support from many of the other RNLI fundraising branches in and around Swanage and Dorset, including; Blandford, Sherborne, Yeovil, Ringwood, Blackmore Vale and as far away as Fordingbridge in Hampshire, so much so that they reached the original target a year early.

Peter Foster, Swanage RNLI Lifeboat Station Appeal Chairperson, says: ‘As a group of people with a shared passion for the RNLI and the crew who volunteer their own time to save lives, I hope everyone is very proud of what we have achieved. I’d like to say a huge thank you to

everyone who helped raise a remarkable amount of money over the last couple of years.’

‘Everything raised through cake sales, sporting challenges, bucket collections, car washes, golf events and Christmas Fairs will go towards building the new lifeboat station in Swanage.’

‘The station will give us the much needed room for both the new Shannon class and the lifeboat crew to ensure that they can continue to save lives at sea and will continue to be very much part of the community who helped make it possible.’.

Carpets Select is a local company which employs skilled, local labour, and is a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Big Flag, Little Flag hose of you who are familiar with the Lookout at Peveril Point, will have noticed that when watchkeepers are on duty, the Union Flag will be flying. One of the decisions of the watchkeepers opening the Lookout is whether to hoist the big flag, which is about 2m long, or the little flag, which is about half that size.

So what governs this decision, what are the critical factors, which influence this gargantuan use of those little grey cells? Strangely, it is a simple thing called the weather forecast.

Up to about force 5 (16 to 21 knots), we will generally hoist the big flag, force six and up (greater than 22 knots) will normally see the small flag raised. This is for economic reasons as replacing flags blown out by the wind, is an expensive business!

Downloaded from www.metoffice.gov.uk, we get the inshore forecast from Selsey Bill to Lyme Regis and up to 12 miles offshore. Essential for the intrepid sailors sailing forth, and quite a good indication of the weather for those of us along the coast of Dorset, you can find the inshore forecast for that day and the next posted every day on the notice board outside of the lookout.

We happily talks about the “Force” of the wind, generally referring to the Beaufort Scale of Wind, which was originally formulated by Rear Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort back in the 1830’s. Strangely, this was not initially designed to indicate the strength, speed or force of the wind but to indicate the effect it would have on the sails of a frigate, the Royal Navy’s most common type of vessel.

Therefore, force 1 meant barely enough wind to maintain steerage and force 12 was more than the sails could stand. By the early 20th Century, when most naval vessels were steam powered, it was considered outdated and in 1916 it was revamped to refer to the sea state and had nothing to do with frigates. These criteria remain to this day. Ranging from Force 0 (calm) to force 12 (Hurricane >64knots), it is still widely used.

To clarify, the difference between knots (nautical miles per hour) and mph (statute miles per hour) is about 13%, a nautical mile being 6080 feet (1853.2 metres) and a statute mile being 5280 feet (1609.3 metres).

There was an old story of a merchant navy cadet under oral examination for his officer’s licence. Being asked what he would do if, whilst at anchor, the wind stated to strengthen, “Pay out more cable, sir” he replied.

“The wind is increasing and the anchor is not holding. What would you do?” said the examiner. “Let go the other anchor” said the cadet.

“You are still dragging with strengthening winds” said the examiner. “I would let go a third anchor” replied the lad. “Hurricane force winds hit you, what would you do?”. “I would let go another anchor” said the panicking cadet. “Where are you getting all these anchors from?” questioned the examiner. “The same place as you are getting all the @%&*^$ wind from!” came the reply. Whether he passed, or failed, was never released!

Stay safe, on whichever side of the tide line your life or leisure takes you.

If you would like to join us, all we ask from you is your commitment. No experience is needed as we will train you. You can find the Lookout by turning right off the High Street into Seymer Road and then left through the car park onto Broad Road. Go right at the fork onto Peveril Point Road and follow it to the end and you will see the Lookout on your left.

The Swanage NCI can be contacted at the Lookout at Peveril Point, on 01929 422596, at nci.org.uk, or call us on VHF 65.

Bob Clark, swanagenci@btinternet.com, NCI Swanage.

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Left to right- Trev Hendes, Dave Pratten, Louise Grady, Pete Meteau Are you aged 14-25 and interested in taking part in a DofE Award? ave you left school or college and wondered how you would finish your award or are interested in starting? Are you currently in employment and looking for a challenge for you and colleagues?

Are you an employer and looking for something to help develop your staff aged 18-25? Are you looking to volunteer in the community and interested in helping run a DofE centre?

If you have answered ‘Yes’ to any of the above then why not come and say hello and enrol in one of the most prestigious youth programmes which will help you or your staff develop in so many areas and most importantly have fun along the way!

So what is the DofE? It’s a youth programme designed to develop young people. There are 3 levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold and the levels consist of different sections.

At Bronze and Silver you will engage in a skill, a physical activity mainly sport, volunteering to help others and last but not least an expedition.

At Gold you will have to do a residential too. Depending on which level the awards can be achieved within 6 months to 2 years but ultimately they must be completed by your 25th birthday.

You can attend one of two venues: Carey Camp, Carey Road, Wareham BH20 7PB (meet first and third Sunday of the month 5pm - 8pm) Swanage YHA, Cluny Cres, Swanage BH19 2BS (meet first and third Tuesday of the month 6.30 - 8.30pm) So if a DofE award appeals to you then come along to one of the training venues in September and we can help facilitate your award and let the adventures begin.

DofE is a youth award, open to all.

Barry Ashdown, DofE Co-ordinator, Purbeck Open Award Centre

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Wareham - Hemsbach

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he organised events on our visit to Hemsbach from 23 to 27 July included a barbeque by the lake with music, a guided tour of the Landau botanical garden, a visit to a wine pub and a guided tour of some sculptures by the lake. The Venture Scouts camped in tents by the lake while the adults stayed in their host’s houses. My hosts treated me to a cycle ride round Hemsbach, a boat trip from Heidelberg and a visit to a model railway.

Robin Brasher

The Purbeck Gazette

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PURBECK ELECTRICAL 61 High Street, Swanage. (next to the Red Lion)

01929 424177

Three Purbeck Schools Learn Together

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ocal schools Corfe Castle Primary CE School, Swanage St Mark’s CE Primary School and Wareham St Mary CE Primary School will be working together under an Education Trust set up for the purpose.

The Saturn Education Trust is responsible for the strategy, management and administration of the three schools which helps them to focus on delivering excellent education, whilst remaining small community based, primary schools.

The core aim of the Trust is to continue to raise standards and create better opportunities for all young people.

The main benefits of the schools joining up in this way are to: share knowledge, skills and resources and evolve best practices; achieve support in processes, training and systems that all staff need to help them excel; and work in a reflective culture reviewing outcomes and assessing effectiveness in their delivery. All the schools within the Trust are committed to provide our children with excellent education by nurturing and inspiring them to achieve their potential, morally, spiritually, socially, culturally and academically; regardless of their educational needs and their social, economic or cultural background.

The Trust has been created to secure a thriving, vibrant future for smaller local schools which might otherwise find it difficult to excel in a world of increasingly scarce skills and reduced funding. It welcomes the opportunity to work with other schools, whether faith schools or not, who share the Trust’s vision, aims and values.

The Trust’s CEO, Nigel Beckett stated: “It has taken many months of hard work by Governors and staff, in making sure that we created the right model for the Trust, which met the needs and aspirations of the three schools. We are now excited by the prospect of going forward together with a joint vision focused on achieving the very best education for our children”.

Bob Foster, Governor of St Mark’s CE Primary School and Director of Saturn Education Trust

“Yes, that’s right - Purbeck Electrical sell everything.... phones, chargers, radios, lights, kettles and big things like washing machines and fridges....”

Come and be surprised!

The Purbeck Gazette

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Out Of The Blue Hello Purbeckians, The role of PC or PCSO is in the main a happy one. The majority of our contact with the public is, despite what the media portray, amiable. Our time with the public isn’t only limited to when a crime has been committed or when we are directing traffic, most of the time its things like a quick chat in the street, giving directions or meeting at a community event.

There is though one thing that really disappoints us.

Picture the scene: You’re walking down the road, all is well with the world, the sun is shining, birds are singing, children play happily in the park; George Formby could walk past at any moment and doff his cap to you. Ahead you see a young parent walking towards you, behind her she drags a young child; the child is rigid in an attempt to not be moved and is in the middle of a full blown hissy fit. The young mother looks at you and wonders for the umpteenth time when was her loving child replaced with the satanic offspring of Lucifer and John McEnroe?

You know what’s coming and to be honest you can’t blame her. The parent drags the recalcitrant child towards you and tells him/her/ “If you don’t start behaving the policeman is going to take you away and lock you up!” And there you have it, the seed of distrust and fear has been sown.

The above scene may be a tad exaggerated but it explains the issue. What is more frustrating is when parents say it when their children are being well behaved. We don’t want children to be afraid of us, we want them to feel confident to approach us and confide in us, we want them to come to us when they’re lost and most of all we want to foster a trust which extends into adulthood.

We know why you do it, but please don’t. Instead tell your kids that we are here to help, we are the person they should go to when they’re lost, when we pass in the street stop and have a chat, that way kids will learn to see the police in a better light and that’s much better than fear.

Carry on.

As you read this Purbeck will be seeing the close of yet another extremely busy summer period. The sun was out (more often than not) and the population of the Purbecks increased 2 or 3 fold, which places its own demands on the Police but on the whole this summer has been eventful for all the right reasons!

Dare I say it but we are now in the run up to the festive season! Sorry. However, some issues are prevalent all year round and one of those is rogue traders.

These are unscrupulous individuals who prey on vulnerable people and often deceive them out of considerable sums of money. Purbeck Police will be working very closely with Trading Standards this autumn to get the message across to people so that they do not fall foul of these criminals.

This is a time for neighbours / friends / relatives to look out for elderly vulnerable people and to ensure the basic messages get across: Do not accept an anonymous caller telling you that your path, guttering, roof etc needs repairing, no matter how persuasive. Tell them to go away.

Below: Purbeck Police get together during Swanage Carnival week for a oncea-year group shot - thanks for being such good sports for the ‘other’ photos! NJ

Always check that the people claiming to be from the Water board / electricity / gas company are by telling them to remain outside whilst you phone (get the right telephone numbers from your bills and not the individual outside).

Before agreeing to any work on your house obtain an independent quote from a trusted organisation You will never have to pay monies up front and no decent law-abiding tradesperson would make you attend your bank in order to get funds If you are in your back garden – lock your front door and vice versa Do not keep wallets, purses and handbags in view and do not keep your PIN number with your cards More safeguarding tips will be relayed throughout this period by Trading Standards and Dorset Police.

To contact Dorset Police please call our police enquiry centre by dialling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency when there is a risk of harm or a crime is in progress. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 (mobile phone tariffs may apply). Remember if you See Anything Suspicious (SAS) call 999.

For the latest information on what your local police are doing follow our social media, Twitter - @PurbeckPolice and Facebook – facebook.com/ Purbeck-Police, we really value your support and comments.

Purbeck Safer Neighbourhood Team

The Purbeck Gazette

H.M.Coastguard

Who are HM Coastguard? Oh, you’re the ones with the boats NO we aren’t!

M Coastguard are the coordinators of Maritime Search and Rescue around the UK Coastguard, this is the official wording.

So basically if there is someone in trouble, who needs rescuing out to sea, on the beach, on inland water ways or on the cliffs - HM Coastguard will deploy declared facilities to perform the rescue.

This is where the confusion often starts as a declared facility could be an RNLI lifeboat, Rescue Helicopter, Fire, Ambulance or Police.

The Coastguard also has its own Rescue Teams trained in rope rescue, water rescue , search and mud rescues. The teams are also the eyes and ears of the National Maritime Operations Centre in Fareham.

In the Purbeck area there are over fifty Coastguard Rescue Officers based at stations at Swanage, St Albans, Kimmeridge and Lulworth. All are volunteers.

July has, as ever, been busy for the volunteers here in Swanage with eighteen incidents along with voluntary hours in patrolling and accident prevention.

Our incidents here in Swanage were: 1 Cliff Rescue at Emmitts Hill St Albans Head.

2 Water Rescues

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Wareham Senior Forum Wareham Area Seniors’ Forum Overcoming Loneliness

Information and workshop with John Ponter

Jane Simkin

Macmillan’s Patient Information Project Lead for Dorset

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Wareham Parish Hall (on Wareham Quay) 10am to 12 noon Monday 28th September Coffee/Tea on arrival, Home-made cakes

For information, or for transport to attend, call Sue on 07825 264353.

Age 50+ All welcome

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Hello New and Old Members

he Wareham Senior Forum Committee has had a good summer break and would like to invite you to their next event on 28th September.

We have an interesting presentation from Jane Simkin from Macmillan Cancer support plus John Ponter with information plus open discussions on “How to overcome the problem of loneliness and isolation in our community”.

The Friends of Wareham Hospital appeared for the first time in the Carnival to raise money for the many projects to enhance the facilities provided by your Community Hospital. A few of the recent purchases by the Friends are: Bladder scanner for the ward, New flooring in Physiotherapy, Wifi for patient use, newspapers for patients etc etc In this time of change we need you to support your local Community Hospital and become one of the Friends of Wareham Hospital. All it takes is for you to complete an application form and give a small yearly donation (suggested minimum donation is £5 per annum) For more information please contact Wareham Hospital or Tel: Sue 07825 264353 Regards, Sue, Wareham Senior Forum Secretary

2 Medical Incidents working with South Western Ambulance.

8 Maritime Incidents.

1 Pollution incident working with DFRS. 2 Dog Rescues, 1 search for a missing 6 year old and 1 communication incident.

Sadly dog incidents are on the increase, so far five dogs have been rescued and here in Swanage we are launching a poster campaign to raise the problem - “Lead by Example”, we are asking for dog owners to keep their dogs on leads near cliffs - please!

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The Purbeck Gazette

My War-time Memories.

By Brian Guy

The Hut. Ambition. t the end of each ward there was a partly glazed double door that looked out on to the well cut grass, about a hundred yards away was a wooden hut, all by its self, inside this hut was a bar just like a small clubhouse with tables and chairs and with a dartboard. Now! When you could make your own way to this hut you could go there and have drink with your pals.

As you might imagine, it was everyone’s ambition to get to the hut, I saw young men pass out trying. The golden rule was that you had to make it entirely on your own with no assistance at all, you could have your pals cheer you on, but they were not allowed to help and none was ever given, all on your own, or nothing. Came the day. Yours truly was going to have a go at the hut!

My mates to cheer me on, “Come on Brian, you can do it”, as I struggled with my heavy plaster and crutches (the long period in hospital had reduced my weight considerably and I looked like a concentration camp victim), it took me ages, but with lots of encouragement from my pals, I got there, only to discover that they did not sell beer, only scrumpy.

We all know how alcoholic scrumpy is, two pints of scrumpy and my crutches failed to go where I put them. How I got back to the ward I do not know, but I woke up the next morning in my own bed. To my dying day I will remember the nursing Sister, first thing in the morning, coming through the double doors with a clutter of false arms and legs and dragging crutches under her arm, all wet with dew where they had been discarded the night before, exclaiming “Come on now, who do these belong to”?

Lake House. Lovely lake House. Always made me welcome.

Now came the most pleasant period of my time in hospital, I had been sent to Lake House previous to having the bone graft, with the express purpose of building me up for the operation, after, I was taken back there again as a convalescent home. Lake House in the Woodford valley north of Salisbury, a haven of peace and tranquillity, this beautiful old Elizabethan manor house had the extraordinary ability of making you feel welcome as soon as you entered its portals (still does, but more of that later). Rolling lawns with the River Avon running through the garden, a beautiful garden, even in war time.

Lady Janet was the owner and the commandant (the Cunard shipping line family) looked after us and made our life there as pleasant as possible. She had made a little club house for us where we could go in the evenings, in it they served beer and drinks, the food was excellent. Strawberries and cream. Mushrooms on toast, would you believe. In May time it was just perfect, try to imagine what it was like for those of us who had returned from the war with the scream of shell and mortar explosion.

All the noises of war, then to find ourselves in this beautiful country manor, where the loudest noise one could hear was the singing of the birds in the garden.

Nearby was an orphanage, and the men were given the job of helping look after the children, once a week in the afternoon. Toddlers, they enjoyed having men look after them and I am sure it had a beneficial effect on us. Back and forth between Shaftesbury and Lake House for treatment, it was nine months since entering hospital. Unfortunately a good deal more time was to pass before I could get back into some sort of normal living. The Major had fixed me up with a caliper fixed to the bottom of my army boots and the weight suspended on my groin, he did not want me to put weight on my legs for six months, it got me about but goodness it got very sore indeed!

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In the event, I made quite a brave sight hobbling about with my sticks and my caliper. The peace and tranquillity that Lady Janet and Lake House gave me was beyond price. For many years after, I had a recurring dream where I would stand on the steps of Lake House and look out over the meadow and the trees beyond, the dream was always the same and crystal clear.

Conclusion. You’re a danger to yourself and others. Eventually I was discharged from military hospital care, to continue my treatment in civilian care, with my demob suit and my calipers still fixed to my army boots. With my crutches I must have looked a pitiful sight, I was thin and wasted, just like a concentration camp victim. When my discharge came through I had to make my own way home from Salisbury to home, hardly able to walk and then only with stops to recover, it was an absolutely wicked journey and I still do not know how I managed it.

When I applied to get my old job back they would not have me, they told me I was a danger to myself and to others. To be honest, I was.

Here we go again, this time I was sent to Egham rehabilitation centre in Surrey, that was in 1945. I must admit that I did not want to go to Egham, all I wanted to do was to get back into my job in Engineering.

Egham was full of very severely disabled ex-service men like myself, but one should count one’s blessings, as I shall illustrate!

The day I arrived, fed up and choked that I had to spend time at this place, I noticed a man sat at a piano in the main room, desperately trying to play a tune, and in fact it sounded pretty awful, that is, until I got up close to him where I could see that his hands had been very badly burned, so bad that the bones in his hands were barely covered in tight shiny stretched skin, the side of his face towards me looked perfectly normal, but when he turned round the other side of his head had been burned and very badly disfigured....lesson one! There is always someone worse off than yourself.

The man in charge of Egham at that time was a blind, so I started to get things in perspective, most of my time was spent pottering in the garden with treatment every morning by the physio ladies, who concentrated on trying to get some movement back into my legs, and damned painful it was! But partially successful. I cannot remember all about that place, but there was a small bar outside called “Smoky Joes” if I remember, it was at the bottom of the garden area, though I could never get there myself.

I did befriend a man there who had two false legs, he would set off for a walk to Virginia Water every day, and was out of the gate before I could travel twenty yards with my calipers and my crutches. During my stay at Egham the residents took part in some boisterous high jinks at the local pub. Unfortunately I was not able to get there for an evening drink.

One of the fellows had a false leg and his mate plunged a knife into his leg while he pretended to be in great pain, much to the discomfort of the locals. There was also a lot of turning the tin wardrobes around at night on their return from the pub! I spent some time there, it did give me a chance to recover from the long period in hospital, after about a year, I had recovered enough to try to get back to work again.

Then I found just how badly I had been injured, it was a long and very painful struggle. The returning service men, especially the disabled, found out that we were being treated as a nuisance, nobody wanted to know us and we had the feeling that they just wished that we would go away.

To illustrate this, while at home convalescing, an official from the British Legion came to see me and asked if there was anything they could do for me? “Yes, I would love to get a little job to assist me to get back on my feet.” “That should not be too much trouble” he said, I am still waiting, seventy years on, I never saw him again.

Before I left Shaftesbury Hospital, the Major had told me: “When you have been out of the army for some months, I will send you an army travelling warrant, I would like you to come and see me.” To be honest, I had forgotten about it, then one day the warrant arrived, I did go to see him and he gave me a thorough medical examination, I had tea with him in his private quarters and later he got me home.

One of nature’s true gentlemen. Sir John Charnley. Orthopeadic surgeon, and a true genius.

Summer Flooding In Purbeck

ummer is here and as usual the British weather brings with it a mixed bag. Any rain we get may be heavy and localised, and this can cause flooding in people’s properties.

Dorset County Council and the Environment Agency would like to know if this has happened to you. By reporting this kind of flooding these agencies can plot areas that are more likely to suffer and look at possible solutions.

Cllr Peter Finney, the county council’s Cabinet member for environment, said: “Reporting flooding in properties helps us to map where the issues are. We can then use this information to concentrate resources to where

they are needed and apply for Government funding to reduce the risk of future flooding.

“There is an easy online form, and there is no time limit. Often when this happens to you the last thing you think about is reporting it. But when you can, the information we collect is very useful.”

To report flooding in your home visit www.dorsetforyou.com/flooding/ report For more information about flooding, protection or claiming visit www.dorsetforyou.com/flooding

The Purbeck Gazette

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Smedmore House & Gardens Open

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medmore House with its beautiful gardens and spectacular sea views of the Jurassic Coast is a hidden gem set in the glorious Purbeck countryside.

On Sunday 27th September the house and gardens will be open to the public from 2pm until 5pm. As well as guided tours of this historic house, there will be craft, plant, tombola and games stalls in the garden and tea with home-made cakes whilst listening to Wareham Town Band.

The owners of Smedmore House kindly open their grounds for charity for just two weekends a year and the 27th September is the last day for 2015.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) is a national charity with local branches who help provide practical & emotional support for people

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with MND and their families, as well as funding vital research projects.

For more information about the event and MNDA please visit www. mndedorsetandnforest.org.uk or phone 07811 871347

Sweet Smell of Community Success!

fter seven years of trying, a community room is at long last set to open to the people of Bovington – thanks to a solar powered donation from Good Energy. The Cologne Road Community Group has been able to open a room for all to use after it received a £1,750 grant from renewable energy supplier Good Energy.

This funding came from the first tranche of grants made possible through the development of Good Energy’s first solar farm in Dorset, based at Woolbridge, near Wool. A community chest was set up to release £5,000 every year, for the next 30 years, to give support to good causes and local projects in the Wool, Bovington and East Stoke areas.

The room at 21 Cologne Road, a specially converted ground floor property, will be officially opened on August 20 and will be available to hire for social groups, family events and commercial use. It will also be used by local organisations that help the Bovington community, such as Wool Parish Council, Wool Library, Citizens Advice Bureau, Sure Start and health professionals.

