The New Stour & Avon - Issue 124 by The Blackmore Vale Limited

What’s inside this issue...

Lloyd Armishaw Publisher newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

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Cover: Beech avenue, Wimborne n At your leisure p5 n Down the hatch p10 n Talent show p21

Council tax hike for beach huts

Full Council Tax charges are being brought in for beach huts at Mudeford Spit and Hengistbury Head with money raised helping support services under growing financial pressure.

BCP Council plans to remove a long-standing 50 per cent discount previously applied to the huts, which are now being reclassified as second homes.

The change reflects the fact that many huts sell for between £400,000 and £575,000, are furnished, and are not used as primary residences.

From April 1, the huts will be treated as Class A second homes with planning restrictions, meaning full Council Tax will apply.

For Band A huts, this could see bills rise to around £1,503 a year - or just over £60 a month - based on 2025/26 rates.

The move is expected to raise an additional £211,000

for the council, supporting services such as beach cleaning and flood protection, as well as contributions to fire and police budgets.

Around 340 beach huts will be affected, with 231 owned by non-residents.

The decision updates legacy arrangements inherited from the former Bournemouth and Christchurch councils and aims to ensure consistency across the BCP area.

Cabinet member for

finance Cllr Mike Cox said: “BCP Council, like all local authorities, faces an unprecedented, ongoing financial crisis.

“While we welcome everyone who enjoys our beautiful coastline, this brings extra demand for services, the cost of which is mostly borne by our residents.

“This change delivers fairness and consistency for all second-home owners.” Get ready for another

muddy good weekend

The much-anticipated Dorset Mud Run is returning for a weekend of laughter, teamwork and trail-blazing fun.

This year’s run, on Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, at the picturesque Stock Gaylard Estate near Sturminster Newton promises to be bigger, bolder and messier than ever.

The event invites runners, walkers and weekend warriors to throw themselves into a 6km course packed with more than 15 fun but demanding obstacles.

The route winds through ancient oak woodland and across rolling Dorset countryside, with participants tackling everything from hurdle jumps and cargonet crawls to muddy hills, swinging ditches and pond wades.

For more information, visit www.dorsetmudrun.com.

Chance to act like a big kid!

Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s Disability Charity is opening it’s large soft play area for adults to enjoy.

The event, called ‘Big Kid Energy’,will take place on Friday, February 6 and will run from 7pm until 10pm and give adults the chance to enjoy the slides, bridges and obstacles at the soft play at the Treehouse, Merritown Lane, Christchurch. There will be tables set up for beer pong and pool too. Many parents will remember the soft play area from when the site was formerly Adventure Wonderland.

Cat Abbott, head of marketing and events at Diverse Abilities, said: “We have had so many people ask us to host an event like this. “It’s a great chance to get together with some friends and act like big kids.” Find out more and get your tickets at diverseabilities.org. uk/daevents/big-kid-energy.

Remember loved ones at sunset

The Forest Holme Hospice charity has announced the launch of a brand-new Sunset Walk memorial event taking place this spring.

The Sunset Walk will be held on Friday, April 17, and offers participants the opportunity to come together for a peaceful evening walk in memory of loved ones, while helping to support the vital care provided by the hospice.

Starting at Branksome Dene

Chine, walkers can choose between a 5km or 8km route, which both take in the natural beauty of the coastline, with views across Sandbanks and Poole Harbour as the sun sets.

The event is open to anyone, regardless of any connection to Forest Holme, and following the walk, participants will be welcomed back to the Branksome Dene Room where pizzas, kindly provided by Pizza with Love, will be served

alongside refreshments. Each participant will also receive an event T-shirt and commemorative medal.

Claire Cooper, events & challenges manager at Forest Holme, said: “We’re delighted to be launching the Sunset Walk as a new event that brings people together to remember loved ones while enjoying our beautiful coastline at sunset.

“There’s no minimum fundraising target, as we want people to feel comfortable taking part and to enjoy

the experience of walking together.

“We look forward to welcoming our community to share this special evening.”

The Sunset Walk starts at 6.00pm, with tickets priced at £15 for adults, £10 for children, and free entry for under-threes.

An early-bird code NEWYEAR26 is currently available for a 10% discount before the end of January. For further information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/ FHSunsetWalk.

£1.8m to be ploughed into leisure centre

An investment of £1.8million is being proposed to extend an award-winning leisure centre in Christchurch to create two purpose-built studios.

The proposed expansion at Two Riversmeet represents a commitment to improving the long-term health and wellbeing of residents, says BCP Council.

A report has been arranged outlining a planned timeframe for the improvements which, subject to planning permission, would aim to be complete by July 2027.

The council believes investing in the facilities would allow a more varied timetable to support wider community use and a purposebuilt environment for classes.

The studios will allow people of all ages to stay active, supporting physical and mental health, rehabilitation and early intervention programmes.

Specialist classes and GP referral schemes will help residents take positive steps towards healthier lifestyles.

The centre will offer activities for different needs, including inclusive sessions for those with special educational needs and culturally-focused programmes.

The funding will strengthen Two Riversmeet as a local hub, helping people connect through shared activities.

The project is expected to boost membership, generate income to reinvest in services and ensure the centre continues to serve the community for years to come.

Portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations Cllr Richard Herrett said: “Two Riversmeet is already a fantastic example of how locally-managed services meet community needs.

“These proposals would allow us to go even further.”

New waste service for 100,000 homes

Households across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are set to see a major change to their bin collections with weekly food waste recycling rolled out to every home from April.

BCP Council has confirmed that from April 6, all households - including Poole homes and flats in Bournemouth that currently miss out - will receive a dedicated weekly food waste collection.

More than 100,000 households will be included in the expansion, creating a single, consistent system across the conurbation.

The move is part of the Government’s Simpler Recycling reforms, which aim to standardise recycling services across England and make it easier for residents to know what can be recycled, wherever they live.

For BCP residents, it means the same food waste rules for everyone, ending years of variation between areas. In the run-up to the launch, between January and March, households will be given

all they need to take part.

Houses will receive a kitchen caddy and an outdoor food waste bin, while flats will be provided with a kitchen caddy and shared external food bins.

Food waste will be collected weekly on the same day as rubbish and recycling, using a separate lorry - a move the council says will make the service easy to slot into everyday routines.

Once collected, food waste will be taken to a specialist recycling facility in Dorset, where it will

be broken down to produce renewable gas.

This gas is used to generate electricity for the national grid, while the leftover material becomes a nutrient-rich soil improver for local farms, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers.

Cabinet member for sustainability and the environment Cllr Andy Hadley says the changes would make a positive difference for both residents and the environment. He said: “Most people in BCP

already recycle, and these changes will make it even simpler.

“By having one clear system for everyone, we’re removing confusion and making recycling part of everyday life.”

Around 30% of the average household rubbish bin is made up of food waste, the council says.

Separating it out reduces the amount sent to landfill or disposal sites, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and helping to reduce council costs.

