The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 203 by The Blackmore Vale Limited

December 2016 Issue no. 203

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PURBECK GAZETTE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE PART TWO! Christmas Challenge Part 1. Pg 28-53

Fight Hedgerow Decline. Pg 70

Carnival Presentation Night. Pg 19

Walnut & Honey Pie. Pg 65

SWANAGE & PURBECK

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Editor’s note...

elcome to the December edition of your Gazette! At an enormous 88 pages, this is the largest edition we’ve ever published - a veritable tome indeed! This edition contains the second part of our traditional ‘Purbeck Christmas Challenge’ - local businesses and services desperately need your support to keep going, so each November and December, we invite them to showcase their wares and services to you, dear reader, in the hope that they can encourage you to ‘keep it local’ this Christmas. We’ve a bumper ‘Christmas Challenge’ feature within these hallowed pages - please do look through the advertising and decide on a local meal with friends and family, pick an artistic gift for that special someone, or give your home a lift with some new soft furnishings or a special item of furniture. Our community, our responsibility to keep it strong - let’s keep the empty, boarded-up shops AWAY from Purbeck for 2017 and buck the national trend, eh? So everyone - Christmas IS coming, ready or not, and with it the likelihood of colder weather. Enjoy the festive season, no matter whether with friends, family or delighting in your own company. Thank you to ALL of our advertisers for their business, it looks like we’ll still be with you in 2017, so thanks everyone!

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 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 January 2017 edition has a deadline of 9th Dec. and will be distributed from 28th Dec - 5th Jan 2017. The February 2017 edition has a deadline of 10th Jan and will be distributed from 23rd Jan - 27th Jan 2017.

Public Notices & Information

Swanage Town Council Meetings - December 2016

Planning & Consultation Policy, Finance & Performance Manag. Council

Mon 5th Wed 7th Mon 19th

6.30pm 4.30pm 7pm

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

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

Mon 5th Mon 12th Mon 19th

7pm 7pm 7pm

Purbeck DC Meetings - Open to public - December 2016 Licensing Committee Audit and Governance Committee Council Planning Committee Policy Group

Thur 1st Tue 6th Tue 13th Wed 21st Wed 21st

9.15am 5.30pm 7pm 9.15am 7pm

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. Our proof readers are the very professional: Gerry Norris and David Holman, with PhotographerTim Crabb also on-hand. Thank you all so very much!

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Corfe Castle on Thursday 3rd November 2016. By Paul Dimarco

CONTACT US ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS MATTERS COMMUNITY MATTERS COUNCIL MEETINGS DIARY SPOTLIGHT FEATURES Blast From The Past Books for Christmas Father Christmas’s Schedule in Purbeck FEATURE: Purbeck Gazette Christmas Challenge Fight Hedgerow Decline Gazette Gardening, with Simon Goldsack John Garner writes - Allseasonwatch Purbeck Remembers Our Fallen Resurfacing Swanage’s Roads Swanage Carnival Raises £23,000 Telling It Like It Is - David Hollister writes FOOD - Godlingston Manor Kitchen Gardens HEALTH & BEAUTY LETTERS MOTORING - David Hollister writes NATURAL MATTERS SPORT TRADE ADVERTS sponsored by Sydenhams

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DEADLINE FORFOR JANUARY IS 12 FRIDAY DECEMBER DEADLINE JULY IS NOON, NOON, FRI9th10th JUNE

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The The clue is in the heading above - these are our readers’ letters. They are NOT articles, they are letters. By you. Our readers. They are not our letters, they are yours - your letters. Simple! Please send all letters to ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk with ‘letter to the editor’ in the email subject line. Please do not exceed 350 words. If handwritten, please ensure it is short and legible. PLEASE DO NOT DUPLICATE LETTERS TO OTHER PUBLICATIONS WE DO NOT PRINT MULTI-PUBLICATION LETTERS.

JAN edition deadline: noon, 9th DEC

Street Collection Thanks Dear Editor, Wareham and District R.N.L.I. Branch would like to thank all who supported their Street Collections during 2016. The proceeds of £697.11 will go towards the building of the new Swanage Lifeboat Station. Grateful thanks to all concerned. Yours sincerely, Margaret Jeskins, by email

Illiberal Local Party Dear Editor, It’s interesting to witness the attention seeking devices used by Europhiles that deny logic and the opportunity to reflect upon what is factually correct with David Leadbetter’s letter; Sensible Informed Opinion (November addition). David is correct in mentioning that the surge in voting Brexit far exceeded the expectation of money experts and contrasts starkly with predictions of recession from George Osborne and other supporters of the UK’s membership of the EU. Britain’s economy has been given a ringing vote of confidence with many other former doubters such as Nissan, they are now announcing plans for building two new models in the north east, creating seven thousand additional jobs for its British workers. So we are left asking ourselves why the Europhiles choose to fight a rear guard action supported by the EU and some political parties. The answer to that is that they intend to sabotage our negotiations. They know the financial markets do not like uncertainty, by stepping up hostility to Brexit they have already damaged the strength of the pound and are playing politics with the public in a shameful attempt to undermine democracy. The worst offenders locally are the illiberal undemocratic party who clearly feel that the Europhiles are daft enough to vote for them, they must be hoping the public have forgotten that the last time they voted yellow, they got blue. Ironically, they were complicit with the Tories plans for a referendum! David couldn’t resist mentioning immigration, those migrants who live here have already been assured they can stay along with more new comers who have the skills we need. Perhaps David could answer his own question by explaining how any government can manage its infrastructure such as housing, education and health care if they don’t know how many arrivals they are expected to provide for. This important issue doesn’t only support those who already live here, they will benefit new comers as well. I remain Editor, yours faithfully, Mike Fry, by email.

Support For Raising Roof Dear Editor, Re: Raise The Roof! I write in support of Brian Barker’s letter in the Gazette August 2016 edition, regarding Swanage Bandstand. Swanage bandstand was erected in 1923. Whilst many bandstands around the UK have already been refurbished or even replaced, many have been lost for good. It would be a sad day if our bandstand also succumbed to this fate.

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Also, Brian Barker did mention to me that he would be happy to make a donation to start off the ‘raise the roof’ fund. Yours sincerely, J. Carter, by email.

Removing Unwelcome Visitors Dear Editor, As winter approaches, wild animals are more likely to seek warmth and shelter inside our homes. Some of these, such as rats and mice, are often viewed as unwelcome visitors. But please try to remember that these animals are just as sensitive and liable to suffer as the cats and dogs with whom we choose to share our homes. These unwelcome guests should be humanely deterred from visiting - not subjected to the appalling cruelty of traps and poisons. Animal Aid provides free information on how to stop these animals from taking up residence without harming them, and how to encourage them to leave if they have already arrived. We have information available on rats and mice, birds, squirrels, foxes and moles. To order our free Humane Deterrence factsheets, please email info@ animalaid.org.uk or telephone 01732 364 546. Isobel Hutchinson, Director, Animal Aid

Fracking Is Back Dear Gazette, As it seems that fracking is now rearing its ugly head over our lovely Purbeck horizon, I wonder whether the Nimbys are now regretting their ‘victory’ r.e. the stopping of the coastal wind farm. They may find the fracking harder to stop once it gains momentum. I know which I would prefer. Name and address supplied, withheld on request.

Footway Work’s Aesthetics? Dear Nico, May I add my voice to the many who have observed that the overall quality of the aesthetic of the recent footway work in Institute Road was far less than hoped for. The loss of the stone and the use of asphalt is a poor utilisation of limited funds. In the summer the footfall and heavy vehicles driving onto and along the pathway should show this. As for hoping to be done in the week, well underestimated as I told them in Dorchester, on the Thursday before the work was hoped to finish. Yours truly, Andy Weeks, Swanage, by hand.

Charity Mail Needs YOU! Dear Editor, Christmas (Charity) mail The popular Christmas (Charity) mail WILL take place again this year, coordinated by Santa’s busy Elves (aka Swanage & Purbeck Rotary!). Cards for delivery to local addresses may be “posted” at various outlets both in Swanage and the surrounding villages between Monday 5th and Friday 15th December, with a suggested donation of 25p per card. All profit will go to Rotary supported local charities. We are delighted that both Paddy and David (who have led this project for Swanage Lions in past years) will be working with us to help guide us through this first year, as for us Rotarians, December is an extremely

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busy month with Santa’s Sleigh, the Christmas Market and the Christmas Breakfast, but we also need you – the community – to help us with manning the main collection point, sorting the cards (indoors with plenty of tea and biscuits available) and - for the more mobile who enjoy walking – delivering the cards. By the time of reading this letter those who have volunteered in the past to either sort or deliver the mail should have been contacted, but please bear with us as we may have inadvertently omitted to contact you, should this be the case – or if you would like to help for the first time in a “fun” community project – please contact me on 07971 764823 or email secretary.swanagerotary@gmail.com. We look forward to working with you! Deirdre Selwyn (Secretary, Swanage & Purbeck Rotary)

Protecting Wonderland Dear Nico, I’d like to reassure MJK Hamilton (Keeping Our Wonderlands, October letters) that the National Trust is not aware of any proposals to develop what he or she calls ‘faux mansions’ at the northern end of the Studland peninsula. Your correspondent rightly describes the Studland peninsula as a wonderland with a ‘beautiful and sensitive ecosystem’. That’s why it was willed to us along with the rest of the former Bankes estate and that’s why we will look after it for ever, for everyone, along with many other special places. Even if that were not the case, the area is part of a national nature reserve and is covered by a range of UK and European designations which would make it virtually impossible to obtain planning permission. Yours sincerely, Jon Bish, Communications Officer, National Trust

Admiral Nurse Funding Dear Nico, A few words to explain about Admiral Nurses, for which we are currently fundraising. Admiral Nurses are specialist one-to one nurses who support and give expert advice to families living with dementia. They help families cope with the fear, uncertainty and the difficult everyday reality of dementia. DementiaUK say everyone who needs that support should have it. That’s why here in Swanage and now in Wareham, we’re raising money to fund and Admiral Nurse for Purbeck. Dementia UK train these nurses, who are at the forefront of dementia care, all have significant clinical experience of working with people diagnosed with dementia before taking on the role. Please do something to help us with the funding - running for Alzheimers or playing golf for Alzheimers doesn’t bring those funds to Purbeck – it’s used nationally. Be like the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, where both captains have raised money for us directly, be like the choirs that sing for us, the knitters who knit for us, the people who event for us and many other local groups. By October 31st we’d raised £17k, by Christmas I hope it will be £20k, which will be nearly halfway to our target of £50k, for our own Admiral Nurse right here in Purbeck. Go for it!! Jean Gibbs, Chair, SADFC.

Camera Search Continues Dear Editor, Re: Lost Camera – Canon G15 On the 3rd of July, my son and I were walking the coastal path, from Lulworth Cove to Worth Matravers. As soon as we reached our guesthouse for the night I realised I no longer had my camera on me. I think I left my camera on a bench on the footpath just above Chapman’s Pool, west of Worth Matravers, where we had taken a rest at the end of a long day’s walking. It is a Canon G15, which is a black metal camera, it has a long shoulder strap, and was in a small protective camera bag. It would have pictures of my son and the coastal path, and some of Windsor. If anyone knows anything about a camera being picked up around that time, I would be so grateful of any information! My email address is susandid@ telkomsa.net (I am in Cape Town, South Africa, I was just holidaying in the UK at the time.) Kind regards, Susan, by email

Fancy Dress For Community Dear Readers, Wareham Carnival, in conjunction with Wareham Lions Club, Wareham Rotary Club, Wareham 41 Club and Wareham Wednesdays are pleased to announce the acquisition of over 250 fancy dress costumes. These are to be made available, free of charge, to any volunteer group within Purbeck. The groups that could benefit could include (the above), local Amateur Dramatic Societies, dance groups, pantomime groups, our local schools, the scouting and guiding movements, Christmas Parades, Military Cadet groups, church groups, village halls, youth groups and so on. One could say that this list is by no means exhaustive! Mrs Lisa Nicholson of The Stoborough Youth Dance Group has kindly offered to catalogue and store this valuable community asset. All we ask is that the costumes are returned in good clean order, and damages accommodated for. Sue Dean (Chair of Wareham Carnival) says, “This is a good result of service clubs realising the potential of a community asset, financing it and making it available to our local community volunteer groups. We must thank Lisa Nicholson for her help in managing and storing the costumes, and Mike Baker of South Street lettings for granting us emergency storage facilities. We hope Purbeck may enjoy their use for many years to come”. Lisa Nicholson can be contacted at a.nicholson.132@btinternet.com Kind regards, Paul Cady, Wareham Lions Club, Wareham Carnival, Wareham 41 Club.

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Factory Site Is Eyesore Dear Nico. Whilst I appreciate the obvious historical interest in the Royal Navy Cordite Factory site at Holton Heath, could something be done to make the site safe and replace the rusty fencing? The area is an eyesore and the buildings are falling down, and people get in and draw graffiti on them, putting themselves in danger of falling through rotting roofs My mother worked there during the Second World War. Yours sincerely. Wendy Lucas. A resident of Holton Heath

Bye Bye Blackbird Bye Bye Blackbird In my garden I could see Two blackbirds looking at me I wonder what they want, I said Perhaps they’re needing to be fed I gave them cereal and some breadcrumbs They ate all up and filled their tums After that they flew happily away I know they’ll come back another day Marie Neilson

It Takes All Sorts Dear Nico, I feel compelled to write regarding the letter published in your last issue headed “Inconsiderate Dog Owners”. For me, the problem is children……. In the summer, the pavements and often the shops and restaurants of Swanage are teeming with these miniature people, usually allowed to roam out of any kind of control and often making loud screaming noises. I still don’t understand why ‘play’ has to be conducted at full volume. I still don’t understand why it is that today’s parents have lost control over their offspring; my generation were ‘seen and not heard’ and rewarded with a clip round the ear if we misbehaved or – God forbid – interrupted the grown-ups. Our parents spent a year teaching us to walk and talk and then the next sixteen years telling us to sit down and shut up. Parents these days seem incapable of understanding that children don’t need to be ‘entertained’ 24 hours a day, and that children don’t always have to have a choice (what do you want to eat, Justin…) but this misunderstanding has resulted in them being obliged to bow to their little ones’ every whim and becoming 24-hour slaves to their own children. Whilst personally I prefer not to be in the company of loud out-of-control children, I would not be arrogant enough to put myself in the position of dictating to parents how their ‘little angels’ should behave whilst on the street. I hate what they do but I would defend with my life their right to do it. And then of course we have the problem of grown-ups who have grown up a bit too far, and for whom self-restraint or portion control are not in their vocabularies. For whom the best possible holiday is “fully inclusive” and the best possible menu is “all you can eat”. I find myself being elbowed off the pavement time and time again by people whose proportions are not just “generous” but totally astonishing. I cannot imagine that it is particularly easy or comfortable to be size XXXXXXXXXX but console myself in thinking “you did it to

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01929 427296 07971 690817 Happy to help and advise yourself – voluntarily” followed rapidly with “you really shouldn’t wear THAT”. But I would not be arrogant enough to put myself in the position of dictating to people what or how much they should consume or indeed what they should wear. I dislike what they are doing but I would defend with my life their right to do it. So regrettably, J.Penfold (Mrs), I would recommend that you do what I have done with dogs, children, and people whose tastes are different from my own. Learn that it takes all sorts, and above all – get over it. Parker Waterman (Mr), by email

Think Outside The Box! Dear Gazette, So, Swanage seems to be getting itself into a right pickle over energy. The people of the town are slowly waking up and understanding the monster that is drilling, and I am not going to go over the multitude of irreversible threats to health and wealth yet again. Navitus Bay, although I always said it was nothing but a feint by the government to deflect a demand for renewables, has been thrown out and solar, while a start (I happen to have 7.5kva on my roof), is never going to meet all of our needs. God forbid anyone suggesting a nuclear plant around the corner, Winfrith was too close for my liking. They cost telephone numbers to put up, ten times that to take down and you are stuck with the vile toxic Uraniun 235 waste for 700 million years, which I think is too long to guarantee its safe keeping. But we all seem to want to watch telly and have street lights on all night (I don’t, but hey) so what next? Well, twenty years after I first mooted this solution, a deep sea turbine array is being put in in Scotland. The MyGen tidal stream project (Guardian 12th September 2016) will provide 398MW of electricity – enough for 175,000 homes or, if you prefer, every household from Christchurch to Portland. Now if only we had a handy bit of fast flowing water deep enough to accommodate these 15 meter turbines. Well, the sea right off Anvil Point happens to be 20m deep (meaning small craft could still navigate above) and runs at a respectable 3 knots on a spring tide, and there are points all along the south coast that have those kind of parameters, meaning as the tide at one farm peaked the next would be coming up to speed, thereby guaranteeing a constant energy supply. Out of sight and mind, predictable, perpetual, clean, free energy for ever. Sounds like a solution, don’t you think? An encouraging letter from the council would give MyGen motivation to evaluate. I made a plea to Swanage Town Council to set up an alternative energy committee. The response? Nothing. The reason? They will not break away from the stiflingly outdated and odious mantra of ‘We can only look at the applications that are placed in front of us’, meaning that any fresh ‘outside the box’ thinking by councillors is prohibited. This is important, the town, no thanks to any council, has narrowly postponed a ‘death sentence’, and our ‘leaders’ should be doing everything they can to encourage a clean and viably energy filled future for us all. Well, the solution is available, so will you please just get on with it!? Your sincerely, Andy Kirkwood, by email

Lovely, Caring Swanage Dear Editor, I hope you have some room in your letters for a good news story. Despite all our moans, Swanage is still a great place to live with some lovely caring people. This was typified this week by two things. Firstly as treasurer of the Friends of the Hospital, I was given £1216 which was raised by the customers of Costcutter at Herston from the sale of carrier bags.

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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 Although none of us like paying when we forget bags this is proof that the proceeds go to charity not the shop! Secondly, I was bowling up at the indoor bowls centre at Swanage Bay View when one of the visitors collapsed. The staff at Swanage Bay View were excellent. Andy provided immediate first aid and reassurance until the paramedics arrived and the girls at the reception sorted out the 999 call and showed the ambulance staff where to go. They could not have been more caring had it been one of their own family. Things like this reminded me why I wanted to come to Swanage in 1990 and why I still like living here now. Yours sincerely, Terry Buck, by hand

massive "THANK YOU" to all of you! Much love, Alfie xx Donations can still be made online here: https://bravetheshave.org.uk/ shavers/alfie-andrew/ Ed’s note: Well done Alfie!! You certainly deserve our support - what a cheerful, wonderful person you are to have around town, and we know many locals are hugely grateful to you for your dedication, hard work and happy disposition!

Defibrillator Update

Our Alfie Thanks You All!

