The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 253

November February 2021 2019 Issue no. 253 238

ONE OF CORONA-LOCKDOWN 3.0!

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

Purbeck Challenge!

Pg 12 23 - 37 #WillDoes Convoy HelpChristmas Save Tractor Rex The Brave. Pg

Swanage Carnival Catch-Up! Pg 16 28-29 Our Flag Is Now Official! Pg

Got The Blues?!

Pg 44 Banish Those Winter Blues!

Pg 24 - 35

Winter Vegetable Pg Pg 34 37 Otter Deaths On TheRisotto Increase.

SWANAGE & now PURBECK TAXI This space is available!

Call Martin Williams Advertise to our readers! on 07969 927424 Let them know you’re QUAYout CARS there! TAXI 4-7 seater. Airports - Docks - Local Tours Call KAY07788 on 01929 2345 424239 ext.1 Call: 45

SWANAGE TYRES NOW TESTING CLASS 4 & CLASS 7 VEHICLES! 6 Victoria Avenue Industrial Estate, Swanage 01929 421398

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Editor’s note...

W

elcome to the February 2021 edition of your Purbeck Gazette!

It’s Corona-lockdown 3.0! After speaking to many of our advertisers, the decision has been made to publish online only this month as there is no advertising revenue to enable us to physically print and distribute this edition (costs around £12,000 per month to print and distribute). Well over 90% of our advertisers are currently shut and have nothing to advertise and no funds to pay for advertising to tell you they’re shut - obviously, all events have also been cancelled for the forseeable future too.

During lockdown 1.0 we averaged 70,000 readers online, which was amazing and kept our advertisers and columnists in contact with the wider world, able to communicate effectively and keep our community in touch. One of the wonders of the modern world - the amazing ability to connect, even in times like these!

Mental health is an issue for many of us at the moment - the simple stress of not being able to plan and of having no control is really hurting many people right now. The only advice is to keep breathing, try and still your mind, deal with one thing at a time and accept we do all face a lack of control over our daily lives at the moment. Kindness is so very important - everyone you see is probably strugging in some way or another, so smile at one another despite the mask (you can see it in the eyes!) and be aware of those in your neighbourhood who may be utterly alone, unsupported or just feeling really down right now. Spare a thought, share a kind word and be thoughtful in your actions. We’re all really struggling - let’s try and struggle along together - as a community.

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 March 2021 edition has a deadline of 9th February.

The April 2021 edition has a deadline of 10th March.

Public Notices & Information

Swanage Town Council Meetings - February 2021

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 - February 2021 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!

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New Year’s Day 2021, by Richard Murgatroyd

CONTACT US ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS MATTERS COMMUNITY MATTERS COUNCIL MEETINGS FEATURES 2020 Rotary Round-Up! #WillDoes Tractor Convoy A Brighter Future For Purbeck?

Blast From The Past Gazette Gardening John Garner writes - Climate Change Of Mind National Coastwatch Swanage Blues Catch-Up! Swanage Carnival Crew Update!

Swanage Medical Practice Update & Info Telling It Like It Is - David Hollister writes VIP Bulk Stockists Of YOUR Purbeck Gazette!

FOOD - Godlingston Manor Kitchen Gardens HEALTH & BEAUTY LETTERS MOTORING NATURAL MATTERS TRADE ADVERTS DIARY SPOTLIGHT

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DEADLINE FOR NOON, 10th FEBRUARY DEADLINE FORMARCH JULY IS IS12 NOON, FRI 10th 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.

MARCH edition deadline: noon, 10th FEB

Self-Styled Custodians?

Dear Editor, Could it be that the curve of evolution of our space station is intertwined with our behaviour of self-styled custodians?

Centuries of conflict between nations have distilled the approach to global problems, such as climate change and the present situation we’re all in.

A return to normality may teach us nothing as to how we treat this planet; our life support system around the sun, and the amazing oceanic tidal systems of the moon.

Richer nations could supply vaccines to poorer ones, through the W.H.O. Covid Programme: However, this takes significant funding, which has in fact been reduced. How many irrigation systems and solar stations might have been built, had the course not been offset by carelessness?

The concept of one world cohesion has yet to truly appear on the political radar. The hopeful voice of David Beasley, head of the World Food Programme, and this year’s Nobel Peace prize winner has said: “We can feed everyone - if there’s significant funds.”

Planet Earth is not some oblivious golf course - no more holes-in-one.

Send us seeds, not guns.

Yours sincerely, Myk Hamilton, by email

Level Is On The Level!

Dear Editor, Ref: Wareham Level Crossing is on the Level!

The Wareham community north of the walled town have the level crossing to enable access to the main facilities of Wareham and long may it last. I have never stopped campaigning for a step-free access for all, in this regard.

NR are still of the mind to close all level crossings as a national policy.

Early in 2020 the Transport Minster, with our local MP Michael Tomlinson, visited the crossing and had a meeting with myself and local representatives, with the outcome that there must be “state of the art” technology available to resolve the issue of opening and closing the gates at the crossing safely without the need for Gatekeepers!

Network Rail were requested to arrange a visit to the Basingstoke Signalling Centre, which was accepted, for Dorset and Wareham Town Councillors, with our MP organising the visit.

Unfortunately, although a date was made, it was subsequently postponed as the Covid-19 outbreak came along. I have prompted our MP to rearrange the visit. However, we have had no notice regarding a visit. With the new Covid-19 variant strain being an issue currently, this means there will be more delay….

The question of the level crossing will always be a priority for me; I am constantly monitoring its safe use and would like an acceptable outcome for all. The DC Cabinet Highways/Transport holder, Cllr Ray Bryan, and DC Officers are all working with NR, MPs and Department of Transport to achieve this too. There is no quick fix for this emotive issue; we are always open to new suggestions!

On a lighter note, the Friends of Wareham Railway Station (FoWRS), have been active with the Wareham in Bloom team, with an array of flower displays on the station car park and platforms and providing a bench-seat recently for those waiting for taxis and the gates to open.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely, Cllr Beryl Ezzard Dorset Council & Wareham Town Council. Chair of FoWRS. Email: cllrberyl.ezzard@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk Tel. 01929 550138.

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

Don’t Interfere!

Dear Ed, Studland Bay changes Has the National Trust got it right at Studland Bay? Are not the dunes of special interest because they are natural? Does not progression over time from open beach to woodland result in a thing of beauty?

Are we not lucky that, beyond the construction of the 1920’s training bank and the recent gabion walls, the Studland shore has escaped much interference?

Just across the ferry, a massively engineered coast extends for mile after mile, so there’s plenty of that for those who like it.

Please don’t interfere with Purbeck’s dunes, but leave that little bit of natural England alone, except perhaps for ridding Little Sea of those invasive plants and animals that have transformed it in the last decade or so - that’s enough to be getting on with!

Treleven Haysom, Langton Matravers

No Safe Routes For Cyclists

To the Editor, I am writing in response to a letter sent in by Robin Beuscher, titled “An Environmental Disaster?” and published in your December issue.

Leaving the debate over the survival of the steam train for another time, my immediate interest lies in his very wise and reasonable argument for a bicycle route that would link Swanage, through Harman’s Cross and Corfe Castle, all the way to Wareham.

I have recently come to live in Swanage after many decades in Canada where I was fortunate to live in many places that had bike paths. Cycling became a healthy way of life, not merely for recreation. So I was very disappointed to realize that cycling here was uncommon and, it seemed, primarily due to the dangerous nature of the roads leaving Swanage.

On asking other cyclists, I found there are, indeed, no safe routes to Studland or Wareham.

However, there is a potential alternative to the main roads; namely, the railway right-of-way, as Robin Beuscher suggested. But I would propose a shared option. Keep the existing train track but dedicate a path alongside it. There is more than ample room to do this safely and the route would be ideal for cyclists of all ages as the rail gradient is never more than two percent.

No need to repeat Beuscher’s argument that cycling is beneficial in so many ways. Add to this, the potential of a very attractive bonus for tourism.

Imagine a summer day’s ride through the lovely Dorset countryside stopping at picturesque villages all the way to Wareham. Not a pipe dream. The support of the Dorset Council and a small amount of Central Government funding is all that is needed.

Sincerely, Mary Weller, by email

Responses Applauded Dear Gazette, Absolutely applaud Alan Rowland and David Hill’s letter response to David Hollister’s dangerous laxness over Covid. Well done to them.

My family are all doing the right things to protect ourselves and therefore everyone else. It is our duty.

Unfortunately, a member of our London-based family caught Covid 19 through no fault of his own and was isolated for two weeks in hospital on a ventilator and is still recovering from serious related health issues.

So, David Hollister, don’t promote dangerous policies based on your own

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Square & Compass www.squareandcompasspub.co.uk

Worth Matravers 01929 439229

WE’RE DELIVERING AGAIN! Call to place your order!

Poly containers are being delivered to our wonderful customers again!

We hope to reopen in January 2021!

Support your local, independent establishments - long may we remain! uneducated misinformation.

Disgraceful and totally selfish.

Sue Treadaway, Sudbury, Suffolk, by email

Poppy Quest Thanks!

Dear Ed, Please can I take this opportunity to thank everyone for the amazing support they gave me on my Poppy fundraising quest?

This was achieved by making Poppy masks, Poppies and having a Grand Draw, I’m very pleased with the result in these awkward times. Thanks for the Swanage TV publicity as well.

Nicky and the girls in Innovations sold my Poppy masks, Pursanalities had my poppies and Marita in Studio by the Sea held my brooches and jewellery.

Thanks to Purbeck Holistic Therapy, Swanage Bay Fish, NJ Stone Carving, Elly Kerslake Art, Studio by The Sea, Teas Maid, Palletsnpaint, Kim Spivey, Janet Dyke, Ron for Pig on the beach voucher, Foleys, Wright on the Beach, Gail Green, Karen Wright, Denise Horn, Innovations, Pursenalities, Lisa Bussell, Carlotta Barrow and Di Castle for all your donations and all my fantastic friends and Legion contacts who gave such great prizes and support - sorry if you’ve not been named!

Over fifty very good prizes including: hampers, art, carving and more saw £1441 posted to Janet for the Swanage Poppy appeal and £55 went straight to the fund from a JustGiving post on my Facebook page.

Look out next year, I have more ideas, hopefully a Poppy Fair/Market, a Poppy Run and walk and more.

Kind Regards, Carolyn, by email

becoming the most common single cause of death in England.

It is noteworthy that control of this and other diseases only started to be successful towards the end of the nineteenth century as a result of isolation measures more draconian than we are currently contemplating.

These included separating infected individuals from their families and society in general into isolation hospitals.

For a more sympathetic account of Jenner readers may wish to consult https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1200696/ This article is free to air.

Yours sincerely, Dr Richard Cottrell, Langton Matravers, by email.

Genius Orange By-Passes Dear Editor, I think someone was a genius who thought up the idea of the orange ‘by-passes’ on Shore road. These ‘gates’ into the road allow us to avoid confrontation.

Brilliant!

Kind regards, D. Wend, by email

Thanks From Karen G

A Little Hard On Jenner?

Dear Editor, Ilay Cooper’s otherwise excellent article on Benjamin Jesty is, perhaps a little hard on Edward Jenner. Far from exploiting vaccination for monetary gain, Jenner suffered considerable financial loss from his untiring work to provide vaccination to as many people as possible, often without recompense and against professional as well as private hostility.

The ex-gratia awards he received from Parliament (£10,000 and later £20,000) followed years of work, for which he was praised and reviled in equal measure; anti-vaccination hysteria is not a new phenomenon.

The many stages of enlightenment that ultimately led to the acceptance of vaccination against smallpox with a relatively harmless animal infection (Cowpox) cannot be simply attributed to one man, even if Benjamin Jesty has as good a claim as any other. It was a product of many years of contributing observations across continents and time, ultimately defeating the prejudice of the populace and the bigotry of most medical practitioners.

Terror of a devastating disease also helped.

For that defeat Jenner must take the lion’s share of the credit. It is wrong to attribute the discovery to Jenner alone. But would you give back £30,000 (ca. £600,000 in today’s money) by admitting that you had merely risked your career by promoting discoveries made elsewhere? Jenner was brave, determined and thorough; but he was also human.

It is ironic that Jenner suffered great personal tragedy at the hand of an even greater scourge than smallpox, tuberculosis. Tuberculosis, for which there was no effective vaccine at that time, spread unchecked, eventually

Dear Editor, A grateful thanks to The Mowlem Theatre for going ahead with the Karen G’s Christmas show in difficult circumstances and to those who bought tickets and to those who donated privately.

Thank you to Bob Stevens and Brian Travers for taking part and making it a very xmassy atmosphere. We managed to raise £425, which, in these strangest of times is wonderful.”

Thank you so much and here’s to a better 2021!

Karen Grant, by email.

MARCH 2021 EDITION DEADLINE NOON, Fri 7th February

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MATT HILLAN Building Alterations & Maintenance

All Trade Aspects Undertaken Free Estimates Fully Insured

01929 427296 07971 690817 Happy to help and advise

Have You A Story To Share?

Dear Gazette Readers, Public engagement could save Paramedic Car! We had some good news shortly before Christmas. Swanage Town Council received a letter from the Ambulance Trust Chief Executive, saying the Swanage and Purbeck Paramedic Car would not be withdrawn at the end of December, and that there will be ‘public engagement’ led by Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group ‘early in 2021’.

The form and duration of the ‘engagement’ are not yet known; however we need to be ready to make our position clear.

Swanage Town Councillors also met with Richard Drax in December, and he confirmed his support for retaining the Swanage and Purbeck Paramedic Car. Can you help?

With support from Swanage Area Forum, I’m collecting people’s stories about what the Paramedic Car has meant to them. These are really helpful to get our message across to DCCG, the Ambulance Trust, and Dorset Council.

Have you got a story you can share? Could you put the word out that we are looking for people’s stories? Stories will be anonymised. Please email your stories to me: cllrmonkhouse@swanagecouncillors.uk, or, if you prefer, phone Swanage Area Forum, who will write up your story for you: 01929 426127 (Mel and Gerry Norris).

Please sign and share Mel Norris petition, which is approaching 4,400 signatures. https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-swanage-ambulance-car Thank you, and wishing you a Happy New Year 2021 Kind regards, Cllr Debby Monkhouse, Swanage Town Council, by email.