Residents who already compost at home can continue to do so, particularly for uncooked food waste such as fruit and vegetable peelings.

The service is designed to collect items that cannot be composted at home, including cooked food, meat, fish, bones and dairy products.

The council says cutting food waste can also save households money with the average UK family estimated to throw away around £700 of edible food each year.

Further details are available on the BCP Council website.

Sweet launch for the new year

At the first New Year meeting of Verwood Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild, we were treated to a fun afternoon of crafting with sugar paste, each making a teddy bear which they could take home. Fiona, a demonstrator from u3a was on hand to

help and advise. A coffee morning is to be held and also coming up is a visit to Blandford Fashion Museum.

For guild information please ring Judi on 01202 053264. Linda Pearson Verwood

Mystery evening is murder!

At the first Fordingbridge Twinning Association meeting of the year it was agreed that we are financially healthy, active and have a lot to offer. The price of membership is being held to £10 per household.

Five forthcoming events were discussed, including the AGM (April 30), the annual boules evening (June 11), a musical evening in the autumn (October 10), and involvement in Fordingbridge Festival Day in the summer. However, the first event will be the annual Murder Mystery evening, which will take place on Saturday evening, February 28. The venue will be Avonway Community Centre, and tickets will be £15 each, (to include a hot meal). They will be available from Caxton’s Décor and Tina at Timothy’s, both in central Fordingbridge. The theme will be the Red Rose Murders, set in 1950s Hollywood.

The cigar-chomping agent to the stars, Rick Toad, is found dead in suspicious circumstances, floating facedown in the swimming pool at his mansion, surrounded by a hundred red roses. The whole film world is shocked to its core and a range of Rick Toad’s clients are suspects including the two in thephoto!

For further details, contact Helen Tague at thetagues@ Fordingbridge.com or call 01425 655462, and/or me on Hippotrain@BTInternet. com.

Derek Ayling Fordingbridge

Grown with love in Chettle visit www.theveglady.co.uk

Kick off 2026 with our WI

Looking for something new to try this year? Canford and Merley WI is inviting women to kick off the new year with colour, confidence and community. Our next meeting takes place on Wednesday, February 11, starting at 7.15pm for 7.30pm, and we are delighted to welcome Julie Jackson, an awardwinning colour analyst and personal stylist.

Julie will be sharing tips on how colour can transform your look and boost your confidence - a perfect way to begin the year feeling refreshed and inspired. We are a friendly, welcoming group of likeminded ladies who meet on the second Wednesday of each month (except

January) at the Community Centre, Harrier Drive, Merley.

Our varied programme includes informative talks, fun and creative activities, craft sessions and social events, offering something for everyone.

Whether you’re new to the area, are looking to meet new people, or simply keen to try something different, we would love you to join us.

Why not come along, bring a friend, and see what the WI has to offer?

New members and visitors are always very welcome. For more details please contact me on 07780 705702. Hazel Clarke President

Volunteering for Scout group

The 1st St. Leonards & St. Ives Scout Group needs you!

We’re looking for adult volunteers to join our Cub and Beaver teams - no experience is needed, just enthusiasm and a sense of fun.

Cubs run during term-time on a Monday from 6.30pm to 8pm, and Beavers on Tuesdays 5.30pm to 7pm. Or perhaps you’d prefer to help behind the scenes?

We’re also recruiting a group chairman and a group secretary for our trustee board. A few hours a month could make a huge difference. Please get in touch and start your Scouting adventure. Contact me (group lead volunteer) at: mfaddie@ gmail.com or telephone/ WhatsApp: 07972 685213. Max Forrester-Addie Group Lead Volunteer

Your email comments are very welcome, however we cannot publish them anonymously and we reserve the right to edit them as deemed necessary

Ferndown Manor care home, 110 Golf Links Road, Ferndown

Wednesday 4th March, 10am - 11.30am

Pictures, Books, Prints & Ephemera; European & Asian Ceramics & Works of Art; and Antique Furniture & Objects

Saturday 24th January 2026

SOLD FOR £8,200

For free verbal valuations please contact

Head Office & Salesrooms:

Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury SP7 9AN 01202 842 900 www.semleyauctioneers.com

Offices in Semley, Wiltshire; Wimborne, Dorset; and South Kensington, London

Tankard auction is a beer necessity!

A massive Swedish silver beer tankard, valued at £3,000, is included in the Charterhouse four day January auction. Richard Bromell of Charterhouse said: “I must admit to being partial to the occasional pint but am not sure how many tankards of beer I would be able to manage these days!” . The silver tankard comes from a collection of silver from London and is being sold on Wednesday, January 28.

Viewing starts on Monday, January 26, for this four-day auction, run with Beswick & Royal Worcester on Tuesday, January 27, followed by silver on the 28th, jewellery and watches on the 29th and then antiques and interiors on the 30th.

All lots, viewing details and live internet bidding, is available on charterhouseauction.com.

Beswick, Doulton & Worcester Tuesday 27th

Silver & Silver Plate Wednesday 28th

Jewellery & Watches Thursday 29th

Antiques & Interiors Friday 30th January Auction Programme

Specialist Valuation Days in Sherborne

Jewellery, Watches & Silver 26th

Chinese & Japanese Ceramics & Bronzes 27th

Coins, Medals, Militaria & Stamps 28th

Model Cars, Trains, Dolls & Toys 29th

Classic Motorcycle Auction 12th March

Classic Car Auction 26th March

Dating to the end of the 19th century, this heavy silver tankard has a silver medallion inset into the lid and rests on three pomegranate feet. Made by Swedish company C G Halberg in the mid-17th century style it measures 20 cm high.

n Richard and the team can be contacted for specialist advice and valuations at the Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, 01935 812277 or via rb@charterhouseauction.com.

early 19th century English primitive school oil on canvas, 35cm by 45cm.

Firm thanked for support

Forest Holme Hospice in Poole recently welcomed Philip Arnett, director at Railston Ltd, along with his father Roger, to the hospice to thank them for their exceptional support last year. The hospice was chosen as Railston’s Charity of the Year for 2025 due to its special significance for Philip and his family. Philip’s mother received care at Forest Holme, and this connection inspired the

choice, with Roger attending the presentation in her memory.

Throughout the year, the Railston team raised £10,723.31 through a wide range of fundraising activities, including skydives in Scotland, the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge, bake sales and Movember, demonstrating the commitment and enthusiasm of staff across the organisation.

Get active in the holidays

Bryanston School’s holiday activity programmes for children aged six and over, are designed to blend focus with fun.

Running during holidays and half-term, the camps give children the chance to try new activities, build confidence and make new friends in a safe environment.

Children can improve existing skills or discover interests across a range of creative and active courses,

supported by specialist Bryanston staff.

Childcare vouchers are accepted from certain providers. Contact: holidaycourse@bryanston. co.uk/01258 484669. ADVERTISEMENT

Options include Sports Camps, expanded to include tennis and hockey, alongside experiences such as 3D modelling and printing, bouldering for beginners, DJing and electronic music production, equestrian camp, musical theatre, dance and drama.

