The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 201

October 2016 Issue no. 201

Magazine archive at:

What’s Cooking In Purbeck? Pg 36-46

The Arfon Uncovered. Pg 24-25

Swanage Blues Festival. Pg 56-57

Cliff Cottage. Pg 32

SWANAGE & PURBECK

TAXI

Local & Long Distance. 4-8 seater.

07969 927424

The Purbeck Gazette

2

Editor’s note...

W

elcome to the October edition of your Gazette!

Winter is coming....Thankfully the men of the Night’s Watch at the Wall in the North will keep us safe.... oh no, hang on, that’s Game of Thrones, not Purbeck...! Phew!

Down here in Purbeck, we’re lucky as we only have to worry about bad weather, cold conditions, ice on the road and the everdecreasing ‘services’ offered by our district and county councils.

This month, David Hollister enlightens us on DCC’s response to his enquiries regarding our untended verges, signs and highways in his motoring column. It seems we’re pretty much on our own now as a community, so please do hook-up with the ‘Litter Free Purbeck’ group and get involved in taking care of our environment - it is literally down to us now how our highways appear to visitors.

Overgrown and full of rubbish, or well-tended and clean? Your decision....you are ‘the someone should...’ now!!

This month we welcome the Swanage Blues Festival - the last big event in the seasonal calendar for most of us. We also wrap-up a few of our recent summer events in pictures, and offer our readers a peep at some of our wonderful local food producers and eateries - as the nights darken and the chill creeps in, why not head out with friends and family for a delicious meal? We will be!

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).

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 November 2016 edition has a deadline of 10th Oct. and will be distributed from 24th Oct - 28th Oct 2016.

The December 2016 edition has a deadline of 8th Nov and will be distributed from 28th Nov - 2nd Dec 2016.

Public Notices & Information

Swanage Town Council Meetings - October 2016

Planning & Consultation Transport Committee Council

Mon 3rd Wed 12th Mon 31st

6.30pm 2.15pm 7pm

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

Wareham Town Council Meetings - October 2016 Policy, Resources & Finance Planning & Transport Human Resources

Mon 10th Wed 7th Tues 18th

7pm 7pm 10.30am

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

Tues 11th Wed 19th Wed 26th

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!

Telephone Sales

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

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

The Purbeck Gazette

3

A moment’s relaxation after a successful LifeBoat week, by David Corbin

CONTACT US ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS MATTERS COMMUNITY MATTERS COUNCIL MEETINGS DIARY SPOTLIGHT FEATURES Arfon Uncovered Blast From The Past Cliff Cottage, Swanage FEATURE: What’s Cooking in Purbeck Gazette Gardening, with Simon Goldsack John Garner writes - Paddling Swanage Blues Festival Swanage Folk Festival Pictures Swanage Hospital Newsletter Telling It Like It Is - David Hollister writes Wareham Wednesdays FOOD - Godlingston Manor Kitchen Gardens HEALTH & BEAUTY LETTERS MOTORING - David Hollister writes NATURAL MATTERS SPORT TRADE ADVERTS sponsored by Sydenhams

53 31 10 2 69

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

THE OFFICE IS NOT OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC.

ADVERTISERS ONLY PLEASE!

Editorial Enquiries: Editor, Nico Johnson 01929 424239

ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk

24-25 20 12 36-46 49 47 56-57 62 28-29 10 61 38 63 4 34 47 67 72

Advertising Sales:

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

TO ADVERTISE

See our website shop at: www.purbeckgazette.co.uk for rate card, booking & payment Prices from £25.80 (inc VAT) Discounts available The legal stuff...

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this magazine, but the Editor is unable to accept responsibility for any omissions or errors that may occur.

The inclusion of any article or advertisement does not constitute any form of accreditation or approval by the Editor.

No part, written or visual, of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the Editor.

DEADLINE FOR NOVEMBER IS 12 NOON, MONDAY OCTOBER DEADLINE FOR JULY10th IS NOON, FRI 10th JUNE

The Purbeck Gazette

4

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.

NOV edition deadline: noon, MON 10th OCT

Walking For Health Dear Readers, After a huge increase in people taking up walking, Swanage Walking For Health is calling for volunteers to become walk leaders. Volunteers are needed to help deliver a programme of regular short walks aimed at helping all kinds of people to lead a more active lifestyle and enjoy the many health and well-being benefits that walking brings.

Our walks take place every Tuesday and are for people of varying abilities with the aim of encouraging regular exercise. The morning walks are ideal as an introduction to our scheme, and are perfect for the less able and those recovering from illness or injury. We often split into two groups to suit the varying abilities of those attending, but there is always a walk of about twenty minutes on the flat along the seafront.

The afternoon walks, which are usually sixty to ninety minutes, often split, to allow optimum walking speeds and distances for individuals.

John Kirwin, scheme co-ordinator for Swanage Walking For Health says; “Our walks are proving so popular that we need new volunteers to help us to help others.

“Our walk leaders are a friendly bunch and provide all the advice and encouragement a new walker needs to build fitness at a pace that’s right for them. You don’t need to be extremely fit yourself to volunteer and we provide all the training you need for free. You’ll soon be making a real difference by supporting all kinds of people to lead a more active lifestyle. There is always a lot of laughter on our walks so get in touch to join in the fun!”

Swanage Walking For Health is part of Walking for Health, England’s largest nationwide health walk schemes. Run in partnership by Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support, hundreds of schemes are supported to offer short, free walks.

Walks are open to everyone but are particularly suitable for those who may find it hard to be active due to health conditions. Through Walking for Health thousands of people – including those affected by cancer – are helped to discover the joys and health benefits of walking.

Find out more: see www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/swanage , email swanage. wfh@gmail.com or ring me on 01929 481000.

John Kirwin, by email

A Brexiteer Responds Dear Readers, David Leadbetter’s comments (Letters, September issue of Purbeck Gazette) about leaving the EU provoked a lot of head shaking from me.

Having met David a few times I can vouch what a lovely person he is, but I really do have to take issue with some of his comments.

Firstly his statistic that only 37% of the total electorate voted to leave the EU. David, even less voted to remain. The referendum was also the largest voter turnout in British history, which must hold some validity surely?

All the so called remain ‘experts’ and politicians that David mentioned and trusted have now all back-tracked on their doom and gloom prophesies.

President Obama, Osborne with his tax and interest rate rises and punishment budget threat, all of which did not happen. The CBI, The IMF, The Bank of England, stock market crashes that have recovered to higher than pre-Brexit figures, I could go on and on.

Yes we have not technically left yet, I hear you say. I say - do you really want to keep talking down our country for the nervous stock markets to hear?

Let’s put EU migration levels to the UK in perspective for the people of Swanage. The proposed 5280 new homes to be built in Swanage would cater for just 10 days’ worth of EU migrants at the current rate with two

Beer, Ale & Cider Specialists High Street, Swanage 01929 423533

DMB Cars Dave Ball 07968 142134 Private Hire Airports Docks Local & Long Distance Competitive Rates

migrants per household, just ten days’ worth! That is year after year after year. ‘Not in my back yard’ you might say to the housing development itself. Well, if you are a remain voter you cannot have it both ways, either accept your share of the responsibility of mass migration by accepting your housing share like the rest of the country has to, or accept that mass migration is simply not practical. Reality does focus the mind when it hits your own doorstep, you can call leave voters ‘little Englanders’ but not with the hypocrisy of being a ‘little Swanager’.

I can hear the rumblings of racist accusations about to be thrown my way, would that be me being ‘racist’ about migrants from predominantly white Christian countries migrating to a predominantly white Christian country?

Don’t bother wasting your time with that one on me.

The way I see it is remain voters have such a hard time accepting the referendum result because they have lost to the ‘nasty baddies’ which makes it even worse!

Hey, remain voters, you created that huge monster in your own minds.

Us leave voters are just normal non-racist people who could see that the figures did not add up and were not willing to accept the unelected EU eroding our age old democracy.

We do not want the EU’s ‘one law fits all’, we want laws that are specifically for the people of this country. Get used to it as Brexit will happen and it will be a happy ending.

Yours sincerely, Lea Boultwood, Wareham.

Painting Club Success

Dear Readers, Swanage Painting Club has recently held their annual exhibition of work at the Catholic Hall, Rempstone Rd. This year we welcomed the family of Derek Charters, one of our late members who sadly passed away.

His widow Monica and son Adrian, wished to present two trophies in Derek’s memory.

To assist us in this difficult task we invited a local artist Mr Kevin Farrell who kindly agreed to view the paintings and decide who were to be the winners. We expressed our sincere thanks to him and Derek’s family for their generosity and time making this a very special occasion.

The artist receiving the Silver Salver for the best Watercolour was Linda Wallis and for the painting in any other medium, Ann Beesley received a cut Glass Vase, they will hold these for one year. This has inspired us all to improve our skills and work even harder, perhaps be more adventurous with our painting.

The raffle prize of the original Watercolour by J.Enoch, was won by a lady called Carol of Walrond Rd, Swanage and the choice by the public for “Favourite Painting” just for fun, was won again by Linda Wallis with her painting entitled “The Cow”. Well done Linda and Ann, well deserved.

This has been one of our most successful exhibitions and our thanks goes

The Purbeck Gazette

5

Square & Compass Worth Matravers. 01929 439229

LIVE ACTS FOR OCTOBER Sat Sun Wed Sat Sun Fri Sat Fri Sat Sun Fri Sat

1 2 5 8 9 14 15 21 22 23 28 29

8pm 2pm 8pm 8pm 2pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 2pm 8pm 8pm

Pumpkin & Beer Festival! Zen Hussies Pumpkin & Beer Festival! Zen Hussies Geoff Higginbottom Kangaroo Moon Foo Foo Aaron Catlow & Kit Hawes Guns of Navarone Gilmore Roberts Kelley McRae Kelley McRae 4 Square Furnace Mountain

www.squareandcompasspub.co.uk

to all who helped make this possible, not forgetting Bobby for transporting all the screens in his trailer.

The Painting Club meets every Thursday morning during term times at the Catholic Hall from 9:15am to approx. 12:30, new members are always welcome.

For more information ring Jane on 427078.

Kind regards, Janet Enoch

More Than ‘Just Names’ Dear Readers, Can you help?

I belong to the Sandford Heritage Community Group and we were asked by the Parish Council Chairman for help in finding information, the stories and if possible, photographs of the men listed on the Sandford and Holton Heath War Memorial before they become ‘just names’.

They are:1914-18 Pte. Emmanuel FANCY. 1st Bn Devonshire Regt AB. James FRAMPTON. HM Submarines RN 1939-45 Flt Eng. Edward BARTLETT. RAF. Gnr. William BILES. Royal Artillery.

Sgt. Percy BRITT. 3rd Royal Tank Regt.

L/Stoker. Stephen COMBEN. HMS Cairo.

Gnr. Harold Loader. Royal Artillery.

PO. Frederick MARSH. HMS Chanticleer.

L/Stoker. Harry Morgan. HMS Scorpion.

Sgt. Pilot. George NICHOL. RAF. Boy First Class. William SAVAGE. HMS Royal Oak. Pte. Frederick SELBY. Queen’s Royal Regt.

Pte.Raymond SINGER. Parachute Regt.

L/Cpt. Horace SLADE. Queen’s Royal Regt.

While searching online I found the story of seventeen-year-old William Savage. His sister requested that her ashes be scattered at Scapa Flow over the Royal Oak where it was sunk; this was carried out by her granddaughter in 2006.

In anticipation, Sheila, Sandford. 01929 556594. Email: edishrimp@hotmail. co.uk

A Tirade Against Tories Dear Ed, Reading the majority of letters in the Gazette, on a whole range of topics, it makes me wonder why so many people in this area vote Conservative.

Their massive cuts to local council funding, and pro-big business policies, have a huge adverse impact on our society and environment. For instance: Disgusted by the increase in litter and reduction in public bins and collections?

Disappointed by lack of interest for planting a flower meadow?

Puzzled by the lack of genuinely affordable homes being built, while the

government reduces the minimum target and the building companies continue to make massive profits?

Exasperated by central government over-riding local objections to allow massive housing projects, fracking and oil drilling?

Baffled by hospital closures and loss of beds (at Wareham), under the usual guise of “efficiency savings”, thanks to £20 billion of stealth cuts to NHS funding?

And all this so the super-rich can continue to enjoy their 5% income tax cut, their £1 million inheritance tax-free, their Panama-inspired tax havens, one of the lowest corporation tax rates in the world, and Trusts such as the one that allows the new Duke of Westminster to protect his inherited (ie, unearned) £9 billion.

All in it together, eh?

Regards, Mike Pollard, Wareham, Dorset.

Got An Hour Or So? Dear Readers, Time For Tea? Can you help for an hour or so a week to serve drinks and biscuits to Wool Workshop?

We are a yarn craft group that meets every Wednesday in Corfe Castle Village Hall, and we need someone who is willing to set up and serve tea and coffee at 10.15am (or a time that suits) and then wash the cups up.

It’s a thirsty business all this yarn craft - or is it the constant nattering that drives the need for a cuppa?

If you can help, please contact Beverly on 01929 427067. Travel expenses paid.

Beverly Evans, by email

Breach Of Welfare Laws Dear Letters Editor, Recent developments leave the government with no choice but to make independently monitored CCTV mandatory for all slaughterhouses. Animal Aid’s undercover investigations have already found that nine out of ten randomly chosen UK slaughterhouses were breaking animal welfare laws.

Unpublished official data released to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism have now revealed that more than 4,000 severe breaches of animal welfare regulations took place in British slaughterhouses over the past two years.

An independent report - commissioned by Animal Aid and authored by a team of academic experts - has recently found that compulsory, properly monitored CCTV in English slaughterhouses is both cost-effective and feasible.

Slaughter can never be cruelty-free, but independently monitored CCTV would help to protect animals from gratuitous violence in their final moments.

The government is running out of excuses, and must now act without delay to introduce legislation on this vital issue.

Isobel Hutchinson, Head of Campaigns, Animal Aid, The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge. Kent. TN9 1AW isobel@animalaid.co.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

6

Andy Lowe Computing ...friendly support for you and your computer

01929 422453 07884 452284

Epilepsy Action Tea Break Dear Editor I am writing to ask your readers to pop their kettles on and roll out their best bakes to support people with epilepsy. Epilepsy Action’s Tea Break will see hundreds of people coming together on Friday 21 October to raise funds for the 600,000 people living with epilepsy in the UK. There are 52,000 people living with epilepsy the south-west.

Every cup of tea shared and slice of cake bought at an Epilepsy Action Tea Break will raise vital funds for the charity’s life-changing work. By coming together with an Epilepsy Action Tea Break, people can help break down the isolation that people with epilepsy can face. The funds raised could help support Epilepsy Action’s nationwide network of Coffee and Chat groups. Offering support and a friendly listening ear, these groups can be real lifeline to people living with epilepsy.

Holding an Epilepsy Action Tea Break couldn’t be simpler. Everyone who signs up to hold a Tea Break gets a handy toolkit, containing everything you need to help get your ideas brewing and make your day a success. To request your free pack, visit epilepsy.org.uk/teabreak or call the fundraising events team on 0113 210 8824.

For more information and support about epilepsy, readers can call the Epilepsy Action Helpline on freephone 0808 800 5050.

Yours faithfully, Carl Foster, Fundraising events officer, Epilepsy Action

MATT HILLAN Building Alterations & Maintenance

All Trade Aspects Undertaken Free Estimates Fully Insured

01929 427296 07971 690817 Happy to help and advise two new ones!) and drop a quid into the collecting box.

No family is immune from cancer – it strikes right into the heart of almost every family and every year, an estimated 5000 people in Dorset are given the news that they have the disease. By 2030, there will be an estimated 55,000 people living with cancer in Dorset.

The money raised at the coffee morning will help to provide vital local services for these people such as a Macmillan Palliative Care Co-ordinator at Dorset County Hospital. Every pound raised will ensure no one faces cancer along in Dorset.

So pop along to Emmanuel, have a coffee and show you care.

More details from church office: 427706 Kind regards, Marjorie Edwards, by email

Country Fair Raises £8,500

Winning At All Costs?

Dear Gazette, I was very disappointed that once again the RNLI proved so desperate to win their own Build a Boat race. I understand why they have a professional carpenter building their boat and always use very experienced rowers to make sure they win, but this year when the race was about to start, the RNLI announced that all boats needed to row inside an inshore buoy.

The RNLI boat just happened to be closest to the buoy, almost as though someone had warned the rower!!

At least good spirit was shown by the team that finished third, their rower having sunk as he was shoring his boat, he ran to complete the course but refused to overtake the second place boat even though he could have easily, saying “I sunk in third place, so I finished in third place”; a true sportsman.

A couple of years ago I was part of a team that actually beat the RNLI, being the first boat to the beach, which the announcer had stated would win the race. Presumably because our boat wasn’t the RNLI, the finish line moved to the promenade, so that the RNLI rower could run past us, having beached in second place, some way behind our winning boat.

This will sound like sour grapes but when you think this is supposed to be fun, it’s a bit like Usain Bolt racing against kids at school sports day then doing a lap of honour when he wins. It’s no wonder there are less and less entrants each year, bearing in mind the spirit the RNLI enter, compared with all the other entrants.

Yours, a local – name and address supplied, withheld upon request.

Biggest Coffee Morning Dear Readers, Macmillan Coffee Morning, Tuesday October 18th, 10am – 12 noon.

Yes, it’s that time of year again! The time when the Macmillan Cancer Charity throw out an invitation to the world’s biggest coffee morning!

This year, one of the biggest local Coffee Mornings in Swanage will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Victoria Avenue so get along there and enjoy some coffee and cake, meet friends (and maybe make one or

Dear Readers, On September 11th at Kingston Country Courtyard, a cheque for the sum of £8,500 was presented to the Chief Executive of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. The money was raised at Kingston Country Fair; an event that is now firmly established in the Purbeck summer calendar.

A fantastic day of family entertainment was presented, the sun shone and crowds flocked to enjoy a great time. Attractions included a wide variety of stalls, steam engines, farm vehicles, vintage lorries, classic cars, children’s rides, a dog show and model aircraft flying displays, to name some of the many events.

Of course, the day was complimented by ample refreshments, live music and visitors were able to quench their thirst with local cider and beer.

Already plans are being made for next year, so make a note in your diary for Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th July 2017.

We look forward to seeing you at Kingston Country Fair again for an even bigger event!

Kind Regards, Robin Tiller.

Lifeboat Week Thanks Dear Editor, Swanage Lifeboat crew and fundraisers thank everyone for supporting Lifeboat Week, from 12th to 21st August 2016.

Thanks to our teams of dedicated collectors, supported by the generosity of the community and visitors, the house to house and street collections raised a brilliant £4,826.92 towards the work of Swanage Lifeboat.

Rosemary Miles, Hon. Treasurer, Swanage Lifeboat Fundraisers.

The Purbeck Gazette

7

Art Deco Jewels Rings a specialty Georgian Gems

High St, Swanage 01929 424697

David’s Devotion

Remove Church Notice Dear Editor, On 14th August, a lovely day, my family brought me to Wareham, one reason was to visit St Martin on the Walls Church.

I enjoyed my visit, except the church was closed and the shop to get the key was also closed.

My son saw a notice on the doors saying ‘Open between 2pm and 4pm’ – so we came back, to my disappointment, it was still closed.

Please remove the notice.

Yours sincerely, Mrs Short, Old Coulsdon, Surrey.

Constitutional Change?

Dear Gazette, Ref: Regatta Swim Mon 1st August 2016 Belated regrets for late interpretation of the evening. The true hero of this event was undoubtedly the intrepid David Hollister (pictured, above left).

The daytime seaside weather was pretty awful, followed by the ever worsening evening time. Summed-up as lousy!

Please find picture of the winner and the runner-up of the 1000m swim with, “dripping” David, above. I hope David will find a waterproof hat next time!

Runner-up for the second year in succession shows Robert Squibb (member of ZOOM Triathlon Club Bournemouth), my son. These days I support as “kit-carrier”.

On behalf of the reduced “silent majority” who were also soaked-through, thank you David (and the helpers) for such devotion to duty.

Best wishes, William (Bill) Squibb, Swanage. By email.

Dear Editor, Ref: the article ‘Changes to Our Hospitals’ in the August Gazette. It was good to read the Friends of Wareham Hospital have changed their constitution so they focus on the community, promoting services and supporting staff resources in Purbeck.

We know people don’t want to be shunted off to Poole or Bournemouth - they want to be here, where family and friends can be with them, where first class support can be given in the community.

So it was really exciting to hear about the planned integrated care team and Dr. David Haines, our CCG doctor, supporting first class care in the community. This is exactly what an Admiral Nurse would achieve in Purbeck, giving expert care for dementia and saving money for that integrated care team.

We know we already have 350 diagnosed cases in Purbeck, which is a case load for one Admiral Nurse. We are raising money to support such a specialist nurse to meet that need.

It would be so beneficial if the Friends of Swanage Hospital would look at their constitution too, so they could support our fund raising and help place this important post into Swanage Hospital’s integrated care team, now the hospital is to become a ‘Hub’ for Swanage.

Yours sincerely, Jean Gibbs, by email

HEIRLOOMS OF WAREHAM

Jewellers & Silversmiths For all of your Jewellery & Silverware needs

Green Tourmaline & Topaz Stone Set Necklace

21 South Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LR, 01929 554207 www.heirloomsofwareham.co.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

8

Bovington Tailors Dress making Ladies & mens alterations Loose covers, Antique upholstery Boat & caravan upholstery Medal mounting & framing Unit 3, Bovington Shopping Centre, King George V Road, Bovington

01929 462195 www.bovingtontailors. wordpress.com

Oppose These Plans!

Dear Editor, The Desecration of Dorset I was born on the Isle of Purbeck, in Swanage in 1934 and lived there until 1982, therefore I have seen many changes; the worst being the fact that most of the houses in surrounding villages have become second homes, thus leaving the few remaining residents isolated.

For the past thirty four years I have lived in Wareham, and the proposed house building in the county leaves me feeling that it is the desecration of Dorset.

How can our beautiful, largely agricultural county cope with the influx of people and cars, which will come if Dorset has to go ahead and build nearly four thousand new homes every year until 2033? We have no motorways, a few dual carriageways and do we want more?

Holidaymakers come to see the spectacular Jurassic coast, lovely villages with Purbeck or Portland stone cottages. Many businesses rely on these visitors for their livelihood, but congested roads will not be as enticing.

I do have a particular axe to grind as I live in Northmoor Park, north of Wareham, where it is proposed to build a further two hundred and five houses on green belt land, with a further five hundred to be built west of Wareham, not to mention one hundred and fifty completed and extras squashed into small spaces.

Certainly the roads in this vicinity will not cope with six hundred more in Lytchett Minster to the east and one thousand in Wool to the west.

There is absolutely no infrastructure north of the railway line, where Northmoor Park is situated and where the footpath/crossing may well be closed.

These conditions must apply to many areas throughout Dorset, please oppose these plans for the sake of Dorset, our beautiful county.

Name and address supplied but withheld on request.

Keeping Our Wonderlands Dear Nico, Some readers may be aware of a housing development proposal to construct faux mansions at the northern end of the Studland peninsular, much the same as on the south side of Sandbanks. This area is hopelessly unsuitable for such a development, which hardly purports affordable housing as some dwellings are valued at between four to six million, what price a sea view!

I am familiar with the landscape, having accompanied my father when he worked as a warden for the Nature Conservancy, who were the custodians until the death of Major Banks, when it was deeded to the National Trust in 1972. History over – more or less.

Sandbanks is aptly named having no self-significant geology, mostly held in place by the roots of Monterey pine trees planted years ago. On the Studland peninsular there are none. As is well known, Shell Bay was used by the M.O.D. as a live fire training ground for the D-Day landings c. 1944.

There is no question that there are E.R.W.s (explosive remnants of war) in the marram grass dunes, rendering building work hazardous without a vastly expensive and dangerous mine clearance programme. Infrastructure is clearly not thought through; mains water, drainage and swimming pools.

There is no mains gas in Studland, two and a half miles away.

Heavy plant construction along the busy ferry road, including residential access during the summer months would make the wait impossible on a major bus route. The Studland peninsular is a unique and important heathland, all nine species of UK reptiles live there, including the critically endangered sand lizard - and some S.S.S.I.s are often no defence.

The impact of such a development would damage a beautiful and sensitive

ecosystem and effect all its residents, the people of Knoll Sea, Studland and Purbeck, and who knows, maybe even a suspension bridge one day.

So far the parish council and the National Trust have been less than enthusiastic about developing side-to-side mansions on the peninsular.

Long may it remain, keeping wonderlands from encroaching greedy hands.