So Open And Welcoming Dear Editor, How reassuring it is to be reminded that the good old English spirit of bungling-through is alive and unhealthy. I refer to contractual building works of late both civic and private in Swanage.

Firstly, I refer to the new roadworks in Institute Road, specifically the drop-kerb outside Haymans Cafe. Such care of planning has made no provision for drainage of rainwater with the effect that even the lightest shower results in a semi-permanent large lake on the pavement, blocking access or exit to or from the crossing.

Well done Highway Authorities. The planners were obviously away with the flu the day the Course dealt with ‘water and gravity’.

Secondly with regard to the new development of the Pier Head site, specifically the easterly cafe/restaurant. The architects also seem to have been absent from college on pertinent days.

No sooner is the cafe open when it becomes laughably apparent that the premises at pavement level leaves it in peril of flooding at the slightest high tide plus easterly wind and already it is deemed neccesary to have a supply of sandbags at the ready. Laughable if it were not so pathetic.

Must we put up with mediocrity when we are so close to the sublime?

Well done the builders of the new wall to the Downs on Seymer Road, nice job.

Sadly, I hear we have lost a long-time artist in Swanage, namely Mike Bizley, who died earlier this year shortly after moving to France, one of the last of the old breed.

Someone commented to me recently that I was an incomer, meaning not a born and bred local. This made me so angry, I replied: “You know I have

lived here for fifty years and you are the first person to ever say that to me”.

One of the main reasons I love Swanage and Purbeck, apart from the countryside, is the people. They are so open and welcoming. I was made to feel like a local from day one. I love Swanage.

Artimus Grolch (retired)

A Note from Harry...

Dear Readers, As Patron of the fantastic local charity, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the individuals, groups, companies and foundations who have kindly chosen to support our charity in what has been an unprecedented year.

Your generous help has allowed us to do everything in our power to continue to provide quality care for our patients across East Dorset and Purbeck. Enabling us to support local people who are living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

This year Lewis-Manning Hospice Care took an active and early role in our local community supporting patients with daily and weekly communication via the telephone, video calls and home visits for those that really needed them.

It is clear to see that the personal life of each and every one of us has been turned upside down in these last months and I cannot say enough good things about the hospice team and all that they are doing to help our local community during the pandemic. I have total respect for their never-ending efforts.

Patients, volunteers, and staff are all directly impacted by your overwhelming generosity and support; thank you from the bottom of my heart.

All the best, Harry Redknapp, by email

Mustang Crash Information Dear Editor, In response to Paul Doyle’s letter in the previous edition: The 3P- 51 Mustangs crashed on Smedmore Hill, or Smedmore House close to Kimmeridge. A friend informed me, who is in a Warplane Aircraft Recovery Group.

I do hope this helps your search.

Yours sincerely, Jean Davies, by email

Three Mustangs Collided....

Dear Readers, In answer to Mr Paul Doyle’s letter in the January Gazette, I have a record of forty-three plane crashes in our area and I hope I can help Mr Doyle’s research in some way.

Three Mustangs collided in mid-air over Kimmeridge in thick fog. If this record is correct, there would be no definitive spot where they hit the ground as I would imagine wreckage was thrown over a large area.

The late Mr John Vernicombe was farming at Swalland Farm at this time and cleared his fields of all manner of war relics.

There may be a chance that John had spoken to his son, Rob, (who is still farming at Swalland) about this terrible crash.

Let’s hope that Rob can possibly throw some light onto this crash.

Good luck Paul!

Kind regards, Ken Williams, by hand.

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TELLING IT LIKE IT IS...

Still Here.....

S

by David Hollister

till here. Still waiting for action from Dorset Council on the five outstanding points which I put to Cllr.Brooks – the Cabinet Lead Member for Highways – on various highway problems in Purbeck.

On each one, I asked: “Cllr Brooks: Is this problem your responsibility?

If not, whose? To which of your colleagues should I write to achieve an acceptable solution? Should I write to that person or will you kindly pass this section of my letter to them?”

Her prompt reply to my original letter was: “I have passed this through to our officers to reply to you” and I finished my piece by thanking her and saying: ‘watch this space’. Well, in case she or you are watching this space I regret to tell you, dear reader, that on none of the five issues have her “officers” replied to me. Clearly the residents and electors of Purbeck are insufficiently important to deserve a reply, or indeed any action, but I would have thought that the “officers” would have shown sufficient courtesy to Cllr Brooks to at least let her know what they were doing; I have no doubt that had they done so, Cllr.Brooks would have contacted either myself or our Editor to update us all.

Following last month’s article, one Wareham reader did indeed take this up with Michael Tomlinson MP who advised our reader that he and his office are “working hard” on the matter of the Wareham pedestrian facility. Like the cat who ate cheese and waited at the mousehole with ‘bated breath’, we are still patently awaiting the outcome. For the avoidance of doubt, and as my faith in Network Rail is so far down the scale that it cannot be measured, what I am calling for is NOT a replacement pedestrian bridge, it’s the installation of a proper pavement from the roundabout where the station road meets the A351, up the hill and over the bridge to the next roundabout where the road goes downhill towards the other side of the railway line. Clearly a big ask. Maybe I should have demanded a ‘cycleway’ because funds for those projects appear significantly easier to come by than funds for pedestrian safety. I will await – and report back to you with – responses from Cllr. Brooks and Michael Tomlinson MP. Sustainable Swanage are now proposing The Downs in Swanage as a new Local Nature Reserve. To ‘enhance a local facility for nature, residents and visitors’. I am a great supporter of Sustainable Swanage and all the good works they do – especially the tree-planting and their war on plastics - but after much head-scratching, I still can’t see why the declaration of The Downs as a new local nature reserve is going to make the slightest difference to what’s there already? It’s an interesting semi-wild area, with a brilliant new stone wall to stop it falling into Seymor Road (Thanks, Swanage Council).

The more we encourage residents and visitors to clamber all over it, the worse it will be for the wildlife and regrettably the more litter and plastic will be deposited. I can almost hear the families of mice and rabbits saying: “come on, Gertie, pack the bags, we’re off again ….. the humans want this bit, too.” Please, Sustainable Swanage, there must be some areas which you are happy to leave unadopted and unenhanced?

I am told that the de-forestation work which has been carried out at Durlston Country Park is in the long-term interests of the environment.

Anyone who’s seen my wilderness garden will know that I know absolutely nothing about woodland management, so I will be guided by the clear and concise explanations put forward by the park rangers and them who knows wot’s wot!

But it did come as a shock in a climate emergency! Don’t ‘watch this space’ – watch that one and we’ll talk about it again in twenty-five years! Did you have your say on the Dorset Council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy to ensure that the Council’s services and estate become carbon neutral by 2040? I do hope so; it was an excellent consultation and I do hope that your input – our input – has enabled them to further develop their plans.

Really impressed with the statement put out by Purbeck Mobility Centre in Wareham – they have plenty of lightweight wheelchairs for short-term hire, and the hire fees will go to Swanage Disabled Club. At this time when our elderly residents are having to go to Wareham hospital for their inoculations, this is a great gesture and deserves much appreciation.

On the subject of Covid-19; everyone has their own personal opinion and being a person deemed ‘vulnerable’ by reason of age, I am grateful for all the steps being taken by the Government to prolong what’s left of my life by hopefully preventing my getting the dreaded virus. But I know that some readers will take issue with me when I suggest that the first doses of the preventative vaccine should go primarily to the 25 – 50 age group, those citizens working to provide for their families, bringing up their children and with still 50 – 60 years of active useful life ahead.

Also, to those on the ‘front line’; the NHS staff, the teachers, emergency service personnel and the shop and supermarket workers who have kept us fed throughout, sometimes at great personal risk. At over 70, I’ve had a great life (spent most of it right here in Purbeck) and I’m still having a great life even though the joints are creaking due to my deliberate refusal to do any exercise (!). So, if this old bloke has any say in the matter, give my jab to my son and daughter-in-law first so they can stay fit and healthy to look after their own baby daughter. I’ve had my turn – now it’s theirs.

Finally. Really glad to know that Purbeck Coast 101.2 FM is also being received across the globe online by an ever-expanding audience. Just recently did a dedication on my daily Home Alone show for a Purbeck exile over 8000 miles away in Seattle! I do hope that you, dear reader, dip into Purbeck Coast from time to time; if you enjoy what you hear, then tell your friends – worldwide! If you don’t – then tell me!! Text me on 07553 236 500.

But my words on the radio blow away as soon as they’ve been spoken whereas your long-term link with Purbeck still is – and always will be, I hope – your environmentally-friendly Purbeck Gazette, online at www. purbeckgazette.co.uk . Here today, and here tomorrow!

Can’t wait for spring – if I’m still here!

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Thirty Years Of Service - Ian Brown BEM

Ian Brown BEM, Station Officer, Swanage CRT

Our Coastguard’s recent blog post: n our final update of 2020, we brought you the news that our Station Officer Ian Brown has been awarded the British Empire Medal in Her Majesty the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. In this, our first blog of the New Year, we look back at Ian’s thirty years as part of Swanage Coastguard.

Ian joined the Swanage Coastguard team on 07 October 1990 and a week later participated in his first cliff rescue on the 14 October 1990.

Coastguarding was rather different then; the team was summoned by maroons, watches were kept on the surrounding sea area from the lookout on Peveril Point with the team based at the Coastguard Rescue Equipment Store nearby. Lifeboats, with a few exceptions, moved at 8 knots; RN Wessex Helicopters (max speed 115knots) provided airborne search and rescue.

Ian became Deputy Station Officer in February 1998 on the retirement of Ian Surface BEM and Station Officer in July 2002 on the retirement of Dave Gough. Change over the last thirty years has been rapid and unrelenting which Ian has embraced, supported, and led the way.

Ian has qualified as Rope Technician, Water Rescue Technician, Search Technician and Coastguard First Aid Trainer. He is also an experienced, qualified, and well-respected Officer in Charge.

Swanage in the 1990s was very much a cliff rescue team, with rescuing of climbers in locations such as Anvil Point, Boulder Ruckle, Cattle Troughs very much to the fore. Ian took part in a number of these as the Cliffman on the end of the rope.

The team also assisted in the search for missing divers from the cliff top especially in the vicinity of Anvil Point. Ian was especially proactive in building relationships with the various groups of divers with the result that education and prevention are an effective way forward.

The trend has been for cliff rescues to be less frequent, with more complex multi-agency undertakings often in adverse conditions. Ian has proved to be a capable leader and co-ordinator in several high-profile rescues.

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Search has become increasingly the dominant field of activity of the Swanage Coastguard Team with Ian being a proponent of current theory, practice and recording. As a result, the team has a reputation for effectiveness and efficiency. The team has faced a number of multi-day searches led and supported by Ian in difficult conditions, sustaining long searches, maintaining morale and protracted, effective effort.

Outside of Coastguarding, Ian is key member of the Swanage Community Defibrillator Partnership which oversees 35 public access defibs across the Purbeck area. Ian’s involvement was initially driven by the death of Mike “Spike” Williamson, a much respected and long serving member of the Swanage Team.

Coastguarding today involves a high degree of accountability and the co-ordination of complex multi-agency rescues. One recently involved; Poole Lifeboat, Coastguard Helicopter, Air Ambulance, Paramedics, an ambulance, National Trust and the Swanage Coastguard Team. Ian excels in this environment.

Technology has improved: the team is now summoned by an alerting and tasking app; team members are equipped with individual vhf radio; clothing and equipment is ever improving. The human element and leadership remain ever important. Our fellow rescuers are also better equipped with a Shannon Lifeboat capable of 27 knots and the Coastguard Helicopter (AW189) with speeds up to 169 knots.

Two thousand and twenty brought with it the complications of Covid-19 to Search and Rescue. Ian once again bought a calm voice of reason to a stressful, ever-changing environment, in a busy year which has seen 206 incidents.

Ian was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to voluntary rescue in the 2021 New Year Honours List, having been previously awarded the Coastguard Auxiliary Service Long Service Medal and clasp for thirty years’ service (which has included around 1700 incidents), and a Chief Coastguard’s Commendation.

Congratulations to Ian on this award, recognising his leadership and dedication.

Congratulations Ian!

The Purbeck Gazette

Coronavirus Helpline For Parents And Carers

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re you worried about how your child is coping with the coronavirus crisis and lockdown? Dorset Council’s Educational Psychology Service has set-up a helpline to support those who are worried about their child or teenager during the lockdown.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “These are difficult times for everyone, but it can be particularly challenging for children who have experienced constant changes to school and home life. “Our Covid helpline is here to support parents and carers so they can help their children cope with the lockdown. If you live in the Dorset Council area and are concerned about how your child is managing and you need someone to talk to, please ring us. Our educational psychologists are available to help you. They will listen to your concerns and can offer practical advice and guidance.”

The helpline number is: 01305 474036. It is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.45pm. Callers need to ring and make an appointment for a 30 minute phone consultation. Calls are confidential unless there is a risk of harm to the caller, their child or someone else. Brief records are kept of each call.

If your income has dropped, or you have lost your job you may be able to get help with costs including school meals, transport and uniform. Call Dorset Citizens Advice on Freephone 0800 144 8848.

A Note From James Smiths, Funeral Directors

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ollowing on from the Government announcement on January the 4th, here is what we know so far: • Funerals can still go ahead with a maximum of 30 mourners, subject to the venue’s Covid-secure capacity.

• Linked Ceremonial events, such as wakes, burial of ashes, etc, can continue up to a maximum of 6 people.

• Support groups that have to be delivered in person, such as the Douch Family Bereavement groups can continue.

We understand that with everything going on in the world right now feelings of grief and anxiety are amplified.

To help families during this unpredictable time, where the Covid-19 virus regulations change how funerals are arranged, we have condensed all the necessary information you need to know into a guide on our website https://www.funeraldirector.co.uk/home/covid-19/

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Our showroom is obviously closed but we are available for home appointments during our normal operating hours as per current government guidleines

The Purbeck Gazette

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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 December he Council’s Virtual Meeting Protocol dictates appropriate dress and screen background but leaves Councillors floundering when the Town Clerk’s voice takes on Dalek tones.