Community Group member Sharon Palmer said: “The funding from Good Energy has been a lifesaver – after years of trying to open a community room we were getting to the point of giving up but this money has made

History & Tea Success!

Church History and Cream Teas Gobbled up by over 100 interested locals On Sunday 19th July, St Mary’s Church in Lytchett Matravers welcomed over 100 visitors who gobbled up some of the history of the church, explained by local historian Shirley Percival and Church Warden Annie Mitchener.

Visitors also enjoyed sitting under the yew tree dating back to AD590, enjoying a cream tea in the sunshine.

There were 68 Cream Teas, 43 Cake teas and over 74 tours, raising over £600.

This event was swiftly followed on Monday 20th July by the younger generation filling the church and enjoying the latest Disney Film ‘Home’.

Photo: Shirley Percival – Local Historian Shirley Percival explaining church history to visitors

it possible. We are looking forward to opening our facilities to the wider public and providing them with a much-needed venue for community events and organisations.”

Good Energy’s Woolbridge solar farm began operating last year and its associated community chest grant scheme was opened to applicants at the same time. The first £5,000 has now been distributed and in addition to the Cologne Road Community Room, funds have also been distributed to four other local organisations.

Good Energy’s Hugo House said: “It’s great that we are able to play a role in helping the Cologne Road community room become a reality for the people of Bovington. These kinds of projects can make a huge difference to local communities but may not otherwise receive funding - and that’s where the Community Chest can step in. We look forward to supporting more schemes like this for years to come.”

The community room at 21 Cologne Road will be officially opened by wellknown local residents Daphne and Harold Hansford on August 20 at 3pm.

Applications for the next round of Community Chest fund is now open – for an application form email contacteswcc@gmail.com.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Swanage Liberty Parade 2015

3 (Harrogate) Squadron march with the Band of the Royal Logistic Corps.

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ince the original granting of the Liberty of Swanage on 9th July 2005, the 2015 Liberty Parade is the fourth to take place.

On Saturday 25th July, a contingent of 100 soldiers from 3 (Harrogate) Squadron, accompanied by the Band of the Royal Logistic Corps, marched from Swanage Football Club down to a Parade dias on Swanage seafront, where they were inspected by Swanage Town Major, Steve Poultney.

The Mayor was accompanied by Colonel Matt Fenson, the Commandant of the Defence College of Communications & Information Systems and Commander of Blandford Garrison.

The Colonel has visited Swanage many times since he and Frank Roberts (Swanage Railway/Swanage Army Link) led a party of soldiers who had travelled from Northern Ireland to install communications on the Swanage Railway in November 1989. Colonel Fenson has also been a Life Member of the Swanage Railway Trust since 1990.

After being inspected, the soldiers marched through Swanage town centre, decamping at King George’s Car Park and changing into civvies in order to have a few hours down-time in Swanage before returning to the garrison.

A special presentation was made at Swanage Conservative Club after the parade.

The event was organised by Frank Roberts of Swanage Army Link, with support from Squadron Sergeant Major WO2 (SSM) Chris Deal, Sargeant Edge, members of Swanage Regatta & Carnival, Swanage Royal British Legion and local volunteers working as Swanage Army Ambassadors.

Various special guests were in attendance on the day, including Cllr. Trite, WWII veteran Clifford Brown and other dignitaries.

Organiser Frank Roberts would like to thank all those who volunteered, as well as offering his thanks to the crowds who gathered to watch and show their support of our armed services.

The Purbeck Gazette

The Purbeck Pledge

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esidents and organisations around the district are planning to give up or cut down their alcohol consumption for the 31 days of October 2015. With a month to go, people have been pledging their intentions for October and possibly even planning to change their drinking habits for the longer term.

Councillor Bill Pipe, Local Communities Spokesperson for Purbeck District Council said: “By signing up to the Purbeck Pledge, people are thinking about how much they are drinking and making a decision to do something about it. For some, it’s just seeing if they can stick to the challenge for the month and others may continue with their new reduced alcohol regime for longer. It’s entirely up to the individual, but hopefully by the end of October one thing will be certain, the Pledgers will be feeling and looking better!”

Dr Alastair Ward, GP at Wareham Surgery, said: “I am delighted that so many residents are making the pledge and putting their health first. We hope that this campaign will help people to better understand how much they drink and learn about the practical ways to make it easier to cut down. Simple guidance is available via the Purbeck Pledge web pages and our colleagues at Livewell Dorset are also offering assistance for those who want more support.”

Get involved by signing up at www.dorsetforyou.com/Purbeck-Pledge to take the Purbeck Pledge or by telephoning 0772 451 0367. Everyone who signs up will receive a ‘Tips, Tasters and Tales’ newsletter to keep them motivated and on track during October. They’ll also receive a directory highlighting local opportunities that could help them replace drinking with healthier habits. Pledgers can also share their progress and support each other towards making a positive change on social media, using the Twitter hashtag #PurbeckPledge.

For further support and guidance on reducing alcohol, visit www. livewelldorset.co.uk or call 01305 233105 (local) / 0800 8401628 (freephone) to speak to someone in confidence.

The Purbeck Pledge is led by the Purbeck Integrated Health, Wellbeing and Social Care Forum which brings together a number of organisations including Health; Dorset County Council; Purbeck District Council; patients; and representatives from the community to engage and work together on issues relating to health and social care needs in Purbeck. The Forum is supported by funding from the NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group.

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The Purbeck Gazette

Swanage Fire Station Update

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ello and welcome to this month’s look at what’s been happening at Swanage Fire Station.

Operationally it’s been quite busy, we responded to twenty three incidents which have included: Twelve small fires involving railway embankments and heathlands. One of these was a request from Fire Control to send our Landrover across to a heath fire at Chickerell, Weymouth, in order to assist crews extinguish a large area of heath.

Seven false alarms.

One special service, this involved a chemical drum found washed up on the beach.

Three road traffic collisions. These included one incident on the road from Langton Matravers to Kingston on 19th July at 11pm. On arrival we found a one car RTC. The car had left the road, gone through a wall into a field, rolled several times and come to rest on its side, wedged between two trees.

We made the area safe and two Firefighters gained access to the vehicle and began trauma management. One male was trapped in the vehicle with injuries to his head and neck and shoulders. The rest of the crew began to remove the roof of the car so that the casualty could be transferred safely to the Ambulance. Whilst this was taking place the local paramedic arrived and assessed the casualty.

It was decided that due to the worsening condition of the casualty he need to be extricated quickly. The Fire & Rescue Service, Dorset Police and South West Ambulance worked together to free the casualty. He was then taken to Poole Hospital for treatment where, I’m glad to say, he has started his long road back to full fitness.

So that you don’t become one of the subjects for my monthly report

Fun At The Fete!

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he poplar Rotary fete held on Sandpit Field in Swanage raised nearly £8000 towards local good causes and international projects.

There was something on offer for all the family.

Rotary President, Linda Winter, thanked everyone who helped make the event such a success and said “It was lovely to see so many people enjoying the range of activities on offer, from go-carts and a trolley ride for children to traditional stalls such as a coconut shy, skittles and hook-a-duck.

The Rotary catering team provide its usual delicious selection of cakes, pies, jams, chutneys and home-made soft drinks and BBQ. Entry to the craft tent was free this year and attracted a wonderful range of products made mostly by local artists.

Put the date in your diary for next year – Thursday 11 August!

please read the following advice, I hope that the points here will help everyone to drive safely.

The speed limit is a limit, not a target. In some road conditions, including fog and rain and traffic flow, even driving at the speed limit could be too fast.

Country roads often have sharp bends. Stay in control and give yourself time to react to unexpected hazards by braking before the bend, not in it.

Be aware that there may be unexpected hazards, such as blind bends, vehicles coming out of junctions and animals on country roads. The national speed limit on single carriage roads is 60mph, but there will be times you need to drive under that in order to drive correctly for the conditions. In fact most people do on these roads – the average free flow speed is 48mph.

Driving too fast for the conditions is bad driving. Driving too close to the car in front, undertaking and failing to signal are widely accepted as examples of bad driving. However, some drivers fail to accept that driving too fast is also poor driving, despite the fact that this is a contributory factor in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries every year.

Consider the consequences of causing an accident due to driving at excessive speed. If you cause an accident you will have to live with the emotional consequences of deaths or injuries caused to others.

On Sunday 2nd August we held our station open day. The sun was shining and it was great to see so many people come and take a look around the station, talk to the crews and watch the displays that we put on. I’m pleased to say that our stalls and raffles made nearly £800.

I must at this point say a great big thank you to all the local businesses (too many to mention) from around the town that so kindly donated prizes for our tombola and cakes for our refreshment stall. All the money raised will be donated to the Fire Fighters Charity, which looks after Firefighters and their families in time of need.

If you would like to know more about the work of the Fire Fighters Charity please go to www.firefighterscharity.org.uk I’ll be reporting again next month, so until then, please stay safe on our roads and remember to test your smoke alarms.

Phil Burridge, Station Commander

700 Years Of History

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grant of £297,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund will allow the Dorset History Centre to open up access to a Dorset family’s archive. The collection, which is made up of over 800 boxes of documents, maps, and works of art, is internationally significant.

The Bankes owned 16,000 acres in East Dorset and Purbeck.

Lady Mary Bankes defended Corfe Castle against the Parliamentarian siege during the English Civil War. William John Bankes, a pioneering Egyptologist, contributed to unlocking the secrets of hieroglyphics and funded the obelisk that stands on Kingston Lacy’s lawn.

The Bankes archive project is a partnership between Dorset History Centre, the National Trust (which owns the archive) and the Priest’s House Museum in Wimborne. It will also involve collaboration with Walford Mill Crafts and the University of Exeter.

The total project value, including other contributions from the National Trust, Dorset County Council, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Valentine Trust and the National Manuscripts Conservation Trust and ‘in kind’ contributions from staff and volunteers is in excess of £540,000.

The project will take three years and involve dozens of volunteers. Further work on exhibitions, oral history and resources for schools will take this collection to a wider audience.

James Grasby, National Trust Regional Curator, said: “The 700 boxes of archives found at Kingston Lacy transfer information and tell stories which are lost to human memory. The Bankes family kept their household and estate accounts, personal letters, travel diaries, architectural drawings, maps and plans, indeed every conceivable note and scribble, for over 400 years.

“Amongst this archive are treasures, including the personal papers of William Bankes – connoisseur, friend to Byron, early traveller in Syria and Egypt and collector. This project will support the Trust in our ambition to conserve this invaluable resource and provide new information and interpretation for fascinating, moving and fun experiences for visitors to Kingston Lacy and Corfe Castle.”

For more information about the Dorset History centre visit www. dorsetforyou.com/dorsethistorycentre

The Purbeck Gazette

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WORK EXPERIENCE TIME!

The Purbeck Gazette

15 year old Alicja Nowicka (pictured, right) joined us for a fortnight’s work experience in July, from The Bishop of Winchester Academy in Bournemouth.....

We have been running a comprehensive work experience programme here at Gazette Towers for over a decade now - no one makes tea or does any filing, we actually teach grammar, editing, research and writing. We’ve worked with (and hopefully helped) a wide range of students between the ages of 14-22 from schools, universities and colleges right across Dorset. We love working with the younger generation as they are our future; how they are educated and the support they receive throughout this process is of utmost importance, in our humble opinion.

Occasionally, a truly outstanding student comes along; previous students who we have classed as ‘outstanding’ include Swanage’s Marienna PopeWeidemann, who found great success after completing her degree, and has since worked for the Islam Channel, Counterfire and the Huffington Post. Most recently, we were lucky enough to be able to spend a fortnight working with Alicja Nowicka, aged 15. Alicja was outstanding in every way and we were hugely impressed with her abilities. We therefore gave her a very broad and difficult subject to research and write about for you - the subject of immigration. The following article is not just a bunch of facts and figures gathered together and regurgitated- it includes a deeply personal account of one young individual’s experience, coupled with some facts you may find of interest. We were incredibly impressed with Alicja’s attitude, abilities and outlook on life, and wish her the very, very best for the future - we have NO doubt she will go very far indeed.

A huge thanks to all the local people who gave Alicja their time and were happy to talk about their opinions on immigration openly.

After All, We’re All People

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here are 28 allowed haircuts in North Korea. Men are given a selection of 10 haircuts, mostly two inches in length, while women have a grand choice of 18, ranging from short, to long curls. Not sticking to the regulations put in place would result in harsh consequences for the hardcore criminals, if caught. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only law limiting the freedom of individuals living in North Korea, with rules put in place regarding many things we see as a normality in our lives, such as media usage.

Censorship of the radio, TV and incredibly strict rules of internet usage, is making North Korea possibly one of the most controlled countries in the world. Can you imagine living without texting? Or perhaps the internet?

Not many people can. Think of your haircut - I can guarantee you it’s not on the list of acceptable styles available to North Koreans. Therefore, due to the authority in the country, you would have to change it. Would you?

Or if given the chance, would you simply travel to another country where you would be allowed to actually express yourself freely?

Sadly in North Korea, regulations on emigration are even more tightly regulated than those on haircuts, resulting in many citizens of the country not being able to migrate to other places. However, if given the chance, some would most definitely take the chance, and would probably end up emigrating to South Korea or China. The story wouldn’t end there though, as many would face cruel discrimination against them from the current occupants of their adopted country.

Once again, imagine yourself with your haircut, seeking new opportunities in a country offering you the ability of expressing yourself through your appearance. You migrate there, leaving behind your whole history and roots, in hope of a different future. After an illegal, and most likely stressful, couple of hours, you arrive.

Looking around you observe different people exhibiting their own styles and personalities, and finally you’re content knowing you can experience that as well. However, to make your new life even more difficult, people begin to discriminate against you. Walking down the street, you know some can sense your differences, and your accent doesn’t make it easy for you. As you try to rebuild your life, people keep standing in your way, simply because of who you are and where you come from.

Why should discrimination, of all the difficulties that you’ve already faced, stop you? Simply because of your nationality? Because of where you were born?

In June 2013, 503 000 immigrants arrived in the UK, 202 000 of those were seeking new job opportunities. However, just like an immigrant moving from North to South Korea, they faced numerous difficulties once they set foot on British lands. For one, due to many of the migrants’ limited knowledge of English laws and the language, many are taken advantage of by employers. Scores of the immigrants arriving in this country every year will be made to work illegally without their knowledge of it; ‘Dominika’ came to the UK in 2004 and for the first three months of her job, she wasn’t paid at all. Only after she chased after the local authorities was she told of the documents she was supposed to possess in order to work legally.Before this, no one thought to mention the fact that she needed several, different papers to prove her identity.

Furthermore, to add to the difficulties, immigrants like ‘Dominika’ often face cruel discrimination. While often the instances aren’t incredibly serious or noticeable at first glace, general discrimination is reported by many migrants. Once someone learns of your ‘foreign nature’, they are most likely going to change their tone of voice, or even their whole treatment of you. School is the most common example of this; foreign children are often expected to perform worse than English students. In some cases, immigrant children can have troubles at school, whether it be with lessons or general communication with other pupils, due to their different culture and upbringing.

However, studies have illustrated the fact that schools with a more diverse population perform better overall than schools with just British students.

This is due to the background of the immigrant children; the parents of these are often hard-working individuals who raise their children in the same way. The effect of this is that these children can have a better work ethic and typically greater aspirations, causing them to perform above expectation.

At the end of 2008, having just turned nine years old, I arrived in the UK to join my parents, who already emigrated here from Poland a while before me. Due to my terrible language teacher back in Poland, the only words I knew in English were ‘hello,’ and for some bizarre reason, ‘turtle’. For the first few months, I had major struggles in most of my lessons, being placed in the bottom set in each of my classes. Worsening my progress was the fact that some of my teachers simply ignored me, not challenging me in the slightest to learn the language; during my English lessons I was told to just write in Polish, which looking back now, was probably to get me off their backs.

Fortunately, a teacher specialising in teaching English to foreign students was present in the school, and a few times a week, I was pulled out of my classes in order to aid me in my progress. Although this helped me to learn the English pronunciation of each letter in the alphabet, it didn’t assist me in my general communication or my normal lessons.

As I sat among my fellow pupils, patiently listening to the teacher with a baffled expression on my face, I was completely stuck in my helpless state. Year 5, a year after I first arrived, provided me with a chance to finally engage in my lessons. A new teacher with a more exciting and understanding personality introduced me to the world of books, and from that moment on, I and the local library were completely inseparable.

Although at the beginning I didn’t understand a word of what I was reading, I kept on trying, and book by book, I could feel myself getting more confident in my word use. In the space of a year, I progressed from the

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bottom set of my English class, right to the very top, and soon some of my works were even beginning to be distinguished among my peers. One story which I remember quite clearly, I spent a couple of days writing and re-writing, wanting so desperately to get it perfect. Although at the end I still wasn’t completely content with it, it was chosen by the teacher to be read out to the class, a first-time for me.

Finishing my KS2 education at a level 5b in English after only four years in a foreign country, is possibly one of my proudest achievements. This level gave me the chance to further improve throughout my secondary school education, as I was put straight in the first set, and have stayed so for the last four years, as I’m now reaching the end of year 10.

Many achievements later - this including reaching the highest possible level in English at the end of KS3 - I am now considered one of the most able in English among my year. Due to my hard-work over the past eight years, I am not afraid to admit the latter although I’ll say there’s still room for improvement. However, I’ll never forget the gruelling hours spent rereading the same book in order to gauge its meaning, or sitting cluelessly in a classroom desperate to understand at least a single word. At the beginning, it all seemed impossible to me. Due to my non-existent skills in communication, I had no hope for the future, as I thought I’d always be stuck in the same spiral of unproductivity. Unless I did something to change this factor, and so I did.

Now, my ambitions are even higher, as the past few years have taught me one particular skill – not giving up and working till I physically can’t do anything more.

Much of today’s media is set on making out immigrants as lazy individuals, moving to the UK in order to claim benefits, and to not contribute to the economy or society. However, I present to you my family, who have worked nearly non-stop over the last few years, with an improved future the one thing on our minds. This story is similar to many immigrants in Britain at the moment; over the past decade, immigration has contributed over £20 billion to the English economy. This money was most likely spent by the government improving education, healthcare, and general quality of life for all citizens occupying this country. Simply put, without immigrants, Britain would have been £20 billion short over the last decade.

On the other hand, as any part of society, I do understand there are some issues concerning immigration. While the welfare system is being abused, it’s not only immigrants’ faults, as some of the major media corporations would want you to believe. The majority of benefit claimants in the UK are in fact, British - 4,194,160 people compared to the 395,420 foreign claimants. When I surveyed a random selection of locals in Swanage, this issue was mentioned by half of the people I spoke to, with most claiming

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benefits as the most influential draw for immigrants coming to Britain. Many have also mentioned that immigrants only migrate to England in order to have an ‘easy lifestyle’, as some English-born residents have been claimed to enjoy by the media.

This is a common misconception as of the 583, 000 immigrants in 2014, only 113,700 were on out-of-work benefits. While I’m not completely disqualifying the possibility of some migrants being benefit seekers, “It’s the minority that spoil it for the rest”, explained Mimi Wiggins, once an immigrant herself, she is now settled in the lovely seaside town of Swanage, married to a local Swanage man, with a family of her own, and considers the town as her home.

To further consider other concerns felt by some residents of Swanage I’ve spoken to, was the mention of an overload of immigrants during the past few years. As the media adores mentioning, the amount of immigrants who came to the UK last year was 583,000, however what everyone fails to reveal is how many emigrated; last year; 316,000 people left Britain. Of those who emigrated, 131,000 were British citizens wishing for a better life in another country.

Now I ask you this; if immigrants to the UK are really claiming jobs, taking housing, utilising our healthcare and worsening everyday life, what are the British emigrating to other countries doing there? Is it right to send hateful glares towards people emigrating to this country, while British citizens are equally free to emigrate wherever they wish?

However, one thing encountered while interviewing numerous individuals around Swanage, was the surprising level of general acceptance. None were completely opposed to immigration, and those who were sceptical, had their own reasons. Pleasantly, I was also staggered to hear many individuals referring to immigrants as actual ‘people’, a fact many seem to forget in the mainstream media.

Many also mentioned reasonable ways of resolving the issue of immigration, such as aiding the country from which the immigrants are coming from.

There is always a reason behind a person migrating anywhere, whether it’s to seek a better future or simply due to curiosity and the human desire to explore.

Considering this, providing help to the original home countries of the immigrants would mean people will have little reason to move, thus eradicating any issues which they might cause in their adopted country.

Isn’t that a much more humane approach to the situation, rather than ‘closing all borders’?

After all, we’re all people.

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PASTIMES and PLEASURES IN PURBECK

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s the saying goes: ‘One man’s meat is another man’s poison’ and when it comes to what constitutes a pleasurable pastime, there are many differing views.

What we can agree on however, is that here in Purbeck there is something to suit all tastes and all ages. Our feature this month provides a wealth of suggestions to entertain you, from great days out, exhibitions, events, and hobbies, through to mouthwatering wining and dining.

Of course not forgetting the ever popular pastimes of retail and beauty therapy – What’s not to like?!

Don’t forget that in every issue of the Purbeck Gazette, the Spotlight Diary at the rear of the magazine contains an amazing array of events and activities to tempt even the most jaded palate - get out there, get involved and join in!

Enjoy the very best that Purbeck has top offer this September!

ONLY BORING PEOPLE GET BORED!!

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Get Active This Autumn!!

with Mini Tennis, and Junior Badminton for ages 6 years-plus teaches skills for beginners and those with a good badminton knowledge.

Finally, 8 to 14 year olds can enjoy two hours of action-packed activities followed by an hour in the pool with Sport & Splash.

See dates, times and prices at www.dorsetforyou.com/purbeck-sportscentre/children/term-time-activities Lots for the adults Be a hotshot at the Monday Badminton club nights! Adults can play organised doubles games in a friendly atmosphere.

If you want to learn, there’s Badminton Essentials for beginners or Adult Badminton Skills for those perfecting their shots!

Prefer the likes of Federer and Djokovic? Then, give tennis a go! There’s something for all abilities at the Sports Centre.

