The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 254 by The Blackmore Vale Limited

March 2021 November 2019 238 Issue no. 254

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Purbeck Christmas Challenge! Pg 12 23Pg- 37 Feeling Frayed? You’re Not Alone... 23 Help Save Rex The Brave. Pg

CaringOur ForFlag Primates Covid. Is NowThough Official! Pg 16Pg 31

Staying Afloat Winter During Lockdown. 36 Banish Those Blues! Pg 24Pg- 35

Eyes AlongOn The Coast... Pg 19 Otter Deaths The Increase. Pg 37

SWANAGE & now PURBECK TAXI This space is available!

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Editor’s note...

elcome to the March 2021 edition of your Purbeck Gazette! It’s still 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 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 alone, unsupported or just feeling really down right now. Thanks so much to the volunteer team who have been putting the Gazette together whilst we’re online only - your hard work is much appreciated!

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 - March 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 - March 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.

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Learn about our Lookouts on page 12! Wonderful picture (above), by Mary Counsell - limited print edition sold in aid of Coastwatch

BUSINESS MATTERS COMMUNITY MATTERS COUNCIL MEETINGS FEATURES Article: Feeling Frayed? Blast From The Past - returns next month Embrace Young Voices Gazette Gardening Have Your Say On Our Future John Garner writes - Returns next month National Coastwatch Silver For Durdle Door! Swanage Medical Practice Update & Info Telling It Like It Is - David Hollister writes Touring Arts Kept Alive VIP Bulk Stockists Of YOUR Purbeck Gazette! Virtual Day Hospice Launched Volunteer Centre - Join Up! Wareham Town Council News HEALTH & BEAUTY LETTERS MOTORING NATURAL MATTERS TRADE ADVERTS DIARY SPOTLIGHT

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DEADLINEFOR FOR APRIL SATFRI 20th10th MARCH DEADLINE JULY ISISNOON, NOON, 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.

APRIL deadline: noon, 10th MAR

Dependent On Father State? Dear Readers, Well, January has come and gone, thank goodness and the winter blues are on the run. I hope that 2021 will see us once more having fun. The saddest day for me in 2020 was the day I heard we’d lost John Prine. If you don’t know him look him up on YouTube. You won’t be sorry. I bought a doorbell after thirty years but it only plays Big Ben chimes... middle class at last. I’m waiting for my jab and getting nervous. Just my luck to die just when I can hear the cavalry bugle call. I love crows and rooks, they sit up in the trees and natter away to each other and sometimes the conversations get heated. Haven’t done a damn thing all winter but sit and read and count the hairs on the back of my hand, but I’ve got my good friend Tullamor Dew to keep me company. I’m really lucky because I’ve got a great view of the world out of my window. I love to watch the world go by. I think I would suffer from depression if it were not for my window. We talk a lot. When I was a child we lived above the shop on a busy main road and I spent many happy hours at the window just watching the world go by in winter. A very nice man phoned me and offered to look after all my savings but hung up after chatting for two hours and finding out I had no bank account. A big ‘Hello’ to my good friends Drew, Drew, Barney, Mcgrew, Cuthbert, Dibble and Grub. We live in Trumpton without a Trump. I am not a fisherman but the most interesting and entertaining book I’ve ever read is ‘Fish, Fishing and the meaning of life’, collected essays chosen by Jeremy Paxman. Wonderful. I have a lot of sympathy for Hannibal Lecter; the uncouth should very definitely be removed to a distant planet, but in hindsight maybe we should keep the telephone cleaners. We are always kept in a state of fear: nuclear war, petrol running out, ozone layer depleting, A.I.D.S. , climate change, Covid etc. When this is all over there will be something else to keep us dependent on the Father State. And then we shall have recession and be kept in penury to pay ‘The Debt’ . There is always money to bail out banks but never any to pay society’s deepest needs. Everything is always our fault. Politicians are only the factors of finance, our actual ruler. Usury Rules. When madness rules And all is lies We can but live Our little lives I would say more but I’ve just sealed the envelope so take care for now. Casper Hauser (of late), by email

Beer, Ale & Cider Specialists Food served 12 noon - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm High Street, Swanage. 01929 423533 information and evidence when discussions occur. With the added worry of Covid, and that Swanage may expect exceptional visitor numbers this summer, the Paramedic car is a service we cannot afford to lose. The petition is now over 4,500 signatures - please continue to sign and share: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-swanage-ambulance-car Thank you, kind regards, Thelma Deacon RGN

Help With Coal History Dear Readers, I am writing to see if any of your readers may be able to help me with research into the history of the coal delivery trade in Purbeck. A friend of mine who has now moved from Dorset to live in Sutton Coldfield in the Midlands has asked for my help in researching about his family, The Willshires, who ran a coal merchant distribution business from the railway yard at Corfe Castle, from where they delivered coal around Purbeck. If anybody has any memories of having coal deliveries within Purbeck, especially any memories of using the Willshires to deliver coal, or if they recall the Willshire business in Corfe Castle, I am keen to hear from you. The loan of any photographs would be absolutely great. Does anybody know how coal would have arrived at Corfe Castle from the coal fields? Did it come by rail to the station, by road, or was it perhaps shipped to Poole Harbour and delivered from there? There may be present coal merchants who could help answer questions or have memories/photographs. This information is not for a publication, but for a family researching their family history. Please contact me by email: andrew@droveway.co.uk or mobile phone: 07798 693 287. Thanking you in eager anticipation, Andrew Hinsull, by email

Jacob’s Duck

Our Paramedic Car Dear Readers, As part of the campaign to save our Paramedic Car, and in response to Cllr Monkhouse’s letter in February regarding the removal of the Paramedic car from Purbeck and the ‘public engagement’ from Dorset Clinical Commissioning group, it prompted me to apply to South West Ambulance Trust for more information about the number of call outs and categories in 2019, this was done through their freedom of information department. I requested figures about postcodes BH19 1, BH19 2, and BH19 3 (Langton, Worth, Studland) in that year there were 996 calls to those areas alone. Of which 73 were in category 1, a threat to life. If a member of the public calls 999 the call is triaged and then the Paramedic car is contacted to respond. Cllr Monkhouse is collecting individual stories which will provide

Dear Gazette, My 8-year-old son has been enjoying our lockdown walks and loves taking lots of pictures. This duck was chatting away to him today on Wareham Quay. Jacob attends Sandford school and is embracing his new life with a mix of home schooling and classes. Jacob received his first camera this year from Santa and is enjoying capturing nature. He would be so proud if his photo could be in the local paper. Kind regards, Jacob Cassidy and Shelley Cassidy.

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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!

Lockdown Poetry Corona Moaner! How dare the corona virus Come visiting our nation Doesn’t it know that we’ve left the EU To stop such immigration? Doesn’t it know that we’ve closed all the boarders? Doesn’t it know what that means? Doesn’t it know we need bog-rolls Cos we›re eating a shed-load of beans?! Is it just here for a short stop Or maybe a much longer stay I can›t even go to the shops now Unless I use rules all day I can›t even cuddle my Granny I can›t even wash my hands quickly I›ll just have to lock myself up in my room And binge on some box-sets of ‹Strictly› Or maybe I›ll stay in the toilet 6 months on my own might be fun And there›ll always be one thought to cheer me... At least we got Brexit done !! Martin Hobdell, Swanage A thank-you from an ICU As a Brexiteer who voted For all foreigners to leave I›d just like to thank the 17 Who are helping me to breathe No gloves, no gowns , no visors, No other PPE All these were cut when I cast my vote For strict austerity Along with all the tests to tell Who›s caught this cruel Corona I pray the foreign staff stay fit Till I need an organ donor ! And I hope they’ll get their just reward When all their work is over No pay rise , of course, just a round of applause As we give them a send-off...at Dover !!

(Written in lockdown 1, Martin Hobdell, Swanage) This latest list of corona rules is really driving me crazy I think that the latest No 10 signs Said ‹Hands›, ‹ Knees› and ‹Boompsy Daisy› Put a mask on your hands, wash your knees And give your boompsy daisy some space But is it one metre or two metres now When we lay down our rulers in place? And what about this new rule of six Does it mean that my family can meet? Even though there are actually 7 of us Can we take turns to stand in the street? Should we meet in a pub or a restaurant Where hundreds can go with less fuss? Or perhaps we›ll just hold our next party On a plane, or a train or a bus At least then we›ll get to see granny And the rules will seem less grim and black We could even go off on a daytrip ... Maybe to Durham and back!! Martin Hobdell, Swanage The solution is a jab The solution is a jab So, investment in a lab and be quick about it said Boris to the Cabinet The result was truly fab Millions were to get the jab But on the continent they were not so very content Your production we did not nab It was your failure in the lab was what we had to say when the EU called “foul play” It is like when we hail a cab First come first served, is not just blab Production and supply need planning It is no good you complaining Malcolm Dodd, Corfe Castle, by email

APRIL 2021 EDITION DEADLINE NOON, 20th March

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TELLING IT LIKE IT IS... Rights & Responsibilities.... by David Hollister

oring, isn’t it! Nothing happens – thrice! Comparable with the Beckett play ‘Waiting for Godot’ but at least that only lasted two hours. How long will this enforced imprisonment last? As long as it takes, until everyone is ‘safe’, whatever that means. Covid-19 deaths are still astonishingly high. But people are also dying of influenza, strokes, heart conditions, on the road, and for many more reasons. Suicide takes eighteen lives every day, and is the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. In 2020, there were more than 166,000 deaths from cancer, that’s over 450 a day. Every day. Grieving families, households destroyed. So yes, Covid-19 is an astonishing total, but let’s not get it out of proportion. It’s going to be months, maybe years, before we ever get back to ‘normal’, whatever ‘normal’ is. And that’s a huge toll not only of deaths but businesses closing and failing, dreams being shattered, a bankrupt economy, huge unemployment, a doubling of the use of food banks and Universal Credit. And goodbye to fun. Children will miss out on formal education, although it’s the missing out on the social aspect of schooling that troubles me more. Children need social contact, they need face to face with their friends, need to establish friendships and relationships rather than screen-time if they are to grow up into normal well-adjusted adults. Kids are only ‘falling behind educationally’ on a scale that the adults have defined for them. Actually, they’re going to adapt. Children always do. They will learn new and different skills; they will overcome. So, stop telling them they are ‘falling behind’ and marvel when they come out of the other end as rounded human beings; just show them love and try to understand. Don’t make them feel inadequate; it’s not their fault. So, in the light of this apparently gloomy future; what went wrong? How is it that as an island, surrounded by sea, with definable and enforceable borders and a huge army of ‘officials’, we managed to have the highest CV death toll in Europe? Some will say ‘too little too late’ and lay it at the feet of the politicians who many of us call incompetent – but could we have done better? Other countries went to lockdown; we went to Cheltenham and flocked to football matches. Other countries enforced lockdown with guns; my friends who were in Spain spoke of armed police in the streets and they weren’t even allowed out to walk their dogs! The first lockdown worked – after a fashion – until the middle of May when Dominic Cummings rubbed our noses in it and we all realised that the ‘regulations’ were only ‘huff and puff’ and didn’t apply to the ruling elite. Then, so many people seemed to lose respect for authority and social distancing, flocked to the beaches and partied on the coast. Those of us who felt some kind of social or personal responsibility looked on, amazed at the unmasked students partying in the streets. The flagrant disregard for anyone else’s welfare but their own. As a nation, we have a regrettable attitude that says: ‘rules are for everyone else’. So, then we had a half-hearted “lockdown” in November and another one from the beginning of January. We celebrated Christmas because we hoped we’d be safe, yet the figures have proven otherwise. So, if Boris had cancelled Christmas he’d have been vilified, and now he’s being vilified for letting go the reins too quickly. There are no fewer cars on the roads, no

