The New Stour & Avon Magazine

Edition 2

Friday, May 7, 2021

The New Stour and Avon

Fortnightly

FREE

Local ex-student tames the Dragons Sam Jones, a 29-year-old entrepreneur and former pupil of Canford School in Wimborne, had a dramatic appearance on the BBC TV Show Dragons’ Den in April.

Sam went on the show

to try to secure funding for his company Gener8, a new technology start up that could potentially change the way you use the Internet.

At the start of his pitch, Sam announced that he was

looking for £60,000 for 10 per cent equity in the company. And it was his confidence from the start that impressed the dragons.

Sam opened the pitch dramatically, saying:

“The open secret within the advertising industry is that it’s built on exploiting our data,” and that was enough to rouse the dragons and pique their interest.

Continued on page 4

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What’s inside this issue Antiques and Collectibles Arts & Entertainment Business Matters Event Guide Health & Wellbeing Homes & Gardens Letters Local Services Planning Property Puzzles Starwatch Walk

50-51 34-37 38-41 37 44-46 48-49 18 54-55 58 59-63 52-53 25 33

The Wimborne Green Festival was a huge success this year.

We have a full report from the organisers on page 44.

Meet the team Jane Toomer Senior Account manager jane.toomer@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 07714 289411

Dean Mortlock Editor dean.mortlock@ stourandavon.net Tel: 07809 121434

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

Contact us Advertising – jane.toomer@blackmorevale.net Editorial – Newsdesk@stourandavon.net Classified and private ads – classifieds@stourandavon.net, 01963 400186

Debi Thorne Advertising manager debi.thorne @icloud.com Tel: 07714 289409

Lorraine Drake Distributor lorraine_drake@ icloud.com Tel: 07850 529937

Head to the New Stour and Avon website, where you can book classified adverts online, read the latest issue (or back issues), and even subscribe.

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Welcome to the New Stour and Avon

So, how have the last couple of weeks been for you?

Personally, it’s been an incredible one for me.

The launch of the New Stour and Avon went even better than I expected – and I’ve got pretty high expectations!

Whether it was walking around Wimborne, talking to people in West Moors or chatting to shop owners in Verwood, everyone was so positive about the magazine and delighted to once again have a magazine out that, we hope, captured some of the spirit of the original.

It’s a cliché, but it really does make all the late night and deadlines worth it.

I’m delighted that so many people enjoyed it.

Which leads us neatly onto the second issue.

We’ve added the one thing that I got asked the most for: a Letters page!

Sure, it’s only a start, but we hope to build it up over time, so keep sending in your letters.

We’ve also added an Events Guide. For obvious reasons there are not many currently planned, but again, it’s another section of the magazine we hope to expand and develop over time.

Anything you’d like to see? Please to write and let me know, and hopefully we can accommodate you.

Platinum Award-Winning Care 2020

Dean, Editor

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

East Street Sunday Sessions hope to continue The response to the weekly closing of East Street in Wimborne for the Sunday Sessions has been overwhelmingly positive.

The scheme, which sees hospitality businesses in the road able to have seating outside for their customers, began around the time of the relaxing of covid

restrictions.

The next easing of restrictions, which currently is planned for May 17, will hopefully see indoor hospitality reopening, but organisers of the Sunday Sessions are hopeful that the scheme may be able to continue into the summer months.

“The staff here are quite simply wonderful, they can’t do enough for you. The food is excellent with plenty of variety and my quality of life has improved since moving here.

I only wish I made the decision sooner.” Current resident

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Local entrepreneur secures funding Continued from page 1

Sam then went on to explain what Gener8 was in simple terms and why the dragons should consider investing.

What is Gener8?

Gener8 is a small piece of software that allows you to keep your data private and control the information that’s given out to companies on the Internet. You can either stop companies tracking you online completely, or allow Gener8 to choose adverts for the sites you visit based on some parameters you set in the software.

Best of all, you earn points for browsing the Internet and viewing the ads Gener8 picks for you. Those points can be converted to charity donations or can be redeemed for a range of rewards – Amazon vouchers, for example.

It’s a very clever idea, and the dragons clearly thought so, too.

Long-running dragon Touker Suleyman said: “I’ve been in the Den for

six years, and this is one of the best pitches I’ve ever heard.”

Fellow dragon Peter Jones, who has a long history of owning technology companies, added: “I think the business model is really clever, and the timing of this is now.”

In the end, four out of the five dragons made Sam an offer – and all four offered exactly what Sam had asked for. In the end though, Sam chose Touker and Peter, who both invested £30,000 and came away with five per cent of Gener8.

When Sam went in for the Dragons’ Den pitch, he had around 30,000 subscribers for the Gener8 software.

Since the appearance an additional 100,000 have signed up.

If this sounds interesting, or you just fancy finding out more about Gener8, then go to gener8ads.com And if you want to see the pitch for yourself then you can still find it on the BBC iPlayer here: bbc.co.uk/ iplayer/episode/m000vcpt/ dragons-den-series-18episode-4

Helping to ease the hedgehogs’ plight

By Nicci Brown

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Hedgehog nest boxes have been donated to Angus Wood by the Blandford Hedgehog Group. This is part of the Dorset Mammal Group’s Hedgehog Friendly Town initiative, raising the plight of the creatures which are now listed as vulnerable to extinction.

The houses have been kindly made and donated by Julian Rideout, brother-inlaw of joint Hedgehog Group co-ordinator Mary Barrett, 4

and it is hoped that female hedgehogs will occupy them to raise a family.

Joint group co-ordinator Denise Montague said:

“Angus Wood, run by the team of volunteers from the Blandford Environmental Trust, is a fantastic setting for much wildlife, with

trees, shrubs, piles of logs and organic matter which will attract birds, insects and hedgehogs. We hope the presence of hedgehog nest boxes will help to enhance the environment.

“Hedgehogs have been found in recent years wandering during the daytime in St Leonards Avenue, and other parts of Blandford, and people finding them can contact the Blandford Group via their Facebook page, your local vets or one of the DMG Hedgehog Rescue Centres for help and advice.

Globetrotters step up for charity Surefooted staff from a Wimborne and Ringwood law firm went the extra mile for charity – 4,561 miles to be exact – when they travelled the distance to Ethiopia during lockdown.

They clocked up the impressive mileage – equivalent to 9,633,866 steps – over the past three months in an ‘Ellis Jones Walks the World’ challenge to see how far they could travel around the globe.

Ellis Jones Solicitors – with offices in Ringwood and Wimborne – launched the initiative to encourage staff to get out into the fresh air as part of a health and wellbeing programme during lockdown.

Partners at the law firm were so impressed by the distance covered and the final destination reached that

Patricia Alberry, Craig Wells, George Patey and Nicola Hall put their best foot forward – file picture from previous fundraiser

they made a donation to a charity of the employees’ choice. Staff voted for the charity Help & Care to receive £500.

Kate Brooks, who is a partner and head of employment/HR services, said: “We have a health and

wellbeing group who come up with fun and interesting initiatives.

“These include a birdwatching challenge, sharing recipe ideas, regular Zoom exercise, stretch at your desk classes, and talks on financial health and

planning. Walks the World was one of these ideas to keep people active.”

Bournemouth-based Help & Care works across South Central England to assist people in living independent and fulfilling lives.

Des Persse, director of services at Help & Care, said: “We are delighted to receive this donation from Ellis Jones following the efforts of their staff.

“Help & Care’s support for local people has been increasingly important over the last year.

“The donation will be used to aid our Roots gardening service provided by a team of volunteers who are recovering from mental ill health, and also our work supporting people who have been and remain isolated during these difficult times.”

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

An entrepreneur with real vision

Zabir Ali, is an optometrist who graduated from Aston University. He currently has four successful Boots Opticians franchises in Dorset and Hampshire, and has major plans for the expansion of his high street outlets and services.

While the past 14 months have been hugely challenging, as they have for many sectors, this has not stopped the 35-yearold entrepreneur planning for two new branches in Hampshire towns, both to open later this year. And they will be substantially bigger than his existing branches and offer a wider range of services.

“Both will be located in very large former retail units left empty due to

6

businesses closing down,” said Zabir.

“We are very excited, because what we will be offering in terms of hospitalled services and levels of expertise will change the face of the high street in my view.”

These will be modern, state of the art, concept practices offering a range of specialist eye care and other services, including identifying eye issues three or four years in advance.

Zabir added: “I do believe that what we will be bringing to high street will contribute to the revitalisation agenda in our local towns.”

These new services will also help ease some of the huge pressure on the NHS, already struggling with a massive backlog of cases because of the pandemic.

The existing branches are in New Milton (the first of his franchises which opened in 2012), Wallisdown, Wimborne and Weymouth.

The new premises have been secured and details of where they are located will be revealed soon.

Zabir believes the Boots name is important, especially in the times we have all been living through.

“In times like these, people value trusted and respected brands. We have found that even more in the last year.

“They really put their faith in a name they can trust, and you don’t come much more trusted than Boots.”

The best quality of care and service is critical in a region with an older demographic and the country’s ageing population in general.

Zabir continued: “We have first class, modern facilities, and we offer the very highest standards of care, so all our customers know they are in the very best hands. We always do what is absolutely the right thing for them.”

Although Boots has been around for 250 years, Zabir says part of his mission is modernising the brand. His four branches currently look after around 20,000 clients, and that could double in the expansion programme.

Staff numbers are likely to grow too, with 2030 new team members anticipated. Many staff will

be upskilled, so they can prescribe as an alternative to clients visiting their GP.

Designer style

Meanwhile, new luxury designer ranges are available, including Gucci, Yves Laurent, and Mont Blanc to sit alongside Prada, Jimmy Choo, Tiffany, Versace and Chloe.

But these high-end products are only a part of what is on offer. There is also a huge range of Bootsown, high-quality glasses from as little as £60 for two pairs – as well as other brands, too.

“They are excellent, and you can’t beat that kind of value,” said Zabir.

“Being able to offer that is very important to us as a business.”

Constantly moving forward and innovating is clearly also important.

For instance, offering flu and other injections in the new branches as part of a wider health and wellbeing service.

“We are never standing still,” added Zabir. “I suppose you could say that’s all part of the vision thing.”

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Vending machine has real bottle

By Alice Metcalfe

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

A milk vending machine has been relocated outside The Allendale Centre in Wimborne to give customers 24-hour access to fresh, free range and locally sourced milk.

Customers can purchase one litre reusable glass bottles for £2 each or bring their own container and fill up at a cost of £1 a litre.

The machine is cleaned and replenished daily.

The scheme is run

by Allen Valley Milk, a traditional family-run dairy that grazes its herd of Friesian cows on the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy estate just outside of Wimborne, meaning there are virtually zero food miles to get the milk from the field to the consumer.

“My children and I love getting the milk,” said Becca Franklin, who lives in Wimborne.

“We pretend there is a cow behind the machine!

It tastes delicious and we love the fact it’s local. It’s also satisfying not to be creating more waste.”

There are four other milk machine locations locally: Pamphill Farm Shop in Wimborne, Vines Close Farm Shop in Sturminster Marshall, Whitechurch Milk Station at Winterborne Whitechurch and Damory Vets in Blandford.

Poppy Barnes with Allen Valley Milk’s new-look reusable bottle

Milkshakes in a variety of flavours, including biscotti, strawberry, salted caramel and white chocolate, are also available on a rotational basis from the machines at the Vines Close shop and

Whitechurch.

All milk machines accept cash or card, but the bottle machines require cash payment. To find out more, visit allenvalleymilk.com or go to their Facebook page.

Wimborne teenager to undertake epic trip On May 19, 19-year-old Ollie Leat will begin an epic journey from the very top of Scotland all the way down through the UK to the tip of Cornwall – in other words, from John O’Groats to Land’s End. In total, Ollie will travel almost 1,000 miles, and he’s going to do it in just nine days!

Ollie, who lives in the Wimborne area, is taking on this incredible challenge in aid of the Louis Ross Foundation. This is a local charity that supports a range of causes linked to young people – from the Shine project in West Moors, which 8

helps vulnerable youngsters to the Sleepsafe and StaySafe charities for homeless people in Bournemouth.

For more information on the Louis Ross Foundation, head to their Facebook page – facebook.com/ louisrossfoundation Every penny that Ollie raises will go directly to the charity. Ollie will cover any and all expenses that he accrues during the fundraiser himself.

For more information on the trip, go to Ollie’s fundraising page at uk.virginmoneygiving. com/CycleForLouisRoss Foundation

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Proud to keep delivering through pandemic The covid pandemic changed the world in so many ways. Although restrictions are now lifting, it has been a difficult time for most of us since the first lockdown in March 2020.

Mark and Julia at Oakhouse Foods Dorset reflected on the last year…

“We took over Oakhouse Foods Dorset in October 2019, and could never imagine how important its services to the community would become.”

