Purbeck Gazette - Issue 303

Issue 303

FREE EVERY FORTNIGHT

27 November, 2023

20,000 copies: Swanage to Dorchester, Lulworth to Bere Regis

The Purbeck Gazette www.purbeckgazette.co.uk

LIZARDS RELEASED Rare sand lizards back on Winfrith Heath Page 4

CHRISTMAS PARADE

SILENT MOVIE SENSATION! Dorset’s oldest cinema stepping back in time for special weekend Page 3

Wareham gearing up for Page 4 festive event

JASON’S BACK!

Jason Donovan announces Dorset show Page 6

Prepare for the future

with a Lasting Power of Attorney

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Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

What’s inside this issue...

Antiques and Collectibles Arts & Entertainment Business Durlston Country Park events Countdown to Christmas Health & Wellbeing History Home & Garden Letters Local Services Motoring Politics Puzzles Puzzle Solutions Recruitment Sport Spotlight Diary Telling It Like It Is Wanted Wareham Town Council meeting report

NEWS Rare sand lizards released on Winfrith Heath Electric charging at Wareham car park Dinosaur print discovery on Brownsea Island Wareham’s Christmas parade preview Britain in Bloom honour for Wareham Corfe Mullen foodbank open day Beryl bikes go into new areas

30 41-43 28-29 16 31-38 24-27 23 22 17 44-47 39 18-19 20-21 27 46 40 43 15 46 10

4 5 6 6 7 8 8

EDITORIAL Paul Jones Editor-in-chief We love hearing your news and views.

Get in touch with us by emailing ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk Lloyd Armishaw Publisher ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk 01963 400186

About the Purbeck Gazette The Purbeck Gazette prints every fortnight and delivers throughout the region from Swanage to Dorchester, Lulworth to Bere Regis. The Purbeck Gazette is published by The Blackmore Vale Ltd. All editing, graphic design and lay-up is completed in-house by The Blackmore Vale Ltd. The Purbeck Gazette is printed by Blackmore Ltd of Shaftesbury.

The Purbeck Gazette website is managed and edited by The Blackmore Vale Ltd. Blackmore Vale Ltd also publishes The Purbeck Guidette, the Purbeck Visitor Guide. All rights reserved. All layouts copyright Blackmore Vale Ltd. No reproduction without permission.

OUR TEAM: The Gazette team consists of: Lloyd Armishaw, Debi Thorne, Donna Garner, Jane Toomer and Paul Jones.

n Corfe

Club has been recognised by the Campaign for Real Ale as its Regional Club of the Year Page 4

n Wareham Community Growers have won a top award in the UK finals of the Britain in Bloom competition Page 7

ADVERTISING Debi Thorne Advertising Sales Manager Debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net 07714 289409 Donna Garner Account Manager Donna.garner@blackmorevale.net 07714 289408 Jane Toomer Senior Account Manager Jane.toomer@blackmorevale.net 07714 289411

Classified Adverts adverts@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186 Lorraine Drake Distributor lorraine_drake@icloud.com 07850 529937

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm Book Online: purbeckgazette.co.uk The legal stuff...

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this magazine, but the editor is unable to accept responsibility for any omissions or errors that may occur. The inclusion of any article or advertisement does not constitute any form of accreditation or approval by the editor.

No part, written or visual, of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the editor.

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

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Silent movies at county’s oldest cinema

DORSET’S oldest cinema is gearing up to celebrate silent film by showing a series of films – 100 years after they were first screened at the venue.

The Rex Cinema in Wareham will run its first Silent Film Weekend from Friday to Sunday, December 1-3, giving film lovers the chance to

celebrate a century of cinema in the town.

The weekend highlights two key figures in the early history of Hollywood; Mary Pickford (1892-1979) and Douglas Fairbanks (1883-1939), who ended up becoming Hollywood’s first major couple and both become powerhouses in their own right.

Thanks to the Mary Pickford Foundation, exclusive access to restored rare footage has been given, including six UK premieres.

The weekend features 11 films, many

Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks PHOTO: The Mary Pickford Foundation

lets land grow Rewilding in wildRewilding in an attempt to restore landscapes and the spotlight degraded ecosystems, and ‘Rewilding

TIME is running out to see an exhibition about rewilding at Durlston Country Park’s Fine Foundation Gallery.

Photographer, geographer and podcaster Sam Rose has asked the question ‘What if you just leave it?’ for his Rewilding Unwrapped exhibition on show until Sunday, December 10.

The display, featuring images from Purbeck and West Dorset, is open daily from 10am-4pm and free to enter.

Unwrapped’ explores the advantages and disadvantages of this approach to conservation and why it will work for some areas and not others.

Shannon Dugdale, from Durlston Country Park, said “We’re very pleased to host such a thought provoking exhibition exploring this important technique for wildlife conservation.”

To find out more, visit www.whatifyoujustleaveit. info.

News

The Rex Cinema in Wareham and (inset) Mary Pickford

PHOTO: The Mary Pickford Foundation

accompanied by a live pianist, by 40 trained volunteers and a and is supported by the BFI small staff.

Film Audience Network andCompiled by Tickets for individual films National Coastwatch Institution, South West Silents. during theSwanage Silent Film David Evans, chair of the Weekend – and weekend Rex Cinema, said: “We look passes – are available online at forward to being ‘spellbound www.therex.co.uk, or on the Peveril Ledge, Swanage in darkness’ as we experience door from 45 minutes before Moon / DatefilmsHW LW HW LWany screening.

HW Sunrise Sunset silent in the very same Tides venue that hosted them 100 01-Nov 05:16 10:43 17:38 23:04 06:58 16:43 years ago.”

02-Nov 05:55 11:24 18:17 23:47 07:00 16:42 03-Nov 06:37 07:02 16:40 The Rex opened as the12:09 19:01 04-Nov 00:37 07:31 13:05 20:05 07:03 16:38 Empire in the 14:10 21:41 05-Nov Cinema, 01:35 09:10 07:05 16:37 06-Nov 02:42 15:23 Compiled NP 07:07 16:35 Oddfellows Hall, 10:21 Wareham, in 22:47 by 07-Nov 03:56 11:24 16:47 23:44 07:08 16:33 1920 and showed silent films National Coastwatch Institution, Swanage 08-Nov 05:11 12:19 17:54 07:10 16:32 throughout the decade.

09-Nov 00:32 06:06 13:02 18:35 07:12 16:30 Compiled by 10-Nov 01:13 06:45 13:39 19:07 07:13 16:29 ‘Talkies’ arrived in the early National Coastwatch Institution, 11-Nov 01:50 07:18 14:14 19:38 Swanage 07:15 16:27 1930s 12-Novand the cinema 02:27 was 07:49 14:48 20:08 07:17 16:26 Peveril 13-Nov the Rex 03:02 08:20 Ledge, 15:23 Swanage 20:39 NM 07:19 renamed in 1963.

Solar &03:38Tidal Predictions - Oct '23 16:24 14-Nov 08:53 15:58 21:10 07:20 16:23 Moon / ItDate was taken HW over LW by a09:27 HW LW HW Sunrise Sunset 15-Nov 04:15 16:35 21:45 SP 07:22 16:22 Tides Peveril Ledge, Swanage charity in 2009 and is now run 16-Nov 04:52 10:03 17:13 22:24 07:24 16:20

Solar & Tidal Predictions - Nov '23

Solar & Tidal Predictions - Mar '23

01-Mar 03:32 11:13 16:22 23:46 NP/ 06:52 17:48 Moon 17-Nov 05:32 10:44 17:55 23:09 07:25 16:19 Date HW LW HW LW HW Sunrise Sunset 02-Mar 05:02 12:26 17:52 06:49 17:49 Tides 18-Nov 06:17 11:34 18:43 07:27 16:18 03-Mar 00:58 06:40 13:25 19:01 06:47 17:51 19-Nov 07:11 12:39 19:14 07:28 16:17 01-Oct 00:05 05:23 10:51 17:45 23:11 SP 07:07 18:47 04-Mar 01:51 07:34 14:10 19:46 06:45 18:44 17:53 20-Nov 08:31 14:13 21:21 07:30 16:16 02-Oct 01:17 06:02 11:29 18:24 23:49 07:09 Compiled by 05-Mar 02:32 08:11 14:48 06:43 18:42 17:54 21-Nov 10:19 15:43 22:45 NP 07:32 16:15 03-Oct 02:43 06:41 12:08Compiled 19:03 by20:21 07:11 06-Mar 03:08 08:39 15:24 20:51 Swanage 07:12 06:41 18:40 17:56 Institution, 22-Nov 11:25 16:55 23:44 16:13 04-Oct 04:05 00:28 National 07:20 Coastwatch 12:49 19:43 National Coastwatch Institution, Swanage 07:33 07-Mar 03:42 09:05 15:57 21:19 FM 06:39 18:38 17:58 05-Oct 05:12 01:12 12:19 08:02 13:34 20:29 07:14 23-Nov 17:55 07:35 16:12 06-Oct 02:04 00:37 08:58 14:30 21:49 07:15 08-Mar 04:14 09:32 16:28 21:45 06:37 18:36 18:00 24-Nov 06:09 13:07 18:45 07:36 16:11 07-Oct 03:06 01:24 10:44 15:39 23:19 07:17 09-Mar 04:43 09:57 16:58 22:11 SP 06:35 18:33 18:01 25-Nov 06:58 13:52 19:30 07:38 16:11 08-Oct 04:20 11:56 17:03 NP 07:18 18:31 10-Mar 05:11 10:22 17:26 22:38 06:32 18:03 26-Nov 02:08 07:43 14:35 20:11 07:39 16:10 09-Oct 00:26 05:50 13:02 19:00 07:20 18:29 27-Nov 02:52 08:26 15:17 20:50 FM 07:41 16:09 11-Mar 05:41 Peveril 10:49 Ledge, 17:56 Swanage 23:07 06:30 18:04 10-Oct 01:27 Peveril 07:11 Ledge, 13:59 Swanage 19:53 07:22 18:27 28-Nov 03:34 09:07 15:59 21:29 SP 07:42 16:08 12-Mar 06:13 11:21 18:30 23:42 06:28 18:06 Moon / 07:23 11-Oct 02:16 07:58 14:42 20:28 18:25 29-Nov 04:17 09:47 16:41 22:07 07:44 16:07 Moon / Sunrise Date HW LW HW LW HW Sunset 13-Mar 06:50 12:00 19:09 06:26 18:08 12-Oct HW 02:56 08:33 15:19 20:55 07:25 Date LW HW LW HW Sunrise 18:23 Sunset Tides 30-Nov 04:58 10:26 17:21 22:48 07:45 16:07 Tides 14-Mar 00:24 07:34 12:46 19:57 06:24 18:21 18:09 13-Oct 03:32 09:03 15:53 21:19 07:26 01-Dec 05:39 11:07 18:01 23:29 07:46 16:06 15-Mar 01:16 08:29 21:01 06:21 18:11 = New Moon =09:30 Full Moon + NP = Neap SP = Spring Tides 14-Oct NM 04:06+ FM13:48 16:25 21:45tides +NM 07:28 01-Jan 04:00 11:16 16:53 23:37 08:09 18:19 16:13 02-Dec 06:21 11:49 18:42 07:48 16:05 16-Mar 02:36 09:59 15:54 23:20 NP 06:19 18:16 18:13 15-Oct 05:09 04:38 09:57 16:56 22:11 07:30 02-Jan 12:15 17:54 08:09 16:14 e&oe All03-Dec times are local 00:13 07:07 12:38 19:28 07:49 16:05 17-Mar 04:49 12:04 17:31 06:17 18:14 18:14 16-Oct 05:09 10:24 17:26 22:36 SP 07:31 03-Jan 00:33 06:12 13:07 18:48 08:08 16:15 04-Dec 08:04 13:33 20:28 07:50 16:04 18-Mar 00:43 06:10 13:09 18:38 06:15 18:12 18:16 17-Oct 01:01 05:40 10:51 17:56 23:03 07:33 04-Jan 01:25 07:06 13:56 19:35 08:08 16:16 05-Dec 09:22 14:36 21:44 07:52 16:04 18-Oct 01:56 06:10 11:20 18:28 23:35 07:35 19-Mar 01:38 07:13 13:59 19:33 06:12 18:10 18:18 05-Jan 02:13 07:54 14:41 20:17 08:08 16:17 06-Dec 10:29 15:42 22:46 NP 07:53 16:04 19-Oct 02:57 06:44 11:55 19:04 07:36 20-Mar 02:25 08:05 14:44 20:19 06:10 18:08 18:19 06-Jan 02:59 08:36 15:25 20:55 08:08 18:06 16:18 20-Oct 00:14 07:23 12:36 19:47 07:38 07-Dec 04:02 11:25 16:45 23:38 07:54 16:03 21-Mar 03:08 08:49 15:27 21:01 NM 06:08 18:21 07-Jan 03:42 09:13 16:05 21:32 FM 07:40 08:07 18:04 16:20 21-Oct 01:01 08:11 13:30 20:41 08-Dec 05:01 12:11 17:36 07:55 16:03 22-Mar 03:49 09:27 16:08 21:40 06:06 18:23 08-Jan 04:22 09:47 16:42 22:05 08:07 18:02 16:21 22-Oct 02:07 00:23 09:18 15:11 22:32 07:41 09-Dec 05:49 12:52 18:19 07:56 16:03 23-Mar 04:29 10:03 16:48 22:18 SP 06:04 18:24 09-Jan 04:58 10:19 17:14 22:37 08:06 18:00 16:22 23-Oct 04:11 01:06 11:54 17:08 NPSP 07:43 10-Dec 06:31 13:32 18:59 07:57 16:03 24-Mar 05:08 10:38 17:26 22:55 06:01 18:26 10-Jan 05:29 10:49 17:44 23:05 08:06 17:58 16:24 24-Oct 00:19 05:39 12:57 18:23 07:45 11-Dec 01:48 07:11 14:13 19:37 07:58 16:03 25-Mar 05:46 11:14 18:03 05:59 18:27 25-Oct 01:18 06:45 13:50 19:23 07:46 11-Jan 05:59 11:16 18:15 23:32 08:05 17:56 16:25 12-Dec 02:31 07:51 14:55 20:15 NM 07:59 16:02 26-Mar 00:31 07:22 12:51 19:40 06:57 19:29 26-Oct 02:08 07:39 14:35 20:13 07:48 12-Jan 06:31 11:45 18:48 08:05 17:54 16:26 13-Dec 03:14 08:31 15:38 20:55 08:00 16:02 27-Mar 01:08 07:59 13:32 20:18 06:55 19:31 27-Oct 00:05 02:53 08:25 15:18 20:55 07:50 13-Jan 07:08 12:20 19:27 08:04 17:53 16:28 14-Dec 03:57 09:14 16:21 21:38 SP 08:01 16:03 28-Mar 01:50 08:40 14:21 21:06 06:52 19:32 28-Oct 00:45 03:35 09:08 15:59 21:34 FM 07:51 14-Jan 07:52 13:04 20:14 08:03 17:51 16:29 15-Dec 04:42 09:58 17:06 22:23 08:02 16:03 29-Oct 02:44 03:17 08:48 15:40 21:10 SP 06:53 29-Mar 09:40 15:25 22:53 06:50 19:34 15-Jan 01:33 08:45 13:59 21:10 08:02 16:49 16:31 16-Dec 05:27 10:45 17:52 23:12 08:03 16:03 30-Oct 03:56 03:57 09:27 16:20 21:47 06:55 16:47 30-Mar 11:38 16:41 NP 06:48 19:35 16-Jan 02:34 09:51 15:11 22:21 NP 08:02 16:32 17-Dec 06:16 11:38 18:41 08:03 16:03 31-Oct 04:37 10:05 16:59 22:24 06:56 16:45 31-Mar 00:18 05:22 12:52 18:09 06:46 19:37 17-Jan 03:50 11:07 16:39 23:37 08:01 16:34 18-Dec 00:06 07:09 12:38 19:37 08:04 16:03 NM = New Moon + FM = Full Moon + NP = Neap tides + SP = Spring Tides 18-Jan 05:07 12:17 + FM13:46 17:49 08:00 16:35 NM = New Moon = Full Moon + NP = Neap tides + SP = Spring08:05 Tides 19-Dec 01:05 08:12 20:43 16:04 e&oe 19-Jan 00:44 06:12 13:19 07:59 16:37 *** - British Summer18:49 Time Ends All times are local 20-Dec 09:27 15:00 21:57 08:05 16:04 e&oe *** - British Summer Time Starts All times are 02:09 local 20-Jan 01:44 07:12 14:16 19:45 07:58 16:38 21-Dec 03:19 10:41 16:13 23:04 NP 08:06 16:04 21-Jan 02:40 08:08 15:08 20:36 NM 07:57 16:40 22-Dec 04:30 11:43 17:18 08:07 16:05 22-Jan 03:32 09:00 15:57 21:24 07:56 16:42 23-Dec 00:03 05:35 12:38 18:15 08:07 16:05

Solar Tidal Predictions --Dec '23 Solar&& &Tidal Tidal Predictions Jan2023 '23 Solar Predictions Nov/Dec

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Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

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PHOTO: Robin Boultwood

CORFE Castle Club has scooped the Campaign for Real Ale’s Regional Club of the Year award for 2023.