fewer people in the supermarkets, people still believe themselves ‘exempt’ from wearing masks (OK, don’t go there, what gives anyone the right to infect me and my family? If you’re not well enough to wear a mask you’re not well enough to go out shopping). Twelve million people have now had their first CV19 jab; this is an amazing logistical achievement only made possible because our NHS was put in charge. Imagine how successful Test and Trace would have been if our NHS was in charge instead of a monster corporation! In my book, vaccinations should be compulsory (here he goes again). Nobody should be given the option to catch Covid19 and infect the rest of us. They want ‘freedom of choice’; I just want freedom to survive. And don’t even wonder how many nurses could have been employed and paid adequately if billions hadn’t been poured into the pockets of the government’s cronies for non-existent PPE, services which they were not qualified to provide, and with no way of us recouping our money. Our money. Not the Government’s. One day – when this is all over – people will be held to account not just for the incompetence, but also for the lies, corruption and flagrant disregard for decency. How sad to see the Allnatt Centre close its doors in Swanage. They have been at the forefront of the Save Outdoor Ed campaign and are rightly proud of what they achieved. This will be a sad loss to Swanage both economically and socially. As indeed was Harrow House International Language School, which closed last year. Many jobs lost, many lodgers no longer here, Did you have your say about the proposals by S.T.C. and Sustainable Swanage, to turn the Downs into a nature reserve? I think I’d rather see S.T.C. working on repairing the uneven pavements and ripping up the ugly tarmac patches. Have you – as a dog owner – taken in the new PSPO regulations? You really should because not only can you be fined by an ‘enforcement officer’, but also ‘dobbed in’ by your neighbours if Rover takes a dump and you fail to clear it up! So sad that we’re losing the 2021 festival season; the Fish Festival, the March Blues Festival (fingers crossed for October!), the Purbeck Rally, the Pirate Festival, and so many more still teetering on the brink. When will the Pier and the Railway be open again? Will we, I wonder, still be able to put on Swanage Carnival, Harmans Cross Fete, and all the late-summer events which we have come to enjoy and taken for granted for so long? Tell you what, when we eventually get them back – which we will – let’s make sure we go to every single one and really value it! Did you take in the fact that the most recent landslip nearly took the coastguard team with it? They were standing near Sheps Hollow when several tonnes of rock just fell, narrowly missing them. Yet despite the danger, the cordoned off areas and the ‘danger’ signs, people still seem intent on climbing over them and putting their own lives, and the lives of their rescuers, at risk. What planet are they on? Same planet that refuses vaccinations, refuses to wear masks, takes flimsy blow-up plastic boats round Peveril Point, that throngs together on cliffs and beaches in the middle of a pandemic, that strips our supermarket shelves at the first sign of a panic. Think they call it ‘Planet Zog’. And that’s the polite name. Angry? Offended? Well, you didn’t have to read to the bottom……

The Purbeck Gazette

Census 2021 Is Coming

ouseholds across Dorset will soon be asked to take part in the 2021 Census. The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every 10 years since 1801, with the exception of 1941. It will be run predominantly online, with all Dorset households receiving a letter in late February with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablet devices. Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at Office for National Statistics, said: “A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed. “This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. That’s why it is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.” Census day will be on March 21, but households will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March. Census team available to help Although the census is ‘digital first’, paper questionnaires and a range of support will be available for those who need it. A trained census team will be available to help people complete the census over the phone via a free phone contact centre. All details will be provided in the letter. Help if you need to get online Dorset Council’s Digital Hotline is also offering support to people who may wish to get online for the first time to complete the census. Their group of volunteer Digital Champions can be reached by telephone on 01305 221048 Monday to Friday, except Bank Holidays, 10am-midday. Covid-safety first A census field team will follow up with households who have not completed their questionnaire after census day. The census field operation will be carried out without anyone needing to enter a home. All contacts with the public will be socially distanced and census field staff will be equipped with PPE in line with government guidance. Results will be available within twelve months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.

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

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Have Your Say On The Future Of Dorset

he consultation for the Dorset Local Plan is halfway through, but there’s still plenty of time to have your say. The consultation closes on 15 March. The consultation for the Dorset Local Plan is halfway through, but there’s still plenty of time to have your say. The consultation closes on 15 March. Dorset Council have found innovative ways to explain the themes and areas covered in the plan, including podcasts that are available online on audio streaming services, and webinars which are available on the council’s YouTube channel. To date our podcasts have received almost 600 plays and we have had more than 2,000 views of our webinars. To maintain a Covid-secure way of viewing plans, we have put displays in the windows of empty shops, libraries with public facing windows and Tourist Information Centres in 12 towns around the county. And paper copies of the plan can be loaned from the libraries as part of their order and collect service. Online surgeries have been taken up by groups including Weymouth Town Council, Wimborne Town Council and the CPRE. A dedicated phone line, 01305 252500, is available Monday to Friday 10am – 2pm for people to phone in with issues about viewing the plan or ask questions of the planning team. Questions asked as part of the Webinar series are being answered on the local plan website so that all can benefit

from seeing the responses. The main way people have added their comments to the survey is on the council website at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/Dorset-Council-Local-Plan Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s Portfolio holder for planning, said: “We haven’t been able to go to towns and hold information events for people to ask their questions because of the pandemic. Instead, the team have approached consultation with innovative solutions such as increasing the availability of the team to respond to questions, trying to explain planning in new ways through webinars and podcasts and using an interactive consultation to make it as easy as possible for our residents to find out about the plan and submit their comments. “We have used our social media channels and online advertising to expand our audience as well as using local radio stations and newspapers. In fact, the activity that is happening is much more than we’ve ever done before and we are reaching many more people. “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 consultation proposals.” The consultation is open for eight weeks, which is two weeks longer than on previous Local Plans. The consultation is open until 15 March. Once adopted, the Local Plan will guide decisions on planning applications in Dorset until 2038.

Dorset CPRE Slams Council Local Plan

orset CPRE regrets that the Dorset Council has not adequately consulted communities before it issued its draft Local Plan. We also regret that it has not challenged central housing targets which are way in excess of any sensible forecast of local housing need (see below link to Dorset House Needs Evidence Report). The consultation does not include a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) - the consultation appears to be rushed and inadequate. It compares unfavourably with the more consultative approach of our neighbours Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) and East Devon who are consulting on Issues and Options. Peter Bowyer, Chair of Trustees, said: “Dorset Council has not created an imaginative county wide Local Plan. Where are the fresh ideas for the unique character and future needs of Dorset? We have instead been presented with questionable assumptions, proposals for excessive housing numbers which will threaten our communities and a “cut and paste” cumbersome strategy. There has been no adequate consultation on this draft Local Plan despite offers from many organisations to input evidence and ideas. Dorset CPRE calls upon Dorset Council to think again. Revisit the timetable and documents. Take a new approach to both. Lay firmer foundations for the processes of the Dorset Local Plan. Do this now by providing the community with real opportunities to contribute to the future of their county”. The consultation for the Dorset Council Local Plan (DCLP) has now ‘gone live’. This critical planning strategy is of immense importance to the future of the people of Dorset, containing as it does, proposals for guiding the future development in the new Dorset Council area up to 2038. There is normally a sequence to the preparation of such a strategic planning template, so that at its core, there is a strategic vision, which reflects the

intended character of Dorset. Development objectives would normally then flow from such a vision, and taken together, such objectives should, amongst other things, be local and distinctive. The DCLP is being developed against a background of uncertainty, because of controversial government plans to speed up the delivery of Local Plans, by for instance, reducing the requirements for assessments that add in its view “disproportionate delay” to the planning process. The government also proposes to abolish the Sustainability Appraisal system, and to develop a simplified process for assessing the environmental impact of Local Plans. It is not clear, however, what that process might be. What is clear with any new Local Plan under the current planning system, is that community involvement is central to the vision. We have therefore the utmost concern with the DCLP for the following reasons: • the material made available as part of the consultation is enormous, circa 2,000 pages, so in our view, the final DCLP should be much more concise to make it more accessible; • the DCLP does not contain from an early stage of what is a drawnout process, a list of alternative strategic options to trigger a meaningful discussion with the public, town/village councils and other stakeholders, but instead, in many cases, it just suggests in strategic terms a fait accompli, or makes other curious assumptions; • proposals from the draft local plans of the former predecessor authorities appear to have been merely replicated, without the principles underlying such proposals being reconsidered; and • the current consultation period is, in the light of the critical omissions identified above and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, far too short, and such a period should, in our view, be significantly extended under delegated powers.

The Purbeck Gazette

A Helping Hand With Home Schooling

Pupils from rural Dorset primary school get helping hand with home schooling from local internet provider hree primary school pupils have each received a much-needed laptop to help with their home schooling, thanks to Wessex Internet, a Blandford based internet provider. The Key Stage 2 pupils from Lulworth & Winfrith CE VC Primary School were presented with the equipment after the school conducted a home equipment audit amongst parents following the sudden announcement of school closures on Monday 4th January 2021. Headteacher Richard Skinner said: “No sooner had the government announced that we were to close due the national lockdown, we received a call from Wessex Internet with their offer of help. They recently connected both our school sites to full-fibre broadband. It was such a welcome surprise and has certainly taken the pressure off. “Like many schools across the country, we have a number of pupils who for a range of reasons simply had no access to personal laptops at home. It is heartening to see that true community spirit is very much alive in Dorset.” Hector Gibson Fleming, Managing Director at Wessex Internet said: “Lulworth is one of the areas in which we are working in to bring the best internet connectivity to rural homes and businesses. “When we heard about the latest lockdown, we wanted to support the community where help was needed immediately. We hope that these laptops go some way towards making a difference to both children and their families in these crucial educational years in a safe and healthy environment”. Teaching Assistant Caroline Bailey said: “Access to online learning materials and resources is vital to the continued education of our pupils. This generous donation has helped enormously with the provision for the pupils, their parents and the class teachers at such a challenging time.” Between 1.14 million and 1.78 million children in the UK (9%) do not have home access to a laptop, desktop or tablet, and more than 800,000 children live in a home with only a mobile internet connection according to the BBC.

e m o h ut b d e s lo e l c b s i a l i om va o a r l l i w t o s Our sh n service is o selecti