The demand for home delivery food has been unprecedented, with even the most able finding that buying the basics in the supermarkets or even getting an online delivery slot was a struggle.

The provision for services such as Oakhouse Foods Dorset was a lifeline for

many of the most vulnerable members of the community, enabling them to safely receive healthy, frozen ready-made meals and groceries.

Mark said: “The sudden rise in new customers meant

that we had to double our staff numbers within the first few weeks of the pandemic.

We are really grateful to those people that stepped up to help at that time.

“Our strict procedures to ensure the safety of our staff

and customers meant that we’ve been able to safely deliver over 400,000 meals to the community since the first lockdown began.”

Julia explains how they are hugely proud of always providing delivery slots to both regular and new customers throughout the last 14 months – and not refusing any delivery requests when someone was in need.

Services extended beyond frozen food deliveries for some of their customers.

“Sometimes the call to order their food is the only time they speak to someone that day. Now we’ve made it a priority to identify those who are lonely and isolated and ensure that we contact them regularly. Those calls often turn in to a good old chinwag!”

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Post lockdown boost for St Peter and St Paul, Blandford Forum A much-loved Dorset church is to share in a £611,000 funding payout from the National Churches Trust.

A £20,000 National Churches Trust Cornerstone Grant will help fund urgent repairs at St Peter and St Paul and keep the church at the heart of the local community.

Broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, Vice President of The National Churches Trust, said: “I’m delighted that St Peter and St Paul is being helped.

The grant will facilitate repairs to the roofs, high level masonry and internal plasterwork.

“The grant will safeguard unique local heritage and help St Peter and St Paul continue to support local people as we begin to emerge from the pandemic.”

Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive at the Wolfson Foundation, said: “Churches play a central 10

role in the spiritual life of a community, but they are also an integral, much-loved part of our cultural heritage.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the National Churches Trust on this important programme supporting the preservation of these remarkable and wonderful buildings.”

A total of 67 churches and chapels in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will benefit from

the latest grants from the National Churches Trust, the charity supporting church buildings of all Christian denominations across the UK. £133,300 of the grants has been provided by the Wolfson Foundation.

A church has been present on the site since the early 12th century. Following a major fire in June 1731, which destroyed the entire town of Blandford Forum including the medieval church, the church of St

Peter and St Paul was rebuilt to a design by John and William Bastard, noted local architects and builders, and re-opened in 1739.

Simon Jenkins includes the church in his England’s Thousand Best Churches book.

The grant will support repairs to the roofs, high level masonry and internal plasterwork.

The roof of the church has reached a stage where patch repair is no longer a viable option and significant water ingress will occur in the very near future unless the roof is re-laid.

The plain tiled nave and transept roofs will be lifted and re-laid retaining as many of the original handmade clay tiles as possible. All four sections of parapet gutters will be lifted and remodelled.

New timberwork will be introduced and the plasterwork re secured.

Bowls club keeps on rolling along The Wimborne Bowls Club was founded in 1908 using a green in the grounds of the Griffin Hotel, Station Road, Wimborne. The first joining fee back then was just seven shillings and sixpence. The club then moved to its present location, Redcotts Recreation Ground, in 1913 at a cost of £172.

The first ever match to be played on the new green was between the club and members of the Wimborne Town Council – happily, the game was won by the club.

A club house was built in 1925, and extended in 1935 and again in 1961. The club house as it is today was completed in 1989.

It is remarkable to think that bowling in Wimborne has been continuous for the last 100 or more years, especially when you consider that there

have been two World Wars in that time.

These days the club goes from strength to strength, with competitive league matches in the Bournemouth and District League, and also the Dorset League for

both men and ladies. Last season both the men’s first and second teams gained promotion. This season the league games will be a bit different because of the covid restrictions but, hopefully, it will be an

enjoyable one nevertheless.

The club also holds internal competitions and has a vibrant social section.

Open days for anyone who wishes to have a go at playing bowls – or even if they are already experienced players – are held annually and have been good for the club to recruit new members.

At present, there are over 80 members of the club, and each one has a chance of playing in the league or just have a game with other players.

The next Open Day will be held on Sunday, May 16 between 2pm and 6pm. If you are interested in giving bowls a go, do come along but please wear flat-soled shoes to protect the green More information can be found on the club’s website at wimbornebowlsclub.co.uk

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29/04/2021 15:56:03

Wild horses warning

By Faith Eckersall

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Walkers and dog owners are being warned to be extra careful for the next nine weeks in the New Forest as the annual release of pony stallions is about to take place.

20 New Forest Pony stallions will be turned out on Monday, May 10. Their

presence, to sire foals and secure the future of the endangered breed, is vital but can present dangers for those who get too close.

In a statement the New Forest Verderers said: “Please keep away from the stallions and unless it is completely unavoidable, do not ride or walk through the pony herds.

And please keep dogs under control at all times.”

The stallions will remain free until July. Knaves Ash New Forest Ponies, which is turning out three stallions, said: “Please help us to ensure the certainty of the registered New Forest pony breed by giving the stallions respect and lots of space.”

Details of the individual areas where the stallions will be released are available from verderers.org.uk

Band member retires

Tony Mist, a member of the Ringwood and Burley Band for an incredible 60-plus years, has decided to retire.

Tony joined the band in 1958 as a teenage cornet player. He then played in the bass line for over 40 years.

Tony’s interest in music began when as a teenager.

He was, like many brass bandsmen, introduced to brass banding by the Ringwood branch of the Salvation Army.

Meeting addresses stalking issues Protection for victims of stalking was discussed at a recent meeting of Dorset campaigners and Victoria Atkins, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding.

The meeting was arranged

by Michael Tomlinson MP, and gave the opportunity for Samantha Bumford, who is a victim of stalking, and Police & Crime Commissioner candidate David Sidwick the opportunity to raise their concerns with the Minister.

The meeting, held the day before the landmark Domestic Abuse Bill was debated in Parliament in April, is part of an ongoing campaign

by Samantha and David to increase the support given to victims, and to highlight the 12

seriousness of stalking.

Samantha said: “Since 2018 I have been stalked by the same person. He was not my partner and at the beginning I didn’t even know him. I want other women to watch out for the signs of stalking after a two-year ordeal that made me afraid to even leave the house.

“I went to court a few times. My stalker was first jailed in 2019 for 23 weeks, after he cornered me on her way to work, telling me to unblock him from social media. During this court hearing I was told he had 19 previous convictions.

“After the hearing I was offered a lifetime restraining order over him, meaning he cannot contact me directly or indirectly. He breached this

shortly after coming out of jail having served the 23 weeks so I put him back in, where he did another six months and came out on a tag.

“I am really pushing to help people being stalked to see the signs hopefully earlier than me. It took for him to follow me to work and corner me for me to call the police and find out about these 19 previous convictions.

“I am working with David Sidwick and my MP Michael Tomlinson to help other victims of stalking.

I am very grateful to the Minister for her time and for understanding the issue.

David Sidwick added: “I have been supporting Samantha and her campaign on behalf of stalking victims

for a number of years. This is an important issue and I am keen to ensure that everything possible is being done locally to protect victims of this horrible crime.”

The meeting, held virtually due to ongoing Coronavirus restrictions, discussed the importance of Stalking Protection Orders as well as the need to support victims by increasing the awareness of how to report stalking.

Minister Victoria Atkins said: “Every year, thousands of people live with the terrifying experience of being stalked. I am very grateful to Samantha for sharing her powerful story.

“We must do everything we can to better protect victims and stop perpetrators at the earliest opportunity.”

A rare breed indeed We recently saw this stunning photo by Sharon Boden of a wasp spider on one of the Facebook community pages and immediately asked her if we could print it in the magazine. Over to Sharon…

“This photo was taken in August 2018 in my garden in Wimborne. I originally asked for it to be put into the Stour and Avon as I wanted to know more about it but it never made it to press and the magazine sadly folded.

“In desperation I put it on the Colehillians Facebook group, and a very knowledgeable lady (Elizabeth Mitchener) informed me it was a wasp spider and that it preys on crickets. Funnily enough that year we had two crickets in the garden and they’ve not been seen or heard of since!”

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Charity shops across Dorset enjoy a post-lockdown boom Although retail suffered during lockdown, takings and donations in charity shops seem to have improved dramatically since restrictions lifted…

Experts predicted a boom in sales and donations at charity shops when they reopened on April 12 and they haven’t been disappointed.

From classy clothing with labels still attached to a replica of Dr Who’s TARDIS, customers in East Dorset and West Hampshire have returned to snap up and donate a host of bargains.

Tracy Stanley, retail manager of the 12 stores which support Julia’s House Children’s Hospice (juliashouse.org), said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with the generosity of the public and have received lots of donations. Our shops have been open for nearly three weeks now and they are full of lovely spring colours and stock.”

She said the Wimborne store had received many donations of high-quality clothing from brands including Joules, Seasalt and Crew. “Among some of the most unusual items we’ve been given are an arcade game, pianos and even a replica TARDIS,” she added.

According to Jackie Matthews, who manages the Going For Bust breast cancer charity store at Victoria Road in Ferndown (goingforbust.co.uk), customers can’t get enough of… ornaments.

“They are buying a bit of everything but from the first day we were allowed to open, we realised it was all about ornaments and knickknacks,” she said.

“We write down what we sell, and pretty soon the column for ornaments was 14

Jackie Matthews, the manager of the Going For Bust breast cancer charity shop at Victoria Road in Ferndown

rammed, from a single glass, to a vase to a small statue.

It was quite surreal as we all thought people would be going for new books or clothes.”

The store – which is one of 13 in the local area run by the charity, which provides support to people in East Dorset and West Hampshire affected by breast cancer – has seen a surge of shoppers since they were allowed to reopen on April 12.

“Quite a few of our customers have said this is the first time they’ve been out to a charity shop since last year – because of the vaccine I think they feel more secure,” said Jackie.

Snapping up a bargain

Along with the ornaments, customers have been keen to trawl through the clothes rails and, said Jackie, many have snapped up some great bargains including brand-new clothes, shoes and handbags which arrived

with their tags still on.

“We’ve had a lot of very good makes of clothing coming in with their tags on so I’m guessing people bought them online during lockdown and, for whatever reason, didn’t send them back, but handed them to us instead,” she said.

Like all charities, Going for Bust has seen a dip in its income over lockdown.

The Charity Retailers Association, which says UK charity stores have collectively lost more than £28 million a month during lockdown, has predicted that people will bring in unwanted Christmas gifts as well as the results of lockdown clearouts, and Jackie agrees.

“People have told us

they’ve been clearing out but didn’t want to throw stuff in the bin,” she said. “They want to be environmentally friendly and donate.”

So far, they have not restricted the amount of items that can be donated, as some stores have, and have reaped the rewards. “So long as it’s good quality, or quirky then it will sell quickly,” said Jackie.

If you’re planning to drop off some unwanted items at your favourite charity shop, check their website or ring the store to make sure you don’t have to book a time, or if there are other restrictions on how much can be accepted.

Words: Faith Eckersall

It’s true, you really can buy anything in a charity shop.

Even a TARDIS!

Julia’s House needs you!

Staying with Julia’s House, if you want to do something to help then they’re currently looking for volunteers.

Do you like to keep busy?

Do you have a few hours to spare? Julia’s House, the Dorset and Wiltshire Children’s Hospice charity is seeking volunteers to help out at its friendly high street shops in both Wimborne and the other shops across Dorset – including Bransgore, Christchurch, Poole, Shaftesbury, Weymouth – which have recently reopened following the lockdown.

The charity’s chain of shops relies on volunteers throughout the week.

Currently it is looking for till operatives to serve customers and keep them informed about the charity’s work, and people to help with sorting and steaming donations to

the shops, all within a covidsafe environment.

Volunteering has lots of benefits, from building confidence to reducing stress, and is a great way to make friends and have fun.

Liz Thompson, Volunteer Co-ordinator for Julia’s House, said: “You don’t have to have experience to be a volunteer at Julia’s House as we provide all the training you will require. You just need to be friendly, reliable and have the confidence to talk to our customers and make them feel welcome.

“It’s a great feeling to be supporting your local community and will make all the difference to the children and families we care for locally. We would love to hear from anyone who has a few hours to spare.”

Julia’s House is a local charity dedicated to

supporting the families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

It relies on public donations, fundraising and legacies for 95 per cent of the money needed to run its vital service. The charity has

two hospices – one in Corfe Mullen, and one in Devizes, in Wiltshire.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact volunteer@juliashouse.org or pop into their local shop for more information.

Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) SC037711 (Scotland)

15

School comes together to hit the right note

By Karen Bate

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

When the Friends of Archbishop Wake asked teachers and pupils at the Blandford primary school to record themselves singing a special song during lockdown, little did they know how powerful the effect on families and the community would be.

