The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 296

Skatepark debate ramps up

THE new Swanage Skatepark Community Project (SSCP) has launched a public consultation on the future of ramp facilities at the skatepark.

Swanage Town Council removed older ramps in the spring after a large section of the skatepark became unsafe, leaving an empty but freshly resurfaced area ready for new ramps.

Now SSCP has been formed to support the town council in the development of the area.

The group is initially running a public consultation to see what users want from the skatepark.

An online survey has been

distributed to schools from Swanage to Sandford but is now available online for anyone to respond to. The public consultation survey will close on Friday, September 15. SSCP hopes the survey results will allow it to create a community-led design brief and begin fundraising for new equipment.

It will continue decades of fundraising and community engagement by local resident Lorna Haines.

Her long-standing connection with Swanage skatepark will continue as chair of the new group with support from volunteers co-opted for

their passion to develop the amenity.

Lorna said: “In our survey, we particularly want to hear from Swanage skatepark users and people who would like to use Swanage skatepark but currently don’t or can’t.

“As well as informing us of the type of equipment people want to see in the skatepark, our survey will reveal the barriers some people face so we can consider how to make Swanage skatepark accessible to even more people in the future.”

Cllr Chris Tomes, lead councillor for the council’s sports, leisure and wellbeing working party, said: “The town

council is very much looking forward to working with the Swanage Skatepark Community Project.

“This is an exciting opportunity for current and future users of the skatepark to let us know what they would like to see to make this fantastic community space even better and more accessible, for the enjoyment of residents and visitors to our town for many years to come.

“I would like to sincerely thank the group for its enthusiasm, hard work and determination to make this project a success. Watch this space!”

The newly formed Swanage Skatepark Community Project is running a public consultation on the park’s future

PHOTO: Millie Haines

Moo-ve on from litter!

WALKERS in Langton Matravers might see some very unusual cows this summer. But these aren’t traditional grazing animals –the brightly coloured ‘arty’ cows were made by local school children to encourage people to take care of the countryside.

The two cows were decorated by Year 5 pupils from St George’s C of E Primary School, Langton Matravers, in an initiative led by local community group Love Langton, part of Litter-Free Purbeck.

The aim of the signs is to reduce litter and encourage people to pick up after their dogs in the countryside, especially around the Priest’s Way and Dancing Ledge.

Bridget Mayes, of Love Langton, said: “We all know that litter and dog poo are unpleasant, but few people realise that dog faeces can carry parasites which can harm farm animals and in rare cases, humans.

“Our outreach team, Jurassic Bark Purbeck, first worked on this two years ago and were

often thanked and told by parents that it’s easy push a wheelchair over dog poo or for kids to tread on it in the grass – or worse – for a curious toddler to pick it up. It’s yuck, to be honest.

“And – wow – the cows this year’s Year 5 have painted are a brilliant way to get the message over. We hope everyone will support the children’s message.

“There’s a growing awareness of the need to do this in popular dog walking areas – particularly open countryside – so a big thank you to those who already do the right thing!”

The school children named

the cows Georgie and Blossom.

Year 5 class tutor Karen Goodwin said: “The children in Pine Class were very happy to help with Love Langton’s litter campaign once again, helping to keep our wonderful local landscape litter-free.

“All of the Year 5 children worked together to ensure the messages and artwork were clear and eye-catching. We really enjoyed seeing the cows in-situ this year.”

The initiative has the backing of Trish Earley, the National Trust’s tenant farmer at Spyway.

She said: “We support the

arty cow project as it involves the community and visitors alike, creating awareness about litter, not only at Spyway but the whole area.”

Langton Matravers parish councillor Paul Loudoun, of Wilkswood Farm, said: “I support this fun, informal, creative way to get a message across because it comes from the generation that is everybody’s future.”

The two cows were erected by the National Trust close to the main car park for Spyway, an access point to the South West Coast Path and popular landmark Dancing Ledge.

Tom Clarke, senior volunteering and community officer for the National Trust, said: “We are hugely appreciative of all the volunteers from Love Langton and Litter-free Purbeck.

“They do a fantastic job in helping keep the countryside special for local people and visitors alike.

“It’s great to see the whole community working together like this, and we are very happy to support and facilitate such initiatives.”

Choir seeking new singers

THE Swanage-based Belvedere Singers are inviting new members to join at the start of a new choir year.

Group secretary Sue Eady is looking for individuals to step forward – even if they don’t know if they are a soprano, tenor, alto or bass.

The choir’s new term starts on Tuesday, September 5, and budding singers can go along and see how they get on – the first two weeks are free before there is any commitment to join.

Sue said: “The ‘Belvs’, as we are often known, were established many years ago and are a friendly lot.

“We come from all walks of life with very varied musical abilities – from complete novices to accomplished instrumentalists.

“Members’ ages range from those in their 20s to late 80s.

“Some are fit and active, others less so, but all are welcome and able to participate fully as the spaces we use are fully accessible.”

The choir, which has about 40 members, meets each Tuesday from 7.30- 9.30pm at Emanuel Baptist Church, Swanage, roughly following school term dates, and aims to perform two full concerts each year to raise money for good causes.

The next concert is on Saturday, December 9, at St Mary’s Church, Swanage, and will include a mix of traditional carols, well-known favourite Christmas songs and new, challenging pieces – not all in English.

For

The Belvedere Singers, based in Swanage, include members aged from their 20s to their 80s from all walks of life

Children from St George’s in Langton Matravers with one of the cows

Thousands set to enjoy folk festival

THOUSANDS of local people and tourists are set to enjoy another year of music, dance and more when Swanage Folk Festival is staged early next month.

The event, which has been running more than 30 years, is one of the biggest folk festivals in the country.

It promises a fantastic line-up of folk music featuring headline bands Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys, Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening, and Merry Hell.

The festival also sees one of the country’s biggest gatherings of dance sides with dance groups coming from as far afield as Barnsley.

And a craft fair will feature more than 60 stalls run by local traders selling a variety of goods from around the world.

The event offers free attractions for families with afternoon concerts on the main field, children’s entertainers, the craft fair and dance displays around the town all no charge.

Committee chair Jon Baker said: “The festival is a celebration of traditional and modern folk music and dance.

“Enthusiastic teenagers dance alongside older more traditional dance sides, and the music varies from modern folk-rock through foot-stomping

jigs and soul-stirring traditional ballads.

“Everyone can immerse themselves in the beauty of music and dance while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of our beloved town.”

The festival is a non-profit organisation made possible thanks to the dedication and support of volunteers, local businesses, sponsors and the community.

Any surplus goes to local good causes each year.

The event runs from Friday to Sunday, September 8-10 – for more information and the latest news on the festival visit www. swanagefolkfestival.com or follow its Facebook page.

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Headline bands at this years Swanage Folk Festival are Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys, Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening, and Merry Hell

Colourful dance groups will visit from far and wide.

Identical twins reach 100

IDENTICAL twins – possibly the UK’s oldest – have turned 100.

Devoted sisters Nora ‘Joan’ and Joyce ‘Peggy’ Barter live at The Aldbury care home in Poole and marked their big day with a party.

Sporting matching tiaras, blue dresses and gold sashes, the pair were joined by family and friends for the occasion, hosted by the Colten Care home.

One of only four sets of twin centenarians, Joan and Peggy are understood to be the oldest identical twins in the UK.

Guests at the party included Robin Ponting, grandson of the twins’ cousin Doris Ponting, whose life was further proof of the family’s longevity.

Born in 1898, Doris passed away aged 106 in 2004, having lived in three centuries.

In a heartfelt speech at the party, Robin recalled visiting the twins when he was a boy and much later, the pair of them attending family celebrations such as Doris’s birthdays and his parents John and Elizabeth’s golden wedding.

He said: “Although Joan and Peggy have lived some distance from us, they have always been close family and we saw them frequently on visits.

“They have always looked after each other. There is something so very special about them, a deep, lifelong bond and an understanding that you could read as telepathic.

“As they’ve steadily grown more and more frail in old age, family members and carers have seen how if one is faltering in a conversation, the other will step in to help continue it.

“If Peggy is not feeling so well, Joan will help out as the stronger one and vice-versa. We’ve seen this kind of role reversal on many occasions.”

Joan and Peggy were born in 1923 on the outskirts of Bath where their father Clem ran a hardware and clothing shop and their mother Doss was a housewife.

The twins attended schools and colleges in Bath before leaving to take up their separate careers. Joan became a teacher, eventually moving to become a headmistress of Sherborne Girls’ School. Peggy took up a post as a radiographer in a Birmingham hospital.

Neither twin married nor had any children.

With their respective retirements coinciding with each other, Peggy returned south to join Joan in her house in Sherborne.

As time went on, it became clear old age was starting to adversely affect the twins’ ability to live at home.

They first moved to Colten Care’s Sherborne care home, Abbey View, for respite care, eventually making the transition to full-time care there and later at Newstone House, the provider’s home in Sturminster Newton.

They moved to The Aldbury four years ago.

“It reflects the progression of their journey with dementia, while receiving the very best of care available and still getting the best out of life,” said Robin.

Melissa Siat, of The Aldbury Companionship Team, said: “When we asked the twins how they would like to celebrate their birthdays, Peggy said ‘It would be nice to have some of our relatives around and have a piano concert’.

“Joan didn’t say anything but Peggy knew that her twin sister loves listening to piano music as she used to play and teach the piano.”

As a birthday surprise, Melissa and colleagues arranged for piano tuner Jonathan Pope to make sure The Aldbury’s lounge piano was in tip-top shape and invited rofessional musician Caroline Pugh to play at the party.

Amid disco lights, banners, balloons and old photos, she performed hits from the 1950s and 60s, including a selection of the twins’ favourites.

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Identical twins Peggy and Joan Barter (left and right in the chairs) at their 100th birthday party. With them, behind the piano, are (from left): Companion Melissa Siat, pianist Caroline Pugh and companion Cara Duroe. Care team members in the foreground are (from left): Healthcare assistant Georgia James, Nurse Catherine Moyse, healthcare assistant Maureen Gostling and nurse Sarah Ingram

Long-running show benefits Swanage Railway

VISITORS will take a step back in time at the Classic & Steam Vehicle Show at Harman’s Cross, near Swanage, next month.

Bournemouth & Poole Preservation Club has held an event at the site for over 30 years to raise funds for Swanage Railway.

The show features a varied selection of vintage, modern and custom cars, motorbikes, tractors, military, classic campers, commercial vehicles, stationary engines and miniature steam.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy non-stop classics from DJ Beefy with sounds from the 1960s and 70s.

The show also has an on-site bar, the Organford Arms, serving cold beverages, or visitors can grab a hot drink from Coffee ToGoGo, plus a pizza van, bakery, burger van and ice cream are on offer.

Other attractions include an adults and children tombola, book stall and trade stands.

Last year the event raised £4,000 for Swanage Railway, which will also have a stand at the show.

The show is a five-minute walk from Harman’s Cross station with regular steam and diesel trains passing by the show field to create a great atmosphere.

Visitors arriving by car can

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use a free car park in the field opposite the show field, just over the train bridge on the left.

Those travelling by train can get off at Harman’s Cross station and walk – the field is opposite the village hall.

The Classic & Steam Vehicle Show runs from Friday to Sunday, September 8-10 and is open 10am to 4pm each day.

Entry is adults £5, children free, and dogs kept on a lead are welcome.

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Bournemouth & Poole Preservation Club is set to hold its Classic & Steam Vehicle Show at Harman’s Cross

Celebration of a guitar legend

A CELEBRATION of the music of Paul Kossoff featuring songs from Free and Back Street Crawler is coming to the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne later this month.

