The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 189

October 2015 Issue no. 189

Magazine archive at:

How Mermond Got Its Name. Pg 22-23

What’s Cooking In Purbeck? Pg 40 - 47

Shtandart Captain Needs YOU! Pg 50

Final Blow For Navitus? Pg 59

SWANAGE & PURBECK

TAXI

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The Purbeck Gazette

Editor’s note...

W

elcome to the October edition of your Gazette!

Winter is finally rearing its head and the weather has certainly grown colder over recent weeks.

Don’t despair, however! There’re still plenty of reasons to get out and about this month, starting with the ever-popular Swanage Blues Festival, which kicks off on October1st, with a huge range of venues in and around Swanage taking part. Attending gigs is FREE, but if you like the festival, we encourage you to purchase a £10 wristband, which will help support the festival in future years.

This month we’re showcasing a selection of Purbeck food-based businesses in our feature, all hoping to tempt you round to their place for a spot of lunch, a beautiful dinner or some scrumptious locally-produced goodies to take home with you. Shop local - you know it makes sense!

We’re also asking members of the community to join us just outside Wareham on Saturday 10th October to commemorate the life of a young pilot who died defending Purbeck skies during WWII. More information on page16 - we hope to see you there.

Also in this edition, retired producer David Rose explains how Swanage’s Mermond Place got its name and shares some of the Rose family photographic archive with us. Have a great month!

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

YOUR Community Magazine 20,000 copies (15,000 door-to-door)

Swanage - Dorchester Lulworth - Bere Regis Over 10,000 MORE copies than our closest competitor! All YOUR news, views & events - written by LOCAL people - a real community paper, produced FOR YOU DAILY NEWS WEBSITE FOR PURBECK: www.purbeckgazette.co.uk What happens, as we get the news in, online, FOR YOU.

Public Notices & Information

TIDE TIMES OCT‘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 31

Low 06.14 06.57 -----00.47 01.43 02.31 03.13 03.52 04.28 05.01 05.30 05.59 06.28 -----00.17 01.18 01.09 01.57 02.42 03.26 04.10 04.53 05.36

High 11.39 00.01 00.48 01.41 02.40 03.47 05.06 06.36 07.36 08.19 08.55 09.27 09.57 10.25 10.49 11.12 11.39 -00.32 01.20 02.26 04.28 05.45 06.45 06.37 07.24 08.09 08.53 09.36 10.20 11.05

Low 18.37 19.22 07.43 08.39 10.00 11.15 12.20 13.20 14.12 14.56 15.36 16.13 16.47 17.17 17.45 18.14 18.45 07.01 07.41 05.30 09.37 11.45 12.56 13.49 13.37 14.22 15.07 15.51 16.34 17.16 18.00

High -12.25 13.14 14.09 15.11 16.25 18.09 19.25 20.11 20.56 21.16 21.44 22.12 22.28 23.00 23.24 23.54 12.13 12.55 13.49 15.25 17.16 18.21 19.17 19.05 19.50 20.33 21.15 21.57 22.32 23.28

Low - - ST+1 -20.11 21.15 22.37 23.46 NP ------- - NM -- - ST --19.21 20.05 21.01 22.25 - - NP -- - BST - - GMT -- - FM -- - ST ---

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

Swanage Town Council Meetings - October 2015

Planning & Consultation Committee Personnel Committee Council

Mon 5th Wed 14th Mon 26th

4.30pm 2.15pm 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 - October 2015 Policy, Resources & Finance Human Resources Planning & Transport

Mon 12th Mon 19th Mon 19th

7pm 10.30am 7pm

Purbeck DC Meetings - Open to public - October 2015 Standards Committee Council Policy Group Planning Committee

Wed 7th Tue 13th Wed 21st Wed 28th

2pm 7pm 7pm 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!

Telephone Sales

We reserve the right to maintain contact with our advertising clients, past and present, through the use of telephone calls.

If you do not wish to hear from us to be reminded of upcoming deadlines, please do let us know!

The Purbeck Gazette

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The Shtandart moored-up at Swanage Pier. By Gareth James.

CONTACT US ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS/IT COMMUNITY MATTERS COUNCIL MEETINGS DIARY SPOTLIGHT FEATURES FEATURE: What’s Cooking In Purbeck?

Gazette Gardening, with Simon Goldsack How Mermond Place Got Its Name John Garner writes - On Two Wheels My Wartime Memories - Brian Guy writes Navitus Bay - The Final Blow?

Remember Jaroslav Hlavac 10/10/15 Shtandart Captain Needs YOU! Swanage Blues Festival Telling It Like It Is - David Hollister writes FOOD The Gourmet Peddler HEALTH & BEAUTY LETTERS MOTORING - David Hollister writes NATURAL MATTERS SPORT TRADE ADVERTS sponsored by Sydenhams YOUR PICS

55 31 10 2 69 40-47 54 22 53 18 48 16 50 58 10 41 62 4 36 48 66 72 30

17b Commercial Road Swanage, Dorset BH19 1DF www.purbeckgazette.co.uk

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ADVERTISERS ONLY PLEASE!

Editorial Enquiries: Editor, Nico Johnson 01929 424239

ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk

Advertising Sales:

at: www.purbeckgazette.co.uk Joy Lamb 01929 424293 or email: Joy@purbeckgazette.co.uk

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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 NOV IS NOON, FRI 9th OCT

The Purbeck Gazette

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Definitely Not ‘Wasted Time’

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.

NOVEMBER edition deadline: noon on Oct 9th

California farm - Such Vision!

Dear Readers, Regarding the comment in the September issue about Blue Pool being an unspoilt industrial site against the proposed oil site at California Farm…..

Am I right in thinking that when the unsuccessful drilling site was removed from California Farm some twenty-five years ago (industrial site!), the then owner proposed a wildlife pond, thought to be not in keeping with the surrounding area (a Country Park!) by the planners. Such vision! What a difference in attitudes a few years make!

Regards, Peter Wakefield .

P. S. To David: If councils charge for on-street parking, do they not have to plough it back into the community? They are not allowed to make a profit. How much has D.C.C. and Swanage Town Council for that matter, put back into the infrastructure in the past few years?

P.D.C. Turns Blind Eye Dear Gazette, For many years a farm in Langton has opened for 28 day camping. For all those years they have exceeded the 28 days. This year it was over 40 days.

I have given the dates to Purbeck District Council every year but they refuse to do anything about it. They say that they have to prove that “the breach is giving rise to harm in planning terms”.

In other words they are turning a blind eye & the farm could have camping all year and the PDC would still do nothing.

If we put up an extension without permission and it’s not causing any harm would they ignore that? I think not!

Name and address supplied, withheld on request.

Cyclists - The Debate Goes On Dear Gazette, I read with interest Chas and Dave’s articles in the September Gazette concerning “bloody cyclists”. If I’ve understood them correctly, they are saying the reason cyclists don’t like to use cycle paths is because cyclists want to go straight from A to B without slowing down and taking detours. But isn’t that what motorists have to do every journey? Slowing down, then detouring around cyclists? Like the lycra-clad group of about ten that I struggled to pass recently on the 60mph winding lane near World’s End, because they were riding two and three abreast with the leader taking selfies of the group as they pootled along enjoying a gentle country ride, totally oblivious to the fact that I was trying to get home after a busy day’s work.

Slowing down at junctions, pedestrian crossings and red lights? These are all things that almost every cyclist I see chooses to ignore but motorists can’t.

I can’t honestly remember the last time I saw a cyclist slow down at a left turn at a junction, or stop at a red light if the coast is clear. Nor the last time I saw a motorist hop up onto the pavement to avoid long queues of traffic. If you stand outside Arkwrights for a few minutes you can regularly watch cyclists heading downhill, the wrong way on the one way street.

I agree attitudes need to change, but first we need to have cyclists licensed, taxed and insured (in other words made accountable for their actions), unfortunately, until that happens then I suspect that they will continue to think they own the roads and behave with immunity and therefore will continue to annoy motorists.

Incidentally, in my copy of the Highway Code, I couldn’t find a regulation stating that three feet clearance needs to be given when overtaking cyclists.

Yours, Roger Starbuck, Rabling Road, Swanage

Dear Editor, What a fantastic night we had. The Eagles tribute band, Desperado, could have been the real thing, giving nearly three hours of entertainment.

Such a shame more people didn’t show up to experience such a great night. They certainly missed something special. I only hope we can get them to come to Swanage again.

Regards, S Mills, by email.

Blooming Good News

Dear Nico, Wareham in Bloom News In 2015 the Wareham in Bloom Committee decided not to enter the South and South East in Bloom Competition for various reasons and concentrated instead on our own local competitions, like the Best Front Garden in the town with our awards ceremony held on 23rd October 2015. However we still put in a lot of effort in enhancing the town for our residents and visitors this year and have received many accolades for the displays.

We are holding a Coffee Morning and Table Top sale of plants, bric a brac, books, cakes and Wareham in Bloom Christmas cards on Saturday 28th November in The Corn Exchange from 10am to 12 noon. There will be a raffle and a tombola.

This year our project has been to refurbish one of the town centre telephone boxes. The town council purchased one of them for a £1 and recently we have received funding to purchase original 1930s telephone equipment to go inside. The old red telephone boxes are part of British heritage and the equipment will remind people of a bygone age that we wish to preserve.

The Town Council do not pay for any of Wareham in Bloom’s displays and initiatives like the Saxon Roundabout. All the funds are raised by sponsorship and fundraising. We are very grateful and would like to thank local businesses and residents who contribute with equipment and manpower particularly our army of waterers and dead headers. Residents can help by just keeping their own frontage weed free and tidy, which helps make the town look good.

We are always in need of volunteers and committee members. If anyone can help please telephone the Town Council on 01929 553006 or call Cllr Eric Osmond on 01929 551000.

Yours sincerely, Sue Elmes.

Purbeck Workshop Race Night Dear All, On behalf of Sinead Feeney and all the people behind the scenes at the Purbeck Workshop, I would like to thank you all for the great support you have given to the charity since its opening on 30 Nov 2014 - just one week after Sinead’s husband, Paul (34), passed away after his two year battle against cancer.

Through numerous radio interviews, PR articles and even being nominated as Sainsbury’s Wareham branch ‘Charity of the Year’, you have played a significant part in creating some much needed awareness of this unique project. Sinead and the others continue to put a lot of effort into helping taking people’s minds off cancer through the medium of art and craft and they couldn’t do this without your help.

To mark the first anniversary of the opening, we are running a charity ‘race night’ to raise funds for Lynch Syndrome UK and the Purbeck Workshop, and we would like to invite you to come along to share it with us. The event will be held at the ‘Black Bear’ pub in Wool, Dorset from 8pm on Saturday 28 Nov 15 and promises to be a fun evening…with or without alcohol!

For the past few years this event was a key milestone in Paul’s annual calendar. He would spend months preparing and organising the event and people would come from all over the UK and Ireland to join in. Such was his dedication to help others, we feel the event should continue in his honour.

In addition we’re having a gallery opening at the Purbeck Workshop in Wool the following day at 11am. The theme of the event is ’The Natural World’, we will be exhibiting and selling work from the Workshop’s local crafters and artists, so please feel free to come along to that too.

Once again, thank you so much for your help and hopefully we may see you on 28th and/or 29th Nov. Please feel free to bring friends and partners too!

Kind regards, Richard Moss @purbeckworkshop www.purbeckworkshop/org

The Purbeck Gazette

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THE SEWING BOX Garment Alterations and Repairs Daisy May’s Arcade 2 Kings Road East Swanage

Tel: Sarah 07922 738335

Dropped Kerb Nightmares Dear Editor, Re ‘Dropped Kerbs’ as mentioned by David Hollister in his recent column.

My husband and I had occasion to go to the Post Office in Sandford Lane to collect a letter. My husband was in a mobility scooter - what a nightmare.

There are NO dropped kerbs and after struggling to get the heavy scooter off the pathway, most of the way my husband had to go on the road. Being a very busy roadway, traffic - both big lorries and cars - were whizzing past. A very dangerous route to collect one letter.

I wrote letters to councillor Annette Brooks and also to the new lady councillor, but was never given the courtesy of a reply.

Maybe you could print this letter in the Purbeck Gazette, warning other mobility scooter riders.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Mrs O McNally, Wareham.

Dorset Buttons’ Invitation

during the day. Around two hundred prints were on display, showcasing the club’s members’ photographs over the last year.

Now in our 50th Year, the Wareham Camera Club has gone from strength to strength with a very active membership. We hold weekly meetings every Tuesday night during September to May, with field trips throughout the year.

We have a varied programme of events with competitions, speakers, workshops and presentations. New members are always welcome, we cater for the complete novice through to the experienced photographer.

Anyone interested in more information should look at our website - warehamcameraclub.co.uk – or ring me on 01929 554801 Martin Osborne, Chairman

A Seasonal Ode

Autumn The autumnal magic is captured In the stupendous red evening sky Where geese fly high in formation With their plaintive croaking cry Mornings glitter with silvery dew Trees emblazoned with yellow and gold Hovering mists with ghostly shrouds Creating a greyness of silence and cold.

Walks on lonely windswept beaches Seagulls circle slowly on high Rolling white surf enhances the aura Of autumns demise with a soothing sigh.

Don Page Dear Nico, You had an email a month or longer ago from Tony, Bagman for the rapper (men’s) part of Dorset Buttons Morris asking you to put something in about the side and to say that they are looking for new recruits.

I am the bagman (ie secretary bod!) for the other (women’s) half of the side and we are similarly seeking new recruits.

We practise on Wed nights at the URC Church Hall (opposite the entrance to Sainsbury’s car park) in Church St., Wareham from 8.15pm to 10pm.

On Wed 14th October we will be having a free open practise and we hope to see some new (female) dancers there. It is a great way of getting some exercise while having fun and enjoying the music from our band. We dance during the summer in local pubs and at local festivals.

We would also love some new band members – male or female. If people would like to find out more, they can email me, Helen, on helen. earwicker@btinternet.com.

Thanks, Helen, The Dorset Buttons

Camera Club In 50th Year Dear Editor, Wareham Camera Club, held their annual Exhibition on Saturday, 15th August, at the Wareham Town Hall.

It was again, a well-attended event with over three hundreds visitors

The Purbeck Gazette

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Simon’s ‘Sea Badger Stew’ Dear Nico, The last edition of the Gazette was the best yet.

I managed to roll two of them up together, in order to make a baton to discipline the local miscreants. There hasn’t been any trouble in town since.

As the silly season is coming to an end, I’ve been going out to pick blackberries and apple to make our alcohol.

I have rustled enough lambs to make a casserole, including wild mushrooms and spring onions and a brace of pheasants, with run-over road kill. The dish is named ‘Sea Badger Stew marinated in Margaret Thatcher Cider’ Simon Cattell, Swanage.

Quit - Before It’s Too Late

Dear Gazette, Whilst visiting relatives this week, we went to the Friday market as usual, but this time walking through Swanage graveyard.

Whereas the VC winner’s grave has a Portland stone headstone recently replacing the old one (part of Lord Ashdown’s VC winners project), the other graves have been replaced with a load of rubbish (see pictures).

I understand that due to demand, Portland stone is not available to the levels required and so a lower quality stone from Latvia or Lithuania has been sourced.

Is this any way to treat those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country? All of the headstones are as bad as the photos attached. What is the CWGC thinking? Better no replacement than this which will have to be replaced yet again very soon.

Do you think the newspaper should raise the issue with the CWGC? I will be. The local M.P. should be advised as well.

Richard, by email

To whom it may concern, My name is Hugh Elmes and I was born on 7/4/43. In the year 2004, I went and saw my Doctor regarding being tired and out of breath all the time. He asked if I smoked and I had to admit that I had been smoking from the age of 13.

He then sent me to see a specialist who said that I had C.O.P.D. I was then referred to my Doctor again who prescribed inhalers. As the time went past I was taken to hospitals on several occasions and as the years passed by I was given more and more medication, until it came to a time when the hospitals and my Doctor could not help me anymore.

Today I have a Community Matron who calls and sees me once a week.

She explained that I had Emphysema. Now please don’t think that I am moaning, I only have myself to blame.

Once a week I go to Corfe Castle early in the evening with a friend. As we come to go home at about 7pm there are young people sat outside the pub with their drinks and smoking.

Over the weeks I have spoken to them about smoking and the damage it does to their health. Now they seem to look forward to my company and start asking questions. I try and answer their questions by using a little humour and I believe it is beginning to work, showing comparisons between them and me with my walking stick!

So I have written a story regarding smoking and if you can use it in your publication to help people stop smoking and save a few lives, it would mean I have done something worthwhile at last.

You must be joking, me stop smoking?!

Hugh Elmes, Wareham 1943- ?

You can find Hugh’s article encouraging you to give up smoking on page 64.

A Tactical Decision?

Dear Gazette, By now the final decision on Navitus Bay Wind Park will have been publicised, although at the time of writing the result is not yet known… but my money is firmly on it not going ahead. Why? Well let’s think about this for a moment.

Two of the locations for wind farms in the south were here and the Gower peninsular – another fabulously gorgeous area. So why choose these places? And why have a foreign company construct it? And why have a tax payer’s subsided feed-in-tariff that goes to foreign investors? Unless you are trying to generate as much opposition as possible by making it massively unpopular and don’t really want to put in a wind farm at all!

So why go to all this bother? Well, imagine you are a Roman General (the government) acting on the instruction of the Emperor (the greed motivated corporations) and you are taking on a mass of the barbarians who outnumber you 10 to 1 (us!).

The Purbeck Gazette

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MATT HILLAN Building Alterations & Maintenance

All Trade Aspects Undertaken Free Estimates Fully Insured

01929 427296 07971 690817 Happy to help and advise You obviously can’t just plough in, you have to be devious. So you send a small force up the front as a diversion making a lot of noise (the wind farm) and you send the rest of the troops round the back (fracking and nuclear) to take the barbarians by surprise.

So when we all throw our arms up in dismay by the surprise attack, we can no longer demand wind energy having already demanded that it be turned down. Simples! Another strand of evidence it the utter lack of local government opposition, and indeed the maniacal central government support for all drilling, including that at California Quarry in Swanage, when all the evidence shows that this will make Navitus Bay look like a benign blemish compared to the gas well’s malignant tumour.

So the solution then? I mean we all need energy right? Deep sea turbines – again as I have always said. Out of sight, out of mind, unlimited, predictable and clean energy for ever and ever amen. So why aren’t the government throwing everything into this safe and sensible solution? Easy! Not enough quick money for the Emperor! (Greedy corporations). So until we get the power in the hands of the barbarians (us), this shocking and unacceptable travesty will sadly continue.

It is possible that I may be surprised by the outcome of course, which should give some of you a good laugh – but then it’s kind of refreshing to be brave enough to be publicly wrong every now and again isn’t it?!

Either way the fight against the corporations for this planet is upon us whether we like it or not and you can make the difference. Don’t be told otherwise.

Yours, Andy Kirkwood, Swanage, by email

Yes Alicia - We’re ALL Human Dear Gazette readers, Your publication of the article by young Alicia (last edition) was very well timed. I hope readers picked up her main point – that we are all human.

Many are aware that ISIL threatened to flood the refugee chain with fighters. There may well be a few individuals like this within the refugee chain, with dastardly plans to cause mayhem and death here.

However, anyone with a brain also knows that literally millions of nonhardline, moderate, modern-thinking, normal folk are fleeing war zones, rape, famine, poverty and the loss of everything, thus creating the refugee chain in the first place. Many of the problems were caused by us, the west, however far back you take it in history (carving up Arabia and Persia in the first place would be a place to start), so responsibility lies with the western world to help those affected, whatever the possible risk.

We are becoming a global society, the world is changing fast. As humans, we have a moral obligation to help those in need and to protect ourselves, along with those in need..... including here on our home turf. Defence is equally as important as human compassion and moral obligation.

On a basic, human level, if a refugee family appears outside my house at some point looking for shelter, they can have my spare room, support and assistance. As humans living in a rapidly globalised community, we all must put past differences aside in order for our species to survive in the future. Would I likewise house those already on our housing list? When they are fleeing from a horrifying warzone, partially created by us, yes.

Until then, no. They have the exact same chances in life that I have had, and I have always managed to house myself through working hard in our safe, supportive, western society.

Daesh (a locally-used, derogatory name for ISIL) are not preaching Islam – the documented taking of cocaine and utilisation of pornography are not part of Islam. Nor are the horrific acts undertaken by Daesh. People ask why Syrians are fleeing their homeland instead of staying to fight – fight who?! Their own government? ISIL? Fight them with what?! They are surrounded on all sides, with no hope, no support from the world, no weaponry and no option but to run - or die.

If our government had been blanket bombing us and if an army of Gestapo had been loose on the ground in London during WWII, without weapons

we would have run too, as far and as fast as possible.

As far as ISIL’s actions are concerned, we’ve actually been there and done that ourselves – The Crusades and killing the ‘infidel’ ring any bells?! That was us a while back storming the eastern world, uninvited, with our flags and Christian religion.... Humans.....eh?!!

As to what we do over the next few years.... who knows. Prepare for a flood of genuinely needy people, whilst keeping an eye out for those coming to declare war. The sad thing is, war of some sort will come, and all those poor, desperate people will be lost in the middle.

We’re coming up to a volatile period in history, when morals, understanding and remembering our own past actions as a nation will be of most import when deciding how we act in the future to create a better world.

I for one am immensely proud of the successful, multi-cultural ‘Noah’s Arc’ that the UK has become, and welcome any fellow humans to our shores who share our belief of ‘live and let live’, whatever their colour, creed or which story of a mythical being in the sky they choose to believe.

Full name and address supplied, witheld on request.

Disbelief At Navitus ‘No’ Dear Gazette, I can’t believe the Navitus Wind Farm was rejected.

Most people I know wanted it to proceed. It appears that the NIMBYs in Purbeck have got their way and are happy to consume electricity, but don’t want it to be produced anywhere near them.

Simon Goldsack, Holme, by email.

No Permission Required Dear Readers, With reference to the CCTV camera in Worth Matravers mentioned in last month’s Gazette (in relation to Woodhenge and permissions required), we can confirm that the installation of this equipment does not require planning permission.

Kind regards, Claire Lodge, Communications Officer, Purbeck District Council.

The Purbeck Gazette

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A Poetic Plea

Scooter Danger Warning

Dear Gazette, Would it be possible to include the ‘poem’ below in your next letters issue, please? Thank you.

Oh! What a difficult time we’ve had, The Swanage weather has been so bad.

Every time we tried a stall, Up came this rainy wet wall.

The seafront is now looking so smart, With plenty of room for us to start To put up some tables and offer for sale All our handicrafts – we could not fail!

But............it was not to be on some days Back to the TIC for other ways, Our dates were forever changing Our stalwart helpers always amazing.

We’re trying to raise some money, Because we need another garage The one we have is beginning to subside It’s days of safety soon won’t abide!!!

Sadly our new larger bus ‘Gerty ‘ Sits in the street and won’t fit.

When our older bus ‘Bel’ is no longer worthy, We’ll be ready and waiting to re-house our ‘Gerty’.

So please can anyone help us.........???

Your donations would be most welcome, Large or small, it would be such a help To keep our Disabled Club running full pelt!!!

Thank you.

Daphne Saville, Swanage Disabled Club

Dear Editor, Please would you consider publishing this copy of a letter I have just emailed to the headmaster at The Swanage School?

Dear Headmaster, We were travelling along Washpond Lane at 3.34pm this afternoon (9/9) towards the school.

On the corner near the railway bridge we encountered a child on a scooter in the middle of the lane coming full speed towards us. This was terrifying and had the potential to cause a nasty accident. I was only driving slowly because it was right on the bend and this is blind.

The child did look shocked and did just manage to stop. Having sighed with relief, we then encountered his friend doing the same thing.

Please can you advise your parents and children that this is not a safe practice, the next driver may just be going a little faster (I personally am a very cautious driver)?

During the next couple of months there will be a number of caravanners leaving the caravan sites accessed down Washpond Lane, these are towed by large vehicles and are “wide loads”.

It is not a safe place for children on scooters and it is doubtful these scooters should be used on a public road, however small it might be.

Regards, Diana Wright (Mrs), by email.

Of Metres In Metres The heroes of the French revolution Decided they had found the best solution To the problems caused by calculating And began their plan by demonstrating That the using of a base of ten Would quickly sort the boys from men No more tricky sums to do Just move the point a place or two.