Dear Readers, Many of you know me through my job with Parcel Force, delivering around the Swanage area. I really enjoy the social aspect of my job - getting to know you all as I deliver parcels on my rounds every day. In August I ‘Braved the Shave’ in aid of Cancer Research. I told a few people what I was planning, and was amazed at how many locals shared my fundraising website page via social media and through word of mouth. I wanted to show my support to everyone I know who has been affected by cancer, whether it be family or friends. You all know how much I loved my hair (lol!) and I was hoping to raise some much needed money for such a worthy cause. The support I actually received from you all has been utterly staggering. Thus far, my fundraising total is a massive £6,262.01, and it continues to rise daily. I cannot believe how many of you supported me so generously, and I was amazed at how many kind comments were left on my fundraising page by those who had donated. My head shave took place on 20th August, and many of you have remarked on my ‘new look’ as I’ve been out delivering! Any further donations will be much appreciated and I would like to say a

Dear Readers, The Swanage Community Defibrillator Partnership continues to go from strength to strength and it is without doubt, thanks to the generous support of those who have donated towards the scheme. At the Swanage Carnival Committee presentation evening we were awarded a cheque for £2000, for which we would like to say a very big thank you. This money, along with two private individuals who have also recently made significant donations, will be used to fund further devices across Swanage. The partnership has to date installed seven devices across the wider Swanage area. Recently a device went live at Studland village hall. Further devices are being planned for outside Swanage Hospital, Durlston Country Park, The Royal British Legion, Beach Gardens, Peveril Point NCI and also at Costcutters (Herston). When all these sites go live, our renewed aim of everyone being within 400m or less of a defibrillator in Swanage would've have been achieved. We are now in talks for fundraising and providing devices in Corfe Castle and also have a device available for event hire for a donation. So far, since the project’s launch, our devices have been taken to six incidents where a defibrillator may have been required. Fortunately (at the time of writing) they have not had to be used. Our project is not all about funding and siting public access defibrillators, but also about familiarisation of their use. Our free awareness events have been very popular and warmly received by those who've attended. More of these events are planned from January 2017. Thank you all for your continued support. We are still fundraising for the further defib locations including Corfe Castle, so if you'd like to make a donation please do get in touch or pop in to Corben's on Station Road. Kind regards, Kyle Hickman (writing from Australia!) and the Defib team. swanagedefibpartnership.blogspot. com

The Purbeck Gazette

A Queer Sort Of Democracy by David Hollister

resolution opposing the plans to tear down the century-old seaside cafe at Studland’s Middle Beach was defeated by 14,457 votes to 11,791 at the Trust’s AGM in Swindon in October. I somehow can’t believe that 26,248 people attended the AGM, so would imagine that most of the votes were postal, made by people who had either never been to Studland or weren’t in full possession of all the facts and local feelings. In other words, a ‘rubber stamp’ job simply conveniently ratifying what the NT had already decided to do. I’m a member and certainly don’t remember being invited to attend or to vote, unless it was in the usual bundle of garbage which accompanies my periodic members’ magazine and would therefore have been thrown away along with the Special Offers of Reclining Armchairs or my last Opportunity to Insure My Life for only £1 per day and get a free pen! More than 3,000 people signed a petition objecting to the plan. Goes to prove my point about the uselessness of petitions. But how sad for Studland. A queer sort of ‘democracy’ has prevailed. The Trust said the cafe is at risk of coastal erosion. Actually, they’re right; as King Canute proved, nothing can turn back the tide. And without the expenditure of squillions of pounds, coastal erosion cannot be stopped. The threat to Swanage and Sandbanks over the next 200 years is probably more important to the residents of those towns than the existence of a pleasant little café. So we have to go along with the Trust’s promise to create a replacement café and toilet block further inland, out of reach of the hungry tides. Might be a good idea for the Trust to fence off the empty building so we can all see how long it is before it disappears into the sea! I was fascinated to see that the decision to extend Heathrow Airport was taken recently by a Government who then said that it would be followed by a year’s consultation period. Cart and Horse? I always thought that Consultations came before Decisions, which would be made with due reference to the results of the Consultation. But clearly, just like the Dorset ‘consultation’ about the ‘re-shaping your councils’, the decision has already been made on financial grounds, which seem to be the only things that matter these days. The fact that only 20,000 postal questionnaires were sent out to over 200,000 households in Dorset, seems to bear out my opinion that it’s no consultation at all but simply a sop to the few of us who actually give a monkeys about ‘democracy’. Indeed, all the paperwork that was available to those of us who were interested enough to look and see what was happening, was totally skewed towards the way that the Council needed us to vote. Apparently a similar scheme was put forward in Devon, defeated by the consultative process, which was then over-ruled by Central Government. A queer sort of democracy seems to have prevailed. As the Sandbanks ferry went off for its annual refit, SGN decided to relay some gas mains in Sandford, and operate 5-way traffic lights, as if the additional traffic generated by the absence of the ferry wasn’t enough. You couldn’t make it up, could you?! Didn’t notice much ‘consultation’ here…… But on the positive side, look at Wareham pedestrian rail crossing! DCC,

when granting permission for the old level crossing to be replaced with the new road bridge omitted to provide for pedestrians (!), and ended up having to spend £120,000 each year to pay someone to operate the pedestrian rail crossing 24/7. It was pointed out to Network Rail – who wanted to close the crossing altogether and whose unelected authority is apparently greater than that of DCC - that what was needed was a proper ramped crossing or automatic gates, to enable disabled people and mums with prams to go from north Wareham into the main town, as the road bridge has no adequate pedestrian facilities. But now, thanks to the sterling efforts of Wareham Town Trust and a number of Wareham residents, the DCC cabinet has now acquiesced and is proposing that the existing footbridge should be augmented by proper ramps, at a cost of £1m, part of which sum they hope to raise from Network Rail. Let’s hope that DCC don’t bottle out if Network Rail refuse to play ball with the finances. Watch this space. The DCC “cabinet” is an executive group of seven people responsible for the overall business of the council, which makes the Council’s decisions for the councillors to rubber-stamp. Just like central government. A queer sort of ‘democracy’ indeed! If you’d like to know more about DCC’s draft proposals for traffic flow in Shore Road and Institute Road, Swanage, there’s a meeting on Wednesday 30th November 2016 at 6pm at the Emmanuel Church, Victoria Avenue. Your chance to view plans, ask questions and raise concerns. Democracy in action? Now there’s a ‘Public Consultation’ on modifications to the Swanage Local Plan. This runs until 9th December; the documents are available at the Town Hall, Swanage Library, the PDC offices in Wareham, or online at www.dorsetforyou.com/swanage-local-plan. Responses will be forwarded to an “Inspector” who will then publish a report on the “soundness” of the Swanage Local Plan which, if approved, will be adopted by the Council and provide policy for the determination of planning applications in Swanage. Sounds a bit ‘pythonesque’ to me. Well we can’t say that documents aren’t available. Other than shoving one through everybody’s letterbox, apparently they’re doing the best they can. I’d bet that they only receive less than a 10% response from the 5759 households in Swanage, and then interpret this as ‘everyone’s happy with the Local Plan as it was’ (have you read it cover to cover ? I haven’t). And that actually, when it comes to planning, all local considerations are over-ruled by National Government Housing Policy anyway; indeed, a couple of months ago I highlighted Gary Suttle’s statement that “They don’t care about our community, our land, our infrastructure problem, government just want us to build. I don’t care what government says, I don’t care what the housing minister says in the letters that he has written….. which basically say follow the process and do as you are told.” And that once again, we perceive that we’ve ‘had our say’ but actually we have been steamrollered again and the ‘queer sort of democracy’ has prevailed…….

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PURBECK GAZETTE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE!

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES PAGES 28 - 53

Another Dream Becomes Reality In Wareham

ince 2002, the Wareham & District Development Trust has been turning the dreams and aspirations of our community into reality, and this year will be no exception. Thanks to a fund-raising concert featuring local A’Capella Quartet No Direction, which raised £278 after costs, work on the Tree of Life & Laughter Community Garden will soon begin. Although £278 does not sound a lot, when added to all the other kind donations from the community of Purbeck, and other funders, it now means that there is enough in the ‘plant pot’ for work to begin towards the end of this year, and be completed by next Easter. Having said that a further £5,000 is still needed for garden furniture, pots and planters! “Our latest fund-raising effort, one of many, highlights the support shown for the project by the community to create their own town centre garden”, says John Scott, Development Manager, and leader of the project. John continued: “In the case of the No Direction Concert, we would like to thank our sponsors, Cumulus Outdoors and Albert Marsh Funeral Directors, Horsey’s for selling the tickets, Sainsbury’s for supplying the tea and coffee, and the ladies of Stoborough WI for their delicious cakes, but most of all the audience, who made the evening the success that it was.” For an update on the progress of the garden please go to www.wddt.org.uk John Scott, Development Manager, Wareham & District Development Trust, Rempstone Estate Office, Cow Lane, Wareham BH20 4RD Tel: 01929 554236 john@wddt.org.uk www.wddt.org.uk www. thewarehabears.co.uk

Alison Neil Presents:

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The Fossil Lady of Lyme at The Etches Collection

magine the world is only 6000 years old and everything was created in six days… This was the England into which Mary Anning was born just two hundred years ago. Then came the pioneering work of geologists, studying rocks and fossils. The accepted truths about the world were blown apart. Within a generation, it was proved that there had been a vast prehistoric age, when unimaginable monsters roamed the earth and swam in the seas. Mary Anning played a key part in this extraordinary time when, at the age of twelve, she discovered the first complete fossil of a prehistoric reptile in Great Britain right here in Dorset, at Lyme Regis. Throughout her life, she continued to make groundbreaking and spectacular discoveries. In Alison Neil’s stunning one-woman play ‘The Fossil Lady of Lyme’, Mary Anning tells her fascinating story and that of “the fine clever men of science” who took most of the credit for her work. The show will appear just once in Dorset, in the new community space at The Etches Collection in Kimmeridge, as part of the Artsreach touring programme. Kerry Bartlett, Artsreach Co-Director said “The Etches Collection is home to the amazing discoveries of Steve Etches, local to Kimmeridge, fossil collector and expert; Alison Neil’s show follows the story of the Dorset based pioneering fossil collector Mary Anning; we couldn’t think of a more perfect and exciting venue to be touring this show to!” The entertaining tale of Mary Anning, her life, her friendships, her struggle to make her mark, and put food on the table, is as amusing and moving as it is a theatrical treat, and by the end of the show, you will surely know

Freemasons Support Admiral Nurse With £1845 Donation

orshipful Brother Derek Evans presented cheques totalling £1845, raised during his year as Chair, on behalf of the Members of De Moulham Lodge (No 1146) to Jean Gibbs, Chair of Swanage Area Dementia Community. Local Freemasons are pleased to support this very worthwhile charity, which is raising funds for an Admiral Nurse to provide support in the Purbeck community.

the difference between an ichthyosaur and a plesiosaur! Sat 3 Dec, 7:30pm. The Clore Room, The Etches Collection, Kimmeridge Tickets available from: 01929 481323. www.artsreach.co.uk Artsreach have a huge range of performances taking place all year round, supplemented by a summer programme of children’s activities and frequent visual arts projects and exhibitions. For more information, visit www.artsreach.co.uk or contact Kerry Bartlett

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£500 For Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance

he above picture shows Lorraine Ottewill from the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, receiving a cheque for £500 from Catherine Morris, a member of the Committee of Harmans Cross Village Hall. These funds were raised on the Grand Raffle organised by Catherine at the recent Harmans Cross Village Fete. Many thanks to all those who came along and took part - the funds have gone to a fantastic, deserving cause!

The Purbeck Gazette

St Mark’s Galactic Stars Meet Tim Peek!

t the beginning of November, seven pupils from St Mark’s Primary in Swanage had the exciting opportunity to meet British astronaut Tim Peake at The Principia School’s Space Conference, Portsmouth University. The seven children had previously taken part in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Rocket Science Experiment which involved planting and closely monitoring 100 seeds that had spent time on the International Space Station, along with 100 that had stayed on earth. The pupils who are part of St Mark’s Nurture Group were inspired by the project to create their prize winning short animation ‘The Rocket Seed Race’. This film went on to win them their place at the conference. Conference day was packed with activities provided by The UK and European Space Agencies and pupils had the opportunity to

try out Raspberry Pi coding used on the ISS and to ride space exercise bikes. St Mark’s pupils were lucky enough to be able to shake hands with Tim Peake and to personally ask him their questions. These ranged from enquiring about his space walk to asking how his muscles got so big! The pupils confidently presented their work to an audience of over one hundred, describing how they were inspired by Tim Peake’s mission and discussing the technicalities of creating the animation. St Marks will continue to be involved with the exciting Principia Space Education Program and their future research. Apparently there are more scientific experiments coming up. You can view the animation www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKZhyVxTGEc and can even see the children on the BBC website science section as they appeared on the Six o’clock News. Al Stephens, St Marks

Celebrating the 4th year of Purbeck Good Neighbours! Jean, Sue and Mo raise a glass to thank those organisations who have generously supported us and to all the fantastic volunteers, old and new, who have given their time so willingly to help others in our community. Thank you ALL so very much!

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New Lifeboat Tests Out New Slipway!

he new Swanage Lifeboat finally got the opportunity to test out the launch procedure at the new Lifeboat Station in mid-November. The new Lifeboat Station is now approaching the end of the build, and the crew will soon be able to enjoy far warmer and more up-to-date facilities when responding to shouts - sure to be particularly welcome when returning back from a call-out during dark, cold conditions! The test-launch went smoothly, with some welcome assistance from the contractors working on-site, and the Lifeboat launched successfully. As soon as the build is fully completed, the boat and crew will start making the new station ‘home’, and will be able to continue to protect us from the dangers we face at sea long into the future. Pics by Tim Crabb

Purbeck Remembers

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Pics by Tim Crabb

urbeckians, young and old, gathered together during November to remember why we live freely - and to remember and pay their sincere respects to those who fought so hard, enduring a terrible price to ensure we retained that freedom. Townsfolk, councillors, Swanage’s Mayor, Steve Poultney, members of the Armed Forces, children from our first schools and veterans joined together at the Swanage War Memorial at 11am on November 11th - Armistice Day. Rev’d Tony Higgins led the short, well-attended service, assisted by members of the Royal British Legion, including the Standard Bearers. Children representing our first schools planted remembrance crosses bearing the names of all the local fallen in two purpose-made cross-gardens, next to the memorial itself. Swanage First School’s Dexter Davids (pictured, below right) gave a reading, and Eddie Chinchin played the Last Post. The service was extremely well attended this year, the sun shone and the newly-completed memorial area allowed everyone unfettered access to the memorial. Standing in front of the memorial bearing so many names of lost locals - brothers, uncles, fathers, sons and husbands, emotion choked the voices of those speaking as the enormity of the sacrifices made on our behalf once again became a stark reality. We shall not forget.

Pictured: Top and immediately beneath: The Armistice Day service at 11am on 11th November 2016, Swanage Memorial. Far left: Swanage First School’s Iris D’Ercole lays a cross in memory of a local solider lost in the war. Above: Swanage First School’s Dexter Davids, who read a poem during the service.

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This page: All images by Tim Crabb. Top of page: The dedication of the new Studland Memorial at 11.30am on Remembrance Sunday, 13th November 2016, where children from St Paul’s Way Trust School in Tower Hamlets, London, travelled down to attend the dedication. Other images from this page all from Swanage on Remembrance Sunday, November 13th, featuring soldiers from 3 Harrogate Squadron, Frank Roberts (Swanage Army Link, above) the pipers on parade and some of the numerous attendees of the service at the Swanage War Memorial.

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The Numbers Are Getting Bigger ust an update for you on where your money is being spent and what we, nationally, have been up to in the first ten months of the year. At present, we have fifty stations around the coast stretching from Fleetwood in Lancashire, anti-clockwise as far as Mablethorpe in Lincolnshire on the east coast. We also now utilise portable stations to further risk assess the status at any one point and provide cover at peak times if needed. These may or may not be manned seven days a week, some are only manned at weekends (e.g Charmouth). As each station has utility costs as well as maintenance costs, a significant slice is earmarked before we do anything. Having performed more than a quarter of a million hours of watch keeping last year by more than 2000 watchkeepers, of which 17% were women, more than 400,000 craft were identified and logged – everything from paddle boarders to patrol boats, kayaks to ketches and aircraft carriers to zodiacs. At the time of writing, the NCI have been involved in four hundred and

sixteen incidents around the coast this year, compared to three hundred and seventy three for the whole year in 2015, so unfortunately there is still a small percentage of the British public who have not fully come to terms with the dangers and power of salty water when encountered in bulk and moving, rather than in a glass as a gargle. Unfortunately, the one number that we would be happy to see decreasing has joined the rest of the numbers and got bigger. With the kind donations received, we are looking at more than twenty sites around the coast for new stations. Some are much more suitable than others and will be prioritised. Because we are very appreciative of your donations, we are doing feasibility studies on all proposed sites in order that all funds are effectively, economically and wisely distributed. We work with the Coastguard and other partner services to identify a need for siting a station at any identified point. We don’t want to build a lookout if there is no need for one! Of course, with the general shrinkage of the Coastguard network, the need for the NCI is greater today than ever and increasing annually as more people take to the water for leisure. Yet another case of using charities to fill the gaps left by government shortfall. Please stay safe on whichever side of the tide line your life or leisure takes you. You are always welcome to visit us when you are passing. The Swanage NCI can be contacted at the Lookout on 01929 422596, at nci. org.uk or on VHF 65 or the email address below. We look forward to hearing your comments and questions. Bob Clark, Email: swanagenci@btinternet.com NCI Swanage.

