The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 244

November May 2020 2019 Issue no. 238 244

CORONAVIRUS SHUTDOWN EDITION ONE!

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

Purbeck Christmas Challenge!

PgPg 2317 - 37 IlayHelp Cooper In His Other Hat. Save- Rex The Brave.

Pg 12

Making A Difference....

Pg Pg 26-27 Our Flag Is Now Official!

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Banish Those Winter Blues!

24 - 35 In The Kitchen Garden.

PgPg 34-35

Otter Deaths On The Increase.

Pg 42 37 Big Garden Birdwatch Results. Pg

SWANAGE & PURBECK space is now available!

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Editor’s note...

W

elcome to the May edition of your Purbeck Gazette! For the first time in our history, we are publishing online only, rather than on paper. This is due to the fact our revenue has dropped from the required break-even £13,000 per month to £91 for the whole of April.

Sadly, many advertisers who booked advertising we ran in the published April edition (several weeks prior to the lockdown - the deadline was 10th March) have now failed to pay for the advertising we went to extreme efforts to publish.

This currently amounts to over £11,000 being owed to us - a small, local business. We’d hope that those advertisers reading this do as we have done - ensure they pay the invoices owed to small, local businesses like us. It’s quite simply the ethical thing to do. We’re grateful to those who have paid for advertising they booked in our April edition, even most are now closed themselves.

So! Crazy times, eh? I hope you’re all safe and well and that you’re following the guidelines for your own safety (and that of others) and attempting to keep busy if you’re isolating at home. I have to say, we are extremely lucky that the UK is going through this worldwide crisis during late spring and early summer. I cannot image we would have coped as well as we have thus far, had it occurred in the depths of winter! I do admit that I’m personally stuggling to stay out of the sea whilst the sun shines... however, I’m staying away as advised by our wonderful Coastguard - I hope you’re also following advice which will everyone safe. Keep your chin up and await the anticipated ‘end-of-lockdown’ Purbeck party!

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.

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

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

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

See: www.purbeckgazette.com

The May 2020 edition has a deadline of 10th April, and will be distributed from 27th April - 1st May 2020.

The June 2020 edition has a deadline of 8th May and will be distributed from 25th May - 29th May 2020.

Public Notices & Information

Swanage Town Council Meetings - May 2020 ALL MEETINGS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SUSPENDED

Wareham Town Council Meetings - May 2020 ALL MEETINGS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SUSPENDED

Dorset Council 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.

VOLUNTEERS: A massive thanks to our volunteers, whose help is invaluable each month. Our proof readers are the very professional: Gerry Norris and David Holman, with volunteer Photographer, Tim Crabb, also on-hand.

Telephone Sales & Client Contact

We reserve the right to maintain contact with our advertising clients, past and present, through the use of telephone calls and emails. We retain customer’s names, addresses, emails and telephone numbers on file. If you do not wish to hear from us to be reminded of upcoming deadlines, please do let us know!

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Bluebell woods at Bloxworth. Pic by NJ.

CONTACT US ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 44 BUSINESS MATTERS 30 COMMUNITY MATTERS 7 COUNCIL MEETINGS 2 FEATURES Blast From The Past 12 Coronavirus Sanctions & Police Powers 10 FEATURE: Memorial For ‘Albert The Good’ 22-25 Making A Difference In Sri Lanka 26-27 Gazette Gardening 44 John Garner writes - Stay Safe, Take The Positives 38 Living Well With Neighbours 18 Message From Swanage’s Mayor 21 Pictures For Those Stuck Indoors 28-29 Rubbish & Recycling Guidance 15 Syrian Refugee Families Volunteer 17 Telling It Like It Is - David Hollister writes 7 FOOD - Godlingston Manor Kitchen Gardens 34 HEALTH & BEAUTY 46 LETTERS 4 MOTORING - David Hollister writes 36 NATURAL MATTERS 38 TRADE ADVERTS 48 SPORT AND OUR DIARY SPOTLIGHT WILL RETURN IN THE FUTURE!

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

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ADVERTISERS ONLY PLEASE!

Editorial Enquiries: Editor, Nico Johnson 01929 424239

ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk

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at: www.purbeckgazette.co.uk Kay Jenkinsor01929 email:424239 ext.1 kay@purbeckgazette.co.uk

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

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

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

DEADLINE JUNE 12 NOON, 8th10th MAY JUNE DEADLINE FORFOR JULY ISISNOON, FRI

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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.

JUNE edition deadline: noon, 8th MAY

Scale The Wall For Free?!

Dear Ed, Following your report in the April issue of the Gazette…..

I found it beyond comprehension that the proposed sea wall for Swanage detailed in your article might be going ahead. Has no official thought this out properly?

In my opinion the opportunity exists during the construction of this sea wall to include enhancements that could only benefit the local community much further than the current design proposes.

For example, technology exists already that would allow normally blackedout ‘electronic portholes’ to be installed along the whole 1.75km structure which would feature coin-operated timers allowing each porthole to become transparent for say 30 to 40 seconds – perhaps for a pound a time. This way we could see the sea for a modest fee.

What does the council propose to do if passers-by were to congregate while trying to work out ways of scaling the wall for free? I suggest wardens should be employed (heaven only knows we need more jobs for locals) – they could patrol the wall and break up such groups with phrases such as ‘move along please there’s nothing to sea here’.

Another idea I had would be to ‘walk the wall for good causes’ – many charities could benefit from this - and even local cobblers too - who would surely see lots of new customers with barbed-wire damaged footwear hobbling in to their premises.

Pity about the beach huts though. Instead of calling them beach huts maybe we could call them beach shuts.

Generally though - I’m all for it. After all, with so many polluting nurdles and durdles everywhere – who needs to see the sea anyway?

Yours in support, U.M.B.Jokin., by email.

PS will there be litter bins to stand on?

Supporting Our Local NHS Dear Editor, ‘Thank you’ treats for Swanage Hospital staff I have just been outside and listened to the applause for all the people doing such wonderful work in our NHS at the moment.

I wonder how many are thinking ‘I wish I could do something more to help’?

You could consider logging in to Friends of Swanage Hospital website and joining the Friends (a form is available to download) and making a donation.

Every available penny is spent on Swanage Hospital and when the current crisis is over the country will be in so much debt that we know new austerity measures are bound to follow.

At such times we are able to step in and make sure that our hospital gets the equipment that the staff and you, the patients, deserve. So please think about joining us.

However, we think our wonderful staff deserve a personal thanks for the extra effort they are putting in.

We administer the staff fund for the hospital and if you want them all to have a treat you could send a donation (any cheques payable to Friends of Swanage Hospital) to: Staff Fund, c/o Swanage Hospital, Queens Road, Swanage, BH19 2ES and we guarantee that every single penny will go towards a treat for every member of staff.

Thank you.

Terry Buck, Treasurer, Friends of Swanage Hospital Committee

Beer, Ale & Cider Specialists Food served 12 noon - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm High Street, Swanage. 01929 423533

Carers Are Not Alone Dear Gazette, I read Gillian Taylor’s letter with interest, as I too am a carer for my husband who has Parkinson’s disease, along with other conditions. While the circumstances of her problems are different to mine, I sympathise and empathise with her difficulties.

Virtually every day I have to spend hours dealing with administration duties, along with normal caring duties, and nothing ever goes according to plan.

I had been thinking that with the enforced lockdown I may actually get some of my to-do list completed, but it’s not going well yet!

People may think we have plenty of time, but it just is not so, and it’s so frustrating to get things running smoothly. If it’s not a banking query there’s something else, like having to scan and upload many documents to prove my husband needs a new Blue Badge, as the rules have changed (not that he can use it at present of course).

I’ve promised myself that one day I will catch up and be able to do more housework, and even hopefully a little gardening. After that I may have some ‘me’ time. Hang on in there Gillian and know that you are not alone.

Do hope TalkTalk have sorted out your problems now of course.

Yours sincerely, Christine Bridson-Jones, Wool, by email.

Shutdown Support Plea Dear Editor, I have elderly parents living in Swanage and it’s come to my attention that they are finding it difficult to know where to get veg, meat and basic essentials from.

They are supposed to be self-isolating, but since the Co-op don’t do online ordering, they have to go to the shop to pick out their produce, which does admittedly get delivered for free. They have subsequently discovered that their local butcher will deliver free of charge for any size order.

My thoughts are that even though the over 70s and vulnerable might have internet access, they are not great with social media and navigating to find these things, and also many are not confident about online banking and paying over the internet.

I see this as an opportunity for both the local independent shops and yourself as a local publication to work together for the benefit of the community. If you could identify all of the local independent food shops that are happy to take orders and payment over the phone and then deliver for free then you could run an advertising feature full or double page article, which I’m sure the local traders would probably be happy to either pay for or contribute towards.

This would show the shop, the food they stock and the telephone contact number.

If you already have a feature starting like this then great, but if not, please would you consider it with great urgency. As you know they will be selfisolating for at least another nine - ten weeks and the sooner they can be helped the better.

Best regards, Philip McDonald, by email.

Ed’s note: Thanks so much for your letter, Philip, and for your helpful suggestions. Sadly, over 95% of our advertisers are currently closed down and are not in a position to advertise. We have to raise £13,000 in advertising revenue in order to print and distribute each month. This month we’ve taken £91.00 in revenue. This means that despite a plethora of calls from the elderly and vulnerable, who, as you mention may not be so internet-savvy, we are clearly unable to publish on paper this month for the first time in our history. This is devastating as we know that for many older residents who are less mobile and who may be living alone, the Purbeck Gazette can be the only form of contact they have with the local community. If anyone has a ‘magic money tree’ and is able to cough up £13,000 per month to enable us to continue publishing and distributing door-to-door over the coming months, please do email us!

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Square & Compass www.squareandcompasspub.co.uk

Worth Matravers 01929 439229

BEER & CIDER SERVICES! We are so sorry that we are currently closed.

We hope you’re all weathering this storm and we can’t wait to welcome you back to the pub one day!

We are currently offering TWO SERVICES! Firstly, a take-out beer and cider service, collect between 4pm - 6pm every day from the pub.

Secondly, a home delivery service for beers and ciders! Please text John on 07840 935110 to order.

Communicare Offer Support Dear Readers, May I say congratulations to Nico and all the staff, as the Gazette seems to go from better to much better! Communicare would like to help the people of Swanage to come to terms with this awful virus!

After having a period of self-isolation myself (not getting it, I might add hastily, but being on a plane) and coming back from a holiday in Spain and I was doing a bit of thinking of how best can we help ourselves and others.

As you all know, Communicare takes people to hospital etc., but that is absolutely out of the question for this moment in time …. and could be for quite a while.

So, as Swanage has quite a number of people living on their own who could be very anxious, worried, scared, and not being allowed to mix with their friends, neighbours and even family, what about us turning into ‘a listening ear’ ?

In my self-isolation, I ran up all my Link people and the committee and put this idea to them. We were not allowed to meet together, so had to do it all by phone. I discussed it with everyone, sometimes taking one-hour with each, but it was so worthwhile, and everyone had a little more to add or take away. Gradually the idea was born and they left me to instigate it all.

I based the new contact card on our usual framework, so everyone would recognise that it came from us….with our Communicare logo included.

The inside I changed and added some three more people who have volunteered to join us, having been working with us previously, both as helpers and then on the committee.

Once this is over, we will revert to our normal pale blue or pale green cards once again, and get back to normal.

Our new bright yellow cards can be found in shops which are still open in Swanage. All the food shops, corner shops, garages, chemists and so on.

Just keep your eyes open as you go round the town and pick up a card and keep it by your phone.

Please do not go up the wall, but ring one of the following :(all local numbers (01929 code)) 427576, 423747, 427346, 422951, 422118, 288177, 480932, 477114, mobile 07531-811375.

Good Luck - Keep Well - May God go with you all.

Jenny Lazenbury, Director of Communicare, by email.

Supporting Lewis-Manning Dear Gazette, I would like to report the successful quiz and ploughman’s evening held early in March at Studland Village Hall to help raise funds for the LewisManning Hospice, which is now running a weekly clinic at Swanage Hospital.

With just over fifty people present, the fundraising group was able to send off £677 to the Hospice to help finance our local clinic.

A big thank you must go to those who came, or who gave a donation, for their generosity, and to those who put the event together.

Look out for leaflets that are distributed around the town giving information about bringing the Hospice nearer the home and of what help is now on offer.

Sadly, the next event for the Hospice, Kaleidoscope 2, had to be cancelled, like so many other events, due to coronavirus. We hope to restage it sometime in the future when life returns to normal!

Meanwhile if you see a Lewis-Manning collection pod in a local shop and you have some loose change, do pop some of it in, the Lewis-Manning clinic at the hospital, which is free to those attending, costs £60,000 a year to run. Fund raising events are going to be hard to hold during 2020 and we need to keep this local facility going.