The new Dorset Council (DC) Housing Allocations Policy 2021-26 describes the scheme which makes social housing available and how the scheme is used. People were able to collect children’s pyjamas and coats in December after a fantastic response to DC’s appeal. The car parks’ charging period will not be extended to 8pm when charging from 8am and on Sundays starts on 1st February.

DC was trying to recruit home care staff to cover a shortage and working with Citizens Advice Bureaux to prepare for more people needing help with bereavement, illness, employment and debts. DC has implemented a new planning system.

The Town Council made clear to DC that they strongly opposed the closure of the Tourist Information Centre, an asset to the whole of Purbeck. Purbeck Youth and Community Foundation had been advised to apply to the Council for a grant this year until permanent budgetary funding was considered in January. The Amenities Committee recommended that an additional £1,000 be included in next year’s budget for Wareham In Bloom plants.

The Manager and Curator have been regularly checking conditions inside the Museum while it has been closed. A part-time Lengthsman and a Deputy Town Clerk were to be recruited. The Finance Officer was congratulated on achieving the first ever unqualified Audit.

The Town Clerk recommended that the Council make a Corporate Plan which would set out the objectives for the remaining tenure of this Council, and be followed by an Action Plan. The motion, which was eventually passed, proposed a working party of the Council Committees’ chairmen.

Although not representative of the political parties, the working party would set up a virtual brain-storming session for all Councillors. The Council decided to defer the creation of a Community Resilience Plan.

The Resolutions Report which is included in the agenda of the December meeting lists all the resolutions made by the Council and its committees in the previous 3 months and the date that they were implemented. The subsequent Town Council meeting was on 19th January. The next meeting will be on Tuesday 2nd March at 7pm. 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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SELF STORAGE UNITS From 10ft x 6ft up to 15ft x 16ft For furniture, classic cars, documents Insured & Alarmed At East Stoke, Wareham www.purbeckselfstorage.co.uk

Call 07836 369969

The Purbeck Gazette

Exciting Changes At Heirlooms Of Wareham!

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eirlooms Jewellers in South Street, Wareham is celebrating the start of the New Year by looking forward to an exciting change to their business.

“Despite going into a third lockdown at the start of 2021 and having to close our doors yet again, we have continued to increase our sales and the number of services we can offer.” says owner Amy Brenan.

With the retirement of a neighbouring business in the summer, Paul’s the Barbers, Amy leapt at the chance to take on the lease of the adjoining half of her existing premises.

“There is a lot of work to be done but by the spring we hope to have knocked through into the new premises to create one large, big shop. This will give us double the amount of display space to make room for more antique jewellery and silver, with the addition of vintage wristwatches and antique jewellery boxes.”

“We will expand our range of new jewellery also and hope to have a small in-house workshop to allow us to handmake wedding ring and bangles and to improve our bespoke commissions service with a large range of gemstones being displayed.”

“Our staff will also have access to a dedicated staff room and kitchen area, something we have all been wanting for a very long time!”

Heirlooms is currently open for collections and watch battery and strap changes every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon during lockdown between 2pm and 5pm.

Amy is also happy to accommodate video appointments to discuss items in the shop for sale, valuations or repairs.

She can be contacted on shop@heirloomsjewellery.co.uk.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support over the recent year – without our loyal customers, there wouldn’t be a business and we are grateful more than ever to the people who have supported their local shops like ours.”

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2021 Elections

The Purbeck Gazette

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n Thursday 6 May 2021 residents in the Dorset Council area will go to the polls for the Police and Crime Commissioner elections and several town/parish council by-elections.

Referendums on Neighbourhood Plans are also planned for some Dorset towns and villages. While the elections are a few months away, Dorset Council is making plans now to help voters stay safe while casting their vote.

There are a number of ways to have your say in the elections and referendums - you can vote at a polling station in May, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote. You can download an application form to vote by post or proxy from the Electoral Commission website.

Jonathan Mair, Corporate Director – Legal & Democratic, Dorset Council said: “We’re thinking about these elections now so that, however you choose to cast your vote, you can do so safely.

“We’re putting arrangements in place to help you stay safe at the polling station; you can expect many of the measures you’ve become used to in shops and banks over recent months, such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks. But you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy.

“Legislation is in place for the elections to go ahead this May, and we will continue to work closely with the Electoral Commission to ensure everyone will be able to cast their vote safely and securely, in a way that suits them. This is being kept under review and any changes will be publicised.”

See the polls scheduled for May 2021 at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ elections. The page will be updated with new information as it becomes available. Dorset residents who have questions can also contact elections@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

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The Purbeck Gazette

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Out Of The Blue

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ebruary named from the Latin word februum which means purification. It is the shortest month of the year.

The Welsh call February “y mis bach” which means “little month”.

Although we are still in the midst of the pandemic rest assured, we will stay committed to improving the community by listening and acting upon what you have had to say. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ PurbeckEmail So, what have we been up to? Well, the period 06 December 2020 – 08 January 2021 we dealt with a total of 643 occurrences in Purbeck, of which 176 were recorded crimes and resulted in 76 arrests. There were also 96 occurrences of road traffic collisions.

We arrested several people believed to be involved with the theft of power tools from a number of vehicles in the Purbeck area, these tools have now been recovered.

We also apprehended, with the assistance of staff in Budgens, a male who is believed to be responsible for the theft of a bag from a vehicle.

He is also alleged to have used a card to purchase goods from local shops; the bag and card were recovered and returned to the owner.

As you can see there is a bit of a theme here, don’t leave valuables on display in your vehicle. The best advice is ‘don’t leave anything in your vehicle’. Please make sure your vehicle is secure before you leave it.

As you are all aware now the government has imposed a National Lockdown and we urge you to follow the government advice to STAY HOME – PROTECT THE NHS – SAVE LIVES. For the latest advice visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Finally, if you need to contact Dorset Police please call our Police Enquiry Centre by calling 101 or email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk.

Always call 999 in an EMERGENCY when there is a risk of HARM or a CRIME in progress. Alternatively, call the free CRIMESTOPPERS line on 0800 555 111.

You can also use our website to report a number of issues, from full crime reports to lost property; just use the following link https:// www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online/ Don’t forget to visit us on our Facebook page Facebook.com/Purbeckpolice and Twitter - @PurbeckPolice – we really value your support and comments.

You can also see our latest priorities and up and coming events at https://www.dorset.police.uk/neighbourhood-policing/purbeck/ Why not register on Dorset Alert, by registering for the free Dorset Police community messaging alerts you will receive information on, local crime and incidents where we believe that sharing information with you will help to prevent further offences occurring, crimes and incidents where you may be able to help by providing vital information, current crime trends, crime prevention advice and Safer Neighbourhood activity and opportunities to meet the team.

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

Purbeck Neighbourhood Policing Team

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The Purbeck Gazette

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his is version 2 of this month’s “View from the Lookout”. I had started several days ago but then came Lockdown 3.0 with the message: Stay at home, Protect the NHS, Save lives. Waiting anxiously to see how we would operate, I’m pleased to say the station will remain open and there will a daylight watch at Peveril Point, seven days a week.

Since the first lockdown we’ve developed a Covid-19 secure way of working that keeps watchkeepers safe but enables us to carry on. The National Coastwatch Institution was set up to provide “Eyes Along the Coast” and this is what we hope to do over the next few difficult months and hopefully well into the future. I think it’s a measure of the professionalism and dedication of our watchkeepers that the Maritime and Coastal Agency have encouraged us to stay open and have endorsed our operating procedures.

There has been a little ray of sunshine over the past few days, though.

We were really pleased to hear that Ian Brown, the Station Officer of the Swanage Coastguard Rescue Team, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to search and rescue in the area. Well known for his work in the community Ian has been on the team for thirty years (in itself a major feat!) and is a staunch supporter of the National Coastwatch Institution.

Talking to Ian at the Lookout, on one of his visits to us, he stressed that he was just one of a big team that included ourselves, the RNLI, his fellow Coastguard colleagues and the wider community in Swanage.

Those comments reflect the collaborative and inclusive way that Ian works. Congratulations Ian, it’s an honour well deserved.

Regular visitors to the Point will have noticed several changes recently.

“Haul Aboard”, our flower boat (above), is now surrounded by a shingle beach! The plan over the next few months is to plant this up with plants native to the area and make a bit of a demonstration garden. The Purbeck Cliffs are internationally renowned for their flora and fauna and can be a beautiful and colourful site in spring and summer. Hopefully, our bed will reflect this.

The storms and wet weather so far this winter have taken a bit of a toll on the cliffs facing Durlston Bay. There have been several small landslips, the most noticeable being at the tip of the point where a complete section has slipped down. The geology in this area is a mixture of rock and clay bands and it is the clay sliding that causes the landslips. The

way down to the beach is very sticky and we’d advise anyone thinking of making their way down to be very cautious. It would be far more sensible to observe the view from the top, avoiding the edge of course!

The WW2 coastal gun emplacement has also begun to suffer from the ravages of time and has been fenced off for safety. Put up hastily eighty years ago, they were built with materials to hand. The concrete was probably made from beach sand and over the years the saline environment has rusted the metal reinforcing, meaning that chunks of concrete are now beginning to fall off. It may be tempting to explore inside the structures to see what the damage is, but we would advise against it.

We had some displays in the emplacement and will be removing these over the next few weeks. We will hopefully be able to relocate some of these somewhere else on the Point, in the near future. The Town Council has carried out a building survey and will be launching a public consultation about the future of the structures.

When the sea is quiet it is always nice to watch the visitors to the Point taking in the air and enjoying the view. With the constraints of Lockdown, a trip to the Point may become a feature of some people’s exercise.

We’re blessed to have such a beautiful coastline on our doorstep. All we’d ask is that people are mindful of the coastal hazards and conditions.

Protecting the NHS also extends to those professional and volunteer members of the rescue services who have to come out when an accident happens.

This is Swanage NCI, listening on channel 65, out.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Living With Terminal Cancer - A Patient’s Story

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ina believes Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s services are extremely important when so many people considered to be ‘high risk’ in relation to COVID-19 are confined to their homes.

Gina Carson, aged 70, from Highcliffe, developed Lymphoedema following treatment for secondary breast cancer 20 years ago. Bournemouth Hospital referred Gina to LewisManning Hospice Care. “I felt devastated when I found out I had Lymphoedema. You can have breast cancer without anyone knowing but when you have Lymphoedema, it’s obvious.”

Gina had an appointment with Tania, who worked at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care as their Senior Lymphoedema Specialist Nurse, approximately every six months until about five years ago, when things became more complicated. Treatment focuses on reducing the swelling

and controlling the pain and can involve compression bandaging to help prevent swelling building up, massage techniques to help with lymphatic drainage, skincare, exercise and dietary advice.

The emotional support has been something Gina has really appreciated.

“It’s not easy to be told you have terminal cancer”, she told us, “and when it all played up with a vengeance, it was Tania who was there for me.”

Linda Sjiollema, the hospice’s current Senior Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist said, “The Lymphoedema service is often the one constant in a patient’s cancer journey. Our patients know that we can provide a safe environment, not only to treat their physical problems but also a listening ear to help with their concerns in total confidence.

Every year the charity supports nearly 500 local people. To do this LewisManning Hospice Care needs to raise over £1.6m every year, by donating to the hospice you can be sure to make a real difference.

To make a gift to Lewis-Manning Hospice Care please search LewisManning Hospice Care – Donate online. lewis-manning.org.uk 01202 708470 enquiries@lewis-manning.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1120193

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The Purbeck Gazette

The 2020 Swanage & Purbeck Rotary Round-Up!

Rotary Christmas programme’s success raises over £9000! ovid-19 curtailed Swanage & Purbeck Rotary’s Christmas events programme with the cancellation of the hugely popular Christmas Market but, due to the generosity of the local community, its other events raised over £9,000 to support local good causes.

Santa’s Sleigh was able to go ahead in a modified form and brought muchneeded festive cheer to the residents of Swanage, Langton Matravers and Corfe Castle. Complying with Covid-19-safety guidelines and supported

by Rotary Friends and members of the Swanage Carnival Committee and Crazy4Corfe, the event raised an astounding £4343.

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Rotary’s pop-up Christmas shop was kindly made available by the owners, Deanne and Geoff Drury. Rotary decided to open the shop for twelve days under the theme ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’, to sell produce (about 300 jars of chutney, pickle, jam, marmalade and jellies, together with home-made Christmas cakes and puddings) that would normally have been sold at the cancelled Rotary Fete and Christmas Market. With a tremendous amount of work put in by Rotarians and other helpers it raised over £4,000 and everything was sold!

The figures in the fabulous “12 Days” window display (pictured, right) were provided by knitters from the United Reformed Church. Rotary was keen to support other local charities, and The Inner Wheel provided prizes for a raffle which raised funds for their chosen charity, Dementia Friends.

The shop was a joint effort by members of Rotary, supported by friends, family, knitters, and indeed anyone who offered suitable things to sell.

This year’s Charity Mail took in, stamped, sorted, checked (at least three times!) and then finally delivered 4153 Christmas cards, raising over £1,100.

However, Rotary’s efforts were not all about fundraising. Working within Covid restrictions, Rotary was able to send 286 completed Christmas shoeboxes to children in Montenegro, Albania and the Philippines. This was an amazing result that was so well supported by Rotary members, Business Partners and local schools.

In Christmas week, Rotary was delighted to be able to support the Friendly Food Club by funding the food and preparing fifty food bags with the

necessary ingredients to make a Yule Log. The bags also included games and quizzes supplied by the FFC. The small Covid-safe team worked from the Swanage Methodist Church hall and were pleased to be able to support local families.

36 Swanage residents spending Christmas Day on their own were personally delivered Christmas stockings filled by Rotary members. This replaced the popular Christmas Day Breakfast (pictured, above).

Rotary’s new President, Deirdre Selwyn added “It looked likely that, alongside the Rotary Christmas Market, the rest of our usual Christmas events would have needed to be cancelled. However, thanks to our members, we were able to find new ways of working which seemed to be well received by our local community, whose support was incredible.

“Thanks are also due to the Swanage Carnival Committee, the Swanage Resilience group, Community volunteers, Crazy4Corfe, Rotary Friends and Business Partners. Without their help, we would not have been able to proceed with our varied Christmas programme.