Coastguard Update

t’s 00.40 and twelve local households suddenly come to life - fire alarm? No, it’s the pager. Lights turned on, shouts of ‘be quiet!’ as the twelve volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers try and get dressed whilst calling into the National Maritime Operations Centre. “Full team call out for a search at Rockley Park Poole.” we are told. Overalls and boots on and I run out the house, trying to keep quiet. I drive to the station to get further details and start the drive to meet the Police. Thankfully on arrival at the station, the team is stood down as the Police have located the female safe and well. That is a daily occurrence for the 3000 plus volunteers in the 340 teams around the UK. All the team members have their full time careers but when paged and available, will respond to Coastguard incidents. Callouts in October continued to come, probably due to the good dry weather. On 1st October, the team were tasked to Anvil Point to a report of a sailing dinghy in distress. The dinghy was found safe in Swanage Bay. The team were then tasked to search for a missing male in the town, the town centre was searched but nothing was found. The male was later found safe and well over in Poole. On 2nd October, the full team were paged this afternoon for a search at Branksome Chine in Poole. As the team assembled at the station, the missing person was located and the team stood down. On 8th October, the team were tasked to Anvil Point after a silent 999 call was received from the emergency phone at the lighthouse. The team checked the area and confirmed the line had a fault on it. On 9th October, the team were tasked to Studland to a report of a boat drifting on to rocks. The team monitored the vessel whilst the lifeboat took the boat under tow to a place of safety. Having dealt with the boat,

the team were approached by a member of the public who had found a lost child. The team made some enquires and located the parents and reunited everyone. On 16th October, the team were paged to a report of two kayakers in the water off Durlston Head. Both Swanage RNLI lifeboats made best speed to find a group off Anvil Point. All were located and brought back to Swanage and the waiting team to be checked and offered some safety advice. On 19th October, the team were paged at 00.40 to assist Dorset Police with a search at Rockley Park in Poole. As the team arrived on station, the Police confirmed they had located the female safe and well. On 21st October, there was concern for a person cut off by the tide under Ballard, which saw the team respond. A white light could be seen on the shore line at the end of Ballard. It was quickly confirmed this was a small boat moored close inshore. On 25th October, the team were tasked to the Anvil Point lighthouse to a female fallen on the coastal path. With a possible broken collar bone, Rescue Helicopter 106 arrived from Portland and along with the team, extracted the lady from under the lighthouse to hospital. On 26th October, the team were tasked to assist Police and Ambulance with a lady fallen in the town. Rescue Helicopter 106 was tasked to airlift the lady, who had suffered a nasty head injury. The team set up a landing site at King Georges Field and assisted with the transfer of the lady from the ambulance to the aircraft. On 28th October, the team were paged to a report of a jet ski towing an inflatable in distress on the Peveril Tide race. Swanage RNLI inshore lifeboat was soon launched and alongside the jet ski, which had managed to sort their problem out. They were escorted ashore to the waiting Coastguard team who had monitored the situation and gave safety advice. Ian Brown

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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!

Rainbow on Moonfleet in Swanage Bay, by Gareth James

Moonfleet in the sunrise, Swanage Bay, by Gareth James

Kimmeridge, by Dave Hill

Young Sparrowhawk in my garden, by Anne Elford

Mushroom, by Denise Exon

Sunset at Hartland Moor, by Hattie Taylor

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Swanage Carnival Raises £23,000

t the end of October, the Swanage Regatta and Carnival held their annual presentation night and donated over £23,000 to their chosen causes. The evening was a fantastic night for the carnival committee, friends of carnival and the chosen organisations benefiting from the funds raised. Carnival Chairperson Becky Mack said: “The presentation night is at the heart of what carnival is all about, raising money for worthy causes. Many of the organisations were shocked by the amount they received and were proud and excited to be able to tell us how the money received will help them.” “The evening also gives us the opportunity to thank the individuals, organisations, businesses, emergency services and our town council who make the week possible. Thank you!” “Having raised over a quarter of a million pounds since 2005, it is important we remember how important Swanage Carnival is to our local community and to keep working hard to ensure this amazing tradition continues for years to come.” “Preparations for 2017 are already underway. One of our first fundraising efforts for next year is raise money to replace the bunting so that we can deck the streets in 2017.”

If you would like to get involved in Carnival 2017 please get in touch – chairman@swanagecarnival.com . Becky Mack, Swanage Carnival Chairman Pictures: Top: recipients this year, with Swanage Town Mayor. Below: The Carnival Committee! Both pictures by Claire Richards on behalf of Swanage Carnvial.

Join us on Thursday 8th December on a Christmas Shopping Trip to Haskins Garden Centre & Hobbycraft Tickets £5 each Book your place with Mel Norris: 01929 426127 Pick-up tickets: 22 streche Road, Swanage. BH19 1NF. Email: melvyn.norris@talktalkbusiness.net

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Out Of The Blue New Purbeck Neighbourhood Police Sergeant am Sgt Barry Gosling and I am very pleased to be able to introduce myself as the new neighbourhood police Sergeant for Purbeck (pictured, left). I previously worked as a neighbourhood policing officer in Poole and also as a patrol Sergeant in Purbeck. I am delighted to be working back within the neighbourhood policing team and I am really looking forward to getting out and about to meet local people and members of our business community over the coming weeks to listen to their needs and concerns. I am also proud to have the opportunity to work with partner agencies in the area to tackle community issues and help keep people safe from crime. It’s essential we protect those in need and target the individuals who cause harm, that’s what the job’s all about! Dorset Alert Service I would also like to remind you about our Dorset Alert Service which is a very useful tool in keeping you informed of the important things going

on in your local area such as: • Local crime and incidents where we believe that sharing information with you will help to prevent further offences occurring • Crimes and incidents where you may be able to help by providing vital information • Current crime trends • Crime prevention advice • Safer Neighbourhood activity and opportunities to meet the team Please sign up to Dorset Alert via the Dorset police website or speak to us when you see the team out and about. If anyone has any concerns about crime or disorder where they live or would like to speak to a member of their local neighbourhood policing team please call us on 101, or contact us via the Dorset Police website. If your enquiry is urgent then please call 999.

Swanage Fire & Rescue Station Update

i and welcome to this month’s look at what’s been happening at Swanage Fire station. Operationally it’s been quiet and we have only responded to eighteen calls this month, they were: One flooding in a domestic • property. Three vehicle fires, one of which • was a tractor completely destroyed by fire on top of Whiteways hill between Church Knowle and Steeple. Three fires in the open, these were at Trigon Hill Wareham, Bindon • Lane, West Lulworth, and one at New Swanage. • One road traffic collision, where crews used hydraulic cutting equipment to remove the roof and doors from the cars to allow for the safe extrication of the passengers who were then taken to hospital by ambulance. One property fire in a block of flats at the lower end of the High • Street. Due to the heat and smoke, crews, with the help of Dorset Police, evacuated sixteen flats whilst crews wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire and ventilated the property. • Whilst on stand-by at Wareham, crews were alerted to attend a light aircraft that had damaged its undercarriage and was going to make an emergency landing in a field near Bovington. The crews stood-by as a precaution, but thankfully the aircraft landed safely with no injuries to the persons on-board. Three false alarms. • • Five stand-by moves to cover other stations whilst they were dealing with incidents in their area. • We have also responded to six medical calls in and around the town backed up by our South West Ambulance colleagues in a paramedic car or an ambulance. Crew managers Keith Bragg and Nick Corben have requalified as incident managers and fire fighter Matt Hillan has requalified as a Casualty/Trauma carer.

By the time you are reading this, our thoughts will be of the upcoming Christmas period, so I would just like to remind you all that in this time of celebration, there are many things that we need to safeguard against. Here are twelve top tips to keep your ho-ho-home safe! • Check your Christmas lights are in good working order and conform to the British Safety Standard. Never overload electrical sockets. • Always switch off Christmas lights before going to bed or leaving the property. Never place candles near your Christmas tree, decorations or • furnishings – and never leave a burning candle unattended. • Decorations can burn easily – so don’t hang them near lights or heaters. • Keep matches, lighters and candles out of the reach of children. • If you’re having a few festive drinks, take extra care in the kitchen. Never leave your Christmas dinner cooking unattended and make • sure you switch off the oven and hob when the meal is done. Make sure any guests know what to do in the event of an emergency • – do they know where door/window keys are kept and have you shown them the escape route? Many fires start when people fall asleep while smoking, so make sure • you extinguish cigarettes properly – and never smoke in bed. • If you’re planning on celebrating with fireworks, make sure you follow the instructions. Never remove the batteries from your smoke alarm to power a • new Christmas toy. • Make sure you test your smoke alarm every week – and why not spread a little festive goodwill by checking on any elderly relatives, friends or neighbours as well? All the crew at Swanage Fire station would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very safe New Year. And don’t forget to test your smoke alarms. Phil Burridge, Station Commander

in England (a 2% increase on last year’s survey which was conducted Smoking Legislation Popular adults before the law was introduced) and is also supported by three quarters (76%) of smokers (up 2% on the 2015 survey). There is also growing Legislation preventing smoking in cars with children popular and effective ne year after the ban on smoking in cars when children are present came into effect, the legislation is working well. The ASH Smokefree GB survey shows that 86% of children report no exposure to smoking in cars compared to 83% last year. Support for the law, including among smokers, has also increased since the legislation was implemented. In addition, a clear majority of the public support a total ban on smoking in all cars. The ASH Smokefree GB survey found that the law prohibiting smoking in cars with children younger than 18 years of age is supported by 87% of

support for legislation to cover smoking in all cars: 62% of adults in England reported supporting this measure in 2016 compared to 59% last year. ASH believes that it is now time to extend the law to protect the health of adults as well as children. Prohibition of smoking in all cars would also be easier to enforce and reduce the risk of accidents and fires. Deborah Arnott, Chief Executive of health charity ASH said: “The evidence is clear that people are complying with this popular law which protects children from the harm caused by secondhand smoke. But adults are also at risk. Prohibiting smoking completely would make the law simpler to enforce as well as protecting all car occupants from the serious harm caused by tobacco smoke.”

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BT Phone Box Removals

T is proposing to remove forty two public phone boxes from across Purbeck. The forty two phone boxes are detailed on the council’s website at www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/phoneboxes/purbeck along with the number of calls made from each phone box in the last twelve months. BT proposes to remove these phone boxes on the basis of low usage and the extent of mobile network coverage. BT has placed notices in all the relevant phone boxes. Purbeck District Council is required to find out what local people think about BT’s plans to remove the phone boxes. The District Council has advised all the parishes across the district which are affected and most will be considering the issue in upcoming parish and town council meetings. Anyone interested can attend these meetings, details of which can be found on town and parish council websites and notice boards. Communities can object or agree to the loss of service and phone box. Alternatively, phone boxes can be ‘adopted’ minus equipment for £1. Many phone boxes around the country have already been adopted and put to new community uses. Councillor Gary Suttle, Leader of Purbeck District Council, said: “The council has been made responsible for co-ordinating consultation responses to these proposals and we will be responding to BT on a caseby-case basis. The council is not in any way responsible for the proposals put forward by BT “We have already contacted parish councils for their views, but I also urge local residents to take a look at our website to find out which phone boxes are in question and whether they agree or disagree to them being removed.” Comments must be with the District Council by 2 January 2017. People can either complete the online survey at www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/ phoneboxes/purbeck send an email to benjaminwebb@purbeck-dc.gov.uk (marked ‘Phone box removal’ and identifying the phone box in question); or write to Benjamin Webb, Design and Conservation Officer, Purbeck District Council, Westport House, Worgret Road, Wareham BH20 4PP.

Blast From The Past! This month, A Decade Ago...

The Purbeck Gazette

he December 2006 edition featured a front page article on the benefits of shopping locally, focusing on the historic market town of Wareham and all it has to offer to both shoppers and visitors alike. Along with the front page, we dedicated a double-page spread inside the magazine to Wareham, and provided readers with information on the town, surroundings, history and what modern-day Wareham offers. An ancient settlement, Wareham was first settled around 2000 years ago, occupying a fantastic river-side location with good farmland and natural resources of chalk, clay, stone and shale readily available in the local area. The Bestwall archaeological site in Wareham was one of the largest digs of its kind in the UK and unearthed a substantial settlement. Local legend tells of St Aldhelm founding a nunnery and stone church on the banks of the Frome in around 700AD, and in 802AD, Brictric, the last king of the West Saxons and husband to Eadburh, the daughter of the legendary Offa of Mercia, died and was buried at this ancient seat of power (although his body was later moved to Tewkesbury Abbey).

We followed the changes and history of Wareham right through to the modern day, finishing off by encouraging locals to stop off in Wareham rather than driving through on their way to Poole, Bournemouth or Dorchester and give it a try for their Christmas shopping. Good independent shops, cheap town centre parking, friendly service, good eateries for a bite to eat whilst out and about, and the famous goldenbooted Father Christmas visit each year - always a magical experience for the whole family (pictured above and below). This article triggered the start of our hugely popular ‘Purbeck Christmas Challenge’ features, where in November and December each year we work with our advertisers to encourage you to try and keep it as local as possible over the Christmas period.

Ten years later, we’re still here, banging away at you to shop local - and we still mean it! Purbeck has a great history of self-support, and our lack of boarded-up shops tell a success story of sorts. Keep the money in the local economy and the local economy stays strong - spend your cash with local businesses, and they in turn are likely to spend their money locally too, and thus is goes round......

In December 2006 thirteen rural libraries were given two years to balance their books or face closure by Dorset County Council - the library service needed to find savings of almost £850,000. David Hollister wrote on the subject of global warming in his ‘Steering Column’, questioning John Prescott’s requirement for three Jags whilst living and working in a city adequately provided for with public transport. He bemoaned the state of Dorset’s roads, and pointed out that with badly designed road networks, often clogged with traffic, whilst drivers don’t want to sit there pouring carbon into the air, they have no choice. Ex-columnist (Diary of an Incomer), John Barclay, wrote a piece regarding the cut backs to local lip reading classes, which had been available for a mere £10 per year for those losing their hearing, like John. The Adult Education Department of Dorset County Council were blamed by John for not viewing the classes as vital to those who attended, for cutting and amalgamating classes and increasing travel for attendees, and for closing classes down altogether. John urged other readers suffering with hearing loss to find, and sign-up to, a lip reading class immediately in an attempt to keep this service available in Dorset for those who still wish to understand their fellow man, even in the case of complete hearing loss. Durlston Country Park updated readers on recent sightings at the Park during November 2006, including three Bearded Tits, a Red-Backed Shrike (or Butcher Bird) which stayed for a week, and an array of butterflies, including Clouded Yellows, Painted Ladies and Red Admirals. The Oak Rustic moth was confirmed as a resident, after only arriving at Durlston the previous year. Rempstone farmer, Adrian Hall, flung open the farm gates and invited locals in for a look during Dorset Food Week. Andrew Fry (then aged 12), enjoyed having a go at butter making, and Arben Fielding (then aged 3), watched a newborn lamb taking its first wobbly steps. Around three hundred people popped in to visit Adrain at the farm, enjoying tractor rides, sheep shearing, fungal forays, interactive demonstrations of hedgelaying and dry stone walling.

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Wareham Senior Forum

he Wareham Senior Forum is due to celebrate its 9th birthday and over that time with the support of over 200 members and various dedicated Committee Members, we have held over 50 events. The events have had speakers from the NHS, Dorset County Council and Purbeck District Council, to name just a few and there have been many fun events as well. The Wareham Senior Forum has provided evidence for initial funding and supported the start up of: The Memory Cafe, Luncheon Clubs, The Tree of Life, Beginners Cycling, The Croquet Club and has participated in intergenerational events throughout the nine years working with the Youth Club, Purbeck School, Stoborough School and The Purbeck Centre. The AGM is to take place on 12th December along with our Christmas social and we need to replace two of our committee members who have to resign due to family commitments. We meet approximately every other month mainly during the autumn and winter months and none of the tasks are onerous. If you have a passion for the welfare of the elderly and would like to join

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Wareham Area Seniors’ Forum

Wareham Parish Hall (on Wareham Quay) 10am to 12 noon, Monday 12th December

CHRISTMAS SOCIAL, NIBBLES, RAFFLE Entertainment by: The Monday Nightingales singing festive songs for our enjoyment and participation, followed by our AGM For information, or for transport to attend, call Sue on 07825 264353. Age 50+ All welcome. £2 donation required.

a friendly, fun group – please contact our Chair – Anne Laugharne - for further details at: annelaugharne@btinternet.com or attend our next event on 12th December at the Parish Hall 10am to 12noon. We look forward to seeing you!

Wareham Town Council Updates Julie, our Gazette correspondent, details the goings on in recent council meetings..... News from Wareham Town Council November 2016 presentation was made to Rod Curtis on his retirement after eleven years as Wareham’s Town Clerk. Angela Reed, Finance Administrator, was thanked for holding the fort in the absence of other officers. Police Community Support Officer, Dave Brown, reported on a quiet month apart from a safe stolen from St Martin’s Church and an increase in shoplifting mainly from Sainsbury’s. He encouraged people to send an email if they could not get through on 101 to report a crime. Dorset County Council (DCC) has proposed installing ramps to the bridge at the railway station with a gradient of 1 in 12 rather than less than 1 in 20 as stated in the 2010 Building Regulations. The 3,000 people who signed a petition including County Councillor Ezzard believe that the technology exists to have a safe, automatic level crossing. Whichever solution is decided on, it seems taxpayers will bear the brunt of the cost. Purbeck District Council will make efficiency savings of £470,000 over the next two years and will withdraw grants to local neighbourhood planning

groups because the apposite central government funding has been reduced. Councillor Budd also reported that the Dorset Waste Partnership had not made all the expected savings and that the price of parking permits will increase by 5% next year. The consultation on a residents’ parking scheme received a 30% response of which 32% were in favour and 68% against. In consequence, the Working Group recommended that the scheme was not pursued but that the Council considers permits for using Howards Lane car park between five and seven pm to facilitate overnight parking, supports DCC in providing designated parking spaces near the homes of disabled drivers and requests from DCC improved signage for car parks. Unresolved questions about payment to Wareham Youth Club and receipt of payment from Purbeck Citizens Advice were delaying both. The Policy, Resources and Finance Committee agreed on the payment for work on Recreation Ground trees. In considering an application for holiday accommodation in one barn and functions in another at Swineham Farm, the Planning and Transport Committee requested extra parking provision. The Council was informed that BT proposed to remove the phone box opposite Carey shops as it had so little use. The public is invited to the next meetings of the Town Council on Monday 12th December and Tuesday 24th January in the Town Hall at 7pm. Call 01929 553006 for further information or visit the website at www.wareham-tc.gov.uk.

Consultation On Proposed Changes To Swanage Local Plan

ollowing an examination by an independent inspector, a consultation is taking place on some modifications to the draft Swanage Local Plan before it can be approved. Purbeck District Council is working in partnership with Swanage Town Council and the Swanage Town and Community Partnership to produce the plan. Once agreed, the plan will set out a vision for Swanage for the period up to 2027 and provide the strategy for the delivery of development and supporting infrastructure within Swanage. Following previous public consultations, the plan was submitted for an independent examination. As a result, the inspector has suggested a number of proposed changes. One of the main changes is the removal of the policy relating to the provision of affordable housing on the Prospect Allotments site. The consultation is taking place between 27 October and 9 December and the inspector will take account of any comments made when she prepares her final report. Purbeck District Councillor Peter Wharf, Chairman of the Purbeck Local Plan Partial Review Advisory Group, said: “Hundreds of people responded to the previous consultations and we have been able to develop a plan that seeks to address some of the issues facing the town. This consultation gives people the opportunity to have their say on the proposed changes put forward by the planning inspector. We would encourage anyone

wishing to comment on the changes to respond in writing. We would like to thank the Swanage community for their support and contribution throughout this process so far.” You can find all the details and how to respond at www.dorsetforyou.gov. uk/swanage-local-plan Alternatively, contact the Planning Policy Team at Purbeck District Council. Telephone 01929 556561 email: localplan@ purbeck-dc.gov.uk The Swanage Local Plan identifies plans for development, including the provision of two hundred new homes (including fifty two which already have permission) and a town centre redevelopment site to provide new shopping space. It also sets out a vision for the town and includes policies to help guide future development. Public consultation on the Plan took place in 2014 and 2015. The Plan will become the formal guide to development in Swanage under the umbrella of the Purbeck District Local Plan which guides planning applications in the whole district. Statutory notices will be placed in the local press, and emails / letters will be sent to contacts on the planning policy consultation database, to let them know about the consultation. Consultation material will be available online, with hard copies available to view at Purbeck District Council reception, Swanage Town Council reception, and Swanage, Wareham, Corfe Castle, Poole and Dorchester libraries.