Justice: Why I’m fighting for your rights

Justice in Britain is at risk

- not because of crime, but because of Government cuts and bad decisions. Behind the headlines lies a system starved of resources and struggling to uphold the rights that have defined our democracy for hundreds of years.

As your MP, I don’t just speak for our community in Parliament - I also serve on the Justice Select Committee, where we hold the Government and other agencies to account, and prepare reports on how to improve the system.

Each week, our group takes evidence on everything from court funding and probation services to prisons and family law. It’s detailed work, but the stakes couldn’t be higher; after all justice delayed is justice denied.

We have been challenging the Government’s plan to restrict jury trials. Ministers claim this will speed up justice, but it goes way beyond the

recommendations of the independent enquiry.

Trial by jury is a key part of British freedom. It may not be perfect, but removing it from thousands of cases each year is a risky shortcut.

Liberal Democrats have always stood for fairness and individual freedoms, and we will fight any attempt to weaken them and when MPs from every major party unite against a policy, it’s clear the Government has lost the argument.

The real problem isn’t juriesit’s a broken system. On a visit to Poole Law Courts, I watched as a judge sat in an empty courtroom, waiting hours for prisoners to arrive. Transport failures, missing witnesses, and plea changes lead to collapsed cases and extra delay. That’s not fixed by reducing our rights - it’s fixed by increasing sitting days and proper investment. The backlog starts in our jails, which are full and failing. Overcrowding encourages

Liberal Democrat

Mid-Dorset & North Poole

VIKKI SLADE MP

violence and fuels a thriving drug trade: 39% of prisoners say it’s easy to get drugs inside and drones are becoming commonplace, delivering inside what should be secure units. More than half of prisoners cannot access work, and prison education services face cuts.

And with 80% of those behind bars re-offenders, the system is clearly failing to reform those it touches.

The justice system gets less money than the Science and Innovation Department. That choice has led to cuts in legal aid, left courts crumbling, and turned prisons into warehouses instead of places to rebuild lives. Liberal Democrats have long argued that rehabilitation, education, and mental health support are the keys to reducing crime. We want prisons to rebuild lives, not just lock people away.

Justice matters to victims, families and everyone in our communities. Whilst it may not come up directly on the doorsteps, a fear of crime does. Alongside properly-funded police, we need the courts to work too, prisons to function well and our rights to be maintained - for everyone, and not just those with money or influence.

Safe streets start with a justice system that works - and I won’t let ministers blame those rights while ignoring the evidence.

Crusading against even higher Council Tax

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to securing Government U-turns on policy in recent weeks.

The latest on digital IDs will be a great relief and is a direct result of millions having petitioned Parliament expressing their opposition. This resulted in a debate where, as I reported in an earlier issue, the hapless minister was unable to defend the Prime Minister’s policy.

n The cost of living crisis is being exacerbated by national and local tax increases.

Our local councillors need to recognise that increases in council tax at twice the rate of inflation will force families to cut back on other essential expenditure.

Why should inefficient council services be feather-bedded at taxpayers’ expense?

Even more alarming is the news that BCP councillors have secretly asked the Government for permission to impose a

Council Tax increase this year above the 4.99% limit without the need for a local referendum.

Having raised this outrageous matter in Parliament and been informed that the discussions between the council and Government are confidential, I have requested a meeting with the minister to put the case against the grant of permission for even higher Council Tax increases.

n We should all be alarmed by the latest news on ‘Net Zero’.

The Institute of Economic Affairs has produced a report highlighting that the real cost of the Government’s Net Zero policies will be about £9trillion. That is £9million million! Putting it in context, it is more than three times the current total national debt, nine times the annual GDP and about £150,000 per head over 25 years.

As the public is unwilling to accept such extortionate costs,

the true information is being withheld.

The latest example of this came when the Secretary of State, Ed Miliband, refused to answer directly my challenge that the Climate Change Committee said that the cost of offshore wind would only be £37.80 per

megawatt hour but the latest subsidy contracts awarded by the Government are based on £90.91 per megawatt hour. Consumers will be saddled with these rip-off costs on their energy bills for 20 years.

All the minister would say in response was to repeat the false claim that the cost of new gas-fired power stations would be even more expensive. Such Net Zero zealotry based on fantasy figures must be called to account by electricity consumers who will otherwise continue to be burdened with the highest prices in Europe for the indefinite future.

n Every year, millions of animals are killed in slaughterhouses using a nonstun method.

Why is this issue not included in the Government’s animal welfare strategy?

Food producers should be required to label meat to show consumers whether the animal has been fully stunned.

Conservative Christchurch & East Dorset

CHRIS CHOPE MP

Lions’ message scheme has a lot of bottle

Lions Clubs Message

In A Bottle is a simple but effective way for people to keep their basic personal and medical details where they can be found in an emergency on a standard form and in a common location - the fridge.

Lions Clubs nationally supply Lions Message

In A Bottle to anyone who needs it free of charge via Lions Clubs themselves, pharmacies, and doctors’ surgeries. This scheme helps emergency services personnel (paramedics, police, firefighters, and social services) to save valuable time in identifying an individual very quickly and knowing if they have any allergies or take special medication, knowing who best to contact in the

event of an emergency, and if there are any household pets that will need care if their owner becomes unwell.

Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions

Myrna’s

A care home resident’s wish came true when she saw her father’s artwork on display at a Bournemouth museum.

Myrna, who lives in Marjorie House in Lilliput, which is run by not-for-profit charity, Care South, visited the RussellCotes Art Gallery & Museum with four other residents and the care home team. The visit was organised in response to Care South’s ‘Make a Wish’ initiative which encourages care home residents to share hobbies, passions and interests they once enjoyed but are now unable to pursue without the home’s support. The residents’ dedicated care home team then brings the wish to life. Myrna and the others toured the museum before finding the water colour painting ‘The Darkened Bus Station’ by Eustace Nash of the old Bournemouth Bus Station on Exeter Road.

Club will be handing out these lifesaving bottles to everyone free of charge at their open day in the Meeting House in central Ringwood on Saturday, January 31, between

10am and noon. Head along to collect your free bottle, find out more about how the scheme works, and what Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions do in the community.

Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions Club promotes this scheme because members believe that this gives older or vulnerable people more confidence about their treatment in an emergency. It also gives peace of mind to relatives and friends that essential information will be available in an emergency situation.

To find out more about the scheme, Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions Club, or any other Lions projects contact them on 0345 833 5819 or via their website at www. randflions.org.uk.

joy at seeing father’s artwork

A plaque next to the painting describes how the artwork was hung at the ‘War Artists and Bournemouth Arts Club’

exhibition in 1940, which was attended by 4,000 people, despite limited opening and blackout regulations.

At the end of her visit, Myrna spoke to staff at the museum about her father’s artwork and they gave her a print of the piece to take home with her to go on display at the home. Myrna said: “It was lovely to visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum again, as it brought back many memories of my father.

