The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 238

November 2019 Issue no. 238

FREE WHERE DELIVERED. POSTAL SUBSCRIPTION at: www.purbeckgazette.co.uk/catalogue.aspx Magazine Archive at: Archive Magazine at: AVAILABLE www.purbeckgazette.co.uk

Purbeck Christmas Challenge! Pg 23 - 37

Harry Redknapp At Swanage Hospital. Pg 54

Further Delays To Gaia Pope Inquest. Pg 10

#Willdoes - Charity Run Success. Pg 56

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Editor’s note...

W

elcome to the November edition of your Purbeck Gazette!

This month we begin our two-part ‘Purbeck Christmas Shopping Challenge’ - where we invite local advertisers into our feature to encourage you lovely readers to attempt to shop as locally as possible for all those festive bits and pieces. Keep the money in local hands and it’ll stay in the local economy - keeping staff in work and shops and businesses open in the long-term. It’s even more important nowadays to keep those miles travelled to a minimum and support local businesses - many are struggling with the economic uncertainties and need your support more than ever.

Be part of that which keeps our local communities thriving and please do shop, eat and be entertained locally this Christmas. You’ll be glad you did as there are so many wonderful independent shops and outlets who will truly welcome your custom!

We also feature an update on the IOPC investigation into Dorset Police’s handling of the disappearance of Gaia Pope in November 2017, with a family statement on the continuing delays in the investigation concluding and the formal inquest taking part. So many of you were involved in the search for Gaia that we understand many of you wish to be kept updated, so we’ll keep bringing you what we have, when more information is released.

Keep an eye on elderly and less able neighbours this month as the weather worsens and the cold sets in - we all need a helping hand sometimes, so don’t be afraid to reach out and offer assistance...

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

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

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The December 2019 edition has a deadline of 8th November, and will be distributed from 25th to 29th Nov 2019.

The January 2020 edition has a deadline of 6th December and will be distributed from 23rd Dec 2019 - 3rd Jan 2020.

Public Notices & Information

Swanage Town Council Meetings - November 2019

Planning & Consultation Committee Policy, Finance & Performance Man. General Operations Committee Tourism Committee Council Transport Committee

Mon 4th Wed 6th Wed 13th Tue 19th Mon 25th Wed 27th

6.30pm 9.30am 4.30pm 10am 7pm 7pm

Wareham Town Council Meetings - November 2019 Policy, Resources & Finance Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group Planning & Transport Amenities Policy, Resources & Finance

Mon 11th Thur 14th Mon 18th Weds 20th Mon 25th

9.30am 7pm 9.30pm 7pm 9.30am

Dorset Council - replacing/incorporating PDC & DCC For details of council meetings, councillors and decisions please use the web address: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/committees Alternatively, if you use the old 'Dorsetforyou' address: www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/committees - you will be redirected to the same link called 'committee meetings and papers'.

About 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 GPStracked 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, Kay Jenkins, Sales & Accounts Executive, David Hollister, Columnist, John Garner, Columnist, Regula Wright, Columnist. Purbeck Designs (some graphics), Kim Steeden, Spotlight Diary Editor.

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Corfe Castle in the mist, by Richard Murgatroyd

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 48 BUSINESS MATTERS 20 COMMUNITY MATTERS 8 COUNCIL MEETINGS 2 DIARY SPOTLIGHT 57 FEATURES #Willdoes Charity Fun Success 56 Blast From The Past 14 FEATURE: Purbeck Christmas Challenge! Part 1.... 23 - 37 Gaia Pope - Further Inquest Delays 10 Gazette Gardening 46 Harry Redknapp At Swanage Hospital 54 John Garner writes - One Foot In Front Of The Other 42 Swanage Blues Festival Review 50 Swanage Carnival Gives Away £28,800!

12 Telling It Like It Is - David Hollister writes 8 FOOD - Godlingston Manor Kitchen Gardens 38 HEALTH & BEAUTY 52 LETTERS 4 MOTORING - David Hollister writes 40 NATURAL MATTERS 42 SPORT 55 SUPPORT THE PLANET WITH US! 18 TRADE ADVERTS sponsored by Travis Perkins 60

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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.

DECEMBER edition deadline: noon, 8th NOV

A Trip To Alum Bay

Beer, Ale & Cider Specialists Food served 12 noon - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm High Street, Swanage. 01929 423533 warm day. Perhaps a diesel car owner could explain why the engine must be kept running at all costs?

My petrol engine car has stop / start technology, so turns off at all opportunities.

Tim Deacon. Manwell Drive. Swanage, by email

And Continuing To Run...

Dear Readers, If you look at the Isle of Wight from Swanage you can see the vertical layers of coloured sand on the cliffs of Alum Bay just to the left of the Needles.

Like many rocks in this area the coloured sands were originally horizontal but became vertical when the Alps were formed. There are many colours but they are basically red, white, black, green and yellow.

During my holidays in the 1950s you could buy a glass lighthouse from the top of the cliffs and then go down to the beach and fill it with different coloured sand. When I got back home all the different colours got mixed up. If you bought a ready-filled lighthouse, the patterns remained intact and there must be a technique to do this. By the 1960s people were no longer allowed to obtain coloured sand from the cliffs for safety and conservation reasons and you had to pay to collect coloured sand from a hut at the top. It was a fairly deserted and wild place then.

Alum Bay is totally different now. It is commercialised with huge car parks full of cars, souvenir shops, cafes and swarms of people. On my visit on Saturday 24 August, I was planning to go down to the beach on the chairlift but when I saw a queue of about one hundred people, I decided to walk down. Down on the beach there were boat trips to view the Needles and a fairly good view of the coloured cliffs.

As I walked back on my way to Headon Warren I looked back and noticed that although loads of people were queuing to go down the chairlift very few were waiting to go up. It was too late to go back but it was something to remember for next time.

Yours sincerely, Robin Brasher, by email.

Engines Running....

Dear Editor, Recently I walked into Swanage town centre and passed two diesel cars parked with their engines running. One, in the narrows, was a nearly new 4x4, on the pavement, engine running and nobody anywhere near it, why?

Are diesels so difficult to start or re-start, is diesel fuel so cheap the owners want to waste it, or do the owners love the noisy engines and smell of diesel exhaust?

Walking home there was a Mercedes estate outside Arkwights, with its engine clattering away, but no driver or passenger, just a dog in the back.

He or she must have needed the air conditioning and windows open on a

Dear Editor This morning after attending Swanage Primary School’s lovely Harvest Festival Service, I took a walk on the pier. An elderly man was parked there reading the paper in his large Land Rover Discovery with his engine running.

I looked at him as I walked past, but upon my return his engine was still running. I knocked on his window and asked him if he would mind turning it off, as it was illegal, to which he sarcastically replied ‘Is it? Thank you.

Goodbye.’ - and shut the window, continuing to leave his engine running.

Following this exchange, which left me more than a little irritated, I mentioned it to the Pier Master who said he would have a quiet word.

Is it really so very difficult to have some consideration for others? The emissions caused by idling engines are apparently even greater than a vehicle in motion; the current fine is £20 which should perhaps be increased as an added incentive for some.

Swanage is a wonderful place to live and the air quality is amazing; we do not want it spoilt by someone with little or no regard for what he might be doing to the environment or the health of others. I only hope the chap in question learns his lesson and starts to think of others rather than his own comfort.

Regards, Linda Skinner, by email.

No.50 Doesn’t Serve Corfe!

Dear Editor, May I reply to David Hollister’s comments in his October column about the No 50 bus not making a request stop in Corfe Castle?

The No 50 serves Studland, Swanage, Sandbanks, Westbourne and Bournemouth - not Corfe Castle or any other stops on the diversion route.

Corfe Castle has its own service, the No 40. The normal journey on the No 50 between Studland and Bournemouth using the ferry takes about an hour but TWO hours on the diversion route, and at times over the summer, even longer due to the delays through Sandford.

A one-off request to stop in Corfe Castle may be seen as reasonable but making request stops between Poole and Swanage would soon become the norm and this would add even more delay to an already very long journey, which could not be timetabled for.

I have in the past missed my train at Bournemouth, even on the normal timetable when there are lots of people getting on and off, legitimately, on all the many stops through Westbourne and Bournemouth, so I know how easily this can delay the bus.

Coming through Corfe Castle over the summer there were large groups of visitors trying to wave down the No 50, so it is obvious that stopping between Poole and Swanage would cause delays.

The bus only stops at Poole anyway as it is going through there, I would surmise, to allow the No 50 users access to a train station and an alternative shopping centre to Bournemouth within the hour that it normally takes to get to Bournemouth. The service is clearly advertised as non-stop between Poole and Swanage and in addition, I have often heard the driver announce this at both Swanage and Poole.

In any case, the passengers mentioned in your column only had to ask the driver as they got on. If people try to buck the system they should be pleased if this works but have no cause for complaint when the system

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is adhered to. The No 50 is non-stop between Poole and Swanage for a very good reason.

Stephen Yeoman, Studland, by email

Is David On The Bus?!

Dear Editor, I do wonder how often David Hollister travels on buses. His comments about the number 50 service not stopping at Corfe Castle (October Gazette) are very unfair to both the driver in question and also those passengers travelling the long journey from Bournemouth to Swanage while the ferry service is suspended.

If Mr Hollister’s elderly friends had taken the trouble to study the 50 timetable, they would have seen that there are no stops between Poole bus station and Swanage, or they could have checked with the driver before embarking.

The number 50 bus has never stopped in Corfe Castle because it does not normally travel that route, so why should it now? Clearly, the ladies got on a number 40 bus when they set out from Corfe to Poole (the normal stopping service), so why did they not catch one back?

Currently, it takes about one and a half hours to travel by bus from Swanage to Bournemouth while the ferry is not running. If the bus is to make ‘unscheduled’ stops as Mr Hollister seems to be suggesting, then yet more time will be added to the journey.

The moral of the story is: read the timetable before getting on a bus and don’t blame the driver if you have made a mistake!

Your sincerely, David Leadbetter, Prospect Crescent, Swanage

Establish ‘Regular Route’ Dear Editor, Swanage to Poole by bus The one and perhaps the only benefit of the long suspension of the Sandbanks Ferry has been that the re-routed 50 Bus has provided an ‘Express’ service between Swanage and Poole.

As well as encouraging more people to use the Bus, to the benefit of the environment, it has meant that those having to attend appointments at Poole Hospital or elsewhere, get to College or work in Poole have had an efficient and quick means to get there and back, (if using the 40 bus, total travelling time is 2½ hours).

I have written to MoreBus and Dorset County Councils transport department asking that they consider establishing this as a regular service with perhaps the addition of one other stop to serve Harman’s Cross.

I’m sure a service of this kind would be well supported and prove of benefit to our community. If you have, or potentially would benefit from such a service please write to MoreBus, DCC Robin Plowman, by email.

Part Of Normal Cycle Dear Editor, I trust that your readers will be as amazed as myself in learning the indisputable scientifically proven facts behind the real cause of global

warming. Whilst it is undeniable that man-made CO2 emissions are a contributory factor, they are not the main cause.

David Leadbetter correctly states (Your letters, October) ‘It is true, of course, that temperature increases (and decreases) have occurred throughout Earth’s history due to natural causes’ but how, exactly?

We have to go back some two billion years in Earth’s history when the first of five Ice Ages began, the last ending about ten thousand years ago, although some can reasonably argue that we are still in an Ice Age but nowhere near as others in its severity (eg: Polar ice caps and glaciers).

The cause of global warming during these periods was the large quantities of CO2 emissions ‘due to various natural causes’ - after all, they could not have been man-made as there were no such unnatural causes during these periods.

Similarly, the concerns about rising sea levels are justified - one only has to visit (or Google) Abbey Wood’s famous Eocene shale beds which are extremely rich in, and still yielding, fossilised shark’s teeth as well as crocodile, turtle and fish remains.

Abbey Wood is to the immediate north of the remnants of Lesnes Abbey in south-east London and is nine metres above current sea level.

What caused such a dramatic reduction in sea levels since then?

The facts remain that natural causes were the main factor, so although all possible measures should be taken to reduce man-made CO2 emissions (at the risk of the adverse affects on major global economies and populations) nothing can be done to prevent nature taking its historical and inevitable course.

Entirely coincidentally as I write (1st October), it has been reliably reported that an iceberg weighing an estimated 315 billion tonnes has broken away from a glacier in Antarctica, but not due to climate change.

Professor Helen Amanda Fricke of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, which has been studying the site for almost twenty years said: ‘It’s part of the ice shelf’s normal cycle, where we see major calving events every sixty - seventy years’.

In other words, natural causes. Amazing, but true.

Richard Ingall, Shore Road, Swanage

Questioning Contracts Dear Readers, As a regular reader of the David Hollister’s columns in the Gazette, especially items which are written “tongue in cheek”, I am concerned about a reference to employee contracts in the October edition.

Before offering advice to an employer on such matters as discipline, I would urge David Hollister to read appropriate guidance in leaflets published by ACAS. Mike Killingback, by email.

DECEMBER EDITION DEADLINE NOON, WED 8th NOVEMBER

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Game Meat Is Great!

Dear Readers, October heralded the start of the pheasant shooting season. As the season gets underway, there will be plenty of affordable, locally sourced and delicious game meat available.

The UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), works year-round to encourage people to try game meat, which is healthy, highly nutritious and, above all, delicious.

Low in fat and high in vitamins and minerals game meat is becoming the go-to source of protein.

Shoot providers spend nearly £250 million on conservation annually and shooting is involved in the active management of two-thirds of the UK’s rural land area. People who shoot spend 3.9 million work days on conservation each year – the equivalent of 16,000 full-time jobs. With an increasing demand for healthy and sustainably sourced food make sure you make the most of game meat this season.

Debbie Collins, The British Association for Shooting and Conservation, Marford Mill.

CALL: 01482 610414

developed currently does not achieve what is needed or provide for our young people and families, who consequently too often leave Dorset.

A National Park, with its remit to respond proactively to local housing needs, including genuinely affordable homes, is much needed in the interests of our communities and countryside.

Yours faithfully, Gerald Rigler, Chairman: Purbeck and Poole Group of Dorset CPRE.

Swanage Bandstand Update

Friends Grateful For Support Dear Editor, A message from the Friends of Wareham Hospital This time last year the Friends of Wareham Hospital were devastated for staff and patients to lose the sixteen in-patient beds at Wareham Hospital at such short notice but at our recent AGM we were delighted to receive a very positive presentation from NHS Community staff in Purbeck who highlighted some of the services now available to us in our own homes or close to home.

The Wareham Friends , with our changed Constitution, are now able to support these new community services which we hope will be further enhanced by the development of an “integrated” Community Hub on the old Wareham Middle school site which would bring together GP, Wareham Hospital and Social care services all on one site, coordinating our care across Purbeck and making best use of the resources available for the whole area including those provided at Swanage Hospital.

We are so grateful for the continuing support we receive and thank all those who have attended our many meetings with Health and / or Dorset Council in recent months to help us keep Purbeck very much in the minds of those making decisions about our future care!

Maggie Hardy, Chair – Friends of Wareham Hospital, by email.

National Park Needed Dear Nico, Proposed National Park in Dorset After such a long wait (since the 1930s for some), it was a joy to learn that Julian Glover has recently suggested the above.

In case the proposal is not fully appreciated, the evidence clearly suggests that Dorset’s exceptional habitats and biodiversity, the greatest biodiversity in Britain, is at risk from damaging development proposals which impact on our exceptional countryside.

Developers are seeking to take advantage of financial opportunities which cannot be resisted or controlled effectively under current inadequate procedures. Such proposals include plans for the largest developments ever undertaken in any AONB in England.

Dorset needs local homes for local people, the right kind of development in the right places, including genuinely affordable homes. But what is being

Dear Readers, The Friends of Swanage Bandstand are so pleased to report (as some of you will already know) that our Bandstand is now back fully restored, and it’s looking really fantastic in its original first colours - green,cream,and white, which everyone seems to love.

All the work that’s been done has been finished to a very high standard and Lost Art, who have refurbished several bandstands around the country, have left Swanage with a major piece of our heritage back where it should be.

The stonework has been repointed and cleaned, new drainage is in place, a new electricity supply with lights in the roof and a small widening of the top path to take extra seating with all the areas then being resurfaced, with a lot of local companies involved.

We could not have achieved this without the support from the Town Council, various trusts, local traders, many groups and fundraising concerts, and more importantly, the people who honoured their pledges which in total raised £130,000 and the council increased their figures to £80,000 due to extra work on all the paths, which hit a new total of £210,000, so well done everyone.

We are now getting closer to the seating being sorted, we, the F.O.S.B., want continuous seating on both levels and have asked for space for litter bins, which are really needed. The F.O.S.B. want to thank you all for your help. We could not have done without you.

Alan Houghton, 3 Dingle Court, Swanage.

P.S. The Official opening of the Bandstand will have already taken place when most of you read this letter (26th October).

Furtive ‘Bracken-Twitcher’ Dear Editor I refer to a letter published in your October issue (April might have been more appropriate). Namely: ‘I’m Watching You All’.

May I suggest the (in my opinion out-of-step) author ‘J.P. Styles’ considers carefully in future his (or hers) shamefully voyeuristic habit of hiding in

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01929 552483 07743019590 bushes in order to catch out ramblers and walkers etc. who fail to shut gates behind them while out enjoying our countryside.

Blimey mate, climb over this silly habit and deliver yourself some kind of closure. The vast majority of us do the right thing and close gates at all times. As a responsible elderly rambler myself I suggest you remember some people occasionally need to relieve themselves in the hedgerows while out walking. What would you and your kind do if faced with such a dilemma - staring you in the face as it were. What a shower.

