The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 268 by The Blackmore Vale Limited

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Purbeck The The Purbeck

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April 2022 Issue no: 267

April May 2022 April 2022 May 2022 267 Issue no: 268 no: 267 Issue 268 20,000 copies:

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Paul Merton and chums talk improv, the pandemic and more

The real real The Golden Girls Girls Golden Still friends friends Still Still friends after 86 86 years! years! after after 86 years! MASTERS OF MIRTH! Page 38

Page17 17 Page Page 17

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Public Notices & Information Swanage Town Council Meetings - MAY 2022 PLEASE CONTACT THE COUNCIL DIRECTLY FOR INFORMATION Telephone: 01929 423636 https://swanage.gov.uk/

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Swanage in spring by ROBIN BOULTWOOD

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TRADE ADVERTS FEATURES Ilay Cooper writes...The lion and the lamb Gazette Gardening with Simon Goldsack Money, Money, Money National Coastwatch - Eyes Along The Coast Telling It Like It Is - David Hollister writes NEWS Pensioner’s Spinnaker Tower abseil ‘Human fish’s’ Grand Cayman island swim Tank museum’s model show Care home’s Egyptian Day Bournemouth & Poole College OFSTED report

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The Belvs are back with ‘Many a Song’!

The #Willdoes charity is set to benefit from a concert by the Belvedere Singers.This worthy organisation, set up by local mother Les and dedicated to the memory of her son Will, helps young people who may be struggling to cope with daily life and was a popular choice with choir members. The choir is now back in full swing and singers cannot wait to perform to a paying audience again. The onehour concert programme is packed full of music of every kind, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. Where else can you hear Maud’s suitor pleading for her to ‘come into the garden’ in fine Victorian melodramatic style on the same evening as hearing firm favourites from a couple of musical theatre shows? The audience will also be treated to Tudor madrigals, beautiful pieces by Ola Gjeilo and Samuel Barber to stir the soul and a few other delights, too. The concert is on Saturday, May 14, from 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Swanage. Tickets are £5 and are available from choir members or on the door subject to availability. A retiring collection will be held for #Willdoes. More information about the Belvedere Singers can be found on Facebook and on their website, belvederesingers.org.uk More about #Willdoes can be found at willdoes. co.uk Please come along to support the choir and this excellent cause - we look forward to seeing you. SUE EADY Corfe Castle

Russians need to know the truth

It is often said that the first casualty of war is the truth. Putin’s evil regime has banned the Russian media from referring to his unjustifiable attacks on Ukraine as a ‘war’. Instead, his media can face imprisonment if they do not frame it as an ‘operation’ to liberate Ukraine from neo-Nazis. He claims Russia is carrying out a ‘de-Nazification’ operation in the interests of all Europe. But all of Europe know first hand of the tactics and atrocities used by the Nazis having lived through them not that long ago. Putin’s propaganda does not cut the ice. During Putin’s first two terms as president (2000-08) he had ambitions to modernise Russia and deepen ties with the West. But with the taste of power, modernisation gave way to police-state brutality. We now know Putin seriously

confused his ambition with ability. The Ukrainian’s small but determined army, in comparison with Russia’s, has Putin’s murderous thugs in complete disarray. The way forward is to somehow show the Russian population the truth, something we all take for granted on television and in our free press. If Russia’s rich resources were to be spent on its people, they would be the richest in Europe, their health care and infrastructure would be the envy of most in the modern world. It is long overdue for Russians to step out of the shadow of Stalin and embrace a free and long overdue lifestyle that murderous thugs like Putin has denied them for so long. MIKE FRY

Disabled club needs some new blood

I would like to thank Wareham Disabled Club and the volunteers who keep it running. They have taken me many times to Bournemouth Hospital, even to arrive by 7.15am for hip replacements, jabs , blood tests and other appointments, pushed me in a wheelchair and b o l s t e re d my c o n f i d e n c e . Added to these duties, not only for me, but for others requiring transport, they also take club members on outings, the latest to the Lakeside fish restaurant in Poole, using both vehicles. Volunteers have been carrying out these duties for many years and so are reaching the age that may require them to step down or reduce the time given. No younger replacements are coming forward, especially to organise the hospital visits and outings, and the present volunteers question their ability to carry on, particularly the chairman, who, for the past 11 years, has organised the timings and found volunteers able to drive and care for the passengers, and now wishes to take a step back for a younger person with new ideas. I would like to ask readers to step forward if they are able to assist. I am told it is very rewarding to aid those unable to help themselves. GILL

Every penny counts for Guide Dogs

I want to say a huge thank you to those of you who have popped coins into our large Guide Dogs collecting box in the Co-op in Swanage, as well as the many Purbeck businesses which have supported us by having a collecting box in their shop or pub. In times of such financial hardship for many, it is humbling to find that people continue to be so generous. We already have more than 30 guide

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dog partnerships in Dorset and we still have people waiting for a Guide or Buddy dog, so if you have a spare penny, pop it in, as every penny counts. The charity also offers a wide range of services to support blind and partially sighted people of all ages, so thank you for your generosity. JAYNE – LOCAL VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER Email - jayneguidedogs@ gmail.com

Walk ‘has best views of any in Dorset’

The cliff tops along the Jurassic Coast provide a lot of interesting walks and one that I particularly enjoy is from Rope Lake Head to Kimmeridge. Starting from the quarry car park above Kimmeridge the walk goes up the ridge of Smedmore Hill to Swyre Head. One writer said: “I will defend to the death that this walk contains the best views of any in Dorset.” At Heaven’s Gate, just before the summit, you can see as far as Portland Bill lighthouse to the west and Corfe Castle and Poole Harbour to the north. At 203 metres, Swyre Head is the highest point in Purbeck. Descending lots of badly worn steps and crossing fields you eventually arrive at the cliff top at Rope Lake Head. At this time of year the cliff tops are deserted, although they get very busy in summer and they are excellent places to see wildlife. I took a closeup picture of a stonecat perched on a barbed wire fence.There are views of St Aldhelm’s Head to the east and the chalk cliffs towards Lulworth to the west. The cliffs seem to be sandstone on top of black shale and they are eroding rapidly.At one point the path has been diverted inland and the original Clavell Tower has been dismantled and re-erected about 400 yards inland. Descending more steps, you arrive at the marine centre at Kimmeridge Bay. Nearby is a car park with toilets.The HardyWay takes you to the attractive village of Kimmeridge with a cafe and a fossil museum. Another path takes you by a church where members of the Clavell family are buried. Then there is a steep ascent to the starting point at the quarry. ROBIN BRASHER Swanage

Time to redesign streets for people During the pandemic, many of us rediscovered the simple act of walking – the oldest, cheapest and greenest transport there is. Walking kept us connected to ourselves and to others, and helped us to stay healthy and happy. Walking is good for our minds, our bodies, and our cities, towns and villages. But lots of us still struggle with narrow, cluttered, uneven pavements; crossings that prioritise cars rather than people; and growing numbers of speeding vehicles. It doesn’t have to be like this. That’s why I support the demands Living Streets has made ahead of this year’s elections, calling on candidates to pledge to improve our streets for all, cut air pollution and make walking easier and safer. Visit livingstreets. org.uk/may22 for more information. Candidates must commit to setVision Zero targets of significant reductions in people killed and injured on our roads. We call for commitments on default 20mph speed limits in built-up areas, improvements to our crossings and junctions, and an increase in the number of low traffic neighbourhoods. One person killed on our roads is one too many. It is time we redesigned our streets around people, not cars. That way we can all enjoy the benefits of walking and build healthier, happier communities. PAUL RUSH Lytchett Matravers, Dorset

Brothers Ken and Dick were at Home Farm

I am writing on behalf of my motherin-law, Sandra Robbins, regarding the article ‘Please help a city boy locate a farm in Wool’. The two brothers are Ken White and Richard (Dick) White. My mother-in-law, born in 1942, married Richard White’s son Rex White. The farm was Home Farm in Lulworth, DONNA WHITE

Don’t miss out on Pension Credit

We have recently seen an increase in the number of people making a

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claim for Pension Credit. However, as the cost of living increases, there are still hundreds of thousands of pensioners who might be eligible who are not - including readers of the Purbeck Gazette. They are missing out on this extra support, which could be worth more than £3,300 a year. I strongly urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible to make a claim – by calling the DWP Pension Credit Freephone claim line on 0800 991234 by post or online. Organisations such as Age UK, Christians Against Poverty and your local Citizens Advice Bureau, can also help you to claim. So, please, if you have a relative, or are caring for someone, help them make a claim. Even a small amount of Pension Credit can open the door to other support, including a free TV licence, help with council tax, housing benefit, NHS dental treatment and the Warm Home Discount.This is worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds. And we don’t want your mum or dad, or any loved one, to miss out. If you are in any doubt whatsoever, please take just a few minutes today to check your eligibility. I want everyone to receive the support they are entitled to – and the application process could not be more straightforward. GUY OPPERMAN Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion, Department for Work and Pensions

‘Good’ refugees – and the others

It’s heart-warming to see the generosity of countries and individuals towards the desperate and unfortunate people fleeing the war in Ukraine – many are even opening their own homes to give them refuge, and even our own Government seems to be ready to welcome them - once they’ve managed to get a visa that is, which doesn’t seem to be easy. For a long time now, however, we have been told – mainly by the rightwing press and politicians – that the UK is ‘full up’, that we don’t have space for any more people, that schools already can’t cope with pupil numbers and that the NHS is already at breaking point. I’m puzzled as to what has suddenly changed. Or is it the Ukrainian refugees who are different in some way? One can’t help feeling that there seem to be two kinds of refugee – ‘good’ refugees and the others. I’ve just read an article about the 16,000 Afghans brought to the UK under ‘Operation Warm Welcome’ by the UK Government following the emergency evacuation of Kabul. Many have been re-homed here and

are beginning to put down roots and rebuild their lives, which is good, but most – including families with young children – are still stuck in hotels around the country. Many are still being moved around and all have to struggle with endless bureaucratic confusion and delay. One man was evacuated by our Government and resettled here but his brother – fleeing the same country and dangers – had to make his way to the UK overland and by boat, and was promptly detained in an immigration centre where he will languish for months or maybe years while he is ‘processed’. His evacuated brother can work and lead a normal family life but he is not allowed to. No ‘warm welcome’ for him, instead the Home Office’s ‘hostile environment’. Presumably one was a ‘good’ refugee but not the other? I read that new legislation currently passing through Parliament the Nationality and Borders Bill – see Dave Joliffe’s letter last month - will make it possible to sentence people arriving in the UK by small boats to up to four years in prison - I wonder whether you will be voting for this legislation, Mr Drax? Nico, in her thoughtful piece in last month’s Purbeck Gazette, wrote of our ‘inherent fear of welcoming ‘foreigners’ who are in desperate need’. As she pointed out, ‘we are all human’. So: Ukrainians – you are welcome here! Syrians, Afghans, Yemenis, Eritreans and the rest – not so much. DAVID COLLINS

Who knew about centre’s website?

I attach a link to the Swanage Medical Practice website detailing the new arrangements they have for attending to patients: swanagemedical.org.uk/News/ Who knew about this? Presumably only people who go onto the website. One of the results of this regime is shown in the photo above. Let’s hope it works! PHIL MADSEN

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The lion and the lamb

A series of short essays by renowned author and historian Ilay Cooper

The transfer from late winter to early spring gives rise to that old description of March: it comes in like a lion and goes out as a lamb. This year in Purbeck the lion came early, fiercely. In February, a violent gale coincided with spring tide. There were red warnings: as so often each year, we were all doomed. The dreadful blight of Health and Safety! Take the example of Tilly Whim Caves. In April’s Gazette the four ‘Golden Girls’ mention playing there in their childhood and an advert for the country park mentions them. They were always a Swanage attraction. Protected by God, fearless Victorian ladies in button boots would totter blindly down the dank steps into the caves – as precarious then as now - and, having seen them, struggle up again. We kids would climb over the wall after closing time to avoid parting with thruppence. These things are stolen from us, replaced by locks and warnings. It is almost 50 years since those caves were closed... for your own good. Can anyone recall a serious accident there when thy were freely open? I can’t! So much of life is banned for protection. What will be left? To savour the storm, an old man enjoying what thrills remain, I set out to reach the clifftop in time for high tide – the wickedest part. It didn’t disappoint. Once up on the limestone ridge, the direction was chosen for me: it was almost impossible to advance against the violent westerly, so eastwards towards the two pylons

WIND OF CHANGE: Storm waves lash the Purbeck coast while, above, a tree falls victim to the storm.

of the Measured Mile. There, waves striking a low but sheer stretch of cliff always offer the most dramatic impacts. Clouds of spray drifted up the Wares above, obscuring the view and blinding the camera’s lens. On the ground, sheltered amongst low clumps of gorse, a fragile gold and tan yellowhammer crouched. No such tiny, frail bird could confront that wind. So far, I had been alone enjoying the scene, the roughest ever, exhilarated by a roaring, salted wind, the white bursting swells. Occasionally the clouds opened to lance a shaft of sun on the greygreen turmoil. Then, between two posh dogs – some dogs just are posh – a woman in scarlet was bundled past on the gale. We exchanged visible, inaudible greetings as she was

whisked away onwards towards Swanage, to be lost in the veil of another drift of spray. Turning west, striving against the blast, I stopped to admire each outburst of marine fireworks, hoping the next explosion would outclass the previous one.The tide turned towards lunchtime, taking the edge off the display. The wind let up a little, softening the roar. The fury softened. Time to head home. By now, a large sycamore tree lay splintered beside the drive, hurled down during those last couple of hours. Missed me! Even before the arrival of that deep depression the lamb had begun to stir; primroses were already open, their soft yellow increasingly adulterated by a pinkish invasion from garden primula. The touch

of spring brought sunshine warm enough to lie amongst the clifftop grass watching seabirds prepare for another season. My interest long ago narrowed on the penguin-like auks – guillemots, razorbills and puffins. Three of us, Robert Smith, Richard Verge and I, already keen on birds, had been caught up in the horror of oil pollution when, in the afterschool dusk of late 1956, we found oiled auks on Buck Shore. Dying or dead, their protection gone, feathers ruined by thick oil casually discharged from offshore tankers, in our boyhood oiled auks awaiting death from cold and starvation were a normal feature of Purbeck beaches. Of an age to respond, we began

The Purbeck Gazette

A young Robert Smith holds a newly-caught oiled guillemot at Swanage in 1961

to catch and wash those birds. They taught us long-term responsibility. Washing destroyed the waterproofing of their feathers. Water no longer flowed off as from a duck’s back. Quickly soggy, the victims needed food and care for weeks. That cost. Sprats were a shilling (5p) a pound: we earned 10 shillings (50p) a week on our paper rounds. The local, then the national press took a brief interest. People would slip us money, but, as with all news stories, enthusiasm faded and we managed alone. Later, each received an RSPCA medal of remarkably-light gold. Mine still hangs in the caravan – ‘For Kindness’: useful to display when I have been particularly unpleasant! Why mention pollution? Because close contact with auks inspired a special interest in their success and failure. In the 1950s the majority of active boys collected eggs. We thought that caused a major impact on wild birds but Bird Protection legislation in 1954 brought no apparent reverse in Purbeck seabird decline. Oil pollution was far

more destructive; its control must have played a major role in the present steady increase in Purbeck’s guillemot and razorbill numbers. They are still killed by colourless palm oil waste, but the quantities ejected are smaller: the birds it smothers don’t look so bad: they can be dismissed as merely stormdriven. After the lion, the lamb granted a fairly mild end to March. The auks come to the cliffs on mornings through the winter, not every morning but influenced in part by the weather. Last week, with a stiff, chilly north-east breeze, the ledges were empty. They often leave around midday. Social creatures, the guillemots crowd the favoured ledges to groan, fight or flirt. Razorbills, smarter, more individual, already in pairs, tend to socialize on the sea, billing and growling. The romancing starts long before they lay, which is from St George’s Day onwards. With only a single site now occupied there is hardly a puffin society left. I look for them occasionally, two March visits producing no puffins, another yielding three and twice a single bird bobbed near the foot of the cliff. They are doomed, but it is not yet too late to see one! At home, a blue tit struggles to force a large piece of moss through the small hole of my nest box before dropping it into the undergrowth. It swears, then goes off for more. No longer building, the blackbird must be sitting. A chiffchaff creeping through the garden on March 9 broke into its monotonous, reassuring song the following day to continue through the summer. A fortnight later came the first fluid strains of the blackcap. Early butterflies are busy and I have seen a smart little wheatear, but no swallow. Bluebells and wood anemones are opening. The edible blewit fungus has flourished above Dancing Ledge, scarlet elfcups shine amongst moss. It is spring. Hopefully, the lion has gone. Certainly, the lambs skip.

