The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 279

Special tree at shopping centre to remember lost loved ones at Xmas

A SPECIAL tree of remembrance is shining at The Dolphin Centre in Poole.

The tree has been set up by Forest Holme Hospice, in partnership with The Dolphin, outside the former Marks & Spencer store during the run up to Christmas.

It will be in situ until Saturday, December 17, with shoppers able to dedicate a Light up a Life star on the tree in memory of a loved one, irrespective of whether they were cared for by the hospice or not, in exchange for a donation towards the charity.

Meanwhile, a stall will be selling Christmas cards, merchandise, decorations, stocking fillers and a range of beautiful handcrafted items, with all proceeds going to the charity.

Kirsty Perks, fundraiser at Forest Holme, said: “We are delighted to have our tree returning and we are so grateful to The Dolphin Shopping Centre for their continued support.

“Like many charities, 2022 has been a very challenging year for fundraising, so we’re so grateful to have this opportunity and look forward to seeing many familiar and new faces visiting us to remember a lovedone.”

The Forest Holme Hospice Tree of Remembrance is open open daily from 10am to 4pm until Saturday, December 17.

Children sing the carols

Young people from Tops Day Nurseries Wimborne, in Leigh Road, were in fine voice during the ceremony, singing carols during the event, on November 26.

Wimborne Minister held the switch-on ceremony, where the Mayor of Wimborne Minster Square, Cllr Carol Butter, turned on the Christmas lights to a busy Minster Square.

Music and songs entertained crowds from the stage and on the programme was a carol concert from staff and children at Tops Day Nurseries Wimborne.

Sharon White, senior nursery manager, said: “The children and practitioners have been rehearsing Christmas songs for the last couple of weeks, in preparation for the carol concert.

“We have had so much fun getting ready, singing, and dancing and it started off our Christmas activities at Tops Wimborne, we are now feeling very festive.”

Volunteers at the Tree of Remembrance at The Dolphin Centre in Poole

THE voices of Wimborne youngsters featured prominently during the recent Christmas lights switch-on event.

Youngsters taking part in the switch-on event

National Coastwatch – Eyes along the coast

A look back across 12 months of looking over Dorset coastline

AS we come to the close of the year, it’s often time to reflect on what’s happened over the last 12 months.

Globally, it’s been a tumultuous year. We’ve had a royal jubilee; the death of a monarch; a new king; an energy crisis and a war that threatens to take us back to the dark days of the 1940s.

Faced with such a turbulent international scene, it can be quite comforting to look back on the more mundane things that we, perhaps have more control over.

As a national organisation, we continue to grow and make a difference to coastal safety. We now have 58 stations, with several more in the pipeline, and have more than 2,500 watchkeepers.

These watchkeepers have kept watch for 201,477 hours, to date. We’ve also been involved in 765 incidents.

That’s quite impressive for a team of volunteers, whose average age is to the right of 60!

The warm weather over the summer has meant that both stations have been extremely busy. There have been several yacht races passing the lookouts and the radar screens have looked reminiscent of the Spanish Armada making their way down the channel!

One of the highlights of the summer has been the return of

the Waverley. This majestic paddle steamer spent much of September cruising along the Dorset coast and watchkeepers were treated to some fine views of this historic vessel.

This year’s cruise marked the 75th anniversary of her maiden voyages in 1947. Named after Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley novels, the current vessel was built to replace to replace the 1899 Waverley which was sunk by enemy action on May 29, 1940, at Dunkirk.

As well as observing the passage of vessels along the magnificent Dorset coastline, we have been kept busy with a steady stream of incidents.

During the year our two stations have been involved with 16 incidents. These have ranged from vessels adrift to keeping watch for a missing vulnerable adult. Thankfully, all the incidents we have been involved in have had a successful outcome. One of the incidents, featuring a diver with a suspected case of decompression sickness, even featured on the BBC’s Saving Lives at Sea.

In our role as “eyes along the coast”, compass bearings and reference to the cardinal directions (north, south, east and west) are part and parcel of our daily activities.

It was fascinating to hear that, in early November,

Langton Matravers, mid-way between the two stations, was to be the site of a once in a lifetime convergence of the three north poles.

When they talk about “north”, geographers and cartographers can mean three different things – true north, grid north, and magnetic north.

True north is a line along the Earth’s surface ending at the North Pole. It is defined by the rotation of the planet. Grid North is represented by the vertical blue grid lines on Ordnance Survey maps and has been since the current mapping system was introduced in 1936.

Magnetic north is the direction a compass needle will point. The direction of magnetic north is constantly changing due to natural changes in the magnetic field

Although they generally point in the same direction, subtle differences mean that they are in slightly different positions. This means that the lines running north – south from each north are slightly out of line.

On most maps, true north curves away from grid north because the former reflects the curved surface of the earth.

However, a certain north line of the grid is aligned with true north. This “special line” is

longitude 2° W and this runs through Langton Matravers. It’s along this line that the magnetic north has coincided.

The dynamic nature of magnetic north means that the triple alignment will moving north to Poole by Christmas.

Over the next four years the alignment will gradually move north across the UK before leaving our land mass in 2026.

Langton Matravers will have another significance for NCI as we are one of the chosen charities for the St Aldhelm’s Benefice Christmas tree festival at St George’s Church, which ran from December 3 to 5.

It was a busy weekend for our watchkeepers as we had a stall at the Swanage Christmas Market organised by Swanage and Purbeck Rotary.

For the more adventurous, the team at St Albans Head is planning to ‘open the hatch’ for refreshments from Monday, December 26 to Monday, January 2 (inclusive). A bracing stroll out to the Lookout is just the thing to clear away the cobwebs and walk off the turkey!

This is St Alban’s Head NCI and Swanage NCI listening on channel 65 and wishing all our friends a Happy and Peaceful Christmas. NCI out.

How ‘north’ has coincided in the Isle of Purbeck

The Waverley at Ballard - one of the highlights of the year for lookouts

Picture: NCI

Santas take to the streets for charity

MORE than 120 Santas took to the banks of the Stour for a special charity fun run.

The Santa Stour Fun Run, organised by Wimborne Rotary, took place on December 4, setting off from Wimborne Football Club, with 2.5km and 5km routes along the banks of the Stour.

Entrants were running in aid of Julia’s House, a children’s hospice at Corfe Mullen, raising a total of £1,300.

The runners, many dressed in Santa suits, warmed up during a session introduced by Wimborne Town Crier Chris Brown, with the runners then sent on their way Wimborne Football Club chair, Tony Grant.

As well as Wimborne Rotarians, the route marshals

included members of the 1st Wimborne Scout Troop, who also provided hot drinks and gave out mince pies as competitors completed the course.

Organiser, Rotarian Neil Hutchinson, praised participants for braving the cold December conditions.

“I would like to thank all the runners and marshals who turned up to support Julia’s House,” he said.

“All the runners safely and successfully completed the course and I think that everyone enjoyed their run.

“The result is that we have raised £1,300 for Julia’s House and could not have achieved that without the people who helped on the day and of course without Santa’s help.”

At Heathcote Care Home in Swanage, we specialise in residential care for people living with memory and behavioural difficulties, through specialist care and support. Our model of “networked care” and support aims to give our guests back the quality of life that they may have lost, in a safe, calm environment in which our residents feel at home, cared for and secure.

We presently have rooms available for guests looking for a supportive ‘home from home’, please call to arrange a visit Welcome to Heathcote Care Home A home from home for your loved ones

Santas taking part in the charity run after a warm-up, below Pictures: Wimborne Rotary

Wareham events give charity boost

TWO major events in Wareham have benefited a charity that supports people and families through difficult times.

The Allison Campbell Trust (ACT) provides support and services to those undergoing end-of-life care in the Purbeck area, as well as supporting loved ones.

And the charity has recently been the beneficiary of two events - from the Wareham Carnival Committee and Wareham Town’s Mayor, Malcolm Russell, at his annual Christmas charity fundraiser.

Ian Davey, from the carnival committee, said: “It is important that our local charity organisations can step in and help families to help their loved ones to get the support they rightly deserve.

“The Allison Campbell Trust will make that happen.”

Meanwhile, ACT was chosen as Wareham Town Mayor,

Malcolm Russell’s charity for 2022.

The Mayor recently welcomed nearly 100 people to his annual Christmas Concert in Wareham Town Hall, raising funds for the organisation.

Cllr Russell said: “It is heart-warming to see the endless goodwill of Wareham and Purbeck folk in supporting the Allison Campbell Trust, a local Charity, supporting patients in palliative care.

“This charity can fill the gaps that are unable to be met by

NHS provision.”

An ACT spokesperson thanked all those involved in a memorable and very enjoyable evening.

“ACT, a relatively new charity, aims to support Purbeck district nursing teams in their care of end of life patients who choose to die at home rather than in hospital,” they said.

“ACT responds to requests from district nurse teams to provide a range of items that the NHS isn’t able to fund, and that can make a difference to their

comfort and quality of life.

“ACT is entirely run by volunteers so every penny donated can go directly where it is needed.”

Are you caring for someone who is receiving end of life care at home and do you think they could benefit from similar items? If so, let your district nurse or support worker know so they can contact ACT to find out what help can be offered.

If you would like to find out more about ACT, visit allisoncampbelltrust.org.

Ian Davey and Chrisy McBride of the carnival committee with Dave Nolan and Jane Lewis from ACT, left, and Wareham Mayor Malcolm Russell with ACT chair Dave Nolan, right

Man jailed after hotel gun find

A MAN has been jailed after a firearm was found in a hotel room in Poole.

Thomas David Brown, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday, December 8, to five years in prison after pleading guilty to an offence of possessing a prohibited firearm.

At around 3pm on October 20, police received a report that a possible firearm had been found in a guest’s room at the George Hotel, High Street North.

Officers attended and carried out a search of the room. They discovered a revolver situated in 25-year-old Brown’s room, which was later examined and found to be a viable firearm.

Brown was arrested at the scene as he returned to the hotel

at around 5pm that same day.

Detective Inspector Shaun Inkpen, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We take all reports of offences involving firearms extremely seriously.

“Through the swift response by both patrol and firearms officers on October 20, we were able to remove a potentially lethal weapon from the streets.

“We also quickly detained the man responsible for possessing this weapon in order that he could be brought before the court and face the consequences of his actions.

“I hope this case sends a clear message that we will swiftly act upon any information relating to a firearm and deal robustly with anyone found in possession of such a prohibited weapon.” Square

21st December 8:00pm Open Mic Night

27th December Black Sheep

29th December Kitty Stewart

New Years Eve Baraka

14th January High Shelf Remedy

20th January Kangaroo Moon

27th January John Showman

Thomas David Brown, inset, was jailed for five years after the gun, above left, was found in his room at the George Hotel

New chief for Lighthouse charity

A FORMER TV executive has taken over as chair of the Poole Arts Trust, the charity that runs the Lighthouse theatre.

MT Rainey, pictured, the former deputy chair of Channel 4, brings a wealth of experience from commercial roles in the creative industries that saw her honoured for services to advertising in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

After eight years in the USA as planning director at Chiat/ Day working with Apple and other early Silicon Valley companies, MT founded and was CEO of top advertising agency Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe.

She also served as vice chair of Creative Skillset, the UK Sector Skills Council for the Creative Industries, and is a Trustee of The Booker Prize.

“It’s a privilege to be asked to chair this very loved,

respected and important organisation,” she said.

“I’ve been coming to Lighthouse since I first had a home here in Poole in 2004 – in fact, it was one of the reasons I came.

“For an arts venue outside of London, the quality and diversity of the programme is amazing.”

An avid consumer of the arts in all their guises, MT is looking forward to bringing her background in brands and marketing to bear in a sector she knows and loves so well.

“We have very loyal audiences, and while some elements of the programme bring in new audiences, I still think not enough people in this area know what a jewel in the

crown they have on their doorstep and how many choices they have at Lighthouse on any night of the week,” she said.

“I’m hoping I can bring my specific expertise to bear on that particular challenge.”

In common with venues across the country, Lighthouse continues to recover from the pandemic and audiences are returning in encouragingly greater numbers.