“He was such a wonderful man. I am also very grateful to the team at Russell-Cotes for gifting me a print of one of his most famous works as I didn’t previously have a copy of it to look at and enjoy.”

Georgie Powell, home manager, said: “It was a pleasure for the team to enable Myrna to go and see her father’s artwork.

“She has fond memories of watching him paint and bringing these artworks to life so it was lovely for her to see that his talent lives on for everyone to enjoy.”

Home & Garden

£35,000 ‘treecycling’ success for charity

Diverse Abilities’ Treecycling 2026 has wrapped up, and what an incredible achievement it has been.

Over the Treecycling weekend between January 8 and 11, 105 dedicated volunteers gave an amazing 840 hours of their time to collect 2,488 Christmas trees from the Dorset and Hampshire community.

Thanks to this effort and the generosity of supporters, Dorset’s Disability Charity has raised more than £35,000, all of which goes directly to support children and adults with physical and learning disabilities thanks to generous sponsorship from Waste Management Facilities.

Treecycling has saved around 50 tonnes of waste from landfill and helped fund vital services that make a difference every day.

EX-DISPLAY SHEDS, Stables/field shelters, summerhouses, offices, workshops, agricultural 01935 891195

• 15 Colours

• Fully adjustable

• Safe for children and pets

The money raised could fund a whole year of the charity’s STARs siblings support service,

which provides a safe and understanding space for young people who often face greater pressures and responsibilities than their peers.

this year from the volunteers and from the local community booking to have their Christmas Trees collected by us.

GUTTERS CLEARED, 07788 376752 WANTED

STARS ensures these siblings receive the care and support they deserve.

Dave buys all types of tools. Call 01935 428975

• Maintenance free

• A-rated toughened units

• Argon gas filled

• Available in both windows and doors

(including composite and Bi-fold).

• Locally manufactured products

• Written quotations

• Guarantees and certificates To request a FREE Demonstration, please feel free to contact us.

do not sell in your home…All quotations are via email. 10% discount for the over 65’s. • Easy to operate

Francesca Potton, community fundraiser at Diverse Abilities said: “We’re overwhelmed by the support we’ve received

“I want to say a huge thankyou to Wessex Water, Avon Material Supplies, Halo Design, MATA Construction, Charles Trent, WMF and Plants for Trade who volunteered their time over the weekend.”

Gardeners brave cold for talk

In spite of the very cold and frosty weather conditions there were nearly 30 members present at the January meeting of the Wimborne Gardening Club who enjoyed a very interesting talk by Phil Broomfield on the story behind Lord Bute’s seaside retreat ‘High Cliff’, a miniature Kew - built in the mid-1770sand the present-day Highcliffe Castle.

The next meeting of the club will take place on Monday, February 2, at 7.30pm in the St Catherines Church Hall, Lewens Lane, Wimborne, when Jane Benson from the Wimborne Community Garden will share

her inspirational stories and her experiences cultivating a thriving community garden initiative.

All are welcome and to enjoy coffee afterwards.

Members were reminded about the Spring Show to be held on Saturday, April 11, in the Allendale Community Centre. Show schedules will be in various venues around the Town over the coming weeks.

Members were also told about the planned coach outing to the RHS Garden at Wisley on Tuesday, May 19.

More details at the February Meeting. Anthony Oliver

Waste Carrier Tel: 01202 001614 or 07853 275379

UNITED FENCING SUPPLIES LTD

Food & Drink

Cooking... with Martha Legg

Oven salmon with noodles

As you know, I like quick one or two-pan meals, that are tasty and healthy. We still try and shop weekly and I try and plan meals; but it doesn’t always work out quite the way it should!

We bought a large piece of salmon on Saturday and I was going to cook salmon with hot potato salad and then lemon tagliatelle. Unfortunately, I wasn’t very well on the Monday, (nothing to do with my cooking) so Martin decided to have fish and chips. Well, that put the whole plan for the week out!

I don’t like lemon tagliatelle very much so decided to find some different recipes. Martin was very impressed with the cooking, he said it was perfection!

Better than the way he cooks it in the frying pan. The only downside was that the skin wasn’t very crispy, but as I don’t eat the skin, I didn’t really mind. You could serve it up with potatoes and some vegetables or salad but with the sauce being a bit oriental, I thought that a stir fry would be better.

We were going on a bit of a holiday this year; an adventure to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore but, unfortunately, two typhoons struck, which

meant that Hoi An, Hue and Da Nang were under water, so we had to cancel. It wasn’t just the flooding but what gets brought up through the drainage system that wouldn’t have been pleasant! So, it’s off to India for us, where we can capture a taste of the orient.

Ingredients:

1 salmon filet per person

Real maple syrup 1 tsp per person plus extra for stir fry

Low-sodium soy sauce, 1tsp per person plus extra for stir fry

Dijon mustard, 1tsp per person plus extra for stir fry

Sea salt or kosher salt, and freshly-ground black pepper

Bag of stir fry vegetables

Straight-to-wok noodles

Method:

Take salmon out of fridge 30 mins before cooking so it comes up to room temperature

Preheat the oven to 375F (190C)

Whisk the maple syrup, soy sauce and Dijon mustard together until the mustard has blended in

Place the salmon pieces on a parchmentlined baking sheet

Sprinkle the tops of each salmon piece with a generous pinch of fine sea salt

Coat each piece with the sauce

Put the salmon in the oven

It generally takes about 10 minutes, but the timing depends on how thick your salmon pieces are.

While it is cooking, heat a frying pan and cook the stir fry vegetables and noodles using some of the extra sauce.

Serve with the salmon on top of the stir fry.

A fundraising home for unwanted gifts

If Santa got it wrong this year and didn’t bring you quite the gifts you were looking for - Wimborne’s Museum of East Dorset could put your unwanted presents to good use. The museum is a charity and organises many fundraising events throughout the year, with all proceeds going to help sustain the running of the award-winning site. Fundraising also helps support many of the valuable community engagement programmes such as the Reminiscence Outreach programme; designed to help stimulate those living with dementia, experienced museum volunteers visit care homes and day centres with memorabilia and objects.

The museum also supports Wimborne Food Bank and provides crafts and activity sessions for underprivileged children during the school holidays. Director Francessca Hollow said: “We always need good-quality raffle

and tombola prizes for our events. If anyone has an overload of new and unwanted toiletries, biscuits, sweet tins, wine - please consider us. “Unwanted, unopened and duplicate

gifts - we’d love to put them to fundraising use.”

You can drop off donations to the museum shop which is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

We would like to wish all you lovely readers and all of our supporters a very Happy New Year and hope you all had a lovely time celebrating with friends and family. All our animals were fed and watered over the festive period by staff and Volunteers and were glad to see everyone back from the holidays. The first fortnight of January has thrown up some challenging weather - warm sunshine, howling winds, driving rain and frosty mornings - each weather throws up challenges but the worst is the frost, as all our pipes freeze and we have to invent ingenious ways of thawing out the small animal bottles, we well as getting

water to all the larger animals.