Read more about badminton and tennis at www.dorsetforyou.com/ purbeck-sports-centre/club-coaching-nights Or, if Yoga and Pilates are more your thing, there are courses for all abilities starting in September www.dorsetforyou.com/purbeck-sportscentre/exercise-classes

For the children urbeck Sports Centre’s popular children’s activities return in September! The Sports Centre welcomes the return of the fun Trampoline sessions, which follow the British Trampoline Federation Awards Scheme, and the new season’s Gymnastics course which offers an exhilarating way for children to get active. Both courses are run by Renascence and are for two age groups: 5 to 8 years and 9 to 12 years.

Toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years will be introduced to the ballet environment with a focus on learning through music and movement in the fun Pre-school Ballet Classes.

Gym Tots aged 15 months to 4 years can enjoy an hour of fun whilst developing those essential skills.

4 to 12s learn basic shots and improve their balance and co-ordination

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Civil War Comes Back To Life At Corfe Castle!

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he sights and sounds of the English Civil War come back to life at Corfe Castle.

A full scale re-enactment of the fall of Corfe Castle, Besieged and Betrayed, takes place on September 26-27.

It’s 1646 and after five years of bitter civil war Corfe Castle stands as an isolated Royalist stronghold surrounded by Parliamentarian forces.

The castle has been under siege since the previous year and the bravery of owner Lady Mary Bankes in defence of her home has made her a Royalist heroine.

But treachery is afoot and the castle’s mighty defences are about to be brought low by an act of evil cunning….

Civil War, Besieged and Betrayed; normal admission charges apply.

Admission to Corfe Castle is free to National Trust members.

Picture by Neil Davidson/National Trust (Purbeck).

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Swanage & Purbeck Walking Festival 2015

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he sixth Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival runs from 19th – 27th September.

The Festival has matured into a successful nine days of walking in this spectacular unspoilt corner of Dorset. Walks range from a two mile art stroll or town trail to twelve mile hikes, taking in some of the best views in the country and including the eastern end of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

Of special interest to photographers will be the special interest walks led by award-winning landscape photographer, Andy Farrer and wildlife photographer, Julian Sawyer.

The area is known for its quarrying history, steam railway and the wonderful diversity of flora and fauna and walks are all led by local guides lly d Fu nce e lic

who are keen to share their knowledge. There are also walks featuring the smuggling history of Purbeck and the important part the area played in World War II. Walks are designated easy, moderate or strenuous and there is something for every age and ability.

Festival organiser, Robert Westwood, said “We are delighted that the Festival has captured the imagination of so many people from both this country and abroad and that bookings are already coming in. We look forward to welcoming even more walkers in 2015.”

For full details and bookings, please visit www.walkswanage.com or contact Swanage Tourist Information Centre (01929 422885), or Discover Purbeck Information Centre in Wareham (01929 552740)

Lovely Lunches, Vintage Afternoon Teas, Delightful Suppers

Opening hours from September Weds to Sun 11am - 5pm Fri & Sat nights for supper from 6.30pm Also open on Thursday evenings throughout September!

Please call to reserve tables 01929 439368. Find us by the Duck Pond in Worth

Kit Yourself Out! S

eptember can be one of the best months in Purbeck, the summer holidays are over, so now is the time to enjoy the countryside without the crowds.

Try out the local campsites that were just too busy before, or go for that lovely coastal walk and take in the stunning scenery.

Jurassic Outdoor is the place to buy the quality walking, camping and travel equipment you need for your local (or distant) adventures.

New in this season Black Diamond! Fantastic quality, super light- weight trekking poles and head torches.

If the weather is unpredictable as it often is, we have a good selection of reliable waterproofs from well- known brands such as Jack Wolfskin, Rab & Paramo.

In addition to the technical hiking kit we stock a range of fashion and lifestyle clothing by Weird Fish, Braintree and Simclan.

Not only that – but we also pride ourselves on our range of useful gadgets so pop down and see what you can find, we look forward to seeing you.

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ear Residents, Please Help Protect our Pier!

Swanage Pier is run by a Charity, The Swanage Pier Trust, which was established to preserve and maintain the Pier for the benefit of the Town, residents and visitors.

Major conservation work is now needed to ensure the Pier remains safe and accessible. Parts of the structure are in a critical condition, including forty one of the timber piles.

This year Swanage Pier Trust made an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for an £805,000 grant towards a £1.7million project. The aim of the project is to undertake the Pier conservation work and other site improvements, including creating an education and exhibition space, new shop and catering facilities. The Trust has successfully passed Round One and we are very grateful for the support of our Volunteers, Friends of Swanage Pier, Dorset County Council, Purbeck District Council, Swanage Town Council and other partners.

In order to achieve the Heritage Lottery funding the Trust now needs to raise nearly £350,000. This is a significant amount of money, but we are determined to raise it. Swanage Pier Trust would be very grateful if the people of Swanage and local businesses would support this fundraising effort. Here are a few suggestions for ways you could get involved: We would welcome ideas you may have for fundraising activities, such as a sponsored activity. If you are raising money for good causes, please also include Swanage Pier as a beneficiary.

We will have collection boxes available over the coming months and would appreciate it if you would consider hosting one at your venue or business.

A number of corporate sponsorship opportunities are available, and others will be launching shortly, so we would be pleased to discuss with local businesses.

The Trust receives no core funding, income is generated by activities, including Diving, Fishing, Boating and Strolling etc. This income is just enough to keep the day to day running costs and some major repairs spread over a few years, (in fact it took nearly five years of hard savings to put the South landing stage back in action).

The long term future of the Pier cannot be secured without this lottery funding. Kindly make 2016 THE YEAR OF SWANAGE PIER for your fundraising. Please get in touch if you would like to help.

THANK YOU! Derek Tarrant. Chairman of the Trustees, Swanage Pier Trust. Tel 01929 425866

Paddle Steamer Waverley Celebrates Special Year!

Sailings from Swanage Pier begin on September 10 and continue until September 24. ecapture happy memories or create new ones as you visit the seaside at Bournemouth or Weymouth or steam to charming Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. Don’t miss your chance to cruise the Needles or steam right round the Island! You can also sail round Portsmouth Dockyard and see historic ships or cruise along the stunning Jurassic Coast towards Lulworth Cove.

Book now for 2015 sailings aboard Waverley, the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer. Sailing from Swanage Pier you can be a part of a special anniversary year for Waverley!

2015 marks the 40th year that the ship has sailed in preservation. Sold

by Caledonian MacBrayne for £1, Waverley has been operated by a charity since 1975, and preserved as a heritage asset for the benefit of the communities around the UK, creating an economic impact and connecting communities. Incredibly, she has had a longer career in preservation than she had as a commercial enterprise!

Captain Andy O’Brian, Waverley’s Captain, said: “There is no better way to spend the day than relaxing on deck and watching the spectacular scenery slip by. Paddle Steamer Waverley offers the chance to view parts of our unique coastline from a different perspective. There is a trip for everyone – young and old – to enjoy and we look forward to welcoming you onboard during this special year.”

Waverley has excellent onboard facilities including a restaurant serving hot and cold snacks, two bars, heated lounges and a souvenir shop.

Prices start at £19 for Adults and there are discounts for Senior Citizens, Children under 18 half fare & under 5s travel free. To receive a brochure

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or book tickets call the Booking Office on 0845 130 4647 or find out more and Book Online at www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk. You can also book or pick up a brochure at Swanage Pier or Tourist Information Centre.

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Swanage’s Own Cutter Sailing Experience!

Moonfleet Adventure Sailing is an exciting new activity making its home in Swanage Bay and operating from Swanage Pier.

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oonfleet, founded earlier this year, have made it their mission to bring a tallship sailing opportunity to Swanage that isn’t exclusive by availability or cost.

Moonfleet aim to provide an affordable range of sailing introductions that are available throughout an extended season (March - November), whenever the weather allows, and therefore provide a tallship sailing experience at a time and price that suits you!

No previous sailing experience is necessary and no special clothing or equipment is required - just dress sensibly for the weather!

The sailing introduction is all based around a ‘toe in the water’ experience, where you can have a go at the skills and activities needed to take a tallship to sea and learn how to harness the power of the wind.

For those keen to have a go, our crew will provide a supervised hands on opportunity to try most activities that can be fitted into the short voyage, from weighing anchor to hoisting the mainsail - and even taking the helm!

However, if you just want to come along for the ride, then be our guest – sit back and enjoy the sail and the views!

As well as the sailing trips on offer, Moonfleet is available for bespoke packages for group bookings, educational trips, parties and corporate events.

We offer family discounts, please do ask at the time of booking. Please bring your own picnic if attending one of our ‘picnic’ sails, we suggest you take advantage of the wonderful businesses in Swanage town centre who will be able to pack-up a picnic for you to bring along on your voyage. We provide tea and coffee for the crew - and that includes you!

Moonfleet’s crew look forward to welcoming you aboard at the end of Swanage Pier.

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Get Busy With Stewarts!

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e’ve had a busy summer at the shop and are now turning our attention to autumn projects and Christmas!

Alice has made up a lovely sample of one of the advent calendar panels on offer and there’s a photo of it on our facebook page which is a great way to share what we’re all working on and to keep everyone right up to date with the latest arrivals of fabric and wool.

Our autumn class timetable is now available and Jean has got a very special project planned for the autumn, she’s going to guide her students through the joys of making a wedding ring quilt.

We’ve also got a great range of classes on offer from Dressmaking and craft projects for beginners to tailoring for the intermediate and advanced sewer.

Call in to the shop for a brochure or check out our website for details and don’t forget our FREE ‘pins and needle’ session every Friday 2pm to 4pm, bring whatever you are working on, sewing, knitting or crochet and

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Burngate Stone Carving Centre

here is a long history of stone quarrying in the Isle of Purbeck.

The limestone and Purbeck ‘marble’ – uniquely quarried here since Roman Times, has been used for building and renovating cathedrals in England and Europe, and in many other buildings in London and further afield.

Burngate Stone Carving Centre is an Educational Charitable Trust set up

by Purbeck District Council in March 2009, promoting stone carving and helping keep alive the tradition of stone and quarrying in Purbeck. It is now run by trustees and volunteers.

Come and join a course to get the feel of the stone and an introduction into using stone-working tools to create a memory linking into “Pastimes” and enjoy brilliant views of Swanage Bay and The Isle of Wight (weather permitting).

We offer 2hour or all – day sessions.

Car Park and Wheelchair access.

Booking is essential. 01929 439405 or info@burngatestonecentre.co.uk

Jean will give you her expert advice and encouragement free of charge and she makes a very good cup of tea!

So along with our fast and professional alteration service, our three large rooms full of fabric, wool and haberdashery and being the only official dealer of Brother Sewing Machines in Dorset, we do hope you’ll come and see us soon – a warm welcome is guaranteed!

The Purbeck Gazette

Binoculars, Past And Present

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hen I was a mere boy of fourteen years back in 1958, I would leave school and cycle to my father’s shop just before the quay in Poole High Street.

He bought it as a pharmacy and changed it to a drug store photographic, selling ‘Guess what?’ binoculars. Those were the days.

These fell into two categories, cheap French and ex-army and navy binocs (English).

The French were lightweight and of poor quality. The UK ex-army and navy stock were optically sound and heavy. They were supposed to be squaddie and matelot proof and were sold for £8.17/6 or £14.14/6. The French were more costly and money was still tight post-war.

All fathers had a story to tell with these binocs to hand. Today optics are light years in advance of the binocs of yesteryear.

In particular the new Savanna R by Opticron 8 X 33 and 10 x 33. Coming in at nearly the weight of 415 grams. (Normal binocs are on average 700 grams.) Fully multicoated, waterproof and long eye relief for spectacle wearers. Young children from the age of seven years can use these binoculars and the elderly would find them a joy.

At the price point of £119 for 8 x 33 and £128 for 10 x 33 with a quality case and 10 years warranty for peace of mind.

This would relate to a 1950 price point of £800 – showing today’s value for a quality instrument with such a specification.

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n September 11th to 13th, the Bournemouth and Poole Preservation Club will hold their annual Classic Transport Rally.

This year the Rally, which is held alongside Harmans Cross Station, is bigger than ever with over 300 displays of vintage vehicles, motorcycles, tractors, classic cars and supported by stationary steam engines.

There will also be a variety of stalls and trade stands and of course plenty of refreshments.

Parking is very restricted at Harmans Cross, so visitors are encouraged to park at the 350 space car park at Norden Park & Ride just off the A351. From there they can travel in style in heritage coaches behind an historic steam locomotive.

Passengers can then alight at Harmans Cross and enjoy a pleasant and enjoyable day at the Transport Rally. There is a frequent train service throughout the day and diesel shuttle trains operate throughout the evening. For the duration of the event The railway has introduced a special Day Rover ticket which offers visitors all day travel on the Railway as well as entry to the event itself.

For more information go to www.swanagerailway.co.uk Purbeck Railway Circle On Friday 18th September, Dr. Clare Randall, Museums and Education Manager, Swanage Railway will deliver her presentation entitled “Shifting Clay: North Purbeck’s Extractive Industry”. The Circle meets in Harmans Cross Village Hall, Haycrafts Lane, Harmans Cross at 7pm for 7.30pm EVERYBODY IS WELCOME For further information regarding the show and/0r the PRC please contact the PRC General Secretary, e-mail:- gensec@purbeckrailwaycircle.org.uk

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Friends of Swanage Hospital Supporting the health needs of patients in and around Swanage

Chairman’s News

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e delayed the publication of this newsletter so we could bring you the results of the Dorset Clinical Services Review which has been taking place this year. But the public consultation phase, due to start now, has had to be postponed.

Dr Forbes Watson, Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) chairman, said: “We have a clear vision of what we think we need to do to improve healthcare in Dorset, but we want to do more detailed thinking, planning, and analysis to help set out clearly to the public how we think we would realise those ambitions.”

What the Friends are hoping for is that this Review, which will apparently see major changes in the organisation of Dorset’s 3 main hospitals, should in turn result in more services being carried out closer to home.

That was one of the aims of the Purbeck Project and we are still waiting for some of those promised services to start. But so far the Review proposals are unclear about any changes to the role of community hospitals, although they talk of the need for local ‘hubs’ which I think is exactly what a community hospital should be.

The Review also offers the chance to make the integration of health and social care services a reality. Many old and frail people in Dorset receive a free reablement service after being discharged from hospital which is run by the County Council social care teams. The focus is restoring independence and helping people do things for themselves rather than resolving health care issues. When there are health concerns then the

Treasurer’s Comment

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hat a wonderful and generous lot of people there are in the Swanage and Purbeck area. You continue to give us huge financial support which allows us to keep our hospital up to date with both training and equipment.

A special thank you to all our members, just under a thousand of you, who have joined the Friends and take an interest in our activities, supporting us both financially and with your goodwill.

We also enjoy the support of regular fund-raisers like Holme Farm, the Belvederes and the campsite at Tom’s Field, Langton who year in, year out find ways to give us extra support. If you haven’t been to the annual Christmas concert given by the Belvederes at St Mary’s church in Swanage why not give it a try this year, it is always terrific seasonal fayre.

You might wonder what we do with all the money you raise on our behalf. Well we try to spend it wisely. At our committee meetings, which we have 5 or 6 times a year, we ask our Matron to come armed with a shopping list of things the various departments would like. Our first question is often “should the NHS Trust be providing this?”

To be fair the local NHS Trust have provided a lot of new equipment recently and funded some improvements to facilities in the last couple of years. However, the answer is often that the equipment is not something that the Trust would regard as a priority but staff at the hospital, including our visiting consultants and doctors, feel that the new equipment would mean a better service for the patients. In that case we will almost certainly say go ahead and we will pay.

Examples of how this works in practice can be found in every area of the hospital but the major money is often spent in Theatre for day surgery. For example a new scope like a colonoscope can cost in excess of £40,000 including service contracts and you can’t have just one for a list of several patients!

Then in order to run the colonoscope you need IT equipment which

NHS community health teams are involved. In Purbeck the two different teams are housed in one building and do liaise and work together to try to provide an integrated service but they are managed separately with separate budgets and it is this which needs to be addressed.

So please do look out for the opportunity to have your say in the New Year. There should be public meetings and possibly workshops about any proposed changes and I would urge all of you interested in our local health provision to make your voices heard. We will be inviting a speaker from the Dorset CCG to our AGM on Oct 6th to tell us about the proposals which will give us all a chance to learn more about the details.

Meanwhile we must continue to celebrate the fact we have our wonderful community hospital and make sure we use it whenever possible. There are new day surgery procedures happening at Swanage and more than 20 different outpatient clinics. So don’t travel unnecessarily – double check if the procedure or consultation you need is available locally.

We had a lovely Afternoon Tea event in June set in the hospital gardens next door to Everest and lots of people asked what was going to happen to the now derelict old hospital building? The answer is that we understand it will be demolished but we still don’t know when or what might happen after that. We want to see the hospital expand and will continue to work towards that end.

A small but important innovation is the installation of wi-fi in the hospital.

Patients and visitors have been disappointed at their lack of connectivity to the internet which is so important for many people now. The Friends agreed to fund this initiative and hope that particularly for patients with friends and relatives abroad, this will be a real asset.

Thanks to all of you who support our hospital is so many different ways.

People visiting for the first time always remark on the atmosphere – tranquil, welcoming, calm – qualities we must treasure and protect, understanding how much they help to reassure those of us who need to be there.

Jan Turnbull can easily cost another £60,000. All this ‘modern’ equipment only has a useful life of about 5 to 7 years before new technology means it will need replacing so that is a huge ongoing financial commitment because once we have provided it the Trust will look to us to replace it.

Their commitment is to commission the service and provide the staff to operate it.

On a smaller scale we provide and maintain televisions so that inpatients who can manage to watch have the opportunity to do so at no cost (something you won’t find in the major hospitals!) and anytime now we will be providing and running broadband services at the hospital.

So, with your help, the Friends aim to make sure our hospital remains a centre of excellence providing an increasing number of services for the local community. Terry Buck

Our new ‘Quiet Room’ for patients & families

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Annual Newsletter 2015 Message from Matron

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am writing this message to you with all my 8 months experience of being Matron at Swanage!

What an 8 months it has been, I have been continuously impressed by the hard work and dedication of all the staff working here and amazed by the services we provide. The team has been so supportive that my steep learning curve has been greatly enhanced by their very warm welcome.

Although we are still awaiting the outcome of the Clinical Services Review which will now be delayed until next year, it gives us the opportunity to bring our service to the forefront and show what an asset having a community hospital is.

We have had many opportunities to do that this year with our endoscopy service receiving the Joint Advisory Group (JAG) Certificate of Endoscopy Unit Accreditation and our Outpatients department having a Nasendoscope purchased by the Friends providing another valuable facility.

Our annual Patient Led Assessment of the Care Environment (PLACE), visits from the Clinical Commissioning Group, inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and two visits from our Non-Executive Directors have also meant that we have had the chance to showcase what we do. Feedback from these visits has been positive (the CQC team even bought raffle tickets!) and we eagerly await the formal CQC report later in the year.

Part of my role is ensuring that high standards of care are maintained and providing a visible presence in the hospital. Patients, families and carers are complimentary about the Hospital; that said I also have had conversations

AUTUMN FAYRE Saturday 14th November at Swanage Hospital. 10.00am – 12.00 noon Cakes, pickles, seasonal produce and other goods to buy Enjoy a coffee and home-made cake!

suggesting improvements, we at Swanage Hospital always welcome any suggestions of how to improve our service.

This is where our close relationship with the Friends has proved to be so valuable with funding being given to support projects to improve the Hospital environment and provide training for staff.

Some of the team recently attended the Community Hospitals Association conference and the enthusiasm and motivation on their return was amazing. Recruitment within healthcare still remains an issue but, as a relative newcomer to working in community hospitals, the opportunities offered for development, not to mention working in such a lovely environment add to the appeal and we are working very hard to ensure we let everyone know this.

On behalf of the patients and staff at Swanage Hospital I would like to thank the Friends for their support and for welcoming your new Matron.

I really look forward to the challenges and rewards that go with being a Matron at our community hospital and ensuring that the care we give follows our strategy at Dorset Healthcare: ‘Better every day’ Donna Kiss

Come and hear all the latest news at our

AGM at the Mowlem Theatre, Tuesday 6th October 2015, starting at 7pm.

See you there!

Membership Report We are in URGENT need of new members. It is not just funds that are needed – it’s really important that the Friends represent as many of you as possible.

Please join us or, if you are already a member, try to find others to boost our numbers and give us ‘people power’.

Application forms are available at the Hospital and the Health Centre or you can ring Mike Ranger, Membership Secretary on (01929) 422040.

YOUR HOSPITAL NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!

Afternoon tea in the hospital gardens

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The Purbeck Gazette

Fingerposts!

Threads @ The Grand

Helping Keep Tradition Alive

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art of the quaint appeal of Dorset’s rural roads is the fingerposts that show unsure travellers the way to go. But time and collisions have taken their toll on many of the county’s trademark road signs.

Now communities are working together to raise funds to renovate their local signs. And Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is giving them a helping hand by running the Dorset Fingerpost project.

By working with Dorset AONB at Dorset County Council, communities are offered advice on how to recondition, refurbish their local fingerpost, using traditional locally

produced materials and designs.

The refurbishment cost depends upon the state of the existing signpost but can be in the range of £1,000. A grant may be available from Dorset AONB, but the majority of the money is usually raised by the community themselves. Enterprising groups have held car boot sales, raffles and offered sponsorship of the letters on the post itself. Some businesses have sponsored the work and local county councillors have supported the work with their divisional funds.

Dorset AONB has a list of specifications and materials recommended for the renovation. They can put communities in touch with local craftsmen who are able to carry out this work.

Cllr Peter Finney, county council cabinet member for environment, said: “Our traditional Dorset fingerposts are a source of pleasure both locals and visitors alike. By restoring them today we’re preserving part of the area’s local distinctiveness, heritage and charm for the future.”

For more information about the Dorset fingerpost project visit www. dorsetaonb.org.uk/our-work/rural-roads/fingerpostproject .

Picture: George Crane.

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10th to 16th September 10am to 4pm

he Purbeck Embroiderers are holding their fourth exhibition of contemporary and traditional needlecraft at the Grand Hotel, Burlington Road in Swanage.