Paul Kossoff, one of Britain’s finest guitarists, tragically died at the tender age of 25 in 1976.

Now singer Terry Slesser, the voice of Kossoff’s critically acclaimed post-Free band Back Street Crawler, and a close friend of Koss, is keeping the memory of the Blues guitarist and his music alive.

Slesser has chosen the guitarist John Buckton to play a series of dates reviving for the first time since the 1970s the catalogue of Back Street Crawler songs as well as favourite Free numbers.

The line-up also includes bass guitarist John ‘Rhino’ Edwards (Status Quo), drummer Clive Edwards (UFO, Wild Horses, Pat Travers) and highly respected keyboard player Mark Taylor (Elton John, Simple Minds, The Alarm).

Kossoff: The Band Plays On is at The Tivoli on Thursday, August 31, at 7.30pm and tickets priced £21.50 are available from the box office on 01202 885566 or at www.tivoliwimborne. co.uk

Giant lizard

A GIANT sand lizard is invading the Isle of Purbeck.

But far from threatening walkers, it is in the form of a sculpture welcoming people to the area – and celebrating the breed.

Created by Purbeck artist Eilidh Middleton, the installation – on Stone Hill Down just south of East Creech Farm – was unveiled on World Lizard Day (August 14) and will be in situ until August 31.

As well as celebrating the rare native sand lizard, the installation warns of the delicate balance between humans and nature, and was produced in partnership with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC).

The sand lizard is largely found on protected heathland sites in Surrey, Dorset, Hampshire and the protected Merseyside dunes systems, due to enormous losses of its habitat.

However, thanks to a reintroduction

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programme led by ARC, the lizards have now been re-established at many other sites in these counties, as well as places in their historic range, such as north and west Wales, Kent, Devon and Cornwall.

They remain a species of concern, the charity said, something the installation attempts to spread awareness of.

Eilidh said: “The sand lizard is a favourite of mine. As a child in Trinidad I was fascinated by lizards and would catch them to gaze more closely at them. Enthralled by their beautiful skin patterns and colouration, their intelligent faces and inquisitive bright eyes.

The rare native sand lizard is smaller than a human finger

with a message

“The fact they could drop their tails for a quick escape and then grow new ones amazed me.

“I often walk across Creech Heath, the shake of a heather stalk indicates a sand lizard’s shimmy for cover below.

“Smaller than a human finger, they remain out of eyesight for most – so I wanted to do something larger than life to bring the public’s attention to them.

“In Dorset, we have a number of Chalk Hillside drawings, borrowing this medium to represent the sand lizard serves to magnify it to gigantic proportions and give it maximum visibility.”

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Clémentine ‘thrilled’ to make it as solicitor

RISING star Clémentine

Saulnier has qualified as a solicitor with Swanage law firm Ellis Jones.

She has qualified into the business services team where her primary role is in corporate and transactional matters.

Clémentine is the latest solicitor to complete her training contract at Ellis Jones, which has offices in High Street.

Charity shop moving to new location

Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones Solicitors’ managing partner, said: “Congratulations to Clémentine on qualifying as a solicitor.

“She is one of our rising stars and follows in the footsteps of our many talented trainees who have gone on to great things with the firm.”

During this time, she also served on the national committee of the Junior Lawyers Division for the Bournemouth and District Division.

Clémentine came to Ellis Jones after gaining multiple qualifications, including a LLB (Hons)

Clémentine embarked on her training contract at Ellis Jones in September 2021 before qualifying in early July of this year.

THE Friends of Wimborne Hospital charity shop is moving to a new location in the town’s High Street.

The shop raises funds for the Friends of Victoria Hospital and has been in Wimborne for over 20 years.

It also functions as a base for the hospital’s supporters, promotes

in Law, a Masters in Business Law and a Masters in Tax Engineering from the University of Lyon in France.

She holds LLMs in International Tax Law from Bournemouth University and International Financial Law from Kings College London. Clémentine also has a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and a Legal Practice Certificate (LPC) from BPP Law School.

the group’s events and helps it keep in touch with local people.

The shop will have a sale before it leaves its current location for the new, more spacious and modern premises at 69 High Street.

The charity is appealing for good quality clothing and other goods – the shop’s usual hours are

Clémentine said: “I am thrilled to fulfil one of my long held ambitions to become a qualified solicitor.

“I am grateful for the support of all my colleagues at Ellis Jones and can’t wait to enter the next phase of my career with the firm.”

Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm but donors should phone 01202 848031 to arrange a time to go in. The shop is also looking for volunteers – anyone with a few hours to spare each week who would consider becoming a volunteer can visit www. friendswimbornehospital.org.uk for more information.

Top tunes down at the village pub

SOULFUL songs, exhilarating tunes and quick-witted banter are promised when Sherburn Bartley Sanders play the Drax Arms at Bere Regis next month.

Chris – concertina – and Denny – vocals and guitar – have brought their unique sound to audiences across the globe since 1993.

In 2016, they joined forces with Emily – fiddle and vocals – blending vocal harmonies and strings to their unique sound.

Sherburn Bartley Sanders are performing on Tuesday, September 26.

Entrance is £5 to be paid in cash on the door – to reserve a place email pip_evans@ btinternet.com.

Clémentine Saulnier

Nadeem fronting festival highlight

TV star Nadeem Perera will be the big draw at this year’s Planet Purbeck Festival.

The wildlife presenter –recently seen on Springwatch and David Attenborough’s Saving Our Wild Isles – will be at Swanage’s Mowlem Theatre to front a lavish ‘Celebration of Purbeck’ night.

Nadeem, regarded as the biggest up-and-coming talent in

She has been interviewing scores of people in the area, from five-year-olds to 85-yearolds, to find out what the word ‘nature’ means to them.

Sue said: “I have been especially blown away by the children and young people I have met.

“They have been so honest and wise and funny, with a clarity that is both refreshing

Studland’s South Beach.

Festival organiser Luke M Luke said Nadeem’s presence and Sue’s film are part of Planet Purbeck’s drive to attract a wider following, particularly among young people.

He added: “We are extremely excited to have Nadeem with us and I’m glad to say he was really drawn to the vibrancy and energy we are putting into the festival.

“Sue’s films are brilliant and we’re confident there won’t be a dry eye in the Mowlem when she shows her new one.”

Although many of the festival’s events are familiar from years past, Luke is hoping for a greater emphasis on ‘mass’ gatherings.

He said: “We want to work

Gym open day after major refurbishment

PIDDLEHINTON Gym will be showcasing the sports and activities it has to offer later this month after a six-week closure for major refurbishment work.

The gym on Piddlehinton Enterprise Park, which aims to provide affordable facilities for indoor sports and recreational activities, has had its original 80-year-old roof replaced, new lighting installed and many other improvements.

Visitors to the official re-opening on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28, will be able to see the improved facilities and get involved in the activities on show.

Remote control car racing, badminton, five-a-side football, junior tennis and table tennis will be on offer. Visitors will also be able to use the centre’s fitness equipment.

The refurbishments were made possible due to a successful fundraising campaign, which saw donations from individuals, local businesses and groups, including Downing Renewables & Infrastructure Trust, Prototype Electronics, Jade Aden, Conduit Mead, Piddle Valley Parish Council and Wessex Internet.

Piddlehinton gym has had its 80-year-old roof replaced and undergone lots of other improvements, including new lighting

Several of the clubs which use the gym also contributed, with Piddle Valley Badminton, Weymouth Remote Control Car Racing, Hardy Country Bowmen, Purbeck Archers and Dorchester Drama, donating a combined sum of £3,000 to the campaign.

Teams of volunteers gave a significant amount of their time to help with the renovations and all those who supported the effort will be invited to the re-opening to see the improvements first hand.

Paul Hayes, chair of the Piddlehinton Gym Ltd Charity, said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their support – it really shows the power of the community in protecting important rural assets.

“In particular, I’d like to recognise the core team – Adam White, Mike Healey, Chris Ebdon and Kenn Duffield, as well as Jill Haynes and Dorset Council’s assets team, without

whom this challenging milestone would not have been achieved.

“I am excited to show the results of our efforts in the improved facilities on offer.

“We are busy – however we would love to hear from more clubs and people who may want to use our fantastic gym.

“Our operating ethos means the more clubs that use Piddlehinton Gym, the cheaper the rates can be.”

The free re-opening event runs from 10am-3pm.

Inspectors rate nursery ‘Good’

STAFF and youngsters at a Dorset nursery are celebrating after being ranked ‘good’ by inspectors.

Tops Charminster, in Claremont Avenue, has received the rating after a recent visit by Ofsted inspectors.

The report said: “Children thrive in this happy and calm nursery. They form strong relationships with staff and their peers and play collaboratively.

“Staff inspire, challenge and support effectively to deliver an ambitious curriculum and ensure that all children make good progress in their learning and development.”

Pre-school children ‘serve their own food, use metal cutlery and pour milk from glass milk bottles’, it noted, and ‘staff talk to children about the healthy food that is served and why it is good for them’.

The inspector added: “Staff develop children’s language by extending sentences and using adjectives. Children learn the initial sounds of simple words through rhythm, rhymes and songs. They explore how sounds can be loud, quiet, long or short, and they clap and stamp to demonstrate this. They match these sounds to written letters and this helps them develop their literacy skills.”

They went on: “Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) benefit from appropriate, unhurried activities that give them the chance to interact with staff and other children.

“Staff identify key areas for development and use effective strategies to meet the needs of children with SEND, for example using picture cards to help children communicate clearly.”

Jodie Robinson, nursery manager at Tops

Charminster, said: “I am very proud of all the staff and the hard work they put in everyday.

“The team put 100% into everything they do to ensure the children are well cared for and have the best time at nursery while playing and learning.

“I am so pleased with the outcome as it gives a true reflection of our nursery.”

Tops Charminster is part of day nursery chain Tops Day Nurseries, which has more than 30 venues across the south and southwest.

Staff and children at Tops Charminster, which Ofsted said is a ‘happy and calm nursery’

Funding help for community schemes

COMMUNITY projects

including play areas, theatres, sports clubs and village halls could benefit from funding to build or improve facilities.

The latest round of the Capital Leverage Fund, managed by Dorset Council, is open and welcoming applications for projects which will provide new and improved facilities for communities and residents in the council area.

The grants can help with funding towards a diverse range of projects, including village hall and community building enhancements, renovations, maintenance, and new build projects, including car parks, play areas, multi-use games areas, theatres, community sports clubs, sports pitches and landscaping.

Applications for this round of funding need to be completed no later than September 1. Not-for-profit voluntary and

community sector organisations with an annual turnover of less than £1 million can apply, as well as accredited museums, arts organisations, community centres, village halls, town and parish councils, community sports clubs and youth centres.

The scheme is also welcoming applications for projects that help address climate change themes, new public art and heritage projects, including accredited museums. Cllr Laura Beddow, portfolio holder for customer and community services at the council, said: “I’m delighted Dorset Council can offer this support to local community and

Shielding Your Home & Estate from Care Costs with a Living Trust

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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 have a charge placed upon it or sold by the local council to pay for your care fees. If a person’s capital and savings, including equity in their home, is worth more than £23,250, they will have to fund their own care.

A living trust can shield your home and estate from care costs in the following ways.

Placing your main home into a living trust ring fences the property from any potential future care costs. With a living trust, you can be both a trustee and beneficiary. You can maintain control over your assets even after you pass away. You can specify how and when your assets should be distributed to your beneficiaries.

