The Stour & Avon - Issue 77

What’s inside this issue...

Advertising:

jane.toomer@blackmorevale. net

Editorial:

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Postal enquiries to:

3 Alfred’s Way, Wincanton, BA9 9RU

Classified

01963 400186 or online at stourandavon.net

Display ads

be

by Wednesday the week before publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday. Classified ads may be accepted after this, however these will be subject to available space.

Lloyd

Tel:

Debi

n

n

Check your eligibility to vote now

If you want to vote in May’s Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner election you should check now to ensure you have an accepted form of photo identification, says BCP Council’s returning officer. Graham Farrant said: “We will have two elections within the next year, including a general election, and many voters who have turned 18 since May 2023.”

Accepted ID includes a UK, European Economic

Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth driving licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass.

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

If voters don’t have accepted photo ID, they can apply for a free voter ID document or Voter Authority Certificate.

Celebrate 200 years of RNLI

by Lorraine Gibson

A grand gala dinner dance to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the RNLI has been planned by three local fundraising branchesthe Mudeford Fundraising Crew, Christchurch & Bournemouth, and Poole & District Fundraising. While sipping your welcome drinks to the enchanting strains of Anna on her harp, be prepared to be astounded by the sleight-ofhand talents of Magic by Alfie, a wandering conjurer of cards who will also appear – as if by magic - at your table during your three-course dinner.

Afterwards, dance to the Swing Unlimited Big Band, find out more about the work of the RNLI and splash your cash in

their regular or silent auctions and raffle. With fundraising for a great cause and lots of laughs promised along the way, this should be a landmark evening to remember – in more ways than one.

It’s on Friday, May 10, from

6.45pm to midnight at the Queen’s Hotel, Bournemouth. Tickets are £80 or a table for 10 for £650.

For more details, email: adele. orr.63@gmail.com or David Richmond-Coggan, d_richmondcoggan@rnli.org.uk

All charged up

Dorset Council is asking residents to suggest new chargepoint locations for electric vehicles, in a bid to ensure 80 per cent of households are within a 10-minute walk of one.

The country has installed 135, but, with a third of cars in the area expected to be electric by 2030, they need more.

The council says it can only provide facilities in councilowned car parks or on public roads where there is space for them; pedestrian and cycle routes need to be kept clear. And, it says, people in private housing developments should approach their management company.

Visit dorset-self.achieveservice. com/service/EV_charging_ point.

Lightbulb moment

Dorset Council is planning to replace 9,000 streetlights with LED lightbulbs.

The project will take around five years and will save energy bills and maintenance costs, because the bulbs last longer, as well as lower the authority’s carbon footprint.

Teenager dies in car tragedy

Tributes have been paid to Blandford teenager Ewan Seath, who died after a crash in Somerley.

Ewan, 19, was driving a black Volkswagen Golf that hit a tree on Alderholt Road at around 8.50am on Monday, February 26. His family have now paid tribute to the teenager, saying his death leaves an ‘unimaginable void in our lives’.

“Ewan was the most selfless, kindest and loving son, brother and friend anyone could have wished for,” they said “We are all in immense shock and pain at this sudden loss.”

Anyone who witnessed the crash, or has any relevant information is asked to call 101.

Pop-up plant sale

Green-fingered amateur propagators are holding a pop-up sale of good quality plants at reasonable prices to raise funds for Forest Holme Hospice.

Entrance is £1 (cash) and tea and cake will be on sale. Saturday, April 13, Colehill village hall, Wimborne from 10 am to noon.

Scam and fraud awareness morning

Do you want to learn more about keeping safe from scams and fraud?

Drop into Corfe Mullen Library on Friday, April 16, from 10:30am-12pm.

A community development worker from Trading Standards at Dorset Council will give free guidance and advice.

Come along and have a chat to

learn how to spot and report scams.

The event is free. More details are available from corfemullen library@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or telephone 01202 659755.

A vintage fundraising afternoon

A Vintage Afternoon Tea in aid of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation is back by popular demand, at the Barrington Centre, Ferndown on Saturday, April 20.

Guests will enjoy dainty sandwiches, scones with jam and Rodda’s Cornish Clotted Cream, cakes and sweet treats, together with a lovely cup of tea.

A scrumptious afternoon tea is not all that is on offer, as guests will also be treated to a nostalgic trip down memory with the fabulous Land Girls.

This talented duo is sure to get everyone singing along as they provide an uplifting 1940’s experience with songs from the Andrews Sisters to Vera Lynn and lots in between.

Tickets are £15.00 per person, and available direct from the Barrington Centre. Visit barringtoncentre.co.uk/events.

All proceeds will be supporting local young people, providing them with the financial help they need to achieve their ambitions

and really develop as individuals. Thanks are proferred to Rodda’s, Tremains Tea Hut, Asda Poole, Asda Bournemouth, Asda Castlepoint and Lakie Hill Farm for supporting the event.

Young and old enjoy

Children and adults up and down the country celebrated World Book Day and in Ferndown it was no exception.

Brought about to encourage sharing each other’s love of books for children of all ages and encouraging the younger generation to pick up a book and start reading and learning, the momentum behind this now annual event, has always been a firm favourite in the calendar of many youngsters.

At Kings Park Care Home in Ferndown, where they host a weekly baby & toddlers group, Kings Kids, the children arrived for their normal session, but this time with a difference!

All were dressed up as some of their favourite characters for World Book Day, much to everyone’s delight.

Home services adviser Rebekah Goddard said: ‘The residents have been thrilled to see the array of different outfits!

“We’ve had a baby Superman, Fireman Sam, PC Plod, a fairy, a tiger and several characters from Disney’s Frozen, which have really made our residents beam.”

Properties used

More than 50 empty homes in the New Forest area have been brought back into use.

Since 2021, 54 properties have been utilised in this manner, including one which was empty for two decades.

The council has reminded property-owners that the Empty Home Council Tax Premium is up to 300 per cent for properties that have been vacant and unfurnished for more than 10 years. Report empty properties to privatesectorhousing@nfdc. gov.uk or 02380 285151.

by the book

Where Dorset blooms and memories blossom

The days are beginning to draw out, the daffodils have burst into life and the brandnew Dorset Spring Show on April 27 and 28 at Kingston Maurward is less than two months away!

Lambs, floral demonstrations, axemen, bees wax rolling, terrier racing and more!

Presented by the team behind the Dorset County Show, the event welcomes an exciting range of attractions to celebrate the season that sees Dorset flourish back into life.

Dorset Spring Show takes place at the picturesque Kingston Maurward, Dorchester with an emphasis on education come entertainment, on everything food, farming and flowers.

Engage in local demonstrations including

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

beekeeping, falconry, baking and even flower arranging!

celebrating Spring in Dorset!”

The show not only welcomes a range of acts, but you can get involved too!

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about some of the rarest pigs in the world and witness pig agility to see just how intelligent pigs are on the Hogg Show. Meanwhile, the ewe-nique Sheep Show introduces you to nine different breeds of sheep – that dance!

Event organiser James Cox said: “We welcome in the new season with a Spring get-together for Dorset.

“Whether you wish to indulge in delicious Dorset foods, purchase local crafts, enjoy watching extreme BMX bikes, meet a lamb or watch local demonstrations, Dorset Spring Show has it all when it comes to

The Show will host more than 90 competitions across cookery, photography, flowers, vegetables and crafts.

There are also associated garden classes alongside school, college, and club competitions.

The Competitions Marquee will be based in a Gardeners Village where you can stop to buy spring bulbs, or a new garden ornaments.

Kick start your days out in the great outdoors this year with Dorset Spring Show. Children go free and adult tickets are just £12 – but ewe don’t want to delay, the discount ends on April 20!

Councils would be bankrupt if private

Having just read the letter posted by K Wood on Feb 23rd, I fully agree with the comments made re our failing infrastructure in our once-lovely town.

I accept that nothing stays the same, progress must happen but on a balanced basis. But what we have now is a massive increase in building, much of it on flood plains virtually no increase in vitally-needed services and vast amounts of council tax from these new properties vanishing into the council black hole with evermore cuts to basic services. We have recently returned from a holiday in the Algarve and it is unbelievably different. The roads and pavements are swept, a lot of the roads vacuumed, with staff working weekends with new specialised equipment.

Public toilets are spotless with none of the stench and neglect in our public toilets - the toilets in the Wimborne Cornmarket are an absolute disgrace just to mention one of many that are in the same state.

We, as tax-paying public, have no say in where our hard-earned money is spent; all we hear is the constant talk of ever-more cutbacks.

The reality is that if councils were run as private corporations without the option of having taxpayers’ money to fund their gross financial mismanagement they would have been bankrupt years ago and consigned to history, everyone needs to wakeup and face reality. We are being taken on a very expensive ride to nowehere.

Raymond Gray Wimborne

Church events celebrate Easter

As in previous years, the Good Friday Walk Of Witness will this year be returning to the streets of Wimborne Minster. The walk brings together all of the churches in the town and surrounding area, and Christians attached to no particular church.

The walk will begin at St John’s Church, Leigh Road, at 10.30am and proceed towards the town centre, picking up the congregations of the Baptist church, St Catherine’s, the Methodist church and the Minster on route.

Those wishing to participate can join at any point. The walk will end on Willow Green at 11.00 where there

will be a service, concluding at 11.30.

And, in its 45th year, the annual Service of Lights takes place this year on Tuesday, March 26, at 7.30pm at St Catherine’s Church, Wimborne.

The service is unusual in that the congregation sit in the church in silence for an hour with no lighting, as dusk falls. There are eight cycles of a reading, followed by a minute’s silence and then music from a choir.

The central focus of the service is time for peace and reflection and it involves all of the Wimborne churches.

John Rynne Wimborne

Pop-up plant sale in aid of hospice

Our pop-up plant sale is on Saturday, April 13, at Colehill village hall Cannon Hill Road, Wimborne, from 10am to noon.

Local, enthusiastic amateur propagators will be selling good quality plants at reasonable prices. It’s in aid of Forest Holme Hospice.

Entrance fee is £1.00 (cash only) and tea and cake will be available.

Jane Norris Colehill

The disappearing retail centre

Has anyone else noticed that the planned retail centre on Barratt’s Quarterjack Park development in Wimborne has turned into a luxury care home? Is it because the

developer decided this was more lucrative?

This seems to be quite a common occurrence.

Judy Burrows Wimborne

Why the delays in sell-offs?

Regarding the former East Dorset District Council offices at Furzehill, can someone explain why it has taken years for this site to finally be put up for sale?

It’s the same with other sites in Wimborne, one being the old site called Pippins on the main road, now fenced off as it has been for some time.

Another is the site of the former shop in East Street - Sturton & Tappers, also boarded up for a long time.

Why does it take so long for these decisions to be made?

Meanwhile couples who have lived locally all their lives are

having to wait for years to even be considered for a home. Do get a move on Council!

Joy Elliott Wimborne

D-Day poetry competition

Wimborne Minster Town Council invites local schools to participate in our 80th Anniversary D-Day Poetry Competition.

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the historic landings, this initiative aims to engage young minds in reflecting upon the significance of D-Day through the power of poetry.

The competition is open to students from all schools in Wimborne, inviting students to submit one poem each, regardless of length. Participants are encouraged to explore various themes related to D-Day, such as courage, sacrifice, unity, and the

importance of remembrance. Entries should be addressed to me, Councillor Jeff Hart at the Town Hall, Wimborne, and must be received by 1.00pm on May 24.

Each submission will be carefully reviewed by a panel of judges, comprising esteemed members of the community.

The winning entries will be announced at the Wimborne D-Day celebrations on June 6 and prizes will be awarded to the top performers, including certificates and book tokens. Schools are encouraged to contact the Town Hall for further details.

Jeff Hart

Wimborne

Enjoy sound of voices in spring

The Fayrewood Singers of Verwood will be performing their concert, Voices In Spring, on Saturday, April 13, from 3.00pm, at Verwood Methodist Church.

Tickets are £6 at the door,

to include refreshments, and proceeds will go to Macmillan Caring Locally. Do come along for an afternoon of lovely music!

Linda Pearson

Verwood

Unsung heroes are honoured

The Dorset Museum came alive with a sense of celebration and gratitude as over 120 dignitaries, volunteers, and community leaders, gathered for the High Sheriff Awards 2024.