Yours sincerely, MJK Hamilton, Herston.

Ed’s note: “And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:24-27

Director - Dodges Debts?

Dear Readers, As I write this, another summer season is drawing to a close and if visitor numbers are anything to go by, it has been a successful one for the Purbeck area. Hopefully many local businesses have had a busy and profitable few months (albeit with a seemingly acute shortage of available staff this year!).

However, whatever the weather, there will always be businesses that are struggling, and some will ultimately fail – witness the empty shops, the boarded-up cafes and those are just the ones in public view. Not many of us know the exact reasons for the demise of a business, sometimes I suspect not even the owners – bad management, bad planning, or just plain bad luck?

We know of course that sometimes these failures leave unpaid creditors in their wake; the tax man, the VAT man and sadly other small businesses who have to adjust their own cash flows when they discover that the overdue invoice they have been chasing is unlikely now to be paid.

Nevertheless, a lot of the time we sympathise with the beleaguered owners, perhaps we empathise, ‘There but for the grace of God go I’ – as the old saying goes or maybe even ‘The man who never made a mistake never made anything.’ Both very apposite.

Would you still feel sympathy, however, if you were to discover that the owner of a particular local ‘business’ had failed not just once, not twice, not even three times - when a quick check on the Companies House website shows multiple Limited Company start-ups and dissolutions over the last few years (around fifteen at the last count) – some involving a simple one word change to the business name.

Wouldn’t you then have to ask yourself just how many unpaid debts this person has racked up? And to add insult to injury, is still continuing to trade under a ‘new guise’ in the exact same local area?

Is it legal you wonder? – probably yes it is, just, – but is it ethical? Does it pass the ‘sniff’ test? Well not for me, it doesn’t.

I suspect that some of you reading this piece may well have suffered at the hands of this particular local individual, as have we recently at the Gazette.

As a community newspaper we rely on our advertisers to cover the cost of printing all of your local news and views each month, and to the 99.9% of advertisers who support us with regular advertising and prompt payment, we offer our profound thanks. We receive no other funding, so it’s our advertisers who pay to print your editorial, your letters, your updates.

To the person concerned I would say – shame on you! Be warned that we NEVER let a debt rest here at Gazette Towers, and are competent at collecting what’s owed, so you’ll be seeing us very soon - literally. Not hard to track you around Purbeck in your sign-written van!

Perhaps, next time I have a last minute advert cancellation I can persuade our esteemed editor to use the space for a ‘Private Eye’ style exposee of the details which are, after all, already in the public domain and perfectly legal to publish here, in the local paper.

The only problem is that it would have to be a pretty large space to include everything we’ve uncovered, as well as detailed quotes from all the other local businesses we’ve found who have also fallen foul of this man…….

Joy Lamb, Sales Manager, Purbeck Media Ltd.

The Purbeck Gazette

9

Great Turnout For T.W.A.T.S!

Talk About It - It Does Help

Hi there, This year’s annual T.W.A.T.S (Terry’s Walking And Trekking Society) pier-to-pier walk was our best turnout to date. We had senior, adult and junior walkers, including some lovely pets, take on the Bournemouth Pier to Swanage Pier walk. This year we managed to raise a whopping £770.50, which will be donated to Can Care.

Thank you to Clear Health Ltd for sponsoring the walk and making a donation. Clear Health specialise in Private Medical Insurance, so if you need a review of your current policy, give them a call on 0333 443 2202.

An even bigger thank you goes to the Can Care team who were present during the walk and who offer exceptional support during testing times with Cancer patients and their families. We can’t thank them enough for the support we were given while Terry battled with Cancer. For more information on Can Care or to make a donation please email v.fooks@ sky.com If you wish to get involved in next year’s walk please contact Carolyn on 0775666424.

Keep an eye out for Carolyn’s crocheted poppies, on sale soon!

Kevin Dorland, Director

Dear Readers, For many years I have been dealing with chronic anxiety and having trouble driving farther than a ten mile radius from my home.

Those who don’t suffer from a mental health issue might not understand how a simple thing to them can be very hard for others. I am sure that at some point someone in your family or one of your friends will suffer in silence with a mental health problem.

I have, however, managed over many years to build up my CJS Landscapes business in spite of my problems. Now it’s time for a change – to deal with it and move on.

I decided this year to drive around the coast of England, Wales and Scotland, driving fifteen to twenty miles a day in my Mercedes motor home. It’s an old beast of twenty-eight-years – adding more to the challenge.

I have taken it down to Land’s End, Cornwall, following the coastline for six weeks. I have overcome my fear of driving and changed as a person.

I am now about to go to Wales and if you would like to see what I am up to, I am on Instagram: paddys_adventure (Paddy is my dog).

If anyone out there is suffering with a mental health problem, please don’t think you are alone. Talk about it, it does help. Have a break and go camping, being back to nature helps too.

All my love. Craig (and Paddy)

Brexit - Boring And Tedious Dear Editor, Would you please stop publishing letters on the subject of Brexit. Nearly all are incredibly boring and tedious. You can quote figures to prove anything.

If the majority of people who bothered to vote decided to vote out – the result is for out.

The others obviously don’t care so don’t count.

If the EU was a business it would have gone bankrupt years ago as the leaders would probably have had their collars felt for being morally corrupt for not facing up to the apparent vast corruption.

Chris Mackenzie, Swanage.

Youth Club Saved Dear Readers, The Wareham Level Crossing decision has been shelved again! I was informed by DCC Officers that it will be reported on in October’s DCC Cabinet Meeting on Weds 26 Oct at 10am.

What is newsworthy and topical? Local folk have formed the Purbeck Youth and Community Foundation, CIO to keep the Wareham Youth Centre open. The handover from DCC was completed on 31st August with the Youth Club operating, with Kev Vasey as Youth Leader, for the beginning of term on 5 September; keeping it seamless for the youth to attend.

A great achievement for the Wareham community!

Many thanks, Cllr. Beryl Ezzard, by email.

The Purbeck Gazette

10

Hello!?

S

by David Hollister

o where does all our money go?

Dorset county councillors recently voted to give senior managers a pay rise despite strong opposition. Pay scales for heads of service went up from £63k-£80k to £80,500-£91,000.

The plans are due to take effect in December and have been condemned by trade union UNISON, which has urged its members – some of the lowest paid workers in social care - to reject the proposed new terms and conditions. Indeed, these lowly paid workers actually face pay cuts; Bank holiday and weekend payments are set to be reduced under new proposals which are being put forward by the “local authority trading company” set up by Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset County councils.

It is proposed that their time-and-a-half pay at weekends should be reduced to normal time. Their few opportunities to earn triple time on Bank Holidays will be reduced to double time.

The Director of Dorset Waste Of Space Partnership, Karyn Punchard, has just been awarded a minimum of £10,000 pay rise; she will now earn £80,000 per annum. Their staff, hard-working “bin men” have however been told that they must repair their own protective clothing in a bid to save money.

It is alleged that a notice to staff states: “Your safety clothing is incredibly expensive and needs to be looked after and made to last. If a small hole can be sewed up then this will save the DWP money. If you can’t sew there are always people around to help you or show you how. It’s really not that hard.” Hello?!

So just like our roads and our verges, and seemingly almost every other public “service” that DCC have their fingers in, their essential working clothes and safety gear will become a torn patchwork of hastily-cobbled together rags. Yet DCC themselves suggest that clothing, boots and gloves, are replaced when needed. They say “PPE is regularly reviewed and updated as the DWP places a high priority on the health and safety of staff.”

Of course, the Leader of Dorset County Council Cllr Robert Gould has defended the salary increase as being a “proper evaluation” of the terms and conditions of senior managers to reflect their roles. Well, he would, wouldn’t he! Hello?!

A consultation has begun on options for carving Dorset into two unitary authorities, set in motion by four Chief Executives rather than by our elected Councillors. There’s a “household postal survey” but only about 20,000 homes in the whole of Dorset are being consulted! There are ‘roadshows’ and an ‘online survey’ at “reshaping-your-councils.uk” so that’s all right then. The eight-week consultation ends on 25th October so if you want your voice heard – not that anyone will take any notice – then get on to Google now!

Martin Underhill, the Police and Crime Commissioner, has expressed concern over the “lack of democratic process” and said the consultation would be “lucky to reach one in ten” constituents. He demands a referendum on the subject and says: “Where’s the democracy here? A referendum would cost less than roughly 1% of the savings projected - it’s about a million pounds - but for such a big democratic change, why don’t

we actually give people a referendum?”

West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin said that closer ties between the authorities were ‘inevitable’ and said most people “wouldn’t notice if they merged”.

How patronising is that? Hello?!

Stimulated by comments made after the PCC election, Martyn Underhill has offered to arrange a two-hour meeting on 4th October at the Swanage School from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. It was suggested that a similar meeting should be held in Wareham but so little interest was shown that it was deemed not worthwhile. Shame!

But if you have something to say about the Police – either positive or negative – or just wish learn what they have in store for us, please come along. Like it or not, the office of PCC is here to stay; we are paying for it so let’s make the most of it – please try and attend.

It’s amazing how quickly the local TV and even the national press get hold of the bad stuff, isn’t it? How the appalling behaviour of a few of Swanage’s elderly and impatient residents while “queuing” for their subsidised bus made unwanted national headlines, which did us no good whatsoever.

Maybe we should CCTV these affrays and run a ‘season’s best’ showing at the Mowlem.

But there’s also been some real good stuff going on in Purbeck this summer, hasn’t there? Once again, both Swanage and Wareham have produced fine Carnivals to entertain the visitors and to raise funds for many deserving causes. We have also enjoyed the superb Pirate Festival in Swanage, acknowledged to be a great success and raising over £14,000 towards the upkeep and repairs to the pier. Hopefully this might become an annual event? Let’s hope the team at the Pier have their organising hats on already and plans are afoot for 2017!

Wareham Wednesdays have been a huge success, just proving that you really don’t need a seaside to have fun – a river and a quay will do. Raft races, food and drink evenings, all topped off with grand firework displays.

So congratulations to the organisers and here’s to next year!

Congratulations too to Alan and Ann Fry of the Kingston Country Courtyard who, along with their team, provided an excellent Kingston Fete which raised £8500 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Really looking forward to next year!

We at Harmans Cross held our annual fete on a bright sunny day; the attendance was not quite a record but most people seemed to be enjoying themselves, we sold out of almost everything, and a healthy profit was made to go towards the necessary upkeep and maintenance of the Village Hall; the DSAA will also be receiving a donation from the very successful raffle.

The new Lifeboat House is coming along nicely; the scheduled opening ceremony will be in April 2017, so watch your Purbeck Gazette for details.

And finally – I’m writing this from my hotel room in Northern Cyprus and have just seen a five-minute piece on BBC world news featuring Purbeck Nordic Walking, with lovely views of the Purbeck hills and Corfe Castle.

So thanks to Gill Stewart and her team for arranging some top-class world-wide publicity for our beautiful Isle.

The Purbeck Gazette

Swanage Highway Repair Schedule

S

wanage Town Council has received the following information regarding Dorset Highways’ intended repair programme for roads in Swanage this autumn, as follows: High Street, Station Road, Institute Road, Kings Road East and Kings Road West: 31st October - 4th November Bon Accord Road and Queens Road: 7th - 11th November Osborne Road: 14th – 15th November Rempstone Road, junction A351 to junction Kings Road West: 16th November Town Hall Lane: 17th November These areas have required frequent repairs in recent times, and are in need of complete resurfacing in order to maintain their serviceability and reduce ongoing reactive maintenance costs.

There will inevitably be some overnight and daytime road closures, diversions, and ‘stop and go’ boards in operation, during these works.

Further information can be found at https://mapping.dorsetforyou.gov. uk/TravelDorset/Drive/Roadworks There will be a two-phased approach for repairs and improvements to Institute Road, the first stage above will include the resurfacing of the road, and the building-up the pavement kerb on the western side of the road in the interests of vehicle and pedestrian safety. The second phase of improvements is likely to include the relocation of the loading bay and will be the subject of a public consultation in early 2017.

It is further intended to hold a public consultation later this year regarding the County Council’s revised proposals for Shore Road. Transport Planners will be in attendance at the event to provide an update, and answer any queries, on the revised proposals. Details of the venue, date, and time, of the consultation will be made widely available in due course, and advertised in the local press, on the Town Council’s website, and via social media.

Dr Martin Ayres, Swanage Town Council, October 2016

11

12

CLIFF COTTAGE, SWANAGE A house rich in history

By Robert Field n exhibition of Job Hardy paintings began in May at the Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre to celebrate the 150th anniversary of his birth. As a result several more of his paintings came to light and the owners have allowed me to photograph them, to add to the archive of his work held by the Museum.

This article is the result of a set of paintings owned by the descendants of Helen Muspratt.

Helen and her sister Joan employed Cynthia Bradford, Job’s grand-daughter, in their Studio on Institute Road and it was through her that they were introduced to his paintings. In February, 1951 an exhibition of his work was held in the studio and he gave three paintings to Joan Muspratt. Later, Helen Muspratt bought three more. It was these I was invited to photograph at Cliff Cottage (Shore Road)

by Jessica Sutcliffe, Helen Muspratt’s daughter.

Talking in this wonderfully interesting house about the family’s involvement with Cliff Cottage and its previous occupants intrigued me so much I became determined to undertake some research.

Jessica Sutcliffe is an architect and has done meticulous research using the fabric of the building to try to re-construct it’s development from what she thinks was a fisherman’s hut to the substantial house it is now, with its Georgian and Victorian features.

In the 1851 rate book the house is named as Cliff Cottage and the owner is Thomas Phippard, although he seems to have owned it a few years earlier than that, designated as ‘house on the beach’. Thomas Phippard (17901867) was born in Wareham and practised as an Attorney and Solicitor.

On the 29th of June, 1814 he married Alicia Oldfeld Bartlett in Lady St Mary’s Church. They had six children, although one, Charles, died before he was five. The family lived at the Priory in Wareham.

The eldest child, Alicia Anne Vincent Phippard (1815-1884) married George Panton (1815-1871) who was the younger half-brother of James Panton (1811-1873) the Brewer. He was a surgeon and was living and working in Dorchester. They had five children, one of them, Mabel Elizabeth (18541933), married the artist Arthur Meade (1863-1948).

Arthur Meade had been a choirboy at Bath Abbey, as was fellow artist James Walter Battel Gibbs (1853-1906). They shared a studio in Bath with Walter Tyndale (1855-1943) and all three painted in Purbeck. Arthur Meade was employed by Augusta Everett, the wife of the Reverend Henry Everett, Rector of Holy Trinity, Dorchester to teach her son, John Everett and came to Dorchester - and Gibbs came too. Gibbs settled in Swanage and died here, after painting many pictures of the area and, later, Arthur Meade and his wife went off to Cornwall.

The Phippard family presumably used Cliff Cottage as a seaside retreat from Wareham. Thomas’s first wife, Alicia, died in February, 1833 and in November, 1834 he married Rebecca Brown. In the 1851 census she was in Cliff Cottage with two servants while the family was back in Wareham at the Priory. When Thomas died in 1867 his surviving son, John Oldfeld Phippard and his son-in-law, George Panton were his executors. John Oldfeld Phippard was the last surviving male heir and worked in London as an Assistant Vestry Clerk at St James’s Piccadilly, lodging with a friend at the Royal Mint. Rebecca and her two unmarried step-daughters, Elizabeth and Arabella, took up residence at Cliff Cottage. Rebecca died in 1870 at Swanage and is buried in Wareham.

John Oldfeld Phippard died in London in 1882, but is buried in Swanage in Northbrook cemetery. Elizabeth died in 1885 and is also there. In the 1891 census Arabella was still living in Cliff Cottage with a cook and a housemaid, while Thomas Shiner and his wife and their two children occupied Ivy Cottage, in the grounds. Thomas was employed as gardener and his son Tom, the groom and coachman. Arabella continued to live there until her own death in 1897 and is buried with her brother and sister.

The next occupant of Cliff Cottage was Judge John Edwin Hewick. He was born in Calcutta in 1847, where his father was a merchant. He had a varied career and in the 1870s was in the police force in the Straits Settlements (Malaya) as Superintendent of Police in Butterworth and during the Perak War of 1875/76, he commanded an expedition in pursuit of Sultan Ismail.

He returned to England to study Law and was called to the bar in 1880

The Purbeck Gazette

A

Above: Tom Shiner, Coachman to Miss Arabella Phippard of Cliff Cottage, c1895

and then continued his career in British Guiana, where he was appointed Puisne Judge in 1900 and later became the Senior Piusne Judge. In 1895 he married his second wife, Ethel Edith Seavill, in New Amsterdam, British Guiana. On October 20th, 1896 their first son John Seavill Hewick, was born. The family returned to England in March, 1897 and in 1901 Ethel and her son are living in Woking and her mother-in-law is with them. By 1902 they are living in Swanage, where their second son, Robert Curtis Hewick is born.

Ethel had been born in Swanage where her father, Thomas, a Congregational Minister, and his second wife, Edith, were living in Shore Villa, just along from Cliff Cottage. How she met and married John Hewick is not known, but it is likely that her family alerted her to the fact that Cliff Cottage was on the market after the death of Arabella Phippard. Anyway, it was the family’s home until Judge Hewick died in 1932, his wife having died the previous year.

John Seavill Hewick had travelled to New Zealand at the age of 16, in October, 1913. However, he returned in March 1915 to enlist in the Dorsetshire Regiment. During the First World War he served in the Sudan, Palestine and India and after the war continued his career in the army in India. In 1932 he and his brother were both pursuing careers abroad, so Cliff Cottage was put on the market.

Helen and Joan Muspratt’s father, Vivian, was cycling along Shore Road when he saw Cliff Cottage was for sale - so the family bought it. They had moved to Swanage in 1921 when the parents returned from India so that Helen and Joan could attend Oldfeld School. In 1928 Helen Muspratt opened her first Studio at 5 High Street and in 1932 had moved to 10 Institute Road. Although marriage and her later career took her to other parts of the country, Cliff Cottage was always important to her. Joan had taken over the studio in Swanage and Cliff Cottage became a special place for family holidays.

Jessica Sutcliffe has told her mother’s story in ‘Face, Shape and Angle - Helen Muspratt Photographer’ (Manchester University Press, ISBN 9781526100849 - pictured, below right). This is a fascinating read, splendidly illustrated with Helen’s staggering photographs.

In my view Swanage is remarkably deficient in Blue Plaques. Surely, the Muspratt studio at 10 Institute Road ought to be commemorated with one? The many achievements of Helen Muspratt should be recognised as an important part of the town’s history and marked in some appropriate way.

A Blue Plaque would go some way to doing this - it is richly deserved.

It would be a fully justified honour in memory of a remarkable woman.

The Purbeck Gazette

Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival Returns!

F

ollowing last year’s very successful Christmas Tree Festival held at the new venue of Emmanuel Baptist Church, it’s time to think about whether you might like to sponsor a Christmas Tree again this year.

Last year, nearly fifty trees glittered and sparkled at the magical three day event and a dozen trees have already been booked in for this year, so it will be first come, first served as the church anticipates an even bigger event with more visitors than last year as everybody loved it so much!

Open to the public for three days from Thursday 8th until Saturday 10th December, the event aims to provide a showcase for local charities and businesses from Swanage and Purbeck as well as telling the Christmas story through music, singing, acting and more.

There will also be a fun photo opportunity for folk to have a ‘Get into the Stable’ picture taken!’

The café will be open all day throughout the period and free car parking is available in the church’s car park. More details on the programme of events will be published early in December but for now, if you are a local business, charity or a local organisation and wish to sponsor a tree, get in quick and contact the church office on 427706 for a booking form with terms and conditions, or email events@emmanuelbc.org.uk or pop in to the church one morning and get a form.

We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to this lovely event at the beginning of Christmas!

Marjorie Edwards, Emmanuel Church, Swanage

13

The Purbeck Gazette

14

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

Call 07836 369969 (white/red vertical halves). Because these are also used in the slightly different military signal codes with similar meanings, A and B are burgees or swallow-tail flags so the shape aids the differentiation.

Hoisted ne of the more common observations from visitors is the signals shown by some of the boats seen around the ports of Poole and Swanage. For many years commercially operated ships and boats have needed to communicate in a way that is international, free of misunderstanding and ambiguity.

As the spoken word does not give this clarity, the use of visual signal is used. The most common system used for general communication today is flags or for manoeuvring information solid shapes.

There have been many systems, colours and shapes of flags used over the years until the International Maritime Organization standardised the International Code of Signals in the 1960s. The flags were designed such that the combinations of colours could not be mistaken even by an observer suffering from total colour blindness.

The combinations of light and dark colours cannot be misunderstood. For example, M is a white St Andrew’s cross on a blue ground whereas V is a red St Andrew’s cross on a white ground and D is yellow-blue-yellow horizontal stripes and J is white-blue-white.

As you can see, even somebody who can only see in black and white cannot mix them up. The only flags where this is not entirely true is B (all red) and Y (all yellow) also A (white/blue vertical halves) and H

O

A

A - The most common signal seen in Swanage means ‘I have a Diver down, please keep well clear at slow speed’. This is normally a soft material flag but is often seen in a metal or wooden painted version for economy!

For obvious reasons I cannot list all of the flags and their meanings here, there are many websites covering the subject for those of you who are interested.

You may also see vessels with two black cones, points together, hung vertically in the forward part. This is the signal under the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea which denotes a vessel engaged in fishing with nets. Special combinations of light replace the cones at night.

All of these signals are there for safety and should only be exhibited when the activity signalled is actually being practised. However, it is not unusual to see them permanently exhibited. Whether this is through forgetfulness or through the desire to make other vessel keep out of their way all of the time, has always been a subject of “discussion” between mariners!

Please don’t forget the email address below is there for your comments, questions etc. We are always happy to hear from you.

Please stay safe on whichever side of the tide 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

round the UK coastline this summer we saw some very tragic incidents with the loss of life whilst individuals were enjoying the coast.

You only had to look at the local beaches to see the increase in usage by visitors due to the good weather and that created many incidents in the Purbeck area.

The incidents for August steadily increased, with thirty-four callouts for the Swanage Team, along with other incidents for the St Albans, Kimmeridge and Lulworth

Coastguard teams.

Of the thirty-four incidents: 8 were maritime related 11 medical related incidents, some serious injuries, working with South Western Ambulance 7 searches for lost people, mostly lost children 1 helicopter landing site 2 unexploded ordnance 2 cliff incidents 3 misc. incidents

Two incidents stand out during August, a patrol covering the Studland Beer Festival were patrolling when they were flagged down on the Ferry Road for an injured cyclist who had received serious facial injuries.

The team provided first aid until a paramedic arrived and then continued to provide support until the cyclist was conveyed to hospital with a possible broken neck.

Whilst not everyone is a fan of wearing helmets whilst cycling, it is in no doubt that had this rider not been wearing one, the outcome would have been very different.

Having returned home on the night of the cyclist incident, the pagers were activated in the early hours for a report of a person shouting for help in the water off Studland Beach.

Two persons camping heard the shouts and called the Coastguard. On arrival, a male was found in a hypothermic state and urgently evacuated off the beach by colleagues from the Poole Lifeboat Crew.

Had it not been for the call-in and actions of the two individuals reporting the incident, the outcome could have been another tragic incident on our coast.

On the 30th August the team were surprised to have some visitors arrive at the station. Rob the cyclist, who had come to say a huge thank-you for the treatment provided at the scene of his accident.

Ian Brown

The Purbeck Gazette

15

The Purbeck Gazette

16

ASA Ruling On Ginger Pop ‘Golly’ Advertising Advertising Standards Authority.

Ginger Pop Ltd. Case number: A16-345779 Media: Regional press. Sector: Retail Agency.

Number of complaints : Two Advert: A press advert for the Ginger Pop Shop seen in the Purbeck Gazette in June 2016 included text which stated “Visit our shop and get the tea-towel!” and featured an illustration of a ‘golly’ character holding a pint of ginger beer with text underneath stating “ENGLISH FREEDOM”.

Issue: Two complainants, who believed the depiction of the ‘golly’ character was racist, and objected that the advert was offensive.

Response: Ginger Pop Ltd said they did not accept that the golliwog represented negative racial stereotypes. They provided information about the history of the golliwog character, including his origins in a children’s book in the late 19th Century.

They provided a copy of that book and a sequel, with quotes about his origin from the author. They also provided a modern edition of a Noddy Book and ‘The Golly’, a collectors’ handbook, which showed the variety of golly memorabilia available. They also provided a letter from a supporter and a comments book from their shop, which they said showed that the vast majority of passers-by were positive about the fact they sold golliwogs in their shop.

They referred to two online videos they had uploaded about golliwogs.

