The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 199

August 2016 Issue no. 199

Magazine archive at:

WISH YOU WERE HERE! Freedom of Purbeck. Pg 22-23

Feature - Wish You Were Here! Pg 25-41

Goodbye Swanage Lions. Pg 16

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival. Pg 38-39

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The Purbeck Gazette

Editor’s note...

W

elcome to the August edition of your Gazette!

We’re right in the middle of high summer, and the school holidays have just begun. Is the sun shining at last? We certainly hope so!!

Another packed edition this month, including our feature: ‘Wish you were here’ - celebrating all the reasons to love Purbeck in summer.

There’s a host of welcoming eateries, just waiting to cook you up a delicious lunch or supper, and some fabulous local shops looking forward to your visit - keep it local, and keep our community flourishing long into the future!

The first ever Purbeck Pirate Festival, held in Swanage town and on Swanage Pier, kicks off on July 29th as this edition goes out (keep your eye out for Jax Parrow!!), swiftly followed by Swanage Carnival week - the biggest and best carnival on the south coast.

Who could possibly get bored this month?! No one we know!

We say a very sad and unexpected goodbye to the wonderful Swanage Lions Club in this edition, after decades of hard work and support for our community. Read all about it on page 16.

Worried about local healthcare? Ensure you read Maggie Hardy’s article on page 13 and make yourself aware of the reality of the situation we’re in with Swanage and Wareham Hospitals.......

The Purbeck Gazette is delivered by: We distribute 20,000 copies of the Purbeck Gazette every month to households in Purbeck utilising Logiforce GPS-tracked delivery teams.

(Residents in blocks of flats, or who live up long driveways or in lesser populated areas will not get a door-to-door delivery. You will not receive a copy if you display a ‘no junk mail’ sticker on your letterbox) Purbeck has a population of approx. 45,300, we print & distribute 20,000 copies for Purbeck and further afield (Crossways, Broadmayne, Bloxworth etc).

We have the largest distribution of any free paper in the area.

You will not therefore ALL get a paper copy! 1 in 3 properties get a copy. We ensure a good spread of distribution throughout the whole area to get the best response for our advertisers, who are our only business customers.

We publish in-full online for those households who do not receive a paper copy through the door.

See: www.purbeckgazette.com

The September 2016 edition has a deadline of 10th Aug and will be distributed from 29th Aug - 2nd Sept 2016.

The October 2016 edition has a deadline of 9th September and will be distributed from 26th Sept - 30th Sept 2016.

Public Notices & Information

Swanage Town Council Meetings - August 2016

Policy, Finance & Performance Planning & Consultation Council

Wed 3rd Mon 8th Mon 22nd

4.30pm 6.30pm 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 - August 2016 Council Planning & Transport Museum Policy, Resources & Finance

Mon 8th Mon 15th Tue 23rd Tue 30th

7pm 7pm 7.15pm 7pm

Purbeck DC Meetings - Open to public - August 2016 Council Policy Group Planning Committee

Tue 9th Wed 17th Wed 31st

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 delivered by Logiforce GPS-tracked distribution.

The Purbeck Gazette 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, Regula Wright, Columnist. Paul Notley, Graphics, Kim Steeden, Spotlight Diary Editor.

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

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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!

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Sunrise at Woodhenge, Worth Matravers, 5am on 21st June, by Richard Murgatroyd

CONTACT US ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS/IT COMMUNITY MATTERS COUNCIL MEETINGS DIARY SPOTLIGHT FEATURES Blast From The Past Changes To Our Hospitals FEATURE: Wish You Were Here Freedom Of Purbeck Parade Gazette Gardening, with Simon Goldsack Give Moths A Home This Summer Goodbye Swanage Lions John Garner writes - Eco Worrier Purbeck Valley Folk Festival Telling It Like It Is - David Hollister writes FOOD - Godlingston Manor Kitchen Gardens HEALTH & BEAUTY LETTERS MOTORING - David Hollister writes NATURAL MATTERS SPORT TRADE ADVERTS sponsored by Sydenhams Your Pictures

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The 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.

SEPT edition deadline: noon, WED 8th AUG

Misleading, David?

Hi, I read with interest David Hollister’s article on the Abbascombe planning application being granted for ‘affordable’ homes in Worth Matravers in last month’s ‘Telling it like it is’ column. May I take this opportunity to inform on a few very misleading pieces of information regarding the article?

First, the land itself is outside the settlement boundary, therefore it’s classed as a Rural Exception Site (RES). It is not a green space to build upon in such a grotesque manner. Such a plot of land has to have an exceptional need to be proven above and beyond the normal, this did not and has not happened as of yet.

Second, to build on an RES plot of land there has to be a tenure spilt of market housing and ‘affordable’ homes. This is normally 90%-10% respectively. In this case it’s 60% market housing and 40% ‘affordable’.

Remember the application was for nine ‘affordable dwellings’.

Third, the definition of ‘affordable’ in this application is very misleading. In this context it’s 80% of market value. So we all know the value of property in Worth Matravers. These properties are NOT for homeless people or for local people on a low or minimum wage as the article makes out. (They will end up feeding the second home or holiday home rental situation more).

Fourth, Worth Matravers is not a dying village as David says but a vibrant community, with an exceptional village fete, a wonderful list of local activities that take place regularly.

This is not a case of ‘not in my backyard’ as implied. Worth Matravers already leads the way in Purbeck with its Roman Barn complex which houses local people on a low income. Serving exactly what this application will NOT achieve.

Lastly this application allows development now and in the future in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with no barriers or recompense from the public who wish to protect the AONB, which we must remember is our greatest economic asset in the area.

Warm regards, Mark Hill, by email.

Disabled Club Thanks Dear Readers, We recently held a tea and cake “Thank You” afternoon on Saturday 18th June at the Catholic Hall, to honour our special sponsors who so generously gave us funds over the past year to help enable us to build our new garage in Cecil Road.

This has now been completed and is in full use again.

Our funds would have been severely stretched without their amazing support and we truly ‘thank them very much’. A plaque has been put up outside the garage as acknowledgement of our sincere gratitude.

Acknowledgement of donations for our new garage from the families of Roger, Peter & Patsy Raymond, June Gell, Pam & Sybil Martin and from the Purbeck Runners, Swanage Bay Swim, Herston Wives, Swanage Stroke Club, Swanage Rotary Club, Swanage Freemasons and the Purbeck Marathon. Continued Club support from members past and present, Swanage Lions Club and Swanage Regatta & Carnival Committee.

Special thanks go to Swanage Brick Works for supplying all the bricks. The works were carried out by Isles Building Services Ltd. We are still looking for drivers/escorts... please call Robert Payne 01929 423729 if you can help with this.

We are also always pleased to welcome new members - there is transport available if necessary. Please call Daphne Saville on 01929 425241.

Many thanks, Daphne (Saville) - Hon. Sec. Swanage Disabled Club.

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A Satirical Sonnet

Dear Readers, Now that the lunatics have taken over the asylum seekers and we’ve found out that the Daily Mail was right all along, here’s my inevitable Brexit poem - a simple satirical sonnet.

I think it might have some local relevance!

Out with the Old - an OAP’s Brexit Legacy As a pensioner and Brexiteer, my dreams have all come true, Britain will be great again, we’re leaving the EU. No more throwing kippers back or rules on bent bananas We’ll base our whole economy on trade with the Bahamas.

We’ll kick out Johnny foreigner and stop all immigration Except for German royals, of course, ze rulers of ze nation.

We’ll have a true democracy, no Eurocratic hordes Who needs votes now anyway - we’ve got the House of Lords!

Who needs rules on human rights, or all those safety laws?

At last we’ll all live dangerously and if we die, “Up yours!”

We’ll all fly Union Jacks on high and wear red, white and blue We’ll build a whole new empire - the Isle of Wight will do.

But if it all goes pear-shaped and Britian’s in the poo I’ll be dead soon anyway - the future belongs to you!

Many thanks, Martin Hobdell, Swanage

Looping The Loop Dear Gazette, I was just wondering if anyone else has noticed the noise every summer, when a pilot from some local airfield/airport proceeds to loop the loop over Swanage for what seems to be most of the afternoon?

I’ve christened him Mr. Loopy.

Sincerely, Nick Collis Bird, Manwell Drive.

Struggling? Turn To Us Dear Sir/Madam, Whilst it is promising that UK unemployment has fallen, we know it’s not all good news, as research by Citizens Advice recently highlighted the extent of insecure employment and the financial challenges it presents.

4.5 million people in England and Wales are now in insecure work including temporary contracts, variable shifts and zero-hour contracts. A lack of regular hours and guaranteed pay can cause huge uncertainty and stress, as workers may not know from week to week if they will be able to cover their bills or rent, or put food on the table for their families.

As a charity helping people in financial hardship, this echoes what we regularly hear. 39% of low income workers told us their outgoings outweigh their earnings, and 57% would like to work more hours but cannot get the work. In addition, 87% of all low income households have seen no improvement to their financial situation within the last year.

Accessing welfare support can also be a challenge for those with fluctuating hours and pay. Therefore we urge anyone who is struggling financially to use our free Benefits Calculator at Turn2us.org.uk to check what help could be available. It also includes a ‘better-off’ function to show how a change in hours or wages could affect benefits entitlements and overall household income. Whilst more needs to be done to tackle insecure employment in the long-term, we hope that we can help more people to find the support they need now which could make all the difference in easing some of the pressures they face.

Alison Taylor, Director of Operations, Turn2us, 200 Shepherds Bush Road, London W6 7NL. 0208 834 9200.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Resident In Dark Place

Dear Editor, Most days I have the pleasure of wading through carry-out wrappers, various tins, etc, to get to my car. Of course, if it has been raining, I can have the joyous experience of paddling ankle deep in rancid water from the regular puddle where I park my car.

Often the items I remove from my hedge are a treat to behold; beer bottles, all sorts of wrappers, filled dog poo bags, and best of all, used condoms. I am not able to get out and about as much as I used to, so therefore I miss the delights of inhaling fumes from whacky bacci smoked in the cars parked outside.

I am not able to do very much gardening now, but I really enjoy sitting in my back garden. I especially enjoy the regular noise of the angle grinder followed by the acrid smell of rubber burning. Luckily the person I pay to cut my grass has such fun picking up all sorts of poo from a variety of animals except my own dog, who use my garden as a toilet.

Since living here, I have had a variety of cars. Can you imagine my joy at discovering the damage that has been inflicted, from dents in roofs, bonnets, multiple scratches and slashed tyres, as well as a lap top being stolen?

For about a year I have only had the excitement of picking up the revolting stuff left behind by the mindless idiots who take advantage of the dark seclusion of the road outside my bungalow, and my car has been ignored.

A couple of years ago I was very happy that a street light was placed on the pavement outside my bungalow, but apparently someone objected and it was removed. My objections were ignored.

Therefore there is this secret dark place outside my bungalow where anything can happen. I of course risk life and limb if I have to park in the dark as carrying a torch whilst using walking sticks is impossible.

Just as I was thinking my life was becoming dull, can you imagine how wonderful it was to go to my car on Monday to discover a huge dent on the bonnet? It looks like more than one person has jumped on it, and major scratches are down both sides.

What a laugh these mindless bas***ds must have had, knowing that I couldn’t see or distinguish between the normal drunken noises of most Saturday nights and what they were doing. Of course I am insured, but I have to pay the excess charge and no doubt my premium will increase.

My daughter has told me to accept defeat and move in with her, as I don’t need any more distress in my life. I don’t want to leave as I feel part of the community and have made many good friends.

For ten years I enjoyed working for a local charity. During this time I believe I helped hundreds of people make a difference in their lives, I retired last year through ill health.

I am now an OAP suffering from end stage heart failure and rheumatoid arthritis. My car is my lifeline, my garden and the wildlife should be a pleasure.

The reason for writing this letter and sharing my medical problems especially, is I feel enough is enough, I cannot afford either financially or mentally to deal with this situation for any longer and hope that the Police, environmental health, anybody will take note and do something about what happens here.

Jayne Mulligan, North Walls, Wareham.

(Ed’s note: We have Jayne’s full address and contact number, should any organisation wish to offer sincere help or assistance).

3195 More Homes Proposed Dear Editor, Open season on house building in Purbeck On 12th August public consultation ends on plans to build 3,195 houses in Purbeck by 2033. The 12th August is known as the Glorious Twelfth - open season for grouse shooting.

Unless large numbers of residents object it will be open season on our green fields (see which ones at www.dorsetforyou.com/purbeck-partialreview). New planning rules are weighted massively in favour of building to meet government targets.

The proposals for extra houses are: 1,000 on greenfield land in Wool (not nearby brownfield land); 705 in Wareham; 650 in Lytchett Minster; 350 in Moreton; 330 in Lytchett Matravers; 40 in Langton Matravers; 20 in Harman’s Cross.

Purbeck will get no council houses and only six houses a year are needed to improve affordability according to the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) underpinning this. The SHMA says the baseline need is for 121 houses a year but calculates that building 91% more than

that i.e. 232 will support the economy. This all points to vast profitable developments of commuter homes in Purbeck.

The figures used for population, migration and market conditions look like pure speculation; during this consultation another tax-payer funded body, called the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), is spending money tendering for more analysis because they say that local councils do not understand the impact of government policy and its links to the local housing market.

While they and Purbeck District Council argue, it is us staring down the barrel of the developer’s gun. Anyway, after the EU referendum can anyone predict market conditions as far ahead as 2033?

In Wool we have started a protest group called WoolRATH with a website www.woolrath.org.uk and a WoolRATH Facebook page. Over 300 of us came together to voice our concern that the case for Purbeck as a whole and proposals for 1,000 houses in Wool are unsound.

The online consultation is like wading through treacle but you are entitled to write in (we have also been dropping our responses in to our Parish Clerk). Objections must be based on what are called ‘material planning issues’ and every registered adult in the house can have a say…...this is vital because they count the number of responses not household responses.

Don’t forget otherwise it’s open season on our green fields after the Glorious Twelfth.

Martin Hiles, Wool

No To 5600 More Homes

Dear Editor, Pan-Purbeck Action Campaign (PPAC) is a voluntary group of individuals from across Purbeck who are opposed to the proposals in the Partial Review of the Local Plan by Purbeck District Council. PPAC questions and challenges planning-related matters in the Purbeck area.

Details of the Partial Review Consultation can be found on www. dorsetforyou.com/purbeck-partial-review The proposed 5600 additional houses do not reflect the needs and aspirations of the local communities in Purbeck.

PPAC recommends that: any plans maintain Purbeck as a rural area; are sustainable; are based on local solutions; provide genuinely affordable housing in perpetuity; place people and the environment before profits; question elements of the National Planning Policy Framework; and represent residents’ views in a genuinely democratic way.

Unless there are significant numbers of responses to the consultation saying “No to 5600 houses”, then you can kiss goodbye to Purbeck as a rural area.

PPAC strongly urges readers to respond with a firm “No” to the current proposals online: https://purbeck-consult.objective.co.uk/portal. Paper copies are available from Purbeck District Council or your town /parish council.

Please do this so that the area can be properly looked after now and in the future. This is the single most important issue in Purbeck and will affect it forever.

For more information see www. panpurbeckaction.com Yours sincerely, Peter Bowyer, Chairman, Pan Purbeck Action Campaign

The Purbeck Gazette

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Run Raises Over £5k!

Dear Editor, Firstly thank you for publishing my last letter (Running In Memory Of Joss) as it helped to raise a total of £5,140.49 for Young Epilepsy.

Also many thanks to Farwell’s, Corfe Model Village, Swanage Con Club, Corfe Legion and Howdens Joinery Co. Lastly, many thanks to Julia Ballard and team at The Kings Arms, Wareham, for their fantastic support.

My next challenge is the London to Brighton Bike Ride on September 11th, again to raise awareness and funds for Young Epilepsy.

Thank you all, Scott Fox, Kings Arms, Wareham.

Pictured: Julia Ballard presenting me with a cheque for £3,486.38p.

MATT HILLAN Building Alterations & Maintenance

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01929 427296 07971 690817 Happy to help and advise themselves to be less than trustworthy are now themselves less controlled, so it is up to us to grasp the nettle and take this joyous beginning further.

They say there is now a power vacuum at the top. Good. Judging by the menu of war, fracking, running down of the NHS, embezzlement, poverty and bullying we have been dished out it is a good thing if it keeps them quiet for a moment. But don’t get sucked into the theatricals. The true power base is not Westminster but Chatham House, an exclusive club of CEOs who dictate agenda through permanent under-secretaries, and that hasn’t changed.

The winner in all this has to be referendums. What a pleasure it was to witness an engaged population who participated with enthusiasm, because we had a smidgen of power for a change. People have no faith in representative democracy any longer because that power has been abused, and it isn’t democracy.

Participating in internet and app-based referendums empowers us to steer policy affecting our country and our future. The engagement leads to improved sense of community, where responsibility and pulling together replaces the fear and helplessness, with which our government controls us, as discussed on www.voteforyourself.co.uk.

Of course Merkel will not make our ‘Great Escape’ easy. She wants to discourage other nations, and knows full well that, given the opportunity, the people of Europe, including Germany, would follow our brave example.

Chancellor Hitler tried to persuade us by sending over the Heinkels, Chancellor Merkel will seek to carry out the financial equivalent. The clue is in the job title!

So shall you continue to be bamboozled by the rhetoric and deception of Westminster and a distorted press, or demand a fair and just future?

Einstein so rightly said ‘insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result.’ The time has come for you to demand change.

Andy Kirkwood, Swanage, by email

The Key To The Quay?

Time To Demand Change!

Dear Readers, I can hardly express how happy I am that the people of Britain, despite massive pressure, threats and fear-mongering that we have become accustomed to receiving from our political parties, opted for freedom from the ever-expanding and mutating monster that is Europe.

Even those of you who believed to remain in the EU was the safer option must surely remember that it was sold to us as a free trade zone, a ‘Common Market’, to help business and no more, and that that has now been exposed as lie. Total control of the people was always the objective, and who in their right minds wants their lives dictated to in smallest detail by faceless unelected bureaucrats in another country?

Of course the problem now is that our ‘leaders’ who have shown

Dear Editor What is unusual about this photograph? If you are struggling, I’ll tell you.

There are no vehicles in the car park! How lovely is that?

It was taken when our armed forces were given freedom of the District and paraded through Wareham. As a consequence the roads were closed in Wareham between 11am & 1pm and we were given freedom from the motor vehicle for that blissful short period. I’ve always thought how much better it would be when sitting out on a nice summer’s day enjoying a pint or cuppa, down by the river if the vehicles weren’t there to spoil the view/ experience.

I’m suggesting to The District Council via The Gazette to consider a period of non-vehicles in this space (other than just market day) that we call a car park over the summer period?

It should be so much more than a car park!

The Purbeck Gazette

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It is potentially such a lovely spot that could really showcase Wareham to both visitors and locals alike without the motor vehicle constantly spoiling the experience.

Yes, of course there is a cost implication as it is revenue for the District Council with about twenty-seven parking spaces, times whatever that brings into the coffers? I used to live in Newark, a pretty market town in the East Midlands with an impressive market square that has a market twice a week, with probably five times the number of stalls as the Wareham market.

The stalls were almost always left permanently up due to the cost of the operation to erect them, take down and erect them again. This denied the local population and visitors the enjoyment of the square, clear of the clutter.

It was often suggested that the stalls should be removed but the arguments on cost always knocked this proposal back. Eventually though it was tried for a limited period, the reaction to this happening was so positive it turned it into a permanent arrangement. If this similar arrangement, not with market stalls but with cars, could happen in Wareham, it might just enhance and improve the visitor experience to the Quay and town in general.

Some of the lost parking revenue might just be recouped by more people wishing to spend some quality time and money down by the river.

Phil Kimbrey, Carey, Wareham.

A Rescued Caterpiller

What Is Morality?

Dear Editor, Please find above a photograph (above) I took of a newly emerged Elephant Hawkmoth for your Gazette.

Having rescued the caterpillar from almost certain predation and the winter elements, I was fortunate enough to watch it pupate and eight months later, emerge as the adult.

This was then released into my garden, where it had its first meal on Elderflowers before disappearing into the night.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully, Steve Daunter, Swanage Ed’s note: See page 50 of this edition for more moth information!

Dear Editor, Re: The Chilcott Report.

What is morality? Do good and evil exist as separate entities? How nice it would be if things were so simple. The law of unintended consequences is the buzz phrase of the moment as if to exonerate us from responsibility in not foreseeing the results of our actions. If you want to hide the truth simply start a discussion and the truth will disappear behind a smokescreen of opinions.

I’m talking about the Chilcott Report and the invasion of Iraq. Who knows what the motives of Blair and Bush were for going to war? The result was hundreds of thousands of civilians killed and wounded and a political law and order vacuum filled with terrorism and anarchy.

If morality can be defined by numbers killed and injured then the UK and USA are by far the least moral. Considering the suffering inflicted our actions may even lay us open to the charge of being evil ourselves.

Soldiers go where they are sent and do as ordered always assuming their country’s motives are beyond reproach. All war depends on it. Usually morality is deemed to lie with the victors.