One wonders if this furtive bracken-twitcher has like-minded colleagues – maybe the countryside is full of these hedgerow hoverers – when they are not attending their branch meetings of course.

Yours, P Staker, by snail mail.

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Furtively Twitching Too Dear Editor, I was so glad to read the letter in your last edition (‘I’m watching you all’).

I too am guilty of being so passionate about our countryside that I spend numerous hours lurking around the countryside, often in full camo gear, trying to protect livestock (despite having none myself) from the errant ways of totally ignorant people.

Leaving farm gates open can lead to a wide variety of horrors too numerous to describe, which is why I spend as many hours as possible also hiding myself from view, ready to pop up should anyone leave a gate open and admonish them for their foolhardy ways.

Should anyone wish to join me on a regular basis, I’ll be hard to find due to the extraordinary effects of my camo gear. I guess it depends on what time of year you’re out looking to join me in my efforts - I’d probably stand out like a sore thumb in snow.

Please do shut the gates folks - or you may encounter me - too!

Kind regards, Mrs Penelope Farranger, by smoke signals from somewhere on the hills......

Marines To The Rescue?

Dear Readers, The ‘Missing Ferry’ Has anybody considered approaching the Royal Marines at Hamworthy, Poole? They have a fleet of tank landing craft, designed to work off and on beaches.

They are capable of carrying heavy weights, tanks weigh more than cars and buses, and they are quite capable of operating a shuttle service from Sandbanks to Poole and back with two, or more, vessels. They might be quite keen to assist as it could provide some real-time experience for their crews as well as excellent PR! Yours sincerely, W.D.Wilson, by email

A Garden For Peace?

Dear Readers, Overlooking Westwood Hoe in Plymouth there is a peace garden with a backdrop of trees and a wide view to the horizon. There are flowers, a peace totem (an elephant) and a tree in remembrance of Ann Frank. Such a beautiful place of flowers and memorial benches to stare at the sky from; rock structures - one to the victims of genocide in Rwanda.

Would it not be possible to create one similar in Swanage at the north end of Sandpit Field, where the oaks are already there for a windstop, even on winter days? As Patti Smith says: “How we treat the dead is how we treat the living.”. Beneath trees, the Native Americans call ‘the standing people’.

How much maintenance goes into warfare? How about some for peace?

Yours, M.J.Hamilton, by hand.

Dear Editor, You never know how you would act in an emergency, yet our actions could save a life.

This is why I think it’s fantastic that, after ten years of campaigning by the British Red Cross, it will be compulsory for first aid skills to be taught in all state schools in England from 2020. It’s an impactful way to give young people the confidence they need to help someone.

As parents, Ben and I are so thrilled our children will be able to learn these important skills so that they never feel completely helpless in an emergency situation.

It’s also a relief knowing that if anything were to happen to them in the future, more people might be able to help.

So many women I know, especially those weaning their babies, are terrified of the possibility of their child choking. But children learning first aid could make all the difference if one of their younger siblings was choking at home.

This new legislation, however, is just for schools in England. At the moment teaching first aid in schools in the rest of the UK is optional. We support the British Red Cross’s calls for it to become a compulsory part of the curriculum throughout the UK, so all school children get the same chance to learn how to save a life.

Marina Fogle, by email.

(Marina Fogle is a campaigner, co-founder of the Bump Class and host of The ParentHood podcast. She is married to British Red Cross Ambassador and TV adventurer Ben and mother to Lido and Iona.)

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TELLING IT LIKE IT IS...

Can We Fix It? Yes We Can! (Bob the Builder - 1998)

by David Hollister

M

y dictionary defines “temporary” as “lasting for only a limited period of time; not permanent”. I have for some time been complaining for several months that the signs “temporary road surface” have been left on the side of the A351 between Harmans Cross and Three Acre Lane, and that the road surface itself has been in a dangerous condition, especially for motorcyclists unfamiliar with the road.

Dorset Council have now put up notices reading “road surface to be repaired this year” and complemented those with a “temporary” 30 mph speed limit which seems to be being ignored by most of the motorists who I see driving through it.

I am not sure as to whether this is legally enforceable or whether the necessary legal permissions have been obtained by Dorset Council; clearly I cannot recommend that anyone should exceed these limits but I do wonder why it is that these were not put up three months ago when the surface failed originally and when the volume of summer traffic was greater.

But in the light of the public trumpetings earlier in the year that the new amalgamated Dorset Council would be more efficient, save money, and the best thing since sliced bread, I wonder why it is that their only answer to a failed and dangerous road is to put up signage. Come on Dorset, you rip me off for £250 a month for the privilege of living in my own home; you can do better than this. Can you fix it? Yes, you can!

Perhaps it’s time to remind our representatives that their tenure on Dorset Council is only ‘temporary’ and that some of us expect more; more action, and better communications with their electorate. It’s the job that isn’t started that takes longest to finish.

It has been brought to my attention by a local parish councillor, whose word I consider to be totally trustworthy, that the Government issued a Public Consultation Document regarding the offshore disposal of highlevel nuclear waste storage. The “consultation” ran between December 2018 and March 2019 and is now closed. Did you know about this? Did I know about this? Did any of our Parish Councils know about this? Did the National Trust know about this? Was there any publicity whatsoever in the local press?

I ask because the area under consideration runs from St Catherine’s Point on the Isle of Wight, through to Abbotsbury. In other words, right on our doorstep. We are being considered for a Geological Waste Facility both onshore and offshore.

Have a look at the video produced by “Radioactive Waste Management” on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_DMocBFV8M and then tell me that you’re not alarmed. Well, like me, you can be as alarmed as you like but as the “consultation” is closed there’s nothing you can do about it.

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Watch as the well-spoken and attractive representative of RWM smoothes out our concerns and tells us of the host of ‘benefits’ that such a scheme would bring to our area. Trots out the tired platitudes such as ‘jobs’, ‘infrastructure’ and even ‘schools-n-ospitals’. There’s a further and even more detailed video on https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=sMNC3OsSCgY&t=1s. If all those references are too difficult for you then simply Google “Geological Disposal Facility Dorset” and it will take you to the same links.

Langton Matravers Parish Council have taken it on themselves to broadcast this information to as many people as possible including other Parish Councils, the Jurassic Coast, National Trust, AONB, National Parks etc and also Richard Drax……… hang on a minute! He’s our MP and it would seem to me that if he knew about this consultation and didn’t tell us, then he’s unfit to be an MP, and conversely if he didn’t know about it, he’s unfit to be an MP ………

So now you, dear reader, know about it. And can do nothing. However, a few well chosen words to Drax might be a good idea. That’s if he can drag his nose away from Brexit for a few moments. I seem to remember many years ago on 9-11 that a politician commented that it was “a good time to bury bad news” and I can’t help wondering if the Brexit nonsense has also provided MPs with a good time to bury this particular piece of bad news.

Well, between us, we have dug it up. Can we fix it? Yes we can!

As I write, we’re now two weeks away from October 31st, and as you read it, Brexit will be happening (or not). I seem to remember a piece I wrote for this very magazine back in August 2018: “It has already been rumoured that the ‘government is stockpiling food and pharmaceuticals’ and one doesn’t have to look to far to work out why. The M2 will turn into a car park for lorries queuing to get on to the cross-channel ferries, waiting for ill-mannered and poorly-trained staff using unreliable and badly-programmed computers to issue the “necessary documentation” from hastily-constructed customs posts (nine months to go and they haven’t started yet), whilst the freight either rots or rusts.

Similarly, queues of foreign lorries the other side will wait to deliver to the UK until they realise that there are twenty-seven other countries who will take their produce with no paperwork or petty officialdom, and turn away from the ferry ports” I wish that I could see that anything has materially changed, other than volumes of rubbish issued by the Government on how to survive a ‘no deal’ Brexit. Perhaps if all the government pamphlet writers were to roll up their sleeves and get themselves to our ports and set up the necessary systems, it would be of greater use.

It seems appropriate that Brexit falls on Halloween, the annual holiday celebrated each year on October 31; it originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.

Will Brexit be a trick or a treat? Can we fix it? Time will tell!

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Government Urged To Tackle SEND Crisis

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eader of Dorset Council, Spencer Flower, has written to the Secretary of State for Education, Damian Hinds MP, asking for the Government to take urgent action to address the national crisis around for funding for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The call comes after parents and children from Dorset handed over a petition today with more than 500 signatures.

Councillors and officers spoke with parents at their march, listened to their heart-felt pleas and agree that more funding is needed to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Cllr Flower says that without additional money from Government, councils face an ‘impossible position.’

Dorset Council is responsible for creating education, health and care plans (EHCP) for children and young people aged up to 25 with SEND who need additional support. Since 2013, Dorset has seen a 67 per cent increase in EHCPs, but only a 7 per cent increase in funding.

The council has also invited the Secretary of State to come and visit Dorset and see the impact that the current funding model has on children, young people, parents and schools.

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PURBECK GOOD NEIGHBOURS Purbeck Good Neighbours is a volunteer group who can help older people over 50 with small or difficult one-off tasks in their home.

We are here to help you! why call us!

For Example Read a letter, Reach a high cupboard, Change a light bulb, Move some furniture, Take some rubbish away, Change some batteries

Helpline - 01929 424 363 All we ask of you is you give the volunteer a minimum donation of £2 to cover expenses

Gaia Pope Family Responds To Further Delays In Investigation Of Teenager’s Death

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n Thursday 16 October, Gaia’s family learned that inquest proceedings will be postponed again. This is due to further delays in the IOPC’s investigations into Dorset Police’s handling of her rape allegation and later disappearance.

Deadlines for the IOPC investigation have been extended several times since May. Recent figures reveal Dorset to have the worst conviction rate for rape in the UK, with 82 recorded rapes per conviction in Dorset last year.

The family have been granted no guarantee that the full findings of the IOPC will be made available to them prior to the inquest.

In response to press enquiries about the conclusion of IOPC investigations into the disappearance and death of Gaia Pope-Sutherland, which were expected last month, Gaia’s family have issued the following statement: “Every deadline the IOPC has given our family has been broken with little

explanation, while decisions are made without us behind closed doors. Even the monthly updates we were promised, we have had to chase for. Now, less than four weeks before it was due to resume, we are told that the inquest will be postponed yet again. Even now, we have no guarantees that the answers we have long waited and suffered for will be given to us in full.

“The 7th of November will mark the second anniversary of Gaia’s disappearance. For almost two years we have been left, struggling to stay afloat in a sea of unanswered questions.

“Was Gaia’s disappearance treated with the seriousness it deserved? Has third party involvement in her death been ruled out? Why did it take Dorset Police so long to find her? Why did they encourage her not to pursue the case against her rapist and remain so resistant to public assistance in the search for her when she was missing?

“These are questions no grieving family should ever be left with, while the answers may be sitting on someone’s desk. Without them we live frozen, unable to grieve, unable to move forwards, unable even to begin. Justice delayed is justice denied.

“That we should have to wait so long and fight so hard for answers about what happened to our darling girl, while the details are poured over by strangers, seems bizarre. However, we are not alone in this.

“Inquests and investigations following state related deaths are intended to seek the truth and to expose unsafe practices or potential abuses of power by state agents. This is not just about respect for those whose lives are wrecked by unspeakable loss; it is about protecting the public by preventing future harm and deaths.

“We have always maintained that what happened to Gaia is a matter not just of our private grief but one of public concern. Under Article 2 of the Human Rights Act, families have the right to meaningful participation in investigations. All too often this is not happening as it should. That is why families like ours, with support from the charity INQUEST, are campaigning to improve these systems.

“At present, we can only hope that a robust and unflinching investigation is taking place. With new statistics revealing the true scale of police failures to prosecute sexual violence and Dorset Police now rated worst in the UK, we are more determined than ever to see lessons learned from Gaia’s case, survivors’ access to justice improved and their voices heard.

“In the meantime, we continue with the Art for Gaia project and our work to develop Gaia’s Guide: a community organising guide, based on our experiences, to help keep missing people safe.

“Our deepest thanks to INQUEST, our legal team at Birnberg Peirce, our social movement and civil society allies, our family, friends and local community for your unwavering support.” #JusticeforGaia

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Wareham Area Senior Forum

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y goodness, where has this year gone? It seems only yesterday that it was summer and now we are beginning to prepare for Christmas!

We had a very successful meeting in September when Robin Harper talked about the Society of Later Life Advisors and how it could help older people. His talk was followed by an update on the ‘progress’ of the new integrated medical hub given by Maggie Hardy. We are all hoping that Dorset Council will see the benefits of both social and medical services being under the same roof.

Our November meeting, to be held on the 25th at Carey Hall, Mistover Road, Wareham, at 10 am, will concentrate on enjoying ourselves! We must have a very short AGM, where we hope someone will come on board following the resignation of David Parry Jones, who has served us well over his tenure.

Another resignation is Ann Selby. However, she has kindly agreed to be in charge of our raffle. She will be much missed with her vast knowledge of Wareham and how it works which we still hope to make use of. The AGM (very short) will be followed by food and the energetic, enthusiastic and very enjoyable Monday Nightingales.

We hope to see you on the 25th November and would ask you to bring your singing voices!

Anne Laugharne

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Sandbanks Ferry Update

he Sandbanks Chain Ferry is on course for its planned return to service at the end of October, as the final elements of the repair are completed, now that the hydraulic couplings have arrived from Sweden.

The ferry, which is currently in a repair facility in Southampton, is undergoing extensive checks and testing ahead of a Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) inspection next week, prior to being towed back to Dorset for several days of intensive testing on chains ahead of opening for service.

Mike Kean, Managing Director of the Sandbanks Ferry Company, said: “We fully understand how frustrating and inconvenient the ferry service suspension has been to residents and businesses. That’s why, in addition to carrying out the required repairs, we have used this outage time to carry out many non-essential maintenance and replacement tasks, well ahead of their required schedule.

“We hope that this extensive programme of preventative works will offer our customers an additional layer of confidence that we have done everything possible to ensure that the ferry will offer a regular and reliable service in the years to come.”

Updates on the final aspects of the repairs, including information on the scheduled tow back from Southampton, will be posted each weekday on the Sandbanks Ferry Company’s Facebook, Twitter and website until the ferry is back in service. The planned date of service return is expected to be at the end of October, with exact information on the date of the service recommencement will be announced to the media and via the Company’s social channels in due course.

Mike Kean added, “We are truly thankful for the patience and support of our customers during this exceptional outage period. We are looking forward to returning the ‘Bramble Bush Bay’ to its rightful place as a vital transport link for the people of Studland, Swanage and Poole, and to restoring the trusted and reliable service which local residents have rightfully come to expect over many years.”

Visit the Sandbanks Ferry Company at www.sandbanksferry.co.uk , on Twitter at @sandbanksferry and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ sandbanksferry .

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Swanage Carnival Gives Away £28,800!

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wanage Carnival celebrates another triumphant year giving away more than £28,000 to 26 chosen organisations.

With a number of other events falling during Carnival week and with the chain ferry being out of service, there were some concerns that we may see fewer visitors at Swanage Carnival 2019. Thankfully this was not the case and we saw greater numbers than ever visiting Sandpit field, with thousands passing through the Carnival marquee.

Carnival chairperson 2019 Maria Foot said “We made a real effort to find some new events for Carnival 2019, attending other shows and searching online for new ideas. Our volunteers’ hard work paid off and we succeeded in finding a number of new events including two air displays, Bubblina and the Bubble Wizzard and The Black Eagles Acrobatic Display Team. All these new events were very well received and we believe they helped enhance the number of people who visited the town during the week.

As always, our focus for Swanage Carnival is to put on great entertainment for all ages and to raise money for local causes. We certainly had a great number of people at our various events and as a result of another successful year we were able to give away £28,800 to our 26 chosen organisations which is testament to our fantastic team of volunteers to make this possible.”

Our presentation night at The Purbeck House Hotel was very well attended by representatives from our chosen charities and good causes, the Carnival Committee and Friends of Swanage Carnival. We were also delighted to welcome our Councillor, Caroline Finch, who presented some of the donations to our chosen organisations.

Swanage Carnival would not continue to run without the help and support from our community and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the individuals and business who contribute.

If you are interested in getting involved with Swanage Carnival please contact Maria Foot on chair@swanagecarnival.com Photos: Nadine Hudson-Featherstone

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“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, this is vessel Neptune. My position is 50° 36’ 26.04” North, 001° 56’ 41.28” West…” earing those words over the radio has the watchkeepers springing into action. Pressing the record button on our tape recorder, the logging officer writes down the position and passes it to the “spotter” who checks the latitude and longitude on our charts, to see whether it is in our area.

Thankfully, more often than not, it is somewhere else in the English Channel.

Knowing your location is essential for any seafarer and mariners use a system of latitude and longitude. Latitude is how far to the north or south of the equator you are. Longitude is the distance east or west measured from the Greenwich meridian.

Latitude and longitude are divided into degrees (°), minutes (′) and seconds (″), with sixty minutes in a degree, sixty seconds in a minute.

The position given in the mayday message is the latitude and longitude of the Lookout, at Peveril Point.

Latitude can be determined, relatively easily, from the position of heavenly bodies such as the Sun or pole star, but longitude is more difficult because there are no natural references from which to measure. Because of this, early sailors found it difficult to accurately locate their positions, particularly when sailing out of sight of land.

In November 1707, the naval fleet of Sir Cloudesley Shovell was lost off the Isles of Scilly. Nearly 2000 sailors lost their lives, making the incident one of the worst maritime disasters in British naval history.

The catastrophe has often said to have been caused by an inability to accurately calculate longitude.