Hosted by the High Sheriff of Dorset, Colin Weston MBE

JP, the event recognised the exceptional contributions of individuals and groups dedicated to improving safety and lives in Dorset communities.

The awards are a symbol of distinction and acknowledgment fo those who exemplify the spirit of altruism and service.

Under the theme Helping One Another, this year’s 22 recipients were celebrated for their

selfless dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Colin said: “It was a special evening for everyone involved.

“I am privileged to recognise the hard work and unwavering commitment of the volunteers across Dorset who generously give their time to support their communities and those in need.”

The event showcased the achievements of community groups and charities, providing them with a platform to share their work and inspire others.

The evening culminated in a captivating performance by the Bovington Military Wives Choir.

In her role as Undersheriff of

Platinum Award-Winning Care 2022

We have been awarded this much sought after accolade for our work with Gold Standards Framework

Dorset, Katharine Jones, partner at HK Law added: “We are proud to support the work of the High Sheriff, and to help organise and run tonight’s event.

“It was a pleasure to see so many worthy groups and individuals receiving the recognition that they deserve.”

Expressing gratitude to the museum for hosting the event, Colin extended his appreciation to all those who made the event possible.

The High Sheriff Awards underscored the invaluable contributions of individuals and organisations dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive Dorset.

The full list

1 The Drop In, Portland; Lisa Osborn

2 Rendezvous, Sherborne; Jemma Turner

3 Under-17 Driving Club; Doug Kettlewell

4 The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares

5 B Sharp

6 Somerford Youth Centre; Jae Harris

7 100&First Foundation; Sam Cload

8 Doc Bike; Ian Mew

9 National Coast WatchSwanage

10 YFW Blood Bikes; Andrew Wiley, Dr. Charles CampionSmith

11 Dorset Search & Rescue; Trevor Antell

12 Dorset Rotary; David Welch

13 Dorset Community Action; Paula Bennet

14 Community Action Network; Karen Loftus

15 Weymouth Street Pastors

16 Dorset Police volunteer

Janet Ranger

17 Andrew Fear, Independent Custody Visiting Panel

18 Yvonne Fenwick, Wey Valley Police Cadet Unit

19 Rebecca Knox - Chair of the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire

20 The Keep, Dorchester; Chris Jary

21 Bovington Military Wives Choir

Cracking classic car collection

A collection of 12 cars from a deceased estate in Devon are included in the Charterhouse auction of classic cars at the Haynes Motor Museum on Wednesday, March 27.

“The owner retired to Devon a few years ago and gradually grew his collection,” said Richard Bromell.

“Sadly, he recently passed away and his widow asked Charterhouse to auction his 12car collection without reserve.”

All the cars, bar one, are British from the 1950s to the 1980s. They include Jaguars, Rovers, Triumphs, a Wolseley, a Daimler and an MG, along with a classic Mercedes-Benz.

All the lots with live internet bidding are available on charterhouse-auction.com.

The Charterhouse Team can be contacted at the Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, 01935 812277 or via info@ charterhouse-auction.com.

A lotta latte ladies at inaugural meet

Businesswoman and networking guru, Shelley Barker has launched a new local networking group at Hyacinth House care home in Wimborne... and staff and residents were thrilled to be her venue of choice.

Founded more than 10 years ago, Ladies Who Latte is a networking initiative for all women in business and is a relaxed, less formal approach to networking with more than 130 groups nationally and overseas.

Shelley, who spent 25 years in banking, said: “I enjoy networking and feel that women in business face different challenges to men. So whether you have 15 minutes

to pop in, or you stay for two hours, I hope you will find it a well-earned break and a chance to meet other like-minded women, build friendships, share ideas and most importantly gain motivation, inspiration and confidence from other entrepreneurial women”.

A warm introduction was given by Agnieszka Zawadzka from sister group Bournemouth Ladies Who Latte.

There are no formal speakers and no membership fees at these gatherings - just a chance to enjoy a tea or coffee and mingle.

The informal monthly meet-ups will take

Messaging from beyond

by Faith Eckersall

A service which allows people who have died to send text and e-messages to loved ones has been started by a Dorset couple. Amanda and Nick Eames launched BeyondMe after realising there was a need for people to be able to leave key or interesting details and images of their life and clear funeral wishes, after their death.

“A friend who had lost her mum mentioned how hard it was to remember key dates, like when her mum met her dad, that kind

of thing,” said Amanda.

“I thought that if someone could set up an account to give out information when you died, it would make it a whole lot easier to organise funerals and create a digital legacy.”

BeyondMe offers a free service, which allows people to set up a private account with a basic profile including photos. A premium paid-for mode will allow members to upload a life story and send texts or e-messages after their death.

More details at beyond-me.co.uk.

place at Hyacinth House on the fourth Thursday of every month, 10am until noon. Warm thanks went to Jonathan at Cool Coffee Cart, Poole, whose presence at the launch ensured all attendees could indulge in their favourite caffeine fix and accommodate diverse dietary needs. Kamila Gagala, general manager at Hyacinth House, said: “It was wonderful to welcome Shelley and all the Wimborne Ladies Who Latte to the first monthly event. “We very much enjoyed meeting everyone and look forward to the regular monthly gatherings”.

Food & Drink

Cooking... with Martha Legg

Easter treats

As readers of my column are aware, I have quite a large family on my sister’s side. On special occasions, like Christmas and Easter, we used to try and get together for a meal and a catch-up. Now, it’s often impossible to get everybody in the same place at the same time, and sadly, my father passed away at the end of last year.

One year, my sister provided a buffet and I volunteered to provide the dessert. I made these ‘eggs’ up as I went along and they proved very popular, especially with the greatnieces and nephew.

I am going to see if my grandchildren want to make them this year, to give as a present to their Mum and Dad.

I suspect that there will be more chocolate on the grandchildren than on the Easter Eggs! Maybe the shortbread fingers will remain uneaten!

Ingredients:

For the Egg shells:

250grm of milk chocolate broken into small pieces

Easter Egg moulds

For the Mousse:

250grm white chocolate broken into small pieces

250ml double cream

1 egg white

For the Yolk:

Lemon Curd

Shortbread fingers:

150grm unsalted butter

250grm plain flour

pinch of salt

80grm caster sugar

1 egg

1 egg yolk

Pre-heat oven to 160C

Method:

Egg shells:

Melt the milk chocolate either in a bowl over boiling water or in the microwave Paint a layer onto the eggs moulds and then put in fridge

When set, add another layer, until the required thickness is reached (you may have to remelt the chocolate)

Mousse:

Melt the white chocolate either in a bowl over boiling water or in the microwave

Leave to cool down but be careful it does not go lumpy

In a bowl, whip the cream and egg-white together until it forms soft peaks

Add a dollop of the cream mix to the cooled chocolate to loosen it and then gently fold the rest of the cream mix into the chocolate

Fill the milk chocolate halves with the white chocolate mixture and then add a spoonful of lemon curd for the yolk.

Shortbread:

Place butter, flour, and salt in large bowl run until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs

Stir in sugar

Beat the egg and yolk in a jug and add enough of the mixture to the flour mixture to make a smooth dough. Bring together in a ball and gently flatten

Wrap in cling film and rest in fridge for up to 30 mins

Roll out onto a floured surface to a thickness of 0.5cm and cut into fingers

Put on a baking tray with greaseproof paper in the oven for 5 – 8 mins until golden brown.

If you want friendly food, join the club!

Dorset’s food and education charity the Friendly Food Club have recently been awarded a three-year grant from the National Lottery Community Fund.

This will be a major boost to all involved in the charity and will help the dedicated team continue to deliver cookery workshops and food education and skills sessions across Dorset.

The Friendly Food Club provides fun, friendly and free cooking programmes for disadvantaged and marginalised adults and children, including cookery skills, healthy eating and therapeutic cooking sessions, and community meals for older people and those with additional needs.

The workshops and sessions enable participants to feel more self-reliant, improve self-confidence, build social connections, and can improve mental health.

Phoenix attended the cooking and nutrition sessions at the Joy Cafe, Boscombe, last year.

His life went from eating fast food, low energy levels and poor sleep patterns to losing weight, improved sleep and having grown in confidence.

By the time he had finished the courses, he was cooking for his mum as well as looking forward to teaching her how to cook his recipes. Phoenix explained how his life has been transformed: “Fast food made my energy levels so low. I feel different, I’m less tired than usual. I sleep better,

and I’ve got more energy.

“Without the cooking and nutrition course it would have been the same cycle, but I’ve changed, broken the cycle and I’m moving forward instead of backwards.”

Liz Guilmant-Cush, CEO of the Friendly Food Club said: “I’m delighted that the National Lottery has seen that the Friendly Food Club is a charity worth investing in. “This grant will allow us to reach more of our

local communities through the cooking workshops and skills sessions so that, like Phoenix, others can grow in their cooking skills, nutritional knowledge and develop confidence for a better future.”

Find out more about the Friendly Food Club on their website at: thefriendlyfoodclub.org.You can support their work by donating on their Go Fund Me page at: gofundme.com/f/get-dorsetcooking..

Cheesy grins all round at popular deli

by Lorraine Gibson

It’s cheesy grins all round at the East Street Deli by Warren & Butler in Wimborne as owners, Claire and Simon Warren have just been told that their popular shop has been shortlisted for a special foodie accolade.

The annual Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards announced that the delicatessen, founded nearly four years ago on hard graft and a hefty dollop of optimism, is in the running with four others in the ‘Newcomer’ category, with the winner to be revealed at the Farmshop & Deli Show at the NEC, Birmingham next month.

“We’re so, so proud to announce that we have reached the final of the national,” says Simon. “We’ve made it to the final five for this national award that’s in partnership with The Grocer.

“Whether we win, lose or draw you can be absolutely sure that we are truly humbled to have been listed for such a prestigious retail award! He added: “A massive thank-you goes to everyone that has supported us throughout this journey.

Dig this great day out for all the family!

Digging around for a great gardening day out? Look no further than this year’s Gillingham & Shaftesbury Spring Countryside Show. Taking place 20th and 21st April, horticulture is at the heart of this year’s new-look event. Enjoy a host of gardening talks and workshops from renowned garden experts. From advice on plastic-free gardening to great gardening ideas for kids, interactive sessions will get you going home armed with inspirational growing tips and no doubt new plants!

Keen crafters will love the Hands-On marquee where visitors can enjoy trying felting, willow weaving and many other age-old rural skills. With a focus on a great day out for all the family, there’s free tractor and trailer rides sponsored by Friars Moor Livestock in Sturminster Newton, hilarious pig racing and Keystone cop clown capers as the UK’s only Arena Comedy Car Act and Slapstick Stunt Show hurtles into the main show ring on the Saturday and Sunday.

There’re farmyard animals and the brilliant Lamb National.

Think Grand National but with sheep! Children up to age of sixteen go free and there’s brilliant savings to be had with early bird discounts for advance tickets. Visit www.springcountrysideshow.co.uk

Rotary wine night raises £3,600 for Shelterbox charity

The Rotary Club of Christchurch raised £3,600 for charity at its 13th annual wine-tasting event, held at the Captain’s Club Hotel and sponsored this year by local solicitors Williams Thompson. The chosen charity for the evening was Shelterbox, represented by Rotarian Howard Matthews who said : “Shelterbox provides shelter, essential items and technical assistance to help some of the world’s most vulnerable people recover and rebuild their homes after disaster.”

Chris White of Ellis Wines expertly guided everyone through the tasting of delicious wines, namely two whites and two reds, with helpful tasting notes to take away.

Organiser Peter Boardman, said: “The evening raised enough to donate six Shelterboxes. Thank you so much to everyone”.

We must rectify poor public sector productivity

The Budget came as a disappointment to all those who, like me, had expected an announcement that the overall burden of taxation, having now reached its 70-year peak, was going to fall.

Instead, we heard from the Chancellor of the Exchequer that taxes, including those much despised ‘stealth taxes’ which erode tax free personal allowances, would continue to increase until 2029. In making this point in my speech in the Budget debate in the House of Commons, I also expressed concern that there was so little hard evidence as to how poor productivity in the public sector is going to be rectified. A 5% increase in productivity would enable taxes to be reduced by £20billion. The continuing lack of productivity in the Health Service, the largest consumer of taxpayers’ money, is nothing short of scandalous.