In truth I would propose that morality lies with those who do the least harm. It now seems likely that our soldiers nobly lay down their lives and endangered their souls for an illegal and immoral enterprise on the back of a lie which makes Saddam look innocent in comparison.

It is sadly a truism that if you want to find the truth you follow the money.

Who has profited from this war? Therein lies the truth I think.

Yours A.G.R. Swanage.

One & A Half Tons Of Tools Dear Editor, Tools for Self Reliance The Rotary Club of Wareham would like the thank the people of Wareham and surrounding districts for their marvellous response to our request for donations of old tools for the charity “Tools for Self Reliance” at the Sandford Inn car park on Saturday, 9th July.

An amazing one-and-a-half tons of tools were donated, some of them nearly new, and others which will be refurbished before being sent on to Africa.

Les Bassett – Wareham Rotary.

The Purbeck Gazette

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POOLE & PARKSTONE GRAMMAR SCHOOLS BUS SERVICE Routes: Swanage, Corfe, Wareham, Lytchett, Wool etc.

Raise The Roof!

Dear Editor, At the Parish Civic Service it was a great joy to hear our town band.

Sadly I missed them at the bandstand on 23rd June due to another matter which overlapped.

It seems a long while since the roof of the stand was found to be less than safe and had to be removed. Its replacement would be such an advantage, the band and others visiting were a happy feature of many a summer.

Possibly a town effort to ‘raise the roof’?

It was Mayor Reg Griffith’s guidance and practical help along with others, which got us to a sixty piece band – really first class – a proud jewel in the crown of Swanage.

Yours sincerely, Brian Barker, Swanage.

Consequences Of Voting Dear Editor, Thanks for an interesting last issue.

I’m writing regarding the recent ‘Brexit’ and the effects it may have on Swanage.

Most people I know here trooped off on the day to vote. I was berated because I refused to go.

Voting is like thinking; the results are negligible, but the consequences can be long lasting.

Yours sincerely, Simon Cattell, Swanage.

Ongoing Cuts To Office Dear Editor, Withdrawal of Registration Service from Swanage As part of the ongoing cuts by Dorset County Council, it’s proposed that DCC’s Registration Offices are reduced from eleven to five and Swanage Registration Office will close. There would be no opportunity to register a birth or death or give notice of a marriage in Swanage, and our nearest Registration Office would be in Wareham.

The reduction in the number of Registration Offices is being considered as part of cuts of £47 million required by 2017/18 as a result of reductions in the grant to DCC from central government and there are more cuts to come in future years.

The Registration Office in Swanage functions two days a week in the Town Hall (free use is given by Swanage Town Council). Registrations are by appointment; the service in Swanage is very well used and people already have to wait for appointments.

I urge Swanage residents to respond to the Public Consultation on the DCC website, “Dorset for you” under “Online Services” then “Have your say”.

If you need a hard copy (paper) consultation form, you can get one from Swanage Registration Office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 12 noon.

Yours sincerely, Avril Harris, Swanage Town Councillor, Swanage Labour Party. E-mail: avril_swanage@hotmail.com

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The Purbeck Gazette

9

Be Careful What You Wish For

W

hat a pleasure it is to walk through the streets of Wareham again this year. ‘Wareham In Bloom’ has surpassed itself. So many people putting in so much effort to pay for, install and maintain this beautiful town-centre display.

The Town Council do not pay for any of Wareham in Bloom’s displays and initiatives like the Saxon Roundabout and the Saxon Magical Corner.

All the funds are raised by sponsorship and fundraising. There are two fundraising sales in May and November and they are very grateful for the help of local businesses who contribute with equipment and manpower.

Over the years the hard working committee has also dealt with recycling, community participation, environmental awareness and tidiness of the town. Provision and maintenance of the street furniture is another aspect of the committee’s work. So if you get a chance to help, or to make a contribution, seek them out c/o Wareham Council on 01929 553006.

Readers may remember that I wrote to Dorset County Council asking “will the DCC accept financial liability for damage to vehicles caused either as a direct result of the road surface chippings which they chose to lay, or as a direct result of their failure to maintain the roads in a safe and acceptable standard, i.e. potholes. Let’s get it clear. In writing. Once and for all.” Well, their response was long and detailed and boiled down reads “we accept no responsibility or liability, so hard luck.” Much too long to publish in full; if you’re interested in reading the whole thing, it’s on my personal blog site at https://davidtellingitlikeitis.wordpress.com/2016/06/29/roads-damagean-update/ so decide for yourself where you stand.

Always keen to take in interest in our Parish affairs, I attended the July meeting of the Worth Matravers Parish Council where the ‘hot potato’ was clearly the planning consent which PDC granted for nine ‘affordable’ homes in Worth Matravers. In last month’s column, I mentioned that a group of parishioners were mounting a ‘judicial review’ to get this permission overturned, and said “someone please tell me I’m wrong”.

Regrettably, members of that group attending the public discussion session before the meeting proved conclusively that I wasn’t. They really don’t appear to want to help alleviate the housing problem either in the village or indeed the district.

Their aim appeared to be to enlist help and financial assistance from the Parish Council. Fortunately the well-informed and eloquent Parish Clerk pointed out that the Parish Council as a whole is totally opposed to involvement in such a review, and went on to make it absolutely explicit that this is something that a Parish Council is constrained by statute from doing.

Nevertheless, the appellants still felt that the PC should make a contribution towards the costs. Nothing was decided, although a number of the councillors present appeared somewhat uncomfortable.

The Parish is made up of the village of Worth Matravers (250 electors) and the village of Harmans Cross (pop 354 electors). As an elector and ratepayer living in the village of Harmans Cross, I have written to the Parish Clerk demanding that should any financial contribution be made towards a judicial review affecting only Worth Matravers, a proportionate contribution (58.6%) should be made towards something in Harmans Cross. We have lots in HX that needs doing, in particular the missing pavement which sooner or later will end up with someone being killed

– but that’s another story. At the same meeting, a member of the public brought up the extension being made to Suttles Quarry; it must have been a year ago when a representative from Suttles addressed the PC and explained in precise detail what they were proposing, and its implications.

A letter supporting the application – dated July 2015 – states “This extension will provide valuable long-term security and employment opportunities to local people, some of whom belong to families who have worked in this area, lived locally and worked in this industry for generations and many of whom have specialist skills. The local families include the owners, who treat the local site with great respect, as you would expect from a Dorset family with many local ties who regard it as an essential investment in the local community”.

Suttles employs upwards of ninety local people. I suppose we could always shut Suttles down and put ninety people back on to the unemployment roll, and leave the land to the birds, bees and butterflies. But life isn’t like that, no matter how we wish it was. You can go on about ‘heritage’ as much as you want, but quarrying has been a part of Purbeck’s heritage for hundreds of years and has a lot to do with our landscape being as it is.

Then of course, there’s the continued reference to the AONB in so many planning cases, especially (it seems) where ‘affordable housing’ is mentioned or where anything might possibly disturb our Green and Pleasant Land.

Sorry, folks, in my book, people, homes and jobs come first. Which is why I always believe that AONB actually stands for “All Outsiders Now Banned”.

I seem to recall that when I objected to the changes made at Corfe Castle by turning a peaceful fishing lake into a commercial waterpark, ‘local employment’ was one of the sticks used to beat me with. Well, sorry to disappoint you all, but actually there are already hundreds of unfilled jobs right here throughout the area, with employers desperate to find staff.

Almost every catering establishment or hospitality provider has a notice outside - “staff wanted”. I am told that when a new local restaurant started recruiting, the response was so poor that they were having to ‘bus’ agency staff in from Bournemouth each day. Hope they’ve got deep pockets!

Don’t be fooled by the ‘unemployment statistics’ as I originally was; the latest available unemployment figures (Sept 2015) for Purbeck District (including Upton) show that there were a mere 125 people registered as unemployed.

Of course, up to now UK PLC has depended on immigrants, from the EC and beyond, coming here and doing the many jobs that UK citizens will not do. Not can’t do – won’t do. The catering industry, the Health Service, and so many more service industries, depend on immigrants for their very existence. Most of whom work hard for long hours and minimum pay.

Because they’re grateful to have jobs at all.

Well, we’d better make the most of them while they’re here. Because right now, following the appalling racist attitudes which have come to the surface following the referendum result, they’re leaving in droves.

And unless every one of us makes it clear to them that they are not only needed but welcome, and that being ‘sent home’ isn’t an option, there will be a ‘labour drain’ and probably the only people who will be available to fill the vacancies are the millions of retired British ex-pats in France and Spain, who will undoubtedly be ‘sent home’ in vicious reciprocal action.

The phrase “be careful what you wish for” comes to mind………

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Editor’s Comment On ‘That Advert’ In response to a small number of complaints on social media (no complaints or correspondence actually received in the office) regarding the inclusion of a quarter page advert, run by the Ginger Pop shop in Corfe Castle, as published on page 18 of the July edition: am not Robert Mugabe, I am the Editor of the Purbeck Gazette. Unlike Mr Mugabe, at the Gazette we believe in freedom of expression and freedom of speech, as defined within UK legal guidelines. The Gazette has, over the past decade, included a wide variety of advertisements, including adverts from just about all conceivable political parties. Our primary business is selling space in our publication.

We originally made it clear that we would refuse to publish an image of a tea towel designed and sold by the proprietor of the Ginger Pop shop in Corfe, despite this image being published by a wide range of national papers in recent weeks.

In my opinion, the tea towel was in direct contravention of current UK law regarding Incitement to Religious Hatred – sections 29B-29G, Public Order Act 1986. The Dorset Race Equality Council confirmed my concerns regarding the wording on the tea towel when I contacted them directly.

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The Purbeck Gazette

The advert of a golliwog with the words ‘English Freedom’ was accepted and published as a booked advert as it does not directly contravene any current UK law, however distasteful some readers may have found the advert – just as some readers may have found past advertising from various political parties distasteful.

The paper we publish is titled ‘The Purbeck Gazette’, not the ‘World according to Me’. This means that we sometimes take bookings for advertising that we may not personally agree with, and we often print letters we vehemently disagree with on a personal level. It is a paper that reflects the wide and varied community which we serve, not the singular opinions of the Editor or any one individual.

We make great efforts to adhere to the law, but do not censor opinion in our letters (rather trusting on our readers to write back in response if they are unhappy or disagree with something) and we generally have to accept and run advertising which does not break the law.

Occasionally we have had to ban individual advertisers, but this is generally down to unacceptable behaviour towards staff, or non-payment.

Censorship past the point of legal requirement leads us away from freedom of speech and expression, towards a very different system, such as the one employed by Mr Mugabe…….. and we don’t want to go there, do we?!

The Purbeck Gazette

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The Purbeck Gazette

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Out Of The Blue

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n Wednesday 29th of June, members of the Wareham North Neighbourhood Policing Team and colleagues from Purbeck District Council and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service held a rural crime prevention and equine tack marking day at Bartletts Country Store, Bere Regis.

Despite the poor weather the team spoke to customers of Bartletts and members of the public regarding crime prevention and security marking for horse tack.

On hand from Dorset Police was also a specialist crime prevention officer who provides advice for business and commercial properties.

An officer from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service was also present to offer practical advice on home fire safety.

The day was also an opportunity to showcase Purbeck Police’s newest piece of equipment; the Rhino 4x4 off road vehicle. The Rhino increases our ability to operate in hard to reach locations all over Purbeck; whether it’s searching for a missing person, assisting in beach patrols, evacuating casualties, crime prevention visits or anti-poaching patrols.

The Rhino is fully road legal but really comes into its own when off road.

Although the vehicle is located in Swanage, due to the high demand there for its unique abilities, you can expect to see it more and more around the entire Purbeck area assisting officers to effectively police the rural

communities.

There will be more events like this around the Purbeck where you will have the opportunity to get some really useful crime prevention advice and speak to us and partner agencies, for details please “Like” the Purbeck Police Facebook page or sign up for Dorset Alert via the Dorset Police website.

To contact Dorset Police: 101 - Police Enquiry Centre 999 - EMERGENCY where there is a risk of harm or a crime is in progress.

0800 555 111 – Crimestoppers (anonymous) Remember if you See Anything Suspicious (SAS) call 999.

OUR FEATURE NEXT MONTH IS:

‘Purbeck Pastimes & Pleasures’

Showcasing all Purbeck has to offer in the summer months for locals and tourists alike.

Call JOY on 01929 424293 to book your space.

FEATURE DISCOUNTS APPLY - MIN. 1/8 PAGE ADVERT SIZE ACCEPTED, WHICH WE’LL DOUBLE AT NO EXTRA COST!

READ: Changes To Our Hospitals

The Purbeck Gazette

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cross the UK Friends and support groups of the many NHS hospitals, have different objectives usually dependent on the funds they have raised.

Here in Purbeck, the Friends of Swanage Hospital have concentrated their focus on the hospital and its building, whilst in Wareham the Friends have changed their constitution to focus on the community, promoting services for the whole Purbeck area, and also supporting the valuable staff resource in Purbeck.

The new Chemotherapy service at Wareham is one such service that the Friends continue to support. New furniture and needed equipment has been purchased by the Friends who are currently fundraising to purchase a scalp cooler to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy treatment. This clinic is used by Purbeck wide patients where it is greatly valued and appreciated and saves unnecessary travel to the District Hospital.

Following poorly publicised Roadshows conducted by the Dorset CCG, where the latest proposals for healthcare in Purbeck were delivered to the general public, the Friends of Wareham Hospital called a public meeting on July 6th to discuss these proposals and their effect on the Purbeck Community.

The meeting was well attended with the Wareham Parish Hall being full to capacity. The meeting was introduced by Maggie Hardy, Chair of the Friends of Wareham Hospital, who gave details of the current services provided by Wareham Hospital. Peter Booth, Vice Chair, then gave details of the future proposals which coincidently were being presented to the CCG board at the same time.

Simply put, these proposals are: A large hub with beds in Swanage with a smaller hub in Wareham with no beds OR Two similar sized hubs in Swanage and Wareham, with beds being sourced from local care homes.

Peter Booth pointed out to the audience that the above tended to marginalise Wareham which is the centre for two thirds of the Purbeck population by placing the large hub in Swanage, which is on the periphery and only accounts for one third of the population. Proposal 1 is believed to be the preferred proposal of the CCG. After a CCG board meeting in late July, it is believed that the proposals will go out to public consultation and it is at that point that the audience was asked to contribute to the debate. Further details can be obtained on the Dorset CCG website.

Following delivery of the proposals to the audience the floor was opened for questions and from these it soon became apparent that the public in Wareham were unaware of the potential loss of services and care provision in the area.

They felt that the situation was intolerable and suggested that due to the Purbeck Plan indicating a requirement for a further 5000 homes, then a large hub in Wareham would be necessary to deliver the range of healthcare services to an increased population.

This idea could constitute a third proposal if the CCG would listen, and it was regretted that despite invitation, nobody from the CCG was able to attend.

The meeting closed with the audience asking how they could help the Friends of Wareham Hospital to safeguard the services in Purbeck and the staff at Wareham Hospital.

Maggie Hardy

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Buoys – Boys or Booeys? e say “Boys” and they say “Booeys” but what we both mean is Buoys. The second pronunciation for the word is, for the uninitiated, the way that the word buoys translates into North American. Yet another example of Churchill’s two nations divided by a common language!

This month’s ramblings have been sparked by the number of visitors to the Lookout who remark on the Peveril Ledge buoy, which sits 0.4 miles to the east of Peveril Point and ask what it is, and why is it there.

Buoys are placed in order to give the mariner, on whatever size of craft, information as to the location of marine dangers and help in order to navigate their vessel in hazard-free waters. The end product is once again the safety of life, property and the environment. Would you believe that prior to 1976, there were more than thirty different systems of buoyage around the World. Without local knowledge or assistance or a multitude of publications in various languages, the mariner was as likely to be hindered as helped by the confusing mixture of floating scrap iron around the oceans of the world.

In 1976, IALA (International Association of Lighthouse Authorities), a

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non-profit organisation, in association with the IMO (Intergovernmental Maritime Organisation) formulated the system that is used to this day around the world. This is administered by Trinity House in the UK except for Scotland and the Isle of Man, where the Northern Lighthouse Board is in charge. Unfortunately, world-wide co-operation is impossible and compromises had to be made.

Consequently, for buoyage, the world is actually divided into two areas – North, Central and South America, Japan, North and South Korea and the Philippines is Area B, Area A being the rest of the world! However, two is much better than thirty something. The difference is that Area A puts the red buoys to port and the green buoys to starboard to facilitate the sailor’s safe entry into port. The Americans etc in Area B just want you to safely leave so it is red to port and green to starboard on your way out! American hospitality at its best! All of the rest of the buoyage system is the same.

Consequently, the Peveril Ledge buoy, being a red lateral buoy, is left to port when entering into Swanage, as potentially unsafe waters lie between the buoy and Peveril Point.

Buoys are defined by their shape, colour, top-mark and light and indicate the direction of safe water, isolated dangers, ends of channels or local restrictions, anchorages etc. They are designed such that even if the light or top-mark is missing, there is still sufficient visible information to keep the mariner safe – anywhere in the world!

Please stay safe on whichever side of the tide or buoy line your life or leisure takes you.

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

Bob Clark, swanagenci@btinternet.com NCI Swanage.

Coastguard Update

lot of work goes on behind the scenes in the Coastguard world. Partnership work is important so during an incident, everyone understands each other’s role.

Recently we undertook some water rescue training with the new RNLI lifeguard on Swanage beach. The exercise saw two swimmers in difficulty being rescued by the lifeguards and brought ashore to be treated and transported to a helicopter landing site.

Incident-wise, there has been a slight increase on last month, sadly dominated by a climber who went missing on the 14th June. Having been reported missing, the Swanage and St Albans Coastguard Teams were paged along with both Swanage RNLI lifeboats.

The lifeboat crew found a rope over the cliff down towards the Western Mile markers which then focused a complexed search in that area. Teams were joined by Dorset Police, Rescue 104 from Lee on Solent and Dorsar.

Sadly, after eleven hours, the search was suspended.

Two weeks later a local fishing boat crew reported a body in the water off Winspit. Both lifeboats launched and a body was recovered from the water. Dorset Police confirmed the body was the missing climber and our thoughts are with his family and friends.

As the Lifeboats were dealing with that incident, a workman at Peveril fell and needed medical treatment. Both the Coastguard helicopter and Air Ambulances attended the scene, along with the Coastguard team and RNLI shore crew. The male was treated at the scene and carried to the air ambulance and flown to Dorchester.

During incidents involving helicopters, may we just remind readers to please keep their distance. Whilst helicopters are an attraction, their downdraft can be dangerous and it can blow people off their feet.

See someone in trouble on the Coast or out to sea, dial 999 ask for Coastguard.

Swanage Fire & Rescue Station Update

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

Operationally we have responded to twenty five incidents and these have included: Five fires on grass and heathland Three property fires; one of which was the fire that involved 170 vehicles at Trent’s scrap yard on Ringwood road in Poole. This incident required eleven fire appliances, two water carriers and their crews.

Three special service call to rescue persons.

Four false alarms.

Eight co response medical calls.

Two stand-by moves to cover other stations.

On the training side, Ff Oli Jones has attended and passed his Casualty/ Trauma care course and I have attended and passed my Incident Management course at our training centre at West Moors.

We also sent a crew to the Kingston fete; whilst there, the crew carried out a demonstration of how we extricate casualties from a vehicle after it has been involved in an accident. Our thanks goes to Nick Rowley of Moonfleet motors for providing the vehicle.

My safety message this month is how to stay safe in the kitchen: More than half of all accidental house fires start in the kitchen. Government statistics show that the largest number of accidental reported fires caused by electricity in the home is due to people misusing electrical cooking

appliances, including microwaves. So it’s important that you take special care when using electrical appliances. The mixture of water, hot surfaces, flexible cables and electricity can be very dangerous.

Follow my tips to stay safe: Don’t leave electrical appliances like dishwashers or washing machines running unattended.

Don’t wrap flexible cables around any equipment when it is still warm.

Check that flexible leads and appliances such as kettles and toasters are in good condition.

Don’t try to repair an appliance when it is still plugged in.

Never try to remove toast that is stuck in a toaster while it is plugged in, and especially not with a metal knife as there are often live parts inside.

Make sure you thoroughly clean your oven and grill– a build-up of fat and grease is a major cause of fires.

Check your plug sockets are not overloaded with too many electrical appliances as this can lead to overheating.

Avoid storing objects on top of appliances like the microwave, which can block ventilation.

Defrost your fridge and freezer at least once a year to ensure these appliances continue to work properly.

Make sure you have a working smoke detector in case something does go wrong. Stay safe on our roads and test your smoke alarms!

Phil Burridge, Station Commander.

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Swanage Joins Dorset Chamber

usinesses in Swanage have joined forces with counterparts countywide in the pan-Dorset chambers of commerce alliance.

Swanage and District Chamber of Trade has become the eighth town chamber – and the first in Purbeck – to become affiliated to Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

It joins Weymouth and Portland, Broadstone, Dorchester, Poole, Bridport, Ferndown and Shaftesbury in the growing network. DCCI is leading the initiative to support local chambers and give Dorset a more influential voice at regional and national level.