There was a public outcry following the disaster and in July 1714, the Longitude Act was passed. It established the Board of Longitude and offered monetary rewards (Longitude rewards) for anyone who could find a simple and practical method for the precise determination of a ship’s longitude.

The most well-known recipient of the award was a clockmaker called John Harrison. Harrison is credited with inventing the first reliable marine chronometer which enabled mariners to accurately compare the time difference between their location and that of Greenwich.

Knowing this difference is essential for working out longitude.

Nowadays most mariners rely on satellites and global positioning systems (GPS) to work out their position. As a diver, knowing the accurate GPS coordinates of a wreck makes the difference between a good dive and a bad dive!

Sadly, all too often, we hear mayday messages giving positions such as “just off Old Harry Rocks” or “a few miles south of the Isle of Wight”.

While most marine radios have a distress button that transmits a location, there is a growing trend among some recreational sailors to rely on mobile phones.

There has been a lot of press coverage about a smart phone app called What3Words. It uses a mobile mapping system divides the world into squares, each measuring 3m by 3m. Each square has a unique three-word address. The app uses the phone’s GPS signal to identify the user’s current location and provide their three-word address. It means that once the user has the app on their phone, they don’t even need a data signal to obtain their location.

The system is already being used by over sixty emergency service control rooms to help with locating people. One of these calls involved an injured woman who had been rock climbing on Portland and needed urgent assistance. Using the system, the ambulance crews, assisted by the local coastguard rescue team, reached her much more quickly than using conventional directions.

It remains to be seen whether the app will help in maritime rescues, it’s certainly proved useful for coastal walkers, climbers and other recreational users.

This is Swanage NCI, located at 50° 36’ 26.04” North, 001° 56’ 41.28” West or upwardly.bars.smarting, listening on channel 65, out.

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Blast From The Past!

This month, A Decade Ago...

n November 2009, reader, M.J.Leach, wrote a letter for publication regarding the MP expense scandal. Many statements in the letter as published still ring true today: ‘Dear Editor, I was born in 1945, so I’m getting on now. What’s happening to this country? It’s still pretty good in places, if you happen to have a few acres (House of Commons/Lords inmates, please take note).

‘My pension in January 2010 will be around £5,500 a year, or £106.00 a week, probably less than half a day’s allowance to these soulless people, never mind me being able to enjoy the cut-price bars and restaurants that they use day-to-day and so-called educational trips at our expense to the Caribbean and other exotic islands. Second homes? Less said about that, ay! Pensions, aha. Secretarial allowances, oh - I think my wife does that.....

‘Let’s face it, we all want to earn as much as we can in our working lives for our families and ourselves, but when these people stand up and say they are doing it for us, we know they aren’t. So, who are they kidding?

Sort it out and stop piddling about in the theatre of parliament.

‘These public schoolboy theatricals might give you a lift, but to the electorate you are nothing but very lucky individuals who have really done nothing in your lives but talk. M.J.Leach, Battlemead, Swanage.’

In his monthly column, ‘Telling It Like It Is’, columnist, David Hollister, wrote about local concerns regarding planned development at The Glebe in Studland and at Newton Knapp. Readers were asked to write or email in with their concerns, so that we could take these in bulk to Mark Sturgess of Purbeck District Council’s Planning team on behalf of the community.

David received many phone calls on the subject and was stopped numerous times on the street to discuss the issue, but not one reader took the time to actually write or email in - leaving us powerless to act or make any formal impact ‘en-masse’ on any inpending decisions.

At the same time, Purbeck District Council had sent residents a circular, offering ‘your chance to have your say on planning Purbeck’s future’.

At the time, PDC were required (by central government) to provide 2,400 new dwellings, possibly including 700 in Swanage, 28.4 acres of ‘employment land’ and 4000 sq metres of new shops, including one or more new supermarkets.

At the time of writing in November 2009, the response rate to the circular had been poor and although the deadline to respond had just passed, readers were encouraged to still write in and ‘have their say’. As David pointed out, despite everyone clearly having an opinion on the subject, the take-up rate of leaflet response was pretty shocking - the people of Purbeck were once again showing unanimous apathy. David warned those who couldn’t be bothered to ‘have their say’ not to write in and complain when the ‘homes/shops/supermarkets turn from pie in the sky into bricks and mortar in your back yard’.

Following the previous two editions’ articles on the falling rate of new members joining local groups and organisations, many responded and we published a full page of groups actively asking for new members to join and keep these groups running into the future (page entitled ‘A community’s last breath? That’s up to you...’). Groups who published appeals for new members in November 2009 were: Swanage Museum, NSPCC Swanage, Lions Club of Swanage, Wareham Library Home Service, Dorset Car Owner’s Club, The Rotary Club, The Fairtrade Group, Ulwell Women’s Insitute, Swanage Musical Theatre Company, Swanage Friendship Club, Swanage Lifeboat, Swanage Disabled Club, The Rex Players, Swanage French Circle and Swanage In Bloom.

Some of these groups still exist today. Some have disappeared due to a lack of members - or rather, more often, a lack of younger members, more able to do the ‘lifting and carrying’, as well as those willing to take on responsible positions within these groups on committees and so on.

How many of the above list of community groups will still be active (or even continue to exist) in Purbeck in another ten years time?

Staff columnist, Mya Pope-Weidemann, reported on voluntary work she had recently undertaken in Arusha Town, Tanzania, Africa. Mya had travelled to work alongside Sister Felly, who had founded the Faraja Women Empowerment programme in Tanzania.

The programme aimed to support women in sustaining their lives independently, whilst paving the way for a new generation to build something more than that left to them. Pre-school education was provided for the most vunerable children alongside a counselling programme.

Education on HIV/AIDS, agriculture, business and nutrition was given, alongside a micro-finance programme to fund small start-up businesses.

During her time working with Sister Felly, Mya made the decision to

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fund the education of one of the students she met there herself, whilst studying at university. Both of the student’s parents worked full time, yet did not earn enough to be able to educate their child. With food often unaffordable to most, education was some way down the list of priorities for many - leading to a poor outlook for Tanzania’s long-term future.

Mya wrote: ‘It must be the role then, of journalists, volunteers and local organisations to give poverty a face and a voice, and form a connection between ‘us’ and ‘them’. On my last day in Africa, Sister Felly, my selfappointed ‘bibi’ (grandmother), told me: “This world is not our home we’re just passing through. We must be generous. So, put your treasure where there is no rust.” ’

Swanage Sailing Club’s Junior fleet (pictured, above) had a very successful trip to the Poole Area RYA Onboard Regatta, winning both fleets and the overall club cup at the regatta, hosted by the Harbour Challenge Trust at Brownsea Island. Sixteen junior sailors from SSC aged between nine and fourteen took to the water to improve their sailing skills and compete in a series of races against other local clubs. Fleet winners were Mollie McVey and Jennider Condie in the red fleet and Max Dooley and Sam Whaley in the orange fleet. This had been Jennifer and Mollie’s first taste of racing - and they’d only been sailing for a year!

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The Buddy Bench

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primary school is helping its pupils to look out for each other by installing a Buddy Bench. Children who feel the need for a friend to talk to or play games with can signal this by sitting on the colourful bench. Other kids then respond by coming over to lend an ear or a helping hand.

After the Buddy Bench philosophy was explained in assembly, the pupils of Sandford St Martin’s school have taken to the idea with huge enthusiasm.

Deputy Head Clare Pampin said: “Our children love the bench. Some will sit on it so that others will come along and invite them to join their games. Others actively seek out the bench because they want to offer their friendship to other children.”

Mrs Pampin said cynics who fear the bench could stigmatize those who use it need not worry. She added: “That is most definitely not the case.

The bench is working very well and everyone likes it.”

Placed by the playground, the bench was the brainchild of the school’s PTA, who commissioned volunteer woodworkers from the Wareham Area Men’s Shed to create it. Once constructed, it was decorated by pupils using their palm prints in a rainbow of colours.

The PTA’s Rachel Cocksedge said: “It seemed a perfect match – an organization that brings men together, making something to bring children together, through a project which brought generations together.”

Because the bench is part of the day-to-day environment of the school, it can be used at any time and for any reason, from seemingly trivial matters to more serious worries without the need for children to rationalise their feelings or seek out a particular member of staff or fellow pupil. It can also help teachers to spot potential concerns.

Chris Hockley, of the Men’s Shed, said: “It’s a brilliant idea and gave us Shedders great pleasure, not only in the design and build but also in the knowledge that it is helping children to help each other in such a positive way.”

The Wareham Area Men’s Shed welcomes new members to carry out community tasks. Go to www.warehamshed.org.uk or email warehamshed@gmail.com.

Picture shows the Buddy Bench with (left to right) the PTA’s Rachel Cocksedge, Shedders Chris Hockley, Stew Fothergill, Mike Quinlan, deputy head Clare Pampin and schoolchildren.

Grants Available For Good Causes

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rants are available to help improve the lives of people living or working in Dorset. Cultural, sporting and community organisations can now apply for money from Dorset Council’s Leisure Development Fund.

Cllr Tony Alford, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Customer, Community and Regulatory Services, said: “I am very glad that Dorset Council will be supporting efforts enrich the lives of people who live and work in Dorset. I would like to encourage good causes and community groups to apply for funds.” Grants of up to £5,000 are available from the £70,000 fund and the closing date for applications is 10 November 2019.

Applications can be made for up to 20% of a project’s cost and the money can be used for one-off or capital projects.

More information is available here: https://www.dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/your-community/support-for-voluntary-and-communityorganisations/funding/leisure-development-fund.aspx Or you can contact Dorset Council’s Leisure Department by email: leisurewdwp@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or call: 01305 252250.

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Out Of The Blue

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elcome to November, derived from the Latin novem meaning “nine”. I know, blame the Romans, they added Jan and Feb….. a bit of trivia for you! Winter is well and truly with us, but we haven’t been sitting on our laurels.

It’s not only crime that is keeping us busy, unfortunately there were 110 occurrences of Road Traffic collisions. The dark mornings and nights affects visibility, but ice and wet conditions affect your stopping distances.

Drive with care, even if the roads have been treated, keep well back from the road user in front as stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads.

Take care when overtaking vehicles spreading salt or other de-icers, particularly if you are riding a motorcycle or cycle.

What else have we been up to? Well, in the period 06 September – 08 October 19, we dealt with a total of 645 occurrences in Purbeck.

Of which, 173 were recorded crimes resulting in 69 arrests.

Although we are busy there is still more we would like to achieve.

But in order to do this we need your help. We know that in some areas of Purbeck members of the public have concerns about what is happening in their communities.

We understand your concerns but need your help. If you see or hear anything suspicious, please tell us ‘what you see’, ‘where you see it’ and ‘what time you see it’. The more intelligence we can get, the better chance we have at targeting the problems.

Yes it is that time of year and fireworks will be in abundance! For you and the community’s safety, please report to the Police any one you see misusing fireworks. Wrap up warm, stay safe and have fun.

Finally, if you need to contact Dorset Police please call our Police Enquiry Centre by calling 101. Always call 999 in an EMERGENCY when there is a risk of HARM or a CRIME in progress. Alternatively, call the free CRIMESTOPPERS line on 0800 555 111. Alternatively report it online - dorset.police.uk/do-it-online.

Don’t forget to visit us on our Facebook page Facebook.com/ Purbeck-police and Twitter - @PurbeckPolice – we really value your support and comments. You can also see our latest priorities and up and coming events at https://www.dorset.police.uk/neighbourhoodpolicing/purbeck/ Why not register on Dorset Alert? By registering for the free Dorset Police community messaging alerts, you will receive information on: 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 and safer neighbourhood activity and opportunities to meet the team.

You can also receive news from our partner agencies such as Dorset Fire and Rescue Service or Trading Standards and community safety messages.

Please come along to our meet the team events at SWANAGE, WAREHAM and UPTON. Dates can be found on the website. We’d love to see you there.

Purbeck Neighbourhood Policing Team

Wareham Town Council Update Julie, our Gazette correspondent, details the goings on in recent council meetings.....

News from Wareham Town Council September carcely a seat remained empty in the public section of the Council Chamber. A sheaf of Save The Rec petition papers was passed to the Council who promised to take note of it and forward it to Dorset Council.

Residents of Worgret Road expressed other concerns too about the Gateway development proposals such as temporary housing which would overlook the Primary School playing field, traffic congestion in Worgret Road, and a lack of transparency in the presentation of the proposals. Dorset Council Cabinet was to consider a report on the Wareham Gateway development at their meeting on 1st October.

Mrs Baggs of Westmill Farm said that she had written to the Examiner of the Neighbourhood Plan asking that it be withdrawn because changes which were not in accordance with the Purbeck Local Plan had been made since the public consultation. Councillor Critchley understood her objections and had asked that the examination go ahead without the latest changes. The Examiner’s letters can be seen on the Town Council website,

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address below. The latest, dated 10 September, suggests that the Plan be withdrawn from examination.

Wareham shops, businesses, schools and the Council are being asked to help in the reduction of single-use plastic.

The Town Council voted to pass consideration of the National Association of Local Councils new financial regulations to the Policy, Resources and Finance Committee rather than agreeing them outright. The new Town Clerk, Mrs Vanessa Ricketts, pointed out that the 2011 regulations being used by the Council are illegal.

In August a sale in the Corn Exchange raised £675 for the Youth Centre which would also hope to benefit from a children’s Halloween Party initiated by the Mayor. Councillor Russell will be the Town Council’s Armed Forces Champion.

The next meetings of the Town Council will be on Tuesday 29th October and 10th December at 7pm in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall.

The public is invited to attend Council meetings and further information is available on 01929 553006 or at the website, www.wareham-tc.gov.uk.

Dorset PCC Cautiously Welcomes New Officer Numbers

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orset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill has cautiously welcomed a government announcement about new officer recruitment targets. The Home Office confirmed on Wednesday October 9th the officer recruitment targets for every police force in England and Wales for 2020-21.

The target announced for Dorset Police is fifty new officers, which will be in addition to those hired to fill existing vacancies. The announcement covers the first stage of the government’s three-year drive to increase officer numbers nationally by 20,000.

Martyn Underhill, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Of course, I would always welcome new officers, and I thank the Home Office for this investment, as well as our local MPs for the support they have shown myself and Dorset Police. I look forward to seeing Dorset Police recruit more officers next year and I hope local people will take advantage of the many excellent opportunities that exist within the Force.

“I also welcome the announcement that next year’s funding will cover all associated costs including training and kit.

“However, this announcement only covers the first year of recruitment and in order to avoid any uncertainty and enable myself and the Chief Constable to properly plan for the future, I would like to hear official confirmation of targets for the second and third years as early as possible.

“It’s important to stress that while this investment is long overdue, it will not reverse the damage which has been inflicted by eight years of austerity.

Even if we saw similar recruitment targets over the next three years, it will not bring us back to the officer levels we saw before the cuts, or address the police staff also lost during this time.

“Dorset Police now has the lowest officer levels since 1981 and we may need to see a much more significant recruitment drive in order to take us back to pre-austerity levels.”

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St Mark’s School, Swanage, Cleans Swanage Beach

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orking towards our Plastic Free School status, our school council promoted a beach clean which had been organised by the Durlston Marine Project.

This took place on Sunday 22nd September at 10 am. Some of our pupils and their parents arrived in the rain with a fabulous attitude and determination to help clean Swanage beach from Ocean Bay to Ballard Down.

After the instructions were delivered by a Durlston Ranger, everyone went off armed with a sack, litter picker and gloves. The challenge set was to find plastic (big and small) and the

most unusual find. During the litter pick, we overheard many interesting conversations and conversations like: ‘what happens to the rubbish we collect? ‘Are we getting better at taking home our rubbish or is it breaking down to a point where we cannot see it?’

These questions were put to the Ranger, who in turn answered them to the best of his ability, saying he believes it is a combination of both awareness and plastic being broken down (as the beach was quite clean).

Finally, the sun came out and we could have a good look at everyone’s findings… we had removed a crocodile, BBQ, metal, fishing wire, empty cans, cigarette butts and crisp packets!

To add more excitement to our Sunday, we spotted a large but beautiful Jellyfish on the beach, so we helped it back into the sea!

Thank you so much!

Nikki, Year 6 Teaching assistant and school Council Lead

St Mary’s RC School’s Anti-Plastic Campaign

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upils at St Mary’s RC Primary School have been writing letters, visiting groups in Swanage and campaigning as part of a whole school focus on highlighting the damage we are doing to our common home – the Earth.

On 20th September they took an active role in Global Climate Day. Year 5 and 6 pupils joined the campaign to raise awareness about the damage we are doing to our world.

They made posters and delivered a letter to the Co-Op asking them to consider the quantity of plastic packaging that they use – especially in their fruit and veg and bakery departments.

They then walked through the town and along the seafront and were well received by many members the public.

Becs Meteau, St Mary’s

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Dorset Waste Partnership And Dorset Council Prosecute Another Fly-Tipper

nforcement Officers from the Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP), working alongside Dorset Council’s Legal team, have secured another successful prosecution of a fly-tipper.

On Wednesday 21 August 2019, Anthony Maurice Knowles, (41, from Weymouth) appeared at Poole Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to two instances of fly-tipping and a further two matters under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act of failing to contain waste.

Last year, the Dorset Waste Partnership investigated several fly-tipping reports of building materials being illegally dumped in and around the Dorset Close and Wiltshire Avenue areas of Westham, Weymouth.

The Enforcement Team also received a report that a local resident (Knowles) had appeared to have started renovation works and was seen to remove construction waste from the rear of his property using a green wheelie bin. Construction waste was then discovered in an alleyway nearby.

