The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 250 by The Blackmore Vale Limited

November 2020 2019 Issue no. 250 238

You can also read online or download the entire magazine in book format at: FREE WHERE DELIVERED. Magazine Archive POSTAL at: SUBSCRIPTION AVAILABLE at: www.purbeckgazette.co.uk/catalogue.aspx www.purbeckgazette.co.uk

Purbeck Christmas Challenge! Pg40 23 - 37 A Brand Help SaveNew Rex Mowlem! The Brave.Pg Pg 12

Prince Our FlagAlbert Is NowReturns! Official!Pg Pg24 16

Storm AlexWinter Hits Purbeck. Pg24 20- 35 Banish Those Blues! Pg

Keep Deaths It LocalOn ThisThe Christmas. Otter Increase.PgPg1337

SWANAGE & PURBECK This space is now available! Advertise to our readers! Let them know you’re Local & Long outDistance. there! 4-8 seater.

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Editor’s note...

elcome to the November edition of your Purbeck Gazette! Another month has passed and we’re all still standing, just about! A massive thank you from our advertisers to those of you choosing to continue to shop locally and support those smaller businesses who may well have gone over and above during lockdown to support their communities. Every penny spent in local shops counts, so keep on keeping it local! This month we ease into Christmas advertising, with a somewhat unknown festive period ahead of us all. Despite the uncertainty, there’s only one thing to do and that’s to continue with our daily lives as much as possible, making choices along the way as to where we spend our hard-earned pennies. Many business owners are still weighed down with worry, so it is a testament to them all that they’re trying everything they can to keep businesses, charities and organisations viable - which includes keeping local staff employed and able to cover their bills and feed their families in turn. Purbeck is an extraordinary place, filled with amazing people who are renowned for working together, come what may. This area truly is worth fighting for, so please keep fighting. Spend your money in local outlets. Use local service providers. Donate to local charities who are assisting those most in need in our community. Give to our local foodbanks - particularly now, in these most difficult of times. Leave that tin of old kidney beans on your shelf at home and instead, donate something you’d like to have for dinner - the great feeling you’ll get in return is worth its weight in gold, so think, act with kindness and remain Purbeckian at heart!

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 December 2020 edition has a deadline of 9th Nov. The January 2021 edition has a deadline of 9th Dec.

Public Notices & Information

Swanage Town Council Meetings - November 2020

ALL ‘IN-PERSON’ MEETINGS PREVIOUSLY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ARE SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS - PLEASE CONTACT THE COUNCIL DIRECTLY FOR INFORMATION

Wareham Town Council Meetings - November2020 ALL ‘IN-PERSON’ MEETINGS PREVIOUSLY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ARE SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS - PLEASE CONTACT THE COUNCIL DIRECTLY FOR INFORMATION

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!

The Purbeck Gazette

Facing Storm Alex, 2nd October 2020. Picture by Tim Crabb

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 40 BUSINESS MATTERS 32 COMMUNITY MATTERS 6 COUNCIL MEETINGS 2 FEATURES Blast From The Past Returns Next Month! Brand New Mowlem Theatre! 40 Gazette Gardening 39 John Garner writes - Paddling 36 Keep It Local This Christmas 13 National Coastwatch 20 Prince Albert Returns A�er 50 Years! 24 Telling It Like It Is - David Hollister writes 6 The Unknown Warrior 26 Time To Remember 9 Storm Alex Hits Purbeck 20 VIP Bulk Stockists Of YOUR Purbeck Gazette! 8 FOOD - Godlingston Manor Kitchen Gardens 28 HEALTH & BEAUTY 41 LETTERS 4 MOTORING 35 NATURAL MATTERS 36 TRADE ADVERTS 45 DIARY SPOTLIGHT 43

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DEADLINE FOR DECEMBER 12 NOON,FRI 9th10th NOVEMBER DEADLINE FOR JULY ISISNOON, JUNE

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

DECEMBER edition deadline: noon, 9th NOV

What Next For Harrow House? Dear Readers, My wife Janet and I live in Cauldron Crescent. We are aware that the language college, Harrow House College, has been sold, but we have been unable to find out who has bought it and for what future purpose. It was advertised as ‘a development opportunity’ and as we understand it, it is within the local authority’s area designated for residential development. From our point of view housing development would be the best outcome as we would then only have normal residential noise rather than college noise which at times was intrusive, particularly when Land & Wave started using it last year. If you are able to find out what is happening, it would be of great interest to a lot of local residents. Yours, John Alldritt, by email

Beer, Ale & Cider Specialists Food served 12 noon - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm High Street, Swanage. 01929 423533 He said that someone had stolen and taken £700 from my Visa account. He asked that I go and check that I had still got my card, and that I should listen until I heard the beep and then phone 999. This I did. The call was answered by a ‘girl’ who asked who I banked with. Then said she would check for me, I gave her the names of my Visa account, but no account numbers or further information. Then she said she would be about three-four minutes and asked for me to hang on. Once she had gone, I closed the call - feeling confident that it was a SCAM. I rang the local Nationwide who suggested that I ring the Credit Card number on the back of my statements. This I did and they were sure, like me, that this had been a scam. Luckily, I was aware that this was most likely a scam but felt that some people might easily be taken in with this and go much further than I did. Many thanks and hope this information can be spread around as much as possible. Kind regards, Daphne Saville

Our Temporary Neighbours

Good Luck From The Scotts! Dear Gazette, After working for twenty years in Purbeck, Pen and I returned to Loughborough at the end of March, just a day before the ‘lockdown’. As we had to move much quicker than we had planned, we didn’t have time to say goodbye to as many of our friends and colleagues as we would have liked, and hence this belated e-mail to your good self. Over the years you have been good enough to support the Wareham & District Development Trust whenever appropriate, for which I and my ex-Trustees will be for ever grateful , and hopefully the relationship will continue when times are more settled. I hope that you and yours are keeping safe and well, and I wish you good luck for the future whatever it may hold. Regards and thanks, John Scott, Ex-Development Manager, Wareham & District Development Trust and Ex-Tourism, Discover Purbeck

Beware Of Scam Dear Readers, I would really be pleased if you would be able to print this latest scam - it could affect so many people if they took it any further than I did. I nearly got scammed recently - luckily I am a Scam Marshall for our local Disabled Club and was suspicious. What happened was - a chap phoned me and said he was from London Metropolitan Police and his name was D.C.Clarke and RG184 was his number.

MATT HILLAN Building Alterations & Maintenance

All Trade Aspects Undertaken Free Estimates Fully Insured

01929 427296 07971 690817 Happy to help and advise

Dear Readers, Looking out at sea you will have noticed the cruise ships at the Poole anchorage. My interest in large passenger ships dates back to my holidays in the Isle of Wight when I saw the Queen Elizabeth, the United States and the France. I never saw the Queen Mary, which Cunard intended to name Queen Victoria. Cunard sought permission to name the ship from King George V and asked if Cunard could name the ship after the greatest Queen that ever lived. The King replied that of course Cunard could name the ship after his wife, Queen Mary. On one of my walks to Durlston I was treated to the sight of Cunard’s Queen Victoria travelling to the Portland anchorage. A subsequent visit to Durdle Door enabled me to see Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary, among many other cruise ships. These included three new TUI ships and other cruise ships which dwarfed the Cunard ships. The website ‘marinetraffic.com’ enabled me to identify the ships at Poole and Portland anchorage and even to anticipate their arrivals. This has enabled me to photograph the cruise ships arriving from my flat in Swanage High Street. Recently, Allure of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas have

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Square & Compass www.squareandcompasspub.co.uk

Worth Matravers 01929 439229

WE’RE OPEN - COME SEE US! We are open seven days a week from 12 noon ‘till 10pm Come up and enjoy the ‘Square’ atmosphere, lots of love, beer and companionship! Support your local, independent establishments - long may we remain! dominated Swanage Bay. They make an excellent sight at dusk with their lights on. In future years when the ships start taking people on cruises, this year’s pictures of cruise ships in Swanage Bay will be an interesting historical record. Yours sincerely, Robin Brasher, by email

Fight For Ambulance Car

Dear Gazette Readers, At the Swanage and Purbeck Development Trust, we are committed to taking steps to foster the wellbeing of Swanage residents, and were very concerned to hear about the possible loss of the Swanage and Purbeck Paramedic Car. We very much support the Car continuing to be based in Swanage, and feel we have a compelling case to keep the Car – we need it! The Swanage and Purbeck Ambulance Car + Paramedic: i) provides a rapid response (as nearer and faster) to save life in emergency pending arrival of the ambulance. Ii) treats the 50% of patients who do not need to go to hospital at the scene, avoiding unnecessary journeys to Poole, and protecting hospital resources. Iii) provides a replacement service when the Swanage Minor Injuries Unit is closed (8pm - 8am). iv) supports Purbeck GP home visits, helping to ensure that these are covered. It is a matter of life and death for us to retain this essential service. The need for the Car to stay in Swanage can only be reinforced by the plans to move our A&E, Maternity and Children’s care from Poole Hospital to Bournemouth Hospital – a long way for us to go! There are now nearly 3,800 signatures on the “Save Swanage Ambulance Car” petition, and I’ve had a letter from Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (DCCG) suggesting there will be consultation with residents about our needs. However, I understand that the Town Council has, to date, been unable to obtain confirmation from DCCG that residents will be consulted before any decision is taken. So there remains anxiety, from month to month, that the Paramedic Car could be withdrawn. The Development Trust wants to make a public statement that we wholly support the retention of the Paramedic + Car in the vital interest of the future health and wellbeing of Swanage and Purbeck residents. Let’s work together to keep our car! We urge members of the community who haven’t already done so to add their name to the petition, by going tohttps://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-swanage-ambulance-car Yours sincerely, Mr Melvyn Norris, Swanage and Purbeck Development Trust

We’re Still Here To Help!

Dear Readers, Swanage Disabled Club has now been closed for over six months due to the Covid-19 regulations, but we have kept in touch with all our members as often as possible. Each committee/driver/escort volunteer has two or three designated members to keep a check on. Thankfully, no one has been too affected and all are keeping in good health. Must be our lucky chance to be living in Swanage! For your information, we do have our small vehicle (one wheelchair/or anyone with walking difficulties plus a passenger) available for appointments in or out of town. It is not a taxi service, it must be pre-booked and we ask for donations to help towards running costs.

We have made sure that all strict guidelines are followed with regard to thorough cleaning of the vehicle before and after use and face masks are worn at all times. Should anyone wish to use this service please call Robert/Sue Payne on 01929 423729. Many thanks, Daphne Saville, Hon. Sec. by email.

Enjoying ‘Cathedral Thinking’ Dear Gazette, Thank you once again for the latest edition of the Purbeck Gazette, which is always anticipated with interest to read what is going on and being discussed in and around the Swanage area. In the September edition I particularly enjoyed the article on page 18 entitled ‘Cathedral Thinking’. This is a term that I had not heard of previously and thought how informative and pertinent the article was in these troubled times. Please keep up the good work and hopefully we shall see more such articles as this in future editions. Best regards, Richard Harvey. P.S. Sorry there was no pirate festival this year!

Decorate Your Place!

Dear Editor, We live in uncertain times but one certainty is that Christmas, whatever form it takes this year, will be with us soon. This year Swanage Chamber of Trade is delighted to announce that not only will we run the annual best decorated shop and business window competition, but we will have a new category of ‘best decorated residential property’. We hope that this will inspire and cheer you all in these dark times as you travel around town and see the uplifting displays your friends and neighbours create. For residential entrants, please email your address to: annie.ryefields@btinternet.com. Judging will take place just before Christmas and small festive prizes are on offer. Chamber of Trade is also happy to announce that it will be holding a raffle in aid of the Christmas Lights fund. Tickets are available from Amber Bay as of November and prizes will include cash and Christmas goodies. Anne Rothery, by email.

The Purbeck Gazette

TELLING IT LIKE IT IS... This Isn’t Going To End Well.... by David Hollister

o good to see so many shops and businesses re-opened (at the time of writing). Look at the amazing changes they have made to The Mowlem, enabling them to show films to an (admittedly reduced) audience. But the place is humming again, sparkling like a new pin and bringing you what there really isn’t enough of in Swanage – entertainment! Full marks also to Swanage Railway who have realised that Santa Specials just can’t work in the current climate, and have produced a brilliant ‘steam and light’ festival in which the locomotive and carriages will be covered with dazzling coloured lights and the carriage interiors will be cosy, warm, and festively decorated. All we now have to do now is to support our local shops rather than take our business to Bournemouth where (at the time of writing) the risk of contracting Covid19 is significantly higher than in Purbeck. Yes, if you’re really lazy, you can ‘click’ and a white van will deliver most of your goods a few days later. But where’s the fun in that? Where’s the chance to see and feel that Christmas present for that special someone, to visit the local shops and make sure that they, too, have a happy Christmas and make it through to the new year? When you buy from a small business, you’re not helping a CEO buy a third holiday home, you’re helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy get his team football shirt, helping mums and dads put food on the table. Look after your local businesses – once they’re gone, they’re gone. As are the hopes and dreams of the ‘little people’ who started them off with their savings and their enthusiasm. Please don’t contribute to their demise. We went to Zante for a superb two-week holiday on the Sunday. On the Monday Boris declared it to be a ‘red route’ which meant that we – along with every other Brit on the island – would have to ‘quarantine’ for two weeks upon arrival back in the UK. Between mid-March and midSeptember there had been one covid-related death on the island. There had been around 40,000 in the UK. So, we can only put the imposition of ‘quarantine’ down to yet another bout of government ignorance applied with a very broad brush. I was ashamed to be British after what the UK government had done. In the name of ‘saving lives’, they totally decimated the European tourist industry, the airline industry and the economy. They really hadn’t got a clue when this all started and they haven’t got a clue now.