The stubborn Anglais o’er the sea Said ‘sorry’ they could not agree And carried on with yards and feet And then to make this mess complete The Yanks joined in and said ‘no thanks’ You can’t fool us with silly pranks.

Two hundred years it stayed like this Before they could make up and kiss.

So now that metric is world wide Let’s join the mass but keep our pride.

Chris Cressey

Illness By The ‘Meter’ Dear Editor, Would you put a mobile phone mast in your house?

The present gas and electricity meters are to be replaced with pulsed, microwave transmitting meters, each with enough power to transmit for over two miles, to be picked up by a receiver and logged by the utility company. They transmit intense bursts of microwave radiation, tens of thousands – or even hundreds of thousands – times a day. This is the same kind of radiation emitted by mobile phone masts. Smart meters can expose the body to between 160 and 800 times as much radiation as using mobile phones.

Pulsed microwave transmissions cause serious harm to the human body, our pets and the natural environment. A huge amount of scientific evidence has established the fact that the brain, DNA, the nervous system, blood and other systems are damaged by them. Symptoms reported from exposure to Smart Meters include; insomnia, headaches, palpitations, seizures, fatigue, allergies, agitation, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, dizziness, memory and concentration impairment, interference with heart pacemakers, sperm count reduction and damage, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders, dementia and cancer. In the UK, Public ‘Health’ England has stated that no testing of UK Smart Meters has been carried out and will only be done, incredibly, “as the technology is rolled out”.

The World Health Organisation has listed microwave radiation as a Class2B Possible Carcinogen – although leading experts say that should be raised to 2A Probable or even Class 1 Certain Carcinogen. 24 hours exposure to microwave radiation has been shown to cause similar effects on DNA as 1,600 chest x-rays.

Having a Smart Meter also means your home and device usage will suddenly become available to hackers who can use the data to analyse when people are at home (and therefore when they are away) – posing a huge home security threat.

In California over 2,000 complaints within two months were received in relation to debilitating health effects and much higher bills. The same reports came from ‘Smart’ homes in Canada.

Many American cities, counties and people, concerned by health issues, Smart Meter accuracy and over-billing for energy use, have demanded that the Smart Meter programme be stopped and some cities have already

The Purbeck Gazette

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banned the installations.

Smart Meters are voluntary – you have the right to refuse a Smart Meter – for health or privacy reasons. Say ‘NO’ to your utility provider when offered a Smart Meter.

Example letters for your utility provider are available on the website www.

StopSmartMeters.org.uk Please pass this information on to all your neighbours, friends and family.

Maggie Midmore, Swanage.

Ahoy There!

Dear Editor, Looking for old shipmates?

I think it’s a pretty safe bet to say that some of your readers would have served in the Royal Navy at some time or other. The older ones seeing service in the Second World War would no doubt recently have been casting their thoughts back to the end of the war, either Europe or later Japan with all of the commemorations around the country. Those a little younger being called up for National Service, the younger still serving in our much reduced Royal Navy.

One thing is certain, they will all think back and remember the camaraderie and friendships formed at the time, only to be broken when moved to a different ship or shore base. There will be the occasional thoughts being cast back to “I wonder what happened to old Chalky White on H.M.S. Rustybucket?”

Well a lot have found out what happened to their ‘Old Chalky White’ because lots of the ships have Associations, full of their old shipmates and a new monthly service has recently started to help find all of the other ‘Old Chalkies’ or whoever is being looked for. “Those in the Buffer’s party at H.M.S.Collingwood in the mid 1950’s” or “That Chef off H.M.S. Tupperware in 1988” because many of the Ship’s Association Secretaries are sending details of their reunions to R.N.Shipmates for the monthly listings of reunions and other notices. This monthly service is totally FREE because it is all done by email. No printing. No photocopying. No paper.

No envelopes. No stamps.

Ship’s Association Secretary. Are you on my monthly mailing list? Nearly 400 are. Looking for someone? This is a good start point in meeting up at a reunion and ‘swinging that lamp’. Get in next month’s emailing out.

Get the latest news. Did you serve in the Electrical Branch in the Royal Navy? Exciting news coming up soon if you did!!

And for those who just want to live the camaraderie again, R.N.Shipmates are having another reunion next April. Interested? Set your memory going again? Send brief details to mike.crowe1@btinternet.com Look forward to receiving your email. Mike Crowe

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Call 07836 369969 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

All Aboard ‘Great Britain’

Dear Readers, The building of the steam ship Great Britain was Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s attempt to fulfil his dream of providing a passenger service from Paddington to New York. When launched at a ceremony attended by Prince Albert in 1843, the ship was the largest ship ever built and was the first large steel ship to have a screw propeller.

At 322 feet long: over 100 feet longer than any other ship, it remained the longest passenger ship until 1854. Unfortunately it was too large to sail out of Bristol Docks until there was an exceptional spring tide a year after it was built. It never carried passengers from Bristol but sailed to New York from Liverpool instead.

The Purbeck Association of the National Trust’s visit organised by Jean Fernley on Wednesday 9th September began with a meal of soup and sandwiches served on splendid crockery on the lower passenger deck.

Behind us was a picture of Brunel with a sea view in the background.

There was plenty of time to explore the ship from the dry dock below the glass sea to the open top deck. Below deck were some horses and the meat store. There were two passenger decks with tiny wooden bunks, magnificent dining rooms and a Dress making sight of the huge steam engine driving Ladies & mens alterations the propellers.

Loose covers, Antique upholstery Some of us went on a harbour cruise Boat & caravan upholstery giving us splendid views of the ship, the Medal mounting & framing Regency architecture of Bristol and a Unit 3, Bovington Shopping Centre, replica of Cabot’s ship the Mathew.

King George V Road, Bovington We concluded the visit with a glass of wine and a hug at the cafe.

Yours sincerely, Robin Brasher www.bovingtontailors. wordpress.com

Bovington Tailors

01929 462195

The Purbeck Gazette

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The Horse Has Bolted David Hollister writes...

I

was disappointed to receive a letter with my ‘Langton Dubber’ entreating me to support someone (didn’t say who) by opposing plans being lodged

by Swanworth Quarry to extend their mining and quarrying operations towards Kingston. Disappointed initially to see that Swanworth were making these plans despite them having been turned down in 1968 and 1988, and that in 1993 the quarry was supposed to become a ‘wildlife reserve which would generate tourism and jobs for the area’ (so says the leaflet). It also suggests that such an extension might well destroy 14.5 hectares of the AONB, and generate additional traffic movements of around sixty lorries a day down Kingston Hill. As I haven’t seen the leaflet’s source material, I can’t say whether these allegations are correct or not.

Disappointed secondly to see that we had until September 23rd to register our objections to these plans. I received the leaflet on September 6th. I don’t know who’s managing this ‘campaign’ but I use the word ‘managing’ in the loosest possible way. This information and plea for support should have been made months and months ago. Have we seen any information in the public domain (at the time of writing)? No. And how many of you reading this piece right now are saying ‘gosh, if I’d have known I’d have done something’? Sorry, Kingston, the door’s bolted, horse shot. We’d like to have helped but………

On the subject of Purbeck Stone. Someone has built a dry-stone wall between the farm just past the end of Swanage High Street and ‘New Buildings’ about fifty yards along the road. I’ve lived here all my life and can’t remember ever seeing such an outstanding piece of dry-stone walling – so congratulations to the landowner and particularly to the stone-layer for a brilliant piece of work that does you credit.

I know it’s not in Purbeck but it could potentially affect us all. Motorists are being warned of significant travel delays as nine months of roadworks begin on the main route into Bournemouth. The A338 Bournemouth Spur Road needs to be rebuilt as it’s crumbling! Lane closures and a reduced speed limit will be in place during the works. Drivers have been advised to plan their journeys and, if possible, use alternative routes. Dorset County Council has said that the work will be carried out on the dual carriageway 24 hours a day, six days a week.

Passengers for Bournemouth Airport and patients due at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital are being warned to allow extra time for their journeys. The hospital says that if patients are late for appointments due to the traffic delays, they face having their appointment postponed. A 1m hard strip to give extra space for cars to move over for emergency vehicles or in case of breakdowns will be added. Seems like a good idea.

But – allow for huge delays and best advice – choose a different route.

Sad to hear that Natwest Swanage has now closed its doors. Fortunately the Wareham branch isn’t currently threatened. Barclays in Swanage is already part-time, but I have it on good authority that HSBC’s Swanage branch is not to close; that’s just a rumour.

Lloyds still has a presence in both Swanage and Wareham where the staff are unfailingly courteous and helpful. However, the inefficiency and arrogance of their ‘small business’ department has had me tearing out my hair on several local clients’ behalf for the last few months, so now I wonder

whether my best advice to clients should be ‘keep it under the bed’…….

Despite dire warnings by Dorset Highways that the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival could generate so much traffic that traffic-lights were necessary, I’m pleased to say that it didn’t. From what I could see, the entrance/exit was operated by properly-trained staff and no significant problems arose.

It was a happy and laid-back family event and I’ve heard of no trouble whatsoever. Yes, a few local homes had the benefit of music rather louder and later than they’d have liked, but it would have been amazing if the organisers could have pleased all the people all the time. I’d imagine that a full week of Carnival music either in Swanage or in Wareham would have caused more problems than did the Folk Festival, which seems to be in the right place and organised by the right people. See you next year!

What a shame, however, that certain venues catering for weddings and large parties seem to overstretch the mark. I maintain that for the greater benefit and to pacify neighbours, there’s no reason whatsoever for music played outside or in open-sided buildings to go on after midnight. Especially if it’s loud and amplified. At Harmans Cross Village Hall, we have a strict ‘music off at 11.30pm’ rule for our hirers; all of them understand and 95% of them comply. So if you hear music in Harmans Cross at 1am – it isn’t us!

And now for something completely different. We’re all aware of the cuts to benefits and the way in which the less well-off seem to be bearing the brunt of the country’s attempts to pay off the deficit. It’s a matter of public record that the number of foodbanks is increasing all the time.

In 2015 – this is shameful. A foodbank is a place where donated food is distributed to those in need or an emergency. Many people in Dorset have been hit by the economic downturn; local people are experiencing a crisis that is not their fault such as changes in benefit, debt problems, divorce, sickness, bereavement, redundancy, rising food and fuel prices and low wages, all leading to a rise in people turning to a foodbank. You need to be referred by a professional in order to be able to access vouchers for food.

Some people say that those who go to foodbanks are lazy, scroungers, and undeserving; this may be so in a very, very few cases. But I remain convinced that foodbanks fill a vital need and if as a result of what follows even one family doesn’t starve this Christmas, then it was worthwhile....

Last year I started a small Facebook campaign to raise funds for Swanage foodbank. This year I want to go further. As a retired couple of over 65, Tina and I each receive a £100 ‘winter fuel’ payment. The fact that we actually don’t need it, and that I believe it should be means tested and taxed, is neither here nor there. But there must be literally thousands of couples in Purbeck in the same pleasant situation as Tina and I – it comes in handy but we don’t actually NEED IT. So my campaign is simply this – if you get two Winter Fuel allowances in your household, then pledge one of them to me. Email me at davidhollister@hotmail.co.uk. At the end of November I will publish the total amount that has been pledged – anonymously - and will then email you back and ask you to send me a cheque or a bank transfer. I will in turn add my £100 and we will divide the proceeds evenly between the Wareham Food Bank and the Swanage Food Bank. Let’s do some good.

You’ll have to trust me; I’m not going anywhere!

The Purbeck Gazette

Country Day Out At Creech Grange

W

areham Parish Country Day Out was again a remarkable success this year, raising a record £9,500. The day opened with a short open-air Holy Communion service and ended with a Choral Evensong sung by the choir of Lady St Mary in the delightfully decorated chapel.

Visitors enjoyed the various attractions which included donkey rides, alpacas, hurdle making and the vintage cars, including many from the New Forest Morgan Club. Children of all ages enjoyed the fun races organised by the leaders of ‘Angel Voices’.

Cream teas and burgers were a sell out as visitors relaxed in the glorious summer sun after a walk around the grounds, including the newly restored lakes and Showman’s caravan.

We are most grateful to all those who combined to make this day such a success: to those who helped in many different ways and to our generous sponsors.

But most of all our thanks go to Norman Hayward who most generously opens his house and grounds, and who put in a tremendous amount of work preparing the grounds and gardens. All proceeds go to help the work of the Parish of Wareham.

Above: Attendees relax in front of the Manor House Below: An iconic shot of an Aero 8 in front of the Manor House, by Alan Stephenson

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The Purbeck Gazette

12

Harmans Cross Village Fete Defies Rain - Again!

L

ast year the long-running and highly successful Harmans Cross village fete was almost lost under a deluge of heavy rain. Hundreds still turned up, but it was a far-from-pleasant experience for the team behind the fete!

Organisers were naturally worried this year, especially with the pretty awful weather we’ve endured throughout the season.

Although the day itself dawned grey and murky, the stallholders all arrived and set-up, and produce, crafts and baked goods were delivered to the exhibition tent by hopeful contenders. It did not rain. The only unexpected ‘no-show’ on the day was the bar, which was a great shame.

The public arrived in droves, the stalls of traditional games were, as usual, highly popular and this year members of Swanage & Purbeck Rotary somehow got me up on the children’s trolley ride for the first time in around thirty years! Brilliant fun (and actually quite fast!).

Record entries were submitted in the craft/produce/exhibition tent and were (as always) studiously judged before cups and awards were given out to the best of the best. Sadly I didn’t get to enter anything this year (having left with a good handful of certificates last year) due to the damp, mouldy conditions in my garden, so respect to those of you who managed to enter such a wide range of fantastic floral displays, fruit and vegetables.

Just over 1,500 people attended, and aproximately £3,500 was raised (the count was still going on at the time of writing). The money raised goes towards the running of the Village Hall. The hall costs around £80 per day to run and keep up-together, so the money raised at the fete each year goes a long way towards helping cover the costs of the hall, whilst also helping keep the ‘hire out’ costs low for local groups and so on.

A number of freshly baked burger baps were left over this year, and were donated to Swanage and Wareham Youth Club, who are undertaking the ‘Stoptober’ pledge for young people.

A huge well done to the organising team and all the volunteers who work so hard on the day, as well as a big well done to those who searched through their gardens and greenhouses for that perfect bloom to enter in the produce tent!

A huge thanks to everyone who came along, despite the grey conditions!

Nico Johnson

The serious business of judging the entries takes place...

Crowds line-up to check-out the produce entries

Swanage Rotary Club push the Editor down the children’s trolley ride!

L: The Wessex Military Band entertain the crowds, C: the fete cooks get busy with the burgers, R: traditional games remain hugely popular with everyone.

The Purbeck Gazette

Wareham 41 Club Donate Beerex Cash

13

T

he Wareham 41 Club have been busy donating the proceeds of their beer festival, held last Easter weekend.

The Wareham Beerex, held at Easter, was another well supported outstanding success and as a result of the amazing generosity of the sponsors, donors and supporters, a number of local groups and charities have received donations for their clubs and future projects.

The theme chosen by the organizers, Wareham 41 Club, is ‘The Youth of Wareham’ and donations of equipment, kit and other assistance are being made.

The junior footballers of Wareham Rangers needed new footballs for their training and matches. Recently a large number were presented by Andy Orridge and Martyn Cypher, both on the 41 Club organizing team,

10/10/15 Remember Jaroslav Hlavac The young Czechoslovak Pilot who gave his life defending the skies over Purbeck Join other members of the community in commemorating Jarolav’s sacrifice on 10th October at 12.30pm.

See page 16

who interrupted a well-attended and energetic trading session to officially hand them over.

Well done The Rangers, the hard working volunteers and coaches for running a wonderful asset in the town.

Crafty Cream Teas!

Crafty Ladies help raise over £400 for St Mary’s Church he last cream tea of the season was held at St Mary’s Church on Sunday 16th August. The sun, at last shone as many people enjoyed their tea in the beautiful church setting. Potential bell ringers tried their luck at ringing, and were fascinated to view the bells as they rang on the monitor placed for viewing.

Bakers and talented makers of many crafts had items for sale. A nice way to spend an August afternoon! Thank you to all who made it possible for us to raise over £400 for the church.

T

The Purbeck Gazette

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Purbeck Fireplaces Woodburning & Multi-fuel Stoves HETAS approved installation service Flue components & liners Twin wall Flue Systems

Corfe Castle Gains Essential Repairs

21a Commercial Road, Swanage, Dorset Tel: 01929 426770 / 07800 843399 www.purbeckfireplaces.co.uk

What have we been up to? embers of the public often visit the Lookout and ask the seemingly obvious question of what do we do? Apart from having a glorious view all across the bay and all along the shoreline (weather permitting of course), it is the safety lookout angle for which the NCI was formed. The lack of a grade one eyeball along the coast is very apparent and so we at the NCI try to fill this void.

To what effect, is the next logical question. In step with the RNLI, Coast Guard and other services, we also keep records and here is some data about the “shouts” that we have actually initiated rather than those that we have assisted in, which have had an impact on people’s lives.

This year to the end of August, we have initiated ten rescues, resulting in sixteen people and two dogs being brought to safety. The part of the “boating” section of the leisure industry, which has initiated the most of these “shouts” has been the small craft fraternity and those hardy (or should that be foolhardy) souls who set off towards the horizon in craft neither designed for, nor capable of, the voyage of discovery to which their crews seem to aspire. These failed voyages have been the results of people sinking, capsizing, or for miscellaneous other reasons, failing to attain their destination.

The most common area that these intrepid explorers of the waves underestimate is the Peveril Ledge Race, especially when the tide and wind are in opposition. Similar conditions can also exist off Old Harry resulting in similar problems. Recently the spring ebb tide took two souls over three miles to the west after one of them capsized in the Peveril Race before the RNLI (in two lifeboats and a helicopter) found them and brought them back to safety, after being initially spotted and reported by the Lookout.

Two of our four legged friends who have decided not to stay on the path at the top of the cliff have also required the services of the cliff rescue team – together with owners who have tried and failed to get them back to the top. We have also had a deer stuck on a cliff ledge!

We have had a woman who had lost her husband and grandchildren from the beach (later found safe and well in the town), a dismasted yacht (their engine worked to get them home) and a sunken kayak off the beach with nobody on board. This sort of data does not include the numerous times when we watch with baited breath as 8/10 ft (inflatable) dinghies, with four adults (usually without lifejackets) squashed on board, take on the Race powered by small 5 hp outboards and a couple of paddles. At such times, one digit hovers nervously over the number 9 on the phone, believe me!

I do not want to tar everyone with a similar brush. There are some very responsible people and groups in small craft, who go out to sea well prepared and will often contact the Coastguards or NCI by phone or VHF (16/65) before and also after their trip.

Do not forget we are at the Lookout 364 days a year from 0900 to 1800 (or sunset in the winter). We do want you to enjoy your time around the bay, but we do not want to see you waving at us from in the bay, with both arms and a mouthful of salty water or woofing at us from halfway down the cliff at Durlston or anywhere else!

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

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.

M

Ancient Corfe Castle Church benefits from essential repairs, thanks to Dorset Historic Churches Trust grant awarded by the Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DHCT) has helped to complete vital repairs to the tower, roof and stained glass windows of the parish church of one of Dorset’s oldest landmarks, Corfe Castle.

DHCT’s grant contribution of £7,000 helped to fund the project at St Edward, King and Martyr’s Church, alongside grants from The Erskine Muton Trust, Viridor Credits and parish fundraising. The amount raised totalled over £50,000.

The work required on this Grade I listed building was identified in the Church’s quinquennial inspection and was supervised by the Ecclesiastical Architect, Chris Romain. The next stage of the project will be to restore the internal decoration and update the Victorian heating system.

This ancient building dates back to the 14th Century and has a rich history.

The church was badly damaged during the Civil War due to its proximity to Corfe Castle, when a gun was mounted on the tower and horses were stabled inside the building. The church underwent a Victorian makeover in 1860.

Louise Haywood, Deanery Representative for DHCT, commented: “Everyone at St Edward’s Church has done a tremendous job in raising the money required to help fund these repairs. These works have enhanced the building for all those that love the church and the spiritual and community life it brings to the village. We are delighted that DHCT and others could help with the outstanding costs and help preserve this ancient church for future generations.”

A

The Purbeck Gazette

NatWest Banking At Swanage Post Office

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ick and Tracey Searle of Swanage Post Office are pleased to make the following announcement: “It is sad new for Swanage that NatWest bank closed its doors in September. We are however delighted to be able to make people aware that, following consultation with the bank, we at Swanage Post Office will be able to save customers the journey to Wareham by offering many of the services previously available at Nat West.

“Personal customers will be able to deposit and withdraw cash, they will also be able to bank cheques.

“Business customers will be able to deposit cash and cheques as well as using our change giving facility.

“If you need further information on any of the above services please pop in and see us at Swanage Post Office in Kings Road.”

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

01929 424177

“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!

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The Purbeck Gazette

10/10/15 Remember Jaroslav Hlaváč

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The Young Czechoslovak Pilot Who Gave His Life Defending The Skies Over Purbeck

ast month, reader Dr Keith Major penned a letter regarding RAF Hurricane Fighter Pilot, Jaroslav Hlaváč (pictured, right), who was shot down in WWII during a dog fight in the skies above Purbeck on 10th October 1940.

Dr Major said that he intended to commemorate the 75th anniversary by leaving flowers at the site of the crash, and wrote to notify other locals in case they also wished to leave flowers in memory of Jaroslav. Several other readers have since written in, offering further information on Jaroslav and the crash site near Wareham.

We made contact with Tom Dolezal of the Free Czechoslovak Air Force website, which is dedicated to preserving the memory and achievements of the Czechoslovaks. Tom very kindly provided the information below on Jaroslav’s known history, and obtained the photograph on the right of this brave young man who died, so far from home, defending our land.

Our sincere thanks to Tom for providing the information.

Jaroslav HLAVÁČ (pictured, right) Born 11/09/14, Petřvald, Karviná, Czechoslovakia Died 10/10/40, Wareham, UK Pre WWII: For his compulsory military service Jaroslav was accepted into the Czechoslovak Air Force and after initial military training was selected for pilot training, joining the Military Aviation Academy at Prostějov, in 1932. He graduated in 1934 and served in the Czechoslovak Air Force.

Following the German occupation of Czechoslovakia on 15 March 1939, the Czechoslovak Air Force was disbanded and all personnel dismissed.

Like many of his Air Force colleagues he could not accept his country’s occupation by the Nazis and many, either individually or in groups organised by newly formed underground resistance organisations, escaped over the border into neighbouring Poland where rumours of Czechoslovak military units were being formed so that they could fight for the freedom of their homeland. (Some 50% of the pre-war Czechoslovak Air Force successfully managed to cross into Poland before the Nazi’s invaded on 1 September 1939).

Once in Poland they would go to the Czechoslovak Consulate in Krakow and report for duty. However the rumours were unfounded as the Polish authorities were concerned that the formation of Czechoslovak military units in Poland would provoke Nazi Germany to attack Poland, thus alternatives had to be investigated. Due to a pre-WWII bilateral agreement between Czechoslovakia and France, the Czechoslovak Consul in Paris negotiated with the French authorities that the escaped Czechoslovak military would be allowed to travel to France.

There was a catch - French law did not permit foreign military units to be stationed on its soil in times of peace and so the agreement was that the escaped Czechoslovak military would be permitted to enter France provided that they signed a five year contract to join the French Foreign Legion in North Africa and that in the event of war being declared, they would be released from their Legion contract and would join French military units.

Failure to accept those terms would mean that the Czechoslovak airman or soldier would be returned to Nazi occupied Czechoslovakia which would mean certain death, usually unpleasantly!

Jaroslav, with other escaped Czechoslovak airmen, after a short stay at a temporary camp at Maly Bronowice, just outside Krakow, went by train to Gydnia, Poland where they boarded a ship which took them to France.

France: Initially they were at the French Foreign Legion’s recruitment barracks, outside Paris for medical checks and documentation to be prepared before being transferred to Marseilles and taken to the Legion’s training camp at Sidei-bel-Abbes, Algeria. During this waiting period the Czechoslovaks were required to learn French. When war was declared, as per the agreement, they were transferred to the French Air Force - l’ Armée d’Air. Jaroslav was posted to Centre d’Instruction de Chasse at Chartres, one of the training bases for re-training onto French equipment.