They believed the character as depicted in the original books and on Robertson’s marmalade badges was heroic and was an aspirational role model. They acknowledged the character had become stereotyped over time which they said had led some to believe the character was negative.

They also said that he was not intended to be seen as a human character but as a magical being, and that many people of all backgrounds had golly toys as children.

They supplied a tea-towel which they had produced to celebrate 120 years of golliwogs, which included many adjectives to describe the character and which they were said were far removed from the minstrel doll stereotype.

The Purbeck Gazette said they had checked the legality of the advert and image prior to running it and had been advised that it was within the law.

They had not directly received any official complaints about the advert.

However, they did not intend to run similar ads until the ASA investigation was resolved and did not wish to risk offending their readership.

Assessment Upheld: The ASA understood that there had been some local controversy around the tea-towel produced by Ginger Pop for display and sale in their shop, and that the advert was a reference to that.

However, we did not consider that all readers would be aware of that background, or that such awareness would necessarily impact on their reaction to the advert.

The Code required marketers to ensure that adverts did not contain anything that was likely to cause serious or widespread offence, and particular care must be taken to avoid causing offence on various grounds, including race. We noted that the advert featured an image which was recognisably a golly character.

We considered that many people were likely to view the character as representing negative racial stereotypes, and its prominent inclusion in a press advert was likely to cause serious or widespread offence. We also considered that the inclusion of the words “ENGLISH FREEDOM” in the advert was likely to contribute to that offence, because in combination of the image it could be read as a negative reference to immigration or race.

We therefore concluded that the advert was likely to cause serious or widespread offence.

The advert breached CAP Code (Edition 12) rule 4.1 (Harm and offence).

Action: The ad must not appear again in the form complained of.

NOVEMBER EDITION DEADLINE: 12 noon on Monday 10th October

The Purbeck Gazette

Are YOU Ready For Winter?

W

ith winter fast approaching, now is the time to get your heating system checked over before the cold winter nights set in.

Heatcare (UK) Ltd, a family-run plumbing and heating business that has been operating in Dorset for over fifteen years, is able to take care of any and all of your plumbing and heating needs, be it your annual boiler service to make sure you’re all set for winter, to a replacement boiler or even a new bathroom to relax and unwind in a warm bubble bath.

Heatcare have got you covered and no job is too big or too small.

Heatcare is both Gas Safe and OFTEC qualified and registered, meaning we are able to cater to your gas, LPG and oil heating needs. We are also Worcester Accredited Installers (WAI) meaning we are a recommended installer and servicer for the local area and can be found on their website as a trusted and proven company.

Heatcare (UK) Ltd feel customer satisfaction is a priority, we are members of both Which? Trusted traders and Check a trade.com so you know you will be in very safe and reliable hands.

Please call us on either 01305 853970 or 07557 990715 to book an appointment and we will arrange for one of our highly skilled engineers to come out to you, with no call out charge, and discuss in detail what your requirements are to allow us to give you a detailed quotation of the job.

17

18

October 2016 - Train Services Steam services are operating daily until Sunday 30th October.

Autumn Steam Gala Friday 14th – Sunday 16th October We welcome Stanier 8F 48624 and Fowler 7F 53809 to our Autumn Steam Gala. Alongside the home fleet of Battle of Britain Class 34070 “Manston”, U Class 31806 and M7 30053 they will be operating an intense timetable of passenger and demonstration goods trains. We will also be operating “over the road” from Norden to the limit of our operations at the River Frome Bridge giving gala visitors the opportunity to see the northern section of the branch line in all its Autumn Glory.

Santa Specials and Christmas Festivities 26th November – 24th December Our renowned Santa Special Trains and Christmas Luncheons are selling fast. Santa will be on his special trains 26th and 27th November, 3rd, 4th, 10th 11th, 17th – 24th December. Our Christmas Luncheon trains operate 26th and 27th November, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 22nd and 23rd December. See our Santa Special leaflet for full details of all our Christmas Festivities.

Purbeck Railway Circle.

On Friday 14th October, the PRC joins with the Purbeck Film Festival in presenting a selection of short British Transport Films. The playlist comprises: “This is York”, “Snowdrift at Bleath Gill”, “Ocean Terminal”, “Terminus”, “Fully Fitted Freight” and “John Betjeman Goes by Train”.

The overall film running time is about two hours – there will be a short interval for refreshments. Tickets for the film show are available online at www.purbeckfilm.com. Tickets for SRT members may be purchased / reserved by contacting the PRC Chairman on 01929 554765 or by e-mail as below. Tickets may also be purchased on the door.

Can YOU Volunteer?

D

AA (Dorset Action on Abuse) are looking for volunteer counsellors and group facilitators. We are looking for counsellors who are available and willing to: • Offer a two-year voluntary commitment to DAA • Commit to a three hour block every week, plus 15 minute debrief, (Up to three clients will be assigned as and when DAA consider volunteer counsellors to be ready) • Participate fortnightly in a 90 minute clinical supervision session (Required and at no cost to supervisees). Supervision may be offered on the same day as counselling or it may be on another day.

Applicants will need to demonstrate that they: • Hold current BACP membership and/or membership of any other professional counselling/psychotherapy professional body.

• Have annual professional indemnity insurance in place by their start date if they are offered a voluntary counselling placement.

• Accept their responsibility to themselves to ensure that their work does not become detrimental to their health or well-being, by ensuring that the way that they undertake their work is as safe as possible and that they seek appropriate professional support as the need arises.

If you are interested or would like to know more information, please contact us (details below).

DAA are also recruiting for new members for our two groups for female survivors of childhood abuse.

The Psychotherapy group is held on Wednesdays from 10am - 12pm and will be taking new members on the 5th October. TAP (Therapeutic Arts Project) is on Mondays, 2 - 4pm and starts on Monday 17th October.

For more information please contact Dorset Action on Abuse, Seaforth House, 176 Bournemouth Road, Parkstone, Dorset. BH14 9HY. Tel 01202 732424. www.dorsetactiononabuse.org.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

The Purbeck Gazette

RNLI Swanage Honours

I

n 2016, three of the Swanage RNLI volunteers have been awarded for their service to the Institution. To mark these significant awards a presentation was made during Swanage Lifeboat Week.

Operations Director George Rawlinson attended to present an Honorary Life Governor award to former Swanage Lifeboat Coxswain Chris Haw, a Gold Badge to Charles Buckle, former Deputy Launching Authority having given twenty five years of service and a Gold Badge to Dave Corben, former lifeboat crew member and serving Deputy Launching Authority having given twenty five years of service.

All the awards reflect a significant voluntary commitment given over many years. Whether you serve as a crew member or a deputy launching authority you make your way to the lifeboat station whenever the pager sounds, day or night. There will have been many occasions when a lifeboat call-out has taken these long serving volunteers from work, a special occasion or from their beds and yet they have continued to give their time for many years.

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Captain Neil Hardy said: “Our thanks go to Chris, Charles and Dave for their many years of service. Volunteering for the RNLI is an extraordinary commitment, being very demanding at times.

The time and dedication given by our volunteers is out of choice and only made possible thanks to the support of their families. I’m am proud we have so many volunteers who have continued to serve the Swanage RNLI for such long periods of time.”

Pictured – top: Chris Haw accepting his award from George Rawlinson and all awardees.

Bottom: Dave Corben accepting his award from George Rawlinson All photographs credited to: Andy Lyons. Thanks Andy!

19

20

O

Blast From The Past!

This month, A Decade Ago...

ctober 2006 saw the Gazette (then still owned by Tindle Newspapers) delivering 18,500 copies throughout Purbeck, with Jon Sibthorpe still reclining in the Editor’s chair.

Jon recounted his enjoyment of 2006’s Swanage Folk Festival by stating: “.....The festival is nothing if not a celebration of English tradition. And I, personally, did my bit to maintain that tradition on the Saturday as I sat at a traditional English continental-style pavement cafe, drinking a traditional German beer and enjoying a traditional Greek salad, watching the procession as it flowed past - a kaleidoscope of colour and sound....”

The row regarding the use of metric and imperial measurements continued, with Chris Cressey responding to Richard Hordle’s letter of the previous edition. Chris referred to recent signage displayed by the council, where the speed limit was given in mph (imperial) and the distance in metric.

Chris questioned whether indeed our councillors are more ‘forward thinking’ than we, the common illiterate masses....?

Swanage Post Office, then run by Bob McGhee, announced their refurbishment after their plans had been long-delayed. Bob thanked customers for their loyalty, and was looking forward to the newly revamped Post Office becoming a reality.

Simon Collis and Jill Clarke wrote after having an alarming experience whilst fishing on a fourteen-foot inshore fishing boat. Whilst attempting to pass over Peveril Ledge, they suddenly lost control and the boat capsized.

Luckily, friends Scott, Shelia and Phil were also out fishing that day, and managed to pull Simon and Jill safely from the water. They were brought ashore and made comfortable at the Angling Club. Coastwatch notified the lifeboat, and the RNLI crew arrived to ensure all was well with the couple, insisting on an ambulance just to make sure. The boat was then recovered. Simon wrote to warn readers that whilst you may be local, and may be knowledgeable about the sea (and the capabilities of your vessel), the sea takes no prisoners and can never be fully predicted. He and Jill were most grateful for the assistance of all concerned.

The ‘South West’s Housing Timebomb: Affordability and Supply 2006 - 2011’ report was published, giving a stark warning that the South West had by then become officially the most unaffordable place to buy a home in the UK. The report expected the situation to worsen. In 2006, the South West was the only place in the country where house prices were above average, and incomes below average. Average house prices in 2006 were well over ten times average local income.

Numbers of households on affordable waiting lists had grown by over 50%. Affordable house building (for rent or sale) was running at less than half the levels required. The report stated that the regional crisis was worsened by the continued growth of second or holiday homes - treble the national average in our area.

The report included a table of national figures based on 2005 data. The average wage in Purbeck was £19,509 and the average house price was £244,078 - a whopping 12.5 times the local average income - utterly unaffordable.

Have things changed now, a decade later? No. Average wages stay much the same, whilst the average house price is now considerably more than £244,078.

Durlston Country Park in Swanage was awarded a coveted Green Flag Award. The Green Glag scheme was the national benchmark for quality parks and green spaces, recognising sites which are welcoming, safe and

The Purbeck Gazette

well-maintained, with a strong local involvement. Pictured L-R (right) are: Cllr Hilary Cox, Dir. of Environment, Miles Butler, and Head Ranger, Hamish Murray.

Swanage Sea Rowing Club rounded off another summer season with a great day on the water during the last regatta at Gorran Haven in South Cornwall. Swanage entered no less than ten crews and did well.

Purbeck Panthers were due to be represented at at the Wado Kai European Open Championships in the Rivermead Complex in Reading by local Alex Wickens. Alex was planning to compete for the England team, and hoped to follow-up his success in the 2005 World Championships and the 2004 European Championships in Switzerland, where he managed to finish a creditable fourth.

Alex was intending to try for his 3rd Dan Black Belt shortly after the time of writing in 2006.

The Purbeck Gazette

21

Thanks For Partial Review Consultation Response

A

n excellent number of responses was received for the 2016 consultation on the Partial Review of the Purbeck Local Plan.

The consultation set out the council’s options for allowing future development whilst continuing to protect Purbeck’s natural environment.

Around 3,000 responses from people across the district were received, covering a range of issues. This is a significant increase in responses compared to the previous consultation held in January 2015, and the council is very grateful to everyone who took the time to respond.

As part of the consultation, the District Council arranged eight drop-in events around the district and these were well attended. Many residents left written comments at these events, as well as talking to council officers and councillors about the options. Dorset County Council transport planners also attended some events. In addition, town and parish councils and community groups held their own meetings.

A separate schools survey was completed by over fifty students from Lytchett Minster School and The Purbeck School. All responses are now being analysed and council officers will prepare a report to take to the council’s Partial Review Advisory Group in November 2016. This report will be publicly available.

Councillor Peter Wharf, Chairman of the Purbeck Local Plan Partial Review Advisory Group, said: “We would like to thank everyone who took part in this consultation. The careful management of future development in the district is crucial and we are very grateful for all the time and effort people have taken to provide so many constructive comments.

“Over the coming months, we will be analysing all the feedback received so that we can develop a Local Plan that fits with our communities’ requirements whilst also being robust enough that it will be found to be sound when it is examined by an independent planning inspector.”

Councillor Wharf continued: “Without an approved up-to-date plan, the council would have potentially little control over where, when and what development would take place in the District. Planning affects many aspects of everyone’s lives so it is important that the council gets the balance right.’

The consultation is part of a partial review of the Purbeck District Local Plan Part 1, which was adopted by the Council in 2012.

The review is a requirement of an independent planning inspector.

Legislation requires councils to prepare a local development plan (Local Plan) to shape future development and the use of land in their area by guiding development and determining planning applications.

One of the major issues the Partial Review needs to address is the potential for additional housing growth over and above that identified in the Purbeck Local Plan Part 1.

The Eastern Dorset Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) was published in December 2015 and identified a need for 238 homes per year in Purbeck over the period 2013 to 2033.

Based on these findings, the Council would need to provide for approximately 3,080 additional homes (over and above the 2,520 already identified in the Purbeck Local Plan Part 1).

Swanage Rotary Club with Commercial Road Traders Invite you to our

Christmas Fair

Sat 3 Dec - 10am to 4pm DO YOU WANT A STALL? If so, call Doug Quayle on: 01929 421944 or email: wendyanddougq@btinternet.com Commercial Road & Station Rd, Swanage

The Purbeck Gazette

22

‘Celebrate our Fourth Birthday with us on Thursday 3rd November’ Purbeck Good Neighbours have changed since our beginning in November 2012 as we now cover the whole of Purbeck including Lychett and Upton. Also, other Good Neighbour Schemes have followed our blueprint and are now up and running in Dorchester, Verwood and East Dorset.

We have managed to do over four hundred and forty tasks helping older people with all sorts of things that needed a helping hand.

With all the cutbacks in care providers our volunteers are also discovering more people who need extra help and we are able to refer them to the local POPP Wayfinders who can do home visits to discuss how assistance, such as benefits or fire safety checks, for example, can be done.

Our volunteers are very good at helping out in a cheerful manner if something needs doing. If you need some help just ring the call centre on our Helpline Number 01929 424363 and a volunteer will call you and arrange to come and see you.

As a thank you to all our volunteers and co-ordinators for the selfless work they have done we are holding a 4th Birthday Celebration Lunch. It will be on Thursday 3rd November at Furzebrook Hall, Wareham, BH20 5AR, starting at 11.45am for 12.15pm start. We have Dorset Community Action joining us to give a talk on ‘Making Every Contact Count’ followed by a buffet lunch and time to chat with us and other volunteers.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Make YOUR Voices Heard!

A

t our Swanage Area Senior Forum public meeting on Wednesday 12 October, two Swanage Town Councillors Gary Suttle (Leader of Purbeck District Council) and Bill Trite (Dorset County Councillor for Swanage) – will present proposals for a major reshaping of our local government.

Public Consultation for these proposals started on 30 August and ends on 25 October.

As Cllr Anthony Alford, ViceChair of Dorset Leaders’ Growth Board said: “Dorset’s nine councils collectively spend £920m a year delivering services to our residents. These councils receive £142m per annum less Government funding today than they did in 2010/11. Over the next two years to April 2019 a further £52m will need to be saved to balance further funding cuts and service pressures. Therefore, by 2019/20, Dorset’s councils will need to have reduced their annual spending by almost £200m since 2010/11.”

An independent financial assessment by “Local Partnerships” estimates that, even with these budget reductions by 2019/20, the nine councils must reduce costs by a further £30.4m by 2025, meaning that valued public services would suffer even greater cuts beyond 2019/20.

WEDNESDAY 12th OCTOBER - 7pm Public Meeting on: MAJOR PROPOSALS FOR RESHAPING OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT What could it mean for Swanage and Purbeck?

GARY SUTTLE (Leader, PDC) and BILL TRITE (DCC Cllr.) - both Swanage Town Cllrs, explain the background and alternatives on offer.

The Public Consultation ends on 25th October.

Emmanuel Church Centre, 160 Victoria Ave, Swanage.

Ample parking. Refreshments from 6.30pm

This is why councils are now considering change.

If you missed the Swanage or Purbeck Roadshows, or if you want to be advised, in detail, what these Public Consultation proposals could mean for our communities, then we look forward to seeing you and Bill and Gary will be there to answer your questions as best they can.

Printed copies of the Public Consultation Proposals forms will be available for you to take away.

Pictured, top left: Local David Furmage making his voice heard through the handy addition of a traffic cone, along with hundreds of locals, all protesting against the proposed closure of Swanage Cottage Hospital at a public meeting at the Mowlem Theatre, held in 2012. Be like David - make your voice heard!

The Purbeck Gazette

O

23

Relaunch Of Winfrith Village Hall

ver one hundred Winfrith Newburgh villagers flocked to their village hall on Saturday 10 September for a re-launch party, following a £120,000 refurbishment.

The Chair, Des Connor, welcomed everyone by explaining why the refurbishment had taken place and introducing everyone to the village hall team and the new facilities. He thanked the many people and organisations who contributed financially. As business contributors Winfrith Village Stores, Jurassic Coast Meats and The Red Lion, got a particular mention.

He also detailed generosity from other more official sources. The biggest grant was given by Viridor Credits, with further generous sums coming from Purbeck District Council, Winfrith Newburgh and East Knighton Parish Council, Synergy Housing, Dorset’s Older People’s Project and Magnox.

Des then described the invaluable work of the Project Manager, Alan Beake of James Beake Associates, who donated many hours of skilled work for no charge, and praised the builder, Simon Kennedy and his team for doing

A Local Company You Can Rely On...

Tincknell Heating Services

T

incknell Heating Services is part of Tincknell Fuels Ltd, a longestablished, family run business, proud of our trusted reputation offering a professional service enabling you to sit back and relax with the knowledge that you are in safe hands.

Bob Endean is your local fully qualified Oftec registered technician with many years’ experience. Bob has worked for Tincknells for nearly seven years specialising in oil-fired heating. He is a family man who has just become a father for the second time.

Bob says: “Your boiler is invaluable, providing hot water and heating throughout the year. When regularly serviced and maintained it can give you years of trouble-free service.”

He recommends that to avoid getting caught out this year with a costly boiler breakdown to call a member of our Heating Services team to discuss your requirements and arrange for an oil boiler service on 01749 683911.

Boilers that are over ten year’s old may be less fuel efficient than contemporary models; as the cost of heating your home will rise, are you getting value for money from your current boiler? We are a Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer and as a result of which we are able to offer our customers an exclusive extended manufacturer’s guarantee at no additional cost.

We also offer Tailored Boiler Maintenance Plans for a TroubleFree Heating System from as little as 75p per day!

Please give us a call on 01749 683911.

a great job and caring about the end result.

Finally, he described how the fundraising had taken two years, and thanked all the local people who supported the project by donating, running events or spending money at events. He also thanked the village hall team for their continued hard work in making the project happen.

The Village Hall, built in 1954 was badly in need of a face-lift. It now boasts a toilet for disabled people, a kitchen with commercial-standard equipment, and baby changing facilities. The main hall has been modernised and there is now a separate meeting room for smaller gatherings. A wi-fi connection with superfast broadband is available for all users and a hearing loop is shortly to be installed.

If you would like to hire the modern well-equipped hall for a private or public function simply look up www.winfrithnewburgh.org.uk and follow the links to the village hall, where you will find an online booking system.

Winfrith Newburgh Village Hall is a registered charity no. 1162058.

24

The Purbeck Gazette

PROTECTED! Minesweeper Trawler Untouched On Seabed For 100 Years

A

rare and exceptionally well-preserved First World War trawler and minesweeper, the Arfon, has been given special protection. First discovered off the Dorset coast in 2014, the wreck is considered to be ‘at risk’ from uncontrolled salvage Lying undiscovered on the seabed for a century, a rare steam fishing trawler fitted out as a mine sweeper for the Royal Navy during the First World War, has been given special protection by the Department for Culture Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.

The Arfon was built in 1908 in Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire. It worked out of Portland Harbour Naval Base during the First World War, sweeping mines laid by German U-boats along the inshore shipping lanes off the Dorset coast for three years before striking a mine in April 1917 and rapidly sinking with the loss of the majority of the crew of ten.

The Arfon is exceptionally well preserved with the trawler’s key features such as its mine-sweeping gear, deck gun, portholes and engine room still intact on the seabed off St Alban’s Head.

Most of the wrecks around England’s coast that date from this period have been salvaged for their fixtures and fittings. The Arfon is unique in that it had been untouched for 100 years, until it was first dived in 2014. It is considered to be vulnerable to souvenir hunters and uncontrolled salvage.

Joe Flatman, Head of Listing Programmes at Historic England said: “The Arfon shipwreck is a rare survivor of a type of vessel once very common around the coastline of Britain but which has now entirely disappeared, surviving only in documents and as wrecks like this one.

“Trawlers, minesweepers and other coastal patrol vessels played a crucial role in keeping the sea lanes around the British Isles open during both World Wars, a part of the war effort that is often overlooked.

The crews who served aboard such vessels faced tremendous dangers with unstinting bravery and devotion to duty. Historic England is proud to help tell part of this hidden story of naval endeavour during the First World War as part of our work’’.

The finders of the wreck, Martin and Bryan Jones, who run a family dive charter business (Swanage Boat Charters), are now working to secure preservation of this important site.

Martin Jones said: “We are delighted to be working with Historic England to protect and investigate the Arfon and we’re planning a special commemoration to mark the centenary of its sinking next April.”

The Arfon is protected under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, which means that access to the site is restricted only to divers who have been granted a licence from Historic England.

Alison James, Maritime Archaeologist.

Pictures: this page: Top - The Arfon. Above top: Arfon stern with diver, above: Arfon brass lubricator.

Opposite page: Top - Arfon main winch. Middle: colour drawing of the Arfon now.

Bottom left: Arfon engine with diver, right, Arfon engine dials

The Purbeck Gazette

25

The Purbeck Gazette

26

VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY REQUIRED

On the gate, in the shop, with maintenance, giving talks, fundraising or office admin.

If you can spare a few hours a day, or a week, then please come and see us and have a chat about how you can get involved, or please call us on: 01929 425866

The Swanage Pier trust Registered Charity No. 290397

Swanage Fire & Rescue Station Update

H

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

Operationally we have attended twenty emergency calls, these have included: • Eight false alarms.

• One vehicle fire that involved a gas cylinder exploding and causing severe fire damage to the camper van. The male occupant received burns to his face and arms. He was treated on scene by Ambulance paramedics and then released from their care.

• Two stand by moves to cover other stations.

• Five fire in the open, three of which were railway embankment.

• Three medical calls.

• One property fire. This was a large fire that involved three commercial premises and flats above in Charminster Bournemouth, one Swanage appliance attended along with nine other appliances from Poole, Westbourne, Springbourne, Redhill, Christchurch, Ferndown and Hamworthy.

We have had quite a busy month of training, as well as our other commitments. Myself, Crew managers Keith Bragg, Amanda Tatchell and Nick Corben, along with Firefighters Mark Watson and Dave Prosser, have all requalified as Trauma casualty carers. Crew Manager, Nick Corben, has also attended and passed his Incident Command course. Firefighters Kristian Berry and Ashley Curtis have also qualified as Breathing apparatus wearers, so well done to all concerned.

We have one new recruit join us this month as a Firefighter, which gives me great pleasure as it is my son, Chris Burridge, so a big welcome to him!

My safety message this month is: Help children stay safe Every year in the UK around 30 children are killed and more than 900 injured in accidental house fires.

This is often because there’s no smoke alarm, or because no adult is there

O

to help the children and they don’t know what to do.

By taking the safety precautions described in this guide you will be helping to keep your family safe. Young children can be curious about fire and flames, so it’s also important to teach them how dangerous fire can be and how quickly it can get out of hand.

• Don’t avoid talking to your children because you don’t want to frighten them. If a fire starts without an adult around, children need to know exactly what to do.

• Get them involved with making your escape plan, and practice it regularly to keep it fresh in their minds.

• Make sure babysitters or childminders know about your fire escape and where the door and window keys are kept.

Is your home safe for children?

A child can start a fire in moments, if they’re able.

• Don’t leave children on their own in a room where there’s a fire risk.

• Keep matches and lighters where children can’t see or reach them.

• Place candles and tea lights where children can’t reach them.

• Put a childproof fireguard in front of an open fire or heater.

• Don’t let children play or leave toys near a fire or heater.

• Put child locks on cupboards containing anything that could be used to start a fire (for example, matches, candles, flammable liquids and so on).

• Keep portable heaters in a safe place where they can’t be knocked over when they are being used or stored.

• Keep your escape route clear of toys and other obstructions.