Wareham Town Council Update

The Purbeck Gazette

Julie, our Gazette correspondent, details the goings on in recent council meetings..... News from Wareham Town Council January efore the meeting, Councillors observed one minute’s silence in memory of former Councillor, Bob Ratcliffe. Dorset Local Plan consultation will finish on 15 March. To take part, if you do not have online access, call the local plan phone line 01305 252500. Councillor Critchley pointed out that the hard copy was incorrect with respect to Wareham’s Green Belt and the playing fields. The second batch of Covid-19 vaccine was being given out at Wareham Hospital. Purbeck Transport Action Group was disappointed that Dorset Councillor, Cherry Brooks, Cabinet Lead Member for Highways, had not attended meetings. The group was advocating some 20 mph speed limit zones and improvement to bus routes particularly to connect Bere Regis. From 1st April Citizens Advice Purbeck and East Dorset will merge. While keeping offices in both locations, they hope to benefit from economies of scale and to share fundraising. Wareham and District Development Trust could not find a more local home for Wareham Bears but will gain financially from their move to Wimborne Model Village. Councillors emphasized that damage to pavements and gullies in East Street be made good by the Cottees site contractors. Bev Churchill, PA to the Town Clerk and the Mayor, was commended for her work with the working group to produce the Town Council’s response to the Climate Change Emergency and Ecological survey. It stated that the target date for Dorset Council to be carbon neutral should be 2030 as well as how Wareham’s Council will help facilitate this. The complete response is in the agenda of the January Council meeting. The Town Clerk introduced the Town Precept saying, that for those local councils which sourced almost all their income from the precept and those councils with a large cash reserve the pandemic had little effect on the precept, but Wareham was neither. Income from Howards Lane car parking, premises hire and weddings was reduced by 34%. The Town Clerk itemised all the budget items distinguishing the optional from the essential. Councillor Critchley warned that a bare bones budget would lead to future problems. So, with the exception of the salary for a part-time lengthsman, whose recruitment had been deferred, the budget prepared by the Policy, Resources and Finance Committee was accepted. The precept of £439,340 is £203.09 on Band D, an increase of £40.06 for the Wareham Town Council part of council rates. The next meetings of the Council will be on Tuesdays 2nd March and 13th April 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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Let Their Care Be Your Legacy

Turn a kind thought into real support for families like Carmela’s eing isolated from loved ones is a reality that the families cared for by Julia’s House experience every single day. For them, the pandemic has added an extra layer of vulnerability to their already uncertain lives. Lockdown has been especially sad for young Carmela, who has the muscle wasting condition Muscular Dystrophy. Carmela has been missing her dad, who spends his days delivering Covid-19

test kits to hospitals. The odds of him coming into contact with the virus are so high that he sleeps in a log cabin in the garden. “I was really anxious because Carmela’s muscles are so weak now that catching coronavirus would almost certainly prove fatal for her,” explains mum, Lucy. “She could not cuddle her daddy. He would stand at the window and they would communicate using sign language.” Carmela also missed her Julia’s House carers and needed some distraction from her aches and pains and the sadness of it all. “To start with I was really cautious and didn’t want anyone in the house for fear of infection, even though the nurses and carers were using strict infection control measures to keep families safe. “Once she started having care sessions again the giggles and the laughter returned, she was upbeat and happy again. Carmela had them doing all sorts – dressing up as mermaids complete with PPE, lots of crafting and she even got them to pretend to give birth to her dollies! “These visits didn’t just boost Carmela, they helped me too. They took my mind off a myriad of things and gave me the mental space I was craving.” We’ve been there for families throughout the pandemic, caring for seriously ill children in their own homes and supporting mums, dads and siblings, too. Our nurses and carers are in regular contact, delivering food and vital medicine or providing virtual play sessions and story times - we’re helping to keep them safe and well at home and relieving the pressure on local NHS services. But did you know that for one in four of the children, this vital care is funded by Gifts in Wills? These gifts have never been more important now traditional fundraising has been swept away due COVID. We understand that it’s a tough time for many people financially at the moment, but the wonderful thing about legacy giving is it costs nothing now. So, you can turn a kind thought today into real support for families in the future. A Gift of just 1% can make 100% difference to a child just like Carmela. Find out more about leaving a gift in your Will and discover our new Online Free Wills Service at www.juliashouse.org/legacy

The Purbeck Gazette

St Alban’s Head from the air Peveril Point, Swanage

View from the Lookout – March 2021 he power of the sea and its unpredictable nature was brought home to me rather forcibly when I read of three of our colleagues, from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) rescue teams, being injured in the line of their duty. The Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue Team had been called out to support the police in managing a large crowd of people who had come to watch the stormy seas, off Chesil Beach. While ushering people to a safer position, three members of the team were washed off their feet by a large freak wave. Two were carried about fifty feet down the road by the force of the water cascading over the sea wall. The third was washed up against a stone wall and, sadly, sustained a serious injury requiring hospital treatment, including an operation. It’s a salutary thought that these officers, all of whom are volunteers, put themselves at risk to protect us, as do all members of the emergency services. It, perhaps, places a responsibility on us to think about our behaviour and lessen that risk if we can. An MCA spokesperson summed it up by saying, “We would urge people to think carefully about the risks they take and be extremely careful during bad weather – piers, rocks, harbours and the water’s edge are not safe places to be. If you see anyone in trouble call 999 and ask for the coastguard.” We wish the coastguard officer a speedy recovery and hope he will be back on duty soon. On a brighter note, it’s been really pleasing to see colleagues featured on national television recently. By the very nature of our job, our stations are often located on spectacular and very photogenic headlands and points, which make them suitable for inclusion in films featuring the coast. The two stations featured were Polruan, in Cornwall and Prawle Point in Devon. The Polruan station, situated overlooking the Fowey estuary,

St Alban’s Head from the sea

featured in an episode of “Escape to the Country” while the Start Point station featured in a programme of walks around Devon and Cornwall by Julia Bradbury. It was good to hear her talking about the dedication and professionalism of the NCI volunteers after her visit. I may be a little biased, but I reckon our station at Peveril Point and our sister station at St Albans Head have equally as stunning views. If there are any friendly TV or film producers reading, please get in touch! One of our daily routines, at the Point, is receiving a phone call from St Alban’s Head to say that they are on duty. Situated high on the top of St Aldhelm’s Head (is it St Aldhelm’s or St Alban’s is perhaps best left for another article!), our colleagues have a view from Anvil Point and beyond in the east to Portland Bill in the West. If either station has a concern about a vessel heading in the direction of the other station, we phone through to give them a heads up. Like the Lookout at Peveril Point, St Alban’s Head is based in an old coastguard station. The current building dates back to the 1970’s, although there has been a coastguard station at the site since 1895. The coastguard station closed in 1994 and the NCI station opened in May 1995. Initially run as a sub-station of NCI Peveril Point, it became fully independent the following year. Both stations work closely together, and we often have joint training evenings as well as manning the NCI display caravan at event such as the Swanage Fish Festival. We’re extending this collaboration by using this article, in future, to talk about the work of both stations. Hopefully, it will become “views from the lookouts”. Both lookouts feature on a print of a painting by local artist, Mary Counsell. Signed copies can be found in the display room at Peveril Point. Another addition in the display room is an interesting painting by another local artist (and watchkeeper) Paul Barron. It’s entitled “Swanage 2020” and features a silhouette of the Point with a rather imposing cruise liner looming over it. An interesting representation of what has been an unusual year! This is NCI Swanage and St Alban’s Head listening on channel 65. NCI Swanage and St Alban’s head out.

Calm seas at Peveril Point

The Purbeck Gazette

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Touring Arts Kept Alive In Rural Communities Dorset Council keeps touring arts alive in rural communities through continued support of Artsreach he team at Artsreach are incredibly pleased to announce that the Dorset based touring arts charity has been successful in its application to the Dorset Council Organisational Revenue Support Fund, securing the future of rural touring for Dorset’s communities for the next three years. Artsreach Co-Director Yvonne Gallimore said “The continued support Dorset Council is invaluable in enabling us continue to programme our much loved variety of quality live performances, reaching out to the heart of rural communities across the County. Our volunteer promoters work tirelessly to make these events happen all year round, and this funding recognises both the work they do, and the quality of the work Artsreach tours, and has toured over the last thirty years.” Since 1990 Artsreach has been dedicated to providing people living in rural Dorset with access to professional live performances and creative arts projects in rural venues and communities, at affordable and accessible prices. Its performance programme runs through a network of roughly 50 volunteer promoting groups and together the scheme coordinates around 150 high quality professional events every year, usually in village halls and often in rurally isolated communities right across rural Dorset. The confirmation of this grant funding will ensure that the scheme is able

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to continue to bring professional live performances and creative arts projects to rural venues right across Dorset, in turn helping to nurture strong, healthy communities. The Artsreach programme also plays a key role in generating much needed income for vital community assets such a village halls, with over £33,000 retained by rural communities through Artsreach activity in 2019/20. This new Dorset Council grant replaces all historic funding agreements to cultural organisations, originally awarded by former district councils. At a level of £41,947 annually for the next three years, the grant to Artsreach reflects a similar level to previous agreements. Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Customer Services and Communities said: “I’m delighted Dorset Council will continue to support Artsreach - I know the work of the organisation is greatly appreciated and helps bring many great performances and events into our rural communities. As a council we’re committed to supporting Dorset’s cultural and community organisations, despite increasing pressures on our budgets, as we know they play such a key part in the health, wellbeing and learning of so many people.” When asked what Artsreach means to them, audience members said “Artsreach brings entertainment to places that would otherwise have little or nothing of the arts and is especially valuable for those without transport”... “Artsreach provides a vital lift to community life”. To find out more about Artsreach and its past and present programme, visit www. artsreach.co.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

‘Virtual Day Hospice’ Launched Lewis-Manning Hospice Care launch Virtual Day Hospice service to combat loneliness and support end of life patients ewis-Manning Hospice Care have launched their Virtual Day Hospice service thanks to a generous grant from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by the National Lottery Community Fund. The brand-new service was introduced in response to the restrictions of COVID-19 and aims to offer patients with life-limiting illnesses a chance to really connect with each other and with the hospice’s clinical nursing team. Senior Day Hospice Nurse, Mandy Harris said, “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect so many aspects of our lives, we have had to temporarily close our Day Hospice to ensure the safety of our patients. However, launching the Virtual Day Hospice is one of the platforms allowing us to continue to provide expert palliative advice and essential support to adults in East Dorset and Purbeck who are living with a lifelimiting illness. “So many of our patients feel socially isolated at this time, so we aim to provide much-needed social interaction for those people who are shielding at home. The purpose of these sessions is to promote a sense of wellbeing and a positive approach to living with a life limiting illness, as well as to alleviate the feeling of loneliness that patients may be experiencing and giving clinical advice and support.” The online programme will include a diverse mix of activities, including; • Access to a team of experts who specialise in palliative and holistic care • An opportunity for a private one-to-one consultation with a member of the nursing team • Gentle exercise • Mindfulness and relaxation sessions • A chance for peer support through socialising, allowing patients to be connected with other people with life-limiting illnesses • Fun interactive activities such as quizzes, art and poetry • Diversionary therapy • Guest speakers The Virtual Day Hospice will be via group and one-to-one video sessions,

with spaces limited to allow maximum benefit for all participants. Sessions will be hosted by our Day Hospice staff with guest speakers and professionals attending during drop-in sessions. Patients will be part of a 10-week programme initially, which is subsequently reviewed to meet patient needs and offer the support required. There will also be drop-in sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, between 2pm-3.30pm. Mandy added, “We are incredibly fortunate to have received funding for this project and it has allowed us to purchase tablets to ensure that all of our patients will have access to this service. All patients have been issued with a comprehensive tablet IT user guide, with clinical staff and volunteers delivering these to their homes and on hand to guide and support with usage. We want to say a huge thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for making this funding possible.” Do you know someone with a life limiting illness who would benefit from this unique Closer to Home service? Please contact Lewis-Manning Hospice Care who will be able to help, visit lewis-manning.org.uk or call 01202 708470 and ask for our Day Hospice Team. About Lewis-Manning Hospice Care Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is a charity established 29 years ago, providing extraordinary care to patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness across Poole, Purbeck and East Dorset. We offer a range of free hospice care services aimed at helping people to live well through their illness, closer to home. These include: - Day hospices, virtual and in person - Creative arts & wellbeing support - Lymphoedema clinic - Better breathing clinic - Family bereavement & support Every year we support nearly 500 local people and we develop new services, based on patient need and identified gaps in the area. To do this we need to raise over £1.6m every year. Without these funds we could not exist. Our important work increases people’s physical and social wellbeing, reduces isolation and loneliness, supports people to stay in their homes longer, and alleviates the huge pressures on family and carers. Registered charity no. 1120193