He arrived there on 11 September 1939 and completed his training on 8 March 1940. He was then posted, as an operational pilot with the rank of Caporal Chef (Sgt) to GC III /7, based at Vitry le François near the Swiss German border and equipped with MS-406 aircraft. When the Germans invaded France, the rapidity of their Blitzkreig caused GC III/ 7 to frequently have to relocate their airfields as they retreated westward.

On 17 June 1940, Hlaváč and other Czechoslovak airmen were transferred to GC I /6 based at Ussel, who were also equipped with MS-406 aircraft.

Three days later, and now at Clermont-Ferand airbase, the Czechoslovak airmen were released from l’Arme d’Air service. They made their way to Port Vendres and on 24 June, boarded the ‘General Chanzy’ which took them to Oran, Algeria. They then travelled for four days by train to Casablanca, Morocco where they boarded a ship which took them to Gibraltar, where they transferred to the ship which brought them to England.

RAF: On arrival in England, the Czechoslovaks were security vetted and then transferred to Cholmondeley, near Chester, the Czechoslovak transit camp in the UK. Jaroslav was accepted into the RAF Volunteer Reserve at the rank of Sgt. On 12 July, he was posted to the newly formed 310 (Czechoslovak) Sqn at Duxford where he was assigned to the squadrons reserve pool of pilots who were awaiting re-training to fly Hurricanes. During this time they were now also having to learn English. When 310 Sqn became operational on 17 August 1940, it was no longer possible for re-training to be undertaken within the squadron due to shortages of aircraft and instructors.

Thus the reserve-pool pilots were assigned to 6 OTU at Sutton Bridge, on 17 August for their re-training. Jaroslav completed his re-training on 10 September and was posted to 79 Sqn at Pembrey and on 8 October 1940, to 56 Sqn at Boscombe Down.

Two days later, 56 Sqn were scrambled to intercept a 100+ Luftwaffe in formation approaching the south coast. It was Jaroslav’s first operational patrol and he was flying Hurricane Mk I P3421.

The Luftwaffe formation consisted of 30 Me 110 fighters and 30 Me 109 who were protecting the bombers in their formation. At 12:50, whilst in a dog-fight over Wareham with a Luftwaffe Me109, flown by Lt Julius Meimberg of the 4/JG 2 Richtofen group, Jaroslav was shot down, his aircraft crashing at Wareham Common, his body still in the cockpit.

On 14 October Jarolav Hlaváč was buried in the south part of the Holy Trinity Churchyard at Warmwell, Dorset.

Medals: British: 1939/45 Star with Battle of Britain clasp Czechoslovak: Pamětní medaile se štítky F–VB [Memorial medal with France and Great Britain bars] French: Croix de Guerre

Join other members of the community in commemorating Jarolav’s sacrifice on 10th October at 12.30pm.

Bring flowers, a wreath or just your thoughts and prayers.

Where? Heading away from Wareham towards Wool on the A352. Turn right onto lane just after Worgret Manor (just over the railway bridge), and turn onto bumpy track alongside the entrance to the oil well (not the tarmac lane!). Some parking is available at the end of the track. A short walk is then required to reach the crash site, where flowers will be laid and hopefully a few words will be spoken. All are very welcome.

The Purbeck Gazette

Family Tribute

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he family of a woman who tragically died in a collision near Wool have named and paid tribute to her. At approximately 2.15pm on Sunday 16 August 2015, a two vehicle head-on collision occurred on the A352 at Hethfelton near Wool between a white Hyundai and a blue Ford Fiesta.

Sadly the front seat passenger of the Fiesta – 86-year-old Barbara HillBrown from Swanage – sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The rear seat passenger of the Fiesta, a 51-year-old man from Swanage, suffered serious life-changing injuries and was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital. His condition is no longer life-threatening.

The driver of the Hyundai, a 36-year-old man from Wareham, suffered serious injuries and is receiving treatment at Poole Hospital. The driver of the Fiesta, a 60-year-old man from Australia, suffered serious life-changing spinal injuries and was also taken to Poole Hospital. Both drivers had to be cut free from their vehicles by Dorset Fire and Rescue Service.

In a statement, Mrs Barbara Hill-Brown’s family said: “We are devastated by the tragedy that has overtaken our family as we mourn deeply Barbara Hill-Brown – loving mother to three sons, a devoted grandmother and a good friend.

“She was a much loved member of the community in her home town of Swanage since 1947. She loved life and lived it in all its fullness.

“We want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the many good people who have and are supporting us as a family while we work through these tragic circumstances, especially the members of the emergency services who were at the scene, Dorset Police family liaison officers, and the nursing and medical staff at both Poole and Southampton hospitals.”

Police Sergeant Nikki Burt, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or either vehicle being driven prior to the incident to please call me on 101.

“All calls will be treated in strict confidence.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 16:286. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

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My War-time Memories.

By Brian Guy

After two years or so we finally come to the last episode of this monthly column.

I would like to thank Nico for her help in so many ways. Not least in publishing the story using precious space in the Gazette. And of course, those who had the patience to read the story, and to those folk who stopped me in the street for a chat. his column has taken us on quite a long journey. An experience that many tens of thousands of your granddads and grannies would have known during these highly charged and stressful war years. For the events that I have described are pretty much what all service men experienced, one way or another. This record then, is just a minuscule part played by one man during the conflict. This story you can be sure, is replicated many thousands of times, and by far braver men than me…

For World War 2 was the nation’s war, and the nation as whole fought it. All the services showed great heroism during the struggle.

Here, I have to pay a compliment to our women folk, who bless them, turned their hands to anything that helped the war effort. Without their input, it may well have been a different story….

Looking back, the worst aspect of war was the constant expectation of death, you could not escape it, it occurred round you continually, one could get used to it to a degree, even hardened to it, but the fear never left you, it was always there at the back of your mind. Being at times, under fire, night and day from shell, mortar, and small arms fire, not to mention mines and booby traps, dog tired and always having to dig in no matter how long you had been without sleep. Dirty, unkempt, one soon learned all the tricks of self-preservation. It did not take long to make a veteran, It is a fact that soldiers at the sharp end who landed on D. Day had an expected life cycle of just six weeks. By this time, on average, you would have departed.

As time goes by, you begin to realize just how heavily the odds are being stacked up against you. One very brave Corporal who was always in the thick of the action, lost his life on the last day of the war. I honestly felt great sadness when I heard of his death, I remember him with admiration and respect.

246 Field Company Royal Engineers, Yes I am very proud to have served with this company, they had been in the lead as an Assault company on the beaches, and they had fought in every battle till the end of the war and had reached Bremen. I am also very proud to have served with the Third British Infantry division.

“Monty’s Iron Sides” or the iron division. I do not think I could have served with braver men and I consider myself fortunate to have known these comrades. They always gave their best. It is a shame therefore, that having always given our best, we were shown such little appreciation for our deeds.

In the British army there are very few medals awarded, the main medal for the ordinary soldier was the MM, or Military Medal, with all due respect to those who had been recipients of this gallantry medal, they did not (in my opinion) always go to those who merited them most.

I have in mind several men who gave service far beyond the normal

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The Purbeck Gazette call of duty, and were never recognized as such. Our officers seemed to expect that certain men would always give service far above that of normal expectation, to that end it became, “familiar” and “expected”.

This also applied to some of our officers who richly deserved recognition, and never got it. I suffered in this respect, I had been informed that my name had been submitted, and I would be getting the award of one of “Monty’s certificates”. This was the Field Marshall’s personal award for meritorious service. I never got it, when I was wounded and back in England I was out of sight and out of mind.

Of course, it’s all a long time ago now, and much water has passed beneath the bridge of time, nevertheless, I still feel a certain bitterness, a silly feeling that has never quite gone away. When I was in hospital I had a feeling of expectancy that it would be posted on to me, it never came! I never did receive what I had been promised. I know that it is silly and stupid of me, and it is of no consequence at all now. But it would have been nice, and would have made me a very proud and happy man.

Regrets? Yes, several. One, that I have never been able to go back to France, Belgium and Holland to pay my respects to my fallen comrades.

Two, I have never been able to properly thank all those wonderful people who looked after me in my long travels through Overloon military aid, Helmond aid centre, Holland Eindhoven medical centre, Croydon RAF Hospital, Warwick Hospital, Poole Hospital, Bovington Hospital, Shaftesbury Hospital and Lady Leas Hospital.

Then there was Lake House, and the peace and tranquillity that lady Janet gave us, as well as Egham rehabilitation centre. Thanks also to Major, or Sir John Charnley for his genius and for the wonderful orthopaedic work where all others had failed. Thanks to the War Pensions Dept, who wanted me to retire two years before the wheels finally came off! I remember the wheel chair clinic, for their understanding and kind help, and all the other Doctors and Nurses who have helped me so many times over the years and still are helping me today. I shall never be able to thank them all in person. Nevertheless. Thanks to all of you.

But we must return to the real heroes of the war. They are those who gave their lives all around the globe, for all that we believe in and hold dear in this land. Our freedom, our way of life, in this green and pleasant land of ours. May the Good Lord (whatever name he goes under) look kindly on them.

I would like to stress that war is a nasty business, that kills and maims many thousands of young men and women. As terrible as it is .there are times when it is necessary to fight for your country, your families, for that God given right of freedom.

Let us hope that our younger generation will never be called upon to sacrifice their young lives again. Let me pay tribute then to the Royal Engineers. They exemplified all that was gallant, by winning more awards in the field of battle than any other units from the Third British Infantry Division, Monty’s Ironsides.

I wish all our readers well, and hope that good fortune will be your companion in the long years to come.

Thank you, Brian Guy. For we who are old, the guns still roar.

And long forgotten, young voices call.

Searching mortars, for humans seek.

To maim and kill, and wounding’s wreak.

We, still live the years of mighty deeds.

And grieve for our fallen, our wounded bleed.

Who will ring the Bell of Freedoms song?

When we are gone? When we are gone?

Wareham - Hemsbach Town Twinning Update

n Monday 7 September Rozanne gave her talk about Anderson Manor. Anderson is a village near Winterborne Kingston. It is in a remote location but close to Poole Harbour.

This made it an ideal location for the Special Operations Executive to train people for attacks during the last war. Rozanne told us how the crew of a wooden yacht called the Maid of Honor sailed out of Poole Harbour and captured an Italian ship after being trained at the manor.

Our next meeting will be a talk about the army in Dorset on Monday 5 October. Robin Brasher

The Purbeck Gazette

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Coastguard Update

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slightly odd month in August saw few incidents (Sixteen in total) probably due to the weather that kept many indoors.

We had the usual marine related incidents, from boats dragging anchors, one sank from under him, through to some clothing found on the shore and starting a search for a missing swimmer.

One diver was airlifted off a local boat and the Swanage Team joined their colleagues at St Albans Coastguard with a lady at Seacombe who had broken her ankle.

Three slightly unusual incidents were road accidents – the first at the junction with the High Street and Seymer Road, where two people on a motor bike got knocked over, and along with members of the community the team provided First Aid until the ambulance service could deal with it.

The other two incidents were on the night of the Studland Beer Festival where two separate cyclists managed to hit the same parked car and obtain rather nasty head injuries. The team out on patrol that evening provided urgent First Aid until the Ambulances arrived.

The topic of the month is around the speed limit in the bay, which is set at 5 knots (that’s just less than 6 mph to land lovers). The limit is set and enforced by Purbeck District Council with the assistance of a local boat operator, HM Coastguard and Dorset Police Marine Section. The limit is for the safety of all users of the bay and we enjoy seeing everyone using the bay in a responsible manner.

Sadly during carnival week a boat decided to act in a total anti-social manner and was further surprised when the Coastguard unit managed to get to them to offer some strong words of advice. They claimed they had a medical emergency on board, but as the team summoned a lifeboat and helicopter oddly the lady recovered. Dorset Police Marine Section have also caught up with the owners and offered further advice.

The team is hosting a meeting in the coming months with Purbeck District Council, Dorset Police and other parties to ensure the enforcement is carried out on individuals who continue to disregard the limit.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Out Of The Blue

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utumn has to be one of my favourite seasons – as Keats described in his “Ode to Autumn”, it is the “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness”. As if on cue when I woke for work on September 1st the mist was out in the valley where I live and there was a distinct nip in the air.

Before the true nature of autumn sets in and gives way to winter – is a good time to make sure that the car you drive is up to the task. Some of you have a daily commute that is long; some of you are using your car to take your children to school. All journeys are important and as such you should pay attention to the little things that are crucial to keeping you and other road users safe.

Windscreen washers full and wipers that work All lights are clean (needs doing regularly) and working – carry spare bulbs Tyres are checked for tread, wear and correct inflation and are replaced if necessary A useful addition to the car is a hi-viz vest or tabard just in case you do break down An easily remedied yet common bug-bear for drivers are people who keep their front and rear fog lights on when there is no need. Know where your front and rear fog light switches are and follow the below rule below: Do NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced.

You MUST switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users.

This means switch off in the rain and when you are closer to the vehicle in front or when a car has come up behind you.

Safe driving…

Good afternoon Purbeckians Recently I’ve been thinking about poaching. To the average member of the public when you mention poaching most people will picture a local scally catching the odd coney (rabbit) or the older ones amongst us will remember Seth from Emmerdale Farm.

Many of you might wonder what all the fuss is about, after all, who is being hurt? Isn’t it only a rich farmer or landowner being affected?

Unfortunately the reality isn’t as simple as that.

First and foremost theft, whomsoever the victim, is still a crime. Although the retail value of a pheasant may only be a few pounds, to the landowner

who is rearing pheasants for a shoot the cost per bird is approximately £40. If a poacher steals or kills 100 birds, that’s a £4000 theft, hardly an insignificant crime.

Also, poachers are not well known for their slaughtering skills or their consideration of food preparation and hygiene. They are well known, however, for killing deer by running them over with vehicles or setting dogs on them. The result of this is that any meat you buy may well be tarnished by the deer’s adrenaline and/or spoilt by contamination with the offal.

There is an even more serious consideration than spoiled meat and that is poisoned meat. The use of many veterinary medicines require that the animal be taken out of the food chain for a set period of time or permanently. There is almost no chance that a poacher will know whether an animal has been medicated recently or not. This means anyone serving meat that comes from poachers may be poisoning themselves and their family.

Another consideration for “the average man in the street” is that poaching is now the criminal’s hobby and has strong links to wider criminal activity and to organised crime. The damage they cause in pursuit of their game can stretch to thousands of pounds.

Many also use their time poaching to scan houses / sheds / farm buildings and cars to break into.

So the next time the local poacher is offering you cheap meat ask yourself, do you really want to give money to a man who doesn’t care about animal welfare, the health of you and your family and who will quite happily steal from you?

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

Wareham Town Council Update

Julie, our Gazette correspondent, details the goings on in recent council meetings.....

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our correspondent forgot to go to the August Council meeting so brings you an account of the Policy, Resources and Finance (PRF) and the Transport and Planning committee meetings of early September.

PRF examines all the expenditure and income of the Town Council for the previous month with particular consideration to any variance from the budgeted amounts.

It was discussed whether decrepit dog bins should be replaced or superseded by new advice to place dog waste in general bins.

PRF told the Amenities Committee to use its funds for the cost of covering a work area at the back of the Town Hall and buying a work bench. PRF selected a gas supplier and contract and approved expenditure on CCTV and photocopying.

An urgent issue was the work on 2 Mill Lane, premises used by the Citizens Advice Bureau. The Council hoped to apply for a grant from the Coastal

Community Fund but the deadline was 14th September, a tender was required for the application and none had been supplied by builders due to the holiday period and short notice.

The Planning and Transport Committee raised no objection to a planning application to build 4 houses on a corner site on Mill Lane and Cow Lane. In fact, some councillors welcomed the creation of smaller homes in the town.

There were also planning applications for further telecommunications dishes in the Westminster Road Highways Depot and for a new house adjacent to 1 Wyatts Lane. Further roadside line marking to deter parking near junctions in Sandford and Streche Roads was also discussed.

By the time you read this, Purbeck District Council will have considered Network Rail’s planning applications for the bridge. Councillors and members of the public will have attended the meeting on 30th September and had the option of speaking in public consultation time.

Of the two planning applications concerned, the Planning and Transport Committee is only permitted input into the one related to listed building and at its August meeting the Committee raised an objection on the grounds of visual impact.

The next full Council meeting is on Tuesday 3rd November, 7pm in the Town Hall, Wareham, and the public is welcome to attend. Call 01929 553006 for further information about all of the Council’s meetings or visit the website at: www.wareham-tc.gov.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

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How Mermond Place Got Its Name

The Purbeck Gazette

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David Rose, born in 1924, flew thirty-four missions (Lancaster Bombers) during WWII before training at the Guildhall School of Drama. He became an Assistant Floor Manager for the BBC in 1954 and by the late ‘50s, David was a Director of Dramatised Documentaries for the BBC, including working on ‘Black Furrow’ (1958 - open cast mining in South Wales).

David then became a Producer and Production Executive, and was the original producer of the hugely popular ‘Z-Cars’ (1962-65). David was appointed Head of English Regional Drama at BBC Pebble Mill by David Attenborough in 1971, later leaving the BBC in 1981 to become Commissioning Editor for Fiction at Channel Four, becoming heavily involved with ‘Film on Four’. He stayed in his post at Channel Four until 1990. David is credited for being a significant figure in the regeneration of British cinema, and accepted the Roberto Rossellini Award on behalf of Channel Four in Cannes. He was then awarded the BFI Fellowship in April 2010.

David hails from Swanage (he was born in the family’s flat in Mermond Place), and still has strong connections with the town. He is often a visitor at Gazette Towers, where he drops in for a chat. Recently, David has been kind enough to share some of his family’s impressive photographic archive with us. Some of David’s memories of his family in Swanage, and thier contribution to the town, are below………….

Lambert and Elizabeth with family - Alvan is bottom left

Above: David’s grandfather, Lambert, with his pennyfarthing

David writes....

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ne of my first memories was of accompanying my grandfather, Lambert Horfield Rose, when he made his annual Christmas Day visit with his wife to The Swanage Children’s Hospital to give each young patient a tangerine orange.

I was born in Swanage on Saint Cecilia’s Day, the Patron Saint of music, in 1924.

I like to think that after my demob from service in the Royal Air Force, she helped me to win my place at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in the City of London.

John Mowlem and George Burt had brought many London features to adorn the town and in his own small way, my grandfather Lambert Rose also made a contribution.

On a site in Station Road, Lambert built shops, including Rose Bros. the Jewellers, which was run by my father, Alvan, with our family living in flats above.

Next door he built Central Garage (Nixons hardware), run by my Uncle Neville, over which the Central Hall provided boxing, roller skating and the first films to be shown in Swanage.

The whole site Lambert named Mermond Place.

During the First World War two of my uncles were killed, Merton and Osmond – whose names appear on the War Memorial overlooking Swanage Bay. Hence the name ‘Mermond Place’ came into being – in memory of my uncles, their names combined.

In 1914 my father, not wishing to kill anyone, enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps. Four years in the trenches serving the injured and dying paid its toll and in 1919 he was discharged.

David during RAF service in WWII

The Purbeck Gazette

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Alvan Edward Rose (father). 100 Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps Sergent 1919.

Merton Rose (uncle). Died 1919 Egypt. Awarded the Military Cross attempting to save one of his men in No Man’s Land.

He was married to Gladys Hill that year (of ‘Hill and Churchill’, where Martins the Newsagents is now).

While never strong, my father lived an active life as a member of the Chamber of Trade and the Swanage Music Society, he also held various offices in the Methodist Church, was President of the Bowling Club and enjoyed playing bowls on the recreation ground (just a step away from our back door - below). He never spoke of his war years, but I believe that his relatively early death at 52 was partially due to his experiences during the war. You will find no formal recognition of his war service.

Following service in the Royal Flying Corps, another relative, Uncle Drumond, distinguished himself by leaving a suitcase at Victoria Station, after which he was never heard of again.

The last time I saw my father was within a week of his death. He travelled north to visit me in my first professional engagement as Stage Director at the Royal Hippodrome in Preston.

The play was ‘The Happiest Days of Our Lives’.

The old Bowling Club, nr. Mermond Place, Swanage.

Rose Bros., Mermond Place (David born in flats above), with Greta & Kitty. Morris Ostephew married Daphne Rose. 1985

Looking towards Mermond, in Station Rd, Swanage

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The Purbeck Gazette

Swanage Fire Station Update

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

Operationally it has been comparatively quiet and we have responded to twelve incidents. These were mainly false alarms, but there was one road traffic collision. Fortunately this collision was not too serious and the occupant of the car was able to be treated on scene by the Ambulance crew.

On the training front, all of the Station personnel have now been to our training centre for their biennial breathing apparatus refresher. I myself have also attended a review of command competence.

As I mentioned in an earlier edition, we are in the process of training to become Co- responders for the South West Ambulance Service. This training is now almost complete and we are all doing a twelve hour shift on the front line in an Ambulance or Paramedic car. This is giving us an informative insight into what we will be attending once we go live and how we will be working with our Ambulance colleagues. I personally completed my shift last Saturday in a Paramedic car. It was certainly an eye opener and I must say how impressed I was with the professionalism and knowledge of the Ambulance staff that I worked alongside.

It’s now September and as we head into autumn you may be lighting

fires in your home for the first time in months. Before you do that, we recommend that you carry out a few safety checks: First and foremost make sure that your chimney is clean and in good working order. That includes making sure that there are no cracks in the chimney and that it is clean of residue which could spark a fire. A blocked chimney can also cause a build-up of deadly carbon monoxide gas.

Have the chimney swept at least once a year, or more frequently if you burn wood.

Do not bank fires too high and remember to let them burn down well before you retire to bed.

Use a fire or spark guard to prevent accidental fires and make sure that it has the kite mark or conforms to a relevant British/European safety standard.

Do not place objects on or over the mantle-piece which may cause you to stand too close to the fire to reach or use them.

Inspect your chimney regularly – particularly in the roof space – to ensure that it is sound and that sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks.

Avoid burning resinous woods as soot builds up quickly.

Buy only suitable fuels.

Do not overload the grate or appliance.

Above all, ensure that you have a working smoke alarm fitted on each floor or your home.

Stay safe everyone, and don’t forget to test your smoke alarms.

Phil Burridge - Station Commander

Remembering The New Defibrillator Cordite Factory For Wareham!

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ne hundred years ago, during the First World War, builders and engineers were racing to complete one of the biggest construction projects ever undertaken in Dorset: the Royal Naval Cordite Factory at Holton Heath.

Winston Churchill, who was then First Lord of the Admiralty, commissioned the factory to supply cordite for the guns on the Royal Navy’s ships. Cordite was the propellant of the time. The factory employed thousands of workers and was part of the lives of many families for miles around. The factory closed in 1957 and parts of the site were used by the Royal Navy as a research establishment until this closed in 1997.

The Sandford Heritage Community Group is organising a seminar on the factory on Saturday 10 October, 1-5pm, in Sandford Community Hall, Keysworth Drive, Sandford BH20 7BD. Leading authorities on the factory will give presentations. The newly-published revised edition of the classic book on the factory by Bowditch and Hayward will be available. Admission to the seminar is £3, to include refreshments.

“Holton Heath: cordite, community, catastrophe” is the title of a talk to be given by Rod Hughes at the AGM of the Sandford Heritage Community Group on Monday 5 October, 7.30, in Sandford Community Hall. There will also be a talk by Brian Dicker on “What butterflies like about Sandford habitats”.

Ben Buxton Photo: part of the newly-built factory, with Poole Harbour beyond.

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areham’s Mayor, Cllr Ms Dina Adkins, is pictured at the official launch of Wareham’s brand new AED (automated external defibrillator) located at the Quay on the wall of the public conveniences.

Permission to locate the device at that point was given by Wareham Town Council at the request of the Wareham Wednesdays organisation who, along with sponsorship from the British Heart Foundation and Perenco had worked hard to provide the AED at no cost to the community.

With the Mayor is Dave Burgess and other members of Wareham Wednesdays.

The Mayor said “The defibrillator is a very welcome addition to the Quay which receives thousands of visitors every year at this most popular riverside attraction.

“The equipment can be accessed immediately and used by anyone.

Wareham Town Council is delighted to assist with this project which could well be crucial in saving lives.

“Well done to Wareham Wednesdays and a big thank you to the British Heart Foundation and Perenco!”