As I write this, we are currently experiencing torrential rain which has created a lake on the farm - our poor goats had to negotiate around it, in order for them to get to their dry overnight home.

Some of our animals just did not feel like venturing out into the wet at all and found dry and warm places to chill out or sleep - Yogi sat in front of the fire while Gareth found a chair to curl up on.

Towards the end of 2025 we brought in a Billy pygmy goat as well as a ram, in the hope that we will have new life on the farm in spring. We have now had confirmation that Buttons, our pygmy goat

A day at the farm

with Sharon Boden

Sharon is a member of staff at High Mead Farm in Longham. High Mead is a working farm run to promote the benefits of engaging with animals, soil and nature. We create purposeful roles for our co-farmers, young people and adults, to help create a sense of well-being and self-worth many have never experienced before. Due to safeguarding, the farm shop is the only area currently open to the public

is having twins - thanks to Ewok - as you can see from the photo he was a very handsome boy. We are also pleased to say that thanks to Tyson the ram, our sheep are expecting triplets - March is going to be very busy indeed! Despite the changes of weather we have been experiencing, our Co-farmers remain positive and embrace the days with new adventures

- being wheeled around or inspecting a leaky roof. Finally, we are making plans for events this year and I can let you know that we have the dates for our Open Days in 2026 - they are always on a Saturday and run from 10am-4pm. The dates are March 28, June 27, and 26th

Help our prickly friends

Everyone loves a hedgehog,

fresh water can also help. Remember, cutting out the garden chemicals will help wildlife thrive!

• What happens when my pet passes at the Vets or at home?

• 100% Individual Cremation Service

• Collection service from home or your vets

• How can I guarantee 100% my own pets’ ashes are returned?

• Farewell Room for your final goodbyes

• Your own pets’ ashes within 3 days

• Where will my pet be taken?

• What are my options? Here for you and your pet when you need us.

• Keepsakes, Urns, Caskets & Ashes Jewellery

• When will I receive my pets’ ashes back?

Dorset Pet Cremations can help answer all these questions.

T: 01202 906440

E: info@dorsetpetcremations.co.uk w: dorsetpetcremations.co.uk pet from beginning to end with care and compassion every step of the way

E: info@dorsetpetcremations.co.uk W: dorsetpetcremations.co.uk

and an increase in road traffic, have all contributed to

Thankfully there are positive signs that, with help, our prickly friends can do well in towns.

Making our gardens, parks and verges wildlife friendly can make a huge difference to the life of a

Hedges, shrubs and quiet corners provide shelter, while log piles and scruffy lawns support worms and insects - making them great

Supplementary feeding with dry cat food alongside dishes of

They may have little legs, but hedgehogs can travel two to three km per night looking for food or a mate. A 13cm/5inch gap in your fence creates a hedgehog highway, cutting travel time and making it easier to find food. Talking about access, if you have a pond, remember to include a shallow slope or add a ramp to ensure hedgehogs can escape if they accidentally fall in.

Hedgehog Friendly Wimborne is a small group of people who want to make Wimborne and the surrounding area a great place for hedgehogs to thrive. Small actions can make a big difference!

If you would like to find out more, contact hedgehogfriendly wimborne@btinternet.com.

Looking forward to the spring lambing

for tying themselves in knots.

Most sheep will naturally give birth as the days start to get longer, but many native breeds can cycle outside of the usual window,

Farmers, smallholders, students, vets; everyone gets involved over the lambing season to help where they can. Be that day or night, indoors or out!

Lambs - often arriving with several siblings in tow - frequently have a particular talent

You might be presented with three legs, a tail or perhaps a head and someone else’s legs! It’s all possible and to be expected when there may be two, three (or even more) lambs all fighting for the exit.

This can make a safe delivery about as easy as doing a jigsaw blindfolded.

Experienced shepherds are often experts in resolving mishaps like these, as well as resolving other issues in lambing ewes and newborns.

But we all have to start somewhere! For me, I found my lambing feet whilst on placement during university.

I helped (and I’m sure at times hindered!) at several local flocks over the Easter holidays. Now, years later, I try my best to pass on that knowledge to others.

Over recent years we have seen a big increase in both hobby and small breeding flocks. It’s a pleasure to work with these flocks and see them develop over time.

Are you a budding shepherd, eager vet student, or perhaps returning to sheep work after a bit of time away? Come and improve your skills before a busy spring at one of our lambing courses in the New Year.

We also have a kids’ lambing and calving course for youngsters wanting to get some training. Please see our website or speak to the farm office for further details.

No end of talent in stage production

Following rave reviews and sold-out performances throughout its 2025 season touring the UK, the first ever UK and International tour of Patricia Highsmith’s iconic thriller the Talented Mr Ripley comes to Lighthouse in March, ahead of a planned West End transfer.

The tour will play Lighthouse Poole from Monday to Saturday, March 16 to 21.

Ed McVey (The Crown, Netflix), Maisie Smith (EastEnders, BBC) and Bruce Herbelin-Earle (Free Reign, Netflix) continue in the roles of Tom Ripley, Marge Sherwood and Dickie Greenleaf respectively.

Described by The Stage as a ‘thrilling adaptation’ and WhatsOnStage as ‘ingenious stories and brilliantly multifaceted characters’, the show is adapted and directed by Mark Leipacher.

Ed McVey stars as Tom Ripley, Maisie Smith as Marge Sherwood and Bruce Herbelin-Earle as Dickie Greenleaf. Last year marked the 70th anniversary of Patricia Highsmith’s gripping novel,

the source material for the 2000 Oscarnominated film starring Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow, the 2024 Netflix adaptation starring Andrew Scott, and the stage adaptation. Step into a world of deception, desire, and deadly ambition.

Tom Ripley is a nobody - until he’s offered an unexpected opportunity: Travel to Italy and bring home the wealthy and carefree Dickie Greenleaf. But as Tom is drawn into Dickie’s glittering world of privilege, his obsession takes a dark turn. What begins as an innocent invitation spirals into a web of lies, identity theft, and murder.

Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of 1950s Italy, this gripping stage adaptation brings Highsmith’s iconic novel to life in a thrilling new production.

With razor-sharp dialogue, psychological intensity, and a chillingly charismatic antihero, this is Ripley as you’ve never seen him before. How far would you go to be someone else?

n Monday to Saturday, March 16 to 21, 7.45pm, 2.30pm (Wednesday, Saturday matinees).

Age guidance: 12+

Tickets and information 01202 280000 www.lighthousepoole.co.uk.

Exhibition highlights art of keeping well

A new community exhibition, The Art Of Keeping Well brings together artworks that explore experiences of caregiving, memory loss, and ageing well.

Developed through a collaboration between artists, community participants, local charities, and Bournemouth University, these creative works encourage audiences to connect more deeply with the lived realities of those caring for loved ones and consider what people need to live well in later life.