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Restriction of tax relief on finance costs for individual landlords

Investment Review

ith the UK base rate now at 0.25% following the 0.25% cut in August, the returns currently offered on cash deposits (including Cash ISAs) tend to be low and are likely to remain relatively low even if interest rates do start to rise. Although a low base rate may be welcomed by those with mortgages linked to the base rate, it will continue to adversely affect savers. I would, therefore, suggest that this is an opportune time to review your savings, investments, income and expenditure to ensure that you are doing the best that you can for your situation. Although cash deposits currently offer very low returns, it is important to ensure that you retain a liquid reserve/contingency fund in cash, which is easy to access if it is needed. It is worth considering paying off or reducing mortgages whilst rates are low (bearing in mind any penalties) and also paying off any other debt. You may also wish to review your mortgage if you are currently on a high fixed rate. Looking at your expenditure is also a worthwhile exercise and just analysing your spending is a good start, as is looking at ongoing costs, such as utility bills and insurance, many of which can potentially be reduced. Traditionally, the income from cash and investments has supplemented earned income and pensions. However, with income from cash on deposit now minimal, many people are struggling to make up the shortfall, which is even more marked by rising inflation which sees the cost of living generally increase. Your circumstances and desired level of risk will affect the type of savings and investments that are best suited to you and I would suggest seeking professional advice to decide what the best options are for you. Options include cash, shares, collective investments, fixed interest bonds, Premium Bonds, property and National Savings. Generally, the higher level of return that you would like to receive, the higher the level of risk that you will need to secure that income. There are likely to be costs where professional advisors are involved and these also need to be taken into account, as does the cost of maintaining assets such as property. My expertise is with stockmarket related investments and collective investments and I would suggest that an income of 3-4% gross is easily obtainable from a globally diversified, medium low to medium high risk portfolio which offers a balance of income and capital growth derived from a mixture of asset classes. A slightly higher return would be expected from a portfolio solely focused on income. However, as mentioned previously, I would strongly suggest seeking professional help to ascertain the best sort of investments for your individual circumstances. Kate Spurling lives in Swanage and is an investment manager with Charles Stanley, Dorchester office – (01305) 217404 – kate.spurling@charlesstanley.co.uk Charles Stanley & Co Limited is authorised and regulated by the FCA and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. FCA register ID 1903304. This information does not constitute advice or a personal recommendation or take into account the particular investment objectives, financial situations or needs of individuals. The value of investments may fall as well as rise and you may not receive back the amount you originally invested.

New provisions will take affect from April 2017, which will see tax relief for finance costs on residential properties being gradually restricted over a period of three years, until, by 2020/21, all financing costs incurred by a landlord will be restricted to the basic rate of income tax. Such finance costs include mortgage interest, interest on loans to buy furnishings and fees incurred when taking out or repaying mortgages or loans. No relief is available for capital repayments of a mortgage or loan. Landlords will no longer be able to deduct all of their finance costs from their property income to arrive at their property profits. They will instead receive a basic rate reduction from their income tax liability for their finance costs. Whilst the restriction is being phased in, relief for each year will be as follows: • for 2017/18: the deduction from property income (as is currently allowed) will be restricted to 75% of finance costs, with the remaining 25% being available as a basic rate tax reduction; • for 2018/19, 50% finance costs deduction and 50% given as a basic rate tax reduction; • for 2019 to 2020, 25% finance costs deduction and 75% given as a basic rate tax reduction; and • from 2020/21 onwards: all financing costs incurred by a landlord will be given as a basic rate tax reduction. The restriction does not apply to companies or furnished holiday lettings.

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Trading Standards Know your consumer rights! A New Year, a new you, with a little help from food labelling ome the 1st January 2017, after the excitement and excesses of Christmas and all of that wonderful food; chocolates, turkey, cakes, Brussel sprouts. Many of you will be making your New Year’s resolutions, one of which may be to ‘go on a diet’ or to ‘eat more healthily’. Changes in the requirements for food labels policed by Dorset Trading Standards Service that come into force this month may help you meet your goals. From 13th December 2016, most packed food you buy in the shops will need to be marked with detailed nutritional information. This information includes the all-important number of calories the food contains, along with the amount of other nutrients such as carbohydrates, sugar, protein, fat and saturated fat. For those of you who are concerned about the amount of salt in your food, that information will now also be given. As long as there is space on the label, the nutritional information will be given in a table, usually on the back or side of the package. The figures quoted will be per 100g/ml to make comparisons between different foods easier and some manufacturers may also give information for ‘servings’ or ‘slices’. So, if you want to make informed choices about the food that you eat or if you are just watching your calories, take a closer look at the labels on your food in the New Year.

JANUARY EDITION DEADLINE: 12 noon on 9th DECEMBER

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Why Making A Will As A Business Owner Needs Additional Planning

Making sure your affairs are in order is obviously an important consideration for anyone, but even more so if you own a business. You should take professional advice on what will happen to your business, or your share in a business, after your death. Ownership of a business can be beneficial for inheritance tax planning purposes. An interest in a business, or assets or property used in a business can qualify for either 50% or 100% relief from inheritance tax. Rather than leave your business interest to a spouse, which would be free of inheritance tax in any event, there may be some tax planning opportunities to pass this to the next generation or into a trust for the benefit of the family. If you are in a partnership you should make sure you take along a copy of any Partnership Agreement to your professional advisor so that this can be considered alongside your Will, to make sure your partnership share passes as you would wish. There may be restrictions in the Partnership Agreement as to who can inherit your share, or whether the partnership continues after your death. All the usual considerations when making a Will apply, ie who will be your Executors, do you wish to leave any legacies, who will inherit the bulk of your estate and in what shares? But particular consideration should be taken of a business interest if you wish to secure its future for your family, or ensure that you are mitigating your inheritance tax liability. For more information on this matter or any other enquiries please contact Natalie Mason on 01305 752365 or email: natalie.mason@battens.co.uk

01305 774666

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THE PURBECK

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE

Can YOU purchase everything you need for Christmas right here in Purbeck? That’s our challenge to you this festive season, we want you to make a real effort to shop locally for everything from food and drink to gifts for loved ones.......

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Arts Choir Concert

his year’s concert in St Mary’s Church on Saturday 10th December at 7.30pm comes to Swanage via two English Cathedral Cities - The Chichester Psalms, written by Leonard Bernstein of West Side Story fame, and the Manchester Carols by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and Sasha Johnson Manning. As well as these two very contrasting works, there will be the first ever public performance of a beautiful new work by Eric Gosney (words) and David Fawcett (music) and a clarinet duet (Stamitz Concerto) by Purbeck’s very own and very talented Lydia and Lola. For more information and advance tickets for only £10, please call Liz Roberts 01929 481419.

Swanage

BOXING DAY SWIM

When? Be at the Blue Shelter (Mowlem end of Shore Road) on Swanage Seafront for 11am on Boxing Day with your towel. Swim takes place around 11.15am. Raise sponsorship yourself (the more the better!) or pay an entry fee on the day. See you there!!

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Christmas Tree Festival Programme

he Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival for 2016 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Victoria Avenue opens to the public at 10am on 8th December. Bring your toddler along to sing and dance to Christmas music at ‘Toddler Time’ at 10.30am, then the programme is roughly as follows: Thursday 8th December 2.00pm Corfe Castle School Choir 3.00pm Swanage Singing for pleasure group 4-6pm Get in the picture – a chance to dress up – be a shepherd, a king or an angel and have your photo taken! Friday 9th December Midday The Wareham Bell Ringers perform with handbells 2.30pm Local Vocals choir 4-6pm Get in the Picture Saturday 10th December All day - Get in the Picture 10.30am Zephyrae – local wind quartet 12.00 noon Ukelele Band 2.00pm Rosemary Horn sings

3.30pm Annie and Sarah, guitar duo from Wareham Other acts and performers may be appearing – check times with the church on 427706 or check the church website: www.emmanuelbc.org.uk A Christmas Service to Remember For Your Loved Ones. A poignant remembrance service called ‘Lights of Love’ will mark the end of the Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival on Sunday December 11 at 4pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Following the excitement, the singing and magical atmosphere of the lighted Christmas trees at the Festival, the remembrance service will be quiet with soft music and a chance to remember a loved one who has gone. In the run up to Christmas with shopping, present wrapping, visiting and partying, there are some people for whom the happiness will not be so evident. Instead, there will be thoughts of an empty chair, heartache and poignant memories. So as dusk descends over the festival, and the candles are lit, come and sit awhile among the Christmas trees with your own special thoughts and light a candle for someone you loved. There will be a carol or two and some appropriate words to help you through the Christmas season. When you are ready, you can move into the church’s café for tea and mince pies – a festive ending to a lovely occasion.

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CHRISTMAS CHARITY MAIL 3rd - 15th December COLLECTIONS FROM: Main office: The Last Resort, Commercial Road, Swanage Open from 10am - 4pm from 3rd December Langton Matravers - Poppy’s Café at Putlake (5th - 16th) Square & Compass, Worth Matravers Harmans Cross - Moonfleet Garage Corfe Castle - Dragon’s Bakery Church Knowle - The Reading Room (Mondays) Ballard Stores, Ulwell, Swanage Studland - Village Hall (Thursdays) DELIVERY TO: Swanage, Langton & Worth Matravers, Kingston, Harmans Cross, Corfe Castle, Church Knowle & Studland

ALL CARDS 25P EACH THIS YEAR’S PROFITS TO BE SHARED BY ROTARY SUPPORTED LOCAL CHARITIES

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Father Christmas’s Purbeck Schedule

very year, despite his hectic schedule, Father Christmas makes a point of visiting the children of Purbeck (well, those who have behaved this year, anyway!). Somehow, he manages to pop in to most of our towns and villages, as well as attending several of our Christmas Markets. Those lucky enough to be able to spend a few minutes with him will undoubtably remember the occasion forever. We managed to snap this rare image of Father Christmas last year at one of his local grottos, in First Service Tech Shop, situated in Daisy May’s Arcade, Swanage. Usually he’s pretty camera-shy, but finally agreed to allow us to take one picture to share with all the local children. The GREAT news is that Father Christmas has already confirmed several of his annual visits to Purbeck. He will be making time to personally meet some lucky local children, so do try and catch him whilst he’s out and about! Details of how to book a personal appointment to see him at the amazing grotto in Daisy May’s arcade in Swanage are shown on the advert (opposite page, top), and Swanage Rotary Club have detailed Father Christmas’s annual sleigh ride around Swanage - also on the opposite page. Having been nagged by Mrs Claus this year, Father Christmas is finally getting to grips with modern technology, and for the first time, locals will be able to follow his progress around Swanage via Facebook! Of course, he will also be arriving in Wareham in spectacular style, complete with stylish golden boots, for the fabulous annual Christmas Parade on Sunday 11th December at 4pm, before settling in his grotto in the Red Lion. Refreshments will be available in the Town Hall. He will undoubtedly also attend the Swanage Christmas Market on 3rd December,

and rumour has it that he will also be setting-up a new grotto at Durlston Country Park during their Christmas Market from 15th - 23rd December. Just how does he do it?! Magical workings on the space time continuum, apparently! We’re pretty sure that Father Christmas will also be making a few surprise visits to our other towns and villages during the festive period, so keep those eyes peeled and do give him a wave as he passes! We hope you’ve all been good kids - Christmas is nearly here!

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Don’t Miss The Purbeck Mummers This Christmas!

i everyone! Its almost that time of year again!! Purbeck Mummers will be out and about around Purbeck during December. On December 9th we will be touring several Swanage pubs during the evening and our traditional Boxing Day tour will see us performing in Corfe Castle Square at midday, followed by performances in most Corfe Castle pubs. Our final performance for 2016 will be at the Square and Compass at about 2pm on Boxing Day. Again we will be collecting for a local charity, so please do come and cheer us on! All performances will be our traditional seasonal play, which is over 200 years old. See more about us and our long history on our website, below: http://www.wareham-tc.gov.uk/mummers/mummers_pages/links.htm

Santa Specials and Christmas Festivities The Festive Season commences on Saturday 26th November with our first Santa Specials. Santa Specials run Saturday and Sunday 26th and 27th November, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, and then daily 17th to 24th December. Children will receive a wrapped age appropriate present from Father Christmas whilst everyone will receive refreshments from Santa’s helpers. Advance booking is essential. On Friday 9th December, we have a festive evening aboard our steamhauled Victorian-Themed Carol Train. With music and carols by the Swanage Town Band, Harmony Rocks Choir and Swanage School Choir, ably introduced by the Swanage Town Crier. The ever popular Christmas Luncheon Dining Trains have sold out! On Tuesday 27th December make your Great Escape from the television and enjoy a day of steam and diesel locos at our Winter Warm Up. A day of intensive operation with both passenger and demonstration freight trains. Full details of all our Christmas Festivities can be found at www. swanagerailway.co.uk/events Purbeck Railway Circle The Purbeck Railway Circle wishes its members, supporters and friends “A Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year”. The 2017 Programme will commence on the 13th of January 2017 with a presentation entitled “My Twenty Years in Railway Preservation” by Matt Green, General Manager of Swanage Railway. The presentation will be preceded by the Annual General Meeting. The Circle meets in Harmans Cross Village Hall, Haycrafts Lane, Harmans Cross at 7pm for 7.30pm. Tea/coffee/biscuits and railway orientated raffle as usual. EVERYONE IS WELCOME. For other information please contact the PRC General Secretary, e-mail:- gensec@purbeckrailwaycircle.org.uk

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Winter lights Sat 10, Fri 16, Sat 17, Mon 19 - Fri 23 and Tue 27 Fri 30 Dec A festive atmosphere with contemporary lanterns, braziers, beacons and lighting can be discovered this winter at Corfe Castle. Christmas is a magical time at the castle which will be open until 7pm weather permitting. Tudor Christmas storytelling Sat 10 - Fri 23 and Tue 27 - Sat 31 Dec Joining our lord of misrule and walking through the romantic ruins of Corfe Castle, you will find out about the rich history of Tudor traditions and maybe participate in a play or game or two.

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Two Choirs In Harmony This Christmas! dash of Mozart for good measure. The programme also includes some traditional carols, with audience participation, and some haunting melodies performed by the individual choirs. The beneficiaries of the concert will once again be the Friends of Swanage Hospital. Christmas goes Classical at St. Mary’s Church at 7:30p.m on 17th December; tickets from Oliver Miles Estate Agency or at the door: adults - £10; 12- 18 year-olds - £5; under 12 free. More information: 423729.

he Belvedere Singers are joining forces with One Voice choir from Weymouth to present Christmas goes Classical. The joint choirs will be putting Christmas lyrics to familiar classical tunes, from the Hall of the Mountain King to the 1812 Overture, with a

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Margaret Green Animal Rescue Centre At Christmas

Help rescue a pet this Christmas by donating a shoe box filled with goodies!

t this time of year we see an increase in animals coming into our care and fewer people looking to give a rescued pet a forever home. Margaret Green Animal Rescue are asking for kind members of the public to help a rescue pet this year by filling a shoe box or small container with treat, toys and other goodies for the pets that are with us over the festive period. Each pet that is with us on Christmas Day will receive their own present and have fun opening them. Please drop off your shoe boxes at our Church Knowle Centre (BH20 5NQ) or check our website for more drop off points. If you own or run a local business and would be prepared to take in shoeboxes for our animals, please let us know by emailing jazmin. house@mgar.org.uk www.margaretgreenanimalrescue. org.uk / 01929 480474

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Wareham Choral Society Christmas Concert

areham Choral Society, under the direction of Nigel Groome, will be giving a concert of Advent and Christmas music in Lady St Mary Church in Wareham at 7pm on the evening of Saturday the 3rd of December. Tickets will be available from choir members, Joy’s Outfitters in Wareham, on the door or by application to 01929 459319. Tickets are £10 each and there will be interval refreshments. As our concert is early in December, the first half will be concerned with the Annunciation and Advent. The second half will welcome Christmas with Mendlesohnn’s Christus and the Vaughan-Williams Fantasia on Christmas Carols. There will be Carols for the congregation and some solo items. We will have the benefit of the newly refurbished organ in Lady St Mary’s. After a series of successful concerts and singing events recently, we are still eager to welcome new members. We rehearse at 7.15pm on Monday evenings at the United Reformed Church in Wareham. We are a non-auditioning choir and welcome singers with all levels of experience.