Yours sincerely, David Dean, on behalf of the Swanage and Studland fundraising group.

PICMF 2020 Update Dear Friends, We had hoped to start selling tickets to you all now for this year’s festival but instead, like the rest of the world, we have been forced to put our plans ‘on hold’ for at least a few more weeks.

The most important thing for now is to stay calm, positive and at home, so check out our website for videos made by some of this year’s Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival artists, especially for you. We hope you enjoy them. Stay healthy - and we will write again soon with concrete plans for PICMF 2020.

With warmest wishes and love from Natalie and the PICMF team See our new website: picmf.org

Membership Best Deal?

Dear Purbeck Gazette, Michael Oldman asked for a deal that is “not only good for us, but good for the EU as well.” (March 2020).

As has been repeatedly made clear, a non-EU, non-Schengen country cannot enjoy all the benefits of a member country. The best deal with the EU is membership of the EU. Phil Jones, Member, European Movement UK

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MATT HILLAN Building Alterations & Maintenance

All Trade Aspects Undertaken Free Estimates Fully Insured

01929 427296 07971 690817 Happy to help and advise

The Isle Correctly Defined Dear Readers, I am a reader of this excellent magazine and I am afraid I think Mr John Garner (columnist, ‘Natural Matters’ section) may not agree with the ‘Isle of Purbeck’ signs put up, and also, if he was living in Wareham, he most certainly was not living on the Isle of Purbeck.

Where John’s friend got the idea of the boundary being on the south side of Corfe River, goodness knows! However, I can understand why John stated he ‘didn’t know Corfe River existed’ as it is in such a state that perhaps there are many who do not know of its existence. Nevertheless, keep writing John! May I tell you that we once had a ‘fast flowing brook’?

Could I refer to a book written in about 1907 by Ida Woodward, in which she refers very much to the Domesday Book?

I quote! ‘The Isle of Purbeck, which is an island by courtesy only. It is bounded on the north by the River Frome and Poole Harbour. On the east and south, by the English Channel and on the west, by an imaginary line that might be drawn from Worbarrow Bay to the source of the little stream called ‘Luckford Lake’ and continued over Povington Heath by the course of the same stream until it joins the Frome, about a mile above Holme Bridge.’

‘The length of the island from Peveril Point to Luckford Lake is twelve miles and from Arne to St Aldhelm’s Head is ten miles.’

The information came from many sources, including Nathaniel Bond Esq, the Right Honourable Earl of Eldon and so on. Well done to the council for the signs, but you forgot to put one by the water splash at Luckford Lake.

Yours, Ken Williams, by hand.

Constant Stream Of Walkers Dear Gazette, Today, 24th March, the day after Boris told us to stay at home, I have noticed that the footpath in the Townsend Reserve has had a constant stream of walkers.

What is wrong with that? The path starts at the Shorefields Caravan Park and leads to town. These are selfish people who have decided to turn this terrible time into a holiday and are putting a strain on the town’s food supplies, as well as bringing possible infections from elsewhere.

Last week the path was almost deserted.

John Rowley, by email

Area Forum Supporting Dear Readers, Covid-19: SWANAGE AREA FORUM NEWSLETTER In these uniquely troubling times, The Swanage Area Forum and The Swanage & Purbeck Development Trust have agreed to produce a regular newsletter for the purpose of helping inform our local communities of the situation regarding local services and organisations.

Any relevant voluntary or statutory organisations are invited to participate.

This newsletter will not replace but supplement the important job that The Purbeck Gazette plays in our communities. If you wish to join us, by either providing material and/or news, please keep your contribution to 200 words, as we have many participating organisations.

At the end of your article, please add your organisation’s contact details including telephone number and email address. The newsletter will be produced in A4 format and be posted as an attachment for email circulation to organisations that operate in the Swanage area.

Mel Norris Chair Swanage Area Forum and Swanage & Purbeck Development Trust Trustee. melvyn.norris@talktalkbusiness.net

Brian & Penny Armstrong

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TELLING IT LIKE IT IS...

Got To Get It Together! (Thunderclap Newman)

by David Hollister

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think you’ll all agree that – as suggested by the old Chinese proverb – we live in interesting times! First Brexit, and now CV19. One thing is for sure; nothing will ever be the same. Hopefully this is the opportunity for all of us to make it clear to the Establishment that no, it won’t be the same, it must be better. Seems that I’m always having to take issue with councils who either cannot or will not support the people who put them there.

However, right now, although our valued MP seems a bit backward in coming forward, our county and town councillors seem to be shining through and actually getting stuff ‘done’.

Hats off to Mike Bonfield, the Mayor of Swanage, for keeping us updated with what the Council is doing – via Facebook. Welcome to the 21st century! Thanks also to Laura Miller from Dorset County who works tirelessly not just for her West Purbeck constituency, but also on the Improvement and Innovation Board.

To Gary Suttle, who, during the chaos caused by the Institute Road debacle, made it quite clear to Dorset County that he wasn’t prepared to be pushed around, and was instrumental in keeping up pressure for the stupid traffic lights in Swanage to be removed. He is also instrumental in the various county-based schemes aimed at helping and protecting the interests of the businesses and employers of Purbeck.

So, what must change? Well, change has to come from the top and we need some earth-shattering pronouncements from government before this emergency comes to an end. I’m sorry if you, dear reader, disagree with some of these suggestions but this is the way that I genuinely feel and after all it’s me that’s writing it……

First, let’s look at the ‘Protect The NHS’ mantra which seems to have taken over from ‘Let’s Get Brexit Done’. Yes, staying inside and self-isolating will protect the NHS inasmuch as it’ll reduce the likelihood of your having to end up as a hospital patient taking up valuable bed-space. It will protect YOU and ME. From each other and from the selfish idiots who take no notice of the regulations about visiting second homes or indeed going for walks with friends. The fact that we need the police to arrest and fine us for behaving like imbeciles is a scary vision of a totalitarian Orwellian future. But regrettably necessary.

This is clearly not the time for me to jump on my soap-box and remind my readers that for everyone who has two homes, there’s someone else who has none. Just saying……

The people who should be protecting the NHS – and should always have done – are the government. As long as I can remember, NHS workers have been paid far under their true value whilst not just footballers, musicians and TV ‘stars’, but also business and council CEOs, University Vice-Chancellors, and even politicians have had their snouts in the trough for far too long.

The sudden outbreak of CV has revealed the shocking truth about the lack of PPE and basic medical equipment. Everyone scrambling to find facemasks which the government initially said weren’t necessary yet now appear to be a major factor in preventing the spread of disease. Why did the government say they weren’t necessary? Because it would have revealed their total incompetence and unpreparedness for this disaster.

Social media seems to be intent on ‘Tory bashing’ and many of its contributors appear to have degrees in hindsight. Well, I have news for you. There was a general election which – for whatever of the many reasons you chose to believe – Labour lost. Significantly.

The main reason was that they didn’t get enough votes. But what we don’t need now is political sniping at any level; what we need is what we had in World War II, which was a Government of National Unity which in turn united the people of the UK in a common cause. There are four years to go before any of the ‘Tory Bashers’ can hope to change the government, so all they are actually bashing is their own heads against a brick wall. And trying to fight an establishment which has its own police force, its own military, and vastly overpaid lawyers to prevent any kind of revolution.

Apart from which, just like the government in Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’ which gave the people ‘Soma’ to prevent them from speaking freely and thinking anti-establishment thoughts, most of the citizens of the UK have already been bribed with pensions and allowances and provided with lager and Premier League Football instead of ‘bread and circuses’. So, nobody will actually DO anything.

Let’s look at ‘sport’ which is not actually ‘sport’, it’s mass entertainment.

After the virus, will people be able to afford to spend £50 - £60 on going to watch a football match? Will they be able to afford Sky Sports subscriptions?

Or will they – as I strongly hope – stay away in droves until the prices and subscriptions become affordable to the normal working person? When will these ‘fans’ realise that for too long their idols have had feet of clay and that their priorities have been misplaced?

We need a society where a sports person is valued equally to a nurse, where a TV ‘star’ earns the same as a teacher and where people are valued for their ability and their contribution to society rather than their appearance. As Jackson Browne wrote – it’s who you look like, not who you are.

So, what else can they do to give us a better country to live in? Scrap HS2, which was an £85m slap in the face to 90% of UK citizens. Instead bring us railways that actually run (it can be done – see Switzerland) and roads which aren’t full of dangerous potholes. Scrap Trident, which would be a minor annoyance to any major nation that attacks us; spend the money on enlarging the domestic police force to keep peace and order within, and giving the military weapons that actually work, to defend our borders.

Let us hang our heads in shame at the number of homeless ex-servicemen sleeping rough on the streets having outlived their usefulness to the establishment. Let us close foodbanks down by providing adequate income and benefits so that nobody needs to use them. Let us become a nation where decent people can proudly afford look after their elderly relatives rather expecting the state to look after them in ‘care homes’. Let us become a nation that respects other peoples’ property.

Let us become a nation where those who injure, kill, maim, rape, or steal from others are punished adequately and where those punishments actually act as a deterrent.

Let us do away with ambulance-chasing ‘no win no fee’ lawyers and stop living in a land where there is too much law and not enough justice.

Where people know the price of everything but the value of nothing. For example, our NHS. In short – let’s bring back decency and integrity.

Now wash your hands.

The Purbeck Gazette

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View from the Lookout – May 2020 had hoped to be reporting about more of our 25th anniversary activities and telling you about our next “tea and cakes” day. Sadly, events have overtaken us. As I write the May article we are on “lockdown” and we have suspended our watchkeeping.

The space inside the lookout is quite small and spending four and a half hours there, on a watch, is not conducive to social distancing and so, with reluctance, we have suspended the watch at

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Peveril Point.

The decision was not taken lightly but bearing in mind that the average age of Coastwatch watchkeepers is 69 and after consultation with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, all our stations around the coast are temporarily closed. On balance it seems to be the right thing to do at this time. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s catch phrase seems to be quite appropriate: “...we will be back”!

You can hear an “audio” version of this article by tuning into Coastal Ways on Purbeck Coast FM, our community radio station for Purbeck on 101.2FM or via the internet: http://purbeckcoast.com/. The presenter, Ian Harkness, is one of our watchkeepers and we have a chat once a month about this article. Normally it’s sitting on Swanage Pier, with a cup of coffee, but for the next couple of months it’s likely to be via the internet, but still with our cup of coffee in front of us! Check out the website for when Coastal Ways is broadcast.

One of the questions Ian asked me in the April interview was: “What did the Lookout originally look like?”. I’ve mentioned before that we can trace our history back to the original coastguard station established in the 1800s and, as part of our silver jubilee celebrations, we’re trying to create an archive of photographs, images, documents and so on about the history of the Point and the Lookout.

Swanage Museum have been very generous and let us trawl through their archives and so I thought I’d share two images from there. The first shows the station in 1905. It’s interesting as it shows the coastguard

in naval style uniform. The Lookout is little more than a shed but has a semaphore post (used to signal passing vessels) in front of it. If you look closely in the background you can see several of the cannons that were in place at the time.

The second image shows the Lookout in 1938, just prior to the Second World War. The semaphore tower is gone but the large flagpole is still in place. The lookout has become more substantial and elements of the brick base still remain today.

Our archive trawl has also turned up the first logbook. Although its format is different than the standardised logbook that all stations use today, what is recorded is much the same. The opening of the station in 1995 corresponded to the Easter holiday and on our first day, the watchkeepers were involved in two incidents. The first was to request the launching of the inshore lifeboat to assist a sailing dinghy having difficulties in Peveril Race. Later that afternoon the watchkeepers spotted several people trying to scramble up the cliffs at Ballard Point.

They had become stuck in a precarious position, about thirty feet from the top. The cliff rescue team were paged, and with the help of the Coastguard rescue helicopter, they were winched to safety. A busy first day!

Since then our team have been involved in numerous incidents. While we leave the practical rescue aspects to our colleagues in the Coastguard Rescue Team and the RNLI, it’s often our presence keeping “eyes along the coast” that alert them to an issue.

When we announced our closure, we were extremely gratified by all the good wishes and thanks that people expressed to us, on social media and in person. A near neighbour, who is a full-time fisherman, said that he always felt a bit safer with us keeping a lookout over the Swanage waters.

With no presence on the Point, we ask people to be extra careful and vigilant. There have been several small collapses along the clifftop at Peveril Point recently.

The government are telling us to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. Perhaps a walk on a cliff path isn’t the only way to get exercise. If something happened, it would be those very emergency services we are trying to protect that would have to come to the rescue.

This is the NCI, Swanage looking forward to listening on channel 65, out....