Rod Curtis, Town Clerk, Wareham Town Council

The Purbeck Gazette

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New Lifeboat Station Takes Shape

lthough construction commenced on the new Swanage Lifeboat at the beginning of the year it is only in the last few weeks that the above ground structure of the station has begun to take shape.

A lot of work has been carried out at the site, however most of this has been under the ground to stabilize the area in order to provide solid foundations for the new station and slipway, as well as enhancing the supporting wall at the rear of the site that adjoins residential gardens.

The building is now emerging from the ground. Stone reclaimed from the old boathouse is being laid for the lower part of what will be the external wall of the Angling Club. Reinforcing mesh has been laid in preparation for the floor of the inshore lifeboat hall.

In addition to separate boat halls for both of Swanage’s lifeboats the new station will include a dedicated changing room, shower, two toilets, stairs and a lift to the first floor that will include a training room and operations room.

The building project is due to complete during the first half of 2016 and will be home to our new all-weather Shannon class lifeboat and our current inshore lifeboat.

Pictured - New station under construction, credit Dave Turnbull.

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The Purbeck Gazette

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t’s an exciting month at Swanage Railway as they get up a head of steam for their very popular Autumn Steam Gala on 16th to 18th October.

This year’s star locomotive will be Sir Lamiel an N15 “King Arthur” class locomotive built in 1925 for Southern Railway. The locomotive is named after a fictional minor Knight of the Round Table. Go to the website for details of all the locomotives at this year’s Gala.

On 30th October visitors can get all steamed up on the Railway’ spooky Halloween Special Bistro. This is always popular so there will be a need to book early- see website for details.

Bookings have also opened for the Railway’s popular Santa Specials, Christmas Luncheons and their Carol Train. More details on the website www.swanagerailway.co.uk or 01929 425800.

Purbeck Railway Circle On Friday 16th October the Purbeck Railway Circle joins with the Purbeck Film Festival for a showing of the 1953 classic film “The Titfield Thunderbolt” plus the 1958 BTF film “Single Line Working” Tickets for the film show are available from the Swanage Tourist Information Centre or online at www.purbeckfilm.com. Tickets may also be purchased on the door. Ticket prices are £5 for SRT members or £6 for non-members.

The Circle meets in Harmans Cross Village Hall, Haycrafts Lane, Harmans Cross at 7:30pm EVERYBODY IS WELCOME For other information regarding the film show and/or PRC please contact the PRC General Secretary Email:- gensec@purbeckrailwaycircle.org.uk

Progress Made In Waste Partnership Plan

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plan to turn around the seven-council Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP) is now mostly complete. In March, the DWP joint committee approved a 37-point action plan to improve its governance, leadership, financial controls and project and risk management.

This was in response to three reviews, a £2.7m overspend and issues with vehicle insurance and procurement. Partner councils appointed independent consultants WYG to provide interim management support for up to six months and oversee delivery of the action plan.

At its meeting on Monday 14th September, the joint committee heard that, six months on, all but four of the 37 changes have been embedded into the day-to-day business of the DWP. Improvements include: • Robust budget monitoring to highlight potential overspends so action can be taken to reduce costs.

• Keeping partner councils informed and involved in decision-making about service changes with financial implications.

• Identifying and training budget holders at all staff levels.

• Progressing a range of savings options to further drive down costs.

• A new absence management policy, which has helped cut short-term sickness and reduce agency costs.

• Setting and reporting on new performance targets for recycling, landfill, sickness and missed collections.

The committee heard that the latest budget monitoring suggests a risk of overspending by £686,000 in 2015/16, reduced from £911,000 earlier this year. Work is underway to find further savings.

The four on-going actions, which have become longer-term projects, are: • A review of the governance arrangements of the DWP. • A review of support services provided by the county council and new service level agreements.

• Procurement of new fleet and fuel information management systems.

• Maximising the efficiency of collection routes around the county.

In addition, partner councils’ chief executives have received a second report by WYG focussed on different ways of delivering services and

potential outsourcing options.

WYG’s recommendations, which were reported to the committee, include changing the type of collection vehicles in some areas and collecting glass differently from hard-to-reach properties.

They also advise that “no economies would be gained by outsourcing the waste collection and street cleaning service” and that the DWP should not look at potential outsourcing before 2017, in line with changes to waste disposal contracts.

October will see the DWP complete the phased introduction of the standardised Recycle for Dorset service across Dorset, with the final roll-out to 20,000 households in West Dorset.

The service was adopted by all partner councils in 2012 with the aim of increasing Dorset’s recycling rate from 50% to more than 60% by 2016.

The recycling rate for 2014/15 was 59%, rising from 54% in 2013/14. Over the same period, the amount of Dorset’s waste sent to landfill, which costs £80 per tonne, has halved to 22%.

Cllr Anthony Alford, Chair of the DWP Joint Committee, said: “With the improved financial control now in place we are able to monitor the budget throughout the financial year and take appropriate action to bring down costs.

“We are also seeing big savings with much less waste going to landfill as a result of the new collection service and prudent management of our contracts.

“Partner councils are carefully considering the options for how we can deliver waste services more efficiently into the future in what are increasingly challenging conditions for local government and waste management nationally.”

Book advertising at: www.purbeckgazette.com or call 01929 424293

The Purbeck Gazette

Purbeck Arcadia Launched At Dunshay

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Above: Dunshay Manor as it was several years after the passing of Mary Spencer Watson. NJ

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ne of Purbeck’s most respected authors, Ilay Cooper, launched his new volume, ‘Purbeck Arcadia: Dunshay Manor and the Spencer Watsons’ at Dunshay Manor near Harmans Cross on September 12th. Published by The Dovecote Press, this newest addition to Ilay’s already impressive anthology is the long-awaited history of the locally-loved manor house and those who have resided at Dunshay over the years.

Of course, particular focus is given to the history of three Spencer Watsons; the painter George, the dancer, Hilda, and their daughter, Mary, to whom Ilay remained neighbour and close companion to until the very end. On a frosty morning in March 2006, Mary gave the ‘thumbs up’ as the ambulance took her on her final journey from Dunshay to Dorchester Hospital, where she passed away in the early hours of March 7th 2006.

The launch event was hosted by Tom Munro and Dovecote Press in part of the theatre space at Dunshay, converted from stables by the late George and Hilda Spencer Watson, parents to Mary.

In the late summer sun, surrounded by the ethereal presence of all those who had called Dunshay home over the decades, Ilay welcomed friends,

Above: Ilay in part of the old Theatre at Dunshay during the launch.

colleagues and associates to enjoy a glass of cider with him whilst taking the opportunity to purchase a first edition of what will surely be a highly popular volume, documenting another fascinating layer of Purbeck’s rich historical tapestry.

I’ve not yet had time to read the book in full, but the chapters I have read are in the style we have come to expect from Ilay - beautifully written, with an ease of reading which is not often found in non-fiction. The level of historical detail brought to life is impressive, which, coupled with the author’s personal connection to the manor and the Spencer Watsons, makes this a truly special volume - to the Isle of Purbeck and the country as a whole, but also I would imagine, to Ilay himself.

Available now at New & Secondhand Books of Swanage priced at £15.

Nico Johnson

The Purbeck Gazette

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Commercial Road Traders & Friends and Swanage Rotary Club Invite you to our

Christmas Fair Sat 5 Dec To book a pitch/stall on Station Rd, please contact Doug Quayle on 01929 421944 or email: wendyanddougq@btinternet.com If you’re in the group who set-up in Commercial Road, contact: kay@chococo.co.uk or call 01929 422748 Commercial Road & Station Rd, Swanage

Star RMA Repatriation Team Stand Down

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adies and Gentlemen, On Saturday, 1st August the closing event for the RMA Repat Team occurred at the Moon in the Square Pub, in Bournemouth Town Centre. This happy/sad event which formed up at 13:00hrs was attended

by Jarra Brown (the author of the 46 Miles Book); Andrea Johnson (the mother of Jonathon Allot, who was killed whilst serving with 3 Rifles) and the following RMA Poole veterans – Patrick Hopper; Plum Parsonage; Mike Illand and his wife; Keith Sanders; me and Tony Davie (Guildford Branch).

The Manageress, Teresa Balloni, although the pub was exceptionally busy, arranged a seating area for us outside the premises, which was ideal as the weather was truly beautiful. We were surprised to receive free drinks, which were much appreciated and thanks were expressed to the staff for their help and consideration.

Just prior to our gathering representatives from the Bournemouth Echo spent about 30 minutes interviewing both Jarra and Andrea. I should explain that ‘Jarra’ Brown was an MOD Policeman stationed at RAF Lyneham and during his time there he was responsible for briefing the bereaved families on the protocol when those being repatriated were flown into the aerodrome and what was going to happen after the visit to the Chapel of Rest. Jarra was also involved with the subsequent happenings in Royal Wootton Bassett and coordinated with the Wiltshire and Thames Valley Police who would be escorting the Corteges to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and he was often part of that police escort.

The RM Veterans from Poole became involved with Jarra when the first Royal Marine fatalities came back to the UK. Together with attached ranks, together with other RM Veterans who paraded at other ‘Vigil Points’ along the 46 miles and between 7th January, 2009 and 13th March, 2014 we attended 132 repatriations which saw 266 fatalities come home along that Repatriation Route.

The 46 Mile book written by Jarra tells the full story of all those repatriations that came home through RAF Lyneham until it closed. Jarra sold a number of his books, both to RMA members who were unable to attend the official book launch in Plymouth and a few to interested passing civilians. Whilst sale of books was a secondary purpose, the main reason for the get-together was to chat about what happened over the years we

were involved with the repatriations and our close relationship with Jarra, which was now coming to a close as we all drift off in different directions in our twilight years, probably never to see Jarra again, who now lives in Cyprus.

I was asked to make the final speech as we started to close down the proceedings and make our way back to our homes. This I found very hard to do and became somewhat at a loss for words when I thought of the hundreds of coffins that we had seen come home and the bereaved family members we had spoken to over that period of time. And here I was, face to face with Andrea, a bereaved mother with tears in her eyes and I found my words were hard to speak but my tension was broken when she gave me a big hug.

One last thing I was asked to do was to present Andrea with a cash collection made from amongst our ranks. This was to sponsor Andrea, who was going to do a skydive, to raise money for an Army Charity that helps families in similar circumstances when they have just heard of their bereavement. If I remember correctly I think our sponsorship amounted to about £80.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

(All the reports, records and many hundreds of photographs covering those repatriations are now lodged with the Imperial War Museum and I have released the copyrights so that they can be viewed and copied by interested family members, comrades of the fallen, historians or people who are studying those events for whatever reason.)

Yours as always, Blondie, RMA Repatriation Team

The Purbeck Gazette

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On Top Of The World!

YOUR Pictures.....

The Purbeck Gazette

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!

A pint, perfect Purbeck place & perfect Purbeck read! By John Kirwin

Alternative travel on the River Frome by Denise Exon

Bananas close-up, by Christine Bridson-Jones

Sunrise at Corfe Castle by Richard Murgatroyd

Durlston Rock Face, by Mike Hadley

Seaweed at Dancing Ledge, by Damien Goodwin

The Purbeck Gazette

Assessing Investment Risk

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n individual’s circumstances and attitude to risk will both affect what is considered to be the most suitable level of risk for their investments. The general theory is that the more risk you are able and/or prepared to take, the higher the potential reward. However, the higher the risk of investments, the more volatile they are likely to be. The level of risk which is suitable for you is therefore very much an individual thing and something which I would suggest is best judged in conjunction with a professional advisor or investment manager, most of whom now have methods of assessing an appropriate level of risk for you. I would suggest that having a professional who gets to know you and your circumstances is key in this process, as a questionnaire alone is not sufficient to get to know a client and their attitude to risk.

Risk cannot be eliminated altogether and even cash (as can be seen below) presents some risk. It is therefore essential to match your circumstances and tolerable level of risk.

Investment risk falls into the following categories: Outcome risk - the portfolio of investments might fail to deliver the ‘expected returns’ over the appropriate horizon.

Drawdown risk - returns are volatile, and an interim period of weakness coincides with an unexpected need to sell investments.

Inflation risk - while long term returns appear satisfactory, the purchasing power of the portfolio is eroded by inflation.

Liquidity risk - access to the portfolio’s investments is prevented by problems with the investment’s issuer, failures in the financial system and/or governmental/regulatory action.

Once a level of risk has been agreed upon (different financial providers will have their own ‘bands’/descriptions of risk), suitable investments can then be suggested, taking into account existing investments. Volatility is the industry standard method of measuring risk of investments. It looks at the degree that monthly returns over a period of time vary from the average return for that period. This is an indicator of the unpredictability of returns. The degree of confidence in that return is also applied to give a volatility figure for an individual investment. The volatility figure can then be applied to a portfolio of investments to give an overall risk core.

That risk score should also take into account the correlation between the various holdings.

As an individual’s circumstances may change over time and also the risk score of an investment will change over time, assessing investment risk is an ongoing process.

Kate Spurling lives in Swanage and is an investment manager with Charles Stanley, Dorchester office – (01305) 217404 – kate.spurling@charlesstanley.co.uk Charles Stanley & Co Limited is authorised and regulated by the FCA and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

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Savings for Children There are a number of ways to save or invest for children - some accounts are tax-efficient but rigid, others are often flexible but liable to tax. Interest earned from CTFs and Junior ISAs is paid tax-free, but the money is effectively locked in until the child is 18, at which time it belongs to the child. Standard savings accounts usually offer lower interest rates and the interest is likely to be taxable, but there will be flexibility on withdrawals and transfers, enabling the parent to keep a tight rein on the money.

Junior ISAs operate in much the same way as ordinary 'adult' ISAs. The maximum investment limit for 2015/16 is £4,080, so there is a real opportunity for parents and grandparents to make tax-free savings investments on behalf of their children/grandchildren. Until April 2015 it was only possible for children who did hold child trust funds (CTFs) to invest in Junior ISAs, which meant that many young savers were trapped in accounts yielding poor interest rates.

From April 2015 all children (under-18s) who are UK resident should be able to hold a Junior ISA and transfers from CTF accounts to Junior ISAs will be allowed. This change is important as it allows parents to look for a better return on their investment, pay lower charges and have more choice of products.

Just like adults, children are also entitled to an annual personal allowance (£10,600 for 2015/16). Although Junior ISAs (and CTFs) are tax-free, unless the child stands to earn interest of more than £10,600 from other types of investment accounts, he or she should not pay tax on the interest earned in any case. Therefore, for those with modest savings, one of the most important considerations when choosing a savings plan should be the interest rate on offer and potential return on the investment.

For Graham Sprigg......

Painter and decorator extraordinaire...

David Hollister

David Hollister David Hollister

David Hollister David Hollister David Hollister David Hollister David Hollister David Hollister David Hollister David Hollister David Hollister David Hollister David Hollister David Hollister David Hollister David Hollister David Hollister All bets off Graham!!

NOVEMBER DEADLINE NOON 9TH OCTOBER

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Trading Standards

The Purbeck Gazette

Rogue traders target Dorset’s elderly community

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rading Standards Officers and Dorset Police are warning householders in Dorset, particularly pensioners, to be extra vigilant after receiving increased calls from across the county relating to suspected rogue traders going door to door.

The offenders offer services including power-washing driveways, cutting down trees, tending gardens and selling chainsaws and generators. They also carry out general building work for cash, including tarmacing Householders need to be vigilant and not be forced or coerced into commissioning work, even when they are told it’s urgent. The work is often costly and unnecessary.

Trading Standards also advise against giving personal details to cold-callers on the telephone – a scam where fraudsters pretend to be from a reputable company and then defraud victims.

If someone calls you unexpectedly asking for your bank details, say ‘no thank you’, put the phone down, dial 1471 and write down the number.

Call the police immediately on 101.

If you have already bought services and goods at the door and you are not satisfied, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506.

They will be able to give you advice and report the matter to Trading Standards on your behalf.

Dorset Remains Safe Dorset remains one of the safest counties in the country despite first rise in reported crime for 18 years orset Police has released local crime statistics for the first quarter of the 2015/16 financial year, from April to June 2015, showing a 12% rise. Dorset Police usually announces crime figures after a whole year, but with this quarter’s data showing the first increase in reported crime for over 18 years, the Force is taking the early opportunity to explain the rise and reassure that Dorset is still one of the safest places in the country.

Chief Constable of Dorset Police, Debbie Simpson, said in response to the statistics: “The number of crimes reported has increased by 12% comparing April to June 2015 with the same period last year. This is mostly due to an increase in lower level, higher volume crimes, changes to our crime recording system and as a result of the increased faith people have in the police when it comes to reporting non-recent sexual offences and domestic abuse. Although the number of reported crimes has increased in Dorset, this mirrors a trend already noticed nationwide and so, unfortunately, it was expected to happen at some time this year. 29 out of 43 police forces nationally have already seen increases in the number of crimes reported.

“It should be noted that crime rates in Dorset and other smaller forces generally follow the patterns of larger forces up to a year later. For example, nationally there was an increase in violent crime reported 12 months ago and Dorset has only recently seen the same developing trend.

“Since the high-profile inquiry into Jimmy Savile, more people have reported non-recent sexual offences leading to an increase of 20% in sexual offences in Dorset. That, coupled with a nearly 30% increase in violent crimes, many of which do not involve physical violence, has had an impact on our overall reported crime. While we have seen increases in some types of crime, it is important to recognise that we have also seen reductions in others, such as burglaries, reducing by around 8%.

“Just as significantly as the volume of crime increasing, the type of crime we now respond to is often more complex and time-consuming than it was five or ten years ago. New types of offences are being committed online and, even for crimes such as fraud and harassment that take place offline, there is often a need to examine computers and phones. This has required us to change our approach to how we investigate many offences and to invest in new technology.”

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We ask friends, neighbours and family members to be mindful that these types of scams are happening and to look out for vulnerable or elderly people they know, especially if they are having work carried out at their property.

Why not get a ‘We do not deal with uninvited doorstep traders’ door sticker too? They are available from libraries across Dorset or by calling the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506.

If you know someone who is committing this crime or you want to report suspicious behaviour, please call Dorset Police on 101, Trading Standards via 03454 040506 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Resolve your legal matters with Battens Solicitors

Pension Wise Advice

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ournemouth Citizens Advice Bureau is offering Pension Wise appointments across Dorset and East Devon to help people plan for their future. Bournemouth Citizens Advice Bureau is delivering Pension Wise appointments across Dorset and East Devon giving people access to free and impartial pension guidance in their local area.

Following pension reforms on April 6, people approaching retirement have greater freedom over how they can use their pension pots. People will be able to take a lump sum, take out an annuity or a mixture of both.

Pension Wise is a new Government service designed to help people make sense of their pension options, and empower them to make the right choices for them.

Bournemouth Citizens Advice Bureau will be delivering free face to face Pension Wise sessions which are available to book now. The 45 minute appointments will be tailored to the individual, taking into account the value of their pension and their plans for retirement.

A Pension Wise appointment may help you if: • You are aged 50 or over • Have a defined contribution pension Guidance appointments are also available on the telephone, delivered by the Pensions Advisory Service. People can also get information and general guidance online at www.pensionwise.gov.uk.

Samantha Whiting Chief Executive of Bournemouth Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “Bournemouth Citizens Advice Bureau will be delivering Pension Wise appointments from local Citizens Advice Bureaux and a number of sites across the region, giving easy access to Pension Wise, wherever you live in the region.”

The national Pension Wise phone number applies to anyone in the UK wishing to book a face to face appointment 0300 330 1001.

A direct dial number has now been allocated to the Bournemouth delivery centre and this can be used by anyone in our catchment area: Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Swanage, Wimborne, Wareham, Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport, Gillingham, Sherborne, Honiton, Exmouth, Seaton, Newport, Isle of Wight.

Resolving family disputes through mediation and collaboration

By Cherise Luke-Bennett, Senior Associate Solicitor and Head of the Family Team at Battens Solicitors When a marriage or family relationship has broken down there can be many issues for separating couples to deal with such as arrangements for children, sorting out the house and other assets, and managing debts.

At what is typically one of the most difficult times in a person’s life, the family-focused solutions of mediation and collaborative law can prove quicker, smoother and more positive alternatives to costly court proceedings governing separation and divorce.

Mediation is not about counselling or fixing a relationship. Instead, it is a form of dispute resolution that puts you in control of the process. It offers a safe, confidential and voluntary way for couples to talk openly and honestly about their children, property and finances during and after separation.

A mediator is an impartial person who is there to help both you and your partner resolve matters. For example, the mediator will help you gather your financial information, look at the figures with you and your partner, and discuss the best options available to help you reach a decision on the way forward.

On children’s matters, if you are trying to decide where children should live, how much time they should spend with each party, or other issues involved in access arrangements, the mediator can again discuss the options with you and offer legal guidance to help you resolve a dispute.

If you are able to reach an agreement, the mediator will prepare a written record of what is decided. As it is a flexible process, you can return to mediation at any time. It can be used at any stage of your relationship breakdown or even many years after that initial separation.

As well as mediation, separating couples can find help through a process called ‘collaborative law’. Here, parties and their lawyers sign a ‘participation agreement’ confirming from the outset of discussions that court will not be an option. Everyone must be willing to provide all relevant information, including about financial assets. The principle is that there are a series of four-way meetings, with agendas for each meeting set by you, so that issues can be dealt with at an agreed pace and in a constructive and proportionate fashion.

Both mediation and collaborative law emphasise communication as key while enabling you to deal with matters at your own pace. At Battens, we have qualified mediators who are also solicitors so they have extensive experience in dealing with all aspects of family law. You are seen on your own initially to discuss the mediation process and to decide if it is right for you. While the government has taken away legal aid for most family matters it is still, subject to financial means, available for mediation.

Should you require advice, please contact Cherise on Tel: 01305 774666 or Email: cherise.luke-bennett@battens.co.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

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Helpline No – 01929 424363 Urgently Needed Volunteers in the Lytchett and Upton Area Purbeck Good Neighbours have been helping residents in Upton & Lytchett Matravers for over a year now and we are getting to be known as a reliable and friendly group of volunteers who enjoy doing small one off tasks for older people who find some jobs in the home to be difficult or impossible to do.

All our volunteers are free to choose the sort of jobs they prefer to do and the area they wish to cover. They also arrange with the client a suitable time which is convenient to both when the task can be completed.

If you think you could help some people in your area from time to time please contact us on our helpline or email us on purbeckgoodneighbours@yahoo.co.uk when we can send you our application form and more information. We look forward to hearing from you.

Total number of tasks throughout Purbeck up to end August was 310.

As usual thanks to all our Purbeck Good Neighbour volunteers for the generous help they all give.

Royal Voluntary Home Library

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o you like to read? But find it difficult to get to the library to get new books? We might be able to help.

Wareham, Corfe Castle and Swanage Libraries have teams of dedicated Royal Voluntary Service volunteers who are able to visit on a regular basis, delivering the books you want from the Library to your home, free of charge. Large print books and talking books can also be delivered.

This service is funded by Dorset Library Service, and delivered by the Royal Voluntary Service. It is available across Dorset to anyone who cannot easily get to their local library, and can be provided on a temporary basis as well as long term.

All Royal Voluntary Service volunteers are DBS checked and receive ongoing training and support. A mileage allowance of 45p per mile is available.

We are currently looking for a volunteer or two at Swanage Library to choose and/or deliver books in the area.

We also need a Local Volunteer Coordinator to join our well organised team of volunteers in Wareham.

If you are interested in either receiving the Home Library Service or in volunteering for us, please contact Maria Jacobson, Royal Voluntary Service Manager, Dorset Home Library Service, on 07786 635154 or 01305 236666, or e-mail Maria.Jacobson@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

Dorset Armed Forces Website Up

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orset authorities and the military have unveiled new web pages which aim to make life easier for ex-service personnel and their families. The pages, which can be found at www.dorsetforyou.com/ veterans-support offer a wealth of information for armed forces veterans.

Housing, employment, health, pensions and welfare are just some of the issues that organisations across Dorset can help with.

The pages have been prepared by members of the Dorset Military Civilian Integration Sponsor Group (DMCISG) which comprises local councils, organisations and the military. John Yerbury, a former Commando Engineer, War Pensioner and member of the Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committee and a member of the DMCISG, initiated the project. He said: “The transition back to civilian life isn’t always easy for veterans and, although there is plenty of information available on the web, it can involve hours of searching. Whether it’s learning a new skill, obtaining childcare support, receiving housing assistance or finding out where to go for financial guidance, our aim is for the pages to be a ‘one-stop-shop’ for the needs of all veterans and their families.”