Come along and see the wide variety of work on display and learn more about the group’s activities from its members, who will be there throughout the exhibition. Enjoy the exhibition in a relaxed setting with a drink and tasty lunch in the hotel’s comfy lounge with its magnificent sea views.

Contact: 01929 423353

Street Light Purbeck Business Switch Off Safe Breakfast A N ational research has shown that part night street lighting is not associated with road traffic collisions or crime. The study, by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in partnership with UCL, suggests that local authorities can safely reduce street lighting at night, saving energy costs and reducing carbon emissions.

Dorset County Council, which was part of this survey, has recently completed a part-night street lighting programme as part of its drive to reduce energy costs.

Researchers analysed 14 years of data from 62 local authorities across England and Wales who had implemented a range of reduced street light strategies, including switching lights off permanently, reducing the number of hours that lamps are switched on at night, dimming lights, and replacing traditional orange lamps with energy efficient white light LED lamps.

Crime and road safety data between 2010 – 2013 was analysed, the type of street lighting used was examined alongside traffic collisions and nighttime offences.

The findings suggest that energy saving street lighting adaptations have not increased area level crime in the neighbourhoods that were studied.

The county council has worked with Dorset Police, parish and town councils to decide which streets are included in the part-night switch off.

Areas that remain lit include town centres, designated traffic routes, roundabouts and roads with vertical speed humps.Some areas with higher crime levels, CCTV installations or all night use (near police stations, hospitals) continue to be lit all night.

More information about Dorset’s part – night street lighting can be found on www.dorsetforyou.com/partnightlighting

mentoring meeting for businesses across the district of Purbeck is being held in Wareham this October. The networking meeting is taking place on Tuesday 6 October from 8am to 9.30am at the Old Granary in the town.

The event, hosted by Purbeck District Council and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), will focus on adding value to business. It will include a presentation from the Dorset Business Mentoring Programme (Dormen), which has already supported 1,000 businesses (ranging from sole traders to medium sized companies) since it started in 2005. Delegates will hear how other businesses in the Dorset area have managed to successfully ‘up their game’ by using a dedicated business mentor.

Councillor Cherry Brooks, Economy and Infrastructure Spokesperson for Purbeck District Council, said: “With businesses spread over a wide area in the district, this event offers owners the ideal opportunity to meet others, discuss emerging business issues and find out how mentoring could help them. Running a business can be challenging and small business owners can often feel isolated. Through this event we aim to enable attendees to share their experiences and discuss issues and talk about how things are going with other experienced men and women.”

David Trickett, FSB lead in Rural Dorset, said: “Many of our members are micro businesses and often work in isolation. The opportunity to meet other smaller businesses and to network can often be invaluable.”

The morning will include an option of full English or vegetarian style breakfast and ample opportunity to network with other local small businesses and bodies such as the FSB. Tickets are £10 pp. To book a place at the Business Breakfast, please call 01929 556561

The Purbeck Gazette

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Dividend Tax Changes

n the Summer Budget announced in early July, changes to the way that dividends will be taxed from April 2016 were announced.

At present, UK dividends are paid with a notional 10% tax credit (this is because the company who are paying the dividend will already have paid corporation tax). The tax credit is sufficient to cover any tax liability for basic taxpayers (but please note that it cannot be reclaimed by non-taxpayers or in ISAs), although higher and additional rate tax payers pay additional tax so that their overall rates work out to be 32.5% and 37.5% respectively.

This is payable on the gross dividend ie., the net dividend plus the tax credit and therefore in effect the effective tax rates on dividends are 0% for basic taxpayers, 25% for higher rate taxpayers and 30.6% for additional rate taxpayers.

From April 2016 the dividend tax credit will be abolished and each individual will have an annual dividend allowance of £5,000 on which no tax is payable. Above this level the tax rates on dividends will be 7.5% for basic rate taxpayers, 32.5% for higher rate taxpayers and 38.1% for additional rate taxpayers. Please note that investments in ISAs and pensions are not affected by the rule change.

Basic rate taxpayers will in effect be paying an additional 7.5% tax on any dividend income above £5,000 where this income is not in an ISA or pension. For higher and additional rate taxpayers it is more complicated.

Those with dividend income of less than £5,000 will be better off.

Those who have a large dividend income (more than £21,667 per year for higher rate taxpayers and more than £25,250 for additional rate taxpayers) will pay more tax under the new rules. It will also affect those people who set up a limited company and pay themselves large dividends instead of an income. They will be significantly worse off under the rule change.

If the rule change is likely to affect you, it would be worth talking to your accountant or investment manager to see if there is any sensible and cost effective action that could be taken, such as utilising ISAs and perhaps holding higher dividend shares in an ISA and those with lower yields outside if you have substantial investments and/or perhaps considering the split of assets between spouses.

However, since the impact will affect individuals in different ways, I would suggest that professional advice should be sought. In addition, it must be remembered that these rules could change again in the future.

Kate Spurling lives in Swanage and is an investment manager with Charles Stanley, Dorchester office – (01305) 217404 – kate.spurling@charles-

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Tax-free Childcare

Tax-free childcare is part of the government's long-term plan to support working families and will provide up to 1.8m families across the UK with up to £2,000 of childcare support per year, per child, via a new online system.

It was originally planned that the scheme would launch in Autumn 2015, but, as a result of a direct legal challenge from a small group of childcare voucher providers, development of the scheme was suspended. However, the Supreme Court has recently ruled that government proposals for delivering tax-free childcare are lawful, which means that the scheme can go ahead and is now expected to launch in 2017. Here are some of the key points of the scheme: - the scheme will be available for children up to the age of 12, and for children with disabilities up to the age of 17 - to qualify for tax-free childcare, parents will have to be in work, earning just over an average of £50 a week and not more than £150,000 per year.

Unlike the current rules for employer-supported childcare, eligibility for tax-free childcare is not dependant on the employer offering the scheme - self-employed parents will be able to qualify for tax-free childcare. For newly self-employed parents, there will be a 'start-up' period during which there will be no minimum income level requirement - the scheme will be available to parents on paid sick leave and paid and unpaid statutory maternity, paternity and adoption leave Anyone wishing to use the scheme will need to open an online account via the government website (www.GOV.uk) and pay in money to the account to cover the cost of childcare with a registered provider.

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OCTOBER DEADLINE NOON 10TH SEPTEMBER

The Purbeck Gazette

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CAP Debt Advice Service To Close

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Trading Standards Spot Scams, Stop Scams ach year millions of people in the UK fall prey to scammers. Some frontline scam fighters estimate the cost to consumers of mass-marketed scams could be as much as £5 billion pounds. The truth is we don’t really know, with reporting levels as low as 5% for some types of scams.

The figures don’t always help. Talking in hundreds, thousands, millions or even billions of pounds undervalues the true cost of scams such as the blight they bring to lonely lives, the emotional trauma for families, the widespread loss of confidence among consumers.

Sometimes the impact is ruinous with a lifetime of careful planning and saving wiped clean in the space of a telephone conversation, at the stroke of a pen, in the click of a mouse. For other scams smaller losses can build considerably month by month over long periods of time.

Scams can come in all shapes and sizes and include prize draws and fake lotteries, fancy goods catalogues, vitamins and healthcare products, investments, romance agencies and clairvoyants to name but a few.

Dorset County Council trading standards’ top tips for spotting a scam: • The call, letter, email or text has arrived unexpectedly • It can have a sense of authority such as crests, seals or come from important sounding people but you have never heard of them before • You are asked to send money in advance • You’re being urged to respond quickly so you don’t have time to think about it or talk to family or friends • They are telling you to keep it a secret To help identify scams check unexpected calls, letters and online contacts with a trusted friend, relative or neighbour.

If it looks like a scam then get advice and report it to the Citizens Advice

do not believe this is the end for CAP in Purbeck.

We believe it is right to make the sad and difficult decision to close the current work of the Debt Centre for Christians Against Poverty here in Swanage on the 31st August 2015.

I have a peace in this decision which has not been taken lightly and comes after much discussion with CAP Regional Staff. We are unable, with limited financial resources and the few amazing volunteers we have, to provide the support required for our clients.

Although the centre will officially close, our responsibility to our clients remains. We will not walk away from our clients, I and our small team of befrienders will continue to support them on their journey out of debt.

A huge thank you to all who have shared this vision, supported and been practically involved in this amazing Ministry. Your help has been and is much appreciated. I am truly grateful.

CAP Money Courses will continue with a new course set for the autumn.

A really good way of getting to grips with putting some order in your finances. Please contact Tim Silk if you are interested on 01929 423931 or email him onsilks@gmail.com So we wait with an excitement and expectation in our belief for God’s future plan for CAP in helping those struggling with poverty here in Purbeck.

Even if the Centre closes for longer than we would wish, we know nothing is wasted in God’s Kingdom as we wait and see what He will do next and how the new season will begin.

Christine North, Centre Manager.

Swanage, Christians Against Poverty 07443 600829

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consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 who can pass details on to trading standards.

Where we identify people who need our help trading standards offer practical advice and support to reduce this type of crime, increase consumer confidence and help to maintain independent living.

OCTOBER DEADLINE NOON 10TH SEPTEMBER

The Purbeck Gazette

Investing In The Future Of Swanage

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Resolve your legal matters with Battens Solicitors

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s a thank you to our amazing customers in and around the Swanage area, First Service, Tech Shop has recently invested in a superfast 100Mb internet connection, making our internet kiosk in Daisy May’s Arcade the fastest in Swanage.

There are now four fast, reliable computers available from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, and 9am-4pm on Saturdays.

As many of you will know, the core of our business is computer repair services for local home and business customers. We want to offer the local community much more than just cost-effective computer repairs.

We now offer: Computer Repair Services - This includes PCs, Macs, laptops, tablets and smartphone repairs as well as remote support and recovery services.

Superfast Internet Kiosk - Get online, and FAST! You can even print your documents.

Printing Services – From simple prints and laminating through to high volume print runs, we can take the hassle out of your print jobs. We can also print your pictures onto virtually anything - Mugs, T-shirts, Phone Cases, Plates or even on Glass!

Professional Photography – In partnership with local photographer Allison Wells, we have created a town centre studio space and can provide a full suite of photographic services including Commercial, Portraits and Digital Restoration.

First Service Tech Shop is affordable, locally owned, honest, approachable and best of all, our advice is free.

Call us: 01929 288008 Email us: info@firstservicetechshop.com Visit our website to view all our services: www.firstservicetechshop.com

When can grown up children challenge a will?

asks Natalie Mason, Solicitor in the Tax, Wills, Estates and Trusts Department of Battens Solicitors Limited and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

There are laws in place which enable spouses, children and other financial dependents to make a claim against an estate if they have been left out of the Will or think they have been given too little. We have just had the Court of Appeal decision in Jackson v Ilott, and although it has not changed the law it has certainly made us sit up and take notice.

Under the ruling, Mrs Ilott has been awarded £164,000 following a decade-long legal fight which culminated in judges ultimately rewriting her late mother’s Will.

The mother, Melita Jackson, had disapproved of her only daughter running away with a man when she was 17, and the two women became estranged. As a result, she excluded her daughter from her Will and instead left her estate to three animal charities. She left a letter with her Will explaining why she excluded her daughter and why she had chosen the three charities more or less at random.

By the time of the mother’s death, the daughter had married the man she had run away with and had gone on to have five children. Although they had been together for decades, Mrs Jackson never got over it. The Court of Appeal has decided that she had unreasonably excluded the daughter Mrs Ilott and has awarded her one third of the estate.

The Court of Appeal has highlighted the fact that in some cases, Wills can be challenged. Certain categories of family member can go to court and say that they have not received a reasonable share under the Will.

Wills cannot always be regarded as cast iron and safe from attack.

The law in this area has not been altered by this decision but it has changed the emphasis. Professional advisers will need to ask those awkward questions about past family breakdowns. Not only will they ask why their client is excluding X, they will need to ask why A, B & C are inheriting more than X or instead of X. The lawyer’s file may be disclosed after their client has died, and at that stage careful explanations and justifications in the file will be crucially important.

This highlights the need to ensure you receive professional advice when considering how you are going to leave your estate and that you discuss with your lawyer whether you are going to stick to the decisions in your Will and, if so, how you can best ensure that those decisions stand up to challenge after you have gone.

Please contact Natalie Mason on 01305 752365 or natalie. mason@battens.co.uk for more details about how we can help you ensure your Will reflects your wishes or Jon Dobson on 01305 752369 or jon.dobson@battens.co.uk to challenge a Will which you consider unjust.

Battens will be available for one to one appointments at Wareham Library every Monday from 10am until 1pm.

The Purbeck Gazette

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September Newsletter It is quite difficult to believe that Purbeck Good Neighbours is coming up for the end of a third year and we are planning to celebrate our birthday with some sort of event. Next month we will let you know how you can join us. During this time we have averaged approximately two tasks per week – we do ask for a minimum donation of £2 but often our clients give more when they see how willing and friendly our volunteers are. This money covers our expenses for telephone calls, the call centre charges, printing and advertising.

Now the town is getting back to normal we can now heave a deep breath as the holiday makers all go home. We hope you had an enjoyable summer, especially if you had friends and family visiting.

However, some of our older residents are not that lucky, are very alone and isolated, needing some help in their homes. Some people do not have visitors and don’t speak to anyone for days at a time.

Our volunteers are very good at helping out in a cheerful manner if something needs doing. take a look at our advertisement alongside this article showing the kind of things we do. If you need some help just give our Helpline No. 01929 424363 a call and a volunteer will call you and arrange when to come and see you.

As usual, we would like to thank all our volunteers for the good work they do.

Swanage Area Senior Forum Radical change for Swanage is the subject of the Senior Forum’s September meeting.

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ur Councillors are proposing exciting and radical new changes for Swanage in the closing stages of the Planning consultation.

How do the planners’ proposals deal with the chronic housing situation and the dramatic shortage of low cost homes which seriously affects young families and results in severe shortages of key workers for health and our other critical services?

And how do the planner’s proposals impact on our roads and traffic system in and around Swanage? Is there an answer to be found which will help solve and alleviate the congestion and the dangers on our roads?

Are there any proposals or ideas that can improve the public transport services in our area?

All are welcome at the Emmanuel Church Centre on Wednesday, September 23rd , 7pm to hear, question and debate the proposals.

Leading contributors will include Steve Poultney (Mayor of Swanage), Bill Trite (DCC Councillor for Swanage), Gary Suttle (Chairman of Purbeck District Council), and of course most importantly… YOU.

SWANAGE AREA SENIOR FORUM

Passionate about our community

PUBLIC MEETING

Housing! Roads & Traffic! Transport!

Can the current Swanage Consultation help solve any of these problems? Come along and find out.

Contributors include Councillors from Swanage Town Council, PDC and DCC

Wednesday 23rd September at 7pm (doors open 6.30pm) Emmanuel Baptist Church, Victoria Avenue, Swanage Refreshments and parking available.

For more information, call 01929 426127

JOIN US - TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER

PEOPLE! IF SOMEONE RINGS YOUR PHONE AND ASKS YOU FOR ANY SECURITY INFORMATION, PIN NUMBERS OR ANYTHING SIMILAR, TELL THEM IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS TO GET LOST, HANG-UP AND CALL THE POLICE! DO NOT PUT UP WITH CON-MEN AND WOMEN - NEVER, EVER GIVE YOUR DETAILS, MONEY OR VALUABLES OUT TO ANYONE!! UNDERSTOOD?! SIMPLE!

The Purbeck Gazette

Age UK Dorchester (in conjunction with Poundbury Wealth Management) would like you to take CARE with ADVICE! An information event is being held at Rowan Cottage, 4 Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester, DT1 1PW on Tuesday 22nd September, from 10am to 12pm. Tim Gallego, (Later Life Planning specialist at Poundbury Wealth Management), will be talking about: • Long Term Care Planning and ways of funding Care • How to protect your Inheritance • Dealing with Local Authorities and accessing any benefits available • Insights into making sensible investment choices and how to avoid common mistakes Please contact Age UK Dorchester on 01305 269444to register your interest

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The Purbeck Gazette

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Different Spokes For Different Folks...

by David Hollister

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t was after watching what I felt to be a somewhat dangerous piece of cycling that I posted a comment on Facebook which reflected my anger but which definitely should have been worded differently. It was almost immediately picked up by the pro- and anti-cycling lobbies and a really good debate ensued. And yes, I did apologise for my language.

Basically it revolved around the use – or non-use – of the expensive piece of ‘cycle path’ between Wareham and the Bakers Arms. So, following a challenge from Charlie the Bikemonger, I agreed to dust off my bike and to cycle the route with him one Wednesday lunchtime. Spurred on by the offer of lunch for both of us on The Purbeck Gazette.

I reminded Charlie that I am very healthy but well unfit, and that I am an out-of-practice 68-year old with a sedentary occupation. So it was a voyage of discovery rather than a time trial! And to ensure a good journey, Charlie kindly serviced my bike before the event.

We set out from the Railway Roundabout at Wareham, aiming to keep strictly to the cycleways, where they existed. The first thing I noticed was that they took us well away from the main roads; not just wide pavements but diversions. And not wonderfully-well marked diversions at that.

Each piece of road we had to cross had a colour-coded dropped-kerb to make crossing easier, but of course we had to stop, look right, left, and right again before crossing. So the journey went in ‘fits and starts’.

I was astonished that where we passed the forecourt of the Sandford VG shop, the pavement was not marked in any way where the shop’s customers could identify it as a cycleway when arriving or leaving. So to

the man in the white car …… sorry, but we did actually have right of way!

I was equally astonished that the Sandford Bus shelter, neatly built in the middle of the path, was painted black. I’m glad it wasn’t at night and glad I saw it coming. Luminous paint or even lights might be a good idea.

The widened pavement – sorry, ‘cycleway’ – cleverly lasted until we left the 30mph limit. And then cast us off exactly where the passing traffic speed limit increased to 60mph. And then we were on our own. This I didn’t really enjoy. Charlie was riding shotgun behind me (protecting the old bloke from passing traffic) and commented that I was riding a little too close in for safety, in case my pedal should hit the kerb and propel me in front of a car or lorry. I think that a few times, traffic built up. Couldn’t see, as I was too scared to turn round.

Half way to Holton Heath I decided that I would ride on the pavement instead; Charlie immediately pointed out that this was totally illegal but I’m afraid my attitude to that was ‘sod the law, I want to live’. We crossed over (several times) at Holton Heath and used the proper cycleway till we got to the Bakers Arms where after crossing and crossing, we arrived for lunch. On the second piece of cycleway we had to constantly duck to avoid overhanging tree branches and brambles, one of which nearly had my eye out.

After lunch, we had decided to ride back along the main road rather than the cycleway, and see the difference. Half way back – after we had manoeuvred the pavement-less bit between HH and Sandford – I decided that I would, after all, prefer the cycleway. Basically because I was s##t

The Purbeck Gazette 47 scared. Yes, the cars were (mostly) giving us the required three feet berth, but the gusts of wind from passing lorries were really disconcerting.

On the way back, we were joined by a mutual friend Jon, who cycles to and from work from Swanage to Bournemouth each day. So we were an ideal combination; Jon, a cyclist-to-work, Charlie a cyclist-for-pleasure, and me, a cyclist-when-the-sun-is-out-and-I-can’t-think-of-an-excuse-not-to.

So – cycleway or no cycleway? Well, as the reluctant and inexperienced cyclist I would prefer the cycleway. And will continue to use the pavement where no cycleway exists. But I feel strongly that the cycleway should be better signed and better maintained, and I quite understand why cyclists who want to get from A to B without stopping and starting, prefer to use the road. I don’t know which design consultant was employed at what cost when they built this thing, but he sure as hell wasn’t a cyclist and clearly didn’t trouble to consult anyone who was.

Jon says that I should ride my bike like I was driving a car. And maybe I will when I have as much experience as he has. As a driver, I still felt guilty about being a ‘bloody cyclist’ and holding up the traffic, but that’s just habit; the cyclists have as much right to be on the roads as do we motorists. So I would urge all drivers to be patient; to give the cyclists the regulation three feet of clearance, and I would urge all cyclists not to make provocative gestures at the idiot motorists who don’t.

A rewarding and interesting experience; thank you Charlie for suggesting it and teaching me a lot; thank you to both Charlie and Jon for putting up with doing a ten-minute ride in twenty-five………

Charlie The Bikemonger says...

Walk a mile in my shoes, or even better, cycle ten miles through Sandford.

It’s easy for non-cyclists to not understand why a cycle lane isn’t always used. However as David (very bravely) found out, it’s not that simple. The cycle lane here is typical with additional distance, doubled journey times, obstacles and grave hazards.

It feels almost like the ghettoisation of cyclists. Who is it designed for? Possibly for the convenience of motorists, certainly not the pedestrians who now have to look out for cyclists.

I have always found it odd that cycling on the pavement is illegal until the council need to tick a box and spend vast sums of money on small blue signs and a few white lines! (Politicans like white lines, ask Lord Sewel, allegedly).

What’s the answer? There is no miracle cure, no magic cycle path. There is no easy answer other than people simply looking out for each other.

Folk on bikes are not ‘bloody cyclists’, they are your neighbours, colleagues, friends and family, just getting on with the daily business of getting on.

I believe that whilst cycle lanes are welcome, attitude is far more important.

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30mph Limit In Harmans Cross

make no apologies for saying that I have been totally against the imposition of a 30mph limit in Harmans Cross since the scheme was first dreamed up; my objections are based on the fact that since I moved here in 1981 there have been no deaths and only one serious injury in accidents in the village; that no-one in authority ever monitored the existing 40 mph limit anyway; that the sudden slowing-up of 10% of the traffic will only annoy the remaining 90% who just want to get from A to B in reasonable time.

Far better to have spent the substantial funds on extending the missing bit of pavement, the omission of which is a ridiculous and thoughtless oversight on the part of the County Highways Department.

However. Inasmuch as more villagers expressed their opinions in favour of the limit than those of us who voted against, I am really pleased to see that the democratic principle has held sway and that the wishes of the

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majority have been heeded at a time when most of the DCC decisions seem based on nothing other than financial aspects.

Many congratulations to our excellent parish councillor Ron Woolford who has made this issue his ‘cause’ for 2014/15.

So. You have been warned. The signs will be going up very soon, the legislation will be in place, so you – like me – will just have to suck on it and slow down in Harmans Cross!