So, Zante’s tourist season starts on 1st May and ends on 31st October. This year, they and us were ‘locked down’ till the middle of July. Then the season started. And at the end of September it was all over. Every other shop closed; every other restaurant boarded up. Each of these is the death of someone’s hopes and dreams, a family that can’t be fed, with the next season so far away that for most of them, it’s totally out of sight. Did the one death really merit the destruction of an entire island’s economy? Surely, it’s time to review the whole thing and to realise that the end isn’t going to justify the means, that the operation may be a success, but the patient will die. The UK is being bankrupted and the economy ruined; a sort of ‘scorched earth’ policy which may save a few lives but perhaps not as many as would be saved by banning cigarettes. More people will die of ordinary flu this year than covid; more people will die of lung cancer; more people who see their lives’ work going down the drain will simply choose to end it all. How many have already died because the government have chosen to let Covid-19 take preference over heart surgery, over cancer surgery and treatment, and many other operations which pre-covid were deemed to be necessary but have taken a back seat so that the government can try to save its face by keeping the covid figures down? Which is why we need YOU to support your local businesses. Don’t let them do to Purbeck what they did to Zante. They want us to ‘help the NHS?’ In the war, nurses were welcomed with open arms and not charged for joining up; we were just grateful to have them there at all. So now – we make them pay to join the NHS and reward them with cynical ‘clapping’ and weasel words from discredited politicians. The government insisted that the universities went back. Seemingly to save the salaries of the vice-chancellors and their cronies, with little understanding that if you put 1700 students back into university halls of residence, the virus is going to rip through it like a petrol-fed fire. Little understanding? Or total cynical understanding? Students being charged £9000 per year plus their accommodation fees for courses on ‘zoom’, which they could just as easily have done at home. An Open University course costs less than £3500. In some universities the students - who are OUR CHILDREN - are locked in to prevent them going home! I promise you; my child would have been home by now. And self-isolating. Is it really only me that looks at Brexit, the Covid-19 fiasco, the education fiasco, and thinks…. This really isn’t going to end well for the UK? My message is – leave us alone. Stop ‘recommendations’ and pathetic regulations which no-one is able to enforce. Let the citizens of the UK use their own commonsense and shove your fines where the sun doesn’t shine. Christmas is coming. I close with a quotation from someone who read a recent post I put on Facebook and remarked: “We agree with every word and thank you for voicing this. I always read your column. If I can’t see our grandchildren opening their Christmas gifts, then they can cancel Christmas. I’m so glad you’re in a position to speak out. We’ve done everything they say up to now; a lot of people have suffered this with depression, loneliness and isolation. “We understand the need to be sensible but to penalise families this way is a step too far. I don’t understand why the number is six? Especially as kids are meeting in schools in much larger groups! I can go to a café and meet five friends, but as grandparents we’re not able to see our grandchildren together as a family. What absolute nonsense.” I’ll go a step further than that. Shoot me down if you want to. But hear this, Boris. As a fit and active 74-year-old, I do not want to be “shielded” or forced to stay indoors. I am old enough and sensible enough to know how to protect myself and my family. Read ‘1984’ and weep.

The Purbeck Gazette

Swanage Bowls Club 2020 Report

e were so pleased to be able to play bowls this season. A huge amount of work had gone into the installation of a new green and changes to the surrounds and many of the Club members were involved over the winter period to ensure that everything was ready for the 2020 season. Once restrictions were lifted the Club ensured that Covid-safe procedures were in place for playing and use of the Pavilion. The green was then opened for socially distanced rink bookings and later the Club competitions began. The season culminated in two glorious days of fine weather for the Finals weekend with the standard of bowling matching the weather! 440 points were scored over 277 ends across Ladies’, Men’s and Mixed Competitions. Congratulations go to the following: Ladies Champion - Judy Smooker, Men’s Champion - Gordon Wallis, Ladies’ Singles Handicap - Jan Cherry, Men’s Singles Handicap - Tony Bell, Ladies’ 2 woods singles - Judy Smooker, Men’s 2 woods singles - Gordon Wallis, Levi Cup - Tim Luscombe, Veterans - Gordon Wallis, Chosen Mixed Pairs - Gordon and Linda Wallis, Australian Pairs - Gordon Wallis and Sue King, Ladies’ Pairs - Linda Wallis and Judy Smooker, Men’s Pairs - Terry Buck and Mark Crompton. The Club President, Barrie Tatman, thanks all Club members for their commitment to the Club and for helping to ensure that a season of safe and enjoyable bowls was possible.

The Purbeck Gazette

VIP stockists of YOUR Purbeck Gazette!

Lytchett & Upton Council, Lytchett Minster The Courtyard Craft Centre, Lytchett Minster The Baker’s Arm Pub, Dorchester Road The Clay Pipe Inn, Organford Rd Crossways Post Office, Crossways The Spar Shop, Puddletown The Post Office, Winfrith Mace Stores, Bere Regis Bartletts Store, Bere Regis Holme Nurseries, East Holme Co-op Food & Petrol Station, Sandford Horsey’s Newsagents, Wareham Premier Stores, Carey, Wareham Sainsbury’s Supermarket, Wareham The Hidden Deli, Wool Gillett’s Spar Shop, Wool The Lookout Stores, Stoborough Stoborough Garage, Stoborough Foleys Garage, Harmans Cross St Michael’s Garage, Harmans Cross Swanage Tourist Information Centre Swanage News Newsagents, Swanage MColls Newsagents, Swanage Jenkins Newsagents, Swanage Arkwrights Stores, Swange Ballard Stores, North Swanage Costcutters, Herston, Swanage Richardson’s Budgens, Swanage Triangle Garage, Swanage Durlston Castle/Seventhwave Restaurant, Durlston, Swanage The Scott Arms pub, Kingston Corfe Castle Village Stores, Corfe Castle Langton Village Stores & Post Office, Langton Studland Stores, Studland THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING STOCKISTS - SUPPORT LOCAL!

Hall & Woodhouse Donate Over £50,000 Hall & Woodhouse’s Community Chest donates more than £50,000 to support local causes all & Woodhouse, the leading independent family-owned Dorset brewer, has awarded more than £50,000 to thiry-five local causes across the south through its Community Chest Awards. The annual awards are an initiative created by Hall & Woodhouse (H&W), with the ambition to improve both the facilities and the lives of people in the community, by providing grants to local voluntary groups and causes that require financial support. The annual awards ceremony took place virtually this year and included an online beer and cheese tasting session led by Mark Woodhouse. All winners and judges received a ‘Dorset Dozen’ beer box, a selection of characterful and crafted Badger ales, along with the recommended selection of accompanying cheeses, so that guests could participate in the event online. This year, Bridport & District Citizens Advice has been granted £1,000. The charity provides free, independent and impartial advice to people in the Bridport district. The pandemic has meant that normal services are being challenged and most of the services are being delivered by volunteers working from their homes. The grant will be used towards volunteer expenses and training. East Dorset Citizens Advice also received a grant of £1,000 to train and recruit advisers. HomeStart South East Dorset, an independent registered charity that supports struggling families, received £1,500 to train new volunteers. HomeStart North Dorset also received a donation of £1,500, enabling the organisation to continue providing its services within the county. The Lantern Trust, which was established in 1983 to benefit vulnerable and marginalised people in the Weymouth and Portland area, received a donation of £1,500. The grant will be used towards the running costs

o, what have we been up to? Once again we haven’t been sitting on our laurels, we have been very busy; during the period 08 September – 07 October 2020, we dealt with a total of 635 occurrences in Purbeck, of which 197 were recorded crimes resulting in 55 arrests. There were 88 occurrences of road traffic collisions. Please be patient on our busy roads and remember that anyone can make a mistake. The dark mornings and nights affect visibility, but ice and wet conditions affect your stopping distances. So, drive with care, even if the roads have been treated, keep well back from the road user in front as stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads; take care when overtaking vehicles spreading salt or other de-icer, particularly if you are riding a motorcycle or pedal cycle. What else have we been up to? We had a night of action, targeting rural crime. A number of units including a dog unit were actively patrolling rural areas in Purbeck. We also assisted during storm Alex with a multi-agency response to the flood response. On another note there have been a number of incidents in Swanage of thefts from vehicles and burglaries from commercial premises. As always, we still need your assistance and urge you to keep reporting any suspicious activities to us, this will allow us to identify preventative measures and offenders. Your help also allows us to maximise our resources and target our patrols to any potential hotspots. November means bonfire night, although this year organised events may not be taking place and people may be celebrating from home instead. In which case it is important to remember that fireworks are explosives and are potentially hazardous, so must be handled in a careful and safe manner. The misuse of fireworks is not only an offence but can be dangerous to people, property and animals and can leave some members of our communities feeling intimidated and distressed. Therefore, we would like you to respect and take note of the legislations and the Firework Code. We would also like you to keep in mind the current Covid-19 regulations – • Help control the virus • To protect yourself and others, when you leave home you must: • wash hands - keep washing your hands regularly • cover face - wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in enclosed spaces • make space - stay at least a metre away from people not in your household • If you are feeling unwell, get a test and do not leave home for at least 10 days. A fuller list is set out in the regulations. To find out more, visit 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 keep yourselves updated by visiting the websites shown above and observe government guidelines and stay safe. Purbeck Neighbourhood Policing Team

of delivering a Safe Sleep Project which provides supervised night-shelter accommodation for homeless people during the winter months. As part of the Community Chest Awards, an emergency fund of £9,500 was allocated to help local causes earlier in the year during the nationwide lockdown. Applications will be open for the 2021 Community Chest awards in March, where voluntary groups can request funding ranging from £300 to £5,000, to help them achieve their aims. Grants could be awarded for new equipment, training, transport or running costs, and can be made towards youth services, the elderly, or any other projects that enhance the local community. Please visit www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk for more information.

The Purbeck Gazette

Time To Remember - Old Pictures Say A Lot

ewis-Manning Hospice Care in Poole is launching ‘Time to Remember’, a way to let the community celebrate love, life and special people. This initiative is to raise vital funds for the important Family Support and Bereavement Service. CEO Clare Gallie says: “We are encouraging the public to come on board and join in our extremely special and poignant celebration that is called ‘Time to Remember’. It is a very fitting opportunity in 2020 for people to remember their loved ones, express gratitude to special people in their lives or simply offer thanks to someone or a group of people, who have made a real difference to them - it’s a wonderful way to celebrate people in our lives and community! “This year, more than any other year, it is incredibly important to take time out to remember our loved ones and extraordinary people who have impacted our lives. It’s been a tough time for so many, in a multitude of different ways, and we anticipate people welcoming this poignant opportunity to reflect, show thanks, remember and celebrate life and friendships.” Mandy Harris, Senior Nurse: “Donations will be used to fund our vital Family Support and Bereavement Service, allowing us to give invaluable support pre and post bereavement to our patients, their families and carers. Losing someone close to you can be one of the most difficult things anyone can face and many people struggle to come to terms with this loss and offering our help throughout this distressing time can be crucial.” How to get involved To make your donation visit: lewis-manning.org.uk/time-to-remember-2020 where you can dedicate a message and upload an image of your loved one(s). Alternatively, look out for Lewis-Manning in the Bournemouth Echo where you will be able to fill in a paper form. All of the messages that we receive by 23rd November will be printed on large billboards located at Old Wareham and Serpentine Road in Poole and shown on our website throughout December. We look forward to sharing your dedications and messages. Mandy Harris, Senior Nurse: “Donations will be used to fund our vital Family Support & Bereavement Service, allowing us to give invaluable

support pre and post bereavement to our patients, their families and carers. Losing someone close to you can be one of the most difficult things anyone can face and many people struggle to come to terms with this loss and offering our help throughout this distressing time can be crucial.” What your donation means You can make a difference and help Lewis-Manning Hospice Care bring strength and hope to children, partners and parents coping with the loss of a loved one. £14.42 would cover the cost of a one-hour telephone call or visit, providing support to a grieving family. £28.84 will pay for two support sessions for families who have lost a loved one. £57.68 will pay for four hours of support, helping families develop coping mechanisms after the loss of a family member.

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Dorset Council To Help Homeless People

Dorset Council successful in funding bid to help homeless people n 24 May the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (MHCLG) announced that £161m would be made available in 2020/21 for 3,300 homes for rough sleepers in the next twelve months. A month later, it was announced that a further fund of £105m to enable local authorities to best support the nearly 15,000 people placed into emergency accommodation during the Covid-19 pandemic would be available. Dorset Council worked with colleagues from MHCLG and Homes England to co-produce a bid based on current and future need of accommodation in the county. In addition, a number of partners from Public Health, Dorset HealthCare, and homelessness support charities including Julian House, Lantern Trust, Bus Shelter and Shelter, Probation Services, Registered Housing Providers and REACH drug and alcohol support services have all contributed to the production of the bid of £1.2m. In October, Dorset Council was pleased to hear that it had successfully secured a grant of £624,000 as part of the Next Steps Accommodation Programme (NSAP). Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Dorset Council said: “Since well before Covid-19 we have been wrestling with the dilemma of insufficient property, and how we can keep people out of B&Bs and get them into settled accommodation. Although we are still awaiting formal notice of how the money is to be spent, this additional funding will help us to create accommodation to provide much-needed affordable housing for single people, who by and large, make up the majority of homeless households in the county. “As the repercussions of Covid-19 continue, more people are finding themselves in financial difficulty and are presenting to Dorset Council as homeless. The safety and wellbeing of our residents is our top priority. Wherever possible, we try to house residents in a community where they have local connections. Currently this isn’t always possible, so we work with them to find other suitable accommodation. Going forward, we hope to establish more suitable housing right across the Dorset Council area to meet people’s needs.” The council has a statutory duty to provide emergency and temporary accommodation (TA) and during the Covid-19 lockdown saw an unpreceded demand for its housing service as it supported rough sleepers and homeless households. It is currently overly reliant on B&B placements, particularly in coastal towns where there is more availability. This is due to the lack of property under its ownership and control. Despite many years of effort there is simply not enough accommodation to meet the current level of need, and the grant fund will help to overcome some of these challenges.