“Once again, a huge thank you to all who braved the inclement weather to support and encourage us and raise over £9,000 for distribution over the coming year to local projects”.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Homes For Dorset’s Children?

ouncillors will consider plans to improve services and accommodation for Dorset children in care when they meet soon. Dorset Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve a ‘Placement Sufficiency Strategy 2020-22’. This sets out plans to improve accommodation for children in care in Dorset, by for example refurbishing and registering several small properties as children’s homes.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “Councillors will be examining these plans and deciding how best to improve the lives of children in our care. The aim of these proposals is to create more accommodation in Dorset so fewer local children have to leave their schools, their friends, their families and everything they know and be placed in care far away.

“Most importantly, this is not good for our children, but it is also very costly, as it involves sending money out of our county, rather than investing in skilled jobs locally. We want to provide the best possible care for all our children. Most children and young people in our care are looked after by local foster families. But for a small number of children, residential care is best, which is why councillors are considering these plans.”

Councillors have already approved plans to create a new home for Dorset children in Weymouth. This new home in Dorchester Road will give up to five Dorset children a better and more secure start in life. The site will also be home to our innovative new Harbour Project. This will see a dedicated team from different agencies working together to better support our children and young people, who will also be empowered to make more choices about their care.

Dorset Council is also looking for more foster carers for Dorset children.

Our highly valued foster carers are vital as they offer a good stable family environment for children in our care. If you are interested in making a difference to the lives of Dorset children, please get in touch and find out about a new career in fostering.

We would love to hear from you. Find out more by visiting fosterindorset. co.uk or call 01305 225568.

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Light Up Wareham For Christmas

The Purbeck Gazette

hank you to Special Days (Nicki Welsh) who has just handed over £1040.00! This included a single cheque donation for £100. Now that’s what you call a successful raffle!

Simon Watson has raised £310.00 and, at the time of writing, is training hard for his fundraising run in January.

The wonderful Monday Club have written a cheque for £920.00 to help match fund the raffle.

Thank you to Jackie Hall, our Town Cryer, for making an official visit to the raffle and to Sue Kemp, our photographer and councillor.

Times are hard for many people, but Wareham is full of amazing people doing amazing things.

We will get through these hard times because we care! Sue Booth, by email.

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Consultation On Dorset Council Local Plans

consultation on the Dorset Council Local Plan begins on 18 January and will last until 15 March. Once adopted, the Local Plan will guide decisions on planning applications in Dorset until 2038.

Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council portfolio holder for planning, said: “This is the time for local residents to have their say on the future of Dorset.

We want to get everyone’s views on the draft plan. We are working closely with all our stakeholders, our own councillors and town and parish councils to make sure we reach all parts of Dorset.”

The consultation is available online at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorsetcouncil-local-plan For people who don’t have access to the plan online there are paper copies available for loan at libraries through their click and collect service.

There are displays in windows of empty shops, libraries and Tourist Information Centres in some town centres.

There will also be a phone line that people can call to ask questions. This number will be available Monday – Friday 10am - 2pm. The dedicated phone line is 01305 252500

A series of webinars will allow people to phone in and listen to, or view presentations about various sections of the plan.

Once published, the webinars will be available to view at any time on our YouTube channel. Questions can be submitted in advance for the team to answer either as part of the webinar or afterwards. We will aim to respond to all questions asked to each webinar on our webpage no later than two weeks afterwards.

There are also bespoke surgeries for particular groups and town and parish councils available upon request A series of animations and podcasts have been developed to help explain The Dorset Council Local Plan. These can be found through Dorset Council’s social media channels or on the podcast platform Anchor.

The consultation closes on 15 March 2021.

The plan will go through several phases and will include a further chance for feedback on the ‘soundness’ of the plan. It will also be scrutinised by the planning inspectorate before its adoption.

Witness Appeal - Injury Collision Near Wool

Witness Appeal Attempted Robbery

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fficers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward following a fail-to-stop serious injury collision near Wool.

Sometime between 9.45am and 10.15am on Sunday 20 December 2020 a collision occurred in Bindon Lane involving an Isuzu pick-up truck towing an agricultural trailer and a cyclist.

The cyclist – a man aged in his 60s and from Poole – was knocked from his bike by the towing trailer and sustained a suspected broken leg and remains in hospital.

It is reported the driver of the vehicle failed to stop at the scene and instead continued to travel along Bindon Lane toward Wool.

Police Constable Clare Gillard, of the traffic unit, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was travelling along Bindon Lane at the relevant time and either witnessed the incident or may have captured it on dashcam to please contact Dorset Police.

“I would also ask the motorist involved to please get in touch so we can take an account for our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www. dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200191306. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.

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etectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward following an attempted knifepoint robbery in Dorchester. At around 5.30pm on Thursday 31 December 2020 the victim – a local man aged in his 50s – was walking on South Walks when he was approached by a man who asked for directions. The man then produced a knife and demanded money.

The victim managed to kick out at the offender and run away from the scene. He was not injured during the incident. The man is described as white, aged around 35 years old, approximately five feet eight inches tall, and of medium to stocky build. He was wearing a grey hooded top with red or orange lining and dark-coloured clothing, including a padded jacket.

The man spoke with an Eastern European accent.

Detective Sergeant Simon Austin, of Weymouth CID, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the area and witnessed what happened to please get in touch. I would also like to hear from any motorists who were driving along South Walks at the relevant time and may have captured any footage on dashcam to assist my enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www. dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200196465. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.

MARCH 2021 EDITION DEADLINE

NOON, Weds 10th February Email your advert bookings, advert copy & your letters to: ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

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The Purbeck Gazette

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Swanage’s Award-Winning Pier

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ituated at the start of Dorset’s World Heritage Jurassic Coast, Swanage Pier is part of the town’s unique Victorian history.

After being closed due to Coronavirus, the Pier reopened on Saturday 4th July, with all the necessary measures in place to ensure the safety of volunteers, staff and visitors.

It was great to welcome everyone back, either to enjoy a return boat trip to Poole, fishing, diving or just a breath of fresh air and great views from the end of the Pier. We also ran our Swanage Pier history walks and as part of our Halloween trail, ghostly creatures were hidden on the Pier for Children to find.

On Friday 2nd October, Storm Alex brought heavy rain and high winds, with waves coming over the lower deck of the Pier causing some damage to the lower landing stage.

With the second lockdown the decision was made to close for the safety of our volunteers. The Piermaster and a small team of volunteers spent this time carrying out general maintenance to the Pier and Marine Villas, which included painting the Café and Museum and some of the 44 benches and repair work was carried out on the lower deck of the Pier.

Along with the storm damage, the Pier suffered an estimated loss of £40,000 of vital income last year, due to Coronavirus. Entering a third lockdown, and in light of the ongoing situation, we do not know at this point when we will re-open, which makes your support vital to the future of the Pier.

To find out how you can support Swanage Pier please visit: https://www.swanagepiertrust.com/support-us

The Purbeck Gazette

Dorset Neon Run Returns!

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iverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, has announced that its Dorset Neon Run is returning to Poole Park on Saturday April 24.

The Dorset Neon Run is a five-kilometre evening fun run for participants to run, walk, dance, or jog around during the colourful fundraiser. Entertainment and refreshments will be available on the night, and previous years have included HOT Radio DJs and Clubbercise warmup activities.

Early bird entries are now open for £10 per person, and participants are provided with a Dorset Neon Run t-shirt, a glow in the dark pack consisting of glow sticks and face paints, and a fundraising pack. Participants are welcome to make a larger one-off donation in lieu of fundraising for the event.

Karen Hay, event manager at Diverse Abilities, commented: “Dorset Neon Run is a really fun event and as it isn’t time chipped allows participants to run, jog, walk, or dance at their own pace. We are looking forward to a night of fundraising in real life after months of socialising online and it’s a great excuse to dress up in neon gear and face paint, while having a laugh with your mates.”

Diverse Abilities is working alongside BCP Council to ensure the event runs within COVID legislations as they develop over the coming months.

There are also plans in place should government restrictions tighten nearer the time.

Dorset Neon Run is open to anyone over the age of 12 and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Registration opens on the night from 8pm and the race will start at 9pm.

Visit dorsetneonrun.com to find out more and sign up today.

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Purbeck Mobility REMAINS OPEN To Support Locals

The Purbeck Gazette

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he shop will remain OPEN throughout the current lockdown for sales, hire and servicing with slightly reduced opening hours – please see below.

Details of all our products - including the full Cosyfeet catalogue- can be found on our website (www. purbeckmobility.com).

We are also taking orders over the phone (01929 552623) and by email (shop@purbeckmobility.com) and offer a delivery and collection service to your door. Delivery to all local areas, including Swanage, Wool, Bere Regis, Lytchett, Upton, is FREE. We are still able to offer home surveys for stairlifts, vehicle hoists and ramps with full Covid-19 precautions in place to ensure your safety.

Revised Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9am – 2.30pm Saturday 9am -12pm Sunday – Closed

osed l c y l t rren on as we u c s i so op Our shll reopen askdown! i but w an after loc c

The Purbeck Gazette

Eighty-Five Tractors Supporting #WillDoes

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n Saturday 12th December at Kingston Maurward Agricultural College, over 85 tractors gathered to show their support for the charity #Willdoes ‘Helping Young People achieve well-being’.

This was organised by Bryony Vaugh and her colleges from the third year Agricultural Course at college.

It was spectacular to see the amazing machines in convey, filled with young people from all over the county and beyond.

They convey stretched as far as the eye could see in villages around Dorchester area, and included the final drive through Dorchester High

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Street. The feedback from people has been immense. This for me was the most touching event yet to see so many young people supporting and enjoying themselves.

Raised on the day approx. £1200 the charity to date has raised over £80,000.

We have a new exciting project for the future - the Willdoes Youth Bus! Watch this space!

Lesley Paddy, #WillDoes

The Purbeck Gazette

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Man & Van available to hire

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

07767 479438 Fully licensed & insured

Forest Holme Supported By Talbot Village Trust

Forest Holme Hospice delivers essential bereavement counselling thanks to grant giving charity albot Village Trust has donated £10,000 to support Forest Holme Hospice in providing counselling services to those experiencing grief.

As a result of the nationwide lockdown, the charity has moved its services online. Since mid-March, the counselling team at the hospice has provided counselling services to over 120 clients, with 60% of these being new referrals.

The virtual sessions with a qualified counsellor provide individuals with

a safe space to explore their thoughts and feelings surrounding the loss of a loved one.

Paul Tucker, Fundraising and Communications Manager at Forest Holme Hospice, commented: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on families who are experiencing loss. Due to rules around social distancing, people are often not able to have a proper funeral or be close to their relatives during end-of-life stages.

“Thanks to funding from the Trust, we have been able to help families navigate through an extremely stressful period. These sessions have proved to be essential during this particularly challenging time, and the need for them is reflected by the rapid increase in demand that we are experiencing.”

Funding from Talbot Village Trust was also used to purchase various resources for clients to help them navigate their grief, including recommended pieces of literature.

Russell Lucas-Rowe, Trustee of Talbot Village Trust, added: “The work Forest Holme Hospice do to support bereaved families is exceptional.

On behalf of the Trust I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the doctors, nurses and counsellors who work tirelessly to ensure all those who require help, have access to it during such a fragile time.”

Forest Holme Hospice provides end of life care and support to individuals with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. The Hospice has a team of specialist care professionals who provide both practical and emotional support for adults and their families in a variety of settings.

Talbot Village Trust is a grant giving charity that provides support to charities based in Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding areas. The Trust meets biannually and is accepting applications for funding from both previous and new applicants in the area before the Trustees meet in spring 2021.

Please go to www.talbotvillagetrust.org for more information.

What to do with your waste if you or someone in your household has Covid-19 orset Council is reminding residents what to do with their waste if someone in their household is showing symptoms of Covid-19 infection. If you or someone in your household has symptoms that may be caused by Covid-19 or have received a positive Covid-19 test result, please note the following guidance: Cleaning cloths and personal waste such as used tissues and disposable face coverings should be stored in disposable rubbish bags. These bags should be placed into another bag, tied securely and put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual external household waste bin or authorised blue sack. Other kinds of household waste can be disposed of as normal.

To dispose of any face coverings or PPE you or members of your household use when self- isolating, you should: • double bag them • store them for 72 hours before putting them in a ‘black bag’ waste bin • never put them in a recycling bin.

• You may also wish to clean the handles on your bins after and before they have been emptied.

The Recycle for Dorset kerbside scheme has been designed to minimise

contact between our employees and the waste we collect but following the above guidance will further protect everyone involved during the collection process.

Household recycling centres (HRCs, or ‘the tip’) will remain open for waste that cannot be collected at the kerbside, including garden waste. We encourage residents to continue to store waste at home, where possible, to reduce pressures on these services. If you or anyone in your household is unwell, has been in contact with someone with Covid-19 symptoms and/ or self-isolating, you should not make a trip to a HRC. Waste from a household where someone is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 infection should be double-bagged and left for 72 hours before being taken to an HRC, and only if it cannot be collected at the kerbside.

You can find more information on Dorset Council’s waste services at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/coronavirus Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services, said: “Our waste collection crews and contractors at our household recycling centres are providing a vital service right now and it’s important that we do all we can to keep them protected during the pandemic. If you or anyone in your household is showing symptoms or has tested positive for Covid-19, please follow the guidance and be considerate of how you dispose of your rubbish and recycling.”

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Dealing With Covid-19 Household Waste

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The Purbeck Gazette

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I

Blast From The Past!

This month, A Decade Ago...

t seems like a lifetime ago, does it not? February 2011, back when the world was operating ‘normally’; shops were all open, events were planned, we were getting ready to welcome to spring back to Purbeck and with it, the expected annual influx of visitors to our amazing isle.

Much is different as I write now, looking back at this past edition from a world which seems suddenly so far removed from how things stand today! We shall retain hope that as swiftly as possible, things can return to normality or our ‘blast from the past’ in a decade won’t cover much more than how we were all stuck at home for months at a time and little happened in our community!

So - our February 2011 from cover showed a map taken from the ‘Two Bays’ Shoreline Management Plan for this area. The plan detailed how the future may look for our coastline and gave information as to where the coastline would be ‘held’ (protected) and where nature would be allowed to run free and make whatever changes she felt necessary....