The DMCISG supports the principles of the Dorset Armed Forces Community Covenant, which is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local Armed Forces community.

Debbie Ward, Chief Executive of Dorset County Council, said: “The Community Covenant presents an opportunity for the organisations to combine knowledge, experience and expertise for the benefit of our Armed Forces members, past and present. These web pages underline our commitment to meeting the aims of the Covenant and the veterans who make up an important part of Dorset’s community.”

Visit the pages at www.dorsetforyou.com/veterans-support

The Purbeck Gazette

Next month we start our:

PURBECK CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE Call Joy on 01929 424293 to book your space in the Christmas feature and we’ll DOUBLE your advertising space!* *Minimum advert size booking applies

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The Purbeck Gazette

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HOOKED!

by David Hollister

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t the end of last year we ventured into Wales in the new Mazda 3 and I was so taken with it that I decided that I wanted one for Christmas (the car, not the country). It was pointed out to me that it was actually significantly larger than our current Mazda 2 so I decided that unless Tina grew about six inches in height, I’d have to forget it. Like I’ve had to forget most of the superb cars that I have reviewed for the Purbeck Gazette over the years; I have to remember that it’s not just me who’ll be driving it but also my lovely five-foot-two wife.

You can therefore imagine my unabated joy to discover from Barney Steele at Magna Mazda in Canford Cliffs that the ‘new Mazda 2’ – the same size as ours – now featured all the safety features, bells and whistles that had impressed me so much with the ‘3’. He didn’t hesitate to agree when I asked him if we could borrow one for the weekend to take to Monmouth for a long weekend in mid-July exploring the beautiful Wye Valley. And I got the ‘top of the range’ model……he’s a great fisherman, our Barney!

We weren’t disappointed. All the best features of our current Mazda 2 have been merged with the best features of the Mazda 3, to create a really stunning little 5-door family hatchback with everything you could wish for.

Yes, the car we borrowed had every single top-of-the range feature and costs around £16,500 as opposed to the standard base model at £12,000, but every additional penny is well spent. I am a great believer in buying ‘top of the range’ rather than buying the base model and then wishing for all the extras I haven’t got – or worse still, putting them on ‘after-market’.

But so saying, there’s a list of 11 petrol and 4 diesel models in the Mazda 2 range from about £12,000 upwards so there must be something for you!

This fourth-generation Mazda 2 competes against the Fiesta, Corsa, Polo, Peugeot 208, and Mini 5dr. And – in my book – does it brilliantly. It features the new angular exterior which is now on all current Mazda models and an excellent interior with more space. Its brand-new SKYACTIV engines and transmissions, coupled with low kerb weight and a re-tuned chassis, make it great fun to drive. Petrol engines are available in three power outputs, 74bhp, 89 bhp or 115bhp, and with new six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. The new 1.5 SKYACTIV-D is one of the cleanest cars in its class, with incredible fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 83.1mpg and 89g/km, producing104bhp with a manual gearbox.

On the petrol models, Mazda don’t use a turbo but rely on a huge compression ratio of 14.1, higher than any of its competitors. The petrol engines really encourage you to drive hard, and you’ll be rewarded with good performance in even the 89bhp version. They rev freely and have a really good throttle response but when you push them really hard, sound a little harsh. Reminiscent of the old ‘hot hatches’ we all had in the 1980’s.

But quiet and economical at normal legal cruising speed.

The range-topping 115bhp petrol version that we drove is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox and returns 57.6mpg and 115g/km. In practice somewhat less but we were quite satisfied with the cost of our trip. And it goes exactly as fast as you ask it to within the confines of common sense and current road-safety legislation, cos’ you never know who’s watching!

All models have body-coloured door mirror housings and a tailgate spoiler, while SE-L models feature 15-inch alloys and front foglights. The Sport versions look really smart with their 16-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights and colour-coded grille insert.

The newly styled dashboard has three air vents with a fourth hidden in the facia below the 7” infotainment touchscreen which is positioned high on the dashboard, close to your line of sight, offering a sat-nav and a also blue-tooth phone and entertainment system. The Sat-Nav was idiot-proof, once I’d RTFM, and the sound system is more than adequate because there’s little wind or engine noise to challenge it. The engine is so quiet that occasionally I found myself forgetting to change from 4th – 5th – 6th; thankfully, there’s a useful digital reminder! I loved the addition of ‘cruise

control’ although on the ‘pretty roads’ which we prefer to use, there isn’t much chance to use it. Soft leather covers the steering wheel and gear lever, and all the switches and knobs feel sturdy.

The centre instrument is – unusually – a rev counter with a digital speedometer incorporated in it. We really took to the blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert and a superb pop-up ‘active driving display’ which actually shows your speed – and some sat-nav directions as well – right in the driver’s eye-line. This is a real aid to safety. Brilliant. These features are part of the £400 Safety Pack, available only on the rangetopping 115 bhp Sport Nav. There’s also a trip computer with all sorts of information at your fingertips.

The touch-screen doesn’t operate while the car’s moving; instead, most of the on-screen equipment is operated by a handy ‘joystick knob’ situated on the central panel just where your hand falls when you take it off the wheel. No fumbling around! Keyless ignition, auto-stop-start, this new Mazda 2 has it all!

The bigger boot - thanks to an 80mm increase in wheelbase - will take 280-litres with the rear seats in place, or 960-litres with them folded.

That’s a lot of Waitrose bags! However, there’s an annoying step up in the boot floor when you fold the rear seats. I wish they’d used some of this extra space to fit a proper space-saver spare wheel- unfortunately it comes with a ‘squirty kit’.

While the 2 is a new model, many of its mechanical and electrical components have been proven in other cars in the Mazda range so the ‘bugs’ have been ironed out already. It has a four-star Euro NCAP crash test score; all models have six airbags. Mazda’s reputation for durability and reliability is legendary.

For the avoidance of doubt – I loved it. And – more important – so did Tina, who did half the driving this time meaning I could have a pint of lunch! The Wye Valley is amazing at most times of year and this was no exception; Tintern Abbey, a decent restaurant, a cruise round the leafy lanes, quiet villages with busy pubs, and then to an 18th-century towncentre hotel which was … adequate … but which clearly could have done with a visit from Kim and Aggie. Still, the bedding and towels were spotless and it was really cheap!

All in all, a very enjoyable and successful weekend in an excellent little car.

If you’d like to have a go in one, then contact the angler, Barney Steele at Magna Mazda on 01202 701222 and ask to arrange a testdrive. Or maybe give me a call and have a go in mine………

The Purbeck Gazette

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The Purbeck Gazette

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A Road Trip With A Difference!

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By Linda Skinner of Swanage

road trip through Northern Europe covering over 2000 miles in two weeks may not sound too extraordinary to many readers. However, this really was a road trip with a difference and it proved to be a hugely enjoyable experience for all concerned. The trip was made in two Austin A30 cars from the 1950s and two Austin A35 vans from the 1960s.

All four couples are members of the Dorset A30/A35 Club and share a common interest in keeping these vehicle in good running order. One car was completely rebuilt and completed just one week before the trip set off; another had to have an urgent gear box rebuild which was only just completed in time.

Two of the Austins set off from Swanage at 4am on Saturday 25th July, to meet the other two at Ringwood at 5am. We were scheduled to take the mid-day ferry from Dover to Dunkirk but of course Operation Stack on the M20 as well as heavy traffic at the start of the school holidays, meant that we had to quickly revise our intended route and follow the south coast road.

It wasn’t long before two of the vehicles kept disappearing from view every time a hill was encountered. It quickly became evident that there was a problem - fuel was not getting through properly. So, at 6am we found ourselves in a deserted shopping centre car park near Fareham and armed with almost enough spare parts to build a complete car, the men set about changing the fuel pump. Off we went again, only to find ourselves having to make two further stops to make further adjustments until eventually admitting defeat and having to abandon the car at Lewes for recovery by a breakdown truck to take it home to Blandford. Refusing to be beaten, luggage was moved to make room for the now car-less couple to continue the journey with us and it was full steam ahead to Dover.

Queues of traffic from Hastings onward meant was arrived in time to watch our ferry head off without us. Thanks to the most helpful ferry terminal staff we could wish for, we were allocated places on the next sailing at 2pm and caused quite an attraction while we waited to board as strangers came up to enquire about the cars and numerous photographs were taken.

Our first destination was beautiful Bruges in Belgium. A few adjustments were made to one of the cars and off we drove assuming a fuel station would be nearby - it wasn’t, so after running out of fuel we eventually arrived at our hotel to find the restaurant and bar were closed. Not ones to be beaten, we sat in the beautiful gardens and out came the wine box plus enough savoury nibbles to sustain us until bed time and a much needed good night’s sleep.

As day broke on Sunday, we knew we had 280 miles to cover to our next destination at Osnabruck in Germany so without delay, off we went.

Having covered less than ten miles, there was a noticeable change to the sound of our car and something flew out the back (an exhaust bracket), just missing our friend’s car behind us. We limped along until we could safely stop and as my husband changed into old clothes ready to crawl under the car, one of the other men quickly slid under the car and fixed a replacement bracket. We were on our way again within twenty minutes and thankfully arrived safely in Osnabruck without further incident, by now having passed through France, Belgium, Holland and into Germany.

Monday saw us heading for Flensburg, just on the German/Danish border

meaning a journey of 235 miles. A huge traffic jam just after setting off didn’t please us, but it did mean other drivers got the chance to admire and photograph the cars. The remainder of the journey was fine until about twenty miles from our destination we encountered an incredibly heavy rainstorm which our poor little windscreen wipers could barely cope with.

Having lost sight of the lead vehicle, but still with one car behind us, luckily we spotted the junction for our hotel and arrived armed with umbrellas as we tried to find the obscure reception area.

Having settled in and rested we went out to eat and eventually found a very good Greek restaurant where we were served with enough food to feed twenty people rather than the eight of us. For one of our group, it was his first time eating Greek food so it amused us that he ate it whilst in Germany!

Tuesday was a more relaxed day with only seventy three miles to cover before we took the ferry to our final destination of Samso, a small island an hour from the Danish mainland. Luckily for us, Danish people speak excellent English - we could manage in French and German but Danish would have had us beaten. They also don’t use the Euro, so we had to get used to a new currency which was a bit like Monopoly money, but having been warned that Denmark was expensive, we were pleasantly surprised.

We had also been told that food in Denmark is good and it certainly was - I don’t think any of us have dared stand on the scales since arriving home!

Samso has a population of only 3,800 people, but it is one of the most environmentally friendly places in Europe with houses having their own wind turbines and solar panels. Believe it or not, we were there to visit the Samso Austin Museum - with over fifty ageing Austins, where Stefan the owner and his wife Ann were brilliant hosts.

The programme of events they had arranged for our six day stay included a boat trip to Tono (an even smaller island with only eighty inhabitants), a visit to the island’s ‘Falk’ bird centre where they flew eagles, owls and falcons, lunch at a local harbour, a trip to the local airfield where its planes were grounded due to planning arguments and an excellent celebration dinner.

Our group had a wonderful time, laughing together and singing along and even some dancing, but some of the other European enthusiasts didn’t seem to share our sense of humour and we were given some very odd looks - luckily our hosts shared our sense of humour and were quite upset when we had to depart on the following Monday.

The journey home was probably the hardest as we knew the distances involved but we extended our holiday by spending a couple of days in mainland Jutland, where the Danish ‘Lake District’ proved to be truly beautiful.

We were also quite astonished at how well our waitress in one restaurant in southern Denmark spoke English, only to discover that she was from Manchester. One broken fan belt and one failed alternator added to the excitement of the homeward journey, but we eventually arrived safely back in Ringwood at about 9pm - two thousand miles and fourteen days after we had set off.

Would be do it again? You bet!

Linda Skinner, Bon Accord Road, Swanage

The Purbeck Gazette

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SKODA

Nobody’s Laughing Now!

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here’s a confident smile on the faces of the team at Westover SKODA these days, a smile that’s even broader after the recent news that SKODA came top out of twenty six manufacturers in the JD Power Dependability Survey for 2015.

The survey, of 13,451 UK drivers who bought a new car between April 2012 and March 2014, saw Skoda cars as the most reliable on the road.

The JD Power Dependability study ranks manufacturers based on the number of problems experienced per one hundred vehicles in the last twelve months.

Sean Otton is Westover SKODA Brand Manager and he’s not in the slightest bit surprised that SKODA has won another accolade to add to the range of ‘gongs’ the brand has picked up in recent years: “We’ve known for years how good SKODA cars are, as have many of our loyal customers! There’s no questioning their overall reliability nor their value for money and I’m delighted that the all-round excellence of the brand has been recognised once again.

“Overall standards been confirmed by new models like the Superb and the Fabia, which have won six top awards between them this year. The Fabia claimed two awards at this year’s What Car? awards alone – it was chosen as the ‘Best Small Car’ and it also won the coveted overall ‘Car of the Year’ title. The Citigo has bagged three awards to date in 2015 - the Auto Express ‘City Car of the Year’ award, ‘Best First Car’ in the 2015 Car Buyers Awards and ‘Best City Car less than £10,000’ by What Car? That’s quite a haul by any manufacturer’s standards!

“It’s been a phenomenal year to date on a national level for SKODA and these successes highlight what incredible cars these models are – by design and to drive. But local people in Dorset and Wiltshire seem to be well aware of that already, proving themselves dedicated fans by the speed with which they welcome these new models.

Our customers are definitely clued-up to the massive and wide-ranging strengths of the SKODA brand.

To find out more about SKODA vehicles, drop into the Westover SKODA’s showrooms on Wallisdown Road in Bournemouth or at Old Sarum in Salisbury or take a closer look at www.westovergroup.co.uk/skoda

NOVEMBER DEADLINE NOON 9TH OCTOBER

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The Purbeck Gazette

Food Feature

What’s Cooking In Purbeck?

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ur little isle has so many things going for it; wonderous, unbeatable countryside, a magnificent coastline, a fantastic annual calendar of events, a vibrant community and to top it all off, a fantastic selection of food and local produce on offer throughout the year.

Surrounded by the natural bounty of the sea, it’s no wonder that many local eateries excel with the seafood delights they offer, and it’s no different for local produce available from the field, or for that matter, for foraged produce, such as mushrooms, wild garlic, Samphire and so on.

This month, our feature ‘What’s cooking in Purbeck’ invited our local eateries and food producers to reach out to you, the local population, and encourage you through the doors to try something delicious!

We feature a selection of advertisers, all trying to tempt you out in the autumnal weather, so take the time to have a browse and see if there’s anything that appeals - from a Traditional High Tea at the Grand Hotel to award-winning local ice cream (always in season - surely?!), there’s something for everyone.

Remember that if you spend your money locally, it stays local - keeping our community strong, our businesses open and staff in employment....

Have a great October, get out and sample some of the wonderful food Purbeck has to offer!

The Purbeck Gazette

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The Gourmet Peddler

The

Cured Duck Prosciutto

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ow this is a fantastic bit of basic posh grub. I discovered this on a trip down through France several years ago. I was fortunate enough to chance upon the most excellent of travelling companions: a regional French chef, from Swanage. Jerome has lived and worked around Swanage for years, he was also one of my first customers when I opened the bike shop. I casually said that I was visiting France to race in the European One Speed Mountainbike Champs, and invited him. And then it just got better and better.

It turned out that we were visiting the area where he grew up. This means that we were treated like kings with fantastic hospitality. We were lent massive houses with pools, feasted on the finest French food (2kg steaks were consumed), and on the first night his old friend from school served this dish. I strongly suggest that you should never travel without a regional chef. I think we were the only people at the race with ten different wines, a dozen cheeses, four cured sausage variations and plenty of fresh oysters.

Here, we are curing a duck in the same way hams are cured. It’s damned nice served with almost anything. I go with French bread and red wine.

The fatty layer is delicious, the meat part firm and succulent.

What you need: A duck breast or several Lots of good sea salt (Jerome brings mine back from France with him) Pepper Dried thyme and/or rosemary Butchers string Cheesecloth or muslin cloth What to do…

Dry the duck in kitchen roll, removing as much moisture as possible.

Add all ingredients to a poly food bag, and bury the duck in there.

Leave for 24 hours in the fridge. The salt will remove the moisture from the duck breast, and it will already feel less wobbly and much firmer.

Now brush off the seasoning, wrap in the cloth using the string, and hang

Bikemonger Cooks.... somewhere sensible.

Hang time counts: as a surfer I know that the duration of time spent hanging ten is critical. Same thing here. So two things to consider; first a constant cool temperature, and second is food safety. Jerome’s friend just hung it in the corner of his kitchen for 2 to 4 weeks. I suggest hanging it in the fridge for at least ten days, and more if you have a large Mallard duck. Keeping the temperature below 5c will keep it safe.

To serve, simply slice finely with a good knife, and serve with wine.

Another tip: when visiting old friends in France, carry a case of chef knives, and leave one at each friend’s house. Wait a year or two and pop round with the excuse that you are here to collect the knife you accidentally left behind. Cook a meal, use the knife, drink wine, and take the knife away.

However meanwhile you leave another knife so you can repeat this the following year. Genius.

Get Ready For Chocolate Week!

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The Purbeck Gazette

12th - 19th October

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rtisan chocolatiers Chococo, on the Commercial Road lanes in the heart of Swanage, is gearing up for Chocolate Week, the annual celebration of the world of fine chocolate from 12th – 18th October.

This year, they will be launching their latest exciting new fresh chocolate creation made with olive oil & Cornish sea salt.

Also, as well as free tastings of their fine chocolate bars produced in Vietnam, Madagascar and Grenada and other special offers, they will be sampling their latest Great Taste Awards-winning chocolates including Sakura Tea made with Japanese tea from Char Tea Merchants in Winchester, Espresso with single origin coffee from Bean Press artisan coffee roasters in Poole and Lemon Zing with fresh lemon curd made by Rebecca’s Kitchen here in Purbeck.

They won another six Gold Great Taste Awards this year, taking their total to fifty-four fine food awards won since 2003 which everyone at Chococo hopes shows the continued commitment and passion they have for creating the finest, freshest chocolates that delight their customers.

So, if you fancy tickling your tastebuds with new taste sensations and discovering the delicious world of fine chocolate, we suggest you make a beeline for Chococo this Chocolate Week!

The Purbeck Gazette

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The Purbeck Gazette

Purbeck Producers PURBECK PRODUCE FARMERS’ MARKET Markets

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am extremely proud to be counted as a Purbeck Producer and no longer a relative newcomer to the markets. The Purbeck Producers’ Farmer market is held on the first Saturday in the month and additional markets are also held at Putlake Farm in Langton.

For the market I make quiches, pies and puds and use local producer’s products where possible and good quality ingredients. Regula Wright from Godlingston Manor supplies most of my eggs and I use Shipton flour and butter to make an all -butter short crust pastry.

Local meat suppliers such as Phil Samways, Kathy Best and Wilkswood Farm supply excellent meat for steak and ale pies. There is an increasing demand for venison and Ash from Purbeck Valley Farm supplies this when in season.

The provenance of both meat and other ingredients is important to me, I like to know that it local, fresh and of the best quality.

The Purbeck Producers’ Farmer markets gave me the outlet I needed to showcase my products. I also continue to provide ‘in cottage’ dining for Purbeck Cottages at Renscombe.

Output for the holiday cottages keeps me very busy in the summer, supplying guests with seasonal menus at a fixed cost; essentially good hearty food after a day out on the hills, delivered to the door with no

Our next markets are on

SATURDAY 10th October 9am - 1pm SATURDAY 24th October 9am - 1pm COMMERCIAL ROAD, SWANAGE Orders now being taken for Christmas LOCAL PRODUCE FROM LOCAL PRODUCERS

www.purbeckproducts.co.uk washing up at the end of it.

The idea is to make “staying in” a pleasure. The summer months are very busy, but increasingly my products such as the small vegetarian quiches are to be found all year round in outlets such as Budgens and Corfe Village Stores, as well as Wilkwood.

Over the last year I have been asked by more customers to provide quiches and salads for private functions. In addition, events such as the Boiler House Gallery Arty Bazaar and Church Knowle Food Fair have opened up other opportunities.

Cooking has always been a great pleasure to me and now I have the best of both work and pleasure as a Purbeck Producer.

Maggie Sutton

Where The Pumpkin Is King....

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ou would expect a pub as renowned as the Square & Compass to know all there is to know about beer (which they do) but did you realise that they also know all about pumpkins – very big pumpkins indeed?!

During the first weekend in October each year the pub holds a hugely popular festival in celebration of pumpkins (and beer, naturally!).

Rumour has it that the contest for the largest pumpkin is often a two horse race between two locals, and that in the run up to competition day each contestant’s progress is shrouded in secrecy. The resulting monster pumpkins are often so huge that in order to winch them onto the scales, it is not unknown for a JCB to be required.

But best of all - for the drinkers among you, while you watch the struggles of the great pumpkin weigh–off, you can relax and enjoy sampling some of the numerous real ales from small breweries which will be available.

There will be up forty different brews to try, so you might want to book your taxi home in advance! There’ll be world-class music on throughout the weekend, all without charge, so see you there!

Pictures: Top, left and above, the 2014 Square Pumpkin & Beer Festival, featuring a wide range of locally-grown gourds and pumpkins, local craft goods and local food goodies, the vegetable monster competition and more!

The Purbeck Gazette

Four More Gold Great Taste Awards For 2015!

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our new Gold Great Taste Awards have been awarded to Purbeck Ice Cream for three ice creams and one spring water sorbet. The one star awards recognise the quality, flavour and excellence with Strawberry and Raspberry Ripple falling into the spotlight this year, and two brand new flavours ~ the unusual Sweet Fennel and the sublime Blood Orange Sorbet.

The annual Great Taste Awards are known as the Oscars of the food and drink industry ~ widely accepted as the most prestigious recognition of taste and quality with hundreds of products entered from across the UK and beyond.

Strawberries and cream are a naturally good flavour combination with the Purbeck version proclaimed by the judges to be ‘super creamy, velvety with generous pieces of strawberry, and not oversweet’.

Raspberry Ripple was judged as being ‘beautifully rippled with a smooth creamy texture, the raspberry ripple is tangy and offsets the creamy richness of the ice cream very well’.

Sweet Fennel is a slightly unusual choice for an ice cream flavour, but this is not unusual for the Purbeck team who are known for their innovation!

Deemed ‘very well made with a great creamy texture and a pronounced aniseed flavour, bang on sweetness ~ gorgeous stuff’, it scooped our third award!

Finally, the smooth and fruity Blood Orange Sorbet made with fresh spring water steeped with natural blood orange ~ full of flavour and temptingly tasty was simply declared as ‘delicious’!

Purbeck are also celebrating a new theatre advert featuring the dulcet tones of Edward Fox, staring the Purbeck Ice Cream team!

Brazenly British, proudly from Purbeck and dedicated to Dorset, watch it on the website or You Tube and ‘like it’ if you like it and share at will!

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The Purbeck Gazette

NAVITUS BAY; THE FINAL BLOW?

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arring a legal challenge, the Navitus Bay wind farm project is dead.

The government rejected the proposals on 11 September after a long examination. The principal reason for rejection was the visual impact on the Dorset and Isle of Wight Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and harm to the setting of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Significant residual harm to tourism in Purbeck was also a concern.

Responses to the decision were predictable. Those with a financial interest saw it as a “lost opportunity”. Political opponents of “the Tories” cast it as a political decision to undermine renewables and protect the fossil fuel industry. Environmentalists claimed the decision was based on anecdotal and inaccurate evidence and ignored the needs of climate change.

The many opponents of the plan, including local authorities, MPs, the National Trust, the Jurassic Coast Steering Group, Poole and Christchurch Bays Association and Challenge Navitus, were relieved by the “right” conclusion. You cannot please everyone all the time.

In fact, an independent panel of examiners made its recommendation to government in June after six months of public inquiry involving thousands of documents and two weeks of hearings followed by another three months of private consideration.

Their job was to weigh up the pros and cons in the light of government policy set in 2011 and all the evidence before them. Challenge Navitus participated throughout the examination and it was absolutely clear that weak or inaccurate arguments would be set aside. No amount of flag waving or media coverage would change that.