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Swanage & Purbeck Rotary - Hard Times Ahead

wanage & Purbeck Rotary raised a substantial amount of money in 2019/20, despite being unable to undertake normal fundraising activity since Covid-19 lockdown in March. The rondel above sets out the wide range of good causes, both local and international, that they have been able to support. President Steve Parsons has indicated that the challenge now will be to see how creative Rotary can be in creating fundraising opportunities with the various restrictions and the need to ensure social distancing. The Rotary Fete and Craft Fair, its largest fundraiser, had to be cancelled in August. ROTARY AGAINST POLIO This year is special for Rotary International in our world wide fight against Polio. After decades of dedicated work by Rotary, the WHO pronounced “Polio has been wiped out of Africa” Only two countries in the world now remain affected by this terrible disease. Swanage and Purbeck Rotary are proud to have played their part in this triumph. Eradication continues. Rotarian Roy Farrant. CHRISTMAS Christmas gets ever closer and Rotary hope that their successful and popular events, including the Christmas Market, Santa’s Sleigh, Christmas Mail and Christmas Breakfast will be able to go ahead in a Covid-safe way. All these events help to bring festive cheer to Swanage and surrounding villages and are much appreciated by all. A decision will be made about Rotary’s plans at the beginning of November, before the deadline for the December edition of your Gazette. If you are interested in booking a stall for the Christmas Market, without the need for payment until Rotary are sure it’s going ahead, please contact Deirdre on 07971 764823 or visit www.swanagerotary.org

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Covid Christmas Shopping - Keep It LOCAL!

or many years we have run special separate features inside our November and December editions, encouraging our readers to shop locally as much as possible and support our community. This year we don’t have a separate ‘feature’ - the whole magazine contains Christmas and local advertising, aimed specifically towards you, our readers. A wide range of local advertisers have always taken part in our Christmas shopping challenge, trying their best to tempt you into their establishments with their advertising. Generally, locally owned, smaller businesses offer excellent customer service and business owners do really try their hardest to provide goods and services which locals want and need. As one of the few independent titles left standing in the UK (newspapers which are not owned by a large group), we are a small locally-owned business ourselves and therefore we have a very solid understanding of the extreme importance of shopping locally and supporting local businesses. Local businesses employ local people – the very people who make up our community. The same people whose children attend our schools, who

use local childcare services to enable them to work, and so on. Without a strong local economy where residents actively support local businesses, the knock-on effect will be devastating to our towns and villages, with long lasting effects. Shops and services will eventually close due to a lack of support, staff will lose their jobs, landlords will lose their income from letting out commercial property and we will head into the realm of boarded-up shop units, with a slippery slope of economically declining local towns and villages laid starkly before us. Who wants that? None of us – we’d hope! A thriving local economy is good for all of us – including the plethora of local charities, organisations and good causes who often work hand-in-hand with local businesses – the negative trickle-down effect of a hard downturn in the local economy would hit all sectors throughout our community - it would hit all of us. No one planned for Covid-19 and the resulting lockdown earlier this year. No one has hindsight that impressive, no matter how much we may look back and ‘wish’ we’d all had the opportunity to see what was coming and prepare as best as we could a year in advance. Most local businesses have done their absolute utmost over the past few months to adapt to the changing world around us and continue offering their wares to the very best of their ability, to their credit. Swanage, Wareham and the surrounding villages offer a pretty impressive array of retail businesses and services, especially if you’re Christmas shopping. We have plenty of amazing and talented people running outlets which offer a wide array of quality goods, many perfect for Christmas presents. This year, more than ever before, we encourage you NOT to shop online but to make an extraordinary effort to purchase all of your Christmas gifts locally. Support local artists, makers, sellers and retail outlets and be part of the solution – not the problem. Get your mask on and get out shopping! Please support the advertisers within this publication, especially over the next few months - their advertising is directed at YOU, our readers, so please take it personally and respond appropriately - by spending locally!

DECEMBER EDITION DEADLINE NOON, Mon 9th November

EMAIL your copy to: ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk

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To ‘Snitch’ On Your Neighbours - Or Not?

ore and more in the current climate, we are being encouraged to snitch on our neighbours – have you seen more than six people going into a nearby property? Call the police immediately - have them arrested. At the time of writing, we’re awaiting new possible changes to the current situation, with the possibility of more fines, more new rules and yet more disconcerting changes to our daily lives. Whilst we all understand the reasons behind the ever-changing regulations, there’s some concern that communities are being stealthily broken apart and we are being encouraged to have our neighbours arrested – the very people we probably rely upon in ‘normal times’ to assist if we have a flat tyre or need help of some sort in an emergency. Of course, we must all be responsible for keeping ourselves and others safe, but at the same time, is asking residents to turn upon each other the best way to do this? Are we cultivating an environment of fear rather than ensuring communities stay strong, work together and support each other in times of need? Are our police forces, already undercut and short staffed, realistically better off attending a house party to break it up or focusing on more serious crimes? These are decisions for each of us to make, bearing in mind what kind of communities we wish to be part of in the future – those who work together and have each other’s backs in times of need, or those twitching curtains and calling the police on neighbours who may have one visitor too many on a dreary Sunday afternoon…. Our advice (take it or leave it!) is to make all efforts to keep yourself safe. Be responsible for your own actions. If you have serious concerns about neighbours breaking regulations and have real worries over your safety as a result, do call the police. However, try not to fall into the habit of spying on your nearest neighbours simply with a view to calling the authorities on them at every perceived misstep. There are possibly other, more serious crimes being committed which police would be better off attending. Best advice is to look to your own – and let others make their own decisions, as long as those decisions do not directly affect (or threaten) you.

Cinnamon Trust Needs Volunteers In Swanage

he Cinnamon Trust is the national charity whose wonderful volunteers help people over retirement age and those in the latter stages of a terminal illness by offering all kinds of pet care. We are looking for dog walking volunteers to help a resident of Swanage and their dear little dog who would love to go for a good walk. Many elderly or ill pet owners worry about their ability to provide proper care for their animals and start looking to rehome what may be their only companion. This is where our national network of dedicated volunteers step in to offer support enabling them to stay together. We’ll walk the dog for a housebound owner, we’ll foster pets when owners

need hospital care, and even clean out the bird cage or litter trays. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you can download our volunteer registration form from our web site www.cinnamon.org.uk or email us at appeals@cinnamon.org.uk If you would like to have a more in-depth chat about becoming a volunteer, please call us during office hours (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) on 01736 758 701, or you can check out our website www.cinnamon.org.uk for more details. The Cinnamon Trust is a Registered Charity No: 1134680. The Cinnamon Trust is a limited company registered in England and Wales. Registered Office: 10 Market Square, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4HE. Company Number 07004861

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Langton Children Benefit From New Crossing

new pedestrian crossing has been installed in the past few months, helping families with the walk to St George’s CE VA Primary School in Langton Matravers. It’s also helping the children carry out their ‘Mile run’ exercise safely, which used to be carried out in a field at the rear of the school. When the field became unusable, the school faced the additional challenge of taking the children across the busy road to use the dedicated school playing field, which is also the emergency evacuation location for the school. As the road didn’t qualify for a formal Zebra crossing, Dorset Council’s Highway team came up with an alternative, following discussions with the school and the Parish Council. There is now a raised table with coloured/raised surfacing, which has made the crossing much shorter and safer (pictured above). The crossing cost £40K and will greatly improve safety for families with school-age children – plus pedestrians generally - as well as helping the schoolchildren cross the road to their playing field. The crossing has been a huge success according to Helen Wemyss, the Head Teacher of the school. She says: “We can now take the children across the road safely. We were previously unable to see oncoming traffic from the kerbside clearly, so it’s given us much better visibility. Aligning the new gate with the exit from the school means that we are able to get the children across the road much faster than before.” The official opening was attended by Cllr Cherry Brooks, Cllr William Knight, Chairman of Langton Matravers Parish Council, Helen Wemyss, Headteacher and Tony Price from Dorset Highways. Cllr Ray Bryan, the portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and the Environment stated: “This is a good example of what can be achieved by working together to find solutions. Not only does it provide a safe crossing, but it also supports the healthy living agenda for children in the school and residents of the village.” Cllr Cherry Brooks, Lead Member for Highways and Ward Member for South East Purbeck, which includes Langton Matravers, says: “It was important that we found a solution that protected the schoolchildren, but this has gone further than that. This crossing can be used by all local residents and has been designed and constructed in a way that is really sympathetic to the conservation area. It is a testament to the close working of Dorset Council, the school and the Parish Council. We also offer our thanks to the residents of the village and surrounding communities for their patience during the works.” Cllr William Knight, added: “The new crossing provides a safer route for children and families to access the playing field and its recreational amenities.”

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Let Their Care Be Your Legacy.... Turn a kind thought into real support for families like Noah’s oing into lockdown has been upsetting for all of us. That feeling of isolation and loneliness tinged with fear about the future. So, imagine what it’s like for a mum with a seriously ill child. Eleven-year-old Noah has life-threatening epilepsy which can strike at any time and when it does, he needs to be rushed to hospital. He nearly died during lockdown after suffering a seizure that lasted for eighteen hours. It was a terrifying experience for Noah and his family, and they were so grateful to have Julia’s House, the Children’s Hospice charity, by their side. Now Noah is back home having regular visits from our nurses so that his exhausted mum and dad can take a break. “Although their faces are covered by masks and they wear protective clothing, he recognises their voices,” said his mum, Emma. “The Julia’s House nurses are Noah’s safe people. Even in full PPE he is comforted just having them around.” We have been there for Dorset families throughout the Covid-19 crisis. Caring for children in their own homes and supporting mums, dads, and siblings, even when they are shielding. Our nurses and carers are in regular contact, delivering food and vital medicine. Did you know that one-in- four of our children is funded by Gifts in Wills? These gifts have never been more important now traditional fundraising has been swept away. We know it’s a tough time for many people financially but the wonderful thing about legacy giving is it costs nothing now. You can turn a kind thought today into real support for families in the future. Writing your Will has never been easier. With our new online Will writing service you can write or update your Will for free from the comfort of your own home. Find out more by visiting juliashouse.org/purbeck-gazette. A gift of just 1% can make 100% difference to local families like Noah’s.

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Council Financial Support For Voluntary & Community Sector

orset Council’s Cabinet has approved recommendations for continued funding for the voluntary and community sector. The proposals will ensure that the overall levels of funding are maintained, but the new harmonised approach to allocations will ensure equitable funding to organisations across the Dorset Council area. Cabinet approved procurement of the following services, each for a five-year term: • an ‘information, advice and guidance’ service for residents, to help with claiming benefits, support for those facing redundancy, housing problems, debt and other issues. • a support service for the arts and culture voluntary and community sector • a support service for the social voluntary community sector to provide advice on managing and training volunteers, making funding bids, governance arrangements and more. Cabinet also approved a further one-year commitment to support those museums and community centres in which Dorset Council has an interest, after which they will be considered as part of the wider council properties review. A new fund will also be established to replace all historical grant programmes offered by Dorset Council. In future, community organisations and charities will be able to apply for funding by demonstrating how they will achieve outcomes for local residents, aligned to the Dorset Council Plan. Funding will be allocated equitably across the Dorset Council area. Cllr Jill Haynes, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services, said: “Throughout the Covid pandemic, we have seen an incredible response from many charities and community organisations across Dorset. Organisations and their volunteers came together to support the most vulnerable people in our communities during this challenging time. We want to support them to continue the great work already out there, helping people with their health and well-being and working in our local communities over the coming years.”

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Wareham Town Council Update

Julie, our Gazette correspondent, details the goings on in recent council meetings..... News from Wareham Town Council September he Mayor praised the beautiful mural at Purbeck Youth Centre and asked all Councillors to support the Youth Centre and the Friends of Wareham Hospital. The Purbeck Gateway project has three sites: the Middle School, the hospital and Bonnets Lane, and will provide Purbeck with a health hub; extra-care housing for all ages and affordable housing for key workers and local people; a nursing care home; day care; and work space for the locality Social Services team. The requirements and the constraints, such as leaving space for possible expansion of the primary school, nursery provision, reptile refuges, the impact of building style, height and lighting on historic Wareham, safety of the road entrance from Worgret Road and trees for commuting bats, will be put out to tender, explained the Dorset Council (DC) officers at the Town Council meeting. The developer will then seek planning permission for its detailed plans and it is hoped that construction will begin in the summer of 2022 and take two years with careful phasing so that there is no break in services. Answering Councillors, Inspector James Offer said that his officers could only investigate obstructive parking and antisocial behaviour in motor vehicles if they received detailed, accurate and timely reports such as a noise diary or, if a roundabout was used as a racetrack regularly, the day and time. The more people that complained, the more likely the police would be to investigate. DC Councillor Ryan Holloway reported on the change of Chairman, Cabinet reshuffle and appointment of lead members. County Councillors’ allowance of £500 has not been increased. Members of the Cabinet receive an additional payment. DC has applied to the European Regional Development Fund for support

to extend the Low Carbon Dorset programme until 2023. It is proposed to install fifty-three electric charging points around Dorset, with two in Wareham. The Council is happy to see business thriving on Abbots Quay with the proviso that the public slipway is kept clear and access to the water is open for fishermen in winter. Remembrance Sunday will be marked but not in the usual way as DC has banned parades and no more than 100 people can attend a service in St Mary’s. An Extraordinary Town Council meeting on 14th October was to consider the Neighbourhood Plan and a response to the Government White Paper proposing changes to planning regulations. The subsequent Town Council meetings are on Tuesdays 3rd November and 15th December. Do have a look at the Council’s website, www.wareham-tc.gov.uk, or ‘phone 01929 553006 for details and to submit questions or comments.