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THE BOY DOWN THE LANE by HUBERT E BEAVIS Dorset man recalls a life spent serving his king, queen, country and community. What a life! Bert’s book starts with his childhood at Kingston, and ends with recent happy family memories with his wife, Gillian. What a man! What an impressive career and what fascinating memories jumping out at you from each and every page. A life documented just as he saw it, with no frills and no embroidery, remembered too clearly and described in such detail. Childhood in the village of Kingston; a glorious picture of village life before TV, when teachers, policemen, and parents were feared and respected. Each vignette is a joy to read, and makes one long for the ‘good old days’ gone by. Bert left school at 14 and after a brief apprenticeship in the motor industry, was ‘called up’ to do his National Service in the Navy, where he saw active service in Motor Torpedo Boats; a career during which he saw and participated in significant action, culminating with him witnessing the devastation of Hiroshima. After demob, Bert joined the Dorset Police Force where his wartime discipline stood him in good stead. He was a ‘proper copper’ – with a bike - and enjoyed his Police service immensely. Many of his anecdotes brought a smile to my face; something different seemed to happen on each page! In 1977, after 29 years Police service, Bert joined the RNLI, in which he served for four years. After his retirement on medical grounds in 1981, Bert became an usher at Wareham Magistrates court where he stayed until final retirement in 1991 aged 66. But not the ‘easy life’ of the armchair for Bert! After a short period of feeling somewhat in limbo, he says “what really saved me was my great love of the sea and anything maritime”. The next twenty years was spent around Chapmans Pool, helping with maintenance and providing assistance to the coastguard on many occasions. He also developed as a very talented artist – his theme invariably the stormy seas, the shipwrecks and rescues. So many things accomplished and so many lives touched by this ‘country boy’ who at no time forgot his humble beginnings, and never outgrew his boots. The cover simply says “a busy life, well worth reading” but this book is so much more than that. It’s a delight to read, is a valuable part of my collection, and has become so popular that it has just been reprinted; you’ll find it for a mere £9.99 in the Swanage Bookshop. Thank you, Bert, for giving me a taste of nostalgic pleasure. A few copies still available at the Swanage Bookshop, Station Road. David Hollister SWANAGE GOLD, A Jake Barton Adventure, by ADRIAN KEITCH. This is a great children’s adventure, set in Swanage and Purbeck. 12-year-old Jake comes to Swanage to stay with friends of the family, Bill and Winn, whilst his mum is busy working over the school holidays. Jake teams up with Becky, Bill and Winn’s granddaughter, after discovering clues to a long-forgotten mystery on an old watch of Bill’s. This delightful adventure story trundles along with an Enid Blytonesque-feel, keeping the reader’s attention whilst taking in the landmarks of Purbeck and weaving the area’s rich history into the gripping tale. Any child who reads ‘Swanage Gold’ (and a fair few adults!) will certainly want to head up to the Great Globe, to Tilly Whim Caves and to various other local landmarks mentioned in the story. Adrian captures the feel of the local community well in the book, and the story is an enjoyable read, with a good plot and a variety of complications for Jake and Becky along the way! Our only complaint is a long-held one in the corridors of book reviewers - if you’re going to become a published author (selling your wares), then spend the money required on employing a qualified editor prior to publishing, or don’t publish. As this is a children’s book, I was more than disappointed to see ‘they’re and their’ mixed up in the text on a few occasions - pretty unforgivable, and a let-down for what is in fact a great story, with well developed characters, set in a stunning place - Purbeck. Available from Swanage Bookshop, Station Road. Nico Johnson GRANDMA’S POETRY BOOK, BY DI CASTLE (left) Described as ‘charting the journey from birth to teens as seen through the eyes of a grandmother’, this collection of poems penned by local lady, Di Castle, covers a wide variety of subjects, and is sure to have something to delight each family member. Poems on family life fill the pages, offering the reader many chances to connect personally with a particular poem or subject. Poems are illustrated with line drawings by Denise Horn, bringing a significant addition to the book. Simply written, this is an easy-to-read selection of poems. Ideal coffee table edition for Christmas! Available from the Swanage Bookshop in Station Road. Nico Johnson POEMS AND PINTS, BY HUGH ELM (right) Local historian, Hugh Elmes, has penned another book in time for Christmas, ‘Poems and Pints, an art & curbuncle production’. Hugh’s lovely wife, Sue, adding her pen and ink illustrations to each poem. Poems are wide-ranging in subject matter, covering everything from Brexit to Evaporation, from Motor Bikes to The Saga of Sandford Pottery, and from What makes Wareham, Wareham, to Old and Stupid. Those familliar with Hugh’s past publications will know that he is capabable of writing on a wide variety of subjects! Humourous, individualistic, Hugh-tastic - as always. Available from Swanage Bookshop, Station Road.

The Purbeck Gazette

Prepare For A FEAST! T

he Curtis family have been butchers for three generations. In the past sixty five years we have provided quality meat to the people of Wareham and beyond. When Basil Curtis started the business back in 1951, he insisted on selling only the finest quality produce he could buy. This still holds true today, where our policy is to only sell the best. This is why we source Black Gold Beef direct from Aberdeenshire, Purbeck Lamb and Purbeck Pork from a local farm. Likewise, our poultry is the best money can buy. Farm Turkeys are free range or barn reared. Geese, Ducks and Chickens are free range. The rest is free from any antibiotic growth promoters. We also produce many homemade products. Sausages (only using the finest natural skins), dry home cured gammons on the bone or boneless, (all cured on the premises) pies, pates, faggots, black pudding and our famous Christmas puddings. Our high quality meats and attention to detail have formed the key to our success everywhere, from local trade to nationwide accolades. Get your Christmas orders in soon! Let the team help you arrange the best Christmas feast ever, with a selection of high-quality Curtis goodies!

B.CURTIS LTD Traditional High Class Family Butchers

CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR THE VERY BEST IN: LOCAL FREE RANGE OR DRUG-FREE FARM POULTRY

(TURKEYS, CHICKENS, DUCKS & GEESE) SPECIALLY SELECTED ABERDEENSHIRE & PURBECK BEEF

FINEST LOCAL PURBECK PORK & DORSET LAMB HOME CURED GAMMONS (RAW OR COOKED) LOCAL VENISON & PHEASANTS HOMEMADE PORK SAUSAGES CHIPOLATAS & SAUSAGEMEAT PORK PIES, GALA PIES & GAME PIES OX TONGUES, SALT BEEF & PICNIC HAMS WIDE SELECTION OF LOCAL & CONTINENTAL CHEESE & HOMEMADE PATES

Wishing all of our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! B Curtis Ltd, 19 West Street, Wareham 01929 552478 C Hallett, 25 North Street, Wareham 01929 552022 www.bcurtis.co.uk ALL MAJOR CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS TAKEN

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Purbeck Artists & Stallholders Christmas Market

Sat 3rd Dec - Sun 11th Dec 2016 11am - 4.30pm - open every day Crafts, Arts, Cakes, Jellies, Jams & Chutneys, Flowers, Cream Teas and Ice Cream

Worth Matravers Village Hall

The Purbeck Gazette

J.J.Moore 34 High Street, Swanage 01929 424891

Family & Catering Butcher For all your Christmas needs... WE VOTE

NO Fresh Dorset Turkeys, Fresh Ducks & Geese, Dorset Lamb, Scotch Beef, English Gammon, Hand-Raised Pork Pie, and much more....

Wishing all of our customers a very merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year!

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Lexus Hybrid - The Future Has Arrived! by David Hollister

t’s clear that although we publish 20,000 paper copies of this magazine each month, and another 500 million copies online, not everyone is going to be waiting with bated breath to read about cars and motoring issues. Many reasons for this. Maybe you don’t have a car and don’t want one; maybe you despise us ‘petrol heads’ and remain of the unshakeable opinion that the Internal Combustion Engine was spawned by the devil with the primary purpose of polluting the air you breathe, and that the Motor Car’s main purpose is to bring death and destruction to the streets of your town or to flatten the local wildlife. Maybe you feel that the only way forward is the bicycle or even the Nordic Walking Pole. Or maybe you just don’t like me. All of which reasons are totally understandable. So here, for the remaining readers – both of you – is a review of a car which I found so exceptional that I feel obliged to share not only a photo but also details of the test drive which by force of circumstance was woefully short – only 100 local miles as opposed to the normal weekend blast to the West Country. Circumstance, I hasten to add, not the fault of the helpful and courteous people at Westover Lexus, but more to do with the arrival of two delightful kittens too small for the cattery or to be left alone at home for more than a few hours. I do hope they (the kittens) appreciate the sacrifice that I made by not going to Dartmouth as we had planned……..but instead we found an excellent off-the-beaten-track New Inn at Shipton Gorge near Bridport; one of a very few pubs happy to do sandwiches and snacks on a Sunday lunchtime, appreciating that those of us who have a Sunday Roast in the evening don’t want one at lunchtime too……. Over the past few months I have driven the astonishing and gorgeous Lexus RC 300H F-sport, and the ‘car for all reasons’, the Toyota Rav 4 hybrid. Each one exceptional in its own way. But this month’s car – the Lexus 300H F-Sport, proved to be a superb combination of the two and it’s only its £37,500 price tag that keeps me from wanting one for Christmas. The Lexus NX300H F-Sport is a superb-looking SUV powered by a 197 BHP 2.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, one at the front and one at the back. Its electronically-controlled All-Wheel drive provides the right power in the right place at the right time, and whilst you can simply leave it in ‘Drive’, the ‘Sport’ setting with paddle shifts gives a more direct control. No ‘battery charging’ is required as this is done by regenerative braking; no worry about ‘plugging it in’! The ability to drive round town – or to creep with a traffic queue – on EV mode using no petrol at all appeals to my parsimonious nature. And talking of appeal – look at the photo! Wow! Inside, there’s a perforated leather steering wheel, amazingly comfortable and supportive leather seats with a good range of electric adjustments, a dual-heat climate control system, and the Lexus ‘touch pad’ centre console with on-screen display enabling almost everything to be controlled with light finger movement. I found this easy to use – being both left-handed and

light-fingered – but I think it might take a little longer for a right-handed person to acclimatise. But if you can use a touch-pad on your laptop, you’ll use the Lexus system easily. There’s even a neat little gismo that allows you to charge your smart phone wirelessly! If you want all the relevant spec then pop in to Westover Lexus AT West Quay Road, Poole (01202 667575, ask for Andrew Mathis). No point in me even attempting to list the vast amount of ‘bells and whistles’; they’re all in the brochure. This piece is about my own impressions of this car. I don’t say ‘superb’ lightly and unfortunately no-one is paying me to do so, so I repeat – this is a superb car and I WANT ONE. Why? It’s amazingly quiet and comfortable, intuitive controls, great vision, brilliant electronics, cheap to run, tax and insure. No, it won’t pull down any trees and isn’t as quick off the mark or as terminally quick as my MX5, but given the choice and the realisation that driving is more often done for a practical purpose rather than mind-boggling fun, then my vote’s with the Lexus. Climbing creakily into and out of the MX5 when I dropped the Lexus off …… my vote’s still with the Lexus. Unless it’s one of the rare ‘mind-boggling fun days’. One particular feature that I must share with you as it’s something I haven’t experienced before is Radar-Controlled Cruise Control. I’ve had cruise control on many cars but this is true cruise control par excellence! Get on to your dual carriageway, set it at 60, then come up behind a slowermoving car. The Lexus automatically sees the car in front and slows itself down to a matching speed at a safe distance. Probably further away than you would if just using the accelerator. You want to pass? Then move into the overtaking lane and the car speeds up to overtake, within the overall 60 setting. Probably best used on motorways, but this is – to me anyway – leading-edge technology and a safety feature which should be on all cars. It actually means that the car decides on safe following speeds (no ‘tailgating’) and how and when to accelerate. How cool is that?! I have never been a ‘green’ and my own personal views on man-made climate change have often been the subject of much righteous indignation not only in these pages but also in personal discussions – disagreements perhaps – with the many people who clearly know a good deal better than I, who can supply reams of facts and figures and photos of stranded polar bears. So the good news to you all – and indeed to those who object not only to the use of fossil fuels but also in the means of their extraction – is that Hybrids are coming. Rapidly. Most manufacturers are working flat out on electric or semi-electric cars. These spacious and comfortable Lexus Hybrids are helping to break the ground and to forge the way forward, and doing it brilliantly. Hope therefore that in ten years cars will be mainly electric with a small petrol engine to help out occasionally, and further hope that in twenty years the smelly, poisonous, carcinogenic petrol engines are cast back into the devil’s pit where they belong. I do hope that every anti-fossil-fuel protestor has already stopped using the car, and collects their shopping on a bike. But if not – then the hybrid is part of the way to a compromise. True Greens will no doubt refer to the processes of extraction and transglobe shipment of the metals to make the batteries, the polluting chemical processes whereby they are made, the pollution caused by the ships bringing these cars in from Japan (or Tyneside, depending on your choice). But then there’s no pleasing some people. As I have learned from these columns. Fossil fuel is old hat. Last century’s technology – but God knows, wasn’t it fun while it lasted?! Merry Christmas from Mr Toad. Parp Parp

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Resurfacing Swanage Town Centre Pictures by Tim Crabb

The Purbeck Gazette

uring mid-November, roadworking crews came to Swanage to undertake desperately-needed work to resurface roads in the centre of town. Local residents living in the immediate area had been warned of possible noise and disruption prior to the works taking place, as the resurfacing had to be undertaken during the night time - it would have been impossible to close Station and Institute Roads during the day, with the town working on a one-way system, and with narrow, single-lane roads serving the main town centre area. Late each evening, the roadworking crews arrived with an array of impressive machinery with which to firstly dismantle the existing road,

and then to prepare and lay a new surface. Firstly, the existing road surface was removed, utilising huge computeraided machines which seemed reminicent of something from a futuristic science fiction movie (example pictured, bottom left). Once the old road surface had been removed, a new surface was laid down. Remarkably, highway lines and road markings also appeared overnight as if by magic, on the newly resurfaced roads. Within a few days, the town centre road network has been repaired, and thanks to our volunteer photographer, Tim Crabb, we’re able to share these images of the late night work with you! Thanks to the hardworking road crew, we now have good roads!

The Purbeck Gazette

Ten-Year-Old Tank Engineer!

ulfilling his dream to drive a tank – if only in virtual reality this time – was the highlight of ten year-old Zack’s half term holiday, when he visited BAE Systems’ team at the British Army’s Bovington training facility in Dorset recently. The company arranged the visit after Zack wrote to its CEO, Ian King, asking to meet some tank engineers. Zack has had a life-long interest in tanks and engineering so was keen to see the armoured vehicles up close. He spent some time exploring Terrier, the Army’s Combat Engineer Vehicle: “It was great to look around Terrier, which can clear mines, dig trenches and you can even drive it from 1km away by remote control. “The best bit was getting to sit in an actual Terrier crew compartment and drive it in virtual reality – it’s the same training that soldiers do before driving the real thing outside. It was a bit like a computer game, but you feel all the bumps when you go off road and you get to sit inside and use the real controls!”

After seeing and driving Terrier, Zack and his parents spent the rest of the day with BAE Systems Field Support engineer, Martin Convery, at the nearby National Tank Museum. It was a chance to ask lots more questions and see some tanks driving around the museum’s track. Martin explained: “It was a joy to show this young engineer around the museum and answer his questions about armour, mobility, engines and technology. Zack clearly knows a huge amount about tanks and is fascinated by engineering, so we very much hope to see him again when he’s thinking about his next steps. BAE Systems offers a variety of ways into our business, including apprenticeships and a graduate scheme that cover your tuition fees while paying you a salary. “Whatever he chooses to do, I wish him all the best and hope he has fun.”

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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 15(15)FORD Ecosport 1.0 Ecoboost Zetec 6,600 miles. Sold new & maintained by us Bluetooth Parking Sensors.....................................................................................£11995 13(13)FORD Focus 2.0 TDCi Titanium Auto Powershift 37,000 Miles Locally owned Full History Leather Interior Alloy Wheels........................................................ .......£8995 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 10(10)BMW 320iSE 4dr Automatic Saloon One Local Owner from New SatNav Full Leather Trim Full History Long MOT........................................................................£9995 09(09)FORD Kuga 2.0TDCi Zetec AWD. 47000 Miles, Cruise Control, Airbags, Alloy Wheels......................................................................................................................£8995 09(59)FORD Focus 1.6TDCi Titanium 5dr One Local Owner 45000 Guaranteed Miles Rear Park Assist Excellent Economy........................................................................£5995 08(09)FORD Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium AWD Locally Owned 81000 Miles Full Service History Part Leather Trim Park Assist.......................................................................£7995

The Purbeck Gazette

Food

From The Kitchen Garden...

Walnut & Honey Pie

ow we’re getting into the festive season I’d like to share with you a treat I grew up with. This sweet walnut pie is eaten throughout the year on special occasions but really is best appreciated after a good blast of fresh air and some exercise… As you’ll see it’s quite calorific, however a small slice usually suffices as it’s a rather rich pastry - perfect with a nice cup of tea, some proper coffee or a drop of some sloe gin perhaps….this treat will certainly warm you up from inside. This walnut honey pie is a real celebration of the past months’ harvest and the hard work that’s gone into it. I’m using some local heather honey and the aroma filling my kitchen is just glorious! The recipe might look a bit fiddly but in reality it’s a really rustic bit of baking and well worth trying. Take your time, try do it in stages and it’ll be a doddle! Walnut and Honey Pie For a 28-30cm loose bottomed flan tin Filling: (please cool before using it) 300gr sugar slowly roast in frying pan until it starts to foam. Don’t stir, otherwise you’ll get lumps….then add 300gr walnuts, roughly chopped, mix well with sugar, before the sugar gets too dark, take it off the heat, then add 200 ml cream to the walnut/caramel mix, let it cook for a little bit then add 1 tbsp honey, then leave to cool down completely. Pastry case: 400 gr plain flour 220 gr butter 100 gr sugar 1 pinch of salt 1 egg Preheat the oven to 200 C. Sift the flour into a chilled bowl. Cube the butter into the flour. Using your fingertips gently rub the butter into the flour until you have a mixture that resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the sugar and stir to incorporate, then add the egg and using a knife mix everything together. Once the egg is evenly distributed use your hands to bring the pastry together into a ball. Put the pastry onto a plate and cover with cling film. Put in the fridge to chill for about 30 minutes. Cut the pastry into thirds. Take one third each for the base and lid and

By Regula Wright, Godlingston Manor Kitchen Garden roll out to a thickness of about 5mm. Take the last third of pastry and roll into a sausage to form the side of the tart case. Take the sausage and press into the side of the case sealing well with the base. Fill the case with the cool filling, top with pastry lid and stick side and lid together by pressing down with a fork. Score a few slits with a knife to let out the steam. Bake for about 40-45 minutes on the bottom shelf. When the tart is golden, take it out of the oven, let it cool enough to handle and loosen the clip. Leave to cool completely in tin. Hey presto! A treat you’ll never forget….

Purbeck Products

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PURBECK PRODUCE FARMERS’ MARKET Come and see us at the Rotary Christmas Market on December 3rd from 10am - 5pm. We’ll be at our Commercial Road Market on December 10th from 9am - 1pm. We will be taking Christmas orders at both markets and will deliver for Christmas LOCAL PRODUCE FROM LOCAL PRODUCERS www.purbeckproducts.co.uk

ello everyone! Thanks for reading! December is a busy month for Purbeck Products and we would love to see you at one of our markets. We have decided that we will only be present at two markets this December. The first will be as part of the wonderful Rotary Christmas Market in Station Road in Swanage on Saturday 3rd December. The second will be the following Saturday in Commercial Road, Swanage, next to Chococo. I can think of no more enjoyable way of buying delicious locally produced food than visiting our producers. Kath will be there with lamb from Church Knowle and will be taking Christmas orders for local turkeys, Phil will come with his pork and Ashley with his venison, both from the Corfe valley. Regi will bring her veg from Godlingston, Becky her artisan bread from the Corfe valley and Nigel his bakery delights from Corfe. Maggie will

come from Acton with quiches and pies and Claudia will be there with her amazing cakes, all the way from Langton, not to mention Elijah with his wonderful fish cakes from Swanage! You can place orders for Christmas at either of the markets, and we will deliver. It is a real privilege to be able to buy such good food from the producers themselves. We can talk to them about how they work and build up trust and understanding. From their point of view, I know how they appreciate the feedback they get from regular contact with their customers, some of whom go back to when we started ten years ago. Contrary to popular prejudice, Purbeck Products are not expensive. Prices compare very favorably with supermarkets. I know you can buy everything you want in one hit in the supermarket, but the quality of what we are selling is superb. It's good for us to eat fresh with no additives. It's also delicious! I encourage you to give us a try this Christmas. Finally, we would like to thank all our customers for their loyalty in 2016 and thanks also to Andy and Claire of Chococo for their support. Happy Christmas! Nick Viney Pictured: Swanage Christmas Market, where the Purbeck Producers will be found once again this year!