When I retire I will be volunteering to be the man with the red flag who walks the traffic through the village as clearly by that time 30mph will be deemed antisocial and aggressive by the bloody anorak-wearing nonsmoking non-drinking green-party-voting folk who appear to be taking over every aspect of normal life, in my opinion.

Victor Bloody Meldrew. DH

Re-standardisation Of Road Tax

he Green Lobby won’t like it one bit! But the re-standardisation of Road Tax ignoring the ‘emissions’ will take place in April 2017. From then on, all our road tax will be £140 whether we have a Prius or a BMW (with an original list price of under £40,000).

This for me is neither good nor bad news; my MX5 is currently £225 to tax but my Mazda 2 is only £30. So I guess I’m out of pocket by £25. Only twelve cars in current production will qualify for the ‘nil rate’ road tax as

opposed to the 400-plus models which currently qualify.

Whilst not wishing to decry the Greens in their attempts to clean up the climate, I really do feel that actually when one considers the effect of the factories and power stations of India and China, the burning forests of South America, and even the noxious fumes emitted regularly from the Houses of Parliament, linking road tax to ‘carbon emissions’ is akin to arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. DH

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The Purbeck Gazette

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On Top Of The World!

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YOUR Pictures.....

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Send us your pictures to ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk Original files ONLY please, as they come straight off the camera with NO alterations. Some mobile phones may not produce useable pictures due to low resolution. Remember to include your name in the email!

Best foot forward at Swanage Carnival! By Anne Elford

Dog Tara with ponies at Godlingston. By Ray Passmore

Ford Zephyr Taxis in Swanage (1975). By Robin Brasher

Young Herring Gull. By Denise Exon

Rosi & Rainer Steam at Wareham. By Denise Exon

Garden spiders duelling over a feast. BY Michael Cooper

Priory Pod on the River Frome. By Denise Exon

West view of Corfe Castle. By Michael Cooper

The Purbeck Gazette

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Food

The Gourmet Peddler

The

Spiced Salt Sputnik

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first discovered this vegetable when it turned up in my middle-class and middle-age organic veg box. “What the hell is this?” It looks like a vegetable Sputnik, or as it’s delightfully described by the organic veg box people “humpty dumpty hiding in a hedge”.

It’s from the cabbage family, but is nothing like a cabbage. It’s wet like a melon, but nothing like a melon, crunchy like an apple, but it’s a vegetable and not a fruit. The taste is mild but obvious... And evidently difficult to describe. Eeeer...? Try; melon radish apple water chestnut thing.

This recipe must be one of simplest snacks or starters to prepare. A five minute job at most. And this is really handy if you serve it as a starter, as it leaves you to crack on with the main event. Meanwhile your friends will have a disproportionally big food experience, compared to your efforts.

They will approach with caution, and questions, and confusion is sure to follow. However, after the first bite the conversation will spread through the crowd and you will have kept everyone entertained with food for quite some time.

I had a tough crowd at a recent BBQ and I was not sure how raw veg would go down at a BBQ of rabid meat fans. But it was a hit. What’s more, much to the surprise of Pat, the BBQ host, his children, Lilly and Gabe, like all children, don’t look forward to veg. However they not only ate this vegetable, but they also came back for more!

What you need: Mortar and pestle 2 kohlrabi (unlikely to find it at a supermarket, Riverford Organic and farmers markets often have it) 2 teaspoons of fine sea salt 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon of ground coriander ½ teaspoon of ground fennel A small dusting of cayenne pepper Ice cubes for serving.

What you do.

Chop the sputniks antenna off.

Chop the stubby root base off.

Bikemonger Cooks....

Peel with a knife or a potato peeled, in the same way you would an apple.

Chop into chip sized fingers.

Then using a pestle and mortar grind the dry ingredients together to make a dry dip.

For the picture it was thrown together at a back alley BBQ, but you can do much better when it comes to presentation.

Serve on a frozen plate or a layer of crushed ice. It’s a very wet veg, so the ice keeps it cool, and you know what? I’m sure the cool temperature adds to the fresh, crisp experience.

Alternative recipe: kohlrabi carpaccio. Simply slice the kohlrabi super thin, and present it on a plate with finely sliced anchovies, lemon juice, a little olive oil, goat’s cheese, thyme and a little salt and pepper.

Next month: I’ve been eating raw limpets and seaweed... So who knows what will be next month?

The Purbeck Gazette

PURBECK PRODUCE FARMERS’ MARKET Our next markets are on

SATURDAY 12th September 9am - 1pm COMMERCIAL ROAD, SWANAGE Seasonal Home-Grown Vegetables available LOCAL PRODUCE FROM LOCAL PRODUCERS

www.purbeckproducts.co.uk

Watch Purbeck Ice Cream’s fantastic new cinema/theatre advert , featuring Purbeck landmarks and local people, all enjoying delicious ice cream!

See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=gzGmBOPBass

OCTOBER DEADLINE NOON 10TH SEPTEMBER

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The Purbeck Gazette

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There are lots of great events taking place at Durlston this month…

Chamber Music After a superb concert at Durlston last year, as part of the Purbeck Chamber Music Festival, internationally acclaimed cellist Natalie Clein, will be returning on the 5th September at 11am with a concert for children and families. The short, fun concert will take place at the Learning Centre and costs £2.50.

The following day, in the Fine Foundation Gallery, acclaimed harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani will be performing a selection of chamber music. Tickets are £12.

For both events, advance booking is strongly recommended at Purbeck-chambermusic.org.uk Southern Contemporaries Exhibition A new art exhibition by Southern Contemporaries opens in the Gallery on the 11th September. The show, which is open daily until the 4th October features a range of new work on the theme of Purbeck, by some of Dorset’s leading contemporary artists, who will be on hand throughout.

Introducing Family History If you are interested in learning more about your family history, experts from the Dorset History Centre will be a running a workshop at Durlston on Saturday 12th September at 2pm.

The workshop costs £5 and is suitable for complete beginners, and will give you the tools to get started. Booking is essential.

‘Swanage Seen’ Talk To find out more about Swanage’s rich artistic history, join local artist (and co-ordinator of the Swanage Seen Art Trail Carlotta Barrow, for a talk at the Learning Centre at 2.30pm on the 20th September. The talk will feature the work of Paul Nash, Graham Sutherland and many others.

YHA Discovery Day Swanage YHA will be running a day of activities for all the family at Durlston on the 6th September between 11 and 4, including the amazing Jurassic Coast CSI.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue

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Help us celebrate our 50th anniversary!

elp us celebrate our 50th Anniversary on Friday 9th October 2015 at 7pm.

Join us at the beautiful venue of Merley House in Wimborne (pictured, right), for a spectacular evening to celebrate our 50th anniversary.

Guests will arrive at 7pm where they will be greeted with a welcome drink and drinks reception in the main house.

This will be followed by a three course meal and entertainment afterwards from the amazing Mother Ukers who have been supporting us all year through shows and performances and merchandise sales.

There will also be a raffle on the evening with some amazing prizes.

Tickets are £35 per person with all profits going directly back to our animals.

There are limited spaces available so please contact Lucy Compton as soon as possible to request your tickets. For group bookings, please note that tables are set for 8 people.

Call 01929 477070 or email marketing@margaretgreenanimalrescue. org.uk.

OCTOBER DEADLINE NOON 10TH SEPTEMBER

The Purbeck Gazette

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Gazette Gardening with Simon Goldsack

the first time last year and was blown away. Set deep in Devon we should catch it with early autumn colour on the trees, late flower in the summer beds and rose gardens and fruit ripening in the orchards. The garden is large with some fantastic mixed planting ideas. Cost £35 for non RHS Members or £25 for RHS Members. Good restaurant available at Rosemoor – Own expense Thursday 22nd October - Wisley Gardens home of the RHS. Too big a garden to see in just one day but we can have a good go. The autumn colour should be excellent, the small gardens and kitchen gardens are always interesting as are the trial grounds.

There are lots of glasshouses with exotic planting and hot house flowers to keep one enthralled. Cost £35 for non RHS Members or £25 for RHS Members. Good restaurant available at Wisley – Own expense All prices include executive coach travel from Holme.

To request a booking form contact gardenvisits@holmefg. co.uk or phone 01929 554716 Pictures: Top left: The Laskett.

Below: Picton Gardens Bottom left: Sir Roy Strong

Great Gardens to Visit

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part from being a very pleasant occupation, visiting a garden always provides one with fresh ideas and inspiration to take back to your own patch. That is why I am so excited about the four gardens Holme have arranged trips to this autumn.

On Tuesday September 22nd we visit two gardens in Hereford and Worcester. In the morning we are guests of the famous garden writer and former Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Sir Roy Strong (pictured below). The structure of the garden is a masterpiece using classic garden statuary, unusually shaped hedges and clipped topiary to create vistas and focal points which lead the visitor on through a series of garden rooms.

After lunch we move to the Picton Garden and the National Collection of over 400 varieties of Michaelmas Daisy.

The garden should be spectacular being so close to Michaelmas day when Asters are at the height of their display.

Cost per person £55 includes travel and garden entry. Comfort break at services on journey. Lunch at Pengethley Garden Centre (Price not included) Thursday 8th October - RHS Rosemoor. I visited this garden for

The Purbeck Gazette

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Because It’s WORTH It

by John Garner

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orth Matravers is a small place with a big following, both locally and nationally it seems. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve sparked up a conversation with someone and the dialogue invariably gets around to where we live and the next minute we’re talking about Worth (and the Square and Compass in particular), regardless of where the other chap’s from.

The Square and Compass needs no explanation from me as you’ll all be aware of it and if you’re not then you should make it your business to become aware of it, it being one of the most splendidly anomalous pubs to be found anywhere on earth. No exaggeration. They have festivals galore to celebrate such diverse things as cider, fossils and stone carving as well as a pumpkin festival, some of which have to arrive by mechanical means such is their size. A friend mentioned one that had to be carried there in the shovel of a tractor one year and I have no reason to doubt him. It also got a much bigger cheer than the England football match that was on at the time. And the football match meant that England qualified for the European Championships as a result. I’m a big football fan, but you’ve got to love a place that puts the size of your pumpkin way above the ability to curl a free kick in from twenty yards.

Now if cider, fossils, stone carving and giant pumpkins don’t do it for you (and I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t) you could just go along and enjoy the beer and live music. You could also go and enjoy the wooden henge erected in the field across the car park from the pub, but you might have to be quick, of which more later.

You could also use the pub as a starting point to go and explore. Worth and its environ has a diverse and far reaching history. Even the dinosaurs rated it and when they had done with their dinasauring they were kind enough to allow themselves to be fossilised to help prove their existence.

Quite a bit later, about 4,000-5,000 years ago, settlers appeared and did what settlers do best. Worth as a settlement began to take shape. The Romans had an influence as the area was a useful industrial spot for them.

As with most of Britain, as soon as the Romans buggered off, the locals went back to living in houses made of hedge and dung. By the time the Saxons were established, Worth was quite the place to be, mostly due to the abundance of water and its suitability for farming. A few weeks spent in Worth in the winter will help remind you of the abundance of water in the area.

By the 18th and 19th century, quarrying was at its height and Seacombe and Winspit were paying their way. Seacombe and Winspit, especially the former, are two of my favourite swimming spots. Seacombe has lots of caves and inlets to explore and tends to be less densely populated in the

swimming months. The water drops away quite steeply and even though I never stray too far out it feels like a wilder sort of swimming than wading in off the beach. And wild swimming’s still all the thing.

St Aldhelms, just along the coast from Winspit, has a history all of its own and the most interesting period probably dates back to the second world war when it was a radar and telecommunications centre of significant strategical importance. Nothing really remains of that time other than a monument at the coastguard station. St Aldhelms also boasts a very old Norman chapel…the Norman period being a long time ago.

After a good walk along the cliffs, possibly a swim in your favourite spot, a stroll around the village pond and a visit to the 13th century chapel and historic World War II site, you’ll invariably find your way back to the pub and its newest addition. This I did the other day. What probably says more about the village and the Square and Compass in particular than just about anything I can put into words, is that I noticed a henge had appeared in front of the car park and I didn’t bat an eyelid. Nothing surprises you about Worth. It seemed totally appropriate and what’s more, it looked like it had been there forever.

I say a henge although it’s not really a henge as a henge is mostly defined by its banks and ditches and not necessarily by the bits that stick up into the air. But it’s the bits sticking up into the air that make the headlines and headlines this has most definitely made. By the time you read this it may have had to come down. Apparently it defies some planning regulations.

Really? Does it really? If it does then it only goes show that many aspects of modern life are completely bonkers.

Of course, there are some very good reasons why some planning regulations need to exist. But when you have a really impressive and largely inoffensive structure such as this one, sympathetic to the area and its history and from what I’ve read, supported pretty much whole-heartedly by all and sundry, you’ve got to question the sanity of it all.

And if the owner of the local pub decides that a really good use of a pile of tree trunks that were delivered to be burnt is to make a small version of stonehenge in wood (only this one’s got all the constituent parts in situ), then he should be applauded for his ingenuity, resourcefulness and creativity. I wish the owner of the Square and Compass well with his dealings with the Men from the Ministry and hope that the henge can stay and that it becomes another piece of a varied and intriguing history of Worth Matravers. *When going to print, it transpired that there may now be a stay of execution for the henge after discussion with PDC....

The Purbeck Gazette

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Step-up To The South West Coast Path Challenge!

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ancy a challenge? Rather than jostling with millions of tourists on the South West’s beaches this summer, take a walk on the wild side and gear up for the South West Coast Path Challenge in October. The event, backed by TV adventurer Monty Halls, aims to set a new world record for the number of times the Coast Path can be covered in one month while raising funds to protect the coastline for future generations.

Monty said: “As part of the South West Coast Path Challenge month, I’ll be walking the South Devon stretch from Plymouth to Dartmouth. I am a huge fan of the South West Coast Path - some of my happiest memories have been running and walking it, and it snakes right past my house in Dartmouth. I feel it’s one of the most miraculous trails in Europe.”

Taking part in the South West Coast Path Challenge month is a great way of spending time with the family in the great outdoors, keeping fit and healthy, while getting a sense of achievement at the same time.

Whether you want to tackle a short but demanding section, or take on the whole 630 miles, there’s a walk out there for all ages and levels of ability, and unlike the gym, you won’t have to pay a penny. Be warned, though – it is seriously addictive!

Create your own Challenge of 1 mile, 5 miles or 100 miles, every mile counts! For inspiration visit the website where you can find out what other people have pledged and choose from a tailor-made itinerary, or you can join one of four organised 10 mile Challenge events taking place throughout October including: 3rd October - Minehead to Porlock Weir, North Devon and Exmoor 10th October - Gunwalloe to Lizard Point, Cornwall 24th October - Admiral’s Hard to Mount Batten Centre, Plymouth 31st October - Durlston Country Park and Castle to South Haven Point All of the organised walking routes include parking at the finish and transportation to the start of the walk. Register to take part at www. southwestcoastpath.org.uk/events/challenge The South West Coast Path Association is leading on the Challenge event in partnership with the National Trust as part of its coastal celebrations and to help raise much needed funds to maintain the coastal scenery enjoyed by millions of visitors every year. It costs at least £1,000 to look after just 1-mile of Coast Path and it needs your help.

Mark Harold, Regional Director of the National Trust says; “We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Association on their flagship event as part of our coastal festival celebrations this year and look forward to seeing how many miles we can clock up in one month.”

Register to take part at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/swcp-challenge and share your challenge on social networks using #Challenge630 Fundraising tip: Aim to raise at least £10 through sponsorship. Walk 10 miles and get 10 friends to sponsor you 10p a mile!

WIN! - Entrants to the Challenge can take part in a competition to win a Go Pro Camera. All you have to do is pledge your support on social media using the event hashtag #Challenge630 For more chance to win, get creative by posting a short video of your pledge on Youtube, Twitter or Facebook and nominate three of your friends to step up to the challenge. To see what other challenges people have pledged and find out more about how to enter the competition, visit the Challenge event registration page.

For more information about the South West Coast Path Association visit www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk To be inspired to step out on the Coast Path, take a moment and enjoy the National Trust South West Coast film: http://bit.ly/coastfilm

The Purbeck Gazette

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Swanage Folk Festival

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11th - 13th September 2015

he finishing touches to this year’s Folk Festival are being put in place.

The concert line-up features the internationally acclaimed Scottish folk band Breabach who will headline the Saturday evening concert.

They will be supported by Chris Leslie, a leading member of legendary folk group Fairport Convention and The Young ‘Uns, winners of the Best Group award at this year’s BBC Folk Awards.

The opening Friday night concert features an icon of the folk scene, Jim Moray, supported by the up and coming Said the Maiden and the award winning local folk duo Ninebarrow.

On Saturday afternoon Geoff Lakeman will be leading a more intimate folk concert upstairs at the Conservative Club. An ideal opportunity to hear what a Wheatstone Crane Duet Concertina can do in the hands of an expert.

The more energetic of you can round off the Saturday at the festival ceilidh at The Swanage School with the music provided by the excellent Simon Care Trio with Fee Lock as dance caller.

The focus on Sunday switches to the Parish Church of St Mary with the festival service in the morning and a musical presentation in the afternoon

by Time and Tide. This year the presentation is called ‘Two Nations’ and explores the journey of everyman from village to town in words and songs of the time. The final evening concert is also being held at the parish church featuring two of Britain’s finest singer/songwriters, the mother and daughter partnership of Chris and Kelly While.

Over the festival weekend the town will come alive with over fifty colourful dance teams performing traditional dance from England and beyond. The highlight of the dance programme being the procession by the dance teams through the town on Saturday afternoon.

Once again the heart of the festival will be the craft fair and music marquee on Sandpit Field. The colourful craft fair will provide a wonderful opportunity for some early Christmas shopping with a wide selection of quirky wares whilst on the Saturday and Sunday afternoon you can just chill on the grass with a pint, good food and listen to our free music

performances. Details of this year’s festival, including how to buy festival ticket, can be found on our website at www.swanagefolkfestival.com The festival is organised each year by a small, dedicated group of volunteers who are always on the lookout for more helpers, either as stewards over the festival weekend or as members of the organising committee.

If you are interested and would like to help, please contact the festival organisers on swanagefolkfestival@hotmail.co.uk or come along to our AGM which will be held in November.

The Purbeck Gazette

Wareham Art Club Summer Exhibition

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I

would be grateful if you could use the following report to give our Art Club some publicity.

Wareham Art Club held their Annual Summer Exhibition at the Town Hall Wareham on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July.

We were blessed with fine weather and had 550 visitors! The 140 paintings on display showed a great variety of subject and were of a high standard.

Our next exhibition is Art and Craft and will be held in the Town Hall on Saturday 14th November.

Wareham Art Club is a friendly group of people with very different abilities and experiences who enjoy drawing and

painting using various media.

We welcome new members and details of the Club can be found on our website: warehamartclub@btinternet.com David Cole (WAC Exhibition Secretary)

Work Of Dorset Artist features In New Book

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ildlife paintings by Paul Matthews from Puddletown have been included in Contemporary Art of Nature: MAMMALS. This hardback book is published

by Schiffer Publishing in America and features artists from across the world with a variety of styles and materials (painters, photographers and sculptors).

“The author, E Ashley Rooney contacted me about two and a half years ago, after seeing my website, and asked if I would like to be included, as she loved my work,” explains Paul.

The book’s ISBN number is: 0764347861 and it is available through Gardners, the UK’s largest book wholesaler, for £41.50 (so local bookshops can order it if there’s a demand). It is also available online from Amazon (hiss).

Young People Make Music

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alented individual singers and instrumentalists will be performing an evening of songs and music to inspire and suit all tastes on Saturday 5th September at 7.30 pm at Swanage High Street at Swanage, High St Methodist Church. Admission to Methodist Church this event is FREE. Saturday 5 September Refreshments will be available and there will be a retiring collection at 7.30pm in aid of The Purbeck Instrument FREE ADMISSION Loan Scheme and the Church Refreshments available Maintenance Fund. Singing a wide For info tel: 01929 427979 range of songs from shows, films, traditional and folksongs, in addition to the well- known composers, will be experienced soloists Jemima Bennet (17), Miro Vosper (12), and Reuben Bennett (12) all of whom sing in a number of choirs and have given a variety of solo performances in concerts and musicals.

The instrumental solos and duets will feature Sam Brown (16) piano, who plays in many different styles and is a keen improviser and composer, Lola Brown (13) clarinet and saxophone, who will shortly be playing in Sweeny Todd, Amelia Seaman (11) violin, who in the summer played in the under 11 National Children’s Orchestra.

Lydia Bennett (14) clarinet and bassoon, who plays principal bassoon in the Wessex Youth Orchestra and Reuben Bennett (12) trumpet, who – in his school’s concert band – competed in the summer in the Music for Youth Festival in Birmingham. Don’t miss this great evening of music!

FREE ENTRY – No tickets necessary – but come early for a good seat.

YOUNG PEOPLE MAKE MUSIC

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Swanage The Purbeck Gazette

e Carnival The Purbeck Gazette

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wanage Carnival procession was another stonker this year, once again bathed in sunshine! We’re pretty sure ‘Churchill’s Witches’ made an appearance up on the cliffs to successfully banish the heavy rain and clouds in evidence earlier in the day in time for the procession (albeit with a slightly later start time this year).

Dancing, singing, music, laughter and some fantastic costumes were the order of the day (this year’s theme was ‘Superheroes’) and crowds packed Swanage town centre and the seafront.

Carnival week continued in full swing, although sadly the Swanage Bay Swim had to be cancelled this year due to weather conditions. A full schedule of events was available for the whole family to enjoy, including the ever-popular ‘What’s Not My Line’ competition.

A HUGE well done to the red-t-shirted Carnival brigade who do us so proud every year - you’re ALL superheroes!

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Swanage Blues News

The Purbeck Gazette

Swanage Blues Festival - Thursday 1 – Sunday 4 October 2015 60 gigs by 30 acts in 15 indoor venues. enues.

This is a Big Town Party, and it’s getting bigger! New venues include Swanage Bay View and the Youth Hostel.

Posters.

Let’s welcome festival fans with a show of local support. Free posters are available from the Tourist Information Centre or by contacting Steve on 01929 422338.

