The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 256

May 2021 November 2019 238 Issue no. 256 Published by Purbeck Media Ltd

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

Purbeck Challenge!

PgPg 2318 - 37 Campaign ToRex SaveThe Our Island.

HelpChristmas Save Brave.

Pg 12

Eyes Coast.

Pg 16 17 OurAlong Flag IsThe Now Official!

Pg-16

Monkey World Is Open!

PgPg 3024 - 31 Banish Those Winter Blues!

- 35

Herby Purbeck Pasties.

Pg 25 Otter Deaths On The Increase.

Pg 37

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Editor’s note...

W

elcome to the May 2021 edition of your Purbeck Gazette! On May 2nd 2021, I will have completed two entire decades here at the Purbeck Gazette! I started as a fresh-faced and energetic twenty-six-year-old and have served the community as best I can throughout that time.

The Purbeck Gazette has grown from a small, community-sponsored publication to a solidly performing monthly local paper in the last two decades and that’s thanks to the input from all of you - the community we serve.

We’ve found more and more over the past decade or so that with the collapse of many local papers across the UK, our local community groups, charities and local retailers and service providers desperately need that locally trusted point of contact to enable them to communicate effectively with the community. Some advertisers switched to online advertising for a while, before finding that those online clicks and ‘likes’ did not actually translate into local people popping in and actually making a purchase. Not rocket science, but a very hard lesson to learn for those who put their hopes on social media to bring their customers to the shop door.

Research shows that hyper-local print advertising brings a far higher return for your spend than virtually any other form of advertising. Communicating with your customers via your hyperlocal publication is the proven way to go folks!

We’re heading back into print once more with our June edition - as long as we are supported by the business community with advertising, we’ll continue to print your news, views and opinions.

That’s what we’re here for! Have a great May everyone!

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 JUNE 2021 edition has a deadline of 10th May. The JULY 2021 edition has a deadline of 10th June.

Public Notices & Information

Swanage Town Council Meetings - MAY 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 - MAY 2021 ALL ‘IN-PERSON’ MEETINGS PREVIOUSLY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ARE SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS - PLEASE CONTACT THE COUNCIL DIRECTLY FOR INFORMATION

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

About Purbeck Media Ltd The Purbeck Gazette prints 20,000 copies every month and delivers throughout the region from Swanage to Dorchester, Lulworth to Bere Regis. The Purbeck Gazette is published by Purbeck Media Ltd. All editing, graphic design and lay-up is completed in-house by Purbeck Media Ltd. The Purbeck Gazette is printed by Blackmore Ltd of Shaftesbury and delivered by Logiforce GPStracked distribution. The Purbeck Gazette website is managed and edited on-site by Purbeck Media Ltd. Purbeck Media Ltd also publishes The Purbeck Guidette, the Purbeck Visitor Guide. All rights reserved.

OUR TEAM: The Gazette team consists of: Nico Johnson, Editor, Kay Jenkins, Sales & Accounts Executive, David Hollister, Columnist, John Garner, Columnist, Regula Wright, Columnist. Purbeck Designs (some graphics), Kim Steeden, Spotlight Diary Editor.

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

Telephone Sales & Client Contact

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

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The Milky Way over Lulworth Cove by Richard Murgatroyd

CONTACT US

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS MATTERS COMMUNITY MATTERS COUNCIL MEETINGS FEATURES Blast From The Past - May 2011 Campaign To Ban The BBQ Carey’s Secret Garden Opens To Public John Garner writes - The Housemartins Gazette Gardening with Simon Goldsack Monkey World Is Open!

National Coastwatch Purbeck Valley Folk Festival 2021 Suttles Celebrate Chris’ 70th!

Sustainable Wareham Grows Telling It Like It Is - David Hollister writes FOOD - Godlingston Manor Kitchen Gardens HEALTH & BEAUTY LETTERS MOTORING NATURAL MATTERS TRADE ADVERTS DIARY SPOTLIGHT SPORT

32 22 6 2 20 18 29 26 28 30 - 31 16 - 17 33 29 11 6 25 44 4 35 26 39 37 36

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

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DEADLINE FORFOR JUNEJULY IS NOON, 10th MAYFRI - BACK IN JUNE PRINT! DEADLINE IS NOON, 10th

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The The clue is in the heading above - these are our readers’ letters. They are NOT articles, they are letters. By you. Our readers. They are not our letters, they are yours - your letters. Simple!

Please send all letters to ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk with ‘letter to the editor’ in the email subject line. Please do not exceed 350 words. If handwritten, please ensure it is short and legible.

PLEASE DO NOT DUPLICATE LETTERS TO OTHER PUBLICATIONS WE DO NOT PRINT MULTI-PUBLICATION LETTERS.

JUNE deadline: noon, 10th MAY

Destroying Our History?

Dear Readers, Ref: 1 Old Coastguard Cottages, Peveril Point, Swanage. BH19 2AT I received a proposed planning application from Mrs Diana Stacey, part owner of No.2 Coastguard Cottages, who is extremely concerned that the proposed application would cause her to lose the extensive view of Swanage Bay which she has enjoyed since 1958.

The proposed front elevation is of contemporary design, completely out of keeping with the character of the adjoining properties. Whilst I am aware many conservationists now prefer to see extensions to older buildings to be of modern design and not to replicate what is already there, this does not work, it is little better than a two-storey glass box. It will undoubtedly obscure views to both the ground and first floors of the adjoining property; No.2 and devalue this cottage.

The owner ignores the fact that the porches were added after the sale of the cottages (circa) 1880 – see photographs (1,2,3,4). This was due to the

Beer, Ale & Cider Specialists Food served 12 noon - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm High Street, Swanage. 01929 423533 strength of the north wind driving rain into the front rooms, making them almost uninhabitable. These porches are not the building line.

Turning now to the south (rear) of the property, it shows an extremely large building built into the rear garden up to the original rear wall which surrounds these cottages. The proposed building shows it is linked to the main house by a fully enclosed glass corridor; no thought has been given to the fact that it will block light to the kitchen of No.2 and more importantly, persons using this link can look straight into their bedroom window. This bridging crosses the rear passageway leading to cottages 2 – 7 and is right at the corner and would cause difficulties for tradesmen using ladders and so on as the corridor is too low. This property has steps leading to their toilet and shed, like all the other cottages.

To summarise, the proposed alterations and the extension to this property are an over development and pay little attention in design with the architectural harmony of a very classic 19th century terrace of former workers’ cottages. The extension to the front elevation will block the unobstructed views of cottage No.2. In addition, the proposed design of the rear walkway causes loss of light to the kitchen of No.2 and will permit views into the rear windows of the same property.

The overall effect on no.2 will be to reduce its value through no fault of the present owners. In conclusion, this application should be refused, and I encourage anyone reading this who has a love or interest in our original architecture to please send your objections to the council as a matter of urgency. Once this beautiful terrace is altered, another piece of Swanage history will be lost forever.

Yours sincerely, full name and address supplied and withheld upon request Photographs: 1 (top left): circa 1840. No lifeboat house, no porches.

2 (second left): Circa 1880. Lifeboat house and Lookout move behind the houses. No porches.

3: (third down on left) Circa 1880. Lifeboat house behind the old Watch house, coastguard cottages on the left with no porches.

4: (below) Circa 1960. Shows the addition to No.8 on th east side of the cottages, being set back to maintain the building line. Original small bay window replaced by a slighter larger window.

Scarves For Falkland Vets Dear Editor Can I mention something I have been involved with this year? It was recommended by Steve Churchill, who, alongside my husband and a few more in Swanage, are Falkland veterans of the ‘82 campaign. The following is a press release from our Facebook group, ‘Scarves for Falkland Veterans’: “Over the past months, well over a thousand handmade scarves have been uniting British Falklands war veterans around the world. Thirty-nine years

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Square & Compass www.squareandcompasspub.co.uk

Worth Matravers 01929 439229

MAY 2021 Welcome back to our alfresco hospitality!

We have plenty of outdoor seating and a fantastically welcoming atmosphere!

We also boast one of the best gardens, with the best views.....in the UK! Support your local, independent establishments! ago, a fleet carrying 33,000 British servicemen and women sailed to the Falkland Islands. They won a short but intense war to free the British islands of the Argentine invaders.

“Falkland Islander Rachel Simons was eleven years old in 1982. She lived with her family in Stanley, the capital of the Falklands, for the duration of the war. Forever grateful for peace and freedom, Rachel recently began making scarves in the colours of the South Atlantic medal ribbon and gifting them to Falklands veterans. The idea soon caught on.

Many joined her in knitting and crocheting Scarves for Falklands Veterans, distributing them through a fast-growing Facebook group with the same name.

“Now working in partnership with Falklands Veterans Foundation, Rachel and her team of over seventy-five scarf makers have made and gifted almost 1,500 scarves to holders of the South Atlantic Medal.

“Moreover, expressing their kindness and creativity, the team have made and given away hundreds of beanies and many other woollen items in those same colours.

The veterans, overwhelmed by this outpouring of kindness, are feeling warm, recognised and appreciated.”

This is still ongoing, so if you know of a veteran that has the South Atlantic medal, please let me know! We really want everyone to have a scarf for the 50th year next year, and I would like to know of any Swanage Veterans for a possible get together.

Kind regards, Carolyn Hooper, email: podyfrog@aol.com

Responding To A Lord Dear Readers, I write in response to Lord Pomperby-Ponterfick Bradey Warmbery, or whatever the correspondent in your previous edition was actually called....

He took the time to pen a letter as a newcomer to Purbeck, extolling the virtues of the Isle with what seemed, at times, to be a rather sharp tongue for one so apparently well-conceived and dragged up with a silver spoon.

I felt somewhat sorry for our own dear David Hollister, who has been keeping the island entertained and informed for well over a decade (to my knowledge) with his pithy, opinionated columns. Understandably, David is oft seen as a Purbeckian Marmite - love or hate what he writes, the chap didn’t deserve the comments levelled at him in Lord PomembumPontertree Bradle Warmpot’s meandering letter. I’m with you David - keep letting us know what you think - at least you are honest and we can rest easy knowing that - agree with you or not!

To pull Lord Plumberby-Piffle Bumby Waffle up once more, with regards to his comment about the Mowlem needing to be ‘managed by professionals’ - if you were a local Lord, you’d know that this was precisely the case nowadays. Sure, the new trustees have not yet had much chance to impress the pitchfork-wielders (and indeed Lords) with their professionalisim as a result of the pandemic, but word on the street (clearly way below the level of one’s Lordship) is that the new team are indeed intent on taking the Mowlem forward to a bright and glistening future. A hearty handclap from all of us and we can’t wait to see those doors flung open once more!

As for Lord Pomemberry-Clanger Brapants Warfarquar’s comments about the fair folk from over the bridge, harking from the Wareham side, well, I can but agree. I understand that whilst Purbeckians are nationally renowned for their politeness and good graces, I too fear that uncouthness is abound from Wareham up through the mainland, from coast to coast.

Best to avoid the mainlanders, I feel. Something the good Lord and I can at least agree upon wholeheartedly.