Other benefits of the trust include the avoidance of probate upon the property and the protection from both divorce & creditors for your beneficiaries. 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 a trust is that because you do not own the assets held in the trust in your own name, a charge cannot be placed upon the home.

Chris Tennant Oakwood Wills.

The latest round of the Capital Leverage Fund, managed by Dorset Council, is open

voluntary organisations.

“We know that the previous rounds of grants have significantly boosted many community facilities and made a big difference to residents, helping to make Dorset a great place to live, work and visit.

“We hope to see many applications for these grants in the coming weeks.”

Groups can apply for a capital grant of between £1,000 and £25,000, to fund up to 20% of their total project costs.

Successful applicants will be required to secure the remaining 80% of costs before any grant is made available.

Projects need to meet at least

one of the Dorset Council priorities and at least one of the Cultural Strategy priorities if you are applying as a cultural organisation.

Applications can only be accepted via an online application form and those not received on or before September 1 will be considered for January 2024, with a decision in February next year.

For more information about eligibility, funding criteria and how to apply, visit https://www. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/yourcommunity/support-forvoluntary-and-communityorganisations/funding/ capital-leverage-fund.

Community and voluntary sector applicants can also email communities@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk, while cultural applicants can contact LeisureWDWP@dorsetcouncil. gov.uk for advice.

Great days out at Monkey World

By Lorraine Gibson

IT was monkey business as usual for nearly 300 lucky Dorset children who went to Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Wool, as part of Variety The Children’s Charity’s Great Days Out scheme.

Over three days, the children marvelled at cheeky chimpanzees, woolly monkeys, funky gibbons and more at the centre that offers refuge to 250 rescued and endangered primates.

Laguna coaches transported children on the outings, organised by Variety Wessex, from Beaucroft School in Wimborne, St Clements & St

John’s C of E Infants School and Bethany School in Boscombe, Bournemouth, and the various Linwood School Campuses in Bournemouth and Poole to the centre in the Dorset countryside.

Highlights included feeding time for the ring-tailed lemurs,

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gentle orang-utans grooming each other and noisy gibbons monkeying round.

The children were also fascinated by the curious red-bellied Guenons who plucked tasty leaves by hand and by how the woolly monkeys could hang from branches using

just the tip of their strong tails.

Such trips rely on the kindness and goodwill of many people and Frances Cornelius, volunteer chair of Variety Wessex, wanted to thank them.

She said: “Thank you, Monkey World for agreeing to three trips instead of the normal one; Laguna coaches, especially driver Andy Blake, who is hugely helpful on these special days.

“Thank you, too, Hattie Miles for amazing photographs that the children keep as wonderful memories of their day out.

“Also, Judy and Jenny for attending all three trips to Monkey World to ensure everything ran smoothly.

“And a huge thank you to all who donated towards the cost of three wonderful days out for these very special children.”

For more information about the work of Variety Wessex, contact francesaaa@aol.com

King Solicitor

Children from Beaucroft School, Wimborne PHOTOS: Hattie Miles

Young dancers’ visit treat for ballet lover

A FORMER ballet dancer enjoyed a surprise treat when 21 young performers turned up at her Dorchester care home to entertain her and fellow residents.

Jill Kember took a special interest in the visit to Colten Care’s Castle View in Poundbury by Dorchester Ballet and Dance Club.

The ex-ballet school student and amateur performer watched as the dancers went through a series of ballet, contemporary pieces and hip-hop – which proved a new dance for some of the audience.

She said: “I’m thrilled that the performances were showcased to all residents. The costumes and grace of the dancers filled the hearts of all.”

London-born Jill had polio as a child and, having no access to professional physiotherapy, it was suggested that ballet might help her condition, so she was sent to a ballet school in Bromley, Kent.

“Ballet practice did indeed help,” she said. “I used to dance at events and galas, that kind of thing. It helped my recovery from polio and gave me the chance to live a ‘normal’ adult life.”

Jill continued her interest in

ballet while bringing up her family and working as a personal assistant at a Midlands doctors’ practice.

“While I was never a professional, I still love everything about ballet,” she said.

Team members at Castle View have continued to help Jill enjoy her lifelong passion for dance since she moved to the Bridport Road home in March 2021.

Later that same year, they accompanied her to watch stars from the Royal Ballet perform in the grounds of Tudor

mansion Athelhampton House, close to Dorchester.

After the show, Jill had a face-to-face chat with principal dancers Ryoichi Hirano and Fumi Kaneko.

“We talked about their performance, dance in general and their experience of ballet companies,” Jill said at the time. “I was thrilled they spoke with me.”

She added that one of her fondest memories was seeing the legendary Margot Fonteyn dance: “I still remember seeing her on stage at Covent Garden in 1960. It was in a first-night

performance of Les Sylphides and she was astounding.”

Asked for her advice to young dancers, Jill said: “Make sure you find a really good teacher, someone qualified. If you have the desire in your heart for dance, then you will dance.”

Companionship team member Stephanie Jolliffe said: “Jill and fellow residents loved the visit by Dorchester Ballet and Dance.

“The young visitors performed different dances which some in the audience hadn’t experience before. A huge thank-you to all involved.”

Dorchester Ballet and Dance is based at the Swan Centre on the Poundbury West Industrial Estate and offers classes in a range of dance disciplines to adults and children.

It was founded in 1958 by Ann Hannay and Elizabeth Goodchild MBE who wanted to ‘make dance available to all, regardless of age, wealth and ability’.

Council eases the rules on pop-up campsites

LAND can be used as a campsite for up to 60 days in any calendar year without planning permission, under new rules.

Regulations governing temporary recreational, pop-up campsites have changed with the introduction of new permitted development rights.

Dorset Council confirmed land can still be used for up to 28 days per calendar year as a

campsite with unlimited number of tents only without formal planning permission.

This right applies until July 25 next year.

However, the new rights also allow land to be used for up to 60 days in any calendar year as a campsite.

The latest change permits up to 50 pitches of either tents or campervans, but Dorset Council needs to be notified in writing first.

There may also be the need for a site licence, the council added.

Permitted development rights come from a general planning permission

granted by government rather than local councils.

These rights mean certain types of work can be carried out without needing to apply for formal planning permission.

For more information and details about the regulations for pop-up campsites visit www. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/ temporary-recreationalcampsites-or-pop-up-campingsites

Ex-dancer Jill Kember (seated centre) at Castle View care home in Poundbury with the 21 visiting dancers from Dorchester Ballet and Dance Club. Top right, members perform a ballet piece

Nurse Ruth’s in awards running

A NURSE who created a training programme to improve the care of people with diabetes has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Ruth Miller, who works at Poole Hospital, has been selected from 920 entries as a finalist in the Workforce Initiative category of the RCN Nursing Awards 2023.

Ms Miller will find out if she has won in a ceremony on Friday, November 10, at Liverpool Cathedral.

The overall RCN Nurse of the Year 2023, selected from all the category winners, will also be announced at the event.

Ms Miller developed the Diabetes 10 Point Training programme in collaboration with Diabetes UK, and has

social care across England.

The programme was initially implemented in hospitals, through in-person, ward-based training and train the trainer work.

From 2020, delivery switched to virtual platforms and the programmes are now online, free and RCN-accredited, taking 90 minutes to complete.

Ms Miller also realised community and social care staff needed role-relevant training.

inpatient programme.

Ms Miller said: “It is a fantastic honour to be shortlisted for the RCN Nursing Awards.

“A workforce that understands diabetes, whether in acute hospitals or in the community, is fundamental to the delivery of safe care of people with the condition.

“As the prevalence of diabetes rises, it is imperative staff in health and social care settings possess role-relevant knowledge.”

Additional programmes for adult social care, mental health and community teams have been completed by 4,500-plus staff.

More than 11,200 staff in

RCN general secretary and chief executive Pat Cullen said: “Our inspiring finalists demonstrate the very best of nursing and what can be achieved in challenging times for the profession.

“They highlight the wide variety of ways nurses improve the care of people at all stages of life and how they demonstrate their

professionalism and clinical excellence every day, and in every setting, throughout the UK.”

The Foundation of Nursing Studies is the award’s charity partner this year, and chief executive and current chair of the judging panel Joanne Bosanquet MBE, said: “The quality of entries this year was superb and it was near impossible to choose our finalists from the creative and innovative work submitted.

“The shortlist showcases excellence and recognises the enormous difference that nurses make to people’s lives throughout the UK.”

The RCN Nursing Awards will be held alongside the inaugural Nursing Live, a new event for everyone working in nursing.

Hosted over two days (November 10-11) at the ACC complex in Liverpool, the event will focus on the professional and personal development of nurses, in a first for the sector.

Ruth Miller

A REGULAR meeting of Christchurch Rotary Club was disrupted by the presentation of an exceptional and prestigious award.

Club president Peter Boardman surprised past member Mary Reader by announcing it wished to award her an exceptional Rotary honour – the Paul Harris Fellowship.

Named after the founder of the Rotary movement, in Chicago in 1905, the Fellowship is

Events

honours

occasionally awarded to Rotarians who have provided outstanding service within the organisation.

Very exceptionally, it can also be awarded to non-Rotarians who have made a real difference to the community.

President Peter said: “Mary’s long-standing and continuing commitment to local people, charities, schools and businesses is totally consistent with Rotary

objectives, and more than warrants this exceptional award.”

Mary founded the Christchurch Food Festival, which first took place in the year 2000, while she was president of Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

It had continued as an annual event, raising the profile of the town, and bringing pleasure to residents and visitors.

A decade ago, she was invited to organise a similar event in Highcliffe, and with the support of volunteers had founded what has now become the successful annual Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival.

In both festivals, Mary had insisted on providing activities for families and children, and had focused on educating children in healthy eating while having fun cooking.

This work had continued outside the festivals, through in-school healthy eating activities, carried out by the formation of a registered charity, the

MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING ST MARY’S CHURCH, Lytchett Matravers - 7.30pm

Friday 1st September

Tickets £15 - refreshments Elizabeth 01202 625296

Christchurch Food Festival Education Trust.

Over the years, some 15,000 children have had the benefit of hands-on cookery experiences in local schools, and some have even gone on to make high-level careers in hospitality.

Five years ago, Mary became involved with the Dorset Gardens Trust, and as its schools visitor for Christchurch and East Bournemouth has provided advice and grants to 12 local schools to encourage the children to learn about gardening through direct involvement in each school’s own garden.

Members joined Peter in applauding and congratulating Mary, who thanked the club sincerely for this recognition.

SHILLINGSTONE RAILWAY STATION

160th Anniversary Celebrations - North Dorset Railway - August Bank Holiday Weekend Sat Sun Mon 10.00am - 4.00pm Free Entry

Mary Reader with her Rotary Club award

The Waste Group are pleased to announced the acquisition of Ideal Skip Hire (Southern) Ltd as of Monday 10th July.

Based in Wareham, The Waste Group is a local family run skip hire business that has branched out into aggregates, asbestos disposal and grab hire.

Trade customers can tip all types of aggregates and waste at their existing recycling centre on the Puddletown Road in Wareham.

Ideal Skip Hire (Southern) Ltd is based in Swanage and has a long tradition of providing skips and aggregates to the local Swanage and Purbeck area. Their existing recycling facility on the Victoria Avenue Industrial Estate will still be open and running as usual.

The Waste Group’s aim is to strengthen customer service through great relationships whilst implementing an improved fleet and new technology. A full range of aggregates are available to purchase from the recycling facility on the Victoria Avenue Industrial Estate.

Playing party politics – not really!

ASMALL Facebook group run from Swanage which gives as its raison d’etre: “This group is run by Independents for Swanage, a group of local residents determined to end party politics in Swanage Town Council.”