Now Archbishop Wake CE Primary School in Blandford Forum are celebrating the success of this music video, which has captured the hearts and minds of the local community and beyond.

Inspired by an idea from the school’s parents/carer association, The Friends of Archbishop Wake, the children, staff and community have come together on one unique video to collectively sing Count on me – an original song by Bruno Mars.

Parent Dan Baker composed the special version and pieced together the video, which features the children and staff singing and dancing along with sign language

This special arrangement of the well-known Bruno Mars song was done by a parent at the school

interpretation.

The Department of Education were so impressed that they showcased the video through their social media channels. In just one week of the song going live, the video secured 2,400 views on YouTube.

Headteacher Daniel Carter is immensely proud of the video and the way it brings the community together.

He said: “After such a long and difficult year with the disruptions of lockdowns, this video came at a time where we really wanted and needed the community to be together – and this video has done exactly that. Archbishop Wake is a very special community to be involved with and we are all very proud indeed.”

Teaching assistant, parent

and chair of the Friends of Archbishop Wake, Anna Butler said: “The song brought our community together in a magical way and brought a tear to many eyes.

Especially grandparents who haven’t seen these children for so long.”

The video is available on the school’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/ watch?v=I7CNkklqZus

Café signs up to promote local produce

By Nicci Brown

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

The Yellow Bicycle Café in Salisbury Street, Blandford, has become the first restaurant in the country to join Seasonarians, a national organisation promoting local, seasonal produce.

Café owner and chef Steve Bell, who throughout the pandemic has continued to produce dishes in a takeaway service, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be the first to join Seasonarians’ ever-increasing list of growers, dairies, farms and producers who believe in the benefits of this approach 16

to the environment, animal welfare and the local economy.

“Their aims fit exactly with ours, to make sure our customers know exactly where their food comes from and to help them eat more seasonal, local produce.

He said all meat and dairy ingredients and deli items at the café came from local, named farms and producers.

“This spring, as we prepare to reopen the café, we will be increasing our focus on local fruit, vegetables and seasonings, and adopting the Seasonarians ‘Traffic Light System’ on the menu and in the deli, helping customers

know exactly where their food came from.”

The Yellow Bicycle won the South West England Tourism Awards Café of the Year in 2020 and the Dorset Tourism Awards Café of the Year in 2019.

Steve, who won National Breakfast Chef of the Year in 2018 and now serves on the judging panel, is busy in the kitchen creating new dishes to make even greater and imaginative use of the best food that Dorset has to offer.

You can find the Seasonarians on Facebook on Instagram, or on their website seasonarians.co.uk.

In Jolly Good Company offer fun, support and friendship In Jolly Good Company is a Community Interest Company started in 2019, and specialises in supporting older people by providing meaningful, creative and fun nature-based activities – plus a vital chance to socialise and meet new friends.

In Jolly Good Company has successfully reinvented itself over the past year by providing some home-based activities, from knitting and seed growing to letter writing.

They even deliver a jolly good dinner supplied by The Friendly Food Club.

Now the Jolly Crew are really looking forward to opening up and hosting their Jolly Days and Step Outside groups again.

Sarah Rampton, director and founder said: “We started the Jolly Postal Service in March 2020 to reach out to very isolated people in Dorset who are not necessarily online yet. Over the course of the year, many firm friendships have been forged through this pen pal project.

“Huge thanks must go to our cracking team of Jolly Pen Pals, and to local schoolchildren who contribute their creativity through letters, cards and drawings.

“The Jolly Postal Service now sends and receives over 60 letters per month, but there’s still space for anyone who would like to join in and be written to.

“Jolly TV has also been created in collaboration

with Dorset Council.

These short nature-based programmes are part of the Council’s Better Days project and can be found on our website under Jolly Times – injollygoodcompany.com.

Please take a look and enjoy!”

Sarah adds: “All of these exciting new projects have provided us with activity and focus during the long winter days of lockdown.

“Everyone has so missed being together this year, so it was a great relief that we were able to reopen our friendship and activity groups.

We did this in a covid-safe way at the end of April.

“The Step Outside allotment group at Kingston Lacy and our Shaftesbury Jolly Days started first.

Followed by our Wimborne St Giles Jolly Days and a new gardening group in Blandford which will start in June.

“Anyone who would like more details of how to join can contact Sarah Rampton on injollygoodcompany@ gmail.com or 07884 333117.

Also please support the very brave Graham Rabone, who is raising funds to help us to reopen by undertaking an epic 130 mile bike ride for his 61st Birthday, from Birmingham to Wimborne St Giles.

Press the donate button on our website to contribute injollygoodcompany.com or call 07884 333117 if you would like to send a cheque instead.

17

Letters

Have your say…

I picked one up this morning and I’m halfway through it. Absolutely brilliant, thanks to all of you for a wonderful magazine, lovely to have one back again.

Jean Scott (via Facebook) Thank you. Good to have you back! Missed having a local magazine, informative and newsy!

Suzanne Copeland (via Facebook) What a joy to find the New Stour and Avon paper today! Many congratulations and all the best for the future.

Please keep the local news coming!

Jill and Mike Clampin (via email) It was a real pleasure to read the Stour and Avon magazine last week – to be able to leisurely mull over local news items in print rather than skittering through various local apps on my mobile phone.

Congratulations to everyone involved for bringing it to life.

Gill Horitz (via email)

this publication so much when we moved from London to Dorset. I was enchanted to read all about country life.

I remember when looking in the job vacancies to see ‘Shepherd wanted’. That’s something you’d never get in the Evening Standard!

So if you want to be informed, enlightened and enjoy a really interesting well put-together publication, I would recommend the New Stour and Avon.

Frances Street (via Facebook) I would like to know people’s thoughts on the Farmers’ Market held in Wimborne Square. I think it is wrong that they can pitch up and take trade away from the local outlets.

We have some great local traders and it does not seem fair to me.

How can we allow outsiders to sell meat, fish, vegetables and delicatessens that are available but not on the High Street?

We are so lucky to have the independent retail outlets that enhance our shopping experience on a daily basis. I for one think it is wrong.

William Gardiner (via Facebook) Welcome, and big congratulations for a super first edition packed with local news. So exciting!

Joan Tidd (via Facebook) As a local resident I remain dismayed by the amount of rubbish in our

I got my copy from WH Smith in Wimborne and read it from cover to cover.

Sharon Boden (via email)

We want your letters

Wow! What a fantastic publication, with so much great content. Well done to the whole team.

Anne Dyson (via Facebook) When the original Stour and Avon ceased publishing I was so upset. I enjoyed 18

village (Spetisbury).

It is no fault of the residents or the efforts of the council, but due for the most part to the wastefulness of customers of a well-known drivethrough restaurant in Poole.

It seems that a drive from Poole to Spetisbury is just about long enough to devour a Happy Meal and then make an unHappy Mess by throwing the remains and the bag out of the window – usually within about 20 metres of my front door for me to tidy up the following morning.

I have corresponded with one of the franchise holders on this matter, raising the eminently sensible suggestion that all drivethrough purchases should have the car registration number printed/written on the bag/receipt. This suggestion has clearly not been taken forward.

While not wishing to stay up all night to catch these people in the act, I wonder what pressure can be brought to bear on the franchise holders to take a more proactive approach.

Lee Edmond Spetisbury

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall – justsocaricatures.co.uk

If you’ve got something to say then why not write in and tell me? Something you like? Don’t like?

Annoyed by a local issue or just want to start a debate? Whatever it is, I would love to hear from you.

Send an email to dean.mortlock@ stourandavon.net.

Council back speed limit campaign

By Nicci Brown

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

The chairman of Tarrant Hinton Parish Council, Mike Nathan, is backing the campaign announced last month for a 20mph speed limit to be introduced on all of Dorset’s minor roads.

He says his parish council and that of Tarrant Gunville have spent thousands of pounds installing a SID (Speed Indicator Unit) and PV Solar unit in Valley Road, in the hope of reducing speeds down the narrow valley lane, where there is currently a 30mph limit.

Mike said: “The unit is used for six weeks at a time, shared between our villages, but only in one direction at present – we would like to be able to deploy the unit in another site nearer the entrance to our village, and in time hope to purchase another unit to function in the opposite direction.

“But Highways, who allowed us to install the first

unit without a survey as our villages had them installed temporarily in 2019 – and funded by the Great Dorset Steam Fair.

“Now they insist we have a survey at further cost to our parish councils, as the proposed site – recommended by them – is in a different location.

If we fail to qualify, we expect another survey will be needed in a different

location, presumably at further cost.

“They will only allow these devices to be used where ‘they will make a difference’, and consider that perception of speed can be very different from the reality.

“We live in a very rural area with narrow roads, often with passing places and with no pedestrian pavements, and many used

as rat runs. What we are attempting to do, and there is no ability with these devices to catch anyone, is to remind drivers to slow down.

Mike continued: “Why make it so difficult for us to do this? We are funding it ourselves from a precept which is kept as low as possible, and for specific projects such as these we ask for donations. We are representing our parishes and they support it.”

He said in rural France these SID devices are standard at the entrance of most villages, reminding drivers in both directions to slow down.

“I am certain that most villages in North Dorset would welcome such a scheme, and even be willing to raise the necessary funds as we have. I fully support the objectives of the 20’s Plenty for Dorset.”

To find out more about 20’s Plenty for Us, go to 20splenty.org or email dorset @20splentyforus.org.uk

Blandford Literary Festival announce competition winner from online event

By Nicci Brown

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

The Blandford Literary Festival, currently operating online through its Facebook page, announced a competition at the beginning of March for authors to submit a wartime-themed story.

The winner announced on April 11, with A Greater Sacrifice, was Marianne Ashurst, whose prize was a copy of Blandford in the Great War, a compilation with contemporary

newspaper reports of how the town coped during World War I. Blandford Literary Festival commented: “This has been one of the hardest decisions to make, but thank you so much to all those who have entered.

“We’ve had an assortment of stories, most based on true events and the lives of loved ones. This is by far the most touching competition we’ve had.”

The BLF hosts a range of online events, including story readings,

competitions and more.

For more information,

go to facebook.com/ BlandfordLiteraryFestival 19

Dorset LEP to support careers show Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, which was set up to promote local economic growth, is one of the supporters of The Careers and Apprenticeship Show 2021 on Thursday, May 20.

The Careers and Apprenticeship Show 2021 will take place virtually this year to ensure young people do not miss out as a result of the pandemic.

The event will bring schools, colleges, universities and businesses together and will showcase the very best that Dorset, Hampshire and Surrey have to offer in relation to careers and apprenticeships.

The event will take place on Thursday, May 20, and will feature a full day of interactive webinars, chatrooms, and 60 employer and apprenticeship provider booths. The event will run until 7pm to ensure that parents also have the opportunity to meet companies, colleges, training providers and universities, and to explore their child’s local career options.

Rebecca Davies, Head of

Enterprise, Skills and Industry at Dorset LEP, said: “We are proud to be supporting The Careers and Apprenticeship Show 2021 and look forward to welcoming schools, young people and their parents and carers to the event, albeit virtually.

“The event will be a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn more about their future career options, and for businesses to meet their potential future workforce and develop

relationships with schools across the regions.”

Local Dorset-based companies who will be attending include…

Dorset NHS University Hospitals Dorset Royal Air Force Mazars LLP Coles Miller Solicitors Signature Technicair The Marriott Hotel The Tank Museum Morgan Sindall

Superior Seals J.P. Morgan Tricuro AECC University College Bournemouth University Arts University Bournemouth Bournemouth and Poole College Kingston Maurward College Schools, young people and their parents and carers can register for the event now at cas2021.vfairs.com

Air Cadets looking forward to lockdown release When the first pandemic lockdown came into force last year it immediately impacted the activities of Wimborne Air Cadets which, in February this year, celebrated the 80th anniversary of its founding.

Subsequent lockdowns have meant that the cadets have been unable to attend the squadron headquarters in Leigh Road for instruction or parades for over a year.

Nevertheless, the Officer Commanding, Flt. Lt. Nigel Winton has been working to ensure engagement with cadets has continued via online activities, and that 20

the HQ premises will be suitable for the resumption of squadron activities as soon as restrictions lift.

Commenting on the difficulties the squadron has faced, Nigel said: “We are currently keen to hear from anyone interested in joining our staff. They do not need any specific qualifications or expertise as we will give all necessary training.

“Looking at how we could remain engaged with our cadets we arranged online training sessions and ‘drop-in’ evenings.

We look forward to seeing our cadets again on

parade nights when they will be under a new banner, the squadron having devised a new crest which identifies with our local links.”