Whilst we do welcome blow-ins, newcomers, grockles and such like, becoming part of our tight-knit and seriously inter-related community involves effort, compromise and understanding. Let’s hope Lord Pomperbum-Wanderly Burnish Whallop finds his place in Purbeck preferably with a handmaiden and footman on-call.....

Yours, King Catwhallah III of Langton-Upon-Hill

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TELLING IT LIKE IT IS...

Passing The Buck?

by David Hollister

L

et’s get the old chestnuts out of the way first! I sent Cllr Brooks a copy of the reams of Facebook comments following my post about the Langton Matravers turning. I asked her to arrange a site meeting with the relevant officers and herself, so that those of us who felt that this road scheme was flawed could meet them and let them see for themselves.

To her credit, Cllr Brooks joined the Facebook group, apparently read the posts, and eventually came up with this: “Hello everyone. I said I would update you on the Langton Junction. We have carried out a stage 4 safety audit and as a result the following recommendations were made.

“That we apply for a traffic regulation order (TRO) to reduce the speed from Swanage past the Langton junction to the north from 40 to 30.

“That we ban traffic from turning left at the junction. (There are only 13 vehicle movements turning left per day and they are not all large vehicles).

Vehicles will be directed with signage left down Three Acre Lane.

“There will be a public consultation on the TRO (normal procedure) and it will be advertised in the Dorset Echo. I do not have details of dates yet but when I do I will let you know. We will obviously monitor the impact of these measurements and act on anything that we need to.

“As I said, I will now leave the Facebook page, but thank you for the opportunity to explain what is going on. If you have issues relating to Swanage, please go through either Bill Trite or Gary Suttle.”

My comments are simply that a survey and safety audit, carried out during lockdown in March, is hardly representative of the problems we face.

Three Acre Lane is a narrow street close to houses with children. Hardly the place to divert vans and heavy lorries.

Plus, with respect – the Dorset Echo? I would submit that more people read the Purbeck Gazette or listen to my radio show in Swanage than purchase and read the Dorset Echo, which is based in the other half of the county.

So, having provided a response which many of us find inadequate, why Cllr Brooks are you now leaving this Facebook Page? What are you afraid of?

I heard from Gary Suttle immediately; pleased to report that he is on the case and is trying to arrange a site meeting for all of us! But in essence, Cherry Brooks has either still not understood the issue, or is conveniently ignoring the fact that she is the Lead Member for Highways and a South East Purbeck Ward Member. For which I have to assume that she is paid, and has put this in the ‘LBW’ tray…* Last year Dorset Council’s Highways Executive Advisory Panel, made up of elected members from across the political divide and chaired by Cllr Brooks, Lead Member for Highways, worked alongside officers to determine the financial challenges the Council faced in maintaining the road network and how much additional funding would be needed in the coming year and beyond.

Investment in highway infrastructure directly supports corporate priorities, such as public safety and promoting the economy. Highway assets allow for the movement of vehicles for the purpose of business, employment, emergency services, health, education, tourism, and recreational activities.

The additional funding would also cover additional investment in footways/ cycleway assets, that encourage people to make healthier travel choices,

in the interests of their health and wellbeing. Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment at Dorset Council, said: “We have a legal responsibility to ensure motorists, cyclists and pedestrians can get to where they need to go safely, and this project recognises that additional funding is needed to address the challenges we face in repairing and maintaining our road network, both financially and practically.

When I suggested that the Harmans Cross pavement (or lack of) and the Wareham Bridge pavement fell specifically within Ray Bryan’s definition of legal responsibility, Cllr Brooks’ reply was short and simple: “This press release says that the funding is to be used for maintenance and repairs.

Also footways/cycleways, for which we have specific guidelines from the Government’.

If you listen very carefully you can hear the sound of the buck being passed.

It’s been suggested to me that I’m targeting or even ‘bullying’ Cllr Brooks, but I assure both you and her that this is not the case. I’m simply a Council Tax payer and a user of the roads and pavements who is asking her to live up to her title.

How sad but quite understandable to see that Swanage Carnival has been cancelled. So much thought, so much effort, and so many sleepless nights have gone into this decision but in view of where we are on the ‘roadmap’ and the continued danger of new virus variants coming to the UK each day, their decision is both understandable and correct. We must continue to do all we can to prevent the spread of the virus, and in my book that includes having the vaccinations and wearing a mask in public. We don’t need and cannot afford another damaging lockdown.

The ‘roadmap’ tells us that all restrictions will be lifted by June 21st; I really hope so, because the Harmans Cross Fete on August Bank Holiday Monday is still planning to go ahead. I’m not running it myself this year, but the current organisers are going out of their way to ensure that social distancing and all necessary hygiene measures are practiced.

We don’t have a huge amount to lose financially if we cancel, and the event will be reviewed on a week-by-week basis right the way through until the day; if regulations or common sense decree that it’s off – then it’s off! Watch the press, watch Facebook, and listen to my show on Purbeck Coast. On the subject of which, although I really enjoy working from home, I can’t wait to be back in the studios on the Pier and running a two-hour ‘Drive Around Purbeck’ show like we did in 2019. My ‘Home Alone’ show was described as the only radio show on the South Coast presented by a pensioner and two cats……

D’you know, there’s something inherently rotten about having to campaign to retain an ambulance car which everyone can see is totally necessary; having to pay Council Tax to support a Council which basically takes no notice of the electors and – quite often – our elected councillors. A country in which a footballer’s weekly wage exceeds a nurse’s earnings for three years and where nurses and NHS staff are obliged to use foodbanks to feed their families. Sooner or later all this will have to change. I hope I’m around to see it. But I doubt that I will be.

If the Ambulance Car is finally lost to us, I will find out whose signature is on the document and publish the name in this magazine so that we are all totally aware. * My dad used to have three filing trays in his office. In, Out, and LBW. Which he explained meant “let the bu##ers wait”.

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MATT HILLAN Building Alterations & Maintenance

All Trade Aspects Undertaken Free Estimates Fully Insured

01929 427296 07971 690817 Happy to help and advise

Freemasons To Support Prince Philip’s Causes

T

o honour Prince Philip, who passed away recently, the Freemasons have launched a campaign inviting their 200,000 members to raise funds for charities that the Prince dedicated his life to.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was himself a Freemason, having been introduced to Freemasonry in 1952 at the age of 31 by his Father in Law King George VI. Throughout his 99 years, he was associated with some 992 charities, either as president, patron or as an honorary member.

The Prince supported charitable organisations in the fields of scientific and technological research and development, the encouragement of sport, the welfare of young people, conservation and the environment.

Dr David Staples, chief executive of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), said: “Prince Philip was well known for his charity work, having been involved with numerous organisations. He was devoted to philanthropy and therefore the best way to celebrate his life is by supporting the charities that the Prince himself supported.

“For us, this was an easy decision as Freemasonry’s core values are charity, integrity, respect and friendship. The Freemasons have been quietly getting on with making society and the lives of those less fortunate better for more than three centuries,” said Dr Staples.

Freemasons worked some 18.5 million hours each year as volunteers in a range of different areas, including driving vulnerable people to hospital, preparing meals, taking care of people at risk, organising care packages, and producing scrubs, personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitiser. They also donated more than £1m last year to the Covid effort, with the funds being used to help communities in various critical areas, including foodbanks, support for unpaid carers, PPE, supplies for hospitals and hospices, support for women’s refuges, and funds for NHS workers, ambulances and equipment.

As a Freemason, the Duke of Edinburgh was initiated into Navy Lodge, No 2612, on 5 December. On 6 March 1953, HRH Prince Philip progressed to the Second Degree of Freemasonry, before advancing to the Third Degree on 4 May 1953. The UGLE issued his Grand Lodge Certificate on 7 May that same year and he remained a member up until his death.

The Duke of Edinburgh was born in Corfu on 10 June 1921, the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess Alice of Battenberg. He therefore also held the title Prince of Greece and Denmark.

Freemasons can also count other members of the Royal Family among their number, including HRH the Duke of Kent, who is the longest-serving Grand Master of the UGLE.

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Poems From Our Community....

Boris, our Covid Saviour !

Oh Boris, I just want to thank you For handling the crisis so well Even though you went off on your holidays As the rest of us went off to Hell Even though you missed 5 Cobra meetings It meant you were fit for the fight Supporting the doctors and nurses No pay rise, just a clap on Thursday night Not enough PPE for the hospitals Then 25,000 sent home Old folk infecting the Care Homes Or marching round gardens alone You closed down the pubs and the restaurants But the airports stayed open each week Then our ‹world beating› Track and Trace system Could not even play Hide and Seek!

But Boris, although you’ve lost billions, We›ll remember you still with some joy Like Jesus, you even came back from the dead - But you’re not the Messiah , You’re a very naughty boy!!!

Martin Hobdell, Swanage Hello Ed, I’m a member of the local poetry club ‘Swanage poets’ and would love the opportunity to share a recent poem with the Purbeck Gazette.

I’ve written it on a subject I’m very passionate about, littering. The poem I’ve written is called ‘The litter bug.

I shared it with the poetry group last week and they thought it’d be a good idea to share it with you as a lot of local residents have a great passion for environmental issues too.

The litter bug I am the litter bug, I crawl into the earth, Where I burrow down deep.

I wiggle past your drain covers, Into the water that you drink.

I swim into the sea, Where I sit upon the surface, Tempting the prey below, Then I suffocate them slow.

I sting your children with my sharp, Concealed edges.

I live inside your handbag, Taking flight to wherever the fancy takes us.

I am the litter bug, Beware.

Many thanks, Eliza Naldrett

The Purbeck Gazette

The Purbeck Gazette

Witness Appeal Dorchester Burglary

O

fficers investigating a burglary at a home in Dorchester are appealing for anyone with information to come forward and issuing images of jewellery that was stolen. The address in South Court Avenue was broken into sometime between 12pm on Tuesday 13 April and 12pm on Sunday 18 April 2021 while the occupant was working away from home. A quantity of jewellery was stolen including four white gold bands with diamonds and gold necklaces and chains (pictured).

Police Constable Simon Rogers, of Dorchester police, said: “We are carrying out an investigation into this burglary and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area during the relevant period to please contact us. I would also like to hear from any residents in the area who may have captured anything that might assist our enquiries on home CCTV systems.

“I am releasing images of the jewellery and would ask anyone who comes across any of these items being offered for sale locally to please get in touch.

“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to urge anyone who is going away from home for a period of time to please ensure all doors and windows are fully secure and consider asking a neighbour to keep an eye on your property.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police. uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210060578.

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Affordable Housing Target Exceeded

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orset Council has exceeded its target for providing new-build affordable housing in the county over the last twelve months.

In a year like no other, with building sites restricted and materials in short supply at times, joint efforts have made this happen across the housing sector.

The outstanding work by Housing Association partners pulling out the stops has meant that safe and affordable housing has been made available for the residents of Dorset.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety said: “This is an impressive achievement in what has been a very difficult year for everyone. With many people furloughed during the pandemic, this result shows that by working together, we can still achieve our goals of providing genuine affordable housing.

“Dorset is a beautiful county, but house prices are often almost ten times the average salary, meaning many people here can’t afford to buy their own home. By continuing to work with our partners to provide the right types of homes, for example shared ownership properties, at a price people can afford, this is a great result for the residents of Dorset who need these houses, and for whom Dorset should be a great place to live.”