Very laudable. And almost word for word the same as the Swanage Residents’ Association (SRA) manifesto I helped to write back in 1979. We formed the SRA. It grew because it was necessary and many of us were louder than the then-Tory majority. But the SRA was closed by its officers because there were ‘no issues in Swanage necessitating its continuation’. Us ‘old guard’ were frankly appalled. But it seemed no-one was prepared to take up the reins of the SRA, so it slipped away. RIP.

But honestly, looking at the quality of many of Swanage’s councillors - of all sorts of political allegiances - I ask this new group, are you really necessary? What issues have been mishandled due to party bias? Do the majority Tories really gang up on the others? Is there really a schedule of incompetence? Or are they – as I believe – hog-tied by government legislation and genuinely and sincerely doing their best in the face of inadequate central government funding?

So, what I suggest to the small Facebook group is simply this: If it’s that bad, then dig up Swanage Residents Association and re-form it – they probably have 200 members to start with! I have suggested to their leader that he should don a blue rosette and stand at the next election, but this suggestion was roundly rejected.

Or do as we did in 1979; show the electorate an independent manifesto full of positives rather than negatives and get elected on your own merits rather than – as you appear to suggest – on the

By David Hollister

merits of a rosette.

You are by no means ‘empty vessels’, so consider fact-based suggestions would be preferable to a constant barrage of criticism of a body of people that give up their own time for little or no reward.

DRIVERS were stopped along the M3 in both directions, causing miles of traffic, after a horsebox broke down. It happened between junction 6 at Basingstoke and junction 5 at Hook on a busy Sunday afternoon (August 13).

National Highways said this was to make way for a ‘horse transfer’ into a working horsebox. Delays quickly built in both directions, with drivers ‘urged’ – by whom? – to be patient and remain in their vehicles. As one of those drivers – fortunately with no schedule to keep or plane to catch, with a warm comfortable car full of picnic stuff and jelly babies, Radio 5 playing the Chelsea match – I managed to do both.

But it was clear a number of other drivers did not share my resignation – we all thought there must have been a horrible accident and hoped no one had been seriously injured.

I do wonder what a ‘horse transfer’ entailed and whether it was really necessary to close both carriageways for over an hour – maybe, just maybe, the traffic officers in their liveried Range Rover driving up and down the empty carriageway in which bored children were playing football, could have had some kind of PA system to let us all know what was going on?

Even Radio Solent had no traffic news to interrupt the bland and ageing Tony Blackburn with his interminable list of hits from the 1960s.

The point of this bit: I simply wish the ‘authorities’ who can change our lives or make us miss our flights at the flick of a switch, would at least keep us informed. This is 2023 and it’s a

major artery rather than British Rail…

On the subject of which, I wonder whether the striking railway personnel actually realise that they are not just shooting themselves in the foot but blowing a leg off?

I know a number of people who, given the cost of travelling by rail, coupled with the intermittent service and sporadic ‘cancellations’, have just given up on the idea of using the railways and gone back to the relative freedom of travelling by car.

Even when they face the remote possibility of ending up stationary on a motorway at the whim of a traffic officer and an unfortunate equine cargo. We won’t be going back.

WE all left the meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner in Swanage a month ago, buoyed by assurances we would once again have a police station and more working police officers.

I think many of us now believe these assurances were a sop to our dissatisfaction. We have a ‘police station’ in the town hall, open on Mondays and Fridays between 9.30am and 3.30pm. And a police constable patrolling the streets. Occasionally.

But we are now told: “This is a trial project and will be reviewed in the autumn to ensure that it is a worthwhile allocation of resources. The funding has come from within existing police budgets.”

The desk will be staffed by a

counter services officer who already works at other police station front desks, and they will now cover Swanage as well. As well as offering good advice and help with crime prevention, assistance will be offered to report crime.

The Victorian police station in Swanage is on the market for £1.2 million and it even has the original cells just waiting for inmates.

It looks almost the same as it did when it ceased operations in late 2012.

It’s being marketed at £1.2m no doubt partly to provide more ‘homes’ to people who cannot afford them – note, I didn’t say ‘affordable homes’ or mention ‘homeless people’.

Memo to David Sidwick: This would make an excellent police station for Swanage and is probably the sort of thing we had in mind after the meeting.

RETAILERS in Swanage, fed up with shoplifting, have launched a mutual communication system to immediately warn other shops of any incidents.

It is hoped the ‘good advice and help with crime prevention’ may take the form of action to send the miscreants packing, as indeed has been done with one rather revolting serial shoplifter – four days a week – who has been banned from Swanage for three months.

Well, it will give our shopkeepers time to re-stock their shelves, mollify their terrified staff and take few deep breaths before Christmas.

Golfers on the money for hospital charity

TWO golf captains tee-d up fundraisers for Dorset County Hospital – and holed out with more than £14,000 in donations.

Patrick Crane, captain of Weymouth Gold Club for 2021-22, nominated the Fortuneswell Ward at the Dorchester hospital as his chosen charity, while Simon Etherington, captain for 2022-2023, selected the Paediatric Diabetes Ward. Both said they had personal reasons for their choices.

Patrick selected the Fortuneswell Ward ‘in thanks for the fantastic quality of care

and treatment received by friends, and members of the club’.

And Simon said of the Paediatric Diabetes Ward: “Members of my close family, including my grand-daughter, who was diagnosed at two years old, suffer from Type 1 Diabetes.

“I would like the donation to help with the huge advances that are being made to treat this condition in young people.”

Their efforts saw a total of £14,217 handed over to representatives from the hospital and members of the

The money was raised from various events during each captain’s year in office, plus the Golf Club’s Pink Day, a charity day in memory of members who have passed away from cancerrelated illnesses.

Vicky Hunt, Dorset County Hospital Charity’s fundraising officer, said: “We can’t thank Simon, Pat and all the members of Weymouth Golf Club enough

for this amazing donation.

“They had hinted it was a good amount but kept the actual total secret until the last minute – it was a real surprise and the departments who will benefit are delighted and very grateful for this very generous support.”

For more details on the Dorset County Hospital Charity, log on to www.dchcharity.org. uk and to talk to a member of the team, phone 01305 253215 or email charity@dchft.nhs.uk.

Dorset County Hospital Charity team.

Weymouth Golf Club captains Simon Etherington (second left) and Pat Crane (second right) with Vicki Kingston, Dorset County Hospital Charity fundraising administrator (centre) and members of the Fortuneswell Ward and Paediatric Diabetes teams

Visitor’s views on masterplan

I MISSED the opportunity to comment on the Swanage masterplan, but having read parts of it, and as an occasional visitor to the town, I hope can still express some personal views.

I like to visit Swanage for its unspoilt character, clean family-friendly beaches and beautiful rural walks.

It has a 'timeless' quality with a tangible sense of history – I think this is because it hasn't been elaborately modernised and, like other places in Dorset, is not over-congested, something all too often seen in Devon and Cornwall.

However, year-round tourism means more cars, noise, congestion and possible associated problems.

As a visitor, I wouldn’t like to see the area’s overall character change. Its charm lies in not having given way to great change. What you see is what you get.

I agree with many residents’ comments that their needs must come first, and that certain changes and improvements are necessary for the local economy.

The masterplan will I hope do this, but as a – respectful –‘outsider’, I’d like to request that the unique character of Swanage will be preserved.

MRS E PARKIN via email

Road safety at school

IN October 2021, almost two years ago, and following a prolonged campaign, Dorset County Council eventually agreed to necessary road safety measures for the young children attending the new Wimborne First School.

These basic and necessary safety measures included advanced warning signs, better visibility of school signs, traffic calming measures, a 20mph zone at the school access and the extension of double yellow lines.

All quite standard in the situation one would think, and of some urgency given that the lives of small children are at increased risk until they are carried out.

However, nothing has been done!

Meanwhile, a short distance away in Broadstone and Merley – an area managed by a different council – the road safety for schools is markedly better.

Why are Wimborne children not treated the same? Are they in some way inferior?

In near despair, and after having made one final appeal to the chief executive of Dorset County Council, I am now referring the matter to the Local Government Ombudsman and asking our MP to intervene, including involving the relevant Minister of State.

DR DS BIDDLE Wimborne

Motorcyclist’s thank you

I WAS involved in a road traffic collision while waiting to pull out onto High Street by Jubilee Road, Swanage, on my motorcycle on Sunday, August 6.

A number of people went out of their way to assist me while I was in the road awaiting medical help.

A huge thank you to these lovely people – Vicky, who kept me still and talked to me;

another lady who provided water and pillows to make me comfortable; and a gent from the adventure company Land and Sea who stopped, checked I was okay and directed traffic around the incident.

A big thank you to the ambulance service for its care and compassion.

Thankfully, only a bad skin wound and heavy bruising – the bike fared a lot worse!

In today’s world, it was very comforting to have these wonderful people help me in my hour of need.

GRAEME PEAK via email

Ducks under starter’s orders

THE 23rd annual duck race to be staged in aid of Wimborne in Bloom is all set to ‘float’ again this year.

It will take place on the River Allen on Saturday, August 26, at 4pm.

The ‘ducks’ will be launched into the river at the bottom of Mill Lane, besides the Riverside Mews Café, by permission of The Slocock Trust, and cross the finishing line besides the garden at the back of the Rising Sun in East Street.

Tickets (ducks) at £1 each will be sold in town on Thursday, Friday and Saturday – race day– August 24, 25 and 26.

Owner of the first duck home

will receive £50, 2nd £25, 3rd £10 and 4th, 5th and 6th £5 each.

Proceeds will be in aid of Wimborne in Bloom Funds.

n WIMBORNE in Bloom needs help urgently for summer 2024 and beyond.

After 10 years, its planting and watering contractor will no longer be taking on the tasks beyond 2023.

The contractor will be looking to sell its bowser, pump and associated hoses.

While the plantings take place twice a year, the watering requirements are substantial over the summer from mid-June to the end of September.

As a result of this change we are seeking a contractor(s) to take on the watering over the summer season starting summer 2024 and annually thereafter.

It is appreciated that this will be a time of considerable change and Wimborne in Bloom is prepared to discuss alternative watering and planting schemes.

We are contacting potential companies to determine those interested in undertaking the work and are flexible to change and improvements.

Any potential contractor who might be interested in helping should email info@ wimborneinbloom.org.uk so we can ensure you are on our contact list.

WELL done to the Corfe Castle Club and club steward Brian Varney (Chubby) for winning the CAMRA East Dorset Club of 2022 for real ale again.

ROBIN BOULTWOOD via email

Jack bags huge haul

By Graham Howard, DDAS junior secretary

DORCHESTER & District Angling Society juniors fished their seventh points match of the season at the extremely prolific Todber Manor.

Seven Juniors battled with some wet and breezy conditions on Ash Lake, in what would be the most successful junior event to date.

There were lots of fish to be caught, and caught they were right from the start.

The wind did not make it easy, particularly for some of the less experienced juniors, but they excelled themselves.

Many carp from 2lb up to and over 9lb were netted with the lowest weight of the seven 106lb.

Jack Copp, using a mix of pole and feeder, was the runaway winner with 198lb 15oz, 25 championship points and a new junior match record.

A fighting second place was

ANGLING

claimed by Josiah Wells-Parkes with a personal best match weight of 140lb 2oz. Third went to Oliver Smith with 138lb 2oz. For more junior information visit www.ddasjuniors.co.uk or email juniors.sec@d-das.com.

Membership information at www.d-das.com, fishery information at www. todbermanor.co.uk

YOUNG Swanage swimmer

Daisy Kirkpatrick (picturd) has been having a busy summer holiday before starting Purbeck School in Wareham next month.