Christchurch & East Dorset

CHRIS CHOPE MP

Yet both locally and nationally there is no evidence that the issue is being taken sufficiently seriously. Why are there still more than 300 beds in Dorset hospitals occupied every day by patients who are ready to be discharged? Why are so many key public sector workers still working from home? Why

are NHS bureaucrats so slow to respond to local issues of concern? One current example is the saga of GP services in Burton. Thousands of patients in Burton would like to have their surgery transferred to the new provider who is willing and able to take over. This would prevent the need for Burton patients to have to travel to central Christchurch. The Dorset Integrated Care Board should be intervening on behalf of patients but, despite my representations, appears reluctant so to do. Why, one asks?

n Dorset Council is responding positively to public concern about the state of local roads. It is good news that it has announced that it is allocating more than £6million from its own budget for highway maintenance which will be added to more than £2million per year from the Department for Transport money reallocated

as a result of the cancellation of the HS2 northern link. The emphasis is on pro-active maintenance involving pothole repair to include extensive patching of the wider area surrounding the defect instead of just repairing the immediate pothole.

It also includes regular resurfacing which enables the various layers of a road to have their strength restored. Those repairs, coupled with surface dressing and micro-surfacing which involves filling shallow crack and holes in the road surface, should help restore Dorset’s roads to the quality which users expect. Let us hope that the coalition running BCP Council, which is presiding over chronic and rapidly deteriorating road surface conditions, learns lessons from the pioneering example being set by its neighbouring Conservative-run Dorset Council.

Families £870 worse off after tories’ budget

‘Let me tell you how it will be. There’s five for you, but 10 for me. Cos I’m the taxman...’ as George Harrison might have sung if he penned Taxman in 2024 rather than 1966.

For with this government, despite their national insurance cuts, households are £870 worse off on average. I’ve written about fiscal drag before - income tax bands not being increased with inflation, dragging more people into higher bands of tax.

The result is Hunt and Sunak take away 10p for every 5p they have given back. And you know this already. No one is better off, and no one is going to be feeling better off come the election. What I’d like to focus on though is the integrity of the Government and its MPs around other aspects this budget.

Let’s take growth.

The Chancellor was crowing

that he’d plotted a way out of (his) latest recession.

How has he done it? Migration.

That’s right – an increase in net migration by 70,000 a year.

So while total GDP is nudging up because of all the additional legal migrants they said they wouldn’t let in post-Brexit, GDP per capita is actually decreasing.

What about his claim to have debt as a percentage of GDP falling?

It may do – but only in five years’ time.

Borrowing has been revised up in the next four years. And Hunt has only managed to pull this off by planning for the next government to implement real terms departmental budget cuts.

Here we get to the real motivation behind the budget – to try and scupper Labour’s plans.

We had pledged to abolish

Dorset Labour GREG WILLIAMS

the non-dom regime and use the tax raised to increase recruitment and training of NHS staff and spending on school breakfast clubs. We had planned to extend the windfall tax on oil and gas companies to fund what remains of our Green Prosperity Plan, including the

program of home insulation.

Every Labour policy was fully costed and funded.

It’s why we lead the Tories on economic credibility.

The tanks parked on their lawn made them angry. So they stole our policies.

Perhaps imitation is the highest form of flattery. But it’s not governing.

It’s a party that already has the mindset of defeat, spiking the guns on the way out.

I’m frustrated by it. And I’m OK telling you all I’m frustrated by it.

Because that’s all they have left now, folks.

So out of ideas that they depend on those of other parties.

Putting 5p in your left pocket as they pick 10p out of the right. It’s not being honest with you.

Labour will find other ways to fund the policies that this country needs. And tell you straight.

Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher

Time for ‘Zombie Government’ to call election

Every day I wake up and wonder if this is the day that the General Election is going to be called. This has been going on for more than six months and could carry for another six. Westminster was described this week as a Zombie Government, so it seems MPs are doing the same, and it was reported that new legislation is typically completed each week by Wednesday lunchtime, with MPs either going home or holding debates with no purpose.

Considering our public services are crumbling, and the country is lurching from crisis to crisis this is an appalling situation and people around the country, from all parts of the political spectrum agree ‘enough is enough, we need a General Election NOW.’

The Liberal Democrats held our spring conference last week, setting out our stall for the electorate and agreeing rafts of new policies that will form

part of our General Election manifesto.

One of the things I value most about the party is how we make policy – it starts with members, or groups of members who submit a motion, it gets debated at conference and, if successfully voted through, it goes on to be policy. Democracy in action.

People often ask what we stand for and I point them first to the

party’s preamble ‘The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity.’ Policy changes as the world changes but starting with values and principles allows us as activists, members, candidates, and elected representatives to remain true and for our voters and constituents to understand what to expect from us. This most recent conference saw clarity over our commitment to the NHS - not just our 24hr GP guarantee, the development of dental policy and expansion of support for carers - but a refocus on primary and community healthcare and a reminder of the importance of mental health gaining true parity with physical health.

New tax policy that would see a 4% levy on share buybacks

that can inflate company values was announced, with tax raised invested into public services. This sits alongside our expansion of the Energy Windfall tax to be spent on retrofitting homes and eliminating fuel poverty and plans to simplify the taxation of wealth and reversing the government’s tax cut on banks. Throughout the coming months you will hear the Liberal Democrats talking about a Fair Deal. We believe we make things fair by ensuring everyone can get on, by devolving decision-making to regions and communities, and by holding power to account.

Every day that the General Election is delayed, is an opportunity missed to make things fairer, to turn over a new page to a new chapter. Look at the Lib Dem website to see how our Fair Deal will improve lives from early years to old age, for the environment and to the economy.

Local lessons for young parliamentarians

Hillside First School

‘parliament’ made a special visit to meet the Mayor of Verwood to learn how local government works.

Clad in her official regalia, Cllr Toni Coombs welcomed the children who are elected onto the school’s parliament which meets fortnightly.

The youngsters - from Reception to Year 4 - fired questions at the mayor, who confessed that her favourite fish was a ‘clown fish’. She also offered the school £250 from her fund to buy litter pickers, sports equipment or books. The children voted for books.

Headteacher Dave Graves said:

“Our parliament has a prime minister, deputy prime minister and chairman and they learned a great deal by visiting the mayor. “She explained how things work on a town council and took their questions in good spirit.

“The mayor also spoke about what she and the council had

done for the town, including raising money for the skate facilities at Potterne Park.

“It was incredibly generous of her to donate some money to the school and we will be buying books for the library.

“She also allowed Tommy

from Reception to try on her

The mayor said: “It was great to have the school’s parliament visit us and I think it’s important for children to learn how local democracy works.

“They asked some very good

questions and were really interested in how the council operates and what we do.”

Dorset Lib-Dems VIKKI SLADE

Lawes

robes.”

Mayor Toni Coombs is pictured with, right, Jasper Nash, chairman of the school parliament, and Sienna Mills, deputy prime minister.

We’ve all been there – your local supermarket is stocking up on all the Easter treats –from chocolate eggs to hot cross buns, the temptation becomes almost terrifying! There are diet struggles that we can all relate to this time of year, so here are some handy hints and tips to help you stay focused.

But why do so many of us crave chocolate?

Easter aside, who doesn’t love a chocolatey treat? With its creamy texture and sweet taste, chocolate can really trigger our dopamine receptors when eaten. A craving for chocolate could mean that your body might actually be after a boost in magnesium! You can find magnesium in almonds, bananas, pumpkin seeds, figs and spinach!

But if it has to be chocolate, no problem. Just ask me, your personal 1:1 Diet Consultant for the range of chocolate meal replacement bars, bites and shakes available on Plan that can help satisfy that desire if the spinach doesn’t quite cut it!

A few of the common struggles I hear and how to get through them:

‘Treat yo-self!’ your friend/boyfriend/cousin/ aunty’s dogsitter yells at you.

‘One Malteaser won’t hurt,’ or, ‘It’s Easter you HAVE to eat chocolate!’

Why does it seem that the moment you mention that you’re on a diet, everyone around you suddenly becomes intent on feeding you and derailing all your hard work?

Just remember willpower is like a musclethe more you use it, the stronger it gets. Just say no and you’ll forget you ever even liked chocolate (... ok maybe not)!

And remember to always be prepared – if you’re out visiting friends, or have a busy day running errands, make sure you have a 1:1 Diet product to hand. Read our Easter Chocolate and Diets blog for a full list of our diet-friendly chocolate products.

‘I’ll just have one, then stop’

One bite, slice, nibble, piece... who has said that, then consumed an entire chocolate bar they had planned to save? A late-night craving or after-lunch treat, we’ve all been there.

But have no fear, I’m there to help keep you on track! That’s what’s great about The 1:1 Diet - it’s proven that one-to-one support is key to staying on Plan and reaching your goals.

I’ll only be a call, text, WhatsApp or message away - I’ll be there to help you when you need it most.

I hope this helps; whether it’s simply to reassure you that you’re not alone, or it’s kept you focused on reaching that goal.

If you’re looking to start your weight-loss journey, why not chat to me today?

Nicki Edwards - The Cambridge Lady 07904 331589

www.one2onediet.com/NickiE

07904

Residents thanked for Kenya mission support

College students who volunteer to help some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable children have thanked residents of a Dorset care home for supporting their humanitarian mission.

Members of the Brock2Kenya group visited Colten Care’s Avon Reach in Mudeford to give a first-hand account of their latest projects with orphaned street children 4,000 miles away in the city of Nakuru, Kenya. Staff and residents at Avon Reach, plus Colten Care colleagues and suppliers, are among the supporters of an annual trip for volunteers, providing donations of cash as well as clothes, shoes, educational materials and other much needed items for distribution to hundreds of Nakuru’s children.

In Kenya last October, 26 Brockenhurst College students spent 12 days on three separate projects, at a school, a nursery and a welfare centre.

Among their activities was helping to install flushable toilets and clean-water sinks to try and cut the risk of children contracting waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

They also took part in a daily feeding programme to help tackle severe

malnutrition among the youngsters, gave lessons in literacy and numeracy, played games and ran arts, crafts, singing and dance sessions.

Avon Reach’s connection with Brock2Kenya came about through Home Manager Ruth Wildman who is herself a

The highs and lows of fostering

Parent and Child fostering

“There are always highs and sometimes some really tough lows, but each one brings new rewards and new challenges”

The hustle and bustle of a busy household can provide so much joy and fulfilment, seeing others achieve or just sharing experiences over a heart-warming breakfast. Yet, that does not mean there are no challenges involved, with any household regardless of size and make up has its own unique challenges – and that is the same for fostering households.

In this month’s article we will be giving you all the information you need when deciding on a new chapter of life and a new direction. However, should you have more questions we are just a phone call away!

to integrate into a community, and promoting the nurture of a newborn. On top of that pay can start in the region of £850 per week.

volunteer on the annual trip.

After seeing a short film, residents were handed souvenirs including a Kenyan flag, a bush hat and a wood engraving of the Swahili saying ‘hakuna matata’, the name of a song in the film the Lion King that roughly translates as ‘no worries’.

When children come into your life, whether that be short term or long term you know as a carer that, at some point, it is more than likely this child may move on to a more permanent home. It can be emotional to see a youngster move on but our carers highlight that it is nice to see when they become settled and happy in a new home. One carer notes such moment is “a high and a low together! … A high as we know we have made a difference in their lives, but a low, because they are leaving you”

This is not only a difficult time for the carer, the child must also get used to a new home, and new guardians.

To be a parent and child foster carer, you will need to be confident in looking after newborn babies and have some experience, tips, and tricks that you can pass on to the new parent. It is also vital that there is always a carer available for support and guidance. In your home, you will be inviting in a parent and their newborn baby, therefore need a big enough spare room to accommodate their needs, such as a bed, changing area, and cot for the baby. The placement is normally shortterm and lasts up to 12 weeks, this can vary depending on the requirements of the placement. You may be thinking, how about the rewards that come with being a carer? Well, many rewards can be acquired, the satisfaction of passing on your knowledge to new parents, enabling them

That is why Footprints pay close attention to this transition, giving the support required for all individuals.

To become a carer, the approval process takes 4-6 months, and a social worker will guide you through your journey. Once completed, Footprints offer you the continued guidance, support, and training to ensure you have full confidence in your role. Not every child comes into this world with well-equipped and prepared parents, and therefore need some help to get them on their way.