Wareham 41 Beerex Success!

Wareham District Development Trust, Wareham Carnival Costumes and Purbeck Youth and Community Foundation. areham 41 Club Beerex Committee hosted a gathering at The Red Lion, Wareham, to present cheques to local worthy causes, groups and clubs who have benefited from funds raised by this year’s Easter Beerex. Over the years, and thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters, many thousands of pounds have been given to such organisations and the popularity of this annual celebration of real ale and cider festival continues to grow. Ken Fletcher, 41 Club Chairman, and Martin Cypher, Head of the Beeerex Committee, did the honours before a fine buffet supper was enjoyed by all. Other groups had cheques on other occasions but all thanked 41 Club for their hard work and generosity. All of the groups and clubs provide an invaluable service to the local community and the 41 Club and Beerex are delighted to assist with their worthy projects and ongoing work. The 2017 Beerex will be held as usual over the Easter weekend and sponsor

opportunities are available now and tickets in the New Year. Pictured:- top left, Eric Osmond for Wareham In Bloom, top middle, Kelly Loveless and Fran Lewis for Wareham Rangers Youth F.C. Top right: Lin Lewis, Kelly Fry and members of Sandford Scout Group. Right: Among other recipients were Swanage and Wareham Rugby Club under 9s.

The Purbeck Gazette

Divisional Award For King’s Arms!

e are delighted to announce that we have won the Enterprise Inns Divisional Award for the ‘Best Pub in Bloom’ for the third consecutive year! In the picture with me and Liz Appleton, the area manager, are Rob and Gayle Marshall, our wonderful gardeners. Well done to our whole team! Julia Ballard, Landlady, The Kings Arms, Wareham.

The Purbeck Gazette

Allseasonwatch

And it’s right on your doorstep

by John Garner

he marvellously engaging Autumnwatch recently came to the RSPB sanctuary at Arne. And, as Barry Norman probably never used to say, why not? Arne, as I am sure you are no doubt already aware, is a truly brilliant spot and the programme did nothing to undersell the splendour, beauty and sheer variety of habitats and wildlife that abound at RSPB Arne. Mr Packham et al chose well. I have mentioned Arne before, but while it is flavour of the media month, I intend to jump on the Zeitgeist bandwagon and do so in more detail. You are never short of stuff to do at Arne. It’s as pleasing a place to just wander around in as can be experienced and a walk around the trails at any time of year is time well spent. There will always be something new to see or an experience to be renewed, albeit at a different time of year. The view across the wetlands is always amazing and even if your knowledge of birds spans, as mine still does, to ‘there’s some!’ you won’t be disappointed. Birds, as one would expect from an RSPB nature reserve, are in abundance. That said, I doubt that anyone would be hammering a fist on the membership secretary’s door demanding his or her money back if the particular type of bird they had come to see, wasn’t on display. The experience of being outside in such surroundings is a marvellous thing in itself. Spotting a Spoonbill or an Osprey is a very pleasant bonus. As I write, fungi and rutting seem to be the main attractions at the reserve, on top of the usual attractions. The Sika deer stags are laying claim to their hinds and both males and females are making a great deal of noise about it. You will be very unlucky to go to Arne and not see these deer. Whilst not a native species, they have thrived on the heathlands of Dorset and are a welcome addition to the countryside, unlike some ‘introduced’ species. I know next to nothing about fungi and keep promising myself I will become more knowledgeable so that I can determine which species are safe to eat. Not that you should be wandering around Arne harvesting your lunch, either in the mushroom sense or the venison sense, but Arne would seem to be a good place to start building up a basic understanding of the edible varieties of fungi as next to no knowledge strikes me as being a particularly unwise armoury with which to set out to identify a meal. Especially when dealing with a wide collection of deadly varieties that often look quite similar to non-deadly varieties. The book and film ‘Into the Wild’ springs to mind and as there is an excellent café on the reserve, I see no reason to risk it. Arne is also an environment that is home to many different reptiles and species, but as the name implies, it is predominantly an environment set up for the protection of birds. Nip down there at any given time of year

and you have a chance of seeing Avocet, Dartford Warbler, Little Egret, Nightjar, Stonechat, Osprey, Buzzard, Woodpecker, Barn Owl, Hobby, Sandwich Tern, Spoonbill, Marsh Harrier, Brent Goose, Merlin and Redbreasted Merganser, to name quite a lot. You may not be able to identify them, but with perseverance you may become something of an amateur expert. In my opinion the Spoonbill is quite easy to spot for obvious reasons. You’ll also probably see lots of more familiar birds just in passing. You can take a dog if you keep it on a lead. I tend not to take my dog, bred as it is to charge around flushing out birds for the benefit of sport. I imagine a dim view would be taken of such behaviour within the confines of the reserve, so he is walked in areas where his input on the wildlife is minimal. Taking him along would be like taking Donald Trump to a beauty pageant and telling him he’s not allowed to grope any of the contestants. Allegedly. I once arrived at a cloud forest nature reserve in Central America in a 4 x 4 whose exhaust had all but fallen off. There was one road up to it and one road out of it. The wildlife must have heard me coming from miles away and bolted into the dense security of the inner forest. Needless to say there was very little observable wildlife on view for the first hour or so that I was there. Not even the howler monkeys could cope with the ear-splitting growl of a Kia Sportage sans exhaust silencer labouring up the rocky terrain. Neither did those running the centre greet me with absolute cordiality. I may have been slightly paranoid, but there seemed to be a whiff of animosity in the eyes of those that made their living from showing off exotic species. The tree frog keepers were especially frowny, I recall. Tree frogs, by the way, are the most extraordinary animals. Look them up if you don’t know what they are and no, they’re not frog-shaped jelly babies. You won’t see any at Arne, but you’ll see lots of fascinating species and you can drive or you could always cycle to the reserve. Either way you’ll be welcomed by some of the friendliest people you could hope to meet. If you go in January, you may well see recognisable faces from the telly along with their TV crews as well as all the fascinating wildlife, which all adds to the drama and the theatre and the spectacle of the reserve. It also brings in much needed attention and raises the profile of what is an amazing area of Purbeck and a very worthwhile organisation. I wholeheartedly recommend you visit. Regularly. If it’s good enough for the BBC, surely it’s good enough for us.

The Purbeck Gazette

Gazette Gardening with Simon Goldsack

Christmas Decorations direct from your Garden n these days of brightly coloured plastic and tinsel, it is the traditional decorations that give you a truly distinctive Christmas feel. Holly and Ivy are still very popular, as is using fir cones, but there are plenty of other treasures just outside in your garden that can be used to brighten up the festive season.

Berries Nandina berries (above left) are exactly the right colour for Christmas and are even more persistent than holly. Cotoneaster (above right) also provides clusters of bright red fruit. A simple arrangement of snowberry, Symphoricarpos alba provides a white alternative (below left). Flowers Hydrangea flower heads (below right) can be picked, dried and sprayed to great effect.

Lily of the Valley (top far right) makes a scentsational addition to the house at Christmas. A display like this can be grown in as little as three weeks by lifting a plant in your garden in Early December. Clean the soil off and look for next season’s shoots known as ‘pips’. Lily of the Valley Pips (top right) Separate these and soak them for a few hours in tepid water then plant several into fresh loam based compost and bring them into a warm room.

If they look like they are going to flower too early, move them to a cool position to slow them down. You will be rewarded with a beautiful and sweetly scented display. Edible Decoration (Below) Here sprouts, passion flower seed heads and red onions have been used to create an unusual wreath. I am sure you can think of other exciting combinations.

Winter stems Bright stems such as this dogwood (right) can be used in a variety of ways to produce an intense display of colour. I hope these ideas help freshen up your festive displays and we wish you a very Happy Christmas from all of the team at Holme! We will be open every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day at Holme.

The Purbeck Gazette

DWT Needs Help To Fight Hedgerow Decline In Dorset

orset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is launching an urgent campaign to raise money to allow its winter hedgerow maintenance work to continue in Dorset. Hedgerows provide habitat and food for up to 3,000 species of wildlife, including dormice, bats and hedgehogs. The wildlife charity needs to raise £30,000 to ensure work such as 1,000m of hedgelaying, 3,200m of hedgerow trimming and 1,300m of protective hedge fencing can be carried out this winter. Hedgerows have dramatically declined in the UK since WW2. DWT’s Head of Land Management, Rob Brunt, said, “Hedges are an iconic part of the Dorset landscape and they need to be managed properly if they are to continue to benefit wildlife. They are used as corridors for wildlife to travel through safely, provide shelter and homes, and are also an important source of food. Due to changes in our funding, we need to raise £30,000 to plant new hedgerows and maintain existing ones. Our concern is that already declining wildlife will suffer if we are unable to carry out this work.” The State of Nature report, published in September 2016, revealed that many of our once common wildlife species are in decline, such as the hedgehog, which will benefit from good numbers of well-maintained hedgerows for protection, shelter and food. Other vulnerably endangered species of wildlife which depend on hedgerows include dormice (above right), who need safe nesting and hibernating sites to survive the winter. 1,500 insects, 65 birds and 20 mammals, most species of bat and even the great crested newt all require a well-connected network of hedges to thrive in. DWT also needs to plant new hedgerow trees to replace the trees which have been removed or severely damaged by disease. It is predicted that in the next 5-15 years the recent ash dieback disease (Chalara dieback) is expected to kill most ashes in Dorset. Ash trees are Dorset’s second most common hedgerow tree, which are vital to maintain the biodiversity of the hedgerow. To find out more and support DWT’s winter hedgerow work, please visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/hedgerow where you can donate securely, or alternatively phone 01305 264620 to make your donation. Pictures: Top right: Licenced handler with Dormouse © Heather Radice Bottom right: Kingcombe hedges and trees in late autumn © Tony Bates MBE Top left: Volunteers hedgelaying © Maurits Fontein Follow us on Twitter @dorsetwildlife and facebook.com/dorsetwildlife

Comments Sought On Purbeck Conservation Areas

esidents in some parts of Purbeck are being asked to comment on documents produced following reviews of some of the district’s conservation areas. Purbeck District Council recently undertook reviews in Morden, Piddle Valley and East Creech which resulted in the production of Character Appraisals. These documents will assist with helping to preserve and enhance the special architectural or historic character or appearance of each conservation area. The reviews also include proposals for changes to boundaries. Details of the Character Appraisals and boundary revisions are being sent to all properties in the relevant areas, and the proposals will be available for all to view online at www.dorsetforyou.com/conservationareas/ purbeck Residents have from 7 November to 16 December 2016 to make comments. Councillor Peter Webb, Environment Portfolio Holder for Purbeck District Council said: “This is an opportunity to play a role in the future

look and feel of these conservation areas. The consultation gives people the opportunity to tell us what they think.” Conservation Areas are designated to cover the most historically and architecturally important and interesting parts of towns and villages. Various factors contribute to the special character of a conservation area. These include the quality of historic buildings and spaces, the layout of roads, paths and boundaries, and use of locally distinctive building and paving materials. The work brings to a conclusion the initial review of all the district’s conservation areas. All comments should be made in writing to the Design and Conservation Officer at Purbeck District Council, Westport House, Worgret Road, Wareham BH20 4PP or by email: conservation@purbeck-dc.gov.uk If a resident lives in one of the conservation areas and they haven’t seen a leaflet, they should telephone Design and Conservation Officer, Benjamin Webb on 01929 557388.

The Purbeck Gazette

Rare Discovery Of Ocean Sunfish At Kimmeridge

n ocean sunfish has been found washed up on the beach at Kimmeridge recently and is possibly one of the first such strandings in Dorset. Ocean sunfish, Mola mola, is the heaviest bony fish in the world, although the individual found at Kimmeridge was a juvenile measuring 12 inches long. The animals are very occasionally seen in Dorset during the summer months. The discovery was made by Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Marine Awareness Officer, Julie Hatcher. She said, “I was thrilled to discover this animal on the beach – this is the first time I have ever found one. Although I would rather see them alive in the sea it was a rare opportunity to have a really close look at what is a bizarre-looking fish.” Ocean sunfish are generally found in oceanic waters around the world although little is known about them. Occasionally they come inshore to feed on jellyfish, their staple diet, and those venturing into The Channel and North Sea during the summer may get caught out when the sea temperature drops in winter. Julie added, “The disc-shaped body, very tall dorsal and anal fins and the lack of a tail make this an unmistakable fish. I knew immediately that this was a very special find.” The scientific name Mola mola means millstone and refers to the shape of the fish. The English name sunfish derives from its habit of basking on its side at the surface, possibly to warm up after diving at depth, or to allow seabirds to remove irritating parasites from its skin. The specimen has been collected to further research into the species by Queen’s University, Belfast. DWT would like to hear about your marine sightings in Dorset. Contact

us on kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or @dorsetwildlife on Twitter) or facebook/dorsetwildlife on Facebook. You can contact the DWT marine team on 01929 481044. Pictured: Washed up juvenile ocean sunfish at Kimmeridge © Julie Hatcher

Christmas is Coming! Much to Shannon’s delight, Christmas is around the corner and we have a few festive events in store at the Country Park. Durlston has received a very important letter explaining how Santa has managed to drop all the Christmas presents out of his sleigh over the Country Park, we need the help of some spritely children to locate all the presents to help save Christmas. With a surprise re-visit from Santa’s reindeer it’s hard to think of an excuse not to come down - the trail runs daily from the 17th December – 3rd January and costs £3, including a prize! In the run-up to Christmas, activities at the Castle will include making your own Christmas cards and yule logs, plus the chance to buy beautiful and unusual gifts. And of course it would not be Christmas without mulled wine, carols and mince pies, while the café is doing Christmas lunches every day. Engrave a Glass Christmas Card… If you enjoyed the exhibition by the Guild of Glass Engravers earlier this year, then why not try your hand at this fascinating craft and make an engraved Christmas card for someone special? A workshop on the 3rd December between 11 and 2 is suitable for all ages, and costs £10 – advance booking essential.

The Purbeck Gazette

First Christmas for seventhwave In New Ownership We are really pleased to announce that after an extensive tendering process, the new tenant at seventhwave is local woman, Emily Dunkerly. Over the last few years, Emily has done a brilliant job as manager, building up local trade and offering a great selection of high quality food in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. As the new owner, along with Head Chef Mark, she is keen to feature a larger range of local produce on the menus, so if you haven’t been for a while, do come up and say hello! December Wildlife Winter is upon us, along with many visiting birds. Redwings and Fieldfares are noticeable around the Gully, along with 3 other thrushes: Blackbird, Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush. Linnets, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks can be seen feeding in the meadows. Charms of Goldfinches on the Teasel heads along with Bullfinches and Greenfinches flitting between Hawthorn and Blackthorn. Guillemots and Razorbills have started to return to the breeding ledges, while Fulmars may also be spotted. Look out for Peregrines and Ravens, occasionally engaging in spectacular dogfights. Along the clifftops, Rock Pipits are never far away while Black Redstarts are sometimes seen around Tilly Whim.

DWT Seal Project celebrates return of ‘Molar’ the Seal in Portland

orset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is excited to learn that a seal photographed at Portland Bill twice recently, is also known in Cornwall. The female grey seal, named, ‘Molar’ was recorded by Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust (CSGRT) in St Austell Bay in November 2014, and hadn’t been seen for two years. DWT’s Dorset Seal project started in 2014, and works closely with CSGRT. Photo ID catalogues compiled by each organisation help with identification. Each grey seal has a unique set of markings which means that individuals can be named and recognised. Molar, named for a distinctive marking on her neck, is the first seal photo identified in both Cornwall and Dorset. Recording her movements enables conservationists to learn more about how far and frequently they travel, and informs protection measures. Volunteer for CSGRT, Rob Wells said, “Two years ago, when I photographed Molar, I was sure she’d be recognised again, but then she disappeared for two years. Now I am delighted to see her again and for her to be our first Cornwall to Dorset seal link. Molar proves that our photo-identification project really works and is a fabulous, non-invasive way

of monitoring the lives and movements of our seals. Molar has highlighted the fact that our grey seals really are mobile animals and that conserving this globally rare species needs not just isolated protected areas, but a wider network. We have around 40% of the world population living around our British shores and have a responsibility to conserve them.” DWT volunteer, Sarah Hodgson, runs the Dorset Seal Project. She said, “We have been monitoring seals for several years now and it’s really exciting to have our first match from outside Dorset. It shows what can be achieved by developing and sharing our photo ID catalogue and what can be learned about these amazing animals.” DWT is appealing to members of the public to report any Dorset seal sightings, with photographs if possible. DWT stresses the importance of not disturbing seals by trying to get too close. Please send details of sightings to kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or via DWT facebook/dorsetwildlife or Twitter @dorsetwildlife. Picture: ‘Molar’ the grey seal sighted off Portland Bill © Sarah Hodgson

The Purbeck Gazette

A Brilliant Year For Live Music!

Aladdin!

at The Mowlem Theatre

atima Twankey is a poor widow and not exactly “Top Totty” but that doesn’t stop her reaching for the stars. She sets her sights on the Sultan of Agradoo and her son, Aladdin, is in love with his daughter Princess Maria. Long lost “Uncle” Abanazar turns up and gives them hope of great riches but he is an out-and-out villain of the worst kind. He will stop at nothing until he has his hands on a magic lamp and a Genie who can grant him three wishes. He wants control of the whole kingdom and to have Princess Maria attending to his every whim. Can Aladdin stop him in time? Is Ghenghis, his hapless assistant, more hindrance than help? Will Fatima get her man? Are the jokes side-splittingly funny or are they so old they are growing whiskers? Come and find out and enjoy the fun and laughter of Swanage Drama Company’s family pantomime, Aladdin. Performances are: Friday 6th January 7.30 pm, Saturday 7th January 2pm and 7.30pm, Friday 13th January 7.30pm, Saturday 14th January 2pm and 7.30pm.

Pictured: Abanazar’s pet Vulture, which he uses to hypnotise the Sultan in order to gain permission to marry Princess Maria!

orking together, popular Steward David ‘Elmo’ Elm and exprofessional musician Steve Darrington have produced an excellent programme of live music that has thrilled Royal British Legion club members and guests alike. Steve said: “Guests are amazed at the ‘wonderful atmosphere and lovely friendly welcome’ they get here. Their words, not mine.” This year The Legion has put on shows featuring country rock, soul, funk, reggae, rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm & blues, wild European gypsy music, two blues festivals and an unforgettable appearance by Mungo Jerry that led to ‘House Full’ signs and queues down the high street. “He loved it here!” said Steve. “But why not, after all the Legion is a proper live music venue with a stage, dance floor and a top class PA system that ensures the music is clear throughout the club without being too loud at the front. “We’ve also got comfy seats, club price drinks and a separate restaurant with stunning views over the town.” Plans for 2017 include two Sunday afternoons and one Saturday evening dance each month, two blues festivals, a weekend of music-making in June, plus the introduction of some acoustic music concerts in the downstairs function room. Admission to the live music sessions is free to members, £1 non-members. Temporary membership for up to two weeks is £3 single, £5 a couple, with annual membership available for £23. The Legion is at 150 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2PA. Restaurant bookings and further information on 01929 422722.