She won gold in the 50m breaststroke and three silver medals in the 100m backstroke, 400m front crawl and 100m breaststroke at the Winchester long course summer meet.

Daisy, who is used to very early starts for training, was up at 4.30am the same day to head down to the Stone Quay to support the four members of the ‘Squid Squad’.

They were doing a 24-hour swim marathon to raise money for Dorset Lifeboat

Station and Dorset Mind, and Daisy swam a lap with them before heading home for a nap and going off to Winchester.

Daisy also won the Swanage Carnival Junior Bay Swim for the second year running.

Lions’ golf day fundraiser

DORCHESTER Lions is getting set for its forthcoming annual charity golf day at Came Down golf course.

Teams consist of four players, scoring by Stableford format, with the winning team receiving the Dorchester & District Lions Club Golf Trophy.

The entry fee is again £40, including welcome hot drink, full round of golf, midway refreshments, on-course competitions and post-round meal.

All profits from the event on Friday, September 22, will go towards supporting local

charities and good causes. Dorchester Lions, which has given to more than 20 causes already this year, has nominated Dorchester Shire Hall’s Memory Cafe as a main beneficiary of the golf day.

The Memory Cafe provides activities for people living with dementia together with their families, and additional funding will allow organisers to arrange extra sessions and outreach facilities.

Andy Rose, from the Lions, said: “This is Dorchester Lions’ sixth charity golf day and we want it to be a fun event with a measure of healthy competition

thrown in.

“With generous handicap allowances for men and women, we’re confident that the on-course competitions, including ‘nearest the pin’, ‘longest drive’ and ‘nearest the lion’, as well as the infamous ‘yellow ball comp’, will allow everyone taking part to contribute to their team effort and enjoy the day.

“Dorchester Lions is grateful for the hospitality shown by the manager, committee and members of Came Down Golf Club in allowing us to stage the event again this year, raising important funds for an excellent

new charity initiative, the Shire Hall Memory Cafe.”

More information can be found at www.lionsdorchester. org.uk/golfday, clicking on the link to the team entry form and information page.

Alternatively, text Neil on 07762 085 828 or Andy 07815 873 246 if you would like to enter a team or email andy. rose01@btinternet.com.

The Lions is grateful to the sponsors who are aiding it again this year, helping to offset the costs involved in staging the event and ensuring it can raise as much money as possible for charity.

Jack Copp won the contest with 198lbs 15ozs

Jumbo sudoku

Cryptic crossword

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.

Across

1 Things are bound to be on loan here? (7)

5 Greek with charisma shows strength of spirit (4)

Killer sudoku

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

Brain chain (hard version)

For the solutions, turn to page 27

Politics

‘All councillors should have policy role’

HERE in mostly rural Dorset, it’s easy to sit back and watch the goings on in London with regard to the imminent expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) with a measure of detachment and perhaps amusement as the Tories try and portray themselves as anti something they introduced in the first place and Labour seemingly not knowing how to respond given Mayor Khan is ploughing ahead regardless.

But given that according to many scientists and doctors, air pollution is one of the highest causes of preventable death in the UK, we should be concerned as Dorset does have it’s air pollution hotspots in the conurbation and also places such as Dorchester High Street and Boot Hill in Weymouth where levels regularly exceed safe limits.

While it’s unlikely we’ll have a ULEZ-style scheme any time soon in our county, imposing strict controls on car

exhausts will anyway only partially improve the quality of air people breathe. New measures to counter emissions of nitrogen oxides and other air pollutants will also be needed for buildings, heating plants and many other domestic and industrial sources in future. It’s not well known but a typical domestic gas boiler in a day produces as much nitrogen dioxide pollution as driving a new diesel car for 40 miles.

This latter issue is going to become increasingly important in coming years and highlights the necessity of building regulations enforcing the installation of ‘clean’ heat sources, improving the woefully sub-standard insulation of a large proportion of our housing stock, and, of course, building new properties to high standards to minimise the need to heat

them in the first place.

But worryingly, with a General Election required by January 2025, the two largest political parties in England are seemingly on a race to the bottom to avoid the reality of the crisis facing the world and of doing anything which might cost them precious votes.

And the same applies to Dorset locally, where successive local councils have considered and then failed to implement solutions to places such as Boot Hill or Dorchester High Street because they are either ‘too difficult’ or unpopular. Arguably the reason Weymouth’s abandoned park-and-ride remains as such is that Dorset Council prefers to rake in car park fees instead of reducing pollution and congestion in Weymouth town centre.

The heart of the problem is the short-term cage in which contemporary politics is trapped; a rampant populism abetted by focus group politics, the marketing model and a 24-hour media cycle which is profoundly corrupting. Committees in Parliament are sidelined while Cabinet members make up knee-jerk policy on the hoof.

While the Dorset Council elections in May 2024 are still some way off, a central tenet of the Liberal Democrat manifesto will be changing the single party power structure of the council to an alternative, more democratic and proportional system where ALL Dorset councillors can play a meaningful role in policy making through a range of committees, and meaningfully representing the electorate who voted them there.

NICK IRELAND

On behalf of South Dorset Lib Dems

Recess – and back on home turf

I HAVE been mostly in Dorset this month, rather than Westminster. Being a Member of Parliament means living in two different places – in London during the week in term time, but back at home in the constituency on Fridays and weekends and during recess. My family and I have lived in Dorset for over 20 years, so it is always nice when I can spend more time at home. MPs will be back in Parliament from the start of September, and then I’ll be back in Dorset for the conference recess.

Recess means I have more chance to be out and about in the constituency, chatting to people and visiting organisations and businesses. I have been highlighting some local businesses through my social media channels over the

last few months – if you have a great business or organisation please do let me know so that I can publicise their work in my ‘Spotlight on Mid Dorset & North Poole’.

Social media often gets criticised for some of the toxicity and negativity that can arise. It can also be incredibly useful for keeping up to date with what’s going on. I have been on Twitter and Facebook since before I was elected, and I am taking my first steps in Instagram and Threads – the new social media channel. Time will tell whether it becomes as popular as those that went before! I like to keep constituents up to date with what I have been doing, and

social media can really help. I am always very happy to publicise other events through my social media – so please do get in touch if you want an event shared.

Just before the summer I was back at school – chatting to teachers and answering questions from students. If you are a regular reader, you will know I particularly enjoy visiting schools, and I am delighted by the recent announcement by the Prime Minister confirming a pay increase for public sector workers, including teachers.

For more details about what I have been doing – both as your Member of Parliament, and also as Solicitor General, you can

sign up on my website to my email newsletter. I send these out monthly, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Although we have been on recess, my work continues, and I have been holding phone and in-person surgeries as usual. If you have an issue that needs resolving, please do get in touch – my team and I can’t promise miracles, but we will do our best to help. We have recently helped people with housing, HMRC and passport and immigration issues.

If you need to get in touch, you can contact me via email at michael.tomlinson.mp@ parliament.uk or call my office on 01202 624216.

MICHAEL TOMLINSON Member of Parliament for Mid Dorset and North Poole

Nick Ireland

Michael Tomlinson

Climate change: ‘Look up, Sunak!’

READING accounts of the wildfires in southern Europe which so recently featured in our newspapers and on our TV screens, I was reminded of the 2021 black comedy film, starring Leonardo di Caprio, ‘Don’t Look Up’.

According to EU data, Greece, Italy, Algeria and Tunisia between them lost 520 squares miles to blazes affecting 120,000 people in late July, just a few weeks ago. UK tourists evacuated from the holiday isle of Rhodes spoke of flames engulfing the island. One is quoted as saying that being caught up in the fires was a ‘near death experience’.

This July has been the warmest on record globally. Announcing this record high, the UN Secretary General said: “Climate Change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning.” The BBC in early August reported that the oceans “have hit their hottest ever

recorded temperature…with dire implications for our planet’s health”.

Yet despite the Secretary General’s warning, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled a plan to authorise more than 100 new licenses for drilling for oil in the North Sea, announcing that he vows to ‘max out’ UK fossil fuel reserves.

Stating that he is the ‘motorists’ friend’, Sunak has recently spoken against the extension of the London Ultra Low Emission Zone and ordered a review of low traffic neighbourhood schemes.

findings from the RAC that low traffic neighbourhood schemes have decreased air and noise pollution and made it easier for people to walk and cycle.

Just as the US President in the film ‘Don’t Look Up’ refuses to believe that the meteorite heading for Earth is a danger to all of humanity, so it seems the climate emergency is not a priority for Sunak.

In so doing, Sunak has disregarded evidence from medics that the Ultra Low Emission Zone has reduced the number of deaths from respiratory and cardio-vascular disease. He has also ignored

Yet polling by Redfield and Wilton Strategies indicates that 82% of the British public say that climate change matters to them personally, and only 35% believe that Sunak is truly committed to the UK’s environmental targets.

Only 23% of survey’s respondents approved of Sunak using a private jet or helicopter to travel to official engagements or political events – 48% said he should take public transport

to do so. Backing for trafficcalming measures varied, but the majority supported such schemes.

In Dorset, many of us have, indeed, ‘looked up’. On September 9, the Dorset Climate Action Network will hold a Dorset COP in the Corn Exchange, Dorchester.

The Dorset COP –Conference of the Parties – aims to spur Dorset into urgent action to combat the threats posed by climate change and ecological collapse.

Springwatch presenter Chris Packham hails the conference as a ‘brilliant event’, highlighting how scientific evidence shows we have a very limited time to act, and how we all need to step up ‘to secure a healthy and happy future’ for humanity.

Look up Rishi Sunak before it’s too late!

CHRIS BRADEY Chair, Swanage & Rural Purbeck Labour Party

Chris Bradey

of gardening

autumn

SEPTEMBER will soon grace us with its presence, and as we bid farewell to summer, it’s time to embrace the cooler breeze and dive into some delightful autumn gardening. As your friendly plant expert here at Goulds Garden Centre, I’m thrilled to share with you some valuable tips and tricks for this month.

The best time to plant trees, shrubs and climbers NOW, let’s talk about the stars of the show – trees, shrubs and climbers! September is an ideal

A guide by Sue Butterworth

month to get these beauties settled in the ground. The soil is still warm from summer, which encourages root growth, and the weather is mild, giving them the perfect conditions to establish themselves before winter sets in.

For a lovely selection, choose plants such as Escallonia,

Choisya, Ceanothus, Pittosporum, Abelia, Aucuba, Weigela, Viburnum, Pyracantha and Chaenomeles – the timing couldn’t be better! They’ll thank you for planting them now with strong, healthy growth in the coming seasons.

When planting, make sure to choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Remember, a happy plant is a well-watered plant, so keep an eye on their thirst levels, especially during drier spells.

Pampering your plants

OUR precious plants deserve a bit of pampering, don’t you think? As the days start to get

shorter, it’s a great idea to give them a boost of nutrition with a slow-release fertiliser. This will sustain them throughout the colder months and keep them looking their best.

Pruning pointers

WHILE we’re talking about caring for our beloved plants, let’s touch on pruning. For those that have finished flowering, like Weigela and Viburnum, this is the time to give them a little trim. Don’t be shy, but also don’t go overboard – a gentle pruning will encourage new growth and keep them looking tidy.

As for our spring-flowering

lovelies, like Chaenomeles and Pyracantha, hold off on pruning them for now. Give them their moment to shine, and once their beautiful display is over, you can prune them back without spoiling next year’s show.

Embracing autumn colours

AS September progresses, you’ll start to notice the magical transformation of nature around you. It’s the time when plants start to flaunt their golden, red and orange colours. Why not embrace this autumnal charm by adding some trees and shrubs that boast vibrant autumn colours to your garden?

Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) are simply enchanting with their fiery foliage, and Coprosma, with its stunning variegated foliage that turns a captivating mix of reds, oranges and yellows, is a must-have for any garden.

Seize the moment

FINALLY, my fellow plant enthusiasts, I encourage you to seize the moment this September. Grab your gardening

gloves, put on a cozy sweater and immerse yourself in the therapeutic world of gardening. There’s something truly special about spending time in the garden during this transitional season, and I guarantee it will leave you feeling rejuvenated and content.

If you ever need any gardening advice or have questions about our favourite plants, feel free to drop by Goulds Garden Centre. My team and I are here to help and share our passion for all things green.

Happy gardening!

n Sue Butterworth is in her 25th year at Goulds Garden Centre. She is plant manager for this busy store and has been sourcing plants for awardwinning gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show since 2018. She is an avid gardener, leading to numerous Britain in Bloom awards including a first. n GouldsGC.co.uk

Chillis – hot and delicious

By Sally Gregson

WHILE we gardeners swelter in the heat, worried about our plants and gardens, some things are positively enjoying the high temperatures. Chilli peppers need hot, brilliant sunshine to make them spicier. The greenhouse is the best place to grow fearsomely hot chilli peppers.

From the ‘warm’ varieties that merely tingle the tongue to the new ‘super-hot’ chillis that have been bred to explode in the mouth, there is a long list of varieties, developed by a whole coterie of breeders trying to out-do each other with spicy heat. There is even a recognised scale, the SHU – the Scoville Heat Unit – with the very hottest, the Carolina Reaper, measuring 1.6 million SHU, and some newer varieties measuring more than two million SHU at the extreme end.

‘Warm’ chillis tingle the tongue but ‘super hot’ types explode in the mouth

Among those chillis that are available to raise from seed, there are two contestants for the ‘hottest’ prize. In 2006 the Dorset Naga chilli was introduced to the spice world, followed six years later by the Trinidad Moruga. For most palates these chillis are

completely overpowering, and the flavour of the chillis seems to have been lost in the race. The Dorset Naga has a quite different flavour, if you can get past the initial burn. For most palates there are two stand-out varieties that are quite hot enough – the Scotch

Bonnet and the Habanero. Traditionally, removing the pith and pips of these very hot chillis took away much of the heat, but for the new ‘super-hots’ there is as much heat in the flesh as in the seeds.

When handling the seed of these hot varieties it is strongly recommended that gloves are worn. Contact with just one seed can cause extreme chilliburn. And handling all chillis comes with a health warning not to touch face, eyes or any other delicate part of the anatomy while there is a trace of chilli on the hands. Chilli burn is extremely painful and hard to lessen.

But for a good, hot, chilliflavoured curry it’s hard to beat home-grown chillis, and they keep well in the freezer for up to a year until the next harvest. That is if you can avoid eating them all.

Chaenomeles will thank you for planting them now

Health & Wellbeing

Practise gratitude but keep it simple

By Alice Johnsen

YESTERDAY, as I took the train to London to explore Hyde Park with my family, I indulged in some proper newspaper reading – not the norm during school holidays as many will know.

I was encouraged to find an article by Bryony Gordon about practising gratitude. She told me about the mad and pointless-sounding carry-ons arranged by an NHS advisor, Helen Bevan – not sure if she is related to its founder, Aneruin Bevan, but no matter. Today’s NHS Bevan encourages us to create gratitude paper capes for colleagues to write on our backs all the things they like about us. I’ll spare you more detail.

Fortunately, Ms Gordon moved on to the kind of practising gratitude I encourage clients to do. The simple act of finishing your day by looking back on what has happened and

what you are glad about.

‘Keep it simple’ started one paragraph. Quite. Simple works here. A notebook or on your phone – I’d go for notebook every time – where you list all the joyous, good, positive, interesting successes or happenings.

So, mine today might be 1

– An interesting meeting with a local charity. 2 – An uninterrupted bath at the start of my day. 3 – Inspiration came from the fridge for what to give everyone for supper.

Not made up – those are the first three things that came to mind. You see? Not groundbreaking or podcast worthy –

please no! – but enough to get us looking back over the day and highlighting the positives among the challenges or disappointments.

Some people like to keep their lists to look back on over the months ahead. This may be helpful if you are going through a life-altering challenge such as divorce or medical treatment. To see in black and white how you have progressed is very often surprising and encouraging.

Bryony Gordon made two other good points. First, you don’t have to be rosy-cheeked grateful about it all, all the time. Being almost ungrateful is okay too, in the form of ‘someone was really unkind at work but I stood up to them’. Or, ‘I was really grumpy with so-and-so and I knew it.’ So maybe gratitude is also about appreciation, awareness.

Secondly, she wrote: “Practising gratitude is not about acknowledging that other people might have it worse –it’s about recognising and cherishing the ways in which your life is good.” I couldn’t agree more.

n Alice Johnsen is a life coach (07961 080513; alicejohnsen. co.uk)

PHOTO:

Agrimony can create joy, harmony and balance

By Fiona Chapman

ONE of my favourite herbs that I see as I walk, particularly in the last few weeks, is agrimony. It is easy to recognise and is usually on grassy banks with bright yellow flowers on a long stalk, called by some ‘church steeples’.

If you stop and squeeze the plant, it smells delicious and as the flowers die off the seeds left are like little sticky bullets all the way up the stalk that will come off on your clothes as you brush past. Because of that it was also given the name stickwort.

It is a very old herb not very popular now with modern herbalists, but it has rather a magical reputation. They say if you put a stem of agrimony under your pillow as you sleep, you will remain asleep, as though dead until the stem is removed. (I think I had better try it as sleep and I do not always get on!)

Apparently, if you harvest the whole plant in September, it will give you a yellow dye that was used on wool. The AngloSaxons believed it was an excellent vulnerary herb that would help heal wounds, warts and snake bites.

It is astringent, so a strong tea was used for loose bowels and it had a good reputation for helping with the liver and jaundice. This may well have been because of its bitter principles stimulating bile and the fact it makes a yellow dye which would be a doctrine of signatures.

Agrimony is a very important

Bach Flower remedy that I often use. It is for those who hide their troubles behind a smile. Agrimony types will do anything not to show what is going on below the surface. They appear outwardly relaxed but underneath there can be absolute chaos and a whirlpool of worry. I find a lot of people could be called an ‘agrimony type’. What they present to the world is nothing like what they are feeling inside.

Edward Bach, who came up with the Bach Flower remedies, thinks that agrimony types don’t really like to acknowledge themselves as a unit, preferring to think they are like the outside person they are portraying and not connecting with the inside person who is suffering.

A few drops of agrimony on the tongue can bring these two sides together to create harmony, balance and joy and put problems and worries into perspective.

n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com)

Agrimony has a rather magical reputation PHOTO: Kev/Pixabay

Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: The Little Terns of Chesil Beach

By Susanna Curtin

ALTHOUGH it is the height of summer, I am wrapped in warm clothing as my feet slowly and noisily crunch over the stones at Chesil Beach. There is a blustering north-westerly wind which has whipped the sea into a frenzy of white horses and crashing waves.

With my face down, I defy this wild weather as I head towards a small, fenced area where one of the UK’s smallest migratory seabirds comes each year from West Africa to raise its young between April and August.

Ever since I was a child travelling to and from the Isles of Scilly on board the Scillonian, I have been besotted by seabirds. They captured my imagination as they came alongside the ship, their wing tips brushing the rolling waves as they skimmed over the swell.

As masters of air, sea and land, these astonishing creatures live on the edge of the world in distant oceans, coming to shore only to foster the next generation.

I have made pilgrimages over land and sea to watch colonies of gannets, kittiwakes,

fulmars, shearwaters, puffins, cormorants, shags, guillemots and razor bills. Although each seabird is a joy to behold, it is the terns that I love the most for their astonishing flight patterns, clean plumage and break-neck dives. They have the agility of a hawk, yet the elegance of a tropicbird.

We have five species of tern that nest in the UK. These are Roseate, Common, Arctic, Sandwich and Little. Although Little Tern colonies occur on several of our sandy-shingle beaches, they are the second rarest seabird that breeds here with only 1,500 pairs, and they are certainly the most vulnerable to disturbance from humans and dogs, as their nests are just shallow scrapes on the beach. Flooding from high tides and predation also threaten their success. Thus, their continuation has become reliant on conservation management.

As I reach the protected area, I scan the ground for chicks, but being masters of disguise, they are perfectly camouflaged as they rest in their shingle nests.

The adults, however, are far easier to spot as they fly out towards the ocean to fish. I

follow their flight over the steep shingle bank where I can see several birds hovering precariously over the stormy waves close to shore.

Although only 24cm long, the size of a blackbird, they have long, graceful thin wings with dark grey upper sides and tips that look like they have been dipped in black ink. They boast a smart black cap with a white forehead and yellow bill and have a very distinctive hovering flight.

That is, until they fold their wings back and plunge-dive into the waves to catch a sand eel.

It is like watching an aerial ballet and almost impossible to perceive how such a small, delicate bird can withstand the force of the strong ocean currents. But, like many seabirds, Little Terns can live surprisingly long lives, even up to 25 years if all is well.

Satisfied that I have seen these beautiful birds, I head back to the visitor centre for a hot drink. Recorded on a small noticeboard, it says that there are 60 Little Tern nests this year and 40-plus fledglings, making it a success story in an otherwise wider picture of gloom. The UK is of international importance for

seabirds with about eight million of them frequenting our coastline. But since 2021, an avian flu outbreak, coupled with the changing climate and increasing plastic pollution, has continued to devastate our seabird populations.

When I read Samuel Coleridge’s famous poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner at school, I was distraught for the poor albatross who is shot with a crossbow in total disregard. Written in 1798, it is indeed a prophetic tale of what we do to our fellow creatures, but it is not without some hope. For the mariner is eventually redeemed when he begins to appreciate all forms of life on earth and changes his ways.

I hope that we all start listening to the calls of nature and that my grandchildren will still be able to hear the delightful chitter-chattering of a Little Tern.

The Little Tern colony at Chesil is protected by a partnership of conservation organisations, led by the RSPB alongside the Chesil & Fleet Nature Reserve, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Natural England and Portland Court Leet (Crown Estate).

n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin.susanna@gmail.com)

One Little Tern has snaffled a tiny fish PHOTOS: Angela Thomas

The Little Tern is the size of a blackbird and can live up to 25 years

By Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham

WE take telling the time for granted these days – there are reminders all around us: watches, clocks, phones, and digital displays on ovens, microwaves, televisions and so on. But how did people know what time it was before the invention of these gadgets? Well, it was the good old sundial! 24-hour time was invented by the Egyptians. The first clock as we know it was invented in 1656 by Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens and featured a pendulum mechanism. Mantel or shelf clocks were designed by the French in the 1750s and were very ornate pieces, some made from a combination of porcelain and wood.

I recently had the privilege of valuing a collection of magnificent clocks for a client. The collection, which is still growing, was acquired by my client through an interest in

all things mechanical. They purchased the clocks through many different sources, including at auction and through specialist retailers.

The earliest clock dated from the late 16th century went through to the present day, meaning the collection really represented a potted history of clock making and made for a very noisy household!

The wall clock (pictured) dating from circa 1590 is the earliest type of clock I have come across in a valuation and is quite amazing. This type of clock does not always have a case – the dial is attached to the movement and then the whole thing is attached to the wall using a spike pushed into the plaster. The clock has a foliot escapement – a mechanism that allows the gear train to release at regular intervals, thus creating a regular ‘tick’.