But with rising costs in every aspect of the business, the worsening effects of the cost of living crisis, soaring energy prices and deepening economic hardship, there are enormous challenges to that recovery.

However, having recently retained Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation

status, MT is certain Lighthouse will meet such challenges with characteristic creativity and ingenuity.

“Lighthouse is incredibly well led by Elspeth and her team who have steered it carefully and successfully through the various challenges of the last few years,” she added.

“The role of the board now is to make sure that this precious asset is sustainable into this uncertain future, and I think that this will increasingly mean working together with other arts organisations to make the case for the importance of the arts in a healthy society. It will also be about making sure that we offer value for money to our audiences and reaching out to forge even deeper ties with our communities.

“So, it’s a serious job, but it’s also seriously good fun.”

SINCE Pinevale’s inception in 2003, much has changed in the world of plumbing and heating.

It has become far more technical, with ever-more complicated legislation. Pinevale’s MD, Ian Brazier, says he needs to learn even faster than his team to keep him at the forefront of technology within the industry. Early involvement is key to any successful home project and now, more than ever plumbing and heating takes a major role.

Separating the various elements will help with your planning and Pinevale can guide you through this process.

So what decisions do you need to make?

The heat source is a good starting point (gas/electric/oil/ biomass) and the heat emitters (radiators/underfloor etc). Next, the piping system. This could be

copper, multi-layer pipe or push fit- they all have their merits. Your choice of hot water system is very important- think combination boiler/system boiler and cylinder/heat pump/ solar thermal or even a hybrid! Think carefully about renewable energy sources – are they a practical as well as ecological solution for you? We can help you decide.

Pinevale can also help you consider bathroom sanitaryware and kitchen appliances to ensure you end up with a cohesive finished product. By carefully considering all of these elements at the start of your project, you will have a solid infrastructure plan. This will help avoid issues later on, not just during the build but also after completion – think warranties and future service maintenance.

Extra benefits for blue badge holders

DORSET drivers with a blue badge can now apply for a special permit allowing them to park in council-run car parks for free.

Drivers who meet certain criteria will be able to park in Dorset Council car parks for up to three hours, free of charge, if they are awarded a new Restricted Mobility Car Park Permit (RMCPP).

The permit will need to be displayed alongside their Blue Badge and aims to gives holders more time to complete their shopping and tasks in Dorset towns.

Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: “Some people, because of their mobility, need a little longer to carry out their tasks so our new Restricted Mobility Car Park Permit will give them three hours free parking and more peace of mind when out and about.”

Blue Badge holders who don’t qualify for the RMCPP have also seen a change to their parking, with the introduction of a free one hour’s parking in Dorset Council car parks on top of that purchased.

They will need to purchase a valid parking ticket to qualify so, for example, if they buy 30 minutes’ parking, they can stay for an hour and a half.

Cllr Bryan added: “This change makes parking across our car parks consistent. Previously there were different rules for towns in the former district and borough councils that existed before Dorset Council was formed, and this sometimes caused confusion.

“The free hour for Blue Badge holders on top of their purchased parking offers

consistency and fairness across our car parks, and takes into account the extra time an individual may need when shopping or visiting our towns.”

Blue Badge holders can apply for the RMCPP if they receive one of the following:

Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

10 points or more on the ‘Moving around’ section in the ‘Mobility component’ of Personal Independence payment

(PIP)

Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment

War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement

Armed Forces Independence Payment

Alternatively, they will need to provide evidence that the vehicle registered in the name of the person with a disability or their nominated driver’s name is tax exempt.

They can apply online at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. Anyone who needs assistance applying can call Dorset Council on 01305 221000.

The RMCPP costs £15 and will expire at the same time as the permit holder’s Blue Badge.

Drivers who live outside the Dorset Council area who meet the criteria can also apply for the RMCPP for use in Dorset Council car parks.

Youths injured in masked attack

A GROUP of masked youths attacked two teenagers in Christchurch, leaving the victims with head injuries.

The incident unfolded at around 4.20pm on Sunday, November 20 in the park off Sopers Lane, opposite the Marks and Spencer car park.

Two boys – aged 15 and 16 – were with some friends when they were approached by a group of young people aged between 12 and 16 years old wearing masks.

The group asked what school the victims were in, before an altercation arose and both boys were assaulted, causing minor head injuries to both victims.

Both boys attended hospital for treatment.

PC Alexandra Donnelly, of Christchurch police, said: “I understand a member of the

public witnessed what happened from the car park and spoke to the two boys after the incident in Marks and Spencer.

“I would ask them to please come forward as they may have important information to help my investigation.

“I would also urge anyone with information about who was responsible to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55220188562.

Mum lost 3 Stone and found a new career!

Mum lost 3 Stone and found a new career!

I started my Slimming World journey because I was fed up with feeling frumpy and constantly tired. I have a gorgeous (both inside and out) bunch of friends and they love to take selfies when on a night out. Looking back on them the next day I felt like I always stood out as the Fat one!!

With being a Mum to two young children and having a fulltime and demanding job there have been times where I have found healthy eating hard, especially when it came to trying to find time to cook meals from scratch. This is where the Slimming World ready meals and planning really helped. During the week I intended to go for quick easy meals that I knew all the family would enjoy such as spaghetti bolognaise and chicken curry. At weekends when I had more time, I would be more experimental and have found new family favourites like tuna pasta bake and beef moussaka and on a Saturday morning I particularly enjoy a treat of potato cakes with smoked Salmon and a poached egg on the side.

The joy of Slimming World is that nothing is off the menu and all your favourite dishes can be food optimised.

When my Dad passed away very suddenly earlier this year, I started worrying about my own health and what could happen if I

didn’t lose the weight I needed and start to lead a healthier lifestyle. It was at this point my journey took a new route and one which has led me to become a Slimming World consultant and help other people to find ways to eat healthier and become their happy weight.

Since then, I have continued my journey and have recently been rewarded with my 3 stone award and I could not have done this without the support of my group and my consultant. I call them my “Slimming World family”. Without their understanding and encouragement, I would not have been able to achieve this amazing weight loss. I no longer worry about my health or being the fat friend in photos. My consultant is so warm and empathetic really understanding of peoples struggles and how life events can impact on your slimming world journey. Everyone’s journey is different.

am really looking forward to starting a Slimming World Group at The United Reformed Church on a Thursday evening (starting 29th December) and being the new Slimming World consultant for Swanage and helping others through their Slimming World

For more information or an informal chat please call me on 07486 454046. - Trudy

I started journey because I was fed up feeling frumpy and constantly have a gorgeous (both inside and out) when out. Looking back on them the next day I felt like I always stood out as the Fat one!!

With being a Mum to two young children and having a fulltime and demanding job there times where I have found healthy eating when it came to trying to find meals from scratch. This is where the Slimming World ready meals and planning really

NEW GROUP from 29 December Swanage

United Reformed Church, 112 High St. Thursdays 7pm

slimmingworld.co.uk

Tel: Trudy 07486 454 046

During the week I intended to go for quick easy meals that I knew all the family would Spag urry. At weekends when I had more I would experimental and have found new family favourites like tuna pasta bake and Beef moussaka a Saturday morning I particularly enjoy a treat of potato cakes with smoked Salmon and on the side.

The joy of is that nothing is off the menu and all your favourite dishes optimised.

Could you help tree-planting effort?

by Lorraine Gibson

‘HOW great would it be to take shade with your family or friends in your local park under a tree you remember planting as a child?’

Those were the words of The Parks Foundation nature recovery project manager, Stephen Concar.

The charity needs local people to help them with a local tree-planting scheme that aims not just to boost nature in communities but to enable people to enjoy it more.

This winter, the foundation, working with BCP Council, will be planting 170 mature trees, including fruit trees, and some 4,000 hedging whips.

They are asking for individuals, clubs, groups and organisations to volunteer with the planting which is taking place at 11 Nature Recovery project parks across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

How

“This planting has a focus on flowering and fruiting trees, which are great for pollinators and other wildlife,” Stephen said.

“They also give park visitors the opportunity to explore new activities such as urban foraging.

“We hope these trees will

to protect your home from care costs

Nobody likes to think about getting old, but it is certainly worth thinking about if you value your home. That is because your house could very well be sold by the local council to pay for your care fees. As an example, let’s say you own a home jointly with your partner and you live there until one of you dies. The surviving partner continues to live in the house until they must go into a care home run by the local authority. At that point, the local authority will assess the surviving partner for care fees. If their capital and savings are worth more than £23,250, they will have to fund their own care. Councils place a charge on the property, which is paid when the house is sold. Alternatively, you may be required to sell the house immediately to raise the cash. Money raised from the sale of the house will fund your care until your savings get down to £23,250. That won’t leave much of an inheritance for your family and loved ones.

There are two solutions to the problem available to you. One is a will trust which protects 50% of the value of your home from care costs. The second is a living trust which shields 100% of the property. Both are relatively inexpensive to put into place. Every trust is administered by trustees, the trustees can be the partners or surviving partner and children.

The situation won’t get better over time. The UK’s fastest-growing age group comprises those aged over 85. Councils will face even more pressure on budgets, leaving them with little choice but to continue to sell people’s homes.

To protect your home, contact Oakwood Wills on 07832 331594

The main thing to remember with trusts is that because you do not own the assets held in the trust in your own name, it is more difficult for those assets to be taken away from you or from the beneficiaries of the trust. Chris Tennant, Oakwood Wills

continue to benefit wildlife and people for decades to come.”

Parks receiving the trees are Alexandra Park, Branksome Recreation Ground, Haskells Recreation Ground, Jumpers Common, Kinson Manor Playing Fields, Muscliff Park, Pelhams Park, Slades Farm, Strouden Park, Watermans Park,

and Winton Recreation Ground.

Community planting days have already begun but there are more set to be announced in the new year.

Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment and place, said: “These trees will also contribute towards creating wildlife corridors which make it easier for species to access a wider area.

“This helps improve the green network here in our conurbation.

“We hope that these trees and hedging whips will help to boost biodiversity and provide vital food and habitats for mammals, birds, and insects.”

If your group would like to plant a tree, contact info@ parksfoundation.org.uk to arrange a date.

More information about planting days can be found at https://parksfoundation.org.uk/ events/ and via the charity’s social media channels.

The scheme is seeing hundreds of trees and hedgerows planted

Free swimming on offer to young people over the Christmas break

YOUNG people can enjoy free swimming this Christmas.

Dorset Council residents under the age of 16 are able to access free swimming from December 17 to January 1 in many of the leisure centres across the county.

The initiative follows the success of the free swimming available over this year’s summer holiday that saw almost 30,000 sessions taken up by Dorset children.

The council said it was delighted to be able to provide the same opportunity once more, to ensure all families have access to physical and

social holiday activities.

There is no restriction to the number of times children and young people can access this offer however, there will be a requirement to provide proof of living in the Dorset Council area.

Cllr Andrew Parry, portfolio holder for children, education and early help, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to provide swimming to children and young people over this years school holidays. It is an important and fun way for children and young people to have access to enriching

physical activities and increase their confidence in and around the water. A huge thank you to the swimming pools and leisure centres participating, who have made their facilities available for our families.”

The following venues are offering this promotion:

1610 Dorchester Sports Centre – 01305 858400

Weymouth Swimming Pool – 01305 774373

Purbeck Sports Centre, Wareham – 01929 500000

Ferndown Leisure Centre – 01202 877468

Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre, Wimborne – 01202 888208

Blandford Leisure Centre – 01258 455566

RiversMeet, Gillingham –01747 834013

Some locations require swimmers to book in advance, so contact the pool before travelling to avoid any disappointment. The offer does not extend to a free adult swim when accompanying children. Email questions to holidayactivities@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Volunteers’ 40 years of dedication

A PAIR of Citizens Advice volunteers with a combined service of more than 40 years have retired from their roles.

Rosemary Lunt and Diann March have stepped down from the East Dorset & Purbeck branch of the charity.

Rosemary, the branch’s research and campaigns coordinator, has been volunteering and working with Citizens Advice for more than two decades.