Ultimately, the examiners concluded that Navitus Bay was badly sited

and recommended refusal. After three months of further consideration, the government agreed. It would be completely wrong to argue that this was just a politically-motivated decision of the current government.

Navitus Bay was the first of forty-three National Infrastructure projects to be recommended for refusal, so a single rejection is hardly a calamity for national policies.

The UK has more offshore wind power in operation than the rest of Europe combined, and that capacity is likely to increase five-fold over the next few years. There is additional, already-allocated capacity far out in the North Sea with no landscape or onshore economic concerns. Navitus Bay was not without alternatives and it would be absurd if every proposal were automatically consented.

The Crown Estate defined the zone off Purbeck for possible development in 2008 and it was bound to be highly controversial. Perhaps with better local knowledge and more thought, it would never have been selected.

Some exceptional natural assets are still worth preserving for everyone’s benefit, despite development ambitions.

I would like to thank all who contributed to the process, and the untiring determination of the Challenge Navitus team to ensure that concerns were properly presented to the examination and the public. Without the large resources of a developer, it is obviously hard for the public to be heard, but this landmark decision proves that not every planning application has a foregone conclusion.

Andrew Langley. Challenge Navitus. 15/09/15

Faster Decisions On Shale Gas And Energy Security

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hale gas planning applications will be fast-tracked through a new, dedicated planning process, under measures announced recently.

Amber Rudd and Greg Clark announced plans that will ensure local people have a strong say over the development of shale exploration in their area – but will ensure communities and the industry benefit from a swift process for developing safe and suitable new sites. The measures include identifying councils that repeatedly fail to determine oil and gas applications within the 16 week statutory timeframe, with subsequent applications potentially decided by the Communities Secretary.

Energy Secretary Amber Rudd said: “As a One Nation Government, we are backing the safe development of shale gas because it’s good for jobs giving hardworking people and their families more financial security, good for our energy security and part of our plan to decarbonise the economy.

We need more secure, home grown energy supplies – and shale gas must play a part in that. To ensure we get this industry up and running we can’t have a planning system that sees applications dragged out for months, or even years on end. Oversight by the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency of shale developments makes our commitment to safety and the environment crystal clear. We now need, above all else, a system that delivers timely planning decisions and works effectively for local people and developers.”

Boosting the planning system for shale gas The Government has made clear shale is a national priority, helping to move the UK to a low-carbon economy. But Ministers want to ensure shale applications can’t be frustrated by slow and confused decision making amongst councils, which benefits no one. If planning applications for shale exploration developments take months or even years it can create uncertainty for communities and prevent the development of a potentially vital national industry.

The measures will mean Ministers will consider calling in any application for shale exploration, and will recover appeals on a case-by-case basis.

Local communities will remain fully involved in planning decisions with any shale application – whether decided by councils or government. And demanding planning rules to ensure shale development happens only at appropriate sites remain unchanged.

On top of this, strong safety and environmental safeguards are also already in place through the regulatory regime to ensure shale exploration and extraction is safe and only happens in appropriate places.

As a quasi-judicial process planning applications will always be considered with due process and a fair hearing – but today’s measures will prevent the long delays that mean uncertainty both for business and for local residents.

The Purbeck Gazette

Badger Culls Confirmed For Dorset

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orset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is shocked and deeply saddened to learn the news that there will be a badger cull in Dorset this year, in a misguided attempt to control the spread of the devastating disease bovine tuberculosis (bTB).

The conservation charity, with over 25,000 members will not allow badger culling on any of its 44 nature reserves throughout Dorset.

DWT’s Chief Executive, Dr Simon Cripps said, “The decision to carry out a badger cull in Dorset flies in the face of scientific evidence, public opinion and the wishes of parliament. The culls in Somerset and Gloucestershire have already shown to be neither effective nor humane, and as a result, a failure. The cost of culling is also high, at £3353 per badger during the trial culls of 2013*, and this doesn’t include policing costs. Dorset Wildlife Trust owns a herd of cattle itself, so we understand how deeply concerned farmers in Dorset are for their livestock contracting this terrible disease, but we will continue to support alternatives to culling that have a far better chance of restricting the disease. Culling badgers is not the answer.”

DWT started a five-year badger vaccination programme in 2013 on selected nature reserves in west and north Dorset, in order to demonstrate that there are alternatives to badger culling.

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Dr Cripps added, “We now have four of our reserves involved with badger vaccinations which we hope will help in time to stop transmissions from badger to cattle, and vice versa.”

DWT wants to see the eradication of the devastating disease Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) and understands the serious implications for farmers who lose stock as a result, but believes there are more effective and reliable ways of controlling the disease, such as better biosecurity, badger vaccination and, in the longer term, cattle vaccination.

To help us continue our badger vaccination programme and donate to the appeal, visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/protectingbadgers. For more information about bovine tuberculosis (bTB) our vaccination programme and our position on badger culling, visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ badgers.

Visit www.wildlifetrusts.org.uk/badgers to download a letter template and write to your MP to urge them to put pressure on the government to put a stop to the cull.

Badger © Stewart Canham

The RSPCA Comments On The Cull.......

he RSPCA warns that continuing ‘cruel’ culls in Somerset and Gloucestershire and extending area to Dorset will have no major effect on bovine TB. The RSPCA is alarmed that despite two years of failed pilot culls the Government plans to forge ahead with plans to kill badgers in Somerset and Gloucestershire for a third year and add an extra cull zone in Dorset.

Two counties, Somerset and Gloucestershire were subject to culls in 2013 and 2014 and now Defra have announced they will be adding Dorset to the cull area despite strong public opposition to the scheme. The RSPCA is now renewing calls for the culls to be stopped and instead a more proactive approach through vaccination and improved biosecurity be taken to tackle the problem of bovine TB. RSPCA assistant director of public affairs David Bowles said: “We are saddened but unsurprised at the restart of the badger culls but to extend the number of cull areas further is alarming - especially when the last two years of culls have been such a failure. This action is flying in the face of public and scientific opinion.

“The whole scheme has turned into a farce. In both years minimum targets set for Gloucestershire were not met with fewer than half the required number of badgers killed. In Somerset the 2013 targets were missed and were only just reached in 2014.

“After the first cull an independent panel of experts agreed that they did

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not reach the humaneness threshold. Since then, the BVA have withdrawn their support for free shooting as they feel that it is not a humane way of killing the badgers. As all three culls continue to allow free shooting as a chosen killing method, the Government is going against agreed veterinary advice.

“We feel this method of trying to reduce the numbers of incidents of bovine TB is not just inhumane - but it simply will not work. We have no evidence to show the first two years of culls have reduced bovine TB incidents in cattle and previous studies show that with the numbers killed it may even have made it worse.

“As there have been no new population assessments, target figures for badgers to be killed this year have been simply guessed at, meaning that hundreds of badgers could be killed for a policy that is misguided, inhumane and ineffective. It is encouraging that Defra have launched a vaccination scheme in the edge areas - but if this method is good enough there, it is good enough in all areas.

“We still maintain the best way to combat the spread of bovine TB is if wildlife campaigners and farmers work together to develop vaccination projects combined with improved biosecurity. We know from Wales that a tougher cattle testing regime has resulted in a significant drop in bovine TB cases. This combined with a proactive vaccination programme provides the best way to regain control of the problem that is bovine TB.”

The Purbeck Gazette

Purbeckian Crew Needed For The Shtandart!

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Right: The Shtandart at Swanage pier whilst filming for Pan in 2015, photo by Ashley Carter-Hobbs. Above: A real man of the high seas - Captain Vladimir of The Shtandart

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itting with Captain Vladimir in the Captain’s cabin on-board the frigate ‘Shtandart’, looking out through the leaded windows to the gently undulating sea, one catches a glimpse of a time long past, when the sea farers of old ruled the waves.

Many of you will have seen the ‘Shtandart’ in Swanage bay during the summer, when it visited whilst filming for the new Pan film. It returned later in the season for a couple of days, mooring up at the pier and allowing the public to explore the ship for a nominal fee, as well as offering the chance to jump aboard and sail with the ship when it left for Monaco, prior to wintering in the Mediterranean.

The modern-day Shtandart is an exact replica of the original 1703 Russian Navy flagship, built by Peter the Great, Tzar of Russia. Peter was certainly an extraordinary leader, with an obsession for shipbuilding. In the late 1600s, Tzar Peter travelled incognito under the name of Peter Mikhailov to work alongside the men in the dockyards of the Dutch Republic, learning valuable shipbuilding skills. At the invitation of William III of England, Peter then spent several months in England, working in our shipyards and visiting factories, schools and museums.

To celebrate the opening of a new (fourth) Russian trade route in the Baltic Sea in the early 1700s, Tzar Peter commissioned a new standard for the Navy, and set about building a new fleet - the flagship of which was the 28-gun frigate Shtandart. Peter Mikhailov was listed as the first Captain of the Shtandart in 1703.

In 1727, a special commission ordered by Katherine I checked the condition of the ships and brought the Shtandart ashore to be restored. Water and time had already done so much damage that during the lifting attempt, the cable actually cut the hull in sections.

The old Shtandart was taken apart with a new decree from the Empress: “In honour of the name given by His Majesty Peter, I will build a new one”. This decree remained unfulfilled until the late 20th century, when the modern replica Shtandart was built in St Petersburg by a team of enthusiasts and volunteers led by naval architect and sailor, Vladimir Martus, now Captain of the replica Shtandart (pictured, above).

Today, the Shtandart carries sailors, volunteers and young people on the world’s oceans, passing on the knowledge of the ancient art of shipbuilding to people from all around the world. Captain Vladimir is very passionate about keeping this ancient art and the relevant skills alive in the modern world, having dedicated his life to the task.

The current international volunteer team has helped to keep the Shtandart sailing for the past sixteen years, whilst commercial sailing (paying to jump aboard and sail with the crew) and events help to pay some of the enormous expenses involved in keeping the ship in good order and on the high seas.

There are plans afoot to make the Shtandart a regular visitor to Swanage, with the team at Swanage Pier working on a new week-long nautical festival for Purbeck, involving the Shtandart and her crew. Did someone mention pirates?! Get ready to walk the plank!

Captain Vladimir is calling for a Purbeckian Volunteer Team to join the crew of the Shtandart, to assist when the ship is in town. Remote (on-

shore) volunteers around the world help in many ways, from making repairs (carpentry, blacksmithing, etc) when the ship’s in port, to helping source supplies, dealing with the public, teaching the ship’s history to visitors, helping with events and so on.

More exciting historical projects are in store, with whispers that the team plan to build an exact replica of the Cutty Sark in the future. When I asked the Captain about his plans for the Sark, he gazed out to sea and simply said “She must sail again...”.

Vladimir is a man who is obviously completely enamoured with the high seas, a man who has dedicated his life to retaining and sharing the knowledge and skills of the shipbuilders of old with people across the globe, and there’s no sign of him slowing up yet.

So, if you’ve a desire to learn ancient shipbuilding skills, to take to the high seas in an exact replica of a stunning 18th C frigate, or to simply get involved with the crew and provide on-shore assistance when required, Captain Vladimir would love to hear from you.

Please do get in touch with the Captain using the contact details below, explaining that you wish to be part of the volunteer team based in Swanage, Purbeck, including your interests (carpentry, rope work, blacksmithing, sailing, shore-based support, marketing, dealing with public when in Swanage, nautical history and so on) and your full contact details.

Captain Vladimir will then contact you to discuss what’s needed, and how you can help. You will then be part of the volunteer team who can assist the ship when it docks in Swanage. Ahoy mateys!

Nico Johnson

Sign up here:

Contact Captain Vladimir via email: vm@shtandart.eu Contact via Facebook: NP Projekt Shtandart Call or text Captain Vladimir: 049 160 4025433 For further information, see website: http://www.shtandart.ru/en/ Alternatively, contact Swanage Pier on 01929 425866

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Prospect Allotment Rare Moth Discovered Association Show

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he first Prospect Allotment Association Show took place on Prospect Crescent Green, Swanage on Sunday 23 August. The marquee was supplied by the RNLI, without their help the show could not have taken place, so thank you!

Our judge for the day was Mr Dennis Hewitson, who travelled from Sturminster Newton. He was pleasantly surprised by the number of exhibits, especially as it was our first show.

The show was very successful and the committee were delighted with the results. A lot of people showed interest in exhibiting next year and the committee hope for a bigger and better show in 2016.

The Town Mayor, Mr Stephen Poultney awarded rosettes to winners of 1st prizes.

Patricia Jones, Secretary, PAA Pictured: Daniel Powell with his winning vegetable monster!

esults from a recent moth survey at Dorset Wildlife Trust’s (DWT’s) Kingcombe Centre, have revealed a record number of macro moth species found in the area, including the rare Lappet moth and Splendid Brocade, a species which was new to the UK just 17 years ago. Amongst the 113 different species found from 6 different moth traps on the Dorset Butterflies and Moths course, highlights included the Splendid Brocade, which still has less than 150 records in the UK. This species is in the early stages of colonisation in the UK following migration from mainland Europe. The Lappet moth is a species in severe decline, and now only very rarely seen.

Enthusiasts from all over the country attended the Dorset Butterflies and Moths Course in July, where these sightings were made, and were delighted to experience such a diverse find of moths, including gems like Small Mottled Willows, migrants from North Africa and the Mediterranean.

To book your place on the next ‘Autumn Moths’ course with expert David Brown (Friday 2nd October – Tuesday 6th October), visit www. kingcombe.org or phone 01300 320684.

Photos: Top: Lappet moth Mike Cook. Below: The Splendid Brocade Debbie Billen

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Wareham Whalers On Friday 9th October at 7.30pm, we will be welcoming back the wonderful Wareham Whalers, for an evening of sea shanties, performed in the way sailors would have done when working the sail boats, as well as a selection of sea songs that were sung for relaxation and entertainment. Advance booking is essential and tickets are just £6.

Purbeck Film Festival at Durlston Once again, Durlston is proud to be a flagship venue for this year’s Purbeck Film Festival.

The theme of the festival this year is love, in all its forms, and Durlston will be hosting a varied programme of events, including an exhibition featuring standees, poster art, quotes and poems on the theme of love. In particular a comparison will be made between the original Far From The Madding Crowd and the recent interpretation.

A programme of film includes ‘The Imitation Game’, ‘The 100 Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared’, ‘Dear White People’ and the wonderful ‘Paris. Je t’aime’, which is made up of eighteen short films about love, all set in Paris.

We will also be hosting a range of workshops for kids, including clay-mation, shadow puppetry, stop-frame animation and more…

For full details, pick up a film festival brochure, the new Durlston Events Guide, or visit our website.

Mindfulness Walk Our programme of popular Mindfulness Walks, led by ‘Mindful

Nurse’ Nikki Harman continues this month.

This month’s walk is a relaxing, meditative stroll through the Durlston woodland, learning some simple mindfulness techniques along the way and starts at 10.30am at the Learning Centre on Sunday 11th October - advance booking essential.

October Wildlife In the canopy, tiny Goldcrests arrive in numbers along with an occasional Firecrest, also a good selection of warblers with Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Wood Warbler often seen or heard.

Old Man’s Beard entwines its way across the berry clad Hawthorn, Dog Rose and Bryony, where Redwing and Fieldfares spend their day. An occasional Ring Ouzel may join them, as do other Thrushes - Song, Mistle and Blackbirds.

In the meadows, Meadow Pipits, Grey and Pied Wagtails and flocks of Skylarks may be found, while overhead late Swallows and House Martins feed up before flying southwards.

Early morning sea watching in rough weather always produces a steady flow of ducks - Teal, Scoter and Wigeon.

From the east come Brent Geese, while Guillemots may be revisiting the area on occasions.

Occasional late butterflies such as the Clouded Yellow or Brimstone can fly over on sunnier days, and Ivy blossom attracts Bees, Hoverflies and Butterflies - Red Admirals, Large White, possibly Commas or Painted Ladies.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue 50 Years Of Helping Animals In Purbeck

memory and their name.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years, and our promise to you is that we will continue our work, until some day when we hope we will no longer be needed.

As we reach the momentous milestone of fifty years this October, we are celebrating with an Anniversary Dinner for our supporters on 9th October at Merley House.

If you would like to attend our anniversary meal, find out more about our work, or if you are interested in making a donation or adopting an animal in need, please contact us on 01929 480474 or email ck@margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk You can also visit our website at www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk Pictured: Margaret Green, left, Jerry Green, above right.

O

ctober 1965. Thirty acres of land at Church Knowle and the vision of one man and his daughter was born.

Today, as we rescue over 1,200 animals every year, we have Jerry and Margaret Green, and all of their supporters, to thank. Their aim was to help as many animals as possible. And that’s what we do today, in their

The Purbeck Gazette

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On Wheels (or in some cases, ‘Wheel’)

by John Garner

R

ecently, along with a great many people, I took part in the Wareham Rotary club bike ride. This was a ride to support cancer research and was a fantastically attended and organised event.

I am not normally one for organised events. Something about the mass of people all wanting to prove themselves has put me off on in the past. I am very competitive, but lack the necessary determination to train for such events.

Highly competitive and lazy are not always good companions.

This event was, however, very different.

Whilst there was an option to race the course, you could also just pick the distance you want to do and roll around.

There was a choice of distances and routes.

You could have a go at 10 miles, 22 miles, 35 miles, 44 miles, 55 miles, 71 miles, 81 miles and 108 miles. Being a bit dim I went for the 108 mile route. A dim decision. A distance which, now that I’ve written down all the other options seems even dimmer, but tapping in the distance options on the computer is much easier than actually getting on a bike and riding that far. And it was a dim decision as I had just returned from cycling in the French Pyrenees and had forgotten that the hills here can be just as punishing as those famous mountains in their own way. Short and steep as opposed to long and relentless.

You see I think what I’d forgotten whilst I was away was that Dorset is mostly bumps and humps. And presumably because they’re not huge bumps and humps, mountains I believe they’re called, roads seem to go straight up them on the whole as opposed to meandering around them in a series of lower gradient hairpin bends. I had forgotten about the hills, but the beastly organisers of The Rotary Dorset Bike Ride Charity Sportive Event had not.

They took in every single nasty hump in the whole county. Well, that’s what it felt like. I got chatting to various people along the way and we decided that the name of the event sounded too cosy and nice. One chap had previously taken part in a cycle sportive called the Dartmouth Demon.

You know where you are with an event called the Dartmouth Demon.

Another known as the Jurassic Beast, whilst a cunning play on words, also suggests something intense and unpleasant. These people know how to name an event.

Wordplay apart this was a fantastic event. It was a stunning day and couldn’t possibly have been organised any better. Regular feed stops with flapjacks, bananas, rice cakes and drinks kept us going and although I failed to trouble the judges in terms of racing, there were still a few people left at the end to congratulate us at the finish…even though they were starting to take down the signs.

The thought of riding a hundred plus miles in a day is no big deal these days. People do some amazing things and I thought I’d heard about most of them over the years. People swimming huge distances or cycling vast

continents in record times, but another man I spoke to pretty much top trumped the lot. Or rather his son did. Here’s how the conversation roughly went. And I’m paraphrasing hugely because I slipped into a semi coma for two days after the ride and can’t really remember much.

Let’s call the man FOL for reasons you’ll understand later.

ME: ‘Do you do many events like this?’

FOL: ‘One or two over the years. You?’ ME: ‘I cycled to Switzerland once.’

FOL: ‘My son’s doing something pretty amazing at the moment. He’s nineteen’ ME: ‘Ah. What’s he doing?’

FOL: ‘He’s cycling round the world.’

ME: ‘Bloody hell. At nineteen. Fantas….’

FOL: ‘…On a unicycle.’

Well you can’t really follow that really can you?. But if you want to you should check his website which I shall shamelessly plug here for no other reason than what he is doing is utterly amazing. He’s reached Georgia and is linked to a charity supplying equipment for disadvantaged children around the world. What a legend. www.worldunicycletour.com will get you there. A truly remarkable fellow.

People are capable of some amazing things. I just heaved my carcass over a few corrugations and swore at my legs for the best part of a day. Others do much, much more. The rotary ride was for the benefit of cancer research and part of my rational for riding the 108 miles was that if people with cancer can go through all that hardship, then I can ignore a sore backside for an hour or two and ride a bike over some hills. I have absolutely no idea whether this is a good way of approaching this or not, but it got me there in the end.

So many thanks for the event and all those that did it and raised money for an undoubtedly good cause. And many thanks to the chap that rode alongside me for a while and told me about his son. A massively inspirational day all round.

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Gazette Gardening with Simon Goldsack

Setting Purbeck Ablaze

P

urbeck’s maritime location is very useful for keeping overnight frost at bay because the large mass of sea water keeps the air above it just a little bit warmer than inland areas.

On the downside this means that some plants are not triggered into producing such good autumn leaf colours. However the following trees and shrubs colour up reliably whatever your location

Left: Cotinus coggygria ‘Grace’ A large shrub or small tree commonly known as the smoke bush because of its unusual seed heads which give the bush a hazy appearance, but in autumn it is far from ethereal with its stunning bright red and orange leaves.

before the leaves drop.

Below: Cornus alba ‘Siberica’ This widely used plant is best known for the bright red stems it produces in winter but it also provides a wonderful display

Top - next column: Euonymus ‘Red Cascade’ A form of our native spindle berry, this small tree has striking autumn foliage and the added bonus of bright orange and pink seed cases.

Below right: Hydrangea ‘Merveille Sanguine’ What a plant this is, not only do you get a mass of pink mophead flowers in summer but these then intensify to a deep burgundy black by midautumn, at which time the leaves are also changing to a warm pink through scarlet to a deep plum tone. Wow! Bottom two images: Viburnum plicatum ‘Mariesii’ This plant is best known for its tiered branching and lace-cap flowers in early summer but look what it does in Autumn.

October is one of the best months to plant shrubs and trees, so come and see the autumn colour first hand and talk to one of the Holme experts who will be happy to help you.

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Purbeck Film Festival

Purbeck Film Festival 16 to 31 October 2015 Love Film? Love the Festival! urbeck Film Festival, the longest running rural film festival in England, is now in its nineteenth year and our theme will be a celebration of ‘Love’ in all its variety. Films will range from the classic matinee magic of ‘Casablanca’ through Chabrol’s fine exploration of middle class morality in ‘Just Avant La Nuit’ to love at first sight that is later tested to its limit in ‘The Broken Circle Breakdown’ and not forgetting our local connection - two adaptations of Hardy’s ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’.

Scandinavian films are our secondary theme, the festival opens with ‘Force Majeure’ from Sweden, and screens ‘Flickering Lights’ from Denmark (in Danish design shop BoConcept - what better venue!) to name but two.

Durlston Country Park is once again hosting our exhibition in Durlston Castle, which will focus on the theme of love in numerous ways and explore the differences between the original adaptation of ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’ with its present day version. After the success of the Animation Workshop held last year in the Learning Centre at Durlston we are expanding our programme to hold five workshops during half-term week covering Shadow Puppetry, Stop Frame Animation and Claymations, all taught by experts in the techniques. The workshops are suitable for ages 8+ and a Bursary Grant is offered.

Our main festival venue, the Rex Cinema in Wareham, offers a full programme of films including the best of world and contemporary cinema and is again the venue for Purbeck Shorts, where the filmmakers of the future may be spotted. Entries for the short film competition have been received from around the world and the finalists’ films will be screened on Friday 17th October when the Judges will choose the winning film.

There is also the opportunity for the audience to choose its own winner with the Audience Award.

As always one of the key aims of the festival is to reach out to local communities, screening films in a wide variety of locations including village halls, pubs, an hotel, a garden centre, a coffee shop, an art gallery and even a model village. Films range from the classic British ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’ (‘love’ again) to the thrilling ‘A Most Wanted Man’.

The popular festival also travels outside Purbeck to the conurbations of Poole and Bournemouth, screening films at Lighthouse, Hamworthy Library and Pavilion Dance.

There is only space for a taster of our programme here, but we hope that there is something for almost everyone. Why not join us in celebrating the magic of the movies in one of the most beautiful places in the world - the Isle of Purbeck.

P

Rock ‘N’ Roll Dance & Charity Raffle

Y

es, it’s happening again this year! October 24th 2015 at the Studland Village Hall, kicking off around 8pm.

Once again, the terrific live ‘Rock of Ages’ Band will be “rocking and rolling all night long”. There will be prizes for the best Rock ‘n’ Roll costumes (male and female) and also for the best jive dancing.