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Strictly dancing for hours ‑ Emberly, seven campaigns for young carers

PROUD Emberly Heppenstall, seven, with her parents shows off hers carers certificate.

By Lorraine Gibson

She may only be seven but Emberly Heppenstall is the youngest ever ambassador for MYTIME Young Carers, a Dorset charity which supports youngsters caring for others. A young carer herself, Emberly accessed the charity’s services in 2020 when her mother suffered a brain injury and she’s now a fierce advocate of its support of children like her who look after a family member. Having promoted MYTIME via a young carers’ focus group in school and in a TV interview, she’s now going a - dance - step further, with a four-hour dance-a-thon fundraiser on 16 April. After looking after mum, Jen, since the age of five, Emberly describes her role with touching simplicity. “I tell Mummy what to do and remind

her when she forgets something,” she said. Jen, however, says her daughter’s responsibilities are far greater. “Emberly became my carer when I needed support with memory and household tasks,” she said. “She helps me with medication, cooking and remembering things. Because I’m partially sighted and struggle with balance, she helps me stay safe when her daddy is at work. She has had to take on so much for someone so young but MYTIME are always there for us both.” Despite her young age, Emberly is one of the charity’s most vocal champions. After discovering they relied on donations, she launched a campaign for the upkeep of weekly MYTIME Zoom meetings and

MP for South Dorset Richard Drax has welcomed a £32 million Ministry of Defence contract to Atlas Elektronik (UK) for cutting edge, autonomous mine-hunting systems. The contract, for three sets of

Medium Autonomous Underwater Vessels (MAUV), will create 50 jobs at Atlas Elektronik (UK) in South Dorset, with a further 23 jobs across Europe. The minehunters will provide a significant technological leap for

activity days. “They help when I have struggles and worries about my mummy,” she said. “They make me happy, relaxed and calm because I am always a little bit worried about Mummy. If they run out of money, the meetings can’t happen anymore.” On her dance challenge, she said: “I’ve asked my friends for some cool dance moves I could do for four hours, but sometimes stopping for snacks and drinks so I don’t get too sweaty!” P e n e l o p e D a y, d i r e c t o r o f fundraising and communications at MYTIME, said: “Emberly is such an extraordinary character

and an incredible ambassador for young carers everywhere! We’re enormously proud of her.” Scott Tait, headteacher at her school, Bishop Aldhelm’s CE Primary, said: “Emberly is a great ambassador for MYTIME. She has spoken to adults and children alike about everything they have done for her.” He added: “She is not shy to speak up. The children watched Emberly’s TV interview and because of her the school council has chosen MYTIME as our charity partner.” To donate to Emberly’s dance-athon visit https://www.justgiving. com/fundraising/jen-heppenstall1

Drax welcomes £32m contract for Atlas Elektronik the Royal Navy, which must combat the constantly evolving threat of sea mines. “This is another big win for Atlas Elektronik,” said Drax. “These minehunters use state-of-the-art technology to provide protection for both the Royal Navy and the UK’s maritime interests. “Autonomous, or drone, minehunters, which hunt down and destroy enemy mines without endangering naval personnel, are controlled remotely by operators

on sea or land. They will protect our Navy, our submariners and our many maritime interests, and add to our already impressive system of autonomous assets. “These minehunters were promised in the integrated review and I am pleased and proud that a South Dorset-based firm is providing them. Atlas continues to bring jobs, prosperity and cutting-edge science to our constituency, while benefiting the whole nation.”

The Purbeck Gazette

OAP to abseil the Spinnaker Tower

Pensioner Wendy Barfoot is set to abseil the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth as she prepares to celebrate her 80th birthday. Wendy, daughter of the charity’s founder, Phyllis Edwards, is doing the abseil in aid of the Dorset disability charity Diverse Abilities. Phyllis founded the charity in 1955 to support Wendy’s sister, Marilyn, who was born with cerebral palsy. After sending a letter to the local

paper, a group of families came together to create Langside School, which has developed into a charity with 12 services for children and adults with physical and learning disabilities. Wendy said: “This year I will be celebrating my 80th birthday – I’ve taken on a variety of challenges over the years and I’m really looking forward to this one. If there’s anyone else out there celebrating a big birthday in April, then you are

more than welcome to join me on Saturday, April 30.” T h e S p i n n a k e r To w e r , a t Portsmouth’s Gunwharf Quays, is 100 metres tall and offers unmissable views across Portsmouth harbour, the Solent and the Isle of Wight. Diverse Abilities offers a variety of challenges throughout the year for thrill-seekers looking to help raise funds for the organisation. The charity offers dates for

The season begins...the president’s coffee morning, the first game of 2022 and plans for internal competitions. A full programme of matches is running across Dorset, following last year’s reduction in league activity, and the club looks forward to welcoming clubs on their South Coast tours.

New president Mike Keats has chosen Cancer Research for his charity and the club’s social events will provide a good donation at the end of the season. The club also welcomes two new captains this year - Jan Cherry and Tony Bell. To talk to them about bowls, joining the club or having a look around,

find their contact details on the club’s website. The club has free ‘Have a Go’ sessions on its new green at Beach Gardens on Sunday, 22 May, and Sunday, 29 May, between 10amnoon and 2-4pm. Flat shoes or trainers should be worn to protect the green. See the advert on page 27 and

wing walks at Compton Abbas Aerodrome and skydives over Salisbury Plain throughout the summer season, as well as trekking events, sports competitions, and full support and guidance for those who think up their own challenges. Diverse Abilities fundraising manager Emma Bovey added: “Challenges are an excellent way to help us in our mission to provide extraordinary lives for extraordinary people while also taking on something extraordinary in your own life. It costs us about £19,000 a day to run the charity and more than 80p in every £1 raised goes straight back into our services.” Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/ events to find out more about the other challenges available or visit justgiving.com/fundraising/wendybarfoot3 to sponsor Wendy in her challenge.

Bowls club gears up for new season

contact club secretary Barrie Tatman on 01929 421162 if you have any questions. Barrie can also advise on joining the club. For more information visit t h e c l u b ’s w e b s i t e , w w w. swanagebowlingclub.org, or its Facebook page, www.facebook. com/swanagebowlsclub CONTRIBUTED

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The Purbeck Gazette

Campsite raises £400 for charity Tom’s Field Campsite in Langton Matravers raised about £400 for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award charity last year from the sale of a booklet of local walks. Many young people use the campsite on field trips every year as part of their DofE Awards. All proceeds from the sale of the guide, which costs £5, go to the charity which helps thousands of youngsters across the country undertake DoE awards every year, many from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The humble roadside verge a wildlife haven

The guide includes some of the most spectacular coastal walks in the South of England, with the By Faith Eckersall campsite close to the South West Did you know that many of Dorset’s Coastal Path and the Jurassic road-side verges are sites of Nature Coast. Conservation Interest? It also includes less well-known The sometimes-overlooked strips routes which head in all directions of grass beside roads are actually from the site, including one which wildlife havens and the county will cuts across the valley and up be celebrating these as it promotes onto Nine Barrow Down, offering its new policy of only cutting them panoramic views of Poole Harbour. once a year, as part of the Love The guide book is available again Your Verge campaign. this year from the campsite shop, The initiative is a county-wide open every day 8-11am and 4-6pm. collaboration between the council’s Coast and Greenspace Service and Litter Free Dorset to raise awareness of the council’s work to increase and maintain biodiversity in verges. By increasing awareness about the importance of Dorset’s thriving verges, the campaign also aims to deter people from littering on roadsides. Changes to verge management in Dorset include an increase in cut and collect mowing – a technique which helps to reduce soil fertility over time, creating a better environment for wildflowers. The council has also reduced verge cutting throughout the rural road network to once instead of twice a year in areas where it is safe to do so. This allows more flowers

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to complete their lifecycles before being cut. Littering also causes major issues for plants and wildlife in Dorset’s verges and cleaning up is a costly and time-consuming operation. To help discourage littering, the campaign will include colourful signage installed around the county, drawing attention to the types of wildlife which inhabit the verges and thanking drivers for taking their rubbish home with them. Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “Safety remains our top priority, so our approach must strike a balance between cutting verges regularly where needed for visibility and working to protect and enhance Dorset’s natural environment. “We’re proud of the work Dorset’s Coast and Greenspace Service do each year, which is helping to transform our verges and restore some of these vital habitats.” The council wants residents and visitors to get involved with the campaign by sharing their photos or videos of the plants and wildlife they have spotted in Dorset verges and using the #LoveYourVerge.

The Purbeck Gazette

‘Human fish’ aims to make history by circumnavigating paradise island

By Lorraine Gibson

Regular readers will recognise Oly Rush, the ‘human fish’ and dedicated beach cleaner from Poole who smashed the world record for swimming round the Isle of Wight last August. Not content with that incredible achievement, Oly’s now casting his net further and heading to the Caribbean where he aims to be the first person ever to swim around Grand Cayman. The 37-year-old plasterer and turbo swimmer, who will attempt the gruelling 60-mile, non-stop swim at the end of May, is looking for a sponsor. He believes it will take 30 hours, through sharkpopulated waters, to complete the circumnavigation. It has never been done and he is taking it on with partners Plastic Free Cayman and Project Planet to raise money and awareness about sea pollution. Oly will fly out six weeks before he starts and will give talks in schools there. He will spend weeks training in the warm water before setting out for real about

22 May. “I’ve been planning this since the Isle of Wight swim and want to do it because it’s never been done before,” said Oly. “I have friends on Grand Cayman and I wanted to spread the anti-pollution message to a new audience. “I’ve been saving up for the swim and still haven’t found a main sponsor but still hope to raise as much money as possible. “I will have a similar team to that which supported me previously and they’ll follow me around in a catamaran.” Differences to the last swim include the sea temperature, which will be about 27 degrees, so it will be hot in the day but good for night swimming. “ I w o n ’t h a v e a w e t s u i t , s o will need to apply sun cream throughout,” he said. “I’ll also have to take on food and water during the swim. “With the Isle of Wight swim I used the tides to my advantage but there is no such assistance in Grand Cayman, so although the distances are comparable, the challenge isn’t.

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“I’m often asked about the threat from sharks. I’m taking it seriously and we’re doing all we can to mitigate the risks. “A big driving factor for this swim is to make the oceans safer and healthier for the creatures that live in them.” Including sharks? “I’m worried about sharks. Humans kill more than 11,000 an hour and their numbers are rapidly declining. It is an enormous challenge but I’ve put in the training and have a very professional team behind me. “I spend my spare time removing plastic waste from beaches and I’m totally committed to helping clean the world’s oceans. If we all did a little bit, it’d really help.” Oly’s 65-mile Isle of Wight swim took 15 hours and nine minutes. To support his latest challenge, visit his Go Fund Me Page ‘The Grand Swim’ or visit https:// www.gofundme.com/f/bsywxjcharity-swim-around-grand-cay man?qid=3a6b5a71df5eaed21f 1b1383b3f1ae25

Olly Rush featured on the front page of The Purbeck Gazette’s March edition after picking up what he thought could be the oldest plastic packaging ever found.

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Community centre’s warmer place to be

The Purbeck Gazette

Window competition for Queen’s Jubilee

USERS of Upton Community Centre are benefiting from a new electric heating system with the help of a grant of £7,700 from the Talbot Village Trust. Centre users had to endure the cold as the parts for the outdated heating system were difficult to obtain and electric fan heaters were inadequate. The money was given to Lytchett Minster and Upton Beacon Community Association (LUBCA), whose chairman, Lynn Wright, said: “We are extremely grateful to Talbot Village Trust for their support and enabling us to purchase

a new heating system. Everybody that utilises Upton Community Centre is now so much happier, as the conditions before were very difficult to deal with. Centres like ours are a staple for so many people in the area, so ensuring they are comfortable is our greatest priority.” Upton Community Centre is home to Ladybirds Playschool, which runs during term time. During the pandemic, children enrolled at the school had to wear coats, gloves and hats inside the centre. Talbot Village Trust chairman Nicholas Ashley-Cooper said:

“Warmth is a basic necessity for absolutely everyone, it is not something people should ever need to be without, so it was imperative to us that we had to help. The new heating system has already greatly benefited so many people within Upton’s community, which we are delighted by and hope it continues to do so for many years to come.” Upton Community Centre hosts a multitude of groups such as dance and exercise lessons, fundraising events and art classes. LUBCA also offers free use of the centre for local events 12 times a year.

Swanage Chamber of Trade, following the success of its popular window competition at Christmas, has announced a competition for the Queen’s Jubilee. This time it is asking local residents to send in a photo of their garden or decorations, and the winner will receive a small prize and bragging rights. The competition starts on May 28 and will be judged after the jubilee weekend. Photos should be sent to the Chamber Facebook page or directly to annie.ryefields@ btinternet.com or private message Anne Rothery via Facebook.

Young people in Dorset concerned about their mental health can now visit a new outreach bus where they can find confidential help and a listening ear. The double-decker bus will travel to areas where youngsters are facing difficulties with their mental health, offering the opportunity to speak confidentially to youth workers, counsellors and medical professionals. It was purchased with a £22,000 grant to local charity #Willdoes, by the Talbot Village Trust. #Willdoes was founded in memory of William Paddy, who died aged 14 in May 2019. The charity’s mission is to raise awareness of the mental health crisis young people are facing

By Faith Eckersall

is also currently being utilised to support the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccinations for young people. It will be stationed in Swanage’s main beach car park but will also visit other areas across Dorset including Portland, Weymouth, Dorchester and rural villages in need of its services. It also hopes to serve neighbouring counties in the future. # Wi l l d o e s h a s e x p e r i e n c e d exceptional support from highprofile ambassadors including Olympians Victoria Pendleton, William Fox-Pitt and Jamie Nicholls. Sandra Redknapp and Carl Jason Fox are also passionate supporters of the charity. Talbot Village Trust chairman

Nicholas Ashley-Cooper said: “No parent should ever have to face the loss of a child. There is an ongoing mental health crisis that has only been escalated by the pandemic and #Willdoes is doing incredible work to mitigate this. The outreach bus will improve and save the lives of many, so supporting this project was absolutely the right thing to do.” The Trust, which gives away £1 million each year, meets biannually and is accepting applications for funding from both previous and new applicants in the area before the trustees meet in autumn 2022. More details are available on its website www.talbotvillagetrust.org More on #Willdoes can be found at www.willdoes.co.uk

Outreach bus offers listening ear to youngsters locally and to give grants to projects which help improve mental and physical well-being. #Willdoes founder Lesley Paddy said: “On behalf of our trustees and fundraising committee, we would like to thank Talbot Village Trust for such a generous donation which has helped us achieve one of our biggest goals so far. “The lack of youth provision, funds and safe spaces in Dorset is at crisis point. This outreach bus is a safe haven, providing essential support for anxiety, depression and general well-being, and will improve the lives of many young people in the area.” The bus is operated in partnership with Dorset Youth Association and

Heritage line appeal is steaming ahead Swanage Railway Trust’s £25,000 appeal to help fund the restoration of the tender belonging to a unique Victorian T3 class steam locomotive – and so assist its return to steam for the first time since 1948 – is just £5,000 short of its total. The 1893-built London and South Western Railway locomotive No. 563 was set to be scrapped after the Second World War but it was saved after being chosen by British Railways to celebrate the centenary of London's Waterloo station in 1948. No. 563 was gifted to the Swanage Railway Trust by the National Railway Museum in 2017 with work on its £500,000 restoration beginning during 2019 using specialist contractors in Gloucestershire. Costing £50,000, the restoration of the locomotive’s tender – which stores 3,300 gallons of water and

three tonnes of coal for the engine – is taking place in the Swanage Railway’s Herston engineering works on the outskirts of Swanage. It is hoped to have the 81-tonne locomotive back in steam and hauling trains, for the first time in 75 years, in 2023 for the centenary of the Southern Railway and the 185th anniversary of the formation of the London and South Western Railway. Nathan Au, the Swanage Railway Trust’s 563 Locomotive Group chairman, said: “We are delighted the appeal to the restore the T3’s tender is just £5,000 short of reaching its £25,000 total and we urge people to continue to donate to help realise the dream of No. 563 steaming past the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle and through the beautiful Isle of Purbeck. "The T3 is a visual delight and an evocative time machine back to