Sue Cook, Chair of the Civilian Committee, said, “We appreciate all that the Officer Commanding has done to prepare for a return to normality, but without the opportunities to raise funds to support the squadron, I know they will be hard pressed to resume normal operations.

“I would welcome any approaches from people wishing to get involved in the Civilian Committee activities or who have ideas for fundraising for the Squadron.” Sue can be contacted at chair.1069@ rafac.mod.gov.uk

Up to £3 million on offer for community renewal

By Faith Eckersall

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Organisations and projects in the Dorset Council area are invited to bid up to £3 million in total for funding to help get a community or business sector back on its feet, following the covid pandemic.

The council is seeking applications from relevant organisations to apply for the Government’s Community Renewal Fund, which is investing in projects that focus on supporting people and communities most in need across the UK. The Government will back initiatives that deliver across skills, local business, communities and place, as

well as supporting people into employment.

However, projects must demonstrate how they fit with long-term strategic plans for growth. “Projects should show how they complement other national and local

provision, and refer to local insight and knowledge,” said Dorset Council.

The Fund is for ideas that can be delivered and completed up to March 31 2022. Applicants are encouraged to maximise

impact and deliverability through larger projects (£500,000-plus where this is possible), although there is no minimum bid size, said the council.

It wants to see applications from voluntary and community sector organisations, umbrella business groups, universities, colleges, local councils and private sector organisations providing a service to benefit other organisations or individuals.

However, applicants will have to be quick, as bids need to be submitted to Dorset Council by May 21. After that, the council will prioritise a shortlist to submit to the Government for funding.

BMV Mag.ai 1 20/04/2021 15:38:36

Fundraising marathon for friend

By Nicci Brown

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

A close friend of the late Jackie Laws, who died in February, is in training for a marathon to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Debbie Stafford intends to make the run on May 29 on a borrowed treadmill on which she is currently training.

“It’s for Jackie, and all the other friends we have lost to cancer. I will be on my own, looking out over the fields and thinking of Jackie and many others. I don’t know how long it will take, but I will get it done in one day!”

Jackie’s husband Stuart Laws is the proprietor of the Paddocks Bar in Salisbury Street and, with his late wife, the owner of the Milldown Stud in Tin Pot Lane. He said his wife’s death had followed

only five weeks after the death of her brother.

“It was her wish to raise money for cancer research,” he said. “This is the first time I have ever asked anyone for help to raise money, but then again, I have never lost the most important person in my life before.”

Within days of launching the appeal, over £2,500 had been raised online and offline on Debbie’s JustGiving page, (Debbie Stafford 1), where she is giving a regular progress report on her training runs.

By May 1, donations had exceeded £3,000 – three times her original target. Mr Laws said he hoped the final total would reach £10,000 – takings on the opening date of the Paddocks Bar later this month will be donated to the cause.

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21

Dorset Chamber launches new support initiative for local businesses Dorset Chamber has launched an initiative to provide support and build resilience among business leaders at potentially the most stressful time in our living history.

Got Your 6 (GU6), named after a term used by fighter pilots in the Second World War when they protected the ‘backs’ of fellow pilots in formation at the vulnerable rear six o’clock position, has been developed to plug the gaps where the wellbeing of our bosses is often ignored or taken for granted.

Ultimately Dorset Chamber ‘has the backs’ of those in the business community, member or non-member, who may need some respectful and confidential support.

A series of Chamber board directors, ambassadors and members, as well as chief executive Ian Girling, have qualified as ‘Mental Health First Aiders’ (donated by Ouch Training) and are ready to take the next step as ‘GU6 Champions’.

GU6 has been developed by past president and board

Members of the Dorset Chamber have trained up as ‘Mental Health First Aiders’ to help local business owners with the difficult transition out of lockdown

member Liz Willingham, who feels business leaders get forgotten in conversations about mental health.

She said: “The wellbeing of our workforces is thankfully now higher on the agenda, and rightly so, but I have become increasingly

concerned about the lack of support specifically for employers themselves who are often singlehandedly shouldering huge pressures from their businesses and the teams they employ.

“It can be a very lonely place. To be in good shape,

our leaders need to be effective, resilient, and able to function with clarity.”

A dedicated section of the chamber website hosts a growing bank of relevant resources, all aimed at helping our business leaders thrive in a difficult time.

Croquet club is looking for new members Play has resumed on the croquet lawns at Winterborne Stickland Sports and Community Club, the home of Winterborne Valley Croquet Club.

From April 8, club members were able to enjoy their favourite sport as the lockdown eased and spring weather came upon them.

Membership is open and potential members may apply through the club website (wvcroquet. co.uk), or by emailing the 22

club. Both the young and less young are invited to go along for a free taster session (contact membership on wvcroquet@gmail.com).

Chair Tim Dennis said: “We encourage young players and comply with the safeguarding rules.

We are delighted that play has now started for the summer season.

“Following the latest lockdown changes we can now welcome new members, with coaching available, too.

“We look forward to encouraging others locally

to take part in this skilful, fascinating, and social sport.”

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The great work of the Bin Twinning Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Twinning association’s AGM to reveal big plans for 2022 Fordingbridge Twinning Association will be holding a virtual AGM via Zoom on Thursday, May 13 at 7.30pm, when the current financial situation of the association and its plans for a ‘relaunch’ will be presented to the membership If members would like to join this meeting, please let the committee know. If members cannot attend but would like to contribute any comments, then please contact the Committee before May 13.

Bin Twinning

Fordingbridge Twinning Association is proud to have donated to the Bin Twinning project (bintwinning.org) and has sponsored a bin in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The charity uses money donated to fund brand24

new social enterprises that collect rubbish, dispose of it safely, and recycle as much as possible. Many of these projects upcycle waste into items for sale, from compost to paving blocks, and proceeds are ploughed back into community development.

All of these projects create dignified jobs for society’s most vulnerable people.

There will be a poster on a bin in Fordingbridge in the Rec.

Meanwhile, it is hoped that there will be an informal boules evening later this summer.

2022 will see the 40th anniversary of Fordingbridge being twinned with Vimoutiers, and the celebrations will take place in France over the first weekend in July. The draft programme is fantastic, so the association can guarantee that it will be a terrific weekend. So do put June 30 to July 3 in your diaries.

Plans for 2022

News from Vimoutiers

It is of course difficult to make any firm plans, but the association hopes to hold its next ‘always a sell-out’ annual Murder Mystery evening on Saturday, 12 March 2022.

This will be a fantastic evening to meet up again for the much-loved annual event.

While much of France is still locked down, vaccination rollout is now happening quite quickly. The third phase is going ahead in Vimoutiers, with people in their 40s being vaccinated.

France is catching up to the UK fast, whatever

the news says. However, rules and timetables of the reopening of bars, restaurants and non-essential shops are not yet clear, and Loetitia and Gerard are not expecting to be able to open their barrestaurant Le Penalty before early June.

Starwatch

The bear up there High over our heads at this time of year are the seven stars of the Plough, a large ladle (Big Dipper) in America and a Saucepan if you speak French or Welsh.

It’s part of one of the biggest of the 88 constellations of the night sky, Ursa Major, the Great Bear. Follow

the curve of the handle of the Plough and you’ll find Arcturus, the ‘Bear Driver’ and the brightest star in the northern half of the night sky. In 1933 its bright light was used to activate photocells and turn on the lights of the Chicago World’s Fair, in the belief that the

light had been travelling from the star since the time of the previous World’s Fair in 1893, 40 years before.

We now know that the orange giant Arcturus is a bit nearer at 36.7 light years away. Arcturus and Chicago have a further connection: watch this neat

nine-minute film Powers of Ten (youtube.com/ watch?v=0fKBhvDjuy0) to appreciate the astonishing scale of all things.

Clear skies!

Words: Bob Mizon MBE of the Wessex Astronomical Society

Fundraising restarting for charity A local charity is beginning to make plans for upcoming event that, hopefully, will raise some much-needed funds.

Save the Children Wimborne recently announced their involvement in two events in Wimborne later in the year. And they’re looking now for marshals for one of them.

On November 13 they will be taking a table at the Charities Fair being held at the Allendale Centre.

Then, on Saturday, December 11, there will be the Save the Children

Christmas Parade.

If you would like to take part to help support the event on the day, please get in touch with them. They are looking for people prepared to Marshal on the day, so email alisonpreston1943@ gmail.com for more information.

Alison Preston from the charity said: “We are getting back to something like normality and are able to hopefully return to fundraising in a lovely, sociable way!

“Both events will be raising the much-needed

funds for the unfortunately neverending work being done by Save the Children to improve the lives of children, both here and abroad.

“Their lives are blighted by poverty, conflict, lack of health care and schooling,” Alison said.

“We shall be having our Quiz Night and Bridge Afternoon too, as soon as halls etc. become available.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported us in the past, and we very much look forward to seeing you and many others later in the year.”

25

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Getting life back on track UK adults are taking life milestones more seriously than ever following 12 months of restrictions.

It’s now just over a year since Boris put the UK in full national lockdown (23rd March 2020). Although it might feel like the world has been put on pause over the last 12 months, new data shows that only one in five UK adults had to put their personal goals or ambitions on hold as a result.

Instead, most Brits have reassessed and changed their goals with the world around them (40%) or indeed have remained determined to follow their career, family or property dreams (31%).

The research from St. James’s Place indicates that COVID-19 has meant Brits are taking their goals more seriously than before, with a quarter (25%) feeling anxious or worried, having lost a year of time working towards their long-term goals. However, a similar number (22%) also feel more focused, having used the last 12 months to reassess what’s important to them, and now know what they want – whether that be a new car, house, job, or even a baby.

It comes as no surprise that the majority of adults valued family and relationships as the most important life focus pre-pandemic (74%), and this remains the same now (78%). However, 59% of Brits now hold personal health as ‘very important’, an increase of 13% from before the pandemic.

Research reveals that people are focused on the positives that have come out of the last 12 months, such as being able to cook more (31%) and having more free time to exercise (25%).

Increased savings are a silver lining.

With hospitality venues, beauty and retail closed and travel abroad restricted over the last year, one in three adults (37%) have also been able to save more money, on average pocketing £1,660, although there is a big gap between men and women at £2,040 to £1,300. The biggest savers by age are 25-34 at £2,330, with the worst 45-54 at £840. A quarter of Brits now claim that having a financial goal is important to them, as a result of the pandemic.

However, despite the influx of cash, most Brits turn to family or friends for financial advice, particularly adults aged 18-24 (family: 61%, friends: 48%), as opposed to a financial adviser (22%).

Seize the opportunity.

If you’re a member of that fortunate group who saved more during the pandemic, now’s the time to take action.

With potential tax hikes on the horizon it’s worth making effective use of the shelters that are available for your money, and checking you won’t pay unnecessary tax on any future profits. If you’ve already got an ISA, consider whether it’s still aligned to your long-term goals.

It’s more important than ever that you’ve got a retirement savings plan in place, your pension is working hard for you and that you know how much a comfortable retirement is going to cost.

Wherever you are on your financial journey, contact Peter Harding Wealth Management today for a no obligation meeting on 01747 855554 or email peterhardingwm@sjpp.co.uk. We are here to help.

Just ask.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief generally depends on individual circumstances.

All statistics taken from research carried out by Research Without Barriers on behalf of St. James’s Place, sample size 1,026 UK adults, March 2021.

Peter Harding Wealth Management is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk products.

Peter Harding Wealth Management is a trading name of Peter Harding Practice Ltd.

26

Looking to successfully secure and enhance a healthy financial future?

For a no obligation personal financial health check, just ask.

PETER HARDING WEALTH MANAGEMENT Principal Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

30 Haven Road, Canford Cliffs, Dorset BH13 7LP Tel: 01202 830730 40 High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8JG Tel: 01747 855554 9 Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PU Tel: 01935 315315

Email: peterhardingwm@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.peterhardingwm.co.uk The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the title ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

Peter Harding Wealth Management is a trading name of Peter Harding Practice Ltd.

Picture perfect A little while ago we ran a competition on social media to pick an image to use on the top of the cover each issue.

We wanted something striking and instantly recognisable as a landmark of the area.

Well, it’s fair to say that we were inundated with photos, and they were all stunning. We had to pick just one though, and the image of Beech Avenue from Jack Lodge just seemed to be the perfect fit!

After looking through all the photos, we thought it would be nice to show you some of the ones we also loved, so we’ve put this feature together to showcase them all. Hope you like them as much as we do.

We’ll be changing the photo every few months as the seasons also change, so if you would like to be our next cover image

star then send your pictures to newsdesk@stourandavon.net The photographer we pick gets to see their photo on every cover, plus £50, too!

Edition 2

Friday, May 7, 2021

The New Stour and Avon

Fortnightly

FREE

Local ex-student tames the Dragons

Sam Jones, a 29-year-old entrepreneur and former pupil of Canford School in Wimborne, had a dramatic appearance on the BBC TV Show Dragons’ Den in April.