Stay at home.

Protect the NHS, Save lives.

The Purbeck Gazette

Public Rights Of Way And Covid-19

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orset has almost 3,000 miles of rights of way criss-crossing the county, giving access to the countryside via footpaths, bridleways, trailways and cycleways.

These provide a very useful resource for people under the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions to complete their one form of daily exercise, while social distancing. Maintained by Dorset Council and landowners, these paths should not be blocked or obstructed and cannot legally be closed to the public.

Many of these paths cross agricultural or forestry land. So, if you are using them be mindful of the restrictions, keep to the Rights of Way, ensure gates are closed, dogs are kept under close control and on leads where required and you clear up after your dog - taking your dog’s waste home with you to place into your household dustbin. Dog’s faeces can carry germs that are harmful to livestock.

Travel for exercise is not essential travel and you should use paths that you can access from your home. Where rights of way pass close to, or through residential and agricultural properties, it is important that the existing Government advice regarding social distancing and hand washing is followed.

If there is a particular problem with people gathering on rights of way or cycleway/ walking trails, then the Police should be informed. They have the power to disperse any groups behaving in such a way.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “We are incredibly lucky to have easy access to miles of countryside. But please use with care. Always follow the countryside code and government guidance for coronavirus (COVID-19).”

Dorset Council is working with Dorset Police and other agencies to take any further actions necessary in the event of any changes to legislation or Government guidance, however, at this time there are no plans nor legal means to close public rights of way or the cycleway/ walking trail networks for COVID-19 related reasons.

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The Purbeck Gazette

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ince our last article we have entered unprecedented and worrying times regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus). With this in mind, we would like to thank the vast majority of people in Purbeck who are entering into the spirit of the government advice. Please be assured that even during these extraordinary times we are doing all we can to keep our community’s safe.

So, what have we been up to? Well, we have been very busy; during the period 05 March – 9 April 2020, we dealt with a total of 502 occurrences in Purbeck, of which 180 were recorded crimes resulting in 34 arrests.

On a less positive note there were 79 occurrences of Road Traffic collisions. These are down possibly due to the lock down; but please don’t relax just because there is less traffic on the road. There are still plenty of other hazards such as wildlife, please don’t become a statistic. Please take extra care on the roads.

Despite these exceptional events we are still out patrolling the towns and rural areas. You may have seen #preparedtobechallenged at the end of our Facebook posts, in line with current legislation regarding essential journeys we will be stopping people and asking them their reason for travel.

Remember, you should only leave the house for one of four reasons: • Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.

• One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle alone or with members of your household.

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Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.

• Travelling to and from work, but only where you cannot work from home.

These are the exceptions. To find out more about staying at home and away from others (social distancing) from https://www.gov.uk/ coronavirus Information can also be found at https://www.dorset. police.uk/covid-19-coronavirus/ We ask you all to continue to observe Government guidelines and stay safe #StayAtHomeSaveLives 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.

You can also use our website to report a number of issues, from full crime reports to lost property; just use the following link https:// www.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.

Purbeck Neighbourhood Policing Team

New Coronavirus Sanctions And Police Powers

arliament has passed emergency powers for the police to enforce restrictions on public movement to reduce the spread of COVID-19, help the NHS and save lives.

Under these rules, you should not leave your home unless strictly necessary for one of the following purposes: • Shopping for basic household necessities, as infrequently as possible • One form of exercise a day - for example, a run, walk or cycle - alone or with members of your household • Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person • Travelling to and from work, but only where you cannot work from home Gatherings of more than two people are banned, unless you are with members of your household or in very limited circumstances.

If members of the public do not comply the police may: • Instruct them to go home, leave an area or disperse • Ensure parents are taking necessary steps to stop their children breaking these rules • Issue a fixed penalty notice of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days • Issue a fixed penalty notice of £120 for second time offenders, doubling on each further repeat offence Individuals who do not pay a fixed penalty notice under the regulations could be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines. If an individual continues to refuse to comply, they will be acting unlawfully, and the police may arrest them where deemed proportionate and necessary.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “I am reassured and satisfied that we have adequate powers to deal with the threat of this emergency situation and can enforce the new rules.

“We have shifted resources and created capacity across our Force to ensure we have enough officers to enforce these new powers. Our officers and staff are proactively patrolling our communities, stopping people and vehicles to ensure people are not flouting these restrictions.

“So far, I am reassured with the response from our public in Dorset, who in the main are taking sensible steps and are adhering to the advice.

“For some areas of the country, this weekend marks the start of the Easter holidays. Please stay at home. Driving to exercise, visit public locations or beauty spots is not within the spirit of the Government direction and it places additional demand on other sectors.

“I have confidence that people understand the importance of these restrictions. We have responsible and practical communities who I am sure will comply for the good of all.

“I have been appealing all week for the public to cooperate and need to emphasise that individuals who deliberately flout this will face the full force of the law. We are determined to keep people safe and reduce the loss of life from this dangerous virus.

“We must all do our part to pull together and protect our loved ones, our friends, colleagues and neighbours. These powers are in place to save lives.

“Please stay at home.”

The Purbeck Gazette

We are currently closed as a result of the Coronavirus.

BUT! We will be BACK! Please support your local stores when we’re able to reopen - your support will mean that we’re able to carry on serving our wonderful customers. Thank you. Take care and stay safe!

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Blast From The Past!

This month, A Decade Ago...

ay 2010 was a very special month indeed. As the front cover (right) suggests, it was the first issue published with the title back in ‘local’ ownership, after having belonged to the national newspaper group, Tindle Newspapers, for a number of years previously.

Original owner, Jon Sibthorpe, had sold the title to Tindle Newspapers, so although both he and Nico continued to work at the paper, the title was no longer locally owned. Jon retired, leaving Nico and the staff to continue running the title under Tindle. After some years, Nico was able to purchase the title from Tindle - thus taking the paper back into local hands. This also stopped the paper being sold to any other newspaper groups who may have had the intention of shutting the paper down to ease any competition between titles in the same geographic area....

The purchase was supported by many in the local community, hence the front cover which listed names of those who had donated small amounts of money as a token of their support - the ‘Friends of the Gazette’ was born!

Here we are, ten years in the future, still going strong - pandemic or not!

As one of the aproximate 4% of regional papers still in local hands (not owned by a large group), we’ll continue to fight to keep publishing to support our community - as long as you continue to support us, of course!

Swanage Railway announced that they were celebrating Swanage’s historic past by holding a week long programme of activities and entertainment including everything from bathing belles to organ griders....

The event was organised to commemorate the first steam train to leave Swanage 125 years previously. Events were scheduled to take place in both Swanage and Corfe Castle between May 20th - May 22nd, 2010.

Steve Churchill of Swanage wrote in our May 2010 edition to ask locals to support a new charity mooted for the area - Heroes Haven. Steve had been contacted by a lady who, with her family, had paid regular visits to Swanage for over a decade. Very sadly, her son had lost both legs and his left arm in Afganistan in September 2009, meaning the family were left wondering how on earth they would be able to continue their annual visits to Swanage as a family.

Steve decided to try and do something to help. Having investigated the possibility of purchasing an ‘amputee-friendly’ caravan, a figure of £50,000 was decided upon to attempt to fundraise in order to provide a suitable place for amputees and those injured in the armed forces to enable them to continue holidaying in Swanage.

Steve and his team of volunteers did extraordinarily well in their efforts. Today, Heroes Haven, situated in Herston, is a fantastic lodge, offering a real beacon of hope to many injured service personnel who thought they would be unable to holiday with their families after being injured in the line of duty. Well done to all of you who supported the cause and who helped build this amazing facility for those who have given so much to our country.

Staff and children of St Mary’s School in Swanage (pictured below) were involved in a fight against the 2010 proposal for primary education in Swanage, which would have seen places at St Mary’s cut and classes being combined into mixed year groups, sharing one classroom and teacher.

The proposal was seen to possbibly be in breach of the Schools Admission Code, which legislated that school authorities should not curb the expansion of a successful school just because other schools in the area may have surplus places. St Mary’s RC VA School Action group had fought against the proposal. Today, St Mary’s inhabits a fantastic new-build school in north Swanage and continues to go from strength to strength.

The Purbeck Gazette

In May 1940, France had fallen and the invasion of Britain was regarded as a distinct possibility. Winston Churchill, Prime Minister for less than a month, conceived the idea of a ‘stay behind’ army of guerilla units. Their role was to go into hiding as the Germans advanced and then operate behind the lines, causing as much damage to the enemy’s lines of communication and supply as possible.

This lead to the formation of GHQ Auxiliary Units on a national basis, involving some 6,000 men in total - we had almost forty Auxiliary Units throughout Dorset, including two in the Isle of Purbeck and several in the Wareham and Wool district.

The ‘Creech Barrow Seven’ Auxiliary Unit was researched by Corfe man, Ken Williams, who then compiled their story for future generations. On April 10th 2010, a memorial to the Creech Barrow Seven was unveiled at East Creech (below - photo by Peter Tate) by Maj. General Richard Keightley.

The Purbeck Gazette

Shielding Dorset’s Vulnerable Residents From Coronavirus Find out what’s happening in Dorset to protect people who are at most risk from coronavirus (COVID-19). ulnerable people in Dorset will have recently received a letter from the NHS, telling them they are at high risk of catching coronavirus and advising them to stay at home and strictly self-isolate for twelve weeks. We know that living under such restrictions will cause concern for people who do not have any nearby support, and we want to give reassurance to any Dorset residents who this may be affecting.

We are rapidly putting plans in place with our partners from across public, voluntary and community and charity sectors to give you the help you need.

A Dorset COVID-19 Response Hub has been set to help people: • have enough food, basic household items and access any necessary medication • continue to receive support from our help and support services in a safe way • feel supported and know how to access help I am staying at home because of coronavirus. How do I get help?

If you have been identified as someone at high risk, you should follow the advice given in the letter you received from the NHS. You should talk to family, friends or your support network to see if they can help you get food and medicine.

Central Government is sharing information with us about people who have registered as extremely vulnerable because they do not have anyone close by who can help them. We will be making direct contact with these people very soon.

Dorset Council’s COVID–19 Response Hub If you don’t have family, friends or a support network that can help you get the things you need, the response hub has a dedicated helpline that can provide additional help and information.

From Monday 30 March, you can call 01305 221022, 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Alternatively, you can email communityresponse@dorsetcouncil. gov.uk.

Dorset Council portfolio holder for Health and Adult Social Care, Cllr Laura Miller said: “We are doing our very best to make sure that those people who are identified as extremely vulnerable because of the coronavirus will be fully supported.

“If you, or someone you know, is vulnerable because they are self-isolating and cannot get access to food or medicine, they have care needs or are at risk of loneliness and isolation call the helpline and trained staff can help you get the things you need.”

If you do not receive a letter from the NHS but still need help and support to get essential supplies, you can find more information on volunteer organisations on our website www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/coronavirus or by contacting Age UK on enquiries@ageuknswd.org.uk or 01305 269444.

You can also register to volunteer on the website.

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Difficulty Paying Your Council Tax?

Tell us if your financial circumstances have changed f your financial circumstances have changed over recent weeks which means you may have difficulty paying your council tax, please contact us: • For West and South areas, call 01305 211970 or email revenueservices@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

• If you live in the East or North area please email svpp@bcpcouncil. gov.uk or call 0345 034 4569.

Our Council Tax team will discuss your particular circumstances with you and find the best solution for you. There isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ answer – our advisers will suggest the best solution for each individual or household, depending on the circumstances. The volume of calls to our teams has increased at this time. We will answer your call as quickly as we can. Please email your enquiry if you are unable to hold.

Council Tax Hardship Fund Help has been made available for the most vulnerable residents struggling to pay their Council tax as part of the Government’s £500m Covid-19 Hardship Fund. £2.6m has been allocated to Dorset Council. We will be able to provide further Council Tax relief via this scheme. Government has made it clear that additional funding is to firstly allow working age residents who already receive Council Tax support to receive a further discount of up to £150.

Cllr Tony Ferrari, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Assets at Dorset Council, said: “Those who will benefit initially don’t need to do anything, we will issue revised bills for them as soon as we can. Our revenues and benefits team are working with partners to understand who will benefit and how much they will receive. Then we will consider how to make relief available to others in hardship with what is left of our allocation.”

What if there are remaining funds?

Any remaining funds will be allocated to the most in need throughout the financial year. We are working on amendments to existing policy to enable us to correctly administer these funds to support our most vulnerable customers. If you think you may qualify for council tax support then please visit https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/benefits/council-tax-support/ council-tax-support.aspx or call us to discuss your circumstances.

Why can’t you cancel Council Tax payments during the outbreak?