DCCI chief executive Ian Girling said: “Swanage is a vibrant and forward thinking chamber which will be a valuable member of the affiliation network.

We are very pleased to welcome them as our eighth affiliated chamber as the movement goes from strength to strength. Together we can give Dorset a powerful voice for business, bring chambers closer together and provide a national link through our accreditation by the British Chambers of Commerce.”

DCCI has about 800 members representing more than 37,000 employees and is the only county chamber accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), representing the business voice in Whitehall and Westminster.

Swanage has about 100 members and aims to promote the town and its members. Its affiliation followed hot on the heels of Shaftesbury earlier this year. It brings the total number of businesses in the affiliation network to more than 1500.

President Caroline Finch said: “The affiliation programme is a brilliant initiative which brings smaller businesses countywide into the DCCI fold.

Our members are very keen to see how we share ideas and best practice with other town chambers and DCCI, and see how we can work together.”

“It is important for Swanage to be part of this wider business community both for the benefit of our members, the town, local economy and Dorset.”

The affiliation means that Swanage will be involved in the BCC’s national Quarterly Economic Survey, and join DCCI’s Chamber Forum, discussing key issues affecting businesses across the county. Chamber members will also be able to access certain events and DCCI training at member rates

as well as share good practice and ideas with other town chambers.

Visit www.swanagechamberoftrade.co.uk/ and www.dcci.co.uk for more details.

Picture caption: Ian Girling, DCCI’s chief executive and Swanage president Caroline Finch, sign up.

The Purbeck Gazette

The Lions Club of Swanage - 1969 to 2016

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t is sad to have to report that at the June meeting of the Lions Club, it was reluctantly decided that it was time for the Swanage Lions to cease their activities. The Club received its Charter in 1969 under its founder President, Norman Reid, and that was the beginning of a flourishing Club of volunteers working under the banner of Lions International.

This active Club helped the local, national and international communities whether it was an organisation, another charity, a family or individual needing support. Many individuals, couples and families have received visits over the years from Lions, who gave their time to offer help and company to those in need of it. Other organisations and charities could always call on the Lions for help at their events.

Over the life of the Lions Club, many hundreds of thousands of pounds have been raised through the efforts of its members. Some events from the early days are still remembered today; the Swim Marathon (latterly the Fun Swim), the 50/50 sale, the Easter Egg raffles, the Country Fair (more recently known as the Lion’s Fete).

Amongst other great fund raisers were the giant draws in the 70s on Swanage Seafront, where the top prize was either a car or motor boat. Also, with several Lions being hoteliers, holidays were given to disadvantaged families put forward by Lions Clubs from elsewhere in the country. These holidays culminated with a show being staged by the Club at the then Swanage Secondary Modern School. In the 80s the Lions set up the Victorian Christmas Street Market, a forerunner to today’s Christmas Market. It ran for several years until the vagaries of our British winters brought it to an end. Then there were the Barn Dances in the 90s up at Kingston with their enormous hog roasts and famous names performing, such as the Glen Miller Orchestra, Swinging Blue Jeans and Kenny Ball, with thousands in attendance.

There were regular appearances by the Lions on a float in the Carnival. For those who saw them perform, who can forget those “beautiful” Martini Girls with their “any time any place anywhere” slogans emblazoned on their chests?! (top right). Then there were that even more voluptuous group of Roly Polys, every bit as eye watering as the real ones!

The Club raised enough funds to buy, run and maintain a minibus which was used to carry members of the community on outings. For many years the Lions helped the disabled attend the Gateway Club in Wareham; then there were the Christmas buses taking senior citizens to Poole for their Christmas shopping. For many years the Lions also supplied and delivered Christmas food parcels to those who would have had little cheer at that festive time.

For many years the Lions have organised a glasses and hearing aid collection around the town, where thousands of old pairs have been sent to Spectrek

for reuse in developing countries. Through many Lions Clubs around the UK, several million pairs of specs have been sent abroad through a central collection point in Sussex. We hope to continue this service through Wareham Lions.

Another service the Lions offered was the ‘Message in a Bottle’ scheme, which is of benefit to those with medical conditions. By placing one of these bottles in your fridge with a list of your medication inside and a green cross sticker on your front door, medical services will know what to do in case of an emergency. More recently the Lions introduced the Message in a Wallet scheme. This runs in the same way as the bottle with the medical information there in your wallet or handbag for those coming to give aid.

In more recent times there have been auctions and race nights. For several years now the Club has hired a beach hut from the Town Council for a month or so in the early summer for local charities, organisations and also those in need who would benefit from a few hours by the sea. This has proved to be very popular and we all thank the Council for hiring it to us for such a reasonable sum.

In 2008 the Club was pleased to be able to finance, organise and relaunch the much missed Christmas Charity Mail – but without the community we could not have done it. The scores of helpers did the bulk of the work stamping, sorting and delivering the mail. A group of Lions also banded together to set up a “Made in Swanage” stall selling all sorts of things made by the members from knitting to preserves, Christmas decorations to cakes.

The Lions became closely involved with TWAM, a great way to recycle any old tools. Tools handed in are reconditioned at a central collection point and then sent to the poorer parts of Africa so people can either manage their land better or set up small businesses.

Not all of the Lions time was taken up in the community. There were the Lions social events for the members to enjoy, with so many different things organised. These ranged from fun parties to weekends away, rounds of Beach Gardens golf to greyhound racing and many a memorable barbeque.

There are so many fond memories we carry with us. During these past forty-seven years, the many members of the Swanage Lions, past and present, have enjoyed sharing so much fun and fellowship whilst serving our local community.

It is here that all the Swanage Lions, past and present, would like to say a big thank you to so many of you who have come to support our events and to the many who have helped us run them. A special mention, too, must go to the Lions’ wives and partners who often gave their time to help run our events as well as fund raising in their own right.

Finally, by using the words of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, the last members of the Lions Club of Swanage, after all those years, would like to say to you all, “So now is the time to say Goodbye. Goodbye”.

David Dean and Swanage Lions - as were.

The Purbeck Gazette

Wareham Town Council Updates

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

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he Carers’ Group needs an organizer to take over from Mary Wainwright, who set up the group and has been running it ever since. The group meets monthly on Tuesday mornings.

According to Nick Fagan of Wareham Town Trust, Purbeck does not have to accept a development of 3,000 homes if it is shown to conflict with environmental policy. The proposed development at Worgret (500 houses) would lead to continuing expansion outside the bypass. Houses proposed for north of Northmoor could be built within Carey. Both the new sites, being on higher land, would be obtrusive and the current transport infrastructure would be inadequate. The Council decided to hold another meeting to collate their views on the Partial Review of the Purbeck Local Plan.

Responsibility for the Youth Centre will transfer from Dorset County Council (DCC) to the Purbeck Youth and Community Foundation in September. County Councillor Ezzard informed the Town Council of the dispute over premises for the Sandmartins Out Of School Activities Charity.

Purbeck District Council (PDC) approved a fixed £400 fine for fly tipping, a further £5m towards the development of Dorset Green Technology Park and the funding of privately-rented accommodation for homeless people when social housing is unavailable.

Councillors were notified of a public meeting on 6 July about possible changes to health services in Wareham.

The Town Council unanimously agreed to request DCC and PDC to consider the proposed East Devon and Dorset National Park as part of local government reorganization. Three advice agencies may work with Purbeck Citizens Advice in the refurbished premises at 2 Mill Lane.

Wareham Town Hall has a smart new sign. The cost of replacing trees at the Recreation Ground would be about £4,000 and so needs reconsideration.

The South and South East in Bloom judging in Wareham was scheduled for 11 July. Wareham in Bloom will support Rotary International by planting crocuses this autumn for the Purple4Polio campaign.

Before a residents’ parking scheme can be considered, DCC require people living in the affected streets to complete a survey. Councillor Budd will research a template, the rules for carrying out the survey and judging the results as well as any financial support.

Councillor Kirk requested Council funding for the Youth Club and was asked to provide more information and a business plan.

The public is invited to the next meetings of the Town Council on Monday 8th August and Tuesday 20th September in the Town Hall at 7pm. Call 01929 553006 for further information or visit the website at www. wareham-tc.gov.uk.

Local Fuel Poverty

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urbeck Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice in Dorset have published a report highlighting the challenges for individuals and families living in areas not connected to a mains gas supply in rural Dorset.

Across Dorset as a whole, 37% of households are living ‘off-gas’ rising to 95% in some areas of West Dorset. The study shows that many of these households are also in fuel poverty, making everyday decisions between heating their homes and feeding their families or clothing their children.

Although fuel poverty is recognised as an issue nationally, many of the suggested solutions such as switching energy supplier or insulating homes are not so effective in rural Dorset - rural residents often have no access to the internet or live in homes which are difficult or impossible to insulate.

People living in privately-rented homes without mains gas find it even harder to save money and keep warm. The report calls for collective local action to help and support people living ‘off-gas’ in rural Dorset.

Residents of Dorset who would like help to sort out problems with fuel suppliers, look at cheaper alternatives or deal with energy debt can now access local advice by phoning the Energy Referral Line 01929 775500.

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The Purbeck Gazette

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Our Street Party To Celebrate The Queen’s Birthday!

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wanted to find a way to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday this year by bringing all my neighbours together in our street, so I decided to organise a Street Party where I live in Swanage.

So to test the waters I dropped off a note to every neighbour in our street asking them if they would be interested in coming along to a Street Party to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday.

Everyone thought it was a really good idea. In the past, we had organised a Street Party for the Wedding of Kate and William five years ago, which was a great success.

I think arranging a Street Party is such a great way to get to know all of your neighbours (if you don’t know them already) and share some food, drink and have a great time.

It brings everyone together and reminds us of how communities used to be years ago when everyone knew all their neighbours and how they used to be there for each other and help each other out.

We formed a small group of volunteers and helpers; Sue, Amy, Edith, Shirley, Sally, Owen, Tracy, Michele and many more helped with the organisation. I really appreciated all their help - so thank you, all of you.

I then arranged for the official closure of the road and everyone moved their cars from the road. We decorated the houses and street with flags, bunting and balloons.

We arranged activities for the children on the day; Beat the Goalie, Splat the Rat, face-painting, Make a Crown, a Street Quiz and we also had live music.

The whole street and our neighbouring streets, Osborne Road and Manwell Road, were invited to come along too and everyone helped out. The day was a great success. Everyone brought the most delicious assortment of food, cakes, sandwiches, quiches, pizza, and hot dogs.

The children ran around playing in the street and played football, threw wet sponges at each other and had a fantastic time.

All our neighbours enjoyed the food, sat around talking and drinking and getting to know each other. We raised £140 in donations which we gave to the Swanage Carnival. What a fabulous day.

Thank you to everyone who helped me to organise it and a Happy 90th Birthday to our Queen!

Jane Webber, Street Party Organiser

SEPTEMBER EDITION DEADLINE: 12 noon on Wednesday 10th August

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Dorset Mums Summer Meet-up

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orsetmums will be holding a Summer Meetup on the 25th of August from 11am at the Margaret Green Animal Rescue Centre in Church Knowle.

Our aim is to bring together as many families as possible in a relaxed, friendly environment so that parents can chat while the children meet the animals and play.

The Margaret Green Animal Rescue is a Rehoming and Visitor Centre with lots of animals including horses, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits and much more. Please bring a picnic and after we’ve strolled around, we’ll settle down for lunch in the sunshine (or Great British drizzle).

There are great amenities at the Centre with a free car park, toilets, baby change plus a little shop selling gifts and hot/cold drinks. Entry to the Centre is free, however donations are always appreciated.

If you would like to come along with the family then please visit the Dorsetmums Website or find us on Facebook for full details.

Garden Party To Honour Home Library Volunteers

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Garden Party was held at Wareham Library to honour long-serving Home Library Service volunteers Luckily the weather stayed dry for the special Garden Party held in the garden at Wareham Library on 23rd June.

Organised by the RVS and Wareham Library, over thirty people attended the event and enjoyed a lovely cream tea served in beautiful surroundings.

Home Library Service and Befriending volunteers from Wareham, Swanage, Corfe Castle and Wool were invited, and ten volunteers received Long Service Awards for ten and fifteen years of volunteering.

The awards were presented by Rebecca Kennelly, RVS Director for the South of England, and the event was also attended by other representatives from the RVS and Dorset Library Service. Lisa Knight, RVS Operations’ Manager for Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire, welcomed all guests and thanked the volunteers for their commitment and their wonderful service to the community.

Lisa said: “RVS works to make life better for older people. Through the power of volunteering, we are able to help older people remain at home, engaged in their community and avoid social isolation. The work of our

volunteers is priceless and their devotion and commitment to supporting our services and older people is indeed to be celebrated. We are extremely proud of our 35,000 volunteers nationwide!”

The Home Library Service is available free of charge to anybody who cannot easily get to their local library.

If you are interested in receiving the service, or in volunteering for the Royal Voluntary Service, please contact Maria Jacobson on 01305 236666.

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Blast From The Past!

This month, A Decade Ago...

n August 2006 the Gazette was a whopping 40 pages. We reported on the ‘Phantom Apostrophist’ who had struck in various locations around Purbeck. Purbeck’s Apostrophie Enforcement Officer, Ivor Commer, said: “Unfortunately we are very much at the mercy of these people. Sometimes they insert the apostrophy in the wrong place, or simply where someone has missed a comma.”

He added: “The regulation’s governing the use of apostrophe’s in public place’s are faily ambiguous. Its’ really a matter for the public to report case’s to u’s as and when they arise.” We note the Phantom is back in town.....

Young columnist, Mya Pope-Weidemann, wrote an article entitled ‘Killer Trees’, in response to the extraordinarily large number of trees being felled without apparent reason across our region by the district and county council, generally for perceived ‘health and safety’ reasons.

Mya discovered that we’re statistically more likely to die falling out of bed than be killed by a tree, and wondered if council workers were going to start barging into our homes in order to remove the legs from our beds, due to the ‘danger’ posed. Thankfully they never did, although a significant number of trees were literally butchered or destroyed in Purbeck under the name of Health and Safety, causing many locals great anger.

Continuing the frosty saga between Gazette Towers and Swanage Town Council, Nico Johnson penned a piece in August 2006 regarding communication finally received from then-Town Clerk, Alan Leeson.

Alan had finally decided to respond to questions posed in the Gazette regarding the failure of the local council to advertise meetings and relevent information in local papers, sending in a letter to arrive well after our print deadline for the previous (and relevant, edition).

Alan’s letter stated that it was the Town Council’s policy ‘not to respond to any such letters’, directly in contravention with his job description.

The advice from the LGA (Local Government Authority, as was) with regards to the responsibilities of the Town Clerk was: ‘Don’t assume a press release will do, but consider..... a media conference with local press, or hold a lunch with the local Editor.’

We didn’t hold our breath, thankfully, else we’d have died before we ever got an invite to an open discussion with Alan or the Town Council of the time. The invitation was never forthcoming. Readers were advised to write to the LGA with their concerns, and the relationship between the paper and the council remained extremely cold.

Food columnist, Martin Pook, wrote about the shocking fact that most of our perishable food was flown or freighted in from abroad. ‘Necterines that Nelson could have used as ammunition, grapes that make green gooseberries seem sweet, and a pineapple that went from iron hard to brown mush in less time than it has taken to write about....’

The Purbeck Association of National Trust Members (PANTM) went to visit some of the Trust’s Red Devon cattle on Hartland Moor, including a new bull, ‘Pride of Purbeck’ (pictured above).

‘Pride of Purbeck’ had been paid for by PANTM, and had recently been turned out onto the moor. Grantley Smith, the farmer tasked with tending to the herd, gave an excellent talk about the herd, and explained that

The Purbeck Gazette

the bull’s name had become an easier mouthful as he was now known fondly as ‘Bill’! The group looked forward to hopefully seeing the result of Bill’s inclusion to the herd the following spring, when there was a good possibility of calves.

The Ranger School of Dance in Swanage was compelled to shut the studio on 11 July due to the dilapidated state of the building. Ian Lowson wrote in to encourage readers to support the school and send donations in to save its future. The school received enough support to continue, and is still with us today, stronger than ever.

The Purbeck Group of Artists held a successful exhibition throughout August 2006, focusing on the changing moods of the Purbeck countryside.

Swanage Sea Rowing Club informed readers that the Ladies’ A team took first place in a thrilling heat at the St Austell Brewery Challenge (out of 28 gigs). They achieved 12th overall, despite a collision!

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Successful Purbeck Rotary

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ohn Thraves has taken over as President of Swanage & Purbeck Rotary from Linda Winter, who had a very successful year with increased membership and fundraising.

Many local community projects were supported as well as providing international support where most needed.

John is keen to get involved in as many community events as possible over the summer and as well as the Rotary Fete and Craft Fair on the 11 August, which promises to be bigger than ever, they will be supporting the Pier Appeal at the Purbeck Pirate Festival and the Swanage Carnival.

Ro Clark becomes President Elect.

Pictured - Handover meeting - Linda Winter, John Thraves, Ro Clark

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Freedom Of Purbeck District 2016

special flag was raised at Purbeck District Council’s offices on Monday 20 June to mark the start of Armed Forces Week.

Attending Wareham for the ceremony were Lieutenant Colonel Will Waugh, Royal Tank Regiment, who is The Commanding Officer of the Armoured Fighting Vehicle Gunnery School in Lulworth. He was accompanied by representatives from The Royal Navy and Marines/Soldiers based at Bovington and Lulworth.

Other dignitaries included the Chairman of Purbeck District Council, Councillor Bill Trite, and the Mayor of Wareham, Councillor Doreen Cleaton. Students and teachers from The Purbeck School, members of the public and council staff witnessed the raising of the flag.

Lieutenant Colonel Will Waugh, AFV Gunnery School representing Colonel Gordon Judd, Commander of the Armour Centre and Bovington Garrison said: “2016 is a very special year for us, not only do we celebrate the centenary of Bovington and Lulworth camps, but also the centenary of the development of armoured vehicles in warfare itself. The Garrison of Bovington and Lulworth has played a critical part in the training of vehicle crews and will continue to do so for many years to come.”

On Friday 24 June, the Armour Centre and the Old Boys’ Association of the Junior Leaders’ Regiment exercised their right to march through Purbeck.

Proceedings began in Wareham at 11.30am, when the forces took to the streets of Wareham in fine fettle with bayonets fixed, flags flying and drums beating, delighting the attending crowds.

Impressive mounted escorts were in attendance, Captain DJ Gregory KRH and Captain E Monckton RL. Captain Gregory was riding Darcy, and Captain Monckton was on Empress.

The Band of the Household Cavalry also attended, bringing some ornate, musical glamour to the proceedings. Several armoured vehicles were also on parade on the day, with a Panther, Scimitar, Jackal, Foxhound, Warrior and a Rolls Royce 1920 Mark 1 Armoured car hitting the streets of Wareham to the delight of the crowds.

Pictures: By kind permission of Tim Crabb, who attended on behalf of the Purbeck Gazette. Thanks Tim!

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The Benefits of Volunteering Evidence suggests that volunteering brings health benefits to both the volunteers and the people they help. In a lot of cases, the volunteer is helped as much as the patient. A study by the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) found that volunteering in later life decreased depression and social isolation. It was also found to boost quality of life and life satisfaction.

Ability to cope with ill health Volunteering can help people come to terms with their own illness and help take their mind off their own problems. One study found that it helped them perform better in their own daily lives.

Improved family relationships A study comparing older volunteers with older non-volunteers showed that the volunteers had better relationships with their family. This may be because their care-giving role carries over into personal relationships and makes older volunteers more independent and less reliant on their family.

Meeting new people Volunteering is a good way to meet people. This can be vital for older volunteers and people who might be isolated or not particularly integrated into society.

Improved self-esteem and sense of purpose Volunteering can bring back your self-esteem and motivate you. Improved self-esteem can have an effect on other areas of your health and life.

Improve your life and decide today to become a volunteer – call our helpline for more information Helpline No – 01929 424363

Change At The Forum! Will YOU Step-Up?

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e celebrate eight years this month from the start of the Senior Forum. As Chairman, my time is closing as family commitments take me elsewhere. We have a new Chairman in the wings but as advancing years takes its toll on two other committee members, we need help to be able to continue.

We have a proud history having grown to 637 members and been responsible, with others, for stopping the closure of Swanage Hospital, the Recycle centre, the James Day Home, Swanage Day Centre, continued provision of NHS Dental services and General Election/EU Referendum Hustings.

Our committee members have launched successful initiatives such as the Hopper Bus, Purbeck Good Neighbours, and the Dementia Project. We have held countless meetings to inform our members, issued newsletters and posted a regular article on critical issues in the Purbeck Gazette. Over 200 seniors have been introduced to the world of the internet, Skype, Facebook, and email.

We need some new committee members and/or people willing to get some jobs done. Specifically, we need someone to greet people as they arrive at meetings, help with refreshments, and a person with computer knowledge to maintain our membership data on Excel and send out emails to our group lists.

Our Committee meets once a month, mostly during the autumn and winter months, so none of these tasks are onerous. Anyone with a passion for the welfare of older people, who can help us would be welcome. With ongoing government cuts to County Council and NHS budgets, we need to be well prepared to defend our services.