The Purbeck Gazette

Call For Decision Makers To Embrace Young Voices

report by Dorset-based public relations agency, Liz Lean PR (LLPR), has revealed that the county is lacking creative culture, artistic opportunities, and entry level roles for young people. The report investigates the views of a cross section of between 16 and 24 year-old’s, surrounding their lives in Dorset and reveals what attracts young people to the county, what they feel is missing from the area, and what they hope Dorset might look like in years to come. The ‘Dorset of Tomorrow’ report provides recommended actions for stakeholders in response to the forum’s thoughts and opinions. It has been circulated to key organisations such as BCP and Dorset County Council, Dorset Chamber, Talbot Village Trust, and Dorset LEP to potentially inform strategic decision making for the county. The report was produced as a result of an online focus group event

hosted by LLPR in January. Participants discussed and debated subjects including careers, transport, housing, creativity, and sustainability. Brandon Danao (pictured), account executive at Liz Lean PR and organiser of the Dorset of Tomorrow event said: “From the discussions we had with the young people who participated in the event, it is very evident that they want to help improve the area and are keen to try and find solutions to challenges where they can. Our focus group recognised that they have some frustrations with Dorset’s current offering, and realise their role in making change. “We’re pleased to have given them a platform for their voices to be heard and to make them feel they are doing something to move their county forward. Especially during Covid-19, we felt it was important for young people to have an opportunity to think about a brighter future. We hope the report informs future decisions in the area as well as kick starts a mindset of embracing our bright young voices in Dorset.” The priority area for change, as established within the focus group, is Dorset’s creative offering. At present, Dorset’s art and music opportunities are not satisfying the next generation and young people are therefore looking elsewhere to be able to engage in these experiences. The report calls for local hospitality venues that have the facilities to host creative events to do so, providing more accessible and affordable spaces for young talent to be developed. Other priorities established included diversity, entry level career opportunities and affordable, quality housing. LLPR’s youth insight service connects young people and organisations. Digipigz, the agency’s youth brand, offers young, talented, and ambitious young people a likeminded community within which to socialise and network. Since the launch of its youth insight service in 2018, LLPR has worked on several projects to connect young people with organisations including Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the BCP Cultural Enquiry, and Beales Department Store. Please visit lizleanpr.co.uk and head to the resources tab to read and download the ‘Dorset of Tomorrow’ report or click here https:// lizleanpr.co.uk/dorset-of-tomorrow/

The Purbeck Gazette

County’s Blind Residents Receive Support

Talbot Village Trust secures vital community support for the county’s blind residents uring the ongoing health crisis, Dorset Blind Association has adapted its services to continue delivering vital support to around 1,000 people a month in Dorset. Talbot Village Trust has made a £10,000 donation to the Dorset Blind Association to ensure that blind and partially sighted people across the county, still receive the required support throughout the ongoing pandemic. Using the money donated from the Trust, the charity was able to continue running its community support service, which cares for vulnerable members of society, some of which are isolated and alone throughout lockdown. This service pairs a volunteer to one of Dorset Blind’s members to provide regular, ongoing friendship and practical support with daily tasks. Due to the current lockdown, Dorset Blind is also delivering vital grocery supplies and essential medicines to some of its vulnerable members. Jonathan Holyhead, Chief Executive Officer at Dorset Blind Association, explained: “Partially sighted individuals are already among the most vulnerable in our society, the pandemic has only made the issues these people face worse. We are so thankful to Talbot Village Trust for the grant that we received, it enabled us to continue working to deliver our community support services.” The grant was also used to cover ongoing costs for sourcing and supplying specialist equipment designed to help people with sight loss continue independent living. The donation came after the charity successfully applied for funding from the Trust’s COVID-19 Support Fund, which provided

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120 organisations and charities in the local area with funding that totalled £1.1million. Russell Lucas-Rowe, Trustee at Talbot Village Trust, added: “It is absolutely fantastic to hear that our COVID Support Fund is continuing to improve peoples’ quality of life, now that we are almost a year into the pandemic. This is exactly what the support fund was launched to do, and we are extremely proud to be helping deliver invaluable care to people who are experiencing sight loss.” Talbot Village Trust’s £1million COVID-19 Support Fund was launched to help organisations that were adversely affected by the pandemic. Applications for the fund have now closed, but the Trust is now accepting grant applications for its usual fund before the Trustees meet in autumn 2021. Please go to www.talbotvillagetrust.org for more information.

The Purbeck Gazette

Mary Kept Busy For Water Aid!

ong-term supporter of the charity WaterAid, Mary Hatcher (pictured), has been busy during the lockdowns, knitting adorable animalshaped tea-cosies and baking fruit crumbles to raise a smile with her friends and neighbours, and in the process raising £200 for the millions of people around the world who don’t have clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. Mary, aged 70, a former librarian from Dorset, has gone above and beyond the call of duty, by raising money through her kind gestures, making tea cosies in the shape of mice with her friends, giving them names like Horace, Brenda and Alphonso. She’s been a loyal WaterAid supporter for over a decade, and said she felt inspired to find new ways to raise extra money after hearing about the charity’s Future on Tap winter appeal, which finished earlier this month. Mary was particularly pleased to hear that her efforts would be well worth it, as all public donations to the charity’s appeal were matched by the UK government, up to £2 million, to make double the difference in climate-vulnerable communities. Explaining her passion for WaterAid, Mary said: “I feel it’s immoral that not everyone has clean water to drink. I’m very fortunate that I can turn on a tap whenever I like, whereas many women and children around the world are walking several miles to collect water, which might not even be clean. It’s sad that this activity prevents children from going to school either because they have to help fetch water, or because that very water might make them ill. “I have knitted animal tea cosies using my favourite patterns by Fiona Goble. I really enjoyed making these, a great activity during lockdown. My friends joined in by making donations and giving their tea cosies names and characters! I’ve also made dozens of fruit crumbles, mainly from a friend’s windfall apples, and have sold those to raise more money too – it all helps.” The money raised through WaterAid’s appeal will help communities across the world, including families in Frat, Ethiopia, who spend hours each day collecting water from a river which is so dirty it causes sickness. Some water sources are depleting over time, while the hotter summers and unexpected storms are destroying crops, their only source of income. With clean water, families can meet their basic needs, stay safe and healthy, have time to go to school or work, and can grow food even when the weather is unpredictable. For the people of Frat, helping each other is a way of life, described in their word ‘wenfell’ meaning ‘collaboration’. This is demonstrated in their sharing of knowledge and resources, collecting money for families in need, and giving people water when they are unable to go to the river to get it. Mary said: “I’m pleased to discover that the concept of helping each other has its own word in Frat: ‘wenfell’. The ideas of kindness and working together are just as strong here in Wareham as they are in Ethiopia!” WaterAid is working to bring clean water to many communities like Frat, helping protect lives and livelihoods. With clean water, families can meet their basic needs, stay safe and healthy, have time to go to school or work, and can grow food even when the weather is unpredictable. Tim Wainwright, Chief Executive, WaterAid, said: “This year many of us have found strength and solidarity in the communities around us and this is a way of life in the community of Frat. Their daily challenges include finding clean water but the community is built on an ethos of pulling together to help each other through times of need, which is inspiring. This winter by supporting the Future on Tap appeal the WaterAid community will stand with the people of Frat and help bring clean water, toilets and hygiene that transforms lives.”

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The Purbeck Gazette

£3.5 Million Pledged For Flagship Rural Hub

Dorset LEP provides £3.5m funding for a flagship rural universitybusiness hub for Dorset orset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has pledged £3.5 million towards the creation of a new flagship development designed to help enhance higher education opportunities for young people in rural Dorset and enable growth in small rural businesses. The new University Centre and Rural Business Development Hub is the first of its kind in rural Dorset and is a potential game-changer for the local student and business community. The 875sqm gateway to the estate will be the opening vista to a core learning and experiential estate in the heart of rural Dorset. Lorna Carver, Dorset LEP Director, said: “We are delighted to be able to award a significant amount from our overall £11.8 million Getting Building Fund allocation towards this much-needed development. The combination of a University Centre with a Rural Business Hub will allow Dorset LEP to realise the opportunities described in its own commissioned work, The South West Rural Productivity Commission and the Local Industrial Strategy. Our investment in this exciting project will address the significant deficiency in HE provision in rural Dorset, help to plug the productivity gap and provide valuable support to the rural business community.” Luke Rake, Principal of Kingston Maurward College, commented: “Kingston Maurward is extremely pleased to be prioritised by Dorset LEP for funding for our planned University Centre and Rural Business Hub. It has long been recognised that progression to higher education is less good from the rural part of the county. This ambitious intervention, driven by the college, aims

to help improve social mobility and opportunities for knowledge transfer. “A dedicated rural business centre will both support businesses across the rural area and also increase opportunities with our new Rural Business, Tourism and Heritage Land Management programmes for Sixth Formers and University students from 2021-22. It is extremely exciting and a gamechanger for both the college, Dorchester and the rural county.” Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said: “This government is widening access to higher education across the country, encouraging social mobility and delivering opportunities to our young people. “That’s why I’m delighted we are backing the new hub in Dorset with a £3.5 million Getting Building Fund investment. “This project will provide important support to rural small business, safeguarding and creating jobs, boosting local economies and spreading prosperity across the region.” Chris Loder MP, Member of Parliament for West Dorset, said: “I am pleased to see this much needed additional funding come into West Dorset, particularly funding that supports rural businesses. Kingston Maurward College is an inspiring centre of education with a long history in providing short courses, apprenticeships and university level courses enabling young people to further their chosen careers in agriculture, business and to prepare for the military. This new funding secures future development, as well as offering a much-needed boost for the local community and rural economy.”