Dorset currently has over 6000 households on the housing register, and over 300 households in temporary accommodation. We work hard to reduce the mismatch between demand and need for housing and the supply of new homes that is common across the country.

Throughout the pandemic the council team has done excellent work to prevent homelessness and supporting people who are homeless into settled and more permanent housing. While there is still a lot of work to do, the current pipeline of development is delivering well with excellent work from Housing Associations such as Magna, Sovereign and Aster.

The council is currently working up a new Housing Strategy which will identify where there are gaps or mismatches in the type of housing, or housing related services, available across the Dorset Council area.

Out Of The Blue

M

ay. The name ‘May’ is the modern-day English adaption of the Latin word Maius, which has origins going back to the time of the ancient Greeks.

They named the month of May (or Maius) after the Greek goddess of growth.

Speaking of growth, we still need your feedback and would encourage more of you to get in touch! https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PurbeckEmail listening and acting upon what you have had to say enables us to target both our resources and patrol.

So, what have we been up to?

Well, during the period 01 March 2021 – 07 Apr 2021 we dealt with a total of 683 occurrences in Purbeck, of which 197 were recorded crimes and resulted in 45 arrests. There were also 94 occurrences of road traffic collisions.

Now that lockdown restrictions are being eased, we are starting to receive reports and see an increase in ASB around Swanage. We are therefore increasing our patrols to known hotspots around town to provide reassurance and pre-empt possible incidents.

You may have spotted some of the posters we have put up around town. These posters have a QR code on them which, when scanned, will take you straight to the ASB reporting page on the Dorset Police website. As always, we rely on your support to report any incidents so that we can target our patrols.

We are also working closely with a new Targeted Youth Worker from Dorset Council, who will be assisting Purbeck Neighbourhood Policing Team with some of the ASB issues with the introduction of youth projects.

Lockdown restrictions are gradually being eased and we urge you to continue to follow the government advise to HANDS – FACE – SPACE - FRESH AIR. For the latest advice visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Finally, if you need to contact Dorset Police, please call our Police Enquiry Centre by calling 101 or email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk.

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

You can also use our website to report a number of issues, from full crime reports to lost property; just use the following link https:// www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online/ Don’t forget to visit us on our Facebook page Facebook.com/ Purbeck-police and Twitter - @PurbeckPolice – we really value your support and comments. You can also see our latest priorities and up and coming events at https://www.dorset.police.uk/neighbourhoodpolicing/purbeck/ You can also receive news from our partner agencies such as Dorset Fire and Rescue Service or Trading Standards and Community safety messages.

Purbeck Neighbourhood Policing Team

The Purbeck Gazette

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Sustainable Wareham Grows!

A new environmental group born out of a Women’s Institute has taken root in Wareham. ustainable Wareham is the brainchild of founder Mary Morris, who has been the Climate Ambassador for Stoborough WI for two years.

She decided to take things beyond the realms of the WI to launch an open-to-all unisex group based in Wareham but including surrounding villages, such as Stoborough and Sandford, to tackle the issues of climate change and sustainability.

She has already gathered a twenty-strong team around her but hopes to attract many more.

Mary said: “Wareham is very special. I believe there are so many people in the area who care deeply about the town and its environment but haven’t had an outlet that will bring them all together so they can do something to help. I’m hoping Sustainable Wareham will be it.

“We’ve had a lot of interest already through people who know members of the group and expect much more once word gets out.”

The group’s initial aims are to improve litter control, promote ecotourism and persuade local businesses, farms and residents to move towards sustainability and the use of renewable energy.

Mary said: “For example we would like to try to influence companies to move away from plastic, particularly those that use bottles.

“But we don’t want to criticize them – we want to help them and work with them by doing things like investigating whether there would be any funding available.

“We will also be lobbying the town council but, again, in a spirit of cooperation.”

On climate change, Mary added: “It seems pretty obvious what’s happening to our planet and the possible solutions are fairly clear and straightforward.

Getting there is the difficult bit.

“Sustainable Wareham will be doing what it can to improve the situation without overcomplicating things. Actions need to be doable in a reasonable timeframe. Many that we’ve seen are about targets in 2040 or 2050 but all that’s doing is postponing everything. We will be focusing on actions as if we only have ten years to make a difference.”

If you wish to get involved with Sustainable Wareham or just find out more, Mary is happy for you to email her at fmkmorris@gmail.com.

Picture: Founder: Mary Morris

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Call 07836 369969

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Wareham Fire Station Call-Outs

18 April 2021 Fire Call - 3:50pm. One fire engine was sent to a bin fire at Lulworth.

18 April 2021 Fire Call - 4:35pm, One fire engine was sent to Bovington to a small fire in a woodland.

22 April 2021 Fire Call - 7:30am. One fire engine was sent to Lytchett Minster to a commercial property fire ,helping Poole and Hamworthy fire stations.

23 April 2021 Fire Call - Fire fighter crews from Dorchester, Bere Regis and our fire station dealt with with a fire at Puddletown Forest. Firefighters used beaters and water jets to tackle the blaze. Cause not yet known.

24 April 2021 Fire Call - 11:25pm. Two fire engines went to a large fire in the open in the centre of Wareham. We were also joined by two fire engines from Poole Fire Station.

24 April 2021 Fire call - 10.52am. The Uni Mog was called to Puddletown Forest to support Bere Regis fire station. The fire call was a small woodland fire.

25 April 2021

Fire call - 2:19am One fire engine together with a fire engine from Bere Regis fire station were sent to Wool to investigate some smoke which turned out to be a false alarm.

The Purbeck Gazette

The Purbeck Gazette

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The Purbeck Gazette

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Sandbanks Ferry Passengers Dig Deep

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andbanks Ferry passengers dug deep at Christmas to raise almost £1,800 for Dorset Mind, which has continued to provide vital support services in the county at a time when the pandemic has put extra pressure on many people’s wellbeing.

Employees of the Ferry Company nominated Dorset Mind as their 2021 annual charity partner. To kick-start the partnership, the Sandbanks Ferry Company offered free travel to all passengers on Christmas Day, following the success of the initiative in 2019 for their previous charity partner, Forest Holme Hospice. Passengers who wished to could choose to donate their toll fee to Dorset Mind via collection boxes on board the ferry on Christmas Day. This collection raised a total of £1,793.65, which has now been given to Dorset Mind - in a COVID-safe way.

These funds could pay for a term-long school mental health education programme, reaching up to 2,500 young people, parents, and teachers.

Commenting on the final total, Marianne Storey, CEO of Dorset Mind said: ”We’re very grateful to the Sandbanks Ferry staff for collecting and raising donations, this year in particular when finding funding for charities is very uncertain and so planning for the future is difficult.

“This donation will help local people in many ways: we could deliver a whole-school programme of education and wellbeing support that positively impacts a young person’s ability to develop life skills. We could deliver an education campaign that teaches young people about how to differentiate between normal emotions and mental ill health - and how and where to find life-changing support if needed.

“It could pay for someone experiencing distress to attend counselling or receive weekly check-ins from our team of volunteers; we could help parents struggling to find ways to talk to their children by running an informative wellbeing workshop; we could support teachers to focus on their mental health, that in turn enables them to effectively deliver their lessons; or we could empower young people to become peer supporters or ambassadors to support each other. There are so many ways in which this money could help - without donations like these, we simply can’t do what we do.”

The Purbeck Gazette

Supporting SEN Familes Across Dorset

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iverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, has increased its provision for SEN families with a return of face-to-face activities, as well as a new service for siblings.

Awesome Nights, the charity’s youth club for young adults aged thirteen to eighteen with special educational needs and disabilities, returned to providing activities in person during March.

Weekly activities are chosen and organised by those supported including swimming, meals and trips out, movie nights, games, crafts, and themed activities.

The charity has also developed a new service called STARs. Standing for Supportive, Thoughtful And Resilient, it fills a gap in provision for SEN siblings.

Thanks to funding from Children in Need, lockdown has been spent researching and training staff in preparation for the launch of its first twelve-week programme for children aged eight to sixteen.

These sessions will help to reduce the pressure they feel by providing an environment where they can access support and advice, but also take part in fun activities, make friends, and be themselves.

Clare Rochford, Children’s Team Manager for Short Breaks, commented: “This is a great step forwards for our services at Diverse Abilities, and we are passionate about helping families for as long as they may need us.

“A return to face-to-face sessions, as well as this new programme, is really needed after a year of socially distancing and home schooling – our families have shown incredible resolve and we’re so proud of them all for making it through.”

Project My Time, offering holiday activities for children and young people aged eight to eighteen diagnosed with a disability, is now also open for families in Poole to self-refer and this brings it in-line with processes used for families in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and the wider Dorset area.

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/children to find out more about the services available and how to register.

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The Purbeck Gazette

Radar Memorial from The Lookout, photo: Keith Darbyshire – St Albans

The Radar Memorial, photo: Keith Darbyshire – St Albans Head NCI

View from the Lookouts think that anyone with an interest in the sea and ships were fascinated by the images of the huge container ship, “Ever Given”, stuck across the Suez Canal. Launched in 2018, she is one of the largest ships afloat. From bow to stern, she is nearly 400 metres long and has a beam of nearly 60 metres. From the keel to the main deck is over 30 metres and fully laden she has a draft of nearly 15 metres and can carry an astonishing 20,000 containers.

To think that this leviathan with all the modern technology on board can be blown off course by a gust of wind is quite a sobering thought and perhaps brings home to us the constant need for vigilance while at sea, no matter what the size of vessel.

This need for vigilance highlights the role that the NCI stations play around the English and Welsh coastlines. It was after a tragedy off the Cornish coast, where some local fishermen drowned under a recently closed coastguard lookout, that NCI was set up over twenty five years ago. Currently 56 NCI stations are operational and manned by over 2600 volunteers. The chain of lookouts goes from Fleetwood in the North West, through Wales, to the South and East of England to Hornsea, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, in the North East.

Our ability to be “eyes along the coast” makes us a useful asset for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and we are often called on to support

incidents by providing a visual watch. Even with the national lockdown the NCI nationally has been involved in 75 incidents this year.

At the end of March , the duty watchkeeper at Peveril Point was asked by the National Maritime Operating Centre (NMOC) to keep a watch out for a small sailing vessel that had reported difficulties making progress along the coast.

When the vessel rounded Durlston Head the watchkeeper was able to relay information to the NMOC about the situation. Despite the efforts of a speedboat to take the yacht under tow, the vessel was making minimal headway and, using the information from the Lookout, it was decided to launch the Swanage All Weather Lifeboat. The lifeboat was soon on scene and took the yacht to a safe anchorage in Poole Harbour.

At twenty four feet in length the yacht is typical of the vessels we see on a daily basis, but, on New Year’s Eve 2017, watchkeepers at St Alban’s Head were involved in helping a much larger vessel. With the light fading

Memorial Plaque, photo: Keith Darbyshire – St Albans Head NCI

Radar Plaque, photo: Keith Darbyshire – St Albans Head NCI

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The Radar Memorial, photo: Keith Darbyshire – St Albans Head NCI

and heavy seas, the watchkeepers noticed an 81 metre cargo ship that had lost power and was drifting at around 4knots. NMOC tasked a tug from Poole Harbour to assist, along with Weymouth Lifeboat. With concern that the vessel could hit the rocks at St Aldhelm’s Head, the St Alban’s watchkeepers were asked to keep a visual watch on the vessel until the rescue services arrived.