STOP PRESS; At our 7th September AGM, Jan Turnbull, Chair of Friends of Swanage Hospital, will update us on important health matters.

Trevor Ayling, Chairman

SEPTEMBER EDITION DEADLINE: 12 noon on Wednesday 10th August

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WISH YOU WERE HERE! Our feature this month celebrates some of the best that Purbeck has to offer in the balmy summer months, for both locals and tourists alike.

Here in Purbeck we’re proud to have a wealth of local services, businesses and activity providers to keep you busy throughout the summer, whatever the weather, and whatever your mood.

From taking the family to enjoy a game of Football Golf (yes, really!), to having a go at stone carving or paying a visit to the Mowlem to see ‘This is Purbeck’, we’ve something for everyone to enjoy featured in the following pages.

As this edition is distributed, Swanage town and coast will be almost entirely taken over by maurading pirate hoards from around the UK, causing all manner of mayhem throughout the town!

The famous Frigate Shtandart will be moored up at Swanage Pier with a full pirate crew a’board until Sunday 31st - get your pirate costume on and head to town m’hearties!!

Running on from the Purbeck Pirate Festival is Swanage Carnival - the biggest and best carnival on the south coast. With a ton of activities on throughout, you’re going to be hard-pressed to decide what to do, when!! Have a fabulous August folks!!

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Significant Year For Swanage RNLI

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016 is an exciting and significant year for Swanage Lifeboat Station as construction of our brand new lifeboat station is due to come to an end later this year, and we have already welcomed our new state-ofthe-art waterjet-propelled Shannon class lifeboat, the George Thomas Lacy.

With 2016 being such an important year for the volunteers of Swanage RNLI and the community alike, we hope that Swanage Lifeboat Week will be another highlight of the year.

We have ten days of events culminating in a fun weekend at Prince Albert Gardens, which includes entertainment, stalls, live music and the ever popular lifeboat bar and barbeque!

Don’t forget to start building your raft or planning your build-a-boat design!

August is also one of the busiest months of the year for the volunteer lifeboat crew and with our new Shannon class lifeboat capable of reaching a greater range in lesser time we expect this Summer may be busier than previous years.

A Carnival Of Activities

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t’s going to be a colourful summer at Purbeck Sports Centre until 31 August. From AFC Bournemouth footie to tennis, there’s something for everyone! Children can also enjoy archery; badminton; Bikeability; climbing; cricket; dance; gym tots; pop dance; street dance; pool playtime; swimming lessons; and much, much more!

For adults, there’s badminton; beauty therapy; exercise classes; gym; sauna; tennis; squash; swimming; and even an onsite café bar showing all the latest summer sports.

Come and enjoy the Sports Centre’s Super Saturdays! For just £1 pp, you can play badminton, squash and table tennis on Saturdays during July and August (10am to 4pm).

Why not try the new tennis courts? With fantastic new surfaces and brighter lighting play to your heart's content, even when during darker evenings and you can play for just £1 every Sunday! The Centre has three floodlit artificial grass courts. All courts can be hired during evenings and weekends, all day and evening throughout the school holidays.

A new swim timetable was launched recently, so why not dip your toe in on a hot summer’s day (fingers crossed!) or escape those black clouds.

From Swim for All, Slow and Steady and Swimming Champions, to Pool Playtime and Family Fun everyone can make a splash!

The Family Swim Offer returns too! Just quote SUMSWIM2016 when you book 2 adults and 2 children for £12.50.

Michelle Goodman, Sports Centre Manager, said: “We’ve got a fantastic summer programme lined up, so whatever your plans we’ll help make sure it’s one to remember!”

Following an intensive year of improvements, Michelle added: “We have new and improved courts and pitches, brighter lighting in the pool area and a huge range of new activities this year making the Sports Centre the perfect place to keep fit and healthy, whatever the weather.”

To find out more about all of this summer’s activities, visit the Sports Centre website at www.dorsetforyou.com/purbecksportscentre or pick up a new-look summer brochure from the Sports Centre or tourist information centres in Wareham and Swanage.

Find all the information at www.dorsetforyou.com/purbecksportscentre or call 01929 500 000

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Gallery At 41

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teve and Chris Clarke at The Gallery at 41 in Corfe Castle specialise in the work of Dorset artists. ‘Dorset has so many talented artists and we are delighted to be able to show such a fine selection of work’.

Living in this beautiful county inspires the painters to capture the colours, shifting light and variety of Dorset, as well as their travels further afield with easel and sketchbook.

The gallery shows paintings by David Atkins, Vicky Finding, Heather Gibbons, Felicity House PS, Richard Price ROI, Judy Tate and Edward Vine.

Local sculptor Moira Purver SWA shows wonderful figurative work with a feeling of living energy, Sue Lansbury explores our relationship with the landscape and passage of time and Brendon Murless blurs the boundaries between traditional techniques and contemporary artwork.

The gallery also has beautifully crafted, glass, ceramics and jewellery by local makers. The gallery has changing exhibitions throughout the year.

Usual opening hours are from Tuesday to Saturday and Bank Holidays 11am to 5pm.

The gallery will always try to assist in finding the painting or sculpture you want and is happy to make a special appointment to view work.

The Gallery at 41, 41 East Street, Corfe Castle, Wareham, BH20 5EE. www.galleryat41.com. contact@galleryat41.com. Tel 01929 480095 Pictured: Winter at Knoll Beach by Judy Tate. Winter at Knoll Beach by Judy Tate

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BURNGATE STONE CARVING CENTRE Come and experience Stone Carving in a beautiful setting with superb views of the countryside.

Children (from age 6) and Family ‘Have A Go’ two hour sessions are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

These need to be booked in advance.

We have a small tea room and a unique Stone Sculpture Gallery and local arts and crafts.

Harmans Cross Field Day

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his is a truly old-fashioned English Village Field Day with plenty of entertainment and fun for all the family. The Flower and Vegetable Show is famous for the quality and quantity of exhibits, whilst the Horse Show and Gymkhana – which starts at 9am - offers lots of rosettes and trophies to be won and fun for all throughout the day.

Our attractions include a Grand Raffle – 1st prize £100 – and lots of other great prizes. The much-loved Dog Agility Display – come and watch the pups put through their paces!

The Village Club and their team will be serving delicious teas and snacks, and there will be a licensed bar, barbecue, cold drinks and ice-creams.

A Country Day Out!

We have craft and produce stalls with a huge variety of local produce for sale, displays to entertain and inform; there’s lots for children, too, including Children’s Rides – roundabouts, bouncy castle, zip-wire, trolley ride, swingboats, and more. For all ages we have side-shows and games – darts, hoopla, wheel of fortune, pick a duck, pull a cork, coconut shy, skittles and much more.

All this for just £1 entrance; free parking…surely the best value in Dorset?!

And if you come on the train – then admission is half price.

The proceeds of this annual event go straight to Village Hall funds.

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he Parish of Wareham are pleased to announce that by kind invitation of Mr Norman Hayward, Creech Grange will be open to the public on Sunday 21st August.

The day will start with a short open air service at 11am, followed by the grounds and attractions open at 11.30am. Please come and join us for this once-a-year special day.

Enjoy a walk in the grounds to the beautiful little chapel of St John, where there will be musical renderings throughout the day, and take a stroll around the lakes and wooded area.

Enjoy a cream tea on the lawn, or partake in burgers and other refreshments. Visit the Vintage car display and watch the Harleys arrive.

There will be numerous stalls, donkey rides and alpacas. Children’s activities will take place on the lawn at certain times throughout the day. At 4pm

there will be a sung evensong in the chapel.

This special day enables the parish of Wareham to raise money for the work of the church within our community over the next year and we are grateful to Norman Hayward for giving us this opportunity.

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The Lytchett Matravers

Swanage & Purbeck Rotary

Flower, Craft and Produce Show

welcome you to their

will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 6th August at 2pm.

A traditional village show of produce, as well as art, craft, photography, flower arrangements, confectionery and 'not for adults'.

Also teas, tombola, plant sales and free parking.

Final Chance To Visit Old Water Tower...

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ollowing last years successful open day, when we raised £2500 for charity, we are holding another Open Day at The Old Water Tower, Purbeck Terrace Rd, Swanage on Saturday 6th August from 10-12 noon and 2-4pm.

This is your opportunity to climb to the roof of the Old Water Tower to see the spectacular 360 degree view of Swanage Bay, Swanage town, Durlston Country Park and up the valley towards Corfe Castle.

A minimum donation of £5 per person is suggested as an entrance fee, with all money raised to be donated to cancer charities.

Ability to climb stairs essential - children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Approach and parking is suggested from Bon Accord Rd.

FETE & CRAFT FAIR on Sandpit Field Thursday 11th August 11am - 4pm Stalls, Crafts, Entertainments, Games, Raffle & so much more! www.swanagerotary.org

Square & Compass Worth Matravers. 01929 439229

AUGUST EVENTS Mon 1st 8pm No Go Stop The Miracle Theatre Company 2nd 8pm Theo Bard presents: Tue Wed 3rd 8pm Dana Emmanuel & The Stolen Band Thur 4th 8pm Anna & Elizabeth Fri 5th 8pm Jez Hellard & The Djukella Orchestra

Mon 29th July - Sun 11th Aug

Sat 6th Sun 7th Fri Sun Fri Sat Sun Fri

THE SQUARE FAIR 2pm Tildin Kraus

12th 8pm Shooglenifty 14th 2pm Buffalo Skinners 19th 8pm Jinski 20th 8pm The Watchman 21st 2pm The Watchman 26th 8pm Transit Hamanteh

www.squareandcompasspub.co.uk

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

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Monkey World

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onkey World, the internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre, is home to over two hundred and fifty rescued and endangered monkeys and apes of twenty different species.

Opened in 1987 to provide abused Spanish beach chimpanzees with a permanent home, the site is now a sanctuary for primates from all over the world and some are now part of international breeding programmes for endangered species. Here you can see them enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe, natural environment.

Combining fun with conservation and animal education, half-hourly talks by the dedicated Primate Care Staff explain all about man’s closest living relative. They love to share their knowledge of all the individuals in their care, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions when the talk is over. Prebookable guided tours are also available. There are cafés serving a selection of hot and cold food and drink, or you can bring a long a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful woodland setting.

Monkey World is just minutes from the A31 near Wool, and is open every day (except Christmas Day) 10am to 5pm (July and August 10am to 6pm).

Last admission is 1 hour before closing.

For more information visit www.monkeyworld.org or call 01929 462537

National Trust @Corfe

Illyria outdoor theatre present: Danny Champion of the World

By Roald Dahl Friday 5th August, 7.30pm Adult £16, child £8, family £40 Booking essential 0844 249 1895 or nationaltrust.org.uk/corfecastle Danny and his devoted father live in a caravan and operate the petrol station and garage. When Danny turns nine he is devastated to find out about his father’s secret passion for pheasant poaching in the estate of the nasty, greedy Victor Hazell, the local wealthy landowner.

One night, Danny awakes to find his father has not returned from a night of poaching. Fearing that his father may be in danger, Danny sets off to rescue him. Soon, with a little help from the village, Danny finds himself the mastermind behind the most incredible and exciting plot ever attempted against Victor Hazell. Illyria promises a magnificent, funny and heart-warming story perfectly suited to the open-air.

Chapterhouse present: Tuesday 23rd August Adult £16, child £8, family £40 The Railway Children

By E.Nesbit Booking essential 0844 249 1895 or nationaltrust.org.uk/corfecastle The Railway Children, the unforgettable and heart-warming story of adventure and family set in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside. The lives of three children are changed forever by the mysterious disappearance of their father.

Finding a new home in a beautiful but isolated village the children make new friends and discover the wonders of the Yorkshire hills and the railway lines scattered throughout them.

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Train Services ednesday 27th July to Sunday 4th September steam trains will operate every 40 minutes 10:00 – 18:00 between Norden and Swanage calling at Corfe Castle, Harmans Cross and Herston Halt.

An evening shuttle service, operated by a Diesel Multiple Unit, will run hourly during the evening with the last train from Swanage 22:15 except Saturday 30th July and Saturday 6th August (Swanage Carnival and Regatta Week) when it will depart at 22:55. Special reduced evening fares apply from 18:00. £4 Adult Return, £2.20 Child Return, £11 Family (2A + 3C) Return. Norden Car Park (350 spaces) open until 23:00 Wednesday 27 July – Sunday 4th September except Saturday 30 July and Saturday 6 August open until 23:40 (after arrival of last train from Swanage).

Classic Transport Rally at Harmans Cross Friday 9th – Sunday 11th September Travel by train to enjoy a superb display of classic road transport from yesteryear with over 450 exhibits on display.

Santa Specials and Christmas Festivities Our renowned Santa Special Trains will go on sale early August 2016.

Santa will be on his special trains 26th and 27th November, 3rd, 4th, 10th 11th, 17th – 24th December. Book early to get the date and time of departure of your choice.

Volunteers – Come and Join Us The Swanage Railway is a volunteer led organisation with over 500 volunteers regularly working on the railway in a variety of roles. From driving and firing our heritage locomotives, to selling and inspecting tickets, to keeping our rolling stock, track and signalling system in tip top condition whatever your skill or interest there is a role for you.

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Passport To Swanage History!

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amilies visiting Swanage this summer will have the chance to explore the history of the town and top Swanage attractions with a new ‘Family Passport’.

The ‘Passport’ guides visitors round Swanage Museum, Swanage Railway, Swanage Pier and Durlston Country Park, with exciting activities to do at each place.

On completing each activity, you can get your passport stamped and if you can collect all of the stamps, there is the chance to win

a special prize each month.

Not only that, but you can complete your passport without the car, by using the Durlston Bus, which connects the four attractions and runs every day until the 24th September.

Swanage Town Councillor Mike Whitwam said: “The passports have been created by Swanage Heritage – a new initiative which brings together Swanage’s top four attractions and are a great way to make sure that visitors to Swanage don’t miss out on everything our brilliant town has to offer.“ Pick up your passport for just 20p from Swanage Museum & Heritage Centre, Swanage Tourist Information Centre, Discover Purbeck Information Centre, or any of the participating attractions.

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Award-Winning Delights!

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lavells Café and Restaurant is nestled in the charming and idyllic village of Kimmeridge, one mile inland from the world Heritage cost. We are part of a family who have farmed in Purbeck since 1962 and we are passionate about offering delicious, locally-sourced food with delightful service, at an attractive price.

Our ethos “from field to fork” is reflected in the menu, all lamb, pork, beef and venison dishes are made from meat that has been reared on our family farm. Fish and shell fish are caught from Kimmeridge Bay and the nearby Dorset coast.

Our seasonal menu can be enjoyed in our cosy café, or alfresco on fine afternoons and during the summer time. The day time menu is imaginative, relaxed and informal, offering an array of delicious homemade breakfasts, lunches and traditional afternoon teas, as well as excellent wines and local beers.

Our evening menu oozes with culinary splendour, exemplified by our infamous “Kimmeridge Bay” lobster thermidor. In 2013 Clavells was thrilled to be awarded the winner of the Best Café or Tea Room in the Taste of Dorset Awards. In 2014 Clavells were equally delighted to have achieved a Gold award in the café/tea room category in the Taste of the West awards.

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HAVE YOU GOT YOURS?!

Pick up your passport for just 20p from Swanage Museum & Heritage Centre, Swanage Tourist Information Centre, Discover Purbeck Information Centre, or any of the participating attractions.

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Summer Events In Aid Of St John’s

e are holding two events this year to raise money for St John’s The Evangelist Church at East Holme and they are as follows: On the 27th August we will be holding a Flower and Produce Show in the grounds of Holme for Gardens, schedules can be collected from Holme for Gardens, Amber Hard (Wool) and W. Pond (Wareham).

The show opens to the public at 2.00pm and there will be a raffle, tombola, children’s games, cream teas and much more so come along and have a go.

On the 17th September we will be holding a church festival in the grounds

of the church, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the consecration of the church and harvest.

The church will be decorated in the theme of harvest and there will also be a display of photographs and history of the church. We will be serving teas and coffees, holding a raffle, tombola, children’s games and much more fun.

We will also be holding a competition with prizes for the person who comes as the best dressed scarecrow. (0-5yrs, 6-10, 11-16 and adults).

We hope to see many of you there!

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It’s Purbeck Valley Folk Festival Time!!

his year at the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival (25-28 August) there is a colourful array of food stalls to get your mouth watering. This month they are unveiling some of the tasty treats on offer alongside the great music, stunning location and family atmosphere.

Reflecting the musical diversity of the festival, you can expect scrumptious flavours from around the globe. There is lots of healthy and yummy food to savour from many talented local producers.

If you like it hot or even mild for that matter, then head to Bunnychow Chilli, who also do a mean vegan chilli. There’s spicy Afro-Caribbean cuisine from Pepper Coast and sublime Thai cuisine from Taste of Thailand.

Casa Carlos will be on hand with his delicious meat, fish and veggie paella.

Big Bang Pizza will be getting hands on with their artisan woodfired pizza.

‘Travels With My Aunt’ will be whipping up breakfasts and a selection of veggie and meat dishes. Not to be missed is a trip to The Creperie, voted WOMAD’s best festival food stall.

There’s also hearty festival fare being served up from The Perfect Pig who bring posh burgers, Cuban sandwiches and lots more yumminess.

Then there’s the lip-smackingly good toasties courtesy of Gourmet Grilled Cheese and the haunches and burgers in a bap from the Purbeck Valley Venison Company.

Of course no festival experience would be complete without a decent tipple and the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is renowned for its love of real ale and cider!

Organiser Catherine Burke says: “We’ve been working with our best local breweries (Isle of Purbeck, Dorset Brewing Company and Sunny Republic) to bring you a selection of good ales available throughout. We still have a great selection of ciders including Purbeck Cider Company’s Dorset Draft

and whole load of different scrumpies and fruity ciders.”

And tickets are selling quickly for the festival’s annual summer outing, which takes place in the beautiful Purbeck Hills, from Friday to Sunday, 25-28 August.

With over 70 folk, roots and world music acts - including festival favourites The Proclaimers - have been confirmed for this unique event on the Jurassic Coast.

Further major headliners include BBC Folk Award winning folk supergroup Eliza Carthy & the Wayward Band and the brilliant Ivor-Novello awardwinning Villagers at the August Bank Holiday event, which is fast becoming one of the UK’s top family-friendly music festivals.

It’s been a successful time for acts appearing at this summer’s Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, with Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman winning Best Duo at the Radio 2 BBC Folk Awards 2016.

The line-up is looking great with a host of brilliant musicians (including previous BBC Folk award winners and nominees and Spiral Earth award winners); Lucy Ward, Maz O’Connor, Cardboard Fox, Boo Hewerdine, Sheelanagig, Front Country, Rory McLeod and Gilmore & Roberts.

Featuring a host of favourite attractions including kids’ entertainers, storytellers, craft workshops, music workshops, song sessions, cinema, poetry, Purbeck Rising, open mics and the very best folk, roots and world music.

Weekend tickets (Fri-Sun) include free camping and are on sale now at £110 (youth £55, child £30). Day tickets from £50.

For further information, visit purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk Catherine Burke, Organiser.

The Purbeck Gazette

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The Purbeck Gazette

2nd Swanage Fish Festival Success!

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T

he Swanage Fish Festival 2016 was fabulous, fun and fishy, of course.

Overlooking Swanage Bay and the Purbeck Hills, Prince Albert Gardens was the perfect setting for a weekend of food, music and entertainment. Thousands of residents and holidaymakers were treated to a showcase of local seafood and musicians, as well as raising funds for Swanage Coastwatch, Swanage RNLI and The Fishermen’s Mission.

Swanage Fish Festival Chairman, Adam Clarke commented on the weekend: “What a tremendous event. Thanks to all our supporters both local and from afar.

It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves in the sunshine in Swanage with some terrific seafood. Most importantly we have raised money for the great causes we’re supporting this year.”

On the culinary front, local chefs delighted the crowds with demonstrations using Dorset fish and shellfish. Rick Stein’s Sandbanks restaurant Head Chef, Pete Murt, wowed the crowd with tastes from around the world using local ingredients.

A French boulliabaisse brought the Mediterranean sunshine and taste to Swanage while from further afield, the Singapore Chilli Crab was a stunning dish, with vibrant, deep flavours complementing local crab.

Celebrity chef, James Golding, prepared delicious dishes using locallycaught sea bream and cuttlefish, illustrating how The Pig on the Beach at Studland tries to use ingredients from within a twenty five mile radius.

Swanage’s own Grand Hotel was represented by Matthew Shepherd and Marek Ludwin – showing how to prepare and present blow-torched mackerel, sea bass ceviche and beetroot cured salmon. “A beautiful looking plate of fresh fish, simply prepared, and a delightful starter or canape that would grace any dinner table,” commented Grand Hotel Manager and SFF Project Manager, Lindsay Bish.

Giuseppe Sinaguglia from the Olive Tree Cookery School led groups foraging along the Purbeck coast for edible plants and flowers – and made sure he got back in time to produce a crab and avocado bruschetta.