Swanage Railway Trust wants to raise £25,000 to help fund the restoration of atender belonging to a Victorian T3 class steam locomotive.

the days of the Victorian railway system which helped to power the industrial revolution, develop communities and our cities as well as bringing economic development and prosperity to this country during the 19th Century.” Donations towards the restoration

of the T3 tender can be made by visiting the Swanage Railway Trust website at swanagerailwaytrust. org/appeal To find out more about the work of the 563 Locomotive Group – and how to help – visit 563locomotivegroup.co.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

Community Matters TELLING IT LIKE IT IS... So he held out his pudding for treacle by David Hollister

The fact that in the last decade Martin Lewis has had to go from being the person who tells you how to get a good mortgage rate, or how to switch your power supplier, to advice on getting emergency help to stop ‘starving/ freezing to death’ speaks for itself. Inflation is as rampant as Covid. We face double-digit increases in our council tax, our motoring costs and our domestic power costs. I suggest that while councillors have a responsibility to maintain their town or parish, a good deal of what’s been planned for this year could be diverted to next year as a large number of Purbeck residents are really worried about whether to heat or to eat, and how to clothe their growing children. The councils should be doing all they can to alleviate this suffering rather than adding to it, but, instead, are increasing salary and ‘allowance’ rates almost as quickly as our MPs are increasing their own remuneration. And I still can’t work out how banks are ‘helping’ by increasing bank rates. Who was it said ‘to him who hath shall it be given, and to him who hath not shall it be taken away, even what he hath...’ It amazes me that more people aren’t up in arms about the increase in Covid infections and Covid-related hospital admissions. In the first week of April, the figures for Dorset showed an astonishing week-on-week rise of 1,450 per cent. Not just because of the number of people in hospital with Covid but because of the impact it will

surely have on people’s ability to get treatment for other illnesses. This level of pressure on the NHS is surely not sustainable. Perhaps it would help if we all stood outside our houses and clapped. Businesses are, almost without exception, under-staffed as their employees go off ‘with Covid’ – or, in many cases, having had a positive Covid test, with only mild flu-like symptoms. The Government’s putting a stop to this. From 1 April, free Covid tests were finished, although pharmacists ran out a week beforehand. The NHS website sets out who’s eligible for a free test but it doesn’t mention age or cost. Intrigued, I applied for free tests on the NHS website and they arrived three days later. No questions. No requests for money. I’m really grateful but still puzzled. So, there will be a significant number of people who cannot afford Covid test kits as they’re already in the ‘heat or eat’ category, and who consequently won’t know if they’re infected, or infectious, or whether or not they should self-isolate or wear a mask when they go out. Boris Johnson has said he won’t rule out the possibility of another lockdown following the new Omicron XE variant being detected in the UK. He has said that ruling out future lockdowns would be ‘irresponsible’ if more deadly variants emerge. But how will he know? Could this be a not-so-well

Return of beavers in spotlight

The Re-introduction of Beavers to Purbeck is the subject of a talk by Gen Crisford of the National Trust at Corfe Castle village hall. Beavers were a key part of the wetland ecosystems until they were hunted to extinction 400 years ago. It is believed that bringing back Eurasian beavers at carefully chosen sites could benefit Poole Harbour

and the rivers which flow into it and local communities are helping to make it a reality. The talks is on Friday, May 20, 2-3pm and admission is free and open to everyone. Corfe Castle Community Library opening hours are Monday 3-5pm, Wednesday 11am-noon and 3-5pm, and Saturday 10am-noon.

hidden agenda? Whereby old, frail, poor and vulnerable people are allowed to catch Covid and die, freeing up millions of pounds of public monies to spend on worthwhile causes such as HS2, or MP ‘allowance’ increases? The future of the public toilets at Burlington Chine to the north of Swanage Bay came up for discussion and I am pleased to say that I’ve received assurances that they will continue to be serviced and maintained in years to come. It has been suggested to me that Wareham Council has gone against the wishes of the public and closed Hauses Field, the only skate park on Northmoor. The council agreed it was needed but only days after this decision went ahead and removed it. Of the 430 responses to the public survey, 405 people wanted Wareham to have a wheeled park facility, the majority wanting it to be on Hauses Field - 82 people were against it being there. Yet despite the majority the five councillors present voted unanimously not to reinstate the skatepark at Hauses Field. They felt that within the 82 people who voted ‘no’ were lots of comments which needed to be taken into account as they lived close to the site. Apparently, since it was built, complaints had increased. The park attracted lots of teenagers coming to use it at night as a gathering place - what they were doing there was ‘unmentionable’ and youth workers who attended were very worried. So where else are they going to deposit the local children and teenagers?

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Allegedly, they’re planning to look into putting a skate park at the back of the old disused middle school playing field owned by Dorset Council. They said it would benefit the 250 houses on Westgate and it would be far enough from houses for any noise to be an issue. Or do they mean far enough from Northmoor that the children from ‘over there’ wouldn’t bother and would end up playing in the streets again. I, like a correspondent, am disgusted that they appear to have misled the children of Wareham last year they promised them that they can they keep their skatepark and have it improved. And now they’ve taken it away. She goes on to say: “What on earth gives them the right to mislead our kids and ruin their belief in democracy... “Thank you for ruining my son’s belief in everything, especially you, the town council. “I attended all the meetings where they ALL agreed that the children of Wareham needed the skatepark and that it stayed on Northmoor. “What’s the point in having a democratic process if the town council isn’t going to listen to the people that voted them in!” …..AND THE WARDER TOOK IT AWAY! Welcome to my world. (*Lyrics by Benny Hill - ‘What a World’ - 1965)

The Purbeck Gazette

Modelling and military history

More than 4,000 people went to see the scale models at Bovington’s Tank Museum over half-term, making it the museum’s most successful show yet. Surrounded by real tanks and armoured vehicles, visitors could see scale models including cars, planes, trains and tanks. The event also featured talks and demonstrations on key modelling techniques, including painting, airbrushing and choosing the right model kits. Visitors new to the hobby even had the opportunity to try out model making, with the help

of expert advice. Events manager Jasmine White said: “It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying a day out at the South-West Model Show. “For generations, people have made model kits and been inspired to visit the Tank Museum to see the real thing. This event combined two great passions - modelling and military history.” The autumn show is on September 10 - for more information visit https://www.tankmuseum.org/ whats-on/events/south-west-modelshow-autumn

BIG AND SMALL

Bovington Tank Museum held its most successful show yet.

Out Of The Blue

May already, for you early birds out there don’t forget to check out the Eta Aquariid meteor shower which will peak between midnight and dawn on the 6th May, and after that we would appreciate it if you could take 10 minutes to fill out one of our priority surveys. https://www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/PurbeckEmail So, what have we been up to? Well, the period 06 March 2022 – 06 April 2022 we dealt with a total of 504 occurrences in Purbeck, of which 159 were recorded crimes and resulted in 28 arrests. We are also pleased to inform you that we have had significant success in disrupting an organised drug network in the county. There were also 109 occurrences

of road traffic collisions, and whilst on the subject of traffic, you may have noticed the roads becoming much busier - the summer season is upon us and their will be lots of visitors coming down to visit our beautiful county, some of whom may not be used to driving on country roads. This, combined with navigating to beauty spots means they maybe going slower than normal. Therefore, we ask you all to be patient and don’t be a ‘space invader’. While a small minority of tailgating is deliberate, most is unintentional by drivers who are simply unaware they are dangerously invading someone else’s space. THINK! – Road safety ‘Don’t be a Space Invader’ – stay safe, stay back says Highways England - GOV.UK (www. gov.uk) And 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/

Why not register on Dorset Alert, by registering for the free Dorset Police community messaging alerts you will receive information on, local crime and incidents where we believe that sharing information with you will help to prevent further offences occurring, crimes and incidents where you may be able to help by providing vital information, current crime trends, crime prevention advice and Safer Neighbourhood activity and opportunities to meet the team. You can also receive news from our partner agencies such as Dorset Fire and Rescue Service or Trading Standards and Community safety messages. P u r b e c k N e i g h b o u rh o o d Policing Team

The Purbeck Gazette

Village homes plans refused

By Nicci Brown

PLANS for five homes in place of one to be demolished on a site on the northern edge of Bere Regis have been refused on the casting vote of the chairman of Dorset Council’s Eastern Planning committee. Members were divided on the proposal to replace Tower House in Tower Hill with two threebedroom and three four-bedroom homes, which would result in a much more suburban feel to an area which was described as having the rural characteristics of medieval back lanes. The applicants had agreed to widen Tower Hill and provide a passing bay but officers, who recommended refusal, did not consider that the minor public benefit outweighed the ‘less than substantial’ harm to the Conservation Area in which the site lies. Neighbours were concerned that the new homes would overlook their properties and be overpowering, that there would be destruction of natural hedgerow along Tower Hill, insufficient parking, and that the proposal

would harm the historical and archaeological significance of the area. But Cllr Ian Benson, of Bere Regis Parish Council, who was involved in the production of the village Neighbourhood Plan adopted in 2019, said they were strongly in favour. He said the site was not in the Neighbourhood Plan but a neighbouring site was. The parish supported infill development and there was a strongly stated need for additional housing. “The highway widening is a substantial benefit which outweighs the less than substantial harm,” he said. Cllr Alex Brenton said: “If I was wandering around in a floral dress with a basket of flowers it would be lovely but this is an access road for people who live there now, not those who lived there in the 19th Century. Being able to pull in on the road would be a great public benefit.” She said she had some concerns but Tower House was a ‘dead place’ and houses were needed inside villages if possible. “This is a worthwhile use of a

FreeWheelin FEASTival rolling in to new location The Swanage FreeWheelin FEASTival is coming to Shore Road, Swanage, from Friday-Saturday, 6-8 May. Organised by Zoom Events, it is the second time the busy festival has been held in Swanage. It features street foods, craft beer bar, al fresco dining, live music, children’s entertainment and a host of artisan groceries, arts and crafts. This year the FreeWheelin FEASTival will be packed with freshly prepared street foods, ranging from traditional Mexican street food and sweet or savoury crepes, to Japanese dishes. Visitors can also sit back and enjoy a drink from the Famous Last Stand bars of distinction stocking craft beers, cider, prosecco and gin while taking in the fresh sea air. Live music and children’s entertainment will be taking place on stage all weekend including performances from local bands. S t re e t fo o d s e l l e r s w i l l b e complemented by an array of stalls selling artisan groceries available to take home, such olives, cheese, continental fine foods and old English fudge. An expanded section for arts and crafts, including small artisan

traders, will ensure there are plenty of opportunities to browse unusual homeware or find gifts for friends and family. “We are pleased the Swanage FreeWheelin FEASTival is returning to Swanage in the new location of Shore Road,” said Paul Kennedy, director of Zoom Events. “This year we have a strong lineup of content for the event and are pleased the events industry is bouncing back following the pandemic restrictions.” Swanage FreeWheelin FEASTival is free to enter and will be open on Friday, 6 May, noon-7pm, Saturday, 7 May, 9am-7pm and Sunday, 8 May, 11am-6pm. For further information about Swanage FreeWheelin FEASTival visit https://www.zoomevents.co.uk/ swanage-freewheelin-feastival/

relatively empty site. If we refuse, we’ll just get a revised application in a year’s time,” she said. Cllr David Took was concerned that the site was not identified in the Neighbourhood Plan and suggested that if they refused

they might get a better designed proposal. When members voted in equal numbers for and against, chairman Cllr Toni Coombe used her casting vote in support of the officer recommendation for refusal.

Jurassic coast inspires

CathyVeale is a well-known artist who specialises in large seascapes with an unmistakable style rich in luminosity and colour. Her paintings are immensely evocative and have often been described as looking ‘wet’ like the sea itself. Brought up in the Isle of Purbeck and its thriving art community, Cathy is drawn to the coast and fringes of land. The Jurassic coastline,with its stunning natural beauty,has been the theme of her work for many years on land and from the sea.

Her fascination with the sea is fuelled by its changing moods and patterns formed by the sky’s reflection and tidal states. Cathy’s paintings depict a unique sense of texture, concentrating on the effects of light and colour on water. Cathy’s paintings have regularly been selected to be shown with Britain’s leading watercolour ar tists in London at the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, the Royal Society of Marine Artists exhibitions and the SouthWest Academy of Arts.

The Purbeck Gazette

New car park fees in place

Sandra Redknapp (centre) is joining husband Harry (right) as a patron of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.

Sandra joins Harry as patron

Sandra Redknapp is joining her husband Harry as patron of LewisManning Hospice Care. Sandra joins with a vast knowledge of the local Dorset community and is passionate about helping local lives in the area. She says she is thrilled to be the new patron of the local hospice charity which is making real difference to patients

and their families living with a lifelimiting illness. Sandra said: “I am very pleased to be asked to be part of this fantastic charity. “The hospice has gone through lots of changes over the past 18 months and it’s wonderful to see the extraordinary care, innovation and resilience it has, particularly during the pandemic.

“I will, hopefully, try and persuade Barney our bulldog to attend one of the ‘Paws on their Walks’ events.” Chief executive Clare Gallie said: “We are all over the moon that Sandra has agreed to be patron of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care. “It will be great to work together and she is a fantastic addition to our growing team of patrons.”

New car park charges are now in effect in most Dorset Council car parks. The charges affect eight car parks in Blandford, Penny’s Lodge in Ferndown, Jenner Close, Potters Wheel and the Hub in Verwood and ten car parks in Wimborne. Dorset Council says prices were changed for consistency, after the amalgamation of district councils, which were issuing 76 diferent permits. Drivers can benefit from cheaper prices via two new permits, said the council. Short Stay Permits provide parking for two hours every day and cost £78 a year. The Flexi-Stay Permit provides unlimited parking in most Dorset Council long stay car parks and free two-hour parking every day in most short stay car parks. It costs £25 a month or £260 a year.

Recruitment Come Join our Friendly Team…

Douch Family Funeral Directors

has various roles available at our Wareham and Swanage branches.

Albert Marsh (Wareham) are looking for Driver / Bearers You will carry out funeral bearing du es under direc on of the Funeral Director, which may include driving the company vehicles on the day of the funeral. You may also be asked to carry out other funeral related du es by Branch Manager. The hours are varied therefore there is an opportunity to ﬁt this role around your other day me commitments

James Smith (Swanage) are looking for Out of Hours Opera ves You will be paired up with a partner working a 6 week rota on system covering Monday to Friday 5pm to 8am, all weekend from 5pm on Friday finishing at 8am Monday including Bank Holidays. Candidates must be physically fit and ideally live within a 5 miles radius of Swanage. The posi on requires someone of smart appearance with excellent communica on skills a calm manner with great empathy is a must as you will be ac ng as an ambassador for the company being the first point of contact to families, nursing homes and hospitals. At mes you will be working on behalf of Her Majesty’s Coroners.

Previous experience is not essen al as training will be given. Full clean driving licence is impera ve.

To apply please send your cv and covering le er to Hayley Gaunt (hayley@fcdouch.co.uk) or call on 01202 367307

Purbeck’s only crematorium The Purbeck Gazette

W i t h t h e c l o s u re o f Po o l e Crematorium, Harbour View (pictured) has become the only crematorium in Poole and Purbeck. Although the Poole Crematorium building is set to re-open this autumn, it will be as a ceremony hall only as it is not planned to replace the cremator. The deceased will instead be transferred by road to Bournemouth Crematorium for an unattended cremation after the service, as has been the case since April 2020. At Harbour View Crematorium and Woodland Burial Ground, cremations are carried out in a stunning, purpose-built crematorium, set in a peaceful rural location next to ancient woodland. The choice of three air-conditioned ceremony halls means that small or large congregations can be accommodated comfortably. There is plenty of free parking just a short, level walk from the ceremony halls. A separation of at least 90 minutes is guaranteed between services. This is done to avoid the sometimes rushed atmosphere at other crematoria. State-of-the-ar t audio-visual

HARBOUR VIEW Cremations are carried out in a stunning, purposebuilt crematorium, set in a peaceful rural location next to ancient woodland.

equipment is available in each ceremony hall, and catering and refreshments are available at the Purbeck Tea Room, part of the main Ceremony Hall, which has spectacular views of Poole Harbour and the Purbeck Hills. Harbour View also offers a beautiful woodland burial ground for the

scattering or burial of cremated remains. Mourners may also use the grounds for peaceful contemplation and reflection. Funerals at Harbour View can be arranged directly, without the need for a funeral director, and because everything needed for a funeral service is available on-site there is

The only crematorium in Poole, Purbeck and North Dorset BCP Council has announced that Poole Crematorium at Gravel Hill will be closed until at least September 2022, and currently has no plans to replace the defunct cremators. Harbour View is an ideal alternative.

no need for funeral vehicles or to move mourners between locations. Funerals at Harbour View can also be arranged exclusively through branches of Tapper Funeral Services. All-inclusive funeral packages are available from £2,795. For more information, visit www.harbourview. co.uk

A complete funeral service is available directly, without the need for a Funeral Director.