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School Stone Memorial

School Stone Memorial on site of former Wareham School he Wareham Secondary Modern School opened in the late 1930s and was attended by thousands of locals, including me, and remembered with some nostalgia; from “Standing Under the Clock” to proudly playing in the Hockey Team (mostly unbeaten in the late 1950s). More recently in 1974 it became the Wareham Middle School when the three tier Purbeck pyramid was formed until 2013, when sadly it closed as the two-tier school system was re-instated. Unfortunately, the school became redundant, and was demolished. It will be developed with a new Wareham Medical Centre and Clinics, a Care Home, the Ambulance Service and housing. Not to lose what was an excellent learning experience for at least three generations, we have seized the chance of putting a lasting memorial to the School on site in the future. See the picture, above. The iconic original Rockery Stone which was the Wareham Middle School’s welcome at the entrance to the school has been refurbished free, by a local quarry, and has been re-carved and painted with new lettering to its former glory with badge of the Secondary Modern with our memorable “Neglect not the Gift” motto, on the back. It will be placed on a plinth on the site, in a couple of years’ time, at an inaugural commemorative event - to be arranged – watch this space... Please consider contributing by making a donation for the beautiful artwork for the stone carving and for the plinth. Please contact me for further information. If by chance we receive more donations than needed, the excess will be donated to the Purbeck Youth & Community Foundation. Thank you, Yours sincerely, Beryl Ezzard (nee Ford), Co-ordinator Memorial Wareham School, Email: cllrberyl.ezzard@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk Tel. 01929 550138.

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Pic above - Oct 2nd 2020 Coastwatch

Pic above - October 2nd 2020 - Coastwatch

View from the Lookout hey often say, ‘what a difference a day makes’ and that was certainly true at the beginning of October. The watchkeepers on the 1st October had a relatively normal watch with the usual sailing and fishing vessels passing the Lookout. Swanage and Durlston Bay were relatively calm and there were lots of walkers visiting Peveril Point. However, the afternoon log showed a steady stream of local boats heading north to Poole Harbour. By the time the watch closed at 1800, there wasn’t a vessel left in the bay! Overnight, the wind began to strengthen and change direction to the south east. The way the Bay faces means that we are well protected from the prevailing south westerly winds but are vulnerable to any wind from the east. As dawn broke on the 2nd, Swanage Bay was a mass of white water, with big breakers crashing onto the beach over on the north side of the bay; Storm Alex had hit the south coast. The storm was named Alex, rather than Aiden, as had been predicted, because it first made landfall in France and kept its name when it smashed into the UK. Storms have been named by the Met Office, since 2015, in the hope that doing so would make people more aware of them and how dangerous they can be. Each year the Met Office draws up a list of names, but it asks for members of the public to help by making suggestions. A total of twenty-one names are chosen by the Met Office and Met Eireann (the Irish weather service) – whittled down from as many as 10,000 suggestions, submitted by the public. One name was picked for each letter of the alphabet, apart from Q, U, X, Y and Z. The names are usually made public in late summer and cover the period from September to the following August. It’s not unusual to find the first five names to be used up by the end of autumn as bad weather hits the UK. With high chances of more storms coming over the next few months, Storms Bella, Christoph, Darcy, and Evert could pay us a

wet and windy visit. The power of Storm Alex was particularly evident between the Mowlem and the Pier. This area is covered is covered by Environment Agency’s flood warning service and they issued a flood warning for the morning and evening high tides. Even before high tide, waves began to break over the sea front at Monkey Beach. Thanks to the work of the Swanage Coastguard Rescue Team, the Town Council and well-prepared property owners, flooding was largely restricted to water running along the High Street. As the tide began to drop, the power of the sea was clearly visible on the road between the Stone Quay and the Pier. This was covered in large cobbles, thrown up by the waves. Throughout the morning both piers took a battering and sadly several of the old pier legs didn’t survive. Their stumps now lie just below the surface, providing a hidden hazard for unwitting water users. Despite the warnings to be careful, the waves crashing over the seafront and the stormy sea brought large numbers of people out to witness the storm. Peveril Point was alive with cameras and tripods as people tried to capture the mood of the sea! People watching was the order of the day for the watchkeeper as there were certainly no boats out in the Bay! Despite the ferocity of the sea, the Coastguard Rescue Team had to resort to taping off areas, to stop people putting themselves at risk. Stormy seas and waves have a fascination for people and there’s always the temptation to try and beat the next wave or get that little bit closer to get a better photograph. It’s very easy to underestimate the power of the sea and it makes a deal of sense to listen and heed the warnings and advice given out by the rescue services. Jacques Cousteau once said: “The sea, once it’s cast its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” This is particularly true when it’s at its stormiest and perhaps its most unpredictable. At times like this it’s a force to be respected as well. This is Swanage NCI, listening on Channel 65, out

Pic above - October 2nd 2020, Tim Crabb

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A Sad Farewell To Simon

nother sad farewell this month to a well-known Purbeck resident - Simon Cattell (pictured, left). Simon was a prolific letter writer to the Purbeck Gazette for many years, penning laugh-outloud, witty letters on a wide variety of subjects. Simon was born on 20th November 1965 and very sadly passed away in Poole Hospital on 12th September 2020, aged just fifty-four. Here we reproduce a few of Simon’s previously published letters in his memory. Our thoughts are with Simon’s family and friends who are undoubtebly shocked and incredibly saddened at losing him at such a young age. Rest in peace Simon. Dear Nico, I am writing to say how much I enjoyed your last issue. Informative, contentious, and occasionally funny. I hope there are many more to come. As a local resident I have been enjoying my mornings at the ‘Blue Shelter’ next to the Mowlem admiring the view of the Isle of Wight. Tourists ask me if it is France, and I always say “Yes, that flashing light you can see is the light on top of the Eiffel Tower” And they go home happy and none the wiser. Just to turn briefly to the issue of litter; my dog has lost weight after eating half eaten take- away food, which I fully encourage, but she now turns her nose up at chips, burgers or pizza crusts. The only thing she will eat is a take-away twelve inch baguette known as the ‘continental’ complete with all trimmings. This is an expensive habit. Yours pleading poverty, Simon Cattell. Swanage Dear Nico, The last edition of the Gazette was the best yet. I managed to roll two of them up together, in order to make a baton to discipline the local

miscreants. There hasn’t been any trouble in town since. As the silly season is coming to an end, I’m going out to pick blackberries and apple to make our alcohol. I have rustled enough lambs to make a casserole, including wild mushrooms and spring onions and a brace of pheasants, with run-over road kill. The dish is named ‘Sea Badger Stew marinated in Margaret Thatcher Cider’. Simon Cattell, Swanage. Dear Nico, Congratulations on your latest Gazeteer. I particularly admired the cooking tips, Charlie the Bike-Monger should have his own TV programme. Summer is almost upon us and I have given up thinking about wind-farms/fracking etc and turned my attention to food. A friend of mine recently invited me around for an old-fashioned Spaghetti Bolognese. It sounds appetising but I wasn’t interested until she had two bottles of Rioja to go with it. I jumped out of bed, sprayed some Brut 33 on and try to find my crocs. Spag-bol is what you ate when you were a student. This one was a blinder, as we sat there afterwards rubbing our stomachs, quaffing absinthe and putting the world to rights, I asked her the recipe and she told me ‘it’s easy, and here it is’: 1) Marinate the beef for 24 hours in cheap white wine and salt and pepper. 2) Add Tobasco 3) Watch Neighbours 4) Chop garlic/onion. 5) Go to bed. 6) Following day …Get up and phone a friend 7) Cook pasta with olive oil at 7pm 8) Serve dinner 9) Raspberry cheesecake & cream 10) Wash up 11) Cheese and biscuits 12) Start crying about things that don’t really matter anyway 13) Wake up and wonder where you went and it really happened 14) Try and find out who wrote in moaning about letters being too long 15) Go back to number 1 Simon Cattell, Swanage.

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Whatever Happens To Christmas This Year Look Your Best!

t this point, none of us know where we’ll be for Christmas this year - the ‘tier system’ has just been announced for England and the South West is currently ‘medium’ - bars closed at 10am and the rule of six still applies. Obviously, everyone is now hoping that things do not worsen in our area and that local bars, restaurants, hotels, cafes and so on are able to remain open and that therefore, some of us will be able to take a load off over Christmas and enjoy a wonderful meal out somewhere festive - even if just with a mere handful of friends or family. Whatever the near future holds, why not look your best whilst facing uncertain times?! There’s something to be said for keeping it together and ensuring you feel confident in how you’re presenting yourself to the world at large - having a regular hair cut and possibly a new style every now and again can certainly help you to feel good about yourself and also has the added bonus that your custom will help ensure small, local businesses stay afloat! Two local hairdressers are advertising this month specifically to tempt you into their salons for some pampering, hair care and possibly a bold new look as we head into the winter months. Philip and Lyn Mills are super-excited about opening a wonderful new salon in North Street, Wareham, and Nicky Churchill from Innovation in Swanage is publicly celebrating the recent achievements of two of her members of staff with some really excellent special offers. Give them a ring, book yourself in and give your hair some love!

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

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Do You Qualify For Free School Meals? Families in Dorset are encouraged to check if they qualify for free school meals ith the coronavirus pandemic having a huge effect on employment, it is expected that more families will be eligible to claim for free school meals. The scheme is a vital lifeline for many families across the county and as more people are claiming Universal Credit. Free school meals are available to children whose parents or carers receive financial support such as: • Income Support • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance • income-related Employment and Support Allowance • support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 • the guaranteed element of Pension Credit • Child Tax Credit; this is as long as you’re not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual gross income is no more than £16,190 • Working Tax Credit ‘run-on’ payment (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit) • Universal Credit: this is as long as your household income is less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get) • All children in Reception and Years 1 and 2 qualify for free school meals, regardless of their family income. Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “I urge all families whose financial circumstances have been affected by the pandemic to check if they are eligible for the scheme. It’s vital that children are fed and that they continue to eat healthily. We know that many people are having to deal with very challenging circumstances and the council is determined to reduce the stresses and pressures on hard-pressed people in our region.” If a child is eligible for free school meals, they remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling they’re in on 31 March 2022.

The Purbeck Gazette

The Unknown Warrior And The Whitehall Cenotaph 1920 Abridged by Frank E. Roberts, 13/10/20

fter the cessation of World War One in 1918 a temporary war memorial was built in Whitehall to celebrate the end of ‘The Great War’, by then the Reverend David Railton MC had become a vicar in Kent. In the War he had been an Army padre and had conducted a burial service when he noticed a grave with the inscription “An Unknown Soldier of the Black Watch”. He wrote to the Dean of Westminster suggesting that this soldier and all those who fell in the War should be remembered. So it was that two national events took place within moments of each other on 11th November 1920. Approximately 1.1 million men from the British Empire had been killed between 1914 and 1918, although the total death toll might across all nations might have been 11 million service personnel and up to 13 million civilians. There were very few communities that were left unaffected by the Great War, however there were around 52 UK where thankfully all of their folk returned home, and these became known as ‘Thankful Villages’. After much consultation between the Government, King George V and the Prime Minister a plan was agreed, that was soon greeted with great enthusiasm by the nation as a whole. The proposal was that a soldier should be brought home from the battlefield, and that “There could be only one true shrine, and that, if possible, should be Westminster Abbey, the Parish Church of the Empire”. In Whitehall it was agreed that a permanent memorial should be erected and Edwin Lutyens, a well-known British architect, was requested to oversee the construction of the 35 feet tall Portland stone Cenotaph which weighs 120 tons, and cost £7,325 at the time. Orders were sent for the exhumation of four unknown soldiers from the battlefields of the Somme, Aisne, Arras and Ypres. The bodies were transported by a motor ambulance to the military HQ at St Pol. At midnight on 7th November one warrior, without rank, was chosen, and he was to be given a Field Marshal’s funeral and buried in a plain oak coffin brought from England. On the top was placed a Crusader’s sword given by the King; the inscription on the coffin read: A British Warrior who fell in the Great War 1914-1918 For King and Country HMS Verdun, escorted by six British destroyers, conveyed the Unknown Warrior to Dover, from where he was placed in a special van on the 5:20

p.m. Dover to London Victoria Boat Train. Along the route from Victoria to Westminster on 11th November 1920 crowds were six or seven deep. At 9:20 a.m. eight Guardsmen raised the coffin and moved it to an awaiting gun carriage. On the coffin were placed a war-torn Union Flag, a steel helmet and the side arms of a private soldier. In bright November sunlight, a nineteen-gun salute boomed out from Hyde Park. At 10:20 a.m. the King,took up his position at the new and unseen Cenotaph which was covered by two huge flags. As the gun carriage came to rest in front of the King he saluted and placed a wreath with inscription in his own hand on the coffin. After a hymn there was silence as the crowd waited for Big Ben. On the last chime the King unveiled the austere grey mass of the Whitehall Cenotaph for all to see, and silence was observed across the nation. The Unknown Warrior and the King then moved to Westminster Abbey where a thousand widows had gathered. The bearer party of Coldstream Guards laid their rifles on the grass and moved into position. There was deep silence as the King saluted the tall Guardsmen as they raised their comrade. Never had any hero had such a ceremony as the coffin moved up a line of one hundred Victoria Cross holders and made its way to the new grave with impeccable military precision. The coffin was lowered into the grave. The King was handed a silver shell filler with earth from the Flanders’ battlefield which he sprinkled over the coffin. The grave was partly filled with Flanders soil making part of the Abbey forever a foreign field. The Last Post and Reveille broke the silence. As dignitaries left the Abbey, four sentries were mounted as two vans arrived from HMS Verdun with the wreaths from France. Over one and a half million people filed past the Grave over the next sixteen days. Westminster Abbey is the resting-place for dozens of Kings and Queens of England. The grave of the Unknown Warrior lies set in the floor in front of the West Entrance to the Abbey. It is covered by a slab of black Tournai marble and is surrounded by poppies and greenery; it holds pride of place within the Abbey. THEY BURIED HIM AMONG KINGS BECAUSE HE HAD DONE GOOD TOWARD GOD AND HIS HOUSE

The Purbeck Gazette

Blue Pool Closed

he Blue Pool at Furzebrook– known as ‘Dorset’s unique and tranquil beauty spot since 1935’, is now closed following the sad loss of Miss Barnard, the sole proprietor. The Blue Pool has been a firm favourite with people visiting the Isle of Purbeck for over eighty years, offering a stunning twenty-five acres of designated ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ to wander around, as well as the famous blue pool itself. The pool constantly varies in colour as very fine clay, held in suspension in the water, diffracts light in different ways, producing a spectrum of often intense colour. The Blue Pool estate also boasts a museum – ‘from Clay Pipes to Cream Ware’, telling the story of clay mining, which was vitally important to the economy of Dorset. Also on-site is the internationally known collection of over two hundred teddy bears, known as the ‘Wareham Bears’, as well as the Blue Pool Tearooms. What the future holds for the Blue Pool estate is not currently known – the official website states (at the time of writing) that: ‘We are now closed due to the passing of the proprietor. The pool is now in the hands of the executors.’ We hope to bring you more information at a future date with regards to the future of this much-loved local attraction. In the meantime, our thoughts are with the family and friends of Miss Barnard, as well as with the staff who worked at the site.