Your Council Tax pays for our essential services that are – now more than ever – vitally important to Dorset’s most vulnerable people and a whole range of different services that still need to be paid for. You are helping to support the Police and Fire Service as well as Dorset Council and town and parish councils. Without the income from council tax we cannot pay for vital services.

Many, if not all, services would grind to a halt. Bin collections, social care and support to vulnerable children would all be severely impacted But we appreciate that people may be struggling so do make sure you get in contact with us and that you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to. We want to support you as much as we can during this challenging time.

Universal Credit - www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit Council Tax Support - www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/benefits/counciltax-support/council-tax-support.aspx

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The Purbeck Gazette

The Purbeck Gazette

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Important New Rubbish And Recycling Guidance

s Dorset Council’s waste services begin to feel the pressure from coronavirus (COVID-19) employee absence and the need to introduce new safety measures to protect our workforce, we are asking residents to help us by changing the way they deal with their bins, litter and recycling.

Lower priority services such as bin deliveries and garden waste collections have now either been suspended or are on the verge of being halted.

Therefore, due to these reduced staffing levels, we are now implementing the next stage of our plan to keep essential collections going.

• We will no longer return to empty any missed bins until your next regular collection day. If your bins are missed, please bring them back in. Store your waste safely and put it out on your next appropriate collection day • We will pick up extra black bin rubbish only if your previous rubbish collection was missed. We will continue to pick up food waste weekly.

You can also put out extra recycling provided it is separated correctly • Do not try to report missed collections to us. Visit our service disruption pages online to check if you are in an affected area • Remember to crush and flatten items (not glass) before throwing away, as this will help create space in your bins and our collection vehicles • Please continue to observe public health guidance on handling your waste. If you have symptoms of coronavirus, please double bag your waste and store for 72 hours before placing in your bin or blue sack.

You should also wash your hands both before putting your bins out and after taking them back in • We recommend rinsing dirty rubbish and recycling items before placing in bins to reduce unpleasant odours.

• As we have had to redeploy employees to higher-priority services, our street-cleansing, household recycling centres and recycling banks in car parks have also been suspended. Therefore: • If you go out to exercise, take your litter home with you, especially dog waste. Street and dog bins are not being emptied on a regular basis. NEVER place household waste in a street litter bin

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Do not travel to a household recycling centre (HRC, or ‘the tip’) or any recycling bank in a car park as these are all now closed and are no longer being serviced. Any items left at these sites will not be cleared away and will be considered as fly-tipping.

Cllr Tony Alford, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Customer, Community and Regulatory Services, said: “We appreciate that these new measures will cause inconvenience and frustration for some people, but these are unprecedented times and the changes are vital. We need everyone to show patience and understanding and work together so we can keep collections going for as long as possible.

Thank you to everyone supporting our front-line employees by following our guidance. We will monitor how things are going and take further action if we need to.

“In the meantime, please stay at home and keep an eye on our webpages, Facebook and Twitter accounts and local media for further updates.”

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

The Purbeck Gazette

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How IS Dorset Council Helping Rough Sleepers?

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ur housing officers have teamed up with partners including The Lantern Trust and Julian House to find accommodation for twenty-four people that we have identified as sleeping rough in the Dorset Council area.

Of these twenty-four people, we have helped, or are in the process of helping, fourteen individuals into accommodation, and we are making sure they get the support they need. Accommodation has also been found for the eight homeless people who were supported by the Bus Shelter project in Weymouth.

Some rough sleepers have been offered accommodation but for personal reasons have refused the offer and wish to remain where they are for now. Housing officers and support workers will continue to work with these people and discuss alternative options.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Portfolio holder for housing at Dorset Council said: “I would like to thank all our partners, housing officers and local accommodation providers who have worked together to make this possible and provide safe and secure accommodation for our rough sleepers during this challenging time.”

A couple of rough sleepers have been a bit more difficult to locate and speak to, but our officers have made contact and we understand that they do not want help or support at this time. Where possible wellbeing checks will be made on these people.

If you are aware of someone sleeping rough who is not being supported, please report this online at StreetLink: streetlink.org.uk

JUNE 2020 EDITION DEADLINE NOON, FRI 8TH MAY

We a res re cu u r Co lt of rentl me the y c an Co lose d we see rona d as reo us viru a pe wh s. n! en

The Purbeck Gazette

Author Ilay Cooper - In His Other Hat...

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arrowly escaping the slamming doors, Ilay Cooper flew into a deserted Heathrow, bearing The Pandit Kunj Bihari Sharma Memorial Literary Award, presented on 23rd February for his writing and research on Churu and Shekhawati, a region of the desert state of Rajasthan notable for its wall paintings.

Drifting into the area on a bicycle in 1972, he settled in Churu town, became the authority on the local paintings, and was commissioned by the Indian National Trust to document the painted buildings. Ably assisted by a local man, Ravindra Sharma, he surveyed 2350 painted buildings, many of which have since fallen or been demolished. When not in Purbeck, he

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is to be found in Churu. Ilay’s Indian books include ‘Rajasthan: Exploring Painted Shekhawati’ (published in New Delhi by Niyogi Books) and a guidebook ‘The Painted Towns of Shekhawati’ (Prakash Books, New Delhi - now also in French), which is in its fourth edition. Ilay has also penned, among many others, the acclaimed ‘The Square and Compass’, ‘Purbeck Arcadia’ and Purbeck Revealed’.

Pictured: Ilay Cooper (left), holding his award. Inset: The award, presented to: ‘Ilay Cooper, An English writer and explorer of wall painting in Churu and Shekhawati, 23rd February 2020.

Syrian Refugee Families Volunteer To Help During Coronavirus Outbreak

uring this uncertain time of the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), it’s a comfort to know people want to help support our most vulnerable residents.

During the last week in March, Dorset Council received heart-warming messages from Syrian refugee families who have settled in Dorset and now want to help their local communities during these difficult times.

Jenny Willoughby who works as a refugee resettlement programme officer for Dorset Council, said: “We are incredibly lucky to have an army of volunteers across Dorset who help Syrian refugees families to settle in to their new communities, make friends, go shopping, help with children, etc.

“And to see the Syrian families they once helped now want to give something back and help them in return is amazing. Many of our older volunteers will now be isolating or shielding –so the Syrian families offer of help is very welcomed.

One of the Syrian refugees, Walid, said: “My family and I took refuge in this beautiful country. That is why I want to offer my services to help the community. I can help to deliver food and other essentials to vulnerable residents in my area. I strongly believe in the responsibility of citizens to help each other in crises. May God protect this country.”

Dorset has welcomed 82 Syrian refugees as part of the national resettlement scheme in nine different locations across the county. The most recent family arrived on 3 March. However, all resettlement is now suspended due to the coronavirus.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Portfolio Holder for Education, Children and Early Help at Dorset Council, said: “This is a wonderful example of how helping others pays off dividends to our communities later, with people coming together in this time of crisis. I think we all need a bit of this right now.”

Volunteers are needed across the county to help support the most vulnerable people during the crisis. Cllr Parry added: “Many people will need extra support, like help with shopping, walking the dog, picking up prescriptions or just checking in with them to have a chat over the phone.

“We are encouraging people to join the growing band of brilliant volunteers, helping and supporting everyone across Dorset so that people can get through tough times together.”

If you want to help but are not sure where to start, register with the Dorset Volunteering Centre in the first instance. #DorsetTogether

The Purbeck Gazette

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THANK YOU, NHS! On behalf of our readers, we would like to thank ALL those working for the NHS, whether cleaning staff or senior surgeon. You are ALL instrumental to the nation as a whole and we support you.

A particular thank you to our local hospitals, our GP practices, our District Nurse teams, our Ambulance services and our First Responders.

YOU are our heroes.

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Dorset’s Coronavirus Hotel-Based Care

s part of the efforts to help people get out of hospital when they are fit to do so, a new model is being launched in Dorset. The Best Western Hotel Rembrandt on Dorchester Road in Weymouth will be repurposed during the coronavirus crisis. The hotel will offer thirty-one beds and will be staffed by Abi Live-In Care for people who are leaving hospital for reasons not related to coronavirus.

Using a model that has been proven in other areas, it will be used as a social care base for people who can’t go directly back to their own homes when they are medically fit to leave hospital and are waiting for a social care help and support package to be put in place.

It offers more capacity to the health and care system across the area and adds to our ability to respond to the current situation, keeping hospital beds available to support people with coronavirus. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) are fully in support of this and have helped to get it set up as quickly as possible.

As the hotel-based care offer is not an extension of a hospital stay for medical reasons, it’s not appropriate to use other hospital settings, such as community hospitals. The Hotel Rembrandt took the first admissions on Monday 6 April. Technology Enabled Care, such as a call system, has been installed to assist people at the facility throughout the day and night.

Mobile phones and tablets have also been provided to help people keep in touch with friends and loved ones. Cllr Laura Miller, Portfolio Holder for adult social care and health at Dorset Council said: “This a great success, showing the dedication of partners across the system to get this set up in just a few days. We’re hearing nationally about the shortage of hospital beds, and we want to be ahead of the curve by providing alternative solutions for people who are medically fit to leave.

“We can then make sure that the most critically ill people have access to the right help and support in hospitals at the right time.

“We also know that care and support in people’s homes is becoming increasingly difficult to find, so this hotel-based care provision will make sure anyone who can leave hospital can do so in a safe way, while we work with them to get the support they’ll need to return home.”

Admissions to the Hotel Rembrandt will be built up gradually. Dorset Council and Abi Live-In Care staff will monitor the progress carefully and will build a better picture of the situation throughout the week.

The Grange Hotel at Oborne near Sherborne will be the second base to open offering support for people in the north of the county. They were taking admissions from Monday 13 April.

Living Well With Neighbours - Coronavirus

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e are all spending much more time than we normally do within our home boundary due to Coronavirus. This means we are spending more time with the people we live with and also those who live close by, our neighbours Bonfires With an enforced stay at home and a bout of good weather many people have been gardening. The council has had to close Tips (Household recycling centres) as part of the Governments clamp down on the Coronavirus so many people are turning to bonfires to remove the garden waste they have produced.

Grass is not suitable for burning due to its high-water content. You will need to dry it out if you want to burn it – you can do this by spreading it out thinly to dry in the sun. Instead, you can use grass clippings around veggies and plants to deter slugs and snails.

Bonfires can upset neighbours and cause breathing problems for those with underlying medical conditions or suffering from the virus. Also, Bonfires can get out of control quickly.

If you want to burn garden waste, try to let neighbours know (pop a note through the door) pick a quiet time of day where other people are less likely to be outside. Ensure you have the proper equipment.

If only dry garden waste is burnt, your bonfire should not cause a problem.

Never burn household waste – this will pollute the air with harmful toxins.

Here’s some more advice • Site any bonfire well away from buildings, fences, trees and garden structures.

• Have a garden hose to hand in case the fire starts to get out of control.

• Don’t light a bonfire on a windy day, as it could flare up more than you expect.

• If you’re planning a substantial bonfire, stay with it at all times to ensure that it remains safe.

• Never use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to start a bonfire.

There’s more information and how you can inform Dorset & Wiltshire

Fire and Rescue if you are planning a large bonfire on their website Composting Leaves, grass cuttings, unwanted plants and clippings, twigs and pruned branches, tea bags and coffee grounds can all be turned into compost – which is great for your garden.

If composting, avoid grass cuttings turning into a stinky, black, slimy mess by mix it with prunings and shredded newspaper/cardboard. It shrinks down very quickly.

Grass cuttings will also naturally compost in its separate, open pile – for instance in a corner of your garden or the back of a flowerbed – and add to it as you mow your lawn. This will also be great habitat for grass snakes!

Noise Many people are working at home so you should be considerate about the level of noise you create. Consider the impact you might have on your neighbours because of directed noisy activities or through party walls.

• Reduce TV, gaming or music volume, in particular reduce the bass.

• Consider the use of headphones if you wish to listen to high volume or music outside.

• Think of the time you might carry out DIY in home, garden or on vehicles.

• Do not allow your dog to excessively bark.

• If children are playing outside consider time, length of time, and what they are doing.

• Where music practice is occurring think of when that is in the day, and for how long.

Services Environmental Health Officers are contactable via e-mail or telephone, although their ability to access emails and data files on the council’s network may be limited because they are working from home.

Please consider what you might be doing that may cause distress or upset.

Everyone is, in the main, confined to their homes and this can cause stress, anguish and frustration.

The Purbeck Gazette

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The Purbeck Gazette

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Martyn Underhill To Continue In Position Martyn Underhill to continue as Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner he following is a message from Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill, regarding delays to the forthcoming PCC elections caused by the current pandemic.

“The Coronavirus crisis has had an impact on every element of British life and I know that many people are finding it difficult.