The Purbeck Gazette

An Update From Burngate

hat a year! Burngate Stone Carving Centre has been hibernating since the autumn, but we are really looking forward to opening again as soon as we can. Lots of plans stuck in the deep freeze right now, in more ways than one - Burngate is a grand place to be and work, but you know it’s winter up there right now, especially in an easterly! We are busy working up a new programme of courses and workshops for 2021 and hope to get our community art projects back up again soon too. We had planned an Easter re-opening, and that may still happen, but it’s looking less likely – it’s very hard to see too far ahead right now. You can still contact us even if our office is shut: email info@burngatestonecentre. co.uk and we will add you to a list to contact once we can announce our programme. Of course, you could also buy one of our course vouchers Any one you want to treat to a fabulous day out learning traditional craft skills from a master craftsman in our purpose built stone carving workshops, looking out over Swanage Bay? How about treating yourself? Just get in touch for more details… We have been joined by three new trustees - Martin Kirby, Howard Tizard and Richard Jeffery – who are keen to help the charity develop the Centre’s work. Once we know we are able to re-open, we will be asking for volunteers to help with different aspects of that work, so keep an eye on our Facebook page for opportunities. Fingers crossed, and we look forward to seeing you all again as soon as we can!

URING D N E P O E R WE A ! LOCKDOWN

The Purbeck Gazette

Silver For Durdle Door! Durdle Door wins coveted silver award in prestigious regional awards. he results are in, and Durdle Door Holiday Park is overjoyed to have secured a silver award in the Touring, Camping and Caravanning and Holiday Park of the Year category, sponsored by Tozers. Under general manager Cam Brokenshire since late 2019, Durdle Door Holiday Park attributes its success largely to its incredible location at the edge of the coastal path leading to Durdle Door itself, the iconic, world-famous limestone arch. Part of the historic Lulworth Estate, Durdle Door Holiday Park benefits from close partnerships with the Lulworth Rangers, Lulworth Holiday Cottages, Lulworth Weddings and the many retail and food & beverage outlets which both our Holiday home owners and holidaymakers can enjoy. In the last two years, strides have been taken in ensuring our Accessible hire fleet continues to grow; we now have three Accessible Holiday Homes (helper dogs stay free!) in addition to our accessible facilities for our camping and glamping guests. We’ve introduced pioneering accommodation including the Horizon Heights Villa – the first in Dorset with a second storey – which builds on the popularity of our glamping Skylight Cabins we introduced in 2019. Our huge Woodland Adventure Playpark, also new for 2019, has been a tremendous hit with families with children. A new development for us last season has also been the introduction of Any Day Check-In! With all that 2020 brought, luckily just one lockdown affected our opening dates. Re-opening on 4th July, we were extremely thankful to be able to remain open for the remainder of our season and closed on 31st October after one of the busiest summers ever. The Dorset Tourism Awards go a long way in recognising the success our amazing teams here have allowed us to enjoy. We’ve got BIG plans for the next few years, including re-entering the Award category for 2021!

A huge thank you to the organisers of the Awards, and to all the sponsors. For the full list of winners visit the Dorset Tourism Awards. Clare Bushby of headline sponsors Clockwork Marketing says: “The Dorset Tourism Awards are more vital than ever before. They provide normality during a surreal time, where everything seems weighted against hospitality. Equally as important, they give credit—where credit is more than due. Rather than despairing, entrants into this year’s awards have been remarkably inventive when faced with the impact of coronavirus. They have shown, against all the odds, that a pandemic needn’t stand in the way of excellent hospitality. This is in no small part due to their unflinching resolve and unbreakable passion for their industry. “At Clockwork Marketing, we’re proud to sponsor The Dorset Tourism Awards and have a deep respect for the solidarity they represent. We also salute the admirable businesses taking part. May they enjoy the unbridled success they deserve in the future.”

The Purbeck Gazette

Feeling Frayed?

We take a personal look at the worrying decline of Great British stoicism and humour in the face of Lockdown 3.0

ife’s what you make it, right? It’s not what happens, it’s how you deal with it – right again? Indeed. Generally, both statements are correct and I try to live by them, as much as life allows. To be a better person. To sleep peacefully at night because I like to have a clear conscience, as far as one can have. Being kind costs nothing and actually gives bountiful rewards – peace of mind and a restful sleep being among them. However, things feel a little like they are unravelling around the seams right now. Whereas we didn’t generally think about what was coming next week, next month, next year, in our day-to-day lives pre-covid, that’s what’s now waking me in a cold sweat at 3am on a daily basis. The unknown. The complete and utter loss of control of almost every aspect of life. I’m not just speaking as the owner of a small business here, I’m also an employee, an employer, a tenant in a rented house with rent and bills to pay, a human being in the modern western world. I need to eat, keep the car on the road so I can work (ha! A novel idea right now), feed the animals and pay the bills. In fact, for the past twenty years I’ve done just that – worked, worked, worked, simply to pay the bills, eat and keep a car on the road. There’s been little left over each month to save; nowhere near enough to put a deposit down on a house (for example), but I have been lucky enough to enjoy seven foreign holidays over the past twenty years, so life was pretty good. I was happy, day-to-day. I ate pretty well compared to half the world, fed the wild birds, enjoyed artistic hobbies, worked, pottered about, enjoyed the company of friends and sucked up TV when it was cold, grey and miserable outside. Life rolled on. I never woke in a cold sweat. Like never – not in my life, despite some pretty huge ups and downs, periods of homelessness, ill health, divorce and more besides – I always trusted everything would come good with a little effort and faith, and I knew I could rely on myself to work my way out of most situations. It’s not what happens, it’s how you respond to it. This is different. The first Covid-19 lockdown which started on 23rd March 2020 was so utterly bizarre and removed from our usual existence that looking back, I think my base reaction was shock. Very British shock. No big emotional upheaval, just a feeling of looking in from the outside, of being slightly removed from the situation. Whilst a friend in Wales wrote a novel during that first lockdown (which went on to be successfully published and she is now penning the sequel during lockdown 3.0), I stumbled through my usual daily routine, spending time in the office with little to do and no one to communicate with. I walked the dogs, saw to the goats and managed to do little else of consequence over those three months. No novel written (and I’ve been a researcher and writer for nigh on thirty years, desperate for the time to be made available to do just that!), no stone carved, no paintings done. No cupboards were cleared, no languages learnt. Through speaking to many people in our community over the past few months, it seems many of us felt the same last year – some were driven to do something productive with their time in lockdown, some retreated into a strange, quiet and rather inward existence instead, waiting for the world to spin correctly once again so we could all find our balance and place in it once more. Like many, although I was not ‘forced’ to close my business, like others

in hospitality, events, non-essential retail and leisure, these were all of my clients. Without them open and trading, I had no business, so I was literally forced to close too. The original rate relief grant from the government assisted in the shock not turning to something more serious, like depression, as I calculated we’d have enough to cover the basic bills and office costs whilst the world did its bizarre thing around us. I had faith in the modern world of science and reason and our ability to deal with pandemics – it’s not like history hasn’t had much to teach us on the subject or anything, right? Summer 2020 came and with it, a sense of normality thankfully returned. The business was able to open up again. We started to trade, recommencing physically publishing and distributing. Shock slowly wore off. Life went back to ‘almost’ reality. Most of our clients who owned businesses were down financially over summer compared to previous years due to social distancing rules, which led to fewer customers. However, all were open and trying. British blind positivity and stoicism at its absolute best. We all greeted each other in the street with a cheery ‘good morning’, had a crack about how utterly terrible everything was and then we all opened up for the day anyway, expectantly. It had to get better, didn’t it? It certainly couldn’t go on like this. Could it? We, as locals, were then angered by visitors, daring to dash from their tenement buildings and concreate jungles elsewhere to seek open spaces and beauty after months of being cooped up, some without a blade of grass or a tree in sight. I think every human in the country felt the same way – even those of us who had been lucky enough to be located somewhere beautiful throughout lockdown were unable to enjoy much of the area with local beauty spots closed off, car parks shut and so on. I think at that time we were all at one, last summer, in our desire for nature, for freedom. Just a shame about the pants, poo and rubbish left everywhere, eh?! There’s always one bad egg. Or more like a few hundred, as it seemed last summer. Autumn brought us lockdown 2.0 as cases rose once again, undoubtedly helped along by genus schemes like ‘Eat out to kill a granny’ (that was what it was called, yes?) and so on. A somewhat pale and insignificant lockdown sequel to the first. Short and pallid. Non-descript. Frankly, an entire month of lost revenue, mounting bills and a new feeling of creeping anxiety. Sure, we all have money worries – I quietly freak out inwardly when the car needs an MOT as if work is required, then financial jiggling will be needed in order to be able to make the rent as well that month. However, life was on a pretty even keel, so for me, lockdown 2.0, the insipid offspring, was a short and almost unnoticed tipping point into something more. It passed me by, but left something unwelcome in its wake. I write this now in my bedroom where I have managed to squeeze a desk in under the window, looking down over my garden where Dylan and Dougal, my rescue goats, are meandering around and munching happily from the hedgerow. For the first time since taking them in over a year ago, seeing them makes me panic a little as they are my responsibility. Housing and feeding them requires stability – money coming in. They require time, love, patience, but mostly a stable home and regular food. Like us, goats need money in this modern world of ours. Before, seeing them always filled me with joy and happiness, not worry

and fear for them. Animals have helped me through this strange year their company and need for care and routine has kept me on an even keel when all usual routine has been lost. Stability is now an unknown to me – it was torn up and thrown to the four winds without me really noticing or fully seeing the change as it occurred during the grey, dark, dullness of lockdown 2.0. It’s mid-February 2021 and we’re in the middle of Lockdown 3.0. The unknown beyond the unknown. This one is an as-yet still camouflaged beast, with an unknown end time and release date. It’s murky, unquantified. Unsettling. ‘They’ say our economy will start opening up again from the end of March. Do ‘they’?? Rumours are rife. Despite hundreds of years of written history and decades of scientific advancement and understanding, it seems pandemics can still wipe modern life off the platter with a simple flourish, leaving us flailing and unsure as to what to do next. Yep – other countries (including some island nations, like us), have managed far, far better from what we can see, but you get what you vote for. As a country, we have the government (and the system in place) that we apparently wanted. We’re in charge and this is how we’re dealing with it. As a nation, which is what and who we are. You or I may not have voted in a particular fashion, but this is the real world and we must take joint responsibility. We’re all supposed to be grown-ups. That’s as far as I’ll go into the politics of what is a very unstable situation, but fear and worry are plentiful without banging on about who, if anyone, is to blame, and what precisely for. It’s a global pandemic, not a playground where children bicker and fight. So, the goats continue to amble happily outside as I type and my stomach knots a little looking down on them as I now worry about the future. It’s like a little film reel of stress and anxiety that’s constantly running in the background of my subconscious. It wasn’t there before and now I can’t seem to shut it off or ignore it completely. Many friends and colleagues have recently described a similar feeling, so I know I am not alone. Having been far worse off financially than I am right now, I am justifiably hugely concerned about all those who now stand in the shoes I inhabited not that long ago. I may have been covering my rent and bills by the barest of margins for a long time, but many people were not when the ‘going was good’, pre-pandemic. At the end of 2019, around 5% of Swanage residents were surviving thanks to the foodbank. That’s over 500 real, actual human beings in Swanage who would have starved if it hadn’t been for a charity, run by local volunteers, feeding them. That figure includes children. Our local children. Starving. And that was back then. 2020 is over and we’re steadily heading through 2021, the numbers of unemployed are rising. The local business owners I still see out and about on a weekly basis are no longer making wry jokes about things being terrible, before trying to continue making a living and pay their bills themselves. Most of them are closed and that prevailing wry humour has