As well as the professional chef demonstrations, visitors were treated to a marvellous selection of food options. Particularly popular were the fiery jerk prawns from the Scott Arms’ Jerk Shack, amazing canapes including orange marinaded rollmops from Carl and Dan at the Perfect Pig, and Oysters and Champagne.

As if that wasn’t enough fun, there was fantastic musical entertainment on the Saturday night and Sunday lunchtime, provided by the Red River Hoggs, Twenty Two, The Reptiles, Harmony Rocks Choir, Mosquitos and the Kelp! Shanty Men, with a surprise performance from local girl, Nicole Faraday (pictured, opposite).

Swanage Fish Festival 2017 takes place on June 10 and 11.

Words by Sally Templeton, pictures by Tim Crabb

The Purbeck Gazette

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The Purbeck Gazette

On Top Of The World!

YOUR Pictures.....

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!

Hardy Jurassic Sheep, by Denise Exon

Kingston Country Fair Fire Service demonstration, by Mike Streeter

Herring Gulls, by Colin Fountain

Japanese Sika Stags at Studland, by Colin Fountain

Foxgloves (2014), by Ben Buxton

The Purbeck Gazette

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Economic Review of Q2 2016

D

uring the three months to end June 2016 the FTSE 100 index rose by 5.3% and was up by 4.2% during the year to date. When we look at the 12 month picture, the FT-SE 100 index has been virtually unchanged.

Our analysts generally commented on the global situation as follows: ‘The UK’s exit from the EU dominated financial markets in the last week of Q2. After the Brexit vote, there was a rally in safe-haven assets and in UK equities there was a rotation out of cyclicals into defensive shares or overseas earners.’

‘Before the historic vote, weak global economic growth had already suppressed bond yields to record lows and this was accentuated by Brexit. Investors are now looking for further stimuli from the Bank of England, Bank of Japan and more the European Central Bank’.

With specific reference to the UK, selections from our analysts’ comments are as follows: ‘On Brexit Friday, the pound fell 8.4% and equities fell with financials, banks, airlines and housebuilders bearing the brunt of a sell-off but the FSTE 100 index with a high proportion of overseas revenues recovered in following days. The shock decision to leave the EU accelerated the flight to safety with the 10-year gilt yield hitting a record low of 0.9% and there were strong gains in quality stocks.’

‘However, this is not another financial crisis and UK bank balance sheets are quite robust. UK equities offer an above average dividend yield of 4.4% and the FTSE 100 is on a forward P/E of 15.5 times. We remain an ‘Overweight’ position.’

‘The FTSE 100 with its overseas earners has proved to be resilient and rose by 3.0% in Q2. The UK economy weakened ahead of the EU referendum and we expect economic growth to slow to an annualised rate of about 0.5% in the second half of 2016 and we anticipate the central bank to ease monetary policy with £50bn more QE (Quantitative Easing). There have been some volatile share price movements which present some opportunities to rebalance portfolios.’

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

Marriage Allowance Since April 2015, a spouse or civil partner who is not liable to income tax or not liable above the basic rate for a tax year may transfer part of their personal allowance to their spouse or civil partner, provided that the recipient of the transfer is not liable to income tax above the basic rate.

The transferor’s personal allowance will be reduced by the same amount. For 2016/17 the amount that can be transferred is £1,100 (£1,060 for 2015/16).

The spouse or civil partner receiving the transferred allowance will be entitled to a reduced income tax liability of up to £220 for 2016/17 (£212 for 2015/16).

Note, however, that married couples or civil partnerships entitled to claim the married couple’s allowance are not entitled to make a transfer.

For further information on this, see the gov.uk website at www.gov.uk/marriage-allowance<https:// www.gov.uk/marriage-allowance

Be Aware Telephone Scams

T

elephone scams continue to be the most prolific type of scam with Action Fraud reporting that 33% of scams take place over the phone followed by 16% through online sales, 13% on email and 7% by post. CPR Call Blocker is advising people in Dorset to be aware of the following types of telephone scams which are currently causing problems to consumers: 1 Pension scams.

2 Investment scams.

3 Computer scams.

4 Government Grant Department scam.

5 Vishing.

If people in Dorset feel that they have been the target of a scam they can contact Citizens Advice on 03454 04 05 06, report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and make friends and neighbours aware so that they do not become victims themselves.

An immediate solution to the problem is to install a call blocker to your landline which allows you to cut off unwanted calls as they come in and permanently stop them from calling you again. If you are concerned about nuisance calls and want more information about how to stop them then visit www.cprcallblocker.com/tips.

SEPTEMBER EDITION DEADLINE - NOON, 10th AUGUST ADVERTISING SALES LINE: 01929 424239. BOOK ONLINE: WWW.PURBECKGAZETTE.COM

The Purbeck Gazette

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Trading Standards Know your consumer rights!

Turning back the clock. ar ‘clocking’, the practice of rewinding a car’s mileage reading is estimated to have increased last year. For unscrupulous traders it is an easy way to make money as a car’s value can increase up to £10,000 by reducing the mileage of a vehicle by using a digital device that plugs into the cars electronics.

If you buy a car with an altered mileage then the timing for necessary safety checks and services will also be incorrect.

Trading Standards nationally investigate complaints of cars having been ‘clocked’. A Warwickshire car dealer was recently jailed for twelve months after admitting to ‘clocking’ cars and his mechanic for six months for forging documents such as MOT certificates.

These days cars that have been ‘clocked’ are less likely to be found on the forecourt and more likely to be found on auction websites, social media and small ads such as Ebay, Facebook and Gumtree.

When buying a second hand car there are things that you can look out for: Chips on the paintwork may indicate lots of motorway driving.

Worn rubber pedals and steering wheels indicate lots of use.

The average car travels 10,000 miles a year so if the car looks like it has more wear and tear than expected it may have been ‘clocked’.

Checking a vehicle’s paperwork such as the service record and MOT history can help determine genuine mileage. Check MOTs on line at https:// www.gov.uk/check-mot-history.

Information held by the DVLA about a vehicle’s identity can be found at https://www.gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla.

Look out for trading standards approved car retailers displaying the Buy with Confidence logo, or visit the website www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk Call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06 for advice on buying a second hand car or to report something to trading standards.

C

HELP US RAISE £900,000 TO SAVE THE PIER!

The Purbeck Gazette

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Resolve your legal matters with Battens Solicitors

South West Workers Less Satisfied

W

orkers in the South West are becoming less satisfied with the benefits they receive from their employers, new research has revealed.

The study on perceptions of benefits and wellbeing schemes from Willis PMI Group, part of Willis Towers Watson, found only 40% of employees are happy with the benefits they receive, compared to 48% last year.

Satisfaction is lowest in the North West (36%), while levels are highest in London (55%) and Scotland (52%).

But there has been a decline across the board, with overall satisfaction among British workers dipping from 53% to 44%. So, despite increasing recognition of the positive impact benefits and wellbeing schemes can have on staff performance, it appears employees’ expectations are still not being met.

“Given the current focus on reducing the burden of employee ill health and sickness absence on the economy, it is surprising to find perception of benefits provision is actually on the decline,” said Mike Blake, Director at Willis PMI Group. Companies might ask whether this is due to increasing expectation, a shortfall in provision or a failure to properly communicate available benefits to staff.

“It is important for employers to identify the specific challenges faced by their business and actively engage with their staff in order to better understand what benefits are both needed and wanted. Schemes will be most successful when they align the goals of the organisation with the desires of employees.”

The research also found only 36% of South West workers said their employers currently make provisions to look after their health and wellbeing.

In this case, there were also large differences, with provision highest in Scotland (48%) and London (44%), and lowest in the Midlands (30%).

Blake added: “The variations suggest a number of employers might not be making the most of the tools at their disposal. Benefits and wellbeing schemes are important tools in boosting health and productivity, tackling sickness absence and improving employee satisfaction.”

Why make a Will when you are the last person who would benefit?

Recent figures released by the Citizens Advice Bureau showed a two fold increase in the last 5 years in enquiries about Intestate estates.

This followed the untimely passing of Prince who died without leaving a Will, whilst the way the law impacts upon his estate will be a matter of US law, the uncertainty for the loved ones left behind will be familiar to many families here if this trend increases.

You can decide what happens to your estate when you die and so that those you care about are aware of your wishes. It is not just having assets to leave; do any of these apply to you?

You have minor children • Who will care for them if anything happens to you?

• In a Will you can appoint a guardian • Anything you want to leave them will have to be looked after for them if they are under 18.

In a Will you appoint an Executor and they can look after the money for your child whilst they are underage You cohabit with your partner • They do not have any automatic right to inherit from you if you die without a Will. Without a Will it will be the law that says where your assets go when you die and it makes no provision for cohabitees.

You have no close family A Will is vital! The Intestacy rules could result in your estate being divided between remote relatives who you may never see and if there are no relatives Bona Vacantia, it passes to the Crown and I have yet to meet anyone who wants that!

For more information on making a will, please contact me at Battens Solicitors on 01305 752365 or email: natalie.mason@battens.co.uk

01305 774666

The Purbeck Gazette

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Looks Good, Feels Good, And....

by David Hollister

T

here’s a first time for everything. So when Westover Jeep asked me to road-test the new Jeep Renegade, I jumped at the chance. Been driving 50 years; never driven one, never set foot in one!

To many people, the name ‘Jeep’ conjures up a canvas-topped 4 x 4 with great big fat wheels, gulping astonishing amounts of fuel and able to climb Ben Nevis in a blizzard. The original Jeep was produced for the US Military in 1941; the first civilian Jeep in 1945, inspiring the Land-Rover and subsequently a great many off-road 4x4 models right up to the present day.

I have to say that the reality was vastly different.. For a start, the Renegade – the smallest Jeep in the range – comes in a choice of 4WD or 2WD; I drove the 2WD Multi-air II 1.4 litre ‘Limited’ version. As one of the 99% of local motorists who stays ‘on-road’ I just can’t see the need for 4WD, even taking into account Dorset’s appalling road surfaces. No canvas top – it’s a comfortably air-conditioned SUV. And fuel consumption 47.1 combined, or 37.2 urban – but I’ll go into that later.

For me that weekend, no mountains to climb; we went to the excellent Kingston Country Fair where I was able to park up next to the events arena; the Jeep attracted quite a bit of attention. Yes, the showground was ‘off-road’ but only short dry grass!

This model enters the compact crossover class dominated by Nissan’s Juke and Qashqai, Skoda Yeti, Mini Countryman, Renault Captur, Suzuki Vitara, and of course the Fiat 500X. Indeed, the Renegade and the 500X not only share a platform but are built in the same factory in Melfi, Italy. The petrol engine is Fiat, but that’s where the similarity ends. The Renegade’s slightly ‘macho’ look differs greatly from the Fiat’s gentle styling; it looks the part. The style is ‘attitude’ rather than ‘coy’.

There are a number of different trim levels; mine was called ‘Limited’ – strange, because actually it wasn’t ‘limited’ at all! It did all the things you’d come to expect from a car of this size and in this class; 6-speed manual gearbox, 0 – 60 in 10.9, 140 CO2’s, all the usual convenience and safety electronics, cruise, airbags, rear parking sensors, heated seats, dual climate control, privacy glass and much more. The innovative ‘start-stop’ system is designed to save fuel whilst stationary and is something I could easily get used to.

Especially liked the range of driving seat positions and the useful electric lumbar adjustment button which made driving easy and comfortable. The front passenger seat folds flat, and with the rear seats doing likewise you have a really useful amount of space for your mountain of Waitrose bags or your pile of golf clubs. There are even roof rails so that with the optional carriers, you can transport your bikes as well!

Three comfortable rear seats, and lots of headroom for all. The interior trim is full leather. Instrument display easy to negotiate and clear to see.

The ‘Beats’ Audio system has integral steering-wheel controls. OK, you can get all the rest of the technical stuff from the brochure (phone John at Westover Jeep on 01202 057591) . But the brochure – despite all its superb glossy photos - can’t tell you how it actually drives.

I picked it up on a hot Friday afternoon after literally fighting my way to Christchurch through astonishing traffic in my MX5; despite the soothing music and my aircon being on full blast, I arrived totally frazzled. What I really needed to do was to sit down somewhere comfortable and just chill. And guess what? I sat somewhere comfortable – the front seat of the Renegade – and drove back through the same ridiculous traffic but by the time I got back I was happy, relaxed, and letting the world get on with its rude and aggressive behaviour whilst I took my time and enjoyed getting to know the car.

The journey home was indeed ‘stop start’ and perhaps it was the volume of traffic that made my overall fuel consumption for the weekend a disappointing 32.8 (that’s 70% on the ‘combined’ figure, but a reasonable 88% on the ‘urban’ figure). I felt safe, with a really good driving position

and plenty of all-round visibility. This car looks roughty-toughty, but from inside is gentle and easy to use.

I was disappointed that the trade-mark Jeep spare wheel and petrol cans were not bolted to the back door (!) but don’t need petrol cans in this day and age. Would have liked to see a proper spare wheel rather than a ‘squirty kit’ but apparently these are available at a reasonable extra cost.

‘Squirty kits’ are a fad and eventually people will insist on proper spare wheels again.

Kingston County Fair was a ‘blast’ – lots of traction engines, agricultural machinery, and classic cars through the ages. A superb display from Swanage Fire Service, who cut the roof off a Citroen Saxo to release a real live casualty. Some feel that all Citroen Saxos should have their roofs cut off! A Jeep is undoubtedly far safer with its 5-star Euro NCAP rating, although undoubtedly more expensive.

Anyway, a great day, the sun shone, so put it in your diary for next year and I in turn will try and get another Jeep to go in!

So where were we? You need to know that there’s a 3-year or 60,000 mile warranty, with servicing required every 12,500 miles or annually. You need to know that Renegade models come in lots of different specifications and prices from £17,495 to £29,000 on the road. Mine would have cost a reasonable £23,495. I say ‘reasonable’ as actually it’s a lot of car for your money; looks good, feels good, and by gosh it does you good! And I have no doubt that those nice people at Westover Jeep have a whole range of really good deals on offer (see advert, opposite).

Would I buy one? Circumstances suggest no; I don’t need that amount of space, excellent though it may be. And at five-foot nothing I don’t think that my lovely wife would be able to manage it even with the adjustable driving seat at the very highest position. A shame really – I was sad to hand it back!

Wanted Cash Buyer Seeks Motor Vehicles. £100 - £10,000 prompt collection & settlement. Mature polite buyer.

No pressure or obligation. Often better than part exchange offer.

DVLA paperwork completed.

Classic & left hand drive motors especially wanted. Best prices paid.

07967 245172 www.blue-moon-cars.co.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

16(16)FORD Focus 1.0 Ecoboost”Titanium”5dr Auto, Very Low Mileage, Good Fuel Economy, Sat Nav, Door Guards............................................................................£18,995 16(16)FORD Focus 1.0 Ecoboost”Titanium” 5dr, 5500 Miles Only, Low Road Tax, Sat Nav SYNC, Park Assist, Auto Lights................................................................................£14,795 16(16)FORD Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost Zetec 5dr, Our Own Vehicle, Zero Road Tax, Fantastic Economy, Ford Warranty until Jul 18......................................................................£12,995 13(13)FORD Fiesta 1.0”Zetec”5dr, One Local Owner, Excellent Condition, 13000 Guaranteed Miles, Air Conditioning, Alloy Wheels.....................................................£8,795 13(13)FORD B-Max 1.0”Zetec”MPV, Locally Owned, Full Service History, 10000 Miles only, Very Popular MPV, Excellent Value.................................................................£8,595 12(62)FORD Fiesta 1.0”Zetec”5dr, Locally Owned & Maintained from New by Us. Zero Road Tax. AirCon. Rear Park Assist.........................................................................£7,995 12(12)FORD Ka 1.2“Metal Edition”3dr, Guaranteed 36000 Miles, Maintained Locally, Alloy Wheels, Bluetooth, Air Conditioning.........................................................................£5,495 12(12)FORD Kuga 2.0TDCi”Titanuim”AWD, Locally Owned Maintained by Us. 36000 Miles. Climate Control. Very High Spec...................................................................£14,995 09(59)FORD B-Max 1.6TDCi”Titanium”MPV. Supplied and Maintained by Us, 49000 Miles, Brilliant Fuel Economy, Very Roomy...............................................................................£4,495 08(08)VAUXHALL Zafira 1.6”Life 16v”MPV. Locally Owned. Very Popular Family Vehicle. 7 Seats. Air Conditioning. Air Bags.................................................................................£3,395 06(06)FORD Fiesta 1.4 “Zetec Climate” 5dr, Locally Owned & Maintained, Air Conditioning, Electric Windows, Dual Airbags.....................................................................................£2,495 03(53)TOYOTA Yaris 1.3 “Verso”5dr, Excellent Popular Small Hatchback. Economical to Run, Electric Windows, Central Locking.................................................................................£1,995

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The Purbeck Gazette

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Linda Skinner writes......

L

The Dorset A30/A35 Group Does It Again!

ast autumn I wrote an article published in the Purbeck Gazette about a 2000 mile round trip by three little Austin A30/A35 cars and vans to attend an Austin rally on the tiny Danish island of Samso. I finished the article by saying - ‘would we do it again? You bet!’ Well, we have done it again!

This year’s Austin rally was not so far away - it was to be held in a small town called Akersloot in Northern Holland. The same three cars were to make the journey but only three of the four couples, as the fourth couple’s daughter was in the middle of her GCSE exams. We spent a lot of time planning our route to take in some interesting places on the way.

On Saturday 4th June, the Swanage A30 car and A35 van set off together stopping for a much needed coffee in Wareham where there was a lot of interest as our two vehicles were parked together. We then met with the third vehicle, an A35 van from Bournemouth at Ringwood and continued on our way. It was quite a leisurely outward journey, with time for lunch in Arundel. All went well until a steep hill start in Hastings left one car sitting at the traffic lights with no electrical power. After half an hour with the men testing and probing for faults, the problem was solved and off we went to reach our first overnight stay in Canterbury.

Setting off on Sunday morning we only had a short drive to the ferry terminal at Dover. Even then, a couple of stops were needed to solve a problem on another of the cars. Driving such aged vehicles, you learn to allow plenty of time for such eventualities! The ferry crossing was excellent with our three vehicles being allocated special parking spaces so we were quickly on French soil heading for beautiful Bruges. If you have never visited Bruges, I thoroughly recommend it. The most delicious chocolate and an amazing collection of Belgian beers - oh, and some pretty amazing architecture too!! A bit like being in Rome; every corner you turn brings forth another beautiful building. Two nights here allowed us time to explore and the hire of six bikes for half a day meant we could see even more of the city and work off some of that chocolate.

Our next two night stop was Rotterdam. We stayed in a new modern hotel near to one of the many docks. Whilst not a city I would recommend for sightseeing, we were very central so able to explore lots of places on foot.

Again, the hire of bikes for a day meant we could easily travel further afield.

Belgium and Holland are so bike friendly I am afraid they put the UK to shame. There are designated cycle lanes and traffic lights everywhere, keeping cyclists safe from the busy flow of traffic. We discovered the well

preserved old town of Delfshaven and then followed cycle ways to a large park area followed by a much needed refreshment stop at the edge of a woodland yet still near some of the many docks. One factor astonished us all in both Belgium and Holland - because there are so many waterways, the array of different bridges and mechanisms to allow larger boats through is beyond belief. I think you could write a book about it - and certainly if you lived there, would need to allow extra time to reach your destination.

The locals must be blessed with much patience.

Our final destination of Akersloot was our next stop for three nights, but en-route we called at the former Grand Prix racing circuit of Zandvoort.

We resisted the strong temptation to drive the cars around the circuit.

Next as we approached our hotel from a surprisingly busy A road, there was a sinking feeling as our hotel was right next to it. However, it turned out to be the most magnificent hotel with our three rooms well away from the main road; huge rooms complete with a Jacuzzi bath each!

The Dutch A30/A35 club who had arranged the rally were so welcoming, serving coffee and cakes when we joined them. There was a programme of events organised and the boat trip to the famous Alkmaar Cheese Market was excellent. The cheeses were ‘punted’ along the river by men in traditional dress, whilst others ran back and forth in pairs on the quayside, with a type of sled strung between them loaded with huge Dutch cheeses.

Quite a sight to behold and perhaps a contender as a new Olympic sport.

The following day, we decided to take the train to Amsterdam as one of our couples had not visited there before and what an eye opener it was for them! The coffee shops are not what we in the UK expect and the red light district was not somewhere you might want to linger for too long.

Another boat trip, this one to see the smaller canals of Amsterdam was certainly worthwhile and then after some delicious pancakes and coffee (yes I do mean the coffee as we in the UK know it!) we returned on the train to our hotel.

Before setting off on the Sunday we joined the Dutch A30 group for breakfast and upon saying our farewells, were each presented with a souvenir Dutch cheese, enhanced with a rally sticker. Next we were off to Antwerp and once we had navigated the many road-works and disappointing outlying areas, we found the beautiful city centre where our hotel was very centrally located. After an overnight stay, off we went to catch our return ferry from Dunkirk, travelling via Bruges for a final time with yet more road-works to navigate. Arrival back in the UK late afternoon meant we had another overnight stay in Canterbury where most of us had our best night’s sleep of the entire trip (I think we were quite exhausted by this stage). The drive home took us cross-country for much of the way, as one of our group had arranged to pick up a car part en-route. Waving farewell at Rownhams services, our little car continued back to Swanage.