“However, one impact of the emergency that has quite understandably been overlooked is it has caused delays to planned elections, including Police and Crime Commissioner elections, which will now take place in May 2021. As you may know, I announced at the end of last year that I wouldn’t be standing in the May 2020 election – having served two terms as PCC for Dorset.

“I have now decided, in conjunction with the Chief Constable and my own team, that I will continue serving for another year. We are in the midst of an unprecedented, generation-defining moment – one in which policing will serve a crucial role and in which the service provided by our incredible officers, staff and volunteers will be more vital than ever before.

“These next few days and weeks will also see the police using new powers and having to do something they have never previously taken responsibility

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for – enforcing a lockdown to ensure the coronavirus does not spread and the public are kept safe. As forces use these new powers, PCCs and their offices will also take on the critical role of scrutinising exactly how they are doing so.

“We have a long and proud tradition in this country of policing by consent.

The police don’t enforce their powers using force, they do so with the corporation of the public, based on engagement with and respect for the communities they serve.

“My role – and the role of other PCCs – is partly to scrutinise exactly what the police are doing. This is essential to ensuring that the policing by consent model works, as it is a proud tradition that I will continue to work hard to uphold. Even, perhaps especially, during this challenging time I will continue working closely with Chief Constable James Vaughan to make sure the service is as good as it possibly can be.

“Dorset Police is a force that punches above its weight and I can reassure the public that the Force is in a good position to deal with the current crisis.

“But I cannot stress strongly enough that we all have a role to play – so please help protect our partners in the NHS, respect the lockdown and don’t go outside unless you absolutely have to.”

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A Message From The Mayor Of Swanage

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am sat here on a lovely Thursday evening thinking that we should all be looking forward to a bumper Easter weekend, and here we are asking people to stay away. We are so lucky to live in such a fantastic area and have so many great places to visit, and the sooner we all do as the government advise the sooner will be able to make the slow journey returning to normality.

It has been so heart-warming to see the local businesses stepping up to support our residents, whether that is the butcher, food shops, bakery, wet fish and others; also the takeaways arranging a system to allow residents to carry on getting the variety of food that they have become used to. I hope that people will remember this and will support our local businesses when we return to normal to make sure that we do not lose any.

Although the Town Council’s buildings are closed, our office staff are working from home, and our grounds staff are working a shift system, so the Council is continuing to provide many of its key services as best it can.

The Town Council is also working with other agencies, including Dorset Council, local police, the health centre and voluntary groups. These include the Swanage Community Coronavirus Response Facebook group who are working tirelessly to help those who are most at risk or self-isolating with collecting shopping or medicines, walking pets, or just having a chat on the phone at this unprecedented time. Thank you to all who have volunteered to help support the community.

It has been great to see that we live in such a caring town in which neighbours look out for each other. It feels like we have gone back a number of years - when I was younger if you ran out of sugar you would pop next door for a cup as shops were not open as they are now!

I would like to thank the people of Swanage for all that they are doing in this trying time. We can all help our emergency services by doing our bit to avoid spreading this invisible virus and overloading the hospitals, emergency services and their workers.

Let’s carry out the government guidelines and stay at home as required SO THAT TOGETHER WE CAN BEAT THIS VIRUS. Cllr Mike Bonfield, Mayor of Swanage.

DONATIONS APPEAL LAUNCHED BY SWANAGE RAILWAY The Swanage Railway is facing the most urgent and potentially devastating challenge in its history, thanks to extraordinary circumstances beyond its control: the COVID-19 virus.

It is no exaggeration to say that the Swanage Railway, which contributes more than £15 million to the Purbeck economy every year, is fighting for its very existence.

And we need your help now - urgently!

With the Railway closed, on government advice, it has no income for the duration of the current emergency. Without income in the coming months, our heritage railway cannot survive.

Our insurance does not cover loss of earnings due to a pandemic and if we qualify for government loans they have to be repaid. Where appropriate, the railway will take advantage of the government’s financial assistance during the period of the virus. However, it will not cover all the financial loss of no income for an indefinite period.

The majority of our paid staff are being asked to make a personal sacrifice for the Railway by taking furlough under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. We are retaining a small group of employees to ensure the safety of the Railway and undertake essential tasks.

Please help now and support the Swanage Railway by giving generously to ensure that we survive.

To make a donation please go to www.saveourservice.co.uk THANK YOU! Gavin Johns - Chairman, Swanage Railway Trust, Liz Sellen - Chairman, Swanage Railway Company

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How A Couple From Swanage Are Making A Real Difference In Sri Lanka...

Gill and Martin Higgs of Swanage have written about their recent trip to Sri Lanka, where, over the past few years, they have developed a lasting relationship with a local school and the children who attend........

Together, Gill and Martin are improving the lives of the children. They write....

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yself and my husband Martin, have just returned from our fourth holiday in Sri Lanka. After visiting in 2017 for a once in a lifetime trip, the beauty, culture, amazing food and lovely people keep drawing us back.

On our first visit we stayed in The Lantern Boutique, a lovely hotel in Kamburugamuwa just outside Mirissa on the south coast. We always go back to this hotel on each visit after touring around the island. This area was devastated by the tsunami in 2004 with many families losing their homes and income. We took with us books and stationery to give to a local school.

The hotel manager Mr Leonora helped us to do this and then explained to us that although this was gratefully received, there were other items the children really needed. He asked us to consider taking money over on our next visit and getting school uniforms made for some of the children.

In 2018 we took over £150.00 and this brought us forty metres of good quality white cotton, and we employed the services of a local tailor and seamstress to make twenty uniforms for the poorest children.

In 2019, we took the same amount of money over and the hotel’s cashier, Promodya Herath, whose mother helps with the village children in the school, helped us purchase and provide backpacks and a stationery pack for twenty-one children.

We then made a subsequent additional purchase of twenty-one water bottles.

When discussing with Promodya what we could do for our next visit, she suggested buying shoes.

The hotel manager also suggested we try to raise funds from family and friends to boost the number of children we could help.

Prior to our trip in February, we put a post on Facebook and along with our usual donation of £150.00, we also raised £332.00. This came from the good folk of Swanage and our family and friends around the country and even from America.

Once we arrived in Sri Lanka, we converted this into Sri Lankan rupees and once we arrived from our tour of the island at the Lantern Boutique,

Promodya, Martin and myself got to work in organising our shopping spree.

We were able to secure a good discount at the shoe shop DSI in Matara and they were able to visit the local temple with a selection of sizes to fit the shoes. We brought from them forty-six pairs of the best quality shoes, ninety-two pairs of socks and in addition, we purchased ten new robes for the children living at the temple.

These children are often either orphaned or from very poor families who cannot afford to bring them up and they are left with the monks to raise and educate them. Because of the good discount we had enough money left over to buy notebooks, pencils, rubber and sharpeners for the children as well.

When we fly over to Sri Lanka, we always fill one suitcase with gifts of clothing, pain killers to be donated to a local hospital for people who cannot afford a prescription and we buy tubs of chocolates when they

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are available at Christmas to take to give to the children.

This year we also took over body lotion and wash for a friend whose granddaughter has a serious skin condition and the treatment she needs cannot be found in Sri Lanka.

A lot of the children have very little and money is scarce. The standard of living is very low and basic amenities such electricity, gas and sanitation are not available to all. Wages are very low and most people depend on tourism for their income in one way or another.

The Sri Lankan government are working hard to try to change things for the better and things are changing but if you compare what we and our children have against how these people live it makes you think.

All the children thank us personally and you can see the excitement and joy that the gift has given. Some have never had a new pair of shoes before and of course, like most children, the chocolate is highly prized!

We are planning our fifth trip next year in February and are already

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considering what we can do. We have a few ideas in the pipeline, but you can guarantee we will be taking a suitcase of chocolate and painkillers.

If you would like to donate money for this, it would be so appreciated and we will keep you fully informed of the money raised and more importantly how it was spent and pictures too.

Please drop any donations into the Purbeck Gazette office at 17b Commercial Road, Swanage, Dorset. BH19 1DF, or contact them on 01929 424239 ext.2 for details of how to get the money to us safely!

We thank you in advance!

Pictures: Top right: Gill and Martin with the children who are proudly showing off their new backpacks. Bottom right: Martin with the boys who have received new robes at the school. Top, this page: The children eagerly awaiting their fabulous new shoes!

Bottom, this page: Some of the children with their new shoes (still in the boxes!).

Gill and Martin can be seen in the back ground.

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Stuck Indoors?

All this is waiting for you when the lockdown ceases!!

Bluebell woods at Bloxworth, Hartland Moor, Sheep on Nine Barrow Down and Kimmeridge. You WILL see them again!

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Business

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Covid 19 Support for businesses and tax payers The Impact of COVID-19 When I wrote last month’s article in early March, we were all aware of Coronavirus/COVID-19 and probably doing a bit more handwashing than usual, but since then all our lives have radically changed as we stay at home where possible and practice social distancing when we are out for daily exercise, essential shopping or work. We have also seen the shocking death toll from this horrible virus.

COVID-19 has understandably had a huge impact on global economies.

In the UK, based on an assumption of a three-month lockdown followed by three months where restrictions are only partially lifted, the Office for Budget Responsibility predict that the UK economy will contract by about a third in Q2 (April–June) 2020 and unemployment is likely to rise from 3.9% to 10%, with 2 million people unemployed, the highest level of unemployment since the early 1990s.

Based on this scenario, Gross Domestic Product will bounce back quickly after this period, although the jobs market is likely to take much longer to recover.

During this crisis, the Government are trying to support businesses and individuals and boost the availability of finance to prevent long-term economic ‘scarring’. Naturally, it is expected that income and spending will be lower and asset prices will be weaker, which are all likely to result in job losses, unemployment and decreased tax revenue. In order to fund this support, Government annual borrowing will increase this year from £55bn to a whopping £273bn.

The stock market hates uncertainty and this has been reflected in the large daily falls and wild fluctuations in the FTSE 100 as news has come out. Individual shares have reacted differently, depending on the nature of the business, with some, such as cruise companies, airlines and some retailers, showing massive falls. Whether all of these companies even survive remains to be seen.

Most companies are coming up with revised guidance and many are suspending their dividend payments, which can be challenging for those who partly rely on dividends to cover their living costs.

It is inevitable that life will change in the short and longer term and things may never be the same as they were before the crisis. However, as with anything in life, positives have to be drawn from the experience; from small things such as being able to hear the birds due to the lack of traffic or getting to know your neighbours, to larger things such as realising who and what is really important, being thankful for our NHS, and being grateful to everyone who has been working hard to ensure that normality is, where possible, preserved and activities such as food deliveries and bin collections continue.

Until next month, take care and stay safe.

Kate Spurling, Investment Manager, Redmayne Bentley, Tel: 01202 714 450 Redmayne Bentley is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Members of the London Stock Exchange. The Redmayne Bentley Bournemouth and Poole office is located at 139 Commercial Road, Ashley Cross, Poole, Dorset, BH14 0JD. Follow us on Twitter @redmaynebentley and visit us on the web at www.redmayne.co.uk/ bournemouth

JUNE 2020 EDITION DEADLINE NOON, FRI 8TH MAY

The government have announced a raft of measures and in brief summary the key points are: Business Grants: Coronavirus business grant fund – check with Dorset Council whether you qualify for this. If so the guidance now states you must actually claim this and not wait to be contacted.

Job Retention Scheme: Support from HMRC available to employers. You continue to pay your staff and claim this back from HMRC. At time of writing it was stated that you will need to do so via your HMRC PAYE online portal although not accepting any applications yet.

Deferral: VAT Payment – payments due between 20th March 2020 and 30th June 2020 can be deferred until March 2021. If you pay by direct debit cancel this at your bank or the payment will be taken as normal. You are still required to file the return as usual Personal tax: the payment on account, if due, for July 2020 will not be collected until January 2021 together with any balancing payment. These are both deferments to early 2021 at the time of writing, that is likely to cause cashflow issues at the point so consider if this is actually beneficial.

Loan: CBILS – Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.

This has just been updated and we are seeing applications granted.

These are available from your own bank and other lenders. They are repayable over a period of up to six years. The bank’s lending is guaranteed to 80% but your business is liable for the full amount.

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You Know You Need To Make A Will - What To Do next?

Purbeck Businesses Invited To Access Grant Funding

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ligible businesses in Dorset are invited to access grant funding which the Government announced recently. The grants from central Government will be administered by Dorset Council to eligible businesses in the Dorset Council area.

There are two new grant funding schemes. First is the Small Business Grant Fund (SBGF) and secondly the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF). Full eligibility criteria are available on our website.

Councillor Gary Suttle, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Economic Growth and Skills, said: “We hope this funding will offer some welcome relief to business owners during this very challenging time.