Subsequently, Enforcement Officers visited the defendant’s home address to serve papers requiring him to attend an interview at the Trading Standards Offices in Dorchester. Despite the papers being posted through the letter box, there was no contact from the defendant and he did not attend the interview.

On 15 October 2018, Enforcement Officers were again alerted to two further fly tips in the area, which contained waste attributable to Knowles.

The next day, Enforcement Officers returned to Knowles’ property and attempted to speak to him. Following a sustained period of threats and violence from the defendant, the Police were called. However, Knowles left the scene before they arrived.

On 2 November, Knowles was arrested at his home address by Dorset

Police for several matters, including fly-tipping, and placed in custody. In interview, he denied any fly-tipping or having received the papers requiring him to attend the interview at the Trading Standards offices.

On 26 November, DWP Enforcement Officers received another report from an Aster Housing staff member who had witnessed Knowles again moving waste away from his home in a wheelie bin.

A large amount of household waste was subsequently discovered on land adjacent to the Community Centre in Dorset Close. Officers found a substantial amount of household waste at the scene, some of which was identical to some that had been photographed in the rear garden of his home address.

The case against Knowles has now been adjourned until 16 October at Poole Magistrates Court for sentencing. However, Knowles must appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on 4 October for sentencing for several CPS matters (two of which are linked to this case as they relate to offences against the DWP’s Enforcement Officers) and the Court will be invited to consider sentencing for these additional four linked matters as well.

Cllr Tony Alford, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Customer, Community and Regulatory Services, said: “This is another great example of partnership working by the Dorset Waste Partnership with other agencies including Dorset Police, Aster Housing and Dorset Council Legal services.

“Fly-tipping is a crime, costing the Dorset taxpayer thousands of pounds every year. We will not tolerate the actions of those who illegally dump waste and we certainly won’t accept threatening or aggressive behaviour toward our Enforcement Officers.

“You can find out how you can help us in the fight against fly-tipping by visiting www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/tip-off”

The Purbeck Gazette

Dorset Council’s Efforts To Help Environment Dorset Council wins awards and praise for its efforts to help the environment ouncillors and officers at Dorset Council have been celebrating success recently as their efforts to care for the environment and fight climate change have been recognised by several organisations.

Waste management and vehicle emissions are two of the most important areas of work Dorset Council is focusing on when acting to help prevent climate change, especially in the wake of their Climate Emergency declaration earlier this year.

The latest Carbon Index for 2017/18 saw the Dorset Waste Partnership – Dorset Council’s waste services - return to first place in the list of over 120 English local authorities with 108CO2e – which works out as the equivalent of 108 kilograms of carbon dioxide saved per Dorset resident.

In addition to this fantastic achievement, Dorset Council’s Recycling Team recently won Best Team of the Year at the national Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC) Conference Celebration Awards 2019.

The award was in recognition of the team’s contribution to raising and maintaining the council’s kerbside recycling rate, which currently stands at 59.7% and is one of the highest in the country.

This has generated savings of over £90,000 in the past year alone.

The Dorset Waste Partnership’s Enforcement Team was also shortlisted for the Best Partnership Award, regarding its work to combat rural crime, setting up pro-active partnerships with Dorset Police, the DVLA and the community initiative Litter Free Dorset, as well as working with private landowners, the Environment Agency, Keep Britain Tidy, and various housing associations.

Finally, Dorset recently featured in the top twenty local authorities recognised by Friends of the Earth (FotE) for its performance in mitigating climate change through eco-friendly working and sustainable initiatives.

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Business

Landlords Tax Relief

Assessing Investment Risk An individual’s circumstances and attitude to risk will both affect what is considered to be the most suitable level of risk for their investments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Once a level of risk has been agreed upon (different financial providers will have their own ‘bands’/descriptions of risk), suitable investments can then be suggested, taking into account existing investments. Volatility is the industry standard method of measuring risk of investments. It looks at the degree that monthly returns over a period of time vary from the average return for that period. This is an indicator of the unpredictability of returns. The degree of confidence in that return is also applied to give a volatility figure for an individual investment. The volatility figure can then be applied to a portfolio of investments and considered against the other risks already mentioned above to give an overall risk level. That assessed level of risk should also take into account the correlation between the various holdings. Diversification also has a part to play in any assessment of portfolio risk.

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

Kate Spurling lives in Swanage and is an investment manager with Charles Stanley Wealth Managers, based in Bournemouth – (01305) 217404 – kate. spurling@charles-stanley.co.uk The value of investments can fall as well as rise. Investors may get back less than invested. Charles Stanley Wealth Managers is a trading name of Charles Stanley & Co. Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

The tax relief on finance costs used to buy investment properties is being gradually restricted to the basic rate of tax. The full finance costs restriction will be in place from 6 April 2020. This means that from next April, all finance costs will be disallowed as expenses and any relief will be restricted to a basic rate tax credit.

Finance costs include interest on: mortgages, loans - including loans to buy furnishings, overdrafts as well as alternative finance sources The new rules have been gradually phased in since April 2017. If you are a residential property landlord, you are likely to have faced higher tax bills as the relief on finance charges has been restricted. These changes have significantly affected the tax paid by many higher rate and additional rate taxpayers and particularly those with high levels of borrowing.

The amount of tax relief available for finance costs is currently restricted to 25% as an expense and the remainder as a basic rate tax credit. From 2020-21, there will be no additional relief on finance costs for higher rate taxpayers.

The gradual increase in taxable income – as finance costs are disallowed as expenses – could also push landlords’ income into the higher rate Income Tax bands. Also, landlords may lose all or part of their personal allowance if this recalculation of taxable income is greater than £100,000.

The finance cost restrictions apply if you are a UK resident individual that lets residential properties in the UK or overseas, a non-UK resident individual that lets residential properties in the UK, involved with a partnership that lets properties or if you are a trustee or beneficiary of a trust liable for Income Tax on the property profits.

Landlords of furnished holiday lettings are not affected by the restriction on finance costs.

Trading Standards

A Cautionary Tale y father who is in his late seventies and lives alone received a knock at his door one afternoon. Outside parked up was a white van and two males in their late twenties who offered to clear his gutters for £40. As it would happen, the gutters had been overflowing and he saw this as an opportunity to get them cleaned. Having agreed to it the men then went into the rear garden to start. With that, there is a second knock at the door and Dad finds two police officers in uniform outside who told him they had seen the men pull over and knock on Dad’s door and asked, what did they want? Dad told them and the officers then asked if they could go and talk to them, which they duly did. The police officers then stepped away and spoke into their radios. They returned to the house and told Dad they had made some enquiries and were satisfied with the situation but that he ought to be more cautious in the future regarding traders who knocked on his door offering to do work.

No paperwork was given to Dad. Had the amount charged been over £42 then the men would have been legally required to give paperwork, including an address and telephone number, a description of the goods and his cancellation rights.

If you pay or agree to pay over £42 for any services or goods that are sold to you in your home, then you have fourteen days to cancel the agreement. If you cancel, any monies that you have paid should be returned to you. The trader must give you a written notice of your cancellation rights when you agree the contract. If the trader doesn’t provide you with this information, they commit a criminal offence. You can show you do not want to receive visits from cold calling doorstep traders by displaying a ‘We do not deal with uninvited doorstep traders’ door sticker available from libraries across Dorset or by calling the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506. This is also the number to call if you would like consumer advice, or to report something to Trading Standards.

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Children Of Separated Parents At Christmas Christmas can be a difficult time of year for families, especially those that are newly separated or those that can’t agree on arrangements for the children.

The courts won’t deal with Christmas as an “urgent issue” and you will need to take steps now if you aren’t able to reach an agreement.

The first step is to have a discussion with your ex and see if you are able to agree the arrangements. It is important to do this in a non-confrontational and conciliatory way. Be flexible and understand that your child is going to want to see both parents.

If you are unable to reach an agreement between yourselves then mediation is generally the next step.

If mediation is unsuccessful then you will need to make an application to the Court. It is always better to try and agree matters rather than have the Court decide.

The law is contained in the Children Act 1989 and the court will consider the welfare checklist. In making a decision the Court will always consider what is best for the child.

Here are some things the Court might consider when making a Child Arrangements Order regarding Christmas contact: Does the child still believe in Father Christmas?

• If yes, then the court might think it is best for the child to wake up in the home they normally live in.

Are there large distances involved?

• The Court won’t usually think it’s a good idea for children to spend large parts of Christmas day travelling in the car.

What were the arrangements before you separated?

• There are often family traditions and the Court may take these into consideration.

• Should there be any contact with the other parent?

The child might worry about the ‘alone’ parent on Christmas day so a facetime call might be considered appropriate.

Christmas can be a stressful time for separated families and what might be right one year might need to change as the child grow older and their beliefs and needs change.

At Battens our family team are able to help offer advice and assistance throughout the whole process. It might be you want initial advice only or think a letter to your ex might help. If you are unable to agree arrangements, we are able to draft the court paperwork and represent you in Court.

For more information please contact Georgina Bacon on 01305 216224 or georgina.bacon@battens.co.uk

DECEMBER EDITION DEADLINE

NOON, WED 8th NOVEMBER

Offices in Wareham, Dorchester, Yeovil, Sherborne, Castle Cary, Bath and London

01929 768720

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Get The Popcorn Out With Humphries Kirk!

umphries Kirk is getting the popcorn out again to support this year’s Purbeck Film Festival Leading Dorset and Somerset law firm Humphries Kirk is supporting this year’s Purbeck Film Festival, the longest-running rural film festival in the UK. Humphries Kirk is proudly sponsoring the screening of The Souvenir at the Rex Cinema in Wareham on Saturday 2nd November.

The event, which is now in its 23rd year, starts on Friday 18th October and runs until Saturday 2nd November. Humphries Kirk has sponsored a range of events organised by Purbeck Film Festival in previous years including the screening of ‘I for Icarus’ last year.

Simon Cross, Managing Partner of Humphries Kirk, said: “We are very proud to continue our support of Purbeck Film Festival, which is a brilliant event bringing the community together each year to enjoy arts and culture in a local venue. There are a whole host of events to suit all ages and tastes.

We are delighted to sponsor the screening of The Sovereign this year.”

Purbeck Film Festival aims to provide a variety of cinematic experiences

across a rural area which does not have easy access to foreign, independent and classic films. It is attended by around 5,000 people each year and features film screenings at a range of venues across Purbeck, Bournemouth and Poole including village halls, castles, country houses, pubs, sports clubs and cafes.

Claire Burns, marketing manager for the Purbeck Film Festival, said: “We are really pleased to have the support of Humphries Kirk at this year’s Purbeck Film Festival, which just gets bigger and better every year. Each event offers the chance for friends, colleagues, neighbours, families and loved ones to come together and enjoy a cinematic experience in a venue which boasts a rich, cultural heritage.”

Humphries Kirk has offices in Bournemouth, Parkstone, Poole, Swanage, Wareham, Dorchester and Crewkerne, a consulting room in London and an international network of lawyers.

Visit www.hklaw.eu for more information.

Scheme Prevents Nearly £1 Million Handed To Fraudsters

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partnership involving local banks and Dorset Police has helped to prevent nearly £1 million getting into the hands of fraudsters.

The banking protocol scheme sees bank staff trained to spot when someone is about to fall victim to a scam and aims to prevent them from withdrawing cash or transferring money to a fraudster, with an immediate notification to police. A total of 168 alerts were raised with Dorset Police from August 2018 to August 2019, with 37 transactions found to be genuine and 131 requiring further investigation.

As a result total losses of £979,912 were prevented. In August 2019 alone there were seventeen alerts relating to eleven suspected scams with £51,000 prevented from being handed over.

The average age of those targeted was over seventy-two, with most common type of scams involving rogue traders, phone calls requesting the intended victim to go to a bank and transfer or withdraw cash and romance scams where contact is made, typically via an online dating site, and trust is built up before the offender elicits sums of cash from the victim.

Inspector Phil Swanton, of Dorset Police, said: “We recognise the impact these offences can have on victims and it is encouraging that through this scheme we have been able to prevent a significant amount of money being handed over to fraudsters.

“We continue to work to prevent vulnerable people from becoming victims of fraud and urge anyone who believes they have been targeted by a scam or has concerns for a relative to contact police. “I would remind members of the public that banks will never send someone to collect your bank cards from your address, ask you to go to the bank and withdraw cash or ask for your PIN over the phone. They will also never call and ask you to transfer money from one account to another. If someone calls claiming to be from your bank and you have doubts over their validity, we advise that you ask for their name, hang up and then call your bank directly.”

For more crime prevention advice visit www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crimeprevention/scams-fraud-cyber/. To report an offence contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call 101.

The Purbeck Gazette

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 friends, workmates and loved ones.......

The following pages contain advertising booked specifically to try and tempt you into local businesses this Christmas.

Support our local economy, keep it local!

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On 23rd November, Winfrith Preschool are holding a Christmas market from 10.00am till 2.00pm at Winfrith Village Hall. There will be craft stalls, cake stall, book stall and many more, there will also be a raffle, tombola, children’s games, refreshments of hot turkey rolls, tea, coffee and mince pies.

Come and see Santa arrive in his new Capri, free entry!

On 24th November, St Johns the Evangelist Church are holding ‘The Colour of Christmas’ event. The church will be decorated in the colours of Christmas, there will be a tombola, crafts, book stall, bric a brac, and refreshments of hot turkey rolls, tea, coffee and mince pies. Children will be able to make decorations and put them on the Christmas tree. Everything starts at 11.00am and gates shut at 2.00pm. Entry is free.

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Christmas Shopping Extravaganza In Wareham!

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his year, Christmas shopping will be a little bit different in Wareham. The newly formed Wareham Chamber of Commerce is keen to improve the shopping experience in the town and, together with the retailers, has organised a series of exciting Christmas events to encourage you all to shop locally this year.

Sarah Wharmby, Chairlady of the Wareham Chamber of Commerce and owner of Purbeck Living explains: ‘We want people to keep shopping in Wareham. It really is a case of use-it-or-lose-it. The town has so many lovely shops and if you know where to look, you can find pretty much everything here. Our special Christmas events are designed to get visitors and locals exploring the town whilst enjoying their Christmas shopping’.

Spend in Wareham and receive a free gift!

From 7th- 21st December, selected shops and businesses in the town will be giving you a gift! Make the qualifying spend in any one of the participating shops, and you will be rewarded with a voucher to spend in another business in Wareham.

Vouchers include generous money off discounts as well as free gifts or services. Sarah says: ‘The free gifts range from Christmas decorations, goody bags for your pets, silver jewellery and even a free slice of cake! Keep spending around the town and you will soon fill up your Christmas stocking for free!’ All participating shops will display a poster in their window and the scheme will run to coincide with the free Saturday parking in Wareham.

Fun while you shop!

Fancy winning a Christmas hamper worth over £50? Take part in the Christmas letter trail between 7th and 21st December and you could be in with a chance. Pop into any shop displaying the Christmas poster in their window to collect an application form. In each participating shop, a special present marked with a letter will be hidden either in the window or inside the shop.

Find the letter and make a note of it on your application form. When

you have found all the letters put them together to work out the special sentence and deliver your completed form to Discover Purbeck in the library or Purbeck Living. The winner will be drawn on Monday 23rd December.

Enjoy the Christmas windows The Wareham Christmas window competition is back on again this year between 7th and 21st December with the theme of ‘A Good Old Fashioned Christmas’. Stroll the town and place your votes for your favourite window. Votes can be made via the Facebook page Visit Wareham or at Purbeck Living or Visit Dorset in the library using your Christmas letter trail application form. The winning business will receive a £50 advertising voucher.

Please support your local town and keep it thriving this Christmas!

A note about the Wareham Chamber of Commerce: This newly formed chamber is keen to improve the standard of shops and businesses in the town, enhancing the vibrancy and success of the town as a place to shop and experience. We are affiliated to the Dorset Chamber of Commerce which means we have professional support and guidance in making positive change.

We encourage any stakeholder in the town, large or small, to come forward and join the chamber. Please contact our Chairlady, Sarah Wharmby at Purbeck Living or Vice-Chair, Amy Brenan at Heirlooms Jewellers.

The Purbeck Gazette

Wareham Christmas Voucher Shopping Scheme 2019

From 7th- 21st December, these Wareham shops (and others) will be giving you a FREE gift!

Make the qualifying spend in any one of these shops/cafes and you will be rewarded with a voucher to spend at another shop/cafe in Wareham.

Vouchers include generous money-off discounts as well as free gifts and services.

Please support Wareham by shopping locally this Christmas.

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Military Month At Monkey World!

Open from 10-5pm every day between 1st-30th November Adult : £11.90, Child / Senior : £8.50 Student: £10.20 Family: £35.70 Single parent family: £25.50

15% off entry for military personnel and their families during November! onkey World knows the importance of quality family time for all primates, and the strain that military families are often under.

That’s why we are offering discounted entry to all military personnel throughout the month of November.

This brings a family ticket down to just £35.70 for 2 adults and 2 children.

To qualify, please bring along current military ID or Defence Discount card. Discount will then be added for the whole family (2 adults and up to 4 children).

Terms and Conditions: Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid from 1st-30th November 2019 only.

One ID required to gain a discount for up to 2 adults and 4 children.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Proof of military service (Armed Forces, RAF, Marines or Navy) required.

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Train Services Steam services operate daily until Sunday 3rd November (except 14th, 18th, 21st and 25th October). In November steam services run Saturdays 9th 16th and 23rd, and diesel services Sundays 10th, 17th and 24th.

Santa Specials and Christmas Festivities 30th November – 24th December Santa Specials run Saturday and Sunday 30th November, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, and then daily 20th to 24th December. Children will receive a wrapped age appropriate present whilst everyone will receive refreshments from Santa’s helpers. £20.00 per person (age 3 upwards), £5 1 -2 Years Old and Infants Free of Charge.