Audience Participation.

There’s great fun to be had throughout, especially when members of the audience join in. So there will be Open Mic sessions at the Red Lion hosted by Anita Jardine, Electric Jam Sessions at Bar One and The Legion with Robin Bibi & his band, plus Buskers at Swanage Railway Station too.

Artists.

There are plenty of regular favourites and new ones too including Backwater Roll Blues Band, John McClean & The Clan, and the Sam Paine Trio.

Early Start.

There’s an early start to the weekend again on Thursday 1 October from 8.30pm at The Legion: ‘An Evening with Robert Hokum, Steve Darrington and Hugh Budden’. Free admission, non-members sign in, comfy seats, club price drinks, dance floor, stage and lights.

Wristbands.

Weekend Wristbands are still only £10, Programmes £2 - available online at www.swanage-blues.org or from Swanage Tourist Information Centre in early September. Some retailers and most venues will have them during the festival or before; just look for the ‘Sold Here’ signs.

Country Music.

I’d like to get some cool country music going in this area. Anybody interested?

Steve Darrington, Swanage Blues Organiser. www.swanage-blues.org 01929 422338

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Book Reviews - Book Reviews - Book Reviews - Book Reviews

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his is a picture book and may be read by anyone. If you are too young to read, ask someone to tell you the story.

You can’t be too old.

So goes the introduction to Jess Webb and Tony Kerin’s stunning book, ‘Barney the Pirate’.

The story follows the life of ‘Barney’, from birth (bald), through early middle age (bald) and on to later middle age (no longer bald - you’ll have to read it to find out why!).

T

he Magic of Purbeck

by David Leadbetter is right up our street - it’s absolutely rammed full of fascinating information about our surroundings, which we love!

The book contains ten excellent illustrated and guided walks around Purbeck, and the description of each walk contains a plethora of welcome information.

From the first human settlements and archaeological evidence, to later history and great detail on the flora and fauna to be found along each walk, everything you may wish to know is included in some detail.

Each walk is given its own full page map, showing the exact route,

This is an enchanting tale of a baby pirate growing up to sail the high seas on his family’s ship, ‘The Horrible Halibut’, before making a chance discovery thanks to a seagull that changed his life, career, and eventually helped him find true love and live happily ever after....

Since the story was originally written by Jess Webb for her great grandchildren, this book has found its way into wider circulation, with the addition of some truly magnificant illustrations by Tony Kerins (who was originally tutored by Quentin Blake at the Royal College of Art).

Tony’s illustrations coupled with Jess’s words combine to provide a real treasure of a book, where any child (or adult!) enjoying listening to the story will spend equal time pouring over the images, which include a nod to the local environs, with St Aldhelm’s chapel and Old Harry appearing, amongst other local landmarks. The book is beautifully published in hardback, and is sure to become a firm family favourite - whatever your age.

Purchase from New & Secondhand Books of Swanage for £12.99 accompanied by full written instructions. Even those amongst us who have difficulty finding our way from A-B will manage with ease following the instructions given.

A good selection of colour photographs give you an idea of what to expect on your chosen walk, from the stunning scenery you’ll visit, to the flowers, plants and animals you may encounter along the way.

What makes this book stand out amongst the competition is the additional level of the historical information included, along with delightful snippets of local folklore. The book is peppered with fascinating facts regarding our ancestors and their dwelling places (according to archaeological research and discovery), giving those undertaking the walks an additional level of interest as they walk.

The local folklore and ‘stories of old’ add yet another layer, making this a ‘must-take-along’ book, sure to end up dog-earred and bent in the near future (sure proof of a good book!). Bound to appeal to a wide readership; perfect for lovers of the outdoors, nature, history, photography and archeology, David’s excelled himself with this one.

Available at New & Secondhand Books of Swanage priced £9.99

The Purbeck Gazette

Swanage Comedy Is BACK! Stars of TV Are Heading Our Way!!

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omedy returns to Swanage on September 26th with an early doors show at The Legion (doors 7pm) and a later one at Bay View (doors 7:45pm).

The Swanage 5050 Club have booked an amazing evening of entertainment that is to be headlined by Mike Gunn (‘one of the 10 leading stand-ups in Britain - The Independent’ ). He tops the bill at all major UK comedy venues and has been tour support for Jo Brand, Alan Davies and Lee Mack. He has appeared on TV on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow as well as appearing live at The Apollo.

Middle act Steve Best played some amazing shows at a past festival and has been brought back by popular demand. Past organiser Dave Taylor said ‘it was the most laughter I had ever heard from an audience at one of our dates and so am looking forward to seeing his own brand of unique, visual and inventive comedy back on stage” Opening act Suzi Rufflell has been tour support for Alan Carr and Kevin Bridges. As a writer, she has been nominated for a BAFTA as well as providing scripts for 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Stand-Up For The Week.

The MC at Bay View, Joey Page, has appeared on Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy as well as BBC3’s Comedy Marathon. The Legion show is hosted by comedy store and Jongleurs regular, MC Rich Wilson, described by Frank Skinner as ‘a very, very, funny man!’

Tickets for the shows are priced £15 and are available from the venues, Replayed Records in Daisy May’s Arcade, Swanage and on-line from www.swanage5050club. co.uk where you can also get additional details.

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The Purbeck Gazette

Wednesdays Rule In Wareham!

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he wonderful crew of volunteers who run ‘Wareham Wednesdays’ thoughout the summer have really excelled themselves this year, with a packed schedule of entertainment, enjoyed by thousands.

Whilst I didn’t manage to get to every event this year (I missed the Tugof-War, sadly!), I did catch the ever-popular Raft Race, the utterly amazing Navi perform (chosen by Michael Jackson himself), the fabulous ‘Wheely Bin River Race’ and one of Steve Lowry’s discos.

Wareham totally excells in fun-filled family entertainment, offering everything you could want, from great food and company, to the perfect spot to sit and watch the entertainment on the river bank. The team behind Wareham Wednesdays (this is the 5th year) add to this throughout the summer months with some fantastic events held on Wednesday nights.

The raft race was missing the Lions Club this year (didn’t fancy your usual

swim this year, gents?!), but the other competitors made up for their absence in spades, with a range of rafts battling for first place. WW’s very own Chairman, Dave Burgess, led the winning float and collected the coveted prize (bottom left and right).

Navi (pictured right, Europe’s leading Michael Jackson tribute act - chosen

by MJ himself to work as a decoy) took to the stage, thrilling the two thousand-odd spectators with his fantastic, polished performance.

The wheely bin race saw six brave men take to their household recycling bins, aided only by a rubber ring and a paddle, in an attempt to beat the others from one side of the river, round a float and back. As the tide had turned, returning to the riverbank was not as easy as one would think, and a lengthy battle ensued! Great entertainment.

Well done to the whole WW crew!

The Purbeck Gazette

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The Purbeck Gazette

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Bio-resonance Swanage Therapy Centre And Homeopathy Bio-resonance testing

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io- resonance testing helps determine the presence of toxins in the body that can otherwise go unnoticed and yet prevent a person from feeling well.

With the increase of stress for many people, in our modern day ‘fast paced’ lives, it is our immune system that suffers and this allows toxins, bacteria and viruses to stay within the body rather than being cleared as they should. A bio-resonance assessment can not only identify the presence of these toxins but can also indicate the effect they have had on the organs and tissues.

The test measures your body’s electrical parameters and is able to analyse your reactions to over 8000 test items. The diagnostic areas include allergies and intolerances, nutrition and hormone levels as well as infections including bacteria and viruses.

The SCIO system combines the principles of quantum physics with sophisticated computer software and measures the frequencies that make up the bodies energetic patterns. Health of the organs and glands are assessed in this way, so by the end of your appointment you will have information about any weaknesses in your system.

Homeopathic remedies can then be prescribed along with diet changes that will encourage your body to repair problem areas and eliminate any toxins or infections that are having a detrimental effect on your health and well-being.

We are very fortunate at the Swanage Therapy Centre to have a bioresonance practitioner and homeopath working with us. Sandy Partridge has been using homeopathy for over twenty years and was also a general nurse for many years and this helps her to understand procedures that clients have experienced and medications that have been prescribed.

A Bio-resonance consultation is 90 minutes – the positive effect that can be gained from the treatment can last a lifetime!

Booking appointments with Sandy at the Swanage Therapy Centre need to be booked directly with NTA clinics.

For more information or to make an appointment please visit our website www.naturaltherapyadvice.co.uk or phone 01256 463899/08454638901

Edith Mason-Hubacher I.T.E.C. M.I.P.T.I B.A.U.K.

Qualified Bowen Practitioner Indian Head & Neck Massage Gift vouchers available Telephone: 01929 424956 or 07967 978 695 for details

Advertise your Health or Beauty Service HERE! See www.purbeckgazette.co.uk for rates

and Homeopathy with Sandy Partridge

We look forward to seeing you!

T: 01929 426506 www.swanagetherapycentre.co.uk

CHIROPODY Rachel Ciantar

Home Visits & Clinic Appointments Comprehensive foot care - Diabetic Patient’s Care Biomechanics & Orthotics Registered with Society of Podiatrist & Chiropodists, HPC Registered

Contact 07979 840542 NEW PATIENTS £5 OFF FIRST TREATMENT

The Purbeck Gazette

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Kate Smith, ITEC

www.swanagebeautyandmassage.com

HOLISTIC MASSAGE & BEAUTY TREATMENTS EYELASH PERMING & TINTING, FACIALS, MANICURE, PEDICURE, SHELLAC, WAXING, EYEBROW TREATMENTS, HOLISTIC MASSAGE THERAPY

Swanage Beauty & Massage at RubyTuesdays Kate is available at: Ruby Tuesdays, Tilly Mews, Swanage

Call Kate for details on 07505 313179 Now selling ‘Duncan’s Unctions’!

Hello From Swanage Medical Practice

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s summer draws to a close at the surgery we are gearing up for the annual Flu Vaccination Programme.

Flu is an acute highly infectious virus which spreads rapidly in closed communities like ours; Even people with mild or no symptoms can infect others.

Our flu clinics are carefully timed to precede the 8-10 week period during winter when the flu virus peaks in the UK. Anyone eligible for the vaccination on the NHS will receive a letter from mid-September onwards advising of our clinic dates – be sure to make a note in your diary!

Did you know....

You can now book appointments and order prescriptions securely on-line? We’ve had great feedback from patients who are already using this service. Come into the surgery soon with ID to sign up.

Prescription Update Our prescription service has improved immeasurably since so many of you have committed to the electronic and online service. We are pleased with the uptake so far but confirm our ambition that all patients should be signed up to this service; If you have not yet done so, please speak to a Receptionist. Some patients may be eligible for our new ‘Batch Prescribing’ initiative. This enables you to be prescribed your repeat medications for up to 6 months at a time. You can pick up an application form at the Surgery.

DNA (Did Not Attend) Appointments An increasing problem for us is the number of appointments with clinicians that are missed by patients without them cancelling.

Ours is a very busy surgery, with high patient demand; Even if an appointment is cancelled on the day, it is likely to be filled within minutes.

We are handing out flyers in our waiting room giving eye-opening statistics which we hope will encourage patients to be more responsible with our precious resources. Copies are available at the Surgery.

To finish, daily we receive supportive and kind comments from so many of you that really do help us keep going in a pressurised environment…..

Thank you!

For more information about our services view www.swanagemedical. org.uk

Dorset Neuro Physio

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Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy for Neurological Conditions

f you have a neurological condition it is important to stay as active and strong as possible. A good way of ensuring this is to have a review with a Neurological Physiotherapist.

The physiotherapist will assess your specific problems, provide advice and teach you an individual exercise programme, tailored to your needs.

You may benefit from a course of treatment to help you optimise your movement, walking and function and strengthen de-conditioned muscles.

Dorset Neuro Physio provides specialist physiotherapy in neurology and rehabilitation.You can be treated in your own home or attend a clinic in Harmans Cross or at The Bay Skin and Body Centre, Swanage.

Hydrotherapy You can also have a hydrotherapy treatment in the pool. Hydrotherapy is a great way to exercise. Specific movements and exercises in the warm water help relax muscles and reduce stiffness.

The water buoyancy supports the body which allows you to move more freely and you can access muscles that may be too weak to use out of the water. Being in the water also provides a safe way to practise standing, walking and challenge your balance. There is a hoist and proper steps with a rail to access the pool.

Do you get dizzy?

Dizzyness or vertigo can come on suddenly and can interfere with many aspects of everyday life, for example getting in and out of bed, rolling in bed, bending over and reversing the car. Feeling dizzy can reduce your confidence and affect your mobility and balance.

Vertigo often improves spontaneously but in some cases, symptoms can continue or can keep returning.

With advice, special vestibular exercises and treatment by the neurological physiotherapist, symptoms can be reduced and some causes of dizziness can be resolved.

Holly Sizer is the Lead Physiotherapist and lives in Purbeck. She qualified from Southampton Universty in 2002 with a First Class Honours Degree in Physiotherapy and has specialised in neurology for over ten years.

She has worked at The National Hospital for Neurology (Queens Square, London) and across Dorset.

Please contact Holly to discuss your needs. Call 01929 481429 or email holly@dorsetneurophysio.co.uk.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Advertise your Health or Beauty Service HERE! See www.purbeckgazette.co.uk for rates

Matron’s Round - Our Local Hospitals’ Monthly Column

Swanage Hospital’s new Quiet Room

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insey Brown is a Staff Nurse at Swanage Hospital who recently attended the Community Hospitals Association Conference and would like to share with you some information about our end of life care: “Both our wards are committed to providing the highest quality of care for our patients. In Swanage, we frequently have the privilege of caring for patients who are approaching the end of their lives.

“One of the ways we endeavour to offer the best of care for such patients is through the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) approach, which is a nationally recognised process to identify and coordinate care for all patients who may be in the last years of life.”

“It’s called ‘gold standard’ because patients deserve the very best of care at this time; high quality, reliable and consistent.”

GSF encourages doctors, nurses and care assistants to talk to patients at the earliest and most appropriate time about how and where they want to be cared for.

Ward staff have attended GSF training to help identify appropriate patients so that we can offer informal advance care planning. Our booklet ‘Planning For Your Future Care’ explains a little more about the purpose of this planning – to make sure that patients are supported to make choices about where and how they want their care to be delivered so that everyone involved, whether clinical, family or carer, is aware of their needs and wishes and will work together to ensure they are fulfilled.

This requires much closer collaboration with other teams, the local GP surgery and specialist community care workers such as the palliative care team.

At Swanage Hospital we are working towards accreditation with the Gold Standard Framework and hope to achieve this in the next few months.

This will confirm that we are properly identifying those who need special care at this time, assessing their needs appropriately and working together in their best interests.

In our community hospitals we will continue to focus upon what is important to people in the last stages of life and do our utmost to support them and their loved ones.”

Until next time, take care.

Matron Donna

Swanage Hospital Minor Injuries Unit - Open 7 days a week from 8am - 8pm If you have an injury, we’re here to treat it! Call us on 01929 421329.

We’re here for YOU, so use our services!

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Smoking Rates In Young Smokers

ommissioned by Public Health England (PHE) and NICE, and modelled by the University of Portsmouth and the University of Southampton, the figures are estimates of youth smoking rates for every local authority, ward and local NHS level, based on factors known to predict smoking in young people.

The data will help local organisations to respond to high levels of smoking within their areas and is available on the PHE Local Health website. PHE’s ambition is to reduce smoking rates among young people to secure a tobacco-free generation. Nationally an estimated 12.71% of 15 year olds are regular or occasional smokers, but the data shows considerable variation between areas.

Areas with high estimates included Hartlepool (15.87%), Gateshead (15.92%), Plymouth (15.93%), South Tyneside (16.27%) and Kingston upon Hull (16.68%).

Areas with the lower estimates were concentrated in Greater London, including Harrow (5.15%), Newham (5.37%), Redbridge (5.68%) and Brent (5.70%).

These figures closely mirror adult smoking rates which are falling less rapidly in some areas, with smoking rates considerably higher in deprived communities. Smoking is the single biggest cause of the difference in life

expectancy between the richest and poorest in England.

Nearly 8 million people still smoke, with 90% having started before the age of 19.

Professor Kevin Fenton, National Director Health and Wellbeing, Public Health England, said: Nationally youth smoking rates are falling and are at their lowest ever levels. But we know smoking rates vary considerably across the country and smoking causes greater harm to more deprived communities.”

“The estimates shine a light on communities where young people have a higher risk of smoking and will help local agencies to focus efforts where they are most needed. We want to secure a tobacco-free generation and these figures will help us towards this goal. Our most disadvantaged communities have the most to gain.”

Professor Gillian Leng, NICE Deputy Chief Executive, said: Nine out of ten smokers started by the age of 18. We must do more to prevent our children and young people from using tobacco products, or we will see tens of thousands of them suffer and die prematurely as adults.

Fully implementing proven tobacco control interventions would help keep our children and young people from falling victim to tobacco.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Sport

Swanage Carnival - Novice Rowers Rule The Waves!

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he Swanage Carnival sea row attracted a record fourteen teams this year, and raised over £420 for the club and carnival charities. The teams were largely made up of novice rowers from local businesses and organisations. Snatching the men’s trophy was Loctite, named after the Lock family of Swanage.

Sean Lock said: “The team was me and my wife, my brother and his wife, and my friend and his dad. So it was a proper family affair! We only had two practice runs, so we were a bit nervous before the race. But it was brilliant fun and we’re over the moon to have won.”

Winner of the women’s trophy was Sophie’s Choice, made up of members of the education team at Purbeck View School in Swanage.

Team member Charlene Tuckey said: “It was such good fun, we loved it.

We didn’t think we were competitive until we got on the water – then we really went for it!”

Here’s what some of the other competitors had to say about the event: Michelle Robson from the Encombe Peasants said: “We all work at the Encombe Estate, and this was a fantastic chance for us to get together and socialise in a fun and motivational way.”

Kayleigh Crabtree, from the Purbeck Runners A team, enjoyed trying

a new form of exercise. “It’s very different from running, working the upper body as well as the legs – in fact my arms are like jelly now! Maybe I should do both in the future.”

Swanage Cricket Club fielded a team called the Stunning Stumps, made up of cricketers’ mums and coaches. Jill Clarke said: “We didn’t know each other before the carnival row, so it’s been a great way to break the ice and make new friends.”

But perhaps the best endorsement for the event came from Sarah Morris from the Boots team: “I want to get fit for my 40th birthday, but I hate going to the gym. So I thought I’d give rowing a try – and I absolutely fell in love with it. Rowing is such an exhilarating, sociable way to exercise.

So now I’m joining the rowing club!”

If you want to give it a try, why not come along to one of our open rowing sessions? Weather permitting, they take place on Tuesday evenings (from 6pm) and Saturday mornings (10.30am to 12.30pm), from the floating jetty near the boathouse. It costs £2 for a short row (about 20 minutes), and there’s no need to book.

For more details go to www.ssrc.org.uk or phone Gill Jennings on 01929 424144. Photos by Tish Alberry

Wareham & District Swimming Club

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areham and District Swimming Club are celebrating another trophy for their success in The Jurassic League. This League is comprised of four competitions over four months involving six swimming clubs participating (this year Blandford, Bridport, Heron (Yeovilton), Wincanton, Ilminster and Wareham & District SC as guest club).

On the fourth and final gala at Bridport, it was a very close and exciting finish between third and fourth place of only 6 points, with Wareham taking fourth place.

It was great fun at all the Galas with a relaxed and very friendly atmosphere.

The League celebrated all the clubs achievements with a barbeque and presentations of Trophies after the Gala. Trophies were presented by Nadine Honeybun, Dorset County President, also a member of the Wareham Club. Wareham collected a Trophy for overall 4th place. Final results were 1st Place Heron, 2nd Place Bridport, 3rd place Wincanton, 4th place Wareham, 5th place Ilminster and 6th place Blandford. Wareham

would like to thank Mark Hoskins (Bridport) and his helpers for all their hard work in organising these events.

The Purbeck Gazette

Swanage Tennis Club Update

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his season sees the advent of a brand new team at Swanage Tennis Club: The Ladies 2. Times are good at the club in terms of there being a large a pool of ladies willing and wanting to play competitive tennis and so the decision was made to run another team.

The team boasts a wealth of experience in terms of friendly club tennis but little in terms of playing in competitive leagues. This has made the last few weeks exciting and nerve-wracking ones for the new team.

Anne Hughes, Team Captain, is delighted with her team and their enthusiasm to play, commenting that, “This was the first year that many of us have played in matches, and although we have not won many we have gained a huge amount of experience. The team are enthused by the tennis and many of the players have already signed up for the winter league.”

Despite winning sets and rubbers the team have been pipped to the post so far by their opposition. For a new team, they are making rapid improvements and should claim a victory very soon!

The Carnival tournaments proved to be extremely popular with locals and holiday-makers again this year. Many familiar faces battled their way to the senior final which was eventually won by former member of the club Tim Gadenne and his partner, Gill Hall.

Go Team Purbeck!

Year 4 County Gala at Thomas Hardye School ongratulations to the Year 4 Purbeck Swimming Gala team who achieved the areas best result at the County Gala for a number of years.

The nine swimmers (Finn B, Jacob S, Max N and Cameron H from Stoborough Primary, Finn W from Lulworth and Winfrith Primary, Ellen W and Leah W from St Mark’s Primary Swanage and Jessica S and Amy N from Swanage Primary) were selected after winning their respected events at the Purbeck Gala.

Despite being slightly nervous at the start, the children demonstrated excellent teamwork and sportsmanship throughout swimming superbly to produce some excellent individual and team swims to ensure the team finished joint fourth out of nine teams, defeating the teams from North Dorset, East Dorset and West Dorset. Considering Purbeck is the smallest catchment area to select from makes the achievement all the more outstanding. Well done to the team!

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Swanage & Wareham Rugby Football Club

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t the recent Annual General Meeting they heard that it was Swans’most successful season to date, having only lost two games all season as they gained promotion from Southern Counties to Southwest One(East) for the coming campaign. The second XV also gained promotion to Dorset/Wilts Division One, so that players from the second XV will have tougher games, in preparation in case they have to move up to the first XV. Also at the AGM, the captain Robert (Dobbin) Elford retired from his role which he has held for eight years, although he will continue as hooker for the 1st.XV as long he feels fit enough to play.