“I would appeal to all business owners, having checked their eligibility criteria on our website, to complete our e-form as soon as possible.

“Our revenues and benefits team will be working very hard to process the grants and we will continue to lobby the Government for further support for Dorset.’’

To ensure the right businesses are supported correctly and no fraudulent claims are made, businesses are being asked to provide information via an e-form. In some cases, additional checks may be necessary to confirm eligibility. For more information, please visit: https://www. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/business-grants

In these unprecedented times, it is understandable that having a Will in place can give some aspect of control and peace of mind that your wishes are clear and comprehensive.

However, this made me think; we tell you to make a Will but we do not always say what you need to think about when making one and often for many people they do not know where to start.

This is what you should think about:What have you got to leave in your Will? Think about you bank/ savings accounts, any investments, your personal possessions and your property.

• Who do you want to leave it to? For example: Your husband/ wife/civil partner/partner, children, parents, nieces, nephews, friends, charity? You will probably also be asked to think about who will inherit if the first person you have named has died before you. It is always sensible to give this some thought.

• Who is going to receive what? I would not recommend “…X to get my NatWest bank Account…Y to get my NS&I Investment Bond…”, because if you have closed that Account or moved the money elsewhere the gift may fail. You can think about legacies, which are set sums of money e.g. Leaving X £500 and/ or percentages that people will inherit e.g. A to get 50% of my estate, 25% to B and 25% to C. • Who is going to be your Executor? The role of an Executor is an important one, they are the person/s who has the authority and responsibility to sort out your estate and give effect to your wishes when you die. They should be someone you trust, who you feel could cope with the role and importantly will get on with their co-Executor! Executors must act unanimously and therefore if they do not get on with each other everything will grind to a halt.

• They can be a beneficiary of the Will but they must be over 18 and you can only have a maximum of 4. If your Will is leaving money to your children and they are under age the Executor/s would be the people responsible for looking after the money for those children. They do not have to be a Solicitor but your executors can always employ a Solicitor to deal with the administration of the estate for them.

• Do you need to think about a Guardian? Often people will say they have nothing to leave but they do have children under 18. If you have minor children a Will is vitally important. In the Will you can appoint a Guardian who will look after the welfare of your children if you have died.

There is a lot to think about when you make a Will. However, you do not need to have all the answers when you sit down in front of your Lawyer to discuss making one, part of our role is to advise you when making the Will and to assist you in making a decision that is in your best interests, taking into account your circumstances and wishes.

For more information on making a Will contact Natalie Mason on 01929 500323 or natalie.mason@battens.co.uk.

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

01929 768720

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Digital Champions Are Ready To Help!

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f you’re feeling a bit lost in this new digital-only world, help is on hand from the Dorset Digital Hotline.

You may have a computer but are struggling to use the myriad of technology available.

Do you need help to use eConsult to reach your doctor’s surgery, or wonder whether video conferencing, like Skype, could keep you in touch with your grandchildren?

Are you working out how to work from home, or how to use online computer resources to help your children learn?

From Monday 30 March the new helpline will be available from 10am to midday each weekday – with no question too small.

Dorset Council’s digital champions – a group of volunteers mostly made up of retired IT professionals – are ready to take your call and help, from advice on video conference calls to setting up a new computer application, and more! They’re being supported by some of Dorset Council’s staff too.

Councillor Gary Suttle, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Skills said: “We recognise it’s more important than ever for everyone to be able to connect to family and digital services through technology, but for some Dorset residents this may seem like a daunting task. There are a multitude of forums online and it’s confusing knowing where to start, and we know it’s often easier to speak to a real live person!

“Our digital champions would normally be holding sessions in libraries and community centres so it seems natural to continue providing this IT support service, but over the phone.”

Anyone can call the Dorset Digital Hotline with an IT question: 01305 221048.

A team member will take outline details of the help you need and then direct your call to the best advisor available.

Sandbanks Ferry Company Announces Toll Increase Application • •

Proposed year on year enhancement of bulk purchase discount levels Proposed single trip toll increases less than half the rate of inflation since the last review • Future single trip toll increases capped annually at the rate of inflation he Sandbanks Ferry Company has made an application to the Secretary of State for Transport to increase the Maximum Tolls Chargeable amounts, which were last approved under a Toll Revision Order in February 2015.

The proposed cash tolls, or single trip ticket prices, are between a 5% to 5.56% increase on the last approved Maximum Tolls Chargeable amounts.

This represents an increase of less than half the rate of inflation since that point in time.

The application also proposes freezing the discount level of bulk purchase tickets at the current level until at least 2021. Bulk purchase tickets, which are available to buy in multiples between ten and fifty, are proposed to remain unchanged until they reach 26%-30% less than single trip tickets. Bulk purchases, which are now managed via online purchasing, are primarily used by local residents and commuters and are currently discounted between only 10-24% of cash toll prices.

Toll increases are an important part of the Ferry Company’s prudent financial management and in securing the future safe and reliable running of the current vessel, the Bramble Bush Bay. Alongside increases in efficiency, cost savings and the commitment from the Directors not to pay dividends to the owners until a ferry replacement fund is topped up annually, sound financial planning also ensures that a replacement ferry can be purchased when it is judged necessary by the Company’s Naval Architects.

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Mike Kean, Managing Director of the Sandbanks Ferry Company, said: “We have held detailed discussions over the past twelve months with local residents, councillors and MPs and have incorporated their feedback into the application proposals. These include increasing the discounts applied to bulk purchase of tickets and pledging not to pay dividends until the Ferry Replacement Fund is at the required level in any given year. We are incredibly grateful for their time and input.”

Mike Kean added: “Toll increases are a necessary part of the mix in ensuring that our vital service to local businesses, residents and tourists is maintained long into the future, and we look forward to the application progressing over the coming months.”

The Sandbanks Ferry Company has recently established a Community Liaison Group with representatives from the Studland, Swanage, Purbeck and Sandbanks communities and Councils.

The Community Liaison Group will be a forum for the Ferry Company to inform them about the ferry’s ongoing performance and the Company’s future plans. Group members will be able to provide their feedback on these issues going forward.

The Group held its first meeting on 10th January 2020 and a second meeting on 31st January 2020.

The Department for Transport and the Ferry Company will publish further details of the application consultation in due course.

JUNE 2020 EDITION DEADLINE NOON, FRI 8TH MAY

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From The Kitchen Garden...

In The Kitchen Garden With Regula

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f someone would have told me how quickly this water drenched, cold clay soil would dry out, I wouldn’t have believed them. However, after a mild but wet and windy three months, I was eager to start ploughing and get on with the whole soil preparation plan. Plow put on, tractor fuelled and off I go, trying to make the first furrow as straight as possible.

Not bad, but my goodness, that soil is super saturated and really rather sticky… After a good while and some not so straight furrows and ridges - as it was wetter in some places than others - the first plot was ploughed.

Hurray!

Then the cold westerly blew and dried the ground, which was perfect.

The wind died down, the sun came out and within three days, furrows and ridges felt like breeze blocks. Quite spectacular! So, out comes the cultivator, the plough gets dismantled and put away for a bit. Cultivator checked and connected to the tractor and off I trundle to try and break down those hard clods, keen to achieve a beautiful finish with a lovely, crumbly tilth.

Ambition is one thing; reality is quite another… the cultivator was working so hard and the dust cloud it kicked up was phenomenal. I got there in the end and the first field crops are in. Now a drop of gentle rain would be perfect….

Square & Compass www.squareandcompasspub.co.uk

Worth Matravers 01929 439229

BEER & CIDER SERVICES! We are so sorry that we are currently closed.

We hope you’re all weathering this storm and we can’t wait to welcome you back to the pub one day!

We are currently offering TWO SERVICES! Firstly, a take-out beer and cider service, collect between 4pm - 6pm every day from the pub.

Secondly, a home delivery service for beers and ciders! Please text John on 07840 935110 to order.

By Regula Wright, Godlingston Manor Kitchen Garden

Meanwhile the seedlings have put on growth but for most it’s still too early to be planted outside. The polytunnels are getting fuller with seed trays everywhere and I’ve got to make sure they’re watered enough, but not too much. I also carry on batch sowing crops like beetroot, lettuce heads, radishes and spring onions, so they’ll be ready to plant out at two weekly intervals.

In the last few weeks, I’ve had so many enquiries about fresh veg boxes, I wish I could make the plants grow faster. But I cannot, all I can do is to make sure they get all the nutrients, water, light and care they need until it’s time to harvest. Everything takes its time.

The trees are nearly in full leaf, the grass is growing, although slowly, and I am really looking forward to another productive season. The first broody hen has just started sitting tight on her clutch of eggs and the cows on the hill will soon need to be checked three times every day. These cows calve outdoors and usually are very good mums. This thrice daily checking gives me a chance to look up and around me and it’s lovely to see them getting on with life.

Time to stick the sprinklers on again - I would bet money, in the next edition I’ll be wishing for sunshine and drying winds.

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Pictures of Regula hard at work in the kitchen garden. Pictures by A.Wright

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Motoring

No Reviews This Month!

by David Hollister

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ell, no reviews this month as I’ve been self-isolating; at a time when the County Council is stretched to its limits it would be churlish of me to draw your attention to road maintenance and surfacing problems.

So I thought I’d do a quick look back of some of the cars I have road tested for you over the past few years, Some have been much more fun than others, but each and every car has its own positive and negative points.

Since our contract with Westover came to an end following their change of ownership and managerial policies, the range of cars available to me has been significantly reduced; I’m hoping that at some time in the future I will again be able to get my hands on their Toyota, Nissan, Fiat, Skoda, Jeep and Lexus models.

So sad to lose them as I made some good friends with the sales managers and had some great weekends away!

But thank you for hanging on in there to Magna Mazda, to St Michaels Garage (Ford) and to Wool & Bovington Motors (MG). We will be here – in print – after the emergency is over and look forward to reviewing your range of cars later in the year.

Thank you also to all the dealers who have loaned us cars over the past fifteen years!

Some memories from my diary!

Find my original reviews, online: https://www.purbeckgazette.co.uk/ archive.aspx 1. Skoda – Jan 2016 (pictured) 2. Lexus – May 2016

3 Toyota RAV4 May 2016 4 Jeep Aug 2016 5 Nissan Leaf Mar 2017 6 Mazda CX3 Jan 2018 7 Our Mini track car in Belgium May 2019 8 Ferrari June 2018 9 Mazda 2 Dec 2018 10 MG3 Sept 2019 11 Lexus Hybrid Dec 2016 12 Guess what ? April 2018

Sandbanks Ferry - Service Completely Withdrawn

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he Sandbanks Ferry Company, which runs the chain ferry service between Studland and Poole, has announced that it will be withdrawing the service from Tuesday 21st April until further notice.

The Government-directed ‘lockdown’ in response to the current coronavirus health crisis has led to a significant reduction in ferry passenger numbers. It was announced on Thursday 16th April that this ‘lockdown’ would continue for at least three further weeks. As a result, it is no longer economically or environmentally viable to continue to run the ferry service during the coronavirus crisis.

The final crossing will be the 19.10 from Studland on Monday 20th April.

Timings on the return of the ferry service will be provided in due course.

Mike Kean, Managing Director of the Sandbanks Ferry Company, said: “It is with great sadness that we have had to make the decision to withdraw the ferry service. We have been tirelessly exploring all avenues over recent weeks to try to secure financial support from central Government through

this unprecedented time, but this has not been forthcoming, and we have had to make the very difficult decision today to withdraw the service. We were prepared to continue to operate at a financial loss to support key workers, but without greater support, this is no longer possible.

“While I know this will be difficult for the small number of key workers that are still using the service to get to work, I hope they will understand why this decision has been taken. We would like to thank them, and Dorset Council, for their support and understanding through this difficult time.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our staff who have worked fearlessly over the last month in jobs that by their nature involve close contact with colleagues and customers alike.”

While the ferry is out of service, maintenance work will be carried out that where possible is intended to reduce the amount of time needed for the ferry refit later this year in November.

Mike Kean added: “We will continue to closely monitor the current situation and look at ways to return the ferry to service as soon as possible, when we look forward to welcoming our passengers back once it is safe for them and our staff to do so.”