The Purbeck Gazette

Like many Brits, having pets has helped many of us through this past year.

worn out in recent weeks. The British stoicism is leaking from our very being as the unknown pervades and leaches out the stability and possibility which once lay before us. Even many of those businesses ‘allowed’ to open and offer take-away services and so on simply can’t afford to. They’re not making enough revenue to cover the costs of having someone there to serve you and to purchase the fresh produce needed to sell you. It’s completely unfeasible. This unfeasibility is what is defeating the usual ‘can do’ attitude. With no customers and no passing trade, there is no ‘other way’ to increase revenue for many of us – not everything can be sold online, and for those who can, you’re up again the billionaire might of the likes of Amazon, Google and so on. A huge percentage of small business owners, no matter how adaptable, have been left with nowhere to turn. Some retailers have huge amounts of money tied up in stock they are unable to sell, many have not been able to pay their premises rent, leading to a chain where smaller, local landlords have seen their own income or pensions dry-up as a result. Local staff have lost their jobs whilst on furlough, most likely as with no revenue coming in and a terrible financial year behind them, many employers simply cannot afford to cover the National Insurance and pension contributions which still have to be made whilst staff are off on furlough. The great British sense of humour is now failing and that’s more concerning in some ways than the current pandemic for it speaks to the next pandemic yet to come, the wave of mental health problems beginning to wash over the whole country. That often-dark sense of humour has seen us through an awful lot over the centuries and to see this slowly die out and be replaced on the street by public tears, frowns and drawn faces is, for me, utterly heart-breaking and part of what makes this situation so difficult to deal with and so worrying. The coming wave of mental health issues, to be apparently dealt with by an already completely overwhelmed and absurdly underfunded public health service, is not a wave which will hit some unknown peoples far, far away – it’s us – you and me, who stand to be affected. That constant whirring of underlying anxiety and stress has a very real mental and often physical consequence to come for many of us. It’s almost a cultural shift occurring right in front of us, with the only truly unconcerned amongst us likely to be the big financial winners in the future – those already sitting on enough wealth to buy-up all the eventually closed businesses and fore-closed properties, in order to rent them back

The Purbeck Gazette at ever increasing costs to make yet more money. The divide between the haves and the have nots is widening significantly by the day. Add this to the deepening mental health crisis and we are in a rapidly spiralling situation where none of us have a solid and dependable anchor chain to cling to anymore. Over the past twenty years, the Purbeck Gazette has published a wide variety of information – from articles on historical, scientific and cultural subjects, to updates from our local groups and charities, events publicity and more besides. The monthly newspaper offers community communication via our letters’ pages and our diary of events has always been bursting with a wide variety of clubs and events to attend. We’ve always tried to keep it as positive as possible as there’s enough doom and gloom out there – yes, we occasionally print a police witness appeal when needed as, of course, crime does still exist in our little community, but otherwise, we tend to keep it positive overall. I am aware that this article is not particularly glowing with positivity. I’m not intending to fill you all with a sense of doom at a time when we need to gather ourselves and look ahead to the coming summer, to yet another chance to start again, to reopen, to get back to work. However there doesn’t seem to be a sensible way to put any humour or inject any light into the situation I’m writing about – as I’m finding out on the street when I speak to locals. It’s just not funny anymore – not even darkly funny. We’re all struggling and that’s currently the one thing which can hold us all together. To those of you who feel worried, stressed, anxious or overwrought – you really, really are not alone. Everything is currently unknown; the future of our jobs is unknown, the outcome of the pandemic is unknown, the success rate of the vaccination programme is unknown (and will be for some time), the economic recovery of every small business in the country is unknown. None of us know. Many are reaching for a multitude of reasons, explanations and theories as to what is happening and why – have patience with those who have chosen some of the more outlandish theories and try not to argue with those who see things differently. The notion of walking a mile in someone else’s shoes has never been more relevant than it is right now in your encounters with others. Everyone is stressed and concerned, some have not interacted with many people for almost a year and social attitudes have rapidly changed in that time to encompass social distancing, masks, visors, sanitiser, fear, worry and insecurity. The best way forwards for all of us as a community is kindness. Simple, genuine kindnese. Offering a smile and being honest with each other could very well be the glue which sees us through to the other side, because there inevitably is one, we just have to hold it together until we get there and see what the new horizon ahead of us looks like. We may have to make changes; some may be forced upon us. We may have to adapt. It’s not what happens, it’s how you deal with it, right?! One thing I know about Purbeckians is that we’re stubborn as hell and despite our differences, we stick together when needed. If we focus that stubborn ‘can-do’ attitude on being kind to our neighbours, to offering help where we can and on actively supporting our local economy and all those who play a part in it from the instant things open back up again, there will be light ahead for Purbeck and for all of us who share the island. Whatever lies ahead, we have to face it together with the support of a strong and nurturing community around each and every one of us, individual and business alike. If that fails and hope is lost, before real despair sets in I vote we depthcharge the river, pushing the isle away from the mainland, and we go it alone as a real island nation, as wished and joked about many a time, down through the generations…….. Anyone second me?! Tomorrow is always another day - let’s all see it together. P.S. For anyone experiencing difficulties and especially for anyone feeling as though life is not worth living right now, please do give the Samaritans a ring or text. You can find their green advert in the Purbeck Gazette. Sometimes just offloading and sharing your thoughts with someone can really help – it won’t change the situation, but it can reduce the stress and anxiety.

Signs you may be suffering from depression: • Not sleeping or wanting to sleep more than usual. • Not wanting to get up in the morning. • Nausea • Headaches • Loss of appetite • Lethargy • Anger • Tearfulness • Numbness • Stress dreams • Wanting to avoid people or human contact • Not doing things you usually enjoy. Things that can help which don’t cost anything, and are relatively easy to push yourself into…. • Watch TV - not reality TV, but something far removed from your every day life - science fiction is a good one. Limit the time you watch though - don’t plonk yourself in front of the TV for endless hours. • Read a book - again, this can remove you from the worries of your current existance for a little while, transporting you to another world. • Take a walk in nature. Slowly. Look around you and take in that which you’re passing. Hear the birds, see the clouds move. Be there in the present. • Cold water swimming. There are local groups who go (don’t go alone in case of cold water shock). This has been proven to boost endorphines and can seriously help combat depression. Try it out! • Talk to someone. Just having a ‘normal’ chat with a friend can bring your brain back to a healthier mindset. Reach out - just for a chat. • Make lists of achieveable tasks, like washing up, taking a walk, changing your bedding, tidying one drawer out and so on. Tick off your list during the day and you’ll get a sense of achievement each evening from having completed something. • Face problems. If you’re struggling financially, with housing, relationships or whatever else, face the issue. Call Citizen’s Advice, your doctor, the supplier hastling you for payment, whoever it is. Call, speak, ask for help. Don’t put it on the back burner as it’ll add to your stress levels.

Business

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Beware tax deadline scammers

End of the Tax Year Review With the end of the tax year fast approaching, this is a reminder it is a good time to review your financial position and to specifically look at the following areas: ISAs – Most adults in the UK are permitted to subscribe up to £20,000 during the 2020/21 tax year in a combination of a Cash ISA and a Stocks & Shares ISA. Many Stocks & Shares ISAs are also now ‘flexible’ meaning that you can replace any monies which are withdrawn from the ISA during the same tax year. You could, for instance, withdraw the income from your ISA and could replace these monies by transferring holdings to the same value from a non-ISA. The tax advantage of ISAs is that all income is tax-free and any realised gains are free of Capital Gains Tax. I would strongly suggest that you speak with your investment manager if you have a managed ISA to ensure that you are making the most of your ISA allowance. For instance, it may be more tax efficient for you to fully subscribe to a Stocks & Shares ISA and keep cash in a non-ISA, as the income may fall within your tax-free Savings Allowance (which can be up to £1,000 depending on your tax position). Capital Gains Tax – Gains up to £12,300 can be made during the 2020/21 tax year within the Capital Gains Tax allowance. If you have large inbuilt gains in your portfolio, or on other assets, it may be worth seeking professional advice as to how best to utilise your allowance. Inheritance Tax (IHT) – It is worth seeking advice from an accountant or tax professional, but generally your long-term Inheritance Tax position can be managed by using the annual exemption of £3,000 (which can also be carried back a year if it has not been used), normal expenditure out of income exemption, the small gifts exemption (gifts of £250 to any number of people) and possibly considering the use of trusts. This is a specialist area and I would strongly advise that you seek professional advice on IHT. As part of a general review of your finances, you may also wish to speak to your financial advisor if you are contributing to a pension, and your accountant in case there are any tax-efficient steps that you could be taking. Another important area to think about is Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA). A Will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away and can be worded for tax efficiency. Under a Lasting Power of Attorney, you appoint a person/ people you trust to look after your affairs in the event that you are unable to do so yourself. LPAs exist for Property and Financial Affairs and also Health and Welfare and you can choose to have either or both. For both Wills and LPAs, I would suggest seeking professional help to ensure that they are prepared properly and are not ambiguous. Tax treatment depends on the specific circumstances of each individual and may be subject to change in the future. Until next month, take care and stay safe. Kate Spurling, Investment Manager, Redmayne Bentley, Tel: 01202 714 450 kate.spurling@redmayne.co.uk

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

Stamp Duty Ending 31st March 2021

Unison Warns Of Key Worker Wage Cuts Hitting wages of key workers w ould be ‘worst possible’ blow to economy, says UNISON esponding to an analysis published on Friday 4th February by the TUC revealing the economy in the South West of England faces a £142m hit from government cuts to key workers’ pay, UNISON South West regional secretary Joanne Kaye said: “Taking money from the pockets of employees at the heart of the pandemic response is nothing short of deplorable. It would also deliver the worst possible blow to the Covid-scarred economy. “The Prime Minister claims he wants to boost the public sector workforce. Yet hitting wages is going to see more staff leaving not joining, especially in care where pay is at poverty levels. “Job vacancies have proved devastating to the NHS and care sector. Without an urgent rethink on pay, the government r isks losing experienced staff. “Fair wages for key workers would help protect public services and deliver the required economic boost.”