The new captain will be prop forward John (Sumo) Sheldrake, who took over for a period last season when Elford sustained an injury.

In his Presidential speech John Burgess praised the work of the coaches for the performance of all teams, especially to Steve Harney who is in charge of the 3rd XV and 4th XV, and for many years has run Swans’ tours to distant places. John Burgess proposed that Steve be made an honorary life member, which was passed unanimously.

John Burgess commented on the fact that most of the officers of the club were in their sixties and seventies and was wanting more and younger members of the club to put themselves up for election to these posts.

Swans have three pre-season friendlies towards the end of August but the main fixtures for September are:5th 1st XV vTowcestrians(SW1) Home 2nd XV v London Welsh Am. Home 12th 1st XV v Maidenhead (SW1) Away 2nd XV v East Dorset(D/W1) Home 19th 1st XV v. Newbury( SW1) Home 26th 1st XV v. Swindon(SW1) Away 2nd XV v Warminster(D/W1) Home Swans are running coach trips to most of the away fixtures this season, for a nominal fee, so to see some exciting rugby come along and join in these epic days out.

Ron Butler (Publicity Secretary)

The Purbeck Gazette

The Start Line Beckons!

The Purbeck Marathon 2015 is Ready To Go he Purbeck Marathon 2015 is almost here and the organisers are making the final preparations for the prestigious event on 20 September. This year the race was full by mid-July showing just how popular this tough but unique event has become since it was launched in 2012.

For 2015, the picturesque endurance race has been joined by The Purbeck 16. This is around ten miles shorter but no less tough as it takes in the challenging climbs around the Purbeck hills. There are still places remaining for this event.

The Purbeck Marathon starts at 9.30am on the Downs above Swanage Pier. The race route takes in Durlston, Worth Matravers, Kingston, passing above Kimmeridge to cross MOD land and runs through deserted Tyneham Village. Turning for home, the runners have a long uphill to reach the Purbeck ridge which they follow through Creech to Corfe Castle, Nine Barrow Down and via Ulwell to finish on Sandpit Field above the sea front in Swanage. The Purbeck 16 starts at 10am and follows the same route to Kingston before cutting across to Corfe Castle and rejoining the Marathon route near The Castle Inn. On the route the runners pass many places of interest including Durlston Castle, the historic Square & Compass and Castle Inn pubs, Corfe Castle, Tyneham Village as well as crossing the busy Swanage Railway in Corfe Castle. The finish area has wonderful views over the sea and awardwinning beach, giving runners the chance to cool their tired limbs in the water. In 2014, Swanage was visited by the historic paddle Steamer PS Waverley during the Marathon and another visit is scheduled during the 2015 Marathon.

Runners have always mentioned not just the beauty of the course but also the strong support from locals around the route, even in seemingly remote spots. The Purbeck Marathon not only showcases the stunning scenery of Purbeck but also the friendliness and welcome from the people who are fortunate to live there.

All finishers receive a special goody bag including a unique finishers T-shirt, a bottle of Purbeck Cider and a Purbeck Ice Cream.

Martin Payne, Race Director for The Purbeck Marathon, welcomed the additional race: “The Purbeck Marathon has become established as one of the top Marathons in the country and we are very pleased by what has been achieved by a small team with the help of our partners and volunteers.

The additional of a shorter event will allows more runners to experience the beauty and toughness of the Purbeck hills while raising more funds for local good causes.”

Entry details for The Purbeck 16 are available on the race Web site at

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www.thepurbeck16.co.uk where it is also possible to order souvenir hoodies and sign up to help out at the event.

The race cannot take place without the help of many volunteers on the day. It is never too late to volunteer to become part of this unique local event with a growing national and international reputation. If you would like to become involved, please contact info@thepurbeckmarathon.co.uk.

This marathon is a community event, put on by volunteers in order to share our favourite runs with you and to raise much needed funds for local charities and good causes. In 2014, we were able to donate £6,000 to these causes, a 50% increase on 2013. For 2015, volunteers have a direct say on how our funds are distributed to good causes.

Swanage Bowling Club

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w a n a g e Bowls Club plays several friendly matches during the season and recently hosted a match against a ladies Welsh Touring team called Cymdeithas Bowlio Merched Ceredigion. The good-time Welshspeaking ladies enjoyed themselves enormously winning

the match 114-99 and almost drinking the bar dry.

In the B & D League the men have been on devastating form and demolished Poole Park by the mammoth score of 115-54 when all 4 rinks ran rampant with Brian Beeston, Graham Smooker, Dale Mason and Terry Buck leading the way with a 35-13 winning rink.

An equally impressive victory over Braeside 100-64 (top rink Mike Barron, Dave Wright, Clive Bryceson and Ollie Thake 33-10) together with two

other successes at Lymington (75-62) and against Wimborne (86-64) means Swanage are currently sitting on top in their division and the sweet scent of possible promotion hangs over the green with just 3 games to play.

The men have also revelled in success in the Percy Baker Triples League winning all but one of their games and thus ensuring a place in the regional play-offs against Blandford.

Not to be outdone the ladies are top of their division in the Edna Paisley League with 4 games to play, so the club is assured of an exciting end to the season.

In the 2-wood competition the Men’s Cup went to Mark Sheppard who just pipped David Hogsflesh on the final end and the Ladies’ Cup was won

by Uta Keats in a closely-fought final over Sue King.

The charity Captains Day hosted jointly by Men’s Captain Graham Smooker and his current wife Ladies Captain Judy Smooker was marred somewhat by the drizzly conditions on the green but the superb tea made up for the weather and £300 was raised for Swanage Hospital.

Bowling continues well into the mellow month of September so it’s not too late for new bowlers to come along and have a go.

President of Swanage Bowls Club Barrie Tatman with the Cardiganshire County President (pictured).

Phone Jean on 426495 or David on 450405 for information.

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Swanage Cricket Club

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irst and foremost, the club would like to thank The Globe Pub, Link Rider Coaches, Suttles Stone Quarries and Woodlands Landscaping & Building Services for their generous Sponsorship which has allowed the club’s entire Youth Section to wear both new caps and shirts.

The Club’s Youth Section spokesman, Tim Ives, - who has done, and is continuing to do an amazing job stated that it is “incredibly important to forge such strong links within the Community to help raise the profile of the club”. The club is also keen to announce that the second Youth Fun Day which took place at the club in early August was another very enjoyable, successful day.

The club is also extremely grateful to our other Sponsors - Gee Whites, Harrow House, Land & Wave, Masala Indian Restaurant, PJC Accounting Services and PTN Systems for their much appreciated, continued support.

THE YOUTH SECTION The Under 15s won 1 of their 4 games with Charlie Dyke, Jack McDermott, Ryan Stearn, Tom Wollen, Alex Wood and Steve Wooley all making their senior debuts for the Sunday side.

The Under 13s also won 1 of their 4 games with some excellent contributions from Archie, Benjamin, Isaac, Lily, Mia, Reuben and Ryan.

The Under 11s recorded 2 victories out of their 6 matches with Andrew, Brandon, Harry, Holly, Jake, Oscar, Safia and Tia all making significant contributions.

Finally, the Under 9s won 6 of their 8 matches to finish runners-up in their League just behind a strong-team from Bournemouth who they also

The Purbeck Gazette played in the Cup-Final at Dean Park. The team performed admirably against an experienced team and can be immensely proud of their efforts in their first season despite losing. The whole squad have all made excellent contributions/progress this year especially:- Benji, Freddie, George, James, Jess, Joe, Max, Regan, Riley, Seb, Sid and Thomas.

THE SATURDAY 1stXI The Saturday 1stXI have won 7 of their 14 matches to lie mid-table (6th) in the Premier Division. The highlights of the batting have been the 4 centuries by Ian Booth (2), Francis Kerins and Mike Salmon. Booth, Kerins and Salmon have also made a half-centuries as have Ben Baczala (2), Ricky King, Lewis Kirby, Ryan Norman, Dan Salmon and Jem Warner (2).

With regards to the bowling, the outstanding performances have come from Swanage’s leg-spin ‘sensation’ Warner - who recently made his full debut for Dorset. He has taken two 5 wicket hauls including 6-40 against Broadstone. Mike Hernandez, Ryan Norman and Mike Wells have also all registered 5 wicket hauls.

THE SATURDAY 2ndXI The Saturday 2ndXI have won 9 of their 12 matches to occupy third place. The highlights of the batting have been the 6 half-centuries by Pete Baczala, Tim Ives, Steve Kent, King, Mike Nash and Paul Norman. There have also been useful contributions by Andy Baczala, Pete Barker, David Haines and Paul Yerby. In terms of the bowling, the highlights have been Matt Beard’s hat-trick and 5 wicket hauls from both Barker and Dave Morton. There have also been contributions from Elliott Baczala, Barker, Kent, Nash, Chris Rabjohns, Tom Salmon and Andy Tillman.

THE SUNDAY SIDE The Sunday team have played in some very entertaining Friendly matches every week. The stand-out performance in this team was Matt Beard’s unbeaten Century as well as half-centuries for Barker and Cameron Beard.

ALSO..........

Last but by no means least, the club would like to thank Angie, Beryl, Kelly, Michelle and Sharon for providing the players with the best Teas in Dorset in our new ‘state-of-the-art’ Kitchen fitted by Andy Dunster from Purbeck Kitchens which was possible thanks to a very generous donation from Beryl.

As well as that, all of the Coaches for all of their hard work and dedication with the various youth teams and Pete Dyer for giving-up his Saturday afternoons to score so efficiently to enable the 1stXI to take the field with 11 players. Mike Nash (Press & Media Officer)

Ride + Stride Event 2015

Dorset Churches open their doors for Riders and Striders olunteers of all ages are gearing up to pedal for their parish at this year’s Ride+Stride event.

The annual national fundraising day, organised locally by Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DHCT), invites participants to cycle, walk and even ride a horse to Dorset’s churches and chapels on Saturday 12 September between 10am-6pm.

There is no official route and participants seek sponsorship to visit as many as they feel able, or indeed for taking part. Riders and striders will be raising money for the maintenance and repair of Dorset’s historic churches, with all sponsorship split between DHCT and their nominated church.

Dorset is filled with spectacular church heritage and the event presents an opportunity to explore the history and architecture of churches, some of which are not regularly open. Over three hundred churches across towns and villages will be open throughout the day, providing refreshments and a well-earned rest for hard working riders and striders, alongside the opportunity to admire the history and heritage of these churches.

Experienced riders will plot their route to keep well off the busy main roads and all participants will be able use the Ride+Stride page of the Trust’s website (www.dhct.org.uk) to check the map locations of every church – even downloading them to their Smartphone or tablet.

Last year’s event raised a record £81,000 in sponsorship, with one hundred and ninety seven parish communities taking part in the fundraising event.

The Trust is hoping that riders and striders from even more communities will take part this year, gathering pledges on the traditional paper forms

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or through Just Giving on the Trust’s website.

50% of the funds raised are returned to the parish chosen by the rider.

There is keen competition to gain the most sponsorship. The Trustees award the Morshead Trophy to the parish which they consider to be the most deserving. In 2014, St Osmund, Evershot topped the list with £2,800 for their cyclist Richard Campbell.

For more information about the Ride and Stride, please contact Anna Butler (Ride+Stride Coordinator) Tel. 01305 260004 or email: anna-butler@hotmail. co.uk or visit the DHCT website www.dhct.org.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

Spotlight Event Diary

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Diary Entries are FREE if your event is FREE. If you charge, then it’s £5 plus VAT per entry, per month. DEADLINE for OCT is noon, 10th Sept KEY: * = Start time not known or n/a; Ffi = for further information; Sw = Swanage; Wm = Wareham; VH = Village Hall, Telephone code 01929 unless otherwise stated.

SEPTEMBER

Tue 1st 11:00 Cape Farwell Exhibition At the Fine Foundation Gallery, Durlston Castle. By land artist Chris Drury and writer Kay Syrad. Work exploring the links between farming, wildlife, landscape and people.

Wed 2nd 10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Knoll Beach NT car park for walk via the Agglestone, Golf Club, Ballard Down and return via coast path. Ffi 01929 426926.

Thu 3rd 19:15 Swanage Trefoil Guild Meets at The Guide HQ Bell Street. A Talk on Green Island. New Members and Visitors Welcome. Ffi: 01929 556374.

Fri 4th 18:00 Purbeck Model Railway Group Running session at The Stables, Godlingston Manor, Washpond Lane, Swanage, BH19 3DJ. Ffi: Robin Brasher 427015.

19:30 Late Summer Concert On the theme of ‘ Bach, Jazz and Inspiration’ at St Mary’s Chapel, Lulworth Castle.

Sat 5th 10:15 Swanage Walking Group Meet at entrance to Greenlands Farm track for a circular walk on some of the less well used footpaths in Rempstone Forest and Godlingston Heath. Ffi 01929 425165.

11:00 Children’s Concert On the theme of ‘ Bach, Jazz and Inspiration’ at the Learning Discovery Centre, Durlston Castle.

14:00 Sunflower Judging Day At Emmanuel Baptist Church, Herston. There will be a Boules Tournament, country dancing, cream teas and music and of course, Sunflower prizes for the tallest, smallest, prettiest and many other categories of Sunflower. Everybody welcome whether you grew a flower or not! Come and join the fun!

19:30 Young People Make Music At Swanage High Street Methodist Church. Free Admission, refreshments available.

19:30 Late Summer Concert On the theme of ‘ Bach, Jazz and Inspiration’ at St Edwards Church, Corfe Castle.

Sun 6th 10:30 Late Summer Concert On the theme of ‘ Bach, Jazz and Inspiration’ at The Fine Foundation Gallery, Durlston Castle.

12:30 Late Summer Concert On the theme of ‘ Bach, Jazz and Inspiration’ at St James’s Church, Kingston.

Mon 7th 10:00 Purbeck U3A Meeting Points Open Day - find out all about the U3A. Is it for you? At the Swanage Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Road 19:30 Wareham-Hemsbach Society Talk Army in Dorset. Carey Hall, near 10 Mistover Road, Wareham. Ffi: Robin Brasher 427015 Email: rbrasher132@gmail.com Tue 8th 19:30 Wareham Camera Club Meets at Parish Hall, Wareham Paul Sansome – “Always Learning” Visitors welcome. Contact Roger Starling on 01929 553822 Wed 9th 10:15 Swanage Walking Group Meet at the yellow kiosk adjacent to Sandbanks Ferry in Sandbanks for boat to Brownsea and circular walk of Brownsea Island. Ffi 01929 422795.

14:00 Swanage Garden Society At Stoborough Village Hall. Quiz afternoon.

Competition - If this is the answer, what is the question?

19:30 Studland WI Meeting At Studland Village Hall. Harvest Supper. Competition:

Holiday Photograph.

Thu 10th 10:00 ‘Threads’ Exhibition At the Grand Hotel, Swanage.

11:00 ‘Round the Island’ Aboard the Waverley. Ffi: www.waverlyexcursions.co.uk or 0845 130 4647 Fri 11th * Swanage Folk Festival Concerts, Dance Displays, Craft Fair, Children’s Activities, Workshops, Sessions. www.swanagefolkfestival.com * Classic Transport Rally At Swanage Railway. Ffi 01929 425800.

10:00 ‘Threads’ Exhibition At the Grand Hotel, Swanage.

11:00 Free Parent & Baby Swimming Taster At Purbeck Sports Centre. (New customers only) 0-36 months.

11:00 ‘Isle of Wight Needles & Lighthouse’ Aboard the Waverley. Ffi: www. waverlyexcursions.co.uk or 0845 130 4647 Sat 12th * Swanage Folk Festival Concerts, Dance Displays, Craft Fair, Children’s Activities, Workshops, Sessions. www.swanagefolkfestival.com * Classic Transport Rally At Swanage Railway. Ffi 01929 425800.

09:00 Purbeck Produce Farmers Market At Commercial road, Swanage. Local produce from local producers.

10:00 ‘Threads’ Exhibition At the Grand Hotel, Swanage.

10:30 Swanage Walking Group Meet at car park off B3081 road from Tollard Royal for walk to Win Green, Ashcombe Bottom to Tollard Royal and Tinckley Bottom. Ffi 01929 422554.

11:30 Free Tennis Coaching for adults & children At Purbeck Sports Centre. Free play, free Cardio Tennis.

19:30 Last Night of the Proms Bournemouth Concert Brass at The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. All tickets £10.

Sun 13th * Swanage Folk Festival Concerts, Dance Displays, Craft Fair, Children’s Activities, Workshops, Sessions. www.swanagefolkfestival.com * Classic Transport Rally At Swanage Railway. Ffi 01929 425800.

10:00 ‘Threads’ Exhibition At the Grand Hotel, Swanage.

10:00 Free Gymnastics & Trampoline At Purbeck Sports Centre. 5-8 years 1010.45am, 9-12years 10.45-11.30am.

12:55 ‘Jurassic Coast’ Aboard the Waverley. Ffi: www.waverlyexcursions.co.uk or 0845 130 4647 Mon 14th 10:00 ‘Threads’ Exhibition At the Grand Hotel, Swanage.

Tue 15th 10:00 ‘Threads’ Exhibition At the Grand Hotel, Swanage.

10:00 Purbeck U3A Meeting Points Purbeck U3A Open Day - find out all about the U3A. Is it for you? At the The Town Hall, Corn Exchange, Wareham.

11:00 ‘Round the Island’ Aboard the Waverley. Ffi: www.waverlyexcursions.co.uk or 0845 130 4647 14:00 New Christian Spiritualist Church The Swanage Meets at 2pm on Tues 15th September in the Community Hall, Queensmead, Queens Rd. Our guest Medium is Angela Perry.

14:30 The Purbeck Assoc of the National Trust Illustrated talk ‘The Holy Grain’ – Alan Badger of White Mill talks about the history of flour milling from the Stone Age to water mills; at All Saints Church, Ulwell Rd, Sw. Till 4.00pm. All welcome.

74 19:30

£3.00 incl refreshments Ffi 01929 427300.

Wareham Camera Club Meets at Parish Hall, Wareham “Royal Photographic Society & PAGB CD’s” Visitors welcome. Contact Roger Starling on 01929 553822

Wed 16th 10:00 ‘Threads’ Exhibition At the Grand Hotel, Swanage.

10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Worth Matravers car park for a circular walk, skirting the Stoneworth Stone Quarry, Hill Bottom, returning via Weston Farm. Ffi 01929 424462.

12:00 ‘Isle of Wight Portsmouth Dockyard’ Aboard the Waverley. Ffi: www. waverlyexcursions.co.uk or 0845 130 4647 14:30 Studland History Group Meets in the Village Hall for a talk by David Sales, “My Memories of Studland”. All welcome. Ffi the Secretary 01929 439245 19:30 Swanage Garden Society At Herston Hall, Swanage. The Arts and Skills of a Wildlife Photographer, by Mike Read. Membership £5 per year, meetings charges normally £1 (£2 where food is served).

Thu 17th 13:45 Jurassic Coast Lulworth Cove Aboard the Waverley. Ffi: www. waverlyexcursions.co.uk or 0845 130 4647 19:30 Langton Matravers Preservation Society Meets in the Village Hall for a talk by Trev Haysom on ‘Purbeck Stone in the New World’. All welcome—Members £2 and non members £3 .

Fri 18th 19:30 Swanage Photographic Society Meets in the Rectory Classroom, Church Hill at 7.30pm. For: 3 linked Images ‘Open’ Judge: Members Outing Images ‘Open’ Judge: Bob Hollister Visitors welcome.

19:30 Purbeck Railway Circle Meets at Harman’s Cross Village Hall for a presentation entitled “Shifting Clay: North Purbeck’s Extractive Industry” by Dr. Clare Randall, Museums & Education Manager Swanage Railway. Doors open 7pm. Admission by donation. Ffi 554765. EVERYONE IS WELCOME Sat 19th * Warfare Through the Ages At The Tank Museum, Bovington. Living history displays from medievil to the present day. * Swanage & Purbeck Walking Festival Ffi: www.walkswanage.com 09:45 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Manor Way CP, Verwood for walk via St. Stephan’s Castle Cripplestyle, Duggon, Cranborne Common and Mount Ararat.

Ffi 01929 422554.

10:00 Flowers, Crafts and Music At Kingston Church. Woodcraft – pottery – flowers – bells – music – stonework – spinning – lace and many more. We hope to have the bell tower open both days, for people to enjoy the splendid views over Purbeck.

19:30 Brief Encounter Arena Theatre at The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. Tickets £12 Full, £10 concession, £5 children.

Sun 20th * Warfare Through the Ages At The Tank Museum, Bovington. Living history displays from medievil to the present day. * Swanage & Purbeck Walking Festival Ffi: www.walkswanage.com 10:00 Flowers, Crafts and Music At Kingston Church. Woodcraft – pottery – flowers – bells – music – stonework – spinning – lace & many more. We hope to have the bell tower open both days, for people to enjoy the splendid views over Purbeck.

12:55 ‘Jurassic Coast’ Aboard the Waverley. Ffi: www.waverlyexcursions.co.uk or 0845 130 4647 15:00 Stoborough Sunday Afternoon Tea Club At Stoborough village Hall. Afternoon tea on the third Sunday of every month, between 3-5pm, Telephone 01929 553503 for further information Mon 21st * Swanage & Purbeck Walking Festival Ffi: www.walkswanage.com Tue 22nd * Swanage & Purbeck Walking Festival Ffi: www.walkswanage.com * Wareham Rotary Club Mediterranean Evening on Tuesday 22nd September at The Purbeck Pizzeria on Wareham Quay in support of the refurbishment of The Rex Cinema. Tickets are £20 each, for more information please contact Tony on 01929 553936” 10:30 Swanage Walking Group Meet at entrance to Swanage Pier for return sailing on Waverley Paddle steamer to Yarmouth and a 5 mile circular walk on the Isle of Wight. Ffi 01929 427015.

11:00 ‘Round the Island’ Aboard the Waverley. Ffi: www.waverlyexcursions.co.uk or 0845 130 4647 19:30 Wareham Camera Club Meets at Parish Hall, Wareham “Audio Visual Extravaganza” Visitors welcome. Contact Roger Starling on 01929 553822 19:30 Dorset Industrial Archaeology Society Yeovil – a Dorset Border Town, part 2,

by Bill White. Meetings are held in The Dorset Room, Colliton House, Colliton Park, Dorchester (opposite County Hall), starting at 7.30pm. Non-members welcome (small donation suggested). Further details from 01305 785968 or 871863.