Sam went on the show

to try to secure funding for his company Gener8, a new technology start up that could potentially change the way you use the Internet.

At the start of his pitch, Sam announced that he was

looking for £60,000 for 10 per cent equity in the company. And it was his confidence from the start that impressed the dragons.

Sam opened the pitch dramatically, saying:

“The open secret within the advertising industry is that it’s built on exploiting our data,” and that was enough to rouse the dragons and pique their interest.

Continued on page 4

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Much more than just books From saving you money to saving the environment – are libraries Dorset’s best-kept secret?

If lockdown’s left you feeling broke and bored then here’s some interesting news. You can potentially save hundreds of pounds a year by joining your local library. And it won’t cost you a penny.

Membership of Dorset Council’s libraries is free for anyone living in the council’s area. Your library card gives you the right to access a whole slew of services and activities which could, depending on your reading and recreational interests, save you hundreds.

You can borrow books, e-books and audiobooks for free. But that’s only the start. Interested in tracing your family tree? Until the end of June the council offers Ancestry.com’s Library Service to use at home, giving access to births, deaths and marriages and the all-important census. From July the service will revert to being back in libraries.

You can also access up to 3,000 magazines online as well as up to 1,000 newspapers and also e-comics. Given that a newspaper subscription can cost around £4 a week, and one edition of a popular glossy can be even more, potential savings can stack up.

But, says service manager, Tracy McGregor, libraries are offering much more than this.

“During lockdown we had to cease our in-person events but were able to put a lot of groups and sessions online,” she says.

From shared online reading on Monday mornings, to Facebook Bookchats, Rhymetime and a monthly Live Reading group, there have been as many activities as possible to keep people feeling connected.

Join a bookchat

Bookchats, says Tracy, give people a forum to debate a book in a safe way – to ask questions about the character or the plot. “It’s a bit like the way people love to chat about Line of Duty but with books!” she says.

They’ve also run a successful collection service for people who don’t feel comfortable about coming back into the library buildings, despite the easing of lockdown.

“We started this in July last year and so far, have completed nearly 7,000 orders of books for people to collect from the door,” says Tracy.

Library members who are also writers can access the initial stage of Arts Council England’s Free Read manuscript assessment scheme, which provides low-income writers the opportunity to get free professional feedback on their work via The Literary Consultancy. There is more information about eligibility for this on Dorset Council’s Library page.

The libraries reopened on April 12 and, says Tracy: “It was wonderful to see so many children and families return. When we reopened after previous lockdowns we

had limited hours but we’ve now reinstated – wherever we can – the full range of opening hours.”

She adds: “I think that’s made things easier for people to choose the time and day which suits them, particularly for children after school and on the Saturdays.”

However, libraries are still subject to covid safety restrictions, including the ‘hands, face, space’ policy which will be in place until Government advice changes.

While sessions on the public computers must be booked in advance, library visits don’t have to be, although adult visitors must wear masks unless they are exempt, and all returned

books remain subject to a 72-hour quarantine policy as a precaution against potential covid spread.

“People are still surprised that borrowing a book is a completely free service but there’s so much more for them than that,” says Tracy.

And, more importantly for the future: “With the climate emergency it’s worth pointing out that it’s a very green service – it’s all about borrowing and recycling and returning items that can be used again, or digitally and we’re really keen to promote that, too,” she says.

Head to dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/libraries and sign up now.

Words: Faith Eckersall

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Find out more about Blandford with new heritage walks

By Nicci Brown

newsdesk@stourandavon.net

Starting this month is the series of guided heritage walks organised by Blandford & District Civic Society which, regardless of covid restrictions, can safely go ahead in the open air with social distancing.

Town Guide Clare Lowes said: “It’s lovely to show visitors round our town, but even more rewarding when local residents join our walks to learn things they never knew about the town’s history.”

The first, on Sunday May 9, focuses on the town centre and history up to the Great Fire of 1731 and the town’s rebuilding – which

32

has been described as the ‘best Georgian ensemble outside London’, and the second, on Sunday May 23, features more recent development in Victorian and Edwardian times on the perimeter.

All walks start at 11am.

The town centre walk starts from the flood wall in the Marsh & Ham car park, and the perimeter walk from outside Scrivens (Durden’s Corner) in the Market Place.

In most years, the society offers guided walks free of charge as part of Dorset Architectural Heritage Week in September, but sadly this event has again been cancelled this year due to anticipated covid difficulties.

The society held its AGM by Zoom on March 25, when many of the committee members and trustees were re-elected, but some have stood down, including the chairman for the last five years, Terence Dear. Terence remains committed to work on projects already underway, and who said: “At this time of renewal and opportunity as we emerge from the restrictions of the pandemic, the civic society movement as a whole and ‘civic involvement’ is as important as ever, and it is sad to see some societies fold due to apparent lack of interest from members of the community.

“Here in Blandford we were unable to celebrate our 50th anniversary last April due to the pandemic, and we would hate to see the society, in its 51st year, follow in their footsteps.

“People are quick to comment on social media when they see something impacting negatively on their neighbourhood and are fascinated by the history they see around them. It is a great shame that they do not engage with and join us to take up the challenge to defend and celebrate our environment and heritage.”

For information on the society see their Facebook page – The Blandford & District Civic Society – or call 01258 459346.

You can also head to their website at blandfordtown.co.uk/ listing/blandford-districtcivic-society. Here you’ll be able to find more information about some of the previous events and projects run by the society.

Fordingbridge road closure

A 180m section of Ringwood Road in North Gorley near Fordingbridge – from Holly House to Popes Lane – will close for 15 weeks from May 10. To allow for extensive drainworks, the closure will operate 24 hours a day, due to the depth and position of the new drainage. A signed diversion route of around 6km will be in place.

Support for 5G A majority of 55 per cent of people support having 5G masts in Colehill, a parish council survey has discovered. More than 370 people responded to a survey after an application to build an 18m tall mast at the junction of Smugglers Lane and Wimborne Road was received. Only 17 per cent of people wanted to see a mast at this location but nearly a quarter said they objected to any 5G masts being erected.

Planning supported

Ongoing works at the Nationwide Building Society at 5 Market Place, Blandford, have been welcomed by town councillors who, at their April planning meeting, unanimously supported a planning application for extensive repairs to the roof, masonry, window frames and sills and the fascia and timber boards, saying it would result in enormous improvement to the listed town centre building.

Walk

Colehill to Ferndown Common Route Summary

Goes through the plantation and across farmland, through Hampreston Woods to Ferndown Common and back, taking in part of the Castleman Trailway.

Starting at Colehill Library (SU 03266 01126) this route passes through the Cannonhill plantation, across the A31 Ferndown bypass and then past The Old Thatch pub.

It then crosses Wimborne Road West and goes for a short distance along

Stapehill Road before heading off to the South.

It crosses Stapehill Road again and continues to the south east before turning off on some permissive paths through Hampreston Woods (called ‘Big Copse’ on the map) to the heathland of Ferndown Common.

The return journey skirts to the south of Knoll Gardens and then crosses the outgoing path, before taking a pleasant path almost directly west through woodland and paddock to Canford Bottom roundabout.

Instead of slogging back

Route Overview

Length 10.62km/6.64 miles Difficulty Medium up the hill there, go through the bit of Old Ham Lane and back onto Wimborne Road West for around 200 metres, before taking the old railway line route back to the footbridge over the A31 and then back to Colehill via the plantation.

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Arts & Entertainment

Dorset Art Weeks goes online for 2021 open studios event Dorset Art Weeks, the A new Dorset Art Weeks highly anticipated open app will be launched in studios event that sees early May – possibly by hundreds of artists and the time you’re reading makers welcome visitors this – featuring all the across the county, will take artists and makers taking place but predictably there part. You can also browse are a few covid-related through special online and precautions put in place in-person events through to keep everyone safe. dorsetartweeks.co.uk One of the highlights of To allow for a greater the Dorset cultural calendar, flexibility for all involved, DAW is also one of the the opening times and largest open studio events in status of all venues is only the country. available on the website This year, some of the and app, so the organisers venues will be online only, are recommending that you while others will allow check availability on the day visitors by appointment. of your visit to make sure the Finally, where permitted, a event isn’t fully subscribed. number will be able to open However you choose to as normal, with covid-safe enjoy Dorset Art Weeks DAW_BVM:Layout 1 04/05/2021 10:45 1 there will be measures in place. thisPage year,

something for all tastes and price ranges.

Follow us and stay up to date, via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter – @dorsetartweeks

Event promises the magic of the musicals

22 MAY – 6 JUNE 2021 dorsetartweeks.co.uk instagram.com/dorsetartweeks facebook.com/DorsetArtWeeks twitter.com/dorsetartweeks #dorsetartweeks DORSET VISUAL ARTS

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The Ferndown Phoenix Musical Society are shaking off the pandemic in style this September with a fun night packed with musical delights.

The event is called Magic of the Musicals, and as the name would suggest, it’s a night of songs from Broadway and West End stage shows.

Ferndown Phoenix Musical Society traditionally produce either a concert or pantomime in the spring and a musical show in the autumn.

They have a wide age range of members, and their age range goes from 10 all the way up to 80.

They support a different charity each year by fundraising, and with carols at Christmas

Magic of the Musicals will take place on Saturday, September 18. There will be matinee and evening performances, and ticket for the event cost just £5.

For more information on the event, and to find out when tickets are on sale, go to the Society’s Facebook page.

Arts & Entertainment

Devilishly funny It’s great news for the Tivoli Theatre this month, as their post-lockdown programme of live events kicks off in the most stylish of styles on Wednesday May 19 with comedian Simon Evans’ new show, The Work of the Devil.

If you’ve ever seen any of Simon’s previous work, or listened to his many appearances on Radio 4 comedy shows such as The News Quiz, then you’ll know he’s one of the sharpest and most intelligent comedians currently on the circuit.

The Work of the Devil is one of Simon’s most personal and intriguing shows yet. Simply put, the last few years of Simon’s life have seen him coming to terms with a personal

revelation so dramatic that it’s completely turned his world upside down. It forced him to re-examine his entire career in comedy to date – a career that’s so far been around 25 years long.

So how does Simon deal with this? He writes a show about it of course.

Sadly we can’t actually tell you what the revelation is, as that would spoil the whole show, but it’s that good that a large number of people have already seen the show a second time.

You’ll find more information about both this show and the full programme of events at the Tivoli for 2021 either on the advert below or the Tivoli website at tivoliwimborne.co.uk

PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KI OUR NG WEBS ITE

TE SE NO

PLEA

S MASTK BE S MU RN WO

SIMON EVANS:

The Work of the Devil

Wed 19th May, 8pm Tickets £16.00 (over 16s only)

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

From The Blues Band

PAUL JONES & DAVE KELLY

BARRY STEELE & FRIENDS The Roy Orbison Story

Sat 14th August, 7.30pm Tickets £24.50

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

Fri 28th May, 7.30pm Tickets £23.00

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

DAD’S ARMY

Wed 2nd June to Sun 6th June, 2pm Tickets £17.50 under 16s £14 Adult version (over 16s only ) Fri 4th & Sat 5th June, 7pm Ticket £17.50 1 in 10 tickets FREE! Via Box Office only

Thur 5th to Sat 7th August 7.30pm Tickets £16.00 Matinees Fri 6th & Sat 7th August, 2.30pm Tickets £16.00 1 in 10 tickets FREE! Via Box Office only

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

MONEY FOR NOTHING 20th Anniversary tour

Thur 19th August, 7.30pm Tickets £20

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

CIRCUS OF HORRORS

OVER 16’S ONLY! Sat 21st August, 7.30pm Tickets £26 & £22

Concs (Students over 16 & Over 60s) £23 & £19 (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

THE BOHEMIANS Fri 13th August, 7.30pm Tickets £20.50 (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

PETER PAN

Wed 25th to Sat 28th August, 2pm.

Fri 27th & Sat 28th August, 6pm Tickets £17.50 adults £14 under 16s 1 in 10 tickets FREE!

Via Box Office only (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

35

Arts & Entertainment

Artists head online for new exhibition As a further step towards emerging from the lockdown, artists from Broadstone Art Society have posted their recent work in an online exhibition. This will be the second major exhibition that replaces planned live events in Broadstone and at Upton Park Country Park.

The exhibition was launched on Monday, April 26, and presents over 90 paintings by more than 30 artists depicting a range of subjects and styles, from traditional to contemporary.

Broadstone Art Society prides itself on its eclectic and exploratory approach enabling artists to develop styles and practices, and this exhibition shows elements

of this. There is something for everyone – to view and, in many cases, to also buy.

The Broadstone group hopes to take many of its exhibits into a gallery setting as soon as possible.