• Never leave children alone in the kitchen when you’re cooking, and never let them play near the oven and hob.

• Consider using plug guards in sockets, so children can’t stick anything into the holes.

Stay safe and Don’t forget test your smoke alarms Phil Burridge, Station commander

One In Five Landlords ‘Embarrassed’

ne in five landlords are too embarrassed to admit it, according to a recent poll of almost 800 residential property investors.

The findings show that on average twenty one per cent of landlords have been too embarrassed to admit they’re landlords before.

Across the UK, more landlords in the East of England and the East Midlands said they were embarrassed to admit it compared to any other region (twenty nine per cent and twenty eight per cent respectively).

At the other end of the scale, the English regions with the fewest embarrassed landlords were the South East and Yorkshire and Humber (eighteen per cent).

Just thirteen per cent of landlords in Scotland said they had been too embarrassed to admit it before – the lowest across the UK. Richard Blanco, who lets property in London and the East Midlands, says he hasn’t always been truthful when it comes to admitting he’s a landlord: “Before becoming a landlord I thought long and hard about it because I had always disliked landlords as a student due to a bad experience I had over my deposit.

“These days I’m more upfront about it, but I tell people I work in property instead, because I still assume people won’t like me if tell them what I do.

“I also say that I work for the National Landlords Association (NLA) and that we campaign to improve the private rented sector, which tends to go down a bit better”.

The findings indicate that approximately 400,000 of the UK’s two million landlords avoid telling people what they do. The NLA, which is the largest representative body for landlords in the UK, says that despite the bad press, the majority of tenants are satisfied with their current landlord and tenancy.

Richard Lambert, Chief Executive Officer at the NLA, said: “The number of people looking to invest in property is rising all the time yet the stigma attached to being a landlord never seems to diminish.

“It’s the minority of rogues and criminal landlords that make the headlines, and this has a negative impact on everyone else.

“The majority of landlords are hardworking individuals who put their own money into providing homes for others, and they should not be ashamed to say so”.

The Purbeck Gazette

27

Litter-Free Purbeck

I

n mid-July about forty people attended a public meeting at Harman’s Cross Village Hall to discuss how we can best tackle littering in the Isle of Purbeck – on beaches, pavements, footpaths and along roadsides.

We were delighted that representatives from Dorset Waste Partnership, Litter Free Coast and Sea, and the National Trust supported the event, together with Swanage councillors Caroline Finch and Avril Harris and Mayor of Swanage, Steve Poultney, and several parish councillors. A workshop session afterwards and drop-in event in the evening enabled people to share opinions and ideas.

It’s clear that a lot of us have had enough of seeing the place that we love trashed by people who seem to have no responsibility for the things that they buy once they’ve done with them. The lack of bins during the holiday season is a key issue. Other litter comes from badly loaded commercial vehicles. With council funds everywhere drastically cut, we need to work out a way of stopping our environment being polluted and disfigured in this way.

So, we now have an umbrella group – Let’s Make Purbeck Litter-free (Litter-free Purbeck for short) - to develop and support local anti-litter groups, to work with local councils and Dorset Waste Partnership and to raise awareness locally about why it’s important to make Purbeck litterfree. We have volunteers and volunteer litter coordinators in almost every parish and will soon have equipment and funding in place for our activities.

In August, an awareness pick took place in Swanage, Love Langton cleared Dancing Ledge and local footpaths, and Swanage Army Link cleared the valley road between Harman’s Cross and Swanage. (They have now cleared the A351 between Wareham and Swanage twice this year.) We also had a campaign stall at Harman’s Cross Field Day - a lovely event that gave us a great opportunity to hear people’s views.

Thank you to everyone who has shared ideas or signed up to help so far and to Harman’s Cross Village Hall committee. We’re also enormously grateful to Nico Johnson for introducing the three of us and for getting the ball rolling.

To join us, please email litterfreepurbeck@gmail.com or phone 01929 421753.

If you can’t actively support us but would like to keep up to date with what we’re doing and why we do it, please ‘Like’ our Facebook page, Litter-free Purbeck. Together, we can make Purbeck 99.9% litter-free.

Lara Manningham-Buller, Bridget Mayes, Frank Roberts, Let’s Make Purbeck Litter-free.

The Purbeck Gazette

28

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

Chairman’s News

W

e delayed the publication of this newsletter last year so we could bring you the results of the Dorset Clinical Services Review and we’ve had to do the same thing this year because the public consultation phase has had to be postponed yet again.

This in-depth Review is looking at how well our current health services are working and how they might be reorganised and improved. In July the Governing Body of our Commissioners of healthcare published their recommendations for care in the community: • an additional 10,000 people a year being supported in a community setting, who are currently being admitted to an acute hospital with urgent care needs, relieving the pressure on the three acute hospitals in Dorchester, Poole and Bournemouth • an increase in the total number of community beds in Dorset by 69 • more than 100,000 additional outpatient appointments moving from the acute hospitals to community settings, including Diabetes • 7 day a week urgent care services for local communities – available via community hubs with beds.

• Community Hospitals in Bridport, Blandford, Sherborne, Weymouth, Swanage and Wimborne will become Community Hubs offering wide range of services including community beds • Community beds will be available in Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester and the Major Planned Hospital – which is recommended to be in Poole • Community hubs providing a wide range of services, without beds will be in Portland, Wareham and Shaftesbury • Westhaven Hospital, Alderney and St Leonard’s Hospital would no

Treasurer’s Comment

A

nother very healthy year financially for the Friends. Our income from members and various donations was much the same as last year and allowed us to spend £70,000 on equipment and training for the staff during the year. This included a new special Laryngoscope, two new Theatre trolleys and some specialized equipment for the eye clinics at a cost of over £30,000.

All of these keep the equipment in use at the forefront of good practice and allow the staff to maintain the excellent standard of treatment and care for which the Hospital is renowned.

We were particularly pleased to be able to install broadband in the Hospital for the use of both Staff and patients. It is very rewarding to visit some clinics and waiting areas for theatre and see patients and their partners/friends able to use their time effectively while they wait to be seen. Several inpatients have also managed to have virtual visits from relatives who are a long distance away using Skype, Facetime and similar applications.

We depend heavily on the goodwill of the people in Swanage and the surrounding districts to donate generously and to support our fundraising by coming to our Summer tea on the lawn and our Autumn Fayre and you never let us down.

Please spread the word amongst your family and friends that we always need new members, not so much for the financial help this brings because we only suggest an annual donation of £5, but because it allows us to use the number of members as a lever when we are dealing with those who want to cut back on services in Swanage.

The Chairman has already told you about the difficulties we face when we are trying to protect services and we know that the NHS generally

longer be used as community hospitals; the mental health services at Alderney hospital will be reviewed through a separate review and may still remain on that site.

The Friends are delighted that the recommendation sees Swanage hospital as a ‘hub’ which will continue to provide all the services it does now and have additional ones in the coming years. So we feel positive about the Review and wait with interest to see the detailed proposals when they are finally published.

We will alert you all to the public consultation events when they are announced, as we did for the Roadshow in July. Thank you so much to all those of you who responded to our advert and leaflets– we had a special mention in their report: • ‘The roadshow teams collected a huge amount of feedback on the proposals in the Purbeck area, predominantly in Swanage where there is extensive local support for the Swanage Community Hospital. In excess of 200 comments of support were received on the day the roadshow visited Swanage and more feedback has since been submitted by post. ....

On the question of providing a bedded community hub in Swanage, there was overwhelming and enthusiastic support from local people. There was equal and strong rejection of the proposal to provide community beds in local care homes in the town as an alternative to community hospital beds.’

So our voices have been heard and we must all make sure they continue to be heard during the public consultation phase of this protracted review of healthcare in Dorset.

The Friends will be supporting our wonderful hospital with all its services and facilities, making sure we are ready to help with the expansion when it comes.

Thanks to all of you who came to the Afternoon Tea in the hospital gardens in June. It is always a very relaxed and enjoyable afternoon and we had a pretty good turnout despite there being lots of other events in the town that day.

Please do support our Autumn Fayre on 12th November in the hospital – you’ll find a number of stalls and a fantastic raffle with lots of brilliant prizes. I look forward to seeing you there.

Jan Turnbull is in need of more funding while the government is trying to balance cuts against the need of more services for a population which is getting older.

We will continue to fight and to make sure that nobody can point the finger at Swanage and say that the buildings, the services and the equipment are not fit for purpose.

We were very lucky this year that two of our supporters left us huge legacies and would like to thank the late Moyra Cross and the late Elizabeth Vail and their families for their generosity which will allow us to provide even more support next year.

Terry Buck

Our Tombola stall at the Autumn Fayre

The Purbeck Gazette

29

Annual Newsletter 2016 Message from Matron

I

t’s hard to believe that a year has passed since my initial message in the Friends’ newsletter. What a year it has been; Swanage Hospital and the teams of healthcare professionals and support workers have continued to deliver excellent care locally and I am proud to manage such a great team.

There have been changes within the Hospital site, not least the newly refurbished reception area on Stanley Purser ward; this has enhanced the openness of the ward and accessibility to the nursing team.

The Friends have continued to support the development of staff and once again we were able to attend the Community Hospitals Conference in Bristol, a great opportunity to share ideas and also to assure ourselves that we are at the forefront of Community Hospital initiatives. In fact the teams who attended are really keen to share what we do next year.

The CQC inspected Dorset Healthcare and have revisited our MIUs, changing our reported result from ‘Needing Improvement’ to ‘Good’.

We are awaiting our revisit to in-patient areas later in the year. With all the hard work in place, we are looking forward to showing how we have taken on board the improvements needed.

Stanley Purser ward and Saxon ward have both been awarded Gold Standard Framework accreditation for End of Life Care and we are understandably proud of this achievement, giving us the recognition of one of the most important roles of our Community Hospitals’ inpatient care.

Our endoscopy service remains accredited and provides an excellent service as found in NHS Choices feedback.

Recruitment remains a challenge and this is a national issue. The Friends have been very supportive with ideas and practical help regarding accommodation and supporting any new staff, which is a real asset when trying to recruit.

Changes are afoot within healthcare provision in Dorset and the Friends of Swanage Hospital are incredibly supportive and well informed regarding our Hospital and ensuring that the public are kept up to date with the planned Clinical Services review.

Finally I would just like to inform everyone that the planned demolition of

Our Ward Nursing Station the Everest building will be later this year, once appropriate approvals have been granted. I appreciate that there is a lot of history attached to this building but the building is no longer safe, so regrettably it will need to be demolished.

On behalf of Dorset Healthcare, teams working in the Hospital and our patients, I would like to thank you for your continued support and look forward to shaping the provision of healthcare within Purbeck, ‘bringing care closer to home’.

Matron Donna Kiss

AUTUMN FAYRE Saturday 12th November at Swanage Hospital. 10.00am – 12.00 noon Cakes, pickles, seasonal produce and other goods to buy Enjoy a coffee and home-made cake!

Membership Report We are in URGENT need of new members.

It is not just funds that are needed – it’s really important that the Friends represent as many of you as possible.

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

Application forms are available at the Hospital, you can ring Pat Cooper, our Secretary on (01929) 475006, or look online: http://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/involved/ league-of-friends-swanage-hospital.htm

YOUR HOSPITAL NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!

Ward staff on the plant stall during our Afternoon Tea event

30

On Top Of The World!

The Purbeck Gazette

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!

Sunrise over Wareham Quay, 7am, Monday 26th August. By Richard Murgatroyd

Cloud over Swanage Hills by Howard Oliver

Wind in the Wareham Willows! By Denise Exon

Monkey Beach, by Lauren Birch, aged 13

Swanage Beach, by Michelle Frost

The Purbeck Gazette

31

SIPPS

W

ith the current maximum basic state pension for an individual at £119.30 per week (and the new State Pension £155.65 from 5th April 2016) and life expectancy rates creeping up, it makes sense for those of working age to consider making provision for their retirement. Many individuals will be eligible to take part in an occupational pension scheme, but others, such as the self-employed, will need to look to arranging their own pension scheme. A SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pension) is one such scheme and can offer a lot of flexibility to a holder. It can also be an additional scheme for those with an occupational pension. Please find below a very basic summary on SIPPs. SIPPs were first introduced in 1989 and allow the holder to choose their own underlying investments and to hold shares, collective investments and commercial property directly.

A SIPP currently provides the holder with the tax advantages of a traditional pension plan such as tax relief on subscriptions. The monies built up within the fund can be used to take a one-off tax-free lump sum (currently up to 25% of the fund) once the holder reaches 55 (you can still be working). There is also the option to either make income withdrawals or buy a lifetime annuity with the balance. The amount of income received will depend on the options you choose such as paying to a dependant when the SIPP holder dies, inflation-proofing the income and the frequency of payments.

What makes a SIPP interesting is the fact that the subscriber has so much more control over their investments both before and after taking an income and at the point of retirement in deciding how the benefits will be taken. With a SIPP provided by an investment manager you can, for instance invest in shares, investment and unit trust style investments and gilts and you can buy and sell within the SIPP wrapper at any time. Essentially a SIPP can operate like an ordinary portfolio but can be a tax efficient way of saving for retirement. It must, however, be remembered that any monies put into the SIPP cannot be withdrawn until the subscriber reaches 55 and opts to take the benefits permitted by the HM Revenue & Customs rules. A SIPP is also flexible and portable.

If you change jobs or stop working, you can continue contributing to the scheme and if you join a new employer, they may also decide to contribute to it. There are no restrictions on the amount of different pension schemes that you can belong to, although there are limits on overall contributions each year if you wish to receive tax relief on your contributions.

Management charges are levied by SIPP providers and these can vary greatly. It is strongly recommended that advice is taken from a suitably approved advisor before starting or changing any pension arrangements.

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. Registered office: 25 Luke Street, London, EC2A 4AR. Registered in England No. 1903304

Dividend Allowance

Legislation included in Finance Bill 2016 implements the new 0% rate for dividend income, as well as changing the rates of tax for dividend income.

Once enacted, the changes will apply from 6 April 2016. Broadly, the new nil rate applies to the first £5,000 of a person's dividend income and is available annually. From 6 April 2016, UK residents pay tax on any dividends received over the £5,000 allowance at the following rates: 7.5% on dividend income within the basic rate band; 32.5% on dividend income within the higher rate band; and 38.1% on dividend income within the additional rate band.

Dividends received on shares held in an Individual Savings Account (ISA) continue to be tax free. Individuals in receipt of dividend income who will fall into the self-assessment regime for the first time, will need to notify HMRC accordingly. Self-Assessment returns for the 2016-17 tax year need to be submitted by 31 January 2018.

The introduction of the new allowance is designed to help incentivise businesses to incorporate and make payments as dividends rather than as wages simply to reduce their tax bill, in turn assisting the Government with its plan to reduce the rate of corporation tax in the coming years - as announced at Budget 2016, the main rate of corporation tax is expected to be reduced from its current rate of 20% to 17% by 2020.

The overall policy objective is that only those with significant dividend income, or those who are able to pay themselves dividends in place of wages, will pay more tax. It is estimated that around one million individuals will pay less tax on their dividend income due to the new dividend allowance.

The Purbeck Gazette

32

Trading Standards Know your consumer rights!

A

national study shows four in ten retailers flout laws on nicotine inhaling products.

Trading Standards Services enforce legislation which prohibits the supply of most age restricted goods. New legislation covering the sale of nicotine inhaling products came into force in October 2015, prohibiting the sales of electronic cigarettes and liquids to under 18s.

The sale of these products is an offence and the owner of the business can be held responsible as well as the member of staff who made the sale.

Smoking rates in England are in long term decline but in recent years e-cigarettes have risen in popularity. Regular use of e-cigarettes is found almost exclusively amongst those who have previously smoked the more traditional products.

A national test purchase exercise was carried out by Trading Standards Services and 40% of retailers sold the age restricted items to children and young people. Businesses tested ranged from specialist e-cigarette suppliers, independent pharmacies, discount stores, markets, and traditional tobacco shops. Guidance is provided to retailers to help them comply with the law but enforcement action will be considered where it is appropriate.

Trading Standards Services play a proactive role in preventing children obtaining e-cigarettes and nicotine refills just as they do with traditional tobacco. It is believed that regular use amongst children is relatively rare but their awareness and experimentation is on the increase.

Anyone wishing to report underage sales can report anonymously to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

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

The Purbeck Gazette

33

Resolve your legal matters with Battens Solicitors

What exactly do you own?

Dangers Of Public Wi-Fi

D

orset Police and Get Safe Online have issued a warning to the public to be cautious when accessing or supplying private, sensitive or personal data while connected to public Wi-Fi hotspots.

The advice given by Get Safe Online relates to Wi-Fi networks that are commonly found in public places like cafes, hotel rooms, airports, and pubs. It warns that if not fully secure, these networks have the potential to be hijacked by cyber criminals who will seize the opportunity to defraud individuals or steal their identity – or both.

In addition, it reports, cyber criminals have been known to set up fake hotspots on their own laptops in public places and fool members of the public into logging onto them.

Staying safe on public Wi-Fi networks: Along with its warning, Get Safe Online has produced a number of simple tips which should be followed in order to stay safe when using public Wi-Fi networks: 1. Don’t use the public Wi-Fi provided in places such as cafes, pubs and hotel rooms if doing anything confidential online, including logging into online accounts.

2. Remember that just being given an access code or being asked for your email address, doesn’t indicate that the Wi-Fi connection is secure.

3. Instead of using premises’ hotspots, use a mobile broadband dongle that is set to secure your 3G or 4G data connection – even if it’s slower – or wait until you can access a router you know to be secure.

4. Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to connect when accessing your company network. If you are a mobile worker, ask your IT department.

5. Wherever possible, use well-known, commercial hotspot providers such as BT Wi-Fi. 6. Ensure your home and office wireless networks are secured.

7. It’s OK to use public Wi-Fi hotspots for things that you don’t have to log into or aren’t confidential, like checking the news or planning (but not booking) your next holiday.

Properties, bank accounts, Premium Bonds, life policies, pensions, these are all very easy to identify.

But on your death, your Executors will need to account to HM Revenue & Customs for values of everything you own, whether or not your estate is subject to Inheritance Tax. It is possible in this day and age that you will also have ‘digital assets’, this could simply be online bank accounts, but may also include Bitcoins, credits held with gaming companies or website domain names that you own that have a value. Your Executors will need to value all of these assets in order to comply with their legal duties.

Your family may also wish to deal with your social media accounts. Unless you have set these up in a certain way, it is possible that they will become inactive after your death and stores of photographs for example would be lost forever.

It is important to leave your Executors some guidance.

This can be done by leaving a list of all your digital assets. This can be stored by your solicitor with your Will, so it will remain confidential until your death.

A local organisation, Social Embers (www. socialembers.co.uk), can also give you guidance.

They can provide a very useful ‘Digital Legacy Toolkit’ for a small fee which helps you put your assets in order and guides you through what happens with your social media accounts after your death.

I would be happy to advise you further and can be reached on 01305 752365 or natalie.mason@ battens.co.uk. I am happy to offer a free 30 minute appointment to review your existing Wills and arrangements if this would be helpful.

01305 774666

The Purbeck Gazette

34

No Excuse!

by David Hollister

O

ur local Parish Council has been told that DCC will no longer maintain the verges, hedgerows and highways.

Our choice is apparently either for this work to be ‘subcontracted out’ by the PC at their own cost, or for the DCC to do it and charge us extra for it, which begs the question “Isn’t part of the £2500 Council Tax I pay each year supposed to fund essential highway maintenance”?

Apparently not; it’s to fund all the other services from which so many of us see little or no benefit. Too many to list here.

Or of course we can trim the hedgerows and clear the pavements ourselves. Along with the caveat that should we do so we will need to fill in forms for ‘insurance cover’ and also have certificates of competence for the use of any equipment. And be properly supervised…

This ridiculous and officious attitude makes the work being done by the new ‘litter free Purbeck’ group even more valuable to our community and I urge anyone with a bit of pride in their area to get out there, trim the verges, clean the signs, sweep the pavements and help to restore the pride in our community as DCC patently have neither the will nor the funds. Just stay safe – as you’re probably uninsured!

Once again, regrettably. It’s necessary to highlight the ‘Blue Boar Bike Ride’ – where a large number of cyclists ride from Poole to Swanage for the Youth Cancer Trust, visiting twenty seven pubs over twenty five miles.

But I must highlight it for all the wrong reasons....

A couple of years ago I incurred the wrath of the organisers by suggesting that a few of the cyclists, the worse for wear, had caused mayhem involving the calling out of the emergency services and generally abusing the very people from whom they were hoping to collect for this worthwhile cause.

Assurances were made to the Police and the public, and last year’s event passed off with few problems.

This year, on Purbeck’s busy roads one weekend in August, we were again treated to dangerous behaviour and streams of abuse. If you don’t call sitting in the middle of the road in the middle of Corfe Castle in fancy dress dangerous, then I don’t know what is. Several ‘cyclists’ went into a village shop and demanded money from customers and the shopkeeper and when asked to leave, used language that would make a decent person’s hair curl. They have it on CCTV. The Police were called and apparently did nothing; when I contacted the Police authorities shortly after the event they simply said ‘if we don’t know about it then we can do nothing’. Yet they were there and – so I am told – were limp-wristed and ineffectual.

So once again I remind the organisers and indeed the Police that riding a bicycle whilst under the influence of alcohol remains an offence. And if they weren’t under the influence then what the hell were they drinking in the twenty-seven pubs? This is – in theory – a brilliant event, so please don’t let a handful of idiots spoil it for everyone - for yet another year running.

If you really want to see a non-stop string of selfish motorists, then sit on the wall of the Bankes Arms at Corfe Castle and watch them for an hour or so. Hovering in the Square, because they think that a parking place might be about to become vacant, regardless of the fact that they’re causing the cars behind to become dangerously ‘marooned’ in the traffic flow. Refusing to let anyone out into the traffic flow, causing the square to become gridlocked.

But it’s not just Corfe Castle, is it? Try and join any main road from any side road and how many people will slow, and let you out? Not many.

How many people, seeing me in the crown of the road waiting to turn right into South Instow, in Harmans Cross will slow to let me across? Not many. It’s all about impatience, discourtesy and downright self – self – self.

It’s my ‘right of way’ so blow you, Jack, I’m all right.

So how about it, Purbeck, how about a resolution to let a few more cars out, to ‘do as you would be done by’? I try to do it. And when I do, the people in the cars behind me get totally incensed!!

Approximately two thirds of drivers regularly exceed the urban 30mph limit, a third of them travelling faster than 35mph.

The National Speed Awareness Scheme is an innovative scheme that has been put in place by police forces across the UK to allow motorists caught speeding to complete a ‘workshop’ rather than be issued with three penalty points and a £60 fine.

If invited to attend such a course, you’ll be given a specific date, time and location and you will need to accept the offer, or decline and take the fine and the points on your licence instead.

There is no choice about the date and time. You just have to arrange your life around it. The idea is to ensure that the driver fully understands the dangers of speeding and doesn’t speed in the future. It’s what’s known as ‘attitude correction’. OK so far?

At £100, the scheme operated in Dorset is alleged to be one of the most expensive in the country. It is also suggested that Dorset Police’s enthusiasm for these courses might well be related to the fact that Dorset Police themselves rake in the profits, whereas normal speeding fines go to the treasury. Surely this can’t be true?

We have all seen the ‘no excuse’ notices on the roadside. This so-called ‘zero tolerance’ campaign doesn’t seem to be working. Or if it is, then why, I wonder, did deaths on Dorset’s roads increase by 50% in 2015?

Why was this the fourth-highest rise in the country, prompting ‘road safety chiefs’ to suggest that there is an increased likelihood of being killed or injured on Dorset’s roads?

Department for Transport statistics show that there were more than 2,000 total casualties on our roads, with 387 of those seriously injured, a figure up from 371 the previous year. 28 people died on Dorset’s roads in 2015, up from 19 in 2014.

So maybe it’s time that we told Dorset Police “NO EXCUSE” and asked them to come up with a more effective way of reducing casualties than their stupid roadside notices or indeed their ‘cash cow’ ‘attitude correction’ courses.

Because right now, neither method seems to be working.

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

T

35

Manic Mondays at Wareham Quay

he first Manic Monday was held on Monday 15th August 2016 and is going to be an ongoing event during the summer and the coming months, weather permitting.

This new event was organised by Andy Pethick, Kevin Butterfield, Curtis Taylor, Craig Dawson and Ali Scott. The call was put out to motorbike groups in Dorset to come along to the Quay Inn to support Megan Cowshall in her quest against bullying.