It features collaged postcards created through Bournemouth University and Help&Care’s Waiting Well research project on dementia and ageing well,

alongside Stay, a painting by local artist Adilson Naueji that illuminates the often-invisible world of family carers, inspired by the Caring and Working research project.

The exhibition also showcases Beyond The Lines, a black and white portrait series created by members of In Jolly Good Company groups, which challenges us to move beyond the stereotypes and recognise how older people remain connected, relevant, engaged, passionate, creative, and continually learning and growing.

The images invite the viewer to look beyond and behind the lines on the faces of the subjects and see them as

individuals with a future, a rich life story and wisdom to be passed down.

All are guests at In Jolly Good Company groups and used a portable studio lighting kit to create black and white digital portraits of each other

that capture them in playful, thoughtful and deeply personal moments.

Every picture is a conversation between the guest behind the camera and the guest in front of it.

In Jolly Good Company is a dementia-friendly charity, open to all, and would like to thank all who make its vital work possible, in particular Dorset Council for supporting the Beyond The Lines photography project and exhibitions.

n Lighthouse top floor and mezzanine gallery.

Until Saturday, February 28, Tuesday-Saturday 10am. Information 01202 280000 and lighthousepoole.co.uk.

Swing Unlimited return for free fundraiser

Jazz At The Allendale, a free to enter concert organised by Wimborne Rotary, is again returning to Wimborne’s Allendale Community Centre.

The concert, featuring Swing Unlimited Big Band, will be on Monday, February 16, commencing at 7.30pm. Admission is free with tickets available only at the doors, which open at 7.00pm.

As usual there will be a retiring collection which this year will benefit Youth Music Wessex, and other Rotary-supported charities.

The South Coast’s foremost 17-piece big band, Swing Unlimited will present a

varied programme which will include a broad repertoire of swing, jazz,

and contemporary music, from the golden age of swing through to the present day.

Wimborne Rotary president, Brian Dryden, said: “Wimborne Rotary has again organised this annual charitable concert, the proceeds from which will go to support a local music related charity, Youth Music Wessex, and other local charities which Rotary supports.

“This concert always attracts a large and appreciative audience, and we look forward to welcoming them”, he added.

The safest time to drive

Confused.com has analysed government road accident data and compared it with the Department for Transport’s Traffic Flow Index.

Using both sets of data, they created a Safety Index that shows how risky each hour is once you factor in traffic levels.

The higher the Safety Index, the more dangerous that hour is.

Safest times:

The safest time to drive is after sunrise, when visibility improves and roads get steadily busier without a spike in collisions.

Safest weekday hours: 0500-0700, with Wednesday 0500-0600 the safest hour of the week

Safest weekend hours: 09001000 on both Saturday and Sunday.

Most dangerous times: The riskiest hours of the

week happen after midnight, when roads appear quiet but collision rates are higher relative to traffic: 2300-0400 is the most dangerous period overall.

Sunday 0300-0400 is the riskiest hour of the week.

Saturday 0200-0300 also shows a sharp rise in risk. On weekdays, 0000-0100 and 2300-0000 are among the most dangerous hours. Darkness, fatigue and higher late-night speeds all add to the danger during these hours.

2016 (65) Audi A5 Coupe 1.8TFSi S Line Nav 2dr. Sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, leather, heated seats, road sign assist, Bluetooth, auto lights & wipers, hill holder, 92,900 miles

2017 (17) Ford KA+ 1.2 Zetec 5dr. 85bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, parking sensors, cruise control, hill hold, air con, Bluetooth, upto 56mpg economy, small exterior with a spacious interior, 76,900 miles ....................................£6450

£8650

2018 (68) Renault Captur 0.9TCe Iconic 5dr. High seating, sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, road sign assist, Bluetooth, auto lights & wipers, 73,500 miles £6850

2012 (62) Ford Ka 1.2 Studio 3dr. 69bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, £35 yearly tax, 50+mpg, simple car with basic spec, cambelt replaced, MOT Nov 2025, private sale on behalf of a customer, 73,500 miles .......................................£2950

2018 (18) Fiat Panda 4x4 0.9T Twin Air 5dr. Tough & rugged 4-wheel drive with great ground clearance, Bluetooth, hill holder, city steering switch for extra light steering in towns, 50,600 miles Available soon £8950

2006 (06) Mercedes-Benz CLK200 1.8 Kompressor Sport Automatic Convertible 2dr. 163bhp, petrol, 5 speed auto gearbox, recent new roof & shocks absorbers, full history, 15 stamps, heated leather, electric roof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, park sensors, MOT June 25, private sale on behalf of a customer, 77,500 miles ...........................................................................................................£4250

2015 (15) Renault Captur 1.5DCi Dynamique Media Nav 5dr. High seating, sat nav, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, £20 a year road tax & upto 78mpg economy, cambelt kit replaced, 78,000 miles Available soon £5250

2014 (14) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium X AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 163bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4x4, high seats, leather, heated seats, heated screen, sat nav, park sensors, auto park, reverse camera, sunroof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, lane aid, sign recognition, hill hold, electric tailgate, cambelt replaced, 92,500 miles .........£7450

2014 (14) Ford EcoSport 1.5TDCi Titanium X Pack 5dr. X pack, leather, parking sensors, cruise control, Bluetooth, hill holder, auto lights & wipers, £35 tax, cambelt kit replaced, 87,800 miles £5450

2021 (21) Ford Puma 1.0T ST Line X MHEV 5dr. 155bhp, sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, main beam assist, road sign assist, Bluetooth, hill holder, collision safety system, 47,800 miles £13250

2020 (69) Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0TDCi Titanium 320 L1 H1 Automatic 9 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, 8 seat plus driver, reversable seats for conference or forward facing, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, heated front seats, park sensors, cambelt replaced, 97,000 miles ............£21500 + VAT = £25800

2015 (65) Peugeot 308 1.2THP Allure Automatic 5dr. 130bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, park sensors, reverse camera, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, hill hold, only £35 a year road tax, 50+mpg economy, cambelt has been replaced, 69,500 miles..............................................................DUE IN SOON

2017 (17) Renault Koleos 2.0DCi Signature Nav Automatic 4x4 5dr. High seating, big boot, leather, climate seats, heated steering wheel, sat nav, park sensors & camera, park assist, auto lights

2019 (19) Renault Captur 1.5DCi Iconic Automatic SUV 5dr. 90bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, hill hold, high seating, sliding rear seats, upto 67mpg economy, 20,300 miles .........................................................................................................£12250

2020 (70) Ford Transit Custom 2.0TDCi 300 Limited L1 H1 Van 5dr. Stunning van with full body styling & grille kit, roof rails, wheel upgrade, parking sensors, cruise control, heated seats, auto lights & wipers, Bluetooth, hill holder, wetbelt cambelt kit replaced, no vat to pay, 77,600 miles

2020 (69) Ford Transit 2.0TDCi Trend 350 MWB MR L2 H2 11 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 10 seat plus driver, 2 front seats, 9 rear seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, heated front seats, hill hold, cambelt replaced, 90,200 miles.........................£19500 + VAT = £23400