Funeral packages from

£2,795

A beautiful, peaceful location for funerals and memorial services Easily accessible from the A35 At least 90 minutes between funerals Air-conditioned ceremony halls Full funeral home facilities available on-site Ceremony halls suitable for small or large congregations Catering facilities available on-site for wakes

Available directly via Harbour View, or through any office of Tapper Funeral Service. * Correct at time of printing, March 2022

Call 01202 630111 or visit www.harbourview.co.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

Natural Matters

Chow now brown cow? By John Garner

I don’t eat meat. I’m a vegetarian. I am neither proud nor embarrassed about this. For extended periods of time I am pretty much a vegan, but can’t claim this as the predominant state of affairs. I can live with this realisation as I’m sure you all can live with your own eating habits. But it doesn’t seem that others can live with this realisation although it’s possible that things are changing. There was a time when you kept this information to yourself for fear of ridicule, but now that I’m saving the planet each and every day I feel very worthy and consider my diet akin to having a superpower. Of course, this is not true, but it might as well be for all the reactions I get when people find out I’m a vegetarian.

I’ve had lots of reactions over the years. I’ve been labelled a ‘hippy’, a ‘grass muncher‘ and when I worked at an agricultural college for a while the ‘enemy.’ I could not care a jot about any of these names or the others that have no doubt been muttered behind my back. Neither the acknowledgement of or the ignoring of them makes the slightest bit of difference to either my existence or the existence of the other. In my experience there is nothing I can do to convince the carnivores to stop eating meat and they certainly can’t convince me to take up eating animals and fish. Yep, that’s right, fish. Because fish don’t seem to count as an animal for most.

‘You eat fish though don’t you?’ I regularly hear. ‘No. I’m a vegetarian.’ ‘Yes... but fish. It’s different to a steak.’ And this is, of course irrefutable. A pollack is not a cow. At which precise point something becomes an animal seems to vary greatly amongst folk. Some can see why I wouldn’t eat the meat from a cuddly little lamb but don’t get it when it comes to a lobster for some reason. The most common refrain is ‘don’t you miss bacon?’ I do not. It is part of a pig and I am a vegetarian. The other day I had ‘What about prawns? They’re not really animals are they? I don’t really think of them as animals, do you?’ ‘Yes. I do. And I’m a vegetarian and so I don’t eat them.’ It’s a slog I can tell you. Sometimes I get ‘Why are you a vegetarian?‘ And sometimes the question seems to me to be tinged with aggression. I’ve given up explaining why and that includes here in this column. If I flippantly say to save the world I’m not really answering the question or telling the truth. I’ve taken to responding with a question of my own. ‘Why are you not a vegetarian?’ It doesn’t elicit much of a response but it does buy me some crucial seconds to make a run for it.

‘What if you were dying and had to eat meat to survive? What would you do then?’ ‘Sigh.’ By that I don’t mean I would sigh. I just can’t summon up the energy to answer that particular question. It would seem to have little to do with not eating meat as a choice and having to eat it to survive. You see things have changed drastically over the last few years. It’s gone from ‘Ah. Shame,’ and ‘Well done you,’ to being, for some an affront to their liberty. ‘I’ll eat and do what I want’ seems to be a more and more common mantra, although this could well be my own interpretation. I am not an evangelist although I probably should be when it comes to eating less meat. I have explained myself, often under duress, but do not try to convert people. People need to come to their own conclusions and I have no doubt that anything I say will have zero effect. You are grown-ups. Make your own decisions! If anything, trying to convince people to eat less meat only serves to embolden the digging-in mentality. So, don’t ask me if you should become a vegetarian? I’m not going to tell you. Make up your own mind. So once again. I am a vegetarian. I eat lots of vegetables and stuff like that. I don’t eat animals or fish. That’s it. Nothing really more to say. Saviour of the world signing off.

The Purbeck Gazette

SUTTLES IN PLANNING PROCESS TO CONTINUE QUARRYING Isle of Purbeck and Poole-based Suttles, Dorset's stone experts and specialist civil engineers, is working closely with Dorset Council in its planning process to continue quarrying in the Isle of Purbeck. The planning process has been ongoing since 2012, and Suttles hopes that the process will reach the next phase over the next few months.

H OW LOCA L QU ARRY ING BE NE F IT S T HE LOCA L A RE A It will keep carbon emissions lower.

If supplies had to be transported by a company much further away, this could increase the carbon footprint by thousands of tonnes of CO2e per year, and we would see more articulated lorries on our local roads. Minimising the impact on the environment is something Suttles is passionate about. Suttles has already invested heavily in solar energy and an electric fleet, saving almost 400 tCO2e since 2018. It also continues to invest in conserving the land when phases of quarrying finish, and works closely with a renowned ecologist on its habitat restoration projects.

QU A RRYI N G RE S ERVES

Suttles restoring an area of land that was previously quarried.

At capacity, Suttles' Swanworth Quarry supplies approximately 50% of Dorset's required crushed stone to the area, which is used as a sub-base for construction schemes, rock armour on sea defence works, gabions and decorative chippings. However, quarrying reserves are now low, so Suttles is looking forward to a decision on the planning application in the coming months.

It will keep local people In local jobs.

Currently Suttles employs a highly trained team of around 50 local staff, boosting the immediate economy. This would change if supplies were transported here from around the country.

It will keep prices lower.

By providing a local service, our crushed stone prices would be lower compared to importing products from around the country. With rising inflation, energy and transport costs, local builders and gardeners are already feeling the pinch. Keeping the quarry local will help to maintain the current level of pricing.

Read more here: A restored area of previous quarry with a deer roaming.

www.suttles.co.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

Parasols

Firepits

BBQs

Water Features

Heaters

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Open Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-4pm 01202 579571 enquiries@canfordmagna.com Canford Magna Garden Centre, 170 Magna Road, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AP

The Purbeck Gazette

Pots

Compost

Benches

Arbours

Arches

Paving

Aggregates

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN! With the largest range from Daro indoor cane furniture with more than 70 floor models on display, various colours and fabrics.

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WEEKLY DELIVERIES OVER 500 OLIVE TREES, VARIOUS SIZES FROM ITALY AND SPAIN Exotic Plants, Palms, Acers and Specimens!

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Open Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-4pm 01202 579571 enquiries@canfordmagna.com Canford Magna Garden Centre, 170 Magna Road, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AP

Mummies the word at home’s Egyptian Day

Colleagues at The Aldbury on the Egypt-themed day. Front - Care Duroe; back (from left) Dave Austin, Vanessa Howden-Smith, Nimpha Salmon in mummy outfit and Melissa Siat.

When a resident at a Parkstone dementia care home mentioned that she’d always wanted to see Egypt, the staff decided to bring the ancient civilisation to her. Team members at Colten Care’s The Aldbury donned Egyptianstyle robes edged in gold card with one, clinical lead Nimpha Salmon, even touring the home dressed as a mummy. The day was the culmination of a season of themed activities, including craft sessions focused on making and decorating bookmarks with characters from Egypt’s ancient writing system. Residents also learned how to write their names in hieroglyphics using papyrus paper, and went online for a virtual tour of the inside of the Giza pyramid and the British Museum’s collection of ancient Egyptian relics. The fun was led by companionship team leader Sue Miles, who has studied Egyptology and visited the country five times, including making a two-day road trip up and

‘Domino’ ring for sale for charity

In a scenario worthy of ‘Antiques Roadshow’, a Wareham-based antique jeweller was approached by a local charity which had been given a donation of an unusual ring and wanted to know if it was of any value. The striking diamond and onyx ‘domino’ dress ring in yellow gold was identified by Heirlooms of Wareham owner Amy Brenan as a superb example of Art Deco jewellery from the 1920s and valued it at £800. Amy said: “It’s a beautiful piece in excellent condition given its age. It’s got a playful element as it is based on a domino. The 1920s and 1930s were a popular time for gambling and gaming, and the contrast between black and white was very on trend then. Think Coco Chanel, The Great Gatsby and geometric designs.” As a qualified member of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors

The Purbeck Gazette

The Aldbury resident Ruth Taylor tries on an Egyptian head-dress.

The Aldbury resident Beryl Spalding (seated, second left) investigates hieroglyphics with (from left) companionship team members Cara Duroe and Melissa Siat.

down the banks of the Nile. “One of our residents, Pip Smith, told us about her fascination with Egypt and a wish to go there on her bucket list,” said Sue. “In response, we thought we would bring a little taste of Egypt to her and our other residents.”

Amy Brenan and (below) the black and white ‘domino’ ring.

and a member of the Society of Jewellery Historians, Amy has also been a valuer on TV’s Dickinson’s Real Deal. The domino ring takes c e n t re s t a g e w i t h i t s story in the window of Heirlooms for all to enjoy but it is for sale to raise funds for Julia’s House, a children’s hospice in Dorset and Wiltshire. The award-winning charity provides practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a lifelimiting or life-threatening condition, providing frequent and regular support in their own homes, in the community or at their hospices. Anyone interested in buying the ring should phone Amy or Jo on 01929 554207. All proceeds will go to Julia’s House - Heirlooms will not be taking a commission for selling the piece.

The Purbeck Gazette

Politics Parliament:The Ancient and the modern

Parliament can be a place of modernity and development using the latest technology, as when President Zelensky ‘Zoomed’ in to the Chamber of the House of Commons to deliver a speech in March. But it is also a place of tradition and ancient customs, as well as strange terms and phrases. In May Parliament will be Prorogued, which means the current session of Parliament comes to an end. Before that happens, a very traditional ceremony will be held in the House of Lords, with important people like the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Serjeant at Arms doffing their caps at each other. Once the official ceremony has been completed, Members of the House of Commons leave the Chamber, and return to their constituencies. A few days later the State Opening of Parliament is held.

Mid Dorset & North Poole MICHAEL TOMLINSON We don’t know yet whether the Queen will read the Queen’s Speech, or whether it will be a representative on her behalf - possibly the Prince of Wales, who accompanied her last year. One of my colleagues from the Whips’ Office will be required to go to Buckingham Palace before

the Queen arrives in Parliament. He will then be kept ‘hostage’ under guard, until the Queen returns safely back from Parliament. This tradition has been kept since the time of Charles 1, to ensure the monarch does not come to any harm while attending Parliament. Parliament will also be searched before she arrives – not only by expert sniffer dogs and police, but also ceremonially by Yeoman of the Guard who will search the cellars in case of a modern-day Guy Fawkes hiding below. The Queen’s Speech is read in the House of Lords – and there will be a limited number of Members of Parliament sitting in the gallery and the rest of us will be crowded in to stand in ‘at the bar’ of the Chamber. The speech is written by the Government and details the Bills we will be bringing forward in the coming year. Later that day, the MPs return to the House of

Commons where we will debate the Queen’s Speech. These debates usually last for several days and will be on a variety of issues which have been outlined in the speech. At the end of the debates, a vote on the speech and its contents will be held. Whereas Queen Victoria did not attend any State Openings after the death of Prince Albert, Queen Elizabeth has only missed two State Openings of Parliament, in 1959 and 1963 when she was pregnant. This is, of course, a very special year for the Queen, with her Jubilee celebrations coming up in June and I know that if at all possible she will want to give the speech this year. Please get in touch if you need help and support, including if you have family or friends fleeing Ukraine. I am continuing to have surgeries across the constituency. You can contact me via email at michael. tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk or call my office on 01202 624216.

plants are built. Along with backing more onshore wind, Labour would insulate 19 million homes in a decade to reduce our energy consumption. Real action, now, rather than an abdication of both responsibility and opportunity. Speaking of abdication of responsibility – what of the migration processing deal with Rwanda? Yes, we have a problem with asylum seekers and economic migrants crossing the Channel illegally and unsafely. Rather than work more closely with the French to police the beaches and clamp down on the dingy peddlers, we’ve decided to outsource the problem to Rwanda and the Royal Navy. This is the reality of British foreign policy today. Unable to co-operate with our closest neighbour. Openly

mocked by Russia. Devoid of any moral credibility. Is this any wonder when we are led by someone who, after having lied to parliament and eventually accepted that he broke the law, remains in office? The argument from Tory MPs that he cannot be removed because of the war in Ukraine is a ghastly misappropriation of that country’s suffering. Someone who obeys the law at home would have more authority in tackling breaches of international law. Britain changed prime minister during both world wars and four times during the Afghan war. Johnson is not doing a good job at home or abroad and war should not be used as a shameful excuse to leave him in office. I’m sure, however, we’ll see that excuse from our local MPs.

Onshore wind could ease energy issues

Are we ‘onshore wind supportive’, Dorset? Because if we are, there might be money off our electricity bills! How much? Not sure. Who gets the discount? Still working that out. How do you measure ‘support’? Erm… It’s this sort of well thought out, long term thinking that made it into the long awaited and long delayed Government energy strategy. We are suffering an electricity price crisis in the UK. Onshore wind is the quickest, cheapest way to bring additional generation onto the grid. It is not universally popular, so there is merit in the idea of incentivising local communities to accept it. Meanwhile, new nuclear plants take decades to build. It may take a decade alone to figure out

On behalf of Dorset Labour GREG WILLIAMS how to finance them. Whereas onshore wind turbines pay back the investment in six to seven years. We could put them up now, and take them down again once the nuclear

Children’s nursery wins ‘green’ Queen’s award Tops Day Nurseries, a nursery chain with 12 nurseries across Dorset, including in Wareham in Carey Road, has been honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development. Tops was set up in 1990, employs 750 people and operates 32 nurseries across the South Coast and was one of 226 organisations nationally to be recognised with

the award. Founder and managing director Cheryl Hadland is keen to challenge industry norms in tackling the huge range of disposable items and one-use plastics such as nappies, gloves and glitter normally used in the sector. She said: “Early years educators provide the foundations for today’s children to be able to

run the country tomorrow, and we believe an essential part of that is showing our empathy and respect for our environment and all people, animals and plants within it, showing the best example we can for our children to follow. “Words are not enough, all our decisions must embed sustainability and we must continue to learn ourselves. We

welcome this award to celebrate what we have achieved so far, but also to encourage us to continue our sustainability journey and to encourage more nurseries, parents, businesses and schools to join us in trying to safeguard our children’s future health and happiness.” The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious business awards in the country.

The Purbeck Gazette

Long-serving lawyer Hugh retires

One of Dorset’s longest serving solicitors has retired after a distinguished legal career spanning six decades. Hugh Craig stepped down after 57 years of service in the profession – including the last 11 years as a consultant solicitor in business services at Dorset law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors. He called it a day with the best wishes of colleagues from the firm’s six offices ringing in his ears, including the branch in Swanage’s High Street. Managing partner Nigel Smith said: “Hugh has been a tremendous credit to the legal profession over many decades. “It is unlikely that there are many solicitors with his depth of

experience and expertise who have accomplished so much during their professional careers. “It has been a privilege for all at Ellis Jones to work alongside Hugh for the past 11 years and be able to

draw upon his advice and guidance. “My sincere thanks go to Hugh on behalf of Ellis Jones for all he has done for the firm and its clients. “He will be sorely missed and our very best wishes go to him for a long and enjoyable retirement.” Hugh consistently received independent endorsement of his expertise in The Legal 500 guide. He was named as a Recommended Lawyer for Business Services in the 2022 edition where he was recognised for his work on equity investments and described as a ‘veteran transactional lawyer’. Hugh said: “I will be forever grateful for the opportunities and long career for which I have been given by the law and to Ellis Jones for enabling me to extend and finish

my career in such a progressive firm with so many positive and friendly colleagues.” Hugh read Law at the University of Cambridge’s Downing College and graduated in 1962. He joined a Liverpool firm, Laces, for his traineeship and qualified as a solicitor in 1965. Hugh moved to London in the mid1960s, joining Coward Chance, now Clifford Chance, where he stayed until 1970 when he joined Bates Wells. Over the next 35 years Hugh worked as a corporate lawyer, senior partner and head of the company commercial department of Bates Wells until he retired as a partner and became a consultant solicitor with Ellis Jones.