Club steward Brian Varney – known to everyone as ‘Chubby’ – was presented with the award for the Wessex and the Channel Islands area by competition organiser John Buckley.

Non-members are welcome to join the friendly club and if they would like to join the cost is just £10 a year.

Corfe Club scoops real ale accolade

Rare sand lizards released on Winfrith Heath SAND lizards bred in captivity have been released on Winfrith Heath in a bid to create a thriving population of the rare species.

Some 23 juvenile specimens were released on land managed

by Dorset Wildlife Trust with two further releases of up to 150 sand lizards planned.

In the UK the creatures only live on sand dunes and lowland dry heaths, and both habitats are rare and threatened.

In Dorset, the heathland was affected by a serious fire and

sand lizards have not been seen there since then.

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s ecologist Steve Masters said: “We have monitored the site closely for the last decade to assess the condition of the habitat, before deciding that reintroduction is the right thing to do.

“Sand lizards are an iconic species of our heathland ecosystems and it is amazing to be part of their return.”

The juveniles have been bred at captive breeding

centres managed by Marwell Wildlife, Dorset Council and Forestry England, where outdoor enclosures mimic the sand lizard's natural environment.

The creatures are one of the species to benefit from a Species Recovery Programme Grant from Natural England.

And Dorset Wildlife Trust, Natural England, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (ARC) and their captive breeders have teamed up to reintroduce the species to Winfrith Heath.

Some 75% of Dorset’s heathland has been lost over the last century due to development, agricultural intensification and afforestation.

Extensive blocks of heathland have been reduced to isolated fragments, providing

the last remaining refuges for rare heathland species, including the sand lizard.

Steve Masters added: “Our nature reserves are at the heart of our ambition to recover some of our rarest UK species and habitats.

“Thanks to the funding from Natural England, we can undertake the work needed to ensure this is the case.”

ARC’s conservation director Jim Foster said: “This new translocation of sand lizards to the exceptional landscape of Tadnoll and Winfrith Heaths is of vital importance.

“Thank you to all the organisations who have worked together to make sure that we have the highest chance of success to re-establish this important species and to restore thriving populations.”

23 juvenile sand lizards bred in captivity have been released at Winfrith Heath with more releases in the pipeline

PHOTOS: J Hitchen and Steve Masters

GOT A STORY? Then email ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

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Electric charging at town car park

A NEW electric vehicle charger in Wareham is now operational.

The contactless device, which means electric vehicle drivers can tap their payment card and start charging, has been installed at the Howards Lane car park.

It has been funded by charging firm Mer, working with Dorset Council, Wareham Town Council and Joju Charging.

The 50kW charger offers rapid charging for drivers seeking a quick and convenient top up, replenishing most batteries to about 80% of charge in around 20 minutes, up to an hour.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for highways, travel, said: “We are delighted that Wareham now has its own rapid charger for use by residents and visitors alike.

“Finding somewhere to locate charge points in this historic Anglo-Saxon walled town was a real challenge, but it’s vital that we continue to develop the vehicle charging infrastructure required across our county.

“It’s a great example of joint working between Dorset Council, Joju, Mer, and our

colleagues at the town council to find a solution that will make a positive contribution to supporting EV owners and lowering carbon emissions.”

The charger comes after previous devices were installed at the Bonnets Lane car park in the town.

Mayor of Wareham, Cllr Carol Turner, said: “Wareham Town Council are pleased to have this facility available to our residents and visitors in the centre of the town.

“The project was a welcome one, and meets our aspirations for a cleaner, greener Wareham.

“Its delivery has required the co-operation and co-ordination of a number of partners and stakeholders, and it has been gratifying to see everyone working together to deliver a successful conclusion to this scheme.”

Graeme Patton, head of EV charging at Joju, added: “It’s great to be working with our local authority partners and Mer to deliver EV charging infrastructure that will help support the switch to electric vehicles and assist councils in their commitment to become carbon-neutral, for the benefit of all residents and visitors.”

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Santa-Stour River Fun Run

ON MAIN COURSES

THE Santa-Stour River Fun Run takes place in Wimborne in the run up to the festive season.

The event, organised by Wimborne Rotary, will raise funds for Julia’s House children’s hospice and other Rotary Club charities.

The fun run on Sunday, December 17, starts from Wimborne Town Football Club in Ainsley Road – where free parking is available – at 10am and entrants can choose either a 2.5km or 5km course alongside the River Stour.

Entry is £10 for adults and £5

TWO COURSE

for under-18s.

To pre-book visit www. wimbornerotary.org/giving – limited places will be available on the day but pre-booking guarantees a spot.

Participants can choose to receive a free Santa suit, or a festive hat, and a free mince pie and drink will be on offer at the finish.

Runners, whether entering as an individual, a family or a team, are encouraged to fundraise for their favourite charities by seeking sponsorship.

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Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

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Doin’ fine – and Donovan is planning to play Poole NEIGHBOURS icon, musician and movie star Jason Donovan is bringing his latest tour to Dorset – but not until 2025.

The star, famed for hits including Too Many Broken Hearts and Especially For You with soap co-star Kylie Minogue, will bring his Doin’ Fine 25 show to Poole’s Lighthouse theatre on Friday, February 21, 2025. Tickets are on sale now.

Doin’ Fine 25 is set to be a “spectacular celebration of his

remarkable career in music, theatre, film and TV, taking fans on a journey through 35 years of hits on stage and screen via his energetic and unique live performance style,” a spokesperson said.

Jason himself added: “I am so excited about this tour.

“My performing career has been an incredible ride, and I can’t wait to celebrate it by performing the songs that have been such an important part of my life.

“It’s going to be a fantastic

show, and I look forward to sharing all those special moments with my fans.”

Tunes expected include from stage shows such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Rocky Horror Show and Grease, as well as nods to his TV work like Neighbours, Strictly Come Dancing and more.

For more information and ticket details, call 01202 280000.

Jason Donovan is playing the Lighthouse in February 2025

Santa set to arrive in spectacular fashion DETAILS of this year’s Wareham Christmas Parade have been announced.

Festive revellers can enjoy a night of fun, including floats, marching bands and a visit from Santa, from 4.30pm on Sunday, December 10.

“Each year, Santa – in his golden boots – arrives in town by different methods,” a spokesperson said. “Last year he arrived on a large steam

traction engine, which delighted the crowds. This year we are planning something spectacular to match previous years.

“Live entertainment is also provided on the stage by the town cross.”

The Christmas lights are up in town along with the Christmas tree ready for the day – and Santa’s arrival.

For more details, log on to christmasinwareham.co.uk.

GOT A STORY? Then email ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk

Dinosaur print found on Brownsea Island

A DINOSAUR footprint hidden for between 110 and 140 million years has been found after a ranger put her foot in it on Brownsea Island.

The discovery was made by National Trust ranger Sophie G, who noticed the oversized print in the castle grounds.

“She was out for a run around the Island on Sunday when she stumbled across this rock in the grounds of the

Castle,” a spokesperson said.

“If you look closely, you can see a dinosaur footprint.

“We believe the rock may have come from the Isle of Purbeck, where you can already see many dinosaur footprints at Langton Matravers.”

The spokesperson said Sophie thinks it could be the rear footprint of an Iguanodon, but more research is required to identify it.

The print could be that of an Iguanodon (inset)

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

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Wareham honoured in Britain in Bloom awards

WAREHAM Community Growers were awarded a Silver Gilt award in the UK finals of the Royal Horticultural Society’s prestigious Britain in Bloom competition – the UK’s biggest community gardening contest.

Some 44 community gardening groups, who had all impressed their local judges the year before, were nominated to represent their region or nation in the UK finals 2023.

Britain in Bloom involves more than 3,000 community groups and hundreds of thousands of local volunteers who work year-round to keep their neighbourhoods green and thriving.

Wareham reached the finals after winning Gold and Best Small Town at regional level in the South/South-East in Bloom competition.

Among its many gardening initiatives, Wareham Community Growers was recognised for its commitment to the three Britain in Bloom themes of Horticultural

Rod Curtis (left) with celebrity gardener and author Rachel de Thame and Wareham Community Growers committee member Ross Hooper

Achievement, Community Participation and Environmental Awareness.

Darren Share, chair of the RHS Britain in Bloom judges, said: “Our congratulations go to all the RHS Britain in Bloom finalists for their incredible commitment and the difference their hard work makes to their communities.”

Celebrity gardener and

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At the Britain in Bloom awards at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Linley Hall headquarters

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author Rachel de Thame, who presented the awards, said: “Britain in Bloom gardening groups give selflessly of their

time and energy to make their communities better for everyone to enjoy.

“From engaging with young people, helping to grow food for those in need or providing plant displays to inspire a sense of pride.

“These groups are the heroes of our villages, towns and cities and keep our country blooming.”

Groups were presented with certificates and trophies at the RHS Britain in Bloom 2023 awards ceremony, held at Linley Hall in London, and unveiled to the public on BBC’s The One Show later that day.

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Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

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Foodbank opens doors

CORFE Mullen Community Foodbank raised more than £1,000 and awareness about its activities when it held an open day to mark 10 years since its foundation.

The event was shared with Win On Waste, which celebrated its own 10th anniversary last month.

In the lead up to the open day a silent auction was held and raffle tickets sold, with generous prizes provided by local businesses.

The event featured an interesting display put together by a Duke of Edinburgh student charting the foodbank’s development over the past decade.

It honoured the volunteers and the large number of people who had given goods – and it gave a nod to the foodbank’s patron, who sadly died recently.

Heather Booth had been instrumental in securing finance for the foodbank’s launch and her son drew the first raffle ticket in her memory.

Leaflets were given out showing how milk bottles could be turned into penguins – pictured – and visitors could take home recipe bags that sometimes go out with family parcels.

Visitors could also enjoy games, a craft sale and the opportunity to make up bags, which was not as straightforward as some

Corfe Mullen Community Foodbank, founded 10 years ago, staged an open day which raised hundreds of pounds PHOTOS: Ben Jackson

thought.

The foodbank works with local schools – often with the homework to eat just a portion of cereal – rather than a bowl full.

A display of tin labels,

designed by the local Rainbows, helped them towards one of their badges.

Ann, one of the longest serving volunteers, said the event, which raised £1,077, had ‘a real buzz’.

GOT A STORY? Then email ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk

Beryl bike share scheme expands

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PEDDLE power is now available to rent in Corfe Mullen and Upton to help residents and visitors get around.

People can now rent one of 80 Beryl bikes – both pedal and electric – which can be picked up from bays in the towns.

The bays, marked with green Beryl signage, are located at sites around the towns, with riders needing to download the Beryl app to book their bike and hit the road.

Having already proven a success in Wimborne, Ferndown, Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wool and Studland, the bike share scheme is now expanding its reach so more people can explore the area.

Cllr Noc Lacey Clarke, Dorset Council’s cabinet lead for highways and travel, said: “We are delighted this popular

bike hire scheme has extended to cover mid-Dorset, it’s an ideal way to make the most of the area, leave the car at home and get active. “If you haven’t tried an electric bike before, the new e-bikes are a great addition to the fleet, helping make those hillier areas more manageable.”

The Beryl app is available free of charge on the App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android users.

Cllr Clarke added: “Dorset Council has ambitious targets for carbon emission reduction over the coming years, so providing a way for more people to leave their vehicles at home and hop on a bike aligns with our goal of creating stronger and healthier communities.”

Dorset’s bike rental scheme launched in August last year and, so far, has generated more than 5,500 journeys.

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Struggling with energy costs? Help is at hand

ADVICE will be on offer to people struggling with energy costs at events this week.

Energy experts from Citizens Advice will be on hand to give free guidance to residents at events in Weymouth and Poole on November 30, as part of Fuel Poverty Awareness Day. The advisers can help people who may be struggling with their energy costs, want energy saving advice, or to check to see if they are eligible for grants or financial support. The sessions will have information for residents to take away, as well as winter warmer giveaways.

In Poole, the event is at the Delfino Lounge, in Falkland Square, from 9.30am to noon, while in Weymouth, people can visit the Nautico Lounge at the same times.

Ros Dignan, project coordinator at the Dorset Energy Unit, said: “As we approach the winter months, people are having to make really difficult decisions between switching their heating on or buying food.

“We want people to know that there is help available.

Come and have a chat with our friendly advisers in confidence, no appointment is necessary.

“We are supported at these events by the local Citizens Advice offices, Ridgewater Energy from Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) and Healthy Homes Dorset.”

The Dorset Energy Unit is also offering free energy advice Why not learn something new in the New Year?

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training to frontline workers who work with people who are facing difficulty heating their homes and an online training course will provide simple energy saving tips and advice about available grants.

Ros added: “There are lots of

people who would find this training really useful.

“It provides an overview of how to help vulnerable people with their energy costs and what financial support packages are available and how to apply.”

For more details, and to

News

Special events will be held in Poole and Weymouth on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day

register on the Energy Advice Training courses, visit www. edpcitizensadvice.org.uk, or email energy@ edpcitizensadvice.org.uk.

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Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

News

purbeckgazette.co.uk

News from Wareham Town Council – November report

THE council stood in silence in memory of Sue Elmes and Dorset councillor Toni Ferrari.

Dorset Council (DC) has opened a consultation on modifications to the Purbeck Local Plan, for example, the assessment of housing need and its relation to Neighbourhood Plans. The consultation closes on December 22.

Between December 4 and January 19 resurfacing of Bere Road around Coldharbour will lead to road closures between 9am and 4pm.

If the kerbside in a road is blocked by leaves, residenst can request a gully sweeper either directly on DC’s website or by phoning Cllr Ezzard on 01929 550138.

Cllr Ezzard is also the person to contact for anyone who would like to join the

By Julie Bradshaw Community Speedwatch team.

Dorset Community Tree Fund opens in December for the planting projects of parish and town councils, schools and community groups. Details will be on the Dorset AONB website.

Wareham was awarded Silver Gilt by the national Britain In Bloom judges. The town clerk recognised the council groundsmen’s contribution. Friends of Wareham Station and Wareham Community Growers will be working on the area around the level crossing.

A new chain has taken the weight off the Mayor’s shoulders.

A-boards are permitted where they do not impede passage along the pavement.

Premises which wish to have

customers sitting outside need a licence.

Permission was given for the lighted sign outside the Co-op in 2017 – the outside lighted barbers’ pole in North Street has been extinguished.

Wareham will take part in a national beacon lighting at 9pm on June 6, 2024, commemorating the 80th D-Day. Councillors declined the option to participate in a DC Year of Arts and Culture on account of the cost in money and staff time.

A variety of stalls have booked for the Christmas market on December 9 in North Street. Entertainment has been organised. Further prospective stall holders should contact the town council office.

This year’s Christmas market is a pilot which could

become a Wareham fixture along with the procession, Christmas lights and Father Christmas visit. The clerk thanked the deputy clerk and admin assistant for their hard work on the project.

The town council expressed its appreciation of the town band and the two young ladies who played an important part in the Remembrance Day service.

Howards Lane car park will be free on Saturdays December 2, 9, 16 and 23. DC car parks are free on December 2 only.

The Mayor’s bazaar is on Saturday, December 16, in the town hall.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the next council meeting on Tuesday, December 19, at 7pm in the council chamber.

For more information, contact the town council office on 01929 553006 or consult the council’s website, www. wareham-tc.gov.uk.