Over the last years, more special guardianships have been approved, allowing carers to look after youngsters on a more permanent basis, this is a great outcome that Footprints are proud of.

In your role as a Parent and Child Foster Carer, not only do you help with the care, but you also help develop the parent in the areas of money management, and household skills, helping them build the confidence they need to live independently.

If you are up for a new challenge fostering could be your next step, but remember it does not always go swimmingly, but it promises rewards! That is why Footprints are the best choice for anyone that would feel content in a small supportive environment.

In the next article from the series, we will be exploring what inspires our wonderful foster carers!

The need for Parent and Child carers is rapidly growing so if you think you can provide a safe, supportive home for such placement, Footprints would like to hear from you.

Nicki Edwards: The Cambridge Lady

Fun and games as residents raise £1100

A quiz night, gala lunches and games afternoons were among fundraisers that saw a Poole care home raise more than £1,100 for a Dorset cancer charity.

In recent months, residents and staff at Colten Care’s Bourne View have been raising money for the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

And after a recent party DCCF representatives were presented with a giant cheque to mark the culmination of a year of activity involving residents, families, team members, friends and community contacts.

The exact amount raised, £1,142.95, was also spelt out in meringue-piped icing on a fruit cake specially baked for the occasion by Colten Care chefs and sisters Lorna Parsons and Annabell Bryer.

Party guest Irene Whyment, who lives at the home, said: “Everyone has got on board with supporting this most worthy cause and helping local families.

The money is definitely going somewhere it’s needed.”

Irene’s comments were echoed by fellow Bourne View resident John Broomfield.

“Our events have been excellent and very enjoyable and we’ve had a lot of fun,” he said.

To help the appeal, residents went hands-on at a number of events, making decorations for

a gala, making up goodie bags and helping count the number of chocolate eggs in a jar for a guessing game.

DCCF representatives at the party included trustee Di Bird and fundraising manager, Jannine Loveys.

Di said: “We are so grateful to the residents for very kindly choosing us as their main charity

to support in the past year.

“Our aim is to raise money in Dorset for people facing often extreme financial hardship because of cancer and we rely on donations.

“Our support helps in a whole range of ways. It goes towards the costs of expenses such as transportation, childcare, home modifications, respite care, general household bills and specialised treatment, always with the endorsement of qualified practitioners.

“We are the only charity of our kind in Dorset in that we focus on financial help for people living with cancer. So far, we have raised more than £700,000, helping around 800 individuals.” Gemma Parkin, Bourne View home manager, said: “Our residents choose the charities we support and we are proud to have helped DCCF in its vital work this year.”

For more information on DCCF, visit www.dccf.co.uk.

Mum’s the word at county care home

Residents at Barchester Healthcare’s Upton Bay care home in Hamworthy, celebrated Mother’s Day with visits and video calls from family members near and far. The home was decorated with fresh flowers and bunting for the occasion.

Karen Grant, activities lead at the home, arranged an afternoon tea featuring delicious scones, clotted cream and jam, along with a fun flower-arranging afternoon which was joined by members of the local community.

Head chef Alain prepared a special three-

course menu including roast lamb to mark the day.

General manager, Mevin Sohorye said: “We’ve all had a really lovely day. It’s been so good to see family members who were able to visit in person and to have video calls with those further away.

“Our residents enjoyed a fantastic lunch and then a delicious afternoon tea prepared by our brilliant chefs. Days like these are so special.”

Joy, a resident at Upton Bay, said: “We have been so spoiled today, the staff always

go to great lengths to make sure days like this are so special.

“It was wonderful to see my family and to be able to spend some quality time together, plus we all had a fabulous afternoon tea.” Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Nicki

Support is a breath of fresh air for Ray

Ray, aged 67, is happily married with two stepchildren. He has always been fit and active and has enjoyed many careers, including travelling the country on the road as an engineer.

Ray had to retire early when he began to struggle with his breathing due to his lung disease. As his disease progressed it got more difficult for him to breathe, and the effort of breathing made his muscles tense and painful. Ray experienced breathlessness attacks, which turned into panic attacks and sometimes resulted in 999 calls.

“It felt horrible, I was very low at that time. I couldn’t get out of the house due to fear of these attacks… and I didn’t want to be here anymore.”

When Ray first came to LewisManning Hospice Care he was severely impacted by his breathlessness.

Activities such as having a

were very difficult and his wife was having to help him. This was increasingly hard for her due to her own health conditions.

At Lewis-Manning Ray learned strategies to manage his condition more effectively, such as breathing techniques and pacing.

reduce the effort in day-to-day tasks such as using a toweling robe, in order that his wife doesn’t have to help dry him after a shower. They also worked with Ray’s respiratory team who ensured he was on the right medication. With the hospice support Ray began to understand the

relationship between panic and breathlessness and adjusted his routine. Our complementary therapist helped him to feel calmer and more relaxed. He was taught mindfulness techniques so that if panic does set in Ray is able to allow the panic to pass.

Prior to coming to LewisManning Ray was having panic attacks every day. Over the last six months he has only had one and is able to manage it independently.

Ray is now able to go out daily, in his car, go to the shops, for lunch and even take his dog for walks using his mobility scooter.

“The Lewis Manning have taught me how to breath slowly and control my breathing. The complementary therapy has been brilliant, it has helped me to relax, my breathing feels easier and my chest feels clearer… I am enjoying my life again.”

How chiropractic can help with sciatica

For many of us sciatica is a common complaint and can be debilitating on our daily life.

It is something that is hard to explain exactly how it feels and sometimes we can be left feeling a bit misunderstood about the whole thing. Most importantly, we are often unsure of who to turn to for help.

The purpose of this article is to explain some causes of sciatica and provide some solutions to your pain, and who you can turn to for help.

Causes:

Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis muscle is a muscle that lies within the pelvis. It is an external rotator of the hip, so it helps to turn our foot outwards. This muscle lies either over or through the sciatic nerve. When this muscle becomes tight through overuse, it can then compress the sciatic nerve and cause pain.

Slipped disc (disc herniation or disc prolapse)

The disc is the spongey part of the spine that sits between the vertebra. The disc has a strong outer shell and a softer middle. The disc can be affected by repetitive movements or strain, or sudden severe injury.

A disc prolapse is where the shell expands and presses on the nerve, whereas a disc herniation (slipped disc) is where the inner part escapes through the shell and presses on the nerve. Either of these can affect the nerves that go down into your leg, and therefore can cause sciatica, along with lower back pain.

Osteoarthritis or stenosis

Wear and tear are a common process and are actually a very natural part of ageing, however certain lifestyle factors can influence the ageing process and can make it more significant in a certain area - for example, repetitive strain or movements. If there is a focused area of osteoarthritis in the lower

We strive to give every patient the absolute best chiropractic and massage care , as well as providing outstanding customer service. We are a motivated team passionate about getting you better and enabling you to live a pain free life, getting you the best version for you

Conditions we can treat:

• Migraines

• Lower Back Pain

• Joint Pain

• Frozen Shoulder

• Tennis Elbow

• Neck Ache

• Sports Therapy

Session Is £65

back, it can narrow the space where our spinal cord sits and affect the nerves that go down the legs. This is called stenosis, and typically will cause sciatica down both legs rather than just one.

Sacroiliac or lumbar facet joint irritation

One of the more common factors we see, particularly in younger people, is inflammation within our joints which compress the lower lumbar nerves or sciatic nerves and therefore cause sciatica. The facet joints sit between each vertebra and right next to the nerves. If we exhibit factors such as poor posture, repetitive movement, experience stress or even have a fall or trauma then these can accumulate inflammation within our joints and then cause pain.

All of the above can be addressed with conservative care such as chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, massage therapy and home advice with stretches.

At Wimborne Wellness Centre we always start with a full assessment so we can effectively diagnose you and work out the best plan for you in order for us to help. To book a consultation call us on 01202 604707 or email admin@wimbornewellnesscentre. co.uk. We look forward to helping you soon!

Extra services for Blandford hospital

Refurbishment work is under way at Blandford Hospital to improve and increase the range of services available there.

The hospital, which is run by Dorset HealthCare, has been awarded £2.9million by NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care to upgrade facilities and relocate services currently based at the Blandford Clinic in nearby Salisbury Street.

Over the course of this year, building work will take place enabling the hospital to provide:

• midwifery and health visitors

• school nursing and school immunisations

• paediatrics

• podiatry

• mental health services.

Home & Garden

Throughout the refurbishment, existing hospital services and clinics will run as usual but there will be slight disruption on-site, including reduced car parking and redirection signs in place. Anyone travelling by car to the hospital should allow more time to find a parking space on-site or in nearby roads.

And if you are unable to find where you need to be, just ask the hospital reception team for help.

Work at the hospital will run until the end of the year. It will focus on improving patient experience by upgrading existing clinical areas, offices, reception areas, the public entrance and dedicated waiting areas.

New consultation rooms will also be created, along with extra utility spaces and storerooms.

Helen Lawes, Dorset HealthCare’s locality manager for North Dorset, said: “We’re delighted to be consolidating our services to one site in Blandford to create a modern community care hub for the area.

“It’s an exciting time for the hospital, with NHS England committing to significant investment in the future of Blandford and surrounding area.

“This investment will bring huge benefits for patients and our staff.”

For more information on Blandford Hospital visit: dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/ blandfordhospital.

Over

It’s time to get busy in

April is the start of the garden year for blossom, scent, and foliage.

All the dormant trees, shrubs, perennials burst into life with masses of flowers and fragrance.

Pear, apple, cherry blossoms lighting up your beds, borders and garden with buzzing bees and insects all busy pollinating this year’s fruits.

Now is the time for planting

new beds, borders, and pots with a huge range of trees, shrubs, roses, perennials, and herbs, all now available from your local nursery and garden centre.

Prepare the ground with compost and add fertiliser for best results.

Sowing seeds of your flowers and veg, indoors and out, can be done as warmer temperatures

Free service bringing your local library to you

The BCP Home Library Service can deliver books for free to people who enjoy reading but are unable to get to their local library due to poor health or mobility.

They offer a wide range of fiction and books as well as information leaflets.

Large print books, audio books and e-books are available and visits are usually monthly.

You can choose from more than 150,000 book titles and more. Perhaps you’ve been ill or are recovering from an operation – or maybe you’re just not as mobile as you used to be. They will visit you to talk about how the service works and what you like to read. You can use the Home Library Service just for a short time, ie after

Exploring Stour & Avon...

Park near the church, which is worth a visit to see the famous Whistler windows.

Then go over the road to the cemetery, at the far end of which is Lawrence of Arabia’s grave.

Next, visit the Walled Garden, which has free entry and lots of lovely statues and topiary (as well as a cafe and a loo). You might also like to walk a short distance north up the unpaved road to view the massive ford in the Frome. It’s a popular bathing place.

There’s also a long footbridge over it if you want to continue and explore the

a period in hospital. The service is also for carers. For more information, call David Tozer on 07811 787963; email david.tozer@ royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or call the Dorchester office on 01305 236666, e-mail bcphomelibraryservice@ royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.

with retired Dorset rights of way officer CHRIS SLADE

heathland further up, where, at the right time of year, in the evening you might see

glow worms and nightjars.

Then take to the road, heading south, curving to the south east, passing Moreton House and Moreton Park. You’ll get a good view of a phallic symbol, or obelisk on your right atop Fir Hill.

After a mile, turn right and head west along an unpaved road through woodland and heath until you meet the road just before Redbridge. There might be rhododendrons in flower. Turn right and follow the road for a mile or so back to the village and your car. You’ll have walked a little over four miles, depending how much you wandered off course, exploring and seeking geocaches.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

MORETON

and longer days make quicker germination

stronger plants. Baskets, tubs, and containers can be planted out with summer bedding plants: Geraniums, Fuchsias, Begonias, Lobelias are all available now.

Remember to cover and protect from any late spring frost.

Hopefully, lawns and beds have dried sufficiently to aerate and rake for better surface drainage. Top dress and feed and weed for a lovely green sward of grass. Mow when needed.

As April moves to May, some pruning of early spring shrubs, may be carried out for new growth and vigour. Cornus, forsythia, Ornamental Willows, and Roses may all benefit from a cut back now.