2017 (17) Vauxhall Astra 1.4 SRi 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, cruise control, pre-collision assist, sign recognition, hill hold, Bluetooth, 63,600 miles ..............................................£6950

£15000

2018 (18) Kia Ceed 1.6CRDi GT-Line 5dr. Sat Nav, reverse camera, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, hill holder, road sign assist, upto 72mpg economy, 46,500 miles Available soon £9650

2014 (64) Kia Venga 3, 1.6 Automatic (Sat Nav) 5dr. 123bhp, petrol, 4 speed automatic gearbox, high seating, decent boot, sat nav, parking sensors & reverse camera, electric sunroof, partial leather, heated seats, cruise control, sign recognition, hill hold, only 38,800 miles........................................................£7850

2019 (19) Mitsubishi ASX 1.6 Juro 5dr. High seating & ground clearance, big boot, reverse camera, heated seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, Bluetooth, hill holder, 82,500 miles Available soon £8450

2016 (66) Mazda 3, 2.0 SE-L Nav Automatic 5dr. 120bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, sign recognition, heated seats, hill hold, 75,900 miles...................................£8450

2016 (66) Vauxhall Mokka 1.6CDTi SE 4x4 SUV 5dr. 136bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive, high seating, big boot, heated leather seats, heated steering wheel, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, hill hold, performance & economy, upto 60mpg, 65,500 miles ....................................£7250 WE BUY CARS & VANS SO IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL GIVE US A CALL, WE PAY GOOD PRICES & CONSIDER MOST VEHICLES

Arrow words

Wordsearch

Breeds of Cattle

Crossword

Across

Killer Sudoku Pro

Across

1 Praise wild Northern cat (7)

5 Spread food around lake (5)

Down

2 By the sound of it, first person, truly attractive figure (6)

9 Alcoholic gent confused regarding computing etc? (13)

10 Direction from short chap, independent British actor (8)

11 Person that’s feeble and tiny departs (4)

12 Plan year off touring Thailand concerning remote travellers? (9)

16 Fruit by the sound of it for duo (4)

17 Medic in South American country close to main issue (8)

19 Polish chap and foil sadly missing fellow that’s calm and stoical (13)

17 Medic in South American country close to main issue (8)

19 Polish chap and foil sadly missing fellow that’s calm and stoical (13)

21 Priest I love before rector, head of holy order (5)

22 Good man cuts term of endearment showing candour (7)

Killer Sudoku Pro:

3 Second famous Argentinian ruled out as programme planner (9)

4 A staple crop – or fruit of a tree (5)

6 Wreath close to wall that is overturned (3)

6 Wreath close to wall that is overturned

7 Academic, one scanning manuscripts for publisher (6)

8 Force store to relocate set of trees (6)

7 Academic, one scanning manuscripts for publisher (6)

11 Liberal enthralled by news extra affecting everywhere? (9)

8 Force store to relocate set of trees (6)

13 Most pleasant desserts found in part of Australia (6)

11 Liberal enthralled by news extra affecting everywhere? (9)

13 Most pleasant desserts found in part of Australia (6)

14 Husband put in parting word in agitated state (6)

15 Deputy with skill gets to quit (6)

14 Husband put in parting word in agitated state (6)

15 Deputy with skill gets to quit (6)

18 What golf teacher might say in extempore dramatic performance (5)

20 See old card game (3)

18 What golf teacher might say in extempore dramatic performance (5)

20 See old card game (3)

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.

HOUSE CLEARANCE

LOGS FOR SALE

Estate Administrator

Location: Minterne House, Dorset, UK

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility on start & finish timings. There is a necessity to accommodate occasional evening or weekend needs.

Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

Start date: 16 March 2026

Overview of Role:

We are seeking an experienced Estate Administrator to oversee operations at Minterne House, to ensure effective and compliant property administration and provide secretarial support for Lord Digby and his family.

Reporting to the Estate Manager, the postholder will liaise with estate staff, external consultants and members of the Digby family to ensure effective communications and the smooth and efficient running of day-to-day operations and events.

Application Information:

To apply for this role please send a CV and covering letter marked for the attention of Julian Webb, Estate Manager to: enquiries@minterne.co.uk with immediate effect. Interviews will be held the week commencing 2 February 2026.

www.minterne.co.uk

Security firm celebrates 25 years of safety,

Wimborne-based familyrun business Guardall Security Systems is proudly celebrating 25 successful years in business this month, marking a quarter of a century of keeping homes and businesses safe across the region.

Founded in 2001 by David Vowles, Guardall has grown from a small independent venture into a trusted name in security across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. An everburgeoning client portfolio ranges from stately homes

Puzzle solutions

to high-street brands such as Costa, Toni & Guy, and Carpet Barn.

David, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the intruder alarm industry, said: “This is such a landmark achievement for our business.

“We’re proud to offer a comprehensive range of professional security services tailored for everyone, from firsttime homeowners to large businesses - and at competitive prices.”

David and his wife Sally, who first met while working in the security industry, have built Guardall into a thriving family business. Sally manages the Wimborne office, their son William is a fully-qualified installation engineer after completing a rigorous three-year apprenticeship, daughter Imogen supports the company’s online presence and daughterin-law Tia contributes to marketing.

Accredited by the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board, Guardall’s services are ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The 25th anniversary

was celebrated with a formal visit by Mayor of Wimborne, Councillor Jeff Hart and town crier Chris Brown along with Fiona Pawsey, chairman of Wimborne BID.

PC Kevin Miller and Police Community Support Officer Nikki Sykes from Wimborne’s Neighbourhood Policing unit also attended the celebrations.

service and success

police and insurance approved.

With 24-hour callouts, 365 days a year, the company has earned a reputation for reliability and personal service.

Sally said: “Our customers are part of the Guardall family, many of whom have been using our services for many years.

“Clients can pop in and speak to us in personwe know how important security is and pride ourselves on providing an expert, bespoke service.”

As Guardall celebrates, the company is embracing the future with new services, including network technology solutions to improve Wi-Fi coverage and eliminate dead spots in homes and businesses.

Plans are also under way to expand the workforce by recruiting and training more apprentice installation engineers, ensuring the next generation continues the Guardall legacy.

To mark this special milestone, Guardall is offering 10% off all new intruder alarm installations until the end of March 2026 - simply quote CODE25Guardall.

Guardall Security Systems West Borough, Wimborne Minster. Telephone: 01202 840862. Guardall Security Systems info@guardallsecurity. co.uk.

Pictured are Sally and Dave Vowles along with their son Will who run Guardall together with Wimborne mayor Jeff Hart.

‘Finntastic’ win for newcomer Mike

A temperature of minus 3C greeted the intrepid bunch of Wimborne Fly Fishers as they arrived at Avon Springs Trout Fishery near Stonehenge in Wiltshire.

Predictably, the lake was frozen solid so it looked like a wasted journey, or so you would think.