Parent and Child Foster Placements We have covered fostering children in the last 9 months and how to overcome the challenges and gain from the positives. Now to take a different angle; have you ever considered becoming a foster carer for a parent and their child?

Could you give a child a foster home?

Parent and Child Foster Placements involve fostering of a parent and their own child. This is normally a mother and their baby.

They will come and stay at your home while you provide them with your knowledge and support to enable them to look after the child themselves and integrate in the community. This typically lasts up to 12 weeks.

Personalised social worker support, 24/7, 365 Regular training Informal get togethers Excellent financial rewards

A pre-requisite to becoming a parent and child carer is to have a spare room and space to accommodate the placement in the home, once you go through the initial get to know and chose to join footprints we can complete your assessment and approval in 4-6 months. And guess what! The rewards are just as great as being a foster carer for children and young people with financial reward, full specialist training and 24/7 social worker support.

01202 573408

How to start the process? It is easy! Give us a call today for more information, you will always have a friendly voice to talk to at Footprints.

www.footprintsfostercare.co.uk

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

11

News

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Make a difference this Christmas and recycle your Christmas Tree with Lewis-Manning Hospice Care Lewis-Manning Hospice Care proudly announces the launch of their annual Christmas Tree Collection and Recycling Service, kindly supported by Katie Fox Estate Agents. The campaign covers all of Bournemouth, Poole, Purbeck and Christchurch postcodes.

Over the past 5 years, the Christmas Tree Collections have raised an incredible £40,000 changing the lives of hundreds of patients and families across Dorset. The Recycling Service has also contributed significantly to environmental sustainability. The collective effort has prevented over 20 tonnes of Christmas trees from ending up in local landfills.

Collections across BH1 – BH23

postcodes, will take place on 11th, 12th and 13th January 2024.

Director of Fundraising Tom Goodinge commented, “We are extremely proud of what we have achieved over the last 5 years, providing a convenient and easy way for local residents to recycle their trees whilst supporting their local hospice charity. We are very grateful to all the local businesses who have offered their help and support again this year.

Residents are encouraged to participate in this eco-friendly service by registering for their Christmas tree collection online. A £15 donation could provide 2 patients with a Christmas dinner – every donation really does make a

difference.” Katie Fox Estate Agents, Director, Katie Fox said, “We are delighted to be supporting Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s Christmas Tree Collection and Recycling Campaign for the 3rd consecutive year. We love working with the team at Lewis-Manning and to do our bit in supporting the charity so that they can continue to deliver such vital services to local people in our community.

“We will be promoting the initiative on specially designed house boards across the area, complete with QR codes for a quick and easy sign up.”

To register your tree for collection, visit https://lewis-manning.org.uk/ christmas-tree-collection/

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTION Registered Charity No. 1120193

Collecting from Collecting from BH1 – BH23 – BH23 11thBH1 - 13th January 11th - 13th January

Visit lewis-manning.org.uk/trees

Kindly sponsored by

12

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

News

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New event for Dorset set to blossom in Spring 2024 Get ready to welcome a blooming sensation in Spring 2024 – prepare to immerse yourself in spring flowers, food, farming and more as the Dorset Spring Show swings open its gates for the very first time on Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th April 2024.

The exciting new event celebrating the spirit of spring is proudly brought to you by the same dedicated team behind the Dorset County Show.

The Dorset Spring Show is set to burst into life at the picturesque Kingston Maurward, in the heart of Dorset’s breath-taking countryside.

Chairman of the Show, Jason Bowerman said “The aim of the new Show is to welcome the warmer months after a long winter. The roots of this event trace back to the Society’s annual Spring Horticulture and Homecraft Competitions Show. In 2024, we are taking this to a whole new

level with the introduction of the Dorset Spring Show, set against the stunning backdrop of Kingston Maurward.”

The Show is set to encompass an array of captivating experiences – savour local delicacies and discover the skills behind their creation. Watch demonstrations on homegrown foods and listen to local speakers. Be entertained by local acts, try your hand at rural skills, explore the shopping districts and indulge in delicious treats.

And yes, you might even get the chance to meet a lamb –after all, it is spring!

The Dorset Spring Show has a special focus on showcasing the farm to fork process, highlighting how the agriculture sector feeds the nation and welcoming a diverse range of speakers and rural crafters in all Dorset aspects.

You can even get involved and be part of the Show! James Cox, Show

Organiser adds “Speakers Corner, Floral Demonstrations, Agri Education Hub, Crafters Corner… there is so much happening in this new event, and you can be a part of it. For over 170 years, the Dorset County Show has bid summer farewell in style. In 2024, we are also starting summer with a blooming bang through the Dorset Spring Show. We will have so much to announce over the long winter months.”

Tickets for Dorset Spring Show are on sale now, with Early Bird Tickets for Adults priced at just £8 and Children enter the Show for free!

Your unforgettable spring adventure awaits! The Dorset Spring Show is on Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th April 2024 at Kingston Maurward. Visit the website for more information on the Show and how you can get involved: www.dorsetspringshow.co.uk

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Jack’s back in pole position

News

By Graham Howard the number of JACK Copp regained wins over the the advantage over season. his competitors in the Behind Copp on penultimate round of the day with 27lb the Dorchester & 10oz was angling District Angling novice Kenzie Society (DDAS) Toulson in only his junior championship. second competitive Copp managed to event. catch some better fish Third place in from a rather out of the match went to sorts Luckfield Lake Jack Copp and part of former champion his winning catch of in Broadmayne to Oliver Smith with 39lb 5oz weigh 39lb 5oz.

21lb.

Year-long The last match championship leader Austin at Whitemoor will see the three Scott-Kennedy slipped to third championship contenders battle place behind fellow it out for the title with only four championship contender Josiah points separating the top three.

Wells-Parkes.

For more information about Scott-Kennedy and WellsDDAS Juniors, go to www.

Parkes ended the match on level ddasjuniors.co.uk. For points, with the latter taking the membership information visit second championship place on www.d-das.com.

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Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

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New rules over dogs on Dorset beaches and in public spaces are approved

NEW rules on dogs in Dorset’s public spaces are set to be confirmed.

The 2024 dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which affects the Dorset Council area, has been officially released after the council cabinet approved the document.

It includes the following restrictions: * Dogs banned at all times in children’s play areas, pools or sandpits, skateboard parks, tennis courts, basketball courts, bowling greens or putting greens and sports pitches * Between May 1 and September 30, dogs are excluded from West Beach, Charmouth; East & West Beach, West Bay; Front (Town) Beach, Lyme Regis; Front Beach, Swanage; Seatown Beach, Chideock; Weymouth Central Beach from the designated dog exercise area to the groyne at Greenhill. * Dogs to be kept on leads at all times in cemeteries, churchyards and graveyards; allotments where dogs are permitted; formal public gardens; within five metres of sports pitches; council-owned car parks; the Rodwell Trail, Weymouth; on roads and walkways close to beaches.

The routes covered include: Charmouth, Lower Sea Lane; West Bay on the Esplanade, Quay, Quayside, road, pavements and car parks off Lower Sea

Lane, footpath to the beach; Lyme Regis on Marine Parade, Cart Road, Bell Cliff, harbour, slipway and sea walls; The Parade, Swanage and roads to the beach; The Promenade, Weymouth from Pleasure Beach to Bowleaze; At Studland, access to Knoll beach from the car park and staircases; Ferry Road, from Studland beach car park to the South West Coast Path end marker, Shell Beach National Trust car park and all access routes to Shell Beach. * Between May 1 and September 30, dogs to be kept on leads on beaches known as Knoll Beach and Shell Bay Beach.

There is now a period of six weeks where the PSPO can be challenged on the grounds that the council does not have the power to make the Order or include specific requirement within the Order, or that the legislation related to PSPO has not been followed.

If there isn’t a challenge, the order will come into effect on January 1, 2024.

The order was produced after a 10-week consultation which gathered views from residents, visitors, businesses and other organisations.

A total of 4,221 responses were received, the council said, with 80% from residents, 16.5% from visitors and 2.8% from others.

Of those, 62% of responses came from dog owners, while 9.5% of respondents

considered themselves as having a disability.

The council said a dog-related PSPO for specific beaches and open spaces aimed “to keep them free from dog fouling and safe to use by all”.

“Insisting that dogs are on leads in particular areas means that the owner has adequate control over the dog which means that they can see if the dog fouls and doesn’t cause issues with other people or dogs,” a spokesperson added.

Cllr Laura Beddow, council portfolio holder for customer and community services, said: “This has been an extensive consultation with a good cross section of people.

“I am very pleased that we have been able to implement the order according to the thoughts of most respondents.

“As the winter requirement to keep dogs on leads at Front Town Beach, Lyme Regis has now been removed, we will undertake a spring review of that aspect of the order.”

Unless amended at any stage, the PSPO will remain in place for three years. n To view the report, visit https:// moderngov.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/documents/ s37251/Recommendation%20to%20 Cabinet%20-%20Dog%20Related%20 PSPO.pdf

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

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Telling It Like It Is

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Problems with pavement parking

D

O you park on the pavement? Just ‘popping in’ to get a paper or maybe a doughnut?

I try really hard not to, because parking on pavements poses a serious threat to public safety – cars blocking pavements can force people out on to the road.

There’s a petition afoot asking the Government to legislate to restrict pavement parking, unless an exception is made by a local authority, to ensure that everyone can walk their streets safely.

Sadly only 20,000 signatures so far – it needs 100,000 before the Government will even think about debating it.

Actually, I thought it was illegal anyway, but that would depend on them finding enough ‘officers’ to enforce it.

Pavement parking is especially dangerous for people with disabilities, including those with sight loss and wheelchair users, as well as older people and parents with children.

In 2020, the Government consulted on options to tackle pavement parking, yet no progress has been made. It responded: “This highly important issue is complex and involves many conflicting factors.

The Government needs to get this right and is carefully considering the issues before deciding the way forward.”

In other words, we really don’t care, so go away!

If you want to Introduce national restrictions on pavement parking, then sign this petition https://petition. parliament.uk/petitions/642947

I

F you find a ‘dead’ hedgehog during the cold months, don’t bury it, and don’t throw it in the trash.

No-one wants to see a dead animal in their garden or road, but it could be a hedgehog hibernating – they do so from November to March.

They usually dig holes to stay safe, but fewer green areas, bushes and wooded areas mean

By David Hollister it’s becoming harder for them to find a safe place to spend the winter sleeping.

Some may come into your gardens seeking safety and warmth to hibernate, some are so exhausted from looking they end up sleeping in strange places like roadside streets or even on pavements.

When they’re in hibernation, the hedgehogs’ heart rate and general body functioning slow down considerably, as a way of saving energy – this leads one to believe the hedgehog is dead when it’s just resting!

So, just in case you see a stationary hedgehog, make sure it is in a safe and warm place and that it can last five months. If you didn’t have your Bonfire Night celebrations because of the weather, may I suggest that before you eventually light it, you turn it over with a long piece of wood and look carefully for surprised little eyes?

I

T has emerged that UK supermarket Booths has removed automated checkouts in all but two of its 28 stores.

Managing director Nigel Murray told the BBC that the machines were ‘unreliable and impersonal’. Wake up Asda, Tesco, Waitrose and the rest!

Did you know that 15% of shoppers admit to stealing through machines, with Generation Z and millennials most likely to do so?

Machines were promoted as a way to reduce staffing numbers, boost efficiency and speed up queues.

Sometimes they work.

Sometimes they don’t. I make a point of trying to avoid them, preferring the ‘human touch’ where I can, and avoiding self-scanning.

Maybe a 10% discount for self-scanning would be encouraging. But right now you don’t pay me to scan my own shopping – you don’t give me staff discount for working for you.

We need a minimum of 50% proper tills which gives us, the customer, a proper choice.

Don’t be surprised if I get it wrong! If you want me to be a cashier with no training, then that’s your problem, not mine. So keep employing young people and give them job opportunities.

A

NOTHER one bites the dust! Sadly, the organisers of the Great Dorset Steam Fair have confirmed that next year’s event has been cancelled due to rising costs.

A statement from the Great Dorset Steam Fair board of directors said the event held in Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford Forum, will not be back in 2024 after making a ‘very difficult decision’.

It has taken place since 1969, although the 2020 and 2021 editions were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thousands of people used to flock to the event where steampowered machines and vehicles went on show across several days, along with other attractions, with the show being one of the most popular on the Dorset calendar.

The 2023 event had been cancelled with the hope it would return in 2024. But the Great Dorset Steam Fair board of directors have cited ‘eyewatering operating costs’ and rising costs as the main factors behind the cancellation of next year’s event.

The country is still gripped by the cost-of-living crisis and the organisers don’t believe they can

risk imposing a significant increase in ticket and camping prices without drastically reducing attendance at the event.

Main organiser Martin Oliver said: “The cost of the 2022 fair had ‘rocketed’ by £700,000 from £3.5 million on the last event held before the pandemic in 2019, and the costs of staging another would be almost £5 million”.

Including ‘Health and Safety’ and the obligatory ‘insurance’.

Bournemouth Air Festival is to be cut to three days – the council has voted on its future.

The proposals would see Bournemouth Christchurcjh and Poole (BCP) Council putting £200,000 towards the cost of next year’s event, but it will not fund the event beyond 2024.

A further £100,000 for next year’s air festival would need to come from sponsorship, donations and commercial activity, councillors were told.

The council said it would invite proposals from outside organisations to support and fund the festival in 2025 and beyond.

In this economy? In the parlous state of so many Bournemouth businesses?

Of course, some of the ‘killjoys’ feel that three days of pumping CO2 into the atmosphere is three days too many.

Some of us feel that if we’re going to do ‘environment’ properly, it should extend beyond the exhaust pipe of my car, and maybe £200,000 would be better spent on solar panels on the roofs of all council buildings – not just BCP but Dorset-wide?

16

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

There is lots to get involved in at Durlston Country Park in the run up to Christmas – from events to get you into the Christmas spirit, to activities to help you burn off those extra Christmas treats.

Events include a Kids’ Christmas Drawing Workshop with artist Mark Page, a drop-in Wild Wednesdays event and a New Year Bottle Rocket activity.

Our Crazy Christmas Trail runs daily throughout the holidays – a fantastic opportunity to keep the kids entertained – or the young at heart. It takes you on a walk around the park to help Santa get Christmas back on track.

Trail packs are just £3.50 per child with a prize once

Durlston Country Park has a lot going on this month

finished.

December 23 will also be host to a Festive Fancy Dress Parkrun. So make sure to join us, for a 9am start, in your best festive outfit for a fancy dress 5k run – or walk. The event is free but make sure to register through www.parkrun.org.uk While the Rangers will be asking Father Christmas for waterproof trousers and leak-proof boots, our shop is stocked full of wonderful goodies for Christmas shoppers to make the perfect gifts or hampers.

Doggy treats, chutneys, local prints and children’s toys are only just the start of the selection. For those who prefer something home-made, items made by our ‘Sheddies’ can be purchased from the Castle, including boot removers and wooden leaf pendant necklaces. The Sheddies will also have a stall at Swanage Christmas Market on December 3.

If something with a more personal touch is in mind, then we’ve got some exciting workshops that might be for you. Our wonderful Glass Engraving for Beginners workshop, on Sunday, December 17, will give you an opportunity to add a personal touch to a gift this Christmas.

Durlston Country Park is open daily but the visitor

centre, shop and cafe is closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Meaning you can still visit for a stroll along the clifftop – with picturesque views to the Isle of Wight one day, and stormy seas, cold winds and waves crashing into the cliffs the next. Each day through December can make for a different experience.

Whatever your reason for visiting Durlston this December, we hope you enjoy your time with us here and have a wonderful Christmas!

All the best from the Durlston Rangers.

For more information on events and more visit our Durlston website at www. durlston.co.uk. Visit the Seventhwave café website at www.seventhwaverestaurant. co.uk

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Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Letters

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Christmas tree festival THE Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival will be held at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Swanage from Thursday to Saturday, December 7-9.

Do not miss the wonderful sight of more than 40 Christmas trees decorated by local organisations, charities and individuals illustrating Christmas traditions.

There will be a lovely festive atmosphere with a wide range of music by choirs, ukelele groups, woodwind, drums and other musical performances.