There is still something quite enchanting about the tick and chime of an antique clock, isn’t there?

Marble inkstand makes high price Time after time

DUKE’S ‘Interiors’ sales are inspired by the world of design, featuring private collections from famous stylists, pieces with exceptional country house provenance and decorative ornaments to embellish every home.

There’s silver, paintings, furniture, garden sculpture, taxidermy and decorative items from across all of Duke’s specialist areas.

The July Summer Interiors sale offered a collection of pieces with impressive heritage which attracted competitive bidding.

It included items from the collections of Bruce Chatwin, the late Anthony du Boulay and the estate of the late John Rollo SomersetPaddon.

Highlight lots included a 19th century Grand Tour Sienna marble inkstand (pictured) and a Chinese Chippendale style mahogany armchair which sold for £6,250 and £4,250 respectively.

A large Victorian painted wood rocking horse raced to a final sold price of £3,000.

Entries are being invited for the second instalment of Summer

Interiors on Thursday, August 31, alongside Duke’s other upcoming specialist auctions.

Drinks giant buys iced coffee company

GROWING Dorset brand Jimmy’s Iced Coffee Ltd has been sold to drinks giant Britvic.

The firm, based in Christchurch, launched in 2010 as the brainchild of Jim Cregan, who became obsessed with iced coffee while travelling in Australia.

Upon his return, he pitched the idea of launching his own brand to sister Suzie Owen and Jimmy’s Iced Coffee was born.

Now, it is available on shelves everywhere from Selfridges to Sainsbury’s, with a bottle sold every four seconds, establishing Jimmy’s as the fast-growing iced coffee brand in the country.

And Jim and Suzie are set to stay involved after the sale to Britvic was confirmed.

“We are all so excited and proud to have done a deal with such an iconic and powerful business like Britvic, who will enable us to reach more great fridges across the

UK and beyond,” Jim said.

Legal documents for the deal were exchanged just a week after an offer from the drinks giant was accepted, with legal help for Jimmy’s provided by a team from Trethowans, led by partners Nick Gent and Lucy Gleisner.

Piper Sandler’s European Consumer Team, led by Rob Iseman and Alastair Mathieson, were lead advisors to the shareholders, with external legal advice provided by Trethowans for the shareholders and Addleshaw Goddard for Britvic.

Nick Gent, from Trethowans, said: “It has been a real privilege to have worked alongside the team from Piper Sandler in supporting Jim, Suzie and fellow shareholders in the sale of Jimmy’s to Britvic.

“It’s a wonderful success story and marks the next chapter in the continued success and development of a much-loved brand.

“A lot of midnight oil was burnt in getting the legals finalised in such a short timescale, but it was the collaborative mindset of everyone

involved that really shone through.”

And Jim added: “To have completed the transaction in such a phenomenally short

timescale is only possible when you’ve got an incredible team around you and Trethowans have been a monumental cog in this machine. Thank you to the whole team.”

Now, Jim and Suzie are set to continue working as ambassadors for the brand, helping support the transition while providing advice on brand direction and future innovation, ensuring that Jimmy’s core values and ethos continue to drive Jimmy’s.

Brewer’s bars raise £18k for museum

By dorsetbiznews.co.uk

ENTHUSIASTS from across the country gathered at The Tank Museum in Bovington recently for its annual Tankfest, with one Dorset brewery on hand to make sure none of them went thirsty.

Hall & Woodhouse supplied beer and ale throughout the three-day event, capping off the festival by donating all profits from its two bars to the museum – a total of £18,000.

Executive chairman Anthony Woodhouse said: “We were delighted to be involved in such a strongly supported event.

“The Tank Museum has such an

important role in educating people and remembering the role of the tank and those who served within them.

“It was a pleasure to see how well received our new Outland beer range was among the visitors.”

This year’s Tankfest smashed records, as event hosts World of Tanks welcomed 24,000 people over the three days of arena action and historical talks.

Rosanna Dean, visitor experience general manager at the museum, added: “We would like to thank the team at Hall & Woodhouse for their kind support and wonderful donation.

“The Tank Museum is a registered charity and the funds raised will have a positive impact on the vehicles in the collection for years to come.

“We look forward to working in partnership again, for Tankfest 2024.”

Tickets for next year’s event are already on sale, with the museum currently seeking corporate sponsors.

Trethowans partners Lucy Gleisner and Nick Gent

Britvic has bought Dorset brand Jimmy’s Iced Coffee – co-founder Jim Cregan launched the firm after becoming obsessed with iced coffee travelling in Australia

Tankfest (above) and Hall & Woodhouse executive chairman Anthony Woodhouse

Town backs Swanage seafront overhaul

SWANAGE Town Council has unanimously voted to adopt the Swanage Seafront Masterplan at a meeting.

It follows two phases of engagement with the public.

Phase One, carried out between August to December 2022, saw more than 1,000 people complete a survey and over 350 people attend events and engagement pop-ups.

Phase Two included a drop-in event attended by more than 130 people, along with a survey with 147 responses, the majority positive.

The opportunities highlighted by the masterplan were generally viewed favourably by the respondents – with the bulk of answers being ‘agree strongly’ or ‘agree somewhat.’

However, 46 per cent of respondents felt the masterplan may have been missing an opportunity in one of the zones.

When broken down, these opportunities were often linked to the management of traffic –with the most popular responses

By dorsetbiznews.co.uk

being the pedestrianisation of Shore Road, making Shore Road one way and reducing parking along the seafront.

In response to this feedback, the results of both phases have been presented to Dorset Council Highways with a view to reviewing the management of traffic along Swanage seafront in 2024.

Further, an accessibility forum workshop found the main priorities in terms of improvements for people with disabilities were the installation of an increased number of dropped kerbs, improved beach access and improvements for people with visual impairments, such as creating tonal and textural contrast.

These findings have been incorporated into the masterplan along with the development of the Disability Reference Group – a group for people with disabilities that can provide critical input to the development of projects and issues in

Swanage.

Results from the survey and details of the minor amendments are available to view on the dedicated website to the masterplan.

Cllr Mike Bonfield, lead councillor for the Seafront Masterplan, said: “I am very pleased to announce that the Swanage Seafront Masterplan was unanimously adopted by the Town Council at the council meeting held on Monday, July 24.

“This is an aspirational document and the council is looking forward to taking forward the masterplan, and the exciting opportunities the future may bring for improvements to the seafront and surrounding area.

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to attend the public engagement events, and respond to the consultation surveys about the masterplan.

“It was very important for people to have their say regarding the long-term vision for enhancements to our wonderful, much-loved seafront area, which will be for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike for many years to come.

“I would also like to thank the Dorset Coast Forum Team for all their hard work and dedication to the project, which has been very much appreciated by the town council.”

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Motoring

RAC statistics reveal extent of pothole problem

THE poor condition of Britain’s local roads is laid bare by new figures from the RAC which show its patrols went out to more than 8,100 pothole breakdowns between April and June 2023, the highest number in five years.

Since the start of 2023, the RAC has dealt with 18,250 breakdowns for damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels –the call-outs most likely caused by defective road surfaces.

The 8,100 pothole-related breakdowns recorded in Quarter 2 is the highest the RAC has since the ‘Beast from the East’ cold snap plunged much of the UK into a deep freeze with

heavy snowfall five years ago.

The figures show that 27,250 breakdowns occurred in the 12 months up to June 30, 2023, where vehicles had been damaged by a pothole, compared to 22,800 over the same period in 2022 – 20% more than last year – 4,550 more breakdowns.

The RAC Pothole Index, which tracks pothole call-outs since 2006 seasonally adjusted for weather, reveals drivers are now over 1.6 times more likely to break down due to the repeated wear caused

by potholes than they were 17 years ago.

This does not include punctures as other factors such as nails and screws may also be to blame.

However, the number of punctured tyres RAC patrols went out to in the second quarter of 2023 –101,200 – was 13% higher than the previous year – 89,600 – indicating that poor road surfaces may well have played a part.

A Freedom of Information request made by the RAC also reveals councils have forked out more than £11m over the last four years to drivers who successfully claimed their vehicles had been damaged by potholes.

Data provided by the 172 councils – of the 208 across the UK with responsibility for highways – that responded,

shows £2.41m was paid to drivers in 2020/21, £2.71m in 2019/20 and £3.61m in 2018/19 – meaning the collective compensation paid by these councils fell by a third (33%) from 2018/19 to 2021/22.

The RAC also asked councils to detail how much they spend on maintaining their roads over the same three years. The findings show that, among the councils that supplied data, almost £1bn was allocated with a further £3.5bn spent on carriageway resurfacing.

Interestingly, the amount councils spent on routine maintenance per year rose by 17% between 2018/19 (£237m) and 2021/22 (£277m), though the effect of inflation on material and labour costs may well mean this increase has not drastically improved road quality.

Meanwhile, the amount spent on planned resurfacing went up by 9% between 2018/19 (£851m) and 2021/22 (£928m).

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The Good Life

Me-time, because life’s not a rehearsal

Lifestyle | Nature | Self-care | Recreation | Singing | Dance

Nature awaits...

With a shuttle bus that takes you right into the heart of RSPB Arne Nature Reserve, why not jump aboard and experience the natural beauty that awaits you.

Connection to nature is linked to a wide range of positive mental and

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physical health benefits. Spending time outdoors and immersed in nature can leave us feeling refreshed and energised. At RSPB Arne you can experience the beauty of dramatic open heathland, ancient woodland and shoreline. Whether you enjoy a nature trail, soak in the views at one of the viewpoints or take a wander around the café wildlife garden you’re sure to enjoy a wellbeing boost.

Round off your visit with a trip to the café for seasonal locally sourced produce and a browse around the shop. The shuttle bus is easy and convenient. It brings passengers from Wareham Station and Quay via Ridge and Stoborough into RSPB Arne as well as a route from Purbeck Park / Norden Park & Ride via Norden Farm. It’s £2 per single and free if you have a bus pass!

We also have all terrain mobility scooters to hire so you can enjoy the trails alongside friends and family. Why wait? Hop on the bus and enjoy a dose of nature!

With increasing popularity Philip has grown his business and developed a large client list which extends well beyond the borders of Dorset, serving clients from as far as Andover, Birmingham and London, customers prepared to travel some distance to receive expert service and advice, as his name has become well known across the south for the superior quality of his work.

With Philip’s 38 years of experience cutting hair he has also had many clients come into the salon with wigs to be cut and styled.

If you’re in the process of hair thinning or loss and you wear a wig then he can cut it to compliment your face shape.

Want to sing in a 60+ voice choir? Singing is joyous, stimulating, thought provoking and most importantly fun! Come and GIVE US A GO – with our “sing before you sign” offer, we welcome you to try us out before you commit. Rehearsals start at 18.30 on 7th September at St Mary’s School, Northbrook Road, Swanage with a welcome drink; singing from 7pm - 8.30pm.

Come and join us!

Find out more about the choir on our website: purbeckartschoir.org.uk

Any questions? Email purbeckchoir@gmail.com or ring Liz 01929 481419

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CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF FEMALE COMPOSERS

Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel | Clara Schumann, Cecilia McDowell | Helen Ostafew | Eleanor Daley

We

We are offering 2 free taster sessions to new singers. Our first rehearsal for the Autumn term will be on Thursday 7th September 2023

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The Good Life Because life’s not a rehearsal

A decade of dance and fitness for all ages, and now new premises!

Splitz Studio is Wareham’s local dance school, offering a wide variety of top-quality dance and fitness classes to the Purbecks and wider community.