The article was entitled ‘Sea in your back garden, sir?’ in reference to the significant number of households sitting above the sea on cliffs - now crumbling and in many cases, unlikely to see public money utilised to shore up a few private residences here and there along our coastline.

Since the plan had been initalised and was a matter of published public record, Estate Agents found they had a legal duty to inform purchasers of any future expected effect brought as a result of a changing climate/ rising seas or, alternatively, as a result of the Coastline Management Plan.

Some found they suddenly had difficulties with buildings insurance, many residents in affected properties were angered by the plan as they felt that public money should be utilised to protect their investments. Sadly - in lesser populated areas, this is not an accepted use of funds (for a few households) and therefore there are areas where the line will not be held and properties may find themselves in danger in the next 20-50 years. Ten years after publishing, house sales still occur, people still long to occupy that prime ‘cliff top’ position and thus far, we’ve not seen any properties slide down onto North Beach in Swanage. Thus far....

We were still battling yet another downturn in the national economy in February 2011, with many local businesses and service struggling. We found the Gazette was wonderfully supported during the downturn by local advertisers continuing to reach out to their local customers and somehow, most of Purbeck survived relatively unscathed from that economic depression.

The Swanage community said a sad farewell to Shalim Khan, proprietor of Masala Indian Cuisine in Swanage (pictured left).

Shalim had been an active and participary member of the Swanage community for some years, after deciding to bring his traditional recipes to town and open up a new restaurant in the Lower High Street.

Shalim made great strides in learning English from the off and was a highly personable individual with a wicked sense of humour.

Our young journalist team member, Steph Collis, penned a piece entitled ‘The festering months of February and March....’ Steph wrote: ‘Not only does February’s unfortunate position mean crippling chills, it is also flanked by two other festering corpses of months; January and March. January brings failed New Year’s resolutions, the post-Christmas paunch and the arrival of a paler, flabbier, sadder you than anyone has seen in twelve months. March, the lesser of two evils, brings a feeble hope from spring’s warmer climate, yet this hope is embittered by the realisation that April isn’t really that good either; it’s benign, but slightly irrelevant.

‘Despite these factors, I believe that the main reason behind February’s intolerable gloom is Valentine’s Day. There really is nothing worse for the bitter single person than countless cuddly couples, kissing, flirting and frolicking whilst you watch with a feeling of resentment and inadequacy.’

Such happy days being a teenager, eh?! Recounting the joys of spring - or rather not! Steph is now a fully-fledged adult and is doing marvellously in life - one wonders if she still has the same strong feelings about spring?!

The Purbeck Gazette

Well-known and much-loved marathon runner, Charlie Allen (pictured - then 68-years-old), switched his trainers for oars and joined members of the Swanage Sea Rowing club for the ‘Great River Race’.

Charlie was new to rowing and he learnt the basic skills over nine weeks prior to the challenge. The team then rowed ‘Peveril’ twentyone miles from London Docklands to Richmond, racing against other UK teams.

Charlie raised £700 of the total of £893.60 raised by the team, which went to Macmillian Cancer Support.

Columnist, David Eyles, had been writing the ‘Over the farm gate’ column for the Gazette for four years and his February 2011 column was his ‘swan song’ as a Gazette columnist. Over the years David had written beautifully about the trials and tribulations affecting the local farming community and had kept us up-to-date with the nature he was lucky enough to witness from his farmland up on the headland, facing the seas.

David’s final column focused on inpending climate change and how policy sometimes struggled to reflect the expected (and argued over) changes.

He also wrote about how agriculture and farming would have to change in upcoming years. At the time of his writing, huge fires had swept across Russia and terrible floods had occurred in Australia. World cereal stocks were marginal and prices were rising as a result.

David wished our readers well and headed off to a new life where he intended to turn his talents to writing a book. We haven’t seen it on the shelves as yet, so we’re imaging David with his head still down, studiously, typing away, working on his lifetime’s masterpiece!

The Purbeck Gazette

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New Rules For Dogs In Open Spaces “It focuses on times and places that attract families, but leaves a variety of open spaces, countryside and beaches where there aren’t any restrictions.

“It is a compromise, and as such, won’t be everyone’s ideal situation but it provides a balance for dog owners and non-owners.”

The order follows a 15-week consultation that received 8,602 responses.

83% of responses were from local residents, with 15% from visitors and 2% other organisations. 64% of responses came from dog owners and 36% from non-dog owners. 6.6% of the respondents considered they had a disability. The recommendations from the consultation were considered and approved by the Place and Resources Overview Committee in September and Dorset Council Cabinet in October.

Final report from the consultation can be found at https://moderngov. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/documents/s20924/Appendix%20A-%20PSPO%20 Consultation%20Report%20FINAL%20REPORT%20revised.pdf The report that was approved by Dorset Council Cabinet is available at https://moderngov.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/documents/s20923/Dogrelated%20Public%20Space%20Protection%20Order.pdf

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dog related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) across the Dorset Council area comes into force on 1 January.

For the first few weeks the council will focus on advice and guidance to dog-owners explaining the new rules. A dog related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) across the Dorset Council area comes into force on 1 January. For the first few weeks the council will focus on advice and guidance to dog-owners explaining the new rules.

The order replaces a number of existing dog related PSPOs across the Dorset Council area. The intention is that the new Order will provide clarity and consistency across the area for dog owners and non-owners alike about dog controls on public open spaces such as beaches, sports fields and other public areas.

Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services said: “The order has been made to protect the health of Dorset residents and visitors and is particularly aimed at areas that children and families use.

The Purbeck Gazette

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A New Year Catch-Up With The Crew Of Swanage Carnival!

Looking ahead wanage Carnival has been running for over 200 years and until last year, we had not had to cancel the full event since the second world war.

In 1950s Enid Blyton held the position of President Swanage Regatta and Carnival which was a few events that were held over three days, Thursday to Saturday, the procession being on the Thursday and the firework finale on the Saturday.

Enid Blyton said at the time ‘Presidencies are usually so dull, but to preside over Regattas or Carnivals is a very cheerful office! I am doubly please because I have for some many years shared Swanage in the summertime with both residents and visitors. Since I was a child I have come to Swanage, my first love for it has never grown less’.

Swanage Carnival Chairperson, Maria Foot said ‘I think that all Carnival volunteers carry some of Enid Blyton’s spirit in the affection we hold for Swanage and our Carnival. Despite the difficulties of the last year, we are excited to be working towards our next event!’

In the 1960s the local councils were restructured, and the Swanage Carnival was taken over by a band of volunteers who formed The Swanage Regatta & Carnival Association.

A constitution was formed, and it stated that the aims of the Association was to “promote and provide public entertainment and to raise money for charitable causes”, this is still the basis of the constitution used today.

Over the past sixty years, the Regatta & Carnival has grown into a major south coast attraction, run by solely by volunteers, it is a week full of events (over 100), and features something for everyone; a week filled with family fun, entertainment, live music every day, running races, sandcastle competitions, the sailing regatta, treasure hunts, magnificent firework displays and not forgetting one of the longest processions around.

Disappointing as it was to cancel Carnival last year, we are just one of many events that has been cancelled and we know that at some point we will hold our next event, we just don’t when.

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Carnival Butterflies! Nadine Hudson-Featherstone

The Red Arrows - Nadine Hudson-Featherstone

Swanage Carnival Wheelbarrow Race - Swanage Carnvial Committee

The Purbeck Gazette

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Titan the Robot! Nadine Hudson-Featherstone

Ever the optimists, planning for Carnival 2021 started last year.

Our volunteers have been in touch with entertainers, musicians and sponsors to plan for our next event. The 2021 Carnival dates are 31st July 2021 to 7th August, but it will be some time before we know if the event can go ahead. We hope to be able to make a confirmed decision in the spring.

Whilst we have not been able to continue with some of our usual commitments, our volunteers have been helping other organisations, such as the Rotary Club of Swanage and Purbeck over the Christmas period.

In October 2020 we made a callout for your past memories and pictures of Carnival and it was great to see stories and images from Carnivals gone by. The well-remembered ‘greasy pole’ (pictured, right) has fond memories for many, and the long-standing tradition of the wheelbarrow race never fails to bring a smile to many faces.

Whenever our next Carnival is held, you can be sure it will be full of fun and there will be lots of new events. Our volunteers are still working hard to plan ahead, sourcing new events and creating new activities. We also continue to consider how to operate with any potential restrictions that may be in place to ensure we a run a safe event, when the time comes.

We are lucky to have such great support from our local community and from further afield. We look forward to seeing you all at our next Carnival!

The end of the procession - Swanage Carnival Committee

Historic Greasy Pole! Swanage Carnival Committee

Historic Greasy Pole! Swanage Carnival Committee

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Business

The Purbeck Gazette

Beware tax deadline scammers

Brexit

Following the UK referendum decision in June 2016 to leave the European Union (EU), the UK formally left the EU on 31st January 2020 before entering a transition period until 31st December 2020.

The transition period allowed for some last-minute negotiations and compromises from both sides before its expiry at 11pm on 31st December 2020. There are still some issues to be resolved, including those relating to financial services, and reviews of certain aspects, such as fishing rights, but some four-and-a-half years after the decisive vote, the UK has left the EU and is the first major trading country to leave a major trading agreement with their immediate neighbours.

I am fairly certain that most people didn’t anticipate that the process would take so long to get to this stage, or that it would be so complicated – by mid-December there were already 18,000 pages to the agreement and no doubt more were added before the final agreement was signed. This was clearly a milestone for the UK which also set precedents for other EU nations.

Therefore, the whole agreement needed to be handled very carefully by the EU negotiators.

The UK is likely to maintain its own high standards for, for example, food and animal healthcare following its departure. It is now an independent member of the World Trade Organisation (to which 164 countries belong) and, by 11th December 2020, had already concluded 27 trade agreements with 56 different countries outside the EU. The UK is likely to be a hub for global trade and is looking towards making trade deals in the Asia Pacific region and with the US and, in mid-December, was negotiating another 15 or so trade agreements, including with the US. Most of the trade agreements made so far generally replicate the status quo and are mainly rollover agreements.

Basically, not being in the EU means that goods being exported from the UK to the EU will be subject to quality checks and certification, while goods coming in will be subject to import taxes and checks.

However, how it actually affects us on a day-to-day basis remains to be seen and the whole thing is much more complicated than my simple summary statement!

However, it is anticipated that Brexit could be inflationary as the cost of imported goods such as food and cars is likely to rise.

In addition, costs are likely to increase for many manufacturers of goods and these costs then need to be passed on to the consumer. We will see how it affects the stock market in due course.

Having an agreed deal in place was viewed positively by the stock market, but how it all pans out remains to be seen, especially with COVID-19 very much at the fore at the moment.

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

Fraudsters are continuing to target taxpayers with scam emails in advance of the 31 January deadline for submission of Self-Assessment returns. In fact, over the last year, HMRC received more than 846,000 reports about suspicious HMRC contact.

A number of these scams purport to tell taxpayers they are due a tax rebate or tax refund from HMRC and ask for bank or credit card details in order to send the refund. The fraudsters use various means to try and scam people including making contact by phone calls, texts or emails. In fact, fraudsters have been known to threaten victims with arrest or imprisonment if a bogus tax bill is not paid immediately.

HMRC’s dedicated Customer Protection team to identify and close down scams but is advising customers to recognise the signs to avoid becoming victims themselves. For example, genuine organisations like HMRC and banks will never contact customers asking for their PIN, password or bank details.

If you think you have received a suspicious call or email claiming to be from HMRC you are asked to forward the details to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599. If you have suffered financial loss you should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use their online fraud reporting tool.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Patrick Mears Joins Battens To Head Bath Commercial Offering

CBI Response To Lockdown 3.0 Business Support

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ain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said: “The Chancellor has once again moved swiftly to support businesses as circumstances change. It is sorely needed. More direct grants will provide some relief to eligible companies’ cashflow.

“Yet with businesses facing a third lockdown, there are other steps that can help provide a bridge to the all-important economic recovery, particularly those affected through supply chains. For some, demand has once again evaporated overnight, and in northern England some firms have been labouring under stop-start orders for months already.

“Therefore, extending the job retention scheme to end of the second quarter would provide firms with a clear line of sight, aiding planning and investment. And removing the business rate relief cliff edge in April will provide much-needed breathing space, as will re-examining the case for VAT deferrals.

“With the vaccine rollout now underway, and increasing mass rapid testing, there really is a brighter future within reach. Maintaining steadfast support for firms during this painful period will help ensure the recovery is delayed for as short a time as possible.”

Leading South West law firm Battens Solicitors has today announced the appointment of Patrick Mears as Head of Commercial Property, Bath.

Renowned for his considerable expertise in commercial law, servicing the Bath market for many years, Patrick will help focus and build the firm’s commercial offering in Bath.

Building on Battens’ reputation for excellence in commercial law, from its Yeovil headquarters and network of offices beyond, Patrick’s appointment comes in response to the growing number of Bath businesses needing post-Covid support with legal matters.

Commenting on Patrick’s appointment, Battens Chairman David Stephens, said; “We are delighted that Patrick has joined the Battens team to head up our commercial proposition in Bath. The pandemic created an extremely challenging year for business owners and those involved in commercial property during 2020, so being able to call upon an experienced, hands-on legal team at competitive prices is crucial for the Bath market.

“With the team we have in place and the mix of skills and experience they bring, we’re confident that our Bath office can plug this gap and help provide some much-needed support for local business and property owners.”

Patrick joins Property Litigation specialist and Vice President of the Bristol Law Society, Edd Thompson and Brian Levine, Head of Media, Entertainment & Intellectual Property (IP) at Battens’ Bath office, which opened in 2016.

“I am really excited to be joining the Battens team in Bath and look forward to working with Edd and Brian to build our commercial offering and help businesses in the area navigate the post-Covid landscape. As a small, but experienced team, each with our own areas of specialism across commercial law, we can help business owners and commercial landlords with all their legal needs, from commercial contracts to lease renewals to more complex dispute and IP matters.

“Our size and structure mean clients get senior, hands-on advice at a competitive price and that we can remain nimble, building our Bath team around what the market needs.

“Last year was undoubtedly tough for businesses, but we are seeing some promising deals and commercial activity taking place. With this in mind, we feel confident about the outlook for our clients in 2021 and the part we can play to help them stabilise and flourish,” said Patrick.