With the tug and lifeboat on scene several attempts were made to establish a tow, but the poor conditions meant that they were not successful. NMOC decided at this stage to launch the Swanage lifeboat to assist the rescue. On the third attempt a towline was fixed to the vessel and the tug began to tow it towards a safe anchorage in Poole Bay. The Weymouth lifeboat was stood down and the Swanage crew took over the support of the operation. By this time, the light had gone completely and the watchkeepers were stood down with thanks. After closing down the Lookout and making their way down the potholed track that connects the Lookout to Worth Matravers they were free to enjoy their New Years Eve celebrations.

It wasn’t until 11pm that the ship was safely secured in the shelter of Poole Bay. Once NMOC and the other skippers were happy that the ship was secure the lifeboat was released to return to Swanage. The lifeboat was back on the slipway at 23:40 but the crew didn’t quite make back home for their New Year’s Eve celebrations as the lifeboat had to be washed down, refuelled, and restocked ready for the next shout.

We normally end these articles with a comment about the Lookouts “listening and watching” but this month we are throwing it back to you!

Please keep your eyes out for notification of the resumption of our popular teas and cakes at the Peveril Point Lookout.

Subject to the weather and government restrictions we will hopefully be reinstating these events during the summer. These tea and cake days are an important way of raising funds to run our stations so please come and support us.

This is St Albans Head and Swanage NCI keeping a visual watch and listening on channel 65, out.

Update From Our Coastguard Updates from our local Coastguard team.....

Friday, 23 April 2021 - High Fire Risk ith the dry weather the risk of fire has increased so just a reminder that within the Purbeck area there should not be any BBQ’s , outdoor cooking or fires on the Heathlands or forest areas.

Saturday, 24 April 2021 - Injured Climbers The team were tasked to support colleagues from St Albans at Winspit with a climber who had fallen with leg injuries.

Coastguard teams from St Albans, Swanage and Kimmeridge were tasked along with the Rescue helicopter from Lee on Solent , South Western Ambulance and Dorset and Wilts Fire and Rescue.

A further climber also fell, having raised the alarm and had a possible broken ankle. Both climbers received treatment with the first climber airlifted to Poole and the second climber stretchered out to an ambulance.

Sunday 25th April 2021 - Walkers and Cyclists Further callouts for the team today, supported by our colleagues at St Albans.

The patrol was flagged down at Peveril Point where a lady had slipped on the rocks and damaged her arm. The Coastguard Team treated the injury as a break and splinted and strapped it and waited with the lady until transport to hospital could be arranged.

While this was happening. the rest of the Team was being paged to a

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cyclist who had fallen awkwardly near the top of Ballard Down. After a quick reshuffle of cars to free up the 4x4 Coastguard Vehicle from the incident at Peveril, the team made its way to Ballard and soon located the injured lady.

The Coastguard 4x4 vehicle was used to access the top of Ballard, again, the injury was treated as a broken leg, and the lady was soon made stable on our stretcher before she was carried to the top of the hill and into a waiting vehicle to take her back to Studland.

After a lengthy wait, during which time the team continued to look after the lady who was in considerable pain and starting to feel the effects of the cold, an ambulance arrived and she was passed into the care of the ambulance service for onward transfer to Poole General Hospital.

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Campaign To ‘Ban The Disposable BBQ’

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any discussions have been held locally with regards to banning disposable BBQs, especially in light of the terrible wildfires which swept through Wareham Forest last year - as result of disposable BBQ use. Purbeck is currently on an ‘amber alert’ as the risk of wildfire is significant. Our island is at serious risk and that risk cannot be downplayed.

Local stores, such as Costcutters in Herston and McColls in Swanage, have taken the decision into their own hands, not wanting to feel in anyway ‘responsible’ for any future devastating wildfires. They’ve stopped selling disposable BBQs all together, so a huge well done to them for taking the serious and validated concerns on-board and doing their part in protecting our exceptionally bio-diverse landscape for future generations.

As a result of Purbeck currently being on an amber alert and with official services erecting ‘NO fires or BBQs’ notices along our roadsides, there has been much talk regarding requests for other retailers to cease selling disposable BBQs. It must be somewhat confusing for tourists to drive in, spot all the ‘no fire’ roadsigns and then pop into Co-op where there are, strangely, disposable BBQs still for sale, despite the ban on using them.....

Local chap, Peter Wakefield, penned the following letter to Swanage Coop and was kind enough to copy us in: “Sir, in light of the devastating fires in Wareham and Arne forests last year, plus various accidents with children stepping on the still-smouldering remains and the fires caused when they are put into waste bins, would the Co-op Swanage consider stopping the sale of disposable barbecues like several other responsible local shops, please? Regards, Peter Wakefield, Swanage.”

The response Peter received from Co-op is published, below. Word is that this is a ‘standard reponse’ letter which others in the community have also received when requesting the retailer cease selling disposable BBQs as they put our countryside at extreme risk, notwithstanding the fact that BBQs and campfires are currently banned in Purbeck.

Co-op have since revised their standpoint on the subject somewhat and have announced that they will now be issuing advice for those purchasing disposable BBQs on how to use them safely. Well. That’s ok then, isn’t it? All those who previously misused these BBQs will surely now use them in a safe and responsible manner, yes? We beg to differ. It’s clear from the utterly awful wildfires last year that it only takes one to cause immeasureable, long lasting damage to our fragile and world-renowned flora and fauna.

With a plethora of excellent establishments to be found in almost every nook and cranny in Purbeck offering hot food - generally available to take-out if requested, many now question why disposible BBQs are even needed in light of the significant risk they very clearly hold.

Katie from Co-op writes: “Hi Peter, I am so sorry to hear of the fires in your local area, I can understand the concern this causes within a

community. Co-op provides clear and prominent instructions on the packaging of our Instant BBQs to ensure customers know how to use them in a safe and responsible manner, which is extremely important. The front of the pack includes a prominent “Avoid Fires” icon alongside a specific message that states ‘careless use of barbeques causes fires’.

“Safety instructions are repeated multiple times on the pack and we also state very clearly that the BBQ’s shouldn’t be used in prohibited areas.

Co-op Instant BBQ’s are bought and used safely and responsibly by hundreds of thousands of customers every year as they provide a popular and convenient method for customers to enjoy BBQ food.

“We do take all feedback on board and I have logged your comments so the relevant team can be made aware of your feedback on this, and ensure they use your feedback going forward. If there is anything else we can do to help, please do not hesitate to contact us. Kind Regards, Katie, Executive Resolution Team, Co-op Service Centre” If you disagree with Katie and Co-op and stand instead with our emergency services, who are currently requesting NO BBQs or campfires due to the very real and serious risk to the island, our flora and fauna and indeed, to human life, please do let Co-op know..... this is super serious folks.

Letters: Executive Resolution Team, The Co-op, Freepost MR9473, Manchester, M4 8BA.

The Purbeck Gazette

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Grow Some Sunshine!

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upport Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and grow stunning sunflowers to show your support to patients and families facing the challenges of a life-limiting illness.

In these uncertain times, there is one thing we can always be sure of, which is Lewis-Manning nurses will go above and beyond to care for families across East Dorset and Purbeck.

They bring sunshine into patients’ lives during some of the most difficult times they will ever face.

The ‘Grow Some Sunshine’ campaign is all about bringing families and communities together to grow giant sunflowers this summer!

Lewis-Manning wants to fill the gardens of Dorset with their bold, bright and summery faces as a huge thank you to all of their nurses, supporters and community who ensure that they can keep providing much-needed hospice care.

Make a donation on their website to receive your packet of sunflower seeds and let’s grow some sunshine this summer! lewis-manning.org.uk 01202 708470 Registered Charity No. 1120193

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Blast From The Past!

This month, A Decade Ago...

Editor, Nico Johnson writes.... ay 2011 was a really special edition for me. I had originally started working at the Gazette on May 2nd 2001, aged just twenty-six.

Therefore the May 2011 edition marked my first full decade at the Purbeck Gazette. I remember thinking then how quickly the years pass......! Now here we are, yet another decade into the future and I’m looking back at our May 2011 edition, realising that it feels like yesterday when I put it together. I am now forty-six years old and now have spent twenty years of my life ensuring that the Purbeck Gazette - started by the community itself, is still standing strong and serving the community which originally sponsored the first few editions.

I penned a piece in our May 2011 edition on the demise of the majority of independent papers in the UK over the previous few years. Printing and distribution costs had risen rapidly, leaving many publications unable to run and seeing many local, independent titles disappear forever. They were replaced (if at all) by souless rags published by huge media groups with little or no connection with the communities they expected us to believe they ‘served’. Our amazing community in Purbeck had rallied to the Gazette, advertising bookings continued at their previous rates and we were able to continue printing and distributing, despite the hike in costs.

There was an impact - our previous staffing levels had been between three and five members of staff working at any one time and the rise in basic costs slashed this to one full time and one part time worker, but we managed and are still alive and kicking today, here for the community of Purbeck. Somewhat of a story of success in the face of expected disaster...! Let’s hope it continues and the community remember to support the paper they themselves started.....

Our May 2011 edition remarked on what an extraordinary long winter we’d been through, with the sun only putting in an apperance in late April. Twenty years on and we haven’t fared too badly this year with winter weather. Back in May 2011, we were thankful for the sun as we were gearing-up for the start of Purbeck Art Weeks, with numerous Purbeckian crafters and artists opening up their private studios for the touring masses to enjoy.

Our front cover featured Lulworth Blacksmith, Roy Osmond (pictured, below), crafting the original (and utterly stunning) Saxon sword which was to be placed in the stones erected on the roundabout as you enter Wareham from the north. The sword had been modelled on a true Saxon sword and was not a copy of King Arthur’s ‘Excalibur’, but rather reflected the fact that the Saxons had been in Wareham around 1000 years ago, when Wareham was a major Saxon walled town and port. The sword, once completed by Roy, was embedded in the stone with earthwork, turf, planting and Welsh slate, reflecting the Wareham Walls and River Frome.

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In Swanage, the new Swanage School was advertising for local families to express an interest for their children to attend the new school, planned to open in September 2013.

Despite some in the community questioning the need for a new school, the enquiries from local parents a full two years in advance of the planned opening proved, without a doubt, that support for a new school was unequivocal. Evidence of parental demand was required for the formal

application for the new school and thankfully, to the delight of those who had worked and fought so hard to prove the school was necessary, enquiries from prospective families came flooding in.

Swanage Sea Rowing Club launched their Boathouse Appeal in our May 2011 edition. Since forming in 2001, seeing local crews out on their gigs in the bay had become a familiar sight to us all, but the club was struggling without a dedicated and purpose-built clubhouse close to the shore.

Having become a registered charity in 2003, committed to promoting ‘the heathy and recreational facility of sea rowing to the inhabitants of Swanage and the wider community’, the Club boasted a membership of 120, also welcoming non-local rowers during the season.