Wed 23rd * Swanage & Purbeck Walking Festival Ffi: www.walkswanage.com 10:30 Coffee & Poetry Morning At Floribunda Tea Lounge. Swanage Quakers invite you to celebrate the beginnings and endings of life, in aid of Macmillan Nurses.

12:00 ‘Isle of Wight Porstsmouth Dockyard’ Aboard the Waverly. Ffi: www. waverlyexcursions.co.uk or 0845 130 4647

The Purbeck Gazette

Thu 24th * Swanage & Purbeck Walking Festival Ffi: www.walkswanage.com 10:00 Purbeck U3A Meeting Points At Harman’s Cross Village Hall The True Story of “The African Queen” An interesting slant to the 1951 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. Non-members very welcome. Just turn up!

13:45 ‘Jurassic Coast Lulworth Cove’ Aboard the Waverly. Ffi: www. waverlyexcursions.co.uk or 0845 130 4647 Fri 25th * Swanage & Purbeck Walking Festival Ffi: www.walkswanage.com 19:30 Untold Stories ImpAct Theatre at the Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. Tickets £12 full, £10 concessions, £5 children 19:30 Rex Players ‘A Trippple Bill’ An evening of drama, music and comedy in aid of local charities at the Parish Hall, Wareham Quay. Bring your own picnic. Tickets 8.00 from Discover Purbeck Information Centre, South St, Wareham. 01929 552740 Sat 26th * Swanage & Purbeck Walking Festival Ffi: www.walkswanage.com * Civil War At Corfe Castle. Step back in time at our living history and reenactment weekend. Mmebers and under 5’s go free. * Wedding Open Day At Holme for Gardens. * Sausage & Cider Day At Holme for Gardens. Local suppliers, music, craft stalls, taster tables. * Swanage Comedy At various venues in Swanage. Acts include Mike Gunn, Steve Best, Suzi Ruffell, Joey Page and Rich Wilson. Tickets for Swanage Bay View & Royal British Legion - £15. Ffi: www.swanage5050club.co.uk 10:25 Swanage Walking Group Meet at junction of Wick Lane & Broadlands Ave, Bournemouth for a circular walk around Christchurch Harbour. Ffi 01929 480224.

19:30 Rex Players ‘A Trippple Bill’ An evening of drama, music and comedy in aid of local charities at the Parish Hall, Wareham Quay. Bring your own picnic. Tickets 8.00 from Discover Purbeck Information Centre, South St, Wareham. 01929 552740 Sun 27th * Swanage & Purbeck Walking Festival Ffi: www.walkswanage.com * Civil War At Corfe Castle. Step back in time at our living history and reenactment weekend. Mmebers and under 5’s go free.

11:15 Harvest Festival At St James’ Church, Kingston.

14:00 Smedmore Open House & Garden Kimmeridge, BH20 5PG. Entrance £5, accompanied children under 15 free. Guided tours, craft, plants, tombola, games, tea in the garden, cakes.

14:00 Open Gardens & House At Smedmore House, Kimmeridge, Dorset; a beautiful 18th Century Country House set in the stunning Dorset countryside with spectacular sea views. Flower gardens, orchards and a Mediterranean garden. A variety of stalls including plants, tombola, local crafters with jewellery, cards etc, garden games for the children and an opportunity to take a guided tour of the house. Refreshments with delicious home made cakes, music from the Wareham Town Band. The Can-Am Car Club will also be attending with their vintage cars, so there’s something for everyone. Email: melb4mnd@btinternet.com Mon 28th 10:00 Wareham Area Senior Forum At Wareham Parish Hall. Coffe and tea on arrival, home made cakes. Age 50+ welcome.

Tue 29th 19:15 Rotary Club of Wareham meet at Springfield Country Hotel at 7.15pm Dr Alex Armstrong is talking about the Magna Carta For more information please contact Tony on 553936 or see our website www.warehamrotary.co.uk” 19:30 Wareham Camera Club Meets at Parish Hall, Wareham “League Competition Number 1” Visitors welcome. Contact Roger Starling on 01929 553822 Wed 30th 10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet at car park off A352 for walk up Giant Hill to Little Minterne Hill, then return via Minterne Magna and Up Cerne. Ffi 01929 424554.

WEEKLY EVENTS

EVERY MONDAY 09.00 U3A Table Tennis Group meet at Harmans Cross VH. 09.30 Under 2.5 years old group. Till 11am. at Parish Hall, Wm. 09.45 Toddler Club URC, Sw. Till 11.15 10.00 Table Tennis Club Sw FC All ages/abilities £2.50 Till noon. 480093 13.00 Play and Learn at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Till 2.45pm 13.00 Under 1s and Tums at Chapel Lane, Swanage. Till 3pm 14.00 Pins and Needles at Harmans Cross VH. 14.00 Swanage Disabled Club meet until 4pm. Meeting place alternates between Catholic Hall & Queensmead Hall, Sw. Transport available. Call Mrs Daphne Saville on 01929 425241 ffi.

16.45 Soccer Skills Sw FC First Sch chldn £1 Till 5.45. 425175 18.00 Sw Tennis Club Snr Club Session. 426312 19.00 Wareham Choral Society meet URC Meeting House, Chch St, Wm. Till 9. New singers always welcome. 554229/553460 19.00 Swanage Youth Club. School year 10 and upwards. Till 9.30pm 19.00 Whist. Come & join us at the Reading Room, Church Hill, Swanage. Ffi, call 07984 968733 19.00 Purbeck Chess Club. Mortons House Hotel, Corfe Castle. Ffi, call Brian Beard 425988

The Purbeck Gazette

19.30 Purbeck Quire rehearse at Wm Methodist Church. New/visiting singers (no audition necessary). String & wind players also welcome. Ffi: 423505 or 480737.

19.30 Wareham Art Club Workshop at Wareham Parish Hall. Ffi: 553718.

19:30 Badminton & Table Tennis Club, Adults, Swanage Methodist Church Hall. Small friendly club. All levels welcome. Til 10pm. 07917 473390 19.30 Wm Folk Dance Club Stoboro’ VH. All welcome. 553519/422730 19.30 Swanage Badminton Club at the Swanage School, till 9.30pm. Ffi: 07986 653219 19.30 Swanage Air Cadets meet at Air Training Corps HQ, Court Road, Sw. Cadets age 12+. Ffi: email: oc.2185@aircadets.mod.

20.00 DARTS at the RBL Club, Sw. 20.00 Herston Hall Management C’ttee Bingo EVERY TUESDAY 09.00 First Steps Toddler’s Group. Swanage Methodist Church till 10.15am. Ffi: Tom Bullock on 421767, office hours, or tom@swanagemethodist.org.uk 09.30 Isle of Purbeck Arts Club. Painting and sketching. At the Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Rd, Sw. Till 1pm. Outdoors in summer. Ffi: Gina on 421689.

09.30 Well Baby Clinic at Chapel Lane, Swanage. Till 11.30am.

09.30 Kiddies Corner Mother & Toddler Group (term time only) No fee - donations welcome. Purbeck Gateway Church. 551415 09.30 Wareham Art Club Workshop at Wareham Parish Hall. Ffi: 553718.

10.00 Wareham Croquet Club meet at the Recreation Ground until 5pm. New members and visitors welcome. Call Bridgit on 01929 552816 or Lesley on 01929 553927 or email warehamgolfcroquetclub@hotmail.com 10.00 Sw Tennis Club Club Session. Till 11. 426312 10.00 Sandford Toddlers at Sandford Community Hall, till 11.30am.

10.00 Short Tennis at Sw FC All ages & abilities £1.50 Till noon. 425175 10.30 Swanage Walking for Health Group starter walks (15-30mins). Start from the Mowlem Shelter on Swanage Seafront. Get back into the swing of things gently!

Ffi: 481000 11.00 Guided Tours of St John The Baptist Church, Bere Regis. Come and find out why there’s a chap with a headache on one of the south aisle pillars! Visiting groups are always very welcome on other days/times, by contacting either Richard on 471339 or John on 471469. Light refreshments can be organised with advance notice. All welcome.

12.00 Nature Tots (0-4yrs) at Bovington Memorial Hall Garden. Until 2pm 14.00 Swanage Walking for Health Group. Walks of 60-90mins, various locations.

Walks are very social, for a range of abilities. Walks start from car parks at Studland, Corfe, Arne, Durlston, Langton, Acton, Worth and Kingston. Ffi: 481000.

14.00 Harman’s Cross Village Hall Art Group Till 5 14.00 Wareham Short Mat Bowls. Furzebrook VH. Roll-up session, all standards welcome. Ffi 401799 17.00 Sw Tennis Club Junior Session till 6pm. 426312 18.00 Sw Youth Centre Girls’ Night (Yr 8+) Till 10 18.15 Sw Cricket Club Practice till 8.30pm 18.15 Sw Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 423497 19.00 Wareham Air Cadets meet at Air Training Corps HQ, St Martin’s Lane, Wm. Cadets age 12+. Ffi: email: oc.2185@aircadets.mod.

19.30 Swanage Group of Alcoholics Anonymous meets at Swanage Day Centre, High Street, Swanage. If you want help to stop drinking, you are welcome. Or call 01202 296000 for more details.

19.30 Sw & Langton Folk Dance Club Langton VH. Ffi: 421913 19.30 Belvedere Singers rehearsal at their NEW venue, St Mark’s CE VA Primary School, High St, Sw. Parking on-site. All singers welcome! 423729 20.00 Sw Regatta & Carnival Assoc Bingo Herston Leisure, Herston Yards Farm, Sw. 20.00 Carey Hall, Wm Bingo EVERY WEDNESDAY 09.00 St Mark’s Toddlers Group, St Mark’s Church, Swanage. Herston, Sw Till 11am 09.45 Corfe Wool Workshop Corfe VH, East St. Members £1.50; non-members £2.50.

Till12.00. 427067 10.00 Short tennis for adults at Swanage Football Club. All welcome. Equipment supplied. Till noon.

10.00 Breast Feeding Group at Wareham’s Children Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Offering peer support and breastfeeding counsellor advice. Till 12 noon. Ffi: 552864 10.30 Play and Learn at Kids of Wool (BH20 6DY) until 12 noon.

11.00 Volunteer Centre Drop-In at Swanage Library till 1pm. Find our about volunteering to support community groups & charities 13.15 EBC TOTS meet Emmanuel Baptist Ch, Victoria Ave, Sw. Til 2.45. £1 per child.

14.00 Herston Senior Citizens meet Herston Hall, Jubilee Rd, Sw. All welcome 14.00 Open Garden at Stone Rise, 25 Newton Rd, Sw. Till 5.30pm. As part of the National Gardens Scheme.

14.00 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 3pm. With Penny at the Mowlem Community Room, Sw. Ffi 07969925502 15.00 Extend Exercise Class, now at Morton Village Hall. To improve strength, balance and flexibility. All welcome. Donations welcome. Ffi: 471490.

16.15 Swanage Football Club U-7s Training til 5.15pm. £1. Ffi: 426346 17.15 Swanage Football Club U-9s Training til 6.15pm. £1. Ffi: 426346 18.00 Swanage Youth Club. School years 7&8. Till 8.30pm 18.45 Sw Hockey Club Training Wm Sports Centre. Till 8. 424442 19.00 Wm Bridge Club at the Library, South St. 552257 19.00 Wareham Short Mat Bowls Club Roll-up evening Furzebrook VH. 401799 19.15 Purbeck Runners meet at the Crows Nest, Sw. 4/5 mile run.

19.30 Swanage Musical Theatre meet Swanage Bay View Complex Rehearsal Room.

All welcome. Ffi: 426161 19.45 Badminton Group meet at the Purbeck Sports Centre until 9.15pm for games of mixed doubles. Ffi, please call Kate on 01929 421806 or email katespurling@ btinternet.com 20.00 Sw Youth Centre Club Night (Yr 9+) Till 10 20.15 Dorset Buttons Morris Practice. URC Hall, Wm. 423234/421130 20.30 Wm Swimming Club Adults. All standards + stroke improvement. Till 10 22.00 Sw Youth Centre Club Night (16+) Till 11.59 EVERY THURSDAY

75

08.30 Wm Home Producers Veg, cakes, plants, flowers, handicrafts. URC. New producers/helpers welcome. Till 11. 553798 09.00 Swanage Painting Club. Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Rd, Sw. Friendly group. New members including beginners welcome. Till 1pm. Ffi: Jane on 01929 427078 09.30 Play and Learn at Chapel Lane, Swanage, till 11am.

09.30 Well Baby Clinic at Streche Road, Wareham, until 12 noon.

09.30 Sensory Play for under ones, at Bovington Centre until 10.30am 10.00 Wm Parent & Toddler Group During term Parish Hall, Quay Till 11.45. 556806 10.00 First Dorset Credit Union is in Wareham at ‘Not Just Sundaes’ community cafe, South Street, Wm. Until 12 noon.

10.00 Wool Country Market D’Urbeville Hall. Cakes, preserves, plants, crafts, vegetables. Coffee & biscuits available.

10.00 Sw Tennis Club Session. Til 11am. 426312 10.00 Tea, Coffee, Biscuits at Queensmead Hall, Sw. Til 11am. Adm 50p 10.00 Volunteer Centre Drop-In at Wareham Library till 12pm. Find our about volunteering to support community groups & charities.

10.00 Wareham Croquet Club meet at the Recreation Ground until 5pm. New members and visitors welcome. Call Bridgit on 01929 552816 or Lesley on 01929 553927 or email warehamgolfcroquetclub@hotmail.com 10.30 Harman’s Cross Village Hall Chinese Art Group 10.30 Mid-Week Market Morning Service URC, Church St, Wm. Prayer requests to Revd. Simon Franklin 556976 11.00 Sensory Play for 1-4yrs old at Bovington Centre, until 12 noon.

13.00 Studland Toddler Group at Studland Village Hall until 2.30pm.

13.30 Under 1 year olds at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Anti-natal mums welcome. Till 3pm. Ffi: 552864.

13.30 Toddler Group. All Saints’ Church, Sw. 423937. Till 3pm (Term times) 14.00 Life drawing classes at Harmans Cross Village Hall from 2pm till 4pm. For further information, ring 427621.

14.15 Sw Over-60s Meet in the Rectory Classroom, Swanage, Sw. All Welcome.

17.45 Swanage Youth Club. Learning Difficulties and disability (age 11-25) night. Till 7.30pm 18.00 Five High Singers, United Reformed Church Hall, Swanage. 11 - 18 years. Till 7pm 18.15 Sw Cricket Club Practice till 9pm 18.30 Swanage Sea Rowing Club Circuit Training at Swanage Middle School. Ffi: 07776 201455 19.00 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 8pm. With Penny at Furzebrook VH, Wm. Ffi 07969925502 19.00 Purbeck Gateway Club meets at Wareham Youth Centre until 9pm. Purbeck Gateway is a club for adults with learning difficulties. We meet during term time and have fun! All welcome. Ffi: Lew on 552173. Email: Lewisbell1@aol.com 19.15 Wm Town Band Brass & Woodwind players welcome. 551478/01202 242147 19.30 Short Mat Bowls in the Durbeville Hall, Wool. All standards welcome, till 9.30pm. Ffi: 552682 19.30 IoP Arts Club Choir meets till 9.30pm at Swanage First School (NOT Dec 14, 21, 28, Jan 4, Feb 22, Apr 5,12) till May 10 19.30 Swanage Youth Club Youth Action (year 7 - sixth form). Till 9.30pm 20.00 Herston Hall OAP Committee Bingo Sw EVERY FRIDAY 09.30 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 10.30pm. With Penny at Furzebrook VH, Wm. Ffi 07969925502 09.30 Little Fishes Baby and Toddler Group. Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Road, Swanage. Term time only. Until 11.30am. Ffi: Alex on 07904 412067.

10.00 Swanage Library Rhyme Time, until 11.30am.

10.00 Table Tennis Club Sw FC All ages/abilities £2.50 Till noon. 480093 11.00 Toddler Time For Under 5s And Carers. Wareham Library. Stories, songs and crafts. Every Friday, including school holidays. Ffi: 01929 556146 14.00 Pottery Classes held in Corfe Castle. 2 - 5pm. Call Rachel 01929 480455 to book. £10pw 14.30 Short Mat Bowls at Durbeville Hall, Wool. Till 4.30pm. All standards welcome.

Ffi: 552682.

18.00 Purbeck War-Game & Model Club. Royal British Legion, Sw. 426096.

18.00 Sw Youth Centre Club 12-13 (Yr 7-9) Till 8 18.00 Sw Tennis Club Senior Club Session. 426312 18.15 Sw Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 423497 19.00 Sw Youth Centre Seniors Club Night (Yr 9+) Till 9.30pm.

19.00 Swanage Scouts meet during term time at the URC Church Hall, Sw. Open to boys & girls aged 10-14 years. Ffi: swanagescouts4th@hotmal.co.uk 19.30 Short tennis for adults at Swanage Football Club. All welcome. Equipment supplied. Till 9.30pm. £3.

20.00 Sw Youth Centre Live Bands (as advertised) Till 10pm.

22.00 Sw Youth Centre Late Session (Yr 9+) till 11.59pm (members free) EVERY SATURDAY 08.00 Purbeck Runners meet at the Mowlem, Sw. 4/5 mile run.

09.00 Sw CC U11 - U15 Practice till 10.30 09.30 Sw CC U9 & U10 Practice & Kwik Cricket till 10.30 10.00 Tea, coffee and home-made cakes in the Parish Hall on Wareham Quay during the Community Market. Til 2pm. Bric-a-Brac stall weekly. Christian bookstall most weeks. All welcome for a warm-up and a friendly chat.

20.00 Herston OAP Committee Bingo at Herston Hall, Sw EVERY SUNDAY 09.00 Purbeck Runners meet at the Mowlem, Sw. 8+ mile run.

09.45 Skyscrapers Children’s Group at Swanage Methodist Church Hall. Including a cooked breakfast, games and fun bible stories, ages 0-11. Ffi: Tom Bullock on 421767, office hours, or tom@swanagemethodist.org.uk 10.00 Arts and Crafts Market at the Mowlem in Swanage. A wide range of local art for sale, including pottery, glass, cards, fabric and much more! To book your table, or for more information, call Tony on 01929 421321.

10.30 Stoborough Emmanuel Baptist Church meet at Stoborough First School, Stoborough. All very welcome.

The Purbeck Gazette

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RICHARD HARVEY 07976 222887 / 01929 553705 SAME DAY SERVICE Local engineer - OAP Discount - Free Quotes www.purbeckaerials.co.uk

SMART TV

Tel no: 07774 132154 (mobile)

Swanage-based

SWANAGE & DORSET

Reg. No: 510565

ROOFING

ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING WORK

Flat roofing Re-roofs, Slate or Tile All repair works Free Quotations

01929 424553 07813 346993

Available loose or in 25kg & 1 ton bags Delivery or Collection

Trade & DIY customers welcome A Fast, Friendly & Efficient Service

TEL: 01929 422980 JIM BAGGLEY BUILDING SERVICES Ltd Renovations, Alterations, Extensions, New Cut Roofs, Loft Conversions, Upvc Windows & Doors, Carpentry & Joinery

Tel: 01305 852311 or 07879 817662

Email: jessjim@baggleyltd.wanadoo.co.uk

Roy Osmond Ltd Traditional Forge Works Light Fabrication, Security Grills, Hand & Balcony Rails, Fire Escapes & Bespoke Work To Your Specification

Contact Roy Osmond on: 01929 400520 or mobile: 0779 6044859

Installers of

Swanage based Window & Door Company FENSA

Windows - Doors - Bi-fold Doors - Conservatories Fascias - Soffits - Guttering - Cladding Garage Doors - Window & Door Repairs Misted Sealed Units replaced UPVC - Aluminium - Timber Ggfi Insurance back guarantee 10 years guarantee

For a free, no obligation quote contact us on: Office 01929 424199 Mobile 07538 950 230 Email - redhillwindowsltd@hotmail.co.uk Web - www.redhillwindowsltd.co.uk

20 years experience working in Purbeck

The Purbeck Gazette

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING From only £126

CJS LANDSCAPES & Garden Maintenance Landscaping Driveways Patios Pathways Hedge cutting Fencing Turfing Garden jungles cleared

All Garden Waste removed Free Advice Free Estimates Fully Insured Over 20 years experience Call Craig J Smith on: t: 01929 551660 m:07534 217032 Cjs Landscapes www.cjslandscapes.co.uk

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Highest standards guaranteed Fully certified & insured No hidden charges & no VAT Call Steve at Pile-Up on 01929 553861 or 07974 529017

Pe

PREMIER ELECTRICS Established 34 years

SERVING THE SOUTH LOCALLY Guaranteed repairs to all makes of domestic appliances Same day/next day service £6 off on production of this advert

Tel: 01305 360300 / 01929 498300 repairs@premierelectrics.co.uk

LYTCHETT MINSTER JOINERY LTD Specialising in purpose-made hard & soft wood joinery Staircases, Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Gates, Traditional Skirtings & Mouldings Over 25 years experience

Call Steve Rawlings: 01202 622441 or email: steve.1226@live.co.uk

Brian & Penny Armstrong

Domestic Appliance Repairs

Decorators

CMS Electrical Repairs

Insured & guaranteed 01929 552483 / 07743019590

Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Tumble Dryers, Electric Cookers, Fridges, Freezers Colin Shailer 01929 554809 07711 165062 c.shailer@sky.com

plus VAT for SIX MONTHS, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a better deal Call Joy on 01929 424293 to book your trade advert!

79

Man & Van available to hire

Rubbish Clearance House Clearance Half the price of a skip and we do all the work!

07767 479438 Fully licensed & insured

Delivering The Gazette every month

Need an EXTRA INCOME? Reliable adult distributors required in SWANAGE! Call or email Tudor NOW for further information on:

01202 813630 or mail@tudordistribution.co.uk www.tudordistribution.co.uk

Man & Van available to hire

Rubbish Clearance Half the price of a skip and we do all the work!

07767 479438 Fully licensed & insured