Battens’ Bath office is located at 7-9 North Parade Buildings and is operating in line with current Government advice.

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

01929 768720

The Purbeck Gazette

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Look Ahead As Lockdown Takes Hold

wanage law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors has urged businesses to anticipate employment issues before they arise in the face of a lengthy coronavirus lockdown.

Partner and head of employment Kate Brooks has highlighted key points to consider amid calls for tougher restrictions as the Covid crisis deepens.

This includes employees being able to take unpaid time off on an unlimited number of occasions to deal with an emergency involving a dependant.

Ellis Jones’ office in Swanage is in the High Street.

Kate, who has been recognised for her expertise in The Legal 500 and The Times Top 200 Law Firms guides, said: “The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, agreed unpaid leave, flexible working, the role of critical workers and working from home are all matters which may need to be considered.

“In addition, employees are entitled to a reasonable amount of time off to deal with an emergency involving a dependant, such as a family member or someone who relies upon them for care.

“There are no limits on how many times an employee can take emergency and unpaid time off for a dependant but this may become more prevalent if the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise. Employers are advised to consider all of their options and, importantly, have plans in place so they are ready to deal with any matters which arise.”

One option for employers to consider is furloughing staff if they can’t work due to childcare responsibilities or health concerns. They do not have to agree to requests for furlough from staff.

Kate added: “There are different options to consider. In my opinion, unpaid leave should be the last resort.”

Other latest developments include the Government’s guidance on critical workers being updated for the latest lockdown to include those whose work is critical to the UK’s response following departure from the EU. Kate is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.

Ellis Jones, with more than 140 staff and 17 partners, also has offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood and Wimborne as well as London.

For more information contact Kate Brooks on kate.brooks@ellisjones. co.uk and 01202 057754 or visit the Ellis Jones website at https:// www.ellisjones.co.uk/coronavirusupdate.

The Purbeck Gazette

Motoring

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Updated Service Details For Ferry

Last updated service details, 7th Jan, 3.00pm. ockdown Service Update: Following a significant reduction in evening passenger numbers in recent days, from Thursday 7th January until further notice, the final daily ferry service will leave Sandbanks at 7.20pm.

This will allow the last daily M50 MoreBus service to cross. The first ferry will continue be at 7.00am from Sandbanks each day.

As always, we ask that passengers continue to comply with the Government guidance on travel during lockdown.

We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience and thank them again for their understanding and cooperation.

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2019 (10), Ford Focus 2.0 EcoBlue Tdci Vignale Est, 5dr, Diesel, Automatic, in Dark Mulberry, Panoramic Roof, Blind Spot Information System, Drivers Assistance Pack (Adaptive Cruise Control Traffic Sign Recognition; Auto High Beam; Adaptive Cruise Control (with Lane Centring Assist & Stop & Go on, Many Extras, 11,200 miles, ......£18,495 2020 (20) Ford EcoSport Titanium 1.0 EcoBoost 125Ps, 5dr, in blue lightning, petrol, manual, Sync3 Navigation with 8-inch Touch Screen, Cruise Control and Speed Limiter, Rear Parking Sensors, Electrically Adjustable and Heated Door Mirrors, Alloy Wheels.....................£16,995 2018 (68) Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.0 100Ps EcoBoost, 5dr Hatchback in Race Red, Drivers Assistance Pack, Hill Start Assist, LED Daytime Running Lights, Rear Parking Camera & Sensors, Air Conditioning, Anti-lock Brake System with Brake Assist, Adaptive Cruise control and Speed Limiter, 19000 miles....................................................................….£10,495 2017 (66) Ford KA+ Zetec 1.2 85Ps, 5dr Hatchback in Oxford White, 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….................................................£6,995 2018 (67) Ford Fiesta Titanium 1.0 EcoBoost 100Ps, 5dr Hatchback in Moondust Silver, Petrol, Manual, Climate Control, Remote Central Locking, Cruise Control and Speed Limiter, Service History, Front Electric Windows, Blind Spot Information, Reverse Sensors, Electrically Folding and Heated Door Mirrors, 30268 miles…...........................£9,995

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 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 2016 (16) Ford Focus Zetec 1.0 Ecoboost (125ps) in Met Grey, Sat Nav, Electric Windows, Bluetooth, DAB Radio, Start/ Stop, Only 36000 miles and £20 per year tax, FSH..........£8895 2014 (64) Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.0 Ecoboost 5dr in Met Blue, Air Con, Electric Front Windows, Electric Folding Mirrors, Rear Parking Sensors, Alloys, Heated Front Screen, Only 23500 miles and £0 Road Fund Licence, FS..............................£7995 2016 (66) Vauxhall Mokka 1.4T Exclusive 5Dr in Blue, Climate Control, Cruise Control, Bluetooth, Electric Windows, Electric Heated and Folding Mirrors, Auto Headlights, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, 44000 miles, FSH…...........£8295 2016 (66) Honda Civic 1.8i-VTEC SR, 5dr, Auto, in white, Sat Nav, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Rear Parking Camera, DAB Radio, Panoramic Roof, Electric Windows, Only 24000 miles, FSH….............£12,595

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The Purbeck Gazette

From The Kitchen Garden...

Winter Vegetable Risotto

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urray, hurray the days are getting longer-what a relief! The more winters I leave behind me, the more acutely aware I become of the limitations of winter daylight hours and become rather frustrated by it...As there isn’t a light switch for the land, I work by the up and down of the sun. Although it has to be said, I do appreciate the opportunity of a good rest after the previous busy months.

The soil is also getting a break, as in February there’s still very little intense growing happening in the Kitchen Garden itself. Although quite a lot of vegetables are perfectly frost hardy and able to be harvested during the winter months, I find little joy in slipping around the place, trying to pick a decent amount.

When everything is wet to the touch and slowly rotting back to the earth, I try and use this time wisely to fix broken stuff or replace some kit every year. Storm Bella split one of my Polytunnels in half and although that plastic sheeting lasted twice as long as was listed, I would have liked to get another season out of it. But all the wooden polytunnel doors are bashed and useless and need replacing anyway, so I might as well do a proper job and replace the whole lot.

Another winter job is sorting out accumulated stuff, broken implements and forgotten bits. As much as I find it a chore, once done it does feel good to know what there is and where it is. So, time used to sort now, is gained when I need ‘the thing’ and I know where I can find it. Unfortunately, I can’t blame anyone else much for not putting implements back to the right place, as I’m mostly working on my own.

The first seed sowings this month are broad beans, Greyhound cabbage, onions, spring onions, salad leaves (rocket, corn salad, mizuna) leeks and banana shallots. All these I sow in a seed compost in an unheated polytunnel in trays or modules, grown for transplanting once germinated and growing.

In my heated propagator the first peppers and tomatoes are sown and outside if I still got some garlic to plant out it’s going in on a dry day.

Once the soil is drying out a bit the plough will be hitched to my tractor and off I go again, trying to plough in straight lines...As it’s a ‘once a year job’ I always feel nervous getting started, but once I get going I’m loving it. The ridges also help to dry out the heavy clay ground and let some air in. Then, at a later stage working it over with the cultivator, making it into a lovely seedbed is very satisfying and really gives me the green light for some serious sowing and transplanting.

After a day getting muddy outside, I won’t be cooking a five-course evening meal, but this one pot risotto is just right.

Winter Vegetable Risotto with Smoked Trout (4 portions) Ingredients: 1 tsp. Vegetable oil or butter 1 onion

By Regula Wright, Godlingston Manor Kitchen Garden 1 leek ¼ cabbage/ a handful chard or spinach 400g risotto rice 1 glass white wine 900 ml hot stock (chicken or vegetable) salt & pepper to taste 1 handful of grated cheese Method: - heat the oil/butter in a large saucepan then gently fry the chopped onion and leek until translucent -add the rice and carry on cooking for a couple of minutes, stirring gently covering the rice with buttery veg.

-pour in the white wine and let bubble up until nearly evaporated then pour in about half the stock and stir -cook over a medium heat for about 25 minutes, stirring often and gradually pouring in the remaining stock a little at a time until the rice has absorbed all the liquid -just about 5 minutes before taking the rice of the heat and adding the grated cheese, chuck in the finely shredded greens and stir in.

Perfect with a glass of chilled white wine from that bottle cracked open for cooking this dish….

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g you n i e e to s Local! d r a rw ort o p f p k u !S loo We ain soon ag

all

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Lockdown 3

The Annoying Sequel

by John Garner

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here seems little or no point in going over old ground in terms of the new lockdown. It is what it is and I think we all suspected it was coming. What is new is that there is a very big light at the end of the tunnel-that being the roll out of the vaccine. By the time these words are published some of you may already been vaccinated, with luck, so things don’t quite feel the same as on previous occasions. Here’s to a speedy and efficient jab programme.

Back to the lockdown then. I think we all learnt some things during the first iteration of enforced isolation.

Firstly, whilst it’s not always easy, it is possible to make the most of the situation and form some good habits that help to get us through it. You are still allowed to exercise outside and, at present, with one other person, so if you are at home this should definitely be part of your daily routine.

We are blessed by the countryside I which we live and there are many and varied walking routes around us to enjoy. Being outdoors helps. Being outdoors and exercising really helps.

Secondly that word routine. All the advice seems to be to get one established. Personally, the word ‘routine’ has negative connotations of drudgery and repetition, but I embraced the idea of setting aside times for various activities early on after watching Stephen Fry suggesting it during the first lockdown. Even if it just means you compartmentalise your day into slots where you go for a walk, or pick up an old instrument, or learn to speak an obscure Indonesian dialect for when travel becomes a reality again. You might not always be able to fulfil this commitment, but the structure can give a reason to your day.

Thirdly, do something new. Your garden is probably immaculate and you almost definitely decorated the house last time round so maybe do something else that takes your mind off things but allows you to think about something else whilst you’re doing it. (I should really do the garden and the house as I squirmed out of it the first time. Some things are too tortuous to contemplate for me.)

Fourthly, (fourthly never sounds right does it?) don’t watch the news. Or at least don’t watch the news very often. My experience of the news is that it rarely sheds much light on things that couldn’t be gained from a short online summary (although don’t spend too much time staring a t a computer screen either). Find out what you need to know and move on.

With a bit of planning you can find some excellent speakers who have not tried to bewilder us with graphs and statistics. These tend to be nongovernment folk if truth be told.

Linked to the above, one other thing I’ve learnt is that if you want to know anything about the actual virus, listen to the virologist Chris Smith.

Clear, unpatronizing and completely lacking in any vague management speak designed to deflect.

Top man Chris. Emily Maitlis was heavily criticised for calling this out on the BBC, which is supposed to be impartial, but in my opinion she was

merely addressing the issue of the misleading rhetoric that abounded in the news. Good on you Emily.

That said, I have found it very therapeutic to shout and swear at the TV sometimes even if, for obvious reasons, there was no response. It should be noted that although I did appear to access some long forgotten or assimilated vocabulary during these occasions, I do not class this as being part of a healthy daily routine. Although I did get much better at cursing the suits from afar so even here you can see that there’s nothing like practice to hone your skills. Not sure I’d have got much clarity of response if I’d been in the room with them to be honest.

Finally, don’t watch the TV indiscriminately. I know it’s something my parents said when I was young but to paraphrase ‘there’s bugger all on and what’s on is all repeats.’ The second part definitely still applies.

As regards the first part, there is definitely lots on…it’s just that the majority of it is crap. I like, some of you I’m sure, have lost hours trawling through stuff I trawled through the evening before looking for something to watch.

Maybe I’m too picky but there’s a lot of derivative, formulaic programming going on out there. I’m going to make a plea for reading here. A pile of books has just arrived to compliment the ones I got at Christmas. I’ve never been happier. And in the spirit of approaching new things, I’m branching out from my usual reading and taking on some other genres of fiction and non-fiction.

To summarise. (In hindsight it might have been worth putting this at the top so you didn’t have to wade through the rest of it.)

• Get outside and exercise.

• Plan your days.

• Do something new.

• Avoid snake oil salesmen.

• Read more books.

I mean that wouldn’t be a bad plan even if we weren’t in a lockdown.

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Durlston’s first white blossom is that of the Cherry Plum, which is found beside Lighthouse Road upon the level, wooded section before the walling centre. Nearby an evergreen Viburnum has held white flowers for some time. In the Pleasure Grounds, look out for Japanese Spindle with its bright green leaves and pale pink berries. At last the castle Daffodils have flowered, although weeks behind those at Swanage Railway Station!

February, hosts National Nest Box Week (https://www.nestboxweek.com/) so it is the perfect time to clean out, build or simply put up a nest box. As the breeding season approaches male birds will be seeking nest sites and territories. The males will begin to sing to defend their empire and attract a mate. Perhaps a Blue Tit or Great Tit might investigate a London Bollard for a nest site! Over the meadows the flute-like calls of a Skylark may be heard as it sings and holds its aerial position.

Fulmars prepare to breed and in flight, appear to bounce off the cliff face whilst the Guillemots gargle below. Guillemot numbers will increase to over a hundred, with Razorbills joining them on the sea. Redeploy your binoculars, during sunny moments, and look above the retaining wall beside Tilly Whim steps. Here Adders can easily disappear between the retaining

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wall cavities if threatened or they become too hot or cold. Overwintered Brimstone or Small Tortoiseshell butterflies will need to hunt for nectar to sustain them.

Our next scheduled exhibition will be “Unmasked” which will open when appropriate and celebrate the faces of health workers fighting the battle against COVID-19 in Dorset.

If you intend to visit us, please follow the latest Government guidance for travel and meeting people from outside your household. Although we may not be able to offer guided walks, if you are visiting Durlston for your local daily exercise, why not download our new audio tour of the Clifftop Trail?

You can download the walk by clicking on the button below: https://www.durlston.co.uk/Audio-Tours.aspx If you can’t visit at the moment, you can always read our daily Ranger’s Diary for a taste of the Park at: https://www.durlston.co.uk/durlston-today. aspx For the freshest Durlston news follow us on Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/Durlston/

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Gazette Gardening with Simon Goldsack

February Favourites to Scent Your Garden lthough spring is still a few weeks away, late winter provides increasing interest in the garden as certain plucky plants come out of dormancy.