Elsewhere around the garden, weeding and top dressing of bark will keep the weeds at bay. There will be plenty of work in your vegetable and fruit gardens. Tying up of raspberry and currents. Apply straw mulch round fruit bushes to keep fruit clean, you may also need to net fruit to keep off the birds.

Although it’s a very busy month its also a wonderful time to spend in the garden, enjoying all the beautiful blossoms, scents, and smells.

U3A gardeners

Residents and staff at Kings Park Care Home in Ferndown, were overwhelmed with the kindness and support shown to them by their local U3A gardening group.

With the doldrums of the winter season meaning that many gardens are lacking in colour and looking a little sad, the Kings Park garden has been no exception, so the residents and staff decided to get busy tidying, trimming and planting up the garden ready for the new spring/summer season for everyone to enjoy.

There was much to do in order to get things looking more colourful so they decided to get a little help from some local friends, who gave some of their time to help out. Home services adviser Rebekah Goddard explained: “With a lot of manual work needed, I reached out to the wonderful Kevin Steele and his group of gardeners from Ferndown U3A, who were complete superstars!

“I explained what we needed help with and Kevin rallied his troops, a date was fixed, and along they all came, armed with secateurs, spades and gardening gloves! “As well as this, many of the residents’ family members also came along to support us for our ‘Big Garden Blitz’ and it was a really fun afternoon, with many of the residents coming

out to help too. “We pruned, trimmed and planted, before finally stopping for some much needed refreshments and cakes. Everyone worked so, so hard.”

Jenna May, senior general manager, added: “We’re so very grateful for the community spirit shown to us by everyone and also want to thank Kevin for his donation of some wonderful rose bushes and bulbs –they’re going to really make such a difference when they start to show their colour.

“One of the residents’ family members also

very kindly brought along their trailer to take away all the clippings.

“People have shown us such generosity and kindness, for which the residents, staff and I, are so grateful.

“We’re going to be planting up more in the coming month, with a trip to the garden centre planned. Kings Park is going to look wonderful in the coming seasons and we are so excited to see how it looks.

“Huge thanks to everyone involved for making it happen.”

Pawfect portraits are strokes of genius

by Lorraine Gibson

Portrait artist Amelie Walker is used to her sketch pad being dog-eared, since most of her subjects are of the four-legged variety. The 19-year-old from Iford forged a fledgling business creating startlingly lifelike pictures of people’s pets while still at school.

“I attended Bournemouth School for Girls and they have an amazing art department - I began the business alongside my studies,” says Amelie who began drawing animals as a small child.

“I followed online tutorials for cats and rabbits then began sketching people and my range of mediums grew.”

“I’m planning to go to university and am working as an activities assistant at a care home. I am excited at having the opportunity to improve the quality of life for vulnerable individuals, potentially through artistic means.”

How does the commission work?

The owner sends a photo of their pet, Amelie discusses ideas with them and then produces a true-to-life picture from her home ‘studio’. Her first ‘serious’ commission was a schnauzer in black and white pencil. “My dad accidentally screwed it up and put it in the bin thinking it was rubbish as it was in a pile

| Thu 18 Jan: 13:30, 19:30

Sir Ridley Scott directs Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix in this stunning historical epic that begs to be experienced on the big screen.

Fri 12 Jan: 19:30 | Sun 14 Jan: 19:30 | Mon 15 Jan: 14:00 (S) | Tue 16 Jan: 19:30 | snowed in, in-transit, at an airport overnight. Starring Meg Ryan. Sun 14 Jan: 13:30, 16:30 | Sun 21 Jan: 17:00

Sat 20 Jan: 14:00, 17:00 | Sun 21 Jan:

of other papers! I was heartbroken and had to do it again. I got there, though and it’s funny looking back at it now.”

Pets are mainly done in acrylic paint on A4. “This takes about two days. I’m a

perfectionist, I don’t mind if they take longer, I can’t finish a portrait until I’m happy with it. The eyes are so important - the nose as well, and all the little framing details that surround them. People have asked me to hone in on personal elements, like a tie or collar. I was asked to include a cauliflower in a portrait of a lady who’d passed away; apparently cauliflowers had been important to her. I didn’t ask why, but worked one into an earring she was wearing.”

Enquiries: ameliewalkerart@gmail.com facebook.com/amelie.walker.56232.

Events in association with...

Wimborne B.I.D

Arts, entertainment, what’s on

Damian’s back to his roots

by Faith Eckersall Fans of Band

Of Brothers actor Damian Lewis won’t want to miss the chance to see the Hollywood actor at Poole’s Lighthouse Theatre on March 25.

But, the star of Billions and Have I Got News For You, won’t be acting – he’ll be fronting the band playing his own rootsy, rock and jazz-tinged songs from the album Mission Creep.

The album’s origin story begins when Lewis, after leaving school, swapped the rigorous day-to-day regime that had dominated his life for 10 years for something altogether less structured. He took to the road with his guitar and went busking through

www.wimborne.info

continental Europe and this experience is reflected in his debut album, which he worked on during Lockdown.

“I wanted the album to give a sense of a journey to this point, from busking ‘til now,” he says. Meeting and then teaming up with American jazz musician Giacomo Smith inspired Lewis to start playing his own songs in public.

Lewis has since been confirmed to play at this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival (May 1) and Black Deer Festival (June 16), but you can catch him on Monday, March 25, at 8pm.

Booking details here: lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/ damian-lewis.

HIGH

www.theregent.co.uk

WICKED LITTLE LETTERS (15)

NAPOLEON (15)

Fri 12 Jan: 12:30, 16:00 | Mon 15 Jan: 19:30 | Tue 16 Jan: 12:30, 16:00 | Thu 18 Jan: 13:30, 19:30

Sat 23 Mar: 14:00, 17:00, 20:00 | Sun 24 Mar: 12:00 | Mon 25 Mar: 14:00, 17:00, 19:30 | Tue 26 Mar: 13:00, 16:00 | Wed 27 Mar: 14:00, 17:00(S), 19:30

Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley star in this riotously funny foul-mouthed British comedy.

Sir Ridley Scott directs Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix in this stunning historical epic that begs to be experienced on the big screen.

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST

WHAT HAPPENS LATER (15)

Sun 24 Mar: 15:00

Fri 12 Jan: 19:30 | Sun 14 Jan: 19:30 | Mon 15 Jan: 14:00 (S) | Tue 16 Jan: 19:30 | Thu 18 Jan: 17:00

The dramatic story of Easter retold in a new and powerful cantata composed by Roger Hewetson. Performed by the ‘City of Bristol Choir’, Soloists and Orchestra

NT LIVE: THE MOTIVE AND THE CUE (15)

snowed in, in-transit, at an airport overnight. Starring Meg Ryan. WONKA (PG)

Sun 24 Mar: 18:00

Sam Mendes (The Lehman Trilogy) directs Mark Gatiss as John Gielgud and Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton in this fierce and funny new play.

Sun 14 Jan: 13:30, 16:30 | Sun 21 Jan: 17:00

ONE LIFE (12A)

Mon 25 Mar: 10:30 (Silver Screen) Anthony Hopkins and Helena Bonham-Carter star in the inspiring true story of Sir Nicholas Winton.

BOLAN’S SHOES (15)

Mon 15 Jan: 10:30 (Silver Screen)

ROYAL OPERA: MADAMA BUTTERFLY (12A)

Tue 26 Mar: 19:15 (LIVE) | Sun 31 Mar: 14:00 (ENCORE)

Puccini’s entrancing and ultimately heart-breaking Opera is broadcast live from the Royal Opera House in London.

FERRARI (15)

Sat 20 Jan: 14:00, 17:00 | Sun 21 Jan: 14:00, 20:00 | Mon 22 Jan: 20:00 | Tue 23 Jan: 20:00

GIVE ME THE NIGHT (LIVE)

Thu 28 Mar: 19:30 Experience r’n’b soul legend George Benson’s greatest hits live on stage.

KEN RUSSELL’S GOTHIC (18)

Sat 20 Jan: 20:30 [35mm]

THE OPERA BOYS: A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS (LIVE)

Fri 29 Mar: 19:30 Last few seats! The boys are back with more Broadway and West End hits performed live on stage.

CALLING PLANET EARTH (LIVE)

THE MIRACLE CLUB (12A)

Mon 22 Jan: 10:30 (Silver Screen)

Sat 30 Mar: 19:30 Join us for a journey through one of the greatest musical eras of all time - the electrifying 80s!

REMEMBERING ABC CINEMAS

ANYONE BUT YOU (15)

Sun 31 Mar: 18:00 An evening of nostalgia featuring images, interviews and film clips of ABC in a tribute to the much missed chain.

Mon 22 Jan: 14:30, 17:30 | Tue 23 Jan: 14:30, 17:30

DUNE: PART TWO (12A)

HIGHCLIFFE CHARITY PLAYERS PRESENT: ROBIN HOOD (LIVE)

WHERE DORSET BLOOMS

Mon 1 – Wed 3 Apr: 15:00, 19:30

Fri 26 Jan: 19:30 Sat 27 Jan: 11:00, 14:00, 18:00 Sun 28 Jan: 14:00, 18:00

The epic continuation of the Dune saga sees Paul (Timothee Chalemet) seek revenge for the destruction of House Atreides.

GO EAST: Monkey World's Easter Fundraiser

GO EAST at Monkey World this Easter holiday! The park will be fundraising to put rescued and rehabilitated gibbons, loris and douc back into the wild from their sister sanctuary, Dao Tien, in Vietnam, ran by charity EAST (Endangered Asian

Fri 26 Jan: 19:30 Sat 27 Jan: 11:00, 14:00, 18:00 Sun 28 Jan: 14:00, 18:00 Events

HIGH ST, CHRISTCHURCH (01202) 499199

www.theregent.co.uk

NAPOLEON (15)

Fri 12 Jan: 12:30, 16:00 | Mon 15 Jan: 19:30 | Tue 16 Jan: 12:30, 16:00 | Thu 18 Jan: 13:30, 19:30

Sir Ridley Scott directs Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix in this stunning historical epic that begs to be experienced on the big screen.

WHAT HAPPENS LATER (15)

Fri 12 Jan: 19:30 | Sun 14 Jan: 19:30 | Mon 15 Jan: 14:00 (S) | Tue 16 Jan: 19:30 | Thu 18 Jan: 17:00

Species Trust). Visitors can learn about our agile acrobats, the gibbons, their plight in the wild, and how Monkey World's charity, EAST, is boosting the wild population of golden-cheeked gibbons in Vietnam.

snowed in, in-transit, at an airport overnight. Starring Meg Ryan. WONKA (PG)

we'll be supporting the charity through talks, activities, games & stalls all about our work in Vietnam!

Sun 14 Jan: 13:30, 16:30 | Sun 21 Jan: 17:00

Visit www.go-east.org to find out more about EAST's work.

This year is a bumper year of release for EAST, who are returning rescued & endangered loris, gibbons & doucs from the black market trade back to protected forest to help grow the wild population.

BOLAN’S SHOES (15)

Mon 15 Jan: 10:30 (Silver Screen)

PLUS over the bank holiday weekend, Monkey World will be giving away chocolate treats to children who complete the fun Easter Trail!

FERRARI (15)

Sat 20 Jan: 14:00, 17:00 | Sun 21 Jan: 14:00, 20:00 | Mon 22 Jan: 20:00 | Tue 23 Jan: 20:00

At Monkey World this Easter holiday,

KEN RUSSELL’S GOTHIC (18)

THE MIRACLE CLUB (12A)

Mon 22 Jan: 10:30 (Silver Screen)

ANYONE BUT YOU (15)

Mon 22 Jan: 14:30, 17:30 | Tue 23 Jan: 14:30, 17:30

HIGHCLIFFE CHARITY PLAYERS PRESENT: ROBIN HOOD (LIVE)

Arts,

entertainment,

Events in association with...

Wimborne B.I.D

www.wimborne.info

what’s on Spring show to feature selection of styles

Wimborne Art Club are holding an exhibition at the Pamphill Village Hall in April.

The exhibition, entitled It’s Spring, showcases the artistic talents of its members and features crafts as well as paintings.

There is a varied selection of subject matter and styles, something to suit everyone’s taste.

One of the artists featured is Anne Gooch, right, who has

been a member of the club for 20 years.

She said: “I love my paintings to tell a story.

“I normally paint in watercolour for the beauty of the colour washes capturing the light and feature small children capturing their movement while out and about having fun”.