She joined in 1991 as a volunteer adviser in Wimborne before being employed at Dorchester Citizens Advice, where she was a deputy manager and tutor for 15 years.

She then started volunteering at East Dorset Citizens Advice in 2015.

“I’ve loved being part of Citizens Advice - a hub of knowledge and friendship,” she said.

“My work was campaigning nationally and locally, for changes to unfair policies and practices, trying to prevent problems occurring in the future, but the real heroes are the advisers who calmly and expertly support people facing problems now. So I’ll be keeping the Adviceline number in case I need it in the future.”

Diann has been the chair of the East

Dorset Friends Fundraising Committee since 2005 and has been involved with Citizens Advice in different ways since 1984.

She said: “As the chair of Friends Fundraising Committee, we were involved with some fabulous events which have raised much-needed funds for the service.

“I now feel it’s time to hand over the fundraising reins to someone else.”

The pair would be much missed by the organisation, according to Helen Goldsack, chief officer of Citizens Advice in East

“We are very sorry to see two of our long serving volunteers leave,” she said.

“Their commitment and dedication has been very much appreciated by all of our staff, volunteers and trustees. We would like to wish them both all the very best for the future.”

For more information about volunteering visit www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk/ volunteer. For general advice and support call the Dorset Adviceline, freephone 0800 144 8848 (Textphone: 0800 144 8884).

Dorset & Purbeck.

Rosemary Lunt and Diann March with chair of trustees, Alan Breakwell

It’s panto all year round, oh yes it is!

WHILE most of us are busy trying not to think about Christmas until at least December, one Christchurchbased firm has been knee-deep in sequins and tulle since February.

Behind the doors of a simple industrial unit in Christchurch, Carry on Costumes is a small, family business - an Aladdin’s cave of costumes for some of the best-loved pantomimes and West End musicals.

Credits for the business include the outrageous Panto dame outfit for comedian Paul O’Grady as Window Twanky in Aladdin, alongside other show-stoppers such as Cinderella with Christopher Biggins and Return of Santa with Roy Barraclough at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre.

Another recent highlight was the stunning costumes for Bournemouth-based producer

Michael Rose’s production of Elf at London’s Dominion Theatre, which saw Carry on Costumes make its West End debut.

Founder Sue Simmerling has over 40 years’ experience as a costumier.

Now 65, she went to fashion college straight from school,

despite her maths teacher telling her she’d be ‘married by the time she was 17 so a career choice didn’t matter’.

“I studied for five years for a degree in Fashon and Design but the real apprenticeship begins when you start in a workroom, working from the bottom up by just picking up

Downstream Dorset River Tales And Local History

By Mary Van Coller

192 pages full of snippets, facts, place names and colour photographs

Available for £19.95 +p&p online at www.downstreamdorset.co.uk www.countrybooks.biz

Supporting the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance service Published

pins,” she said.

“I couldn’t afford to live in London – seamstress wages are not very good - so I started my own fashion clothing brand along with a fellow student.

“We sold into small, independent boutiques in Dorset and Hampshire, of which there were many at that time.”

A chance conversation with a neighbour led to Sue meeting the cruise director of P&O’s Canberra who wanted to launch on-board shows.

At 21, Sue packed her sewing machine and travelled with the ship, as one of the first ever cruise costumiers.

“I had no workroom,” she said. “I had to cut out cloth on the floor of my cabin, sometimes in a force 10 gale.”

The small-scale soiree of songs from My Fair Lady featured Sue’s beautiful Ascot gavotte costumes and was a palpable hit.

Downstream Dorset, River Tales and Local History is a colourful journey of discovery along the many rivers and streams flowing through beautiful Dorset. Starting at the source of each river, Dorset author Mary van Coller, follows the waterway to its mouth, showing the derivation of place names and revealing fascinating information about people and events past and present. Together with her husband Ryan, they have travelled throughout Dorset searching for springs and mouths of rivers. They have verified facts, listened to stories and taken many beautiful photographs.

Downstream Dorset will inspire readers to explore Dorset, chat with local people and enjoy nature. There are blank pages at the back of the book to record notes and your own memories.

An ideal gift for all Dorset lovers! (20% of royalties is donated to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Information about their service is included near the front of the book).

Some of the firm’s costumes in action and inset, founder Sue Simmerling

Sue found herself in great demand and the productions went from a few songs to full-scale shows across the P&O fleet.

Fast forward and 38 years later, back on dry land, Sue continues to make costumes for many cruise companies through Carry on Costumes.

Now, daughters Ellie and Carly work alongside her and long-time friend Kate Richards runs the admin side.

The business also works for TV, including BBC, ITV, Sky, Disney and music channels, making costumes for pop videos, game shows and adverts.

It also produces hire costumes for amateur theatre groups across the country, including the incredible outfits featured in Priscilla Queen of the Desert by BBLOC (Bournemouth and Boscombe

Rags Production Company.

Launched in 2012, Glad Rags produces a Christmas Spectacular at Christchurch’s Regent Centre each year.

costumes are created by Sue and her daughters, who even appear in the show.

“We started these Spectaculars 10 years ago because we wanted to do a

for some glamorous shows with big stars but I am most proud of the Spectaculars which feature local performers.

“We get families coming year after year and it’s lovely that the

Glad

The Christmas Spectacular returns to the Regent Centre this year

Picture: Michael Gribbins

‘Let’s all

do

our bit in a troubled world...’

By David Hollister

BY THE time you’re reading this, Christmas will be upon us!

We’ll have enjoyed seeing Santa and his sleigh, Christmas markets, and all the other lovely things that the festive season brings to Purbeck – provided for so many by so few, such as the Rotary and other volunteer organisations, which I’m sure would welcome you with open arms!

How the year has flown by; a huge change in your Purbeck Gazette. New owners, new publishers, and new fortnightly publication, which would indicate to me that we’re going from strength to strength and doing something right!

So let’s go into 2023 knowing that we all have difficulties ahead but remaining determined that we will not allow ourselves to be overcome by the seemingly endless slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. My motto for 2023 is Nil Illegitimi Carborundum!

Wessex Water kindly returned the road to us and we can once again drive from Studland to Corfe. Their press release on re-opening a massive three days ahead of schedule read: “Along with the local authority, we worked hard to find a window for the project that would avoid disruption over a much longer period and we thank them, as well as all residents, businesses and the communities in the area for

their co-operation, patience and understanding while this essential project was carried out. The B3351 is now fully reopened to through traffic at Corfe Castle.’’ Absolute waffle. Government-speak, neatly glossing over the fact that many of us were forced into “cooperation”, had no “understanding” and even less “patience”. What would it have cost them to put it off until January – or at least until the Ferry was back on? The same ‘government-speak’ that you can hear on almost every news bulletin, where critics of the Government are given a bland assurance that black is white, even when it so obviously isn’t. Who was it suggested that the only way to tell that a politician is lying is to see whether his lips are moving?

I’m sure that quite a few of the traders in Purbeck are actually glad the ferry isn’t running; a chance for us all to look at the benefits of shopping right here rather than venturing Across The Water!

And are we really supposed to believe that the allocation of the World Cup to Qatar wasn’t stimulated by obscenely large amounts of money changing hands? Was it really so important to FIFA that players wishing to express solidarity with oppressed minorities should be forbidden to wear rainbow-coloured armbands? If

you remember, FIFA was the body that imposed the regulation preventing footballers from taking off their shirts in pure exhilaration when they’d scored a goal, on pain of receiving a yellow card. Because FIFA made more money from networking the football TV coverage into countries where such things as human rights were unimportant and took second place to Sharia Law?

The TV news bulletins always start with ‘Good Morning’ and then proceed to tell us why it won’t be. All across the globe, little men with lots of guns are imposing their will on the women and students who aren’t so well equipped. Look at the way in which the Taliban behaves. Look at the many countries in Africa and Central America who seem to spend most of their time persecuting their own masses. Look at China – just about to descend on Taiwan. China, whose human rights record is such that a large percentage of their population are under house arrest, aka Quarantine.

So at this time of peace and goodwill, we watch the human race destroying itself and taking most of the planet with it. Little men with guns and a care for nobody’s wellbeing except their own.

Continuing to erase the world’s forests and conveniently forgetting trees are the planet’s lungs, leaving conservation to someone else. Not enough Attenboroughs or Thunbergs to go round!

The world’s three leading polluters – Russia, China and India - wouldn’t even turn up to the ridiculous ‘COP27’ meeting in Sharm-El-Sheikh; maybe they were ashamed to face the rest of the world? Or could it be that they didn’t want to

contribute to the pollution caused by the other members’ 400 jet planes? And what did COP27 achieve? A reluctant promise to pay money to the countries most affected by the pollution caused by the countries represented at COP27 – notably excluding the worst offenders! At the very least, China could have volunteered to donate from the £51m funds the UK Government is still giving them in ‘overseas aid’.

Now let’s reduce the COP27 decision to local levels. Many of us over 65s living in this beautiful land of Purbeck are blessed with a subsidy from the Government known as the ‘Winter Fuel Allowance’.

In many households that’s £200 they haven’t earned and will probably spend on a couple of good meals or nights out.

Have they considered that right here in Purbeck there are still families who can’t afford to heat their homes – if indeed they have homes - let alone feed their families or have even one ‘good night out’?

Same COP27 principle applies as in Matthew 13, vs 12 – “For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him”.

A few years ago, in this magazine and also on my radio show, I campaigned for Purbeck’s well-off pensioners to give their £100 Winter Fuel Allowance to their local foodbank.

A few did, a few more did so anonymously, and I hope that as a result, a few more families enjoyed full stomachs over Christmas than would have otherwise been the case.

This year, our allowance is going up to £250 each.

I close by asking you remember that for everyone who has two homes, someone else has none.

Christmas is coming, and the goose is getting fatter. And New Year’s coming too – but for the goose it doesn’t matter.

Merry Christmas to all our readers.

Appeal to fund Citizens Advice bus

A BUS offering help, support and advice during the cost of living crisis could be hitting the road in Purbeck – if a fundraising appeal is successful.

Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck is raising funds for a Crisis Support Bus, which will provide vulnerable Dorset residents with access to free resources.

The charity says the cost of living crisis has meant many more people are in need of advice, with some unable to access current services due to rural isolation, restricted mobility, cost of fuel or limited access to public transport.

The mobile advice unit will deliver a service to rural areas and for those who cannot easily access outreaches, local libraries or are digitally excluded.

“We are most worried about those on the lowest incomes including the elderly, vulnerable and disadvantaged, many of whom have the additional barrier of being rurally and socially isolated.

“The Crisis Support Bus will be an easy to access, one-stop shop for these residents, whilst ensuring accessibility to a diverse range of people, including those at a greater risk of disadvantage, detriment or harm.”

Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck is an independent charity and relies upon grants and donations to fund their services.

Katrina Ford, business development manager for Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck, said: “We have seen a big increase in the number of people turning to us for advice and they are struggling to afford heating and pay bills.

Now, they are looking for donations to help fund the Crisis Support Bus.

Katrina added: “We are hoping to have the bus in the local community early 2023. To help achieve this, we are looking for support from local businesses and individuals to help fund the on-going running costs of the bus. There are lots of opportunities for local businesses to get involved, including having a logo on our bus in return for a donation. If

anyone is willing to help, we’d love to hear from you.”

Donations to the Crisis Support Bus can be made on Aviva’s Community Fund page www.avivacommunityfund.co. uk/p/cost-of-living-crisissupport-bus. Aviva will match fund the amount raised. People can also visit citizensadvice.org. uk or email giving@ edpcitizensadvice.org.uk

The bus would be similar to this vehicle Picture: Citizens Advice

Who you gonna call? Coast busters!

A GROUP of friends touched by the plight of 25 dogs rescued by a Dorset animal centre put their best feet forward to help fund the charity’s work.

In October, the Margaret Green Animal Rescue in Church Knowle took in 25 dogs rescued from a puppy farm in Devon.

Many were suffering serious illness after being kept in conditions that ‘shocked and horrified’ staff.