Join us during the festive season for a trip on the ‘Christmas Belle’ in our luxurious Pullman Observation Car. During your one-hour return journey, you will travel through the beautiful Isle of Purbeck countryside while enjoying champagne and canapes, served at your seat. Christmas Belles run Saturday and Sunday 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd and Monday 24th December. Individual Seat (One Passenger) £40, Seat for Two Persons (Two Passengers) £80.00 Step on board our luxury festive dining trains this Christmas season to travel back in time and enjoy the sumptuous surroundings and service of Christmas past. Christmas Luncheon dining trains run Saturday and Sunday 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December. Table for 2 £100, Table for 4 £200.

See our Santa Specials leaflet for full details of all our Christmas Festivities.

Advance Booking for all our Christmas Festivities is essential.

Book online www.swanagerailway.co.uk or Telephone 01929 425800

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From The Kitchen Garden...

Warm Jerusalem Artichoke Salad

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fter a really quite dry growing season the rain has certainly arrived and some high winds too.... shed doors slam shut or fly open, feet in welly boots are sliding about and lumps of mud stick to my work gloves – autumn is here!

However, the grass is looking lush and green and there are plenty of molluscs making the most of the still standing crops. It is very tempting to let the chickens and the ducks to completely free range but they’d be totally wrecking any winter brassicas and other leafy crops. So I need to give those rows a quick weed and on goes the netting.

One of my main aims this month is to finish planting out the overwintering garlic and get it settled in, rooted and netted before the pesky rabbits get to nibble. I will try and use a thick seaweed mulch to suppress the weeds in between the growing garlic lines.

Then I need to make a plan...that plan needs to have all the jobs on it which need doing before the serious sowing and growing starts in March and the cows calving in April...

November is a lot about clearing and tidying up from the last growing period and preparing for the next one. There are some crops I leave as long as possible in the ground and one of them are the Jerusalem Artichokes, a brilliant root vegetable that’s not even related to the Globe Artichoke but to the sunflower. The tubers are elongated and knobbly looking, they have a crunchy texture and nutty, earthy flavour. Dug out they need quite some doing washing and brushing but there’s no need to peel.

Some people call them ‘sun chokes’ and they make a lovely smooth and velvety soup or they can be eaten thinly sliced raw in a salad .I love them roasted in a warm autumn salad or as a roasted vegetable underneath a joint of meat.

Warm Jerusalem Artichoke Salad (4 portions) Ingredients: 20 Jerusalem artichokes 2 good handfuls of green leaf veg (kale, chard, spinach) roughly chopped 1 handful of raisins Any nuts in your cupboard (walnuts work very well or hazelnuts, roasted and cooled down) A scatter of pumpkin seeds A few small halved cherry tomatoes Salt, pepper

By Regula Wright, Godlingston Manor Kitchen Garden

Olive oil, lemon juice or cider vinegar 1 tbsp. Honey 1tsp. mustard Method: Preheat oven to 180C Cut scrubbed clean artichoke into chunky slices, put into roasting tray and stick into the oven for 30 minutes, until soft.

Chuck the leafy greens into the roasting tin and carry on roasting for another 10 minutes.

Make the dressing with the oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), mustard, honey, salt and pepper in a biggish bowl, then add the tomatoes, nuts,raisins and pumpkin seeds.

Take the Jerusalem artichokes out the oven and leave on the side to cool down a little then add to the other ingredients and mix well.

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Event Tackles ‘Hidden Hunger’ In Dorset

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artners from across Dorset’s integrated care system and the voluntary sector came together recently to discuss the impact of food insecurity in the county and how they can make changes to improve the situation.

The event, titled ‘Dorset’s Hidden Hunger’, was jointly organised by Public Health Dorset, BCP Council, Dorset Council and the Bournemouth and Poole Sustainable Food Cities Partnership and took place at Upton House.

Food insecurity stretches beyond people who are in urgent need, it also includes people who are worried about being able to afford enough food or are having to compromise on the quality or quantity of their food.

Research by the Food Foundation has estimated that the cost of following the Eatwell Guide, the UK government’s recommendations for eating a healthy, balanced diet, is £42 per week per adult, so a family of four would expect to spend over £100 per week to have a nutritious diet.

Public Health Dorset found that 46% of the Dorset population were not spending enough money on food per week to eat a healthy diet according to the Eatwell Guide. This equates to over 350,000 people in around 165,000 households, almost a third of which contain children.

Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health Dorset, said: “Food insecurity is a real challenge facing Dorset. In the 21st century, it’s shocking that there is still such a high number of families who are struggling to afford to eat a healthy diet. The Dorset Hidden Hunger event was all about bringing together people from across the health and care system to start thinking about solutions and how we can build upon some of the excellent support that’s already available across our communities.”

Around seventy attendees heard recordings from interviews with Dorset residents with experience of food insecurity, who shared how it has made them feel, the impact it’s had on them and their families and how they’ve been supported.

One Dorset resident who was interviewed for the event said: “I separated from my husband five years ago and I’ve noticed in that time it’s become increasingly difficult with rising energy bills, the cost of living and food in particular. My income hasn’t gone up in line with everything else. I would say I’m in a good job, which is frustrating because when you’ve got yourself to that place, you expect things to be a little easier.”

Some support for people experiencing food insecurity is available across Dorset, such as food banks, community fridges, help with budgeting and cooking classes.

Alistair Doxat-Purser, Chief Executive of Faithworks Wessex, a local charity which runs five foodbanks and a debt advice and budget coaching service, said: “It’s awful that people should be hungry in Dorset in 2019, but this event was first of all about celebrating the amazing people in our communities who got an idea like community fridges and school uniform re-use and made it happen. It was also about releasing the power of each organisation whether public health, councils, NHS, all the fabulous church and community activities, or untapped ideas in businesses and supermarkets - all to make sure ‘my neighbour’ has enough to eat. Is this a turning point?”

Cllr Vikki Slade, Leader of BCP Council, said: “There are a lot of people with a lot of pride who would really worry about telling people what’s really going on. I’m thrilled that we’ve come together as a partnership to try and make a difference and dispel some of the myths. These are families, grandparents, children, hard-working people, who are struggling, and this shouldn’t be happening in the 21st century.”

Cllr Andrew Parry, Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help at Dorset Council, said: “We quite often talk about our favourite foods or dinners, but some people really don’t have a choice about what they have to eat.

“This is not just an issue facing deprived areas, hidden hunger is also a big issue in areas of Dorset which we traditionally associate with prosperity.

Food insecurity is often an end product of really difficult periods in people’s lives, so we need to work together as one system to address the issue as a whole.”

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Motoring

Yo Ho Ho And A Bottle Of Gin!

by David Hollister

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ver the years, I’ve test driven at least fifty different cars for the Purbeck Gazette; also done some unusual stuff like karting, driving a skid-pan, track days abroad in the Mini, but none so unusual and out-of-character as this month.

Because it’s basically a means of transport and powered by a diesel engine, we thought we’d see what a Narrowboat was like. Not just for a day.

For four days.

Based at Aldermaston wharf, about two hours trip from home, we set out on my birthday under a beautiful blue sky, met our friends in the convenient nearby pub, and after lunch checked into the ABC boatyard where we were met by charming and helpful staff who showed us to our boat, a seventy-foot, four–eight berth vessel named “Green Woodpecker”.

As we checked our bags in, I couldn’t help but understand why they call it a ‘narrow boat’. So, we emptied the cases on to the beds and took the cases back to the car…. Fortunately, just enough storage in each bedroom but it was tight!

We set off, successfully raised the road bridge, turned the boat around, then raised the bridge again as we’d decided to go downstream. I somehow felt really embarrassed by looking at the traffic queues I was creating.

Then it started to rain.

The boat had full radiator central heating with hot and cold running water, a double filtered drinking water system, 240 volt electricity to certain appliances and sockets. Carpeting in the saloon and bedroom. Also a security box which was so secure that I couldn’t find it until the final day…..

Cabins at either end of the boat had two sets of bunk beds; we squeezed into our end whilst our two friends squeezed into theirs. Up to eight? You have to be joking! The two seating areas could both be converted into a double or two single beds using the fold down single in the evening, if required. Freshly laundered bedding was provided along with soap, one medium size towel per crew member, plus one hand towel per bathroom.

Helmsman’s waterproofs and an umbrella made up the kit.

Each couple had a bathroom with hand basin, electrically operated flush toilet, and shower. At this point the words “oh dear” came to mind as I realised exactly how small it was. And how efficient ‘electrically operated flush toilets’ weren’t. It took two days to realise that as well as using the cleaning chemicals provided, the only way to prevent the smell of the drains from permeating the boat was to leave the sink plug in, to stop up the overflow, and pour a gallon of water into the toilet thus effectively blocking off the “waste tank”.

The “spacious saloon in the middle of the boat” was fine unless you actually wanted to move from one end to the other end of the boat.

I was disappointed that going from end to end by walking along the roof was forbidden, as was making one’s way along the sides by holding on to the roof, so the route took us through each others’ bedrooms.

There was a fully equipped galley with four burner gas cooker, grill and oven, refrigerator, sink and drainer, work surfaces and storage space, microwave, toaster, saucepans, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery etc.

Fortunately, the boat offered free Wi-Fi, even if it was the sort where every time you used it, you had to ‘log in’ with your name, email address, password, tick boxes etc. I do hope that if the providers want to bombard me with anything as a result of my having entered my email address, they are not too put out by mail being returned from mickeymouse@hotmail. co.uk As soon as you stopped using it, it dropped out and didn’t remember anything. After about ten goes with various phones and devices, it was back to good old 4g…….

There was also Radio CD player, a tiny LCD TV which was almost visible from certain seating positions, hairdryer, hoover, and12v sockets. Really well kitted out.

It rained all evening. So, we parked up (“moored”) under a convenient tree and decided to have our evening meal. One of our friends had made a delicious Cottage Pie so we put it into the oven and discovered that the oven wouldn’t stay alight unless you sat on the floor with your finger on the button all the time……. Actually, I didn’t really want to have my birthday dinner sitting on a floor in slightly damp clothing trying to make the cooker work! Fortunately, Tina had a Spaghetti Bolognese in her

suitcase (“here’s one I made earlier”), so we cooked in saucepans on the hob and eventually enjoyed a hot meal, and went to bed (“turned in”).

Next morning. Rain pelting down on the roof. Went outside to fire up the diesel to charge the batteries and heat the water. Climbed back into bed where we turned to each other and said “this isn’t us, is it?!”

Had it not been for our good friends in the bows who would have been disappointed to note our absence, and the fact that we always see things right through to the end, we would have collected the car and gone home.

Now I’m glad we didn’t. Rain stopped mid-morning so we chugged along our way, through some locks (heavy, aren’t they?) and electric lifting gates.

That night we’d got as far as we wanted, and took a taxi from the mooring to the nearby pub. The driver only kept us waiting for forty minutes in the rain without a word of apology, drove us to the pub and charged us £15 for a four-minute, half-mile ride.

The restaurant manager listened to our story with disbelief at how any mini-cab company could be so appalling, and to make up for that, took us back to the mooring in her own car, thus restoring my faith in human nature.

The Wednesday was sunny, warm and idyllic. To the point where we were both glad we’d stayed. Really enjoyed it. As much as you can enjoy living in the marine equivalent of a Transit Van in close proximity to a smelly bathroom and a thrumming diesel engine. Totally amazed by the peace, tranquillity and beautiful scenery of the Kennet and Avon Canal.

As a bonus, the owners sent an engineer to fix the oven!

We’d been stimulated to do this trip by the BBC “Great Canal Journeys” and I can now cheerfully admit that if Tim and Prue had been within distance, I would have wrung their necks.

No way does their program reflect the true awfulness of a narrowboat and I’d bet that neither of the elderly actors had actually tried to open a lock gate unassisted.

The best part of the trip was at the end; the four of us putting our arms around each other and celebrating the fact that we hadn’t fallen out and that we remain firm friends.

Friends, yes, Shipmates?

Unlikely….

The Purbeck Gazette

2018/18 Ford Ecosport Titanium 10125PS Ecoboost 1.0 Litre. Petrol, Manual, Magnetic, SUV, 5 Door, Air Conditioning, PAS, Anti-lock Brake System with Brake Assist, Alloy Wheels, Remote Central Locking, Cruise Control and Speed Limiter, Front and Rear Electric Windows, Electrically Folding and Heated Door Mirrors, One Owner, Service History, Automatic Headlights and Automatic Windscreen Wipers, LED Daytime Running Lights, Rear Parking Sensors with Camera, 9.2k Miles…............... £14,295 2016/16 Ford Kuga Zetec 1.5 Ecoboost, Petrol, Manual, Magnetic Grey, SUV, 5 Door, Air Conditioning, Remote Central Locking, Alloy Wheels, Front Electric Windows, Electrically Adjustable and Heated Door Mirrors, Service History, One Owner, Hill Start Assist, 33k Miles …..........…£9,995 2016/16 Ford B-Max Titanium Ecoboost, MPV, Petrol, Manual, Deep Impact Blue, Air Conditioning, Anti-lock Brake System with Brake Assist, Alloy Wheels, Remote Central Locking, Cruise Control, Front and Rear Electric Windows, Electrically Adjustable and Heated Door Mirrors, Service History, One Owner, CD Player, Rear Parking Sensors, Stop Start System, 16k Miles …..........................................................................................£8,995 2013/13 Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 Zetec TDCi, 5 Door, Diesel, Manual, Ink Blue, Hatchback, Air Conditioning, Alloy Wheels, Remote Central Locking, Front Electric Windows, Height Adjustable Drivers Seat, Service History, Immobiliser, CD Player, Bluetooth…....................................................£5,795 2017/17 Ford Kuga St Line 180PS AWD 4x4, Diesel, Manual, Frozen White, Air Conditioning, Antilock Brake System with Brake Assist, Alloy Wheels, Remote Central Locking, Cruise Control and Speed Limiter, Folding and Heated Door Mirrors, Service History, CD Player, Media Nav with 7” Touch Screen, 15k Miles …...........................................................................£17,495

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2016 (66) Vauxhall Corsa SRi Ecoflex S/S 1.4T 5 Door in Black, Apple/ Android Carplay, Cruise Control, Bluetooth, DAB Radio, Alloys, 20400 miles, Only £30 year Tax…................................................................…£7995 2014 (14) Audi A1 1.4TFSi 140 S-Line Auto 3 door in Bright red/black, 22000 miles with FSH, DAB Radio, Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, Bluetooth, Only £20 year Tax.........................................................….£10650 2015 (65) Audi A6 2.0 TDI Ultra S-Line Black edition, Auto in Met Grey, 28,000 miles, Light Grey Leather Interior, Sat Nav, Cruise Control, Bluetooth, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Bose Sound System, 2 Year Audi extended Warranty, Full Audi Service History, £30 year Tax...£19495 2017 (17) Mazda 2 SE-L 1.5 5 Door in Met Grey, 7” Touchscreen Multimedia, Sat Nav, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, DAB Radio, CD/MP3 Player, Electric Windows, Electric Folding Mirrors, 26500 miles, Only £20 year Tax…........................................................................................£8295 2014 (64) Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer 1.6L Elite. In Met Light Blue, Leather Interior, Electric Folding Mirrors, Electric Windows, Climate Control, Cruise Control, Only 42,500 miles with FSH. REDUCED................................................................................................£6,750

For more information on all our used cars, visit our new website: www.foleysgarage.co.uk Look out for our new Car Finder page on our website We now have Trade access to 1000s of cars of all makes & models.

‘Click’ on the Car Finder link page at: www.foleysgarage.co.uk

DECEMBER DEADLINE NOON, 8TH NOVEMBER

The Purbeck Gazette

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Just Put One Foot In Front Of The Other

by John Garner

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hen I was a youngster my parents used to take my sister and I out on long, long walks. At least they felt like long, long walks when I was small, but the likelihood is that they were just walks and because as a small person virtually nothing could be more boring than going for a walk, they seemed very, very long. And they were long, long walks with only the surroundings of the countryside for entertainment.

My parents were not ones for exuberant financial treats. They were linear folks. A walk was a walk, not a chance to eat out. The very thought. They had little enough money, but were very inventive with what they had.

This frugality manifested itself very clearly when we were walking. The idea of stopping for a cup of tea or slice of cake at a café was just not on the radar. As others sat outside a cosy tearoom with a slab of Victoria sponge and a steaming cup of char, we marched on by until it was time to crack open the *squashed fly biscuits* and share a pre-made drink. A flask of tea for the grown-ups and very diluted juice for the small people.

I moaned about the great injustice of this and the walks themselves.

My sister moaned about it as well. My parents were way too tough to succumb to such tactics. We gave up. My sister, being a few years older, was eventually allowed to sit these walks out and trusted to stay at home.

That proved to be a big mistake, but that’s for another day. I was angry.

This was unfair. My parents were tough and remained immune, just strode on and accepted that I would eventually come to realise what a gift they were bestowing upon me. And it cost them nothing.

Eventually, this worked and I came to love the simple pleasure of walking.

As has my sister. History repeated itself and I took to taking my own children out on long, long walks. Fifty per cent success. My youngest daughter loves walking and will choose to do so over just about any other form of exercise. We walked everywhere. Sometimes along the seafront.

Sometimes along the coast path.

Sometimes we went to the Peak District where I used to walk every weekend with my parents. The Lake District was another destination.

It was whilst walking up Helvelin that I devised my best walking tactic.

Keep the children close enough behind that you could see them and make sure they were safe, but far enough away that you couldn’t hear the wailing. The reader may well at this point be reaching for the telephone to ring social services, but there is little point. For two reasons. Firstly, the young people grew up to be fit and well and secondly, there are no social services anymore.