The exhibition is open on April 13 and 14, from 10am to 4.30pm and entry and parking are free. Refreshments will be available.

Necessary noir

Sat 20 Jan: 20:30 [35mm]

THE MIRACLE CLUB (12A) Mon 22 Jan: 10:30 (Silver Screen)

ANYONE BUT YOU (15)

Mon 22 Jan: 14:30, 17:30 | Tue 23 Jan: 14:30, 17:30

Following its successful launch last year, Wimborne’s High Contrast Cinema, dedicated to re-showing film noir on the silver screen, has revealed the next set of movies it will show at the Allendale Centre.

HIGHCLIFFE CHARITY PLAYERS PRESENT: ROBIN HOOD (LIVE)

Fri 26 Jan: 19:30 Sat 27 Jan: 11:00, 14:00, 18:00 Sun 28 Jan: 14:00, 18:00

April 5 will see the classic, Sunset Boulevard, which memorably starred Gloria Swanson, May 10 sees Marlon Brando in On The Waterfront and June 21 sees Henry Fonda in the courtroom drama, 12 Angry Men.

More details here: mycommunitycinema.org.uk/ cinemas/high-contrast-cinema.

Return of fayre

Ferndown Community Support Easter Fayre returns tomorrow, March 23, with eggscellent fun to be had, whilst raising funds to support the charity’s network. Along with the Easter Bunny, homemade teas, cakes and hot dogs, a raffle and sales of craftwork, Miss Honey’s rescue guinea pigs will be visiting. There will also be children’s Easter crafts, face-painting, glitter tattoos and free storytelling.

The event is from 11am-3pm at Ferndown Day Centre.

Wimborne St Giles

Village Hall Charity Teas

Starting on April 14 and then every Sunday until end of September. 2.30-5pm, Wimborne St Giles, BH21 5LX.

Wimborne B.I.D

Events in association with... www.wimborne.info

Arts, entertainment, what’s on

by Faith Eckersall

With writers from Thomas Hardy to Enid Blyton, from Minette Walters to Robert Louis Stevenson and Tracy Chevalier, Dorset has always had an embarrassment of literary talent. Perhaps that’s why the county also has a large number of literary festivals, starting on April 5 in Sherborne.

Running until April 7, the Travel Writing Festival will include panel discussions as well as authors such as Katie Carr, Nick Danziger and Brian Jackman.

Next up is Bournemouth Writing Festival, which runs from April 26-28 at various venues in the town.

With more than 100 events featuring authors, agent 1-2-1s, talks, walks and panels, there’s

Harmony and humour County boasts the write stuff

The latest production by Millstream Theatre, ‘In Harmony’, funded by Dorset Community Foundation’s Performing Arts Fund will be showing in Wimborne, Dorchester and elsewhere in Dorset.

something for every reader and writer to enjoy.

Sturminster Newton Literary Festival runs from June 8-16 in and around the town with a focus on writers with a Dorset and wider Wessex connection.

Dorchester Literary Festival takes place from October 1219 and promises some great authors to help celebrate the event’s tenth anniversary. Meanwhile, in November, Bridport Literary Festival runs from November 3-9. Along with a number of eminent writers, the festival’s writing competitions have launched some prestigious careers.

For more information on all these festivals visit: www.visitdorset.com/blog/post/dorsetbook-festivals.

A day at the farm with Tiffany Fleming Farming & Environment

HIGH ST, CHRISTCHURCH (01202) 499199

www.theregent.co.uk

NAPOLEON (15)

Fri 12 Jan: 12:30, 16:00 | Mon 15 Jan: 19:30 | Tue 16 Jan: 12:30, 16:00 | Thu 18 Jan: 13:30, 19:30

Tiffany is a volunteer at High Mead Farm in Longham, Ferndown.

Sir Ridley Scott directs Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix in this stunning historical epic that begs to be experienced on the big screen.

WHAT HAPPENS LATER (15)

High Mead Farm is a working farm run to promote the benefits of engaging with animals, soil, and nature. They ‘create purposeful roles for our cofarmers, young people and adults alike, to help bring about a sense of well-being and self-worth that many have never experienced before’.

Fri 12 Jan: 19:30 | Sun 14 Jan: 19:30 | Mon 15 Jan: 14:00 (S) | Tue 16 Jan: 19:30 | Thu 18 Jan: 17:00

snowed in, in-transit, at an airport overnight. Starring Meg Ryan. WONKA (PG)

Sun 14 Jan: 13:30, 16:30 | Sun 21 Jan: 17:00

BOLAN’S SHOES (15)

Mon 15 Jan: 10:30 (Silver Screen)

I am sure I’m not alone in counting the hours until summer arrives. The weather has wreaked havoc at High Mead and despite the rain having held off recently for a couple of days straight (which is almost unheard of these days), the decision was made to cancel the Farm’s first Open Day of the year, for fear of slips, slides, and stranded cars. Maintaining health and safety standards at High Mead takes a

FERRARI (15)

Sat 20 Jan: 14:00, 17:00 | Sun 21 Jan: 14:00, 20:00 | Mon 22 Jan: 20:00 | Tue 23 Jan: 20:00

KEN RUSSELL’S GOTHIC (18)

Sat 20 Jan: 20:30 [35mm]

THE MIRACLE CLUB (12A)

Mon 22 Jan: 10:30 (Silver Screen)

ANYONE BUT YOU (15)

Mon 22 Jan: 14:30, 17:30 | Tue 23 Jan: 14:30, 17:30

East Dorset (MED) in Wimborne, with members attending from all over East Dorset and BCP, to develop their talents as actors, singers and dancers.

Although it is not currently a legal requirement, please consider wearing a face covering to protect yourself and others when visiting the Tivoli.

Co-created by Millstream members with professional artists, the show tells the story of a popular café under threat; the regulars are worried but can Duncan’s bright idea save the day?

Millstream is based at Museum of

FEATURING PAUL YOUNG

In Harmony is the result of several months’ creative work, exploring theme, plot and characterisation. It includes choreography by renowned London-based members of Corali Dance and Cornwall-based singer/songwriter, Helen Porter, and coaching in magic trickery from Swanage-based performer/ magician, Kevin Burke. Makaton will help make it as accessible as possible. The show has been written and co-directed by Tam Gilbert and Tony Horitz.

Saturday 13th January 7.30pm

Tickets £30

Saturday, April 13, at 7pm. Tickets free but booking is essential as space is limited.

Museum of East Dorset Garden Room, Wimborne.

Saturday 20th

Email tam@persuasion arts.co.uk or text: 07968 583401.

January 7.30pm

Tickets £25

Wednesday, May 8, 2.30pm (time tbc) Dorchester Arts Centre. Call the box office on 01305 266926 or visit dorchesterarts.org.uk.

HIGHCLIFFE CHARITY PLAYERS PRESENT: ROBIN HOOD (LIVE)

special kind of skill at the best of times, but when the slippery surfaces threaten even the surest footed, inviting unsuspecting or unprepared members of the public is simply not an option. This is despite an extremely generous donation of wood chip from Linwood Sawmill Ltd who saved the day when our duck and chicken pens became heavily waterlogged. Their donation arrived hot on the heels of a big delivery

Fri 26 Jan: 19:30 Sat 27 Jan: 11:00, 14:00, 18:00 Sun 28 Jan: 14:00, 18:00

Maxi fun with Minnie

MILES JUPP: ON I BANG

Hello, I’m Minnie. I am a 2½ year old Patterdale cross Jack Russell. I’m very lively and busy and like to keep active. I need to find a new home due to my owner becoming unwell. I enjoy walks and know quite a lot of commands and even the names of my toys – I am very intelligent and enjoy learning new things.

SOLD OUT

Wednesday 17th January 7.30pm

Tickets £25

SALTBURN (15)

I am a typical terrier and I would like an experienced owner and to be the only pet in the household.

If you are able to offer Minnie or one of her lovely friends a forever home or a foster home please contact our office on 01202 875000, e-mail: admin@

Thursday 18th January 7.30pm

Tickets £20.50

waggytails.org.uk or visit our website waggytails.org.uk. We have lots of other dogs looking for their forever homes. Please do make a note in your diary and come to support us:

JIM DAVIDSON: SWIMMING AGAINST THE TIDE!

April 5/6: 24-hour Pool

Marathon, West Moors Social Club, from 2pm on Friday 5th.

May 12: Dorset Dogs Festival, Poole Park, 11am to 4pm.

June 15: Ferndown Fete on the Field, 11am to 5pm.

July 7: Dog Show at Broadstone Fun Day from 1pm onward.

of coir matting courtesy of Hugh from DPD Marquees in Blandford, the sort you find as floor covering in marquees. This extremely hard-wearing fabric is created from coconut husk fibres and it provides a durable, sustainable flooring solution. Although the mats are biodegradable, they are usually condemned to landfill when they are past looking their best, but they perfectly suit our High Mead ‘make do and mend’ mantra and we welcome them with open arms to be repurposed as weed suppressing ground cover or as mud mats for the car park.

To be fair, not all of the Farm’s residents are complaining about the mud, our pigs are tickled pink by the endless rainfall and spend hours wallowing and wading through the thick, sticky sludge. On a recent volunteers’ visit, one of our regulars was concerned about the job he’d been allocated because he’d forgotten his wellies. He asked if there were any he

could borrow – but due to the high level of demand our usual ‘spares’ were spoken for. Keen not to let us down, the young lad quickly slipped out of his super white trainers and socks, rolled up his trousers and got the job done: barefoot and with barely a word of complaint. What a star! I’m not sure if it was the staff who were more surprised or the pigs who were being moved to slightly less sticky surroundings. Chocolate and Dahlia our expectant pygmy goats are also coping well with the conditions despite it being heavy going underfoot – both look fit to burst which makes us think they might be expecting twins, which is common for the breed. It is funny watching them waddle about. Hopefully, by the time the pygmy kids arrive, the warmer weather will have arrived too, and we will all have dried out a little. Either that, or we might have to commission the Wood Bay team to build an ark!

Motoring

Drivers ‘ripped off’ by fuel retailers

In 2023, the government revealed that some supermarkets didn’t reduce the cost of fuel at the pump in line with the cost of wholesale prices. This meant customers were paying more than they needed to for fuel.

Why were fuel retailers charging too much for fuel?

This could be due to a couple of reasons. An investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that supermarkets were charging motorists an extra 6p per litre for fuel. This totalled £900m in extra costs to drivers and that’s only in 2022.

Organisations have accused these fuel retailers of charging more to customers just to make a profit.

The Petrol Retailers Association - who represents independent forecourts and has a significant share of the fuel market, commented on the report.

Executive director, Gordon Balmer said: “The association welcomes the Government’s commitment to transparency and will support any sensible steps taken to

Storage

help motorists find the best deal available to them.

“We will continue to engage with officials to ensure that this scheme is rolled out efficiently. “The logistics surrounding fuel pricing are complicated and it is vital that the Government consult with industry to ensure a smooth implementation.”

What’s the government doing to stop rip off fuel retailers?

There are going to be ‘tough new powers’ that target retailers who try to unfairly increase the price of fuel.

The CMA are going to closely monitor fuel prices and report any signs of price hiking to the government. The government thinks this could help to improve competition in

01747 854789

www.crewscars.co.uk

VIEWINGS BY APPOINTMENT

2019 (19) Dacia Duster 1.3Tce Prestige SUV 5dr. 130bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating position, high ground clearance, large boot, sat nav, parking sensors & parking cameras, cruise control, auto lights, blind spot assistance, hill start assist, speed sign recognition, 23,600 miles

£12850

2015 (15) Dacia Duster 1.5DCi Laureate SUV 5dr. 110bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating position, high ground clearance, large boot, touch screen sat nav, leather seats, parking sensors, cruise control, hill start assist, Bluetooth, cambelt kit replaced, 60,500 miles ……….…£6250

2017 (17) Ford Fiesta 1.0T Zetec Automatic 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, only 23,000 miles, heated front screen, hill start assist, only £35 road tax & upto 56mpg, only 23,000 miles..............Due April £8950

2015 (65) Ford Fiesta 1.0T Titanium Automatic 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, only 20,900 miles, sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, heated front screen, hill start assist, auto lights & wipers, only £35 a year road tax & upto 56mpg economy, only 20,900 miles .........£9850

2016 (16) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium Nav SUV 5dr. 150bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating, big boot, £1800 of factory options, appearance pack, sat nav, sign recognition, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, hill start assist, heated front screen, cambelt kit replaced, 60,500 miles ...................................................Due April £10250

2015 (15) Hyundai iX35 1.7CRDi SE NAV SUV 5dr. 115bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating position, good sized boot, partial leather, heated seats, sat nav, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, parking camera, parking sensors, 48,000 miles ..................................Due In £8250

the market and make sure people aren’t charged unfairly. It’s also going to be a legal requirement for fuel retailers to share their daily fuel price information. It’s currently working on an ‘open data scheme’ where fuel retailers share fuel prices, the first phases should start in autumn 2024.