The animals were nursed back to health and prompted a huge response from supporters of the charity, who raised more than £20,000 to help.

Among those determined to help after reading the story were an intrepid group of friends who decided to take on a sponsored walk to support the centre.

So on Saturday, November 19, friends Ellie, Lauren, Vicki, Hun, Sadie, Ellie B, Claire and Karen gathered at the Church Knowle rehoming centre to meet the charity’s chief executive, Nigel Mason, before a 25-mile trek to the Margaret Green centre in Weymouth - a mile for each dog rescued.

A charity spokesperson said: “They couldn’t stop thinking about how relieved they were that these dogs had now found the safety with us, that they so desperately needed and deserved.”

The ambitious route started at Church Knowle and stretched along the coastal path until they arrived in Weymouth.

The group - known as The Coast Busters - sang, danced and even collected donations as they went, before arriving in Weymouth 12 hours later, having burnt off 15,000 calories and gained many blisters.

“Margaret Green Animal Rescue is a local organisation that we are so proud to have, and we’re so happy to have been able to raise some money to support it,” said Coast Busters spokesperson, Ellie.

Their fundraising total currently sits at more than £1,700.

“We couldn’t be more grateful to Ellie, Lauren, Vicki, Hun, Sadie, Ellie B and Claire and Karen for their dedication,” the charity spokesperson added.

The Coast Busters group during their 25-mile trek for Margaret Green Animal Rescue

Scultpure by the Lakes redesigned

By Sara Niven

THE award-winning Sculpture by the Lakes has undergone a redesign.

The premises, at Pallington, just east of Dorchester, has been divided into two parts - The Sculpture Park and The Makers Yard - to more clearly distinguish between ticketed and free-to-access areas.

The former includes 26 acres of gardens, woodland, lake and riverside walks, dotted with more than 30 large-scale contemporary sculptures, where entry costs £14.50.

The latter comprises The Gallery, The Kitchen, formerly known as Gallery by the Lakes and Café by the Lakes, and The Store and The Pantry, previously known as Artisans’

Bazaar and the Artisans’ Pantry. Entry to all these areas of the Makers Yard remains free, with no booking necessary.

Sculptor, co-owner and founder Simon Gudgeon said the rebrand, which includes a new website, was the result of feedback from visitors and taking a step back to consider the attraction as a whole.

“People were telling us that they were surprised at how much we had on offer or were expecting to pay to visit the gallery for example, so we knew we needed to make it clearer and make sure it all made sense, not just to those people we welcome here on a regular basis, but to those discovering us for the first time,” he said.

BOVINGTON Community Stores

BLANDFORD Tourist Information Centre

BEACON HILL

Royal Heights coffee Shop

BERE REGIS

Bartletts Stores Maces Stores

BRIANTSPUDDLE Briantspuddle Shop

CANFORD MAGNA Garden Centre

CORFE CASTLE

Corfe View Visitor Centre Railway Station Village Stores

CROSSWAYS Co-op Post Office

HAMWORTHY

Allways Fryday Co-op

Hamworthy Central Convenience Kings Fish & Chips Shop Library

Mayze Hairdressers

Morrisons Post Office

Premier Blandford Stores

HARMANS CROSS

Foleys Garage

St Michaels Garage/BP

HOLTON HEATH

Clay Pipe Inn

KINGSTON Scott Arms

LANGTON MATRAVERS

Langton Village Stores

LYTCHETT MATRAVERS

South Lytchett Manor Caravan Park

The Bakers Arms

LULWORTH

Lulworth Visitor Centre

NORDEN Farm Shop Train Station

PUDDLETOWN

Community Library Spar

SANDFORD

Co-op Food & Petrol Station

Sandford Premier

STUDLAND Studland Stores

SWANAGE

Ballard Stores

Budgens Supermarket Coastal Park Conservative Club Co-op

Costcutters

Durlston Castle Jenkins Newsagent

MacCalls Newsagent

Nationwide Building Society Post Office

Rudges

Spar

Swanage News

Tourist Information Centre

Traditional Barber Train Station

Triangle Garage/Texaco WH Smiths

TINCLETON

Tincleton Church

TOLPUDDLE

Tolpuddle Creech Farm Shop

ULWELL Village Shop/Inn

UPTON

Aldi Co-op

Lytchett & Upton Council Spar

Upton Library

Upton News & Wine

WAREHAM

Chipperies Fish & Chips Conservative Club Co-op

Horseys Newsagent

long John’s Fish & Chips

One Stop Farwells

Premier Stores

Purbeck Library

Purbeck Mobility Centre

Purbeck Sports Centre

Sainsburys Train Station

Wareham Laundrette

WEST HOLME West Holme Nurseries

WINFRITH NEWBURGH Post Office

WINTERBORNE

WHITECHURCH

Lady Bailey Caravan Park - 73

WINTERBORNE

KINGSTONE

Village Hall Phone Box

WOOL

Gillets Spar

New venue for your newspaper!

A BIG thank you to Lorraine Drake of your magazine distribution department and Joe manager of Red Post petrol station who arranged to supply and stock three of your publications.

The Red Post petrol station (close to Winterborne Zelstonoff the A31) re-opened in early December.

After a few telephone calls and emails we now have the following excellent publications - the New Stour & Avon, the New Blackmore Vale and the Purbeck Gazette - available free for the local community and visitors to Dorset to collect and read.

We have a small newspaper delivery team who run a rota for Winterborne Zelston village and collecting from the well-stocked Red Post petrol station, this saves us time and money on petrol.

Thank you again.

LYNNE, STEPH, JOHN, DAVID

Make new builds sustainable

I WOULD like to ask: Why isn’t it compulsory for all new builds to install at the beginning, either solar panels or other sustainable power options?

It seems a no brainer to me.

ALLAN ROBSON Sturminster Newton

How we can feed birds this winter

ON the cusp of austerity, many people will be considering spreading their meagre resources around to deal with today’s cost of living crisis.

I have taken the time to explain how we can continue to feed our garden birds and

reduce food waste by using over-ripened fruit such as apples and pears chopped up, peas, sweet corn and mashed potatoes, breakfast cereals and raw oats, unsalted nuts (crushed), bacon fat, grated cheese (not soft cheeses), cooked pasta and rice without sauce.

Boiled egg is considered a treat, leave the shell on, crush it up and serve. For best results look at what is being eaten by your garden birds, different species eat different food.

Start with a little and increase until there is virtually nothing left by late afternoon.

If possible, buy the cheaper bird feed with plenty of wheat, which goes down a treat with sparrows and wood pigeons.

You may attract the attention of a grey squirrel to your bird table - but they feel hunger too.

Hygiene is of the utmost importance, it doesn’t cost anything and clearing away uneaten food before it goes mouldy along with cleaning out your drinkers on a regular basis will help prevent diseases being spread.

Stale bread, crusts, cakes and biscuits broken up along with Your

anything else you may consider is worth trying.

If the birds don’t eat it, stop and try something else.

Our song birds are decreasing at a worrying pace, I can’t imagine a world without a dawn chorus.

MIKE FRY

‘I welcome the bright

lights’

IN response to another letter from Gavin Rider relating to the new street lights, I would like to point out the following:

1. The lights in question are LED and therefore will be saving on electricity usage which in turn will positively impact on our council’s expenditure.

2. The two people who are complaining are male - as a woman who often has to walk home alone along Bon Accord Road I absolutely welcome the brighter lights - so much safer for a lone woman and also on the uneven pavements.

3. The road in question is the ambulance route to Swanage Hospital and as such should be well lit.

4. If the light overspill is really such a problem, try buying some black out blinds; they work a treat and are not expensive.

No technical jargon or light meters required, just some common sense.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

Dukedom should be removed

WHEN an honorary Dukedom is given to an active member of the Royal family, it is obvious it should be removed when physically he is no longer resident, nor active and even critical of the Monarchy.

DAVID PRICHARD

Check on your neighbours

I

JUST wanted to write to remind people to perhaps knock on the door of their neighbour this Christmas.

At this time of year, some people would really appreciate a ‘hello’!

NAME & ADDRESS SUP-

This stunning image of Swanage was captured by Robin Boultwood

So far this year we have sold over 3,500 acres across 8 counties. We currently have 880 farm buyers and 1,505 land buyers registered. Our team, pictured below visiting buyers in London, are the best in their field at selling Farms, Estates, Land and Rural Property. For a free, no obligation, market appraisal for sale purposes, call one of our specialist farm agents.

We have a large selection of walking books and maps, new books, shopping lists, notelets and cards and much more! 35 Station Road Swanage Tel: 01929 424088 www.editionone.co.uk

THE SWANAGE BOOKSHOP

We have a large selection of walking books and maps, new books, shopping lists, notelets and cards and much more! 35 Station Road Swanage Tel: 01929 424088 www.editionone.co.uk

Jumbo sudoku

Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

Killer sudoku Brain chain (hard version)

Cryptic crossword

Puzzles

Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and boldlined 3x3 box. No digit maybe repeated in any dashed-lined cage, and each dash-lined cage must result in the given value when the stated operation is applied between all of the digits in that cage. For subtraction and division operations, start with the highest number in the cage and then subtract or divide by the other numbers in that cage

For the solutions, see page 52

Politics

Reflecting on huge changes in 2023

AS we look forward to 2023, naturally one also reflects on the year past; on the massive changes that have happened in the last 12 months.

This time last year, we had a different Prime Minister, and the Queen was still our Head of State.

It has been a tumultuous time in politics, and there have been many changes. My government role has changed, but my job as your Member of Parliament for Mid Dorset and North Poole remains the same.

I always love coming back from Westminster to Dorset as it is a journey bringing me home.

2023 will mark 20 years since I first moved to Dorset. It is such a wonderful place to live, work and bring up family. London is where parliament sits, but Dorset is home!

Later in the year we will hear the exact changes that are being made to the boundaries of Parliamentary constituencies.

At the moment there are around 84,000 people living in Mid Dorset and North Poole, with around 65,000 adults eligible to vote. This needs to be increased, to standardise constituencies. The new boundaries will mean that there will be around 72,000 voters, which is more similar to the other constituencies across Dorset.

team and I will do everything we can to assist you.

I always say that I sadly don’t have a magic wand, and change can be slow. But even if an issue is not within my gift or power, I will do my best to help.

Over the last year I have received over 8,500 emails and letters from constituents, and sent out over 10,000 emails and letters. This might seem a lot, and my team and I do sometimes receive more than 100 emails each day. Many of you let me know your views on a range of issues, and that is an important part of being a constituency MP.

If you do need to contact me for help or advice, my excellent

In Parliament I have one of the highest voting records over the past year, on topics including preventing child marriage, ensuring waiting staff get their tips, enshrining freedom of speech in our universities into law, putting a cap on energy prices and putting a levy on oil and gas producers. I was also pleased to support the government in increasing benefits and pensions in line with inflation.

In the constituency I have had regular in-person and phone surgeries, and visited a range of people. I have been quizzed by

schoolchildren and hosted work experience students, had meetings with councillors, the NHS, the PCC and the fire service.

We are living in challenging times, but I am proud of the support that the government has put in place for everyone here at home, and also the support for the people of Ukraine.

I continue to hold regular surgeries in the constituency so do get in touch if there is something you need help with, or if you’d like me to visit your organisation or business.

Email michael.tomlinson. mp@parliament.uk or contact my office on 01202 624216.

You can also follow what I’ve been doing on Twitter @ Michael4mdnp, Facebook www.facebook.com/ michael4MDNP or at www. michaeltomlinson.org.uk.

MICHAEL TOMLINSON MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole

Michael Tomlinson

‘We can act to eradicate poverty’

DURING recent visits to food banks in Dorset, I shared my own food parcel story from 1977, when my dad was on the Firefighters Strike.

I assumed our food came from a food bank, so I was shocked to discover that Trussell Trust only opened the first facility in Salisbury in the year 2000. Our parcels had actually come from people supporting the firefighters.

In the last five years, the number of people using Trussell Trust Food Banks has increased from 1.2million to 2.1millionand this does not include groups like Faithworks, or those run direct by churches.Talking to staff and volunteers, there was concern not only about the rapid increase in demand but also the need for support over a longer period. The centres were also providing household goods and toiletries, as well as items like coats and warm bags.