In August 2010, the Club had gained planning consent for a new Boathouse (then using a temporary polytunnel). The plan for 2011 (the Club’s tenth anniversary year) was to raise the funds required to provide a completely new facility for the community, raising the funds for, planning and building a purpose-built Boathouse. The plans, as published back in May 2011, are as below:

Happily, both the new Swanage School and the Sea Rowing Club Boathouse were successfuly realised and completed, thus giving locals a choice of school (Swanage or Purbeck) as well as a most excellent Boathouse!

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Business

The Purbeck Gazette

Beware tax deadline scammers

Economic Update After a third lockdown in the UK, things are now easing as we follow the Government’s step-by-step lockdown roadmap. With infection and COVID-19 related deaths much lower following the recent peaks in January 2021, the continued vaccine rollout programme and regular lateral flow testing mean that we should, hopefully, be able to return to some normality in the summer months, assuming that we can keep any Coronavirus variants at bay.

It certainly seems a lot more positive with the weather much better and the resumption of a lot of the normal activities that we probably would have taken for granted before March 2020.

The Government is obviously keen to get the economy up and running again after several months of many businesses being closed and things generally not being normal for more than a year.

There is no doubt pent-up demand for consumer expenditure on retail, pubs & restaurants, holidays, activities and outings and personal care. The next few months should in theory show a bounce back in the economy.

I would imagine that most people’s expenditure will have fallen during the first quarter of 2021 and many will be keen to start spending again, but this may be countered by job worries, nervousness about resuming usual activities or just getting used to living life more simply. It will be interesting to see what happens over the next few months and when the furlough scheme ends in September.

The UK stock market has certainly improved from its lows in late March last year, returning to near pre-pandemic levels within 12 months.

Some sectors have performed well, whereas others have really lagged behind. Base rates remain unchanged at 0.1% and inflation is currently at 0.7% which is well within the 2% upper limit that the Bank of England needs to operate within. The recent hike in inflation rates has been lifted by fuel and clothing costs.

UK house prices stood at an average of £250,341 at the end of February 2021 and this is a rise of 8.6% over a year. UK house sales are at the highest level since at least 2005 when HMRC started publishing its figures in the current format.

I hope that a safe return to normality is able to continue.

Until next month, take care and stay safe.

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

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.

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Claiming against an uninsured or untraced driver

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Bids Invited For the £220m Community Renewal Fund

orset Council is seeking applications from relevant organisations to apply for government’s Community Renewal Fund. The Fund is specifically for projects that focus on supporting people and communities most in need across the UK. Applicants can put forward potential projects which align with one, or deliver across several, of the following investment priorities: • investment in skills • investment for local business • investment in communities and place • supporting people into employment We are seeking applications from: • voluntary and community sector organisations • umbrella business groups • universities and colleges • local councils • private sector organisations providing a service to benefit other organisations or individuals Projects should show how they complement other national and local provision and refer to local insight and knowledge. Projects will need to demonstrate how they fit with long-term strategic plans for growth. The Dorset Council Economic Growth strategy 2020-2024 can be found here, and the Dorset LEP local industrial strategy here.

Dorset Council area projects can bid up to £3m in total for funding. The Fund is for projects that can be delivered and completed up to 31 March 2022. Applicants are encouraged to maximise impact and deliverability through larger projects (£500,000 + where this is possible), although there is no minimum bid size. The grant is 90% revenue funding.

Bids need to be submitted to Dorset Council by 21 May. Dorset Council will then appraise and prioritise a shortlist of projects to submit to government. The UK government will assess all bids submitted by lead authorities against the criteria set out in the UK Community Renewal Fund: prospectus 2021-22. Successful projects will be announced by the government from late July 2021 onwards.

Cllr Tony Ferrari said: “The Community Renewal Fund could directly benefit many people in our local economy and communities. Local insights for supporting communities and growing Dorset’s local economy will be crucial in being awarded the funding. We all want to see a greener and more prosperous Dorset come out of the ashes of the pandemic.”

Other driver uninsured or driven off but left you injured? You may still have a claim.

It’s the road user’s worst nightmare – you’re involved in an accident that isn’t your fault, only to find that the other driver isn’t insured or, worse, has driven off without providing their details.

It is in these circumstances that the Motor Insurer’s Bureau (‘MIB’) may step in.

The MIB is a non-profit-making company set up by motor insurers. It enters into agreements with the UK Government to compensate victims of motor accidents in such circumstances; funded by contributions from insurers underwriting compulsory motor insurance - required under The Road Traffic Act 1988.

By working with the police to identify uninsured drivers for prosecution, the MIB promotes safety for all accident victims who are not at fault, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Eligibility - If your claim is eligible and you follow the correct process (outlined below), compensation can be available for pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by injuries sustained, financial losses suffered (for example a loss of earnings) and for the loss of or damage to any property involved in the accident, including a vehicle.

The most important thing to remember in relation to eligibility is that a claim must be brought for personal injury, assuming that in most cases like this some sort of injury will have been caused, within 3 years of the date of accident. After this time you will not be able to bring the claim.

Process - In order to make a claim to the MIB, important steps need to be taken early and without delay.

If you are driving, always report the accident to the police. This must be reported to the police within 24 hours whether the incident involves an uninsured identified driver or an untraced ‘hit and run’ driver. You should also inform your own insurance company.

If you were not driving a vehicle, but were a pedestrian or cyclist, you should report the accident to the police immediately; any delay could affect your eligibility to make a claim.

Once eligibility has been established, a Claim Form can then be submitted to the MIB, setting out full details of the damage and injury suffered. It is important that this document is complete and accurate in order to ensure that the MIB gives your claim careful consideration.

There are deadlines so it is important to act quickly.

The process will be different depending on whether the claim is against an uninsured driver or an untraced driver. Following and understanding the right process will give yourself the best possible chance of having your claim accepted, accessing appropriate treatment or rehabilitation that might assist in your recovery and, ultimately, ending up with a fair sum of for the incident.

Battens personal injury team are able to assist you with the process, leaving you to just concentrate on getting better. For more information contact Kate Golding on 01935 846072 or email kate.golding@battens. co.uk

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

01929 768720

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Motoring

The Purbeck Gazette

Witness Appeal - Serious Injury Collision In Purbeck

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fficers are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a serious injury collision in Purbeck. Dorset Police was called at 3pm on Thursday 22 April 2021 to a report of a two vehicle collision near Corfe Castle involving a blue Ford Fiesta and a red Mazda.

As a result of the collision the Ford Fiesta overturned trapping the driver, a man aged in his 80s and from Swanage. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment.

The driver of the Mazda, a man aged in his 70s and from Eastleigh in Hampshire, sustained minor injuries. His passenger, a woman aged in her 70s and also from Eastleigh, sustained serious injuries and had to be freed from the vehicle by the fire service. They were both taken to Poole Hospital for treatment. The A351 was closed between Norden and the Halfway Inn while emergency services dealt with the incident. It reopened just after 6.15pm.

Police Constable Tracey Downer, of the traffic unit, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was travelling at the relevant time and witnessed the collision to please contact Dorset Police. I appreciate that there were a number of motorists who were delayed for a number of hours as a result of this collision. We closed the road because of the seriousness of the collision, to allow for the injured to be treated by the ambulance service and for the vehicles to be recovered safely. I would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset. police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210063047.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.

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 (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 2015 (65) Renault Kadjar Signature NAV DCI Auto in Met Red, Touch Screen Sat Nav, Bluetooth, Panoramic Roof, Cruise Control, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Bose Premium Audio, Electric Windows, Electric Heated and Foldable Mirrors, Climate Control, Alloys, Reversing Camera, 44200 miles with FSH, Only £30 a Year Road Fund Licence.............................................................................£9995 2017 (17) Nissan Note Black Edition 1.2 in White/Black, Black Alloys, Cruise Control, Bluetooth, Air Cond, Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, FSH, 21900 miles, Only £20 Year Road Fund Licence.........................................................£6995

The Purbeck Gazette

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From The Kitchen Garden...

Herby Purbeck Pasties

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ay means normally full-on spring duties, however, I’ve just come to realise that the ‘winter job list’ is often full of jobs that have to be done in the spring when the ground is starting to dry up, so in reality, it’s more of a ‘spring job list’.

Boy, did that soil dry up! The tricky balance is that spring gets busy with all the soil preparation, seed sowing, pricking out and transplanting. This is why I’m super busy this time of year. Everything happens in such a short time window, apart from the growing vegetable demands; there’s hens getting broody, same with the geese. The cows I’m looking after are starting to have their calves and need to be checked a few times a day.

I’m still minus one of my polytunnels as it needs to be re-skinned, however I’ve got a new chicken run and the ducks also have a new and so much better enclosure. I’m also chuffed with my new compost bay system and hopefully I will now be able to produce more and better compost to mulch the vegetable rows.

There’s still so much I have to learn and the longer I’ve been growing food, the more I realise how little I know… and how much more there is to know and how truly interlinked all of it is.

I felt so lucky late last year when I was given the opportunity to acquire some hives and equipment from an ageing beekeeper. Beekeeping has been on my ‘wish list’ for a number of years but I only ever got as far as getting an empty hive and reading up loads.

Then the opportunity arose, and I went with it hook, line and sinker! In a kitchen garden pollinating insects are just so very important and I can’t wait to finally move the hives to their new home and let them get on with it. No doubt I will have some disasters on the way, but the thrill of a well-run system where everything has a role to play is just so fascinating and I can’t wait to see what the long term results are.

Talking about trying to be organised, a healthy and quick packed lunch are these herby pasties. Baking a bigger batch than you need for one hot snack, they’re handy the next day to be eaten cold.

Herby pasties Ingredients: 400 gr strong bread flour 100 gr cornflour 1 tsp salt 10 gr dried yeast

By Regula Wright, Godlingston Manor Kitchen Garden 10 gr sugar 1 large pinch of dried Basil or other dried herb 10 ml vegetable oil 1 egg white 200 ml milk Method: - mix all the dry ingredients together - add the wet ingredients to the dry mix and form a ball with lightly oiled hands - put back into the mixing bowl, cover and let it rest for 30 minutes - prepare the filling (you can use whatever you like. I made a chopped up mix of mint, fennel fronds, wild garlic, chard, mozzarella, cheese, salt and pepper) - cut out round shapes and stick filling into the middle - fold in half and stick the edges together with a fork - brush with egg yolk and bake for 30 minutes at 180C

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The Purbeck Gazette

Natural Matters

The Housemartins

By John Garner

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t’s happy hour again.

Those of you of a certain age will be aware of the above reference and I don’t mean you’ll be mistily reminiscing about ordering dubious cocktails at a beachside bar in Ibiza. Although of course, you might be, in which case the intended reference at the top of this page will have landed well wide of the mark as far as you’re concerned.

The headline is not a belated guide to the Balearic nightlife of old, but a simple nod to the leading lights of the Hull music scene.

At the time of writing, I am still awaiting the much-anticipated return of the House Martins and again not the pop group but the avian variety that fizzed in and out of the eaves of many a house all through last spring and summer. So far this spring I’ve seen a swallow or two, but as yet the winged version of happy hour has not actually arrived. I’m sure it will and I hope that it will be soon.

There are many other signs of spring out there. Stuff is very green. The hedgerows are alive with blossom and birdsong and the number of tourists has begun to increase.