The obvious showy candidates are bulbs such as Crocus, Hyacinth and Daffodil and shrubs such as Camellia which dazzle the eye, but I wanted to look at a few more subtle plants that whilst the flowers maybe less showy have the added attraction of a wonderful perfume.

Edgeworthia chrysantha (top) is a small to medium sized shrub, native to the woods of the Himalayas. It Is related to Daphne and also has a powerful scent.

It is hardy to -5 deg C so place in a semi-shaded area sheltered from cold north and east wind.

Sarcococca is commonly known as the Christmas Box, this group of similar looking evergreen shrubs have insignificant white flowers from January to March.

Well, not much to recommend them so far, that is until you know about the gorgeous perfume they emit, that will fill a sheltered courtyard garden in the latter days of winter. Even in more exposed gardens on a windless day the sweet scent hangs around. It will be happy in any good garden soil but avoid hot, dry situations.

Sarcococca ruscifolia Dragon’s Gate (pictured, middle left) Sarcococca humilis var. digyna (pictured, bottom left) Skimmia If you want bright berry colour then the female forms of this plant will provide them in abundance, given the presence of

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a male form nearby.

However, if you are after scent buy a male form. Not only do they have attractively coloured clusters of buds from late autumn through winter, but just as winter is loosening its grip, those buds open into powerful scent emitters and like Sarcococca one good plant can fill a small garden with an enchanting fragrance.

Look out for the forms S. Rubella with crimson buds and S. Kew Green which has greenish white buds against deep glossy green foliage.

Skimmia Rubella (pictured, top right) Skimmia Kew Green (pictured, second from top, right) Daphne If there is one plant that most people know as having a beautiful scent, then it’s Daphne.

Most of them are evergreen or semievergreen, small to medium shrubs with pink or white flowers. They flower for a long period 2 to 3 months and the perfume is intoxicating.

Daphne bholua (pictured, bottom right) Daphne odora (pictured, third from top, right) If you decide to plant any one of these lovely shrubs, position them somewhere you pass regularly in winter so you can appreciate it. E.g., next to a path near the front door or on the way to the car.

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he start of the year can see many decide they would like to set themselves a new goal. Are you looking for a new challenge? Do you enjoy supporting rescue animals?

We are asking people to pledge a fitness activity to raise money for rescue animals.

It could be a walk across the beautiful Purbecks or get creative tasking yourself to jog the distance of your pets age in miles? Whatever you decide to do, we are here to support your journey.

We would love to help you reach your fundraising and fitness goal, let us know what you have planned by emailing christine.rolfe@mgar.org.uk We are able to provide support setting up fundraising pages, such as on Facebook or JustGiving. We can send you sponsor forms to log money donated from friends and family and also offer advice / guidance if you have any questions at all.

Running or walking is a great way to help support wellbeing and you will also be helping the animals in our care. All money raised will go towards the care and welfare of animals at our centres, each and every £1 really does make a difference to their lives.

You could be helping dogs like Little Ruth who came into our care after she was found straying.

She was in a lot of discomfort with her ear and her head was on one side, she was continually head shaking and her ear was double the size of her other ear due to what we thought to be a haematoma. This meant that the blood that collects between the cartilage and skin of the earflap is there because of a burst blood vessel.

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We brought her back to the centre and immediately scanned for a microchip, but sadly she was not on the system.

Whilst this condition is not classed as life threatening, we felt her welfare was being compromised, because of the extreme discomfort she was in, so we took her to our Vets so that the haematoma could be drained.

Over the course of the week, the ear started to double in size again, so we felt that the only action we could take was surgery, as the haematoma itself won’t burst as the pressure of the fluid build-up prevents further bleeding and the blood in the haematoma becomes clotted, which can be very painful.

We really wanted little Ruth to be able to live a comfortable and happy life.

Little Ruth underwent this operation and is now pain free! She went on to find her forever home and living a very happy life with her new owners.

Can you pledge to help dogs like Little Ruth? Get in touch today. www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk

Incident Involving Dog In Purbeck - Appeal

fficers investigating an incident involving a dog that attacked a horse in Purbeck are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

At around 11.45am on Sunday 20 December 2020 a woman aged in her 70s was horse riding with a friend in Moreton Forest when they were approached by a group of around seven or eight people who had two dogs with them.

One of the dogs was described as an English Bull Terrier who the owners – a man and a woman – appeared to call ‘Ocean’. As they walked past the horses, the dog slipped its lead and attacked the woman’s horse. The horse twisted round in distress, throwing the rider off.

She did not sustain any serious injuries. Her horse suffered a graze to its leg.

A woman apologised to her and they managed to get the dog back on its lead before the group got into two cars parked nearby.

The male owner of the dog is described as white, aged in his late 30s to early 40s, around six feet tall and of stocky build with dark receding hair. He

was wearing a dark hip-length coat and jeans and spoke with a local accent.

The female owner is described as white, of a similar age to the man, around five feet five inches tall and of stocky build with dark brown hair that was tied up on the top of her head. She may have been wearing a light yellow coat.

Police Constable Jennie Sykes-Martin, of Dorset Police, said: “We are making enquiries into this incident and I would urge anyone with information about the dog involved and its owners to please contact us.

I would also like to appeal to the owners to do the right thing and come forward so we can take your account.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www. dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200191296. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.

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A Brighter Future For Purbeck...

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e all look forward to a better future – a future which is healthy and brings new life chances and opportunities for young and not-so-young alike. The Government has set out its plan for a green recovery and a greener economy over the coming years. How can Purbeck seize the opportunities to secure a thriving, greener and prosperous future for our communities?

A promise to create new National Parks is part of the Government’s plan for a better future and a greener economy. The sooner Dorset achieves its National Park the quicker our communities can enjoy the benefits this would bring.

Dorset’s environment is recognised as our greatest economic asset. A National Park would help the county to make more of the opportunities this offers. It would attract businesses, investment, jobs and skills, including in the “green/blue” economy, helping Dorset to be “on the front foot” in seizing these new opportunities.

A National Park would boost Dorset’s vital tourism sector, with new, year-round tourism opportunities. It would encourage eco, heritage, cultural and dark skies tourism with increased value for communities and providers. The National Park brand would help Dorset farmers and producers of food and other products, with national and international marketing opportunities.

Dorset’s families and young people need the kind of life chances that a National Park can offer. Families need affordable homes in local communities. A National Park has a duty to respond actively to local housing needs, including for truly affordable homes. It would work with councils, communities and others to meet local needs.

National Parks are partnerships and work through partnership. A Dorset National Park would be a new partner and valuable asset for councils and communities and work closely with them to bring benefits for Purbeck and across Dorset.

The Dorset Council would remain the lead local authority throughout rural Dorset and continue to deliver such key services as education, social care and highways. But the Council would have new help from the National Park in delivering services and supporting communities. A National Park would bring genuinely additional money to benefit our communities and countryside.

Not only would the National Park bring funding for the environment, wildlife, health and wellbeing, heritage and rights of way. Its additional funding and expertise would also contribute and add value to other key

Corfe Castle, by Ben Buxton

Heath Spotted Orchid, by Richard Brown

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services. It would support local decision making on planning. It would work with communities, schools and clubs, and bring people closer to nature, helping to improve health and wellbeing and to reduce the costs of social care. Working with partners it would help to develop and deliver sustainable policies including for public transport and the economy.

The Government’s plan for a greener future recognises that addressing the climate and ecological emergencies is a big and urgent challenge.

It requires action at an international, national, county and community level and by everyone. Time is not on our side. A Dorset National Park offers the opportunity for a thriving, successful, greener future – for our communities, economy and nature.

Edward Fox and Julian [Lord] Fellowes give their enthusiastic support to a Dorset National Park. Many local councils, societies and other individuals agree. “With our interest in supporting the mental health of children and young people in Dorset, we would welcome the increased resources a Dorset National Park would bring, and the new and exciting partnerships it could foster.” (Anna Powney, Children and Young People Service Manager, Dorset MIND.) For more information and to see the latest Newsletter: https://www. dorsetnationalpark.com/news, and follow on Facebook.

Hartland Moor, by Nico Johnson

Lunchtime on Brownsea, by Swanage Photographic Society

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Arts & Entertainment

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Newly-Revamped Mowlem Closed Once More

he Mowlem Theatre, which has only been able to open for eight weeks since March, has launched an appeal to help it survive the continuing Coronavirus crisis.

The Mowlem’s October reopening was well received, with social distancing and other measures in place to ensure the safety of the audience. The second lockdown in November meant that Theatres had to close again, and the reopening in December saw further restrictions introduced.

Theatres across the UK are closed during the current Lockdown, but visitors during the brief period of opening had welcomed the many improvements made to the building.

A huge effort has been made over the last twelve months to renovate The Mowlem’s interior, and Operations Manager Thomas Curtis has worked hard to improve the audience experience since he took up the role last spring. Audiences have responded well to the series of ‘live’

theatrical screenings put on during the Mowlem Musical Magic season during October.

The Family Festive Fun season during December included Karen G’s Christmas Show, the first live performance since March which raised over £400 for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.

The Crowdfunder appeal aims to raise at least £5000 to help support the theatre while it remains closed, but also to help cover the extra expenses caused by Coronavirus restrictions.

The additional costs of safety features including hand sanitiser stations and signage are made worse by the need to limit audience numbers to create space for social distancing.

The appeal finishes on 2 February - to make a donation go to crowdfunder. co.uk/mowlem-coronavirus-appeal or visit themowlem.co.uk at any time to donate.

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The Purbeck Mummers Make Merry In Festive Film!

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t takes more than a global pandemic to keep folk performers The Purbeck Mummers down. They may not be able to put on their play in person this year, but they’re still bringing it to viewers via YouTube to help raise funds for a local cause.

Normally, every Christmas in Wareham and Corfe Castle, men disguised in tattered and colourful costumes can be seen in pubs and open-air spaces performing the centuries-old Mummers Play.

The traditional folk play portrays the triumph of good over evil, and includes plenty of swashbuckling swordplay, a fiery dragon and even the spectacle of dead men being brought back to life. All this is in aid of raising funds for local charities.

This year, however, Covid-19 has sadly prevented public performances. But rather than cancelling it altogether, the Mummers went into movie-making mode, and drafted in their wives, friends and girlfriends to film them. Each performer was recorded separately to ensure social distancing, and the videos have since been edited into the complete play.

The Purbeck Mummers’ play can be found on YouTube: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ3a5zfijQA&feature=youtu.be This year The Mummers are fundraising for Steps for Stan.

Stanley Cole, from Corfe Castle, has semi lobar holoprosencephaly, a condition which causes cerebral palsy and development delays. He struggles to move or support himself without help, so all donations raised through the film will put towards helping Stan become more independent.

PAW Bursaries Now Open PAW Festival 2021 May 29th - June 13th urbeck Art Weeks Festival is looking forward to being as ‘live’ as possible in 2021. We have a superb programme of concerts and talks lined up, and our artists are starting to plan their Open Studios and exhibitions.

‘Renewal’ is the theme for this year’s PAW and we’re hoping to offer our visitors, Covid-19 allowing, a range of inspiring art and creative activities to explore during the Festival fortnight. The Spring Dryad was one of three winning images from our theme competition, so look out for it on the front of our brochure.

If you are a practising or returning artist and feel ready to start showing your work, please do think about taking part in PAW this year. New exhibitors are welcome! The deadline for applications is March 1st and you will find all the information you need to know on our website at www. purbeckartweeksfestival.co.uk .

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PAW is a supportive community of artists who revel in creativity of all kinds – the more the merrier!

If you think a PAW Bursary could help you take the next step in your career as a visual or performing artist, and you are over 16 years old, please let us know. You can email us at info@purbeckartweeksfestival.co.uk The PAW Festival team, our artists and our musicians, look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you into PAW – one way or another!

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Swanage Blues Festival by Steve Darrington wanage Blues Festival is sadly cancelled for March, but many people have expressed how much they are looking forward to the next one in October 2021. My monthly Live Music guide has been suspended till better times, as has our regular Live Music at Swanage Royal British Legion. Last October Elmo and I arranged a gig by a prominent member of Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, saxophonist Derek Nash, who is regularly featured on TV soloing in front of the band. I look forward to being able to ‘resume normal services in Swanage as soon as possible’!”

Meanwhile, I would like to share with you some of the many comments I’ve received from regular contributors to the blues festivals.

International musician Robin Bibi said: “Swanage Blues Festival has become a firm favourite in the diary of many blues music enthusiasts all across the UK since it began 20 years ago. It’s now a twice-yearly event which regularly attracts thousands of visitors. Nearly all the events are ‘grass roots’, non-ticketed and held in local pubs, clubs and restaurants and as far as Corfe Castle.

“It’s a non-profit organisation which relies on the goodwill of the attendees for funding. Many lifelong friendships have been made and, especially since it’s become biannual, Swanage Blues Festival has become a social hub for like-minded folk of all ages and from all walks of life. They meet, enjoy the ambience of the town and the hospitality provided, as well as the free music on offer.

“A weekend wrist band is an unofficial pass into all the participating venues but interestingly the wristbands aren’t obligatory. Over the years many thousands of people have attended the festival and many folk now automatically put the first weekend of March and October in their diaries.

From a personal standpoint, Swanage is a vital part of the blues music calendar for its vibrancy and enthusiastic support of the music it promotes.

“This was shown clearly in March 2018 when a snap of severe winter weather threatened the viability of the festival, but the hard-core followers and willing artists kept it running. Naturally, all this is beneficial for the hospitality industry of the town and local area. I’ve made many friends from participating in the festival and I’m very grateful to the organiser Steve Darrington who has pretty much single-handed organised the festival since it began.

“It’s become a very important part of many people’s lives as well as nurturing the careers of young artists just starting out who get a chance to perform at the jam sessions. How important it’s become has been illustrated plainly by the fact that two of these festivals have had to be cancelled due to the pandemic and so many people have said how much they are missing it. Let’s hope it can get back up and running again in October 2021 . Once more thanks and respect to organiser Steve Darrington.”

Celebrated music photographer Paul Dubbelman said: “Swanage Blues Festival is, for me, one of the friendliest, totally inclusive festivals in the blues calendar. As well as the regular, established acts there are many opportunities for professionals and hobbyists to play together at numerous Jams and open Mics held throughout the festival. It is at the Jams that magic

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can truly happen – a combination of players that are all firing together, creating something that is way greater than the sum of its parts. It is these moments that burn themselves into your memory and your soul and remind you why you keep coming back.