It is a really humbling experience visiting a food bank. Turning up with my box of supplies I felt utterly inadequate and while it is heartening people are willing to donate food, money and time, it is outrageous such facilities are needed in the UK in the 2020s. Poverty is not new, but the Welfare State as imagined and designed by the great Liberal leaders Beveridge and Keynes was supposed to ensure that no one would be short of food or shelter. Thankfully the recent autumn statement reinstated the link with inflation to both pensions and means-tested benefits and it’s crucial this keeps pace with the cost of living. However Conservative policies are leading to increased childhood poverty.

Commons data 2020, 18% of all children across the South Dorset area live in relative poverty – in some parts of Swanage this figure is 1 in 3. In Wareham alone close to 100 children live in absolute poverty. Perverse rules are leading to families having to reduce work hours to be able to get help with rent. The two-child policy which affects new Universal Credit claims is also hitting young children hard. This is a cruel policy.

for parents to seek additional work outside of school hours and bring more parents back into the workforce and extend free school meals provision to all primary school pupils and secondary pupils whose families claim Universal Credit.

According to House of

The public sector pay freeze since the first round of austerity, alongside massive rent increases, the energy crisis and food inflation, has led to the sight of nurses, carers and other working people visiting a food bank for the first time. Lib Dems would overhaul free childcare, make it more difficult

We know the country has to tighten its belt. We accept some of the problems have been created by Covid and Putin’s war in Ukraine. But the Conservatives must accept Brexit and their policies have led to communities who have been forgotten. It’s time for change, we need to remove this Conservative Government, give everyone the opportunity to thrive and eradicate poverty.

VIKKI SLADE

Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate - Mid Dorset & North Poole

Moves to reparations are continuing

THE American writer and civil rights crusader, James Baldwin, said “History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us. We are our history”.

I thought of those words when I saw reported in newspapers and on the BBC that our MP, Richard Drax, recently had a private meeting with the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley. The Barbados Government is considering plans to seek reparations from Mr Drax for the part played by his ancestors in creating – and profiting from – a trade in sugar which meant the enslavement of hundreds of thousands of Africans. The BBC reports Jamaica is considering similar plans. Mr Drax still owns the plantation, Drax Hall, where sugar is still grown.

In February 2022, the Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Sir Hilary Beckles, spoke at meeting

organised by Dorset Stand Up to Racism. There were over 200 attendees from the United Kingdom, the Caribbean and the United States.

Sir Hilary said that Drax Hall was a place haunted by death. Thousands of slaves had died as a result of illnesses, sheer over-work in the fields, or after horrific accidents in sugar refineries.

“When we drive past the sugar fields”, Sir Hilary said, “beneath the flowing green is nothing but the blood of Africans fertilizing the soil”. He called upon Richard Drax “to do the right thing” – to hand over Drax Hall to the people of the island. Drax Hall would advance the cause of education and the young: it would no longer be “the symbol of the evil of slavery”. Richard Drax could in no

way say all this history of suffering had nothing to do with him: “you Richard Drax are accountable – you have inherited your wealth through slavery”.

Chris Bradey

In March 2022, Trevor Prescod, MP for St Michael East, Barbados, a JP and Barbadian Cabinet Minister, spoke to South Dorset Labour Party Members about the efforts being then made urging Mr Drax to make reparations for what he described as crimes against humanity.

The island of Barbados, and indeed, the Caribbean nations, were still exhibiting the wounds of slavery. Drax Hall was still there, Trevor Prescod said, a reminder of the Drax family’s past enrichment from the practice of slavery. Along with the Codrington plantation, it had been at the heart of slavery

on Barbados.

Emeritus Professor Phil Marfleet of Dorset Stand up to Racism reports that now, as Trevor Prescod had warned over a year ago, the Government of Barbados is formally seeking reparations from our MP.

Proposals are being considered for activists from Barbados to visit the United Kingdom in the New Year, to meet with Parliamentarians to brief them on the history of the Drax family in Barbados. They want to share with them what slavery meant to those who were considered property, not human beings, and how the Drax family benefited financially as a result.

As James Baldwin said: “We carry our history with us”.

CHRIS BRADLEY Chair, Swanage & Rural Purbeck Labour Party

Vikki Slade

Wimborne estate agent marking 75 years serving the town on property

MANAGING the estate of Lord Wimborne led to 75 years of one estate agent serving the people of Wimborne.

In the 1930s, one of the sons of Savills founder Alfred Savill was appointed to manage the Canford Estate for Lord Wimborne in the 1930s.

The estate office was in Lower Parkstone.

In 1947, the resident agent for the Canford Estate was Edward Pratt, who opened the office in Wimborne to use his expertise to manage other landed estates in the area - as well as Canford.

A notable early success was Edward’s involvement with the Crichel Down Affair, which remains an authority on compulsorily purchased land.

The office grew, with the recruitment of a group of forward-thinking land agents and the development of one of

the country’s leading mapping offices.

It also developed major business streams in pension fund rural investment, and pipelining and cabling work.

The office moved to its current home at Wessex House in 1965, which it then shared with several other companies.

As Savills grew, it took over the whole building. That itself was then extended in 1982 to accommodate the fast-growing workforce of Savills employees on site.

The office is now home to more than 130 people, with a strong business covering the county and specialists dealing with a wealth of property services including residential sales across Dorset and south Somerset; farm and estate management; and development land consultancy and agency.

A team of planning experts

covers large-scale projects and residential schemes, public sector work and strategic land, while the energy and infrastructure team manages telecom sites, wind and solar farms.

There are further teams covering valuations; national client accounting services specialising in the residential, commercial and rural property sectors; nationwide cartography, design and GIS; building consultancy; healthcare; and providing integrated real estate services to corporate occupiers worldwide.

Mark Turnbull, head of office at Savills Wimborne, has worked for the firm for 33 years.

“We are very proud of our longstanding presence in Wimborne and our role within the property sector in Dorset and nationally,” he said.

“The growth of the office since it began with the opening of Savills first office outside London is testament to the calibre of our team and our fantastic support from clients, alongside our ability to be at the forefront of thought leadership and our skills in navigating emerging opportunities.

“In addition to the spawning of several Savills offices across the south, many graduates and other professionals have had their initial grounding within the Wimborne office and have since moved to other offices and to further professional careers, many achieving very senior positions.”

The anniversary was marked with a party last month for Savills employees, alumni and longstanding clients and friends at the Larmer Tree, fittingly on the Savills-managed Rushmore Estate in Tollard Royal.

Savills is marking 75 years with a branch in Wimborne Pictures: Savills

Still time to enter Christmas lights competition - but don’t delay!

Are you making an effort this Christmas?

BUSINESSES and households are being urged to do their bit to brighten up Swanage this Christmas.

Swanage Chamber of Trade is again hosting popular Christmas competitions to acknowledge those who do their bit to bring shoppers and visitors to the town over the festive period.

All businesses in the town, members of the chamber or not, are welcome to take part in a Christmas windows contest.

Judging takes place in the week leading up to Christmas, with winners set to be announced during the holiday period.

“Attracting visitors and residents to the town is very important in the middle of the off season and the windows are an attraction, along with the other events planned by Swanage Town Council,” a chamber spokesperson said.

“Chamber encourages everyone to think about shopping locally to buy their Christmas gifts.”

Running alongside the windows competition is an event to recognise households who have made an effort.

A residential windows/garden decoration competition is being held for those seeking to brighten their street.

“This year, residents are asked to send in a photograph of either their decorations or a neighbour’s, or indeed a whole street they may pass by,” the spokesperson said.

Entries need to be in by December 22 and should include the location of the photograph.

The winners will be announced over the Christmas holiday and some entries will be put on the chamber’s Facebook page.

“Last year there was a record number of entries and quite a few families were seen looking round the streets at the stunning displays,” they added.

Email your entry to contact@swanagechamber.com.uk, or to annie.ryefields@btinternet.com.

Fire safety reminder to businesses in the final run-up to Christmas

FIREFIGHTERS are urging businesses to check their risk assessments and safety procedures in the final run-up to Christmas to keep their premises safe.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service has urged firms to check their fire risk assessments and make changes to processes if necessary.

Business fire safety manager, Emma Turner, said: “During the festive season, shops can have large amounts of extra stock, decorations are usually hung up, and there can be seasonal employees who perhaps don’t know the processes as well as other staff.

“Too many businesses don’t recover after the devastation of having a fire, so we really want people to take a bit of time to check their premises are as safe as possible.”

She added: “All businesses are required by law to have a

fire risk assessment, but this may need to be amended to reflect any changes to internal layout, additional lights and decorations, or anything that may impact on your fire safety precautions.”

Among the risks that are being highlighted to businesses are:

• Safe storage of additional stock, so it doesn’t block thoroughfares or doors.

• Safe disposal of additional packaging, such as cardboard.

• Maintaining safe escape routes and fire exits.

• Ensuring that temporary staff fully understand what they should do in the event of a fire.

• Keeping decorations away from alarm sensors and anything that generates heat.

• Not overloading plug sockets to accommodate lights or additional equipment. Use gang extension leads rather than plug adaptors, and make sure all

electrical items have been had a portable appliance test (PAT).

• Blocking access to, or communal areas of, any residential provision above the business.

With the cost of energy rising all the time, it’s understandable many businesses are looking for ways to save some money, a DWFRS spokesperson said.

“However, there are some areas where a saving could be a false economy – and a fire risk,” they added.

Things to remember include:

• Maintaining and testing fire safety systems is essential, both for fire safety and legal

compliance.

Firms are being urged to check their fire safety processes

• There is a legal requirement to ensure that a premises fire risk assessment is carried out, and that it is “suitable and sufficient”.

• Keep your staff training up to date.

Further guidance on how to stay safe when cutting costs can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/ save-safely.

A full range of advice on fire risk assessments, and the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order on commercial premises can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/ business-fire-safety.

Wholefoods’ move to ‘brighter’ store

A POPULAR Wareham shop has moved to bigger and better premises.

The town’s Court Leet led a special opening ceremony of Purbeck Wholefoods’ new premises, at 19 North Street, on Wednesday, December 7.

Kat Ashley took over the business five years ago and has been delighted with the move.

“The new shop is bigger and brighter, giving customers more room to browse and purchase from the wide selection of goods including vitamins, health supplements, loose nuts, dried fruits, herbs, spices and sweet treats to name just a few,” a spokesperson said.

“They also offer an ordering service and will try to source products not on the shelves.”

The Court Leet blessed the building and all who sailed in her.

Purbeck Wholefoods is at 19 North Street, Wareham, and can be reached on 01929 552332 or by email to contact@ purbeckwholefoods.co.uk.

Drink-driving campaign underway

DESIGNATED drivers can earn themselves free soft drinks this Christmas and new year.

Dorset Police has launched its Lift Legend Christmas drink drive campaign, with more than 30 licenced premises set to offer soft drinks to those who give free lifts home to friends and family after a night out.

The initiative runs until January 1, 2023.

On the purchase of their first soft drink, drivers will be offered a voucher to have their second free of charge at participating venues.

During the month-long operation, officers will also be raising awareness of the inherent dangers involved in drink driving by encouraging people to take responsibility for their actions this Christmas.

Breath tests will also be requested from all drivers who commit a moving road traffic

offence, irrespective of whether or not they’re suspected of a drink driving offence.

Officers will also be carrying out intelligence-led fixed site checks, as well as engaging with motorists on the risks of getting behind the wheel after a drink.

Superintendent Chris Naughton, of the Specialist Operations Department, said: “It is vital we do all we can to ensure anyone on a night out is able to get home safely.

“Our initiative aims to encourage those heading out for the night to plan who is going to be their Lift Legend.

“Officers will not only be tackling those getting behind the wheel after a drink, but also those who decide to drive after taking illegal drugs.

“Despite long-term reductions, drink and drug driving still accounts for 15 per

Over

Over

Best

cent of road deaths and almost 10,000 casualties nationally each year.