The Purbeck Gazette

From The Kitchen Garden...

Purbeck Leek & Cheese Pasty

his is now the time to reflect on the growing season that’s just past and making new plans for the coming new one. As I’m taking down growing frames and semi-permanent structures, I’m evaluating the effort and time involved and compare those to the returns of the crop. At times I’m about right and sometimes I have to come up with a better way of doing things. Every year there are winners and losers, they’re different every year too. Growing fruit and vegetables the natural way is along game and I have to remind myself to be patient quite often. By now all the winter planting garlic should be in the ground and even starting to show some green growing tips. Garlic is winter hardy and unless it sits in waterlogged soil for weeks on end it does really well. Seeing it growing away in late winter/early spring always cheers me up and makes me hopeful for the coming season. If the weeds are kept at bay and the ground is healthy and moist, garlic does well, with wet garlic in April then the maincrop from July onwards - always appreciated by my customers. Everyone loves it and even the poultry get mashed up garlic bulbs in their drinking water to keep internal parasites away. A relative of the garlic is the leek. Now at this time of the year leeks really come into their season. The leeks would stand well into the new year but usually by Christmas I’m all sold out. Such a tasty addition to winter root vegetables and it goes so well with chicken, cheese and bacon. To prepare, remove gritty soil from the layers by slicing the leek in half where the dark green turns to light green. Rinse well under a running tap and leave to drip off water. This leek and cheese pasty is great picnic food with a crispy apple and brilliant at warming up cold hands too! Purbeck Leek and Cheese Pasty (either 4 pasties or 1 big one) Ingredients: 1 kg washed and thinly sliced leeks 50 gr butter 3 garlic cloves, chopped 200 gr grated cheddar cheese 1 egg, beaten 1 ready-made puff or shortcrust pastry sheet Method: preheat oven to 200C/gas 7 heat the butter in a saucepan then sauté the chopped-up vegetables for

By Regula Wright, Godlingston Manor Kitchen Garden

about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, leave to cool down, then mix in the grated cheese. Check the seasoning and add salt &pepper. Stick the ready rolled pastry onto a baking sheet and fill one half of it with the filling. Then flip over the rest of the pastry and tuck in the edges. Brush with the beaten egg and stick it in the oven for 20 or so minutes until it looks baked golden and ready to come out.

The Purbeck Gazette

Wholefoods Now At The Market! Come & See Us!

urbeck Wholefoods is an independent, local long-standing business which has been in the safe hands of Kat Ashley (pictured, above) for over three years. Offering a wide selection of herbal supplements, cereals, vegan and vegetarian products, and personal care items. There are also hundreds of loose goods, from herbs and spices to pulses, lentils, dried fruit and a whole host of delights too numerous to mention! Although Kat uses compostable or paper bags for loose goods, you are welcome to bring in a suitable, clean container which can be refilled instead. Kat and the team are always on hand to help or advise and are happy to order in lines which they may not stock. However, things are set to change! Kat is now offering a delivery service in and around the area, (a minimum charge may apply, please ask Kat or a member of the team for details). Just telephone the shop with your order and they do the rest, delivering straight to your door with safety and social distancing in place at all times. Purbeck Wholefoods can now be found as part of Wareham Saturday market. With a wide range of goods for you to browse at your leisure with the same personal shopping experience as in the shop, Kat looks forward to seeing you all very soon.

The Purbeck Gazette

B.CURTIS LTD Traditional High Class Family Butchers

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

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

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

Business

The Purbeck Gazette

Employed? - Claiming tax relief on equipment such as tools

Tax Efficiency Government borrowing in August 2020 was £35.9bn compared with £5.4bn in August 2019, which is the highest level for August borrowing since records began in 1993. The Office for National Statistics has predicted that the UK is likely to borrow a total of £370bn in the 2020 financial year. UK debt has now passed £2tn for the first time ever and is now larger than the UK economy, which is the highest level of debt for the UK economy since the 1960s. The Autumn Budget has been cancelled and we, therefore, need to wait to see how the Government intends to cover the massive cost of the borrowing it has had to do to help fund initiatives such as the Furlough Scheme, Emergency Job Scheme and ‘Eat Out to Help Out’. While we wait to hear what the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, proposes, it makes sense to ensure that our financial affairs are as tax efficient as possible. It is, therefore, worth thinking about using your ISA allowance, Personal Savings Allowance and Dividend Allowance, if appropriate. The current ISA allowance is £20,000 and investments and cash in ISAs are free of Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax. Many Stocks & Shares ISAs are also flexible ISAs, which means that any monies removed from them can be replaced during the same tax year, without forming part of that year’s ISA allowance. This can be a tax efficient way of moving investments from a non-ISA to an ISA as investors can potentially have tax free income paid out from their ISAs and replace that in the same tax year by moving holdings across from a non-ISA by way of a ‘Bed & ISA’. The Personal Savings Allowance for interest income is £1,000 for basic rate taxpayers, £500 for higher rate taxpayers and nil for an additional rate taxpayer. Within these allowances, any interest income is tax free. The Dividend Allowance is £2,000 regardless of an individual’s tax rate and dividends totalling less than £2,000 are tax free. It is, therefore, worth checking to see whether your assets are as tax efficient as possible and seeking professional help if you need it. 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

Employees who need to buy equipment to use as part of their employment may be able to claim tax relief based on the cost of the equipment acquired. In most cases you can claim tax relief on the full cost of this type of equipment as it usually qualifies for a type of Capital Allowance called annual investment allowance. Any tax relief would be reduced if the employer provides a contribution towards buying the item. The way to claim tax relief depends on the amount you’re claiming. HMRC provides the following information on making a claim: Claims up to £2,500 • • You should make your claim: using a Self-Assessment tax return if you already fill one in • • online or by printing and posting form P87 if you don’t already fill in a tax return • by phone if you’ve had a successful claim in a previous year and your expenses are less than £1,000 (or £2,500 for professional fees and subscriptions) Claims over £2,500 • You can only claim using a Self-Assessment tax return. You will need to register if you don’t already complete a return. There are different rules for employees who use their own uniforms, work clothing and tools for work. It is possible to claim for the cost of repairing or replacing small tools you need to do your job (for example, scissors or an electric drill), or cleaning, repairing or replacing specialist clothing (for example, a uniform or safety boots). A claim for valid purchases can be made against receipts or as a ‘flat rate deduction’. However, an employee cannot claim relief on the initial cost of buying small tools or clothing for work.

The Purbeck Gazette

The End Of Furlough - So What Now?

Need Better Broadband?! Homes and businesses better off thanks to the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme he £200m Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS) has been helping to provide gigabit-capable connections for businesses and homes in the most remote locations. Through the scheme rural business and residential premises with broadband speeds of less than 100Mbps can apply for vouchers worth £1,500 per home and up to £3,500 for each small to medium-sized business (SME) to support the cost of installing new fast and reliable connections. Now, Dorset Council is pleased to announce that it is investing £1 million to ‘top up’ the GBVS vouchers. For homes, the maximum funding per voucher will be £2,500, thanks to an extra £1,000 per voucher from Dorset Council. Small and medium-sized businesses in Dorset can receive an additional £2,500 per voucher from Dorset Council bringing their maximum funding per voucher to £6,000. In all cases, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) funding will be allocated before ‘top up funding’ from Dorset Council is applied. The funding for the vouchers in The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme with a Dorset Top Up will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until the end of March 2021, when the scheme will close. Anyone interested in learning more about The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme with a Dorset Top Up can visit the Dorset Council website or the DCMS website to find out how to apply for this Government grant scheme. How do the vouchers work? • Find a registered supplier and sign up for a gigabit capable connection • Your supplier requests a voucher from Government. They check you are happy to go ahead by email • Your supplier gets to work to deliver your new connection • Connected! Your supplier lets government know the work is done • Government checks with you by email that the service is live and working • Government will sometimes make further checks before they pay your supplier

As employers will know, the current Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will end on 31 October 2020. Many employers have had to consider whether they can continue to retain staff after furlough or if they need to make changes or redundancies due to the impact of the pandemic. Whilst this year has been “different” (to say the least) what remains the same are the employment law basics – including the requirement for fair and proper process and reasonable decisions by an employer. If redundancies are envisaged, or changes to contract terms required (including hours, salary, duties etc.) proper, meaningful consultation with staff is a must. This begins with demonstrating the business need for the changes/ reductions and having individual, and sometimes collective, consultation with employees. If the business is able to continue to employ those who have been furloughed until 1 February 2021 they can potentially claim a Retention Bonus of £1,000 per employee. The employee must have earnt an average of £520 per month between 1 November 2020 and 31 January 2021 and must not be under notice. On 24 September, the Chancellor announced further support for employers in the form of the Job Support Scheme. The scheme aims to support “viable” jobs from 1 November 2020. Employees must work at least 33% of their normal hours. Of the remaining hours, the government will contribute a third of their salary (up to £697.92), the Employer pays a third and the Employee accepts a reduction of a third. As with the job retention scheme, the employer and employee have to agree to this change and that agreement must be confirmed in writing and be available to HMRC on request. The Job Support Scheme is available for all employees, not just those who were previously furloughed. However, an employee cannot be made redundant or be under notice of redundancy whilst their employer is claiming it. A factsheet is available at www.gov.uk with further guidance to be published in due course. It’s clear the situation the world finds itself in is not going to change in the immediate future and it will continue to impact employers and employees. For more information or advice on the above or any other employment & HR matters, please contact a member of Battens Employment Team, Dawn Gallie dawn.gallie@ battens.co.uk 01935 846233 or Katy Ponsford katy. ponsford@battens.co.uk 01935 846272.

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

01929 768720

The Purbeck Gazette

Legal 500 Success For Ellis Jones Solicitors

wanage law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors is celebrating after gaining recognition for its excellence in the newly published Legal 500 guide. Its services and individual lawyers have been endorsed across numerous categories in the influential directory of the UK’s top law firms and solicitors. Ellis Jones’ Swanage office is in the High Street in the town centre. Nigel Smith, Managing Partner, said: “The Legal 500 is a highly respected and influential publication. Listing within its pages is much coveted within the legal profession so we are thrilled to be recognised in so many categories in the new edition. “It is another independent endorsement of our services and individual lawyers, and testament to the hard work and talent of all at Ellis Jones.” The firm’s Corporate and Commercial, Employment, Commercial Litigation, Contentious Trusts and Probate, Family, Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate; and Commercial Property were all recognised for their excellence with listings in the 2021 guide. Commercial Litigation – including Dispute Resolution, Banking and Finance, insolvency, IP, and defamation disputes teams – was placed in the prestigious Tier 1 rating. Joint Practice heads Lauren Day and William Fox Bregman were praised, with Lauren named as one of just three Leading Individuals in the South West. William was hailed for his ‘wealth of commercial litigation experience’ while Partner Paul Kanolik was recognised as a ‘key name to note’. Partner Katie Taft was individually recognised for her expertise in the Family section. A total of seventeen Partners and Solicitors were mentioned in their own right or as part of their team in the guide. Others gaining recognition included Neil Cook, Hugh Craig, Abi Sinden,

Kate Brooks, Victoria Riddleston, Deborah Leask, Sean McNally, Ian Butterworth, Suzi Denton, Carla Brown, Andy Kirby, Timothy Sharpley and Matthew Clake. With more than 140 staff, Ellis Jones also has offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood and Wimborne as well as London. The Legal 500 is described as the leading guide to law firms and solicitors in the UK. Rankings are based on in-depth market research, client feedback and thousands of interviews. www.ellisjones.co.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

Motoring

Introducing The Buccaneer

orset Police has unveiled its new police boat – ‘Buccaneer’ at a small launch event attended by the Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner. The new 11m rigid inflatable boat is used by the Force Support Group – a small team of specially trained marine police officers to patrol Dorset’s 98 miles of coastline. Weighing in a 5.5 tons and carrying 600 litres of fuel, it can travel up to 200 miles on a full tank at a top speed of 50 knots with a maximum of eight people onboard. It has the capability to be out in all weathers, day or night and is used to tackle criminality on the water alongside our partners including Border Force, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, HM Coastguard, Royal Navy, RNLI, Marine Management Organisation and the Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority. Another key role for the vessel is in search and rescue when people have gone missing along our coastline, as well as locating people in the sea who sadly may have died.