The event was attended by 80 to 100 friendly bikers of all ages, with many female and male riders attending. They spent the evening chatting and supporting this worthy cause against bullying. The event was held on the Quay in Wareham and was fully supported by the Quay Inn. Mick Smith also travelled from London to support this event. Mick is the British Bare Knuckle Champion.

On 27th August, riders passed through Wareham town and on to Weymouth in support of Megan Cowshall and her fight for the antibullying campaign.

Another event planned by the organisers of Manic Mondays is to buy presents for a thirteen-year-old boy from Blandford Forum who has been bullied.

The First Manic Mondays was a friendly and very happy event. The organisers asked all the motorbike riders to be respectful of the residents of Wareham by not riding through the centre of the town and to exit over the bridge by the Quay and use the relief road to depart the event.

16(16) FORD Focus 1.0 Ecoboost”Titanium”5dr Auto Very Low Mileage Good Fuel Economy Sat Nav Door Guards.....................................................£18995 16(16) FORD Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost Zetec 5dr Our Own Vehicle Zero Road Tax Fantastic Economy Ford Warranty until Jul 18.......................................£12995 15(65) FORD Fiesta 1.6”ST2” 16000 Miles. Sold New & Maintained by Us. One Owner Excellent Condition. Spirit Blue...................................................£13495 13(63) FORD B-Max 1.0 Ecoboost”Zetec”Supplied & Maintained by Us 23000 Miles Brilliant Fuel Economy Very Roomy................................................£8595 13(13) FORD Fiesta 1.0”Zetec”5dr One Local Owner Excellent Condition 13000 Guaranteed Miles Air Conditioning Alloy Wheels......................................£8795 12(62) FORD Fiesta 1.0”Zetec”5dr Locally Owned & Maintained from New by Us. Zero Road Tax. AirCon. Rear Park Assist...........................................£7995 12(12) FORD Fiesta 1.4”Zetec”5dr Automatic Only 16000 Guaranteed Miles.

Full Service History with a Local Owner.......................................................£6795 12(12) FORD Kuga 2.0TDCi”Titanuim”AWD Locally Owned Maintained by Us. 36000 Miles. Climate Control. Very High Spec.......................................£12995 11(11) FORD Ka 1.2“Edge”3dr Guaranteed 18700 Miles Sold & Maintained from New by Us Alloy Wheels Bluetooth AirCon..........................................£4795 10(10) BMW 320iSE 4dr Automatic Saloon One Local Owner from New. SatNav. Full Leather Trim Full History.Long MOT...................................................£9995 09(59) FORD Focus 1.6TDCi”Titanuim”5dr One Local Owner. 45000 Guaranteed Miles. Rear Park Assist. Excellent Enonomy............................................£5995

The more motorbike riders who support this event every Monday (starting at 6pm), the more chance this friendly event will have to a more organised event in the future.

Please come along to Manic Mondays and show your support!

Words and photographs by Sue Booth.

The Purbeck Gazette

36

Food Feature

What’s Cooking In Purbeck?

O

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Purbeck Gazette

37

Purbeck Ice Cream Scooping up Gold at the 2016 Great Taste Awards!

P

urbeck Ice Cream scooped up another two Gold Great Taste Awards in the recently judged 2016 competition with two stars awarded for Dorset Marmalade and one star awarded for Cracking Chocolate. With thousands of entries judged, the kudos in receiving an award is unbounded and the team are thrilled with this recognition of

outstanding quality.

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

Dorset Marmalade was awarded a two star Gold and is made with Seville oranges beautifully prepared by Tracey from local business ‘A Jar Of’, brilliantly blended together to give an outstandingly tangy taste demanded

by Paddington from Peru to Purbeck! Judges proclaimed it ‘luscious, well balanced, fresh and creamy with a lovely zing and a kick of zest’!

Cracking Chocolate was awarded a one star Gold and is made with shards of Belgian chocolate enveloped within pure ice cream; the texture of the chocolate with the richness of the ice cream is supremely indulgent. The judges commented on the fresh honest flavour of the ice cream with good contrast from the chunks of chocolate, very scrumptious and seriously tempting.

The Purbeck team are delighted to add these two new Great Taste Awards to their armoury of awards won for quality, taste, flavour and innovation.

If you haven’t yet seen the super theatre advert featuring the dulcet tones of Edward Fox and starring the Purbeck Ice Cream team - watch it now on the website or YouTube and ‘like it’ if you like it and share at will! Proudly from Purbeck, dedicated to Dorset and brazenly British!

38

The Purbeck Gazette

From The Kitchen Garden...

Plum & Chilli Jam

A

fter a rather good and prolific growing season, it’s ever so tricky to settle on a specific crop that’s been outstanding.

I did expect the choice of the theme to become EASIER not HARDER as the season goes on! As it is October, I was planning on having a go at pumpkins and winter squash dishes as they’re one of my particular favourites…..

They’re good looking, tasty, versatile, healthy, store well and are available all over the world from Italy to Japan. Each country has their own quirky winter squash variety and recipes. I adore preserved winter squash in a home-made ‘Mostarda’ with mustard seeds and horseradish. The easiest accompaniment to boiled meats (bollito misto).

Then again, the glorious peperoncino peppers, the aubergines, different courgettes, chard and beetroots all have done amazingly well! The field mushrooms have appeared overnight in their hundreds, silky, fragile and sooo very tasty! The figs had time to ripen on the tree and eaten still sun-warm straight from the tree are a joy.

What’s a girl to do? Focus on something completely different, that’s what!

It’s autumn and time to think about preserving all this goodness for the leaner winter months. I’ll try drying some of this abundance, however, as nobody has been defrosting/cleaning my freezer, that’s not working properly, so I can’t use it to freeze these goodies. That’s where jam comes in handy! So, jam it is - Plum and Chilli Jam. After this August’s sunshine, the plums are oozing sweetness, looking perfect with their white bloom intact on purple/green background. The words ‘Sugar Plum Fairy’ certainly come to mind. Plum and Chilli Jam, always delicious to have to hand, either on bread with butter, or as a dipping sauce for all sorts - like grilled prawns or roast duck or some really lovely, salty, mature cheese.

Eaten together with baked Camembert a complete stunner! Your taste buds will sing and dance: sour fruitiness, sweet saltiness, then just a touch of heat. Perfect!

As this season’s plums are very sugary, I’ve reduced the sugar somewhat.

Plum and Chilli Jam ingredients: 1.8 kg plums (4lbs) 575 ml water (1 pint) 1.2 kg sugar (2.5 lbs) 2 ripe peperoncino chillies Method: Put saucer into fridge

By Regula Wright, Godlingston Manor Kitchen Garden Wash plums and cut in half Wash chillies, cut in half and discard seeds, cut into small stripes Put fruit and chillies into pan with water and simmer gently until soft Add the sugar and keep stirring until sugar has dissolved Bring to the boil and boil the jam until it sets when tested on the cold saucer, removing the stones as they rise to the surface Remove the scum Pot and put the lids on jars while still hot

The Purbeck Gazette

39

40

Purbeck Products

Dorset Venison Company

P

urbeck Venison is the best in the world. Those of us who live, visit or holiday in Purbeck are very, very lucky to have a climate and landscape that is almost perfect for deer. Our most common deer are the shy, native Roe deer and the much bigger Sika that were introduced to, and promptly escaped from Brownsea Island more than a hundred years ago.

Deer have no natural predators in the UK, so it’s really important that the population is well managed.

To maintain sustainable numbers, to keep deer populations healthy, a few animals must be shot each year; this is known as ‘culling’.

Deer shot as part of the cull provide ethical, fantastic meat that is of superb quality and is responsible for very, very few ‘food miles’.

The Dorset Venison Company is the joining of forces of Ashley Barnes and Owen Senior. Ashley has been a familiar face at the Purbeck Products markets for years, specialising in Purbeck venison culled and butchered by himself.

Owen, also an experienced deer stalker, is a senior bush craft instructor who runs ‘Deer in a day’ butchery courses, teaching the entire process of deer skinning and butchery, right through to how best to cook it.

We manage deer populations throughout Purbeck and Dorset, we shoot deer, butcher it in the Purbeck valley and sell it as locally as possible.

The venison we supply is wonderful, a million miles from the vac packed, unloved, imported stuff that’s occasionally available in the supermarket.

The Purbeck Gazette

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

Almost everyone that attends one of our butchery and cookery courses describes well butchered, well prepared, venison as the best meat they have ever eaten.

We really need more land on which to cull deer. Demand always outstrips supply. We offer land owners £50 for every deer we take from their land.

We supply our venison to order, butchered as our clients need it. We also sell venison at Purbeck Products markets.

Purbeck Venison is superb quality, healthy, ethical and very, very good value. If you’d like to fill your freezer, you’re welcome to come and butcher your deer with us.

The Dorset Venison Company also offers guided deer stalking to help keep deer numbers down, we think it’s important that people reconnect with where their meat comes from.

To get in touch about courses, deer culling, deer stalking, butchery courses or to order venison, please visit our website www. dorsetvenison.com or give us a call on 01929 50 50 45.

The Purbeck Gazette

41

42

The Purbeck Gazette

Swanage Fish Festival 2016 Raises £2250

www.swanagefishfest.org Swanage Fish Festival at Prince Albert Gardens wanage RNLI, The Fishermen’s Mission and Swanage Coastwatch will all receive £750, thanks to the success of the Swanage Fish Festival 2016.

Once again, Swanage proved to be a mecca for all things fishy during the fish festival weekend. From foraging masterclasses to chefs cooking up a storm, there was entertainment for the whole family.

The picturesque Prince Albert Gardens drew thousands of visitors who were treated to a showcase of local seafood and musicians, whilst raising funds for Swanage RNLI, The Fishermen’s Mission and Swanage Coastwatch.

Adam Clarke, Chairman of the festival said: “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 incredible seafood. Most importantly we are ecstatic to have raised so much money for the great causes we’re supporting.”

During the weekend, 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.

James Golding, Chef Director at The Pig, prepared delicious dishes using locally caught sea bream and cuttlefish, illustrating how The Pig on the Beach at Studland strives to use ingredients from a 25 mile radius.

Giuseppe Sinaguglia from the Olive Tree Cookery School led groups

S

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.

Swanage Fish Festival 2017 will take place on June 10 and 11.

To find out more about volunteering, sponsorship or trading at next year’s festival, please email: secretary@swanagefishfest.

Follow us on Facebook: Swanage Fish Festival or twitter: @swanagefishfest.

Photo: Julian Sawyer

Nominate NOW For The Rural Oscars!

C

Celebrate the ‘Best of British’

elebrate the best of British – nominate now in the ‘Rural Oscars’!

The 2016 Countryside Alliance Awards, nicknamed the “Rural Oscars” and a gold standard of rural business awards, have opened to public nomination at www.countryside-alliance.org and invite contributions across four categories.

The award categories are: Local Food & Drink Village Shop/ Post Office Tourism Enterprise Farm Enterprise (new in 2016) The Rural Oscars recognise hard working rural businessmen and women and those who routinely go the extra mile for their community or help to preserve and protect rural life.

The Awards have become the definitive rural award to win because they celebrate the characters behind the business and the efforts they go to, not just the business itself.

Where there are many “taste” awards for produce, or dry business awards, no other scheme honours people in this way. Our Awards celebrate the unsung heroes of the countryside and the work they do.

The Awards invite nominations across four categories.

Winners will be announced at a Parliamentary reception in March 2017 which will be supported by cross party Parliamentarians.

The awards, now in their twelfth year, start with nominations from the public – in 2015 we received over 4,500.

Nominations will be accepted until 4th November, whereupon a list of finalists will be drawn up by the judges and judging visits will take place. All finalists are invited to a reception at the House of Lords early in the New Year, where they will hear if the judges, having visited them, have selected them as the British Champions.

Countryside Alliance Awards Director Jill Grieve said: “The Rural Oscars have become the gold standard for rural business awards and I look forward to hearing the stories of this year’s nominees.

These awards give a voice and a platform to rural businesses and bring them to national prominence, telling positive stories about the countryside. We can’t run these awards without the support of communities and their recommendations, so please get involved and tell us who we should be honouring this year.”

The Purbeck Gazette

43

The Purbeck Gazette

44

Get Your Pumpkins Out!

Y

ou would expect a pub as renowned as the Square & Compass to know all there is to know about beer (which they do) but did you realise that they also know all about pumpkins – very big pumpkins indeed – and in the first weekend in October each year they hold a festival in celebration of these orange beasts (and Beer, naturally!).

Rumour has it that the contest for the largest pumpkin is usually a two horse race between two locals, and that in the run up to competition day, each contestant’s progress is shrouded in secrecy.

The resulting monster pumpkins are so huge that in order to winch them onto the scales, it is not unknown for a JCB to be required.

But best of all - for the drinkers among you, while you watch the struggles of the great pumpkin grow –off, you can relax and enjoy

sampling some of the numerous real ales from small breweries which will be available.

There will be up forty different brews to try, plus ciders, so you might want to book your taxi home well in advance!

The Purbeck Gazette

45

W

e are a bit excited at the moment as we have just heard that we have received GOLD awards for The Purbeck Deli (independent retailer/delicatessen) and Worth Matravers Tea and Supper Room (tea room category), and have this year also been awarded another GOLD for Worth Matravers Tea and Supper Room (casual dining category).

Not only this, but we have also been chosen as overall finalists in ALL THREE of these categories! Quite amazing!

Finals are to be held at Exeter Cathedral at the beginning of October.

On top of this, we are finalists of the Dorset Magazine Food, Drink and Farming Awards for Worth Matravers Tea & Supper Room, another awards night which will take place at Lulworth Castle. It’s great news that we are being recognised for our efforts.

On Thursday 27th October, as part of the Purbeck Film Festival, we are having our first ever film/supper night. We will be serving a two course supper (Boeuf Bourguignon followed by Crème Brulee) and showing ‘The Hundred Foot Journey’, starring Helen Mirren.

Priced at £25 per person, places are limited for the evening and so booking is essential. Call to book your space now!

46

The Purbeck Gazette

Celebrate Chocolate Week With Chococo!

A

rtisan chocolatiers Chococo, in the Commercial Road lanes in the heart of Swanage, is gearing up for Chocolate Week, the annual celebration of the world of fine chocolate from 10th – 16th October.

This year, they will be launching their latest exciting new fresh chocolate creation. Also, as well as free tastings of their fine chocolate produced in Venezuela, Madagascar, Grenada and other special offers, you can try their unique range of origin hot chocolates; including chocolate from The Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Ecuador, Tanzania, Uganda and Colombia.

Choose from a white chocolate all the way up to a 100% cocoa sugar-free chocolate from Colombia, melted into local fresh hot milk to create the perfect hot chocolate.

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

Tandoori Partridge Recipe, From ‘Game-to-eat’

G

ame offers a tasty and healthy alternative to lamb, chicken, beef or pork, and the website gametoeat.co.uk run by the Countryside Alliance, offers a great selection of recipes utilising game meat, as well as providing a wealth of information, news and relevant events.

We’ve chosen the Tandoori Partridge recipie for you this month - have a go and let us know how you get on!

With thanks to: gametoeat.co.uk Difficulty: Medium Serves 4 Preparation: 5 mins plus 3 hours marinating Cook: 10 mins INGREDIENTS 4 oven ready partridges lemon wedges, chopped iceberg lettuce, red onion and naan bread to serve Marinade: 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp turmeric 1 ½ tsp ground coriander ½ tsp ground cinnamon a good grating of nutmeg 6 cloves seeds from 10 cardamom pods 1 tbsp cayenne pepper 2 tsp flaked sea salt 1 thumb fresh ginger, peeled 4 garlic cloves, peeled ½ small onion, roughly chopped 250g full-fat plain yogurt Juice of ½ medium lemon

METHOD Put the spices, salt, ginger, garlic and onion in a blender and blitz until as smooth as possible.

Turn the paste out into a large bowl then stir in the yoghurt and lemon juice.

Remove the skin from the partridge and cut each bird in half, first along and through the breastbone and then the spine. Score the thighs and breasts lightly several times with a sharp knife.

Drop the halved partridges into the tandoori marinade and turn them over until all are well coated.

Cover the bowl with clingfilm and leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours. About 45 minutes before serving, light a small charcoal barbecue and let the flames die down to hot coals.

Take the tandoori pieces out of the marinade and tap off the excess.

Put the birds on the barbecue and cook for 5 minutes on each side or until the meat is nicely charred but tender (or cook on a griddle). Serve with lemon wedges, chopped iceberg lettuce, raw sliced red onion and naan bread.

The Purbeck Gazette

47

Paddling

I

by John Garner

’ve tried most types of paddling, but for some reason unbeknown to me, I’ve never really had a proper go at kayaking. I’ve surfed, canoed, stand-up paddle boarded and messed around on sit-on-kayaks, but never really had a proper go at the type of kayaking that involved getting into a boat - with one exception that I shall shortly go into. It could relate to a documentary I saw years ago of Inuit women sewing their husbands into their kayaks or it could relate to the aforementioned previous experience.

It was February about twenty-five years ago. A teacher friend called to say that he was going to Wales to check out an outdoor pursuit centre to see if it would be a good place to take his students for a few days.

Would I like to come? Indeed I would and indeed I did. We met another friend who was a superb kayaker and instructor. Qualified to instruct in fact. “Would I like to go kayaking? I’m a qualified instructor and will look after you.” he said. Reassured, I said I would very much like to go kayaking with a qualified instructor.

Off we went. We parked a car at one destination, a beautiful sandy beach and then took the kayaks in another vehicle to another destination down the coast. Quite a bit further down the coast than felt comfortable as I worked out how far back we would need to paddle. The plan was that we would paddle down the estuary, around a group of rocks called ‘The Bitches’ and across to the sandy bay in time for tea. Erm…. “The Bitches?”

I not unreasonably queried. Oh you’ll be fine he said. No swell today. Just stick with me and do as I say.

So we set off on a beautiful sunny winter’s day. We paddled out of the river mouth, helpful instructor’s tips being handed to me as we went.

Out into the ocean, where the mirror flat sea allowed for fairly steady progress towards the ominously-named outcrop of rocks. All those of you who are familiar with the sea will know that a calm estuary does not always transfer to calm open water. There was a good swell running by the time we reached the rocks and although there was little or no wind, the funnelling effect of the swell through the narrow gaps meant for some hairy moments. Emerging unscathed and dry, I congratulated myself on my competence given that I was a total novice. On we paddled and it became clear that the incoming tide was ushering us towards our destination.

How clever I thought. What astute planning by our qualified instructor, I mused. However, (and there always seems to be an however in these matters), all was not as predicted by our qualified instructor. One small error. One tiny calculation missed out. One little change that in the eagerness to get in the water he had failed to assess. The swell was now unloading its fairly chunky sets onto a beach that, due to a higher than normal tide was no longer a beautiful sandy beach, but a ship-wreckers, and indeed kayak-wreckers nightmare of jagged rocks and boulders. Qualified instructor had become suspiciously quiet. We were fifty feet or so from oblivion. What’s the plan I ventured. No response as he looked quizzically at the foaming, crunching scene in front of us.

At length he offered a solution. Well, we can either paddle back the way we came (three-four hours and it was getting dark already so not really an option at all) or get as close as you can, aim straight at the beach,

Camping Sought!

‘Conservationist Seeks Camping For International Project’ local environmentalist and outdoor instructor is seeking accommodation for an exciting new conservation project on the Isle of Purbeck.

Ross Packman, who currently works at Swanage-based outdoor activities provider Land & Wave and has previously assisted conservation projects in Iceland, the Caribbean and the Scottish Hebrides, is seeking camping facilities for up to ten international volunteers in June and July 2017.

The new project, named ‘Wild Jurassic Coast’, will see overseas volunteers visit Purbeck for two weeks at a time, assisting local nature NGOs and charitable organisations in practical conservation tasks, as well as exploring the area in exhilarating ways including coasteering, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

A

paddle like stink and when you reach solid ground, grab onto the nearest available rock and hold on so you don’t get sucked back into the shore break and battered to death (he didn’t say the last bit, but it was clear that’s what he meant).

Silence, as I took in the gravity of the qualified instructor’s words. Silence save for the thunderous booming of waves on rocks. I was ready to take my chances in the dark and begin heading back. “I’ll go first” he said. “Wait until I’m clear and out of the kayak so I can jump in and help you if needs be.” Reassurance and terror in equal measure. “Okay” he said and off he went. He paddled like fury and with no little difficulty managed to land, grab and secure. He waved me in. And whilst it would perhaps suit the reader to hear that a catastrophe of epic proportions ensued, the qualified instructor was spot on. I paddled, I landed, heaven knows on what and I grabbed on. It was only when I tried to prise my grip from the rock I was clinging to like a long lost relative and get out of the kayak that I realised my legs wouldn’t work.

Luckily qualified instructor’s girlfriend and her equally amused friend were waiting at the bottom of the cliffs, which was useful as the doubled-up laughter and pointing really helped. Whilst I felt lucky and somewhat surprised to be alive, they commented that they were equally surprised and dare I say, perhaps a little disappointed that it had all gone so well.

We got to the top and loaded the kayaks on to the waiting vehicle.

Qualified instructor added that he hadn’t rated my chances much at the end there, something I was glad he’d omitted in the pep talk out at sea and he congratulated me on my efforts. I assume a kayaker’s dashed and bloody remains washed up on a beach whilst you’re supervising is probably bad business for a qualified kayak instructor.

I am much less reckless these days, a development of my character that I both dislike and like in almost equal measures. Kayaking has now struck me as a very pleasant way of spending your time either on the sea or on the river. So after a quarter of a century of recovery time, I’m giving it another go. My first experience, if you were paying attention or are still awake, was in Wales you may recall.

The rivers of Wareham and Wimborne have been tentatively explored although I’m not just confining myself to places that begin with ‘W’.

That would be an unnecessary constraint I feel and whilst I have nothing to base this on, I’m sure there are more exciting places to kayak than Wolverhampton and West Wickham. I assume the respective canoe federations of these previously unknown academies of canoe culture are sharpening their pencils as I type.

I’ve even ventured into the sea again, albeit it in the controlled surroundings of Studland where another qualified instructor taught me how not to drown. We practised the capsize procedure. Roll over, tap on the bottom three times and exit. Reassuring to know you can get out when you’re dangling upside down if you need to. Might have come in handy if I’d known it in Wales all those years ago.

Speaking about his ecotourism startup, Ross said; “Wild Jurassic Coast will offer aspiring conservationists from around the world the chance to not only visit this iconic stretch of UK coast, but also the opportunity to help preserve and protect its special landscapes and species.

“As well as additional revenue from our collaboration, our accommodation provider will also enjoy the advantages of international publicity through our working holiday partner, as well as the benefits of involvement with an environmentally-conscious concern”.

Local accommodation providers interested in collaborating on this exciting new endeavour are encouraged to get in touch by calling 07940 670801 or emailing rosspackman@hotmail.co.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

48

Swanage School Goes Green!

T

he Swanage School is going green. Our science department is spearheading a project to promote healthy eating and generate produce for catering lessons in school.

Thanks to the generosity of Bam Nuttall, who kindly offered their minidigger to dig out vegetable and flower beds as well as a pond area, pizza oven area and outdoor classroom, our students will now be able to put down their mobile phones and pick up their trowels, spades and forks as they till, dig and nurture their growing garden and their love of the natural environment.

Who knows, we could be, as John Steinbeck said ‘living off the fat of the land’ before we know it!

Jacqui Wilson, The Swanage School

Greengage Project To Promote Health And Happiness

D

orset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is launching the Greengage Project, a wellbeing ‘hub’ designed to offer a new lease of life to people in local communities, through ecotherapy and therapeutic horticulture.

The scheme hopes to enable anyone who suffers from dementia or mental health issues, or those in long-term unemployment, the chance to benefit from and find a connection with nature. The hub in Swanage will be a glass house cultivating fresh produce, transforming a former commercial plant nursery site into a ‘blooming hub’, growing produce which will be sold back into the community.

The project is being run by DWT Community Conservation Officer, Briony Baxter, a qualified psychotherapist with ten years’ experience in private practice and the NHS. Briony said, “Having run a similar project to this in Devon, I have seen the real and lasting difference it can make to people’s lives. There are also numerous studies that show when someone with depression or anxiety, for example, becomes involved in an organised programme of ‘ecotherapy’ they can reduce their need for medication and develop more confidence. We intend to grow people as well as wildflowers and vegetables!”

Greengage will also offer fifty people the opportunity to gain a qualification - a certified (AQA) experience in horticulture and the natural environment.

Major donor to the project and founder of the Fine Foundation, Sibyl Fine-King, says “I am delighted to support the Greengage project. When I visited it was clear that this beautiful and tranquil site can and should be transformed into a place where people and nature can be nurtured and cherished. The name Greengage says it all, a coming together of gardens

and people with good faith and an intent heal and help people.”