Which brings me limping to my point. The physical benefits of walking have been very well documented. The mental health benefits of walking, possibly not quite so much. One of the by-products of my walks with both my parents and my own children has been that they allow you to talk to each other. And to talk to each other outside. Without distractions. There was no TV or radio to listen to on the walks with my parents and despite the lack of enthusiasm for some of the walks, I remember we did talk a lot.

There can be long periods of no talking on a walk, because you’re not sitting face to face and feel obliged to break the silence. But you get a chance to communicate in any way you wish. It could be just catching up on the week. Or having a rant about something or someone. Whatever it is this is a healthy thing to do.

With my own children I would hide their phones (oh the cruelty!) or even sometimes pick a place that I knew had little or no phone signal coverage.

Sometimes they needed a break from the rigours and immediacy of modern life. Sometimes they didn’t want to talk and that was fine as well.

These are difficult days. In the words of the Fun Boy Three, the lunatics have taken over the asylum. Judging by the anti-climate protester letter from the last-but-one edition of this journal, they are also amongst us! (By the way, I have not had this confirmed by the editor, but I’m assuming it was a spoof letter. If it wasn’t well all I can really think to do is let out a long and exasperating sigh. It’s the British way.)

You can escape all of this madness with the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other and going for a walk. You will feel better. You will get fitter. Your relationships with your friends and family will improve.

You will be able to rationalise things and put things in perspective. And if you go with your children, they will thank you for it one day. Just maybe not on the day you go for a walk.

The ancient Chinese had a proverb which went something along the lines of ‘the longest journey begins with a single step.’ We also have a proverb in our family. It’s ‘stop your whining and get your trainers on.’ I can only assume that the Chinese didn’t adopt it because trainers hadn’t been invented back then. Go for a walk. I guarantee you will never come back from one and say: ‘I wish I hadn’t done that.’

Ed’s note – ‘That’ letter came through to us as an actual, serious letter (‘Die-In Pointless’, September edition), so as far as we know, it wasn’t a spoof……

The Purbeck Gazette

Purbeck’s Family-Run Sawmill

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o, the summer has come to an end and the evenings will soon be drawing in. Now is the perfect time to get the home and garden up together before winter sets in. Stock up on logs and kindling ready for the winter months, make those repairs to gates, fences and outbuildings or even put up a new one to store things in through the winter months.

Even if you’re not sure where to start, Holme Sawmill can help. A family run business in the Isle of Purbeck, they don’t just supply quality English timber; they help many customers with a wide range of projects. From building oak frame garages and roof trusses to bespoke garden sheds, summerhouses and log stores.

They supply fencing materials and cladding, posts and gates and even

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wooden stepping stones. Everything you need to get the garden ready for the onslaught of winter.

Their customers are not just tradesmen, carpenters and builders, they also include farmers, ‘diy-ers’, artists and craftsmen, charities and local groups and even brides-to-be looking for rustic log slices for table centrepieces.

Many of their customers come to them with an idea or a piece of paper and the team help to turn these ideas and dreams into reality. If you have a project in mind why not give them a call to chat about it and their small friendly team can help you make it happen.

To keep you warm and cosy through the winter Holme Sawmill also supply logs and kindling, with free delivery to Swanage, Wareham and the surrounding areas.

They’ve been supplying quality seasoned hardwood logs to customers for nearly ten years and can now offer a cheaper alternative selling hardwood offcuts from the Sawmill.

Call Jenny on 01929 552480 to organise a delivery.

History Of Sandford Pottery Recalled

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his month sees the 40th anniversary of the demolition of a local landmark, the chimney of Sandford Pottery.

On 25th November 1979 the winner of a competition run by the Bournemouth Echo pressed the button to detonate the explosives.

To mark the anniversary, Sandford Heritage Community Group presents a talk on the history of the pottery from its opening in 1860 to its closure in 1966. “Down to earth: Sandford Pottery’s journey from fine tableware to drainage systems” will be given by Pat Andrews who has, for the first time, pieced together the remarkable story of the pottery.

The talk recalls the earlier history of the pottery which Pat gave two years ago and brings the story up to the closure in 1966.

Sandford Pottery, with its 180-foot tall chimney, dominated the village of Sandford near Wareham for more than a century. In fact, when the factory

was built in 1860, there was no village: Sandford grew up around it. The pottery was a big employer in the Wareham area. Forest Edge housing development now occupies the site.

The talk will be held on Monday 4th November, 7.30pm, in Sandford Labour Club, Keysworth Drive, Sandford. Entrance is £1 to include refreshments. www.sandfordheritage.org Ben Buxton

DECEMBER EDITION DEADLINE NOON, WED 8th NOVEMBER

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s migration continues, we may be treated to the sight of Fieldfares and Redwings feasting upon the Haws in the gully.

Of course, as the deciduous trees shed their leaves it can aid bird spotting, a little!

Passing Brent Geese might be spotted offshore whilst up to one hundred Guillemots have been known to “check out” their breeding ledge at this time. Amongst those few flowers we can expect to see are Small Scabious, Rough Hawkbit, Ragwort and Gorse.

Damp conditions favour fungi such as Candle snuff Fungus, Conical Brittle stem, Dead Man’s Fingers, Field Blewitt and Shaggy Inkcaps.

An evening moth trap might attract the likes of Black Rustic, as the name suggests a black moth, also Feathered Ranunculus, Greenbrindled Crescent and Lunar Underwing.

Throughout most of November the Gallery will host our ‘Durlston Pleasure Grounds Project Exhibition’. Discover the curious history and exciting future of the Grade II listed Pleasure Grounds, including woodland crafts and toys from the woodland for sale.

Towards the end of month, in the Gallery, our partner, Seventhwave café, will host “Durlston at Christmas”. Come along to enjoy

seasonal food and drink and perhaps purchase local produce. We also have on offer several creative workshops including Glass Engraving, Christmas Card Making, “Creative Crafts for Your Christmas Tree” and even Christmas Toy Making! The later will be undertaken down at the shed using natural materials!

Do not forget you can purchase firewood from Durlston. As a result of access, conservation and landscape work we have a mixture of Ash, Elm, Oak, and Sycamore logs. We can locally deliver one cubic meter at a time. A limited supply of bags of logs or kindling should be available for you to collect from the Castle.

Weather permitting, we will also host two Stargazing evenings with partner Wessex Astronomical Society. It is hoped that Leonid meteors, Saturn, galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, Autumn Constellations might be seen. Regular led walks include a Durlston Castle Tour, Park to Pier walk and a Victorian Durlston Walk.

On Saturday mornings indoor Hatha Yoga sessions are offered and held at the Learning Centre. For more details, visit the Durlston Events webpage:https://www.durlston.co.uk/events.aspx

Outstanding Success For Dorset Country Parks

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taff and volunteers at both Moors Valley Country Park and Forest near Ringwood and Durlston Country Park near Swanage are celebrating success in the 2019 Dorset Tourism Awards.

The prestigious annual awards celebrate the best in tourism across the county in a variety of categories and this year saw a record 146 entries.

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest was awarded Silver in the competitive Large Visitor Attraction category, the third time the park has received an award in this category. Jointly owned and managed by Forestry England and Dorset Council, Moors Valley offers visitors a unique combination of outdoor play, countryside recreation, environmental education, a working forest and diverse wildlife for everyone to enjoy in a safe outdoor environment.

Several new attractions have been added at Moors Valley this year including ‘Bewildernest’ its most adventurous play structure to date. One of the largest play areas across the Park it covers 120 square metres and reaches 7.5 metres at its highest point and is inspired by wild play and the magic of the forest. Also new for this year are the recently opened Shaun the Sheep Farmagedon Glow Trail, a fun themed 2km woodland trail for all the family, and the thought provoking ‘Earth Photo’ outdoor exhibition open until 15 December.

Linda Laker, Forestry England’s Recreation Manager for Dorset, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen for this award and it is a great credit to all of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to make Moors Valley Country Park and Forest such a great place to visit. Forests have a unique opportunity to connect people back to the natural environment and get us all outside and active. With the great support of our visitors, through car parking funds, we have been able to add some amazing new play facilities and activities this year. We look forward to welcoming old and new visitors to experience a great day out in the Forest.”

Durlston Country Park received a Gold award in the Access and Inclusivity category recognising the hard work of Rangers and volunteers to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy this beautiful, wildlife-rich site.

Durlston offers a great range of facilities for visitors with disabilities, including British Sign Language Tours, Tramper off-road mobility vehicles and Easy-read and Large Print publications, along with a wide range of accessible volunteer opportunities.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: I’m absolutely delighted that Durlston and Moors Valley have been recognised in the Dorset Tourism Awards. It demonstrates that our country parks are continuing to thrive as visitor destinations and

it’s something for Dorset Council to be very proud of.

“Durlston’s efforts towards better inclusivity and accessibility are to be commended, and the award they have received is testament to the hard work and commitment all of the rangers and volunteers there. Moors Valley Country Park seems to go from strength to strength with its family focussed trails, which proved hugely popular this summer, bringing in record numbers of visitors.

“We’re confident that the many exciting developments in our country parks across Dorset will continue to drive growth, helping to attract visitors from further afield as well as boosting tourism.”

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Anti-Poaching Awareness

orset Police Rural Crime Team need to know about sightings of suspicious vehicles, padlocks being bolt-cropped, tyre tracks in fields and gates left open – we need to know what is happening, when, where and how.

We also need people to report poaching, hare coursing and illegal fishing to us at the time it’s happening via 999 or when the damage is discovered the next day by calling 101 or emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk Seen something on social media? Photo or a video posted of poaching or a trophy shot of illegal hare coursing? Noticed anything suspicious in your rural area?

Know someone who’s poaching, coursing or selling cheap Venison, Pheasant or Hare?

If you pass on valuable intelligence, we will act on it and bring offenders to justice.

Alternatively If you wish to remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers Rural Crime Reporting Line by calling 0800 783 0137 or visiting http://www.ruralcrimereportingline.uk The BASC - The British Association for Shooting and Conservation also have a app for reporting for more information on the app please visit https://www.projectpoacher.com/ Alternatively you can call Dorset Police on 101 or report via email to 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or you can use the Dorset Police website https://www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online/ Remember for a crime in progress, please call 999.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Government Report recommends assessment of a Dorset National Park

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report for the Government by Julian Glover recommends that “the Cotswolds and the Dorset proposals are strong candidates alongside the Chilterns to be considered for National Park status.

We suggest Natural England and ministers consider the case for each.” This is good news for those such as the Councils of Swanage, Studland, Wareham, Wool, Langton and Corfe and the many societies who have been pressing the case for Dorset to be England’s next National Park.

The report recognises that Dorset “contains some of the greatest concentrations of biodiversity in Britain and opportunities for enjoyment. It includes the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site” which would double the extent of coastline currently under-represented in English National Parks.

The report notes the vital contributions which National Parks can make to thriving and sustainable communities and rural economies, and to the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors and their leading role in nature recovery and addressing the challenges of climate change.

They also have a duty “to respond proactively to local housing needs” and in particular the need for affordable homes for local people.

So, a National Park should be good news for our communities and the economy as well as our environment.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Gazette Gardening with Simon Goldsack

Great Trees for Small Gardens hilst air temperatures fall and the rain comes down, soil temperatures remain high deep into winter. These conditions trigger terrific root growth and whilst it may appear trees are going dormant as their leaves fall there is lots of activity in the ground.

This makes autumn the best time to plant hardy trees and shrubs so they can put on some root growth ahead of the trials and stresses that their first summer can bring.

Here are some beautiful trees for the smaller garden.

Prunus incisa has several notable forms and all make fantastic large shrubs / small trees for the garden.

Profuse blossom in March, bold autumn leaf colours and attractive silhouettes in winter.

Look out for P. incisa ‘The Bride’ pure white (top left) P. incisa Mikinori (left) and P. incisa ‘Oshidori’ (bottom) Sorbus ‘Autumn Spire (top right).’ An exceptionally handsome and upright form of S. ‘Joseph Rock’. It has white flowers in May and June followed by yellow fruit and spectacular reddish

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autumn leaf colour.

Malus ‘Prairie Fire’ (below left). There are several good small crab apple trees, but I have chosen this one for it’s crimson pink flowers, dark foliage, small deep red fruit and wonderful shape.

Euonymus europaeus ‘Red Cascade’ (below right). Easy to grow on most soils with persistent autumn colour that displays from August to November.

Very attractive orange and pink fruit show off once the leaves have fallen (bottom).

November is a great month for planting trees and as well as the varieties featured above, Holme for Gardens has over 150 other varieties to choose, so come in and talk to one of our experts and do your bit for nature by planting a tree.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Margaret Green Animal Rescue

Have a cuppa to raise cash… Put the kettle on, brew up and raise lots! ith the festive season around the corner, at Margaret Green Animal Rescue we would like to ask our supporters to spread a little cheer and help our rescue animals by organising a coffee morning for friends, family or colleagues. Perhaps you own a local business, work in a larger organisation or get together once a month with a community group, book club, friends or family?

You can help us to help our rescue animals by running a simple coffee

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morning (or afternoon) during December to raise money. Everyone loves a get together over coffee (or tea!) especially if there is cake involved too!

All you need to do is: • Decide on a date and location Invite everyone to come along • • Ask for cake donations • Get the kettle on • Have fun!

Ask for donations for tea, coffee and cake and you’ll be surprised how quickly the money will add up. You could also run a raffle or tombola during your event too.

It really is that easy so, come on, put the kettle on, brew up and raise lots!

If you would like a collection tin or have any questions please get in touch via email to comms@mgar.org.uk www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

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Purbeck Arts Choir Sing The Choral Greats!

Carey Crafters Christmas Craft Sale

Saturday 7th December 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Swanage he Purbeck Arts Choir and Orchestra, with Musical Director David Fawcett, have an Adventthemed programme with a wonderful selection of music from two of the “Choral Greats” - Bach and Mozart.

The choir will be singing two fabulous choral pieces - “Sleepers, Wake” (also known as Watchet, Auf) by JS Bach and Mozart’s Piccolomini Mass and Alma Dei Creatoris.

Simon Lole will be playing Chorale settings and organ preludes on ‘Nun komm der Heiden Heiland’ by JS Bach and the Orchestra will be playing two church sonatas for string orchestra by Mozart.

The concert is in support of our local Swanage Coastwatch and tickets will be £12 on the door with students and accompanied children free of charge. Advance tickets for only £10 will be available from Corbens or call 07843 289483 to book.

Please also call in advance if you have any accessibility issues for seating.

Full details of the programme and information about the choir are available on the website - purbeckartschoir.org.uk and we regularly update our Facebook page!

PURBECK ARTS CHOIR - Reg. Charity No. 1155013

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arey Crafters are a friendly group of ladies who meet every Thursday at Carey Hall, Mistover Road, Wareham to enjoy each others company and share their crafts.

Most crafts are represented from Knitting and Crochet to Patchwork, Card Making, Latch Hook Rug Making, Tapestry and many more! The group is now two-and-a-half years old and going well, new members are always welcome. For more information call Helen 07368 352737 or Donna 07870 993311.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Arsenic And Old Lace At Corfe Castle

ARSENIC and OLD LACE by Joseph Kesselring ODA Award winning Double Act drama group that has been based in Corfe Castle Village Hall for twenty-five years and will be performing their adaptation of this very funny, dark comedy in Corfe Castle Village Hall this November.

With an able cast of fifteen (ranging from 10+), this will prove to be an ideal curtain raiser for local dramatics in the newly refurbished Village Hall.

This very funny production is a farce on plays involving murder!

It tells the story of two charming and gentle old spinsters living in Brooklyn, New York in the early 1940s, who take pity on their poor, orphan lodgers and wish to save them from the sorrows of this world! They have some very peculiar relations and visitors who have other ideas!

‘This is an inspired and delightful comic concoction, which combines the cosy charm and ingenious plotting of an Agatha Christie Whodunit with a much sharper and more knowing satirical perspective’ The Guardian.

‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ was made famous by the 1944 film starring Cary Grant but the play is more subtle and therefore in my mind more amusing!

Chris Kemp - Director COME AND FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS!!

Thurs, Fri. and Sat. Nov. 14th – 16th 2019 evenings with a matinee on the Sat. afternoon.

Tickets are available from Corfe Castle Village Stores or the Box Office 01929 480323 Adults £9, Children £6 and Seniors £7 (Sat. matinee only).

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Monkey World MILITARY MONTH! See page 32

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Swanage October Blues Festival!

Swanage Blues Festival Review: 3 - 6 October 2019 – by Paul Dubbelman (with comment by Steve Darrington at the end) ore new venues and new acts were added to this popular event.

Prominent amongst these was The Centre in Chapel Lane, which hosted numerous acoustic concerts over the weekend featuring Blues alumni such as Ben Tyzack & Guy Tortora, Paul Lamb & Chas Strentz, and the Blues/Indian fusion of Blues Dharma, fronted by Robert Hokum and featuring Indian Classical Instruments Veena and Tabla, to bring an international and very unique feel to the music that attracted Full Houses.

The Waterfront welcomed Anglo-Italian pianist Eric Ranzoni, also known as the “Rocking Roman” to tickle the ivories on their baby grand piano on Friday night and hosted a Jam session on Saturday, both of which were well-attended.

The Salt Pig Too held a Jam session on Sunday evening, again attracting a good audience who were also able to enjoy some of Saltpig’s tasty sliders, ribs and other buffet treats laid on for the evening.