2017 (17) Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.0 Ecoboost 5dr in white, Air Cond, Bluetooth, Electric Windows & Mirrors, Sync 2, Alloys, Radio/CD, 20000 miles .........£8,995 2006 (06) Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Kompressor Auto in silver, Electric Hard Top Convertible, Electric Windows, Air Cond, Cruise Control + Speed Limiter, Sports Seats, Only 30000 miles....................................................................£6495 2017 (17) Toyota Yaris 1.5 Hybrid Red Bi-Tone Auto, 5dr, Self-Charging Hybrid, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, Reverse Camera, Alloys, FSH and only 6700 miles ......................................................................................................................£12,995 2016 (16) Vauxhall Viva SL 10, 5dr, in Light Blue, Leather Interior, Cruise Control, Climate Control, Electric Front Windows, Electric Mirrors, FSH, 15000 miles and only £20 a year Tax ...............................................................................£6595 2011 (11) Vauxhall Corsa 1.0 S 5dr in Blue, Electric Front Windows, Electric Mirrors, Central Locking, Low Insurance Group, Ideal First Car, Only 54,000 miles ..............................................................................................................£3295 2014 (64) Lexus RX450h Special Edition Hybrid in Grey, Automatic, Panoramic Roof, Satellite Navigation, Grey Leather Interior, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Electric Folding Mirrors, Electric Windows, DAB Radio, 54000 miles with FSH .............................................................£19995 2015 (15) Vauxhall Corsa Ltd Edition 1.4T 3-dr in grey, Black Alloys, Air Cond, Electric Windows, Bluetooth, Apply Car Pay, Electric Windows, 42,000 miles, FSH ...............................................................................................................£6,795 2010 (60) VW Golf GT 1.4TSi 5 Dr in Met Blue,6 Speed, 18” Alloys, Front & Rear Parking Sensors, Radio/CD Player, Climate Control, FSH, 80900 miles... £4,995

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Ford Focus 2.0 EcoBlue Tdci Vignale Est, Many Extras, 11,200 miles, Diesel, Automatic gearbox, 2.0 litre, 2019(10), Estate, Dark Mulberry, 5-dr.......£18,995 Ford Puma ST-Line X First Edition Plus, Our Demonstrator Hybrid Panoramic Roof, 500 miles, Hybrid, Manual gearbox, 1.0 litre, 2020(20), hatchback, Lucid Red colour, 5-door.............................................................. £23,495 Ford Fiesta Vignale 1.0 EcoBoost 125Ps 2019(69) 1.0, Petrol, Manual, Climate Control, LED Headlamps, Remote Central Locking, Cruise Control and Speed Limiter, Alloy Wheels, Panoramic Roof, Front and Rear Electric Windows, Electrically Adjustable and Heated Door Mirrors, Height Adjustable Drivers Seat, Immobiliser, Sync3 Nav with 8» Touch Screen, Bluetooth, Hill Start Assist, Height/Reach Adjust Steering Wheel, Automatic Headlights and Automatic Windscreen Wipers, Rear Parking Sensors with Rev Camera, Blind Spot Information, Door Edge Guard., Leather Upholstery, Moondust silver...................................................................................................................£17,495 Ford KA+ Zetec 1.2 85Ps, City Pack, 2017/66), petrol, manual, 5-dr, hatchback Air Conditioning, PAS, ABS, Remote Central Locking, Electric Windows, Service History, One Owner, CD Player, Bluetooth, Hill Start Assist, City Pack,, Electrically Adjustable Folding and Heated Door Mirrors, Rear Parking Sensors, 30468 miles..............................................................................................................£7,295 Ford Focus Zetec Edition 1.0 125 EcoBoost Estate, petrol, manual, 2017 (67), PAS, Alloy Wheels, Remote Central Locking, Cruise control and Speed Limiter, Electric Windows, Electrically Folding and Heated Door Mirrors, Service History, Hill Start Assist, and Automatic Windscreen Wipers, Rear Parking Sensors , Air Conditioning...................................................................£9,995

The Purbeck Gazette

Paddling

by John Garner

Picture: Gazette Editor, Nico Johnson, paddleboarding at Kimmeridge

uring the last six months or so paddle boarding became the fastest growing sport in the country. As restrictions were lifted and people stumbled outdoors for the first time in months, blinking and shielding their eyes from the blinding sun, there was an appetite for making the most of their surroundings. Bikes were flying off the shelves or being pulled out of sheds and having new life breathed into them. In this brave new world demand for leisure goods outstripped supply. Where else were we going to hear that over the next few months? Whilst a shortage of paddle boards wasn’t necessarily a national emergency, it did show the need for people to get outside the four walls of their houses after long periods of confinement had rendered this impossible. I was lucky. I bought one before the great paddle board shortage of 2020 really started to bite. This was a great thing. The weather was good and many were the evenings when I happily paddled around the coastline often in meditative mood. The sea can do that to you. Of course, the good people of the RNLI may have a different view of paddle boarding and I’m sure their workload has increased significantly since the sport’s inception, but by and large I reckon it’s a good invention. What they definitely do is give you a healthy respect for the sea. Even on the calmest days the gentle passage of water under your board as you glide along can be a pretty awesome experience. Small fish dart about and the seaweed sways in the currents and eddies. However, it only takes a small breeze to turn this blissfully gentle activity into frankly a bit of a struggle. A stiff offshore wind arriving out of nowhere and you are going to know about it. You make a pretty decent sail stood up on a paddle board and paddling back into the wind will soon wear you out. I took to checking the conditions much more carefully just to make sure I was as safe as possible. This is a good thing for a number of obvious and maybe not so obvious reasons. Daniel Duane wrote a fantastic book a few years ago about a year in the life of a Californian surfer, himself, as he tried to master an activity that had long fascinated him. It absolutely is about surfing, but it’s also very much about how he became much more acquainted with weather conditions and tides and the natural world generally. It’s a brilliant book called ‘Caught Inside’ which any surfer will tell you is the worst place to be during a surf session. They will also be lying if they said they had never had this unfortunate experience. Being caught inside is to be caught in the white water after the waves break, often repeatedly, but not close enough to make it to shore. You effectively have to take your punishment and hope the experience isn’t so exhausting that it ends your session. The problem with a lot of white water is that there’s not enough buoyancy without your board to get your head above it so you can find yourself gasping for air pretty quickly if you’re not careful. Anyway, the point I

wanted to make before I started reliving the various beatings I’ve had from the ocean over the years was that he talks at length about having a sport that is so closely linked with nature that the vigilance and appreciation of it becomes an integral part of the experience. High pressure systems bring calm weather, but not always the ones you want for your particular sport. I think I’ve got all the options that I want covered at present. Surf when the waves allow. Paddle boarding on the flat calm summer and occasionally when a wave arrives that’s surfable on a paddle board, but not on a surfboard. I’ve also started kayaking. Now kayaking is a whole new thing and has only been possible due to me having more time on my hands now than when I had a house full of offspring. Surfing and paddle boarding are simple and quick. You can check the conditions and be on or in the water in a matter of minutes. Not so with kayaking. You need to set aside some serious time. You also need to invest in lots of new kit. A kayak obviously, but then there are paddles, buoyancy aids, spray decks, roof racks etc etc etc. To get on the water from scratch, the first time took somewhere between seven and eight hours of sustained effort. Obviously, it didn’t really, but it felt like it. Preparation times have subsequently speeded up and it’s all worth it when you’re pottering around Old Harry or gliding into Chapman’s Pool. We’re much quicker at it now. Fifteen minutes and everything’s loaded and the same at the other end. Plus, a bit of rinsing (actually a lot of rinsing) when we’re done. And that’s my time limit. Any more than that on the ‘faff’ scale and it’s not going to happen. I went kayaking earlier and noticed someone getting a sailing dinghy ready for an evening sail. I didn’t think it was going to be an evening sail, but by the time I returned two hours later, it was still not on the water. But that’s just me. He seemed very happy just pottering about his boat and I suppose that’s the point. Whether it’s the sport itself or the connection with nature that it brings, or a combination of the two, the sea offers us an amazing variety of opportunities to explore our natural environment.

The Purbeck Gazette

Rehome - Don’t Resale!

e are here for you and your pets and want you to know that if you or anyone you know is needing to rehome a pet for whatever reason, get in touch with the centre closest to you. Due to the increase in dogs being sold online, it could be assumed that many have rehomed a dog impulsively during lockdown. Buying a pet online can mean you aren’t given all the details about them. The pet could then present behaviour and health issues, which owners are unable to deal with. People frequently say that taking an animal into rescue is the last resort but approaching a rescue centre first means that the pet will suffer less stress and upheaval overall. Rehoming a pet from MGAR means you are assured that it will have had health and behaviour assessments. Any preexisting medical problems will be identified, and treatment arranged before the pet is matched to their forever family. It’s also worth noting that often animals, especially older ones, bought online with no pre-existing history are difficult to insure, whereas the vast majority of our animals go home with 4 free weeks’ worth of insurance. Bringing your pet into rescue can be a very emotional time and our staff offer judgement free support during the whole process. One of our main aims is to make sure pets have the most suitable home for them and we understand life circumstances can change. www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk

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EMAIL your copy to: ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk

intery weather may bring moody moments when fog and mist cloak the landscape. There is a sense of rediscovery when silhouettes appear guiding our way. Strong winds send waves crashing into the sea cliffs. A specific wind direction can activate the blow holes at the Gully Mouth. Will we see and hear the gully Winterbourne stream this month? Back upon the sea cliff some days can bring good numbers of Guillemots. However, these birds simply “check in on” their breeding grounds. Passing seabirds can include Grey Heron, Brent Geese, Scoter and Oystercatcher. We can get large flocks or “flights” of Wood Pigeons gathering at Durlston. A flight of five hundred can be amongst several thousand observed on some days. It is thought that some of these birds are passing through on migrating from Scandinavia to Spanish wintering grounds. Winter visitors include two Thrush species which are often seen together. Amongst the hedgerows Fieldfares and Redwings feed upon the bounty of berries. Only a few pairs of the Redwing are known to breed in the UK but can be noted for their orange / red flank patches. Look out for the blue / grey head of the Fieldfare. As deciduous trees shed their leaves there is less cover for the birds, Foxes and Roe Deer to hide behind. Meanwhile, at the base

The Purbeck Gazette

of an evergreen Black Pine you may see the distinctive Cauliflower / Brain Fungus. In the meadows look out for Field Mushrooms and Dung Roundhead fungi! The latter can have buff caps up to four centimetres in diameter and are not edible. Flowers are few with Ivy providing the last native nectar source for the occasional Red Admiral or Hoverfly on sunny days. Jays and Squirrels will happily be harvesting Holm Oak acorns and burying stashes for retrieval as winter progresses. Of course, some of these acorns will germinate into saplings which hopefully will get grazed off rather than their colonising our valuable grassland. Amongst our Durlston and the Sea Exhibition a fresh feature will be on the Marine Protected Areas. A recently dedicated Purbeck Coast Marine Conservation Zone is one of six new sites in Dorset. We are required to undertake track and trace for visitors entering the castle. If you have the NHS Test & Trace Covid 19 app then you can scan our venue QR code. Visitors need to wear face coverings (unless they are exempt for health reasons and when dining) when inside the building. If you are coming up to eat, it may be worth booking your table just to be sure: (01929 421111) seventhwaverestaurant@gmail.com. For further information visit: https://www.durlston.co.uk/

Monkey World Is Now Open - Support Us!

ll the staff and primates at Monkey World would like to thank the generous supporters who donated and fundraised for us during our closure to the public. We are pleased to be open to the public once more, albeit in a modified manner! Although open, we are having to limit numbers to ensure safety, and have some way to go to make up the huge shortfall caused by the park’s closure. We continue to request blankets, towels, fresh fruit and veg donations, as well as any spare monies that could help towards the care of our primates. One of the best ways to support us remains our Primate Adoption Scheme. “Adoptive Parents” receive a photo, certificate, annual entry pass to the park and three newsletters a year with updates on the residents and park’s rescue work. All funds from the scheme go into the Ape Rescue trust, a 100% fund used solely for primate care and rescue, with no admin fees removed. Visit www.monkeyworld.org/support-us for more details on how you can help!

Luckily for us during this difficult time, the animals have ensured we have a form of routine throughout lockdown, and we have directed all our energies into ensuring they are happy, healthy and stimulated as always, in their rehabilitated family groups. Now, we look forward to welcoming visitors during half-term so we can start planning to help even more primates in need, as well as caring for those at the park for the remainders of their lives. Visitors to Monkey World will still be able to see over 260 rescued and endangered apes and monkeys, living naturally with their own kind. Many have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions, or experienced unbelievable cruelty. At Monkey World, they can all enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe and natural environment, and some are now part of international breeding programmes for endangered species. Currently, Monkey World is open to limited numbers of pre-booked visitors, and to protect our rescued primates’ health and well-being, some services and facilities may be unavailable. However, we are excited to say that our Great Ape Play Area, one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the south is now open again for your little monkeys to enjoy! Please visit the website to book, and to check on opening and facilities. For more details, please go to: www.monkeyworld.org, email apes@ monkeyworld.org or call 01929 462537

The Purbeck Gazette

Gazette Gardening with Simon Goldsack

Arts & Entertainment

The Purbeck Gazette

A New Mowlem!

he Mowlem Theatre reopened at the beginning of October with a season called Mowlem Musical Magic and the response has been hugely positive. Visitors to the theatre have praised the redecorated auditorium and foyer, as well as the range of musical spectaculars in the new season’s programme. The musical magic continues into November, with the first live stage performance since March. Comedy singer-songwriter Richard Digance, always a favourite with Swanage theatre-goers, returns with a one-man show on Friday 13th November, performing a selection of comic songs and looking back at the strangest year any of us have lived through. A huge amount of thought has gone into ensuring a safe visit to the theatre. In order to accommodate an audience safely the numbers of seats available have been reduced from around 400 seats to just over 100, meaning that patrons can enjoy performances with plenty of space between groups. Face coverings should be worn throughout the building, including while seated, though they can be removed while eating or drinking – a brand new refreshment kiosk has been built on the first floor to make it easier to pick up a drink, sweets or a Purbeck Ice Cream on the way to your seat. The theatre’s Operations Manager, Thomas Curtis, is confident that audiences will enjoy November’s selection of event screenings, which include Michael Ball and Alfie Boe and The Merry Wives of Windsor, but the best recommendation is always from the audience. Reviewing her experience on social media after the re-opening night, Irene B. said “Oh, what a night…The theatre is unrecognisable in the best possible way. All redecorated with new lighting, new carpet and even the ladies’ completely upgraded. Covid seating well thought out and definitely

felt comfortably safe. Congratulations to all involved in the transformation. Have already booked more shows. Thank you.” So that seating can be safely allocated, tickets must be booked in advance. Tickets for all events can be booked online at www.mowlemtheatre.co.uk, by calling 0333 666 3366 (telephone booking available 9 - 5pm Monday to Friday) or by visiting the Box Office on Mondays and Fridays between 10.30am and 1.30pm from 28th September.