And probably most pleasingly the puffins are back. It’s been two weeks ago now since we wandered down to Dancing Ledge and peered through the binoculars in the hope of glimpsing the yearly returnees. And there they were, five in a row, bobbing around on the surface as if they’d been there all year. Surrounded by Guillemots. Another evening or two and nothing but then we saw three together the other day in the same spot.

Readers of this column will know that I am no bird watcher in the truest sense of the word. But I can just about recognise a bright orange bill and feet when zoomed in and pointed at and there was no mistaking them.

Next week (and by the time this is available to view) the campsites can open and people can start travelling more freely. It will be interesting to see how many folk arrive and whether it will be different from a normal year, bearing in mind you’d have to be nuts to book a holiday abroad just yet.

It will be great to see things returning to ‘normal’ again and whilst there are lots of reasons to be more optimistic I hope, as most of us do, that the countryside is not blitzed with litter as I saw it on a few occasions last year. I totally understand that, like cows coming outside after a winter in their barns, a few people may go a bit crazy. Totally understandable.

Last year was more severe in terms of restrictions and it was so good to finally get out, but the place is a great place to visit for a reason and the more we can do to keep it like that the better.

I was once cycling through France with a couple of friends and noted the abundance of places to stop and eat outside and the complete lack of litter bins. I remember sitting under a tree near a farmhouse and the farmer coming past and asking us where we were cycling from and where to and him asking us if we were Dutch. No, we were not Dutch. Ah German then.

No, not German. English. His demeanour, which had been as the sun up until this point changed immediately and whilst, to strangle the weather metaphor, it didn’t exactly turn to frost, his next sentence was a terse demand that we take our litter with us when we left, which at that point you could tell he hoped would be sooner rather than later.

We assured him we would and I asked him why - the question out of both curiosity and to elicit a thaw (strangle, strangle). His answer made it really, really clear that he considered the Brits to be the worst litterers around and not only that, we got a fairly lengthy lecture on the hazards and health implications of littering in the countryside.

More assurances followed and he drove off, but not very far and waited for us to finish, pack up and leave, taking everything with us, before finally driving off. We received a toned down but similar experience in Switzerland. Not much of an endorsement really, is it? I think I agree with him and the Swiss person. I’ve seen ‘beauty spots’ strewn with discarded litter here and sometimes when there’s empty bins within feet of it. It’s hard to understand and I never saw this once on that bike trip, even when there were no bins.

At present the pathways and hedgerows are clean and look pristine.

There’s barely any litter around and whilst I don’t want to be that person that turns into a litter fascist, it would be great if the walks weren’t interrupted by discarded items that, with a little thought, could easily be carried away.

I started this column a day or so ago.

The first House Martin has just arrived, (again the flying one not the band member, although who would blame them for having a holiday here and knocking out a few tunes at the Square and Compass, for instance) as the first few cars are pulling into the numerous campsites round here.

All things that show that spring is well and truly here.

Let’s all make sure we keep it looking the way it does. I bet the House Martins take their litter with them.

And this time, yes, I mean the band.

The Purbeck Gazette

Margaret Green Animal Sanctuary

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elcome back!

Margaret Green Animal Rescue are pleased to welcome customers and volunteers back to their four charity shops in Kinson, Winton, Wimborne and Weymouth! The MGAR team have been waiting for this moment for a very long time and have been busy preparing the shops to open.

They are able to take your donations and look forward to seeing you.

Not sure what you can donate? Rule of thumb, if you would buy it, they can take it.

The charity also enter a new chapter and are excited to announce that they have a brand new shop opening soon in Ferndown. Follow their social media pages and website for updates on when you can visit the new shop.

Would you like to volunteer at any of the shops? They are in real need of extra hands to help, contact the shops directly to enquire.

More information can be viewed at www.margaretgreenanimalrescue. org.uk

Durlston Castle Re-opens!

From Monday 17th May, we are delighted to be welcoming back visitors to Durlston Castle! We will be re-opening the Gallery, with an exhibition, supported by Arts Council England, showcasing the collaborative work of author Annie Herridge and Illustrator Mark Page as creators of ‘The Woodland Clan’ children’s book.

Families will also be able to explore the Woodland Clan Trail, brought to life by art works, including sculptures, by several artists. You will also be able to enjoy spectacular views from the Belvedere, enjoy our stunning four screen film or enjoy indoor dining at Seventhwave (booking strongly recommended).

Our events programme will be gently reawakened with free outdoors Park Yoga sessions. These will be offered every Sunday, 9.30-10.30am, from 2nd May until 29th August inclusive. All abilities will be welcome, further information available at: www.parkyoga.co where you can book your place!

Durlston hosts two exhibitions during Dorset Art Weeks. The Gallery will feature paintings by John Austin-Williams, Barbara Davis, Dick Hewitson and Joan Scott. These works are responses to the richness and diversity of the landscape, whether local or further afield.

The Learning Centre hosts ‘Once More with Feeling’ – new work by popular local landscape painter Heather Gibbons. Her paintings reflect her individual interpretation of the land shapes and coastal areas of the Isle

of Purbeck. Details on both exhibitions and much more can be found at: www.dorsetartweeks.co.uk On Sunday 23rd May, join a Ranger at 11am for ‘Life on the Edge’, to discover more about our cliff nesting seabird colonies. For an even better view then get onboard one of our Seabird Boat Trips. These are scheduled for every Friday 21st May to Friday 2nd July inclusive. All depart from Swanage Pier and must be booked with City Cruises on: 020 77400400 or visit www. citycruises.com/poole/summer-birdwatching-cruises/ May Wildlife May flowers include the Early Gentian which is found in short turf or between rock exposures. These plants, limited to the UK, often shut their purple flowers in weak sunlight. Other delights include Bee Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Horseshoe Vetch and Kidney Vetch. Near the Lighthouse look out for the plum-coloured flowers of Wild Gladioli. Nearby upon the cliff tops and about the gully mouth, carpets of Thrift and patches of white Sea Campion add to nature’s bounty.

A visit to Centenary meadow reveals the pink flowers of Sainfoin. Still, sunny days are best for butterflies, with the likes of Dingy Skipper, Red Admiral, Small Heaths, Small Whites and Speckled Wood being about. Towards the month’s end, those with a keen eye might discern Adonis Blue when at rest.

Visit the Durlston website: https://www.durlston.co.uk/ Visit the Seventhwave website: https://7eventhwave.com/

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Gazette Gardening with Simon Goldsack

Three Perfect Patio Plants t is safe to plant out tender bedding and basket plants in Swanage and by the coast from early May and from mid to late May further in land.

There is a vast choice of colourful and long flowering plants to select from but keep an eye out for one of the following as part of your display and you won’t be disappointed.

Diascia Diascia are native to east Africa and love hot sunny positions although they will also tolerate some light shade. Once they start flowering in late May they will continue right through till autumn. They are mostly pink but some white and mauve forms are also available.

Diascia Apple Blossom - below

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blues and purples, through pinks and whites to even yellows and oranges.

Some varieties have the added attraction of scent and in locations with mild winters they can be left outside and will survive the winter to flower again the following year.

Nemesia (pictured, below) All three plants described have small flowers borne en masse and are the perfect foil for more blousy flowers like Petunia and Fuchsia.

Keep them well fed and watered and they will reward you with a continuous succession of colour from now till October.

Bacopa (pictured, top opposite column) On first glance, this may not be a ‘Wow’ plant, but year after year we get customers coming back because having tried it once, they wouldn’t be without it again.

It bears a mass of small white, blue or yellow flowers and its trailing or ground hugging growth make it an invaluable plant for tubs and at the front of borders.

Avoid excessively dry situations.

Nemesia Of the three plants described, Nemesia has the widest colour range from

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Suttles Offer Amazing Discounts And Giveaways To Celebrate Chris’ 70th Birthday!

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he 3rd July 2021 marks Suttle’s Chairman Chris Suttle’s 70th birthday! So, they are having seven weeks of discounts, competitions and giveaways finishing with a charity raffle to celebrate.

The Suttle family have been quarrying in the Isle of Purbeck since the 1920s, and it was in 1970, after four years working in Bournemouth, that Chris Suttle himself started quarrying (after years of helping in the school holidays!).

Many years have since passed and Suttles, with Chris Suttle at the helm, now operate at California Quarry and Swanworth Quarry in the Isle of Purbeck as well as over in Poole at their Manning’s Heath Depot. They also have their own fleet of lorries, plus a civil engineering arm and over one hundred members of staff.

Check their social media to be involved with the many giveaways and competitions they will be holding over the next seven weeks!

Raffle tickets will be available from the 17th May when the seven week run up begins. Money raised from the raffle will go to People First Dorset and People First Forum; two charities that help keep adults with learning difficulties stay connected and organise social events such as ‘The Big Night Out’.

Carey’s Secret Garden Opens To Public

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arey’s Secret Garden opens its gate to the public on the 7th of May. This wild, walled Victorian garden was rediscovered in 2019 and has undergone extensive restoration to re-imagine the gardens for a modern age.

Carey’s Secret Garden is a welcoming space that aims to inspire a return to nature. Created with expertise in rewilding, permaculture and natural gardening, Carey is open to an intimate number of visitors from 7th of May. Set against the backdrop of the spectacular Isle of Purbeck, Carey’s Secret Garden remains a closely guarded secret due to its unique habitat and sensitive wildlife projects. Visitors can expect to see a young and exciting

space that they can return to enjoy seeing it grow over the coming years.

The 3.5 acres of gardens are enclosed by original Clayton redbrick walls built in 1883. Since rediscovery, the walls have been deemed to have heritage value and are earmarked for Grade II listing. The gardens incorporate the stunning design of the gardening team; Paul Scriven, Head Gardener and Dan Smith of Bee-utiful Gardens. The pair have created and curated the gardens for all tastes.

Visitors can expect to see an arid garden, rose garden, traditional orchard and local wildflower meadow, tea and herb garden, fruit cage and cut flower garden and delicious no-dig vegetable beds created by local gardener, David Ralls. The latest edition is the exciting stumpery and food-forest area, which were designed in partnership with Permaculture Magazines competition winner.

Steeped in history, Carey’s Secret Garden will offer a unique passport to traditional garden techniques as well as a very modern focus on issues such as climate change and social justice. Working with local Earth scientist Dr Anjana Khatwa, Carey’s Secret Garden will aspire to be accessible for all and incorporate exciting educational partnerships with short courses and events gradually being added to allow visitors the chance to deepen their knowledge.

In addition, Carey’s Secret Garden is excited to announce a partnership with local restaurant, the Salt Pig, with a very special ‘Secret Salt Pig’ serving refreshments to enjoy in the gardens served from the old ‘Tatty store’, a Victorian potato store selling zero waste pot plants and fresh cut flowers alongside vegetarian dishes and drinks. Visitors are by booking only with limited numbers via the website.

For more information, please visit: careyssecretgarden.co.uk Please email hello@careyssecretgarden.co.uk

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Caring For Primates Through Covid-19

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lthough the gates to Monkey World have been closed for the majority of this past year, the centre has still been bustling with activity!

The animals have given us routine and we have directed all our energies into keeping them fit, well and stimulated in their rehabilitated family groups.