All are optional – don’t feel obliged! Just come along and listen if you don’t feel like dancing.

There will be a professional MC (Dave Arnold) and special ‘cabaret’ spot to get everyone laughing…and a charity raffle will be held in aid of Wareham and Purbeck Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Of last year’s dance, the Founder of the M.S. Society Mrs. Carol Turner said: “We not only had a great evening, but the event raised hundreds of pounds for our local charity. Thank you everyone and please come along on October 24th and support us again.”

There will a licensed bar and plenty of parking around the hall.

Tickets £12.00 in advance from Studland Village Stores, or from Replayed Records (Tilly Whim Arcade, Swanage). Alternatively, by phone from the organizers: 01929-421401.

Check our website for full details of all the fantastic films being screened and information on how to buy tickets: www.purbeckfilm.com

Swanage Folk Festival 2015 56

The Purbeck Gazette

The Purbeck Gazette

Country House Fair

Thursday 15th October 2015 - 10am to 3.30pm in aid of Dorset branch of British Red Cross his annual fixture, which raises money for the Dorset Branch of the British Red Cross, has developed a following among those looking for interesting gifts, home accessories and quirky must-haves.

Hosted by Sally and Wilfrid Weld of the Lulworth Estate, this annual event has raised more than £64,500 to date for the Dorset Red Cross. As Vice President for twenty years and now a Patron, Sally is delighted with the on-going support of this event: ‘This is our annual fundraiser and we make sure that every penny raised goes to the charity. All the work and costs that go into its organisation are met by the Estate and its sponsors.

For the second year we are pleased to have the support of DOMVS and Groves Nurseries, helping us spread the word even further’ With more than forty five stalls from painted furniture to Christmas puddings, flavoured vodkas to handmade boots from Spain, plus its speciality Food Hall, those looking for something different will be in for a treat.

Light refreshments are available in the Castle Courtyard during the Fair, nearby at the Weld Arms or at the Past and Presents Gift Shop and Tea Room.

Entry to the event is £3 for adults, children free, with free parking. Entry gives access to the Castle, which has wheelchair access and 18c Chapel of St Mary.

To find out more about the Country House Fair at Lulworth Castle please visit www.lulworth.com

T

Dorset Buttons

W

e’re looking for new members – is that you? Meet new friends, learn some traditional dances and most importantly, have FUN! The Ladies Morris dance side was formed in 1978. We dance North-West Morris and wear the wooden clogs that were worn by most working people in the 19th century. Our name comes from the hand-made buttons that were made in Dorset until the 1850s when the introduction of button making machines led to the collapse of the industry.

The men’s Rapper Sword Dance Team was formed in 1991: we perform dances based on those from the mining villages in North-East England. The intricate weaving swords and accompanying characters of ‘Tommy’ and ‘Betsy’ are a spectacle not to be missed. Would you like to join a friendly and active Morris side? Exercise while dancing to live music? North West Morris dancers practice on Wednesdays in Wareham. Rapper Sword dancers meet on Sundays in Sandford. We practise from October and start dancing out at Easter. If you are interested in finding out more about the us, please contact Helen (01929 480737, helen.earwicker@btinternet. com) for the ladies’ side or Chris (01202 553294 chris.j.mason@talktalk. net) for the band or Tony (01929 480850 anthony613@btinternet.com) for the men’s Rapper side.

We collect in our ‘potty’and all this money goes to charity. Last year we donated £500 to the Motor Neurone Disease Association in honour of one of our dancers who has since died of the disease. This year we are collecting for the Dorset Blind Association, who provide a range of practical help and support services for people who are blind, partially sighted or suffering from serious sight loss, across Dorset. www.dorsetbuttons.org

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24th Swanage Blues Festival

The Purbeck Gazette

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Thurs 1 - Sun 4 October 2015

T

he Swanage Blues Festival is growing. This October the 24th Festival will see 19 venues hosting 70 gigs by 39 bands.

New venues include the Isle Of Purbeck Golf Club, with Tom Seals and his band (which includes Robbie Williams’ saxophonist) and Swanage Youth Hostel, with the extended family of John McClean and the Clan.

We welcome back Swanage Bay View Holiday Park, where you can enjoy the ever-popular Back Porch band plus a Saturday Night Special double header that alone warranted £12 admission in Surrey earlier this year.

Northsyde returns after a year of headlining festivals in India, Russia and China. Robin Bibi leads the electric jams, whilst the Open Mic sessions have been taken over by international personality Anita Jardine.

Stan’s Blues Jamboree is another favourite at The Legion, while the Fabulous Fezheads perform their own particular brand of wackiness at Herston Caravan & Camp Site and the Red Lion. There really is something for everybody - see Festival Programme (price £2) for full details.

Oh, and it’s still only £10 for a wristband to show your support! Wristbands and programmes are available from retailers, venues and the Tourist Information Centre on Shore Road, where you also can obtain a free festival poster to display in your shop or workplace to add to the festival atmosphere.

The weekend starts early on Thursday 1 October from 8.30pm at The Legion: ‘An Evening of DBH’ with Steve Darrington, Hugh Budden and Robert Hokum.

Non-members sign in, comfy seats, club price drinks, dance floor, stage and lights. Boogie on!

Steve Darrington, Swanage Blues Organiser (pictured, above centre) www.swanage-blues.org 01929 422338

THE Place for Great Blues, Local Real Ales, A Sunny Garden and Friendly Staff!

Swanage Blues Festival 2015 Live Music through ALL Sessions!

CAMRA award-winning pub 31 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2LT. 01929 423804

wine 52 High Street

Swanage

BH19 2NX

bar 01929 422781

Swanage Blues Festival Fri 6pm & 8.15pm - Pete Christie Sat 6pm & 8.15pm - Lewis Cohen

The Purbeck Gazette

Our selection of the Blues......

THURSDAY 1 OCTOBER 2015 Please note all times in the programme are approximate and subject to change 8.30pm The Legion An Evening With Robert Hokum, Steve Darrington and Hugh Budden FRIDAY 2 OCTOBER 2015 11.00am Railway Station Assorted Buskers 2.00pm Red Lion Open Mic with Anita Jardine 6.00pm Sea Breeze Lewis Cohen 6.00pm Tawny’s Pete Christie 8.15pm Sea Breeze Lewis Cohen 8.15pm Tawny’s Pete Christie 8.30pm Grand Hotel Zoe Schwarz Blues Commotion 8.45pm Black Swan Will Killeen 9.00pm Red Lion The Blues Duo 9.00pm The Legion Pete Harris R&B All Stars 9.00pm White Swan C Sharp Blues SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER 2015 11.00am Railway Station Assorted Buskers 12.30pm YHA John McClean & The Clan 1.00pm Corfe Legion The Blues Duo 1.00pm The Legion Stan’s Blues Jamboree 2.00pm Red Lion Open Mic with Anita Jardine 3.00pm Grand Hotel 3 Buck Shirt 3.00pm White Horse The Milk Men 3.00pm White Swan Blues Issue 6.00pm Sea Breeze The Blues Duo 6.00pm Tawny’s Lewis Cohen 8.15pm Sea Breeze The Blues Duo 8.15pm Tawny’s Lewis Cohen 8.30pm Grand Hotel Kevin Brown Band 8.45pm Black Swan Will Killeen 9.00pm Red Lion Fabulous Fezheads 9.00pm The Legion Robin Bibi Band 9.00pm White Swan Dan Sowerby Band SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER 2015 11.00am Railway Station Assorted Buskers 1.00pm Corfe Legion Kevin Brown Band 1.00pm Red Lion Open Mic with Anita Jardine 1.30pm Black Swan Will Killeen 3.00pm Grand Hotel Pete Harris R&B All Stars 3.00pm The Legion Jam Session with Robin Bibi Band 3.00pm Isle of Purbeck Golf Club Tom Seals Quartet 4.00pm White Swan Sam Paine Trio 6.00pm White Horse Northsyde 8.30pm Grand Hotel Festival Finale – Hugh Budden & the Blue Chords with special guests Steve Darrington, Ray Drury & The Blue Sirens (Tracie Redding, Queenie Moore, Jeradine Hume, Verena Chantal).

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SWANAGE BLUES FESTIVAL Will Killeen plays live!

Fri 2nd Oct 8.45pm Sat 3rd Oct 8.45pm Sun 4th Oct 1.30pm

01929 423846

Good Food served 6-8.45pm (Sun 12-2pm)

Swanage Blues Festival 5-8 October 2015

HIGH STREET CAFÉ 3 High Street, Swanage. BH19 2LN

Tel: 01929 427542

Join us for a superb full breakfast, or lunch during Swanage Blues Festival!

Opening hours: from 7.00am

Great Local Food, Just How You Like It!

J.J.Moore

Family & Catering Butcher

Proud to support Swanage Blues 2015!

34 High Street, Swanage. Tel: 01929 424891

The Live music throughout the Blues Festival!

Here to welcome you seven days a week High Street, Swanage. 01929 423533

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Folktastic Festival Excels In New Location!

P

urbeck Folk Festival relocated from Wilkswood Farm to Purbeck Valley Farm this year, and adjusted the name accordingly (now known as Purbeck Valley Folk Festival). Organisers Paul and Catherine Burke had a mammoth task on their hands, not only organising the entire event, but also attempting to meet (and hopefully exceed) the expectations of those regular festival-goers, many of whom adored the festival’s previous home, the magical, ancient setting of Wilkswood Farm.

Well, Paul and Catherine - take this as official confirmation that you not only succeeded in your task, you utterly excelled. It didn’t take long for attendees to settle in to the new surroundings, and even the most die-hard Wilkswood-lovers soon declared their approval for Purbeck Valley Farm. The festival’s new home offers far more open space, concrete flooring in the barns (no more dust-dancing!) and a great space to relax and for the kids to play over the brow of the hill where the Fire Stage was situated.

The atmosphere was just fabulous - a more friendly bunch of festival goers you’ll be hard-pressed to find. From all over the UK they came; in their camper vans, cars; on buses, trains and in taxis. With a flourish of beards, pewter tankards, fairy wings and a super variety of imaginative fancy dress, this is a festival that boasts extraordinary friendliness and an outstanding atmosphere. Kids run free playing in the hay, dancing to the huge variety of live music or partaking in the numerous fun and crafty activities available. Despite concerns, there were no significant traffic problems over the weekend.

The musical programme was wide ranging and impressive, featuring among many others were acclaimed guitarist and songwriter, Richard Thompson, and Justin Currie (formerly of Del Amitri). With a plethora of talent from groups such as Stornoway, Martha Tilson and the Scientists, Caravan of Thieves and Philip Henry and Hannah Martin, there truly was something for every taste, with acts performing from early till late, each day. There was ample room for everyone to enjoy themselves watching the performers - from those who wished to relax on a clean mat on the floor stage-front or recline in a chair, to those who wished to dance the night away. Everyone had been thought of and catered for, meaning that all ages really were welcome - a rarity at many festivals.

All the little touches were there that make this festival so special - from fab handmade signs to an array of brilliant large wood carvings and the hugely popular and beautifully carved ‘Goblin House’ on the hilltop for the kids to play in. Every last detail had been thought out and planned.

Our ONE complaint (and one voiced by many we spoke to) what went wrong with the bar?!! From an impressively huge array of ciders and ales last year, to a much smaller selection which (mostly) ran out by mid-Saturday this year..... Ok, the Muddy Scamp cider (6.9%) saw us ok (while it was available), but the lengthy wait to be served, and the ever decreasing selection was the only downer all weekend! An absolutely great festival - we have our costumes for next year already and can’t wait!!

A sincere well done to everyone involved, including all the fabulous volunteers - you truly did Purbeck proud. Nico Johnson

The Purbeck Gazette

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The Purbeck Gazette

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Mary Zuckerman Counsellor I

have been a counsellor for some sixteen years, and have been living in Swanage since May 2013. My training is as an integrative, relational counsellor and I am an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. What I do is listen- with care, warmth and respect- to your concerns, worries, thoughts, hopes and feelings. I believe that we all need to be heard in this way – in confidence and without judgement; and we will have a conversation in which I hope to help you understand how you may be making choices in your life or coping with difficulties you are experiencing.

There is no list of acceptable things to talk about in counselling, but here are just some of the reasons people come to talk with me: • Relationships • Bereavements and losses • Problems at work • Life changes • Illness, physical and mental • Depression and anxiety • Self esteem • Age related concerns • Traumatic experiences, recent or in the past • Sexual problems • Addictions • Eating Disorders I offer individual long and short term counselling and am very happy working with young people (about 16+, but sometimes younger), adults and elderly people. In our first meeting we will talk about what is bringing you to counselling and decide whether the counselling I can offer feels right for you. We will discuss how many times and how often we will initially meet. For example I often suggest we meet for 4-6 sessions, once a week at the same time each week, and that we then talk about and decide how you wish to proceed.

My aim is to provide a warm, confidential and safe place in which you can talk about and explore your difficulties and worries as well as your hopes and wishes; and to help you make any changes you wish to make, or maybe to see your life and situation from a new perspective.

For more information or to book an appointment, please contact: Swanage Therapy Centre on 01929 426506 or www.swanagetherapycentre.co.uk Mary Zuckerman on 07904 672972 Email: mary.zuckerman@tiscali.co.uk Counselling Fees: 60 minutes @ £35.00

Swanage Therapy Centre

Counselling with Mary Zuckerman We look forward to seeing you!

T: 01929 426506 www.swanagetherapycentre.co.uk

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

Qualified Bowen Practitioner Indian Head & Neck Massage

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

Gift vouchers available

Contact 07979 840542

Telephone: 01929 424956 or 07967 978 695 for details

NEW PATIENTS £5 OFF FIRST TREATMENT

Craniosacral Therapy

The Purbeck Gazette

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With Alex Troy

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Craniosacral Therapy

Alexandra Troy CTET Developed by an osteopath for gentle, deep effective release and realignment in the body for all kinds of pain and discomfort For further information please call: 01929 424911 or 07970 595103

www.cranial-swanage.co.uk

lexandra Troy has been a practicing Craniosacral Therapist for nineteen years, working with babies, children, teenagers and adults.

This technique was developed by an osteopath, William Sutherland, who investigated working with restrictions and misalignment throughout the whole body in a very gentle way.

With this approach there is an unwinding, softening and melting of the tension patterns, allowing muscles and structures to settle back into their rightful place without any sudden manipulations.

Craniosacral Therapy is used to resolve problems such as headaches, whiplash and neck pain, discomfort in shoulders, back, hips, arms and legs. It can be very effective with babies who are unsettled and fractious with possible feeding and sleep problems.

Client feedback, from two mothers after Alexandra treated their babies, was: “I felt that Emily was completely different. So much more settled in

herself. She cuddled into me when I held her now and was so much more relaxed with other people. Also her feeding has greatly improved. I felt the cranial work had really helped with these problems; it’s like having a brand new baby.”

“It was as if Alexandra let Clem’s story unfold over these sessions.

We worked together a step at a time to release and resolve these problems. He became calmer and less panicky. There was far less erratic movements with his arms, which seemed much more relaxed. His rage and disconnection diminished and I felt I was more able to connect and comfort him.”

To discuss possible treatment with Alexandra please contact her on: tel: 01929 424911 or M: 07970 595103 www.cranial-swanage.co.uk A member of the Craniosacral Therapy Association.

ow is a good time for the region’s smokers to quit the smoking habit. The launch of this year’s Stoptober smoking cessation campaign will enable more smokers to join together in their collective drive to kick the smoking habit.

This year’s public health campaign, supported by NHS England, aims to support smokers through 28 smoke free days.

Smokers are being encouraged to sign up with their friends, families and colleagues, as evidence reveals that ‘social quitting’ of this type can dramatically improve people’s chances of successfully stopping smoking.

Research also shows that smokers are 67% more likely to quit when their spouse stops smoking, or 36% more likely to stop when a close friend stops or 34% when a colleague stops; showing the powerful influence that people’s social networks have on their own smoking behaviour.

This is backed up by a study of smokers in Australia, Canada the UK and the United States, which shows that the fewer smoking friends someone has, the more likely they are to succeed in a quit attempt.

Public Health England has also enlisted support from some of the nation’s top comedians; by signing up to Stoptober, quitters will receive humerous online supportive messages from Bill Bailey, Al Murray, Shappi Khorsandi and Rhod Gilbert.

Dr Liz Mearns, Medical Director from the local office of NHS England said: “We are very much in support of this campaign, providing an excellent opportunity to smokers everywhere who really want to kick the smoking habit. Stopping smoking with friends, family or colleagues provides a real boost of extra support, and is a great incentive. If a smoker can stay smoke free for 28 days he or she will be five times more likely to stop for good.”

Find out how quickly you’ll notice the benefits of stopping: After 20 minutes: Blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal.

After 8 hours: Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half and oxygen levels return to normal.

After 48 hours: Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.

After 48 hours: There is no nicotine in the body. Ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.

After 72 hours: Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.

After 2-12 weeks: Your circulation improves.

After 3-9 months: Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung function increases by up to 10%.

After 5 years: Risk of heart attacks falls to about half compared with a person who is still smoking.

After 10 years: Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.

Over a quarter of a million people across the country signed up to Stoptober last year, 36000 in the South East alone, with more than half making it to 28 days. This year, it is expected the campaign will welcome the millionth sign up.

To sign up to Stoptober, or for more information and advice go to: http://www.nhs.uk/smokefree/help-and-advice

Join Together And Quit This October N

STARTING NEXT MONTH THE PURBECK GAZETTE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE Can YOU support your local community and shop locally this Christmas? Showcasing the best Purbeck has to offer in retail, food, party locations, entertainment and services for your best Christmas yet.

ADVERTISERS - CALL JOY ON 01929 424293 TO BOOK YOUR SPACE!

The Purbeck Gazette

STOPTOBER - A personalised, Purbeckian View Of Quitting

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Local author, historian, fundraiser and Chairman of P.I.S.S., Hugh Elmes, now suffering extreme ill health after fifty years of smoking, writes from a personal viewpoint why you should give up smoking now...

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s a child I read a book called Aesop’s Fables and one fable stayed in my mind for all of my life. So to start off, I did some research into Aesop and found out that he was a slave and story teller who lived in Ancient Greece in the fifth century BC. The fable that has stayed with me is called “The Fox without a Tail”.

This unfortunate Fox got his tail caught in a trap. After struggling he finally managed to escape leaving his tail in the trap and was left with a just a stump! At first he was embarrassed to let the other foxes see what had happened to him. He then thought why did he need a tail? It made it

more comfortable for him to sit down and he could see no reason why foxes should have tails. At last he put on a bold face and went to meet up with other foxes to explain how much better he now felt since losing his tail. He tried to encourage other foxes to remove theirs.

“That’s all very well” said one old fox, “to cut off our fine brush of a tail. But I do not think you would want us to cut off our tails if you had not lost your own tail in the first place!”

Now how does this relate to smoking? I smoked heavily for fifty years and finally gave it up on the advice of my Doctor.

Just because I have given up does not mean that everyone has to stop smoking like the fox would have wanted!

I can suggest to you that smoking does slow your life down.

I have poor circulation in my legs due to the veins being partially blocked causing me to be unstable on my feet and making me have to use a walking stick to help me keep my balance. The longer you carry on smoking the slower you will get. I have missed out with my grandchildren as I can’t take them out for walks or even spend time playing with them. I have to fight to get my breath making it harder to speak (that may be a good thing) and even to put my socks and shoes on is a challenge. It has restricted my social life as I find the difficulty with breathing makes me very tired. I am forced to sleep far more than normal. Going out for a drink and socializing at nights is now a thing of the past, because I am always tired.

If this is what you want, “Carry on smoking!” The money spent on smoking alone could be put to a far better use. Also today there are so many nongenuine cigarettes and tobaccos on the market made from all sorts of unusual materials that are possibly far more dangerous than the genuine item. People are cashing in on mugs like the smokers knowing full well they can make easy money as the cigarettes will sell!

It says on the packets ‘Smoking Kills’; it’s an odd way to advertise. Does a sign saying Wet Paint make you want to touch it to see if it is wet, or make you want to wee on it as it does say Wet Paint?

In later life you cannot complain, no one forced you to smoke, it is something that you brought on yourself. I started smoking at age thirteen whilst at school. It was the fifties and at that time everyone smoked. I thought it impressed the young girls. It was something that gave me more confidence, it made me feel more grown up. As you get older life goes so fast and I wish life would stand still! But in my case I now have to put up with the consequences. Doctors and hospitals can no longer do anything for me. I now come under a Hospice and have the Community Matron calling at my house, keeping her eye on me to the end. In some ways I do feel guilty about the N.H.S. for causing cost due to self-inflicted injuries.

However on the other hand I have paid National Insurance all my working life, plus paying the tax on the tobacco.

To people still smoking - it’s never too late to stop. Like the fox you have to live with the circumstances and you can’t expect everyone to do what you want them to do!

If by this note I can get a few people to stop smoking so that they can enjoy a fuller life, I feel that I have achieved something from my experience. Life should be lived in full, so let nature take its own course and don’t damage it by smoking! I am six foot two inches tall so I have proved smoking does not stunt your growth, or would I be nine foot three inches if I had never smoked?

Remember they smoke bacon to cure it and that helps to preserve it, so carry on smoking if you feel that you want to be a pig!

“BE HONEST, YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE”.

The Purbeck Gazette

Kate Smith, ITEC

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www.swanagebeautyandmassage.com

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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’!

Virginia Claridge M.Inst. ChP, D.Ch.M Chiropodist Registered with the Health Professions Council Home visits in Swanage and surrounding areas

Telephone - 01929 423056

Matron’s Round - Our Local Hospitals’ Monthly Column

S

wanage and Wareham hospitals are fortunate to have the support of Friends who raise funds to purchase equipment and other items to improve the quality of care we are able to offer all of our patients.

The Wareham Friends held their AGM on 14th September 2015 and the attendance of local people was appreciated.

The Swanage Friends will hold an AGM at The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage on 6th October 2015 at 7pm, which you will be very welcome to attend.

This month I thought that you would be interested to know that the Friends of Swanage Hospital have

recently purchased a nasendoscope, which will be used in the outpatient department by the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) consultant.

Nasendoscopy is a diagnostic procedure involving the examination of the nose and upper airways using a small flexible tube (endoscope). It is used to find the causes of various problems such as a blocked nose, nasal polyps or recurrent bleeding from the nose. It can also be helpful in the investigation of speech difficulties, hoarseness, a persistent sore throat or problems with eating and drinking.

Most procedures can be undertaken in only a few minutes as part of a routine outpatient appointment.

Swanage Hospital ENT consultant, Mr Scott, said: “We are very grateful to the Swanage Friends for purchasing a nasendoscope. We are delighted that this piece of equipment will increase the range of services that we are able to provide for patients at Swanage Hospital. Previously, patients with nose and throat complaints would have had to travel to Poole or further afield for these investigations.”

Should you need nasendoscopy, support your local hospital and ask to be referred to Swanage Hospital!

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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Sport

The Purbeck Gazette

Swanage & Wareham Rugby Football Club

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wanage & Wareham Rugby Club started their pre-season warm up games against Reading Abbey, and it was a close encounter with Swans opening the scoring with full back Matt Spencer working his way over the try line to put Swans 5pts – 0 pts ahead.

However Abbey replied with a try before Swans centre Glynn Alner put Swans 10pts-5 pts ahead with another try. Reading Abbey replied with a push over try, but just before the end of the game Swans no.8 Kirk Jones scored the winning try 15pts – 10pts was the final score.

Swans second pre-season friendly was against a Wimborne side. Swans opened the scoring with two tries by prop forward Nick Audley. This was followed with tries by Callum Young and a converted try by Matt Spencer giving Swans a 22pts- nil half time lead.

Wimborne managed to get on the scoreboard with a try before replacement for Swans saw Connor McCaffrey in for a try which Spencer converted. 29pts-5pts was the final score.

Swans went to North Dorset for a friendly, scoring three tries in an open game. Scrum half Chris Tomes, winger Alex Parry and hooker Robert Elford scored the tries, with Will Slack adding a conversion.

In Swans first league game of the season they came up against one of the

top sides in Southwest One, Towcestrians, at home, and it showed, as the visitors went on to win by 59pts – 3pts with only a penalty goal by Matt Spencer to show for all the hard work and skill that Swans put in on the day.