The Purbeck Gazette

Heroes Haven Prom Night 2016

he 2016 Heroes Haven Prom Night w a s h e l d in late October at the Mowlem Theatre in Swanage. Performing on the night were the ever-impressive Dorset Police Male Voice Choir, local shanty singers, ‘Kelp!’ and the Band of the Hampshire Constabulary. The aim of the evening was to raise funds to support the continuing good work of the team behind ‘Heroes Haven’ in Swanage, the purpose-built cabin at Herston which was designed and constructed to provide suitable accommodation for those service men and women injured whilst in service to our country. As last year, the Dorset Male Voice choir impressed with their extraordinary array of dulcet tones, singing a range of popular tunes. Local shanty singers, Kelp! showed yet again just how well, and how swiftly they are progressing as a group - each time I see them perform they have come on in leaps and bounds as far as confidence, tightness and ease of performance go. The guys are now obviously confident in their skills and their performance was outstanding - superbly enjoyable. The Band of the Hampshire Constabulary drew the evening to a close, with a fabulous set of moving and energetic pieces, performed at their usual high calibre standard. An explosion of colourful confetti, timed to accompany their last number, ended what was another splendid evening. If you didn’t make the night, please do donate £10 to Heroes Haven anyway. The work they do is so, so important to those who come to stay at the lodge, and our local support is vital to keep the lodge open well into the future. Ensure you get your tickets early for next year’s fundraiser! Nico Johnson

The Purbeck Gazette

Arts Club Bursary Evening

he Isle of Purbeck Arts Club held its annual Bursary evening this year at Swanage Primary School. The Arts Club for decades has supported the arts in schools through loaning musical instruments (Purbeck Instrument Loan Scheme, PILS), making awards to schools with equipment to support the arts, and awarding bursaries to talented children and students to help with tuition fees. A buffet was followed by musical entertainment before the awards were announced. The Primary School choir sang some beautiful ballads followed by Thomas and Katy performing on ukeleles accompanied by Jonathon Wollen. June Ranger’s dancers prettily danced for us and Amelia Seaman enthralled us by her violin solo, playing Rojo Negro by Ramiro Gallo. Jay Buckle presented four local schools with awards from the Club’s Douglas Strickland fund. In thanking the Club, the retiring headmistress of St. Marys R.C. Primary School, Linda Lake, said how grateful they were for the help over many years in purchasing items not available from school funds. Douglas Addison, chairman of the Arts club, presented the Club’s Emmie and Rex Neate awards. He commented that the local talented youngsters who received awards from the fund last year had all performed with distinction in their respective studies. This year the awards go to Ben Cockerell, who is at the Royal Ballet School, Verity Marlow who is studying Ballet at the Hammond School, Amelia Seaman who is studying the violin and who successfully auditioned for the National Children’s Orchestra, Rebecca Stockley, who is studying for a master’s degree in art, and Nicola Stockley who is studying musical theatre at the Trinity Laben Conservatoire. We wish these talented local children and students every success. June Ranger said how much she appreciated the help given by the Arts Club to some of her outstanding dancers, and Jay Buckle thanked everybody for supporting the evening, and declared that the buffet was still open, so the children took advantage and all the sausage rolls vanished. Pictured: top: Swanage Primary School choir. Below: The Chairman presenting Amelia Seaman with her award.

Celebrate Christmas with

SWANAGE TOWN BAND at Swanage, High St Methodist Church Wednesday 14 December at 7.30pm FREE ADMISSION Refreshments available For more info tel: 01929 422421

Do you remember Just after the war On a Sunday We would stroll along The seafront Under a sunny sky The beach defences Had gone All was quiet and peaceful A youth with a strange hairstyle A Blue Suit And suede shoes ‘Whatchew looking at?’ I don’t know Please tell me Please tell me Chris Kay

The Purbeck Gazette

Suffering From A Sports Injury? Be pain-free and get back to doing what you love, with Alison Milmer

e know that taking part in sport is important when it comes to your health and physical wellbeing. However, with this, injury can occur. Sports injuries can be caused by pushing yourself too hard too soon, poor technique or an accident such as a fall. Sports injuries tend to fall into two categories, acute and chronic. An injury that occurs suddenly, such as a sprained ankle caused by an awkward landing is known as an acute injury. Chronic injuries are caused by repeated overuse of muscle groups or joints. Poor technique and structural abnormalities can also contribute to the development of chronic injuries. At Purbeck Sports Injury clinic (part of Swanage Therapy Centre) I can help treat these injuries and get you back on track with your chosen sport. As a sports therapist, I am trained in the assessment and diagnosis of injuries and pain affecting the musculoskeletal system. The skills of a sports therapist are comparable to the hands-on treatment you would receive from a physiotherapist. Providing you with a detailed rehabilitation program and utilising soft tissue therapies and electrotherapy to help aid your recovery. Some common injuries we treat are: Shin splints • • Plantar fasciitis • Knee injury ACL issues • • Muscle strains Groin pull • • Lower back pain • Tennis elbow • Shoulder impingement Purbeck sports injury clinic can also help with injuries that aren’t related to sports. Perhaps you have back pain from sitting at your desk too long or neck pain from poor posture. If so we can help. Considering your lifestyle and time commitments, we can help by providing strengthening exercises and advice on postural issues. A workplace assessment is also available if required. Expert sports therapy and a treatment program tailored to you. If you would like more information or to book an appointment with Alison Milmer, please contact Swanage Therapy Centre on 01929 426506.

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The Purbeck Gazette

Hello From Swanage Medical Practice

inter has arrived and with it our annual Flu Vaccination Programme. Flu is an acute highly infectious virus which spreads rapidly in closed communities like ours. If you haven’t yet had your vaccination please contact the surgery and we’ll arrange an appointment. It is a busy time of year for the surgery but we are very pleased to inform you of two new initiatives that will further enhance our services:The Sit and Wait Surgery We are delighted to announce a significant improvement to the twice daily Sit and Wait surgery. Our Practice Nurses Jane Haysom and Alison Page have recently undertaken enhanced skills training, which will enable them to support the Doctors by seeing patients who are registered on the S&W surgery with minor illnesses. This will help to manage the demand on the service and enable the Duty Doctors to focus on the more seriously ill. So don’t be surprised if you are called by a nurse. Can we remind you that if you are considering visiting the S&W surgery, or making an appointment regarding a minor self-limiting illness caused by a virus such as a cold, cough, sore throat or upset stomach, please consider consulting a pharmacist first for advice and over the counter medications to ease symptoms. This will greatly reduce the pressure on the practice and be a more appropriate course of action. Antibiotics are not issued for ailments caused by a virus. Time, patience and self-care are key in the treatment of these common ailments. NEW Text Cancellation Service You will by now be aware that when you make an appointment, if you have your mobile number registered with us, you will receive a confirmation text and then 48hrs before the appointment a reminder. Our new service

gives you the option of cancelling the appointment when you receive the reminder text. All you have to do is respond by typing the word CANCEL. Any other wording included in the response will render the cancellation as not recognised and your appointment won’t be cancelled. So please just type the word CANCEL ..and absolutely nothing else. This is an important initiative to help YOU manage your health responsibly and not waste increasingly scarce NHS resources. Unfortunately this practice experiences a high number of DNA (Did Not Attend) appointments. Only your help and consideration for others will reduce this. For this system to work it is also really important that you keep us up-to-date with your most recent mobile number and of course, any change of address details too. You can download a change of contact form via our website www.swanagemedical.org.uk or ask for one at reception. Finally, don’t forget that you can now order your prescriptions and book appointments online. Why not pop in and have a word with one of the reception team who can set this up for you? Remember your opinions are important and can lead to change at the practice. Please use our ‘Friends and Family’ touch screen to tell us what you think or consider joining the Patient Participation Group (Friends of the Practice). More information about our services can be found on our website www. swanagemedical.org.uk including Practice news and a link to our popular newsletters. Wishing all our patients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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Dorset Charity Calls On GPs To Meet New Standard

orset Blind Association, the charity which helps people with serious sight loss across Dorset, is calling on G.P.s in the county to make sure they are meeting the new NHS Accessible Information Standard when they are dealing with patients who suffer from sight loss. The Accessible Information Standard aims to make sure that people who are disabled, or have a sensory loss, get health information in a way they can fully and easily access and understand. For people with serious sight loss, especially those registered as blind or partially sighted, reading information in standard size print is almost impossible. To be easily and readily accessible, as the Standard requires, most need to receive information in an alternative format. For some this could be as easy as a much larger font size, but for many will mean an audio format or even Braille. Jonathan Holyhead, Dorset Blind Association CEO said, “I’m sure all G.P.s

in Dorset know that, by law, all organisations that provide NHS care should have been following and fully implementing the Accessible Information Standard since 31st July this year. But I keep hearing of blind or partially sighted people in Dorset still receiving communications from their GPs in a format they cannot access without help from friends or family, which they shouldn’t need to do.” Jonathan went on, “If any G.P. in Dorset isn’t sure how they can meet the new Standard for their visually impaired patients please ask Dorset Blind Association for help, we want everyone with sight loss in Dorset to be given the service they need and deserve and which the law now says they are entitled to.” Find out more about the Dorset Blind Association: http://dorsetblind.us7. list-manage1.com/track/click?u=4d920d42e7c9756e317f240d5&id=3004 9cfd77&e=7dc04fccea or call the charity’s head office on 01202 712864.

The Purbeck Gazette

The Power Of Peer Mentoring

fter years of using cannabis, Judith Podd and her husband decided in 2013 to seek help from their GP. Judith’s husband had been using cannabis to help alleviate pain in his joints while she used it as a form of stress relief. Her GP referred them to EDP Drug & Alcohol Services (EDP) who offered them support at EDP Wareham. After a month of weekly one-toone sessions with an EDP worker they were encouraged to attend group workshops. Judith found these sessions, where she had the chance to talk to others about addiction and the effect it has on people’s lives, really helpful. It was particularly helpful for her to receive suggestions from others to help her in her recovery. With this support Judith stopped using cannabis and after a year became a Peer Supporter for EDP. This involved her helping other service users with phone calls and completing forms. Judith was encouraged by EDP staff

to become a Peer Mentor and took part in the training. Judith has found that being trained as a Peer Mentor has helped her to move forward in her recovery. She commented “For me personally, I love the fact that I can give back to others some knowledge and experience of what I have gone through and learnt throughout my recovery journey.” On Wednesday 2nd November, the latest groups of EDP Peer Mentors in Dorset celebrated the completion of the training at a special Graduation Ceremony at Christchurch Baptist Church. The nine graduates will now go on to help other EDP service users overcome substance misuse issues leading by example and inspiring others with their own recovery journeys. As well as recognising the achievements of the peer mentors, the ceremony featured guest speakers Nick Wilson, from Exchange Supplies, and Laura Everett-Coles from Public Health Dorset. Peer Mentor Judith encouraged anyone struggling with their drug and/ or alcohol use to get help. She said “I would say please do not be scared or frightened to approach anyone with your drug or alcohol problem, as there are people out there who can help who will have been through the same/similar experiences and they will be able to help you.” If you would like help to address your drug or alcohol use, contact your nearest EDP service: Blandford - 01258 450 862; Swanage - 01929 422 777. For more information about EDP visit www.edp.org.uk

Matron’s Round - Our Local Hospitals’ Monthly Column

his month I would like to share the great news that the wards at both hospitals have recently achieved the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) accreditation for end of life care. The GSF award is an independently validated marker of excellence and is recognised by the Care Quality Commission. The framework’s objective is to ensure the ideal of “living well until you die” is embraced by all staff. It empowers patients and staff to have open conversations about advance care planning and identifying what’s important to patients when planning for the future. Patients are given

the opportunity and the resources to make their own choices about their future care, and staff ensure that advanced care planning is embedded in their everyday work. The day of a patient’s admission to one of our hospitals could be the first time anyone has ever asked them questions about their future care and what they want. This information is recorded and shared with the G.P. and other appropriate services in order to provide continuity of care and a clear plan for the future. This can reduce frequent hospital admissions, enhances communication across boundaries and puts the patient at the forefront of their own care. Accreditation can take between twelve and eighteen months, starting with a GSF training programme. This is followed by self-assessment against five standards of best practice (right person, right care, right place, right time, every time) with the teams providing a portfolio of supporting evidence. Staff also have to demonstrate the change and impact that the training has had and the ward has to pass a quality assessment visit from the GSF. Staff from both teams worked extremely hard to achieve the award and were thrilled to be invited to a ceremony in London where they received a plaque to display on each ward. It is a great honour to receive acknowledgment for the good care we give. Until next month, take care. Matron Donna Pictured: Natasha Norman and Tina Samways

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

Sport

Pushing The Boat Out! W

hat better way to enjoy our spectacular coastline than from a boat? This year, the leisure side of Swanage Sea Rowing Club has expanded, with crews taking regular trips to iconic landmarks such as Old Harry Rocks, Tilly Whim Caves, Anvil Point lighthouse and Dancing Ledge. There were breakfast rows, sunset rows, and even night excursions courtesy of Poole rowing club. Remember, you don’t need to be an experienced rower to join, nor do you need to be super fit. The club gives people of all ages and abilities the chance to get out onto the water for fresh air and gentle exercise – with lots of chat and laughter along the way! Everyone is welcome, whether residents or holiday makers. So why not try a taste of rowing at the open sessions? Saturday morning sessions continue right through 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. Cathy Lewis

Swanage & Wareham Rugby Football Club

wans continued their unbeaten run, but when they played Walcot, it was a close run effort. Swans started well, with a try after only two minutes by Kirk Jones. Walcot replied with a penalty goal, but once again Kirk Jones was on hand to secure Swans second try (12pts – 3pts). Hooker Rob Elford scored early in the second half and fly half Jake Warren put Swans 24pts – 3pts up after fifty minutes. However Walcot came back at Swans, and scored three tries in the last quarter of the game so the score ended at 24pts each for the draw. Swans next game was a cup semi-final against Wimborne on 15th October. In a hard fought game Swans took the lead with a try by scrum half Chris Tomes which Phil Graves converted. Phil Graves then added a penalty to take Swans into a 10pts lead. However just before the break Wimborne replied with a penalty goal. Early in the second half Wimborne added another penalty, but by that time Swans were on top and a penalty try was awarded as Swans pushed the

Wimborne pack over their own line. The hosts added a try in the dying seconds giving Swans the tie by 17pts – 11 pts. Swans paid their first ever visit to Blandford’s ground on 22nd October and came away with a comfortable victory. Kirk Jones was first on the scoreboard, followed by scrum half Chris Tomes, and winger Alex Parry to give Swans a 19pts – 7pts advantage. Winger Callum Young completed the bonus point score before half time. In the second half Kirk Jones completed his hat trick of tries (38pts-7pts), before centre David Elford added another converted try. Blandford scored another consolation try, before Swans prop forward Zach Wyburgh scored out wide, with Steve Woolley adding the extras for a Swans win by 50pts – 14pts. Swans continued their scoring spree at home against Combe Down, who hail from Bath, the following week. Second row Dan Collins opened the scoring for Swans with Joe Desmond adding a second try. Combe Down replied with a converted try, but Joe Desmond was on hand to score his second try. (17pts – 7pts) at half time. Swans advanced their score with a try by Kirk Jones, with prop forward Zach Wyburgh making the score 31pts – 7pts. Combe Down added a second converted try, but before the end of the game Robert Elford scored under the posts and Kirk Jones added his second try to give Swans a 45pts- 14pts victory. Main Matches for December 10th Swans 1st XV v Marlborough. Away 2.15 p.m. Swans 2nd XV v Lytchett Minster. Home 2.15 p.m. 17th Swans 1st XV v. North Dorset. Home 2.15 p.m. Swans 2nd XV v.North Dorset. Home 2.15 p.m. Ron Butler. (Publicity Secretary)

Swanage Football Club

y now many of you may be aware our 1st team are enjoying a very good start to their season in the Dorset Premier League. We are currently sitting in fourth place after a third of the season. Tim Brown and his assistant Tony Parrott have done a fantastic job since taking the role. Their record is impressive: played thirty eight games, winning twenty two and only being defeated on eleven occasions. This works out to a 58% win rate. If you think this is impressive think about this - since the start of the 2016-17 season we have played thirteen league games losing only twice and this amounts to a 61% win rate. When you compare this record to current premier league managers, Tim and Tony, are well placed just above Arsene Wenger who has a win rate of 57% since he’s been Arsenal’s manager. Let’s hope we manage to hang on these two rising stars. We are very pleased to welcome Brian Churchill back to the club as 1st team coach. As regular readers of this column will be aware Brian was assistant to Alan Lay here, and then left to join Verwood Town of the Wessex Premier League. Brian brings with him a wealth of coaching experience and we can only benefit from what he can offer the senior players. WELCOME BACK BRIAN. The Dorset Senior Cup is Dorset’s primary Cup competition where the bigger clubs compete. One of the criteria is to have floodlights. We are the lowest ranked team in the competition but this didn’t appear so as we welcomed Bridport from the Western Premier League, two divisions above us. The visitors scored after seventeen minutes through Gary Bulman, however Swans striker Cameron Beard hit a great shot from outside the box which struck the inside of the post. H.T. 0-1. Swans had a let off at the start of the second period when Bridport hit the post, and The Bees increased their lead thanks to Leigh Bailey.

With ten minutes remaining Nat Scott started The Swans on the comeback trail with a superb side foot strike from twenty five yards into the bottom corner, two minutes later substitute Graeme Rose struck from close range for the equaliser. In a dramatic finale deep into injury time, substitute Adam Richards ran from the half way line to strike a fierce shot passed the visitor’s keeper to complete a dramatic cup comeback. Swans reward for this brilliant cup win is a trip to play Wessex Premier League Portland United in the Quarter Finals on the 29th of November. A FOND FAREWELL TO JIMMY As I’m sure many of you know, Jimmy Hollywood sadly passed away on 15th October. Jimmy was a former player for the Swans and managed us back in 2003. He was also our Life Vice President and was a very much loved member of our football club - and wider community. To show our respects to Jimmy, we had a minute’s applause before the home game against Sturminster Newton. Gareth Davies, our former programme editor, who now contributes to the AFC Bournemouth programme, kindly produced a keep-sake tribute programme which contained many photos and fond memories of Jimmy. We donated all our profits from the fixture and this went to Forest Holme hospice in Poole and we were delighted to donate a total of £469 to help them in the great work that they do. By John Peacock Photographed below - Jimmy and his wife, Maggie.