This year marks the 10year anniversary of this wonderful school.

After graduating in 2010 from The Royal Academy of Dance in London, Miss Chloe opened the school in 2013 wanting to create a safe and friendly environment in which dance was accessible for everyone from all walks of life, where opportunities

were inclusive to all.

On their 10-year anniversary, Splitz Studio will be opening their brand-new premises with two light and modern studios with high spec equipment, a brand-new reception area with an amazing space for people to come and relax while enjoying the coffee lounge.

This September also sees the return of all our adult dance and fitness classes, many instructors with lots of different styles from Ballet, Pilates, Yoga, Jazz and aerobic.

Please visit www.splitzstudio.co.uk for more information or call 07414002252 to book.

Classic farce still going strong 40 years on

ONE of the greatest British comedies ever written is coming to Lighthouse Poole as part of a major UK tour with the 40th anniversary production of Noises Off.

The play stars Liza Goddard as Dotty Otley, Matthew Kelly as Selsdon Mowbray and Simon Shepherd as Lloyd Dallas.

Michael Frayn’s multi award-winning farce is touring following a sell-out West End season at the Phoenix Theatre earlier this year.

Noises Off serves up a riotous double bill, a play within a play. Hurtling along at breakneck speed, it

follows the on- and off-stage antics of a touring theatre company as they stumble their way through the fictional farce Nothing On.

From the shambolic final rehearsals before opening night in Westonsuper-Mare, to a disastrous matinee in Ashton-Under-Lyne seen entirely, and hilariously silently, from backstage, the audience shares their final, brilliantly catastrophic performance in Stockton-on-Tees.

Liza Goddard’s extensive stage comedy credits include Life of Riley, Communicating Doors, Season’s Greetings and Relatively

Speaking.

Matthew Kelly won the Olivier Award for Of Mice and Men and his West End credits include Waiting for Godot, Comedians and Troilus and Cressida.

Simon Shepherd’s many stage and TV credits include Peak Practice and West End productions of Posh, The Duck House, Rapture, Art and Hay Fever. Hailed as the master of farce comedy, multi award-winning playwright and novelist

Michael Frayn has inspired a generation of comedies since his production of Noises Off opened in 1982.

Now considered a comedy classic, Frayn’s play has enjoyed stagings worldwide, including five productions in the West End and three on Broadway.

The 40th anniversary production also returns to the West End in September playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket with Felicity

Kendal, Jonathan Coy and Alexander Hanson reprising their roles.

The West End production will run at the same time as the touring production.

Noises Off is in Poole from Tuesday to Saturday, October 10-14, at 7.30pm with matinees at 2.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

For tickets and further information phone 01202 280000 or visit www.lighthousepoole. co.uk

Films celebrate the great outdoors

LOVERS of the great outdoors and those with a taste for adventure will enjoy short films being presented at The Tivoli in Wimborne this autumn.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is stopping off there and will present a handful of films made in the Arctic Circle, Brazil and closer to home.

Tour director Nell Teasdale said: “These epic short films

feature gripping climbing, skiing, biking, paddling and more, and they’re made by

the world’s top adventure filmmakers.” Banff tour films are chosen

from hundreds of entries into the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival, held every November in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

The film show at the Tivoli Theatre is on Wednesday, November 15, and a free prize draw will be held for outdoors goodies from the tour’s partners. For more information and to book tickets, visit www. banff-uk.com.

Well-known actors Liza Goddard, Matthew Kelly (top right) and Simon Shepherd (bottom right) will be appearing in Noises Off at Lighthouse Poole this autumn

Arts & Entertainment

Theatre opens doors

THE Regent Theatre in Christchurch is opening its doors to visitors during Architectural Heritage Week.

Visitors will be able to smell the greasepaint, tread the boards and lap up the limelight as they explore parts of the Regent normally off-limits to the public.

The tour takes in the projection box, the dressing rooms, the lighting and sound booths and behind the scenes

in the backstage area.

Visitors will be able to ask questions about the theatre, its history, future plans and about its place at the heart of entertainment in Christchurch.

Two 90-minute tours –limited to 20 people and including a lot of stairs – are running on Saturday, September 9, at noon and 3pm. To book, visit www. theregent.co.uk.

Wonderful world of modelling...

AN event in Dorset next month promises ‘everything you need to know’ about scale modelling.

The Tank Museum, in Bovington, will host the South-West Model Show on Saturday and Sunday, September 23-24.

Live workshops and demonstrations, and stalls selling the latest modelling kits and accessories are promised, as well as displays of all types of models, including trains, aircraft, boats, science fiction icons, remote-controlled models and, of course, tanks.

Workshops will explore techniques and tips on how to build a model tank, and there will be specialist talks with the chance to quiz the experts.

Organisers say there is something for everyone, from novices to expert scale modellers.

Visitors can have a go at Scalextric racing, build a tank with Models for Heroes, and meet Doctor Who villains with the Dalek Charity Squad.

Events manager Tom Holmes said: “The Tank Museum is proud to bring the modelmaking community together to share the skills and knowledge of this fun and rewarding hobby.

“Model building is a great way to learn about history, and the museum is the perfect venue to inspire future projects.”

Visitors can also explore The Tank Museum’s immersive exhibitions, including the new Tanks for the Memories exhibition, showcasing how tanks have been portrayed as a cultural icon, including through model making and toys.

Visit tankmuseum.org/modelshow for more information and to book tickets.

THE MOWLEM Theatre, Cinema & Function Rooms

Book your tickets: www.themowlem.com

Live on Stage:

• Seann Walsh – Back From The Bed - Described as “the best observational comedian of his generation”. Last few seats remaining! Sat 9th Sept at 7.30pm

• An Evening With Ken Wharfe - An entertaining first-person account from the former protection officer to the most famous woman in the world, Diana Princess of Wales, and to her children, Princes William and Harry. Fri 22nd Sept at 7.30pm

• Planet Purbeck - A captivating programme of local & national guest speakers & short films. Free tickets available directly from planetpurbeck.org

Sat 23rd Sept at 7.00pm

• Pop-Up Bowie - David Bowie’s greatest hits from every decade of his career, accurately and passionately performed by front-man Paul Antony and his band. Sat 30th Sept at 7.30pm

Special Screenings:

• Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake (PG) - The thrilling, audacious and witty production which shattered convention, turned tradition upside down and became the longest-running ballet on the West End and Broadway. Sat 16th Sept at 7.30pm, Mon 18th Sept at 2.30pm

Mowlem Visual Arts Exhibitions

• ‘The Dreaming Lens’ – Paul Jefferis offers a personal perspective on the landscapes of Purbeck, using close-up photographs or unusual forms of lighting as a way of revealing small imagined dramas in the natural world. The exhibition runs to 17th October, Monday – Saturday 6–9pm and whenever the theatre or The Showbar are open.

Movies - Evenings:

• Oppenheimer (15) - Epic biopic telling the story of American scientist, J. Robert Oppenheimer, and his role in the development of the atomic bomb, directed by Christopher Nolan. 1st & 4th-7th September at 7.00pm, 4th September at 2.00pm

• Asteroid City (12A) - A worldfamous playwright travels with his family to remote Asteroid City to compete in a junior stargazing event, only to have his world view disrupted forever. Written and directed by Wes Anderson.

8th & 11th-14th September at 7.30pm, 11th September at 2.30pm

• Barbie (12A) - Another opportunity to enjoy the year’s biggest movie! Barbie and Ken leave the seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land for the joys and perils of life among humans. 15th & 18th-21st September at 7.30pm

In the Showbar:

Events in The Showbar, upstairs at The Mowlem:

• Friday 8th September – Live music with Sundrunk - Free entry, bar open from 6pm, music starts at 8pm

• Wednesday 27th September – Oscar’s Quiz Night - £1 per person, up to 6 people per team, prizes to be won! Doors open 6pm, quiz starts at 8pm

The Showbar is open Friday & Saturday 6pm-10pm & Sunday-Thursday 6pm-9pm and later for events.

The Dalek Charity Squad will be one of the attractions at the model show at The Tank Museum at Bovington next month

SEAN WALSH

OPPENHEIMER

BARBIE

Spotlight Diary

Diary entries are £6 plus VAT per entry, per month. The deadline for September 4 is NOON on September 21.

Call on 01963 400186 or email adverts@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.

AUGUST 2023

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

MONDAY

18:30 - 19:30 ADULT MODERN LINE DANCE at St Edwards Church Hall, Swanage

Starts 4th Sept – to reserve yourself a place contact Donna Diebelius F.I.S.T.D

Tel; 07518 056149

purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com

19:30 - WAREHAM CHORAL SOCIETY.

Lady St.Mary Church, Wm. Till 9.30. New singers always welcome. 01202 632678.

warehamchoral@gmail.com

19:45 - 20:45 ADULT BEGINNERS LATIN

AMERICAN DANCE at St Edwards Church Hall, Swanage Starts 4th Sept – to reserve yourself a place contact

Donna Diebelius F.I.S.T.D

TEL; 07518 056149

purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com

TUESDAY

5th Sept SPEAKER - BRIAN CHARD

‘My Take on British Nature’ Parish Hall 7.30pm

12th Sept SOUTHERN COUNTIES

FRIDAY

10:30 - 11:30 ADULT BEGINNERS LATIN

AMERICAN & BALLROOM LINE DANCE at St Edwards Church Hall, Swanage. Starts 4th Sept – to reserve yourself a place contact Donna Diebelius F.I.S.T.D Tel; 07518 056149

purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com

SATURDAY

18:30

PHOTOGRAPHIC Exhibition Images Audio Visual. Local

19th Sept ZOOM TALK – CREATIVE

PHOTOGRAPHER

‘The Art of Metamorphosis’ For zoom link contact us through our website

26th Sept LEAGUE 1 ‘OPEN’ PRINT & DIGITAL IMAGE Hall 7.30pm

THURSDAY

10:30 - 11:30 ADULT BEGINNERS LATIN

WHIST DRIVE AT ST MARY’S CHURCH, Rectory Classroom. Every Saturday. Tea and coffee provided. Very friendly group. Contact Richard: 01929 553516

AMERICAN DANCE at St Edwards Church Hall, Swanage Starts 4th Sept – to reserve yourself a place contact

Donna Diebelius F.I.S.T.D

TEL; 07518 056149

purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com

Take the bus right there.

A ride to the wild

Welcome aboard! Start your nature adventure at RSPB Arne – we'll take you right there.

Take the bus

Discover RSPB Arne nature reserve by bus

Leaves from Wareham Station

£1

more about Arne visit: rspb.org.uk/arne Child Single you to dramatic open heathland, stunning and family-friendly nature trails.

Bus pass holder free

This journey is by wheelchair accessible minibus. For any questions, please contact 01258 287 980. Protection

Child (under 7)

To see the timetable scan the QR code. Plan your visit at rspb.org.uk/arne discounted entry to the nature reserve every travel by bus. Adult £3.00. Child (5+) £1.50.

To see the timetable scan the QR code. Plan your visit at rspb.org.uk/arne

Discover RSPB Arne nature reserve by bus

We'll take you to dramatic open heathland, stunning shorelines and family-friendly nature trails.

Minibus operated by

To find out more about Arne visit: rspb.org.uk/arne

Leaves from Wareham Station

£2

£1

Adult Single Child Single

Child (under 7)

Bus pass holder free

Get a discounted entry to the nature reserve every time you travel by bus. Adult £3.00. Child (5+) £1.50.

This journey is by wheelchair accessible minibus. For any questions, please contact 01258 287 980. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654.

Image by: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

Minibus operated by