While the profiles of the missing cats vary, the common factor seems to be that they are un-neutered. To address this, the charity is offering its £5 neuter and microchip scheme to those claiming benefits or on low incomes. The cost can normally range from about £70 to £100. The missing cat trend is a pattern all

across Dorset which Cats Protection says is down to improving weather and the mating season. Females coming into season are searching for mates with males keenly seeking them out. The problem with this is two-fold many females will come back pregnant which means kittens often unwanted - and the males,

by travelling further to meet a lady friend, increase their risk of getting run over or lost. Cats Protection’s message is clear: “Don’t let your cat become another statistic, please get them neutered.” If you live in DT10, DT11, SP5, SP7, SP8 or BH21, call them on 01258 268695 for a voucher and details of participating vets.

Hugh Craig has spent 57 years in the legal profession, including the last 11 at Ellis Jones Solicitors.

Animal charity pushes cat neutering scheme

By Lorraine Gibson

After seeing a recent increase in missing cats and kittens, Blandford and Sturminster Newton Cats Protection is encouraging owners to have their pets neutered via a reduced-price voucher scheme to prevent them straying to find a mate.

ANNIVE

RSARY

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care Charity Registration No.1120193

THE

GREAT DORSET Jubilee TEA PARTY Taking part is easy, simply sign up to receive your FREE tea party pack and invite your friends, family and work colleagues to join your tea party and raise money for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care. Call 01202 708470 or email fundraisingteam@lewis-manning.org.uk

lewis-manning.org.uk

The Purbeck Gazette

New Events guide Here at Durlston we are so pleased to be at the start of our next events programme running from May 2022 to September 2022 and it’s certainly a busy one! With more than 90 events including exhibitions, family events, kid’s activities, workshops and more there’s so much for the whole family to get involved with. Here at the park it’s definitely getting busier as the weather is getting nicer and we’re approaching summer at a fast pace! Exhibitions in the Fine Foundation Gallery Starting the month off we have a brilliant exhibition curated by Julie Herring ‘Weaving wood and stone’, a beautiful display of artist’s bespoke and handcrafted 2D and 3D works. The exhibition celebrates form, texture and markmaking and the beauty of natural materials. It’s well worth the visit. In the Learning Centre from Saturday 14th until Sunday 29th May, Heather Gibbons will be making a return with another fantastic exhibition ‘Purbeck Places – Take another look’. Heather will be showcasing her paintings that feature the beautiful Purbeck landscape through colour, shape, line and texture. Make sure to drop in any time between 10:30am – 4:30pm to take a look. One exhibition that we are all very excited for is ‘The Uncanny Scenery of a Dream’: An art exhibition by Stanley Donwood. Radiohead illustrator Stanley Donwood collaborated with

Durlston Castle Picture: STEVEBELASCO.NET

Robert Macfarlane on a collection of Thomas Hardy’s poems and the results are beautiful. The exhibition will be running in the Fine Foundation Gallery from Tuesday 17th May until Tuesday 7th June, 10:30am – 5pm. Events There will be a host of events at Durlston in May. Our ever popular ‘Sea bird boat trips’ will

once again be running every Friday from 13th May until 1st July, giving people the opportunity to see the great variety of seabirds we have along the coast. We will also have a brand new ‘Anglo-Saxon Sunday’ where you can drop in and see ‘Seaxia’a local Anglo Saxon re-enactment group and witness combat demonstrations or try your hand at archery or timber working. There’s so much more to visit Durlston for this May so make sure to pick up your copy of the events guide today. Wildlife round up A wonderful time to visit, with the cliffs a hustle and bustle of seabird activity. In the Castle Visitor Centre you can see the Guillemots via the live cliff camera images, spot the large bright blue eggs being incubated. Take a stroll along the Clifftop Trail to hear, smell and see the Guillemots, as well as Razorbill, Shags and Fulmars. Flowers galore with yellow Cowslips and the delicate blue Pale Flax, also Early Spider, Early Purple, Green-winged and Southern Marsh Orchids all out in bloom. Adorning the cliffs are bands of pink Thrift, with Sea Campion and Common Mallow also in bloom along the rocky ledges. Lots of butterflies with Large Skipper, Wall Brown, Small Copper and the jewel-like Adonis Blue all to be discovered on a sunny day.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue GroundDog Day is back!

After a two-year break, we are delighted to share that our GroundDog Day event is returning to our Lincoln Farm Centre, Blandford DT11 9BP on Sunday, 29 May. Join us for a fantastic day out where there will be plenty of activities for you and your four-legged friends to get involved in.You will have the opportunity to take part in our dog show classes, including Best Rescue, Most Appealing Eyes and the Dog the Judge Would Most Like to Take Home. Rosettes will be awarded from first to fifth place and goodie bags will be presented to the

along for a fun-filled day! Gates open at 11am and the dog show classes will be starting from 11.30am. Entry is free but donations are welcome and will go winners! There will be a range of attractions for you to discover, including the ever-popular Flyball, Havea-go-Agility and Doggy Lucky Dip. It doesn’t stop there, as we will also have a tombola, a selection of delicious refreshments and stalls from wonderful local traders for you to enjoy. Make sure you pop the date in your diary and come

towards the care of our rescue animals. Please visit our website to find out more information - www. margaretgreenanimalrescue. org.uk

Gazette Gardening

The Purbeck Gazette

with Simon Goldsack

12 PERFECT PEONIES Peonies are a very popular and traditional garden plant. Over the years many wonderful new hybrids have been bred to entice gardeners with their beauty, colour and in many cases, sumptuous scent. Not cheap to purchase, but they will give you decades of pleasure, so you will get value for your money, many times over.

LOOKING FANTASTIC in late spring and early summer, from late April until June.

Brilliant in the border or as a long-lasting cut flower.

Water sparingly as over-watering is a common cause of failure on young plants and don’t plant too deep as this will discourage flowering.

Due to the large size of flowers a little support for the stems will help maintain a wonderful show.

Holme has selected and grown a dozen varieties in big 6 litre pots and these are available now. You will also be able to enjoy them in the garden borders at Holme. Enter our free prize draw to win a Peony worth £25 by emailing office@holmefg.co.uk . Mark the subject line Peony Competition.

The Purbeck Gazette

Sport Cricket club set for new season

From l to R Simon Manager of Swanage Co-Op store, Masie Junior Club Member, Paul and Ryan Professional LTA tennis coaches at the club and club members Rob and Susie.

Co-Op store serves up £8,000 for tennis club

Members of Swanage Tennis Club would like to thank the Co-Op, its customers and the residents of Purbeck who supported their latest fundraising cause for upgrading the Beach Gardens tennis facilities. The £8,000 funding provided to the club from the Co-Op far exceeded expectations and means the project to upgrade a third tennis court to a

good quality Astro-turf surface can now be completed later this year. Tennis club committee member Leonora Stephen said: “It has been great working with the Co-Op who are very supportive of the local community. The extra funding now enables us to work with the officers of Swanage Town Council to progress the project this year.”

Swanage Cricket Club is looking forward to welcoming back members of all ages from seven to 70 for outdoor training at their recently renovated/extended Days Park ground. The training sessions are: Wednesday - Under 6s 4.30-5.15pm, Under 13s 5.15-6.15pm; adult training commences at 6.15pm. Thursday - Under 11s 4.30-5.30pm, Under 15s 6.15-7.30pm. Friday - Under 7/8s 4.30-5.30pm, Under 9/10s 5.45-6.45pm. The Girls/Ladies training session is from 6.30-7.15pm on Thursday. This is in preparation for the new season, which starts on the weekend

of 7 May, for the club’s three adult Saturday teams and the Sunday side who play ‘host’ to a variety of friendly matches. The club would also like to thank the following local businesses: Ellis Jones Solicitors, Melody, Nixons, Pinks Electrical, Purbeck Plumbing & Heating Supplies, Swanage News and Teabreaks, as well as Mike and Tia Bonfield for all of their help/ support at a recent race night which raised more than £500. Anyone interested in playing for/sponsoring the club, should visit the club’s website - www. swanagecricketclub.co.uk

C h r i s t c h u r c h R u g b y C l u b ’s women’s team have shown their support for the local hospice by including the charity’s bright sunflower logo on their new kit. Club president David McDonald, who is also a trustee at the hospice, said: “I’m delighted our women’s team decided to make LewisManning Hospice Care their charity of the year for this season. Ongoing fundraising activities

will be taking place involving the whole Christchurch Rugby Club community.” Club captain Becky Lancaster said: “It seemed really fitting to mark our charity partnership by having the logo on our shirts and an excellent way to spread the word about the amazing work the charity does in the community, supporting patients and their loved ones with life-limiting illnesses.”

Rugby players support hospice

Swanage Bowls Club Free “Have-A-Go” Sessions Sunday 22nd and 29th May 2022 Either 10am - 12 noon or 2pm - 4 pm No need to pre-book. Just turn up! Come and try this wonderful outdoor game! Members will be on hand to assist. Bowls will be provided. Please wear trainers/flat shoes/no heels. Fresh Air Stay active Challenge yourself Make new friends Easy to learn, tricky to Master For more information contact: Barrie Tatman, Club Secretary 01929 421162 or see our website: www.swanagebowlingclub.org.uk See us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Swanagebowlsclub/ Entrances at Beach Gardens, Northbrook Road or Cauldon Ave, BH19 1PG

The Purbeck Gazette

Food Getting to the point in asparagus season by Lorraine Gibson According to British Asparagus, the ultimate spring green, dubbed the Usain Bolt of the veggie world, can grow 10cm in a single day and can improve your libido... It can also help cure hangovers, protect the liver against toxins, promote healthy bacteria in the large intestine and is rich in immunity-boosting vitamin C. Oh, and it cooks almost as quickly as it takes Bolt to burn up a track! Small wonder, then, that April 23, the official start of the season for the perky green spear, is cause for such celebration, especially with chefs, who prize its unfussy fabulousness. With this in mind, here are two super-simple recipes that let the star of the show, the asparagus, do the talking. Roasted British Asparagus with Chilli and Lime Butter Cooking time: 8 minutes Preparation time: 5 minutes Serves: 4

Ingredients 100g butter 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely diced 2 tbs fresh coriander, finely chopped ½ tsp cumin seeds, roughly ground juice ½ lime 2 bundles British asparagus Salt and pepper for seasoning 1 lime for garnish Method Bring the butter to room temperature then mix in the chilli, coriander, ground cumin and lime juice, add a good twist of black pepper then place onto a sheet of clingfilm. Roll into a sausage shape then chill in the fridge. Trim the ends of the asparagus and place on a roasting tray, drizzle with some oil, season and roast in an oven set at 200C/ 180C fan for 6-8 minutes. Place the asparagus spears onto serving plates and top with a slice of the butter, then serve with a wedge of lime.

Wareham band plays on...

Wareham Town Band has been playing at all kinds of events for a wide range of occasions since at least 1855. Two world wars did not stop it making music and Covid-19 has not stopped it either. Throughout the pandemic it has made music one way or another, and following a successful Christmas is practising at

Wareham URC every Thursday from 7.30pm. The band has a number of engagements booked for this year and hopes to see Prubeck Gazette readers at one or more of them. Check its Facebook page for details of engagements, vacancies and for enquires about booking it for events.

School Transport to Poole & Parkstone Grammar Schools From Swanage through Wareham and Lytche Matravers

Link Rider Coaches Please call 01929 477344 or email linkridercoaches@gmail to book your child on our September List

The Purbeck Gazette

Willing hands clean beaches Dorset residents have come

together to take part in local litter picking and beach cleaning activities, helping to spruce up streets, green spaces and beaches before the summer season. Litter Free Dorset – Land, Coast and Sea’s annual Great Dorset Beach Clean between 2-10 April saw 14 beach cleans between Lyme Regis and Christchurch, hosted by local organisations and community groups. More than 250 volunteers took part in the clean-ups, collecting 100 bags of rubbish, including fishing rope, cigarette butts and plastic bottles – plus slightly unusual objects including ‘wellie’ boots, balloons and oil drums. Alongside the Great Dorset Beach Clean, Keep Britain Tidy’s UKwide Great British Spring Clean and Great Big School Clean initiatives took place between 25 March-10 April. In Dorset, individuals,

Litter grabbers in hand, volunteers young and old cleaned the beach at Ferrybridge on a sunny day.

community groups, schools and local councils pledged to pick up as much litter as possible. Litter Free West Dorset and CUDS Clean Up Dorset Squad arranged a West Dorset litter pick over 1-2 April, supported by Litter Free Dorset and the Preventing Plastic Pollution project. This saw hundreds of residents grab litter pickers and get involved with tidying up their local areas. Teams were organised across the West Dorset area and it was estimated 150-plus bags of litter were cleared from West Dorset lanes, as well as significant quantities of larger items. Litter Free Dorset’s co-ordinator Sophie Colley said: “A big thank you to everyone involved in the

Ofsted rates college ‘good’

Bournemouth & Poole College’s latest Ofsted report has been published, revealing a rating of ‘Good’ across all aspects of its inspection. Ofsted highlighted a positive environment across all Bournemouth & Poole College’s campuses, stating that students enjoy their time studying, while producing work to high standards. The college was also praised for its strong relationships with local businesses, and high expectations for students with effective teaching, which is responded to positively. College chief executive and principal Phil Sayles said: “Bournemouth & Poole College has been given a phenomenal start to 2022 with this inspection, which endorses the technical education we deliver and the opportunities we provide. It states that students are taught and learn well in our mature and safe environment, enjoy their studies with us and progress into great careers or

onto university.” A strong ethos of mutual respect between staff and learners was acknowledged in the report, with this leading to a positive and calm atmosphere in well-structured lessons. The college’s apprenticeship work was also commended, providing a curriculum relevant to local and regional needs, such as expanding its courses to meet national skills shortages. Mr Sayles added: “The inspection result recognises the work we do with both local and national employers to deliver the skills training they need. It is fantastic to also receive feedback that states our apprenticeship provision is strong, delivering people into great, highly-valued careers, free of tuition fee debt.” Apprentices also benefit from learning in well-resourced environments and work well together, their conduct reflecting the professional behaviours expected in the workplace.

recent Great Dorset Beach Clean, West Dorset litter pick and Keep Britain Tidy events, plus regular beach clean and litter picking events. Everyone’s combined efforts to clean up our streets, greenspaces and coastline will not only improve how our local areas look and feel but help prevent new materials from entering our waterways and marine environment. All this, while removing materials and degrading plastics that may have been in the local environment and sea for many years.” Over time, plastics break up into lots of smaller pieces, harder to remove from the environment. Larger littered items can entrap and entangle marine life and on-land wildlife, and smaller pieces can be

easily ingested, also causing harm. Litter Free Dorset is calling on local residents and visitors to take their litter home or use the bin when out and about at the coast or in the countryside this summer. Anyone interested in getting involved with litter picking and beach cleaning activities near them should check out the Litter Free Dorset website for details of active community groups - https://www. litterfreedorset.co.uk/get-involved/ join-a-group-near-you/ To stay updated with Litter Free Dorset’s latest campaigns and projects, check out their social media pages: Facebook - @ LitterFreeDorset; Instagram - @litterfreedorset; Twitter - @ LitterFreeDorset

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The Purbeck Gazette

Charting the progress of safe navigation ‘Gaff rigged cutter, bearing 110, distance 0.8 nautical miles, heading north, three people visible, vessel called Jolie Brise’ If you asked me what watchkeepers actually do, I could sum it up in four words; spot, plot, record and respond. We keep a visual watch along our stretch of coast, locate and record vessels passing by and respond to any incidents we see happening. The sentence at the beginning of the article is what the spotting watchkeeper would pass on to the recording watchkeeper and provides the information we need for our logbooks. In this case, it was followed by ‘what a lovely vessel’. Jolie Brise, pictured right, is a classic pilot cutter and would not look out of place in an episode of Poldark. Built in 1913, she has won the Fastnet Race three times and was the last sailing vessel to carry Royal Mail. We work out the bearing using a piece of equipment called a pelorus or an azimuth ring, inset. These are simply a fixed compass rose with a kind of sighting device attached to it. The azimuth ring is usually attached to binoculars or a telescope, while the pelorus has a simple sighting bar attached to it. Distances are generally estimated but we use known landmarks to help us. There’s often an element of competition to see how close we get to the actual distance if the vessel appears on our Automatic