And there will be a life-size stable with storytelling, in which families can also ‘get in the picture’ and take photos dressed as people in the Nativity story.

We open each day from 10am-6pm with seasonal refreshments available throughout the day.

Admission is free with all donations going to two local charities.

Visitors can also add ribbons to the outdoor Tree of Remembrance, to remember a loved one.

A quiet, reflective Lights of Love remembrance service will be held on Sunday, December 10, at 4pm, at which visitors can light a candle. This will be followed by refreshments.

Please bring your friends and family along to the church to share in this special community event.

Judy Forgan Via email

Invite from civic society WIMBORNE Civic Society’s meetings with speakers are open to all on the third Tuesday of the month at 8pm in the Quarterjack Room of the Allendale Centre.

In October, members and guests attended the society’s first online talk, when Andrew Negus gave an illustrated address on Winchester – Bishops, Buildings and Bones.

Members and non-members

17

‘Real clockmaker’s’ true labour of love

THE photographs (above) were recorded after the storm of November 2 on a locally made barograph by my late father Geoffrey Booth FBHI – a real clockmaker.

He specialised in handmaking clock movements of the highest quality – almost every part was made by hand, but he made fewer than 10 in his lifetime due to the hundreds of hours to make each one.

Dorset furniture maker John Makepeace made a case for one of his clock movements, which is still in Dorset, and a customer took one to Australia.

If you have been on the Sandbanks Ferry to Poole, look at the office block on the right, despite 40 or so years in the salty environment the clock still works.

Unfortunately, Geoffrey died a couple of years ago from Covid and is buried in Bere Regis.

He had also been suffering from dementia, and had partially dismantled the barograph and lost the motion work to enable it to rotate and leave an ink trace on the chart.

are welcome to attend for a modest fee of £2 for members or £5 for visitors.

Anyone can join the society at the meetings, for £12.50 a year or £20 for a couple.

John Worth Wimborne Civic Society

National Trust and fundraising

I AM amazed the National Trust feels it necessary to appeal for financial help from local people

These properties generate a huge income from visitors and tenants.

However, on the estate, in the village of Shapwick alone, seven cottages have been vacant for some months, an 850-acre prime farm is being ‘rewilded’ instead of providing rental income of perhaps £100,000 a year, an eight-bedroom historic farmhouse, and several valuable farm buildings standing idle.

Surely the Trust should be actively managing its estate to generate the funds it now claims to need.

Nicholas Martin Fordingbridge

FACTOID OF THE FORTNIGHT

Christopher Booth at the age of 24 on a roof ‘somewhere in the Piddle Valley,’ he says

My sister now owns it.

When I saw the photo of the trace, I thought the barograph must have become unadjusted, but data from the Met Office shows it was still accurate 35 years later.

I was lucky enough to serve a four-year apprenticeship under Geoffrey in the late 1970s early 1980s, still live in the area and get great memories seeing at or hearing many of the church and public clocks we worked on all those years ago.

Christopher Booth Via email towards the cost of restoring the stable clock at Kingston Lacy.

The Trust does a wonderful job maintaining the properties that are open to the public, but many of its other properties do not receive such lavish attention.

Some 42 years ago the Trust received its biggest ever bequest from Ralph Bankes, including his Kingston Lacy and Corfe Castle Estate, Studland beach, Old Harry Rocks and 40 farms and 250 cottages.

IF someone asked you what the national animal of England is, would you know?

Chances are, you might well remember it is the lion, thanks largely to the football mantra, ‘three lions on the shirt’.

But if someone asked what the national animal of Scotland was, would you be so confident? A bull, perhaps? Or a grouse? Well, in fact, it’s a unicorn.

Yes, the mythical, horned, horse-type animal is the emblematic creature of our cousins north of the border. The National Trust of Scotland says unicorns are a symbol of ‘purity, innocence and power’ in Celtic mythology.

But the Scots are not alone in boasting a non-existent beast as their national animal.

Wales, of course, is represented by the dragon, which also never existed. Some other interesting national animals include Canada, which has the beaver, while Norway is the moose, Italy is the Italian wolf and Ireland is the Irish hare.

18

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Politics

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Councils ‘teetering on the precipice’ BANKRUPTCY is usually associated with high risk, irresponsible actions, but it is increasingly discussed in council chambers around the country.

A chief financial officer can issue a Section 114 notice when a council can no longer meet its expenditure commitments from its income and is a local authority version of bankruptcy – handing decision making to commissioners who slash services to the bare minimum to make ends meet.

Unheard of a few years ago – even when councils were losing money in Icelandic Banks – it is now a real possibility in even the most – small c – conservative, responsible councils.

Most people think of their council as a provider of bins, streetlights and libraries, so when they take tough decisions to reduce grass cutting or scale back pothole repairs, residents typically ask, ‘what am I paying for.’

The reality is, about twothirds of the spending by our upper tier authorities – Dorset Council and BCP Council – is on adults and children’s social care, and these are statutory services, focused on the most vulnerable in our society.

This Conservative Government has stripped back the central funding for councils since 2010. In the BCP area the revenue support grant has fallen from £106m a year to just £6m last year, while at the same time the costs of a dementia placement have skyrocketed to about £1,700 a week.

The Government promised to fix social care funding, but these measures have been delayed until 2025 and councils are facing huge increases in staff costs to provide services for an ageing population, without the funding to pay for it.

It is not just care for older people that is crippling councils – the average weekly cost of a children’s residential placement

is now £7,000. That is £350,000 a year for a single child.

That is simply not sustainable – it is the equivalent of the full year council tax of 192 homes – based on a band D council tax.

The Government must look closely at the rules relating to children’s homes and limit the profits allowed for private companies in this sector.

Local authority funding needs urgent reform. Council tax is regressive – elderly people on fixed pensions and those on low incomes living in expensive private rentals pay a much higher proportion of their income.

Liberal Democrats would review council tax bands so the mega-rich pay rather more than those living in leafy suburbs and would enable local decision making on discounts and support as well as charging developers council tax on homes with planning consent that are unbuilt or incomplete.

Local government touches us

all, but councils are being undermined by Westminster which seems determined to watch them fail. They are sinking under the pressure of delivering emergency housing to tenants who have fallen victim to S21 evictions, the rising costs of waste disposal and the increasing number of children needing expensive specialist education.

David Cameron made a great start with the Localism Act, which promised to give local people a stronger voice, but the Big Society seems like a distant dream – though with him returning to Government maybe we will see a refresh! Unless the Government starts listening to councils and provides them with proper funding the local authorities that support our society will fall off the precipice on which they are all teetering.

VIKKI SLADE Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Mid Dorset & North Poole

EVERY week I help out at two mobile larders in Swanage.

Together with other volunteers, I help distribute good quality food which would otherwise be wasted. Whatever the weather, we meet with our drivers from FareShare, Britain’s longest running food redistribution network, and get to work supporting families in our community.

In 2022-23, FareShare re-distributed 54,000 tonnes of food – the equivalent of four meals every second – with the support of more than 5,300 volunteers. Nearly 8,500 community groups and charities were supported, with food reaching one million-plus people.

In Swanage, the first mobile larder was set up by Food for Thought Purbeck at St Mark’s school in January this year. The second larder opened at Chapel

Lane in June. In October, Swanage Labour town councillor Deb Monkhouse, Food for Thought’s secretary, presented a report to the Swanage and Purbeck Development Trust outlining what had been achieved by the larders – but also warning of challenges ahead.

90-100 households in Swanage and Purbeck are supported weekly by the larders.

About 35 volunteers help at the larders or deliver food. Dorset Council funded the St Mark’s Larder, Help and Kindness the Chapel Lane Larder.

The volunteers are generous of their time, and Dorset Council, Help and Kindness and the Development Trust have been unfailingly supportive.

Yet the cost-of-living crisis has not gone away. The Office for National Statistics reports the inflation rate for food and

non-alcoholic beverages as 12.2% in September. Although this figure reflects the first price fall since July 2021, the price of kitchen staples has continued to rise, while overall food prices are 9.9% higher than in 2022.

In August this year, FareShare reported that a survey of 9,000 teachers in England found that one in four took food into school out of concern for hungry pupils.

Over a third said their school regularly provides food support to their pupils, this figure rising to a half in deprived areas.

In Swanage and Purbeck, our hard-pressed schools go the extra mile to support their children through breakfast clubs and through their support of Food for Thought Purbeck.

George Wright, FareShare’s chief executive, said this September: “Hunger in the UK isn’t a problem – it’s a crisis where people are left wondering

how they will afford to eat very day”.

FareShare – our own Swanage Larders – are at the sharp end. George Wright went on to say: “Despite the efforts of Fareshare’s staff, volunteers and food partners, delivering record-breaking volumes of food, we cannot keep up with the sky-rocketing demand.”

Deb Monkhouse in her report notes that the rapid increase in the numbers of FareShare Larders in Dorset, and the challenges FareShare is now facing sourcing food, may mean testing times ahead.

The King’s Speech made no reference to food poverty. No policies were put forward to support those for whom just getting by is a daily challenge.

We need a new Government.

CHRIS BRADEY Chair, Swanage & Rural Purbeck Labour Party

Cost-of-living crisis ‘still with us’

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Politics

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Views wanted on veterans policies

AS the saying goes, ‘a week is a long time in politics’. Already this week we have had the King’s Speech, laying out the programme for the new Parliamentary term, and a reshuffle – where the Prime Minister changed his top team in Government.

I was very pleased to be asked to continue in my current role as HM Solicitor General, which includes supporting and advising the Government on legal issues, among other things.

If you want to know more about that work, you can sign up on my website for my email newsletter. I send this roughly once a month, and it has details of my work here in Dorset and Poole, and also my Parliamentary work in London.

There are many conflicts in the world at the moment, not

least in the Middle East and help shape the future of veteran specifically Israel and Gaza. policies. The consultation These are situations that are fast covers a wide range of policy moving and change daily. You areas – focussing on subjects can find my thoughts on the such as employment, housing, situation on my website. finance, public perception and Closer to home, I recently recognition of veterans. You attended several Acts of can find it at www.

Remembrance across gov.uk/government/ the constituency, consultations/ including the parade supporting-ourin Wareham. I would veterans-alike to extend my consultation and it thanks to the Royal is open until British Legion, and all January. volunteers and There is a organisers of these dedicated section on Michael Tomlinson events for their hard my website with links work. to support for our veterans, Supporting veterans is a key alongside information about pledge of the Government, and help with the cost of living. On the Veterans Minister is calling that subject, I’m delighted that for UK veterans and their inflation is falling – and is now families to share their views and below 5%, which means that experiences in a consultation to things will cost less, and you

will keep more of your salary each month.

As we look towards Christmas, I will be publicising local Christmas events on my social media channels again this year. If you’re hosting an event or service that you would like me to publicise, please do email me – or invite me along. I’ll come if I can!

I continue to hold regular surgeries in the constituency so please do get in touch if there is something you need help with.

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

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

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Then email ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk

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Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

THE

PURBECK MAGAZINE

P3

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ISSUE 303

Drug addicts

Leaves of a book

20 20

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‘Or closest bid’ (inits)

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RESULT

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+27

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Purbeck Gazette November 13, 2023

ISSUE 303

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PURBECK MAGAZINE

Cryptic crossword 1

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23

Brain chain (hard version) 131

RESULT

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For the solutions, turn to page 27

22

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Home & Garden

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Grow a rose to stop the traffic!

By Sally Gregson NOVEMBER is a busy month for gardeners, that is, between the rain and storms. It’s the best month to plant trees, shrubs and roses ‘bare root’. The soil is still surprisingly warm. The rain comes reliably to keep new plants happy. And there is less to do on the greenhouse potting bench.

Climbing roses love to grow up a sunny fence, wall or even up, over and into a small, mature tree, or large shrub such as Viburnum fragrans or a mature Portugal laurel.

Rambling roses work well in these situations. They flower on the shoots made during the previous summer.

Good rose nurseries will deliver your bare-root rose already pruned down, and ready to plant. Dig a deep hole well away from the wall or tree, and position the roots around the bottom, at or below the soil mark on the stem. Back-fill the hole with soil well mixed with plenty of organic matter such as garden compost or well-rotted manure. Using your heel, firm the soil around the roots and

By Sally Gregson AS gardeners we ask a lot of our soil. It is the basis of all life in our gardens, and throughout the world, and yet we tend not to consider it enough. Soil can get tired – its natural nutrients depleted by the demands a garden can make. It has to support growth through rain, frost and summer droughts. It deserves care and treatment during the winter.

And the beginning of winter, that is, November, is the ideal time to top-dress the bare soil with garden compost, wellrotted manure or fibrous organic

matter. During warm spells the worms will pull down the fibres into the soil to make it more fertile and well drained yet water-retentive.

But one or two problems arise with the different composts used. There is never enough garden compost to use generously on all the bare soil.

And retribution will follow if those filling the compost bins have not been assiduous enough in avoiding weed roots and seeds. Weeds love a nice new place to grow.

Manure is also problematic.

Firstly, it must have been sitting

water it in well to settle it down.

Then place garden compost or well-rotted manure around the stem, taking care it does not

come in contact with the plant.

A wall or a fence will need wiring to hold the rose in place.

In spring, once it starts to grow away, fan out the shoots, pulling the lower ones to the horizontal.

This causes them to ‘break’ and produce flowers along the length. Keep the plant wellwatered, especially during any dry spells in spring. And feed it with a rose fertiliser.

In later years it will need pruning after flowering. So, arm and protect yourself well, and use the long-handled loppers to cut back the flowered shoots from the previous year.

Tie in the new shoots to horizontal wires, or simply push and bully them into their correct positions in a large shrub.

And the following year the display will stop the traffic!

and breaking down for at least a year or those nitrogen-forming organisms will be too occupied to release their nutrients into the soil. Also, the stomachs of cattle and horses do not process weed seeds, resulting in a rich flush of docks, dandelions and nettles to greet the spring in your new borders.

Chicken manure can be rather too rich and strong for most gardens which might result in fresh young growth well before winter has finished with its frosts. And straight mushroom compost can be very

alkaline.

Perhaps the best option is to put down a mixture of mushroom compost and well-rotted manure. This is clean of weed seeds, and the manure neutralises the alkalinity of the mushroom compost. It’s the nearest thing to ideal.

So, clean the soil of perennial weeds and put on a thick layer of the compost mixture. It will set the garden beds up for a season of good growing, and prevent weeds from taking deep root, leaving the gardener to concentrate on the garden.

Climbing roses love to grow up a sunny fence or wall PHOTO: No-longer-here/Pixabay

How to keep soil healthy

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Soil can get tired – its natural nutrients depleted by the demands a garden can make PHOTO: Dean Moriarty/Pixabay

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Young gunner’s letters home from war

A COLLECTION of heartbreaking letters written by a young tank gunner as he fought in the Second World War have been revealed.

The moving documents were written by Alan ‘Jim’ Harris to his parents and detail how his career in the military progressed between 1940 and 1943.

He joined up as a teen, serving as an ARP (air raid precautions) warden in London during the Blitz, where he was working as a civil servant.

By the following year, Jim, originally from Kent, was with the 60th Training Regiment, where he became a radio operator and a gunner.

In a decision that would ultimately prove fateful, he later turned down the opportunity of becoming a gunnery instructor at Lulworth in Dorset, arguing it would be a waste to use an A1 category soldier as an instructor.

So instead, he began training with the Royal Tank Regiment across the country and writes home asking for various items, including rags to help clean the

guns.

Then, in early 1943, he finally sets sail for war.

“I am on a ship somewhere at sea! Where at sea I’ve not the vaguest idea,” he wrote.

It was to Algeria that he was heading and his priority in his letters is to reassure his parents that he was all right, will return and has God and justice on his side.

“I will be taking soon the next step ... But don’t worry, keep your chin up and don’t fear for me,” he wrote in March 1943.

“We’ve a good crowd of lads and together we’ll do all that is required of us and a bit more, so that soon we will be able to live as we want to, a righteous and sober life ... living in a free and godly country.”

He adds, optimistically, that “the cause is right and if the road be bumpy at times, I know that I can and will come through with flying colours”.

And as he gets closer to action he writes how his beloved parents shouldn’t

Jim Harris’s body was moved to the Massicault cemetery in Tunisia

PHOTO: Commonwealth War Graves Commission

purbeckgazette.co.uk

23

History

Alan ‘Jim’ Harris was a civil servant before joining up in 1940 PHOTO: The Tank Museum

“worry about me”.