But the fly fishers are made from sterner stuff and we quickly made the decision to try Manningford Fishery just 10 minutes up the road.

Astonishingly, the lake was clear of ice; no I don’t know why either...

The fly fishers were fishing within minutes and as trout are essentially a cold-water species the action was pretty fast.

The fish were low in the water so those of us with sinking lines were at an advantage.

Then suddenly the fish stopped biting and anglers were stretched to their limit trying to find them.

One such angler was Mike Finn who, while fishing a lure on light tackle, hooked into a monster.

After a 15-minute battle Mike won the prize with this beautifully-marked brown tipping the scale at 9lb 13oz. This fish alone was enough to win Mike the clean sweep of biggest bag, biggest fish and biggest brown.

Great angling Mike!

Gordon Wray

HUNGRY

Have A Legal Question?

HGW Solicitors offers free monthly legal advice clinics at various locations across Dorset. Just pop in and have a chat with a legal professional. No appointment is required.

I feel my divorce is going from bad to worse. What can I do?

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

February Free Legal Advice Clinics

The Centre Ferndown Barns Rd, Ferndown, BH22 8XH

Free legal advice: Wills and Family

Friday, 6th February 2026

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The Hub On The Heath

Buy a hot drink and get free legal advice

10, Adastral Square, Canford Heath, Poole BH17 8SA

Thursday, 12th February 2026

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Other options involve a barrister providing an early neutral evaluation or an arbitrator making a definitive decision on matters where you can’t find agreement.

Esca Café Bar Christchurch

Buy a hot drink and get free legal advice

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Thursday 19th February 2026

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The Coffee Lounge West Moors

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137, Station Road West Moors, Ferndown BH22 0HT

Wednesday, 25th February 2026

From 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Contact your Friend In Law today

It’s never too late to change the direction that your divorce proceedings are taking. If you feel that tension is escalating and you’re not progressing, it might be a good time to take a different approach. Collaborative Law or Mediation may be approaches that could work better for you.

Collaborative Law involves your lawyers working together, with face-to-face meetings taking place with both of you and your lawyers so that everyone can work as a team to try to resolve matters in an amicable way.

Mediation also promotes open communication and involves a third person helping you to discuss options and concerns with each other to reach solutions together.

These options can ultimately save you time, angst and money. There are many flexible options, and it is important to explore them to make sure you’re following the best route for you - it’s never too late to make a new start.

If you’re feeling unsure about your next step, early advice can make all the difference. Call 01202 203200 or email enquiries@hgwalker.co.uk to speak confidentially with a member of our Family Law team.

n Law Spot is brought to you by Harold G Walker Solicitors, your Friend-in-Law. The answers in this feature are for guidance purposes only and so not constitute legal advice. enquiries@hgwalker.co.uk | www.hgwalker.co.uk

Sometimes the introduction of a third neutral person to the dynamic can really help matters progress positively.

Top ‘Marks’ at county’s cricket society

It’s time for a half year review of Dorset Cricket Society’s excellent speakers winter programme to date, writes Paul Pearson. Best attendance with ‘top Marks’ of 71 members and guests at our meeting with Vic Marks who back in November spoke about his new book, Cricket Captains Of England 1975-2005 and discussing the forthcoming England Test Series which he would be out

in Australia commenting on! In this review I’ll concentrate on an extract of Vic’s talk. Vic felt that as he was familiar with all the Test captains it would give him some legitimacy in writing his book, starting with Mike Brearley. Chairman of selectors Ray Illingworth considered Brearley a lucky captain not so much on the field but Brearley never captained against the West Indies and Australia had been weakened by the Kerry Packer affair.

He had Ian Botham at his finest plus David Gower and Bob Willis so he was blessed with a good team. Brearley was almost the last captain to be chosen for his ability as captain rather than his playing ability.

By contrast Ian Botham captained England in 12 Tests, nine of them were against the West Indies with Botham, pictured, drawing six of them, Geoff Boycott came and went

fairly quickly with his famous dismissal in New Zealand when Botham ran him out and Boycott never forgave him, especially as England won that Test, Vic felt Boycott was too selfish to make a good captain. Bob Willis is really the only fast bowler to captain England in modern times. On balance he won more tests than he lost, so is one of the more successful captains.

David Gower appeared very laid back but Vic considered that Gower was far more concerned than he showed whether it was losing the England captaincy or being sacked by Sky!

Gower’s downfall was against the West Indies losing all 10 matches.

Readers will have to purchase Vic’s new book for his full story!

Email ppjrms@ntlworld.com for more information.

11 questions to ask when viewing a house

Viewing a property isn’t just about looking, it’s a chance to learn as much as possible about your potential home.

But many of us simply don’t know what to ask.

To help with your hunt, Armishaws Removals have got the 11 best questions to ask during a viewing:

Questions to ask the estate agent

1 How long has it been on the market?

If it isn’t selling, there may be a reason.

Or if it’s been on the market some time, the sellers might be open to a cheeky offer.

2 What’s included?

Are all the fitted appliances staying or will you be left with empty spaces?

Are they removing that halfdemolished shed or leaving it behind?

Ask now to avoid issues after the sale.

On The Move Property

3 When… was the boiler last serviced? the chimney swept? The windows replaced?

Questions about general maintenance will give you an indication of how well the property has been cared for and what immediate problems/bills you might face.

4 Why are the current owners selling?

Are there any red flags you should be aware of?

5 Which boundaries will you be responsible for?

Is that falling-down fence between you and your next-door neighbour something you’ll need to fix?

Or worse, does it belong to the neighbour who isn’t bothered and isn’t going to fix it.

6 Have the sellers found a new property?

This will give you an idea of how long the chain is and how fast/slow the sale could take to complete.

7 How fast is the internet?

If the estate agent doesn’t know and you need to work from home, you can check internet speeds at ofcom.org and simply enter the postcode into their ‘broadband checker’.

8 How old?

How old is the property, is it listed or in a conservation area?

This could affect any future changes you want to make.

Questions to ask yourself

9 Will this house grow with us?

How will it feel when small (messy) toddlers become big (messier) teenagers?

Or, will a house for your family of three still be big enough if you become a family of four? Could this house adapt to suit your future needs?

10 Can I add value?

If this isn’t your forever home but a step on your property ladder, consider where/how you can make changes to increase the value when you come to sell.

11 How much is it really worth? The asking price might not reflect the true value. You can view what other houses in the street have sold for or how much the property was worth last time it sold at rightmove.co.uk/house-prices. n For more house-hunting and moving tips head to www. armishaws.com/blog.

Yarrells School & Nursery

Where children flourish—academically, creatively & socially.

Small classes • Individual attention

ISI-recognised for exceptional learning

Sports & Performing Arts Academies

Forest School • Stunning historic grounds

Minibus service

Yarrells Woodland Nursery (2–4 years)

7:30am–6pm • Year-round & term-time places

Funding & Tax-Free Childcare

Smooth transition to school

From April 2026: welcoming babies from 6 months

Outstanding ISI Feedback “Significant