Identification System. AIS is a short-range coastal tracking system which provides identification and positioning information and was primarily designed as a safety mechanism to help avoid collisions. Nowadays, vessels tend to have electronic mapping systems on board, but most mariners still rely on paper charts as a backup. Despite being simply maps of the sea, nautical charts seem to hold a fascination for many mariners, way beyond their functional purpose. Perhaps it’s because we associate them with treasure maps, with X marking the spot, from reading books like Treasure Island. Or it may be because we have images of the early seafaring charts where there are fantastical sea creatures drawn around the edges. The modern charts we use nowadays are produced by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, based in Taunton. Although the UKHO provides its services to all mariners, it’s part of the Ministry of Defence and can trace its history back to the late 1700s. In 1795, the first Admiralty Hydrographer, Alexander Dalrymple, was appointed on the order of King George III. Working with one assistant and a draughtsman, Dalrymple was charged with organising and cataloguing all the existing charts and information to make it available to His Majesty’s ships. The first chart that Dalrymple actually published was produced in

1800, and, interestingly, wasn’t of British waters. It was of Quiberon Bay in Brittany. It wasn’t until 1821 that the Admiralty charts were made available to merchant sailors. Charts were drawn up from surveys carried out by naval vessels as part of their voyages and it wasn’t until the late 1850s that the whole of the British Isles was surveyed. The latter half of the 19th century saw several major expeditions to survey areas of the world that British ships frequented. The captains and surveyors on these ships have often gone down in history for their scientific discoveries. Darwin’s voyages on HMS Beagle led to the development of the theory of evolution, while Beaufort and Fitzroy have given their names to the wind strength scale and a shipping forecast area respectively. These early charts used simple equipment such as a weighted line to

measure depths and type of seabed and as such were only as accurate as the number of measurements taken. It wasn’t until the development of echo sounding in the 1920s that we began to produce relatively accurate maps the seabed. Even with modern technology such as multibeam sonar, much of the ocean has only been surveyed to a rudimentary level. It’s often said that we know more about the surface of the moon than we do about the depths of the ocean. Nowadays charts can be updated at the push of a button and an important service the UKHO provides are the ‘Notices to Mariners’. These are produced weekly and contain important navigational information such as chart updates, changes in buoyage, prior warning of activities such as dredging, exclusion zones, harbour closures and bylaws, etc. The first weekend in May sees the early spring bank holiday and both our stations will be offering refreshments to visitors. St Alban’s Head will be offering tea and cakes from ‘the hatch’ from Friday 29th April through to Monday 2nd May, while Swanage will be offering tea and cakes from the visitors’ room on the 1st and 2nd May. These weekends provide us with much-needed revenue to keep our important work going, so please support us if you can. This Is St Alban’s Head NCI And Swanage NCI listening on channel 65, NCI out.

The Purbeck Gazette

Motoring

Top tips to stay safe as fuel thefts spiral

Used car buying service ChooseMyCar is warning drivers to be mindful of fuel theft, as the level of the crime is set to significantly rise due to soaring fuel prices. Theft of petrol and diesel from vehicles is a crime which costs UK drivers millions of pounds every year. In 2018, an enormous £1.1 million worth of fuel was stolen from London alone. “Worryingly, only one per cent of these thefts were prosecuted, meaning it’s almost an unpunishable crime. ChooseMyCar.com founder Nick Zapolski, has compiled a list of top tips to keep drivers safe as the rate of fuel theft rises. He said: “The price of fuel is now so high that no one can afford to lose any through theft. Sadly, it’s extremely likely that the UK will see a sharp increase in this crime as fuel prices continue to go through the roof. “The good news is that there are some steps you can take to protect yourself and

your vehicle from fuel theft. We’re urging drivers to take steps to not become a victim - by taking small steps you could prevent yourself from becoming a target.” 1 Secure the area where your car is parked. If you have a garage to park in overnight you should be safe. But for those of us who don’t have that luxury, consider how to secure the area in which your vehicle is parked. If possible, park in well-lit areas where criminals would not be able to go unnoticed. If that’s not possible, consider installing security lighting or motion sensors. 2 Practice defensive parking . It sounds counterintuitive to those of us who care about our paintwork, but parking close to other vehicles limits a criminal’s ability to syphon off your fuel. Where it’s safe, park close to a wall or another vehicle for the best chance to avoid fuel theft. At the very least, make sure your fuel cap side is parked on the side of the road as opposed to the pavement.

ST MICHAELS GARAGE THE PURBECK FORD CENTRE

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3 Fit a lockable filler cap. Although some thieves may get around this, having a lockable filler cap is a quick way to deter fuel theft. Just make sure you keep it locked! 4 Install some sort of alarm system. This could be a fullscale car alarm, a fuel level or alarm, or something as simple as laying gravel where you usually park at home. Noise deterrents are particularly effective as syphoning off fuel takes time, unlike a theft from inside a vehicle or even the theft of the vehicle itself.

5 Think about installing CCTV. New systems such as Nest make this surprisingly easy - practically and on the pocket. Camera systems are essential to prevent crime and to catch criminals - so it’s worth doing not just for fuel theft but for wider vehicle and property crime. 6 Consider whether you need to take that trip in your car. If it’s just a short trip or one you could take on public transport, consider whether you need to take your car at all. If your car is safe at home, do what you can to leave it there.

The Purbeck Gazette

Business Matters The fast-moving world of employment law The fast-moving world of employment law can be difficult for many employers to keep pace with. BattensHR is a bespoke service developed by Battens Solicitors to meet those challenges. Legal experts HR plus law We are experts in our field, and advise on general HR matters including performance management, grievance and disciplinary processes and dismissal. We also deal with discrimination and whistleblowing, contract changes and TUPE. We keep updated changes in complex legislation and case law and, by virtue of our qualifications and experience, we are perfectly equipped to condense this into straightforward, practical advice for our clients. As we regularly present cases at Employment Tribunals, we know what Judges consider in making decisions and how our recommended course of action could be perceived. Cost effective solution BattensHR gives you unlimited day-to-day advice on HR and employment law matters all for a fixed annual fee. You can also add insurance to cover both the cost and compensation in the event of a claim against your business. BattensHR means never having to worry about the costs of obtaining employment advice and having the advice and support on hand, allowing you to concentrate on running your business. Privileged advice Whenever you receive advice from a solicitor, that advice is protected by Legal Professional Privilege. This isn’t the case when you consult an HR adviser. Likewise, any communication between you and your solicitor in preparation for anticipated or actual litigation is protected by Litigation Privilege. Correspondence between you and your HR adviser is disclosable as part of legal proceedings and all

by Dawn Gallie, Head of Battens Employment team

HR advice is disclosable as part of a Subject Access Request (with some exemptions) so there is a risk that your communications will end up being scrutinised by a Judge, and in the public domain. Bespoke documents As part of Battens HR we provide all your documents from initial employment contracts through to disciplinary and dismissal letters. We provide tailored, accurate and carefully drafted documents which fit your business needs and comply with the latest legal requirements. Continuity of advice We are a dedicated specialist team who provide continuity of service from initial contact, with day-today advice through to litigation, including undertaking advocacy at Employment Tribunal. We are often able to prevent issues reaching Tribunal by resolving them early on and, where appropriate, assisting you in negotiating a settlement. This continuity means we won’t need time to get up to speed on a matter and we can be confident that the correct processes have been followed. Commercial approach We tailor our advice to our clients’ business, rather than having a one size fits all approach. Part of that is building a relationship with you, knowing your business and its resources. We will advise on what settlement is reasonable and what sort of award an employee might achieve at Tribunal, so you can weigh up costs, risks and management time. For more information about BattensHR contact Dawn Gallie, email dawn.gallie@battens.co.uk or call 01935 846272.

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Economic update After a strong rally in the final quarter of 2021, financial markets across the globe have slumped in the first three months of the new year. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has compounded the initial declines led by inflation and interest rate worries as investors battle a raft of newsflow leading to declining sentiment across most major asset classes. With inflation across the western world persistently higher than many expected, central bankers have adopted the approach of raising interest rates to combat rising prices. Both the Bank of England and Federal Reserve in the US have raised interest rates since the start of the year, with the former twice hiking to 0.75 per cent and the latter following a similar path, raising once to 0.5 per cent. These rises, plus likely further rises, have all been implemented due to rising inflation. This in turn has caused increased volatility in bond markets, which typically react unfavourably to indications of higher interest rates as the coupon on older bonds are now lower than those of new bonds being offered in the market. More recently, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has taken centre stage in global news coverage with its devastating human toll. The economic impact has also produced ripple effects across the world, especially in commodity markets. While few global companies count Russia as their largest geographical sales areas, many rely on commodities and natural resources to do business and have

suffered with the surging costs and supply chain disruptions the conflict has embedded.The prices of wheat and oil, of which Russia is a key global exporter, have risen 79.6 per cent and 73.8 per cent respectively over the past year, pushing inflation even higher. Such inflationary pressures across the globe have been ever present in the UK, causing a cost-of-living squeeze among households as they battle higher energy bills and more expensive supermarket shops. In response, the Chancellor announced measures in his Spring Statement to combat rising costs, including a fuel duty cut of 5p a litre, an increase in the income threshold for people to start paying National Insurance and a cut in the rate of basic income tax from 20 per cent to 19 per cent from 2024 onwards. However, thanks to the high level of borrowing and subsequent spending during the Covid-19 pandemic, higher taxes have also been implemented to balance the budget and include a 1.25 percentage point increase in National Insurance which comes into effect in April. The outlook for markets, at least in the short-medium term, is therefore one of negative sentiment as consumers and businesses navigate higher inflation, interest rates and conflict. While some sectors have fallen in value, defensive areas such as gold have held up well. Diversification in investment portfolios will, therefore, help to weather the storm. Until next month, take care and stay safe.

Kate Spurling, Investment Manager, Redmayne Bentley, Tel: 01202 714 450 kate.spurling@redmayne. co.uk 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

The Purbeck Gazette

Business Matters Bright start for Rise & Shine business club It was the dawn of a new era with the first meeting of a breakfast club for young professionals in the Dorset business world. Legal eagles from regional law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors became early birds when they hosted the inaugural Rise & Shine event. Jimmy’s Iced Coffee co-founder Jim Cregan was the guest speaker at the get-together. Senior associate solicitor Henrietta Frew, who organises Rise & Shine with associate solicitor Maria Evans and solicitor Rebecca Bennett, said: “It was a great start for the new breakfast club. “There was a tremendous buzz in the room with young professionals and rising stars of the local business world from many different types of businesses chatting away and networking. “Jim shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey and proved to be an inspirational speaker to get Rise & Shine off to a flying start.” Rise & Shine aims to help young professionals and those climbing the career ladder to connect with like-minded individuals, develop working relationships and build a network of contacts. Jim said: “It was great to speak at the first Rise & Shine event and meet lots of enthusiastic and

Speaker Jim Cregan from Jimmy’s Iced Coffee, centre, at the new Rise & Shine breakfast club with organisers from Ellis Jones Solicitors

talented people starting out in business. “There was a wonderfully positive vibe with everyone keen to get to know each-other and see how they can help one another in the future. A fantastic way to start the day.” Rise & Shine was held at Flamingo café in Winton, Bournemouth.

The next meeting is on Thursday, May 26, at 7.45am. The focus will be on ‘Stress Management and Wellbeing’ with a guest speaker from Dorset Mind. Follow Ellis Jones on LinkedIn to find out more and hear about future events or email events@ ellisjones.co.uk.

Check your Income Tax for the current year HMRC offers taxpayers the ability to check their Income Tax for the current tax year. The online portal has been updated for the new 2022-23 tax year from 6 April 2022 to 5 April 2023. The service is not available to taxpayers who only pay Income Tax using Self-Assessment. The service can be used to: • • • • • •

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In order to use this service, taxpayers must prove their identity using a Government Gateway user ID. If you have not used this service before, you can register online. Kevin Lyons FCCA

The Purbeck Gazette

Business Matters

Dorset records successful year for business growth

Latest figures show that Dorset achieved a successful year for business growth during 2021 – despite the continuing economic challenges resulting from the pandemic. During the year 7,584 new businesses were registered in the county, compared to 7,253 during 2020, an increase of 4.6 per cent. This brings the total number of registered companies in Dorset to 56,465, up from 54,841 the end of 2020, which equates to 3 per cent growth. The statistics come from the Inform Direct Review of Company Formations using data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics. Bournemouth formed the highest number of new businesses (2,166), followed by Purbeck (1,739) and Poole (1,473). John Korchak, operations director at Inform Direct, said: “It is excellent news to see that Dorset has achieved

a successful year for business growth despite the continuing challenges of the pandemic. “The retail sector saw the largest number of new companies (1,855) which may be the result of pentup demand after the lockdowns of 2020 and early 2021. With widespread restrictions on travel and entertainment, people may have looked to spend their income in different ways. This was followed by construction with 774 new incorporations. “Recording an increase in new formations as well as the total number of companies within the county demonstrates an active economy, with entrepreneurs motivated to invest in new businesses which meet current and emerging demands for goods or services. The overall picture for the UK as a whole is also an optimistic one with the total number of companies now exceeding five million for the very first time.” The UK saw 771,617 new businesses

formed, compared to 780,760 in 2020. The overall number of UK companies totalled 5,005,147, a 3.5 per cent increase on the total of 4,837,426 at the end of 2020. This continues a ten-year trend which shows the number of businesses in the UK doubling in that period. While company formations grew, the number of dissolutions across the UK – 606,912 during 2021 – hit a record high. Reasons for this may be that new enterprises set up early in the pandemic may no longer be operating as people have returned to full-time employment or businesses thriving pre-Covid-19 have suffered as behavioural and spending patterns have changed. To see a more detailed picture of company formations in Dorset – including a full local breakdown, visit https://www.informdirect. co.uk/company-formations-2021/ dorset/ To see the report in full visit https:// www.informdirect.co.uk/companyformations-2021/

Lizard project in running

A project to encourage sand lizard breeding at Hanson’s Masters sand quarry, near Wareham, has been selected as one of just six schemes in the UK to participate in the fifth round of global biodiversity competition, the Quarry Life Award. The competition is run every three years by Hanson’s parent company HeidelbergCement to raise the understanding of the biodiversity value of quarrying sites during and after extraction and share new best practices. To find out more visit the Quarry L i f e Aw a r d w e b s i t e w w w. quarrylifeaward.co.uk

Birthday bash

This month marks the fifth anniversary of the Purbeck Business and Community Group. Members will be able to raise a glass and network with one another to celebrate the occasion. Everyone is welcome at the bar at the Mowlem Theatre, Swanage, on Thursday, April 28, at 7pm.

The Purbeck Gazette

Money, Money, Money! Why you should leave a digital legacy

Advances in mobile phone technology have seen us progress from ‘just a telephone’ resembling ‘a small brick’ into the sleek multi- purpose devices that many of us now use. There really is an app for everything, easily downloadable, straight onto your phone. All this data remains locked safely within the phone through a combination of passwords, unique thumbprints and other security measures. However, such protection can mean that without careful forward planning, a sudden unexpected death of a family member could lead to their mobile phone blocking access to their personal or professional material. Under the iCloud Terms of Service, the deceased person’s data would effectively die with them. Apple is now attempting to simplify this problem for users of iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and other such devices. In its recent iOS update (15.2), it has introduced its new Digital Legacy program.

Trying to access the important data locked into the phone of a deceased relative can be a logistical nightmare. But now Apple has launched a new Digital Legacy program to overcome this problem. Associate solicitor NATALIE MASON reports.

Digital Legacy allows the individual to select and send a message via their phone to a maximum of five people requesting that they become legacy contacts. They are most likely to be family members or friends but could also perhaps be trusted professionals like solicitors or accountants who may have been appointed as executors to act in their will. When the legacy contact is notified, the message shares a unique access key with them, and this is then automatically

stored in their Apple ID settings. Additionally, Apple still requires proof of death via a death certificate, meaning that no-one can attempt to access the data while the individual is still alive. It would be prudent to check with your legacy contact that they are happy to have this responsibility before sending the message and if they do not own an Apple device themselves, or perhaps it is too old to update to iOS 15.2, you can instead print a copy of the access key for them, or alternatively leave such information with your will. After you have died, your chosen legacy contacts

Natalie Mason of Battens.

would be able to access your Apple account data from the phone in a simplified and organised manner, rather than a timely, expensive and likely unsuccessful legal battle with Apple, which would fight to protect its customer’s privacy. At Battens, we would suggest that when you prepare new wills or update existing ones, careful consideration is given to your digital data and suitable precautions put in place to assist loved ones after death. For more information contact Natalie Mason at natalie. mason@battens.co.uk or on 01929 500323.