All 260 rescued primates enjoyed 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!

The chimps enjoyed Christmas stockings; football socks 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.

Rescues have also been ongoing, but this year, limited to monkeys trapped in the legal UK pet trade. Through lockdown, humans have realised how hard it is for social beings to be taken from their families, restricted access to the outside and had their natural behaviours curbed- and yet we still find monkeys being bought as pets and kept alone, in small birdcages in living rooms right here in Britain.

Thankfully the team have also been busy working with the government on banning the keeping of primates as pets in England- so we’re hopeful this is coming to an end.

Now spring is upon us and we are looking forward to welcoming in a fresh start- as well as visitors again from the 12th April. To ensure that visitors, staff and primates are safe, we’ve installed many hand sanitiser stations, limited entry numbers and introduced a pre-booking system online.

All visitors aged 3+ will be required to wear a face mask, covering or visor. These steps are necessary to protect our vulnerable rescued and endangered primates, who our dedicated staff have worked so hard to protect over the past year and keep healthy and happy!

To book a visit, please visit www.monkeyworld.org/book-tickets/ Follow the park on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for daily updates of monkey business.

Background Info Monkey World is home to over 260 rescued and endangered primates.

The Purbeck Gazette It opened in 1987, to provide a home for nine chimpanzees abused as tourist photographers’ props in Spain.

It has now assisted twenty-eight governments worldwide to stop the illegal smuggling of primates from the wild, and to provide victims of this abuse a home with their own kind.

In 2008, it held the biggest ever primate rescue by rehoming eightyeight capuchins from a laboratory on Chile.

It is also home to Europe’s official orangutan crèche, where orphaned and rejected orangutan infants from zoos in Europe can grow up with a foster mother and family.

Monkey World has been losing thousands each month it has been closed through lockdown, and has been reliant on donations to the Ape Rescue Trust and Amazon wishlist to keep the animals at the park fed and well.

Pictures: bottom previous page, Cindy was one of the first chimps to arrive at Monkey World in 1987.

This page: opposite: Orangutan, Amei, in a huge pile of Bamboo!

Below: Thelma and Simon play together.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO CONSIDER SUPPORTING MONKEY WORLD - ONE OF FABULOUS LOCAL CHARITIES! DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS VERY WELCOME AND YOU CAN SPONSOR A MONKEY!

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Arts & Entertainment

Swanage Carnival 2021 Statement from Swanage Regatta & Carnival Committee: e are sad to announce that Swanage Carnival is cancelled for the second year running due to the pandemic.

We want to run a safe event that protects the public and our members. We do not know what social distancing restrictions may remain in place during the summer.

There is still no clear guidance for the staging of mass events and in particular how mitigation measures such as testing or any form of certification to reduce the risk of infection would be implemented or offered for free at outdoor events. And, although the UK vaccination programme is progressing very well, it will not be complete before our event.

As there is a significant risk that our event would not be able to run as normal, we have had to consider our potential losses if we planned to go ahead, but were forced to cancel or restrict our event at a later at stage.

We do not feel it will be appropriate to seek sponsorship as we usually would, due to the difficult circumstances faced by many of our sponsors, and as we have reached a point in time when non-refundable deposits must be paid, we risk losing thousands of pounds. As a voluntary organisation that is funded by money raised by Swanage Carnival and donated by sponsors and supporters, we do not feel we can justify such a loss.

In addition to this, the influx of people to the town, when there is still such a degree of uncertainly, may understandably be a concern for many.

It is therefore with a heavy heart that we cancel our event for 2021 and once again put all our efforts towards the year ahead.

Swanage Carnival 2022 - July 30th - August 6th - www.swanagecarnival. com

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The Purbeck Gazette

More Digital Arts Activities For Locals!

hanks to funding from an Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant to develop libraries as cultural hubs, Dorset Library Service is to run a digital arts programme for young people and adults. The year-long programme is supported by The Friends Groups of Corfe Mullen, Sturminster Newton, Weymouth, Wimborne and Wyke Regis libraries.

Working with The Arts Development Company, the focus will be on celebrating diversity with a selection of artists.

There will be bespoke events for specific community groups, including adults living with dementia. Activities will also support mental health in young people, and adults and children will have the opportunity to engage in Arts Award Discover and Explore.

The range of activities will include author events, music, arts, poetry, and dance linked to national celebrations such as National Poetry Day, Black History Month, October 2021, LGBT+ History Month and World Book Day. Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services said: “This is such an exciting opportunity and I am really pleased that Arts Council England has awarded this grant to develop Dorset libraries as cultural hubs. This National Lottery-funded investment will enable more people to experience art and culture locally, whilst also helping address mental health and wellbeing, and social isolation.”

Hannah Baker, Inclusion and Wellbeing Lead at The Arts Development Company said: “The Arts Development Company is delighted to be a partner for this next phase of work with Dorset Library Service. This work will enable the library service to further develop their digital reach and connect with diverse communities across Dorset.”

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Purbeck Valley Folk Festival - Family Fun!

here’s fun to be had for all the family at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, often attended by three (or even four) generations of the same families!

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival’s reputation for incredible and diverse music is well-known - there’s something for everyone from hillbilly banjos to reggae, to singersongwriters, to full on diddly dancing.

What’s more of a secret is everything else that comes with the festival.

Although the festival prides itself on great music and respect for musicians, this is by no means just a music festival.

One of the stand-out things about PVFF as a festival is the incredible crafts area with artisan craftspeople demonstrating their talents and running workshops. What’s even nicer is that each craft workshop is accessible to all by being affordable.

Each workshop just covers the cost of the materials, and although you may be able to try some crafts which have more expensive materials, every workshop has a something that you can try for only £3.

From stone-carving, to pottery, to crochet, to wicker model making, to blacksmithing, there’s always something you can try your hand at.

Then there’s the kids’ activities, and we’re not just talking about bouncy castles. We have a brilliant arts and crafts tent for kids, truly fascinating and engaging storytellers, puppet shows with hurdy-gurdies (if you don’t know this instrument, look it up!), a whole area of circus skills, rhyme time for babies and toddlers, a treasure hunt, and loads more.

Brand new for this year, we will be joined by Mad 4 Animals. They’ll be bringing their displays of all sorts of creepy-crawlies, with fun and

informative shows.

After the shows, you have the chance to get up close and personal with snakes, tarantulas, scorpions, lizards, giant African snails, hissing cockroaches, turtles and many more.

The festival will be able to go ahead on step 3 of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown (with Covid-secure measures), so as you can imagine, tickets are selling fast. Don’t miss out, buy your tickets now!

Full weekend tickets are available now - Adults £135, Youth £70, Children £30 Locals can use the promo code BH19 or BH20 to get a 20% discount on all tickets.

For tickets and more info: www.purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk

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Matron’s Round - Our Local Hospitals’ Monthly Column

ello everyone!

I hope this message finds you well. The past couple of weeks have seen changes to our Covid management with the easing of some restrictions and I hope everyone had the chance to spend some time with those important to them.

With the passing of a year since lockdown starting this has been a time for reflection. As part of this reflection I have been so impressed by our unsung heroes at both Swanage and Wareham Hospitals and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all their hard work.

These include our housekeeping, catering and portering team. Their combined efforts mean that we greatly reduce the risk of cross infection by ensuring the hospitals are cleaned to the highest standards and kept clutter free.

Our catering team have worked hard to ensure patients affected by Covid are offered tempting food; even going so far as to change their working times to accommodate the impact on appetites.

The administrative teams at both hospitals have also been very hard at work ensuring that those that have had their appointments delayed do not fall through the gaps, and working with our acute partners to enable the catch up work to be co-ordinated.

We have also been so fortunate to have the volunteer community within Purbeck working so hard at the vaccination centre at Wareham. I was humbled by how positive everyone was even the poor volunteers that were working outside in the coldest of weather. Hopefully there will be warmer weather coming to enable them to remove some layers!

With the timing of the second vaccinations coming round this service will continue to be a real asset to Purbeck. I am so pleased to see so many people visiting Wareham Hospital.

The reception team at Wareham Hospital has done an amazing job juggling rooms, so that clinics can be accommodated while the vaccine hub is running.

Apologies if I have missed anyone out as always we rely on so many people and services to ensure the health needs of Purbeck are met for which we are all so grateful.

Please continue to follow the latest guidance HandsFace-Space-Fresh Air and stay well.

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

Home Visits & Clinic Appointments Comprehensive foot care Diabetic Patient Care

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

Contact 07979 840542

The Purbeck Gazette

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JUNE EDITION DEADLINE NOON, 10th May

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

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

Simon’s Wax & Relax

Supporting Our Frontline Workers & Armed Forces Personnel

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one are the days when our male counterparts wandered around with unkept beards and string vests, with snippets of hair winding beneath the stringed pattern upon pale skin.

These days (thankfully!), men take far more care of themselves as a matter of fact. Male grooming is more than accepted – it’s now part of everyday life.

Male waxing, trimming, skin care and more make up a significant part of our modern-day man’s life.

Women approve too – there’s nothing wrong with looking and feeling great!

The issue, however, is that occasionally our chaps can find it difficult to locate suitable assistance in the arena of male grooming. This is where Simon’s Wax & Relax comes into play!

Simon is a fully qualified and highly trusted local professional who caters to the needs of those men who like to look and feel their best.

Simon offers an impressive range of treatments, from simple nose and ears to the typical ‘back, sack and crack’ waxing service (other body parts also catered for) or a relaxing holistic massage.

From the immediate pain of hair removal and the enjoyment of that newly-uncovered silky soft skin, to a deeply relaxing massage, easing the strains and tensions away.

Simon has many fabulous reviews and a growing client list of men of all ages who now care about how they look and feel – just as their female counterparts do. Many athletes, cyclists and body builders are huge fans of having a local service to help keep them smooth!

Simon’s home salon is safe, welcoming and relaxing, offering somewhere professional for you to spruce-up under expert hands.

Based in Swanage, Simon’s salon is situated on the second floor, so some stairs do require climbing. Simon promises a fully professional service, whatever your needs.

During the upcoming few months, to support the NHS, our first responders (police, fire service, coastguard, RNLI) and our Armed Forces (including veterans), Simon is offering a whopping 30% discount* for massage to show thanks.

To book an appointment, please visit the website and complete the online form – and enjoy! * ID and/or proof of service required – men and women welcome.

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The Purbeck Gazette

Sport

Can You Swim?! If Not, Is It Time To Learn?

S

wimming is one of those life skills that we should all learn, especially based on where we live. The Isle of Purbeck is surrounded by water, but still one in five children do not have the opportunity to learn.

A study in 2016 shows that 4.6 million UK residents participate in swimming activities on a regular basis, only 4.6 out 68 million.

The reason for this is that swimming lessons can be expensive, especially when you are utilising private swimming schools, but not if you take part in Club Swimming. Did you know that you actually get more value for money?

Did you know that Wareham & District Swimming Club was formed in 1957 and is one of the longest standing swimming clubs in Dorset? In recent years, we have had successes in events across Dorset and the south and we attended a training camp in Malaga in 2019 and hope to offer this again soon.

Our swimmers range from novice right up to regional and national swimmers. For those returning to swimming we have a very active Masters group who can often be found enjoying a post swim breakfast in All Stars!