He goes on to say he is disappointed in North Africa, that the weather is like “English April showers”. But the scenery he concedes, is “magnificent”.

In mid-April 1943 Jim, who mentions a sweetheart, Joyce, in his letters, was in north-east Algeria with the 12th Royal Tank Regiment as part of the 21st Army tank brigade, which was there to support the 4th Infantry Division in the upcoming Operation Vulcan.

Jim and his ‘A’ Squadron advanced on April 27 – their first time in combat – and attacked Sidi Abdallah Hill, part of strong German defences.

The hill was successfully taken but the Germans counterattacked with the Hermann Goring Division, and Tiger tanks.

It was here, at the age of just 20, Jim was killed after his Churchill tank took a direct hit from an 88mm anti-tank gun.

He was killed instantly along with one crew member.

Heartbreakingly, letters his mother sent him after this were returned, stamped with the message, “It is regretted that this item could not be delivered because the addressee is reported missing”.

Some months later, Jim’s troop leader wrote to his parents, telling them how their son’s body had been recovered and buried.

Lieutenant Saunders added: “Your son was an invaluable member of the crew in his capacity as gunner, and on the day of battle he shot and fought magnificently.

“He was always of a cheerful and generous disposition and was very popular with, and respected by, all men in the Squadron.

“His death means an irreplaceable loss to the Troop, Squadron and Battalion.”

Jim’s story is told in letters donated to the Tank Museum, in Bovington.

Museum historian Stuart Wheeler said: “This series of letters are very poignant but ultimately heartbreaking to read.

“They give an insight into how the war starts to impact on Jim’s life and those around him.

“It was a story all too familiar during the war and is of special interest to us, given that we are Jim’s, and The Royal Tank Regiment’s, Regimental Museum.

“Receiving letters like these are always significant as they add detail and colour to the story of the men who fought in tanks during World War Two and never returned home.”

Jim’s body was later moved to the Massicault cemetery in Tunisia. His nephew John Pullen, who donated the letters to the museum, added: “The letters remind us of the millions who made the sacrifice.”

24

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: Feeling on top of the world

purbeckgazette.co.uk

By Susanna Curtin barely any time before I have NOVEMBER is a month of reached the beacon on top of the outstanding beauty when the crag. From here, the old Roman sun’s light is intensified as its road of High Street and the arc sinks lower and the trees Straits of Riggindale come into offer up their final burst of view. Walking along this vibrant colour before winter sets exposed grassy ridge, I find in. myself conjuring legions of It is an especially good marching Roman soldiers month to visit the Lake District making their way to Penrith. and to be captivated by the From the summit of Knott, the mountains, waterfalls and sun begins to set and ribbons of glaciated valleys that 500 golden light stream over the million years of fells. I sit here a while geological processes to wonder at the sheer have created. Good beauty of our Celtic fortune has brought me Isles. From behind the here to walk the fells clouds, sunbeams streak before freezing between the sun, cloud temperatures and winter and land – they are snow makes them parallel shafts of light impassable without ice made visible only by axes and crampons. minute particles in the Today, I am on a air. challenging route which As the orange clouds takes in the summits of become greyer, and Hartsopp Dodd, Stony accompanied by tiny Cove Pike, High Street pipistrelle bats, I begin and The Knott. It is the long descent back challenging only down the mountain and Alfred Wainwright found a ‘spiritual and physical satisfaction’ in climbing mountains in the over the river to return because of the long Lake District ascent to Stony Cove to Hartsopp, all the Pike and the steep climb adventure.

Yet in this late afternoon light, while thinking about on a scree-strewn path to the top Although the initial climb up they look like the ‘frightening Wainwright, whose words I now of Thornthwaite Crag.

Hartsopp Dodd is a shock to my moody giants’ of Alfred share with you, for I recognise Yesterday, I was walking in system, given that it begins Wainwright’s early travel his utter joy at adventuring in unforgiving, torrential rain, but almost literally the moment I guides. his beloved Lakelands. In 1959, today the sun is coming and step out of the car, it is strange After another gradual climb he wrote: “I went often, going – one minute casting its how the rhythmic pattern of to Stony Cove Pike and a steep whenever I could, and always brilliance over the mahoganyascending steps, the solitude of descent to the col of my eyes were lifted to the hills coloured bracken and vivid the path, the focus on steady Threshwaite, views of where I found a spiritual and green slopes, and the next breathing and the connection to Windermere and the coast come physical satisfaction of climbing skulking behind a threatening each footfall to the rocky slope into view. The water of Lake mountains, and a tranquil mind grey cloud. This changeability is strangely meditative. It is Windermere is shimmering like in reaching their summits.” just adds to the atmosphere and only an hour or so before I mercury in the low light.

How true that is, I totally drama of the rugged landscape. reach its summit. From here Looking up at the scree of understand how wonderful it is My camera is constantly at the there are views across to Thornthwaite Crag, it seems to be on top of the world in this ready in order to capture its Helvellyn, Striding Edge, impossible to scale but ignoring remarkable landscape. different moods so that when I Swirral and Catstye Cam – feelings of self-doubt, I plant am back home, in the humdrum places whose slopes and my feet firmly on the shattered n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. of my office, I can relive my precipices I have acquainted. confusion of rocks, and it is susanna@gmail.com).

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Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Health & Wellbeing

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Why herbs could have helped Henry VIII...

By Fiona Chapman SOMEONE rang me the other day to ask about low sperm count. I was caught slightly on the hop as I was not thinking about sperm but about what I was going to cook for lunch! It did, however, get me thinking, as there are a lot of herbs that are good for men.

It also made me think of Henry VIII. He blamed his wives for not giving birth to sons or for having miscarriages. In fact, the ‘fault’, if you can call it that, was probably his, certainly in the sex of his children and, as he became a syphilitic old man, any sperm he was firing off would have been incredibly unhealthy and unsustainable.

It is as important for men to wvvprepare for having a baby as it is for women. Nowadays – not taken from a scientific view, but just observational – there seem to be many more fertility problems and couples struggling to conceive.

Much of this is down to low sperm count for men. There are lots of reasons that this could be the case, perhaps conjecture, but our drinking water is full of the oral contraceptive pill which will not help.

Stress levels and a sedentary lifestyle for men is not good.

There is a reason men’s scrotum is outside their body

– the sperm needs to be kept cool. Lots of driving and heated seats, sitting at desks in heated offices, may all be contributing to low sperm count, including a poor diet and not enough exercise, excessive drinking and not enough hydration.

A lot of herbs can help improve sexual function in men. Tribulus terrestris or puncture vine is used for both erectile disfunction and low sperm.

Horny goat weed – a euphemism if ever there was – Epimedium sagittatum, is a male sexual tonic – it was discovered by shepherds who noticed their goats increased their sexual behaviour when eating the herb.

It is also important to make sure that the liver is functioning healthily so it can metabolise hormone production by improving lipid digestion as well as detoxing the body.

Cordyceps, taken over a long period of time, will help with sperm production and quality. Withania Somnifera is another great herb for men, otherwise known as Ashwagandha, meaning ‘strong as a horse’.

There are many others – and it is rather sad for Henry VIII’s wives that he did not perhaps

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Henry VIII blamed his wives for not giving birth to sons or for having miscarriages, but many herbs can help improve sexual function in men

PHOTO: 12019/Pixabay

think of using herbal medicine for his own sexual health and instead just cut their heads off when they could not produce a

healthy son. n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist – email Pellyfiona@gmail.com.

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Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Health & Wellbeing

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Looking To Lose A Few Pounds?

How can I lose weight fast? It’s one of the most popular searches in Google. But the question dieters should be asking is: how can I lose weight WELL? Fast isn’t best. Fast isn’t sustainable. Don’t look for quick losses, but long-term gains – gaining control over your weight and gaining the confidence to eat well and feel amazing.

Making small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference – and so can getting the right support.

Did you know that LiveWell Dorset, the FREE health and wellbeing service, offers a 12-week weight loss kick-start programme? This includes free vouchers to access a local slimming group – WeightWatchers or Slimming World - or online support using the Second Nature app, plus 1-2-1 coaching. Find out if you are eligible: 0800 840 1628 or visit www.livewelldorset.co.uk.

Try these small changes from LiveWell to get you started: Drink more water: don’t mistake thirst for

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hunger. Water also boosts your metabolism and can help you feel fuller if you drink a glass before a meal.

Don’t skip breakfast: this will make you feel hungrier, leading to snacking or eating bigger meals later.

Get more active: exercise burns extra calories and helps keep weight off. The trick is finding an activity you enjoy and making it part of your daily routine.

Don’t ban treats: banning food you love will make you crave it more. You can have a small treat occasionally but try to stick to Public Health England’s suggested 400 calories for breakfast and 600 each for lunch and dinner.

Plan your meals: plan your meals and snacks for the week so you know exactly what you are going to eat. Making a weekly shopping list means you’ll buy fewer unnecessary items.

Cut down on alcohol: did you know that a glass of wine has the same number of calories as a piece of chocolate? Try swapping alcoholic drinks for low-calorie soft drinks.

Discover more tips and free support at www.livewelldorset.co.uk

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Health & Wellbeing

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Clarity is key in conversation

By Alice Johnsen IT’S been a good week on the coaching front. Three people told me our coaching conversations stay with them as they work through their own particular challenges. How lovely to hear this and I accept it with gratitude, humility and, I freely admit, a bit of a nervous gulp. It’s a reminder of the responsibility of the conversations I have with my clients.

While sploshing through muddy fields with my canine companions I thought about this more. It’s not just professional conversations that carry such a responsibility, it’s every conversation. Every interaction

with another person is ripe for misunderstanding. There are many traps to fall into. A hurried conversation. A stressed conversation. A conversation filled with jargon from the ‘expert’ to the ‘amateur’. An assumption of background knowledge or of similar processing speeds. It’s surprising anything is understood.

Jargon is possibly the most likely cause of misunderstanding and the irony is it is often used to provide a cover for nerves or imposter syndrome. Familiarity with a subject is a comfortable thing but, of course, we have to remember not everyone is

Puzzle solutions

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all too quickly grow to be a real block in a relationship. It takes real courage to pause and put all the cards on the table and re-explain things. If both parties are prepared tvo do that, a quick solution can be found and good communication resumes.

However, people on different sides of a broken relationship may need to work at different paces and third party mediation or support can help. There’s nothing weak or wrong in asking for this sort of help.

Misunderstandings feed hurt or resentment, jealousy or competitiveness and such emotions are tough to unscramble.

We all need to be aware, constantly, of the need for clarity. Knowledge brings empathy, misunderstanding the very opposite. n Alice Johnsen is a life coach (07961 080513; alicejohnsen. co.uk).

(from pages 20-21)

Edition 303

Jumbo sudoku

Cryptic crossword

3 6 8 9 7 4 1 5 6 8 7 5 4 9 2 9 9 3 3 1 4 5 8 1 6 5 2 4 8 1 1 2 7 1 3 9 5 7 7 3 1 6 4 7 2 3 5 4 8 2 8 7 1 8 6 2 5 4 9 4 6 2 6 7 4 3 2 9 3 6 3 5 2 1 95 9 6 4 3 68 1 7 4 5 9 8 9 3 7 8 5 1 4 7 6 8 6 8 7 2 7 9 2 4 1 9 5 1 6 8 6 5 8 2 3 9 1 9 5 3 2 7 4 8 2 7 5 6 8 3 3 4 7 6 1 3 6 3 5 2 1 3 2 9 6 4 9 8 7 5 2 1 4 7 4 9 5 8 1 4 2 2 9 4 8 6 7 1 9 1 8 3 7 8 5 9 7 8 6 3 5 6 3 3 1 5 7 5 2 6 9 2 4 1 2 6 8 7 4 9 7 4 3 9 8 1 54 1 8 6 3 59 5 3 4 1 2 5 9 2 4 8 1 6 7 3 7 6 3 1 6 2 7 2 5 4 8 9

A F S S M T R B L A N K E T O Z O N E A L E O D N A S P L I T P R E T E N D H F C S I A L P H A B E T I C A L R A I H Y E A T H U M B L E P I E S N X L H P E L I C A N P A D R E E U L A I I L C I R C A P A R A S O L T K D E E H O

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familiar. It can help during a conversation to just check you are not using too much jargon without explanation. Far better to risk repeating an explanation than to bat on regardless. We often need to hear things more than once to really understand them, so repeating is okay.

A missing backstory is another cause of misunderstanding. Like jargon, it causes problems when we assume everyone else knows what’s behind our thoughts, our decision or conclusion.

Sometimes it’s valuable to re-explain ourselves. But that works both ways. If we know why someone else is reacting in a certain way, we can understand their reaction. If we don’t know why they feel what they feel, we might misinterpret it.

Broken communication is at the core of many problems and a small misunderstanding can

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U P S I D E E C H O E S N E O H R W T O M T R A C E A B L E R A S D E A U R N S O V E R C A S T E T S E F U S I N T E R R U P T S C A T L H L RESULT I N S I G N I A M E G A E G S I N B R E P R E S E N T T I E R U R C I L RESULT A R T I S T S H O C K S

I E C O M B T Y R E D R A C E Y L R F Q U I P S N A G E G G R E V I S I S

R N C E R E B R U M C A W F S F O R E B R A I N S T E M D P G L A R T O M I M O R R I I A M A E O E A L U S N I E T T A C H R N E S N L I P N U E I G H P A E A N E C A C I M L R A R E S E I A K N E T P G E I L S C A N E E G P A O N Y S C E O N C N S L H R R A M O R S L I E O A P A Y A G A P O R L B I S R P L G L L T C S M N F I R E B O L L A T I P I C C O A A M N A O S E G N I N E M A D I E N B A R R L R R S N T A N R D E B F N G M O N A O H P R

V M I N E D R Z G G E D O N A A I D O W N S S P O U R E N L Y N O T E

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Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Business

purbeckgazette.co.uk

By editor@dorsetbiznews. co.uk LEWIS-MANNING Hospice Care is backing the next generation of nurses as it awards scholarships for palliative and end-of-life care to five local students.

Christina Keeping, Julia Copson, Jessica Ransome, Emelia Sargeant and Tina Smith are all in their final year of study on the BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing and Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship course at Bournemouth University.

They were selected for the scheme from 24 applicants after making the shortlist and taking part in an interview with Bournemouth academics Dr Sue Baron and Professor Sue Green, and Lewis-Manning trustee Dr Jackie Dominey.

Each will receive £3,000 in funding to support their professional development throughout the 2023/24 academic year, alongside mentorship from Dr Dominey, Dr Baron and Lewis-Manning.

They’ll also have the

years now, as I’m so passionate about supporting them at this later stage in life.

“One of my ambitions is to encourage more students into caring for and supporting older people, as I believe this is so important.”

The Lewis-Manning scholarship scheme is now entering its third year and is run in collaboration with Bournemouth University and The Burdett Trust for Nursing – established in 2002 to help fund research and leadership in nursing and support local nurse-led initiatives.

Dr Sue Baron said: “The Lewis-Manning Scholarship provides an amazing development opportunity for our final year nursing students.

“I’m yet again extremely impressed by the talent and passion shown by our students, and the hopes and aspirations expressed by this year’s applicants and award winners for their professional development during their final year.”

Lewis-Manning backs student nurses

Five final year nursing students at Bournemouth University have received scholarships worth £3,000 each from Lewis-Manning Hospice Care

opportunity to network and shadow a member of the Lewis-Manning clinical team.

During their first meeting as a group, Christina, Julia, Jessica, Emelia and Tina shared their passion for palliative and end-of-life care and why they chose to take up nursing.

For Julia, it was personal experience: “Sadly, I’ve lost both of my parents in the past five years.

“My dad died quite suddenly and was supported with end-of-life care for his final five days. My mum had a very different experience and was

supported with palliative care for three years.Everyone has such different experiences with death, which inspired me to seek to study this further and apply for the scholarship.”

Jessica, on the other hand, spent a month as a student nurse on an elective placement in the Philippines, working in A&E and on the Internal Medicines Ward.

She said: “I observed people’s different experiences of dying – it taught me so much.