If retailers don’t comply with these new regulations they could get a fixed fine of 1% of their worldwide turnover, or an ongoing fine of 5% of their daily turnover.

For now though, the CMA asked retailers to share their fuel pricing voluntarily so companies can use this data to compare fuel prices for consumers.

You can find out more at GOV.UK.

Is the government plan to tackle rip off fuel retailers working?

The CMA has already started investigating fuel retailers and issued a fine. Last year, the organisation published a report on the road fuel market.

It found that competition has weakened on fuel pricing since 2019, this means drivers are paying more for fuel regardless of the price of wholesale fuel.

It also issued a fine to Asda for £60,000 after the supermarket didn’t cooperate with the CMA investigations. More transparency on the prices retailers are charging could mean motorists paying more competitive prices for their fuel.

Five Square Motors (Bosch Garage)

Salisbury Road (A30)

Shaftesbury SP7 8BU

2014 (64) Ford Transit Connect 1.6TDCi 240 L2 Van. 115bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, No VAT to pay, 3 seats, unusual van with tailgate & twin side doors, Bluetooth, parking sensors, cruise control, heated front screen, alloys, cambelt kit replaced, 82,700 miles, No VAT to pay ................................................... Available Soon £8500

2014 (14) Peugeot 308 1.6HDi Active 5dr. 92bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, sat nav, cruise control, parking sensors, hill start assist, automatic lights & wipers, FREE yearly road tax & upto 70mpg economy, cambelt kit replaced, only 64,500 miles .................................Due In £5850

2011 (11) Toyota Yaris 1.4D-4D TR Automatic MMT 5dr. 90bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, £35 a year road tax, upto 67mpg economy, very well cared for car with only 66,800 miles ...............................Due In £4750

2016 (66) Vauxhall Astra 1.4 Design 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, cruise control, auto lights, low mileage example with only 43,500 miles

£7850

2019 (19) Vauxhall Crossland X 1.2 Elite Estate MPV 5dr. 82bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, high seating, parking sensors, cruise control, 51,900 miles..........................................................................£9650

1989 (G) Land Rover Defender 110 County 2.5TD Station Wagon. 5 speed manual gearbox, 4x4, diesel, 3 front seats, 3 central seats, 2 rear bench seats, windows all round, big wheels, MOT until December, only 111,500 miles, although it has an MOT it could do with a lot of improvements & tidying up to make it worth some really good money, selling as seen on behalf of a customer

£5500

We are looking for a gardener to work one day a week in Hilton

Ideally you should have a good working knowledge of plants and trees and be able to help maintain a wellestablished garden, including pruning, taking cuttings, advising on and siting new plants and general garden work.

This will not include grass cutting.

Please call Alison (07971 903226) or Jane (07787 427435) for more information.

OFFICE AND SERVICES SUPPORT MANAGER

Age Concern North Dorset requires a part-time Office and Services Support Manager to join this well-established, small, independent charity based in Sturminster Newton. You will be supporting all the services provided by the charity, managing our office-based Telephone Support Service, ensuring the continuity and smooth running of the office as well as supporting the Trustees to achieve the aims and objectives of the charity. A flexible 18-20 hrs per week. Applicants must be numerate, IT literate, have strong written and spoken communication skills and be able to work alone as well as with a small team of volunteers. This is an office-based role but there is flexibility for some hours to be home based. Training will be provided. For more information and an Application Form please contact the Age Concern

EXPERIENCED CLEANER

needed asap to help with changeover (mainly Friday) in two small Holiday Lets (3 mls Wincanton / 5 mls Gillingham) – 07740 466633

SELF EMPLOYED EXPERIENCED GROUNDWORKERS/PLANT OPERATORS

We are looking for an experienced Groundworker who can also operate a 360° Excavator for local interesting contracts, working as part of a team.

Applicants must be con dent in their ability to carry out all aspects of groundwork to a good standard with attention to detail. We o er a safe working environment with good rates of pay. Local work and an opportunity of long-term employment with a friendly family run business.

If you are that exible, skilled groundworker who can also operate plant to a good standard please call, Martin on 01258 455219 or email admin@farwellplanthire.co.uk

TEACHING JOBS

RECRUITMENT OPEN

Monday 15TH April 2024, starting at 16:30 Shaftesbury based SEN School

To book your place call 01747 449858 or email HR@dorsetcentreofexcellence.org.uk

www.coombehouseschool.org.uk

Landscape Labourers

We are looking for skilled landscapers and general labourers to join our team. A good knowledge of hard and soft landscaping along with a can do attitude required, drivers preferred but not essential. Long term positions within an establish local company. Previous applicants need not reapply.

07792892999

info@greenhavenlandscapes.co.uk

Ladies captain’s £11k foundation boost

The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF) was honoured to be selected as her ‘Charity of the Year’ by Julie Richardson, the 2023 Ladies Captain at Ferndown Golf Club.

Julie organised some fabulous fundraising activities which raised a staggering £11,436.86!

The most memorable of these was the Triathlon With A Twist. A 5K run, followed by the Go Ape High Ropes Course at Moors Valley, and a 5-mile cycle to finish. More than 30 participants and volunteers took part, and it really was a day to remember.

The foundation gave a huge thank-you to Julie and all the members who supported the events and activities so generously.

To raise £11,436 is testament to the kindness and generosity of all those at Ferndown Golf Club and an achievement of which to be truly proud.

Young people are experiencing many challenges in these difficult times and need support more than ever before.

The funding raised by Julie, the Ladies Section and all the members at Ferndown Golf Club will enable the JTYAF to continue to do the work that they do by providing bursaries and scholarships for local young people from a wide array of youth organisations.

It will enable young people to achieve their full potential, inspiring them to aim high, and be the best that they can be.

Julie said: “I’m delighted to have raised such a significant amount which surpassed all of my wildest expectations.

“My thanks go to all the members at Ferndown GC who supported my fundraising.”

Enjoy Dorset’s premier course as your event setting...

Broadstone Golf Club

In addition to our day to day services we offer a versatile event venue with stunnings views across our heathland golf course.

Seating from 10 to 100 guests, we can cater for events from intimate dinner parties, weddings, or business meetings to large conferences. We have a range of packages available, inclusive of wi-fi and parking, in our stylishly refurbished venue to suit your unique requirements.

Chat to our events team on 01202 693363 or email clubhouse@broadstonegolfclub.com

Holding your event at BGC, a stroke of genius

JTYAF chairman Pete Thornton, above, added: “We are so grateful to Julie and the Ladies Team at Ferndown Golf Club. This was an incredible achievement, and we can’t thank them enough. It will make a huge difference to a great many local young people in the year ahead.”

For more information about the JTYAF and the work they do, visit www.jtyaf.org.

Evans above, Gareth does the business at Bulbarrow

by Gordon Wray

No doubt about it, fishing is good for the soul, and there’s one place to visit in Dorset which feeds the soul, fills the heart and warms trhe cockles, it’s Bulbarrow Hill, near Ansty. As guests of Wimborne and District Angling Club, the Fly Fishers had been looking forward to our visit for weeks. The meadow where the lakes are to be found is at the bottom of a very long and winding track but when you reach them it’s like being transported back in time to halcyon days of childhood.

No traffic noise, no visible pylons, just the lakes, the countryside, and you. The lakes are big enough to lose yourself in solitude and enjoy being at one with nature. The fishing is great too.

The club enjoyed a 100% catch rate with everyone in the mix for a podium place. Heaviest bag went to Gareth Evans,

whose 4 fish total was just 2oz shy of 16lb.

Special mention to John Groombridge whose biggest fish tipped the scales at 4lb 11oz.

Gareth, left, is pictured with chairman Gary Austin receiving his well-earned prize.

Superstar lifts the lid on cricket high life

by Paul Pearson

We welcomed former Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Sussex and England cricketer, Bill Athey to the Dorset Cricket Society.

Born in Middlesbrough, Bill described his tough upbringing with considerable humour. He was also a useful footballer and was offered an apprenticeship by Jack Charlton at ‘Boro’ but he was set on joining Yorkshire CC. Bill told us some interesting humorous tales of playing in the same team as Geoff Boycott.

He related the time of his England debut in the Centenary Test versus Australia at Lords in 1980. Going in at number three with Boycott the not out batsman at the other end, Bill expected some words of encouragement from his county captain but as he walked to the crease past him to face Dennis Lillee he was totally ignored.

Bill played 23 Tests and 31 ODIs with top scores of 123 and 142 respectively but his England pinnacle was being a member of the Ashes team in the 86/87 test series in Australia when England won the Ashes having been written off beforehand.

Bill singled out for praise his opening partner Chris Broad, batsmen

Alan Lamb, David Gower and Mike Gatting and spinners Phil Edmonds and John Emburey.

Bill was also on hand for the 1987 World Cup when, from being in total control, Mike Gatting was out attempting a risky reverse sweep and England collapsed with Australia winning by seven runs. Athey was on the Pakistan tour and was fielding at short leg when skipper Mike Gatting had the famous contretemps with umpire Shakoor Rana which became the catalyst for neutral umpires for International matches.

Domestically, Bill moved to Gloucestershire tired of the in-fighting at Yorkshire. During his eight years with Gloucestershire he roomed with Jack Russell and Bill kept us amused with many interesting stories about Jack. He then moved to Sussex and had one game for Worcestershire when he was their coach before taking up a position as a coach at Dulwich College South East London.

In a career spanning 21 years Bill scored more than 25,000 runs in first class cricket, a rare landmark.

It was agreed that Bill had been one of our best speakers in our 21 year history.

Triple gold for Ringwood kickboxing mum

A Ringwood mum has secured three gold medals at a prestigious kickboxing event. Liz Ferioli-Brown won three titles at the WAKO British Nationals last month, hot on the heels of her world titles last year. The 48-year-old mother of six entered in the -65kg and +65kg Continuous Divisions, as well as the -65kg Points Division – winning all three categories.

Liz is the founder and owner of Ringwood Kickboxing Organisation.

And she said she was delighted to inspire the next generation of kickboxersincluding her own children.

“Kickboxing is a fast-moving, confidencebuilding and great fun sport,” she said.

“Two of my daughters - Katrina, age 13, and Jasmine, nine, entered their

first British Championships with me in Nottingham.

“Both girls did incredibly - Katrina secured a bronze medal and Jasmine had to go up an age and weight category, where she fought like a warrior.”

For more information on Ringwood Kickboxing Organisation, visit ringwoodkickboxing.co.uk.

Try walking rugby... a real game-changer

Walking Rugby, a modified version of the traditional sport, is making waves in communities across the UK as a fun, inclusive, and health-boosting activity for people of all ages and abilities.

Embracing the spirit of camaraderie and teamwork, walking rugby offers a unique opportunity for individuals to stay active, socialise, and enjoy the thrill of the game without the intensity of traditional rugby. It is played at a walking pace, allowing participants to focus on enjoyment rather than physical endurance.

With simplified rules and emphasis on participation over competition, walking rugby provides an accessible avenue for individuals to engage in regular physical activity regardless of their fitness level or prior experience.

Michael Moysey, Wimborne RFC president, said: “Walking Rugby is more than just a game; it’s a lifestyle. We’ve seen first-hand the positive impact it has on individuals’ physical health, mental well-being, and sense of belonging.

“Whether

rugby player or stepping onto the field for the first time, it welcomes everyone with open arms.”

For those interested in joining walking rugby, contact or visit the clubhouse; it is open from 11.00am every Friday from March 8.

There will be three free taster sessions. Spectators are also welcome to watch from the comfort of the clubhouse.