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2019 (19) Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.0 EcoBoost 100Ps, 1.0 litre, manual, petrol, chrome blue, hatchback, our demonstrator, city pack, sync3 navigation, Ford pass connect with embedded modern & WiFi, air conditioning, anti-lock brake system with brake assist, alloy wheels, remote central locking, speed limiter, Bluetooth, hill start assist, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, 2500k miles.................................................................................£14,495 2012 (61) Ford Focus Titanium 1.6 TDCI, 5dr, estate, manual, diesel, moondust silver, alloy wheels, remote central locking, front electric windows, high adjustable driver’s seat, Bluetooth, automatic headlights and automatic windscreen wipers, CD Player, 125k mil es.....................................................................................................£3,495 2019 (19) Ford Focus 2.0 Ecoblue TDCi Vignale Estate, 2.0 litre, diesel, automatic, dark mulberry, all usual Vignale extras plus hands free tailgate, adaptive LED headlamps, heads up display, panoramic roof, wireless charging pad, blind spot information system, drivers assistance pack, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, auto high beam, 6k miles……….........................................................£19,995 2016 (66) Ford Fiesta Titanium X 1.0 125ps, petrol, hatchback, manual, deep impact blue, air conditioning, satellite navigation, PAS, ABS, remote central locking, electric windows, service history, one owner, CD player, Bluetooth, hill start assist, city pack, rear parking camera and sensors, heated partial leather seats, 30k miles…................…£9,995

2017 (17) Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.0 Ecoboost 5dr in white, Air Cond, Bluetooth, Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, Sync 2, Alloys, Radio/CD, 20000 mil es……...................................................................................................….£9395 2014 (63) Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 SE 5dr, in white, Air Cond, Alloys, Heated Front Seats, Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, Only 48000 miles with FSH ..…….................................................................................................……£4895 2018 (67) Vauxhall Mokka X Active 5dr, in black, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, smartphone connectivity with Apple Car play, DAB radio, electric windows, electric heated and folding mirrors, climate control, 28000 miles with FSH and balance of manufacturer’s warranty................................................................................................£11,495 2004 (54) Audi TT 3.2 Quattro auto in black, 64500 miles, red leather interior, Bose sound system, radio/CD multi play, alloys, climate control ....£4,250 2015 (65) Nissan Note 1.2 DiG-S Tekna 5dr in Met Grey, Sat Nav, Around View Monitor, Alloys, Cruise Control, Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, Reverse Camera, Auto Headlights, Climate Control, Only 15500 miles with FSH, £0 Road Fund License.................................................................£7,995 2014 (14) Mercedes Benz B200 Blueefficiency Sport CDi in Silver, Alloy wheels, Bluetooth, Reversing C+amera, Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, Auto Lights and Wipers, Bi-Xenon Headlights, 6 speed Manual, Full Service History, 29800 miles……………………………£9995

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

Essential Road Surfacing Works Will Restart

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o help keep life-saving medicine, equipment, supplies and key workers travelling safely across the county, road resurfacing works will be restarting.

Highways construction sites have been closed and programmes of planned repairs paused since Monday 23 March, when social distancing measures were introduced.

Following the Government’s guidance for construction activity – that it should continue where it fits with both the current Public Health England requirements and in accordance with industry safety guidance – Dorset Council will be restarting a programme of surfacing works from Wednesday 15 April.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “We are operating in unprecedented times. In collaboration with our private sector partner Hanson Contracting, we have adapted our ways of working so that we can not only adhere to highway works health and safety, but we can also ensure the safety of our workers and residents by sticking to social distancing guidelines.

“Our revised list of surfacing sites is made up of roads that pose a risk to the safe movement of essential goods and services due to their deteriorating condition.”

Taking into account the current reduction of traffic flows of between 50% to 60% across Dorset Council’s road network, roads have been selected with the following in mind: • Normally busy roads will be quieter • Reduced school traffic and public transport • Fewer pedestrians Current traffic flows will also allow for extending working hours to reduce overall costs and the duration of works. The roads being resurfaced will be away from hospitals and emergency services to ensure access to these is not disrupted.

Additional safety measures are also being taken to ensure the health and safety of workers, including: • Single person vehicle movements both to and from site

• •

Maintaining current social distancing requirements at all times Daily toolbox talks to share the latest safe working guidance and COVID-19 updates • Daily health screening involving temperature checks and general well-being • No high-risk workers on site • Revised working practices to reduce the number of staff on site while still maintaining health and safety standards when working on the highway • Changes to site welfare, including additional toilet facilities and hygiene provision Cllr Ray Bryan added: “We are working closely with other highway authorities across the south west and with industry bodies to share knowledge of new ways of working. One thing is very clear, this essential maintenance will only be carried out if it is safe to do so and the health of our workforce is included within that.

“Please be considerate to our workforce, they are working within the guidelines laid out by the Government for construction works, and we are proud to be able to contribute in these extraordinary times by ensuring the safety of Dorset’s key workers.”

Over the last three weeks, highways work has focussed on repairing safety defects and carrying out inspections – which are statutory activities to ensure the safe condition of roads, pavements and bridges.

Up to date information on planned road works across the Dorset area can be found at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/roadworks or by following @TravelDorset on Twitter.

JUNE 2020 EDITION DEADLINE NOON, FRI 8TH MAY

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Stay Safe - Take The Positives

by John Garner

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t the time of writing, we are right in the middle of a life-changing global event. Never before has there been a time when the world needs to be galvanised and focussed on getting through such a monumental event since the last world war.

People have turned out in force to do whatever they can to help. For the most part this has been the case, although it saddens me greatly when I hear about NHS consultants having their bikes stolen from outside hospitals and scammers profiting from this crisis.

Overwhelmingly, however, the efforts and extraordinary lengths that people have gone to in aiding others has been incredibly inspirational and if it’s shown us one thing, it’s the power of community. NHS staff and many others too numerous to mention have selflessly given their time and energy to those needing their help. Heroes is an overused word nowadays, but in this case, it couldn’t be more relevant.

People have used their exercise time to get out and at least the weather so far has been dry and in many cases, sunny. Failing that, just being in the garden has been a tonic in such difficult times. As David Attenborough so eloquently said recently, nature will have its part to play in helping people over the next few months. Data from the 1918 flu epidemic showed that people were more likely to recover and had a better prognosis if they were outside in the fresh air for prolonged periods of the day. Even having the windows open when inside was proven to be beneficial.

Keeping as healthy as possible at this time is essential for all of us. Whilst social media can have some very negative impacts during normal times, it has proved to be invaluable in helping friends and families to keep in touch.

Being healthy mentally and physically gives us the best chance of seeing this through and being able to deal with whatever this virus throws at us.

If you’ve had to stay indoors, people have become very inventive. I’ve seen videos of climbers working their way round kitchen tables and in one case, working their way round the whole of the kitchen, upside down without touching the floor once. There are a number of these sort of challenges doing the rounds. They have helped people realise they’re not alone and maybe allowed people to take their minds off things for a while. One is to sit on a chair and climb under and round the chair and then return to the sitting position without touching the floor. Pretty incredible and I wouldn’t try it unless you’re a very agile and experienced gymnast/climber, but people have got very creative with their exercise routines. I’ve set up a mini gym at home for the days when I can’t get out. It involves skipping, some weights, but mainly just using the things that are in the house.

But the highlight has been getting out with family and walking. It may be that this is no longer possible when this is published, but at the time of writing, it was. It’s been incredibly quiet out there and the peace and quiet lends itself to quiet reflection. I’ve been lucky. At the time when it became necessary to stay at home, I had some of my family with me. If nothing else, this has allowed us to spend time together in an unhurried way.

Events such as this can help to remind us of what’s really important and allow us to take note of the things that make people truly content. If you haven’t been able to spend time with friends and family, hopefully these experiences will make sure you prioritise them when you get a chance to.

I’ve been able to read for prolonged periods of time. Books I never thought I’d ever have the time or concentration to read in the past. I’ve re-read books and enjoyed them for being able to take time over them or not read them when I’ve been tired.

I’ve been able to spend time in the garden, just for the enjoyment of being in the garden. I’ve re-learnt how to use my camera and have upped the practise on the guitar. I watched an article by Stephen Fry saying how important it was to set up a routine, especially if you’re used to one in your daily lives. I’ve done this and it’s worked really well. The great thing about doing this is that you can generally put things into your routine that you really like doing.

I have no idea if we will ever be in this situation again. I sincerely hope not.

But at least there are some positives that have come out of it. Most of us have been able, at some point, to reflect on the effects of this pandemic and evaluate what our priorities are now. If these priorities are friends, family and keeping physically and mentally fit and healthy, then at least that represents some sort of silver lining.

Stay safe one and all.

The Purbeck Gazette

Margaret Green Animal Rescue Help offered to NHS Frontline Workers ith the Coronavirus situation, the charity has had to take the difficult decision to close all centres and that includes the Church Knowle Rehoming and Visitor Centre.

Furthermore, all the early summer events have been postponed or cancelled, as well all commercial animal boarding. For the time being, MGAR has had to stop all animal rehoming and are only accepting confirmed emergency welfare cases. However, the charity has offered assistance to temporarily board animals belonging to frontline NHS workers who become hospitalised by the virus and who are unable to call on family or friends to provide care for them.

The charity is hoping that there will be no need for their offer to be taken up, but wanted to offer such services free of charge to those in the frontline of this crisis. The offer is also being made available to serving police staff and frontline Dorset and BCP Council Social Services care workers.

Please note that at the time of going to press, all MGAR centres and charity shops remain closed, no rehoming or boarding is currently taking place. www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk

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Fire On Winfrith Heath Nature Reserve

1.2 hectares of wildlife habitat destroyed orset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is sad to announce that on the evening of Sunday 5th April a fire on Winfrith Heath nature reserve in Dorset destroyed 1.2 hectares of wildlife habitat, equivalent to the size of roughly two football pitches.

Five fire crews and three fire engines from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue were in attendance to fight the fire. The source of the fire is unknown, although southerly winds and dry ground would have made the area more susceptible to fire taking hold.

Whether it was done deliberately or through neglect has not yet been established.

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive, Brian Bleese, said: “A fire on a nature reserve at any time of year is devastating for wildlife, but spring is a key time with the bird nesting season beginning in March, so this is especially worrying. We are also concerned for the safety of visitors on the site.

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“We are very grateful to Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue for acting so swiftly to try and save as much habitat as possible but the fact remains that possibly hundreds of animals and plants have perished in this fire, and the damaged habitat will make it harder for the surviving species to thrive on.”

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service’s Tactical Wildfire Officer, Andy Elliott said: “It is a great shame to have to attend these incidents.

The nature reserves are beautiful places and they contain some very special wildlife.

“Unfortunately, many of these fires are either deliberate or through carelessness. Please take great care when visiting the countryside and only do so if the site is close to your home. Stay at home, protect our emergency services and save lives.”

Andy added: “Incidents such as these put firefighters under additional threat from COVID-19 because it brings many people together to fight these fires. If you have to visit the countryside, please be considerate and do all you can to protect our emergency services.”

Winfrith Heath nature reserve is a haven for rare and threatened wildlife and is home to all six species of reptile, including the UK’s rarest reptiles, the sand lizard and smooth snake.

Ground nesting birds such lapwings and skylarks and the rare Dartfold Warbler can also be found here, along with common heather, meadow thistle and the rare bright blue marsh gentian wildflower. Cattle are grazing for most of the year on the site.

Dorset Wildlife Trust is pleading with the public to use nature reserves responsibly during the Covid-19 crisis.

This includes adhering to social distancing whilst on a nature reserve, keeping dogs on leads and returning another time if the nature reserve is busy.

We’re also asking that on nature reserves where cattle are present, care is taken to close gates (using gloves), to stop cattle escaping.

For more advice about using nature reserves for daily exercise, visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/news.

Photos: Left: Dead toad on Winfrith Heath nature reserve by Brian Bleese Top: Fire damage of Winfrith Heath nature reserve by Brian Bleese

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Gazette Gardening with Simon Goldsack

Perfect Pelargoniums ew plants offer such a wide variety of colours, scents, and leaf patterns as these popular garden plants.

T h e y a r e o n e o f the mos t commonly grown plants in the UK and are grown inside as house plants or outside as bedding plants and in favoured coastal locations such as Swanage, Studland and Lulworth will survive most winters outside and become a low growing shrub.

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The most ubiquitous form of Pelargonium is P. hortensis which everybody calls Geranium. They are native to South Africa and were first introduced to northern Europe by Dutch traders who brought them to Amsterdam and from there to England as seeds via the gardener John Tradescant in 1631. By the early 1700’s several of the species we recognise today were being grown in the UK. In the last fifty years much breeding work has resulted in forms that produce consistent plants from seed. Formerly, all Geraniums were raised from cuttings to ensure the attractive features of the parent plant were carried on into the new plants. This has made them much cheaper to produce, furthering their rise in popularity.

Cultivation Geraniums require full sun and a well- drained soil. In fact they are one of

the best drought tolerant plants for the garden. In inland areas the plants can be lifted from the garden in autumn and overwintered in a well-lit, frost free environment.

Which ones to grow?

Zonal Geraniums will flower all year given enough light and a minimum temperature of 12 deg. C. making them fantastic plants for a sunny windowsill or conservatory. In the summer they are very happy outside in the garden.