Main fixtures in October (All 3.00p.m) 3rd October Reserve week for 1st & 2nd XV Swans 3rd XV v Trowbridge 3rd XV (3rd team cup) Home 10th Swans 1st XV v Trowbridge (SW1East) Home 17th Reserve week 24th Swans 1st XV v. High Wycombe (SW1 East) Away Swans 2nd XV v Oakmeadians (DW1S) Home Swans 3rd XV v Dorchester 3rd XV (DW3S) Home 31st Rugby World Cup Final On the 10th October Swans are holding the first of their four VicePresidents’ Luncheons of the season at the clubhouse, to which Vice Presidents and their guests are cordially invited. To book your place at this prestigious event call Rob Parry on 01929 553357 or 07973 400297.

Ron Butler (Publicity Secretary)

The Purbeck Gazette

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Swanage Bowls News

he bowls season ended on a spectacular finale with success for the Men in gaining promotion in the B & D League and for the Ladies in winning the Edna Paisley Cup. In the last match of the season the men were looking for a win against Kings Park to secure one of the two promotion places. This was a morning match and Swanage lost by just 4 shots but gained 4 points for two winning rinks.

So the men were ‘in suspenders’ for several agonising hours awaiting the results of the afternoon matches to see how the other two promotion contenders fared. Highcliffe won their match and were division champions but Wimborne lost, meaning Swanage clinched promotion in second spot.

The ecstatic cock-a-hoop Graham Smooker in his first year as Men’s Captain considered the news the best thing that had ever happened to him and warned clubs in the next division like Boscombe Cliff and Southbourne that Swanage would be ‘on fire’ next year to show they were no easy pushover.

The following week there was another outburst of joy and celebration when the ladies, having come top of the East Dorset League, won the Edna Paisley

Cup Final at Greenhill against the West Dorset League Champions Portland Victoria. Congratulations ladies. The club competition finals were played over the first weekend of September in fine autumn sunshine and the winners were:Ladies Singles - Sue King Ladies Handicap - Margery Bayley Ladies Pairs - Judy Smooker & Shirley Davis-Colley Men’s Singles - Gordon Wallis Men’s Handicap - Graham Smooker Men’s Pairs - Graham Wallis & Ken Morgan Veterans Trophy - David Hogsflesh Levi Cup - Barrie Tatman Cary Trophy - Judy Smooker Chosen Pairs - Uta and Mike Keats Australian Pairs Mike Barron and Graham Smooker. In the Dorset League, both the men and ladies finished halfway in their respective divisions.

The club’s final match was a friendly against Sidmouth with fish and chips to follow.

All in all, it was a hugely enjoyable and successful season for Swanage Bowls Club and bodes well for the 2016 season.

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 are 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 are 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 one of their four 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 one of their four games with some excellent contributions from Reuben Bennett, Isaac Christmas, Ryan Lander, Archie Ramsden, Mia Wensley, Lily Wood and Benjamin Wright.

The Under 11s recorded two victories out of their six matches with Lewis Cartridge, Andrew Hancock, Oscar Lander, Harry Long, Safia Nadaf, Tia Norman, Holly Pankhurst, Jacob Pope, Jake Streams and Brandon Werndley all making significant contributions.

Finally, the Under 9s won six of their eight matches to finish runners-up in their League just behind a strong-team from Bournemouth who they also 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:- Joe Diffey, Freddie Long, Seb Lyons, Sid Nash, Regan Norman, Max Pankhurst, Riley Silverton, Jess Stearn, George Taylor, James Taylor, Thomas Wells and Benji White.

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The Saturday 1stXI The Saturday 1stXI won eleven of their eighteen matches to finish 5th in the Premier Division. The highlights of the batting have been the four 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 (4) & Jem Warner (3).

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 five wicket hauls including 6-40 against Broadstone. Mike Hernandez, Ryan Norman and Mike Wells have also all registered five wicket hauls.

BATSMAN OF THE YEAR: Jem Warner BOWLER OF THE YEAR: Jem Warner FIELDER OF THE YEAR: Dan Salmon The Saturday 2ndXI The Saturday 2ndXI have won ten of their fourteen matches to occupy third place. The highlights of the batting have been the 11 half-centuries

by Pete Baczala, Cameron Beard (2) Tim Ives, Steve Kent, King, Mike Nash (2), Paul Norman and Tom Salmon (2). 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 five wicket hauls from Barker, Dave Morton and Pete Richards. There have also been contributions from Elliott Baczala, Barker, Kent, Nash, Chris Rabjohns, Tom Salmon and Andy Tillman.

BATSMAN OF THE YEAR:- Mike Nash BOWLER OF THE YEAR:- Dave Morton FIELDER OF THE YEAR:- Cameron Beard 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.

As well as that, there has been some very consistent bowling performances

by Terry White.

BATSMAN OF THE YEAR:- Matt Beard BOWLER OF THE YEAR:-Terry White FIELDER OF THE YEAR:- Cameron Beard The final trophy of the Evening went to Pete Baczala - who received the Most Improved Club Player Of The Year Award.

Also..........

Last but by no means least, the club would like to thank Beryl, Sharon Ives, Michelle Nash, Kelly Norman and Angie Wood 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 eleven players.

Kind regards, Mike Nash (Press and Media Officer)

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Swanage Football Club

I

f you are not already aware, the 1st team are looking for a new management team. Alan Lay has recently taken up the post of 1st team manager at Verwood Town, taking coach Brian Churchill and goalkeeper coach Ben Sullivan. Verwood play in the Wessex Premier League two leagues above ourselves.

Everyone connected with the Club would like to wish Alan, Brian and Ben all the best in the future.

The 1st team currently sit 15th in the Dorset Premier League. In our most recent fixture, we entertained local rivals Wareham Rangers in front of a crowd close to one hundred! We won this match 2-0 with goals from skipper Ben Harding and Jacob Harrop.

On Saturday 12 September we travelled away to current Dorset Premier League Champions, Hamworthy Recreation under the watchful eyes of the new Caretaker managers Tony Parrott and Tim Brown. The Club would like to offer their extended thanks to them for stepping up in our hour of need. Tim was part of Alan’s back-room coaching staff and has been associated with the club for

The Purbeck Gazette

many years, both as a player and more recently as a coach. Tony is currently a first team player (although injured at present).

We have entered the FA Vase again this season and have been gifted a bye in the 1st qualifying round and are due to play Corsham Town in the 2nd qualifying round. They currently play their football in Division 1 of the Western League.

It would be great to get as many supporters to this game as we have done on previous Vase games. The FA Vase game is a 3pm kick off on Saturday 3 October. The reserves have had a great start to the season with a 6-2 away win at Lytchett. The reserves travelled away to Dorchester Sports Reserves on Saturday 12th September.

Manager Jossie with his right hand man Steve Arp (see photo) are encouraged with the commitment they’ve got from the players and are looking to have a good season. The Reserves currently play in Dorset League 1 which is a very good standard and Jossie and Steve are aiming to stay in this division.

The Youth side of the Club is looking healthy as it has done for a number of seasons now. We have teams from the U9 age group right up to U16.

The best way to keep abreast of all that goes on with the youth section is in our dedicated Twitter account - @swanagefcyouth.

The website is another good point of call as it will publish all results and scorers: www swanagefc.com We are always looking for anyone interested in football to join the Club.

There are a number of different roles. Refereeing our youth games is something we always struggle with, so if anyone can spare an hour or two on a Sunday so that the youngsters of our town can play their football, we would be extremely grateful.

If you feel you can help, please contact our Youth Secretary, Alison Newell, on 07545 762401.

Finally, we welcome Frank Moles back as groundsman as I have not got the time to give to this time consuming job!

Frank has had a long association with the Club and his expertise with all things grass can only benefit us and like I mentioned earlier, if you feel you can spare anytime at all, Frank would be only too pleased for the help.

Come On You Swans! John Peacock.

The Purbeck Gazette - Proudly Supporting The Swans

Wareham Rotary Bike Ride

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he Rotary Club of Wareham organised another very successful Rotary Dorset Bike ride in aid of Cancer Research UK on 6th September. Hundreds of cyclists rode to raise money for Cancer Research UK. This is the fourth year the Rotary Club of Wareham have organised the event and although all the riders’ sponsorship money is yet to be collected

the Club expects to exceed their target of £100,000 over the four years.

Longthorns Farm and Campsite (next to Monkey World) kindly provided their venue for the start including a massive marquee which was used for registration and the finish. Riders rode a distance between 10 and 108 miles depending upon their ability. The weather was just perfect with lots of sun while not being too hot.

The Rotary Club would like to thank their many company sponsors including Bloor Homes who donated £1000, Cyclexperience of Wareham who donated a £400 bike and five £30 gift vouchers as prizes to encourage riders to raise sponsorship and Corbens Estate Agent who donated £200.

Other companies that provided sponsorship were Rockley Sport, Springfield Country Hotel, Dorset Flapjacks, Dorset Cereals, Dorset Golf & Country Club, Sainsbury of Wareham, Dorset Trade Windows, Salt Pig, NFU Wareham, Tesco of Dorchester and Waitrose of Bridport.

The event was also supported by the Rotary Clubs of Swanage& Purbeck, Bridport and Dorchester.

The Rotary clubs are an organisation of men and women who give up their time helping the local community, raising funds for charities and local good causes. Not only is it a great way of helping others, but it is also a great way of making friends and having a great time.

If you would like to know more, or if you would like to join please check out their web site www.warehamrotary.co.uk or telephone David King on 01929 471087.

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 NOV is noon, 9th Oct 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.

OCTOBER

Thu 1st * Swanage Blues & Roots Festival 60 Great gigs, 30 acts, 15 indoor venues. Weekend wristband £10. Ffi: www.swanage-blues.org 19:15 Swanage Trefoil Guild Meets at the Guide HQ Bell Street. Handbell Ringing. New Members and Visitors Welcome. Ffi: 01929 556374.

Fri 2nd * Swanage Blues & Roots Festival 60 Great gigs, 30 acts, 15 indoor venues. Weekend wristband £10. Ffi: www.swanage-blues.org 09:45 The Mustangs At the White Horse, Swanage.

18:00 Purbeck Model Railway Group Running session at The Stables, Godlingston Manor, Washpond Lane, Swanage, BH19 3DJ. Ffi: Robin Brasher 427015.

Sat 3rd * Swanage Blues & Roots Festival 60 Great gigs, 30 acts, 15 indoor venues. Weekend wristband £10. Ffi: www.swanage-blues.org * Beer & Pumpkin Festival at The Square & Compass.

15:00 The Milkman At the White Horse, Swanage.

Sun 4th * Swanage Blues & Roots Festival 60 Great gigs, 30 acts, 15 indoor venues. Weekend wristband £10. Ffi: www.swanage-blues.org * Beer & Pumpkin Festival at The Square & Compass.

09:00 40th Annual Ploughing Match at Bere Regis (Sign posted from Village). Wareham & Purbeck YFC & The Vintage Ploughing Committee.

Raffle, Hot Food Available. Proceeds to The Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and Foot Steps for Roxy. About 60 Vintage & Modern tractors taking part. Hopefully a pair of sister Steam Engines will be taking part this year. Dog are welcome if kept on a lead. Free Entry.

14:00 Hip Hatchet Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 18:00 Northsyde at the White Horse, Swanage.

Mon 5th 19:30 Sandford Heritage Community Group AGM Sandford Community Hall, Keysworth Drive, Sandford BH20 7BD AGM and two talks, on the cordite factory and on the butterflies of Sandford. Entrance free.

19:30 Wareham-Hemsbach Society Talk Army at Tyneham. Carey Hall, near 10 Mistover Road, Wareham. Ffi: Robin Brasher 427015 Email: rbrasher132@ gmail.com Tue 6th 13:30 The Purbeck Workshop Make then paint a papier mache bowl. Unit 6 Woolbridge Business Centre, East Burton Road, Wool, BH20 6HG. Ffi: www.purbeckworkshop.org 07757 776 907.

17:00 Swanage Local Plan Drop-in Event at Swanage Town Hall.

19:30 Wareham Camera Club Meets at Parish Hall, Wareham. Mary & David Cantrille – “Wildlife Encounters”. Visitors welcome. Contact Roger Starling on 01929 553822.

Wed 7th 09:30 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Kimmeridge Quarry just before Kimmeridge for a walk to Bradle Farm, Swyre Head and down along the ridge of Smedmore Hill. Ffi 01929 450164.

20:00 Geoff Higginbottom Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers.

Ffi: 01929 439229 Thu 8th * RHS Rosemoor Garden tour, book with Holme Nursery.

Fri 9th 19:30 Wareham Whalers At Durlston Castle. Tickets £6.

20:00 Ron Trueman Border Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Sat 10th 09:00 Purbeck Produce Farmers Market At Commercial rd, Swanage. Local produce from local producers.

09:45 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Kimmeridge Quarry for a figure of eight walk via Kimmeridge Village and Gad Cliff to Worbarrow Bay. Return via Tyneham Ffi 01929 421039.

10:00 Meeting of Local Microscopists In the Village Hall, Langton Matravers.

Many microscopes showing a wide variety of subjects from biological, geological to artistic. Visitors including children welcome Entrance free . Tea and coffee with biscuit available.

19:30 A Night at the Proms At The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. Tickets from the box office or online. £17, concessions £15.

20:00 Tom Hitchen & Gren Bartley Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229

20:30

The Purbeck Workshop Stargazing and astronomy with Bob Mizon. Unit 6 Woolbridge Business Centre, East Burton Road, Wool, BH20 6HG. Ffi: www.purbeckworkshop.org 07757 776 907.

Sun 11th 10:30 Mindfulness Walk At Durston Learning Centre. Book in advance.

18:30 United Service Dorchester and District Bible Society Action Group invite you to the URC, SOUTH STREET, DORCHESTER. All welcome Email: lesleyhorn21@gmail.com Mon 12th * Chocolate Week At Chococo, Swanage. Special offers and free tastings!

Tue 13th * Chocolate Week At Chococo, Swanage. Special offers and free tastings!

13:30 The Purbeck Workshop Make then paint a papier mache bowl. Unit 6 Woolbridge Business Centre, East Burton Road, Wool, BH20 6HG. Ffi: www.purbeckworkshop.org 07757 776 907.

14:00 Parkinson’s Self Help Group At The All Saints Church Hall, Swanage.

19:15 Rotary Club of Wareham are looking for new members and meet at Springfield Country Hotel at 7.15pm Speaker - Dorset Waste Partnership 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. “Dingwall Salon CD”. Visitors welcome. Contact Roger Starling on 01929 553822.

Wed 14th * Chocolate Week At Chococo, Swanage. Special offers and free tastings!

09:30 5 Years of Crossways Travel Come help us celebrate at Dorchester pedestrianised High st for a free buffet and a glass of wine.

10:00 Swanage Local Plan At All Saints Church, Swanage.

10:15 Swanage Walking Group Meet and park in Woolland, North Dorset, for walk via Stoke Wake & Long Wood to Ibberton and back. Ffi 01929 422554.

14:00 Stoborough WI Meeting At Stoborough Village Hall. Talk on ‘South West National Parks USA’, by John Ives. Competition - States of the union.

19:30 Studland WI Meeting At Studland Village Hall. Mr Tom Avery “Watercress Farm”. Competition: Old Wife Remedies.

Thu 15th * Chocolate Week At Chococo, Swanage. Special offers and free tastings!

10:00 Country House Fair At Lulworth Castle. Adults £3, children free. Ffi: 01929 400352 14:00 Swanage Local Plan Drop-in event at The Emmanuel Church.

14:30 The Purbeck Assoc of the National Trust At Carey Hall, Wareham. Illustrated talk ‘The Police in the Sky’ - A local Tactical Flight Officer will talk about the use of the Police helicopter as part of the National Police Air Service, with recent videos; . Till 4.00pm. All welcome. £3.00 incl refreshments Ffi 01929 427300.

19:30 Langton Matravers History & Preservation Society Meets in the Village Hall for an illustrated talk by Mr.Reg Saville on ‘Some interesting Langton Families of the Past’. All welcome—Members £2.50 and non members £3.50 .

Fri 16th * Chocolate Week At Chococo, Swanage. Special offers and free tastings! * Purbeck Film Festival Programmes available from Information centres, libraries & our venues. www.purbeckfilm.com * Autumn Steam Gala At Swanage Railway. Ffi 01929 425800.

19:30 Purbeck Railway Circle Meets at Harman’s Cross Village Hall for a Joint Film Evening with the Purbeck Film Festival showing the 1953 film “The Titfield Thunderbolt” together with the 1958 BTF film “Single Line Working”.

Refreshments and railway raffle. Doors open 7pm. Ffi 554765. EVERYONE IS WELCOME Sat 17th * Chocolate Week At Chococo, Swanage. Special offers and free tastings! * Purbeck Film Festival Programmes available from Information centres, libraries & our venues. www.purbeckfilm.com * Autumn Steam Gala At Swanage Railway. Ffi 01929 425800.

09:30 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Castle Inn in Corfe Castle for linear walk to Swanage via Rollington Hill, Nine Barrow Down and Godlingston. Ffi 01929 288761.

20:00 Model Folk Army Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers.

Ffi: 01929 439229 Sun 18th * Chocolate Week At Chococo, Swanage. Special offers and free tastings! * Purbeck Film Festival Programmes available from Information centres, libraries & our venues. www.purbeckfilm.com

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Autumn Steam Gala At Swanage Railway. Ffi 01929 425800.

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 19th * Chocolate Week At Chococo, Swanage. Special offers & free tastings! * Purbeck Film Festival Programmes available from Information centres, libraries & our venues. www.purbeckfilm.com 13:30 The Purbeck Workshop Handmade Christmas decorations with Pat. Unit 6 Woolbridge Business Centre, East Burton Road, Wool, BH20 6HG. Ffi: www.purbeckworkshop.org 07757 776 907.

19:30 Swanage French Circle Skittle Eve At the Village Inn, Ulwell.

Tue 20th * Purbeck Film Festival Programmes available from Information centres, libraries & our venues. www.purbeckfilm.com 19:30 Wareham Camera Club Meets at Parish Hall, Wareham. “Alison MacAlister Open Print & PDI Competition”. Visitors welcome. Contact Roger Starling on 01929 553822.

Wed 21st * Purbeck Film Festival Programmes available from Information centres, libraries & our venues. www.purbeckfilm.com 10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Knoll House Hotel for linear walk to Swanage via Studland Heath, Fisherman’s Barrow, Dean Hill and Goldingston Manor. Ffi 01929 424462.

14:30 Studland History Group meets in the Village Hall for a talk by Derek Fones, “The Origin of Words and Sayings. Part 2”. All welcome. Ffi the Secretary 01929 439245.

19:30 Purbeck Open Lectures ‘What in the World?’ - an exploration introduced by John Ponter at The Black Bear, Wareham.

19:30 Swanage Garden Society General Quiz at Herston Hall, Swanage.

Membership £5 per year, meetings charges normally £1 (£2 where food is served).

Thu 22nd * Purbeck Film Festival Programmes available from Information centres, libraries & our venues. www.purbeckfilm.com * RHS Wisely Garden tour, book with Holme Nursery. * Studland WI Meeting At The Lighthouse Theatre, Poole. Autumn Council Meeting.

10:00 Purbeck U3A Meeting Points Meets at Harman’s Cross Village Hall. Non members very welcome. “Shifting Clay: North Purbeck’s Ball Clay Industry”. An illustrated talk by Dr Clare Randall, Museums and Education Manager, Swanage Railway Trust. Purbeck U3A is a registered charity.

Fri 23rd * Purbeck Film Festival Programmes available from Information centres, libraries & our venues. www.purbeckfilm.com 20:00 Martha Tilson Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers.

Ffi: 01929 439229 Sat 24th * Purbeck Film Festival Programmes available from Information centres, libraries & our venues. www.purbeckfilm.com * Britain’s Wartime Secrets At The Tank Museum, Bovington.

09:00 Purbeck Produce Farmers Market At Commercial rd, Swanage. Local produce from local producers.

09:30 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Ulwell layby for figure of 8 walk via the obelisk to Studland via Old Harry Rocks. Return via Glebelands estate. Ffi 01929 288761.

10:00 Purbeck Maker’s Market At Burngate Stone Centre.

19:30 Wareham Town Band: Last Night of the Proms Wareham Town Band host an evening of music and entertainment from the Last Night of the Proms. Including music from Henry Wood, Georges Bizet, Edward Elgar and many more. The proceeds from this even will be donated to Woofability & Wareham Town Band. Tickets:www.ticketsource.co.uk/ warehamtownband Email: warehamtownband@gmail.com 20:00 Rock’n’Roll Dance at Studland Vilage Hall, nr Swanage. Tickets £12.

Sun 25th * Purbeck Film Festival Programmes available from Information centres, libraries & our venues. www.purbeckfilm.com * Britain’s Wartime Secrets At The Tank Museum, Bovington.

10:00 Purbeck Maker’s Market At Burngate Stone Centre.

20:00 Dallahan Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Mon 26th * Purbeck Film Festival Programmes available from Information centres, libraries & our venues. www.purbeckfilm.com * Britain’s Wartime Secrets At The Tank Museum, Bovington.

Tue 27th * Purbeck Film Festival Programmes available from Information centres, libraries & our venues. www.purbeckfilm.com * Britain’s Wartime Secrets At The Tank Museum, Bovington.

13:30 The Purbeck Workshop Needle felting - make a picture with Linda Unit * 15:00

The Purbeck Gazette

6 Woolbridge Business Centre, East Burton Road, Wool, BH20 6HG. Ffi: www.purbeckworkshop.org 07757 776 907.

19:30 Wareham Camera Club Meets at Parish Hall, Wareham. John & Di Tilsley – “Inspiration & Perspiration”. Visitors welcome. Contact Roger Starling on 01929 553822.

19:30 Dorset Industrial Archaeology Society Quaker Businesses in Britain, by John Avery. 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 28th * Purbeck Film Festival Programmes available from Information centres, libraries & our venues. www.purbeckfilm.com * Britain’s Wartime Secrets At The Tank Museum, Bovington. * ‘Waking Ned’ Purbeck Film Festival at Holme Nursery.

10:15 Swanage Walking Group meet in Dewlish for walk via Dewlish House, Park Hill, Dennets Bottom, Milborne Wood, Springfields and back via Dewlish Mill. Ffi 01929 424554.

16:30 Halloween Disco At Putlake Farm, Langton Matravers. Tickets only, £5 per person, includes refreshments.

19:30 Purbeck Open Lectures Follow up meeting at The Black Bear, Wareham.

Thu 29th * Purbeck Film Festival Programmes available from Information centres, libraries & our venues. www.purbeckfilm.com * Britain’s Wartime Secrets At The Tank Museum, Bovington. * ‘A Little Chaos’ Purbeck Film Festival at Holme Nursery.

Fri 30th * Purbeck Film Festival Programmes available from Information centres, libraries & our venues. www.purbeckfilm.com * Britain’s Wartime Secrets At The Tank Museum, Bovington. * Folk Night At Holme Nursery. * Halloween & Fireworks Specials At Swanage Railway. Ffi 01929 425800.

19:30 Swanage Regatta & Carnival Presentation Eve At Swanage Conservative Club. Members of the public are welcome.

20:00 Stuart O’Connor Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Sat 31st * Purbeck Film Festival Programmes available from Information centres, libraries & our venues. www.purbeckfilm.com * Britain’s Wartime Secrets at The Tank Museum, Bovington. * Halloween & Fireworks Specials at Swanage Railway. Ffi 01929 425800.

10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Sunnyside Farm CP on South side of Arne road beyond Ridge for walk via old tramway, Furzebrook, Creech/ Stoborough Heaths. Ffi 01929 426926.

10:30 The Purbeck Workshop Children’s handmade Christmas decorations with Janet & Karen, all welcome. Unit 6 Woolbridge Business Centre, East Burton Road, Wool, BH20 6HG. Ffi: www.purbeckworkshop.org 07757 776 907.

20:00 James Hollingsworth Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 20:30 The Purbeck Workshop Stargazing and astronomy with Bob Mizon. Unit 6 Woolbridge Business Centre, East Burton Road, Wool, BH20 6HG. Ffi: www.purbeckworkshop.org 07757 776 907.

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 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: 07966

The Purbeck Gazette

136641.

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 18.30 Sw Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 421840 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 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

71

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. Antinatal 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 18.30 Sw Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 421840 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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The Purbeck Gazette

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