Wimborne Rugby Club, Gordon Road, Leigh Park, Wimborne, BH21 2AP

For further details, email: secretary@ wimbornerugbyclub.co.uk.

you’re a seasoned

Puzzles

Arrow words

Could you give a child a foster home?

Wordsearch

Terms of Endearment

9 Locates (8)

10 Model; prototype (8)

11 Chore (4)

12 Small, hot-tasting capsicum (6)

14 Neatened (6)

16 Slender (4)

18 Angles (8)

20 Of a court of law (8)

21 Simple aquatic plant (4)

22 Habitual practices (6)

23 Financial returns (6)

Brain chain Crossword

2

3 Additional (5)

4 Likelihoods (13)

5 Without direct control (13)

6 Expected (7)

7 Encounters (5)

13 Giving temporarily (7)

15 Appeared (7)

17 Periods of 60 minutes (5)

19 Hopping mad (5)

Jumbo 3D Sudoku

Could you give a child a foster home?

Cryptic crossword

Across

Killer Sudoku Pro

Brain chain (hard)

Down

Down

1 French novelist recalled hint in enclosure for play? (7)

Across 1 French novelist recalled hint in enclosure for play? (7)

5 Some group reprimanded for homework (4)

5 Some group reprimanded for homework (4)

10 Upset bird fluttering around boss, mostly (7)

2 Test a soprano maybe (5)

2 Test a soprano maybe (5)

3 Insincere person adorning type of bus (6-6)

3 Insincere person adorning type of bus (6-6)

4 Independent writer carrying athletic vest gets drink (6)

10 Upset bird fluttering around boss, mostly (7)

11 Very intelligent person gets support at home (5)

11 Very intelligent person gets support at home (5)

12 Difficulty about extremes of day in pastoral poem (5)

12 Difficulty about extremes of day in pastoral poem (5)

13 Show vocal disapproval of soldier with energy in dance (6)

15 Regular day set for swimming (6)

13 Show vocal disapproval of soldier with energy in dance (6)

15 Regular day set for swimming (6)

17 Large dish for all to see among wooden articles (6)

17 Large dish for all to see among wooden articles (6)

19 Sound resounding again in three choirs (2-4)

20 Hide in hole electrical connection (5)

23 Origin, we’re told, in course (5)

19 Sound resounding again in three choirs (2-4)

24 Provide too many staff in rickety Rome van (7)

20 Hide in hole electrical connection (5)

23 Origin, we’re told, in course (5)

25 Competitive former Irish footballer by the sound of it (4)

24 Provide too many staff in rickety Rome van (7)

25 Competitive former Irish footballer by the sound of it (4)

26 Fall into ruin – as a snooker player by table might do? (2,2,3)

26 Fall into ruin – as a snooker player by table might do? (2,2,3)

6 Feel strongly about India amid terrible zeal (7)

4 Independent writer carrying athletic vest drink (6)

7 Long for portion of soup in eatery (4)

6 Feel strongly about India amid terrible zeal

8 Get side panicky and most nervous (7)

7 Long for portion of soup in eatery (4)

9 Unlimited zone bringing up valuable stuff and minimum temperature (8,4)

8 Get side panicky and most nervous (7)

14 Delight titled English actress first off with worker (7)

9 Unlimited zone bringing up valuable stuff minimum temperature (8,4)

16 Carry out economy in middle of week in wake of former partner (7)

14 Delight titled English actress first off with worker (7)

18 Florid rubbish largely supported by two counties (6)

16 Carry out economy in middle of week in of former partner (7)

21 Amorous man more excited when holding Oscar (5)

18 Florid rubbish largely supported by two counties (6)

22 Flag I removed close to park in long journey (4)

21 Amorous man more excited when holding Oscar (5)

22 Flag I removed close to park in long journey (4)

Killer Sudoku Pro: Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3×3 box.

No digit may be repeated in any dashed-line cage, and all the digits in each cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

The solutions can be found on page 47

Home issues when separating

‘My partner and I are separating and because the house is only in his name I’m left on the street when I was promised I would be secure at home when we were together’.

It is becoming increasingly common for couples to live together before they get married, or couples to decide just to live together without ever marrying. But what happens when that relationship breaks down?

This situation is complicated when there are children involved. If the couple do not have children, the main points to consider include:

• If the property is jointly owned and the sharing of equity has been agreed at the time it was purchased (usually in writing), you should expect to be held to your agreement regardless of who has paid what since you both moved in. Either owner of the property can seek the sale or agree for one person to remain living there with a transfer of ownership (often at the same time as a re-mortgage and also

payment of a lump sum to the person who is leaving the property).

• The law is more complicated where, in this case, only one person is registered as the sole owner of the property.

•If you have moved in with your partner, you might be able to rely on promises made by them that the home is as much yours as theirs. However, proving what has been said can be a challenge.

•Also, if you rely on a promise (if you can prove what was said), you then also need to prove that you suffered detriment in monetary terms. Mere reliance on the promise which has not also resulted to financial detriment is not enough.

This is just one scenario provided in this article as an example in this increasingly fluid area of law. We urge you to contact us for a free initial half-hour discussion of your own personal position if you recognise that this could become an issue for you or if it already is.

Rob Price Associate, Family Law Solicitor

Armishaws removals have delved into some truly bizarre house facts.

Who Ya Gonna Call?

Haunted houses have been recorded since at least 1 AD. The politician/writer/lawyer Pliny The Younger wrote of spectral visits at his home from an old man with a long white beard.

No Really… Call!

In some US states it is illegal to sell a home you suspect is haunted without letting the buyer know. Failure to do so can result in the transaction being reversed.

One in 10 Americans admit to having ‘sold their home due to a paranormal experience’.

Taxman

Taxation, it’s as old as houses. Land/property taxes have been traced back as far as 5,000 BC in ancient Egypt.

A Bit Brit-culiar

Most UK power sockets have on/off switches - worldwide, most do not. Our windows open outwards. Across much of Europe, windows open inwards, this means shutters can remain closed for security, while air can circulate. It’s also easier to clean inward-opening windows.

How Do UK Homes Measure Up?

Average European home sizes based on total floor area.

11 weird and wonderful house facts

On The Move

Cyprus 141.4m2, Belgium 124.3m2 Switzerland

France

Ireland

Poland

Romania 43.9m2

Home vs Forest UK housing covers nearly as much land as forests.

Land use/coverage: Agriculture, fishing & hunting 52%, Forestry 7.1%, Residential 5.1%, Commercial & community services

4.1%, Heavy industry 3.5%, Mostly unused 26.4%, Buildings cover 2.4% of UK land.

Planted

Not only can house plants help reduce humidity, plants like bromeliads can remove over 80% of impurities from the air.

Tree-mendous

A study found mature trees in gardens by busy roads can reduce air pollution by up to 50% and deaden road noise by 6-10 decibels. Trees have also been found to reduce stress, increase positivity and help speed recovery from illness.

Ultimate DIY

From 1908 to 1940, the Sears mail-order catalogue in the US, sold around 75,000 kitbuild homes. They would arrive in pieces and the owner construct their own house.

Minnie House

Measuring just 182cm wide (5ft 9in), 304cm deep and 312cm (10ft 2in) high, the UK’s smallest house was built in Conwy in the 16th century. The little house’s last occupant was 6ft 3in fisherman Robert Jones.

Minnier House

But that’s huge compared to Warsaw’s Keret House. The world’s thinnest house varies between 92cm - 152cm yet still manages ta bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and dining area. For more info and moving tips, head to Armishaws.com/blog.

DORSET | DEVON | SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON

Cranborne Guide £225,000

One of two semi-detached cottages for remodelling and renovation with an attached outbuilding and potential to create off-road parking. Freehold. CTB C.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

A substantial Grade II Listed town centre property with full PP and Listed Building consent for change of use to residential.

Freehold. RV £5,500

Blandford | 01258 452670

A

CTB A; Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Cranborne Guide £215,000

edge of Sopley. Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 882103

Freehold. CTB E.

Wimborne | 01202 882103

Wimborne | 01202 882103

One of two semi-detached cottages in need of remodelling and modernisation situated in this highly sought-after village. Freehold. CTB C.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Lytchett

A spacious 3 bedroom

in a semi-rural setting on the edge of a small development.

CTB E; Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

A ground floor commercial premises located on Winton High Street. Leasehold: 58 years remaining. Tenant in situ.

Wimborne | 01202 882103

Sopley Guide £90,000

5.04 acres of permanent pasture and woodland with New Forest common rights of pasture (grazing rights) on the

Blandford Guide £110,000

St Leonards Guide £275,000 6.43 acres of mature mixed woodland with a brick bungalow suitable for renovation/ modernisation and a range of outbuildings.

Matravers Guide £395,000

property

Bournemouth Guide £225,000

semi-detached dwelling, currently two flats but suitable for conversion to a single dwelling (STPP). Tenant in situ.

Bournemouth Guide £110,000 A 1- bedroom flat in a converted dwelling, just 0.5 miles from the seafront. Tenant in situ. CTB A; Leasehold – 62 years remaining.

Winton Guide £38,000

Book day boost for primary school

To celebrate World Book Day 2024, Taylor Wimpey

Southern Counties donated a brand-new book hut worth more than £300 to Bearwood Primary and Nursery School in Bournemouth.

The new book hut, complete with more than 400 books, will encourage children at the school to discover their love for reading. It will not only help to enhance their literacy skills but also stimulate their imagination, improve vocabulary, and foster empathy and social understanding.

reading and aims to encourage children and young adults to come together to explore the pleasure of books.

Cheryl Smith, headteacher at Bearwood, said: “Reading is at the centre of our curriculum and we believe it’s the gateway to the world. “In order to become a lifelong reader, not only should children be taught to read with fluency and a good level of understanding but there should be a culture of reading for pleasure embedded from a young age.

CHILD OKEFO RD BLANDFORD FORUM DORSET DT11 8HN

Now in its 27th year, World Book Day is a celebration of

www hanfordschool co uk

“The new book hut will ensure that children have free access to a range of literature which they can borrow and return as

Come and join our staff body at our vibrant and happy prep school for girls (aged 7-13) set in the beautiful Dorset countryside:

HOUSEPARENT

The role of Houseparent at Hanford holds a uniquely important position of trust and influence in the Boarding House. The successful candidate will have the ability to lead, motivate, support and understand the pupils in their care and will have overall responsibility for the functioning and orderly running of the House. They will be the first point of contact for boarders’ parents and guardians and will have excellent communication skills.

The successful applicant will be required to work weekends and evenings as required and have significant overnight responsibility. Accommodation will be provided. To start in January 2024.

RESIDENT M ATRON

We are seeking a caring and empathetic resident Matron with strong inter-personal skills and a can-do attitude, who will be an excellent role model for our pupils. The successful candidate will make a significant contribution to the pastoral welfare of the pupils and will have the capacity to support and understand young people in all aspects of their development, especially their emotional, academic and pastoral needs. They will expect and embody high standards of behaviour, courtesy and care.

The successful applicant will be required to work weekends and evenings as required and have significant overnight responsibility. Accommodation will be provided. To start as soon as possible.

TEACHER O F FRENCH

We are seeking an exceptional candidate to teach French to our girls (aged 7 -13). Hanford School has an excellent academic record, and the girls sit common entrance and scholarships to top independent senior schools.

To start in April 2024 or sooner

CLE ANER

To work as part of our team, carrying out a variety of cleaning functions. A great opportunity for an enthusiastic and helpful person, training will be given. Core hours are approximately 25 hours per week (by arrangement) term time only, to include weekdays plus Saturday mornings.

To start January 2024.

To learn more about these opportunities please call the School Office on 01258 860219 or visit our website: www.hanfordschool.co.uk

Application deadline: Monday, 6 h November 2023 office@hanfordschool co uk

Hanford is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.

These posts are all subject to enhanced DBS checks

Hanford School is part of Sherborne Girls’ School Charity Number 307427 & Company Number 00306828

they please. We are so grateful to Taylor Wimpey for their donation.”

Rosamund Wells of Taylor Wimpey said: “We are committed to supporting the communities in which we build and believe that access to books and a love for reading are essential for the growth and development of young minds.

“Bearwood school is located close to our Canford Vale development and we are delighted to contribute to their initiative to promote literacy and are confident that the book hut will inspire a lifelong love of reading among the pupils.”

Puzzle solutions

Any problems with these puzzles?

Email newsdesk@ stourandavon.net

Arrow words

Cryptic crossword