Simon Merry from Broadstone Art Society said: “We would much prefer to present live but the Internet does allow viewing to prevail, although it is a very different experience.

“It’s not just the availability of gallery space but also the availability of stewards and, of course, the public audience, so it will take a little while to get back to normal. We hope this exhibition is a prelude to a live event soon.”

The exhibition can be

viewed at broadstone artsociety.com, and you can also find out more about it on the group’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

The website itself includes more work by the same artists, many other artists and previous exhibitions.

Museum announces new outdoor events As everything starts to open up, new events are beginning to pop up all over the place.

The Museum of East Dorset has recently announced two new ones for the month of June: a sunrise yoga session in the Museum’s garden, and some fun gardening workshops for kids during the half-term holiday.

Tickets for both these events are available now in limited numbers, so the museum recommends that you book early to avoid disappointment.

For more information and to book your tickets, head to the Museum website at museumofeastdorset. co.uk/events Here’s some more information about each event.

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Little Explorer’s Secret Garden Half-term Fun

Sunrise Yoga in the Garden with Hayley

Lots of arts, crafts, storytelling, butterfly garden planting. The children can also be one of the first to search for our brandnew Enchanted Fairy Doors that are dotted around the garden.

A fantastic opportunity to join us for a Sunrise Yoga session led by Hayley Gumery, British Wheel Of Yoga teacher.

Start the day with a yoga session followed by a nutritious breakfast smoothie.

Tuesday, June 1 – 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3pm. £3

Thursday 3, 10, 17 & 24 June. 7.15am8.30am. £10 per session

Arts & Entertainment

Blandford Museum to reopen soon Exciting new projects are underway at the Blandford Town Museum, which will be opening, all going to plan, on May 18.

A Young Archaeologist Club has been launched, the closest of 70 branches in the UK of this organisation being in Poole, and is being helped by Darcy Bragg, a student at The Blandford School who has become a Museum Youth advisor.

Any young people who would like to be involved can find information on the museum website, as can any adult interested in helping with the group.

A second project, Memories Captured, is one of the 20 projects in the Chase and Chalke Landscape Partnership Scheme, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This project will record individual stories of how the land was managed, how wildlife patterns have changed and the

craftsmanship and skills that were used, such as charcoal making, coppicing, hurdle making and water-meadow management.

Sylvia Hixson-Andrews, Director of Blandford Museum, who will be overseeing the project, said: “So much of our past is contained in the memories of the people who lived it, and we have the technology to capture those memories and make the past real for future generations. How growing up in rural Dorset, working in businesses that no longer exist, different leisure pursuits, and raising a family was different in the 20th century compared to today.”

Volunteers wanting to learn how to capture oral histories and those with a story to tell are invited to contact the museum.

To take part in these projects or volunteer at the museum generally, see the website at blandford townmuseum.org.uk,

phone 01258 450388 when the museum is open, or

email contact@blandford townmuseum.org.uk

SUNDAY 16 Wimborne Bowls Club Open Day The Redcotts Recreation Ground in Wimborne. Runs from 2pm-6pm. See page 11 for more details.

THURSDAY 20 Outdoor Cinema: Amelie Keyneston Mill, Tarrant Keyneston. For more information, head to keynestonmill.com

Minster Market Allendale Centre, Wimborne from 9am-1pm. After a long wait, the famous Minster Market is returning to the Allendale Centre every Friday from May 7.

WEDNESDAY 19 Simon Evans: The Work of the Devil Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne.

8pm. See page 35 for more details.

Outdoor Cinema: Rear Window Keyneston Mill, Tarrant Keyneston. For more information, head to keynestonmill.com

EVERY DAY Exhibition: A Potted History of Britain Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne. The story (in brief) of 6,000 years of pots, from prehistory to the present.

SATURDAYS Wimborne Market Riverside Park from 8am2pm.

Event Guide If you have an upcoming event that you would like added to our guide, please email us at newsdesk@ stourandavon.net

WEDNESDAY 12 Free Forest Bathing Walk Blandford Forum at 10.30am.

See page 43 for more details.

FRIDAY 14 Free Forest Bathing Walk Wimborne at 9.30am. See page 43 for more details.

SATURDAY 15 Dorset Farmers’ Market Wimborne Square from 9am to 1pm.

FRIDAYS Wimborne Market Riverside Park from 8am-2pm.

SUNDAYS Wimborne Market Riverside Park from 8am2pm.

Car Boot Sale Wimborne Show Ground from 7.30am-2.30pm 37

Business Matters

Powered by Dorset Biz News

Dorset-based company wins coveted Queen’s Award for Enterprise A fast-growing company which has exported its products to over 70 countries in recent years has received the royal seal of approval.

Ferndown-based imageHOLDERS is one of just 205 businesses in the UK – and the only one in Dorset – to receive a highly prized Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

Adrian Thompson, Founder and CEO, said: “I feel very proud of the business and our collaborative and highly professional team.” imageHOLDERS makes interactive touchscreens and computer kiosks. The company has a £5m annual turnover with 70 per cent of sales going overseas.

It employs 33 staff at its Ferndown Industrial Estate site – up from 24 a year ago – with a further three roles in its recently opened office in Vancouver, Canada, and also Taiwan. imageHOLDERS was incorporated in 2002 as a kiosk company to develop solutions to support digital branding in the form of print and the rising audio-visual market.

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Enterprise represent every part of the United Kingdom The awards were created following the recommendation of a committee chaired by The Duke of Edinburgh in 1965.

The first awards, originally known as the Queen’s Awards to Industry, were made the following year.

This year’s Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are given for outstanding achievement in: Adrian Thompson, Founder and CEO of imageHOLDERS (right) with team members at a 2019 trade show

However, it proved ahead of its time, and it was only in 2014 that the business began to take off following the increasing popularity of tablets like Apple’s iPad. Now its range of iPad, tablet and computer kiosks and enclosures and mPOS (mobile point of sale) solutions are helping some of the world’s largest enterprises implement tablet technology in a number of environments. imageHOLDERS supports clients in a variety of industry sectors including hospitality, retail, leisure, automotive, casino, corporate and healthcare.

Customers include Amazon, Bentley, Legoland, Hard Rock Café. Hilton, McDonald’s, MercedesBenz, Nasa and the NHS. Adrian said the company’s “intelligently designed, high-quality products” had been exported to countries as diverse as China, Saudi Arabia, Africa and North America.

International sales had doubled in the last year, while imageHOLDERS was starting its new financial year with forward sales nearly matching the whole of the previous 12 months.

The 205 winners of the 2021 Queen’s Awards for

Innovation International trade Sustainable development Promoting opportunity (through social mobility) The winners pass a robust assessment process, judged by senior officials in Whitehall and experts from industry, academia and the third sector.

Winners are permitted to fly The Queen’s Awards flag at their main office and use the emblem on their marketing materials.

Winners are also given a Grant of Appointment and a crystal trophy. Find out more at imageholders.com Words: Andrew Diprose

Business Matters

Expanding law firm urges ‘bright ambitious lawyers’ to get in touch An expanding law firm is on a recruitment drive, with ‘bright ambitious lawyers looking for a change’ urged to get in touch.

Frettens Solicitors launched its third office this year with the opening of its second Ringwood branch.

‘Ringwood 2’ created 10 new jobs – including seven fee-earners – bringing the number of staff employed by the Christchurch-based firm to 75.

Matt Fretten, Managing Partner, said he could see team numbers eventually increasing to 85-90.

Frettens is currently

recruiting for seven roles: Commercial Property Solicitor/Chartered Legal Executive Dispute Resolution Solicitor Insolvency Solicitor Wills & Probate Solicitor/ Chartered Legal Executive Wills & Tax Solicitor/ Chartered Legal Executive Commercial Property Paralegal Legal Cashier All are full-time, with three based at Ringwood, three at Christchurch and one at either Christchurch or Ringwood.

Matt Fretten, Managing Partner, Frettens Solicitors (right) and Lewis Barr, Marketing Manager Picture: Dorset Biz News

Lewis Barr, Marketing Manager, said: “It has been a very successful few years for us since opening our first office on the High Street in Ringwood.

“We’ve seen a 50 per cent growth in turnover, and have welcomed a lot of extremely talented team members into the business.

“The location of the new office, directly behind our existing one in Ringwood, fits the bill perfectly.

“We’ve carried out a complete re-fit of the office space, and the staff currently working in there love how bright and modern it is.”

“We always welcome speculative applications, so any bright, ambitious lawyers out there who are looking for a change shouldn’t hesitate to get in touch with us.”

Frettens was founded 43 years ago when Ian Fretten began practising as a sole practitioner in Christchurch on January 1, 1978.

He retired in 2012 and his son, Matt, took over as Managing Partner.

If you’re interested in applying, go to Frettens’ site at frettens.co.uk Words: Andrew Diprose

Taxi driver’s all-female taxi service

Vicky West had been taxi driving for around two years when she began to notice that some passengers preferred a female driver. From this she decided to research her own taxi company, and Lady Cabs was born.

Lady Cabs opened in August 2020, and while some would say that it’s risky starting a business in the middle of the pandemic, things have started extremely well

for the company. So much so that Vicky is now looking to recruit another driver.

Lady Cabs is open from 9am-3pm and 6pm-Midnight in the week, and 6pm-2am on Saturdays. They are also available on Sundays too, but those journeys need to be booked in advance.

For more information on Lady Cabs, head to their Facebook page or website: ladycabs.co.uk

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Business Matters

Powered by Dorset Biz News

A tale of our time: book features 60 Yassamin Amir-Ahmadi, a specialist Pilates teacher from Wimborne, is the driving force behind the new book, 19 and 20 and me.

It’s a collection of individual covid stories and experiences from a diverse range of people, ages and backgrounds. All profits from the book will be donated to four charities – Mind, Shelter, The Trussell Trust and Arts for Life Project.

Yassamin, 55, said: “The life event we are all living through has been devastating. It has caused many to lose loved ones or to fight for their own lives.

It has created financial hardship, loneliness and isolation but, as an optimist, I believe there has been a great deal of good too.

“A time of people coming together to help neighbours or their community, and through doing so, enriching their own lives.

“The events we are witnessing are living history and will be written about and studied in the future.

“During times of illness, stress and anxiety, our instinct is to turn to our family and friends for help and support. However, the very nature of this virus has meant that we have had to experience it separately.

“I wanted to create a book of individual stories, from all ages. It’s an opportunity for people to write about their experiences of covid-19 during 2020.

“The book will be a living record of what we have experienced; a reference point for future generations.

It features real stories of tragedy, triumph and joy; stories which will move the reader and tell the truth of 40

the last year.”

Yassamin, who lives with her partner and two teenage children, said she had gathered a diverse range of contributors through friends, friends of friends, her website and Facebook.

She said: “I have approximately 60 stories, including one from the Marsh family who produced many musical parodies on YouTube and performed live on Comic Relief.

“I also have a story from one of the pubs featured on a series with Tom Kerridge entitled Saving Britain’s Pubs.

“Others are from new mothers, a 93-year-old woman, a former member of British Airways cabin crew, wedding stories and many others too.

“I think the book will be a

varied tapestry of true tales.

“My hope is that it will bind us as a society, create empathy and understanding, and also show that, even in the face of extreme adversity, amazing and wonderful things can happen.”

Adapting business

Like many, Yassamin was forced to adapt her own business during the coronavirus pandemic, despite being, in her words, “a complete technophobe.”

She said: “I have been a dedicated instructor for over 20 years. Yet I’ve found myself caring more deeply, and feeling more responsible, for the health and wellbeing of my clients during this last year than ever before.

“At the start of the pandemic I set up group

chats for every class I used to teach, and now make weekly videos and teach Zoom classes.

“As with many businesses, mine has suffered some losses, but my clients and I have a bond we didn’t have previously.

“We share information and humour; we care about, and look after, each other.

“My Pilates community has grown stronger and closer through covid.

“I have thought a great deal about what the future will hold for us in the aftermath of this pandemic.

“I think that our society will experience an increase

Business Matters

stories of loss, love and lockdown in mental health problems and poverty, leading to homelessness and hunger.

“That’s why I’m donating all profits from the book to Mind, Shelter, The Trussell Trust and Arts For Life Project.

“This will enable them to provide valuable support to people who need it.”

Yassamin is currently seeking a publisher for the book but hopes it will be available later this year.

She’s also after more positive stories to include.

For more information about the project, please go to 19and20andme.co.uk Words: Andrew Diprose

Yellows choose hospitality expert to deliver customer service training ‘Forward thinking’ management at Yellow Buses and Yellow Coaches are looking to the hospitality industry to provide customer service training for their drivers.

They’ve chosen Simon Scarborough Associates, headed by former hotelier Simon Scarborough, who’ll deliver training across the locally owned and operated company.