The current Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday is set to expire on 31 March 2021 with strong assertions from the Treasury that it will not be extended. So what does it mean for current and ongoing transactions? Any conveyancing transaction that has not completed on or before 31 March 2021 will attract SDLT at the rates which were in place prior to the SDLT holiday. As an example, a purchaser wishing to purchase a property for £390,000.00 post 31 March 2021 will have had to pay £9,500.00 of SDLT. A full breakdown of the rates can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/ stamp-duty-land-tax/residential-property-rates. For many it is now a race against the clock to ensure their transaction completes prior to the end of the SDLT holiday, but regrettably there are many factors which are outside of our control which may mean that completion before the end of the holiday is not going to be possible. For example, delays within the chain relating to mortgage paperwork, valuations, search results and COVID related illness could all delay an agreed completion date. If you are a first time buyer, you may still benefit from not having to pay SDLT as the relief for first time buyers introduced prior to the current SDLT holiday will remain in place post 31 March 2021. This relief means that first time buyers will continue not to pay SDLT on the first £300,000.00 of their purchase price, 5% SDLT is then payable on the portion from £300,001.00 to £500,000.00 and for those first time buyers purchasing over £500,001.00 the rates are the same as those that have purchased before. Whilst many hundreds of thousands of buyers have benefitted from the SDLT holiday since its introduction in July 2020, its time is now nearly up for the majority. For further information and should you have any questions about completing before the end of the SDLT holiday please speak with your Conveyancer. Email Sarah Ford sarah.ford@battens.co.uk or call 01929 500328

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

01929 768720

The Purbeck Gazette

Leading Lights Step Up At Ellis Jones Solicitors

wanage law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors has strengthened the ranks of its senior team in a double promotion boost. Caroline Palacio, who is Head of Insolvency and Business Recovery, has stepped up to Senior Associate from Associate. Maria Evans, whose areas of expertise include Dispute Resolution, Insolvency and Regulatory law, has become an Associate just three years after qualifying as a Solicitor. Ellis Jones is a full-service law firm with its Swanage office in the High Street. Nigel Smith, Managing Partner, said: “Caroline and Maria’s promotions are thoroughly deserved. “Both are key members of our team and will play important roles in the future expansion and success of the firm. “Their appointments will also allow us to provide even greater support for our clients in these challenging times, especially in insolvency and business recovery.” Caroline qualified as a Solicitor in 1990 and specialises in Regulatory Law, Insolvency, Criminal Law and Commercial Dispute Resolution. She is a member of the Association of Business Recovery Professionals (R3) and its R3 Southern Region Committee as well as the Association of

Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers. Caroline said: “I’m looking forward to the fresh challenges and opportunities my new role will bring.” Maria graduated from the University of Law Guildford with a Distinction and qualified as a Solicitor in 2017. She is an Associate Member of R3. Maria said: “There’s a clear pathway for career progression at Ellis Jones so I’m thrilled to be taking my first steps forward as an Associate.” Ellis Jones has with more than 140 staff and 17 Partners. It has offices in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs (Poole), Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as London. It is listed for its excellence in the latest Chambers UK and Legal 500 guides for 2021. www.ellisjones.co.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

Motoring

Ferry Extends Bulk Discounts

ollowing the launch of the Sandbanks Ferry Ticket Card (SFTC) in 2020 the Sandbanks Ferry Company is pleased to announce that customers can now purchase 100 passes at the new higher discounted rate of 38% which equates to just £2.95 per crossing. Additionally holders of any unused paper book tickets for motor cars will be able to convert them into Passes and have them transferred to their SFTC. For both offers SFTC’s will need to be registered to a ‘BH’ postcode address before 31st March 2021 and they will also be able to benefit from two cards per account as an added bonus. Mike Kean, Managing Director of the Sandbanks Ferry Company, said: “We strive to accommodate customer requests, such as more than 1 card per account to enable travellers to get the best value from bulk purchases and enjoy the convenience of using the ferry on a regular basis. We are pleased to announce these latest offerings for locals which will allow them to enjoy the continued use of the ferry and provide more of them with even greater savings than before.” Following through on the roll out of our more environmentally friendly paperless systems and the move to the e’ commerce benefits of the SFTC, we are likely to run out of our stocks of paper book tickets for cars well before the coming summer season. SFTCs are available free of charge from the Ferry Office and the Toll Booths on Ferry Road. Further details can be found at: https://www. sandbanksferry.co.uk/tolls/discounts. For any further enquiries on how to take advantage of this offer, please contact the Ferry Office. Visit the Sandbanks Ferry Company at www.sandbanksferry.co.uk or follow us on Twitter at: @sandbanksferry or on Facebook at: www.facebook. com/sandbanksferry

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

The Purbeck Gazette

Durlston Country Park This year, spring is especially welcome as it brings renewal, fresh growth, new life and brighter days. Listen out for birdsong such as the returning melodic, fluid notes of a Skylark over the meadows. If you are lucky you might spot early migrants flying over from Africa, such as Sand Martins. Seek out the non-indigenous Wall Lizard on the Castle walls. These reptiles bask on the sun warmed stonework and can disappear into the crevices when too hot or threatened. If you find miniature soil piles on a footpath, perhaps pause and observe. You may discover which burrowing insect is responsible, perhaps a Ground Beetle, Digger Wasp or Solitary Bee. As they emerge from their winter quarters Peacock butterflies will be seeking out flowers for nectar. Lesser Celandine is starting to show early yellow flowers, while Bluebells and Ramsons are but leaf blades under the woodland cover. Near the Globe, blue Greater Periwinkle flowers and the velvet leaves of Greater Mullein are appearing. About the clifftops a carpet of Scurvy Grass (a rich source of Vitamin C for sailors making landfall) sprawls low across the limestone rocks displaying a mass of small white flowers.

Meanwhile, on a Meadow Ant hill another small white ﬂower is that of Bittercress. Later in the year it will develop thin seedpods (3 cm long) which explode when ripe broadcasting its seeds. In the meadows Cowslips, (which resemble primroses on stilts!), may be found near where cow slops (or pats) landed. Blackthorn, as always, has opened its blossom before its leaves. By the month’s end Field Maple, with rough Elm-like branches, will have pushed out fresh leaves. Before your visit potential visit please check and follow the latest Government guidance. Do refer to the Durlston website for any update as to what is available to you. And of course, you can always read our current and past daily ranger’s diary there: https://www.durlston.co.uk/ For the freshest Durlston news follow us on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/Durlston/ Visit the Seventhwave website to check for updates on any dining or take away availability: seventhwaverestaurant@gmail.com.

Margaret Green Animal Sanctuary

Margaret Green Animal Rescue are here to support you & your pets o you work for an emergency service or know someone who does? If so, MGAR wants to help and are offering FREE Boarding for emergency service workers’ pets at their rescue centres. Please do get in touch if they can help at all. If you can share this news so that anyone who needs our help can make use of this free service it would be appreciated. www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

Caring For Primates Through Covid-19

ll the staff and primates at Monkey World would like to thank the generous supporters who have donated and fundraised during the park’s closure to the public. This has enabled us to continue to give our rescued and endangered primates the best possible care, despite having no income from visitors. The animals have ensured routine for us throughout lockdown, and we have directed all our energies into keeping them happy, healthy and stimulated in their rehabilitated family groups. We have enjoyed providing live tours through our social media channels, and home-schooling courses to ensure all the little monkeys in lockdown stay entertained- and of course, keep up to date with all the news from the park! The chimps enjoyed Christmas stockings, which the team had to hang up using the cherry picker! These football socks were stuffed with walnuts, oranges and other treats, which provided hours of fun, as the chimps had to balance up high and un-tie the socks from the hoses. All 260 primates here enjoyed some natural enrichment, as the gardening team cleared bamboo from the public areas of the park. A-mei, one of our female orangutans, enjoyed making a nest out of it, while Bart’s chimps chewed on this rarely had snack! We have been incredibly grateful to receive blankets, towels, fresh fruit and veg donations, as well as any funds

towards the care of our primates, especially members of our “adopt a primate” scheme! For more details on how you can help, visit: https://monkeyworld.org/support-us/donations-and-appeals/, email apes@ monkeyworld.org or call 01929 462537. Follow us on social media to see our daily videos of our rescued monkeys and apes during lockdown!

The Purbeck Gazette

Matron’s Round - Our Local Hospitals’ Monthly Column

ollowing the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic, almost a year ago, the National Health Service, alongside social care services has been reviewing and developing new ways of working. Part of this review has focused on how and when people are discharged from hospital, and the support that is given at home. Research shows that once people no longer need hospital care, their recovery is better and faster in their own home. In Purbeck, we have an integrated team of Health and Social Care professionals, called the One Team. This team can provide rehabilitation input, equipment, nursing input, short-term care and social support for you in your own home following your discharge from hospital. They will help you to set goals around your recovery, and support you to meet those goals. When the team visit you at home, they will wear personal protective equipment to minimise any infection risk. Where it is appropriate support may be given by telephone or video calls. The One Team has links to voluntary services around the local area, which can also help you. The team coordinates with acute hospitals to plan your discharge home, and will support you whilst you are recovering. They will also discuss any long-term needs, and help you put plans in place to meet these needs.

You will be given a named keyworker who will link with the other members of the team, and is a point of contact should you have any concerns. By discharging people as soon as they are ready to leave hospital, it means that hospitals have better capacity to look after the unwell people who need their care, and that well people can return to their own home sooner, to continue on the road to recovery, with the support of the One Team. 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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Contact 07979 840542

The Purbeck Gazette

Tribute To Mark 1000 Covid Deaths In Dorset

he week of Friday 5th February marked an extremely sad occasion in Dorset as the county passes the milestone of 1,000 Covid-19related deaths. 1000 electric candles were lit and placed on the steps of County Hall in Dorchester and at Bournemouth Town Hall as a stark reminder of how the pandemic has caused heartache and devastation across the county. Each candle represented someone that families and friends had lost. Public services across Dorset are asking residents to pause and reflect not only on the many lives lost but also to give thanks to colleagues battling every day to fight the virus. Cllr Drew Mellor, Council Leader at BCP Council said: “Our deepest condolences go to all those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic as we reach this heart-breaking milestone. Each one of these people was an individual with a family and friends, living among our communities here is Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. We do not want to reach another tragic milestone. “We must play our part in stopping the spread of this deadly virus. Remember that the single most important action you can take right now is to stay at home. Our local hospitals continue to do an incredible job of caring for those who most need it but it is only by doing our bit, as individuals, that we can collectively bring case rates down in our community and reduce the pressure on those who are working to save lives.” Dorset Council Leader Cllr Spencer Flower said: “This is a really tragic milestone. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost their lives to Covid-19 and with the families and friends who have lost loved ones during these unprecedented times. “We all must be mindful at all times so we can save lives and reduce the pressure on everyone who makes sure life can carry on. Please take a moment to remember not only the lives sadly lost, but also to thank those working in the NHS helping patients suffering from the absolutely devastating effects of the virus and the many community volunteers who have worked so hard since the start of the pandemic. “I know how hard this lockdown has been for so many people, but by following the guidelines can we hope to try and avoid more sad milestones like this one. The availability of vaccines and the speed of vaccinations is a great credit to the NHS and does offer real hope for the future. However, in the meantime we all need to stay at home where possible, think carefully and continue to focus on hands, face, space if you do need to go out.” Dorset Police Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “Our country has already surpassed the 100,000 death mark from coronavirus – a very grim and sad reality of the huge impact this pandemic has had on so many people. This tragedy is further reflected in the fact that Dorset’s communities have now lost 1,000 loved ones to this terrible virus. “My heartfelt thoughts go to everyone who has lost their lives and the families and loved ones they have left behind. Unfortunately, it is expected that more people will die from this terrible virus and we must do all we can right now to stay at home and stick to the rules to help stop the spread of Covid-19. “I would like to thank the vast majority of people in Dorset for being so responsible – please keep it up and help protect each other.”