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The Purbeck Gazette

Health & Beauty Your Health Matters

Dorset HealthCare’s monthly roundup Dedicated mental health support for Falklands War veterans To mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, we are reminding veterans and their families that help and support remains just a phone call away. The South West Veterans’ Mental Health High Intensity Service (HIS) is geared to people who have served in the Armed Forces, and offers specialist care to anyone still dealing with the impacts of conflicts like the one in the South Atlantic in 1982. The war began when Argentine forces invaded the Falkland Islands on 2 April, leading to the UK to dispatch a military taskforce of almost 26,000 personnel to liberate the islanders. Following several weeks of intense fighting, Argentine forces surrendered on 14 June. A total

of 255 British personnel lost their lives in the conflict, with many more wounded. We recognise the time during the anniversary of the Falkland Islands conflict will be hard for many who served, as well as their families. We want to assure you that expert help is available from our High Intensity Service. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, we are here to help. The service is here to support veterans, provide stability and help them to access other services, as well as provide support to their family and loved ones. The South West Veterans’ Mental Health High Intensity Service (HIS) can be contacted by calling NHS 111 or speaking to your GP.

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Anyone set to leave the armed forces, who has just left or who finished serving years ago can access help. They will speak to people who understand military life, who are either from the armed

forces community or are highly experienced in working with serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families. These staff will ensure the right type of specialist care, support and treatment is provided.

Covid jabs available for young Dorset folk aged from five upwards can now access Covid-19 jabs as the county’s vaccination programme continues into spring. Following the launch of spring boosters for the most at-risk people in our communities, a first dose is now also available for all five to 11-year-olds with a second dose recommended several weeks

later. Parents can book an appointment for their youngsters via the NHS National Booking System at nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus -covid-19/coronavirusvaccination/book-coronavirusvaccination/ or call 119. Some GP services offering jabs have their own booking system.

The Purbeck Gazette

Health & Beauty

Ella Houlton with her neighbour’s beloved golden retriever

Funding a caring canine to help Ella’s struggle

by Lorraine Gibson In a desperate bid to enable their teenage daughter to live some semblance of a normal and fulfilled life, a Dorset family is trying to raise funds to buy an assistance dog. While her peers are seeing their pals, studying for GCSEs and doing all the other things that most 15-yearolds do, Ella Houlton can only dream about them. Ella from Poole is autistic, and has ADHD. She was born with the conditions, however it wasn’t until she was eight that she started noticeably struggling with them. Life has become increasingly challenging for her and her family as her situation has evolved and worsened, with a recent diagnosis of Tourette’s being the latest blow. Her dad, Steven says: “What’s particularly tough is Ella has always struggled to leave the house to go out, particularly to school, because of her autism. “But since her Tourette’s, she is pretty much house-bound. “She finds it very difficult being around other people as her tics means she swears and says rude words to strangers.” He adds: “Her tics also make her run into roads, sit in puddles and fall to her knees or on her back, so when she does go out she needs a wheelchair. “Her quality of life has massively deteriorated. She is unable to be a teenager.” Steven adds: “Unfortunately she is now unable to attend school at all so Wendy (Ella’s mum) has had to quit work to care for her. “She is being offered home tuition, which at the moment she isn’t

engaging with and she’s in a specialprovision school which can no longer meet her needs due to her declining mental health.” The family’s hopes now lie in finding Ella a specially-trained fourlegged companion. “I did some internet research,” says Steven, “and found information on assistance dogs and what amazing support they can offer.” Unfortunately, he and Wendy also discovered that the wait time to get one via a charity is two to four years, by which time Ella would no longer be eligible age-wise. Immediate action was needed. “We decided to do a ‘go fund me’ to help us go down the owner training route,” he says. “The price for the dog and the training is very expensive but it’s the only route that we feel is now available for Ella. “The dogs do tasks like deeppressure therapy, know when a tic attack will happen before it happens and up to 30 other useful things. “With Ella’s love of dogs we feel a trained dog could improve the quality of life for her and for us as a family. “We’ve been borrowing a family’s golden retriever dog for the last few weeks and have noticed a massive, positive change.” Ella has a sister who’s 13 but the family struggles to do anything as a group . “We’d love to be able to go out all together and for my wife and I to be able to go out but Ella won’t be left with anybody or on her own.” If you’d like to contribute, visit gofund.me/faf80f07.

Brewer backs Teddy Rocks Dorset brewer Hall & Woodhouse is continuing its support for Blandford’s Teddy Rocks Festival by becoming its headline partner, as the event returns for 2022. The three-day music festival, organised by the Teddy20 charity, is at Charisworth Farm from 29 April–1 May, with an established line-up of renowned musicians such as Eagles of Death Metal, The Fratellis, Newton Faulkner and more. Hall & Woodhouse will be giving £35,000 to Teddy Rocks. In addition, it will provide the full infrastructure and operation of multiple bars, on behalf of the festival, with all bar profits contributing towards Teddy Rocks, making as much money as possible for charity. The brewer was last able to partner with Teddy Rocks to operate the Badger Bars in 2019 and that year the bars contributed £45,000 to the festival from profits made. It is anticipated that more than 50 members of the Hall & Woodhouse team and family will volunteer their time over the festival weekend, in a variety of roles, to help raise money

for the charity. Teddy Rocks organiser Tom Newton said: “We can’t thank Hall & Woodhouse enough for bringing so much enthusiasm and endless support to the festival and charity. They have helped us raise lifechanging amounts of money for Teddy20 and none of us could have ever imagined what Teddy Rocks would grow to be when we first started. We’re endlessly grateful.” Teddy20 is a Blandford-based charity which provides emotional and financial support to children and young people with cancer. The charity was founded by Tom Newton and his family in memory of his brother Ted, aged ten, who died from Ewings Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Hall & Woodhouse has officially partnered with the festival since 2019, operating the Badger Bars across the festival site, but its support dates back to the first-ever Teddy Rocks event. This took place at Hall & Woodhouse’s Business Partner pub, The Greyhound. To find out more about Teddy Rocks, visit www.teddyrocks.co.uk

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Arts & Entertainment

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Improv the name of the game for all-star troupe THEY were last on a stage together in 2019 but nothing is going to prevent the on-the-spot and offthe-cuff comedy antics of Paul Merton’s Impro Chums as they head for Dorset. The ad-libbing troupe – made up of Mike McShane, Suki Webster, Richard Vranch, Kirsty Newton, and, of course, Paul Merton is back with another selection of games spurred on by those all-important audience suggestions. They spoke to us as they head to Lighthouse, Poole, on Tuesday, June 14. So, is it likely Covid will be mentioned during a game or will you avoid it like the plague? Paul Merton: My own view is that people would want to get away from it. Not every comedy show has to hold up a magnifying glass to society and be about how we live today. The whole idea of entertainment, for me, is to take you somewhere else, not to remind you of where you are. Suki Webster: I think the particular form of comedy we do is about us having fun and being silly – it doesn’t lend itself to satire or in-depth discussion on difficult subjects because you have four or five minds on stage all weaving in and out.The depth of it is in the joy and connection with each other and the audience. And we’re all going to be so giddy with excitement at

being back together that I can’t see it being a focus. What have you missed about the touring life? Richard Vranch: The thing I’ve missed is laughter. I’ve been watching a load of telly and there has been wonderful stuff produced by an arts industry that has been having a hard time. But I’ve really missed laughing with mates on the bus on the way to the gig and on stage during the gig. Mike McShane: The last tour was exemplary for us as a group – it felt like a Marx Brothers show in the best way possible. We now had music from Kirsty and it was all very nice. Getting on the bus, checking in on each other, hanging out, acting like idiots. And doing the show is fantastic and everything you hope for. Those 2019 shows marked Kirsty’s first Impro Chums tour of duty. What was your over-riding memory of the experience? Kirsty Newton: I felt as though I’d been let into the coolest,‘funnest’ club ever and we had such a wonderful time. My over-riding sense of it is that it’s probably the best job in the world – just consistent fun and loveliness all the way.” Without a script to learn, the notion of rehearsal is clearly very different for you as a group. But how do you get the comedy muscle

Paul Merton: ‘We’ll throw a ball around to be in each other’s orbit.

moving before a show? PM: The most important thing is to be together beforehand. So we’ll throw a ball around to be in each other’s orbit and to just tune in to each other. KN:And we do a vocal warm-up to make sure the pipes are working and we don’t start off croaky. Finally, how important is the audience in making an Impro Chums show the best it can be? SW: We’ve really missed the

Swimmers in jubilee shows

The stories of the diverse and increasing number of women who swim in Swanage Bay all year round will be told in SW!M being staged at the Mowlem Theatre in the town to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The theatre, in collaboration with performing arts company Diverse City, is staging two free performance events in ‘Swim Stories’ on Tuesday, June 21. ‘In Our Own Words’, based o n c o nve r s a t i o n s re c o rd e d and performed live by regular swimmers, is in the theatre at 6pm. ‘ I n O u r O w n Wo r d s ’ , a choreographed story-telling swim performance in Swanage Bay, will follow at 7pm with the audience free to spectate from the ocean-

facing bar or on the beach before finally joining performers in the water if they wish. A specially commissioned, permanent photographic image of Swanage Swimmers will also be unveiled in the theatre foyer. Swanage Library and Swanage Museum will participate with photography exhibitions from the past and present, and a specially installed ‘listening post’ in the library where visitors can listen to the Swim Stories in the months following the event. The Mowlem Theatre and Diverse City received £9,995 from the Arts Council’s Let’s Create Jubilee Fund and Dorset Community Foundation to help the local community celebrate the jubilee.

Deborah Paige, joint chairman of The Mowlem Institute Charity and director of SW!M said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded nearly £10,000 to support a local creative event celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We are equally delighted to be working with the incredibly talented team at Diverse City.” C l a i re H o d g s o n , c o - a r t i s t i c director at Diverse City, said: “By telling these stories to the wider community, we believe we will inspire people to understand more about each others’ lives, encourage inter-generational links, create positive role models for younger people and inspire more people to take up swimming regardless of background.”

connection with an audience. If you’re doing a play or stand-up there’s a bit of us and them, but with our show it’s about everybody, because their energy and their suggestions build it in a way that no other show can have. Everything is happening in the moment and what they’re doing is absolutely crucial. When it goes right that means everyone is involved and having a good time. It’s like a big party! For more information visit www. lighthousepoole.co.uk

Literary festival Purbeck and Dorset literature lovers take note – Sturminster Newton Literary Festival is running from June 6-18. The line-up is being finalised but will include a mix of live talks, online speakers and writing workshops. The first week will feature contemporary writers with the second week focussing on three writers associated with Sturminster Newton.The June 18 event is Victorian-themed. More details can be found at www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../ sturminster-newton

The Purbeck Gazette

Arts & Entertainment

Oti’s stepping to it on tour

FANS of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and all things ballroom are in for a treat. World class dancer Oti Mabuse may have bowed out of the popular television show after seven years as a professional dance partner but now you can see her live on stage in Dorset. Oti brings her first ever UK tour, ‘I Am Here’, to Lighthouse, Poole, on Thursday, May 26. ‘I Am Here’ – the title is a direct translation of Oti’s name in the language Setswana, spoken in South Africa – is a whirlwind celebration of the influences and inspirations that took her on a journey from growing up there to following her dream. From mesmerising Jives and pumping Sambas to traditional South African dances, this is an explosive night of dance and music that will set hearts racing. She is joined by some of the world’s

Oti Mabuse is coming to the Lighthouse, Poole.

greatest dancers and the West End’s finest singers and musicians for what promises to be a night of

electrifying choreography. Oti said:“It’s like a dream come true to be announcing my first ever tour. Performing on stage is something I feel so passionately about, and I can’t wait to get out on the road and share my story with you all.” Eight-time South African Latin American Champion, Oti is regarded as one of the most successful dancers in the world, regularly choreographing critically acclaimed musicals and is now a sought after presenter and judge on UK television. This year as well as being the new judge on ITV’s Dancing on Ice, she is also the host for new primetime ITV dating show Romeo and Duet. Recently, skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean teamed up with choreographer and fellow Dancing on Ice judge Oti in a television exclusive, which saw the pair stage a unique one-off performance. Expertly adapted from ‘I Am Here’, Oti showcased

h e r e x q u i s i t e ly e x h i l a r a t i n g routine choreographed by Torvill and Dean as the skating professionals joined Oti in an elaborate fusion of ice and dance. O t i a n n o u n c e d i n Fe b r u a r y on Instagram that she was leaving ‘Strictly’, saying: “Never easy to say goodbye. I have been part of the most amazing TV show, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ for the past seven years and it has been an incredible time.” She was crowned ‘Strictly’ winner in 2019 with the actor Kelvin Fletcher and in 2020 with the comedian Bill Bailey. Her new BBC radio show, ‘Oti M a b u s e ’s D a n c i n g L e g e n d s ’ , explores the people who have changed the course of dance, including Fred Astaire and Raven Wilkinson. Tickets and information on 0 1 2 0 2 2 8 0 0 0 0 a n d a t w w w. lighthousepoole.co.uk

Saturday night is Music Night with The Spinoffs

The next music night at Harmans Cross village hall features five-piece band The Spinoffs, who will be performing music from The Beatles through to Elbow, with a lot more in between. The Spinoffs, who are based in the Southampton area, are led by keyboard player and guitarist Brian Price who has been associated with music all his life. Brian and his wife Chris appeared on the television show ‘New Faces’ and performed professionally as a duo for many years. Chris will also be performing with him on stage. Brian is no stranger to Purbeck after performing previously at the village hall with another band, along with fellow band member Darren Henly, They both also played for the Swanage Railway’s – Music Train in a band called Driftwood, a gig they very much enjoyed. Brian said: “It was certainly different to

To u r s o f t h e R o m a n Townhouse in Dorchester, discovered in the 1930s and one of the best examples of its kind in England, have re-started for summer. Dorset Museum has partnered with Dorset Council following extensive refurbishment of the Roman Townhouse and grounds to offer the tours. The museum’s trained guides take visitors through a brief history of

performing on a stage”! Brian also writes his own songs and music, and he will be performing one or two of his own compositions during the evening. The other members of the line-up are Dave Jones on bass and Danny Hobbs on drums. Joining the band on stage for a ‘guest spot’ are local singer Suzanne Bunyar from Swanage. Suzanne is no stranger to performing having sung from an early age. She has performed a wide spectrum of music from light opera to jazz, as well as folk. One of her claims to fame is that she has performed with one of the members of the original 1960s Australian band, The Seekers. She was on stage with one of the band’s guitarists, Keith Potger, at a concert organised by her husband Bob in Bath. She sang one of the group’s hits ‘World of our Own’. the site and the precious artefacts recovered and now on display at Dorset Museum. Visitors will be taken to the site of the Roman Townhouse and enter the covered building which hosts some of the original wall paint and mosaics, and a beautifully preserved example of an underfloor heating system. Tours run from 10.30am-noon on 11 June, 25 June and 9 July. Further dates to be confirmed.

Music Night Live at Harmans Cross village hall PHOTO: The Spinoffs

Suzanne is a member of the local Harmony Rocks Choir, also based at the village hall, and she recently took park in a concert held over two nights in Bath Abbey. She was in the chorus of a production of ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ which featured the 40-piece ‘Fulltone Orchestra’. Tickets for the concert on Saturday,

May 14, are £12 (no booking fee and un-reserved seating), and are available via the hall’s website www. harmanscrosshall.co.uk The gig starts at 7.30pm and doors open at 6.45pm, A licensed bar and car parking will be available. Profits from the concert go towards the upkeep and running costs of the hall.

Arts & Entertainment

The Purbeck Gazette

‘Chess’ the musical anything Sequins, sass and glitter... but black and white

By Lorraine Gibson

With its two main protagonists, an American and a Soviet pitted against one another in a battle to prove who’s the most powerful, ‘Chess’ the musical has never been more relatable. Written by Sir Tim Rice, he of monumental hits like ‘Evita’,‘Joseph’ and ‘The Lion King’, along with ABBA songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, ‘Chess’ is a complex but engrossing rock opera. And with mighty songs like ‘One Night in Bangkok’ and ‘I Know Him So Well’, it is no great surprise it attracts full houses and standing ovations the world over. Now it’s Christchurch’s turn as the award-winning Milton Musical Society returns to the Regent’s stage with its take on this anythingbut-black-and white musical. In a politically-driven, Cold War-era chess tournament, two grandmasters of the game, one from the US and the other from the Soviet Union, clash, not over borders but over a woman who

manages one, and loves the other. The metaphor is unmistakable, the tale as old as time. From Merano to Bangkok, the players, lovers, politicians and spies manipulate and are manipulated to a pulsing rock score that also includes ‘Heaven Help My Heart’,‘Nobody’s Side’, ‘Someone Else’s Story’ and ‘Anthem’. The original ‘One Night in Bangkok’, performed by Murray Head with Anders Glenmark was a worldwide smash, reaching number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart,

while ‘I Know Him So Wel’l, by Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson was number one in the UK charts for four weeks in February 1985. ‘Chess’ opened in London’s West End the following year and stayed for three. It enjoyed a West End revival in 2018 and has been popular all over Europe and even in Moscow. This is Milton Musical Society’s first production at the Regent Centre pre-pandemic. Its previous bestselling productions include ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’, ‘My Fair Lady’ and ‘Oklahoma’.