Simon started with a bespoke package of customer service training for drivers operating the Summer leisure network.

David Squire, Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to be working with Simon to deliver a unique and bespoke customer service training package to our front-line staff.

“Simon’s expertise in the hospitality industry offers a completely different take to our traditional bus industry

approach.

“We look forward to rolling this out across our wider teams.”

Simon said he believed every company needed to embrace a natural ethos throughout its business, leading by example from the top.

This included recruiting and selecting correctly – for example only employing naturally happy smiling team members – and supporting and developing the team e very step of the way.

He said: “David Squire and his team are very forward thinking and care passionately about their staff and giving their passengers an amazing experience on all their services.”

Yellow Buses operates route 6 serving Wimborne.

Words: Andrew Diprose

41

Environment

Green Festival a ‘successful week’ With the ongoing uncertainties of the pandemic, the Wimborne Green Festival Team had no idea what sort of event might be possible in 2021, or what restrictions might be in place across the year. So not wanting to wait a full year from the postponed event last October, we decided to run a mostly virtual festival in April, choosing the week of the 17-24 as it included Earth Day on April 22, a celebration of our wonderful planet.

It was a pretty steep learning curve for the Festival organisers! Using Zoom, live streaming, recording and editing, they worked with partners to put on the week’s programme.

Special thanks go to the Museum of East Dorset for providing the ticketing for the majority of the events – 19 in total, 15 of which were online talks on a variety of topics, including nature, local wildlife, waste, sustainability and our environment.

There were four interactive events: Seedy Saturday, where you could collect pollinator-friendly seeds, a community litter pick, recycling tables, and a plant swap at Walford Mill – all of which were very successful.

Planet Wimborne, a networking group providing support and information on sustainability to individuals

or businesses, was launched as part of the Festival.

Visit planetwimborne. org if you would like more information, and fill in the form if you would like to be involved.

The Planet Wimborne website will also feature lists compiled for the Festival of recommended books and websites. These lists will also be updated when new recommendations become available.

Overall it was successful week. We had hoped for a larger audience, but with great weather combined with the second week of lockdown easing, it was understandable that we did not get huge numbers on our talks. Despite that, there were plenty of fascinating presentations and lively discussions, and feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive.

We are planning for what we hope will be a more normal in-person Wimborne Green Festival in the autumn, October 16-23. However, with the knowledge and experience gained from the spring Festival, we know it will be a great event whatever the situation!

Find out more at wimbornegreenfestival.com Words: Linda Bunting

And here’s a sneak peak at the poster for the next Wimborne Green Festival, which is coming this October

42

Environment

Pollinators mounted at Museum of East Dorset Wilding Wimborne, a community group focusing on increasing pollinators in Wimborne, has partnered with the Museum of East Dorset.

The Museum has a beautiful garden with a mix

of garden and wild flowers, with trees and hedges.

They have mounted three bee homes in their garden, and so now Wimborne is now registered with the Buglife B-Lines – to find out more about B-Lines and

the great work they do, go to buglife.org.uk/our-work/ b-lines.

Follow the link, click on the map, expand it to Wimborne and you will see the entry for the Museum.

Well done to the people

that made the boxes and provided the contents, and a big thank you to the Museum team for mounting them.

There are more in the pipeline, as they hope to eventually create their own B-Line around Wimborne.

Please find attached a copy of your advert to appear in the DORSET VIEW MAGAZINE MAY 2021

Campaign to remove disposable BBQs heats up Following last year’s #BBQs BurnMoreThanBangers campaign, Litter Free Dorset have launched a new campaign #Choose ToRemoveDisposableBBQs, asking shops across Dorset to remove disposable BBQs this year.

Over one million disposable BBQs were sold in the UK in 2020. In May last year, it only took a couple of BBQs to burn down an area the size of over 200 football pitches in Wareham Forest.

Disposable BBQs are often discarded without being put out properly, which can result in wildfire, with devastating environmental impacts.

In Dorset, we average 400 outdoor grass-related fires on heathlands and forests every year. Fires on heathland destroys wildlife, are a risk to the surrounding community and contribute

to climate change.

The #ChooseToRemove DisposableBBQs campaign is part of Dorset Council’s efforts to reduce wildfire across Dorset. This year, Dorset Council are banning disposable BBQs and campfires from high fire-risk areas across Dorset. A joint campaign with other local authorities, organisations and landowners is being developed to communicate to visitors and residents where they are not allowed to have BBQs and campfires this Summer.

Sophie Colley from Litter Free Dorset said: “A huge thank you goes to the businesses that have already taken it upon themselves to stop selling disposable BBQs altogether.

“If you are still selling disposable BBQs please reconsider removing them and displaying safety messaging next to any other BBQ related items.”

Fair Ground

Wimborne’s Fair Trade Shop

Beautiful gifts from around the world Food, chocolate, coffee & household supplies Toiletries, soft furnishings & bags T-shirts, baby & children’s clothes, scarves & socks Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm 1 Cornmarket Court, Wimborne fairground21@gmail.com www.wimbornefairtradeshop.co.uk shopappy.com/wimborne/fair-ground

For more information and to follow the campaign’s progress, please check out the Litter Free Dorset website and social media channels at litterfreedorset.co.uk

01202 849898

PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY BY PHONE OR EMAIL WITH YOUR APPROVAL OR ANY ALTERATIONS The copywright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Pulford Publicity Ltd and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher Dana House, Spinneys Lane, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9BZ • Tel: 01202 816140

Rotary Club talk showcases recycling group Verwood Rotary Club recently hosted a virtual get together on Zoom with Fordingbridge and Ringwood Rotaries.

The main topic of the night was recycling, and the event was presented by Anita Rigler, who explained

how she and her colleagues set up VoW (Verwoodians on Waste) This is their way of cleaning up Verwood and also hopefully increasing how much Verwood recycles.

Rigler organised a business plan, funding, insurance, and a website.

She also said that she soon discovered just what and how much can be recycled if one tries. She managed to get their MP involved, along with local schools.

Rigler then went on to talk about future plans for VoW, which included ways

of recycling disposable coffee cups, a publicity plan, fairs, carnivals, workshops, demos, and VoW’s aims for a plastic-free Easter and Christmas.

For further details, search for ‘Verwoodians on waste’ on Facebook.

43

Health & Wellbeing

Coping with life after lockdown With the government’s fourstep roadmap to emerging from lockdown well under way, you may be feeling excited, or apprehensive, or even a mixture of both as restrictions lift.

If you fall into the apprehensive category it’s really important to remember that you are not alone. This is a natural response to what is an unsettling time. The good news is that there are steps you can take to ease yourself back into ‘normal’ life.

During lockdown we have all had to develop new patterns of behaviour and coping mechanisms.

Unlearning these and embracing a different way of being is not something you need to rush. You can take the time to adjust at a pace that’s right for you.

And while we may not be able to control external events, we can control the way we react to them.

Some people will be keen to rush back to old routines and activities,

while others will be more hesitant and nervous. These are legitimate concerns after everything we have been through, so practising selfacceptance and cultivating compassionate self-talk will really help.

Build up your social connections gradually, starting with the people closest to you and then expanding outwards. It may feel overwhelming to see large groups of people again, so don’t be too

hard on yourself if it feels uncomfortable initially.

Gradual exposure over a period of time will make it easier for you to learn how to reconnect with the world.

And it’s worth persevering – that sense of belonging and connectedness is vital to our emotional health.

We’ve all had to adjust to periods of considerable change at very short notice over the last 14 months, and it seems likely that this uncertainty will continue. As

much as it may be tempting to make long-term plans, staying focused on the shortterm future will help you manage your expectations and avoid disappointment in the event of further changes.

Finally, making time for self-care will give you the chance to switch off anxious feelings and develop the skill of moving yourself into a state of calm. Focusing on your breath, practising mindfulness and meditation, yoga or self hypnosis are all excellent ways of doing this.

Need additional support?

In my hypnotherapy practice I teach people the tools to change their thoughts, feelings and behaviour any time they need to. Don’t struggle alone – reach out for help.

Susie Carver is the consulting hypnotist with Sea Change Hypnotherapy in Wimborne – seachange hypno.com. Email hello@ seachangehypno.com Words: Susie Carver

A good tomorrow starts tonight I have an alarm set. Every day it rings in the evening to remind me that it’s time to go to bed. It’s common for people to have a morning alarm for getting up, but why not an alarm to get you to bed on time? A regular bedtime is shown to help sleep, as is a bedtime routine of winding down for the night.

Getting to bed on time and getting enough sleep is important, particularly if we have broken nights and unpredictable mornings.

This is often the case for those of us who are carers or 44

have interrupted sleep due to illness.

Not only does this habit optimise the chances of me having a decent night sleep, it also sets me up for the next day. I set my bedtime alarm 30 minutes before I want to sleep, as this gives me time to read for a bit and unwind before lights out.

Rest is one of my fitness goals, as I’m more likely to make more nutritious food choices the next day and be more productive. When I’m well rested, I’ll feel more like doing some exercise, and quite frankly, I have a

lot more patience!

Of course, sometimes I ignore my alarm, but it’s a reminder that it’s time to start getting ready for bed and if I chose to stay up later, that’s my choice.

Try setting an evening bedtime alarm and see how you get on.

Katrina Keeling is a Wimborne-based fitness instructor and personal trainer. She works at WOW Ladies Fitness and see clients privately. Go to kkfitness.co.uk for more.

Words: Katrina Keeling

Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: In search of the rare Pasqueflower Today I am on my annual pilgrimage to pay homage to the rare and endangered Pasqueflower that I have only encountered a handful of times. Like many British species, it clings precariously to the margins between agriculture and wilderness. Now on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) red list of endangered species for the UK, this wild pulsatilla is only found on a few chalk and limestone grasslands.

And so, my quest brings me to the Cranborne Chase; a high chalk plateau that provides a wide expanse of sky affording views over the Blackmore Vale, the Dorset Downs and Salisbury Plain. It is a place I come to when I need to find air and space. Just like being by the sea, my eyes are drawn to far horizons, allowing my thoughts to fly as freely as the buzzards and red kites that climb on the thermals.

Although it remains a sparsely populated region today, there are signs of human habitation that date back to Neolithic times.

Numerous barrows, henges, hill forts and even a Roman dyke, give it a mysterious

atmosphere – especially first thing in the morning when the mist shrouds the valleys below. I often get a strong sense of passing through time in this landscape when I contemplate the many civilisations that have gone before; all just moments in the long history of our planet.

There is much wildlife to be enjoyed here: hares and fallow deer in the winter, and summer migrants such as turtle doves, cuckoos, and hobbies. But what I cherish the most are the wildflowers and butterflies of spring and summer.

Pasqueflowers normally bloom around Easter befitting their other name of ‘anemone of Passiontide’, but they are late this year. As I find my way to their hiding place, I am relieved and thrilled to see them in full bloom.

Lying prostrate to study the bell-shaped, deep purple petals and the bright yellow club-like stamens, I find myself temporarily lost in a face of vivid colours. Legend has it that the Pasqueflower flourishes on the spilt blood of Romans and Danes, given its tendency to thrive on the undisturbed earth of ancient barrows.

Let’s go Forest Bathing Dorset Forest Bathing are holding two Forest Bathing walks in May – Blandford on May 12 at 10.30am, and Wimborne on May 14 at 9.30am – as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Forest Bathing is a Japanese form of relaxation where you spend quiet time among trees observing the

nature around you.

This natural therapy is proven to help reduce stress hormone production, lower heart rates and blood pressure, and even boost the immune system.

For more information on these free events, head to the Dorset Forest Bathing Facebook page.

Mission accomplished, my attention turns to the birds; the deep raspy call of a raven warding off a red kite, a newly arrived wheatear, and a flock of

linnets. Satisfied, I set for home, glad that I have reacquainted myself with this astonishing plant.

Words: Dr Susie Curtin

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45

Health & Wellbeing

10 steps to a happier life Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, so said Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher who lived over 2,000 years ago. And he knew a thing or two!

What is happiness you might ask? To me it is a feeling of contentment and joy, a sense of satisfaction with life, a belief of worthiness and connection.

Happiness is closely related to wellbeing, the state of being healthy in both body and also mind.

Academic research distinguishes between short-term and long-term happiness.

Short-term happiness is something we experience in special situations where we are affected by strong positive emotions – such as when you buy your first car, when you get engaged, or when you are offered a dream job.

Long-term happiness is described as a deeper, more fundamental satisfaction with life – a lasting sense that exists independently from momentary moods.

We can also differentiate between hedonic happiness, where happiness is concerned with maximising pleasure and minimising pain and discomfort – for example, eating a bar of chocolate – and Eudaimonic happiness, which is concerned with achieving some meaning in life and being part of something greater than oneself.