DWT has already received tremendous support from the local community to make Greengage possible. So far, we have raised £14,500 but we now need your help to raise the last £3,000.

You can pledge to Greengage via www.crowdfunder.co.uk/greengage.

Help us spread the word about the project on social media via @ DWTGreengage.

For more information about the project, contact Briony Baxter on 01305 264620.

Photo: DWT’s Briony Baxter at the Greengage site in Swanage © Brian Bleese

The Purbeck Gazette

49

Gazette Gardening with Simon Goldsack

The Mountain Ash - A Great Garden Tree t this time of year if you see a tree with brightly coloured clusters of red, orange, yellow or pink berries it is likely to be a Mountain Ash. These berries appear from late August to November before they are eventually eaten by birds.

The clusters of white flowers that appear in June are much sought after by insects for nectar, making these trees excellent at attracting wildlife.

As if this weren’t enough many varieties have stunning autumn leaf colours.

They are well suited to our light sandy soils found around Poole harbour on the heaths and up the Frome and Piddle valleys. They can tolerate dry conditions but it is best to keep them fairly well watered in their early years until they are established.

Mountain Ash in the Wild.

Sorbus is the Latin name shared by trees in this group and another common name is Rowan.

In the wild they are widely distributed throughout northern Europe but the name Mountain Ash comes from its ability to tolerate high altitudes and the fact that the leaves have a similar structure to our native Ash. The Rannoch Rowan (Pictured, above left) demonstrates the ability of Mountain Ash to grow in the harshest of situations.

There is no other tree for miles around and it is only able to survive here because the red deer which have eaten all

A

the other trees around cannot get up on the rock. (Perhaps we should plant one on the Agglestone!)

Autumn leaf colour on the Japanese Rowan - Sorbus colomixta (pictured below left).

Pink fruit on Sorbus vilmorinii (pictured below).

The characteristic red fruit clusters of our native Sorbus aucuparia (pictured bottom).

October and November are the best months to plant garden trees and at Holme we stock over one hundred and eighty different garden forms, including fifteen different varieties of Mountain Ash. So come in and talk to one of the Holme experts, who can help you choose the best tree for you and your garden!

50

Tiny South West SeaBird Bucks National Trend

O

ne of our smallest and most elegant seabirds has broken recent breeding records at its sole South West England stronghold, with seventy one chicks taking to the skies.

Thirty-nine pairs of little terns bred on Chesil Beach’s pebbles this summer, and seventy one chicks fledged, a recent record both for the number of breeding pairs, and the number of young.

Volunteers have once again played a key role in the Little Tern Recovery Project’s success, with thirty six people devoting hours of their time to watching nests, and helping make sure the vulnerable birds were not disturbed by passers-by, pets, or predators.

RSPB project officer Ali Quinney said: “It’s been a really successful year, the chicks’ success has been amazing, seventy three were hatched and seventy one fledged, so we only lost two chicks.

“It is brilliant to see that with the right amount of management and with real commitment from volunteers these birds have been able to get themselves to a point where they can do well, hopefully they are now well on the way to increasing their numbers even more.”

Chesil is South West England’s only little tern colony and as recently as the 1990s as many as one hundred pairs regularly bred there. The number dipped to only ten pairs in 2008 and the colony’s productivity this summer is the result of eight years hard work by organisations involved in the Little Tern Recovery Project.

Marc Smith, of the Dorset Wildlife Trust said: “This is really exciting news. The colony is showing real signs of recovery, which is testament to partnership working combined with the hard work and commitment of volunteers. There is still a lot to do though and the project will need continued support to build upon this success.”

Chesil has gone against the trend shown at other colonies on the south coast this year, where fledging numbers in most cases were down. And

A

The Purbeck Gazette

there are very few colonies anywhere in the UK where breeding was as successful.

Ordinarily 0.7 fledged chicks for each breeding pair is considered the minimum level of productivity needed for a colony of breeding birds to maintain itself; this summer’s outcome of 1.8 fledged chicks per pair is a good indication that Chesil’s colony is in improving health.

Helen Booker, RSPB senior conservation officer, said: “This is an exceptionally good level of productivity for little terns, which face many threats while breeding. Everybody involved in this project hopes the colony will continue its recovery and breeding numbers will match their former level very soon.”

Philip George, of Portland Court Leet, said: “The Crown Estate and the Portland Court Leet are pleased to have provided support to the RSPB over several years and we have witnessed growing little tern breeding success at Chesil Beach, well done to all concerned.”

Thirty-three pairs bred at Chesil in both 2014 and 2015, until this year the highest number since the project started in 2009. Many of the breeding birds and their young have been ringed, which should provide much needed information on how the birds move between colonies.

One of the smallest seabirds, the little tern, which migrates to Africa in the autumn before returning in the spring, has been in decline because of predation, food shortages and extreme weather conditions. It is on the UK’s amber list of birds of conservation concern – the second highest category.

Protecting Chesil’s little terns has been made possible by a coalition of organisations including the RSPB, Chesil Bank and Fleet Nature Reserve, Natural England, The Crown Estate, Portland Court Leet, and the Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Picture: above - Little Tern, credit Kevin Simmonds

Autumn Beach Clean Series - Join In!

s summer draws to a close, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) are calling for 200 people, community groups, schools and local businesses across the UK to run their own beach cleans during the week of the 24th – 30th of October. Together these inspiring Autumn Beach Clean Series ‘Lead Volunteers’ provide their coastal community with the opportunity to protect their favourite beaches and to join a growing national movement calling for dramatic action to halt the marine litter crisis.

Set to be the biggest autumn Beach Clean Series ever, SAS expect over 4500 volunteers to join their local Lead Volunteer to sweep over 15 tonnes of marine litter from 200 beaches across the UK coastline from the 24th – 30th October.

Over 100 of last year’s Lead Volunteers have already registered their autumn Beach Cleans, so you’ll be joining a highly experienced volunteer army! To register your beach clean, or if you’d just like a little more information on what it takes to be a Lead Volunteers drop SAS a line at beachcleans@sas.org.uk or call 01872 553001.

Marine litter is perhaps the most significant threat to our oceans today.

It is an environmental problem on a global scale and adversely impacts wildlife, the economy and human health.

By changing behaviours, challenging manufacturing and underpinning change

with strong legislation, we can stop litter at source, trapping plastics within a circular economy (not the environment). SAS believe that reducing marine litter by 50% by the year 2020 is a realistic target.

Marine litter is threatening to overwhelm our beaches but YOU can make a difference! Register your autumn Beach Clean TODAY at beachcleans@sas.org.uk or call 01872 553001.

The Purbeck Gazette

51

Margaret Green Animal Rescue Centre 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.

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

Hello, my name is Claudia (right) and I am a two year old husky! I am looking for an adult only home with experience of my breed. I have already learnt a few tricks and would like to continue with my training to help me learn more things and bond with my new family. There is only one thing I love more than exploring on long walks and that is playing with my toys, especially my favourite ducky! Everyone here finds my character and personality very amusing and charming as I love to talk and sing to the staff! I am looking for a home as the only pet.

Hello there, my name is Dizzy (below) and I am seven years old. I am a lovely girl but I can be a bit grumpy with new people until I get to know you! I am settling into the cattery slowly and I am quite independent although I like a fuss when I ask for it. I would prefer to be the only pet in an adult only home.

To find out more about adopting an animal visit www. margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk or call 01929 471340 (dogs) or 01929 480474 (cats and other animals).

S

The Purbeck Gazette

52

T

he Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston is hosting a new free exhibition; ‘Weird and Wonderful Creatures’ by Greta Berlin and Zennor

Box This really special exhibition is open daily until the 11th October, 10.30am – 5pm, featuring the work and unique vision of mother and daughter Greta and Zennor.

During a long career, Greta’s work has often returned to animals and the natural world, and the exhibition features her animal sculptures in metal. Zennor’s paintings are charming, surreal, odd and always surprising (her CV includes producing the concept art for Wallace and Grommit’s ‘Curse of the Were-rabbit’).

While you are visiting Durlston, why not have a stroll around the cliff tops and then pop into Durlston Castle for a cup of tea and cake or for a meal?

From the 14th - 29th October we are delighted to again host the Purbeck Film Festival Exhibition which celebrates the twenty years of the festival. In the evenings come along for one of the six films on show during the festival.

During half-term the Film Festival also have three animation workshops taking part at Durlston – book now for Stop Frame Animation (Tues 25th Oct), Claymations (Thurs 27th Oct), Big Knights Workshop and Screening (Fri 28th Oct).

Returning to Durlston, for its second year, is the South West Coast Path Challenge on Saturday 29th October. Registration is £10 for individuals for which you get: Mini bus Transfer from the National Trust South Haven Car Park to Durlston A South West Coast path Challenge t-shirt The satisfaction of supporting works on the coast path Entry to the 10 Mile Organised Challenge from Durlston to South

Haven Point (where you return to your vehicles, or catch a bus home!)

Walkers can choose to seek sponsorship for their walk. Registration isat 9.30am at South Haven Car Park, followed by transfer by mini bus to Durlston, with the walk beginning at 10:00. For further details visit: https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/events/challenge-2016/ As October gets underway, the variety of birds changes as Meadow Pipits, Grey and Pied Wagtails and flocks of Skylarks may be seen.

Overhead late Swallows and House Martins feed up before flying southwards.

The white Old Man’s Beard entwines its way across the berry clad Hawthorn, Dog Rose and Bryony, where Redwing and Fieldfares spend their day. An occasional Ring Ouzel may join them, as do other Thrushes: Song, Mistle and Blackbirds. In the canopy tops, tiny Goldcrests arrive in numbers along with an occasional Firecrest, also a good selection of warblers with Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Wood Warbler often in evidence.

Early Morning Sea watching in rough weather always produces a steady flow of ducks: Teal, Scoter and Wigeon, plus the exciting Great and Pomarine Skuas.

It is often a good time for watching the Bottlenose Dolphins, of which we are keen to receive photographs, in particular of their dorsal fins. Budding nautical photographers please send us your images!

Through working with Marine Life we hope to identify individuals and perhaps their range. Your reports, photographs and film are always welcome. See our website for how to provide a marine sighting, please send in photographs or film too.

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

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

Fugro’s Coastal Monitoring Contract Extended

F

ugro’s coastal oceanographic team has been awarded a contract by England’s Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes (RCMP) for a further five years to manage the Southwest, Northwest and Northeast regional programmes. The network monitors 5,672 kilometres of English coastline.

Operated by six lead authorities the RCMP network continuously observes and records coastal processes, providing data to support shoreline management plans, coastal defence strategies and operational management of coastal protection and flood defence.

Fugro is already familiar with the programmes having installed and maintained oceanographic and meteorological equipment under contracts dating back to 2003 and covering five of the country’s six regions.

Fugro maintains 30 wave buoys, two seabed mounted acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs), 12 tide gauges and 13 meteorological stations, and provides constant monitoring of all real-time instruments, whilst facilitating the transfer of data to the Channel Coastal Observatory (CCO) website.

Using its in-house software it undertakes automated quality checks on incoming data and monitors equipment integrity. In addition to real-time data provision, Fugro also provides the RCMP with a comprehensive data processing and reporting service.

Andrew Gowland, Fugro’s Senior Oceanographer and Project Manager for the RCMP network, explains, “Our system distributes alerts in the event of sensor damage or telemetry failure, ensuring a fast response to warnings and incidents.”

“Our processes and methods have been incrementally developed over the last 13 years, and continue to evolve to provide the RCMP with an efficient and cost-effective approach.”

Read more about Fugro’s role in England’s Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes in Fugro World: http://www.fugro.com/media-centre/fugro-world/article/monitoring-theenglish-coastline Photo: As part of the programme Fugro installed a wave radar sensor on the pier at West Bay

The Purbeck Gazette

53

Purbeck Film Festival

Celebrating 20 years of fabulous films!

Purbeck Film Festival 13 to 29 October 2016 his year the festival celebrates its 20th anniversary. From its small beginnings celebrating ‘100 Years of Cinema’ it has grown to a festival screening over 70 films in 35 venues. We are particularly delighted to have a very special guest joining us in our celebrations, DAME MAGGIE SMITH, who will discuss her life and career at two events over the first weekend of the festival - ‘Being Maggie’ and ‘Maggie in Film’.

We shall also be screening a selection of her films at a variety of venues throughout the festival. Even more ‘celebrations’ will include 40 years of Punk, when it is hoped that director Julian Temple will be attending, as well as 400 Years of Shakespeare.

Durlston Country Park is once again hosting several of our events: an exhibition and six films/special events in the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Castle and three animation workshops in the Learning Centre: Stop Frame Animation, Claymations and Big Knights Workshop and Screening, all taught by experts in the techniques. The workshops are suitable for ages 8+ and a Bursary Grant is offered.

Our main festival venue, the Rex Cinema in Wareham, offers a full programme of films including the best of world and contemporary cinema and is again the venue for Purbeck Shorts - your opportunity to spot the star film-makers of the future. Entries for the short film competition have been received from around the world and the finalists’ films will be screened on Friday 21st October when the prize winners will be chosen.

As always one of the key aims of the festival is to reach out to local communities, screening films in a wide variety of locations including village halls, pubs, an hotel, a garden centre, restaurants, a model village and, new this year, a golf club and cricket club. Many venues offer refreshments or meals to accompany their films.

The popular festival also travels outside Purbeck to the conurbations of Poole and Bournemouth, screening films at Lighthouse, Hamworthy Library, Pavilion Dance and, at a special event in conjunction with Diverse Abilities, at the Hilton Hotel.

Why not join us in celebrating our 20th anniversary and the magic of the movies in one of the most beautiful places in the world - the Isle of Purbeck.

T

Matt Hurley Concert

B

ack in July, local musician Matt Hurley, performed at a lunchtime concert at Emmanuel Baptist Church, singing a wide variety of songs – some sea shanties, some gospel and folk, a bit of blues and a couple of his own compositions which included ‘Pebbles’, with thought provoking words about overcoming loss. It was a great success and now, he’s back … on Friday 14th October, with another free lunchtime event, same time, (1.00pm), same place.

Although Matt has moved on from Swanage, he still feels that it’s a special, inspiring place and he’s looking forward to this opportunity to sing here again with his acoustic guitar and to showcase a couple of new songs. His lyrics are often challenging and his melodies are vulnerable, using a variety of chord progressions.

The concert is free and everyone is welcome to come and listen to him.

There’s an optional buffet for £5.00 per head so don’t miss this chance to come and listen to Matt in concert.

Tickets can be bought through our website:

www.purbeckfilm.com or from local venues and from our new Festival Ticket Office at the Rex in Wareham, open from the 1st October - 11.30am to 1.30pm daily. Full details of the programme are on our website:

www.purbeckfilm.com

54

Rock ‘N’ Roll

The Purbeck Gazette

and a charity raffle

Y

es, it’s happening yet again – the third year running! November 19th at the Swanage Royal British Legion Club, kicking off around 8pm.

Once again, the superb live ‘Rock of Ages’ band will be rocking and rolling all night long.

There will be prizes for the best Rock ‘n’ Roll costumes (male and female) and also for the best jive dancing. All are optional – don’t feel obliged! Just come along and listen if you don’t feel like dancing.

There will be a professional MC (Dave Arnold) and special ‘cabaret’ spot to get everyone laughing, as well as a Charity Raffle in aid of The Friends of Swanage Hospital.

There will a licensed bar and the Club’s restaurant will be open between 6pm and 8pm.

Please note that pre-booking will be essential as there are limited places – book on 01929-422722.

Tickets £12 in advance from The British Legion Club (01929-422722) or by phone from the organizers: 01929-421401 or 01929-421152.

Dorset Buttons And Rappers Need YOU!

D

orset Buttons and Rappers are looking for new members to dance and we are looking for new band members too.

The Dorset Buttons dance ‘North West style’, which means we dance in clogs with bells on and use sticks with bells on and hankies.

To start this year an open practice session was held on 28th September at the United Reform Church Hall in Wareham. New members came along to find out all about this fun pastime. Anyone who missed this event is welcome to contact us and join - we still need new members! The Rappers held the same open practice on the same night at the same venue. They

also need new blood! If you would like any more information about this for the Dorset buttons and band please contact Helen on helen.earwicker@ btinternet.com or phone 01929 480737.

The Band plays for the Dorset Button on Wednesday evenings at 8pm at the United Reform Church Hall, please contact Steve on earwicker@ btinternet.com or phone 01929 480737.

Please contact Tony the Rappers Bagman anthony613@btinternet.com or Mike Scott the Rappers Captain mike.scott1@ntlworld.com for more information about The Rappers. The Rappers practice rapper sword dancing and practise on Sunday mornings.

During the winter the Dorset Button and Rappers practice weekly so that we are ready to dance out at various locations in and around the Purbeck area and Dorset area in the summer months.

This would involve week day evening commitment and weekend commitment during the summer months. If you would like to join a fun group who raise money for charity during the dance outs in the summer months and would like to join either the Dorset Button, Rappers or the band please get in touch with Helen, Steve, Tony or Mike on the contact details above above.

of which was greatly appreciated by our thousands of visitors.

Lady St Mary Flower Festival allA preview was held on Wednesday evening when Doreen Cleaton, Mayor

T

his year it was the 30th Anniversary of the Lady St Mary Wareham Flower Festival and had the theme AGAPE which is the Greek word for Love.

It was again another success not only financially but spiritually. Floral artists from all over Dorset, along with our own church arrangers, exhibited their art in over sixty arrangements depicting people and charities that have endeavoured to bring hope and Christianity to those less fortunate than ourselves.

During the Festival a team of organists from South Dorset played our newly restored organ and a group of recorders played on one occasion,

of Wareham, unlocked the great west door for our opening service. A concert was held on Saturday with our Patronal Service and Songs of Praise on Sunday. The Festival closed on Monday evening with a short thanksgiving service.

Refreshments were served daily in the Parish Hall where there was an exhibition of local craft.

We are most grateful for all who helped to make this such a wonderful event for both our local visitors and those who regularly take their holiday to visit us.

Pat and Clive Cherrett

The Purbeck Gazette

55

A CELEBRATION OF STONE

My fascination with stone began when arriving in Swanage in 1945, to live in the last house on Peveril Point, where the marble ledges snake into the sea, rounding the point to Durlston Bay. Discovering the rocks and fossils: ‘All life began here’ a geologist friend told us and he was right; it is now a World Heritage site at the start of the Jurassic Coast.

Then walking to school, past the Wellington clock tower and façade of the town hall to the convent in Purbeck House built

by George Burt in 1875, I became aware of carved and dressed stone. In the grounds were many sculptures and even the marble pavement stones were intriguing.

Dance took me away to ballet school and work in theatre, films and television.Then an accident caused a change in career, and I began painting and creating kinetic sculpture in Perspex.

Returning to my home in 1998, I started carving at the Square and Compass stone carving festival. The passion was again ignited.

The Burngate Stone Carving Centre opened in the heart of Purbeck quarryland and here was a place to pass on this ancient skill.

After creating the Swanage Seen Art Trail and being part of the Red Orb Sculpture Exhibition and Trail, I thought it would be good to draw attention to our heritage of sculpture and stone.

So here is The Swanage and Purbeck Sculpture Trail.

Carlotta Barrow (pictured, below)

The Swanage & Purbeck Sculpture Trail.

A comprehensive free leaflet, with map and guide.

AVAILABLE SOON!!

Carlotta would like to thank friends and organizations for their support in bringing this phase of the project to fruition.

Phil Judkins October Talk

T

he October Museum talk features the much regarded and highly interesting speaker Phil Judkins of The Purbeck Radar Trust.

Phil will be explaining the work carried out during WW2 at the Worth Radar station and its effect in combating the Nazi’s air campaign during the Battle of Britain. He will also discuss the Nazi weapons development, particularly missile and Germany’s own Radar systems.

Also featured will be the role of ‘Enigma’ during WW2 and the effect it had on the Battle of The Atlantic.

A very interesting talk is in store - we’ll see you there!

Swanage Blues Festival

56

“Independent, self-funding, not-for-profit and run by me on my own to bring great music, loads of fun and extra business into the town,” said Steve Darrington. “That’s Swanage Blues Festival in a nutshell.” his will be the 26th festival Steve has organised, with participating venues that include eight pubs, three restaurants, a hotel, social club, holiday park and even the youth hostel.

Artists from as far away as New Zealand, and some bands that have recently appeared in India, China and Russia as well as top mainland European and British Festivals will be appearing as well as plenty of open mic and jam sessions for those wanting to have a go.

One regular performer is Robert Hokum, founder and artistic director of Ealing Blues Festival, now in its 30th year and the longest running Blues Festival in London.

He will be opening the festival with Steve and playing in the Skiffle Band at The Grand, as well as appearing with his own band The Great West Groove in the Festival Finale – Spirit of ’62 - dedicated to the music that started off the British blues boom around Ealing in the early 1960s.

There will be over forty bands and pop-up buskers around the town for added colour and variety. Steve said “They’re great fun and add to the party atmosphere. That’s how it all started, as a birthday party for local music fan George Crane.”

Steve is also trying out other genres of music at Swanage Legion, with a mind to organising other events in Purbeck. “We’ve got Buffo’s Wake on Sunday 23rd October – they’re a wild gypsy music dance band with fiddle, accordion, double bass, drums and guitar, and they’ve played Glastonbury, Bestival and BoomTown too.”

Blues Festival Programmes (£2) and Wristbands (£10) are essential to keep the festivals going, and are available from venues, retailers and the Tourist Information Centre, which is moving from Shore Road to the Town Hall while building works are carried out.

Festival website is swanage-blues.org Pics: Top, below and far right, thanks to Paul Dubbelman

The Purbeck Gazette

T

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

Tel: 01929 427542

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

Opening hours: from 7.00am

Great Local Food, Just How You Like It!

The Purbeck Gazette

57

The OUR SELECTION OF THE BLUES PROGRAMME! Black Swan Sunday 1500 Dan Sowerby Crow’s Nest Friday 2100 Teed Up Crow’s Nest Saturday 2100 Wang Dang Doodle Crow’s Nest Sunday 1600 Riverside Blues Band Grand Hotel Friday 2030 Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion Grand Hotel Saturday from 1500 Lewis Cohen (3pm), The Baroness & The Bear (4pm), Dan Sowerby (5pm) Grand Hotel Saturday 2030 Great West Groove and guests in concert Grand Hotel Sunday 1500 Swanage Skiffle Kings Grand Hotel Sunday 2030 Grand Finale – Spirit of ‘62 (Great West Groove go Electric with Guests including Dan Sowerby) Red Lion Friday 1400 Open Mic with Anita Jardine Red Lion Friday 2100 Pete Harris & Jon Vaughan Red Lion Saturday 1400 Open Mic with Anita Jardine Red Lion Saturday 2100 Fabulous Fezheads Red Lion Sunday 1300 Open Mic with Anita Jardine Red Lion Sunday 2000 Pete Harris & Jon Vaughan Sea Breeze Friday 1800 Lewis Cohen Sea Breeze Friday 2015 Lewis Cohen Sea Breeze Saturday 1800 The Blues Duo Sea Breeze Saturday 2015 The Blues Duo Swanage Bay View Friday 2000 Tom Seals Band Swanage Bay View Saturday 1230 Robin Bibi Jam Session Swanage Bay View Saturday 1700 The Elevators Swanage Bay View Saturday 2100 Red Butler Tawny’s Friday 1800 Dan Sowerby Tawny’s Saturday 2015 Lewis Cohen The Legion Thursday 2030 Darrington, Budden and Hokum The Legion Friday 2100 Red Butler The Legion Saturday 1300 Stan’s Blues Jamboree The Legion Saturday 2100 Robin Bibi Band The Legion Sunday 1500 Robin Bibi Jam Session The Legion Sunday 2100 Trafficker White Horse Friday 2145 The Milk Men White Horse Saturday 2145 The Mustangs White Horse Sunday 1800 Northsyde YHA Saturday 1200The Baroness and The Bear YHA Saturday 1300 John McClean & The Clan

PLEASE BUY A PROGRAMME FOR THE FULL LIST!

Live music throughout the Blues Festival!

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

SWANAGE BLUES FESTIVAL DAN SOWERBY plays live!

Sunday 9th at 3pm 01929 423846

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

Swanage Blues Festival 6 - 9 October

J.J.Moore

Family & Catering Butcher

Proud to support Swanage Blues 2016!

34 High Street, Swanage. Tel: 01929 424891

The Purbeck Gazette

58

An Absolute Winner!!

NJ

T

he 2016 Purbeck Valley Folk Festival was a resounding success, much to the delight of local organisers, Paul and Catherine Burke.