Probably the most delightful thing about these old cars is the smiles they bring to other people’s faces. We lost count of how many times people asked us to wait while they took photos, filmed us as they drove past, hooted, waved, shouted compliments or asked us about the cars, staring in amazement as we told them how far we had travelled. We even had people posting photos and comments on Facebook! We did only travel 1,000 miles this year, so half of last year’s mileage, but we are busily planning our next big expedition, so watch this space.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Food

From The Kitchen Garden...

Shallott, Beetroot & Goat’s Cheese Tart

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s the growing season is in full swing, it does become easier and trickier at the same time to settle for a favourite dish, as there’s so much more fruit and vegetables to choose from. However, I thought a refreshing cold cucumber and mint summer soup would be just the ticket for this month….but as I’m writing this, cold soup is the last thing I fancy.

A bowl of warming, hearty stew by the fire would be more appropriate! I feel for my plants, the daylight hours are dull and night time temperatures only just make it into the double figures - there’s just no warmth in the soil.

Everything seems to take forever to mature, even the courgettes which normally by this time are unstoppable! Hence in this month’s ‘Seasonal Grub’ I’d like to concentrate on the fabulous beetroot.

This humble star is closely related to spinach, chard and sugar beet and it comes in stunning colours-not just deep purple but also there’s a yellow variety and a pink and white stripy version, as well as an all-white one.

All varieties have the same deep earthy, sweet flavour and beetroot can be eaten raw, pickled, juiced, boiled, roasted, hot or cold-and it’s VERY good for you!

Anyway, enough of the whingeing! Who knows, there might be blazing sunshine day in, day out, by the time this edition is published…

The really good thing about this beetroot tart is that the flavour gets even better after it’s baked and left to cool down, that is, (of course) if there’s any leftover to eat cold! Also, as the beetroot and shallots can easily be cooked in advance and stored in the fridge until needed, this makes it a really quick meal.

Add some salad leaves on the side….or some crunchy potato wedges, cooked in the oven all at the same time. This tart looks stunning made with puff pastry, but if short crust pastry is preferred it works very well too.

By Regula Wright, Godlingston Manor Kitchen Garden

Ingredients: Pastry Boiled beetroot (3-4) Shallots (two handfuls) Knob of butter Glug of vinegar (balsamic is best, but any other type will do) Bunch of Thyme Goat’s cheese Salt and pepper Method: Preheat oven to 200 C Melt butter in a frying pan, add the peeled shallots, cook slowly for 15-20 minutes. then de-glaze the pan with a good glug of vinegar, leave to cool Line your dish with the pastry, add the softened shallots, thyme, followed by thinly sliced beetroot, salt and pepper.

Then top with the goat’s cheese.

Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes.

The Purbeck Gazette

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The Purbeck Cider Company Is Crowd-Funding!

Help transform this........

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y name is Joe Hartle and I founded The Purbeck Cider Company eight years ago, following my dream of making a traditional, premium cider on the Jurassic coast farm in the heart of Dorset. With a small passionate team we create a range of full juice English ciders, using only the finest natural British ingredients, and NO concentrate. We craft delicious, premium still and sparkling ciders to enjoy locally and throughout the UK. With growing appreciation of these delicious ciders (which are available in a range of sizes from bottles and gift packs, to bag in boxes and kegs), demand for our products continues to grow and, this is where you can get involved!

‘It’s all about the trees’ ~ Crowdfunding We launched the Crowdfunding on the 1st of July and this ends on 5th August so NOW is your time to get involved! Please don’t be shy as we need all the help we can get and together, we can achieve it!

Farming 230 acres in the Isle of Purbeck, we are looking for you to help us plant a fifteen-acre cider apple orchard with 5500 trees of Tom Putt, Ashmeads Kernal, Prince William and Three Counties varieties.

Two varieties are old traditional cider apples and two are new age varieties, all cropping at a similar time of year. They are in the same pollination group, giving fabulous fruit and happy bees. The environment and our impact on

.....to this!!!

it are of great importance and, in planting this orchard we are helping to enhance the varied and diverse habitat both in and around the new orchard.

We have picked out a lovely 15 acre field with a scenic back drop of Corfe Castle. The soil has been tested and all are busy getting it ready for the trees to be planted. In order to get good access to the field for harvesting in the autumn, we need to install a drainage system consisting of a massive 6000 metres of pipes. We have found a super duper orchard drainage contractor, who is standing by to jump into action for us in August 2016.

Although we are encouraging all wildlife we do need to stop the naughty nibblers from eating our trees while they grow, so we will be erecting 1000 metres of deer fencing around the orchard to protect the trees.

Once our drains are in and fences up, late September’s the time to get the best seedbed ready for our trees to be planted before leaving the field to rest up for the winter. From May 2017, the site will be ready and rested and the trees will be delivered and planted in one fell swoop, nestled into their new home before they wake up ready for the onset of spring!

You, our Investors Frankly, we want everybody to get involved and are excited to make this dream a reality. We have several different options for you to choose from with rewards to say thank you, so please link to our video and crowd funder page.

Joe and all @ of the Purbeck Cider Team admin@purbeckcidercompany. co.uk Tel 01929 481500

PURBECK PRODUCE FARMERS’ MARKET MARKETS IN COMMERCIAL ROAD, SWANAGE, ON THE SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH. ALSO FIND US AT PUTLAKE FARM, LANGTON MATRAVERS. LOCAL PRODUCE FROM LOCAL PRODUCERS www.purbeckproducts.co.uk

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Eco Worrier I

by John Garner

n an attempt to solve a problem and develop a more ecological conscience, I have planted a wildflower meadow in the bottom half of my garden. The ‘problem’ being a tangle of overgrown land that I didn’t really want to tackle. The ‘conscience’ was all ready to develop, but needed a project. It now has one.

I have left it a bit late in terms of planting the wildflower meadow and so the fruits of my labours may not be noticeable until next summer. The distributors of the seed say it’s always better in the second year anyway. I imagine this serves to reduce complaints in the first year as well as teaching the purchasers the necessity for patience, of which more later.

It is a wild woodland mix and looks very appealing on the packet. I’m expecting approximately seventeen different wild flowers at some point in the next twenty years or so. Wild sage, foxgloves, welsh poppies, bluebells and many more. It promises to be very colourful and varied once it actually takes hold. It also promises to be low maintenance, a phrase that truly gladdens the heart.

Whilst my dog seems very keen on worrying all the wildlife in the garden, we have inherited two bird boxes. In at least one there have been two blue tit chicks that have now fledged and done what blue tit chicks do, presumably. I can only assume they are now severely impaired as regards their hearing due to the constant barking, but out into the world they have flown. The hedges are also alive with other deaf birds.

Hedgehogs also seem to thrive in the wild (for wild read ‘neglected’) area of the garden. Hedgehogs are brilliant animals especially in terms of design.

Unfortunately the dog recently appeared at the back door with one in its mouth. It was very gently released on command in ball form and the dog seemed more than happy to relinquish its load. The phrase ‘bitten of more than he could chew’ was an expression that literally came to mind.

No harm was done to either animal. The hedgehog waited a while and then unfurled itself and waddled away. I spoke to the dog in fairly stern one syllable words about the wisdom of not repeating this episode again.

He was happy to comply. We have agreed never to talk of this again. The dog now ignores the hedgehog when the two are present in the garden.

They co-exist with a sniff and a pause. This has only happened once as hedgehogs are nocturnal animals by and large and the dog is not. Hedgehogs are also excellent at chomping away on slugs and other things that are intent on devouring your garden plants. Hedgehogs are good.

By refusing to manicure my garden I am creating a useable habitat for wildlife. Shame on you people with bowling green lawns and pristine gardens. Whilst we’re at it, this might be a good time to make a plea for not using chemicals in your gardens. Is the odd straggly weed really an excuse for a chemical blitz?

All this feeds into the bigger picture here. The bigger picture here being ‘how little can I get away with before I get rumbled as being a layabout?’

In this I could well take a lead from the dog. Don’t be fooled. Idleness needs planning. You have to set aside time to enjoy your surroundings.

To engage the senses. How often do we actually just sit and absorb?

Reflection and contemplation seem to have been major casualties of the smart phone and tablet generation. To really appreciate wildlife you need to sit and wait…and wait…and wait. And you still might not see or hear anything. So you might have to wait some more.

A number of years ago a whale washed up under the cliffs near to Kimmeridge Bay. I went and had a look. All too briefly. On the way back I met a photographer who was going round to see it with a pack of highly technical photography equipment, along with a foldaway chair and lots of food. He was going to sit and wait. Wildlife needs to be sure you’re not going to intervene. It needs you to blend in. To blend in you need to be there a long time. The pictures of the birds that were attracted by the whale took an age to achieve and a number of visits to get. They were amazing.

You can and should apply this philosophy to most walks of life. I am constantly telling myself to slow down. To think things through. To explore the options before committing. To be more contemplative. I invariably fail and rush into the next thing, despite the fact that in the long run, this often takes more time. I am not learning my lessons. I need to be more like the hedgehog. Be patient. Be methodical. Not take too much on. Learn to ignore unwanted attention in canine form.

The problem is this: How do I make this look like anything other than abject laziness? Perhaps this needs to be approached from somewhere other than my own surroundings. Perhaps a greater appreciation of wildlife needs to be on a grander scale or at least somewhere where I can’t be caught daydreaming without a cause.

Wildlife can be found all over Purbeck, but most noticeably just down the road in Arne at the RSPB nature reserve. The RSPB nature reserve is a magnificent place and hosts some of the most beautiful and protected environments you could possibly imagine. There are hundreds of square acres of tranquil, nature-packed goodness.

The RSPB website will do a much better job at advertising itself than I can possibly do, so have a virtual look. Preferably, have a real look. It could well give you some inspiration for creating a wilderness of your own. And you can idle around to your heart’s content. It’s all legitimised by the small entrance fee and worthiness of the endeavour. Ironic really as it takes very little endeavour of your own to go there.

Visit and dawdle with a clear conscience.

You’ll be doing your bit without the drag of having to put in too much effort. And there’s an excellent new café for when all the contemplation gets too much.

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The Purbeck Gazette

Give Moths A Home This Summer

he RSPB encourages the public to give moths a home in their gardens this summer by planting food for moths and their caterpillars.

Morwenna Alldis, spokesperson for the RSPB South West, said: “In our UK gardens and green spaces we have recorded a staggering 2,400 different species of moth to date. And yet these furry flutterers are often overshadowed by their flashy cousins, the butterflies, who paint our summers with a rainbow of colour. But let’s not forget that moths have eye-catching markings too – a jersey tiger moth, cinnabar or elephant hawk-moth can out-bedazzle any painted lady.

“Similar to butterflies, moths undergo several stages of metamorphosis before reaching adulthood. They start life as caterpillars, which then pupate in a silken cocoon, before poking-out a feathery antenna to read the air for the first time. In fact, moth’s antennae help them to sense smell and navigate their flight. Most of our UK moths fly at night, whereas butterflies are daytime lovers. And when a moth lands it typically keeps its wings open, unlike butterflies who tend to close their wings when resting.

“Here at the RSPB we think it’s time to start showing our garden moths some love. Moths are vital pollinators for some of our wild flowers and trees. Perhaps a harsh truth to stomach, but moths are vital links in nature’s food chain too. They are also an important food source for bats and birds.

At this time of year moth caterpillars are fed to many of our garden bird chicks including blue tits, great tits and robins. By following our simple planting top tips, you too can help give moths a home in your own garden.”

Plant Food for Moths Morwenna explains: “Moths need to drink nectar for energy, so grow nectar-rich plants which flower throughout spring, summer and autumn.

If you have the space, create a moth-friendly border around your garden.

If space is limited, simply plant the below in amongst your other flowers or in pots scattered around your garden.

For night-flying moths in summer, plant: Nicotiana alata - grow in the flower bed Jasmine - a climber to grow up a trellis Honeysuckle - a climber to grow up a trellis or into a tree Hemp-agrimony - a perennial plant about 1m tall, with soft, lilac heads of flowers, that will form a bigger and bigger clump each year Sweet rocket - a beautiful plant for the flower border you can grow from seed each year.

For night-flying moths in autumn, try: Ivy Michaelmas daisy Sedum spectabile Feed Your Caterpillars Morwenna continues: “As well as providing sustenance for adult moths it’s vital to give young, soon-to-be moths something to munch whilst in their caterpillar phase. Butterfly Conservation advises that whilst some moth caterpillars will eat a variety of plants, most species rely on just a few specific types, if not only one. So the best method to ensure you’re keeping every caterpillar happy is to grow a variety of plants – the greener your garden the better.

“Native plants are preferable (although the caterpillars of the elephant hawk-moth delight on fuchsias); especially native trees such as birch, oak and willow, which are a favourite dinner for moth caterpillars. To get a better idea of what native plants you should choose, look around your local area and mimic what already grows there naturally.

“Planting a native hedge that includes a variety of species, is also an excellent way to nourish caterpillars, as well as providing safe highways and byways for our small garden mammals to move. It’s also really beneficial to leave an area of your garden un-mown so that some of your native grasses and weeds can thrive to feed the caterpillars, including: dandelions, docks, brambles, nettles and bedstraws.

If You Build It They Will Come – Enjoy Spotting Your Garden Moths Morwenna says: “You’ve spent a few hours in the garden adding some nectar-giving, caterpillar-munchable plants and your garden is now a veritable moth Eden – next step is to take time out to enjoy the benefits of your work and spot the moths and caterpillars that now call your garden home. Take a night time stroll around your garden and let your torch reveal your garden moths enjoying a sip or two of nectar from your flowers. If you have an outside light, turn it on and see what moths are attracted to it – always have your moth guide to hand. Or set-up an overnight moth trap – an exciting activity, that always thrills children and adults alike and opens your eyes to the tremendous variety of wildlife that we share our homes with.”

To find out how you can give even more nature a home in your garden and create your own personalised plan based on your location, visit: www. rspb.org.uk/plan Pictures: top: Puss moth caterpillar Cerura vinula by Ben Andrews Below: Garden Tiger moth Arctia caja by Tom Marshall

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Margaret Green’s Lonely Souls - Can You Provide A Home?

Could you give us a home? ome animals at Margaret Green Animal Rescue need a little more time to settle and the rehoming process can take slightly longer for them.

Coco and Gypsy have been waiting a while to find their forever homes and we would love to see them settled as soon as possible.

RIGHT: Hello, my name is Coco and I am five years old!

I am a very affectionate girl but I very much know my own mind. I need to be an only pet as I get very worried around other animals.

The staff here think I might be better suited to a farm type home as I am a very accomplished hunter! Call 01929 480474 to find out

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more about me.

LEFT (above): Hi everyone, my name is Gypsy! I am a very friendly eight year old girl who loves nothing more playing and then settling down for a cuddle. I would prefer to be the only dog in the home, and I wouldn’t like to live with cats, but I can live with children aged ten years and over.

I have so much love to give and I can’t wait to meet my new family. Call 01929 471340 to find out more about me.

To find out more about adopting an animal visit: www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk.

Don’t miss our upcoming events including our Companion Dog Show on Sunday 7th August and our Country Fayre on Sunday 25th September – fun for the whole family!

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‘Bright Wings of Summer’: Butterflies at Durlston Durlston is one of Britain’s best sites for butterfly watching, with an amazing thirty four species regularly seen. August is an ideal time to enjoy them, with twenty five plus species on the wing. Lulworth Skippers – a Dorset speciality are easily found, along with eye-wateringly bright Adonis Blues, huge Dark Green Fritillary, and thousands of Marbled Whites, to name just a few!

To keep up to date with what’s been see at Durlston, read the Ranger’s daily wildlife diary (written every morning by the Rangers for more than thirty years!) on the website here: http://durlston.co.uk/durlston-today.aspx Help Round Up Durlston’s Dinosaurs!

This summer children and families can go on a Jurassic adventure at Durlston and hunt for dinosaurs around the Park!

The Dino Adventure trail runs from the 21st July to the 3rd September and costs £3 per Dino hunter, with a prize for successfully rounding up Durlston’s dinosaurs!

Summer Kids Events at Durlston – Fly a Kite, Meet a Moth, Pick a Pellet and more…

There are lots more things for young visitors to Durlston to do during the summer holidays. The chance to join the Rangers to build and then fly your own kite, try your hand at printmaking with artist Julie Herring, find out what Durlston’s owls and birds of prey have been eating by collecting and dissecting pellets, try out glass engraving or take part in a meadow safari to hunt for one of Britain’s biggest insects are just a few of the

The Purbeck Gazette

opportunities on offer, with events every Wednesday, Thursday and many other days.

‘Texture, Colour and Creativity’ and ‘To the Lighthouse’ Art Exhibitions The Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Castle is undoubtedly one of Dorset’s most beautiful Gallery spaces, with panoramic sea views, and this summer’s programme showcases the work of some outstanding Dorset artists and makers and gives you the chance to take home a unique piece of work.

‘Texture, Colour and Creativity’ features beautiful ceramics by the Eeles family of potters, alongside the stunning work of traditional silk weaver Debbie Kirby – artist in residence at Walford Mill. Their exhibition runs from the 23rd August – 6th September.

‘To The Lighthouse’ features contemporary work by Purbeck’s Boilerhouse Collective, including ceramics, jewellery, painting, photography, sculpture, stone carving and textiles inspired by the Purbeck coastline and beyond. The exhibition runs from the 5th -19th August.

Durlston Bus Once again we are really pleased to be running a shuttle bus service between Swanage Railway, the museum, the Pier and Durlston every day until the 24 September. Buses run roughly half-hourly, from 10am, with the last bus leaving Durlston at 4.50.

For more information, visit www.durlston.co.uk

Mapperton Solar Park Planning Permission Quashed

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he High Court of Justice quashed planning permission for the proposed Mapperton Solar Park on land owned by South Dorset MP Richard Drax.

This decision is the result of Katharine Butler’s successful application for a Judicial Review of East Dorset District Council’s decision to grant permission for a mega solar farm to be sited on good arable land amongst highly valued heritage assets in an Area of Great Landscape Value. She was supported by the Mapperton Preservation Group (MPG) and the Dorset branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Deputy High Court Judge Rhodri Lewis Price QC agreed with Katharine Butler that East Dorset’s Planning Committee was seriously misled by the Officers’ Report which recommended permission be granted. The Report admitted that the proposal would do harm to heritage assets but failed

to point out that, if this was the case, this would not comply with policies in the Local Plan. The judge has refused appeal.

Over 700 objections were sent to East Dorset District Council last year to protest at what would have been, if built, the second largest solar farm park in Dorset, saying it represented damaging industrialisation of the beautiful countryside here. This was the largest protest ever mounted against a solar installation application in Dorset.

The revised proposal came after Good Energy Limited were forced to withdraw an earlier application in the face of a successful legal challenge. The solar park would have covered 106 acres with 90,000 solar PV panels.

Local residents formed the Mapperton Preservation Group to object. Katharine Butler said: “We would not have objected to a solar farm of 40 acres, but it is inappropriate to site an industrially sized project in an Area of Great Landscape Value. The developer is clearly more persuaded by the commercial rather than the environmental arguments.”

Ironically one of the key objections was the adverse impact on the setting and views from Grade II* listed Charborough Park, which is owned

by Drax. Pevsner, the acclaimed architectural historian, described the landscaped park as “the most splendid in Dorset”. Grade II* Charborough Tower, which featured in Thomas Hardy’s “Two on a Tower”, would have been affected too. Rupert Hardy, a representative of both MPG and the Dorset CPRE, argues “the vast installation would have been a blight on the landscape of Thomas Hardy’s Wessex”.

The Dorset Gardens Trust and both local parish councils objected while the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stated the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment was “significantly flawed”.

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Gazette Gardening with Simon Goldsack

Daisy, Daisy give me your answer do......

Helenium (above) rom edible Lettuce to deadly Ragwort and from diminutive lawn daisy to giant sunflowers, the daisy family is probably the largest grouping of plants on earth, making up about 10% of most native wild flower communities.

Michaelmas Daisy (below) The plant family Asteraceae (from the Greek word Aster meaning star) is widespread from Polar regions to the tropics, being most plentiful in arid, edge of desert areas.

They are mostly herbaceous perennials but there are also many shrubs, annuals and there are even some cactus and succulent forms.

The word ‘daisy’ comes from the common name ‘day’s eye’ due to the English lawn daisy’s characteristic of the flowers opening at dawn and closing at dusk.

Dahlia (left) At Holme this August, as well as the beautiful gardens, we will be having a display of daisy flowers in the Garden Centre and on Saturday 27th Holme is hosting the Holme Flower and Produce show in aid of the East Holme church.

Come and join us in what we expect to be a very colourful month at Holme.

Shown on this page are some very

important daisy family garden flowers: Osteospermum (above)

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Sunflowers (above) Lettuce flowers (below) although not showy, clearly demonstrate their daisy credentials.