Jimmy - “You’ll Never Walk Alone”

The Purbeck Gazette - Proudly Supporting The Swans

Golf Club Raises Over £10k For Charity

utgoing Captains of The Dorset Golf and Country Club, Tim Morris and Pauline Henson, are celebrating a successful year of fundraising. The pair are pictured with Leanne Colverson of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance presenting her with a cheque for £10,138 for monies raised during their year of captaincy. Handing over the cheque, Tim commented: “Throughout the year, the support from all members for our chosen charity, the Air Ambulance, has been tremendous. It felt as if everyone knew either first or second-hand, someone who had been helped by this fantastic service.” Pauline added: “We are thrilled with the amount raised and we hope that the money will go towards state-of-the-art equipment being installed in the new helicopter which is due to start operating early 2017. The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance will be one of the best equipped in the country and capable of saving even more lives in the future.”

The Purbeck Gazette

Spotlight Event Diary

Diary Entries are FREE if your event is FREE. If you charge, then it’s £5 plus VAT per entry, per month. DEADLINE for JAN is noon, 9th Dec 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.

DECEMBER

Thu 1st * ‘The Milking Parlour’ Exhibition by Nessie Reid, at the Fine Foundation Gallery, Durlston Castle. * Wareham Scout and Guide Xmas Post For your local Wareham area Xmas cards we offer a local post for 25p per stamp at our special postboxes at Horseys and Farwells in North St Tourist Information in South St Carey PO and at the Scout and Guide HQ. Last date for posting is Sat December 17th and cards will be delivered by Scouts Guides Cubs Brownies Beavers Rainbows Explorers and Leaders during the week before Christmas. Thank you for your support Email: asalter83@live.co.uk 19:15 Swanage Trefoil Guild Meet at the Guide HQ, Bell St for St Andrews Night. Neeps and tatties, haggis, a Scottish evening. Visitors Welcome. Ffi 01929 556374 or 01929 424321. Fri 2nd * ‘The Milking Parlour’ Exhibition by Nessie Reid, at the Fine Foundation Gallery, Durlston Castle. 10:00 Festival of Christmas Trees At St Mary’s Church – Lytchett Matravers - BH16 6BF 2nd to 4th December Friday and Saturday 10 – 4:30, Sunday 1:30 – 4:30 Enjoy refreshments, maybe purchase a gift from our Homemade and Handmade stall and feel the warmth of our communities coming together AND our new heating! Entry FREE but donations to heating are most welcome. Email: debbiejphipps@btinternet.com 11:00 Art Exhibition At The Studio, Lower courtyard, Rogershill Farm,Briantspuddle, near Bere Regis. Come and join me for a glass of mulled wine or hotchocolate at my Dorset Studio. A chance to talk about workshops or just grab a bargain piece of Origina lartwork. ffi: Www.marilynallis.com info@marilynallis.com 19:30 Swanage Photographic Society Meets in the Rectory Classroom, Church Hill for the :Harris Cup (Prints) – ‘Open’ and Bichard Trophy – ‘open’. Judge : John Tilsley ARPS. Visitors welcome, ffi: 01929 423841. Sat 3rd ‘The Milking Parlour’ Exhibition by Nessie Reid, at the Fine Foundation * Gallery, Durlston Castle. * The Veterans at Swanage Conservative Club. Christmas Luncheon Train at Swanage Railway. * Santa Special Train at Swanage Railway. * 09:30 FreeBay Tabletop Sale at The URC, High St, Swanage. Free table, free entry. Refreshments. Ffi: Elizabeth on 01929 422406. 10:00 Festival of Christmas Trees at St Mary’s Church – Lytchett Matravers BH16 6BF 2nd to 4th December Friday and Saturday 10 – 4:30, Sunday 1:30 – 4:30 Enjoy refreshments, maybe purchase a gift from our Homemade and Handmade stall and feel the warmth of our communities coming together AND our new heating! Entry FREE but donations to heating are most welcome. Email: debbiejphipps@btinternet.com 10:00 Christmas Fair at Commercial and Station Rd, Swanage. Till 4pm. 10:00 Swanage Walking Group meet at Spyway car park Langton Matravers for circular walk via Dancing Ledge, Seacombe and return along the Priests Way. Ffi 01929 439903. 10:00 Purbeck Produce Farmers’ Market, Station Road, Swanage. 11:00 Art Exhibition at The Studio, Lower courtyard, Rogershill Farm,Briantspuddle, near Bere Regis. Come and join me for a glass of mulled wine or hotchocolate at my Dorset Studio. A chance to talk about workshops or just grab a bargain piece of Origina lartwork. ffi: Www.marilynallis.com info@marilynallis.com 11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders Christmas Market At Worth Matravers Village Hall. 11:00 Christmas Card Engraving Workshop At Durlston Castle. £10, advanced booking essential. 19:00 Christmas Concert at Lady St Mary Church, Wareham. Tickets £10 from Joys Outfitters or 01929 459319 or on the door. 19:30 ‘The Fossil Lady of Lyme’ at The Clore Room, The Etches Collection, Kimmeridge. Tickets available from 01929 481323. Sun 4th * Christmas Luncheon Train at Swanage Railway. Santa Special Train At Swanage Railway. * 10:00 Festival of Christmas Trees At St Mary’s Church – Lytchett Matravers - BH16 6BF 2nd to 4th December Friday and Saturday 10 – 4:30, Sunday 1:30 – 4:30 Enjoy refreshments, maybe purchase a gift from our Homemade and Handmade stall and feel the warmth of our communities coming together AND our new heating! Entry FREE but donations to heating are most welcome. Email: debbiejphipps@btinternet.com 11:00 Art Exhibition at The Studio, Lower courtyard, Rogershill Farm,Briantspuddle, near Bere Regis. Come and join me for a glass of mulled wine or hotchocolate at

my Dorset Studio. A chance to talk about workshops or just grab a bargain piece of Origina lartwork. ffi: Www.marilynallis.com info@marilynallis.com 11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders Christmas Market at Worth Matravers Village Hall. Mon 5th 11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders Christmas Market at Worth Matravers Village Hall. 18:00 Wareham Rotary Club Carol Collection with Santa around east Northmoor, Wareham. Ffi Ann, 01929 553727 . Tue 6th * ‘The Milking Parlour’ Exhibition by Nessie Reid, at the Fine Foundation Gallery, Durlston Castle. 11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders Christmas Market At Worth Matravers Village Hall. 18:00 Wareham Rotary Club Carol Collection with Santa around west Northmoor, Wareham. Ffi Ann, 01929 553727 . Wed 7th * Swanage Probus at the Purbeck House Hotel - Our Christmas meeting, open to all members and partners will feature a James Bond / MI6 / spying theme by that specialist on the subject Kathy McNally. Visitors welcome for the talk. Contact Andrew Yeandle 421945, Brian Darnton 424211 or Roger Livingstone 425002. 10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet at viewpoint on B3351 for circular walk over Kingswood & Newton Heaths, Burnbake and Rempstone. Heathland tracks. Ffi 01929 426926. 11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders Christmas Market At Worth Matravers Village Hall. 18:00 Wareham Rotary Club Carol Collection with Santa around Wareham town. Ffi Ann, 01929 553727 . Thu 8th * ‘The Milking Parlour’ Exhibition by Nessie Reid, at the Fine Foundation Gallery, Durlston Castle. * Swanage Area Senior Forum Shopping trip to Haskins Garden Centre & Hobbycraft. Tickets £5, book with Mel Norris 01929 426127 11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders Christmas Market At Worth Matravers Village Hall. 18:00 Wareham Rotary Club Carol Collection with Santa Around east Wool. Ffi Ann, 01929 553727 . Fri 9th The Purbeck Mummers various pubs in Swanage. * 11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders Christmas Market at Worth Matravers Village Hall. 14:30 Purbeck Society Christmas Social In The Mowlem Community room, with refreshments and live entertainment from Folk Duo and Dorset Dialect experts John and Margaret Cluett. Members free, non members £2 19:00 Wareham Rotary Tree of Light at Wareham Hospital Tree lighting up ceremony at 7pm. A short service with carols (indoors) followed by refreshments. Donations for entry into the Book Of Remembrance can be made via the Rotary website www.warehamrotary.co.uk or cheques can be sent by post made out to The Rotary Club of Wareham, to Mr. John Bowen, 47 Shaw Drive, Sandford, Wareham, BH20 7BS. Proceeds are in aid of Wareham Hospital and McMillan Support. Ffi Ffi Ann, 01929 553727 . 19:30 Snow White Vienna Festival Ballet at The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. Tickets £19, cons £17, Child £12. Sat 10th Wareham Scout and Guide Xmas Post for your local Wareham area Xmas * cards we offer a local post for 25p per stamp at our special postboxes at Horseys and Farwells in North St Tourist Information in South St Carey PO and at the Scout and Guide HQ. Last date for posting is Sat December 17th and cards will be delivered by Scouts Guides Cubs Brownies Beavers Rainbows Explorers and Leaders during the week before Christmas. Thank you for your support Email: asalter83@live.co.uk * John De Bara at Swanage Conservative Club. Tudor Christmas Storytelling at Corfe Castle. * * Winter Lights at Corfe Castle. Lanterns, braziers, beacons and lighting. Castle open til 7pm, weather permitting. * Christmas Arty Bazaar at The Boilerhouse Gallery, Corfe Castle. * Santa Special Train at Swanage Railway. Christmas Luncheon Train at Swanage Railway. * 09:00 Purbeck Produce Farmers’ Market at Commercial road, Swanage. 10:00 Swanage Walking Group meet at Knoll House Hotel for circular walk via Agglestone Rock, Godlingston Heath and Ballard Down to Obelisk. Return via

Old Harry Rocks and Studland Village. Ffi 01929 421039. 11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders Christmas Market At Worth Matravers Village Hall. 12:00 Christmas Arty Bazaar outside Boilerhouse Gallery, by the railway station Corfe Castle. Stalls with wide range of art, craft, food, vintage, fab coffee and live music. 19:30 Christmas Concert at St Mary’s Church, Swanage. Tickets £10 in advance from choir members and Corbens Estate Agents. £12 on the door. Sun 11th * Tudor Christmas Storytelling At Corfe Castle. * Santa Special Train At Swanage Railway. * Christmas Luncheon Train At Swanage Railway. * Fun Quiz at Swanage Conservative Club. 11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders Christmas Market At Worth Matravers Village Hall. 15:30 The Sidekicks At The Legion, Swanage. 15:30 Santa Comes to Town at Wareham Town Centre! Grotto in Red Lion, refreshments in the Town Hall. Mon 12th * Tudor Christmas Storytelling at Corfe Castle. 10:00 Wareham Area Senior Forum at Wareham Parish Hall. Christmas social, nibbles, raffle. 14:30 June Wildlife in Spain Illustrated talk Langton Matravers Village Hall. 18:00 Wareham Rotary Club Carol Collection with Santa around west Wool. Ffi Ann, 01929 553727. Tue 13th * Tudor Christmas Storytelling at Corfe Castle. 14:00 Purbeck Parkinson’s Group at the All Saints Church Hall, Swanage. Ffi: T. Lander 01929 425970 or D Peters 01929 551962 Wed 14th * Tudor Christmas Storytelling at Corfe Castle. 19:30 Swanage Town Band at Swanage High Street Methodist Church. Free admission. Ffi: 01929 422421 19:30 Studland WI at Studland Village Hall. Seasonal Social Event followed by refreshments. Competition: Favourite Christmas Card. Fri 16th * Tudor Christmas Storytelling at Corfe Castle. * Winter Lights at Corfe Castle. Lanterns, braziers, beacons and lighting. Castle open til 7pm, weather permitting. 19:30 Swanage Photographic Society meets in the Rectory Classroom, Church Hill For the : Anders 2 – ‘open’ and Browne 2 – ‘Circle(s)’ competitions. Judge : Mike Hooker. Visitors welcome, ffi: 01929 423841. Sat 17th Tudor Christmas Storytelling at Corfe Castle. * * Winter Lights At Corfe Castle. Lanterns, braziers, beacons and lighting. Castle open til 7pm, weather permitting. * Stray Life at Swanage Conservative Club. * Christmas Luncheon Train at Swanage Railway. * Santa Special Train at Swanage Railway. 10:00 Swanage Walking Group Meet at Lulworth Primary School for a circular walk through West Lulworth, Scratchy Bottom and Hambury Farm. Ffi 01929 480224. 19:30 Christmas Goes Classical at St. Mary’s Church, Swanage. Belvedere Singers and One Voice Choir present Christmas goes Classical, in aid of Friends of Swanage Hospital. Tickets from Oliver Miles or at the door; £10 adults; £5 12-18 years; under 12 free. Further info: 423729. Sun 18th * Tudor Christmas Storytelling at Corfe Castle. * Christmas Luncheon Train at Swanage Railway. Santa Special Train at Swanage Railway. * 15:30 Ledfree at The Legion, Swanage. Mon 19th * Tudor Christmas Storytelling at Corfe Castle. * Santa Special Train at Swanage Railway. Winter Lights at Corfe Castle. Lanterns, braziers, beacons and lighting. Castle * open til 7pm, weather permitting. Tue 20th * Tudor Christmas Storytelling at Corfe Castle. * Santa Special Train at Swanage Railway. Winter Lights at Corfe Castle. Lanterns, braziers, beacons and lighting. Castle * open til 7pm, weather permitting. 11:00 Santa and The Pirates (that don’t want Christmas) at The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. Tickets £10 with present, £7 without present. 14:30 Santa & The Pirates (that don’t want Christmas) At The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. Tickets £10 with present, £7 without present. 15:00 Tea with Santa at Holme Nursery. To Book tel: 01929 554716. Wed 21st * Tudor Christmas Storytelling at Corfe Castle. * Santa Special Train at Swanage Railway. * Winter Lights at Corfe Castle. Lanterns, braziers, beacons and lighting. Castle open til 7pm, weather permitting. * Free parking in selected Wareham town car parks.

The Purbeck Gazette

Thu 22nd Tudor Christmas Storytelling at Corfe Castle. * * Santa Special Train at Swanage Railway. * Winter Lights at Corfe Castle. Lanterns, braziers, beacons and lighting. Castle open til 7pm, weather permitting. * Free parking in selected Wareham town car parks. * Christmas Luncheon Train at Swanage Railway. 15:00 Tea with Santa at Holme Nursary. To Book: 10929 554716. Fri 23rd * Tudor Christmas Storytelling at Corfe Castle. * Santa Special Train at Swanage Railway. * Winter Lights at Corfe Castle. Lanterns, braziers, beacons and lighting. Castle open til 7pm, weather permitting. * Free parking in selected Wareham town car parks. * Christmas Luncheon Train at Swanage Railway. Sat 24th * Santa Special Train at Swanage Railway. * Martin Boucher at Swanage Conservative Club. 18:00 Wareham Rotary Club Carol Service at Hyde Place sheltered housing complex in Wool. Ffi Ffi Ann, 01929 553727. Mon 26th 14:00 The Purbeck Mummers at The Square & Compass. Tue 27th * Tudor Christmas Storytelling at Corfe Castle. * Winter Lights at Corfe Castle. Lanterns, braziers, beacons and lighting. Castle open til 7pm, weather permitting. Wed 28th * Tudor Christmas Storytelling at Corfe Castle. * Winter Lights at Corfe Castle. Lanterns, braziers, beacons and lighting. Castle open til 7pm, weather permitting. * Fun Quiz at Swanage Conservative Club. Thu 29th * Tudor Christmas Storytelling at Corfe Castle. * Winter Lights at Corfe Castle. Lanterns, braziers, beacons and lighting. Castle open til 7pm, weather permitting. Fri 30th * Winter Lights at Corfe Castle. Lanterns, braziers, beacons and lighting. Castle open til 7pm, weather permitting. Sat 31st * NYE Party with Stacy Lou at Swanage Conservative Club. 10:00 Swanage Walking Group meet at National Trust car park by Bankes Arms in Studland for circular walk via Middle Beach, Agglestone Rock and Black Down. Ffi 01202 623230. 19:00 Damien Matthews NYE Party at Swanage Bay View. Free entry. 19.00 New Year’s Eve at the Square and Compass, Worth Matravers. Music with ‘No Go Stop’. Open till late!

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.

The Purbeck Gazette 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 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 12.00 Nature Tots (0-4yrs) at Bovington Memorial Hall Garden. Until 2pm 14.00 Swanage Walking for Health Group. Walks of 60-90mins, various locations. Walks are very social, for a range of abilities. Walks start from car parks at Studland, Corfe, Arne, Durlston, Langton, Acton, Worth and Kingston. Ffi: 481000. 14.00 Harman’s Cross Village Hall Art Group Till 5 14.00 Wareham Short Mat Bowls. Furzebrook VH. Roll-up session, all standards welcome. Ffi 401799 17.00 Sw Tennis Club Junior Session till 6pm. 426312 18.00 Sw Youth Centre Girls’ Night (Yr 8+) Till 10 18.15 Sw Cricket Club Practice till 8.30pm 18.30 Sw Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 421840 19.00 Wareham Air Cadets meet at Air Training Corps HQ, St Martin’s Lane, Wm. Cadets age 12+. Ffi: email: oc.2185@aircadets.mod. 19.30 Swanage Group of Alcoholics Anonymous meets at Swanage Day Centre, High Street, Swanage. If you want help to stop drinking, you are welcome. Or call 01202 296000 for more details. 19.30 Sw & Langton Folk Dance Club Langton VH. Ffi: 421913 19.30 Belvedere Singers rehearsal at their NEW venue, St Mark’s CE VA Primary School, High St, Sw. Parking on-site. All singers welcome! 423729 20.00 Sw Regatta & Carnival Assoc Bingo Herston Leisure, Herston Yards Farm, Sw. 20.00 Carey Hall, Wm Bingo EVERY WEDNESDAY 09.00 St Mark’s Toddlers Group, St Mark’s Church, Swanage. Herston, Sw Till 11am 09.45 Corfe Wool Workshop Corfe VH, East St. Members £1.50; non-members £2.50. Till12.00. 427067 10.00 Short tennis for adults at Swanage Football Club. All welcome. Equipment supplied. Till noon. 10.00 Breast Feeding Group at Wareham’s Children Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Offering peer support and breastfeeding counsellor advice. Till 12 noon. Ffi: 552864 10.30 Play and Learn at Kids of Wool (BH20 6DY) until 12 noon. 11.00 Volunteer Centre Drop-In at Swanage Library till 1pm. Find our about volunteering to support community groups & charities 13.00 Studland Toddler Group at Studland Village Hall until 2.30pm. 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 Country Market D’Urbeville Hall. Cakes, preserves, plants, crafts, vegetables. Coffee & biscuits available. 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. 13.30 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 St Mary’s School, Northbrook Road, Swanage. Sept-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. 19.30 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. 10.00 Arts and Crafts Market at the Mowlem in Swanage. A wide range of local art for sale, including pottery, glass, cards, fabric and much more! To book your table, or for more information, call Tony on 01929 421321. 10.30 Stoborough Emmanuel Baptist Church meet at Stoborough First School, Stoborough. All very welcome.

The Purbeck Gazette

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