“I’ve also worked locally with elderly people and people with dementia for over four

GOT A STORY? Then email ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk

Tank Museum chief gets a special send-off By editor@dorsetbiznews. co.uk RICHARD Smith OBE is stepping down after 17 years as director of Bovington’s Tank Museum, during which time he oversaw a boost in annual turnover from £1.6 million to £6 million.

Staff honoured Richard with a traditional ceremony as they pulled him along in the commander seat of a Second World War era Matilda II tank.

Museum spokesman Nik Wyness said: “As the longest serving director in the

museum’s history, Richard oversaw the transformation of The Tank Museum from Dorset curiosity to one of the leading military museums in the world.

“The staff are all extremely grateful for Richard’s leadership and support over the years.

“We wish him well in his next challenge – and look forward to welcoming his successor in the new year.”

Richard first visited the museum at the age of two, and his love of tanks grew from there.

Richard Smith (inset) sat in the commander seat of a Second World War Matilda II during the leaving ceremony

It culminated in an undergraduate dissertation on the Battle of Cambrai, which made extensive use of The Tank Museum’s archives.

After graduating from Durham University with a degree in History, he spent 11 years overseas with shipping

giant P&O, before returning to the UK to take up the role of museum director in 2006.

He’s now passing the torch to Chris Price, current chief executive of North Yorkshire Moors Railway, whose work will officially begin in January 2024.

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Business

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Grants will be winter warmer for OAPs By editor@dorsetbiznews. co.uk DORSET Community Foundation has launched its annual Surviving Winter appeal, run in partnership with Citizens Advice in Dorset, to aid older and vulnerable residents battling fuel poverty.

The appeal distributes grants worth £200 to pensioners and vulnerable people aged 50 and over living in fuel poverty who often can only afford to heat one room for a few hours a day and routinely skip meals to save money for their fuel bills.

Citizens Advice project manager Ros Dignan, who has been involved with the appeal since it launched in 2010, said: “Things have gone up hugely and although the energy prices are falling slightly since last year, they are still significantly higher than two years ago and the Government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme, which gave households £400 off their bills, ended in March.”

“We’re finding that people are starting off on a back foot because they’re in arrears. I think this year the build-up of that debt is going to be more noticeable, which is terrible because you think it’s been pretty grim for the last couple of

years for people.

“We’ve seen newer people coming in and seeking help that we probably wouldn’t have seen before because they would have been managing okay. And certainly more older people starting to contact us and say ‘actually, you know, I managed to get through last year. It was a struggle, but I’m now in debt’.”

Mrs Dignan said tales of people choosing between heating and eating are so commonplace it is easy to become immune to the shock of it. “But it is reality, though,” she said.

“We have people contact us who haven’t got any money for their gas or their electric, or actually are choosing to have their electric on and not have their gas on because they can’t risk their fridge or freezer going off, they don’t want to lose all their food or their medications.”

She said the grant helps people keep their homes warm while, with the support of the Citizens Advice energy advisers, they make a plan to manage their bills, get energy saving advice and learn about other benefits they may be entitled to.

“You see the relief in their faces,” she said. “It’s that

breathing space where they’ve got that time to think ‘right okay, that is going to help me get by’.”

Dorset Community Foundation chief executive Grant Robson said: “In previous years we have asked people who feel they don’t need their government Winter Fuel Allowance to ‘recycle’ it so we can give it to someone in need.

“Although fewer people might feel they are in that position because of the economic situation, we hope they will still be generous and

help us because cold homes and poor diet can be killers. Over the last five years in Dorset an average of 590 people have died from cold-related illness over the winter. We will be relying on the wonderful donors who have given us such fantastic support over the last 13 years to do so again.”

Donate to Surviving Winter at dorsetcommunityfoundation. enthuse.com/donate, at dorsetcommunityfoundation.org or by sending a cheque made payable to Dorset Community Foundation to Surviving Winter appeal, Dorset Community Foundation, The Spire, High Street, Poole BH15 1DF. To find out more about applying for help from the appeal phone Citizens Advice on 01929 775500.

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Armishaws operate a fleet of small removal vans throughout Dorset, Somerset and Wilshire catering for those clients who only need a small removal but still want the expertise provided by a larger removal company.

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Citizens Advice project manager Ros Dignan (back right) with CAB advisers who will once again be partnering with Dorset Community Foundation in its Surviving Winter appeal

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Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Antiques & Collectibles

Matisse could fetch £150,000

AS 2023 draws to a close, so nears the conclusion of Duke’s 200th anniversary year, celebrating two centuries of growth and success.

Duke’s is hosting a special 200-year auction on Friday, December 8, offering a vast variety of items, hailing from all manner of names, regions and periods – a suitable celebration of Duke’s colourful and varied history.

Sale highlights include an original Henri Matisse (1869-1954) Jeunes Filles et Fleurs estimated at £100,000£150,000 and a collection of archive material concerning

The Purbeck

the original building plans of Thomas Hardy’s house in 1884 and the further addition in 1894 (£30,000-£50,000).

Alongside the 200-year sale, the final Fine Jewellery, Watches & Luxury Accessories auction of the year is on Thursday, December 7.

This auction promises to be one of prominence and splendour, with jewellery glistening in golds and silvers, flanked by rubies, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds.

Watches and accessories from iconic brands including Rolex, Cartier, Faberge, Patek Phillipe and Mont Blanc.

With estimates ranging from hundreds to thousands there is something for every budget this Christmas.

Printed catalogues can be ordered by calling 01303 265080 or find illustrated catalogues on Duke’s website, www.dukes-auction.com.

purbeckgazette.co.uk

A charm bracelet tells a personal story and can make a wonderful heirloom for one’s children and grandchildren

A charming piece of jewellery!

WANTED Coins and Coin Collections 07754058850

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

See page 47 for our New Year Deadlines

THERE is something very special about a charm bracelet, particularly when the charms are antique!

Charm bracelets are so incredibly personal as they can be a perfect record of your life.

Buying a charm or being gifted one that has real meaning to you at a certain point in your life is a beautiful memory and one no-one else will have in that combination.

Charms were always believed to ward off evil and bring good luck to the wearer.

The earliest ones date back to the Stone Age and were made of shell and bone, developing through the ages into precious metals and stones.

Good old Queen Victoria brought them back into fashion as a piece of decorative jewellery rather than as protection or a talisman, featuring decadent gemstones

Gazette

and even included lockets with hair on her own bracelet. She also gave charms as gifts.

There are charms for every occasion, hobby and milestone.

Some of the 9ct gold charms we currently have in our shop include a mini Houses of Parliament, Coventry Cathedral, a London bus, horseshoe, wheelbarrow, horse, 21 key, St Christopher, hedgehog, a bible – the list goes on!

Our customers love how quirky some of the charms are, which makes for a really unique gift for birthdays, Christenings, Christmas or any significant life event.

The wonderful thing about charms is that you needn’t be restricted to wearing them on a bracelet!

Charms can look equally as impressive worn as pendant to give a contemporary look.

Although a charm bracelet tells a personal story, it can also make a wonderful heirloom for your children and grandchildren to add to.

Purbeck Gazette November 13, 2023

Shop Local This Christmas Start Your Christmas Countdown Now Quality you can trust. Order online or instore today.

KEEP CALM AND ORDER YOUR CHRISTMAS TURKEY Premium Free Range Turkey from family farms on the south coast. Since 1951

W W W. B C U RT I S . C O . U K 19 west street, wareham - 01929 552478

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Purbeck Gazette November 13, 2023

Countdown to Christmas

Christmas Party Season at Knoll House It’s Christmas Party season and at Knoll House you can enjoy all the festive cheer with the added bonus of stunning sea views out to Studland Bay. We are offering a package of £40 per head for a 3-course lunch or dinner choosing from a bespoke menu. We also have different sized rooms for hire should you want a private space where we can organise a DJ and other party activities.

Minimum of 12 people and we will require a pre-order for the food which needs to be booked 48h in advance.

Call 01929 450450 to discuss your requirements.

Join us for a traditional Christmas Day lunch £90 per adult £45 per child (14 and under) we’re also open on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Contact us now to book!

01929 450450 | knollhouse.co.uk

Purbeck Gazette November 13, 2023

Countdown to Christmas

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Celebrating a Merry Local Christmas at Norden Farm!

Open 7 Days a Week Large Selection of Potted and Sawn Christmas Trees, Norway spruce, Nordmann, Blue spruce (Trees now in stock) Marvellous Range of Christmas Food & Drink Gifts, Greeting Cards, Toys, Knitwear & Homeware Local Meats & produce PLUS Jon Thorner’s Wonderful Christmas Range Logs, Coal, Kindling, Calor Gas Loose Veg & Sacks of Potatoes Wild Bird Feed, Feeders & Accessories Equestrian, Livestock & Pet Feed & Accessories Winter Bedding Plants & Shrubs Plenty Of Pots, Garden Decorations & Accessories

Plus lots more!

We hope to see you soon!

8.30am - 6pm Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm Sunday 01929 480098 shop@nordenfarm.com www.nordenfarmshop.com

SANTA’S SLEIGH COMING TO MONKEY WORLD! Between the 18th and 20th December Santa’s sleigh will touch down at Monkey World! As well as meeting Santa and receiving a special present from him, your little monkeys can enjoy festive fare, a Christmas trail around the park, and even make a present for the primates with Santa’s elves!

The gift shop is stacked full of new items, ideal as presents and stocking fillers- and of course you’ll be able to see our 250 primates during a quieter, peaceful time

at the park. Primate adoptions also make a great Christmas gift- and mean you can visit your adopted primate for free for a year! Visiting Santa at Monkey World will help support the rescue and rehabilitation of primates, so help spread Christmas cheer by seeing Santa here! £5 plus entrance fee per child. To register interest in seeing Santa, please email communications@monkeyworld.org.

Spaces are limited so early booking is advised!

WIN A FREE GIFT HAMPER WORTH £150!

You will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a fantastic hamper, full of delights, with every tree purchase.

Winner to be annouced Monday 18th December on social media.

Wide selection of potted and sawn trees now on sale.

Free delivery to the local area on all Christmas trees.

Festive Giftware There’s nothing like the smell of Christmas. Come see our selection of candles and reed diffusers to get that cozy feeling started. Speaking of cozy we stock Pachamama! Try on a jumper for yourself, or get some beautifully designed socks. Our staff have gone head-over-heels for the Pachamama Felted Friends range - a delightfully cute and quirky must-see collection of felted decorations and keyrings. If you know of any animal/farm lovers, we stock a wholesome array of themed gifts, ranging from sheep-covered crockery sets to highland cow shaped hot water bottles!

34

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Countdown to Christmas Wareham Choral Society “A Celebration of Christmas” Sat 9th December 6pm Free admission!

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH, BERE REGIS BH20 7HA

Patron Rt Hon David Mellor KC Conductor Hazel Ricketts Organist Paul Ellis

Join us for a "CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS", a 1-hour, family-friendly concert of Christmas music and carols for choir and audience, in the historic church of St John the Baptist, Bere Regis For their financial support for our concerts, thanks to: The King’s Arms, Stoborough https://thekingsarms-stoborough.co.uk/

FREE ADMISSION with retiring collection (profits to the church)

CSC

https://www.warehamchoral.uk

SWANAGE CONSERVATIVE CLUB

December Events

2nd Dec ............................ Ashley Day 9th Dec .........................Lois Lonsdale 10th Dec ................ Charity Quiz Night 16th Dec .............................Joe Jones 17th Dec ........ Grand Christmas Draw 20th Dec ............. Christmas Fun Quiz Xmas Eve .......................Steve Whale

THE CON CLUB WILL BE CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY.

New Years Eve ..............Kelly Lorraine Membership renewal due by 1st January 2024, life members should pop in to update their details.

Merry Christmas

from all the Committee & Staff

www.swanageconservativeclub.co.uk

01929 422310 01929 423600

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Purbeck Gazette November 13, 2023

Countdown to Christmas

Citizens Advice Is Here To Help

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Help a neighbour this Christmas...

We are a local, independent charity, offering free advice and support to people in need. We rely on donations to help fund our service.

Your donation could really make a difference to the lives of local people.

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Demand for our service is higher than it’s ever been. Our advisers are helping local residents with energy, debt, benefits, foodbank referrals, grants, housing and consumer advice. Our advice bus is out every day in the community reaching those who are unable to access our outreaches.

From January to October we helped 11,796 people with over 51,000 issues and we can already see that numbers are going to increase as we head into the winter months. Your support allows us to continue to help any local resident who needs us, regardless of their situation. Our advice is free and confidential and we are supported by a team of wonderful volunteers.

We are here when times are good and when times are hard.

We are a local service for local people and we will offer you our support. Visit our website for more information about our services www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk or call Dorset Adviceline on 0800 144 8848.

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35

Use the QR code to donate or text CAB to 70580 or visit www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk donations can also be posted to 2 Mill Lane, Wareham, BH20 4RA Charity Registration Number 1068414

Downstream Dorset, River Tales and Local History is a colourful journey of

discovery along the many rivers and streams flowing through beautiful Dorset. Starting at the source of each river, Dorset author Mary van Coller, follows the waterway to its mouth, showing the derivation of place names and revealing fascinating information about people and events past and present. Together with her husband Ryan, they have travelled throughout Dorset searching for springs and mouths of rivers.

They have verified facts, listened to stories and taken many beautiful photographs.

Downstream Dorset will inspire readers to explore Dorset, chat with local people and enjoy nature.

There are blank pages at the back of the book to record notes and your own memories.

An ideal gift for all Dorset lovers!

(20% of royalties is donated to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Information about their service is included near the front of the book).

The Perfect Gift for all Lovers of Dorset

Downstream Dorset River Tales And Local History

By Mary Van Coller Over 250 pages full of snippets, facts, place names and colour photographs.

Available for £19.95 +p&p online at www.downstreamdorset.co.uk www.spiral-books.com Supporting the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance service Published by Spiral Publishing Ltd & Country Books

36

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Countdown to Christmas

SWANAGE ROTARY GETS READY FOR CHRISTMAS! Swanage & Purbeck Rotary is part of a global network of 1.4 million men and women who are united in their determination to act to make a difference. Our Christmas programme is a perfect example where we raise money for projects to enrich the lives of others but also generate community spirit. Here’s a summary of what we are up to this year!

Christmas Market

Rotary’s ever popular Christmas Market will this year be held on Saturday 2 December. We’ll be in Station Road, starting at 10.00 and finishing by 4.00. There will be sacksful of Christmas gifts, festive music, food and drink, and the unmissable (and FREE!) Santa’s Grotto for children.

Christmas Mail

We can deliver your Christmas cards to local friends and family for only 40p per card!

Harlees Fish Restaurant in Station Road will host our Swanage office which will be open on weekdays between 11am and 3pm (from 1st to 15th December). Outlying collection boxes will be in the Studland Stores, Corfe Bakery, Trevor’s Deli in Langton and The Grand Hotel.

Christmas Shop

Fingers crossed; we’re hoping to have a Christmas Shop in Station Road in the run-up to Christmas. Who could resist our home-baked puddings and cakes?

Santa’s Sleigh

Rotary’s legendary Santa’s Sleigh will once again be delighting children and adults as it weaves its merry way around the streets of Swanage, Langton and Corfe. There will be Christmas carols (of course), sweets for smiling children, and big waves from Santa as well as from our pointy-hatted elves with their collecting buckets.

Santa’s Sleigh Schedule

Here’s a day-by-day summary of where the Sleigh will be (weather permitting). Please check our Facebook page for updates.