To keep the international flavour going, West Coast US Blues artist Tommy Harkenrider flew in from LA to showcase his talents to discerning Blues fans at the Royal British Legion and the Grand Hotel.

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The Purbeck Gazette

There were still plenty of regular bands that keep people coming back time after time after time including The Milkmen, The Mustangs, Robin Bibi and veteran Robert Hokum. There were also numerous Jams and Open Mic sessions arranged to give musicians that were not formally involved in shows (and some that were) to perform in front of an appreciative crowd.

Showcase slots were held in the Legion to give bands that want to be considered for future festivals a chance to shine and this time featured The Martin Warman Trio, The Jackals & The 3 Amigos.

PAUL DUBBELMAN Organiser Steve added: “Another magic music weekend in Swanage.

Many thanks to all the artists, management and staff who work so hard to help create what people are calling the Friendliest Big Blues Parties on the South Coast.

“Next March marks twenty years of Swanage Blues and I’m looking for even more places that wish to take part. Let’s not forget that the 1950s/60s UK live music boom started off in coffee bars!

“There’s plenty of room for scope and people are welcome to call me on 07445 261037.”

The Purbeck Gazette

Photographs: all by DubbelXposure Photography Thanks Paul!!

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The Purbeck Gazette

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Matron’s Round - Our Local Hospitals’ Monthly Column

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ello everyone!

On September 27 th , I had the great privilege to attend the Gold standards Framework for End of Life Care Conference. I was accompanied by Natasha Norman and Lynne Chisholm who along with the Stanley Purser team have worked really hard to gain reaccreditation.

The National Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Centre in End of Life Care is the UK’s leading provider of training in end of life care for generalist frontline staff.

We are very proud to be part of this and not only is training provided but there is an inspection from GSF to verify that we are giving the best care to our patients in their last days.

One of the speakers at the conference was Kathryn Mannix - Author, Former Consultant in Palliative Care she gave a truly inspirational talk on why we need to have ‘tender conversations’ with people about what is important to them before they die.

We are encouraged to use the ‘D’ word instead of our tendency to describe it as ‘passing’, ‘going to sleep’ and many other phrases. Much like the ‘C’ word was used a while ago!

Kathryn described many instances of communicating with people approaching end of life and this resonated very clearly with myself and my colleagues.

These conversations are carried out with care and enable us to support not only the patient but also their families and loved ones. I would encourage everyone not to be afraid to use the ‘D’ word and have these conversations with our families.

The plaque we received will be in pride of place on the ward as an acknowledgment not only of our achievement but also of the great honour that our patients and families allow us to be part of someone’s death.

Until next time I wish you good health!

Matron.

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

Strong And Mobile - The Truth About Your Back

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s an Osteopath I treat many conditions but the prevailing area I treat is the back and symptoms of back pain. Most people come to visit when they are in pain – pure and simple.

To be honest if you are not in pain you are not going to worry about your posture or if its functioning in the correct way In the short term I will look to where you are in pain - I will look to find out which tissues are causing you a problem, treat you in the most effective way for you and ease those symptoms. This is very effective in the short term and is dealing with what hurts.

In the medium to long term what is required is a more holistic approach in answering why you had the pain in the first place. Part of this will involve looking at the whole body and making sure it is functioning as effectively and efficiently as possible – and I can help with that. But by far the most important part is protecting and strengthening the whole system to prevent it happening again. This is medium- and long-term part of the treatment and deals with the Why. Now you may have slipped over in which case it is fairly obvious, you may have some underlying problem such as Osteoarthritis which will need managing, but predominantly I deal with patients who have a non-specific back pain that has started for no apparent reason. So, the Why seems harder to identify. In truth it is more subtle, has probably taken many years to manifest, has been caused by weakness in certain muscle groups which in turn create instability – this can sometimes also lead to tension in the wrong muscle groups which can cause stiffness and immobility.

This is what is often called poor posture. What is required is a strong and stable platform from which to build a healthy back. Do not confuse the word stable with stiffness - if your back doesn’t move it is not stable it is stiff and that is not so good. If your back is unstable and there is no control in the micro movements of the back – that is not so good either.

I could bore you with discussions on tonic and phasic muscle groups, firing orders, disassociation etc – but to be honest, all you need to know is: A strong and healthy back needs to have a balance between strength and stability on the one hand and good mobility on the other.

Now I cannot help you with weakness or lack of mobility issues without an awful lot of help from you. What I mean by this is that I can see you once a week for a couple of weeks and hopefully the pain will be subsiding or be completely gone but I am only seeing you for 30 minutes in a 10,000minute week. What happens away from the treatment is not up to me, I can’t help you.

I can give you advice on what to do but ultimately if you don’t actively engage in this nothing will change, and I can guarantee the symptoms will come back.

However, I have now created a few sets of exercises to help with this, they are focused on specific areas and are designed to create a strong and stable platform from which you back can function properly. Don’t panic they are not complex, but they may test you. There are a mixture

CHIROPODY Rachel Ciantar

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

Contact 07979 840542 NEW PATIENTS £5 OFF FIRST TREATMENT

of mobility exercises and strength exercises which can easily be done at home or in the workplace – if no one is watching.

So, if you suffer from a stiff, aching, painful back or neck and want a longterm preventative approach please feel free to give me a call to see if I can help. I do offer a fifteen minute free consultations, which can be a very useful start.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Better Hearing Just in Time For The Festive Season!

Book your free hearing check at home this November. ith the festive season fast approaching, make sure you’re hearing as well as possible, so you don’t miss out on the conversation with family and friends. Key to Hearing is your local, independent hearing care provider – and we specialise in home visits to people living in Purbeck offering a friendly, professional service.

Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser, Keeley Salmon provides person-centred hearing care to find the best solution to your hearing needs. We’ll help you hear with confidence so you can make the most of life’s precious moments.

With Key to Hearing, you can be sure your hearing is in safe hands.

Hear what our customers are saying: “I have been most impressed with all you have done for my hearing and I feel my life has improved”.

Mr Armstead – Wareham “I found the hearing aids made a world of difference.”

Mrs Killick – Swanage “With Key to Hearing you are a personal customer given the care and attention to maximise your unique needs.”

Mr Baxter – Wareham

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Key to Hearing are inviting Purbeck Gazette readers to have a complimentary hearing check (normal price £40) for new customer consultations booked in November.

If you have ever been curious about how well you are hearing or would like some advice, this is your perfect opportunity.

Don’t miss out on the conversation this festive season call Keeley to book your appointment today on 01202 511386.

Harry Redknapp Unveils New Radiology Department

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ing of the jungle and former premier league manager Harry Redknapp was the guest of honour at the grand opening of the refurbished radiology department at Swanage Hospital.

The ‘I’m a Celebrity’ winner officially opened the £500,000 unit before chatting with staff and patients and enjoying a tour of the Dorset HealthCare-run hospital.

The new-look department now boasts a state-of-the-art digital x-ray room, providing high resolution images more quickly, reduced waiting times and increasing patient turnover.

There is also an improved patient waiting area with a dedicated reception, an integrated changing cubicle with direct access from the waiting area into the x-ray room, and a refurbished ultrasound suite with an en-suite and changing facility.

Harry said: “It’s been a great pleasure to open the new department. This community hospital is vital for local people that live around the Purbeck area and it’s fantastic they now have this cutting-edge equipment.”

Staff past and present also attended the event and enjoyed tea and cake after they were taken on a tour of the new unit. Hospital Matron Donna Kiss said: “This is fantastic news for those that rely on our services in the Purbeck area. Our radiology department has a long history of providing high quality care to the local community, seeing around fifty-sixty patients a week. For staff these improvements will improve both efficiency and

the working environment, enabling us to provide an improved experience and surroundings for patients, alongside meeting future demands and developments.”

Working with the Trust to create the improved radiology department for patients were construction partners, Stepnell and Modus, along with the suppliers of the equipment, Carestream Health.

Swanage Hospital is one of twelve community hospitals run by Dorset HealthCare.

It has fifteen in-patient beds, a minor injuries unit, x-ray and ultrasound, day surgery, endoscopy services and physiotherapy. Our out-patients department is supported by consultants from Poole General, Royal Bournemouth and Dorchester County Hospitals.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Sport Swanage Walking Football Club

Disbanded under 14s team donates to help Swanage & Herston Walking Football he recently disbanded Swanage under 14s team donated to help replace Walking Football funds cruelly stolen during a burglary.

Young Freddie and his father Cleton Long, along with many other generous donors, helped to replace the club’s petty cash, which was stolen in August. A big thank you to everyone who donated funds and kit to help replace stolen kit and funds. The team is now able to update its kit for the league that started in October.

The Dorset FA league season is now nearly upon us, with our first

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Swanage Cricket Club Update

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ast month, Swanage Cricket Club held their end of season Presentation Evening - which was a fantastic success.

During the evening the following awards were presented:1stXI Batsman of the Year:- Tom Salmon 1stXI Bowler of the Year:- Ryan Norman 1stXI Fielder of the Year:- Ryan Norman 2ndXI Batsman of the Year:- Tim Ives 2ndXI Bowler of the Year:- Ron Barker 2ndXI Fielder of the Year:- Charlie Dyke Most Improved Player of the Year:- Ryan Stearn As well as that, following on from another successful season this summer, with teams from U8 to U15, the youth section is just about to start its indoor winter training. Once again, this will be held in the sport’s hall at The Swanage School.

Training starts on Saturday 9th November with sessions throughout the morning for U10s up to U15s. There is also a softball session for the U9s on Tuesday evenings from 4:30pm to 5:30pm, starting on Tuesday 12th November.

For more details about winter training have a look at our website: https://swanagecricketclub.co.uk/youth.html or contact Tim Ives at timswanagecricket@gmail.com.

Swanage Cricket Club Press officer, Mike

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

games starting this month. The over 50s play at home against Dexter’s while the over 60s first game is against Bournemouth AFC. It is the first time the club has been able to field a team in both leagues and we expect the leagues to be very competitive. Please come along and support the team. There will be free tea and biscuits for all spectators.

It has been a very busy couple of months sorting out kit for the new players and I would like to say a big thank you to our sponsor Purbeck Embroidery. My assistant manager, Andrew Vince, has completed his first aid course and is ready to run the over 60s team.

The women’s team is going from strength to strength with three new players joining this month. During the winter months, we are playing our evening sessions inside at the club, meeting at 7.30pm on a Tuesday evening. New players of all ages and abilities are always welcome.

The men’s team is going well and we have a great mix of ages between 32-74 with mixed ability, and we’re also looking to add to the men’s team numbers. To play in a league match you must be over fifty or over sixty. Younger players are only eligible to play in league games if they have a disability. All players are welcome to come and play in our normal sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Earlier this year I managed to get two of my players a trial for the southwest regional team and they passed the trial with eighteen other players from the southwest. I am delighted to report that both Andrew Vince and Ivor Hughes have been selected for the final top ten players and will get the opportunity to play against the other five regional teams and the England shadow team.

I run three sessions a week - on Tuesday at 10am (mixed), on Tuesday evening at 7:30pm (women only) and on Thursday 7pm (men only).

There is no need to book, although if you have questions/queries, please do not hesitate to contact me (Nick) on: 07745 907509.

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The Purbeck Gazette

#Willdoes - 500 Took Part In Charity Run

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early 500 people took part in a charity 10km run/5km walk over the Isle of Purbeck on Sunday October 6th, raising over £8,000 to support #Willdoes, an organisation that helps young people achieve wellbeing.

Set up in memory of 14-year-old William Paddy, who tragically died in May, #Willdoes aims to encourage kids to engage in activities and has a number of local fundraisers scheduled over the next few months.

Says mum, Lesley Paddy: “I’m extremely honoured that so many people turned up in memory of Will and to support #Willdoes. It’s fitting that over half of the runners were under 18 and Will’s friend, Jacob, won in a fantastic time of 35 minutes.”

Photographed, below: Lesley Paddy (in pink) T-shirts donated by Sunseeker For more info please call Sam Lewis 07968 426941 or email the team at www.willdoes.co.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

Spotlight Event Diary

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Diary Entries are FREE if your event is FREE. If you charge, then it’s £5 plus VAT per entry, per month. DEADLINE for DEC is noon, 8th NOV 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.

NOVEMBER 2019

Fri 1st *

Purbeck Film Festival At over thirty venues across Purbeck. See programmes for details of over eighty screenings.

Halloween Bistro At Swanage Railway. Table for two is £74, four is £148. * Booking essential at swanagerailway.co.uk or 01929 475207 10:00 Halloween at The Blue Pool Spooky hunts around the pool! Ffi: 01929 551408 18:00 Monster Bonfire & Fireworks At Swanage & Wareham RFC. £5 entry, kids under 10 free. Live music, bar, bbq and funfair.

19:30 Swanage Photographic Society Meets in the Rectory classroom, Church Hill for: Two competitions:- Pangborne Cup - ‘Games & Sport’ and Shore Trophy – ‘Open’ Judge: Trevor Prince Visitors welcome, ffi: www. swanagephotographicsociety.com or 01929 426268 Sat 2nd Purbeck Film Festival At over thirty venues across Purbeck. See programmes * for details of over eighty screenings. * Cider Festival Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 10:00 Halloween at The Blue Pool Spooky hunts around the pool! Ffi: 01929 551408 10:30 Artisans at the Legion ‘Poppy Coffee Fair’ Artisans, books, crafts, candles, cakes, gifts, toys and more!

16:30 Wareham Museum presents: A Talk At Wareham Town Hall.”Anglo-Saxon and Viking swords: from the fifth century to 1066” a talk by Professor David Hinton, preceded by drinks reception at 4pm. Entrance by donation. www.wtm. org.uk 19:30 Fancy Dress Halloween Party At Isle of Purbeck Golf Club. Two course meal and disco, £23 pp, book in advance.

20:00 Not Got Stopped Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Sun 3rd 10:00 Halloween at The Blue Pool Spooky hunts around the pool! Ffi: 01929 551408 10:00 Kingston Maurwood College Open Morning Dorchester DT2 8PY. Ffi: 01305 215215 14:00 Not Got Stopped Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Mon 4th 19:30 Sandford Heritage Community Group presents Sandford Labour Club, Keysworth Drive, Sandford BH20 7BD.”Down to earth: Sandford Pottery’s journey from fine tableware to drainage systems” a talk by Pat Andrews, Entrance by donation of £1. Ffi: www.sandfordheritage.org Fri 8th 18:00 St George’s Church Choir New Singers very Welcome, sings at 9.30 am service 2nd/4th Sunday in month with rehersal on preceeding Fridays 6-7.15pm.

Ffi 01929 475822.

20:00 Sam Jefferson Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Sat 9th 20:00 Lewis Clarke & The Essentials Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Tue 12th 10:30 The Purbeck Carers Group We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in a private room, Wareham Library. On behalf of everyone you are most welcome.

The groups ethos is with friendship and information to support carers with varied speakers to empower your caring role, over a cup of tea. Ffi: Marilyn Butler 01929 553826 or 07785741733 14:00 Purbeck Parkinson’s Meetings All Saints Church Hall Swanage 2pm till 4pm FFI – T. Lander 01929 425970 or D. Peters 01929 551962 Thu 14th 14:30 ‘Arsenic & Old Lace’ At Corfe Castle Village Hall. Tickets from the Village Stores or box office: 01929 480323.

19:30 ‘Arsenic & Old Lace’ At Corfe Castle Village Hall. Tickets from the Village Stores or box office: 01929 480323.

Fri 15th 19:30 ‘Arsenic & Old Lace’ At Corfe Castle Village Hall. Tickets from the Village Stores or box office: 01929 480323.

19:30 Purbeck Railway Circle Meets at Harmans Cross Village Hall. “Luxury Railway Travel: A Social and Business History”. Presentation by Martyn Pring.

Refreshments and railway raffle. Doors open 7pm. Ffi 421 913.

20:00 Mareaiad Green & Anna Massie Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Sat 16th 10:00 Swanage Hospital Autumn Fayre At Swanage Hospital.

10:00 Christmas Craft Sale At Carey Hall, Mistover rd, Wareham. Tombola, stalls, refreshments and more.

19:30 ‘Arsenic & Old Lace’ At Corfe Castle Village Hall. Tickets from the Village Stores or box office: 01929 480323.

20:00 Mishra Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 20:30 ‘Abba’s Angels’ At The Legion, Swanage. Tickets £10 from behind the bar, includes free drink and buffet.

Mon 18th 18:00 Poole Grammar School Sixth Form Subject Evening Please contact Claire Collins, Sixth Form administrator to book a place: collins@poolegrammar.com Tue 19th 14:30 Purbeck Ass’n of the National Trust At All Saints Church, Ulwell Rd, Sw. ‘Songs and Stories of Old Dorset’ – musician, storyteller, actor and playwright Tim Laycock tells stories of old Dorset, illustrated by songs, music and poetry. All welcome. £3.00 incl refreshments. Ffi 01929 427300.

Wed 20th 14:30 Studland History Group Meets in the Village Hall for an illustrated talk by Carlton Hobbs, “A Royal Warren. Part 1”. All welcome. Ffi the secretary 01929 439245.

19:30 Swanage Royal British Legion AGM Held at the Legion.

Fri 22nd 18:00 St George’s Church Choir New Singers very Welcome, sings at 9.30 am service 2nd/4th Sunday in month with rehearsal on preceding Fridays 6-7.15pm.

Ffi 01929 475822.

Sat 23rd 10:00 Alexander Technique Saturday Workshop In Wareham with Kate Brailsford and Caroline Jucker: 10 – 5pm. Come and find out how to enhance your coordination and comfort in all your everyday activities and interests. Ffi contact Kate 07798 791985, thebrailsfords@onetel.com, www.itmalexandertechnique. org 10:00 Christmas Market At Winfrith Village Hall,for Winfrith Preschool. Craft stalls, cake stall, book stall and many more, there will also be a raffle, tombola, children’s games, refreshments of hot turkey rolls, tea, coffee and mince pies, and see Santa arrive in his new Capri, free entry.