The Purbeck Gazette

Matron’s Round - Our Local Hospitals’ Monthly Column

Swanage Hospital 125th Anniversary wanage Hospital was officially opened by the Bishop of Salisbury on 26th September 1895, which means we have just celebrated our 125th anniversary! The hospital was built as a memorial to George and Elizabeth Burt by their children and was funded by donors, subscribers and paying patients until it was incorporated into the NHS in 1948. We had originally hoped to have a big celebration to mark the event, but unfortunately due to Covid restrictions, we were unable to do so. However, we couldn’t let our anniversary slip past without doing anything so we decided to have an afternoon tea for staff and patients (with appropriate social distancing, of course). To make things a bit more fun, various catering, cleaning and nursing staff dressed up in Victorian costume to serve the tea. Our catering team created a specially decorated and delicious anniversary cake to eat

alongside scones, jam and cream. The Friends of Swanage Hospital bought each patient the gift of a soft fleece blanket which they were thrilled to receive. Patients were also given a booklet containing old photos and articles on the opening of the hospital. Both staff and patients really enjoyed the afternoon in our newly refurbished Day Room. All of us are very proud to be still serving our local community in this very special building. Here’s to the next 125 years! Until next time, take care, Matron Donna. Pictured: top left: Donna Kiss & hospital staff top right: Donna Kiss & Natasha Norman

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!

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Smokers Urged To Help Reduce Plastic Pollution

itter Free Dorset have collaborated with Litter Free Coast and Sea, Wimborne War on Waste and Litter Free Purbeck to launch the ‘Bin Your Butt’ campaign to tackle the issue of cigarette-related litter. Litter Free Dorset aims to increase awareness that: Cigarette filters are the biggest plastic polluters – they do not readily biodegrade and can persist in the environment for up to fifteen years. A recent Keep Britain Tidy survey found cigarette-related litter present at 79% of surveyed sites. Cigarette filters contain toxins and heavy metals that, if littered onto the ground and end up down street drains, can travel into rivers and the sea and leach toxic chemicals into water sources. One study found that a single cigarette butt can contaminate seven litres of water in just one hour. Cigarette butts can harm both terrestrial and marine animals that mistake the butts as food. Toxins released from ingested butts can be dangerous, whilst the butts themselves and other ingested pieces of plastic pollution can also accumulate also causing blockages, internal damage and ultimately death. Cigarettes are frequently disposed of incorrectly, and often end up as litter on pavements or dropped down drains, instead of being extinguished and disposed of in a bin. Butts may be littered without thinking as it has become a socially accepted habit, by those who don’t realise the environmental impact of each dropped butt, or by others who aren’t nearby a bin or ashtray. The campaign is set to be launched in Purbeck and Wimborne with campaign artwork displayed in bus shelters and pubs. Free portable ashtrays will also be available from participating pubs for smokers to use to store their cigarette butts in until they are able to responsibly dispose of them. Interested in the campaign and want to spread the message further? Help us by extinguishing your butts and disposing of them in bins! If you can’t see a cigarette bin nearby, why not buy a reusable portable ashtray or pick one up for free from your local, participating pub as part of the campaign. Litter Free Dorset would like to invite everyone to support the ‘Bin Your Butt’ campaign • If you smoke, please always #BinYourButt and let others know why it’s so important to do so • Follow the campaign via social media @LitterFreeDrst Share, Like, Comment! #BinYourButt • Got a butt issue? Get in touch with Litter Free Dorset at litterfreedorset@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk to inquire into having campaign posters in your local area

DECEMBER EDITION DEADLINE NOON, Mon 9th November

EMAIL your copy to: ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk

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The Purbeck Gazette

Spotlight Event Diary

Diary Entries are FREE if your event is FREE. If you charge, then it’s £5 plus VAT per entry, per month. DEADLINE for NOV is noon, 9th OCT KEY: * = Start time not known or n/a; Ffi = for further information; Sw = Swanage; Wm = Wareham; VH = Village Hall, Telephone code 01929 unless otherwise stated.

NOVEMBER 2020

WEEKLY EVENTS

EVERY MONDAY 09.00 U3A Table Tennis Group meet at Harmans Cross VH. 09.30 Under 2.5 years old group. Till 11am. at Parish Hall, Wm. 09.45 Toddler Club URC, Sw. Till 11.15 10.00 Table Tennis Club Sw FC All ages/abilities £2.50 Till noon. 480093 10.30 Flowers with Liz at the Purbeck Workshop in Wool. The Workshop provides craft activities free of charge to those touched by cancer - friends and family are welcome too. Unit 6, Woolbridge Business Centre, East Burton Rd, Wool. BH20 6HG. www.purbeckworkshop.org 07757 776907. Email: richris95@gmail.com 13.00 Play and Learn at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Till 2.45pm 13.00 Under 1s and Tums at Chapel Lane, Swanage. Till 3pm 14.00 Pins and Needles at Harmans Cross VH. 14.00 Swanage Digital Champions. Support people in the community to use the internet and gain basic online skills. Booking essential on 01929 423485. 14.00 Wareham Short Mat Bowls. Meet at Furzebrook Village Hall. New members welcome to come along and meet us! 14.00 Swanage Disabled Club meet until 4pm. Meeting place alternates between Catholic Hall & Queensmead Hall, Sw. Transport available. Call Mrs Daphne Saville on 01929 425241 ffi. 16.00 Colour Me Happy. Adult colouring session at Swanage Library. Drop in. 16.45 Soccer Skills Sw FC First Sch chldn £1 Till 5.45. 425175 18.00 Lesbian and Gay Friendship Group meets every Monday evening for social events and shared interests, such as meals, walking and outings. Ffi: contact Karen via email: outinpurbeck@gmail.com 18.00 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Cardio Tennis taster. Till 7pm 18.00 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Matchplay taster session for prospective new members. First 3 sessions are free. Until 8.30pm. 19.00 Wareham Choral Society meet URC Meeting House, Church St, Wm. Till 9. New singers always welcome. 19.00 Swanage Youth Club. School year 10 and upwards. Till 9.30pm 19.00 Whist. Come & join us at the Reading Room, Church Hill, Swanage. Ffi, call 07984 968733 19.00 Purbeck Chess Club. Mortons House Hotel, Corfe Castle. Ffi, call Steve Peirson on 01929 552504. 19.30 Purbeck Quire rehearse at Wm Methodist Church. New/visiting singers (no audition necessary). String & wind players also welcome. Ffi: 423505 or 480737. 19.30 Wareham Art Club Workshop at Wareham Parish Hall. Ffi: 553718. 19.30 Wm Folk Dance Club Stoboro’ VH. All welcome. 552763/551029 19.30 Swanage Air Cadets meet at Air Training Corps HQ, Court Road, Sw. Cadets age 12+. Ffi: email: oc.2185@aircadets.mod. 20.00 DARTS at the RBL Club, Sw. 20.00 Herston Hall Management C’ttee Bingo EVERY TUESDAY 09.00 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Cardio Tennis taster. Till 10am 09.30 Isle of Purbeck Arts Club. Painting and sketching. At the Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Rd, Sw. Till 1pm. Outdoors in summer. Ffi: Gina on 421689. 09.30 Well Baby Clinic at Chapel Lane, Swanage. Till 11.30am. 09.30 Kiddies Corner Mother & Toddler Group (term time only) No fee - donations welcome. Purbeck Gateway Church. 551415 09.30 Wareham Art Club Workshop at Wareham Parish Hall. Ffi: 553718. 09.30 First Steps Parent & Toddlers’ Group. Swanage Methodist Church till 11.30am during term time. Ffi: Sylvia Garrett 425420, office hours. 10.00 Men & Women’s Mixed Walking Football Club at Swanage Football Club. Come and try! All levels welcome, even if you’ve never played before. Come and join in or just come along to watch a very friendly group of people playing football. Until 11.30am. Call Nick on: 07745 907509 10.00 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Matchplay taster session for prospective new members. First 3 sessions are free. Until 11.30am. 10.00 Wareham Croquet Club meet at the Recreation Ground until 5pm. New members and visitors welcome. Call Tony on 01929 550190 or Lesley on 01929 553927 or email warehamgolfcroquetclub@hotmail.com 10.00 Sandford Toddlers at Sandford Community Hall, till 11.30am. 10.00 Short Tennis at Sw FC All ages & abilities £1.50 Till noon. 425175 10.00 A Place Of Welcome at 21 Commercial Road, Sw. Friendly drop-in for everyone, providing a free cup of tea or coffee, a listening ear, conversation and basic information. Everyone welcome, whatever the circumstances. 10.20 Adult Dance Classes. Modern Line dance. Until 11.20am. At The D’Urberville Centre, Wool. Ffi: 01202 243803 or see: www.purbeckdancestudio.co.uk 10.30 Employment Hub at Swanage Library. Until 12.30pm. Book via Skilla dn Learning on 01202 262300. 10.30 Swanage Walking for Health Group starter walks (15-30mins). Start from the Mowlem Shelter on Swanage Seafront. Get back into the swing of things gently! Ffi: 481000 10.30 Wareham Walkers. Convivial health walks for mainly older people, of up to two

Please call prior to attending events listed to ensure they are still on! hours in and around Wareham, ending with coffee at a local tea room or pub. Ffi: www.wareham-walkers.org.uk or call 552933. 12.00 Nature Tots (0-4yrs) at Bovington Memorial Hall Garden. Until 2pm. 14.00 Wareham Short Mat Bowls. Meet at Furzebrook Village Hall. New members welcome to come along and meet us! 14.00 Swanage Walking for Health Group. Walks of 60-90mins, various locations. Walks are very social, for a range of abilities. Walks start from car parks at Studland, Corfe, Arne, Durlston, Langton, Acton, Worth and Kingston. Ffi: 481000. 14.00 Swanage Town Walk. Local historian takes walks lasting 90 minutes. Meet outside the Museum in the ‘Square’. No charge but voluntary contributions welcome. 14.00 Harman’s Cross Village Hall Art Group Till 5 18.00 Sw Youth Centre Girls’ Night (Yr 8+) Till 10 18.15 Sw Cricket Club Practice till 8.30pm 18.30 Sw Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 421840 19.00 Wareham Air Cadets meet at Air Training Corps HQ, St Martin’s Lane, Wm. Cadets age 12+. Ffi: email: oc.2185@aircadets.mod. 19.30 Swanage Group of Alcoholics Anonymous meets at Swanage Day Centre, High Street, Swanage. If you want help to stop drinking, you are welcome. Or call 01202 296000 for more details. 19.30 Women’s Walking Football Club at Swanage Football Club. Come and try! All levels welcome, even if you’ve never played before. Come and join in or just come along to watch a very friendly group of people playing football. Until 9pm. Call Nick on: 07745 907509 19.30 Sw & Langton Folk Dance Club Langton VH. Ffi: 421913 19.00 Belvedere Singers rehearsal at St Mark’s CE VA Primary School, High St, Sw. Parking on-site. Till 9pm. All singers welcome! 423350. 19.00 Give Rugby A Try! FREE! at Swanage & Wareham Rugby Club, Bestwall Rd, Wm. We’re looking for new players, so come and have a go! Until 9pm. Over 18s only. Call John C. on: 07970 500357 Ffi. 20.00 Carey Hall, Wm Bingo EVERY WEDNESDAY 09.00 St Mark’s Toddlers Group, St Mark’s Church, Swanage. Herston, Sw Till 11am 09.45 Corfe Wool Workshop Corfe VH, East St. Members £1.50; non-members £2.50. Till12.00. 427067 10.00 Short tennis for adults at Swanage Football Club. All welcome. Equipment supplied. Till noon. 10.00 Breast Feeding Group at Wareham’s Children Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Offering peer support and breastfeeding counsellor advice. Till 12 noon. Ffi: 552864 10.30 Adult Dance Classes. Modern Line dance. Until 11.30am. At St Edward’s Church hall, Swanage. Ffi: 01202 243803 or see: www.purbeckdancestudio.co.uk 10.30 Play and Learn at Kids of Wool (BH20 6DY) until 12 noon. 10.30 Books and More - at Swanage Library. Reading & discussion group. 13.00 Studland Toddler Group at Studland Village Hall until 2.30pm. 14.00 Herston Senior Citizens meet Herston Hall, Jubilee Rd, Sw. All welcome 14.00 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 3pm. With Penny at the Mowlem Community Room, Sw. Ffi 07969925502 14.30 Local Historian takes you on a town walk around Swanage, lasting 1 1/2 hours. No need to book, just turn up in the Swanage Museum in the Square, voluntary contributions welcome. 15.00 Extend Exercise Class, now at Morton Village Hall. To improve strength, balance and flexibility. All welcome. Donations welcome. Ffi: 471490. 16.15 Swanage Football Club U-7s Training til 5.15pm. £1. Ffi: 426346 17.15 Swanage Football Club U-9s Training til 6.15pm. £1. Ffi: 426346 18.00 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Cardio Tennis taster. Till 7pm 18.00 Swanage Youth Club. School years 7&8. Till 8.30pm 18.00 Table Tennis at Harmans Cross Village Hall. All ages & abilities welcome. Coaching given. Till 8pm or later. Ffi: 424591 18.30 Sw & Wm Hockey Club Junior (6-14yrs) Training, Wm Sports Centre. Until 7.30pm. Email: swanagewarehamhockey@outlook.com 19.00 Wm Bridge Club at the Library, South St. 552046 19.00 Swanage Depression Support group. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month at the Lower Hall, Salvation Army, Kings Rd East, Sw. BH19 1ES, until 9pm. Ffi: Nick on: 07766352062 or email: nickviney@hotmail.com or call Mary on: 01929426896. 19.00 Wareham Depression Support group. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month at Not Just Sundaes, South Street, Wareham. BH20, until 9pm. Ffi: John: 01929556315 or 07871 727278 or email: johnoneil905@yahoo.co.uk 19.00 Swanage Town Band meet for our weekly practice in the Council Chamber, Swanage Town Hall. New musicians warmly welcomed. Please call David Cook (musical Director) for further informaiton on: 01929 422909. 19.00 Give Rugby A Try! FREE! at Swanage & Wareham Rugby Club, Bestwall Rd, Wm. We’re looking for new players, so come and have a go! Until 9pm. Under 16s-18s only. Call John P. on: 07725 567541 Ffi. 19.00 Purbeck Runners meet at Beach Gardens Pavillion, Sw.