“During last year’s Christmas campaign in December 2021, officers in Dorset carried out 563 breath tests and charged 110 people with a drink drive-related offence.

“Alongside the Lift Legend education campaign which we’re continuing this year after last year’s success, officers will be out in force rigorously targeting those who are a danger on our roads, day or night.”

To report a drink or drug driver call police on 999.

Police will be testing drivers for drink and drugs

The importance of exercise: Advice and classes to combat Parkinson’s

AS a specialist neurological physiotherapist, I love running exercise classes!

Firstly, because I know it is doing good. Exercise helps to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and work the cardiovascular system and therefore reduces the risk of major illness. It also improves well-being, mood, sleep and energy.

Secondly, I enjoy exercising in a group because of the energy and fun felt in the room; the laughter, encouragement, stories told at the end and the shared support and understanding.

It is hard to keep motivated doing exercise at home. When you attend a class, it’s a firm date in the diary every week and you will come away smiling!

At Dorset Neuro Physio we are starting new exercise classes for Parkinson’s in the new year and we continue to run Balance and Mobility Class at Swanage Therapy Centre.

Early, intensive exercise can slow symptoms and progression of Parkinson’s. There is exciting evidence showing that intensive, powerful and whole body exercise can help to re-wire the brain and strengthen connections to maximise brain function and movement as well as having a neuro-protective effect.

This means that alongside improving your physical activity, the specific exercise programme may also slow the progression of Parkinson’s down.

Parkinson’s is caused by a lack of a chemical, Dopamine which sends messages in the brain to co-ordinate movement. Without dopamine, people with Parkinson’s find their movement is slower, smaller and less automatic and they can also experience stiffness and tremor.

Research has shown that over a two-year period, people with early Parkinson’s who participated in an intensive, high-powered exercise course had reduced symptoms and required less medication at the end of the

trial compared to a control group. In fact, many of the outcome measures had improved and symptoms decreased over the two years.

We are very excited to be starting a new exercise class for people with Parkinson’s which use the principles of intensity, strength training, PD warrior exercises & balance rehab to help combat the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Classes start in January on Tuesdays at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Swanage.

Watch out for ‘The importance of exercise. Part 2: Why do I have balance problems and what can I do about it?’.

n Please call Holly Sizer on 07967 096742 or email holly@dorsetneurophysio. co.uk to find out about this exciting exercise opportunity, book a 1:1 or discuss your needs.

HOLLY

SIZER Specialist Physiotherapist in Neurology and Rehabilitation

Hospital X-ray department set for £255,000 makeover thanks to friends

A DEPARTMENT at Wimborne’s Victoria Hospital will undergo a major £255,000 revamp next year, it has been announced.

The radiology department at at the Victoria Road hospital will undergo the transformation after Christmas, bringing a host of benefits for patients.

The work is being carried out thanks to £255,000 of charitable funding from the Friends of Victoria Hospital.

The Dorset HealthCare-run site will be refurbishing two X-ray rooms to deliver improved imaging and increased capacity.

Work will begin on Tuesday, January 3, and involve adjustments to radiology services at the hospital for around 13 weeks.

A temporary facility will continue to provide X-rays on site, though there may be a few exceptions, the hospital said.

“Where appropriate, some patients may be booked in at Poole Hospital, or offered the option of appointments at Swanage Hospital,” a spokesperson said.

“Ultrasound services will continue to be provided from Victoria Hospital during this time.”

The project is due to be completed by March 31.

Brad Rootes, Dorset HealthCare’s East Dorset and Purbeck locality manager, said: “I’d like to say a big thank-you to the Friends for this generous charitable donation.

“These improvements will make a huge difference to the radiology department and the facilities it can offer.”

Anne Salter, Friends of Victoria Hospital chair, thanked the community for its support for the group.

“The Wimborne community takes great pride in its wonderful hospital and hardworking staff and continually supports the Friends with donations and legacies which, in turn, allows us to fund these major projects,” she said.

“We are absolutely delighted with the changes being made and how this will improve the service for the future.”

For more information about the hospital and the charity, seedorsethealthcare.nhs.uk.

Control centres to tackle winter NHS pressures

SPECIAL ‘control centres’ have gone live in the south west to manage the NHS as winter pressures grow - including in Dorset. The centres aim to help getting patients into beds more quickly and ease winter pressures using data to identify where people would be best treated. They are able to divert ambulances to another nearby hospital with more capacity or identify hospitals that need extra support. The healthcare control centres are among

measures announced as part of the NHS winter planning in October alongside falls response teams, additional bed capacity and new hubs dedicated to serious respiratory infections.

Across the south west, each of the seven integrated care systems has a dedicated 24/7 operation where teams, including senior clinicians, can track data in real time to help them make quick decisions in the face of emerging challenges.

It is hoped working this way will mean sites are able to respond to live issues and plan for pressures over weekends, bank holidays and other wider public events or dates that can affect services.

Martin Wilkinson, director of performance and improvement for the NHS in the south west of England, said: “These data-driven centres are now helping us monitor pressures and manage resource across the south west of England.”

Victoria Hospital’s X-ray department is to undergo a makeover

Picture: Dorset HealthCare

Is your garden winter ready?

THE weather has turned and Jack Frost is very much in town.

So what should we be doing to make sure our gardens aren’t completely frost bitten?

The Royal Horticultural Society has outlined three jobs you should do to make sure you’re in good shape.

1. Check your winter protection structures are still securely in place.

Cold, wet, windy winter weather can damage trees, shrubs and garden structures such as trellis.

Improving shelter, staking

plants, mulching, wrapping pots and careful matching of plants to places will help to prevent this kind of damage.

2. Check greenhouse heaters are working The high cost of fuel and the desire to garden sustainably are concentrating gardeners’ attention on operating greenhouses with the minimum energy usage.

3. Insulate outdoor taps and prevent ponds from freezing

If your pond is stocked with fish and it does freeze over, melt the ice by placing a hot pan on the surface, or install a pond heater or water feature to prevent freezing occurring. Other jobs recommended by the RHS are:

n Prune open-grown apples and pears (but not those trained

against walls)

n Prune acers, birches and vines before Christmas to avoid bleeding

n Harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage, sprouts and remaining root crops

n Trees and shrubs can still be planted and transplanted

n Take hardwood cuttings

n Keep mice away from stored produce

n Reduce watering of houseplants

For more details and information on protecting your garden this winter, log on to www.rhs.org.uk/advice

Making sure your greenhouse heating is working - and pruning where required are among the jobs to do

Pictures: Pixabay

Fancy a cocktail?

THE cocktail ring was originally designed during Prohibition in the 1920’s when women were becoming more independent, having been given the vote, and who were invited to attend illicit parties where alcohol was drunk a-plenty.

A cocktail ring made a statement and the bigger and brighter, the better!

After the end of the war in the 1950s ,cocktail parties became popular again and so there was resurgence in this type of jewellery which was colourful and a real antidote to the austerity of rationing and lack of availability of gemstones. Popular designers included Butler & Wilson, and affordable costume jewellery made dressing up accessible.

By the 1960s and 1970s, when the fashion world exploded, the focus was on social change with women buying for themselves.

Jewellery was worn for the joy of it, not just as a statement of wealth or having been given it to signify an anniversary,

Pieces by Andrew Grima, affectionately known as the father of modern jewellery and who designed pieces for the Royal Family and London society, were big and bold and

coveted. Some are even displayed in the Victoria & Albert Museum. Likewise, Charles de Temple was a pioneer of the Modern Jewellery Movement and was known for his unique designs and technical ability to handcraft gold.

The gorgeous 18ct gold Lapis Lazuli & Turquoise semi precious stone ring you can see is known as a ‘bombe’ ring. This means there is usually a large stone in the middle in a rounded, curved design. Its creator is Alan Martin Gard whose signature pieces use texture and gemstones, taking inspiration from nature and organic contemporary design. His jewellery is much sought after, making them quite valuable. This ring is hallmarked for 1972.

AMY

BRENAN Director of Heirlooms Jewellers, 21

South Street, Wareham

At last it’s Christmas

IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at @sixtyone.

The shop is now ready for the festive season and to celebrate we have reduced the price of several items.

So if you are looking for gift

Christmas Opening Hours Tues-Fri

Fri 23rd Dec 9:30am-7:00pm

Christmas Eve 9:30am-2:00pm

Tues 3rd Jan 9:30am-5:00pm

Our sale is now on. Pop in to pick up some fabulous gifts or if you are entertaining this festive season you may be looking for additional seating or table space.

inspiration or just fancy treating yourself to something special or unique, there are plenty of bargains to be had.

And don’t forget you can also shop on our website if it is difficult to visit in person.

How Swanage shrugged off its industrial past to become a holiday destination...

By Sara Niven SWANAGE’S

place as an attractive seaside destination may seem obvious now.

But for decades, the town’s industrial history contrasted with a past steeped in industrial heritage.

The apparent identity crisis of the town is addressed by Jason Tomes in his new book, Swanage: An Illustrated History, which is available now.

“For example, Christopher Taylor, in the Dorset volume of The Making of the English Landscape series, dismisses Swanage as a ‘visually unattractive holiday town’,” Jason explained.

“Many books about Dorset understandably focus on rustic life, often in a romantic way: manor houses, farm horses, thatched cottages with roses round the door.

“Swanage has only two thatched cottages. Though close to countryside, it is not a country town and never has been.

“By the time it acquired its urban character, it had been an industrial village for centuries, dominated by the stone industry, and then it became a seaside resort.”

Jason’s book features 13 chapters, each dealing with a different aspect of life in

Swanage.

For a town that became known as a top spot for UK quarrying, this not surprisingly includes the stone trade, its rise as a significant component in Swanage’s economy - and subsequent demise.

The town’s most famous

quarry, Tilly Whim near Anvil Point, was still open as a visitor attraction at the time Jason was growing up locally, before finally closing for good in the mid-1970s.

However, despite covering this well, he was keen to explore other aspects that

Youngsters enjoying Punch and Judy in 1963. The emergence of Swanage as a holiday destination is covered in the book by author Jason Tomes, above left

followed and shaped Swanage, including attempts to promote it as a health and spa town in the 1820s and the boost to tourism provided by the arrival of the railway in 1885, which forced locals to - albeit begrudgingly - accept its place as a tourist hotspot.

“For at least the last 140 years, the big story in Swanage has been the evolution of the resort,” Jason said.

“The fact that previous books have not examined this very closely probably tells you something about the attitude of some residents to holidaymakers!

“One of the persistent distinguishing features of Swanage is a rather grudging and half-hearted attitude to its principal industry.

“Seaside tourism is nevertheless the single most important factor in shaping the modern town and it rightfully takes centre stage here – though the book covers a great deal besides.”

As author, Jason has made a deliberate decision to restrict the history of the town’s

architecture to one chapter, citing his belief that a place is primarily a collection of people, not buildings.

He views this as having provided the scope and freedom to focus on other aspects of Swanage’s development, be they social, cultural, economic or political.

Certainly, there is the benefit of added interest for both reader and author in doing so and it was a decision he says his publisher was happy to support.

“Many modern publishers of local history books impose a depressing degree of uniformity that makes every town seem much like every other by fitting it into a template: from flint arrow heads to supermarkets, via the Domesday Book, the Civil War, and the Victorians,” he explained. “Happily, this is not true of Dovecote Press, which has allowed me to produce a book as

idiosyncratic as its subject.”

Swanage: An Illustrated History is published by The Dovecote Press, priced at £15. For more details, visit www. dovecotepress.com.

Quarrymen at Swanage in 1896 with Belle Vue Farm in the background. Picture: David Haysom Coll, and below, Jason Tomes’ new book

Have a tasty and merry Cress-mas!

SIMPLE watercress canapes

could wow your Guests this Christmas!

After two years of slightly muted celebrations thanks to Covid, we’re all hoping that Christmas 2022 will be one we can share unreservedly with friends and loved ones.

As such, it’s predicted that entertaining will be big this year.

But how to make canapes and nibbles that people will be talking about weeks after the tinsel and lights have been packed away for another year?