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Open Air Cinema - See Films On The BIG Screen!

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urbeck Film Festival and the National Trust are pleased to be copresenting another summer film season. ‘Stars on the Beach’ on Saturday 13th August features THE FULL MONTY, funny, moving and with a great soundtrack, outside the Discovery Centre, Knoll Beach Studland.

If it rains the first forty ticket holders will still be able to enjoy the film under cover in the Centre. The ticket includes a tasty Fish and Chip supper (veggie option) in the cafe before the film and the world famous National Trust ‘Hot Stuff’ Bar, will be open!

Tickets: £16 for Supper and Film (40 sold in advance) from Knoll Beach Office 01929 450 500 or on the gate - £6 Film Only. Free Parking after 7.00pm.

For August Bank Holiday weekend ‘Stars under the Stars’ come to the grounds of historic Corfe Castle. On Friday 26th we are screening the wonderful brand new version of THE JUNGLE BOOK, Saturday 27th brings fun for all the family with PADDINGTON - who could resist the delights of the marmalade loving bear?

Our last screening on Sunday 28th features 007 in his quest to discover the secrets behind the sinister organisation SPECTRE. Bar, hot and cold drinks and Purbeck Ice Creams will all be available or bring your own picnic. All the Corfe Castle films are weather permitting, so we are hoping for an improvement on last year!

Tickets are only sold on the gate on the night - cash only please.

Remember for ALL four films bring your own seating, blankets and do wear warm clothing.

Full details on our website: www.purbeckfilm.com

A Gold Citation!

£900 Art Donation

L-R: Judy Tate, Richard Holman, Chris Clarke

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Gold Citation and Certificate for his artwork has been awarded to wildlife artist, Roy Aplin, who is Swanage born and bred.

His painting, ‘Just in Australia’ displaying fifteen head studies of parrots was entered into the Annual Exhibition of The Society of Wildlife Art International, held at Nature in Art, Gloucester.

The judge’s comments read: “A brilliant and colourful composition. The images are so accurate that the individual species are easily identifiable.”

Roy is absolutely overwhelmed by the award and is naturally delighted.

His interest in the countryside and birds of the world has had a huge impact on his artwork, which is collected worldwide. Roy is completely self-taught and specializes in painting birds of the world.

And for the ‘locals only’ - Moses Grant would be very proud of Roy’s great achievement!

The photo above is of Roy with his Gold Award, Certificate and the painting, “Just in Australia”.

Well done Roy! You’ve done us all proud! Editor.

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ver £900 has been raised for Citizens Advice Purbeck following the auction of a painting by a local artist.

A cheque for £925 has been donated by Judy Tate from Corfe Castle for her Midsummer’s Glory painting after a silent auction as part of Purbeck Art Weeks (PAW).

The painting had also won the prize for the cover of the events programme for PAW and as a result, had generated a great deal of interest.

27th August

FLOWER & PRODUCE SHOW AT HOLME

We will be holding a Flower and Produce Show in the grounds of Holme for Gardens.

Schedules can be collected from Holme for Gardens, Amber Hard (Wool) and W. Ponds (Wareham).

The show opens to the public at 2pm and there will be a raffle, tombola, children's games, cream teas and much more, so come along and have a go!

The Purbeck Gazette

10 Steps To Improving Your Photography...

by Swanage Photographic Society. www.swanagephotographicsociety. com 01929 423841 Step 2. Know your camera settings ou should now have a better understanding of how ISO, shutter speed and aperture work together to give you a properly exposed image and by seeing the effects you achieve by altering either one of them.

Reading books on photography will further enhance your knowledge BUT, the most important book to read and understand is your camera manual!

You must be able to manipulate your camera settings, therefore a sound knowledge of your camera is essential.

Each manufacturer designs their camera to assist you in taking perfect images. Often however, we press a button, turn a dial or choose a setting from the menu which changes our images into something we hadn’t expected. This is often very confusing and disappointing.

Members of the Swanage Photographic Society own and use a multitude of different cameras and during our regular evening events we can discuss problems or benefits we have found with our cameras.

Frequently someone will know where to find the information we need or how to adjust a setting etc. If you want to know how to set your camera for taking portraits with studio lighting we have members who can give you advice, if you want to be creative with landscapes or macro work we have members who can help you.

Make a memo card or check sheet so you can quickly read how to set your camera for that special shot. These are often the size of a credit card and fit into your camera bag. Each time you learn something new about the camera, write it down. Professionals do it until they’re familiar with a particular technique, so why shouldn’t you?

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Step 3. Don’t Compare Your Work to Others’ There are many experienced photographers who make photography appear easy. If you are just getting started don’t be discouraged because you believe that your photos are not as good as someone else’s. Everyone has to learn, so it’s not very useful to compare images. Learn how to ‘read their photographs’. For example, see how they have composed the image, where the light is coming from and how it affects the subject. Focus on using this to improve your own photographs.

If you are finding it difficult, why not come along and speak to members of the Swanage Photographic Society. You can enter your images into a wide variety of competitions and because we use only experienced Judges, you can get positive and useful feedback on your work. This is the best way to have real advice on how to improve your photography.

Step 4. Stepping Outside Of Your Comfort Zone As you develop your photography skills there will be challenges that push you outside of your comfort zone and these may be difficult to deal with.

However, by stepping outside your comfort zone you can learn new techniques to improve your photography. Some ways of pushing yourself would be to ask friends to judge your work, or perhaps by photographing people instead of landscapes, or ask friends if they’ll let you take their portrait. Put your photographs onto a web site or media sites, to allow friends or the general public to voice their opinion. Of course this can be discouraging if you don’t get the answer you were hoping for, but you will learn.

But best of all you could become a member of the Swanage Photographic Society and get strong support and impartial advice on how to improve your photography. We’ve all had our images assessed by members and judges and sometimes we’re told things that we don’t want to hear.

However, that’s the great thing about being a member, because you get told the areas that let your image down and then you get advice on how to improve it.

This is a win-win situation.

Blues, Funk And Rock Right Here In Swanage!

Swanage Legion - AUGUST OFFER Club Bar prices * Value meals Club draws (big cash prizes) Active club sports - Active club entertainment Professional Quality live music events Ability to recoup your membership fee within a few visits Access all RBLs over the country - Support the armed forces Local social community Temporary & Annual Membership Available Swanage Legion, 150 High Street Swanage, BH19 2PA. Telephone: 01929 422722

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Lady St.Mary Flower Festival

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ady St Mary Flower Festival will be held from 11th to 15th August with the theme this year of “AGAPE”.

A Preview on Wednesday 10 th August at 7.45pm will be by ticket only, available from the Parish Office at £6 including refreshments.

The Festival will depict people and charities giving love and support to others. There will be an exhibition in the Parish Hall along with refreshments available from 10am – 5 pm. A concert will be held on Saturday 13th at 7p.m. On Sunday there will be our annual Songs of Praise at 6pm.

Further information can be obtained from Pat and Clive Cherrett 01929 552087 or from the Parish Office 01929 550905.

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New Bechstein Grand For Lytchett

ytchett Minster Parish Church is delighted to announce the arrival of a new Bechstein Grand Piano. The church has been raising money for a number of years by holding a series of concerts, and the completion of the fundraising has been made possible by a grant from Viridor Credits Environmental Company, through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Vicar Canon Jean de Garis said, “We would like to thank Viridor Credits, and the many generous donors and faithful concert-goers who have contributed to the purchase of this magnificent instrument. I am also very grateful to Oliver Webb at Intermusic who advised us in the selection of the piano.”

The church, which has an exceptionally good acoustic, and its piano, are available for hire. Details can be found at the church’s website: www.

Josh Hollingshead Gallery Opens

lytchettminsterchurch.co.uk.

The Piano fund-raising group has now become the Concert Group. We will seek to encourage the development of music within the local area, continuing to make the parish church a focal point for a wide variety of musical events within the community.

A Gala celebration involving many of the local musicians who have supported our fund raising is in the planning stage; it will show-case the instrument in various styles and musical genres. We look forward to inviting you to that event in the autumn.

For details on Viridor Credits, including enquiries for funding, please visit www.viridor-credits.co.uk.

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Swanage Town Band Perform

he Swanage Town Band will be playing in the bandstand at 6.45pm on Wednesdays 3rd and 10th August; entertaining the crowds with a packed programme of traditional tunes, pop classics and hits from stage and screen.

Bring a chair, rug, picnic and your friends and family, and enjoy a free musical performance in the open air! Ring Liz for more info 481419.

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he Josh Hollingshead Gallery, which opened on 7th of July, is located in a large industrial unit where Josh has the space to display fifteen year’s worth of paintings.

These range from small etchings to large canvases covering social and religious themes, along with over 1000 drawings and prints, all of which will be on sale. The exhibition is open from 11am until 6pm daily, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Unit 3, Jaden Centre, Prospect Way, Swanage. Website: http:// joshhollingshead.net/ Picture & words: Adrian Wright of the HSC - thanks Ade!

The Purbeck Gazette

Purbeck Chamber Music Festival September 2 - 4 hat a line up! This year the Festival welcomes the actress Juliet Stevenson, internationally renowned pianist Julius Drake, BBC new generation Signum Quartet, Canadian violinst Lara St. John, South African viola star and overtone singer Gareth Lubbe, British soprano Ruby Hughes and cellist and artistic director Natalie Clein.

Now established as a regular summer event in Purbeck’s multi-faceted music calendar, the Festival grows in prestige and acclaim as audiences come to relish Natalie’s particular mix of established favourites alongside less familiar pieces.

A Schubert thread runs through this year’s programme, with its stunning line-up of players, music and the spoken word.

Juliet Stevenson will read poetry by Akhmatova and excerpts from T.S.Eliot’s the ‘Four Quartets’ in the opening concert in Wareham. The Signum Quartet with Natalie Clein (cello) and Gareth Lubbe (viola) are playing two of the most powerfully beautiful string quintets by Schubert and Mozart.

Schubert’s monumental late piano Sonata in B flat major will be played by Julius Drake, and Ruby Hughes and Natalie are performing some of John Tavener’s beautiful songs for voice and cello. Music by Bach, Schulhoff, Schnittke, and Haydn is also on offer.

Back by popular demand for the younger music lovers (aged 0-16) a children’s concert will take place at the Durlston Learning Centre as well as a masterclass for young local cellists in Swanage, St Mary’s.

All four concerts take place in some of Purbeck’s most historic and beautiful stone churches amidst its spectacular hills and rugged coastline.

For programme information and booking tickets see: purbeckchambermusic.org

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HELP US RAISE £900,000 TO SAVE THE PIER! WE HAVE UNTIL NOVEMBER TO SECURE THE FUTURE OF SWANAGE PIER. PLEASE SUPPORT US.

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The Purbeck Gazette

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What Is Chiropractic? Swanage Therapy Centre Chiropractic C Treatment hiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health.

The first thing that people think is that ‘Chiropractors treat backs’ – which they certainly do very successfully, but they also diagnose and treat other musculoskeletal disorders as well as a number of other conditions.

By helping the musculoskeletal system to function as normally as possible, chiropractic treatment can help with: • Spine, Neck and Shoulder Problems.

• Joint, Posture and Muscle Problems • Leg pain and sciatica • Sports Injuries • Headaches, including Migraines A chiropractor’s first concern is to try and find out what is wrong and rule out any serious underlying pathology where possible.

When you see a chiropractor for the first time you will have a full case history taken and a thorough physical examination. X-rays may be organised if clinically justified.

Chiropractic treatment involves massage, joint manipulation and stretching techniques. Normally simple back pain of short duration would require three to six visits, but longstanding conditions may take longer with occasional ‘follow-ups’ to maintain improvement.

Chiropractors recommend ‘self help’ by encouraging rehabilitation exercises at home as well as advice on diet and lifestyle. If done the exercises can significantly speed recovery and reduce the chance of recurrent episodes of pain.

Chiropractic treatment is now commonly recommended by the medical profession and can be claimed for on most medical insurances.

Melanie Taylor started the Swanage Therapy Centre with Pam Jolliffe (Physiotherapist) in 2004.

Melanie who works as a Chiropractor at Swanage Therapy Centre graduated in 1985 and has worked in the Purbeck area for 27 years.

She still loves her job and really enjoys a challenge!!

So if you are in pain or suffering from any of the above problems, book an appointment with Melanie by calling Swanage Therapy Centre on 01929 426506 or Wareham Therapy Clinic on 01929 551513.

CHIROPODY Rachel Ciantar

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

Contact 07979 840542 NEW PATIENTS £5 OFF FIRST TREATMENT

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

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

with Melanie Taylor We look forward to seeing you!

T: 01929 426506 www.swanagetherapycentre.co.uk

Kate Smith, ITEC

www.swanagebeautyandmassage.com

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

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

Call Kate for details on 07505 313179 SPRAY TANNING COMING SOON!

The Purbeck Gazette

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Matron’s Round - Our Local Hospitals’ Monthly Column

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am sure that everyone is aware of the proposals for community hospitals, and in particular the proposals for Purbeck, following the Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group’s roadshows.

Now is the time for Wareham and Purbeck residents to have their say on the future of healthcare provision in the area and there are avenues to do this e.g. via the Friends of each hospital and the feedback forms which are available in reception at the hospitals.

I would like to reassure you that during this time the priority of each hospital is to continue to provide the excellent service that Purbeck residents, and our neighbours, enjoy.

I appreciate that there will be many questions in the build up to the formal consultation starting in September and some answers to these may be found at: www.dorsetccg.nhs.uk, www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/article/411954, www.dorsetsvision.nhs.uk/have-your-say, www.dorsetccg.nhs.uk/involve/feedback-our-engagement-newsletter, Information is also available at: Facebook.com/NHSDorsetCCG

Twitter - @dorsetccg Another issue that is currently affecting all NHS hospitals, and in particular Swanage, is recruiting nurses - you can’t have failed to notice our large banner outside Swanage Hospital!

I would like to put out a plea to all of you - if you know any nursing staff that are looking for a change, please ask them to consider joining one of our teams and contributing to the fantastic work that we do within our community hospitals.

I would like to promote to everyone the opportunities and advantages of working within our hospitals, and the many services that we offer.

We always welcome potential employees who want to come and have a look around to see what we do.

We are immensely proud of the facilities that we have to offer and I always enjoy the chance to show off our achievements.

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!

‘Fobbed Off’ Report Healthwatch Dorset has published a new report called “Fobbed Off”. he local watchdog gathered feedback from over one hundred and fifty people across Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset about their experiences of making a complaint about the NHS. 58% of people said they were satisfied with the actual process of making the complaint. But 59% said they didn’t feel their complaint was handled fairly and 52% weren’t confident that making the complaint wouldn’t have an adverse effect on any care they might need in the future.

In addition, 78% said they hadn’t been made aware that they could be supported by an independent advocate and 70% said they weren’t offered the chance to meet or discuss with staff during the complaints process.

When asked to describe their experience in their own words, a number of people said they had felt “fobbed off”.

Joyce Guest, Chair of Healthwatch Dorset, said: “Many people told us they felt that their complaints were still unresolved, not handled well and they were unsure if things would improve. In any large and complex organisation things are bound to go wrong sometimes. But when they do, some of the measures of an organisation are how willing it is to listen, to empathise and not justify; how well and how quickly things are recognised and put right; and how speedily things are put in place to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Healthwatch Dorset has made six recommendations to the local NHS Trusts about how they could improve people’s experiences in the future and they will be monitoring what action the NHS takes. The Trusts have already responded to the report. Dorset County Hospital’s response said: “We would like to thank Healthwatch Dorset for carrying out the survey. We appreciate receiving feedback about our services so that we can continually make improvements. We would like to assure

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Healthwatch and our patients, staff, carers and public that we will use the recommendations in the report to make service improvements.”

You can read the Healthwatch Dorset report on their website www. healthwatchdorset.co.uk or call 0300 111 0102 (local rate number) to find out more.

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Sport

The Purbeck Gazette

Give A Gig A Go!

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ou might have seen the gig rowers out in Swanage Bay, and thought “I’d like to try that, but it’s probably just for experts – or really fit people”. Well, you’d be wrong on both counts.

Swanage Sea Rowing Club is for everyone in the community, as well as visitors. People of all ages and abilities are members of the club, from teens to seniors. Yes, some enjoy the challenge and competitive side, but many more just do it for the chance to glide round our beautiful bay in a boat – especially when it’s calm and clear, or to watch the gorgeous sunsets

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over the town. And there’s lots of chatting and laughter in the gigs too!

Non-members can get a taste of rowing at the open sessions. Weather permitting, they take place on Tuesday evenings (from 6pm) and Saturday mornings (10.30am to 12.30pm). The cost is £2 and there’s no need to book – just come down to the boathouse near the pier.

So why not give a gig a go – who knows, you might get hooked…

Find out more on the website www.ssrc.org.uk

5K Fun Run ‘Together For Alzheimers’

n Sunday September 25th at 10am “Together for Alzheimers” 5k run/walk will take place in Wareham Forest.

This year will start from a new venue, Birchwood Tourist Park, Coldharbour, Wareham, and will follow tracks around the Forest. All money raised will go to ‘The Alzheimer’s Society’ which does fantastic work in helping those affected by Dementia as well as research to find a cure for this devastating disease.

To enter the run we ask for £10 for adults, £5 for children or £25 for a

family, on top of this, sponsor forms are available if required for further fundraising or donations.

If you would like more information on how you could take part, donate or help please contact Alex on 01929 553642, email at getfitwithalex@ yahoo.co.uk Donations can be made through www.justgiving.com/ togetherforalzheimers2016 Please dig deep and support us, any donation, however small is greatly appreciated!

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Places Filling Quickly In Purbeck Running Festival!

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e are just a few weeks away from the Purbeck Running Festival.

This festival is now running alongside two other festivals as part of The Purbeck Outdoor Weekend (T-POW) which includes Nordic Walking and Mountain biking events. The core event to T-POW is The Purbeck Marathon, now in its fifth year.

In each of the last two years, The Purbeck Marathon has been full well before its official closing date of 31 August. Entries have been coming in fast during 2016 and the organisers anticipate the race closing before the end of August again.

The Purbeck Marathon is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a run through some of the UK’s most beautiful scenery, taking in views of the Isle of Wight and Isle of Portland while passing landmarks such as Corfe Castle and Durlston Castle, avoiding the urge to stop at historic pubs like The Castle Inn in Corfe Castle or the Square & Compass in Worth Matravers.

You even pass an MOD tank firing range and a working, busy steam railway! The finish is on the seafront in Swanage with a chance to cool tired limbs in the sea.

With its strapline of “More than Just a Marathon” it is no surprise that The Purbeck Marathon is closer to 27 miles but there is another option. 2016 is the second year of The Purbeck 16, a shorter, but just as challenging, race that takes in much of the Marathon course but is about eleven miles shorter. It is certainly not an easy challenge, but very beautiful and taking in many of the sights. If you don’t fancy the full Marathon (and a bit) why not try The Purbeck 16?

Entry details are available on the race Web site at www.thepurbeckmarathon. co.uk where it is also possible to sign up to help out at the event.

The race cannot take place without the help of many volunteers on the day. It is not necessary to run to be a part of this great and unique event.

Alongside their role in helping to stage the event, runners always mention the enthusiasm of the route marshals and other helpers adding to the race atmosphere. This year our photo competition will focus (pun intended) on depicting the fantastic volunteers.

As in previous years The Purbeck Marathon is looking to raise muchneeded funds for local good causes. Alongside, the organisers’ nominated charities, volunteers who help on the day have a direct say in how funds are distributed with the opportunity to nominate a charity to receive funding from the event.

This marathon is a community event, put on by volunteers in order to share our favourite runs with you and to raise much needed funds for local charities and good causes. In 2015, we were able to donate

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£6,000 to these causes, the same as in 2014 despite major investments in the race. If you would like to become involved, please contact info@ thepurbeckmarathon.co.uk.

The Purbeck Marathon and The Purbeck 16 are part of The Purbeck Running Festival and The Purbeck Outdoor Weekend. The events taking place over the weekend highlight the beauty of Purbeck, boost the local economy and help local community good causes. The races cannot take place without the support of our partners and volunteers on the day.

Swanage & Wareham Hockey Club

wanage & Wareham Hockey club will be hosting a “Back to Hockey” event during The Purbeck Pledge on Saturday September 17th on the Astroturf at the Purbeck Sports Centre in Wareham between 9.30am and 12.30pm. This will comprise of a series of short sessions for people to experience playing hockey.

Due to its “Back to Hockey” England Hockey incentive, the club continues to attract more players, providing a healthy number of ladies and men turning out on a winter Saturday. This incentive is open to all who would like to start, come back or merely join our friendly club, based at the Purbeck Sports Centre. Whether you loved or hated hockey at school, it’s never too late to start again, or be converted! Everyone is welcome, no matter what sex, age or standard – all you have to do is turn up.

The club’s success is also due to the Junior coaching programme that has taken place over the last few years. These juniors are now joining the senior teams and are proving their worth. All youngsters aged 6-13 are welcome to attend the hockey club’s very active Junior Section. Coaching takes place on Wednesdays at the Purbeck Sports Centre in Wareham during term time between 6pm and 7.30pm.