Introducing Purbeck Chiropractic and Paul Hind

urbeck Chiropractic is a new clinic which opened in January 2021 in the village of Corfe Castle. The resident chiropractor is Paul Hind (pictured, below) who relocated from Surrey to Dorset during 2020 to establish his new clinic. Paul has been practising chiropractic and sports therapy for fourteen years and prior to his relocation he worked in a large GP Practice, two multidisciplinary health clinics and his own chiropractic clinic in Surrey (Horley Chiropractic). Paul practices the ‘McTimoney technique’, a low force chiropractic method which uses light adjustments to realign the joints of the body, in order to restore its natural balance and allow the body to heal itself. This makes it a gentle, safe and effective treatment, suitable for all ages, from young children to the elderly. Alongside the treatment, Paul’s aim is to encourage patients to take an active role in their recovery through exercises and other lifestyle advice in order for them to obtain the best from their health. He has undertaken additional training and is qualified in sports therapy, advanced soft tissue techniques, the clinical application of ultrasound and laser therapy (photo-biomodulation) for musculoskeletal injuries using evidence-based treatment protocols. Paul dispels the common misconception that chiropractors only treat backs. The scope of practice is much broader and includes treatments for a variety of conditions including plantar fasciitis, tennis and golfer’s elbow, various knee and shoulder joint complaints, and neck conditions. Please contact Paul for a discussion or to book an appointment on 07973 308829. Alternatively, go to www.purbeckchiropractic.com for further information.

The Purbeck Gazette

Hello From Swanage Medical Practice News from Swanage Medical Practice

Update from Dr Clark Senior Partner Swanage Medical Practice ith numbers of Covid-19 positive patients increasing through January and the vaccine arriving in Swanage and Purbeck area, how have we faired? From about seven cases at any one time in December (in the Swanage area) this rose to thirty then sixty and is now slightly down to thirty at beginning of February. Very many thanks to everyone for staying at home, social distancing and washing hands. Without these measures, cases would have continued to rise and be very much higher now. Our local hospitals have been working at capacity to care for the severe cases, seeking back up capacity for Intensive care and rehabilitation. The Hot Hub where we see potentially Covid-19 positive patients at Fernside in Oakdale, is being used to capacity and is seeing Purbeck patients as well. The Covid-19 remote monitoring service has increasingly monitored the symptoms and oxygen level of at-risk patients enabling admission in time for successful intervention. This new variant virus has shown us its increased ability to transmit and unfortunately an increasing number of our local residents have been unable to recover from it. This has included a number of our care home residents. I would like to send condolences to all those families affected from myself and everyone at Practice. I would also like to thank all the care staff, nursing staff and practice staff who have worked extensive and traumatic hours caring for these patients. They deserve all the support possible. On Friday 8th January we heard the vaccine would be coming to Purbeck and Thursday 14th was our first vaccination day, managing 377 Pfizer vaccinations at the Wareham CVP (Covid Vaccination Hub) mostly people over 90. Very many thanks to the staff at the Wareham CVP clinic, the team of volunteers and local practices who have all put in many extra hours to enable this and the continued normal GP practice services. Also, to the community that has rallied round and got very nearly everyone to their allocated appointment. We are very thankful that we have had to deal with very few requests for appointment changes from this age group and would ask this continues. All appointments will already be allocated and any time dealing with such prevents staff helping other patients. On Monday 18th January we started vaccinating in the eight local care homes, their residents and their staff, and completed all that wished or could have the vaccine by the end of the week. On Monday 25th January a dedicated team of two district nurses started vaccinating housebound patients on a geographical basis of those identified, two areas in Swanage on Mondays and Tuesdays and Wareham on Wednesdays. This team have now done nearly 200 home visits with about another 100 to go. These visits are strictly for those patients who are physically unable to leave their home. As of February 5th, we have now done 6,867 vaccinations, 2697 aged over 80, 1,972 aged 75-79, 1,326 aged 70-74.

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By February 12th we will have offered or done a first vaccination to the vast majority of those in Priority Groups 1-4. This includes those mentioned above, as well as health and social care staff and those in the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable group (CEV / Shielding group). We hope soon to be given the go ahead to invite Priority Group 5 (65 to 69 year olds )and then Group 6 (the Clinically Vulnerable ( CV) group). Priority Group 6 is very similar to those under 65 who would normally be offered a Flu jab. Each practice will identify patients using a mixture of age and other factors to prioritise the order to call in within this group. We are very lucky now to be receiving a regular vaccine flow but are still unable to put any orders in for it and get little warning as to when it is arriving and which form it takes. The invitation is for a Covid vaccination type unspecified, except for those who have a history of anaphylaxis to multiple drugs or of unknown cause, who will be offered the AstraZeneca vaccine at specific clinics. Generally, we cannot be certain which vaccination the hub will be using when you arrive and if you are unwilling to have the one in use you will be asked to leave. It is great to see so many of our high-risk residents getting vaccinated and know we will get to everyone in turn. At present our second vaccinations are booked, a few at ten weeks but most at twelve weeks. This means that unless we can increase our rate of vaccination significantly there will be a twelve week period from the 25th March, when only a limited number of first vaccinations can be done. I hope the vaccine supply will have improved and we will have taken on increased numbers of volunteers and staff by then to prevent this. Please see our website for details as to how to volunteer. Vaccination is going to be our way out of the pandemic, please support everyone in the community to take it up and help the NHS deliver it. For the time being though, most people have not been vaccinated and any reduction in protective measures by those vaccinated or not will result In a resurgence of cases, so we must all continue all the measures to deny the virus its chance. Other good news in Swanage is that the new year brings new voices (and faces to those needing to come into the Surgery) to our team. Dr Kate Thompson joins us as GP Registrar for her second year in a GP practice. Christina Boghian joins the Practice nursing team Shelly Basharan, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, joins our Duty team and will also be available for more routine consultations. Dr Andrew Mackintosh who has already been helping us has agreed to join our team as GP Partner in March. With the vaccine, new staff, excellent surgery team and supportive local community we can look forward to getting the virus under control and progressing the care we can offer to all. Remember: “HANDS (wash), FACE (mask), SPACE (2m) Dr Jason Clark, Senior Partner, Swanage Medical Practice website: www. swanagemedical.org

The Purbeck Gazette

Sport

Conquering Dorset’s Three Peaks

id you know Dorset has three peaks? They may not be the most famous of the ‘3 Peaks’ treks in the country, but it certainly delivers on the combination of a demanding challenge and beautiful scenery. Join Diverse Abilities. Dorset’s disability charity, for a 26.2-mile marathon trek across the Wessex Ridgeway on Saturday 19th June. You will be ascending to the top of Lewesdon Hill (279m), Pilsdon Pen (277m), and Bulbarrow Hill (274m) – that’s a total height of more than 1,500 metres, which is taller than Ben Nevis. Registration fees are £35, with a pledge to fundraise £265 for the charity.

Your money could provide overnight 1:1 support for a teenager at our transition day centre, Lawford Lodge. Transition of young people to adult services can be an unbelievably scary and difficult time for the whole family. Our service puts the young person at the centre of the decision-making, helping them practise independence as they transition to adult services. You’ll be provided with drinks and snacks throughout the day, a Diverse Abilities top, full back-up support including first aid and fitness training notes, 15% off at various outdoor retailers including Cotswold Outdoors and Cycle Surgery, and fundraising support. Teams are welcome and are encouraged to apply! Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/d3p to register and find out more.

The Purbeck Gazette

Sea Rowing Club Keeps Afloat During Lockdown

ike all sports clubs SSRC has had its activities severely curtailed by the Covid pandemic. When the first lockdown came into force last March the boathouse was shut up and all rowing and training had to cease completely. But the Committee worked hard to draw up new safety protocols and as soon as lockdown was lifted members were able to take to the water again. Masks had to be worn during launching procedures, all equipment was disinfected before and after use, distancing measures were implemented and each person carried their own hand sanitiser, as well as having sanitising kits carried in each boat. That only left the problem of finding somewhere to launch, as the flood defences which were supposed to be removed at Easter were still in place, blocking access to our normal launch area by the Stone Quay. We were helped to solve this problem by our friends at Swanage Sailing Club, who allowed us to launch and recover from their beach at Buck Shore. All through the summer crews rowed in the bay, enjoying the glorious weather we were lucky enough to have. In addition, limited inshore training was reinstated, with fitness sessions taking place in a Covid-secure fashion in the boat house and on the forecourt. The club owns six rowing machines, known as ‘ergs’ (short for ergometers) and these were often to be seen being used outside the boathouse in the sunshine – almost as good as a row in the bay! This regime continued right through until Lockdown 2 in November, when once again we had to abandon all activities and amuse ourselves indoors. As soon as that was lifted we were back in action, undeterred by the now cold weather, although the winter storms forced us to cancel on a few occasions. We managed to start 2021 with a rather chilly outing on New Year’s Day, but had a wonderful sunny trip to Old Harry Rocks on Saturday 2 January, before Lockdown 3 came along to spoil our fun. The Committee have tried to help members to keep on training by loaning out the ergos to allow some training at home, and many of us are keeping fit in other ways, mainly running and cycling, which we are lucky enough to be able to do in our beautiful locality without breaking any Covid rules. During Lockdown 1, one heroic member even ran weekly online fitness sessions to help the rest keep going. Sadly, all the regattas which some of our crews planned to enter around the South West, as well as our own two Swanage regattas, had to be cancelled last year. The World Gig Rowing Championships in the Isles

of Scillies, normally a highlight of our year, and the focus of much of our training, have already been cancelled for May 2021, but it is hoped that some events later in the year may be able to go ahead in some form. It has always been core to SSRC’s mission to reach out to the community to encourage participation in sea rowing, and our Saturday morning ‘Open Rowing’ sessions, where anyone can come down to the Stone Quay and ‘have a go’ are legendary, Unfortunately the restrictions and protocols forced on us by the pandemic have made it very hard for us to continue these safely. However, we are all looking forward to the day, hopefully soon, when we can welcome you all back again. We are a very diverse club, with men and women of all ages and fitness levels enjoying rowing in our beautiful bay and elsewhere. Do look out for us when we are back on the water, and come and join us if you wish.

The Purbeck Gazette

Spotlight Event Diary

Diary Entries are FREE if your event is FREE. If you charge, then it’s £5 plus VAT per entry, per month. DEADLINE for APR is noon, 20th MAR 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.

MARCH 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.

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

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The Purbeck Gazette

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING

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The Purbeck Gazette

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING Michael B. Alberry

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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

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