10:00 Shop Dorset Makers At Creech, Wareham, BH20 5DG. Over 30 makers and artists, gifts, art and design, coffee and cake.

Sun 24th 10:00 Shop Dorset Makers At Creech, Wareham, BH20 5DG. Over 30 makers and artists, gifts, art and design, coffee and cake.

11:00 Colour of Christmas Event At St Johns the Evangelist Church. The church will be decorated in the colours of Christmas, there will be a tombola, crafts, book stall, bric a brac, and refreshments of hot turkey rolls, tea, coffee and mince pies, children will be able to make decorations and put them on the Christmas tree.

Entry free.

14:00 Tobias Ben Jacob & Lucas Drinkwater Live acts at the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Ffi: 01929 439229 Mon 25th 10:00 Shop Dorset Makers At Creech, Wareham, BH20 5DG. Over 30 makers and artists, gifts, art and design, coffee and cake.

10:00 Wareham Area Seniors’ Forum At Carey Hall, Mistover rd, Wareham. A short AGM followed by Christmas festivities.

Tue 26th 10:00 Shop Dorset Makers At Creech, Wareham, BH20 5DG. Over 30 makers and artists, gifts, art and design, coffee and cake.

Wed 27th 10:00 Shop Dorset Makers At Creech, Wareham, BH20 5DG. Over 30 makers and artists, gifts, art and design, coffee and cake.

Thu 28th 10:00 Shop Dorset Makers At Creech, Wareham, BH20 5DG. Over 30 makers and artists, gifts, art and design, coffee and cake.

Fri 29th 10:00 Shop Dorset Makers At Creech, Wareham, BH20 5DG. Over 30 makers and artists, gifts, art and design, coffee and cake.

Sat 30th 10:00 Shop Dorset Makers At Creech, Wareham, BH20 5DG. Over 30 makers and artists, gifts, art and design, coffee and cake.

11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Homemade local arts & crafts, refreshments.

DECEMBER

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Sun 1st * Putlake Christmas Market Ffi: 01929 422917 10:00 Shop Dorset Makers At Creech, Wareham, BH20 5DG. Over 30 makers and artists, gifts, art and design, coffee and cake.

10:00 Kingston Maurwood College Open Morning Dorchester DT2 8PY. Ffi: 01305 215215 11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Homemade local arts & crafts, refreshments.

Mon 2nd * Poole Grammar Sixth Form Taster Day Please contact Claire Collins, Sixth Form administrator to book a place: collins@poolegrammar.com 10:00 Shop Dorset Makers At Creech, Wareham, BH20 5DG. Over 30 makers and artists, gifts, art and design, coffee and cake.

11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Homemade local arts & crafts, refreshments.

Tue 3rd 10:00 Shop Dorset Makers At Creech, Wareham, BH20 5DG. Over 30 makers and artists, gifts, art and design, coffee and cake.

11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Homemade local arts & crafts, refreshments.

Wed 4th 10:00 Shop Dorset Makers At Creech, Wareham, BH20 5DG. Over 30 makers and artists, gifts, art and design, coffee and cake.

11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Homemade local arts & crafts, refreshments.

Thu 5th 10:00 Shop Dorset Makers At Creech, Wareham, BH20 5DG. Over 30 makers and artists, gifts, art and design, coffee and cake.

11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Homemade local arts & crafts, refreshments.

Fri 6th 10:00 Shop Dorset Makers At Creech, Wareham, BH20 5DG. Over 30 makers and artists, gifts, art and design, coffee and cake.

11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Homemade local arts & crafts, refreshments.

Sat 7th Christmas Caroling At The Isle of Purbeck Golf Club. * 10:00 Shop Dorset Makers At Creech, Wareham, BH20 5DG. Over 30 makers and artists, gifts, art and design, coffee and cake.

10:00 Swanage Rotary Christmas Fair Commercial and Station Rd. To book a stall, call Deirdre on 07971 764 823 or email secretary on secretary.swanagerotary@ gmail.com 11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Homemade local arts & crafts, refreshments.

19:30 Purbeck Arts Choir Choral Bach & Mozart at St Mary’s Church, Swanage.

Tickets £10 in advance from Corbens or tel: 07843 289483, £12 on the door.

Sun 8th 10:00 Shop Dorset Makers At Creech, Wareham, BH20 5DG. Over 30 makers and artists, gifts, art and design, coffee and cake.

11:00 Purbeck Artists & Stallholders At Worth Matravers Village Hall. Homemade local arts & crafts, refreshments.

Tue 10th 14:00 Purbeck Parkinson’s Meetings All Saints Church Hall Swanage 2pm till 4pm FFI – T. Lander 01929 425970 or D. Peters 01929 551962 Sat 14th * Christmas Dinner & Disco At The Isle of Purbeck Golf Club. Two course meal, £25pp, £30 for three courses.

Wed 25th 09:00 Christmas Breakfast At The United Reformed Church, Swanage. If you’d like some good company on Christmas morning, pop along, it’s free. Ffi and to book a place call 01929 439107 or email: christmasbreakfast@swanagerotary.org by 17th December.

Tue 31st 19:00 New Year’s Eve Party At The Isle of Purbeck Golf Club. Three Course Dinner, disco and dancing. £70 pp.

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

The Purbeck Gazette 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 Wareham Short Mat Bowls. Meet at Furzebrook Village Hall. New members welcome to come along and meet us!

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 Lesbian and Gay Friendship Group meets every Monday evening for social events and shared interests, such as meals, walking and outings.

Ffi: contact Karen via email: outinpurbeck@gmail.com 18.00 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Cardio Tennis taster.

Till 7pm 18.00 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Matchplay taster session for prospective new members. First 3 sessions are free. Until 8.30pm.

19.00 Wareham Choral Society meet URC Meeting House, Church St, Wm. Till 9. New singers always welcome.

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 Steve Peirson on 01929 552504.

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 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.

09.00 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Cardio Tennis taster.

Till 10am 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.

09.30 First Steps Parent & Toddlers’ Group. Swanage Methodist Church till 11.30am during term time. Ffi: Sylvia Garrett 425420, office hours.

10.00 Men & Women’s Mixed Walking Football Club at Swanage Football Club. Come and try! All levels welcome, even if you’ve never played before. Come and join in or just come along to watch a very friendly group of people playing football. Until 11.30am. Call Nick on: 07745 907509 10.00 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Matchplay taster session for prospective new members. First 3 sessions are free. Until 11.30am.

10.00 Wareham Croquet Club meet at the Recreation Ground until 5pm. New members and visitors welcome. Call Tony on 01929 550190 or Lesley on 01929 553927 or email warehamgolfcroquetclub@hotmail.com 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 10.00 A Place Of Welcome at 21 Commercial Road, Sw. Friendly drop-in for everyone, providing a free cup of tea or coffee, a listening ear, conversation and basic information. Everyone welcome, whatever the circumstances.

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 Wareham Walkers. Convivial health walks for mainly older people, of up to two hours in and around Wareham, ending with coffee at a local tea room or pub. Ffi: www.wareham-walkers.org.uk or call 552933.

12.00 Nature Tots (0-4yrs) at Bovington Memorial Hall Garden. Until 2pm.

14.00 Wareham Short Mat Bowls. Meet at Furzebrook Village Hall. New

The Purbeck Gazette members welcome to come along and meet us!

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 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 Women’s Walking Football Club at Swanage Football Club. Come and try! All levels welcome, even if you’ve never played before. Come and join in or just come along to watch a very friendly group of people playing football. Until 9pm. Call Nick on: 07745 907509 19.30 Sw & Langton Folk Dance Club Langton VH. Ffi: 421913 19.00 Belvedere Singers rehearsal at St Mark’s CE VA Primary School, High St, Sw. Parking on-site. Till 9pm. All singers welcome! 423350.

19.00 Give Rugby A Try! FREE! at Swanage & Wareham Rugby Club, Bestwall Rd, Wm. We’re looking for new players, so come and have a go!

Until 9pm. Over 18s only. Call John C. on: 07970 500357 Ffi. 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; nonmembers £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.

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 14.30 Local Historian takes you on a town walk around Swanage, lasting 1 1/2 hours. No need to book, just turn up in the Swanage Museum in the Square, voluntary contributions welcome.

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 Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Cardio Tennis taster.

Till 7pm 18.00 Swanage Youth Club. School years 7&8. Till 8.30pm 18.00 Table Tennis at Harmans Cross Village Hall. All ages & abilities welcome.

Coaching given. Till 8pm or later. Ffi: 424591 18.30 Sw & Wm Hockey Club Junior (6-14yrs) Training, Wm Sports Centre.

Until 7.30pm. Email: swanagewarehamhockey@outlook.com 19.00 Wm Bridge Club at the Library, South St. 552046 19.00 Swanage Town Band meet for our weekly practice in the Council Chamber, Swanage Town Hall. New musicians warmly welcomed. Please call David Cook (musical Director) for further informaiton on: 01929 422909.

19.00 Give Rugby A Try! FREE! at Swanage & Wareham Rugby Club, Bestwall Rd, Wm. We’re looking for new players, so come and have a go!

Until 9pm. Under 16s-18s only. Call John P. on: 07725 567541 Ffi. 19.00 Purbeck Runners meet at Beach Gardens Pavillion, Sw. 19.30 Swanage Musical Theatre meet Swanage Bay View Complex Rehearsal Room. All welcome. Ffi: 426161 19.30 Sw & Wm Hockey Club (13+ years) Training, Wm Sports Centre. Till 9pm. Email: swanagewarehamhockey@outlook.com 20.00 Sw Youth Centre Club Night (Yr 9+) Till 10 20.15 Dorset Buttons Morris Practice. URC Hall, Wm. 423234/421130 20.30 Wm Swimming Club Adults. All standards + stroke improvement. Till 10 22.00 Sw Youth Centre Club Night (16+) Till 11.59 EVERY THURSDAY 08.30 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Cardio Tennis taster.

Till 9.30am.

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09.00 Carey Crafters meet every Thursday at Carey Hall, Mistover Road, until 12.30pm (come anytime between). No age or gender restriction. All crafts welcome we have a wide variety!. Come along and share your craft or learn a new one! Conntact Donna on 07870 993311 or Helen on 07368 352737 ffi.

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 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Matchplay taster session for prospective new members. First 3 sessions are free. Until 11am.

09.30 Sensory Play for under ones, at Bovington Centre until 10.30am 10.00 Wyvern Savings & Loan Credit Union opens until 12 noon at Not Just Sundaes, South Street, Wareham, opposite the Library. A secure place to save and loans available at fair rates. Call in for a cuppa and a chat, or call 01305 268444.

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 Tony on 01929 550190 or Lesley on 01929 553927 or email warehamgolfcroquetclub@hotmail.com 10.15 Chess at the Cafe Tratt, Lower High Street, Swanage (from 8th February 2018). Call in for a friendly game of chess and a chat. All welcome.

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. Anti-natal mums welcome. Till 3pm. Ffi: 552864.

13.30 Toddler Group. All Saints’ Church, Sw. 423937. Till 3pm (Term times) 14.00 Studland Chair-based Exercise in the Village Hall, Studland. Ffi: Julie on 558139 or email: jbrad@uwclub.net 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 18.00 Isle of Purbeck Arts Club. Weekly evening Art Group. Aimed at beginners, at Purbeck New Wave Gallery, 25 Commercial Rd, Sw. BH19 1DF. till 9pm.

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 Over 40s Men’s Walking Football Club at Swanage Football Club.

Come and try! All levels welcome, even if you’ve never played before.

Come and join in or just come along to watch a very friendly group of people playing football. Until 8.30pm. Call Nick on: 07745 907509 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

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19.30 Swanage Youth Club Youth Action (year 7 - sixth form). Till 9.30pm 20.00 Herston Hall OAP Committee Bingo Sw EVERY FRIDAY 08.45 Coffee @ 112 - Drop In For Coffee! Catch up with friends at 112 High Street (United Reformed Church) in Sw. Cake and bacon butties. Fair trade stall. Donations for ‘Besom in Purbeck’ and church funds.

09.00 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Cardio Tennis taster.

Till 10am 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 Table Tennis Club Sw FC All ages/abilities £2.50 Till noon. 480093 10.00 A Place Of Welcome at 21 Commercial Road, Sw. Friendly drop-in for everyone, providing a free cup of tea or coffee, a listening ear, conversation and basic information. Everyone welcome, whatever the circumstances.

10.30 Do you want to volunteer in Swanage? Meet the team at the Volunteer Bureau in Swanage Library! Until 12.30pm.

11.00 Swanage Library Rhyme Time, ages 0-4, until 11.30am.

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 Wareham Short Mat Bowls. Meet at Furzebrook Village Hall. New members welcome to come along and meet us!

14.30 Short Mat Bowls at Durbeville Hall, Wool. Till 4.30pm. All standards welcome. Ffi: 552682.

18.00 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Matchplay taster session for prospective new members. First 3 sessions are free. Until 8.30pm.

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

The Purbeck Gazette 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.

11.00 Lego and Megablok Mayhem at Swanage Library, until 12 noon.

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.

10.00 Give Rugby A Try! FREE! at Swanage & Wareham Rugby Club, Bestwall Rd, Wm. We’re looking for new players, so come and have a go! Until noon. Under 6s-16s only. Call Claire on: 07799 842225 Ffi. 10.30 Stoborough Emmanuel Baptist Church meet at Stoborough First School, Stoborough. All very welcome.

13.30 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Cardio Tennis taster. Till 2.30pm 14.30 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Matchplay taster session for prospective new members. First 3 sessions are free. Until 4.30pm.

J.A. Construction (Dorset) Ltd.

Specialist in Purbeck Stone Walling General Building, Extensions, Renovations, Roofing, New Builds and all types of Ground Work.

Also available for Plumbing, Electrics & Carpentry.

Tel: 01929 554249 Fax: 01929 552294 Mobile: 07973 388190

www.jaconstructiondorset.co.uk Email: sales@jaconstruction.co.uk

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Highest standards guaranteed Fully certified & insured No hidden charges & no VAT Call Steve at Pile-Up on 01929 553861 or 07974 529017

The Purbeck Gazette

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING

61

IDEAL SKIP HIRE Skips from 2 - 40yds SAND GRAVEL HARDCORE SHINGLE & TOP SOIL Available loose or in 25kg & 1 ton bags Delivery or Collection

Trade & DIY customers welcome A Fast, Friendly & Efficient Service

TEL: 01929 422980 BRIAN MOORE

Michael B. Alberry

INDEPENDENT TELECOM ENGINEER

DECORATOR

(Ex-BT)

Repair of phone lines & broadband HALF BT PRICES!!

07858 458997 - 01929 554886

Property Decoration & Renovation

07796 640538 01929 424882

62

The Purbeck Gazette

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING

SANDIE’S BARBERSHOP 191 HIGH STREET, SWANAGE Open Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm, Sat 8.30am - 3pm We are closed on Sunday.

Late night Thursday till 7pm

01929 426364

Brickcraft Construction

Extensions Artificial Lawns

Building Contractors Patio/Paving Garden Walls

Insurance & General Building Work Undertaken

Call Charlie on 07973 834175 or 01929 405075 www.brickcraftconstruction.com

Roy Osmond Ltd Traditional Forge Works Light Fabrication, Security Grills, Hand & Balcony Rails, Fire Escapes & Bespoke Work Stainless Steel and Glass Balconys

Telephone on: 01929 400520 or mobile: 0779 6044859

NJA Specialist Tree Care All aspects of Tree Surgery & Hedgework undertaken Fully insured and NPTC Qualified Free Quotations and advice 07703 210647 or 01929 481600

ROOFING SPECIALIST SPARROW’S Over 30 years Membership Federation of Master Builders

NO JOB TOO SMALL 01929 421156 07974 077885 The Premier Trade Organisation High Performance Flat Roofing Specialists Re-Roofing - Slating & Tiling Roof Repairs - UPVC Facias & Gutters Chimneys Removed or Repointed sparrowroof@gmail.com

SWANAGE & DORSET

SCAFFOLDING All aspects of Residential & Commercial Scaffolding Emergency Call Outs - Free Quotations & Estimates Temporary Roof Coverings - Fully Insured

OUR PRICE WON’T BE BEATEN

01929 424553 01258 858214 07813 346993

The Purbeck Gazette

63

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING SWANAGE & DORSET

ROOFING

ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING WORK

Flat roofing Re-roofs, Slate or Tile All repair works Free Quotations

01929 424553 07813 346993

JIM BAGGLEY BUILDING SERVICES Ltd Renovations, Alterations, Extensions, Kitchen Fitting, New Cut Roofs, Loft Conversions, Upvc Windows & Doors, Carpentry & Joinery

Tel: 01305 852311 or 07469 793452 Email: jessjimbaggleyltd@gmail.com

WAREHAM GAS SERVICES For all your plumbing & heating requirements Servicing of appliances available Contact Steve: 07714 386457 or 01929 288521

Lic: 3452941 Reg: 542421

Join our trusted Trade advertising section and let locals know what services YOU offer!

Six month block (single trade advert) £158.76 (inc. VAT)

USE OUR LOCAL TRADES PEOPLE OR LOSE THEM!

Man & Van available to hire

Rubbish Clearance Half the price of a skip and we do all the work!

07767 479438 Fully licensed & insured

Man & Van available to hire

Rubbish Clearance Half the price of a skip and we do all the work!

07767 479438 Fully licensed & insured