Well, The Watercress Company has done the hard work for you and come up with recipes for a range of savoury morsels that not only taste fantastic, are as pretty as a picture, but are a great way to use up the leftovers from the

cheeseboard too!

What’s more, with watercress as a key ingredient in each dish you’re doing your guests a whole lot of good; watercress contains over 50 vital vitamins and minerals. Gram for gram it contains more vitamin C than an orange – essential for supporting the immune system in winter – more calcium than milk, more folate than a banana and more vitamin E than broccoli.

High in iron and a rich source of protein and fibre too, watercress is a gift to us all!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Cheesy Watercress Tortilla Cups

Makes between 4 – 8 per tortilla, depending on cutter size

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 7 mins

Ingredients: 3 Tortillas

80g Watercress, chopped with big stalks removed

70g Cheddar cheese, grated (or use any combination of cheese)

50g Parmesan, grated Olive oil

Paprika Salt Pepper

Chives, chopped finely Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C and grease a muffin tray

2. Using a pastry cutter, the same size as the holes in the tray, cut circles from your tortillas. Place the circles in the bottom of the muffins tray, one per hole, press them in until they fit and brush the tops with a little oil.

3. Fill the cups with a 50:50 ratio of cheese and watercress. Sprinkle a little parmesan over the top, plus a pinch of paprika, salt and pepper

4. Bake in the oven for around 7 minutes, until the tortillas look golden, and the cheese has melted

5. Top with a some of the cut chives and serve!

Feta Watercress Pastry Wreath

Makes 1 wreath to share

Prep time: 20 mins

Cook time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

2 sheets ready rolled puff pastry

1/2 block feta cheese, crumbled until small 1 egg, beaten Parmesan

For the watercress pesto:

80g watercress

2tbsp pine nuts

1 clove garlic

Olive oil

50g Parmesan

Salt & Pepper Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°, line a baking tray with grease proof paper

2. Make your pesto by combining all the ingredients in a food processor and blitz until smooth – begin with about 50ml of olive oil and add more if needed to loosen the pesto.

3. Using a dinner plate, trim both sheets of pastry to a circle (you can save the excess to make some holly and berry decorations for the top!) Then, using a mug or pastry cutter, cut a small circle from the middle of each sheet – creating two matching donut shapes.

4. Spread a layer of watercress pesto on one of the pastry shapes – about a thumb’s width in from the edge. Then sprinkle the feta over the top.

5. Lay the other pastry sheet over top and line them up until they match. Press the edges together to seal and brush all with the beaten egg.

6. Leaving a thin border in the middle of the wreath, cut 16 strips from the centre out to the edge. Twist each strip over twice, repeat on all the other strips, twisting in the same direction each time.

7. Bake in the oven for around 25 minutes, until golden brown.

This is ideal for tear & share.

Cheesy watercress tortilla cups

Yule love this log for Christmas

By Lorraine Gibson

NEED to whip up a quick festive dessert?

My go-to option is my old-school yule log. There’s no baking required, so it’s perfect for when you’re busy – and at this time of year, who isn’t? It’s decadent, indulgent and booze-infused, just like the perfect Christmas.

You’ll need two bowls, a whish and a long, flat plate or board. Take a bowl and mix together the wine, sugar and half the brandy. Gradually whisk in the cream until it looks like fluffy, snowy peaks. Pour the remaining brandy into a separate bowl and add the orange juice. Mix. This is your biscuit dip.

Next, the log. Use a small amount of the whipped cream for this. The rest is to smother it like snow.

Take your plate/board and run a smear of cream along the centre, this is the ‘glue’ that helps your log stay put. Dunk a biscuit, very briefly or it will disintegrate, into the brandy and orange mixture, add a smear of cream to one side and place (creamside up) at the start of the ‘glue’ strip. Take another biscuit and repeat the process, sandwiching it with the first, then take another and dip, cream and repeat to build an upright tower. Lower your ‘tower’ on its side on to the ‘glued’ plate, then continue to add more soaked

and creamed biscuits all along until you have the right length log – or are out of biscuits!

Log built, take the remaining cream and smother the entire thing, roughing it up a bit to give a bark-like appearance. Pop in an airtight tub and leave in the fridge for a couple of hours/overnight. By then the brandy-soaked gingernuts will have turned to a moist sponge and the cream will have set. Add a garnish of chocolate

curls, raspberries, a simple sprig of holly, or whatever floats your boat. To serve, cut on a slant for a lovely stripy pattern.

Ingredients (10 servings):

50ml medium white wine

50g caster sugar

50ml brandy (or alcohol-free alternative such as apple juice)

200ml extra thick double cream

Aladdin swooping in to the Tivoli

by Lorraine Gibson EYES

to the skies and mind your head as Aladdin will be swooping into town this month full of Eastern promises of adventure, danger and enchantment for all ages.

Join him, Wishee Washee and, of course, everyone’s favourite laundry-themed panto dame, the outrageous Widow Twankey, as they journey to old Peking - well, to the Tivoli theatre, Wimborne actually - on one high-flying, magic carpet caper after another, encountering a curious lamp, an evil sorcerer and a wishgranting genie en route. Will the beautiful Princess Jasmine appear? Will Aladdin’s lamp-buffing wish come true? And will Widow Twankey ever stop with the double entendres?

If you want to know, you need to go!

The panto is presented by Made-to-Measure Productions who, due to very popular demand, are also staging two adults-only performances of the story, called P*ssed Up Panto, Aladdin.

It’s strictly for ages 16+ and Widow Twankey might just have a new nickname - you have been warned.

The main family panto runs until January 2, 2023.

Tickets, priced at £19.80/£15.95 for under 16s, including a booking fee, are avilable online.

Box office tickets cost £18/£14.50 for under 16s.

For more details and information on group bookings, call 01202 885566

Arts & Entertainment

Lighthouse set to host Gilbert & Sullivan special

GILBERT & Sullivan fans can unite in song during a show in Poole next month.

On January 20, Tarantara Productions’ Gala Celebration of Gilbert & Sullivan is set to visit Lighthouse Poole.

Organisers say the concert performance will delight both Gilbert & Sullivan aficionados and newcomers alike.

“When their operas were premiered, Gilbert insisted on directing them in a way that was very unusual at the time - giving his productions structure, precision and flair - but almost 150 years on things cannot be preserved in aspic,” said a spokesperson.

“These operas are still very funny, pertinent, satirical and touching, and if you scrape off the additional layers of varnish that have accrued, they come up bright and new.

“If you trust the material, it shines through.”

In this celebration of all that’s best in Gilbert and Sullivan’s extraordinary operas, acclaimed soloists will perform favourites from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, HMS

Pinafore and many others, including some less familiar gems.

This unique gala concert will be performed by singers from English National Opera, Scottish Opera, Welsh National Opera, Opera North, Carl Rosa and D’Oyly Carte featuring Alexander Robin Baker, Rebecca Bottone, Barry Clark, Siân Dicker, Yvonne Howard, Judith Le Breuilly, Timothy Nelson and Matthew Siveter, conducted by Martin Handley (ENO, Royal Danish Opera, Australian Opera and regular presenter for BBC Radio 3).

Tarantara Productions was established in 2014 to perform the work of Gilbert & Sullivan to the highest standards both in gala concerts and fully staged productions.

“The company uses a mix of seasoned operatic stars and young voices new to this repertoire, letting it speak for itself and demonstrating just how timeless it is,” the spokesperson added.

For more information and ticket details, call 01202 280000 or visitlighthousepoole.co.uk.

LIVE SHOWS & MUSIC:

• Santa Saves Christmas – Join Jack, Dasher the Reindeer and Pompom the Penguin for this festive, musical, interactive adventure as they meet Father Christmas at his home at the North Pole and help Santa Save Christmas!

Friday 23rd December at 2.00pm

• Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood – Swanage Drama Company present An Adventurous Family Pantomime!

Friday 13th, Saturday 14th, Friday 20th & Saturday 21st January 2023 December at 7.30pm, Matinees on Sat 14th & Saturday 21st January 2023 at 2.00pm

EVENTS IN THE SHOWBAR

(upstairs at The Mowlem): No events are planned for December, but our opening hours have changed.

• Monday to Thursday: 6 pm to 9 pm

• Friday and Saturday: 6 pm to 10 pm

• Sundays: Closed

MOWLEM VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITIONS

• ‘On Stage’. Pantomimes, plays, ballet and concerts; local groups and professional companies – Tony Kerins has been drawing at live performances in The Mowlem Theatre since 1986. Our third visual arts exhibition will showcase Tony’s work and be open to the public from Friday, 2nd December, through Tuesday, 25th January 2023

MOVIES:

• The Bishop’s Wife (U)

Friday, 16th December at 2.30pm, Wednesday 21st through to Friday 23rd December at 7.30pm.

• Matilda The Musical (PG)

Saturday, 17th, Sunday 18th and Monday 19th December at 11.30am, Tuesday 20th December at 2.30pm, Wednesday 21st, Thursday 22nd and Saturday 24th December at 11.30am, Tuesday 29th through to Friday 30th December at 2.30pm, Saturday, 31st December at 11.30am.

• The Menu (15)

Saturday 17th through to Tuesday 20th December at 7.30pm (including Sunday).

• Belfast (12)

Monday 16th January 2023 at 2.30pm, Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th January 2023 at 7.30pm.

Opera singers from a raft of leading groups are set to perform in Poole Picture: Lighthouse Poole

Spotlight Diary

Diary Entries are FREE if your event is FREE. If you charge, then it’s £6 plus VAT per entry, per month. The deadline for 9th January is NOON 23rd December. Call Lizzie Wilmot on 01963 400186 or email lizzie@blackmorevale.net.

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.

DECEMBER 2022

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

Swanageing of things gently! 481000.

09.30

09.45 Toddler Club URC, Swanage. Till 11.15.

10.00 Table Tennis Club Methodist Ch. hall, High Street, Swanage. Steve: 424591; Malcolm: 427695.

11.30 Adult beginners Latin American & Ballroom Line dance (you dance solo): Corfe Castle Village Hall: Free Taster Session: Call 01202 243803: Email purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com

13.00 Play and Learn at Wareham’s Children’s Centre, Streche Rd, Wm. Till 2.45pm

13.00 Under 1s and Tums at Chapel Lane, Swanage. Till 3pm.

13.45 Wareham Short Mat Bowls Club meets at Furzebrook village hall until 16.00. New members and visitors welcome. Free trial sessions and coaching. Call the secretary on 07597 782613.

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 Swanage Disabled Club meet until 4pm. Meeting place All Saints Church Hall, Ulwell, Swanage. Transport available. Call Mrs Daphne Saville on 01929 425241.

16.00 Colour Me Happy. Adult colouring session at Swanage Library. Drop in.

16.45 Soccer Skills Swanage FC First Sch children £1. Till 5.45. 425175.

18.00 Swanage Tennis Club at Beach Gardens, Swanage. Free cardio tennis taster. Till 7pm.

18.30 Wareham Youth Club years 8 to 9, Wareham Youth Centre.

19.00 Swanage Youth Club. School year 10 and upwards. Till 9.30pm.

19.00 Wareham Choral Society meet Lady St.Mary Church, Wm. Till 9.30. New singers always welcome. 01202 632678.

19.30 Purbeck Village Quire rehearse at Wm URC Church. New/visiting singers (no audition necessary). String & wind players also welcome. 288045 or 480737.

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, Swanage. Cadets age 12+. Email: oc.2185@aircadets.mod.

19.30 Swanage Badminton Club meet at Swanage School, High Street, BH19 2PH, and play until 9pm. New members welcome.

20.00 DARTS at the RBL Club, Swanage.

EVERY TUESDAY

09.30 Isle of Purbeck Arts Club. Painting and sketching. At the Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Rd, Swanage. Till 1pm. Outdoors in summer. 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 feedonations welcome. Purbeck Gateway Church. 551415.

09.30 Wareham Art Club Workshop at Wareham Parish Hall. 553718.

10.00 First Steps Parent & Toddlers’ Group. Swanage Methodist Church till 11.30am during term time. Sylvia Garrett 425420, office hours.