The club continues to grow and looks forward to another successful season after completing a record breaking one. The ladies 2nd team finished top of their Channel Two Division of the West Clubs League which is the first time in the club’s history that the 2nd team have gained promotion. With two more ladies teams and two men’s teams this club provides hockey for all ages and standards. Adult club training (13 and over) during the season takes place every Wednesday 7pm- 9pm which is the best time to come along to meet us.

Feel free to pick up that stick again after a few (or many) years away from this fantastic sport.

This club is very supportive and friendly and gets you out on cold winter evenings and bleak Saturdays when most people are sat inside waiting for the summer to arrive! Hockey is fun, sociable and most importantly keeps you fit and healthy within a great team environment.

If you’d like any information on any of the above please email Jackie@jackiebarker.f2s.com or call 07725 562607.

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The Purbeck Gazette

The Rotary Dorset Bike Ride 2016

For families and the hardened cyclists he 5th Rotary Dorset Bike Ride in aid of Cancer Research UK is to be held on Sunday 18th September. The ride caters for all levels from the family to the hardened cyclists with eight routes from just ten miles, up to the challenging Dorset 108 mile Etape.

This year we hope to encourage more families to take part and children can enter FREE if riding in the 10, 22 or 34 mile routes, plus children get a FREE ticket to Monkey World.

The event is very well organised with plenty of marshals, excellent signage with refreshment stops along the way. We have full back up support including first aid, bike repair or pick-up in case of problems. The start and finish is at Longthorns Campsite (next to Monkey World) where there is plenty of parking, and onsite catering plus free massages for riders afterwards.

The event has so far raised in excess of £100,000 for Cancer Research UK and other charities. Although raising sponsorship is not compulsory we hope riders will raise funds for cancer and there are rewards and prizes for those that do, including a new bike and bike vouchers donated

by Cyclexperience of Wareham; free cycle jerseys and T-Shirts, plus six months membership to the Springfield Leisure club.

We would like to thank the sponsors: Bloorhomes, Cyclexperience, Actavo, Springfield Country Hotel, Dorset Flapjacks, Corben’s Estate Agent, Dorset Golf and Country Club and local supermarkets.

To enter go to www.dorset-bike-ride.co.uk or search for Rotary Dorset Bike ride. The entry fee in advance is £20 for 70-108 mile routes and £15

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for shorter routes, children FREE for the 10-35 routes otherwise half price for longer routes. Thanks to our sponsors, all the entry fees go to charity.

For more information email david.king@gbpltd.co.uk or ring 07973 189395.

Juniors Take The DGCC Trophies

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n a dramatic finale to the Club Championships at The Dorset Golf and Country Club, George Carroll (pictured left) retained his title of Champion golfer by holding off the challenge of fellow junior golfer Lewis Gilligan (right) by winning a sudden death play-off on the second extra hole.

On a weekend when the golf course was set up at its toughest, George and Lewis finished seven shots ahead of their nearest rival with gross scores of 153 for the thirty six hole competition.

However, all was not lost for Lewis as he won the Handicap trophy, also by a margin of seven shots, with a net score of 145.

Club Captain, Tim Morris, said: “It is terrific to see such excellent golf being played by our juniors, they are a credit to the club not just for their golf but also for the sporting spirit in which they play.”

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Swanage Bowls Club Update

pecial mention this month must be made of the excellent achievements of Swanage bowlers in County competitions.

In the Ladies Pairs, Gill Bryceson and Jean Thomas beat two pairs from Poole Park and one from West Moors in the early rounds, before overcoming a pair from Weymouth Greenhill in the quarter-finals. That put them in a semi-final pairing against Poole Park and despite leading for most of the game, Gill and Jean eventually bowed out 18-22.

Mike Barron has reached the quarter-finals of the Men’s 4-wood singles seeing off competitors from Poole Park, Gillingham and Shaftesbury on the way and now has to play Chris Weeks of Poole Park. He has also got through to the quarter-finals of the 2-wood singles.

In the Men’s Fours, John Brudenell, Mike Barron, Mark Sheppard and Gordon Wallis are through to the quarter-finals. So Swanage are well represented in the final stages of County competitions this year.

In the Dorset League, Swanage Men continue to shine and notched up two fine victories over West Moors 69-43 and Branksome Park 66-47, with all 3 rinks scoring over 20 shots apiece.

A temporary blip with a defeat by Poole Park 45-64 was followed by Swanage returning to winning ways at Broadstone Wessex 61-54, with top rink honours going to Alfie Leaton, Dave Farley, Mike Barron and Gordon Wallis (up against the young ex-Swanage player Ollie Thake), winning 23-14.

On the rink next-door, Robin Hilton, Brian Beeston, David Hogsflesh and Mark Sheppard soon found themselves 3-15 down but fought back to win

22-16 in a remarkable turnaround. This magnificent victory propelled Swanage to 2nd place in the division, the highest placing in this league for many years.

Meanwhile in the B & D League, Swanage had a disastrous month. After being on top with a distinct possibility of a 2nd promotion in successive seasons, Swanage slid down the table to 7th place so all dreams of promotion have gone out of the window.

A draw at home to Branksome Park, 76-76 was the best that Swanage could muster with substantial losses at Boscombe Cliff 58-88 and at Broadstone Wessex 66-89 and a narrow defeat to Southbourne 77-78, despite one winning rink of Roy Scott, Paul Knapman, Steve Leaton and Clive Bryceson (24-12).

There is good news in both the inter-club triples leagues. The Ladies are riding high in the Edna Paisley League just a point behind leaders Blandford and the Men are also in 2nd place in the Percy Baker League, needing to win their last two games to overhaul Poole Park for qualification in the final stages.

There are still a couple of months of the bowling season remaining so if there are any would-be bowlers in Purbeck who would like to have a go at outdoor bowling, just go along to one of the Friday evening Club Nights at 5.30pm wearing flat-soled shoes and give it a try.

For all bowls enquiries, please phone David on 450405 or Jean on 426795.

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 Sept is noon, 10th Aug 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.

AUGUST

Mon 1st * Stone Carving Festival At The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 * Swanage Painting Club Summer Exhibition At the Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Road, Swanage, 10.00--5.30 daily. FREE * Diesel Shuttle Service For Swanage Carnival Week on Swanage Railway. Last train from Swanage 22.15hrs. Norden Car Park open until 2300hrs.

Tue 2nd 19:15 Rotary Club of Wareham. We are looking for new members and are having a talk by Les Bassett about setting up the first Computerised Braille Transcription Unit in the Prison Service at Springfield Country Hotel at 7.15pm For more information please contact Ann on 553727 or see our website www. warehamrotary.co.uk Wed 3rd 10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet at new CP on Holme Lane, Creech for 5 mile circular walk via Creech Bottom and Doreys Farm. Ffi 01929 426926.

11:00 Wild Wednesdays At Durlston Country Park. Free drop-in activities for families.

Donations welcome at the LC. 18:00 Michael Jackson Tribute - Navi, Wareham Wednesdays on Wareham Quay.

18:45 Swanage Town Band Perform At The Bandstand, Swanage Thu 4th 19:30 Fri 5th *

‘To the Lighthouse’ An Exhibition of work by the Boilerhouse Collective at Durlston Castle. Contemporary work in ceramics, jewellery, painting, photography, sculpture, stone carving and textiles inspired by the Purbeck coastline and beyond. Work for sale. Free exhibition in the FFG. ‘Danny Champion of the World’ At Corfe Castle. Tickets £16, children £8, family £40 Booking essential. 08442491895 or nationaltrust.org.uk/corfecastle

19:30 Sat 6th * 10:00 10:00 10:00 14:00 14:00 14:00

Sun 7th * 10:00 11:00 14:00 Tue 9 19:15

19:30

Joe Pasquale At The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. Box Office 01929 422239.

Square Fair At The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Cottees Auctions At Mannings Heath Road, Poole. Viewing Friday 5th August and from 9am day of the sale. Ffi: 01202 723177. Live online at www. thesaleroom.com Charity Open Day At The Water Tower, Swanage. Minimum donation £5 per person.

Swanage Walking Group Meet at Ballard Stores (North Swanage) for a 6 mile circular walk via Ballard Down, on to Old Harry rocks and return via Whitecliffe Farm. Ffi 01929 427413.

Charity Open Day At The Water Tower, Swanage. Minimum donation £5 per person.

Flower Craft & Produce Show At Lychett Matravers Village Hall.

Church Knowle Fete In the grounds of the The Old Rectory in Church Knowle.

Traditional stalls. Childrens games and activities. Donkey rides. Hog roast.

Pimms tent. Cream teas. Email: fwakewalker@gmail.com Companion Dog Show At Margaret Green, Church Knowle.

Nordic Walking Taster Session At Durlston Country Park. Join Vicki and John from Purbeck Nordic Walking for a free 1-hour taster. Booking essential. At www. purbecknordicwalking.co.uk Free Dog Show & Family Fun Day At Margaret Green, Church Knowle. £3 entrance, £1.50 children.

Tildin Kraus At The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229

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Rotary Club of Wareham We are looking for new members and are having a talk from The Dorset Blind Association at Springfield Country Hotel at 7.15pm For more information please contact Ann on 553727 or see our website www. warehamrotary.co.uk Nordic Walking Taster Session At Durlston Country Park. Join Vicki and John from Purbeck Nordic Walking for a free 1-hour taster. Booking essential. At www. purbecknordicwalking.co.uk Free.

Wed 10th 09:30 Swanage Walking Group Meet in Bon Accord Road, opposite Russell Avenue, for 5 mile circular walk around Durlston Country Park. Ffi 01929 425287.

11:00 Wild Wednesdays At Durlston Country Park. Free drop-in activities for families.

Donations welcome. At the LC 18:00 Tug of War & Brass Monkeys Wareham Wednesdays on Wareham Quay.

Swanage Town Band Perform At The Bandstand, Swanage

18:45 Thu 11 *

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10:00

Fri 12th * 08:00 20:00

Flower Festival At Lady St Marys Church, Wareham. Exhibition in the Paish Hall daily 10am - 7pm. Festival Concert Sat 13th at 7pm Songs of Praise Sun 14th 6pm.

Swanage & Purbeck Rotary Fete & Craft Fair At Sandpit Field Swanagefun or all the family, craft fair, childrens rides, stalls, BBQ, catering.

Email: johnthraves@btinternet.com Flower Festival At Lady St Marys Church, Wareham. Exhibition in the Paish Hall daily 10am - 7pm. Festival Concert Sat 13th at 7pm Songs of Praise Sun 14th 6pm.

Open Golf Comp. At The Dorset Golf & Country Club. Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw.org.uk Shooglenifty Live acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229

Sat 13th * Flower Festival At Lady St Marys Church, Wareham. Exhibition in the Paish Hall daily 10am - 7pm. Festival Concert Sat 13th at 7pm Songs of Praise Sun 14th 6pm.

10:00 Ducks on Sale for tomorrow’s race Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw. org.uk 10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Houns Tout car park, Kingston for 5 mile circular walk to Rope Lake Head and Swyre Head via coast path. Ffi 01929 439903.

10:00 Model Railway Exhibition At Harman’s Cross Village Hall. Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4.

Admission £5, children £2, family £12.

10:30 Meet a Moth! At Durlston Country Park. Discover these creatures of the night, as we empty last night’s trap. Donations welcome 19:00 Open Air Cinema ‘The Full Monty’ at Knoll Beach, Studland. Film starts at 8.45pm. Tickets £16 to include fish and chip supper.

19:30 ‘The Last Five Years’ At The Mowlem Theatre Swanage. Tickets £11, Concessions £9, Children £7.

Sun 14th * Flower Festival At Lady St Marys Church, Wareham. Exhibition in the Paish Hall daily 10am - 7pm. Festival Concert Sat 13th at 7pm Songs of Praise Sun 14th 6pm.

10:00 Model Railway Exhibition At Harman’s Cross Village Hall. Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4.

Admission £5, children £2, family £12.

10:00 Book Day At The Blue Pool. Come dressed as your favourite book character, prizes for the best dressed!

14:00 Buffalo Skinners Live acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 15:00 Charity Duck Race Starts at The Post Office, Swanage. Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week.Ducks on sale from 9am. www.slbw.org.uk 15:30 The Redcrow At The Legion, Swanage.

Mon 15th * Flower Festival At Lady St Marys Church, Wareham. Exhibition in the Paish Hall daily 10am - 7pm. Festival Concert Sat 13th at 7pm Songs of Praise Sun 14th 6pm.

19:00 Outdoor Theatre ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, at PAG. Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw.org.uk Tue 16th 14:00 New Christian Spiritualist Church Angela Perry will be joining us for our service at 2pm in the Queensmead Community Room, Queens Rd, all welcome, look forward to seeing you.

17:30 Swanage Sailing Club Junior Race Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www. slbw.org.uk Wed 17th * Church Festival At St John’s The Evangelist Church East Holme to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the consecration of the church and harvest.

Competition: prizes for the person who comes as the best dressed scarecrow. (05yrs, 6-10, 11-16 and adults) We hope to see many of you there.

10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet at car park at far end of Corfe Mullen by village hall for 5 mile circular heritage walk around Corfe Mullen. Ffi 01202 623230.

10:00 Bookstall on the Seafront. Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw.org.uk 14:30 Studland History Group Meets in the Village Hall for a talk by Fran Frith, “ The

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children of Thomas Walter Masters and Mary Ann Keates”. All welcome. Ffi the Secretary 01929 439245 Poole Pirates Invasion and Dave Griff & The Trouser Band. Wareham Wednesdays on Wareham Quay.

Fun Quiz At Swanage Con Club. Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw. org.uk

Thu 18th 18:00 Gig Racing On the Main Beach. Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw. org.uk 18:30 Swanage Sailing Club Senior Race Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www. slbw.org.uk Fri 19th 09:00 18:00 20:00

Flag Day Street Collections Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw.org.uk Live Music, Bar & BBQ At Prince Albert Gardens. Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw.org.uk Jinski Live acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229

Sat 20th 10:00 Cottees Auctions At Mannings Heath Road, Poole. Viewing Friday 19th August 10am - 4pm and from 9am day of the sale. Ffi: 01202 723177. Live online at www.thesaleroom.com 10:00 Books, Coffee, Cake and Home Made Produce At Moreton Village Hall DT2 8RE. FREE Entry. All books 25p. Maeve 01929 463221 www.moretonvillagehall. btck.co.uk 10:10 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Knoll Beach NT car park (No.50 bus from Swanage at 09:50) for 6 mile linear walk to Swanage via coast path. Ffi 01929 421039.

11:00 Lifeboat Festival & Fair At Prince Albert Gardens. Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw.org.uk 12:00 Build a Boat Competition At Prince Albert Gardens. Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw.org.uk 13:00 Lobster Raffle Draw At Swanage Bay Fish. Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw.org.uk 16:00 Build a Boat Race From the Stone Quay. Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw.org.uk 17:00 Raft Race from the Main Beach Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw. org.uk 18:00 Live Music, Bar & BBQ At Prince Albert Gardens. Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw.org.uk 19:30 ‘This is Purbeck’ Concert At The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. In aid of Swanage Dementia Fund. Tickets £10, Concessions £8, Children £4.

20:00 The Watchman Live acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Sun 21st 09:00 Lifeboat Fun Run From Prince Albert Gardens (8am registration). Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw.org.uk 10:00 Craft Fair At The Courtyard Craft Centre, Lychett Minster.

11:00 Lifeboat Festival & Fair At Prince Albert Gardens. Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw.org.uk 11:00 Dorset Wildlife Trust Guided Walks A morning butterfly walk on Ballard Down.

Meet at 11am in the Ulwell lay-by on the Swanage to Studland rd. Ffi: 01929 450182.

11:30 Nordic Walking Taster Session At Durlston Country Park. Join Vicki and John from Purbeck Nordic Walking for a free 1-hour taster. Booking essential. At www. purbecknordicwalking.co.uk Free 19:00 Lifeboat Service on Swanage Pier Part of Swanage Lifeboat Week. www.slbw. org.uk Tue 23rd * ‘The Railway Children’ At Corfe Castle. Tickets £16, children £8, family £40 Booking essential. 08442491895 or nationaltrust.org.uk/corfecastle Wed 24th 10:30 Swanage Walking Group Meet in Manor Road, near Stourpaine Church for all day 8 mile circular walk via Hambledon Hill, Child Okeford and Shillingstone. Ffi 01929 422795.

11:00 Wild Wednesdays At Durlston Country Park. Free drop-in activities for families.

Donations welcome at the LC 18:00 Raft Race & Steve Lowry Disco Wareham Wednesdays on Wareham Quay.

Thu 25th * Dorset Wildlife Trust Guided Walks An afternoon fungus foray at Arne. Meet at the information kiosk in the RSPB car park. Free parking for RSPB members.

Ffi 01929 450449. * Purbeck Valley Folk Festival purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk Fri 26th 19:00

Open Air Cinema ‘The Jungle Book’ in the Corfe Castle Grounds. Film starts at 8.45pm. Tickets £8, children £4, family £20. Cash only.

Sat 27th 10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet at village hall car park, Lytchett Matravers for 5 mile circular walk through woodland and open country around Lytchett. Ffi 01202

The Purbeck Gazette

14:00

19:00

623230 Flower and Produce Show In the grounds of Holme for Gardens, schedules can be collected from Holme for Gardens, Amber Hard (Wool) and W. Ponds (Wareham). The show opens to the public at 2.00pm and there will be a raffle, tombola, children’s games, cream teas and much more so come along and have a go.

Open Air Cinema ‘Paddington’ in the Corfe Castle Grounds. Film starts at 8.45pm. Tickets £8, children £4, family £20. Cash only.

Sun 28th 10:00 Purbeck Antiques & Collectors’ Fairs At Furzebrook Hall, Furzebrook, Wareham. £1 entry. www.purbeckantiquesfairs.co.uk 19:00 Open Air Cinema ‘Spectre’, in the Corfe Castle Grounds. Film starts at 8.45pm.

Tickets £8, children £4, family £20. Cash only.

Mon 29th 12:00 Harman’s Cross Field Day Fete, Flower Show, Gymkhana. Entry £1 or 50 on production of railway ticket that brought you!

Wed 31st 09:40 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Hardy’s Cottage car park in Higher Bockhampton for circular walk through Stinsford and Lower Bockhampton. Ffi 01202 570670.

11:00 Wild Wednesdays At Durlston Country Park. Free drop-in activities for families.

Donations welcome. At the LC. 18:00 Jim Etherington & Total Madness Wareham Wednesdays on Wareham Quay.

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 10.30 Flowers with Liz at the Purbecvk Workshop in Wool. The Workshop provides craft activities free of charge to those touched by cancer - friends and family are welcome too. Unit 6, Woolbridge Business Centre, East Burton Rd, Wool.

BH20 6HG. www.purbeckworkshop.org 07757 776907. Email: richris95@ gmail.com 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. 552763/551029 19.30 Swanage Badminton Club at the Swanage School, till 9.30pm. Ffi: 07966 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: Sylvia Garrett 425420, office hours, or sylviag@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

The Purbeck Gazette

gently! Ffi: 481000 10.30 First Steps Toddler’s Group. Swanage Methodist Church till 11.45am. Ffi: Sylvia Garrett 425420, office hours, or sylviag@swanagemethodist.org.uk 11.00 Guided Tour of Bere Regis famous Mediaeval Church. Tour lasts around 3/4 hour, no fixed charge, donations very welcome towards vital work on the Church’s fabric. Families and larger groups welcome at other times, by arrangement. Contact Richard on 01929 471889 or email bereheath@ btinternet.com or John England on 01929 471469 or email st_george@ stanbarrow.f9.co.uk. Light refreshments can be made available for booked tours.

12.00 Nature Tots (0-4yrs) at Bovington Memorial Hall Garden. Until 2pm 13.00 Studland Toddler Group at Studland Village Hall until 2.30pm.

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 14.00 Herston Senior Citizens meet Herston Hall, Jubilee Rd, Sw. All welcome 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 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 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

67

10.30 Mid-Week Market Morning Service URC, Church St, Wm. Prayer requests to Revd. Simon Franklin 556976 10.30 Woodworking with Bernard and Terry at the Purbecvk Workshop in Wool. The Workshop provides craft activities free of charge to those touched by cancer - friends and family are welcome too. Unit 6, Woolbridge Business Centre, East Burton Rd, Wool. BH20 6HG. www.purbeckworkshop.org 07757 776907.

Email: richris95@gmail.com 11.00 Sensory Play for 1-4yrs old at Bovington Centre, until 12 noon.

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.

15.00 Guided Tour of Bere Regis famous Mediaeval Church. Tour lasts around 3/4 hour, no fixed charge, donations very welcome towards vital work on the Church’s fabric. Families and larger groups welcome at other times, by arrangement. Contact Richard on 01929 471889 or email bereheath@ btinternet.com or John England on 01929 471469 or email st_george@ stanbarrow.f9.co.uk. Light refreshments can be made available for booked tours.

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 Purbeck Arts Choir meet for rehersals, with conductor Jay Buckle, at Swanage First School from September - May. All welcome. For more information please phone Liz Roberts 01929 481419 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

68

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The Purbeck Gazette

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The Purbeck Gazette

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