SWANAGE

Saturday 25 November Switch on Swanage – The town’s Christmas lights switch on will be at 5pm Tuesday 28 November Victoria Av•Smiths Farm•Prospect Cr•Rabling Rd•Northbrook Rd•Walrond Rd•De Moulham Rd•Rempstone Rd•Cranborne Rd•Ilminster Rd•Gilbert Rd Wednesday 29 November Kings Road W•Locarno Rd•Argyle Rd•Hanbury Rd•Court Rd• High St•Princess Rd•Howard Rd•Linden Rd•Newton Manor Cl•Cecil Rd•Morrison Rd•Hendrie Cl•Findlay Pl•Ancaster Rd•Aigburth Rd Thursday 30 November High St•Townsend Rd•Richmond Rd•Manwell Rd + Dr•Osborne Rd•Queens Rd + Mead•Mount Scar•Gordon Rd•Priests Rd•Hoburne Rd•Foxhill Cl•Mariners Dr•Cowlease Saturday 2 December Christmas Market - including Free Santa’s Grotto! Station Rd Monday 4 December Ulwell Rd•Whitecliff Rd•Moor Rd•Parsons Cl•Hill Rd•Redcliffe Rd•Ballard Wy•Bay Cr + Cl•Streche Rd•Ballard Rd•James Day Md Tuesday 5 December High St•Jubilee Rd•Shirley Cl•Bell Street•Marsh Way•Ash Cl•Priest’s Rd• Purbeck Vw•Panorama Rd•Hillview Rd•Wills Rd Thursday 7 December Days Rd•Holmes Rd•Sydenham Rd/Bay Vw•Casterbridge Cl•Higher Days Rd• Shaston Cl•Shottsford Cl•Kingswood Cl•Alderbury Cl•Anvil Cl•Leeson Cl• Benlease Wy•High St Friday 8 December Bell St•High St•Steer Rd•Hillsea Rd•West Dr•South Rd•Newton Rise•Newton Grange Cl•Cow Lane Saturday 9 December Swanage Co-op, 10 am-4 pm Monday 11 December Dolphin Ct•Cauldron Barn Rd•Cauldron Meadows•Cauldron Barn Pk• D’Urberville Dr•Anglebury Ave•Northbrook Rd•Greensands Wy•Brickyard Cl•Old Grammar School Rd•Wessex Wy Tuesday 12 December Burlington Rd•Victoria Rd•Ulwell Rd•Seaward Rd•De Moulham Rd•Bonfields Ave•Northbrook Rd•Cauldron Barn Rd•Cauldron Cr•Battlemead•Cauldon Ave•Beach Gardens•Gannetts Pk•Vivian Pk

LANGTON MATRAVERS

Wednesday 6 December Capston Fld•High St•Tom’s Fld Rd•Old Malthouse Ln•Durnford Dr • Gypshayes•The Hyde•Steppes•Lower Steppes•Nine Barrow Vw•Steppes Hill• Serrells Md•Three Acre Ln Saturday 16 December Crazy4Corfe

CORFE CASTLE

Christmas with Rotary in Swanage and Purbeck

CHRISTMAS MAIL Post your local Christmas cards

SANTA SLEIGH Coming to the streets of Swanage and surrounding villages

CHRISTMAS MARKET Saturday 2 December 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

CHRISTMAS SHOP Find us on Station Road

Purbeck Gazette November 13, 2023

CT PERFEMAS T CHRIS T! GIF

Come

Countdown to Christmas

37

ALPACA TREKKING! Alpaca Experiences at Longthorns Farm

One Alpaca per two people 90 min experience.

Trekking, feeding and a hot drink each!

Just £45 Mon-Fri-Sat, 10am

Alpaca Trekking, an hour and a half experience including, Trekking through our beautiful woods and through our stream. Learning about these beautiful animals along the way, then you get to feed your alpaca after their walk rounded off by a hot drink and snack.

Suitable for 6+ accompanied by an Adult.

For younger children, we have a Meet and Greet, 20 min in our orchard feeding and learning about our stunning herd of alpacas.

Book online @ www.longthornsfarm.co.uk

Call: 01929 401539 Book: www.longthornsfarm.co.uk Longthornes Farm (by Monkey World!)

Illuminate The Season With Gorgeous Bouquets Christmas bouquets, baskets, table arrangements and wreaths, can be pre-ordered now and up to Saturday 16th December for delivery following week. We have eco boxed bouquets, and baskets for birthday and special occasions, wedding flowers or farewell tributes at any time of year. I am a experienced florist with a passion for flower designs with care and thought. Flowers can be uplifting and bring comfort, maybe spark a beautiful memory?

The fragrance of lovely blooms on your wedding day, you will cherish forever. Most people have a favourite flower, there are so many reasons I love being a florist, but I love the message a bouquet sends, that your special, loved and being thought about.

Please call me Caroline at Buds of Mave on 07966462974 to discuss any of your flower requirements.

Christmas Wreaths, Table Arrangements, Wedding Flowers, Funeral Tributes, Bouquets Made To Order For Local Deliver In Purbeck

Contact Caroline for further details

07966462974 c.f.m.�inch@btinternet.com

38

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Countdown to Christmas

Let the Festivities Begin

Full festive menus available online or by email on request

Christmas Party Menu Available daily and the perfect choice for a group get together 2 Courses £26.00 3 Courses £32.00

Christmas Eve

Enjoy a relaxing evening with us ahead of the big day 2 Courses £28.00 3 Courses £35.00

New Years Eve Disco & Hot Buffet

Boxing Day Lunchtime

Dine & Dance with us from eight till late

Our take on a Boxing Day menu, a tasty change from the norm

Childrens Disco from 7.00pm - 8.00pm

£35.00 Per Person £17.50 Children Under 12

2 Courses £26.00 3 Courses £32.00

Sunday Roasts

New Years Day

Our Traditional Sunday Roasts take on a festive feel for December 3 Courses £26.00 PP

Start 2024 with lunch at The Village Inn 3 Courses £26.00 PP

The Village Inn will be closed on Christmas Day

enq@ulwellholidaypark.co.uk

01929 427644

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Motoring

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Motorshow will help blind charity

PETROLHEADS rejoice – the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show is returning to Lulworth Castle.

The event is scheduled to return for its eighth outing on Sunday, May 12, with organisers promising a ‘memorable gathering of classic, sports, and supercar enthusiasts’ in support of the charity.

In 2023, the show brought more than 5,000 car fans together, raising an impressive £22,000 for the Dorset Blind Association, which supports blind and partially-sighted people across the county.

More than 230 cars were on display, with club stands from the Jaguar Enthusiasts and Porsche Club GB among those taking part.

Gary Neild, from sponsor

Blue Sky Financial Planning, said: “Blue Sky Financial Planning are delighted to support the motor show once again at Lulworth Castle on May 12.

“The 2023 show drew huge crowds and was an enormous success, and we are looking forward to being part of this wonderful event again next May.” Classic, sports and supercar owners are being invited to take part in the event. However, exhibitor bookings are already filling up, so early registration is encouraged.

The showground will open to the public free of charge from 10.30am on the day, offering a family day out with live entertainment, a children’s fun area, street food and stalls selling local artisan craft and

SPEED warning signs installed in towns and villages across Dorset are working, according to new data.

That is the message of Dorset Council, 10 years after the signs – Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) – were rolled out in the county.

SIDs flash up the speed of oncoming drivers, alerting them in red if they are above the limit, green if they are not.

And the council said analysis showed they have been effective in reducing the speed of vehicles in towns and villages, increasing road safety.

The signs were rolled out in 2013 by the Community SID Programme, now operated by Dorset Council, which was updated and relaunched by council officers Joe Allen and Rob Camp to encourage communities to get involved in road safety.

Since then, 77 communities

have signed up to the initiative at 230 locations around the county.

Joe and Rob work with local towns and parishes to get them set up legally to operate a SID on the highway.

And a recent evaluation of one Dorset village with a 30mph speed limit, showed a reduction of measured speeds by more than 5mph – from 37.1mph to 31.7mph – and an increase in vehicles travelling under the speed limit, by 529, to 1,204 a day.

Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: “I am delighted this scheme has been a success and grown hugely over the past 10 years.

“The figures show the impact the devices have on reducing traffic speeds, something many communities are concerned about, and they contribute towards changing driver behaviour through our

39

Classic, sports and supercars will be at Lulworth Castle next May for the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show

produce.

Neal Burton, a car exhibitor, said: “A really great day run by a super team. The show is laid back with a diverse entry of vehicles, so there’s plenty to see.

“Set in a fabulous location, what more could you ask for from a car show that supports such a worthy cause. I’m booking in my 1964 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia for next year. See you there.”

Entry for exhibitors is £12

per person, including showground display, a breakfast roll and a hot drink at registration, as well as entry to Lulworth Castle itself. Booking in advance is essential, as tickets are expected to sell out.

For more information about the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show, call 01202 712865, email community relations@dorsetblind.org.uk or book tickets online at www.

DBAMotorShow2024. eventbrite.co.uk.

towns and villages.

“My thanks to Joe and Rob who took the opportunity to start the scheme and all the communities who are helping to make a difference and make our roads safer.”

Wool Parish Council is one council that has seen the benefit of the devices.

A spokesperson said: “Every flash of a Speed Indicator Device is a silent reminder to slow down, drive safely and protect lives.

“We installed two SIDs across four locations in 2019 and they have been enormously successful, prompting drivers to think about their speed.”

SID’s a winner in checking speeding

UNWANTED VEHICLES bought for cash ● Mot failures ●Nonrunners ● Unfinished projects ● end of life scrap vehicles ●minimum of £200 paid for complete vehicles.

Call Ryan on 07474 737577

MOTORCYCLES WANTED

Non-runner / MOT failure

CASH PAID FOR THAT UNWANTED BIKE Call John:

07901 767 925 01305 564 155

40

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Sport

Swans come back from a slow start

By Ron Butler Royal Wootton Bassett Seconds 10 Swanage & Wareham 22 SWANAGE & Wareham had to make the long trip to Royal Wootton Bassett and after a terrible start came away with a victory.

From the kick-off Swans gave away a penalty which the home side put into Swans’ fivemetre line. Another mistake on the line resulted in a second penalty, which led to a tap penalty close to the posts for a home try. This was converted giving Wootton Bassett a 7-point lead. Swans continued

RUGBY

to give away more penalties and after 12 minutes the hosts converted one.

A long kick by the home side did not find touch and was fielded by Swans full-back George Crouch who made ground, moving inside to score an individual try under the posts. Fly-half Jamie Foskett added the extras (10-7) after 20 minutes.

The play was even for most of the next ten minutes with both sides attacking and the defences holding firm.

However, a series of

penalties to Swans took them into the host’s 22 and after 35 minutes Jamie Foskett landed one to make the half-time score Wootton Bassett 10 Swans 10.

The second half started well for Swans, flank forward Jonny Blackmore picking up the ball following a scrum and running 40 metres unopposed to score under the posts. Jamie Foskett added the conversion (10-17).

Wootton Bassett upped their game and came at Swans, with their three-quarters spreading the ball wide, but Swans’ fierce-tackling defence was superb, and the home side could not penetrate their line.

purbeckgazette.co.uk Swans withstood the attacks for 15 or so minutes and eventually cleared their lines with a few penalties.

A couple of penalties to the hosts took them back into the Swans’ 22, but from a line-out the ball once again went to Jonny Blackmore who raced all the way to the home team’s try line to score his second breakaway try after 75 minutes. Foskett hit the upright with his conversion attempt.

Swans: G Crouch, S Bowen, E Dimescio, L Esera, O Dillon, J Foskett, O Peters, Z Wyburgh, A Crouch, S Waterman, M Seaton, K Salina, J Blackmore, C Moag, M Roberts, N Audley, T Holland, W Slack.

PREVIOUS RESULT: Swanage & Wareham 27, Avonvale 20.

OTHER RESULT: Swanage & Wareham 2nds walked over Dorchester 3rds in the Second Team Cup.

Swanage bow out of Senior Cup Dorset Senior Cup round 1 Shaftesbury 3 Swans 0 SWANS bowed out of the Dorset Senior Cup, losing to Wessex Premier League Shaftesbury at Cockrams.

Shaftesbury controlled large periods of the first half but found it difficult to break down the very well organised Swans, and the visitors always looked dangerous on the counter-attack

FOOTBALL

with Jack Hughes and Moore going close.

Swans keeper, Taylor Hibbs, produced a couple of smart saves and Herbert missed a great chance when well placed.

But a minute before half-time Jordan Barnett hit a superb free kick into the top corner.

Swans had a much larger share of possession after the

Swanage Reserves’ star man, Tom Chapman

break, but the hosts doubled their lead when Hibbs saved Brett Pitman’s penalty and was helpless as the striker hit home the rebound.

Shaftesbury play two leagues higher than Swanage, but the Swans kept fighting to reduce the arrears and former Shaftesbury player White had a great chance but was denied by keeper Storr.

The hosts secured their

passage into the next round when ex-Swan Cameron Beard smashed the third past Hibbs with two minutes left.

Holt United Development 2 Swans Reserves 0 SWANS Reserves suffered a defeat against Holt United Development in Dorset League Division 2.

Swans produced a poor first half performance, creating very little against a side they defeated 2-0 earlier in the season, but the hosts only just edged the half producing very few chances themselves.

The Bulls took the lead with a close range header then the Swans missed a great chance from a misplaced back pass but Simon Page fluffed his lines when clean through.

Swans paid the penalty when the hosts doubled their lead to leave the Reserves empty handed.

Swans: T Hibbs (capt), Olly Smith, B Smith, T Whitebown-Smith, J Streams, C Brassington, E Steele (M White 63), C Dyke (D Keates 64), J Hughes (C Lee 63), C Moore (Ocean Smith 74). Subs: M White, D Keates, C Lee, Ocean Smith.

Swans star man: Taylor Hibbs.

PREVIOUS RESULT: Portland United Reserves 1 , Swanage Town & Herston FC 0.

Reserves slip to away defeat

Swans: K Jacques, Z Arp, J Crosland, T Chapman, J Towers, J Bassett, S Pryor, R Moss, S Willcocks, S Peacock, S Page.

Subs: R Lock, B Hughes, T Johnson.

Swans star man: Tom Chapman.

Purbeck Gazette November 13, 27, 2023

Arts & Entertainment

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Aladdin star all set for silly few weeks ACTOR Benjamin Armstrong, who has performed in the West End, is excited to be making his panto debut at Lighthouse Poole next month in the title role of Aladdin.

“I’ve only seen one pantomime in my life so I’m very new to the whole panto scene, but I’m excited to start with something as big as Aladdin at Lighthouse,” he said.

“Poole is really good, Lighthouse is absolutely huge and there’s so much going on – I’ve been blown away by the scale of everything.

“When I came down for the photo shoot it was nice stepping into Aladdin’s shoes for the first time – they felt pretty comfortable, to be honest.

“And, oh my gosh, the carpet was so magical – it genuinely looked like it was flying. It was really good fun.

When I was on it, I felt like a superhero!”

Benjamin trained at the Royal Academy of Music on a Disney Theatrical Productions Scholarship, graduating with a master’s degree in Musical Theatre in 2021 and going on to appear in a variety of productions all over the country.

No two jobs are ever the same, but he is putting his past

41

Benjamin Armstrong is making his panto debut

experiences to good use in his approach to Aladdin.

“My first job out of graduation was a new musical called Rumi, a show celebrating the history of the Middle Eastern poet, and that had a rehearsal process very similar to this in that it was only two weeks.

“The day of our first performance was the day we first got into the theatre, so we had four hours rehearsal before we were up in front of an audience.

“After that I was in the run of Broken Wings at Charing Cross. Two days before they were due to open for the first preview, one of the ensemble members got Covid and the director, who I’d worked with

before, called me up and asked if I’d learn the show and open in two days, which I did.

“It was crazy, but I think from doing that process, something like Aladdin where we’ve got two weeks, even though it’s short, will feel like a luxury.

“I just think theatre is so beautiful – you’re with people you’ve just met for the first time in your life and after about three days it feels like you’ve known them forever. I think panto will be very much like that as well.”

Aladdin is written and directed by Chris Jarvis, who appears as Widow Twankey, and stars Melinda Messenger as the Spirit of the Ring.

It also features Ionica

Adriana as Princess Jasmine and Bournemouth-born Josh Haberfield as the comic character Wishee-Washee.

Pantomime Award winners Andrew Pollard and Alim Jadavji, whose double act as the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella last year stole the show, are back at Lighthouse playing the villain Professor Pocus and Genie of the Lamp respectively.

“This is my first time working with everyone,” added Benjamin. “I didn’t know a great deal about the show in advance – other than I’m flying over the audience, which I’m really excited for.

“And from what Chris has been telling me, although the panto of Aladdin is slightly different to the story everyone knows, the kids and the families will already know the character and will have an understanding, so they’ll be on our side.

“So, I’m looking forward to spreading some good Christmas joy and laughter.