Ivy Leaf Geraniums are trailing in nature which makes them very popular for wall troughs and hanging baskets Geraniums as bedding plants. The advancement in breeding has led to cheaper production of plants from seed so large numbers of plants can be planted ‘en masse’ Regal Pelargoniums have stunning flowers and can be grown in the same way as Zonal Geraniums Holme Farm Shop is offering a new delivery service during this time of crisis, so please do contact us to place an order. Our contact details are on our advert, above.

Please note that the Garden Centre is currently closed to the public.

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RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Results In Dorset

A milder winter helps small garden birds House sparrow was top of the Dorset Big Garden Birdwatch rankings. lmost half a million people across the UK, including 7,878 in Dorset, spent an hour watching the birds that visit their garden or outdoor space as part of the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, counting nearly eight million birds in total.

For many people, garden birds remain an important link to nature and the RSPB will be helping people to share their wildlife encounters and provide ideas for things you can do for wildlife close to home.

The latest results from the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch have revealed smaller birds such as long-tailed tits, wrens and coal tits were seen in greater numbers than in 2019, thanks to the milder winter.

Now in its 41st year, the Big Garden Birdwatch is a chance for people of all ages to count the number of birds that visit their garden helping the RSPB build up a picture of how they are doing. This year, almost half a million people across the country including 7,878 in Dorset took part counting nearly eight million birds.

The event held over the last weekend in January revealed the house sparrow was in the number one spot in the UK, whilst there was an increase in garden sightings of long-tailed tits, wrens, and coal tits, three of the smallest species to visit our gardens. The milder weather we experienced at the start of the year appears to have helped populations of these species as small birds are more susceptible to spells of cold weather.

Over its four decades, Big Garden Birdwatch has highlighted the winners and losers in the garden bird world. It was first to alert the RSPB to the decline in song thrush numbers. This species was a firm fixture in the top 10 in 1979. By 2009, its numbers were less than half those recorded in 1979, it came in at 20th in the rankings this year, seen in just 9% of gardens.

Daniel Hayhow, RSPB Conservation Scientist, said: “Small birds suffer during long, cold winters but the warmer January weather this year appears to have given species such as the wren and long-tailed tit a boost. Over the survey’s lifetime, we’ve seen the increasing good fortunes of birds

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such as the coal tit and goldfinch and the alarming declines of the house sparrow and starling. But there appears to be good news for one of these birds. While the overall decline in house sparrow numbers, reported by participants, since the Big Garden Birdwatch began is 53% (1979 – 2020), in the most recent decade (2010-2020) numbers appear to have increased by 10%. Giving us hope that at least a partial recovery may be happening.”

The house sparrow was at the top of the Dorset Big Garden Birdwatch rankings at the most commonly seen garden birds in the county. Starling was in the second spot, with the blue tit completing the top three.

Throughout the first half of the spring term the nation’s school children took part in the RSPB’s Big Schools Birdwatch. The UK-wide survey of birds in school grounds saw close to 70,000 school children and their teachers, including 660 in Dorset, spend an hour in nature counting the birds. Blackbird was the most numerous species seen in school grounds, with an average of five per school; and was seen in 85% of the schools that took part.

Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s Chief Executive, said: “We know that for many people, garden birds provide an important connection to the wider world and bring enormous joy. These are difficult and unsettling times for all of us, but we hope that nature can provide a welcome respite in whichever form and wherever you may encounter it.

“Despite everything that’s going on in the world, nature is still doing its thing. Birds are singing and blossom is bursting. Watching wildlife, whether from a window or a balcony or even online, can offer many of us hope, joy and a welcome distraction, and so we are keen to help you carry on connecting with the natural world.

“Over the coming days and weeks, we will be helping people to share their wildlife encounters and provide ideas for things you can do for wildlife close to home. Follow RSPB England on Twitter and Facebook” For a full round-up of all the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch results and to see which birds were visiting gardens where you live, visit www. rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

The Purbeck Gazette

Keep Dogs Under Control To Prevent Attacks On Farm Animals

Dog attacks on sheep reported across UK recently Concern as dog owners use farmland for coronavirus isolation walks Many dog owners taking dogs unfamiliar with livestock into the countryside FU Mutual statistics reveal farm animals worth £1.2m were savaged by dogs last year. NFU Mutual is urging dog walkers to keep their pets under control while exercising on farmland following a series of attacks on sheep in recent days.

Following reports from farmers across the UK, the leading rural insurer is concerned that walkers taking dogs unfamiliar with farm animals into the countryside may not be aware that their pets could follow their instincts to hunt and attack sheep and lambs.

Recent attacks have included sheep killed and others injured across the UK, at a time when ewes and their new-born lambs are particularly vulnerable.

Rebecca Davidson, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist, said: “These horrific attacks have left a trail of dead and seriously-injured sheep and new-born lambs so we are urging dog walkers to keep their pets on the lead at all time when exercising them in countryside where livestock are reared. Walking dogs on a lead also ensures people can safely keep two metres away from others.

“Livestock worrying causes appalling suffering to sheep and lambs – and during the coronavirus crisis the threat of attacks it is adding to farmers’ anxiety when they are already under immense pressure. Even if a dog doesn’t make contact, the distress and exhaustion of the chase can cause a sheep to die. Many walkers are also failing to clear up after their dog, which can spread disease to livestock.

“Some farming areas are experiencing increased numbers of walkers with dogs, with farmers having to spend additional time patrolling flocks to try and prevent attacks which is hindering them from getting on with the vital task of producing food for the nation.

“There are real concerns that high numbers of people using farmland footpaths for exercise are putting older farmers in particular at risk.

Together with the farmers’ unions, we are urging people to maintain social distancing of two metres apart and not put others, including farmers, their families and other rural dwellers at risk.”

NFU Mutual’s claims figures show that livestock worth £1.2m were attacked

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by dogs last year. A survey of over 1,300 dog owners commissioned by NFU Mutual also revealed that 63% of dog owners let their pets roam free in the countryside, despite half admitting their dog doesn’t always come back when called.

Advice on preventing dogs attacking livestock is available from NFU Mutual’s website: www.nfumutual.co.uk/news-and-stories/preventing-dog-attacks-on-farmanimals/ NFU Mutual coronavirus guide for exercise on farmland footpaths: - Maintain social distancing of at least two metres when out in the countryside and consider others, including farmers and their families - Avoid footpaths which go through farmyards or close to farmhouses - Keep to footpaths, close gates and don’t block gateways - Always keep dogs on the lead when walking them in rural areas where livestock are kept. Walking your dog on a lead also ensures you can safely keep two metres away from others.

- Always clear up after your dog – their mess can spread disease to livestock - Be aware that even small lap dogs can attack and kill farm animals - Report attacks by dogs and sightings of dogs roaming the countryside to local farmers or the police - Don’t let dogs loose in gardens adjoining livestock fields – many attacks are caused by dogs which escape and attack sheep grazing nearby

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Purbeck Valley Folk Festival 2020

Fingers Crossed For An EPIC Post-Isolation Party!

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i Purbeck-Folkers! *COVID-19 UPDATE* We thought we’d better let you know our plans... With just over four months to go until PVFF20. We’re hoping that we’ll all be free again by then and you’ll all be more than ready to come and have fun on a farm with us.

We’re still going ahead and planning an awesome (extra special postisolation) festival. We’re closely following the government’s guidelines and will adhere to their recommendations nearer the time. If we need to postpone the festival until next year, you’ll be given the option to defer your tickets, or we can refund your tickets.

Hope you’re all managing to stay safe and find even a small piece of enjoyment in all this madness. There are loads of online gigs to support.

Spare a thought for all of our musicians who will have had most of their work cancelled over the coming months. If you can, please support them, buy their CDs, back their crowdfunders, watch out for their live online concerts, donate money, or just send them a message to say hello.

We’ll be hosting some watch parties on Facebook, so keep your eyes peeled! We hope you'll join us. Stay safe! The Purbeck Valley Folk Festival team xx Pictures above & below by Trev Rich Photography

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D E L L E C N A C

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Matron’s Round - Our Local Hospitals’ Monthly Column

n behalf of all in the NHS, I thank the whole country for the “Clap for Carers” which takes place on Thursday evenings.

Standing on my own doorstep to hear the appreciation from those around me I feel a huge sense of pride in being part of this fantastic organisation.

It certainly brought a lump to my throat knowing the sacrifices we’ve all had to make but how widely this appreciated.

During this very challenging time the overarching message is: Please stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.

I know that this can be very difficult for some and I would ask everyone to be especially aware of anyone living near to them that may need some extra help. This can be anything from offering to be a point of contact in case of emergency, practical help with shopping or prescription collections, these small acts of kindness may save lives.

Here at the hospital I have had to make the difficult decision to stop any visiting to enable us to protect our patients. Families are able to ring in on two newly purchased mobile phones specifically for patients and our phones are manned continuously.

If you have a loved one in with us please call the ward and we can give you the numbers to contact. A call from a family member is priceless and we are doing everything we can to let patients keep in contact with their families and carers Our Minor injuries unit is still open, however, we cannot see patients unless they have an appointment - having been assessed over the phone by one of our clinical team. Again, please call the hospital to speak to our MIU team if you have any worries.

On the ward we are also working very closely with our community colleagues to enable us to get people home where they are safest as quickly as possible and their hard work as a team has been fantastic.

There have been many instances of staff going above and beyond and I am so grateful to all my teams for their unwavering support and hard work which places them very much in the frontline.

As we are aware the daily bulletins are that these measures will carry on for quite some time so I cannot stress strongly enough stay at home to protect yourselves but please be mindful of those vulnerable close to you. Do you know if your neighbour is ok?

NHS services in Dorset are gearing up for changes to help minimise the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and deal with any upturn in patient numbers caused by the outbreak.

These measures are changing rapidly, so please keep up to date with the latest information at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronaviruscovid-19/ We have also been very well supported by our Friends and have had some very kind donations of Easter chocolate and hand creams.

The kindness being shown to my staff is hugely appreciated and I thank you all so much.

Together, with your support, we can save lives.

Thank you, Until next time, take care, Matron Donna.

Swanage Hospital Minor Injuries Unit - Open 7 days a week from 8am - 8pm If you have an injury, we’re here to treat it!

Call us on 01929 421329.

We’re here for YOU, so use our services!

THANK YOU, NHS! On behalf of our readers, we would like to thank ALL those working for the NHS, whether cleaning staff or senior surgeon. You are ALL instrumental to the nation as a whole and we fully support you.

A particular thank you to our local hospitals, our GP practices, our District Nurse teams, our Ambulance services and our First Responders.

YOU are our heroes.

CHIROPODY Rachel Ciantar

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Contact 07979 840542 NEW PATIENTS £5 OFF FIRST TREATMENT

JUNE edition deadline: Friday 8th May 2020

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Share Your Stories To Help Health Services Adapt During Coronavirus

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ealthwatch Dorset has launched a new survey asking local people to share their stories to help identify how health and care services are adapting and working well during the coronavirus, and to highlight common challenges that need to be addressed.

The survey gives local people an opportunity to anonymously share their views and experiences of how coronavirus has changed the way they access services.

Healthwatch Dorset will review this public feedback and report back to those in charge of health and care services to help them learn and adapt, now and in the future when the virus outbreak has passed.

Healthwatch Dorset Manager, Louise Bate, explained the aim of the survey: “We recognise that public feedback is essential to influence positive change in local health and social care services, this includes how to effectively manage services and deliver support during exceptionally challenging times.

“The enormous pressure placed on services due to the coronavirus is likely to impact on how people get the care and support they need, particularly if they have regular care needs. Also, people are likely to have different experiences depending on their needs and the severity of their symptoms.

“We are asking people to share their stories so that we can help our amazing, dedicated health and care professionals to understand how best to adapt and manage services in these difficult circumstances.”

To share your experiences, complete the survey online: smartsurvey. co.uk/s/CoronavirusHWD/ You can also get in touch for up to date information about how to access local services and support during the coronavirus.

Visit the Healthwatch Dorset website, call 0300 111 0102, or email enquiries@healthwatchdorset.co.uk

JUNE 2020 EDITION DEADLINE NOON, FRI 8TH MAY

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LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING

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

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LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING

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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

LOCAL TRADERS USE THEM OR LOSE THEM FOLKS!

KEEP IT LOCAL

SWANAGE & DORSET SCAFFOLDING & ROOFING All aspects of Residential & Commercial Scaffolding Flat Roofing - Re-roofs, Slate or Tile, All repair works

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

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING

51

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS! We have kept the trade advert section in this month as some of our wonderful trade workers are still available and are able to work.

Call them if you need assistance!

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

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