Following on from the craziest year we have ever had, we have spaces in all of our groups.

The teaching groups offer lessons for seven years+ and take swimmers through from basic swimming technique right through to advanced badges, following the International Learn to swim programme. Swimmers can then opt to switch across to the competitive squads or can become a member in our Junior Lifeguard Academy or become swimming teachers themselves.

Our squads are hugely popular and are extremely beneficial for those that are just starting out in competition or that want to take their swimming to the next level and these swimmers often become our support network for the younger swimmers, they attend sessions in the teaching groups and development squads to demonstrate key skills as well as support the teachers and coaches.

Our swimming community is very welcoming and we have many parents involved in club activities, such as joining the committee to support the running of the club, assist in fundraising and even become team managers, judges, timekeepers, teachers and coaches themselves.

So there has never been a better time to join us – head over to our website – swim4wareham.co.uk for more information about how you can get involved.

Oh to be beside the sea.....

Swanage Sea Rowing Club launch from Monkey Beach.....

To join, check out the website: https://www.swanagesearowingclub.org.uk/

The Purbeck Gazette

Spotlight Event Diary

37

Diary Entries are FREE if your event is FREE. If you charge, then it’s £5 plus VAT per entry, per month. DEADLINE for JUNE is noon, 10th MAY 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.

MAY 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! 425074.

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.

38

19.30 Swanage Musical Theatre meet Swanage Bay View Complex Rehearsal Room.

All welcome. Ffi: 426161 19.30 Sw & Wm Hockey Club (13+ years) Training, Wm Sports Centre. Till 9pm. Email: swanagewarehamhockey@outlook.com 20.00 Sw Youth Centre Club Night (Yr 9+) Till 10 20.15 Dorset Buttons Morris Practice. URC Hall, Wm. 423234/421130 20.30 Wm Swimming Club Adults. All standards + stroke improvement. Till 10 22.00 Sw Youth Centre Club Night (16+) Till 11.59 EVERY THURSDAY 08.30 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Cardio Tennis taster. Till 9.30am.

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

09.00 Swanage Painting Club. Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Rd, Sw. Friendly group. New members including beginners welcome. Till 1pm. Ffi: Jane on 01929 427078 09.30 Play and Learn at Chapel Lane, Swanage, till 11am.

09.30 Well Baby Clinic at Streche Road, Wareham, until 12 noon.

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

09.30 Sensory Play for under ones, at Bovington Centre until 10.30am 09.30 Adult Dance Classes. Latin American & Ballroom dance. Until 10.30am. At the Wareham Scout & Guide Hut, N. Bestwall Rd, Wareham. BH20 4HX. Ffi: 01202 243803 or see: www.purbeckdancestudio.co.uk 10.00 Wyvern Savings & Loan Credit Union opens until 12 noon at Not Just Sundaes, South Street, Wareham, opposite the Library. A secure place to save and loans available at fair rates. Call in for a cuppa and a chat, or call 01305 268444.

10.00 Wm Parent & Toddler Group During term Parish Hall, Quay Till 11.45. 556806 10.00 Wool Country Market D’Urbeville Hall. Cakes, preserves, plants, crafts, vegetables. Coffee & biscuits available.

10.00 Tea, Coffee, Biscuits at Queensmead Hall, Sw. Til 11am. Adm 50p 10.00 Volunteer Centre Drop-In at Wareham Library till 12pm. Find our about volunteering to support community groups & charities.

10.00 Wareham Croquet Club meet at the Recreation Ground until 5pm. New members and visitors welcome. Call Tony on 01929 550190 or Lesley on 01929 553927 or email warehamgolfcroquetclub@hotmail.com 10.15 Chess at the Cafe Tratt, Lower High Street, Swanage (from 8th February 2018).

Call in for a friendly game of chess and a chat. All welcome.

10.30 Mid-Week Market Morning Service URC, Church St, Wm. Prayer requests to Revd. Simon Franklin 556976 10.30 Woodworking with Bernard and Terry at the Purbeck Workshop in Wool. The Workshop provides craft activities free of charge to those touched by cancer friends and family are welcome too. Unit 6, Woolbridge Business Centre, East Burton Rd, Wool. BH20 6HG. www.purbeckworkshop.org 07757 776907. Email: richris95@gmail.com 11.00 Sensory Play for 1-4yrs old at Bovington Centre, until 12 noon.

13.30 Under 1 year olds at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Antinatal mums welcome. Till 3pm. Ffi: 552864.

13.00 Wareham Area Men’s Shed meets at Purbeck Connect, Sandford Lane, Wm. Ffi: call Chris on 554758, Harold on 792591 or Mike on 288045 13.30 Toddler Group. All Saints’ Church, Sw. 423937. Till 3pm (Term times) 14.00 Swanage Town Walk. Local historian takes walks lasting 90 minutes. Meet outside the Museum in the ‘Square’. No charge but voluntary contributions welcome.

14.00 Wareham Happy Cafe. Friendly conversation, talks, activities and some fun to put a spring in your step! Everyone welcome. Held at the Not Just Sundaes Cafe in South Street, Wareham. BH20 4LU. From 5th March 2020 onwards.

FREE. Until 3.30pm.

14.00 Studland Chair-based Exercise in the Village Hall, Studland. Ffi: Julie on 558139 or email: jbrad@uwclub.net 14.15 Sw Over-60s Meet in the Rectory Classroom, Swanage, Sw. All Welcome.

17.45 Swanage Youth Club. Learning Difficulties and disability (age 11-25) night. Till 7.30pm 18.00 Isle of Purbeck Arts Club. Weekly evening Art Group. Aimed at beginners, at Purbeck New Wave Gallery, 25 Commercial Rd, Sw. BH19 1DF. till 9pm.

18.15 Sw Cricket Club Practice till 9pm 18.30 Swanage Sea Rowing Club Circuit Training at Swanage Middle School. Ffi: 07776 201455 19.00 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 8pm. With Penny at Furzebrook VH, Wm. Ffi 07969925502 19.00 Over 40s Men’s Walking Football Club at Swanage Football Club. Come and try! All levels welcome, even if you’ve never played before. Come and join in or just come along to watch a very friendly group of people playing football. Until 8.30pm. Call Nick on: 07745 907509 19.00 Purbeck Gateway Club meets at Wareham Youth Centre until 9pm. Purbeck Gateway is a club for adults with learning difficulties. We meet during term time and have fun! All welcome. Ffi: Lew on 552173. Email: Lewisbell1@aol. com 19.15 Wm Town Band Brass & Woodwind players welcome. 551478/01202 242147 19.30 Short Mat Bowls in the Durbeville Hall, Wool. All standards welcome, till 9.30pm. Ffi: 552682 19.30 Purbeck Arts Choir meet for rehersals, with conductor David Fawcett, at St Mary’s School, Northbrook Road, Swanage. Sept-May. All welcome. For more information please phone Liz Roberts 01929 481419 19.30 Swanage Youth Club Youth Action (year 7 - sixth form). Till 9.30pm 20.00 Herston Hall OAP Committee Bingo Sw EVERY FRIDAY 08.45 Coffee @ 112 - Drop In For Coffee! Catch up with friends at 112 High Street

The Purbeck Gazette

(United Reformed Church) in Sw. Cake and bacon butties. Fair trade stall.

Donations for ‘Besom in Purbeck’ and church funds.

09.00 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Sw. Free Cardio Tennis taster. Till 10am 09.30 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 10.30am. With Penny at Furzebrook VH, Wm. Ffi 07969925502 09.30 Wareham Area Men’s Shed meets at Purbeck Connect, Sandford Lane, Wm. Ffi: call Chris on 554758, Harold on 792591 or Mike on 288045 09.30 Little Fishes Baby and Toddler Group. Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Road, Swanage. Term time only. Until 11.30am. Ffi: Alex on 07904 412067.

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

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

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

11.00 Toddler Time For Under 5s And Carers. Wareham Library. Stories, songs and crafts. Every Friday, including school holidays. Ffi: 01929 556146 14.00 Wareham Short Mat Bowls. Meet at Furzebrook Village Hall. New members welcome to come along and meet us!

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

Ffi: 552682.

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

18.00 Purbeck War-Game & Model Club. Royal British Legion, Sw. 426096.

18.00 Sw Youth Centre Club 12-13 (Yr 7-9) Till 8 18.00 Purbeck Youth Choir at the United Reformed Church Hall, Sw. 8-18 years old.

Till 7pm. Ffi: Jay Buckle on: 07947 866945 18.30 Sw Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 421840 19.00 Sw Youth Centre Seniors Club Night (Yr 9+) Till 9.30pm.

19.30 Short tennis for adults at Swanage Football Club. All welcome. Equipment supplied. Till 9.30pm. £3.

19.45 Alcoholics Anonymous Wareham. Talk and tea from 19.15, meeting from 19.45 until 21.00. At Wareham Day Centre, 21 Bonnets Lane, Wareham. BH20 4HB. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, you are welcome. You can learn about living sober frmo people who do. The first friday of each month is also open to professionals and friends/family of problem drinkers. Ffi: 01202 296000.

20.00 Sw Youth Centre Live Bands (as advertised) Till 10pm.

22.00 Sw Youth Centre Late Session (Yr 9+) till 11.59pm (members free) EVERY SATURDAY 08.00 Purbeck Runners meet at the Mowlem, Sw. 4/5 mile run.

09.00 Sw CC U11 - U15 Practice till 10.30 09.30 Sw CC U9 & U10 Practice & Kwik Cricket till 10.30 10.00 Tea, coffee and home-made cakes in the Parish Hall on Wareham Quay during the Community Market. Til 2pm. Bric-a-Brac stall weekly. Christian bookstall most weeks. All welcome for a warm-up and a friendly chat.

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

20.00 Herston OAP Committee Bingo at Herston Hall, Sw EVERY SUNDAY 09.00 Purbeck Runners meet at the Mowlem, Sw. 8+ mile run.

10.00 Arts and Crafts Market at the Mowlem in Swanage. A wide range of local art for sale, including pottery, glass, cards, fabric and much more! To book your table, or for more information, call Tony on 01929 421321.

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

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

19.00 Quiz Night with cash prizes at the Red Lion, High Street, Swanage. All welcome - come along and see if you can win the prize pot!

The Purbeck Gazette

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING

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

Telephone on: 01929 400520 or mobile: 0779 6044859

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

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40

The Purbeck Gazette

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING

ROOFING SPECIALIST SPARROW’S

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

J.A. Construction (Dorset) Ltd.

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

Also available for Plumbing, Electrics & Carpentry.

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

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

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

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

BRIAN MOORE INDEPENDENT TELECOM ENGINEER (Ex-BT)

Repair of phone lines & broadband HALF BT PRICES!!

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The Purbeck Gazette

LOCAL TRADE ADVERTISING Michael B. Alberry

DECORATOR Property Decoration & Renovation

07796 640538 01929 424882

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

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

USE OUR LOCAL TRADES PEOPLE OR LOSE THEM!

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Man & Van available to hire

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

07767 479438 Fully licensed & insured

VIP stockists of YOUR Purbeck Gazette!

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

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING STOCKISTS - SUPPORT LOCAL!