19.30 Swanage Musical Theatre meet Swanage Bay View Complex Rehearsal Room. All welcome. Ffi: 426161 19.30 Sw & Wm Hockey Club (13+ years) Training, Wm Sports Centre. Till 9pm. Email: swanagewarehamhockey@outlook.com 20.00 Sw Youth Centre Club Night (Yr 9+) Till 10 20.15 Dorset Buttons Morris Practice. URC Hall, Wm. 423234/421130 20.30 Wm Swimming Club Adults. All standards + stroke improvement. Till 10 22.00 Sw Youth Centre Club Night (16+) Till 11.59 EVERY THURSDAY 08.30 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Cardio Tennis taster. Till 9.30am. 09.00 Carey Crafters meet every Thursday at Carey Hall, Mistover Road, until 12.30pm (come anytime between). No age or gender restriction. All crafts welcome we have a wide variety!. Come along and share your craft or learn a new one! Conntact Donna on 07870 993311 or Helen on 07368 352737 ffi. 09.00 Swanage Painting Club. Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Rd, Sw. Friendly group. New members including beginners welcome. Till 1pm. Ffi: Jane on 01929 427078 09.30 Play and Learn at Chapel Lane, Swanage, till 11am. 09.30 Well Baby Clinic at Streche Road, Wareham, until 12 noon. 09.30 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Matchplay taster session for prospective new members. First 3 sessions are free. Until 11am. 09.30 Sensory Play for under ones, at Bovington Centre until 10.30am 09.30 Adult Dance Classes. Latin American & Ballroom dance. Until 10.30am. At the Wareham Scout & Guide Hut, N. Bestwall Rd, Wareham. BH20 4HX. Ffi: 01202 243803 or see: www.purbeckdancestudio.co.uk 10.00 Wyvern Savings & Loan Credit Union opens until 12 noon at Not Just Sundaes, South Street, Wareham, opposite the Library. A secure place to save and loans available at fair rates. Call in for a cuppa and a chat, or call 01305 268444. 10.00 Wm Parent & Toddler Group During term Parish Hall, Quay Till 11.45. 556806 10.00 Wool Country Market D’Urbeville Hall. Cakes, preserves, plants, crafts, vegetables. Coffee & biscuits available. 10.00 Tea, Coffee, Biscuits at Queensmead Hall, Sw. Til 11am. Adm 50p 10.00 Volunteer Centre Drop-In at Wareham Library till 12pm. Find our about volunteering to support community groups & charities. 10.00 Wareham Croquet Club meet at the Recreation Ground until 5pm. New members and visitors welcome. Call Tony on 01929 550190 or Lesley on 01929 553927 or email warehamgolfcroquetclub@hotmail.com 10.15 Chess at the Cafe Tratt, Lower High Street, Swanage (from 8th February 2018). Call in for a friendly game of chess and a chat. All welcome. 10.30 Mid-Week Market Morning Service URC, Church St, Wm. Prayer requests to Revd. Simon Franklin 556976 10.30 Woodworking with Bernard and Terry at the Purbeck Workshop in Wool. The Workshop provides craft activities free of charge to those touched by cancer friends and family are welcome too. Unit 6, Woolbridge Business Centre, East Burton Rd, Wool. BH20 6HG. www.purbeckworkshop.org 07757 776907. Email: richris95@gmail.com 11.00 Sensory Play for 1-4yrs old at Bovington Centre, until 12 noon. 13.30 Under 1 year olds at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Antinatal mums welcome. Till 3pm. Ffi: 552864. 13.00 Wareham Area Men’s Shed meets at Purbeck Connect, Sandford Lane, Wm. Ffi: call Chris on 554758, Harold on 792591 or Mike on 288045 13.30 Toddler Group. All Saints’ Church, Sw. 423937. Till 3pm (Term times) 14.00 Swanage Town Walk. Local historian takes walks lasting 90 minutes. Meet outside the Museum in the ‘Square’. No charge but voluntary contributions welcome. 14.00 Wareham Happy Cafe. Friendly conversation, talks, activities and some fun to put a spring in your step! Everyone welcome. Held at the Not Just Sundaes Cafe in South Street, Wareham. BH20 4LU. From 5th March 2020 onwards. FREE. Until 3.30pm. 14.00 Studland Chair-based Exercise in the Village Hall, Studland. Ffi: Julie on 558139 or email: jbrad@uwclub.net 14.15 Sw Over-60s Meet in the Rectory Classroom, Swanage, Sw. All Welcome. 17.45 Swanage Youth Club. Learning Difficulties and disability (age 11-25) night. Till 7.30pm 18.00 Isle of Purbeck Arts Club. Weekly evening Art Group. Aimed at beginners, at Purbeck New Wave Gallery, 25 Commercial Rd, Sw. BH19 1DF. till 9pm. 18.15 Sw Cricket Club Practice till 9pm 18.30 Swanage Sea Rowing Club Circuit Training at Swanage Middle School. Ffi: 07776 201455 19.00 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 8pm. With Penny at Furzebrook VH, Wm. Ffi 07969925502 19.00 Over 40s Men’s Walking Football Club at Swanage Football Club. Come and try! All levels welcome, even if you’ve never played before. Come and join in or just come along to watch a very friendly group of people playing football. Until 8.30pm. Call Nick on: 07745 907509 19.00 Purbeck Gateway Club meets at Wareham Youth Centre until 9pm. Purbeck Gateway is a club for adults with learning difficulties. We meet during term time and have fun! All welcome. Ffi: Lew on 552173. Email: Lewisbell1@aol. com 19.15 Wm Town Band Brass & Woodwind players welcome. 551478/01202 242147 19.30 Short Mat Bowls in the Durbeville Hall, Wool. All standards welcome, till 9.30pm. Ffi: 552682 19.30 Purbeck Arts Choir meet for rehersals, with conductor David Fawcett, at St Mary’s School, Northbrook Road, Swanage. Sept-May. All welcome. For more information please phone Liz Roberts 01929 481419 19.30 Swanage Youth Club Youth Action (year 7 - sixth form). Till 9.30pm 20.00 Herston Hall OAP Committee Bingo Sw EVERY FRIDAY 08.45 Coffee @ 112 - Drop In For Coffee! Catch up with friends at 112 High Street

The Purbeck Gazette

(United Reformed Church) in Sw. Cake and bacon butties. Fair trade stall. Donations for ‘Besom in Purbeck’ and church funds. 09.00 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Cardio Tennis taster. Till 10am 09.30 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 10.30am. With Penny at Furzebrook VH, Wm. Ffi 07969925502 09.30 Wareham Area Men’s Shed meets at Purbeck Connect, Sandford Lane, Wm. Ffi: call Chris on 554758, Harold on 792591 or Mike on 288045 09.30 Little Fishes Baby and Toddler Group. Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Road, Swanage. Term time only. Until 11.30am. Ffi: Alex on 07904 412067. 10.00 Table Tennis Club Sw FC All ages/abilities £2.50 Till noon. 480093 10.00 A Place Of Welcome at 21 Commercial Road, Sw. Friendly drop-in for everyone, providing a free cup of tea or coffee, a listening ear, conversation and basic information. Everyone welcome, whatever the circumstances. 10.30 Do you want to volunteer in Swanage? Meet the team at the Volunteer Bureau in Swanage Library! Until 12.30pm. 11.00 Swanage Library Rhyme Time, ages 0-4, until 11.30am. 11.00 Toddler Time For Under 5s And Carers. Wareham Library. Stories, songs and crafts. Every Friday, including school holidays. Ffi: 01929 556146 14.00 Wareham Short Mat Bowls. Meet at Furzebrook Village Hall. New members welcome to come along and meet us! 14.30 Short Mat Bowls at Durbeville Hall, Wool. Till 4.30pm. All standards welcome. Ffi: 552682. 18.00 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Matchplay taster session for prospective new members. First 3 sessions are free. Until 8.30pm. 18.00 Purbeck War-Game & Model Club. Royal British Legion, Sw. 426096. 18.00 Sw Youth Centre Club 12-13 (Yr 7-9) Till 8 18.00 Purbeck Youth Choir at the United Reformed Church Hall, Sw. 8-18 years old. Till 7pm. Ffi: Jay Buckle on: 07947 866945 18.30 Sw Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 421840 19.00 Sw Youth Centre Seniors Club Night (Yr 9+) Till 9.30pm. 19.30 Short tennis for adults at Swanage Football Club. All welcome. Equipment supplied. Till 9.30pm. £3. 19.45 Alcoholics Anonymous Wareham. Talk and tea from 19.15, meeting from 19.45 until 21.00. At Wareham Day Centre, 21 Bonnets Lane, Wareham. BH20 4HB. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, you are welcome. You can learn about living sober frmo people who do. The first friday of each month is also open to professionals and friends/family of problem drinkers. Ffi: 01202 296000. 20.00 Sw Youth Centre Live Bands (as advertised) Till 10pm. 22.00 Sw Youth Centre Late Session (Yr 9+) till 11.59pm (members free) EVERY SATURDAY 08.00 Purbeck Runners meet at the Mowlem, Sw. 4/5 mile run. 09.00 Sw CC U11 - U15 Practice till 10.30 09.30 Sw CC U9 & U10 Practice & Kwik Cricket till 10.30 10.00 Tea, coffee and home-made cakes in the Parish Hall on Wareham Quay during the Community Market. Til 2pm. Bric-a-Brac stall weekly. Christian bookstall most weeks. All welcome for a warm-up and a friendly chat. 11.00 Lego and Megablok Mayhem at Swanage Library, until 12 noon. 20.00 Herston OAP Committee Bingo at Herston Hall, Sw EVERY SUNDAY 09.00 Purbeck Runners meet at the Mowlem, Sw. 8+ mile run. 10.00 Arts and Crafts Market at the Mowlem in Swanage. A wide range of local art for sale, including pottery, glass, cards, fabric and much more! To book your table, or for more information, call Tony on 01929 421321. 10.00 Give Rugby A Try! FREE! at Swanage & Wareham Rugby Club, Bestwall Rd, Wm. We’re looking for new players, so come and have a go! Until noon. Under 6s-16s only. Call Claire on: 07799 842225 Ffi. 10.30 Stoborough Emmanuel Baptist Church meet at Stoborough First School, Stoborough. All very welcome. 13.30 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Cardio Tennis taster. Till 2.30pm 14.30 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Matchplay taster session for prospective new members. First 3 sessions are free. Until 4.30pm. 19.00 Quiz Night with cash prizes at the Red Lion, High Street, Swanage. All welcome - come along and see if you can win the prize pot!

The Purbeck Gazette

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING

LOCAL TRADERS

USE THEM OR LOSE THEM FOLKS!

KEEP IT LOCAL

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

Lic: 3452941 Reg: 542421

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

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

TEL: 01929 422980

The Purbeck Gazette

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING

SANDIE’S BARBERSHOP 191 HIGH STREET, SWANAGE Open Mon - Thurs, 9am - 5pm, Fri 9am - 2pm, Sat 8.30am - 3pm We are closed on Sunday. Late night Thursday till 7pm

01929 426364 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

J.A. Construction (Dorset) Ltd.

Specialist in Purbeck Stone Walling General Building, Extensions, Renovations, Roofing, New Builds and all types of Ground Work. Also available for Plumbing, Electrics & Carpentry. Tel: 01929 554249 Fax: 01929 552294 Mobile: 07973 388190

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

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

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

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

BRIAN MOORE

Michael B. Alberry

INDEPENDENT TELECOM ENGINEER

DECORATOR

(Ex-BT)

Repair of phone lines & broadband HALF BT PRICES!!

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Property Decoration & Renovation

07796 640538 01929 424882

The Purbeck Gazette

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING

ROOFING SPECIALIST SPARROW’S

SWANAGE & DORSET

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

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

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OUR PRICE WON’T BE BEATEN

01929 424553 01258 858214 07813 346993

LOCAL TRADERS

USE THEM OR LOSE THEM FOLKS!

KEEP IT LOCAL

Man & Van available to hire

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

07767 479438 Fully licensed & insured