“As well as the musicians, the people that attend the festival are the friendliest bunch around. Returning to the festival each time is like returning to the family that you haven’t seen for six months. Many lifelong friendships have been forged at Swanage Blues Festival; it is that kind of vibe. Add to that the extremely talented musicians that come time after time to share in the joy of the festival.

“There must be something special in the air in Swanage, the way that everyone comes together for a four-day party again and again. It is consistently top of the list for quality music, inclusivity and friendliness and that is without considering the impact it has on the town’s economy, bringing many people in during the off-season, filling the pubs and restaurants, and all needing a bed for a few nights.

“I leave Swanage, after a festival, exhausted but exhilarated and a day later I am already looking forward to the next one. That is known as ‘The Swanage Blues Effect’.”

Hugh Budden said: “The festival where old friends come to meet in a beautiful place, listening to fabulous music... cue the party!”

Chicago 9: “Playing to the most appreciative audiences ever, seeing and supporting other musicians doing their thing. Meeting up with friends and acquaintances .The wonderful atmosphere locals and the festival creates.

The view from the B&B window. The selection of real ale in the pubs. I miss everyone and everything. Hopefully see everyone in October.”

Bluesmaster Robert Hokum said: “Some studies have shown that tastes in music can be a function of personality. Thus, music festivals can be a gathering of like-minded people. This is demonstrated at The Swanage Blues Festival where a sense of ‘community’ is evident throughout the event.”

Photos on this page by DubbleXposure Photography.

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Matron’s Round - Our Local Hospitals’ Monthly Column

his New Year has started with very sobering statistics following new developments around Covid.

I am sure everyone is aware that the number of people affected by this virus is increasing at an alarming rate and cannot stress enough to everyone the importance of following the rules needed to reduce its spread.

As I am writing this article we are bracing ourselves for the predicted surge following the Christmas holidays and as always I am blown away by the flexibility and support from everyone within the hospital.

Our colleagues at the three acute hospitals in Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset County are working incredibly hard dealing with people during the acute phase of this illness. After this first phase is when our community hospitals step in.

Patients are transferred to us from any of the three hospitals to rehabilitate or, sadly, for some to spend their last days. Swanage Hospital has been pivotal in enabling patients with Covid-19 to recover and go home.

With the increasing numbers of Covid positive patients being hospitalised, we will again be caring for patients with Covid 19. As before, the teams looking after your loved ones will adhere to strict measures to prevent

any further cross infection.

The shining light in these difficult days is the fantastic development of three vaccines for COVID 19 and Wareham hospital will be playing host to the Purbeck Primary Care Network mass vaccination programme which started in January 2021.

The priorities for the first recipients are the 80+, care home residents and staff and frontline workers.

This will be a huge undertaking and I’m sure we all appreciate the benefit of having a hospital in Wareham to help deliver the programme.

Calls to attend for a vaccine will be organised by GP surgeries; please don’t ring the hospital for an appointment.

I hope you all remain safe, remember hands, face space.

Until next time, take care Matron Donna

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

Call us on 01929 422282. We’re here for YOU, so use our services!

CHIROPODY Rachel Ciantar Registered with The College Podiatry & HPCP

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2 Daisy May Arcade, King’s Road East, Swanage

Contact 07979 840542

Advertise your Health or Beauty Service HERE! See www.purbeckgazette.co.uk for rates

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Hello From Swanage Medical Practice News from Swanage Medical Practice

15th January 2021 - Update from Dr Jason Clark Senior Partner Swanage Medical Practice n December it seemed harsh that we had just come of a National lock down in Tier 2 having gone in to Tier 1. Since then, after a brief spell in Tier 3, we now find ourselves in another national lockdown that is likely to continue even longer than the one in March 2020.

The November lock down had got us back down to less than 5 active cases in Swanage at any one time. By December the 31st this was between 10 and 20 and a staggering jump to between 40 and 80 by January 7th. If this continues to rise this means that 1 in 100 are likely to be infected at any one time. We are now in the top half of the country by prevalence rather than near the bottom.

This associated with are our older population, co-morbidities and rest homes means we all need to heed and exceed the current lock down recommendations, as removing all opportunities for the virus to spread from one person to the next is the only short-term way of getting the rate down.

Local hospitals are becoming stretched as in other areas of the country, with up to 200 cases now being monitored by the Covid home pulse oximetry service at any time.

A rise over Christmas was expected but when we came out of lock down in December the new variant had only just been described and its effect was difficult to predict. Studies have since shown that for the same level of lockdown, when previously each person only infected 0.7 others, this new variant infects 1.3. It is that much more infectious but seems to cause the same degree of illness. So, the measures that were suppressing it will no longer do so.

The weather has also been cold which helps preserve the virus and forces us indoors that may encourage further spread. It will be a long time until the hot weather in May or June may help supress it again.

All the more reason why we all need to continue to practice “Hand Face and Space” as well as staying at home. Those who were advised to shield last time should by now have received another letter asking them to do so again.

At the beginning of December vaccines started to be delivered and we arranged for the practice to help with this. The original batches went to hospital sites and those areas with the combination of elderly patients and deprivation.

Now those sites have been provided for we finally heard on Friday the 8th January that Purbeck would be getting its first batch of 975 Pfizer doses and an unknown number of AstraZenica ones.

I

Thanks to a Churchillian effort by the Purbeck Primary Care Network and our Practice teams, most of the over 80s have now been booked in for their vaccination. Unexpectedly we have now heard we will be getting further supplies from the 18th January to complete our over 80s vaccinations.

Swanage Surgery will be posting out pre-defined appointment letters to eligible patients. We have a fantastic community spirit in Swanage, with a community that really pulls together in time of need.

We ask our community to please support our elderly patients, be they family, friends or neighbours, as they will be receiving these invites at very short notice and some will most likely be worried, so please help them by making sure they can get to Wareham Hospital for their vaccine.

Please reassure them, particularly those with mobility problems, that the Wareham clinic is very well organised with lots of volunteers and clinical staff offering support & guidance as soon as they arrive.

We ask that patients only contact the surgery if they are physically unable to leave their home or if they wish to decline their appointment.

We cannot make changes to appointment times or dates, as alluded to above, we have pre-defined number of appointments slots allocated to Swanage patients and all slots will have been allocated.

Some patients might also receive a general invitation to book a vaccination at the BIC (Bournemouth) mass vaccination site, we would ask that patients please keep their Wareham appointment otherwise the valuable vaccination we have put aside for you might be wasted.

With the additional strain of staff absences due to covid, increased contacts due to the virus and now the booking and giving of the vaccine, Practice staff are now extremely busy.

So, please do not call us to try and book a vaccine or ask when you will get it or why X had it but Y has not or which vaccine you will get as this will be preventing us booking people in or organising other care.

I have today visited the vaccination centre in Wareham and would like to thank all those that have worked so hard to get us to this vital point of rolling the vaccine out to the Swanage and Purbeck residents and look forward to meeting some of them on the first day .

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Remember: “HANDS (wash), FACE (mask), SPACE (2m)” Dr Jason Clark, Senior Partner Swanage Medical Practice website: www.swanagemedical.org

The Purbeck Gazette

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Covid Comfort

I

Keeping active and maintaining your balance during lockdown

t feels harder this time round, doesn’t it? Going into lockdown in the cold weather, missing our family, friends and our usual activities. There is hope with the vaccine which came early January to Purbeck, but in the meantime let’s try to remain active and make the most of being outdoors and in.

Home activities that increase your effort and work of breathing Cleaning, walking up and down stairs or along a corridor for 5-10 minutes, stacking the dishwasher from your wheelchair, gardening - any activity where you work harder is beneficial.

Strengthening exercises – a great way to improve muscle activity and fitness. Use light weights (a tin of beans will do) for simple arm exercises, do step-ups on the bottom step, practice repeated sit to stand from a low chair. Go for a regular walk or ride or try an online exercise class Check out our videos on Dorset Neuro Physio YouTube channel for balance; a 50-minute balance workout and 7 Key Exercises to Improve Balance: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtnDf1hJC0EEbOGkGWrW3w Dorset Neuro Physio are starting a Virtual Balance Class, whilst our usual Balance Class at Swanage Therapy Centre cannot go ahead. This is for adults with high level balance problems and includes specific exercises to help improve strength, balance reactions and reduce falls risk. There are also online Pilates, Yoga and other fitness classes led by physiotherapists and fitness instructors to explore. Contact me for recommendations.

Look after your well-being too: • Be in the fresh air, whether a stroll by the sea, around your garden, park or open space, have a change of scenery.

• Set goals that you would like to achieve in the coming week or month. It might be to sort out photos, tidy the ‘man-drawer’ or decorate a room.

• We need things to look forward to so plan treats - a family quiz or catch-up on Zoom, a take-away meal supporting your local pub or restaurant, an evening walk with a good friend, a new local place to explore or enjoy a left-over Christmas bar of choccy!

• At times like this, we must embrace the simple pleasures in life and appreciate this beautiful Isle of Purbeck in which we live.

• Look ahead – Make a list of holidays or trips you would like to take when we can safely travel again. Keep up hope.

Improving our immune system to protect ourselves from infection.

An interesting programme on BBC 1 - “The Truth About Boosting your Immune System” is well worth a watch and talked about positive and manageable steps we can take to boost our immune system and fight infection. Factors include: • A high fibre diet – wholegrain cereal, oats, wholemeal bread and pasta, baked potato, nuts, pulses and vegetables.

• Vitamin D supplements – 10 micro grams, particularly in the winter months • Moderate exercise – exercise that made you slightly out of breath, warm and raises your heart rate • A regular good night’s sleep - > 7 hours.

• Massage – increasing blood flow and release of important immune cells.

The spring and the vaccine is just around the corner….just hold on in there! With our warmest wishes.

Contact Holly at Dorset Neuro Physio on 07967 096742 or email holly@ dorsetneurophysio.co.uk.

Follow Dorset Neuro Physio on Facebook for exercise tips and information about our service.

MARCH EDITION DEADLINE NOON, Weds 10th February

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

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The Purbeck Gazette

Sport

Purbeck Sports Centre

W

e are living through challenging times right now, but there are simple things that we can do to improve our overall wellbeing.

Purbeck Sports Centre are on hand to get you through lockdown and beyond.

During the 2021 national lockdown Purbeck Sport Centre have launched their very own Youtube channel. The channel contains tips and technique videos as well as full length classes, accessible to all.

In addition to the free content on Youtube, Gold card members of the sports centre benefit from a daily timetable of live online classes, which would normally be accessible in the centre itself, all taught via Zoom by the brilliant class instructors.

During 2020 the Sports Centre underwent a lot of changes to ensure that when open to the public the site is Covid-secure and safe for customers to train with confidence. Changes include booking in advance for all sessions, socially distanced classes with limited numbers, increased deep cleaning between sessions and mandatory facemasks when walking between activities. Visit the Purbeck Sports Centre website for more information.

Purbeck Sports Centre will continue to monitor the current situation and Government guidance for leisure and continue to adapt to the everchanging nature of the Pandemic with the safety and wellbeing of customers at the forefront.

The team at the sports centre very much look forward to better times ahead and are working hard to bring a fun mix of new and exciting things for the future once it is safe to relax measures and get back to normal.

In the meantime, stay safe, stay active and remember the Sports centre is available to everyone.

T

Swanage Bowls Club

he Swanage Bowls Club virtual AGM confirmed the following appointments for the 2021 season: Company Board: Terry Buck (Chair and Finance), Barrie Tatman (Secretary), Clive Bryceson, Linda Wallis and Norman Love.

Management Committee: Chair and Fixture Secretary: Terry Buck, President and Club Secretary: Barrie Tatman, Vice-President: Mike Keats, Men’s Captain: Brian Beeston, Ladies Captain: Linda Wallis, Treasurer: Judy Smooker, Bar Manager: Graham Smooker, Green Manager: Gordon Wallis, Ladies Secretary: Kath Senior, Member’s Reps: Clive Bryceson and Norman Love.

Club Officers: Media: Nadine Evans, Social Wizard: Judy Smooker, Sponsorship: Kath Senior, Triples League and Roll-up: Norman Love, Men’s Selectors: Mr. Captain Brian Beeston, Mike Keats, Tony Bell and Roger Senior, plus a vacancy. A Vice-Captain will be appointed from this group for the season Ladies Selectors: Lady Captain Linda wallis, Judy Smooker, Uta Keats, Jean Thomas and Julie Lomas-Smith. A Vice-Captain will be appointed from this group for the season.

Jean Broadbent and Mary Vye accepted ‘Honorary Life Membership’, offered in recognition of long and distinguished support and service to the club.

MARCH 2021 EDITION DEADLINE NOON, WED 10th FEBRUARY

The Purbeck Gazette

Spotlight Event Diary

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Diary Entries are FREE if your event is FREE. If you charge, then it’s £5 plus VAT per entry, per month. DEADLINE for FEB is noon, 11th JAN 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.

FEBRUARY 2021

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.

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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

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

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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

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

Emergency Call Outs - Free Quotations & Estimates Temporary Roof Coverings - Fully Insured

OUR PRICE WON’T BE BEATEN

01929 424553 01258 858214 07813 346993

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The Purbeck Gazette

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING

ROOFING SPECIALIST SPARROW’S

SANDIE’S BARBERSHOP 191 HIGH STREET, SWANAGE Open Mon - Thurs, 9am - 5pm, Fri 9am - 2pm, Sat 8.30am - 3pm

Over 30 years

We are closed on Sunday.

Late night Thursday till 7pm

Membership Federation of Master Builders

01929 426364

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

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 INDEPENDENT TELECOM ENGINEER (Ex-BT)

Repair of phone lines & broadband HALF BT PRICES!!

07858 458997 - 01929 554886

The Purbeck Gazette

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING Michael B. Alberry

DECORATOR Property Decoration & Renovation

07796 640538 01929 424882

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

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

USE OUR LOCAL TRADES PEOPLE OR LOSE THEM!

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Man & Van available to hire

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

07767 479438 Fully licensed & insured

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 Purbeck Mobility, 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!