Held over the August Bank Holiday weekend in Harmans Cross, the weather remained good and the crowds poured in, wearing a wide variety of fancy dress - beginning with the letter ‘B’, where possible..... Picture a group of festival-goers gaffa-taped into several decorated cardboard boxes, singing ‘Brighton, we have a Bobsled Team’ and you’ll get the idea!

This festival has become a massive favourite in our office - becoming our annual holiday (literally), for which we just can’t wait. This year, our intrepid Gazette team (pictured, bottom) took to the campsite (usually hobbling home after-hours rather than staying), meaning that crawling back from the bar was a possibility, except in the case of Warren, who was carried back by girlfriend, Nai, after sampling some (three pints) of Perry and finding himself unable to walk...... Now known as ‘Three-Pint-Warren’!

Nai reports that the campsite was comfortable (allowing cars to be parked next to your tent - a huge positive where festivals are concerned - no carrying stuff for miles!), the sawdust loos worked well, hot showers were available (yeah!) and neighbouring campers swiftly became friends.

Headline acts playing at the festival this year included the Villagers and The Proclaimers, both of whom performed to huge crowds. Music was on offer throughout the four-day festival, performed in the Main Barn, the Long Barn and at the Fire Stage. Paul and Catherine have obviously put a lot of thought into the site lay-out, ensuring there’s plenty of space, which makes this a festival for everyone - older folk, kids, families - if you’re not keen on crowds there’s room to enjoy from a distance, and if you love being crammed at the front of a packed arena, then that’s on offer too!

Other performances included sets from Eliza Carthy and the Wayward Band, Nizlopi, Sheelanagig, Undercover Hippy, Threepenny Bit, Ninebarrow, Moscow Drug Club and, of course, the Catherine Burke Band! Over fifty acts performed, offering a wide and varied selection of folk music to the attendees. Poetry and storytelling were also on offer, along with ‘Spooky Tales’ in the evening and a host of activities for all ages.

Saturday was Fancy Dress Day, and the costumes this year were just brilliant - from truly inspired to utterly weird, one could have sat and people watched for hours! Record numbers entered, with locals Dinah and family (biscuits - above right), winning the group competition - well done guys!

For those of you who don’t like festivals - we challenge you next year to give this one a try. Fabulous food on offer, extraordinary music spanning right across the folk spectrum, truly friendly festival goers, excellent organisation and a really sensible ticket price for four whole days - with locals even getting a discount (BH19 and BH20 postcodes).

TC

TC

TC

TC

IMAGES: As individually credited: TC - Tim Crabb, NJ - Nico Johnson, Wareham Whalers (top right) by Sue Booth Photography (thanks Sue!).

A HUGE thanks to Tim for volunteering for us - as always!

The Purbeck Gazette

NJ

NJ

TC

59

NJ

TC

TTCC

60

The Purbeck Gazette

10 Steps To Improving Your Photography...

Step 8. People who will Inspire You nspiration can come from many sources whether it be fellow photographers, books, films or magazines. They can all have something to contribute toward your inspiration and creativity. Your work mustn’t go stale or become ordinary so you need to look for your inspiration to keep your creativity flowing.

Look through books & magazines, Facebook or well- known web sites to find images that inspire you. Follow a particular photographer’s work to see how they develop startling images. You’ll quickly see that some photographers follow a theme which they frequently use to create interest in their images. They become adept at creating their photography in a particular way with known methods, lenses, lighting and visual direction.

There are many photography groups on Facebook which are designed to give you inspiration.

Find that inspirational photographer who will take you out of the routine and plant you firmly into a world of creativity.

Step 9. Create a Style of Your Own By reading books and watching DVDs you’re learning how to create and develop images in someone else’s style. This is excellent if you want to follow someone else’s lead but why not create your own style. See people and landscapes from a different viewpoint and try to manipulate the subject(s) into a style you feel comfortable with. Developing your own style will help you to stand out from the crowd and turn relatively simple compositions into masterpieces.

For example; if you enjoy photographing flowers, concentrate on making images in a way that satisfies you and produce an image that tells the viewer

I

A Country Day Out...

S

ome of the comments received after our annual Country Day at Creech Grange were: “What a glorious quintessential English Country Day”, “The children had a lovely day”, “Good fun for all the family”.

After a doubtful day before, the weather changed and we all enjoyed a lovely sunny day although a little breezy.

The day opened with an Open Air short communion service and ended with a Choral Evensong sung by the choir of Lady St Mary in the delightfully decorated chapel. Visitors enjoyed the various attractions including the donkey rides, alpacas, vintage cars including many from the New Forest Morgan Club.

Children of all ages enjoyed the fun races organised by the leaders of Angel Voices. Cream teas and burgers were enjoyed as visitors relaxed after a walk around the grounds including the newly restored lakes and Showman’s caravan. The ever popular tours of the house were once again a sell-out.

We are most grateful to everyone who helped in any way and to our sponsors to make the day a success, but most of all to Norman Hayward who most generously allows us the use of the house and grounds and who puts in a tremendous amount of work preparing the grounds and gardens.

All proceeds go to help the work of the Parish of Wareham.

Pat and Clive Cherrett

about that particular flower. How it stands, leans with the breeze, its colours, shape, leaves, height, patterns etc. Develop your way of capturing images of flowers and present them in a mindful and truly representative way. Once you’ve mastered the technique of photographing flowers in your own particular way and presented your images how you want others to see them then, you’ve found your style!

Step 10. Learn from Your Previous Work It is very easy to look at an image you’ve taken and decide to delete it because you feel it’s not good enough. STOP. Before you delete it, READ your photograph and UNDERSTAND what you don’t like about it. Simply write down all the things which you feel didn’t work and be sure you know WHY. If the lighting is wrong explain why. Were you on the wrong setting, the wrong ISO, shutter speed or aperture?

Understand why it went wrong before you click delete. Shutter speed, aperture and ISO when blended together lead to a correctly exposed image so what should you have done to correct it?

If you have been a photographer for a long time it’s always advisable to go back through your previous work and see how your work looked and how you‘ve improved. Are you happy with it? If yes, understand why and if no, you now have the knowledge to understand why!

You’ve come a long way from step 1 and hopefully you now understand your camera, its settings and how you can manipulate them to make better images. Visitors and new members are always welcomed at the Swanage Photographic Society. We love to chat about our cameras and our photographs. Each member will bring their own unique style of photography and we can all benefit from this.

Why not come and join us at the Rectory Classroom, Church Hill, Swanage? The club meets on the 1st and 3rd Fridays in the month at 7:30pm from September to May.

The Purbeck Gazette

Wonderful Wareham Wednesdays!

Wareham Wednesday’s Fund Raising 2016 Summer Season Comes to an End ….. Leaving One Event ….

Bonfire & Fireworks Night – Friday 4th November 2016 - at the Swanage & Wareham Rugby Club s we close the summer events on Wareham Quay, I would like to thank everyone involved in this year’s fund raising and tell you all that this year has been the best and most successful to date.

With more support this year and more stalls than we have had before and the great weather that we received – this year’s evening events were busier and more attended. This creates better spending and thus more money raised.

The fantastic Fireworks Displays by ‘AnyTime Fireworks’ kept most people at the events till 10pm. We also had two Fire Shows by Simon Chainey which were very exciting and with the great bands playing all evening, we could not do anything wrong…..

Big thank you to all the bands: The Fab Beatles, Where’s Clive, All Night Workers, The Newbeats, NAVI (Michael Jackson Tribute), Brass Monkeys, Dave Griff & The Trouser Band, Steve Lowry Disco, Total Madness and finally, our very own Jim Etherington.

We would also like to thank James Marshall from Basement Hire for providing us with the latest in PA Systems and Lighting. We had a few teething problems but overall the sound and lighting is now taking WW to a new level of entertainment for our supporters to experience. They will also be providing the system at the Bonfire and Fireworks Night.

An ABSOLUTELY MASSIVE THANK YOU – to our amazing committee of volunteers that spends endless hours organising and providing themselves to run these events. Without these absolutely amazing people, these events just wouldn’t happen!!! Therefore I would like to say a ‘Big Thank You’ to you all….. Jude Marquet, Nikki Morgan, Dan Jones, Mike Richards, Amy (Granary), Paul Dumper (Vice Vice Chairman), Ron (Kings Kabs), Niall, Nigel, Andy, Ticker, Mark H, Jody H, Lyn Burgess, Marion, Martin (Quay Pub), Dave Hawkins, Curtis, Craig, Di and Dave Randell.

Also a huge thank you to Anthony from Lul-med, who provides us First Aid and Ambulance Response Service on all of our events. Without his service we would not be allowed to run these events.

We are always looking for additional volunteers to assist us with the events. So if you are a local with a few hours to spare on a Wednesday evening we would very much appreciate your help and you too, could become one of the legendary ‘Yellow Coats’.

Please continue to support our events each year and help us to raise money to give back to the local community and also to fund the event. So please make the effort to join us again on Friday 4th November 2016 for the final event of this year – which will provide the most ‘AMAZING FIREWORKS’ of the year, with live music and all the normal entertainments and stalls.

Thanks again for your continued support and look forward to seeing you all for the Bonfire Night!

Dave Burgess, (Chairman)

61

A

Top left: Poole Pirates sail up the river to attack Wareham Quay. Above: some of the ‘Purbeck Pirates’, with WW Chairman Dave Burgess (Superman indeed!)

Above and left: some of the fabulous, hard-working team behind the Wareham Wednesdays events - dressed to impress, of course!

62

The Purbeck Gazette

Swanage Folk Festival 2016!

The Purbeck Gazette

The Heath Benefits Of Human Touch

T

he value of hands-on therapies to people and the benefit of skilled touch has been recognised and used over the centuries to heal and improve health.

However, being handled in treatments is often much less than before as medicine becomes reliant on machines and finding these treatments with the professional care and attention is increasingly difficult.

Swanage Therapy Centre is a unique resource in the area and we have a wide range of highly qualified specialists with many years of experience in touch based therapies. Some of the treatments we offer are: Chiropractor and Physiotherapists – They specialise in treating and preventing your mechanical aches and pains. They deal with problems from arthritis to sciatica, tension headaches and muscular strains and sprains.

Zero Balancing Bodywork – to access a deep state of peaceful rest, to align you with yourself and bring you fully present. It uses gentle stretches and finger pressure working with a person lying on their back, fully clothed.

Sports Therapy – is used to help prevent injuries and to recognise, manage and treat them should they occur. It also includes rehabilitation to enable you to get back to full fitness.

Reflexology – a gentle, non-invasive therapy which uses stimulation and massage of the reflex and acu-points in the feet in order to stimulate a reaction to the corresponding parts in the body.

Massage – to promote relaxation and well-being and is also beneficial in treating problems affecting the muscles in the body as well as sports injuries. We offer many different types of massage including Sports, Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy and pregnancy massage. Also Abdominal-Sacral Therapy for people with digestive or fertility problems.

Pilates Classes – benefits anyone interested in keeping fit and healthy, improving both body and mind. These classes are very small which allows the teacher to adapt the exercises to your individual needs. Exercise with hands on attention.

We all need to feel physical contact to keep us human!

For more information or to book an appointment please contact Swanage Therapy Centre 01929 426506

63

Swanage Therapy Centre

Offering a wide range of therapies to all We look forward to seeing you!

T: 01929 426506 www.swanagetherapycentre.co.uk

Kate Smith, ITEC HOLISTIC MASSAGE, BEAUTY TREATMENTS, SPRAY TANNING Swanage Beauty & Massage at RubyTuesdays Call Kate for details on 07505 313179 Ruby Tuesdays, Unit C, Tilly Whim Mews, Kings Rd E, Swanage. BH19 1ES

ALSO SELLING ‘DUNCAN’S UNCTIONS’ www.swanagebeautyandmassage.com

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

The Purbeck Gazette

64

When Asking People To Repeat Themselves Is Not Enough

I

f you are increasingly finding yourself in situations where you are struggling to hear, maybe it’s time to seek the advice of Key to Hearing.

How improving your hearing can make a difference to your life • Dining out – Enjoy conversation over dinner with friends without worrying about mishearing • Watching TV – Have the television volume at a level that doesn’t annoy your partner • Phone calls – Have a conversation on the telephone without struggling to hear • The sounds of nature – Bird song on Arne common or the waves on Swanage beach, hear sounds you forgot existed.

Stylishly designed hearing aids with superior sound Key to Hearing have the latest hearing technology often months before the high street chains. They’ll help you find the right solution to match your hearing needs, cosmetic preferences, lifestyle and budget.

Home visit hearing care Led by award-winning Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser, Keeley Salmon, Key to Hearing is a small, family-run business offering independent hearing care services to people living in Purbeck. They’ll visit you in the comfort and privacy of your own home – saving you travel time and helping you to feel more at ease.

Hear what their customers have to say “You just do not know what you have missed until you get it back. When you have your new hearing aids, wear them and you will find that you will get real benefit from them!” Mrs Stevens.

“I can now hear sounds that I thought had gone forever.” Mr Barnes.

For better hearing contact Key to Hearing on 01202 511386

Matron’s Round - Our Local Hospitals’ Monthly Column

W

hat a lovely long summer we have had and it seems that this year Purbeck has hosted more visitors than ever.

It’s great to see families having fun and enjoying all that we have to offer. Inevitably, the influx of visitors has, once again, had a big impact on our Minor Injuries Unit at Swanage Hospital, with attendance 30% up on last year’s figures.

During July and August the team saw around 2000 patients, with over 50 attending on one day.

A relatively new member of the team, Filippo Zoller (pictured, left), joined us at the end of June last year and shares his experience so far: “I have been working in Swanage Minor Injuries Unit for just over a year and it has been a very rewarding experience. I have met new colleagues, new friends and met many Swanage people, and they all have been friendly and warm.”

“Before that I was working in Bournemouth Emergency Department where the pressure was on all the time; in Swanage it is possible to take the time to meet and talk with the patients and follow them up

when needed to assess if their injury is improving.”

“In the Minor Injuries Unit we mostly deal with fractures, wounds and minor illnesses, and we feel that we are providing an important service to the Purbeck community. Through the Dorset Healthcare University Foundation Trust we have access to university courses provided by Bournemouth University to keep up-to-date and develop new skills. I have recently finished attending an x-ray interpretation course that made me more confident in ordering and interpreting x-rays.”

“In the Minor Injuries Unit we are a small team but we work well together and we strive to keep up to date in order to provide the best treatment for our patients.”

The Minor Injuries Unit at Swanage Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, to treat minor injuries and illnesses. They are able to treat over 95% of people who attend and aim to prevent people from needing to go to Emergency Departments.

If you are unsure whether the MIU team can help, give them a ring on (01929) 422282 or (01929) 475009 but remember, in an emergency, always call 999.

Until next month, 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!

The Purbeck Gazette

65

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

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

One-To-One Cancer Support At Home

V

olunteers from across Dorset describe what they get out of helping people affected by cancer and their carers: Bob Smith who has volunteered with the Dorset Macmillan Advocacy service since it began in 2012 says ‘Having someone who is supportive, impartial, and empathetic (not just sympathetic) can be invaluable, and this can be especially relevant to the older person. Advocacy doesn’t just benefit the person affected by cancer; I have learnt so much about how to support people with so many different needs.’

Another experienced advocate Janet said: ‘I have found that the most important need of the people I support is to talk – to express their feelings to a friendly, non-judgemental person. It’s a privilege to be allowed into the lives of others and to become a true support in their difficult journeys.’

New advocate Tessa said ‘I’ve soon learned that sometimes people say they can manage when they can’t and sometimes people don’t want to be a bother. This has taught me to listen very carefully to what is being said and to try to ensure that the person I’m supporting feels they can ASK for help and know they are not too much trouble.’

Volunteers based in Swanage have recently joined the team of thirty volunteer advocates across Dorset, supporting older people affected by cancer and their carers through home visits and accompanying them to medical appointments.

Kathleen Gillett, Volunteer Coordinator, says ‘The support we give is for

people at any stage of the cancer journey including at diagnosis and we try to match people up with a volunteer who we feel they will get along with. We still need more people in the Purbeck area to volunteer and join our team. We are getting more referrals now from health professionals as they recognise the benefits of peer support as complementary to the skilled care they give. People can also self-refer to the service.’

If you are over 50 and understand the impact that a cancer diagnosis can have, you may have had cancer yourself or have cared for someone with cancer, and you would like to support someone age 50+ who may otherwise face cancer alone, then please get in touch.

We build on your life experience with advocacy skills training. Important qualities for volunteer advocates are being resilient and non-judgmental.

You should enjoy listening to, empowering and speaking alongside a person affected by cancer.

Ideally you would be flexible and able to give about half a day a week.

Team support and expenses are provided.

Contact Kathleen on 0300 012 0256 or email macmillan@ helpandcare.org.uk or visit www.dorsetmacmillanadvocacy.org

66

I

Do You Suffer Unnecessarily With Aches And Pains?

The Purbeck Gazette

t is a sad truth that many people put up with ongoing pain when with correct assessment and often simple treatment and advice, their symptoms can often be greatly improved.

Private chartered physiotherapist, Helen Gordon, who runs Wareham Physiotherapy says, “The human skeleton is an extremely well designed, strong structure, but often our modern lifestyle and increasingly sedentary habits cause problems. When pain strikes, people often lose confidence in their ability to move and fear they might “do more damage”. Unfortunately, the opposite is usually true, as inactivity results in stiffer joints, weaker muscles and therefore more pain”.

Physiotherapy can help people to return to the activities they enjoy, whether it is gentle walks or a specific sport.

“Our approach is thorough assessment followed by targeted treatment to address patient’s specific needs.” said Helen.

Treatment may include manual therapy to stretch and release tight muscles and increase flexibility and glide of joints that may have become stiff.

Home exercises are given at a level that is realistic for that patient so that they can make progress and gain confidence. Helen explains: “My motto is ‘the only good exercise is an exercise that is done!’ It needs to be relevant and achievable, or patients don’t bother!”

Other treatment options include ultrasound, taping and acupuncture which can further enhance recovery.

To see if physiotherapy can reduce your pain and help you return to activity, ring Helen Gordon on 07765 129786 or go to www. warehamphysio.co.uk

A

Charity Cancer Appeal Gains Momentum

major fundraising appeal by Dorset County Hospital Charity is gaining momentum after being launched earlier this year. The Charity’s Cancer Appeal is seeking to raise £1.75 million to support the provision of radiotherapy services at Dorset County Hospital.

To date, over 26% of the target amount has been raised, after only three months. The Appeal will provide a bespoke outpatients department on top of the radiotherapy building with rooms for counselling and consultancy.

It will also fund major improvements to the existing Chemotherapy unit.

Head of Fundraising Andrew House said “We’ve had donations and pledges of over £50,000 in the past few weeks and this takes our appeal total up to £460,000. We are also getting a lot of support from local businesses, community groups and from members of the public who have personally experienced the effects of cancer. We are working on a number of projects with local companies which should raise a lot of money over the next year.”

The Cancer Appeal is supporting a major project with Poole Hospital to bring radiotherapy services to Dorchester for the first time.

Currently cancer patients from north, west and south Dorset face extensive travel times to Poole Hospital with associated costs and additional stress.

Patricia Cousins of Weymouth, who has received radiotherapy treatment in Poole, said “I had six weeks’ of treatment in Poole. Although the staff were fantastic it was a very stressful experience and required the help of many friends. By the end of my treatment I was very weak and the travel was a major problem for me and caused a lot of stress.”

She added, “Having radiotherapy services at Dorset County Hospital will make life easier for the patients but also for the nurses who are so kind and friendly.”

The cancer project also means a lot to the staff at Dorset County Hospital.

Lead Cancer Nurse, Abi Orchard said “This project is a golden opportunity.

The new facilities will also improve chemotherapy facilities providing

private and soundproofed areas for patient consultations and space for relatives or friends to sit with chemotherapy patients during treatment.”

Now that planning permission has been received for the new radiotherapy bunkers, things are beginning to change on the Hospital site.

In September the prefabricated building which currently occupies the site was taken down and the contents were moved to another part of the hospital. Once that move is fully completed, work on the radiotherapy bunkers can start.

If you would like to support the Cancer Appeal or find out more, please contact Rachel in the Fundraising Office on 01305 253215, visit www. dchft.nhs.uk/charity, or email charity@dchft.nhs.uk .

PHOTO: The Cancer Team at Dorset County Hospital

NOVEMBER EDITION DEADLINE - NOON, 10th OCTOBER ADVERTISING SALES LINE: 01929 424239 ext 1.

BOOK ONLINE: WWW.PURBECKGAZETTE.COM

The Purbeck Gazette

67

Sport SSRC - London’s River Marathon

S

wanage gig crews took part in a marathon rowing event in September – the Great River Race in London. The spectacular race spans twentytwo miles from the Docklands to Richmond, and involves over three hundred boats.

The course passes Tower Bridge as well as Westminster, Lambeth, Battersea, Wandsworth, Putney, Hammersmith, Chiswick and Kew, before the cannon at Richmond Bridge marks the end of the race.

Swanage entered two crews, one ladies and one mixed. The ladies finished in 2hrs 55mins and were the 10th fastest in their category. The mixed crew with a time of 2hrs 46mins came 21st in their much bigger group. It was a result to be proud of for both crews.

To prepare themselves for the river race, the rowers did some gruelling training sessions, not just in the bay, but also longer distance forays along the Jurassic Coast.

Meanwhile our racing crews have had a busy time training for the County Gig Championships in Newquay in September. Signalling the end of the rowing season, this event sees crews from across the south battle it out

in often very challenging conditions. We’ll let you know how the Swanage crews fared in the next edition.

Remember that anyone can get a taste of rowing at the open sessions.

Tuesday evening rowing is from 6pm until the end of October.

Saturday mornings continue right through the autumn and winter, weather permitting, from 9am. There’s no need to book – just come down to the boathouse near the pier.

Find out more details on the website www.ssrc.org.uk or follow us on Facebook.

Swanage & Wareham Rugby Football Club

O

nce again Swanage & Wareham entered the Butleigh seven–aside tournament on the bank holiday weekend, and with a team comprising Robert and Dave Elford, Joe Desmond, Mike Snowden, Olly Andrews, Callum Young, Matt Spencer, Aaron Foskitt, Karl Barton and Harry Bocio, with some outstanding performances. Somehow, they managed to win the competition. So it was a brilliant start to the season!

Early September saw the 1st XV have a game against Millbrook, which was a good workout before the season start, with the 2nd XV travelling to Westbury where they picked up a victory by 7pts – 5pts, and the 3rd XV

defeated a Poole side by 10pts – 8pts. Swans have picked up a few players from other local clubs as well as a couple of soldiers from Bovington Camp, so the club looks to have championship potential for the coming season.

On the 8th October, Swans are holding the first of their Vice-President’s Luncheons, prior to the home game against Walcot. For further details contact Rob Parry on 07973 400297.

Main Fixtures for October: 1st 1st XV v. Trowbridge league SCS, away 3pm.

2nd XVv. Yeovil league D/W1, home 3pm 8th 1st XV v. Walcot league SCS, home 3pm.

15th 1st XV v. Cup?, away 2.45pm.

22nd 1st XV v. Blandford league SCS, away 3pm.

2nd XV v. Wimborne 2nd XV league D/W1, home, 3pm.

29th 1st XV v. Combe Down league SCS, home, 3pm Ron Butler (Publicity Secretary)

68

T

Swanage Football Club

he 2016-17 season is now under way and our 1st team are sitting 6th place in the Dorset Premier League. We’ve played 6 games beating Sherborne Res, Hamworthy Rec & Mere Town drawing against Parley and local rivals Wareham Rangers. Our only defeat came against Westland Sports.

This is a good start but there’s room for improvement, it’s no secret that we are looking to progress out of the Dorset Prem League and the next step up is the Wessex League.

This is the league our FA Vase opponents Christchurch currently play in, so this game would be a good test to see how far away from the level we’d like to be playing in.

We were drawn away at Christchurch which would make the task slightly harder. So with the Final of the Vase to be played at Wembley the stakes were high, this is such a great competition for us to be involved in.

Swans started very brightly and the home keeper Knights produced a great save from Graeme Rose after good work from Chris Woods.

Swans took the lead after 35 minutes, Jacob Harrop produced the cross for Joe Clarke to strike with a superb header. H. T. 0-1.

We looked more comfortable than our Wessex League opponents and created a few near misses, but following a cross, prolific Christchurch striker Stone side footed home for the equaliser.

The visitors introduced new signing Cameron Beard as substitute in the 58th minute and the young forward looked very sharp and caused the home defence problems, but unfortunately he was off target with 2 great chances. With time running out and extra time looming disaster struck following a mix up in the Swans defence, Stone rolled the ball into an empty net for the winner and our exit from the FA Vase. Despite the defeat boss Tim Brown was full of praise for his troops.