Talk about leaving the audience begging for more...So high is demand for tickets for a burlesque show at the Tivoli in Wimborne, a second date has been added and tickets are now on sale. Flagged up as a night of laughter, cabaret, mystery and glamour with a promise of scintillating entertainment, An Evening of Burlesque is the UK’s longestrunning show of its type. Pauline Roberts, from the Tivoli, said: “It’s very lively and colourful,a bit like the traditional old music hall shows.” Of course, there’s also the chance of a glimpse of a tad more flesh than usual and, interestingly, much of the audience is made up of couples. Burlesque has teased audiences for centuries and this variety show with its super-glam stars is very much a 21st Century reboot. Expect the sequins and sass, with added glitter. The show is on Friday, 13 May. Online tickets £27.50, box office £25.

VOLUNTEER AT THE PIER WE NEED YOUR HELP

Volunteer Recruitment Day Saturday 14 May between 10am–2.00pm

01929 425806

swanagepiertrust.com/volunteering

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Arts & Entertainment Only rock ’n’ roll but he loves it!

THE UK’s longest running rock ‘n’ roll variety show ‘That’ll Be the Day’ is heading to Weymouth as it celebrates a staggering 35 years on the road. The nostalgic feel-good show continuously reinvents itself with its heady mix of music and comedy, blazing a trail through the hits of the 1950s through to the 1980s. Such is its popularity it racks up more than 200 shows a year around the UK. Many fans have seen it hundreds of times. The powerhouse behind its success is its founder, director and cast member Trevor Payne who during lockdown and the enforced break from performing wrote and published his autobiography, ‘Last Man Standing’. The book shares the highs and lows of over 50 years in the world of rock ‘n’ roll and lifts the lid on adventures, friendships, romance and travels, from his early days supporting the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder,The Who and Status Quo, to That’ll Be the Day’s sellout performances at the London Palladium and beyond.

Trevor Payne on his long-running hit show ‘That’ll Be the Day’ and his new book

T h e B e l ve d e re S i n g e r s a re performing a concert on Saturday, 14 May, at St Mary’s Church, Swanage, with a retiring collection in support of local charity #Willdoes. The choir is supporting the charity founded in 2019 after the death of a local teenager called William. Money raised provides grants to good causes which help improve the mental and physical well-being of young people and also funds

innovative projects throughout the country. #Willdoes has so far raised more than £200,000 through organising a range of sporting and cultural events but much more is required, according to Lesley Paddy, mother of William and founder of #Willdoes. She said: “We are extremely grateful to The Belvedere Singers and everyone who has donated their time and money to such

a good cause. The lack of youth provision is at a crisis point and we are always looking for local residents and businesses who can help us make a difference. Please contact us with your ideas and if you are willing to volunteer your time at an event.” The ‘Many a Song’ concert is at 7.30-8.30pm.Tickets are £5, under18s free. For more details visit belvederesingers.org.uk

Music lovers won’t want to miss the Occasional Singers Baroque Masterworks concert at St Mary’s Church in Dorchester. The Occasional Singers will present a concert of short Baroque masterworks for voices, oboe and strings. They will be joined by the soprano Alison Rose and the tenor Lawrence Thackeray as they run the gamut of emotions from the gentle romantic passion of Handel’s duet ‘As Steals the Morn’ to the high drama of Vivaldi’s ‘Magnificat’. All proceeds from the concert on Saturday, 30 April, at 7.30pm will

go to dementia research charity Alzheimer’s Research UK, which hopes to raise at least £1,250 – entrance is free but a retiring collection will be held. The event has been organised by the Occasional Singers, which was inspired by the death of the husband of one of its members. Susan Adams’ husband Graham died of earlyonset dementia and was himself a great supporter of the choir. The choir, which always raises money for causes at its concerts, is keen to support research into dementia as it impacts so many

people in the UK, with more than half of the population having been affected by dementia. Susan’s grandmother, mother-in-law, father and mother all lived with dementia, as well as Graham, so she has a particular affinity with the cause. Susan said: “Graham would have loved the music at the concert and would have been delighted we are performing for such an important cause.” As Graham was renowned for wearing flamboyant socks at concerts, Susan will have a pair with her.

Trevor said: “Fans of the show suddenly have an insight into how it came about. You can see how many routes we went down just to stay in this business until we got to ‘That’ll Be the Day’ and we found our golden egg! But we had to work at it.” Trevor scoured through more than 10,000 printed photographs to produce the book – and had kept a dairy since 1972 which he says was ‘invaluable’. By the time it was written Trevor had hundreds of sales lined up. He said: “We took 45 bin bags full of books to the post office to send off – I looked like father Christmas and got some very funny looks!” He added:“As I was writing you put yourself back in that situation and remember it well. I didn’t want to

Back to the 80s: Trevor Payne.

make it a history lesson - I wanted a few human bits about how long it takes and how determined you must be if you’ve not had a hit record. “I still give it 100 per cent and work every day. I’ve only ever missed two shows in 35 years – one when Mum died and the other when I broke my hand and couldn’t put my shirt on. “I have a motto,‘no play, no pay,’ and having that policy it’s remarkable how people recover and come to

work! You can’t just say I don’t feel like it tonight – it’s the philosophy you must have.” How did he cope with lockdown when the theatres suddenly all shut? “I’m not a TV person – I’ve never seen an episode of EastEnders or Coronation Street! And I’m not going to start now,” he said. “So I read a lot of books and cycled 15 miles a day to keep fit but it isn’t the same as going on stage - you don’t get the adrenaline. When we came back and walked out for our first show it was wonderful – the crowd went mad, the atmosphere was wonderful - and that’s still the case “We’ve done more than 7,000 performances of ‘That’ll Be the Day’ now.The cast is brilliant the way it’s moved on. It’s a pleasure we pull this thing together and we work hard to make it look effortless - and I’ve not lost the desire to do it. “I’m 76 but don’t have time to think about it! I’m still doing Mick Jagger and Cliff like I did 40 years ago. I don’t love the four hours driving to venues or getting home at 3am but when you get on stage everything is okay in the world! I’m so happy on stage and just want the audience to have a great night.” n ‘That’ll Be the Day’ is at Weymouth Pavilion on Thursday, May 26. ‘ We a v i n g Wo o d a n d Stone’, coming to the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Country Park, will showcase 2D and 3D work, all hand-crafted to celebrate the form, texture and the beauty of tactile natural materials. The exhibition, from Thursday, 28 April, until Tuesday, 10 May, will feature work from artists including Caroline Sharp, Annie Sharp, Julia Polonski, Chris Legge and Benji Lowsley-Williams. The exhibition is open daily from 10.30am-5pm.

Singers perform for #Willdoes n

Dementia charity to benefit from concert

For more information about the event visit https:// occasionalsingersdorset.wordpress. com or contact Susan Adams at g_s_adams@btinternet.com or chairman of the Occasional Singers Susie Hosford at shosford@ btinternet.com

Poet’s corner

Purbeck Poets are holding an open-mic poetry night at The Globe Inn, Bell Street, o n M o n d ay, M ay 3 0 , a t 7.30pm as part of the PAW Festival. Email Martin Hobdell at coysmjh2019@outlook.com

The Purbeck Gazette

Spotlight Event Diary

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

MARCH 2022

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 Methodist Ch. hall, High Street, Sw. All ages/abilities welcome. Steve: 424591, Malcolm: 427695 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 All Saints Church Hall, Ulwell, 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 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 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. 19.00 Wareham Choral Society meet Lady St.Mary Church, Wm. Till 9.30. New singers always welcome. Ffi: 01202 632678. 19.30 Purbeck Village Quire rehearse at Wm URC Church. New/visiting singers (no audition necessary). String & wind players also welcome. Ffi: 288045 or 480737. 19.30 Wareham Art Club Workshop at Wareham Parish Hall. Ffi: 553718. 19.30 Wm Folk Dance Club Stoboro’ VH. All welcome. 07749 853815. Email: warehamfolkdance@ gmail.com 19.30 Swanage Air Cadets meet at Air Training Corps HQ, Court Road, Sw. Cadets age 12+. Ffi: email: oc.2185@aircadets.mod. 19.30 Swanage Badminton Club ,adults, meets at The Swange School Sports Hall. Visitors always receive a warm welcome. Tel: Greg (Club Secretary) 477268 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. 10.00 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 103 High St. 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. Until 12 noon. 10.15 Exercise to Energise! Free taster session of Movement to Music to Keep Fit at All Saints Church Hall, Swanage. Call Marion 01929 423923 10.30 Adult Line Dance Class. FREE taster session at D’Urberville Centre, Wool. Till 11.30am with fully qualified instructor. All Covid-19 safety measures in place. Call Donna: 01202 243803 or email: donnadiebelius@gogglemail.com 10.30 Employment Hub at Swanage Library. Until 12.30pm. Book via Skilla dn Learning on 01202 262300.

Please call prior to attending events listed to ensure they are still on! 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 hours in and around Wareham, ending with coffee at a local tea room or pub. Ffi: www.wareham-walkers.org. uk or call 552933. 11.30 New Adult Latin American & Ballroom Dance Class for beginners. FREE taster session at D’Urberville Centre, Wool. Till 12.30pm with fully qualified instructor. All Covid-19 safety measures in place. Call Donna: 01202 243803 or email: donnadiebelius@gogglemail.com 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. 19.00 New Adult Line Dance Class. FREE taster session at Corfe Castle VH. Till 8pm with fully qualified instructor. All Covid-19 safety measures in place. Call Donna: 01202 243803 or email: donnadiebelius@gogglemail.com 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. 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 Belvedere Singers rehearsal at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Victoria Avenue, Sw. BH19 1AZ. Parking on-site. Till 9.30pm. All singers welcome! 425074. 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 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 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. 11.30 Extend Exercise Class! Free taster session of Gentle, Fun, Friendly and Chair-based way to improve your Strength, Co-ordination, Balance and Flexibility at All Saints Church Hall, Swanage. Call Marion 01929 423923 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 18.30 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. 10.30

The Purbeck Gazette

WEEKLY EVENTS

Wareham Depression Support group. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month at Not Just Sundaes, South Street, Wareham. BH20, until 9pm. Ffi: John: 01929556315 or 07871 727278 or email: johnoneil905@yahoo.co.uk 19.00 Swanage Town Band meet for our weekly practice in the Council Chamber, Swanage Town Hall. New musicians warmly welcomed. Please call David Cook (musical Director) for further informaiton on: 01929 422909. 19.00 Give Rugby A Try! FREE! at Swanage & Wareham Rugby Club, Bestwall Rd, Wm. We’re looking for new players, so come and have a go! Until 9pm. Under 16s-18s only. Call John P. on: 07725 567541 Ffi. 19.00 Purbeck Runners meet at Beach Gardens Pavillion, Sw 19.15 Swanage Adults 5-aside Football Til 8pm. Swanage School Sports Hall, casual kickabout, individuals and teams of all abilities welcome. Matt: 07944 292845 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 A Place Of Welcome at 103 High St. 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. Until 12 noon. 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. D’Urberville Centre, Collier’s Lane,Wool. www.purbeckworkshop.org 07757 776907. www. purbeckworkshop.org Phone: 07794 479208 11.00 Sensory Play for 1-4yrs old at Bovington Centre, until 12 noon. 11.30 New Adult Line Dance Class. FREE taster session at Corfe Castle VH. Till 12.30pm with fully qualified instructor. All Covid-19 safety measures in place. Call Donna: 01202 243803 or email: donnadiebelius@gogglemail.com 11.30 Home Producers Market. Wareham to be added to the diary. Every Thursday from 7am to 11:30 in the United Reformed Church, Church Street, Wareham 13.30 Under 1 year olds at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Anti-natal 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) 13.00 New Adult Latin American & Ballrom Dance Class for beginners. FREE taster session at Corfe Castle VH. Till 2pm with fully qualified instructor. All Covid-19 safety measures in place. Call Donna: 01202 243803 or email: donnadiebelius@gogglemail.com 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. 19.00

Please call prior to attending events listed to ensure they are still on!

Sw Cricket Club Practice till 9pm Swanage Sea Rowing Club Circuit Training at Swanage Middle School. Ffi: 07776 201455 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. Ffi, call: 551478 or 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 (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 Methodist Ch. hall, High Street, Sw. All ages/abilities welcome. Steve: 424591, Malcolm: 427695 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 Informal Lesbian Social Group meets each Friday for fun, laughter and to make new friends. Ffi, contact Karen by email at: outinpurbeck@gmail.com 20.00 Sw Youth Centre Live Bands (as advertised) Till 10pm. 20.30 Short tennis for adults at Swanage School Sports Hall. All welcome. Equipment supplied. Till 10pm. First session FREE. 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 09.00 Swanage Self Defence FUNdamaentals for ages 4-12 years at Swanage Methodist Church, Sw. For a FREE taster session, contact Ian on: 07888660225 or email: swanageSMA@gmail. com and quote ‘Purbeck Gazette’ 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 warmup and a friendly chat. 10.00 Swanage Self Defence for teens and adults at Swanage Methodist Church, Sw. For a FREE taster session, contact Ian on: 07888660225 or email: swanageSMA@gmail.com and quote ‘Purbeck Gazette’ 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 10.30 Stoborough Baptist Church - would love to welcome you - for meeting details please call 01929 550309 or website www.stoboroughbaptistchurch.co.uk. 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! 19.00 Alcoholics Anonymous Wareham. Until 8.15pm. Doors open at 6.30pm. Call 07855 536039 or email: warehamsunday@gmail.com for details of meeting location and so on. 18.15 18.30 19.00

The Purbeck Gazette

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The Purbeck Gazette

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The Purbeck Gazette

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Your guide to the exciting EVENTS IN SWANAGE IN 2022! APRIL

Classic Car Display & Charity Day, Sunday 24th April

MAY

FEASTival Market, 6th May – 8th May Railway Diesel Gala/Beer Festival, 6th – 8th May Fairy Festival, 27th – 30th May

JUNE

Queens Platinum Jubilee Tea Party, Friday 3rd June Pirate Festival, 3rd – 5th June Coastal Rowing Regatta, Saturday 11th June Sea Rowing Regatta, Saturday 18th June Swanage Railways “Roads to Rail “, 24th – 26th June

JULY

Swanage Jazz Festival, 8th – 10th July SISATA Outdoor Theatre, 23rd – 25th July SWANAGE CARNIVAL WEEK! 30th July – 6th August

AUGUST

Rotary Craft Fair & Fete, Thursday 11th August Lifeboat Week, 13th – 21st August Inflatable Theme Park, Wednesday 24th August Lewis Manning Hospice Fete, Thursday 25th August

SEPTEMBER

Music by the Sea 2022, Sunday 4th September Swanage Folk Festival, 9th – 11th September Swanage Railway - Classic Steam & Vehicles, 9th – 11th September Purbeck Outdoor Weekend, 16th – 18th September Planet Purbeck Festival, 19th – 25th September

OCTOBER

Swanage Blues & Roots Festival, 6th – 9th October Swanage Supervets Rowing Regatta, Saturday 15th October

DECEMBER

Swanage Railway – Christmas Events, December Artisans on the Beach, 26th November – 1st Jan 2023 Swanage Christmas Lights Switch-on, Saturday 26th November Swanage Rotary Christmas Market, Saturday 3rd December For more information contact the Swanage Information Centre on 01929 766018 or welcome@swanage.gov.uk Find us on the web by searching “Swanage Information Centre”. Follow us on social media for updates.

Swanage Market, every Friday throughout the year. Includes the monthly ‘Artisans at the Market’ event on the first Friday of the month, April to October

Cut this page out and keep it somewhere safe for reference!

The Purbeck Gazette

Michael B. Alberry

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