Every show will be a completely different experience with whoever is in the audience and I’m sure we’ll all be playing on stage, making each other laugh, having a good time. It’ll be hard work but great fun. I feel like it will be a very silly few weeks – I’m really excited to get to work!”

Aladdin opens on Thursday, December 7, and runs until New Year’s Eve. Tickets are on sale now at www. lighthousepoole.co.uk or phone 01202 280000.

The Darkness re-emerge into the light

By Lorraine Gibson IN 2003, the world had no idea it was ready for a hefty glittering of glam-rock, until The Darkness stepped out of the, well, darkness, and took the world by storm with their perky, shouty hit single, I Believe In A Thing Called Love.

The suitably hirsute and Spandexed Brit glam-rockers reminded those of a certain vintage of life spent in denim flares, air guitaring to long-haired bands on Top of

The Pops, but they also a won over a new generation of head nodding-retro fans who flocked to buy their music.

Then – at the height of their fame – they split up and wandered off into obscurity.

20 years on, though, they’re ready tell their story…

Which just might have something to do with the fact that their original debut album, Permission To Land, which has sold 1.4 million copies in the UK alone, is being

re-issued by Warner Music, ahead of an extensive UK tour.

Now Lightbulb Entertainment is launching Welcome To The Darkness, a fully-authorised, tongue-in-cheek special film screening that reflects on fame, failure and redemption – as told by The Darkness.

It is being screened at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne on Tuesday, December 5 – tickets priced from £15 are available at www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk

42

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Arts & Entertainment

Surprises in store at Christmas concert

SWANAGE-BASED choir the Belvedere Singers are preparing for their annual Christmas concert.

This year, the event is scheduled for Saturday, December 9, at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church, in Kings Road, Swanage.

“The evening will have all the usual elements that make

Belvedere concerts that little bit different – an enjoyable mix of traditional and newer carols and Christmas songs, plus a few surprises,” a spokesperson said.

“The concert title is taken from one of the pieces to be performed: Throw Open Your Shutters, which is a lively Festive Madrigal.

purbeckgazette.co.uk

The Belvedere Singers will be at St Mary’s Church in Swanage

“Be prepared for some more unusual pieces that you may not have heard before, too, as music director Clive Watkiss demonstrates that he is keen to widen the choir’s repertoire.

“Audience participation in some well-known carols will, of course, be included, together with some rousing organ pieces by Colin Burgess, who is making a welcome return after his lovely playing last year.”

A retiring collection will be held for the Dorset and

Somerset Air Ambulance, a popular choice with choir members.

Tickets cost £7 and are available from choir members or on the door. Admission is free for under-18s.

For more on the Belvedere Singers, log on to www. belvederesingers.org.uk.

New members are always welcome. The Singers rehearse on Tuesday evenings in term time at Emanuel Baptist Church, in Victoria Avenue, Swanage.

Singers promise a flavour of old fashioned Christmas CAROLS, folk songs, poems and stories are on the agenda at a series of Christmas concerts

by The Ridgeway Singers & Band.

Formed 10 years ago by Artsreach as part of the South Dorset Ridgeway project, the group specialises in performing the old gallery carols made famous by Thomas Hardy in Under the Greenwood Tree.

The singers are accompanied by nine musicians, playing stringed and woodwind instruments, and the concerts evoke the fun, friendship and excitement of old fashioned

country Christmases when the entertainment was local and home-made, the band said.

The group is led by renowned serpent player and member of the Mellstock Band, Phil Humphries, and actor and folk musician Tim Laycock, who is also the artistic director of the New Hardy Players.

This year, the Ridgeway Singers & Band begin at Abbotsbury in the parish church, where one of its first concerts took place, on December 8 from 7.30pm.

There follows a matinee performance at the Church of

The Ridgeway Singers & Band are performing at the Church of Lady St Mary in Wareham in the run-up to the festive season

Lady St Mary, in Wareham, from 4pm on December 10.

The final concert is again at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester from 7.30pm on

Wednesday, December 20.

Tickets are available, priced £12 adults and £6 under-18s, via www.ridgewaysingersandband. org or on 01305 262159.

GOT A STORY? Then email ed@purbeckgazette.co.uk

Short and not-so-sweet takes on the festive season...

FANS of cult classics such as Inside No.9, The Twilight Zone and Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected may enjoy Twisted Christmas, coming to Dorset next month.

Cornish touring company Owdyado Theatre will be presenting a darkly comic evening of macabre mini plays all with a festive flavour in Wimborne, Halstock and Stalbridge.

The eight short plays, by writers from across the UK, include tales of how to buy the perfect

gift for your unloved ones, the dark side of Christmas cracker jokes and why you should never turn your back on a panto dame.

Artsreach, Dorset’s touring arts charity, is presenting Twisted Christmas at Wimborne Allendale Centre on Friday, December 1, Halstock village hall on Saturday, December 2, and Stalbridge Hall on Sunday, December 3.

Further information and tickets are also available online at artsreach.co.uk.

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

43

Arts & Entertainment

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Carols from Yorkshire and beyond

THE Narthen trio are heading to Dorset with a heartwarming festive show, Icicles and Inglenooks, next month.

Fi Fraser, Sarah Matthews and Doug Eunson (pictured) are seasoned and gifted instrumentalists and vocalists who perform on fiddles, viola, hammer dulcimer, diatonic accordion, hurdy gurdy and more.

They will present a programme that includes polyphonic, unaccompanied carols from Yorkshire and beyond, and a selection of tunes that will make audiences want to dance.

The trio are performing with Artsreach, Dorset’s touring arts charity, at Blandford Parish Church on Friday, December 8, Wootton Fitzpaine village hall on Saturday, December 9, and at Studland village hall on Sunday, December 10.

Narthen will also lead a series of vocal harmony singing workshops, exploring polyphonic carols from Yorkshire and beyond.

Similar in style to the West Gallery tradition, which was popular across Dorset, participants will learn alternative versions of carols

including While Shepherds Watched their Flocks plus some Narthen originals.

Spotlight Diary

Tickets and further information are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk.

Diary entries are £6 plus VAT per entry, per month. The deadline for the December 11 issue is NOON on December 8.

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.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023

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

MONDAY 19:30 WAREHAM CHORAL SOCIETY. Lady St.Mary Church, Wm. Till 9.30.

New singers always welcome.

01202 632678.

warehamchoral@gmail.com

TUESDAY 19:30 WAREHAM CAMERA CLUB: Parish Hall, Wareham Visitors welcome £3 05-Dec Speaker Huw Alban – ‘The

Emotional Landscape’ 12-Dec Woodhouse Nature Print &

Bert’s Bole Nature Projected Digital

Image Competition 19-Dec Members Audio Visuals and

Talks

TUESDAY 19:30 - 21:45 SWANAGE AND LANGTON

MATRAVERS FOLK DANCE CLUB at

Langton Matravers Village Hall BH19

32 MI

English Country Dancing every

Tuesday evening from 7:30 to 9:45.

Experienced dancers and beginners

welcome with or without a partner.

Chairman:- Mike Walshaw 07415 198694

SATURDAY 18:30 WHIST DRIVE AT ST MARY’S CHURCH, Rectory Classroom,

Swanage. Every Saturday. Tea and

coffee provided. Very friendly group.

Contact Richard: 01929 553516 The Purbeck

Gazette

See page 47 for our New Year Deadlines

44

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Local Services

Chimney Sweep Advertise with us

Fully insured & Full Member of Guild of Master Sweeps

07714 289408

Find Us Online Michael B. Alberry

www.purbeckgazette.co.uk

DECORATOR

The Purbeck Gazette

connecting you with local customers to advertise call:

Donna Garner 07714 289408

Property Decoration & Renovation

07796 640538 A.D.S. 01929 PROPERTY SERVICES 424882 General Builder EXTENSIONS, KITCHENS, BRICKWORK, PATIOS, FENCING, PLASTERING, DECORATING, ROOF REPAIRS, & CHIMNEYS adspropertysvcs@gmail.com Tel. Andy Smith 01929 553535 Mobile 07743 440 906

Manufacturers of Purpose-made Specialist Tree Hard Care & Softwood Joinery All aspects of Tree Surgery & Hedgework undertaken 01202 622441 info@elegantjoinery.co.uk Fully insured and NPTC Qualified www.elegantjoinery.co.uk Free Quotations and advice

NJA

Find Us Online www.purbeckgazette.co.uk

07703 210647 or 01929 481600

CORBIN FENCING A Local Family Run Business Est. 1991

All types of fencing supplied and erected

G

ng ks

Garden Agricultural Security Panels Closeboard Picket Gates Post and Rail Stock Fence Chain Link Steel Palisade Railings

es

All Areas Covered www.corbin-fencing.co.uk

N

4

Steve Randall www.sweep-right.co.uk | 0735 9518 940 Info@sweep-right.co.uk

Get a quote today

1

E T

purbeckgazette.co.uk

Please call Jim or Claire on TEL: 01929 552061/MOB: 07774 207924

SWANAGE & DORSET SCAFFOLDING & ROOFING Plumbing and Heating Engineers Plumbing and Heating Engineers Boiler Installations, services and repairs Boiler Installations, services and repairs General plumbing, Bathrooms and General plumbing, Bathrooms and Landlord gas safety certificates Landlord gas safety certificates Covering Swanage and the Covering Swanage and the surrounding areas surrounding areas

07584 260838 07584 260838

C

lassified advertising

All aspects of Residential & Commercial Scaffolding Flat Roofing - Re-roofs, Slate or Tile, All repair works

Emergency Call Outs - Free Quotations & Estimates Temporary Roof Coverings - Fully Insured

OUR PRICE WON’T BE BEATEN

01929 424553 01258 858214 07813 346993

place your ad today

Purbeck

Advertise with us

call:

Call us

01963 400186

07714 289408

Find Us Online

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Local Services

purbeckgazette.co.uk

www.purbeckgazette.co.uk

Advertise with us

Purbeck

45

Call us

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

07714 289408

COUNTRYSIDE TREE SURGEONS

ESTABLISHED 25 YEARS

Professionals specialising in all aspects of Tree & Hedge Care

by Fully Insured NPTC Certified Tree Surgeons.

TREE SURGERY HEDGE TRIMMING STUMP GRINDING SITE CLEARANCE FELLING & FENCING

Ian Michie TREE CARE

For a FREE friendly quotation Please call

Professional & skilled arborists

Tel: 01929 554281 Mobile: 07837024558 www.ianmichietreecare.com

QUAY MANUFACTURING CORBIN FENCING

QUALITY GUARANTEED FREE CONSULTATION FENCING - BALCONY SPIRAL A Local Family Run Business STAIRCASE GATES - DOORS - SHUTTERS Est. 1991in manufacturing Over 35 years of experience design and development.

All types of fencing and erected TALK TOsupplied US TODAY

WE ALSO DO HYDRAUCLIC REPAIRS

01929 554552 | www.quaymanufacturing.co.uk Garden Agricultural Security quaymanufacturing@gmail.com

Panels Closeboard Picket Gates Post and Rail Stock Fence Chain Link Steel Palisade Railings

Unit 8, Sandford Farm Industrial Estate Sandford Lane Wareham Dorset, BH20 4DY

All Areas Covered TrustScore 4.4 www.corbin-fencing.co.uk

Household Please call Jim orStorage Claire on

TEL: 01929 552061/MOB: 07774 207924 Safe.

Secure. Simple.

The Purbeck Gazette Want to build your business? to advertise call

Donna Garner

Book your free quote today.

Advertising Manager Covering the 07714 Blackmore Vale

289408

www.armishaws.com

Home: 01929 551816 | Home: 01929 472783 Mobile: 07979 9447777 Email: waynepippo@gmail.com

CLIVE R. CRABB REMOVALS / MAN & VAN Services offered include:• • • • •

Full and partial house removals Full and partial house clearances Delivery to and from storage units Office / retail relocation or clearance Garage and garden rubbish cleared

Competitive rates with a free no obligation quote.

Clivecrabb12@gmail.com 07974 383159 or 01929 427922

Advertise with us Get a quote today 07714 289408 Domestic Clearances Commercial Clearances Garden Clearance Waste Electrical & Electronic Disposal White Goods Old Furniture & Beds Light Demolition Evening and weekend collections available by appointment

Telephone: 01929 550 615 Mobile: 07816 456 814 pdtwdorset@gmail.com

46

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

Wanted

Local Services

BOOKS HARDBACK, FOUNTAIN PENS, coins and stamps, costume jewellery. Cash paid.

Tel Mr Jones 01202 733550

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH

All drains unblocked Camera Surveys Drain Repairs & Installations Local family business 24/7

ALSO GUNS FOR SALE

01929 666 226 OR 01305 70 55 60 www.dorsetdrainunblocking.co.uk

Advertise with us

Purbeck

S

O

O S

Call us 07714 289408

S

S

SOS to all air rifles and pistols, any make or model, any condition.

We collect in any area.

Top prices paid in cash.

07970 742471

DRAIN UNBLOCKING

Recruitment The Briantspuddle Singers are looking for a new conductor

to lead them towards their centenary celebrations. Founded during the dark days of the Second World War, the choir has been sharing the pleasure of choral singing ever since. Currently numbering about thirty voices drawn from all over mid Dorset, they meet in the delightful village hall in Briantspuddle to explore a wide range of music both sacred and secular. Says their president Richard Hall “What we are looking for is a leader sensitive to the choir’s long and proud tradition but able to gently open up new areas of repertoire”. Anyone interested in the post (which is paid) should apply to Alan Maitland07818 293890 or email asmaitland@aol.com

Local Services

Swanage based Professional Tiling Services & Bathroom Installations

Recruitment

DRIVER REQUIRED Full and part time positions available Further details 07813209841

Dean Waller: Decorator 30 Years Experience

Interior & Exterior

No Job Too Small 01929 208095

07833 590308

MW TILING (New to Swanage)

Vinyl & Laminate Board Flooring For quotes and free advice, please contact Justin on

07901 918240

Specialist Tree Services, Commercial And Domestic Tree Work Stump Removal Hedge Work Site Clearance Tree Planting Kiln Dried Logs 01929 480 995 07920 146 322 info@heartwoodtreetreemanagement.co.uk www.heartwoodtreemanagement.co.uk

For all your wall tiling projects, established for over 20 years now.

Experienced in fixing all types and sizes of tiles from ceramic to natural stone and mosaics to large format tiles, interior and exterior.

Feel free to contact us. Also find us on Checkatrade and Facebook.

Mobile: 07982334581 Email: chlky14@talktalk.net

Purbeck Gazette November 27, 2023

47

Local Services

purbeckgazette.co.uk The Purbeck

Gazette

New Year Deadlines There will be no Purbeck Gazette for the 25th December edition New Year Edition

Monday 8th January 2024

Booking Deadline

Thursday 21st December at noon

Copy Deadline Friday 22nd December at 4pm

WAREHAM I 01929 220500 SHOWROOM OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

2023

WE WILL BEAT ANY QUOTE LIKE FOR LIKE GUARANTEED!

BOOK A

YOUR DREAM KITCHEN IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER...

Howdens Wareham, Unit 10, Ryan business Park, Sandford Lane, Wareham, BH20 4DY

Tel: 01929 220500 Email: wareham@howdens.com

Howdens.com

Terms and conditions apply, management reserve the right to withdraw offers at any time. All prices exclude VAT.

FREE

KITCHEN SURVEY TODAY!

TheLOW Waste Group expands with the aim COST SECURE to recycle 100% of your waste SELF STORAGE

Advertisement feature

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.

For further information about The Waste Group, please visit www.thewastegroup.co.uk or contact us on 01202 247716

Rent from £27.50 per week CCTV, Palisade Fencing & 24/7 access Conveniently located on the Puddletown Road just outside of Wareham & Victoria Avenue Ind Est in Swanage

Call us on 01929 401585 to discuss your requirements

WE ARE DEDICATED TO REDUCING LANDFILL. Working with waste doesn’t have to be wasteful. We currently recycle at least 98% of all our waste through our dedicated waste recycling & processing facility, helping to protect the environment.

www.thestoragecontainers.co.uk

YOUR LOCAL

SKIP HIRE PROFESSIONALS Helping to keep

DORSET

green & pleasant Call today and speak to one of our professional team.

Or visit our squeaky new website for quotes and to find out lots more.

Call: 01202 247716 www.thewastegroup.co.uk