More good news on the senior front we welcome back Brian Churchill

The Purbeck Gazette

to the coaching staff. Brian was coach to our previous manager Alan Lay and he brings a wealth of experience to the already talented squad.

Our young Reserve side have only just started their season and have incurred two heavy defeats in the first two weeks, things can only get better.

The youth teams will be starting their season this coming weekend with over a hundred children involved within the Club. We are always looking for volunteers. Either to help out with the organising and helping out with the coaches. We also need referees or even a coaching position. If you have the time and feel you would like to give something back then please contact Youth Secretary Alison Newell 07545 762401 Breeze Volkswagen of Poole have kindly sponsored the 1st team with a new kit (see photo) don’t forget to follow your local team with games kicking off at Days Park at 3:00 most Saturday’s. For the best way to keep updated follow us on Twitter @swanagefc or our website swanagefc.com.

Come On You Swans!

The Purbeck Gazette - Proudly Supporting The Swans

Swanage Cricket Club Update

A

t Swanage Cricket Club’s recent Awards Presentation Evening, the following people received recognition:1stXI Batsman of the Year:- Dan Salmon - who scored three half-centuries and a majestic century at Parley to help secure Swanage’s Premier Division status for a 5th season.

The other main contributions were from Matt Thomas - who returned from Australia with a sensational unbeaten century at Dorchester. Ian Booth, Ricky King, Mike Nash, Ryan Norman and Mike Salmon also registered halfcenturies.

With regards to the bowling, Nash and Norman both excelled with the ball

T

claiming 20 and 25 wickets respectively, however, it was Nash’s superior strike-rate and average which just secured him the Bowler of the Year Trophy (Mike’s pictured left).

There were also some excellent performances from Booth, Mike Hernandez, Steve Kent, King and Pete Richards. Whilst Paul Norman’s brilliant wicket-keeping earned him the Fielder of the Year Award.

The 2ndXI had a difficult season in Division 4 due to lack of availability.

However, this did not prevent there being some excellent performances with both the bat and ball from:- Pete Baczala, Ron and Pete Barker, Cameron Beard, Charlie Dyke, Tim Ives, Craig Wells, Terry White and Sam Willcocks.

Beard won both the Batsman and Fielder of the Year Trophies, whilst the Bowling Award went to Ron Barker.

For all the latest news please visit our website:- www. swanagecricketclub.co.uk

Swanage Bowls Club Update

he various fund-raising events at the Bowls Club this year raised an amazing £1435 and at the President’s Day tea party following the friendly game a cheque for £500, to be further enhanced by £385, was presented to the Swanage Defibrillator Fund for a machine to be installed in Beach Gardens. Two other cheques were also handed over to the Friends of Swanage Hospital (£350) and the Swanage Regatta and Carnival Fund (£200).

On the bowls front the main talking point has been ‘The Great Escape’. 2016 proved to be a real topsy-turvy season for the Swanage men following their promotion to Division 3 of the B&D League. All went well for the first part of the season with several fine victories but suddenly it all went pear-shaped and the team slipped steadily down the league table.

With just two matches to play Swanage looked doomed for relegation. But somehow they managed to regain their early-season form and they demolished Boscombe Cliff 97-54 with particularly great bowling from the top rink of Alfie Leaton, Steve Newland, Mike Barron and Brian Beeston who won 27-10.

Everything then hinged on the last match against 3rd placed Broadstone.

Once again Swanage came up with the goods and produced a narrow win

56-53 in a rain-affected thriller with Alfie Leaton, Dave Thomas, Barry Tatman and David Hogsflesh leading the way 20-6. There was a tense few hours of agonising suspense until the result of fellow relegation strugglers Highcliffe’s match came through and although they also won their game, Swanage pipped them by just one point, so Highcliffe go down with Electric and Swanage look forward to another season in Division 3.

In the Dorset League, Swanage finished off the season with two draws in their away matches at Branscombe Park (53-53) and West Moors (59-59) and ended up in 4th place. If these last 2 matches had been won, Swanage would have finished in the runners-up spot.

The Ladies ended their season mid-table in the Dorset League. In the Edna Paisley Triples League Swanage finished in a very creditable 2nd place winning 12 of their 15 games and had the distinction of knocking up more shots than any other club. To be denied a place in the play-off final at Lyme Regis against Portland by Blandford by just 3 points was unlucky.

Club Finals weekend took place in mid-September and the results will be in next month’s Gazette.

Enquiries about bowls to Clive or Gill on 422337.

The Purbeck Gazette

Spotlight Event Diary

69

Diary Entries are FREE if your event is FREE. If you charge, then it’s £5 plus VAT per entry, per month. DEADLINE for Nov is noon, 10th Oct KEY: * = Start time not known or n/a; Ffi = for further information; Sw = Swanage; Wm = Wareham; VH = Village Hall, Telephone code 01929 unless otherwise stated.

OCTOBER

Sat 1st * Beer & Pumpkin Festival At The Square & Compass Inn, Worth Matravers.

09:30 FreeBay Tabletop Sale At The URC, High St, Swanage. Free table, free entry. Refreshments. Ffi: Elizabeth on 01929 422406.

10:30 ‘Box’ An exhibition of sculpture at Durlston Castle.

20:00 Zen Hussies Live acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers.

Ffi: 01929 439229 21:45 The Milk Men At The White Horse Inn, Swanage.

Sun 2nd * Beer & Pumpkin Festival At The Square & Compass Inn, Worth Matravers.

10:30 ‘Box’ An exhibition of sculpture at Durlston Castle.

14:00 Zen Hussies Live acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers.

Ffi: 01929 439229 21:45 The Milk Men At The White Horse Inn, Swanage.

Mon 3rd 10:30 ‘Box’ An exhibition of sculpture at Durlston Castle.

21:45 The Milk Men At The White Horse Inn, Swanage.

Tue 4th 21:45 The Milk Men At The White Horse Inn, Swanage.

Wed 5th 10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet at East Chaldon for 6 mile walk via Chideock Farm, West Bottom and Middle Bottom. Ffi 01929 424462.

10:30 Swanage Probus Meets at the Purbeck House Hotel every month and we re-start the annual programme with our guest speaker Andrew White who will give us a talk on the Role of a QC. Visitors welcome. Contact Andrew Yeandle 421945, Brian Darnton 424211 or Roger Livingstone 425002.

20:00 Geoff Higginbottom Live acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 21:45 The Milk Men At The White Horse Inn, Swanage.

Thu 6th * Swanage Blues Festival Ffi: www.swanage-blues.org 10:30 Mobile Library Visit At Harman’s Cross Village Hall, with Coffee Junction.

19:15 Swanage Trefoil Guild Meet at the Guide HQ, Bell St for a talk by Christine Buffrey - OB-PS visit to Finland. Visitors Welcome. Ffi 01929 556374 or 01929 424321.

21:45 The Milk Men At The White Horse Inn, Swanage.

Fri 7th * Swanage Blues Festival Ffi: www.swanage-blues.org 11:00 Wild Food Walk & Lunch At Studland Bay. Guided walk & outdoor lunch, £20.

19:30 Swanage Photographic Society Meets in the Rectory Classroom Church Hill For : Presentation on ‘Astrophotography’ With Stephen Banks. Visitors welcome, ffi: 01929 423841 21:45 The Milk Men At The White Horse Inn, Swanage.

Sat 8th * Swanage Blues Festival Ffi: www.swanage-blues.org * Feelin’ Fruity Tree Day At Holme for Gardens.

09:45 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Knowle House Hotel (09:25 bus from Swanage) for 5 mile linear walk to Swanage via The Aggelstone and Ballard Down. Ffi 01929 426926.

10:00 Book signing, Demonstrations & More At Burngate Stone Carving Centre, Kingston rd, Langton Matravers.

10:00 Meeting of Local Microscopists In the Village Hall, Langton Matravers. Members of microscopy clubs showing a wide variety of subjects from biological (eg pond life), geological ( micro fossils etc) to artistic. Visitors including children welcome, Entrance free. Tea and coffee with biscuit available Enquiries phone 01929 – 422218 or 424211 20:00 Kangaroo Moon Live acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 21:45 The Mustangs At The White Horse Inn, Swanage.

Sun 9th * Swanage Blues Festival Ffi: www.swanage-blues.org 10:00 Book signing, Demonstrations & More At Burngate Stone Carving Centre, Kingston rd, Langton Matravers.

Foo Foo Live acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 15:00 Canzonetta in Concert At The Church of the Holy Rood, Church Lane, Wool, BH20 6DD Join us for five centuries of fabulous music, from Byrd to 20th century close harmony. Free admission, retiring collection for the church. Contact www.canzonettadorset.com 18:00 Northsyde At The White Horse Inn, Swanage.

Mon 10th * Chocolate Week At Chococo, Swanage.

Tue 11th * Chocolate Week At Chococo, Swanage.

14:00 Purbeck Parkinson’s Group At the All Saints Church Hall, Swanage.

Ffi: T. Lander 01929 425970 or D Peters 01929 551962 Wed 12th * Chocolate Week At Chococo, Swanage.

10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet in Stretche Road car park, Wareham for 4 mile walk along the Wareham Town Walls. Ffi 01929 450164.

19:00 Swanage Area Senior Forum Public Meeting at The Emmanuel Chuch Centre, Swanage. Major Proposals for Reshaping our Local Government, with Gary Suttle and Bill Trite.

19:30 Studland WI At Studland Village Hall. Rosalind Atkins “Potted History on Dorset Buttons”. Competition: Dorset Button.

Thu 13th * Chocolate Week At Chococo, Swanage. * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com Fri 14th * Chocolate Week At Chococo, Swanage. * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com * Autumn Steam Gala At Swanage Railway.

19:30 Purbeck Railway Circle Meets at Harman’s Cross Village Hall for a joint evening with the Purbeck Film Festival showing “A Selection of British Transport Films”. (Films to be shown are:- “This is York”, “Snow Drift”, “Ocean Terminal”, “Terminus”, “Fully Fitted Freight” and “John Betjeman Goes By Train”). Doors open 7pm. Ffi 554765. EVERYONE IS WELCOME 20:00 Aaron Catlow & Kit Hawes Live acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Sat 15th * Chocolate Week At Chococo, Swanage. * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com * Autumn Steam Gala At Swanage Railway.

10:00 Books, Coffee & Cake At Moreton Village Hall DT2 8RE. Come and have a cuppa and home made cake whilst you browse and see our stunning new hall whilst you browse through our huge selection of books - all at just 25p. Ffi: Maeve 01929 463221.

10:30 Swanage Walking Group Meet at CP on A354 2.75 miles NW of B3081 junction for an all day 8 mile walk around Pentridge. Ffi 01929 422554.

20:00 Guns of Navarone Live acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Sun 16th * Chocolate Week At Chococo, Swanage. * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com * Autumn Steam Gala At Swanage Railway. * Dorset Countryside Volunteers Will be at Upton Wood in Purbeck, controlling bramble and transplanting trees. We welcome people interested in helping care for our countryside. For details see www. dcv.org.uk, emailDCVpublicity@gmail.com, or text or message 07923498760 for us to contact you.

Mon 17th * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com Tue 18th * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com 11:00 Planting Containers for Winter Colour At Holme for Gardens. £5 entry.

14:00 The New Christian Spiritualist Church Welcomes you to our service this afternoon at 2 pm at the Queensmead Community Room , Queens Road, Swanage. Our guest Medium will be Paul Broadway, we look 14:00

70

forward to seeing you.

14:30 Purbeck Assoc of the National Trust At All Saints Church, Ulwell Rd, Sw. Illustrated talk - ‘The Perfect Tree’ – Ray Hawes, Director of Forestry for the National Trust talks about the possibility of finding the perfect tree;Till 4.00pm. All welcome. £3.00 incl refreshment.s Ffi 01929 427300.

Wed 19th * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com 10:15 Swanage Walking Group Meet at the pier for boats to Brownsea Island for a visit to and circular walk around Brownsea Island and visit to DWT nature reserve. Ffi 01929 422795.

14:30 Studland History Group Meets in the Village Hall for an illustrated talk

by Joyce Meates. “Studland: Places And Faces From The Past”. All welcome. Ffi the Secretary 01929 439245.

19:30 Swanage Garden Society At Herston Hall, Swanage Derek Luther, secretary of the fuchsias society will explain fuchsias and pests and diseases.

Thu 20th * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com * Studland WI At The Lighthouse Theatre, Poole. Autumn Council Meeting.

10:30 Mobile Library Visit At Harman’s Cross Village Hall, with Coffee Junction.

14:00 Harman’s Cross Community Group Drop-in meeting at Harman’s Cross Village Hall.

19:30 Langton Matravers History and Preservation Society Meets in the Village Hall when John Patrick will speak on on local graveyards (and maybe a corpse or two). All welcome Members £2.50 non-members £3.50.

Fri 21st * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com 19:30 Swanage Photographic Society Meets in the Rectory Classroom Church Hill For competitions : Anders 1 – ‘open’, and Browne 1 – ‘Triangles’ Judge: Mike Weeks LBIPP. Visitors welcome, ffi: 01929 423841 20:00 Gilmore Roberts Live acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Sat 22nd * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com * Halloween Activities At Corfe Castle. Ffi: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ corfecastle * Dorset Countryside Volunteers Will be at Studland Heath in Purbeck, cutting gorse. We welcome people interested in helping care for our countryside. For details see www.dcv.org.uk, emailDCVpublicity@gmail. com, or text or message 07923-498760 for us to contact you.

09:45 Swanage Walking Group Meet by Kingston church for walk to Chapmans Pool, returning via Hill Bottom. Ffi 01929 426994.

19:30 ‘The Rhythm of the Choir, the Beat of the Band’ At The Mowlem Theatre, Swange. In aid of Heroes Haven. Tickets £12, concessions £10 20:00 Kelly McRae Live acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers.

Ffi: 01929 439229 Sun 23rd * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com * Halloween Activities At Corfe Castle. Ffi: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ corfecastle * Dorset Countryside Volunteers Will be at Studland Heath in Purbeck, cutting gorse. We welcome people interested in helping care for our countryside. For details see www.dcv.org.uk, emailDCVpublicity@gmail. com, or text or message 07923-498760 for us to contact you.

13:30 ‘Ahoy!’ Sing for the Mary Rose! Join our community choir’s first workshop at St Mary’s Church, Swanage. £3, includes refreshments.

Ffi: 01929 422909 or 481419 14:00 Kelly McRae Live acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers.

Ffi: 01929 439229 15:30 Buffo’s Wake At the Legion, Swanage.

18:00 Church Service At Harman’s Cross Village Hall.

Mon 24th * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com Tue 25th * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com * Stop Frame Animation Workshop At Durlston Castle. Book ahead.

Wed 26th * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com 10:15 Swanage Walking Group Meet at small car park on Okeford Fitzpaine about 1 mile north of Turnworth for a 6 mile walk through Turnworth and Blandford Forest. Ffi 01929 422554.

16:30 Halloween Disco At Putlake Farm, Langton Matravers. Ticket only, £5.

The Purbeck Gazette Thu 27th * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com * Claymations Animation Workshop At Durlston Castle. Book ahead.

10:00 Probus 2 of Purbeck At The Pines Hotel, Swanage. Speaker Dr Phil Judkins “Britain’s First “Silicon Valley”? Visitors welcome but first contact Laurence on 01929 425982.

Fri 28th * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com * Big Knights Animation Workshop At Durlston Castle. Book ahead.

19:00 Presentation Evening Swanage Regatta & Carnival present donations to this year’s nominated charities. At The Conservative Club.

19:30 ‘Purbeck, Enigma & Hitler’s Missiles A talk by Phil Judkins at The Rectory Classroom, Church Hill, Swanage.

20:00 4 Square Live acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Sat 29th * Purbeck Film Festival Ffi and tickets from www.purbeckfilm.com 10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet in Portesham for 6 mile circular walk around Portesham and Abbotsbury. Ffi 01202 684135.

18:00 Cider & Sausages Halloween on Studland Beach, £12 per adult, £9 under 18’s.

20:00 Furnace Mountain Live acts at The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Sun 30th * Dorset Countryside Volunteers Will be at Tyneham, Purbeck, helping look after this historic village. We welcome people interested in helping care for our countryside. For details see www.dcv.org.uk, emailDCVpublicity@gmail.com, or text or message 07923-498760 for us to contact you.

10:00 Purbeck Antiques & Collectors’ Fairs At Furzebrook Hall, Furzebrook, Wareham. £1 entry. www.purbeckantiquesfairs.co.uk

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 Purbeck 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 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 Bridget on 01929 552816 or Lesley on

The Purbeck Gazette 01929 553927 or email warehamgolfcroquetclub@hotmail.com 10.00 Sw Tennis Club Club Session. Till 11. 426312 10.00 Sandford Toddlers at Sandford Community Hall, till 11.30am.

10.00 Short Tennis at Sw FC All ages & abilities £1.50 Till noon. 425175 10.30 Swanage Walking for Health Group starter walks (15-30mins). Start from the Mowlem Shelter on Swanage Seafront. Get back into the swing of things gently! Ffi: 481000 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 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 Wool Art Club. At D’Urbeville Hall. Until 12 noon. All painting and drawing abilities welcome. Ffi: 405191 or email: woolartclub@gmax.com 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

71 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 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 Purbeck 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.

13.00 Studland Toddler Group at Studland Village Hall until 2.30pm.

13.30 Under 1 year olds at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Antinatal mums welcome. Till 3pm. Ffi: 552864.

13.30 Toddler Group. All Saints’ Church, Sw. 423937. Till 3pm (Term times) 14.00 Life drawing classes at Harmans Cross Village Hall from 2pm till 4pm. For further information, ring 427621.

14.15 Sw Over-60s Meet in the Rectory Classroom, Swanage, Sw. All Welcome.

17.45 Swanage Youth Club. Learning Difficulties and disability (age 11-25) night.

Till 7.30pm 18.00 Five High Singers, United Reformed Church Hall, Swanage. 11 - 18 years.

Till 7pm 18.15 Sw Cricket Club Practice till 9pm 18.30 Swanage Sea Rowing Club Circuit Training at Swanage Middle School.

Ffi: 07776 201455 19.00 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 8pm. With Penny at Furzebrook VH, Wm. Ffi 07969925502 19.00 Purbeck Gateway Club meets at Wareham Youth Centre until 9pm.

Purbeck Gateway is a club for adults with learning difficulties. We meet during term time and have fun! All welcome. Ffi: Lew on 552173. Email: Lewisbell1@aol.com 19.15 Wm Town Band Brass & Woodwind players welcome. 551478/01202 242147 19.30 Short Mat Bowls in the Durbeville Hall, Wool. All standards welcome, till 9.30pm. Ffi: 552682 19.30 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 10.30am. 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

72

Trade Adverts Sponsored by

DORSET - SOMERSET - WILTSHIRE - ISLE OF WIGHT - 0845 2600515

Domestic Appliance Repairs CMS Electrical Repairs Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Tumble Dryers, Electric Cookers, Fridges, Freezers Colin Shailer 01929 554809 07711 165062 c.shailer@sky.com

J.A. Construction (Dorset) Ltd.

PLASTERER CEILINGS, WALLS, RENOVATIONS, REPAIRS FREE quotes & advice Reasonable prices - Reliable service

Tel: Rob on 01202 889811 evenings 07970 174285 daytimes www.robtheplasterer.com

Specialist in Purbeck Stone Walling General Building, Extensions, Renovations, Roofing, New Builds and all types of Ground Work.

Also available for Plumbing, Electrics & Carpentry.

Tel: 01929 554249 Fax: 01929 552294 Mobile: 07973 388190

www.jaconstructiondorset.co.uk Email: sales@jaconstruction.co.uk

WAREHAM GAS SERVICES For all your plumbing & heating requirements Servicing of appliances available Contact Steve: 07714 386457 or 01929 288521

Lic: 3452941 Reg: 542421

Support our local Tradespeople!

USE THEM OR LOSE THEM FOLKS!

The Purbeck Gazette

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING

SANDIE’S BARBERSHOP 191 HIGH STREET, SWANAGE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK - 01929 426364

73

Brickcraft

LYTCHETT MINSTER JOINERY LTD

Construction

Specialising in purpose-made hard & soft wood joinery Staircases, Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Gates, Traditional Skirtings & Mouldings

Extensions Fireplaces

Building Contractors Patio/Paving Landscaping Garden Walls

Insurance & General Building Work Undertaken

Over 25 years experience

Call Charlie on 07973 834175 or 01929 405075 www.brickcraftconstruction.com

Call Steve Rawlings: 01202 622441 or email: steve.1226@live.co.uk

NJA Specialist Tree Care All aspects of Tree Surgery & Hedgework undertaken Fully insured and NPTC Qualified Free Quotations and advice 07703 210647 or 01929 481600

Covering the directory area

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Highest standards guaranteed Fully certified & insured No hidden charges & no VAT Call Steve at Pile-Up on 01929 553861 or 07974 529017

Support our local Tradespeople!

USE THEM OR LOSE THEM FOLKS!

74

The Purbeck Gazette

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING

Michael B. Alberry

DECORATOR Property Decoration & Renovation

07796 640538 01929 424882

SWANAGE & DORSET

SCAFFOLDING

ROOFING SPECIALIST SPARROW’S Over 30 years Membership Federation of Master Builders

NO JOB TOO SMALL 01929 421156 07974 077885 The Premier Trade Organisation High Performance Flat Roofing Specialists Re-Roofing - Slating & Tiling Roof Repairs - UPVC Facias & Gutters Chimneys Removed or Repointed sparrowroof@gmail.com

All aspects of Residential & Commercial Scaffolding Emergency Call Outs - Free Quotations & Estimates Temporary Roof Coverings - Fully Insured

IDEAL SKIP HIRE

OUR PRICE WON’T BE BEATEN

Skips from 2 - 40yds

01929 424553 01258 858214 07813 346993

SAND GRAVEL HARDCORE SHINGLE & TOP SOIL

USE OUR LOCAL TRADES PEOPLE OR LOSE THEM!

Available loose or in 25kg & 1 ton bags Delivery or Collection

SWANAGE & DORSET

ROOFING

ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING WORK

Flat roofing Re-roofs, Slate or Tile All repair works Free Quotations

01929 424553 07813 346993

Trade & DIY customers welcome A Fast, Friendly & Efficient Service

TEL: 01929 422980 JIM BAGGLEY BUILDING SERVICES Ltd Renovations, Alterations, Extensions, New Cut Roofs, Loft Conversions, Upvc Windows & Doors, Carpentry & Joinery

Tel: 01305 852311 or 07469 793452

Email: jessjim@baggleyltd.wanadoo.co.uk

Installers of

Roy Osmond Ltd Traditional Forge Works Light Fabrication, Security Grills, Hand & Balcony Rails, Fire Escapes & Bespoke Work Stainless Steel and Glass Balconys

Telephone on: 01929 400520 or mobile: 0779 6044859

Swanage based Window & Door Company FENSA

Windows - Doors - Bi-fold Doors - Conservatories Fascias - Soffits - Guttering - Cladding Garage Doors - Window & Door Repairs Misted Sealed Units replaced UPVC - Aluminium - Timber Ggfi Insurance back guarantee 10 years guarantee

For a free, no obligation quote contact us on: Office 01929 424199 Mobile 07538 950 230 Email - redhillwindowsltd@hotmail.co.uk Web - www.redhillwindowsltd.co.uk

20 years experience working in Purbeck

The Purbeck Gazette

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING

75

PLUMBING & HEATING

BLUEFISH Brian & Penny Armstrong

Decorators Insured & guaranteed 01929 552483 / 07743019590

Complete bathroom design and installation service Wetrooms Boiler repairs and installation

24 HR CALL OUT

J W Matthews Tel: 01929 401799 Mob: 07974 689009 Fax: 01929 401799 email: justinmatthews1@hotmail.co.uk 31269 519426 website: bluefishplumbing.co.uk

Johnson Plastering Commercial & Domestic 27 years experience locally Fully qualified

Call Tyke on 07814 959940

From only £126

plus VAT for SIX MONTHS, you’ll struggle to find a better deal on Trade advertising Call Joy on 01929 424293 to book your trade advert!

Advertising can also be booked online, from the comfort of your armchair.

Simply go to: www.purbeckgazette.com and click on ‘shop’.

Then select either ‘Magazine Advertising’ or ‘Trade Advertising’, select your advert size and click to buy.

Then send your advert in to us and bingo!

More customers (and therefore money) coming your way.....

Man & Van available to hire

Rubbish Clearance Half the price of a skip and we do all the work!

07767 479438 Fully licensed & insured