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 A Place Of Welcome at 103 High St. Swanage. 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.

10.30 Employment Hub at Swanage Library. Until 12.30pm. Book via Skilla dn Learning on 01202 262300.

10.30 Swanage Walking for Health Group starter walks (15-30mins). Start from the Mowlem Shelter on Swanage Seafront. Get back into the

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. www.wareham-walkers.org.uk or call 552933.

12.00 Nature Tots (0-4yrs) at Bovington Memorial Hall Garden. Until 2pm.

13.45 Wareham Short Mat Bowls Club meets at Furzebrook village hall until 16.00. New members and visitors welcome. Free trial sessions and coaching. Call the secretary on 07597 782613.

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. 481000.

14.00 Swanage Town Walk. Local historian takes walks lasting 90 minutes. Meet outside the Museum in the ‘Square’. Contributions welcome.

17.30 Wareham Youth Club year 6, Wareham Youth Centre.

17.30 Wool Youth Club year 6, D’Urberville VH.

18.00 Swanage Youth Centre Girls’ Night (Yr 8+) Till 10pm.

18.15 Swanage Cricket Club Practice till 8.30pm.

18.30 Swanage Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 421840.

19.00 Wareham Youth Club year 7, Wareham Youth Centre.

17.30 Wool Youth Club year 7, D’Urberville VH.

19.00 Wareham Air Cadets meet at Air Training Corps HQ, St Martin’s Lane, Wm. Cadets age 12+. Email: oc.2185@aircadets.mod.

19.30 Belvedere Singers rehearsal at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Victoria Avenue, Swanage. BH19 1AZ. Till 9.30pm. All welcome! 425074.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

09.45 Corfe Wool Workshop Corfe VH, East St. Members £1.50; nonmembers £2.50. Till12.00. 427067.

10.00 Breast Feeding Group at Wareham’s Children Centre, Streche Rd. Peer support and breastfeeding counsellor advice. Till noon. 552864.

10.00 Adult Improvers Latin American & Ballroom dance class: St Edwards Church Hall, Swanage: Call 01202 243803: Email purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com.

10.30 Play and Learn at Kids of Wool (BH20 6DY) until 12 noon.

10.30 Books and More – Swanage Library. Reading & discussion group.

11.00 Adult Intermediate modern line dance: St Edwards Church Hall, Swanage: Call 01202 243803: Email purbeckdancestudio@gmail. com.

12.00 Adult Beginners Modern Line dance: St Edwards Church Hall, Swanage: Free taster session: Call 01202 243803. Email purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com.

13.00 Studland Toddler Group at Studland Village Hall until 2.30pm.

14.00 Herston Senior Citizens meet Herston Hall, Jubilee Rd, Swanage. All welcome.

14.00 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 3pm. With Penny at the Mowlem Community Room, Swanage. 07969 925502.

14.30 Local Historian walk around Swanage, lasting 1 1/2 hours. No need to book, just turn up in Swanage Museum, contributions welcome.

16.15 Swanage Football Club U-7s training til 5.15pm. £1. 426346.

17.15 Swanage Football Club U-9s training til 6.15pm. £1. 426346.

17.30 Corfe Castle Youth Club years 6 and 7, Corfe Castle VH.

18.00 Wareham Youth Club year 10 up, Wareham Youth Centre.

18.00 Planet Purbeck (aged 11 up), Wareham Youth Centre.

18.00 Wool Youth Club year 8, D’Urberville VH.

19.00 Corfe Castle Youth Club year 8 up, Corfe Castle VH.

18.00 Swanage Youth Club. School years 7 and 8. Till 8.30pm.

18.30 Swanage and Wareham Hockey Club Junior (6-14yrs) Training, Wm Sports Centre. Until 7.30pm. Email: Swanagewarehamhockey@ outlook.com.

19.00 Wareham Depression Support group. Second and fourth Wednesday each month at Not Just Sundaes, South Street, Wareham. BH20, until 9pm. John: 01929 556315 or 07871 727278 or email: johnoneil905@yahoo.co.uk.

19.00 Swanage Town Band meet for our weekly practise in the Swanage Methodist Church. New musicians warmly welcomed. Please call David Cook (musical Director) for further informaiton on: 01929 422909.

19.00 Purbeck Runners have a club run every Wednesday. See purbeckrunners.co.uk for details.

19.30 Swanage Musical Theatre meet Swanage Bay View Complex Rehearsal Room. All welcome. 426161

20.00 Swanage Youth Centre Club Night (Yr 9+) Till 10pm.

20.15 Dorset Buttons Morris Practice. URC Hall, Wm. 423234/421130.

20.30 Wm Swanageimming Club Adults. All standards + stroke improvement. Till 10pm.

22.00 Swanage Youth Centre Club Night (16+) Till 11.59pm.

EVERY THURSDAY

09.00 Swanage Painting Club. Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Rd, Swanage. Friendly group. New members including beginners welcome. Till 1pm. 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, Swanage. 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

10.00 Wyvern Savings and 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 and Toddler Group During term Parish Hall, Quay Till 11.45am. 556806.

10.00 A Place Of Welcome at 103 High St. Swanage. 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 Tea, Coffee, Biscuits at Queensmead Hall, Swanage. Til 11am. Admission 50p.

10.00 Volunteer Centre Drop-In at Wareham Library till 12pm. Find our about volunteering to support community groups and 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.

10.30 Midweek 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 Home Producers Market. Wareham. 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. 552864.

13.30 Toddler Group. All Saints’ Church, Swanage. 423937. Till 3pm (term times).

14.00 Swanage Town Walk. Local historian takes walks lasting 90 minutes. Meet outside the Museum in the ‘Square’. 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.

14.15 Swanage Over-60s Meet in the Rectory Classroom, Swanage, Swanage. All Welcome.

17.45 Swanage Youth Club. Learning Difficulties and disability (age 11-25) night. Till 7.30pm.

18.00 Wool Youth Club year 9 up, D’Urberville VH.

18.15 Swanage Cricket Club Practice till 9pm.

19.00 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 8pm. With Penny at Furzebrook VH, Wm. 07969 925502.

19.00 Purbeck Arts Choir meet for rehearsals, with conductor David Fawcett, at St Mary’s School, Northbrook Road, Swanage. Sept-May. All welcome. For more info call Liz Roberts 01929 481419.

19.15 Wm Town Band Brass & Woodwind players welcome. Ffi, call: 551478 or 01202 242147.

19.30 Swanage Youth Club Youth Action (year 7 - sixth form). Till 9.30pm. EVERY FRIDAY

08.45 Coffee @ 112 - Drop In For Coffee! Catch up with friends at 112 High Street (United Reformed Church) in Swanage. Cake and bacon butties. Fair trade stall. Donations for ‘Besom in Purbeck’ and church funds.

09.30 Health Qigong: Fitness and relaxation. Till 10.30am. With Penny at Furzebrook VH, Wm. 07969 925502.

09.30 Little Fishes Baby and Toddler Group. Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Road, Swanage. Term time only. Until 11.30am. Alex on 07904 412067.

10.00 Table Tennis Club Methodist Ch. hall, High Street, Swanage. 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. 01929 556146.

13.45 Wareham Short Mat Bowls Club meets at Furzebrook village hall until 16.00. New members and visitors welcome. Free trial sessions and coaching. Call the secretary on 07597 782613.

14.30 Younger4Longer exercise with daisy chain fitness. Chair-based exercise in Wm United Reformed Church. Julie 558139 or email jbrad@uwclub.net.

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

18.00 Swanage Youth Centre Club 12-13 (Yr 7-9). Till 8pm.

18.00 Purbeck Youth Choir at the United Reformed Church Hall, Swanage. 8-18 years old. Till 7pm. Jay Buckle on: 07947 866945.

18.30 Swanage Bridge Club Mowlem Community Room. 421840.

19.00 Swanage 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 Swanage Youth Centre Live Bands (as advertised) Till 10pm.

20.00 New Adult Beginners Latin American & Ballroom dance class at The Swanage school (main hall): Call 01202 243803: Email purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com.

22.00 Swanage Youth Centre Late Session (Yr 9+) till 11.59pm (members free).

EVERY SATURDAY

08.00 Purbeck Runners meet at the Mowlem, Swanage. 4/5 mile run.

09.00 Swanage CC U11 - U15 Practice till 10.30

09.00 Swanage Self Defence FUNdamaentals for ages 4-12 years at Swanage Methodist Church, Swanage. For a FREE taster session, contact Ian on: 07888660225 or email: SwanageSMA@gmail.com and quote ‘Purbeck Gazette’.

09.30 Swanage CC U9 & U10 Practice & Kwik Cricket till 10.30am.

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.

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

18.30 Whist. Come and join us at the Reading Room, Church Hill, Swanage. Call Richard on 01929 553516.

EVERY SUNDAY

09.00 Purbeck Runners meet at the Mowlem, Swanage. 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 a table, or for more info, call Tony on 01929 421321.

10.30 Stoborough Baptist Church – would love to welcome you for meeting. For details please call 01929 550309 or website www. stoboroughbaptistchurch.co.uk.

10.30 Dorset Button Rapper is teaching its traditional sword dance from the North East of England. Five men in a ring joined by double handled steel strips form intricate patterns! No experience necessary. Meeting at Sandford Scout Hut, Tyneham Road, BH20 7BQ.

ACORN LODGE ODDFELLOWS: Events all held at the Three Legged Cross Hall, Wimborne: Saturday, December 10, 1.30pm – Christmas buffet, £4. Contact social secretary Julia Taylor to book places.

DATE-SPECIFIC EVENTS

Monday January 16, 19.30 Talk by Sheila Watters on the Rodgett family of Sandford by Sandford Heritage Community Group. Sandford Labour Club, BH20 7BD. Entry £1.

Wednesday January 18, 19.30 Talk by Graham Knott entitled “Meyer. A rebel with a cause.” Wareham and District Archaeological and Local History Society, Furzebrook Village Hall, BH20 5AR. Entry £3 non-members.

Thank you for your support with our magazines and we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year from the team at Blackmore Vale Ltd.

Book now for Christmas at Stourhead, a winter wonderland with new installations for 2022!

The National Trust’s Palladian house and garden is preparing to wow visitors for another year with the return of the glittering trail between 25 November 2022 and 1 January 2023.

This family-friendly magical festive trail in Stourhead’s unique gardens will be filled with larger-than-life illuminations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music.

Matthew Findlay, Head of UK Trails for Sony Music/Raymond Gubbay Ltd, said: “We were thrilled with the fantastic response from visitors who enjoyed the trail last Christmas and our planning and preparation for 2022 is already well underway. Look out for some new surprises this year.”

Be transported into a winter wonderland in this unique landscape. Discover the iconic Christmas Cathedral created with more than a thousand pea lights woven into the forest landscape. Marvel at the ‘sea of light’, neon stars wrapping trees and stunning Super Nova. Pause to reflect at the mesmerising, flickering flames in the fire garden, enjoy the larger-than-life light installations and don’t forget to wave at Father Christmas along the way.

Independent street food vendors bring a

delicious twist with tasty treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a *spiced winter warmer or *hot chocolate shared with friends and family. Everyone loves toasting a marshmallow over an open fire and the artisan *marshmallow stall gives visitors the chance to warm their hands and enjoy this sweet outdoor tradition. Christmas at Stourhead provides a special way to celebrate the festive season with an unmissable outdoor experience. The trail is designed for all ages and is accessible for all to enjoy.

Christmas at Stourhead

The after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens from 25 November 2022 to 1 January 2023. Open from 4.30pm, last entry 8pm, closes at 10pm. Closed 28/29 Nov, 05/06/24//25 Dec.

Advanced tickets from:

Adult £21.50, Child £15.00 (Age 3-16), Family £71.00 (2 adults + 2 children). Parking £8 per car, free for National Trust members when booked in advance.

christmasatstourhead.seetickets.com

The magical after-dark illuminated trail

TICKETS ON SALE – EARLY BOOKING ADVISED CHRISTMAS AT STOURHEAD

christmasatstourhead.co.uk