What I wanted to learn is how we can all be happier in life and take steps to improve the quality of our lives. Sounds easy, right?

Well, here are Gerry’s Practical tips for living a happier life…

46

6. Discover the garden Plant a seed, grow some fruit, flowers or vegetables. Gardening is highly recommended to those with mental health issues, because it ticks so many boxes when it comes to improving wellbeing.

7. Sport and exercise Get involved with some physical activity. Sport and exercise can reduce your stress, make you feel better afterwards, and help make your brain work better.

8. Get a dog or cat Stroking a pet has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Household pets also overcome loneliness. So find a furry friend to spend some time with and increase your happiness!

1. It’s not all about money Once you have a basic amount to live comfortably, time is what affects your happiness. The cost you pay to earn extra money outweighs the enjoyment you get from it.

2. Relationships are very important Friends and family are a big cause of happiness. So, if there is not enough time for all your friends, do a friend’s audit.

3. Get creative!

Try drawing, sculpting, poetry, craftwork or playing a musical instrument.

Creating art and music provides a pleasant

distraction, giving your brain a break from your usual thoughts. And you’ll create something beautiful, too.

4. Keep in touch with nature Take a walk along the beach or through the countryside, enjoy a breath of fresh forest air, etc. They can all increase your happiness through the release of serotonin, the happiness hormone.

5. Get enough sleep Sleep is crucial to our wellbeing. Deprivation alters our brain activity and may lead to problems with decision making, problem solving and processing emotions.

9. Give a hand to help others Either with your time, by teaching others something beneficial or through your generosity. Consider joining a local club, society or association with a strong feeling of teamwork.

10. Review your life Do a Happiness audit. What are the main sources of your happiness and how can you get more of them into your daily routine? Spend more time on doing the happy things in life.

These are just some of the things that I discovered we can do to enjoy a happier life. If you would like further details of Action for Happiness courses in the area, visit actionforhappiness.org Words: Gerry Clarke

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47

Homes & Gardens

The facts on ash dieback Ash dieback will kill around 80 per cent of ash trees across the country, changing the landscape forever and threatening many species which rely on ash. Here are a few facts on the disease…

Common names: Ash dieback, chalara Scientific name: Hymenoscyphus fraxineus Areas affected so far: The whole of the UK Origin: Originally from Asia, it arrived in the UK via Europe What does ash dieback look like?

Ash dieback can affect ash trees of all ages. Younger trees succumb to the disease quicker but in general, all affected trees will have these symptoms: Leaves develop dark patches in the summer. They then wilt and discolour to black.

Leaves might shed early.

Dieback of the shoots and leaves is visible in the summer. Lesions develop where branches meet the trunk. These are often diamond-shaped and dark brown. Inner bark looks brownish-grey under the lesions. New growth from previously dormant buds further down the trunk.

This is known as epicormic growth and is a common response to stress in trees.

What is ash dieback?

Ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) is a fungus which originated in Asia. It doesn’t cause 48

much damage on its native hosts of the Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) and the Chinese ash (Fraxinus chinensis) in its native range.

Its introduction to Europe about 30 years ago has devastated the European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) because our native ash species did not evolve with the fungus and this means it has no natural defence against it.

What happens to the tree?

The fungus overwinters in leaf litter on the ground, particularly on ash leaf stalks. It produces small white fruiting bodies between July and October which release spores into the surrounding atmosphere.

These spores can blow tens of miles away. They land on leaves, stick to and then penetrate into the leaf and beyond.

The fungus then grows inside the tree, eventually blocking its water transport systems, causing it to die.

The tree can fight back, but year-on-year infections will eventually kill it.

Where has ash dieback impacted?

The ash dieback fungus wasn’t formally described until 2006, but it has been in

Europe for about 30 years.

In the UK, ash dieback has had the most impact in the south-east of England.

This is where it was first recorded in the UK back in 2012. It is unknown how long the fungus was in the area before the symptoms became apparent, perhaps some years.

We see evidence of the disease throughout the UK. However we are still at the beginning of the epidemic, so we won’t know the full impact for a while. The slow progress of the disease exacerbates this, so we need to track the sometimes subtle changes brought about by ash dieback.

How did ash dieback get here?

The spores of this fungus can travel in the wind so it is possible that it arrived in the UK naturally however it was also inadvertently imported on ash saplings. The UK was importing thousands of ash plants from infected parts of Europe until a ban

came into place in 2012.

This undoubtedly sped up the spread of the disease within the UK because the disease was able to spread from areas of new planting via wind to mature trees.

What impact will ash dieback have?

It’ s thought that we are going to lose around 80 per cent of our ash trees in the UK. This is going to have a devastating impact on the landscape and the biodiversity of our woodlands, as well as a major loss in connections between habitats as we lose hedges and individual trees outside of woods.

The predicted cost of managing the disease is high. It includes the practical expense of clearing up dead and dying trees, to the loss of its environmental services such as air purification.

Words: Simon Stranger of Vale Tree Surgeons Ltd. valetreesurgeons.com

Homes & Gardens

Discovering the Rosa Vitae I knew I would marry my husband when I saw him resplendent, if somewhat spattered, heaving the umpteenth bag of pony plops from his pristine vehicle – never previously sullied in such an insulting manner – to my infant rose bed.

What is it about roses that has buoyed me through life?

Is it the heady, intoxicating scent? Well, I cannot fathom those who choose unscented roses, that is true. Or is it the scampering home from work in May to see if that expanding bud has progressed to an explosion of joyous pink?

Whatever it is, nurturing roses has helped me through many a challenge.

Maybe it is the humility of genuflection on one’s knees, closer to the earth than many ever enjoy, breathing seasonal scents, absorbing flutterings and twitterings, feeling the earth seeping into your skin, for boundless days that makes one ponder if not existentially, then certainly artistically, that is so engaging.

My favourite easy rambler rose to share? It has to be the incomparable,

tremendously fragrant Albertine. Bred in France in 1921 by Barbier Freres and Compagnie, it has as its siblings many other Barbier roses. Our Albertines grew on the south west and north west aspects of the timberframed house we called home for 17 years, mulched twice a year and watered sparingly to encourage blossom, soaring to seven by seven metres in but a blink of years. The soil was somewhat acidic, but regular mulching was definitely the key to their flourishing.

But that is not all the Albertine offers. Due to their peerless fruity fragrance, Albertine is wonderful for making rose water (anti-inflammatory for eczema and rosacea), fantastic for pot pourri, showy on a salad and impressive when added to Pimms, gin or Champagne.

A final rose-related gift is that after a hard day planting your new Albertines, pop a basketful of petals in your bath and breath deeply as you soak. Roses really are the Rosa Vitae.

Words: Emma HarrisCurtis-Monahan

All photos by Emma Harris-Curtis-Monahan

49

Antiques & Collectables

Vintage motorcycles go up for auction The Charterhouse specialist auction of classic and vintage motorcycles on Wednesday, June 30 includes a great range of classic motorcycles.

George Beale of Charterhouse’s Classic Vehicle department, said: “The auction already has some fantastic motorcycles dating from the early 20th century through to the early 21st century, with bikes which are show ready, daily riders, racers or restoration projects.

“With an assortment of Triumph, Norton, BSA, AJS, Honda, BMW, Kawasaki, Royal Enfield, Ariel, Suzuki, Greeves, Bultaco, Harley Davidson, New Imperial, Sunbeam and Velocette to name but

5th & 6th November

a few manufacturers, the auction will be over 100 motorbikes.”

For the person looking for a classic ride there is a great choice, with a 1974 Ducati 750 Sport standing out in particular. With under 24,000 miles and purchased by the owner in 1978 it is estimated at £28,000£32,000.

Should a restoration project be on your shopping list then there are plenty to choose from, including a 1965 Royal Enfield Continental GT. It’s been owned by a father and daughter for the past 41 years and has not been used for some time. It is estimated at a modest £700£1,000.

With track days, sprints

28th October

5th & 6th November

30th June 10th June July Specialist Free Valuation 14th Days

Monday 12th Pictures, Maps, Books & Days Postcards Specialist Free May Valuation

1974 Ducati 750 Sport £28,000-£32,000

and racing becoming more popular, there are several bikes going under the hammer coming under this category, from a 1988 Suzuki RGS250 estimated at £1,500 to the 2016 WadkinSnaith Brooklands Sprint Special at £18,000.

All these classic and vintage motorcycles, and many more besides, are going under the Charterhouse hammer in this auction being held at The Haynes International Motor Museum at Sparkford, Somerset on June 30.

Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for this specialist auction of classic and vintage motorcycles. George Beale and the team at Charterhouse can be

contacted for entries at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277, bikes@charterhouseauction.com or via charterhouse-auction.com

Tuesday Coins, 13th Silver, Jewellery, Watches Medals & Stamps 10th& Clocks Wednesday ModelCeramics Cars, Trains, Dolls &11th Toys Chinese &14th Japanese & Works Thursday 15thJewellery Medals, Militaria, Coins & Stamps Silver, & Watches 12th Friday 16th Asian Maps Ceramics & Works of Art Pictures, Books, & Postcards 13th Model Cars, Trains, Dolls &28th ToysOctober 14th Classic Motorcycle Auction

June 30th Car Classic & Vintage Motorcycles Classic Auction 11th November July 14thentries Classic &being Vintage Cars Further now accepted Further now being acceptedDT9 3BS The Long Streetentries Salerooms Sherborne The Long Street Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS

r XXX DIBSUFSIPVTF BVDUJPO DPN 01935 812277 • www.charterhouse-auction.com 50

2016 Wadkin-Snaith Brooklands Sprint Special £18,000-£22,000

Antiques & Collectables

Antiques house reopens its doors Walton House Antiques in Mere are delighted to be throwing their doors open once again, and are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new into their extensive showrooms.

Once inside, one will find a huge amount of fresh items in stock, as the team at Walton House Antiques have been extremely busy during lockdown sourcing and restoring many unusual and exciting pieces.

These include fine Georgian, Regency and country furniture, at least 30 recently arrived Victorian oil paintings, along with some additions to the large selection of French clocks displayed by Richard Price of the Antiques Roadshow.

Paul Gafney, one of the partners, feels that although the antiques business has changed in recent years, particularly during

lockdown, forcing customers to make their purchases online, there is no substituting the experience of visiting beautifully laid out showrooms, engaging with knowledgeable staff, and seeing and touching pieces first hand.

Although all of their stock is able to be viewed on their website – waltonhouseantiques.co.uk – Paul and his business partner Nicholas Arkell, with nearly 80 years in the trade combined, encourage customers to come to shop,

examine and talk about pieces of interest. They can

also be contacted on 01747 860050 to discuss anything.

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T: 01747 860050 W: www.waltonhouseantiques.co.uk E.info@waltonhouseantiques.co.uk 51

Puzzles Bridges

Crossword

Join circled numbers with horizontal or vertical lines, so that each number has as many lines connected to it as specified by its value.

No more than two lines may join any pair of numbers, and no lines may cross. The finished layout must allow you to travel from any number to any other number just by following one or more lines.

2

3 3

4

15

16

4

19

1 5

1 4

3

2

1 5 9 10 11 12 16 17 19 21 22

3

Word Search

20

22

Across Walk without lifting your feet (7) Enlighten (5) Make good on a commitment (6,7) Gauges (8) Wagon (4) Principal church (9) Double rainbow, eg (4) Commercial enterprise (8) Sprung metal fastener (9,4) Lens opening setting (1-4) Two-wheeled road user (7)

Soccer

D S C O R E B I O I K I U L A

BENCH CAPTAIN CROSS DEFENDER DRIBBLE FREE KICK FULL TIME GOALPOST

52

R O F R E E K I C K T E I B O

A T O O H S I K M L E R H B G

C N R D K E O E L C E C M I E

D E E N K F F U N D N I R R M

E T T U F U F I N E D F R D O

R G S E E C A E B F I G E E H

D D A O R T F H I D E E S E A

T O S O P E E E O D E E S A D

O H S A D L L G A E H F H H E

HOME GOALS KICK-OFF MANAGER MIDFIELDER RED CARD SCORE SHOOT STRIKER

F S C L C D A E R E O K S O E

F D T S E C E O R E K I R T S

C M E R A A D O G R L A M O H

18

17

21

7

7

13

12

2

5 6

T S F C G R N R E D K R M E L

6

11

10

2

4

2

R R R E G A N A M E G N H E S

5

14

2

3

3

9

2

4

2

8

1

2 3

1

2 3 4 6 7 8 11 13 14 15 18 20

Down Addicted (6) Of the same size (4-5) Further down (5) A pair of people (3) Numerical symbol (6) Pursued (6) Orchestral music genre (9) Bob, bun or beehive (6) Discovers (6) Drops behind (6) Rolling camera platform (5) Talk fondly (3)

Sudoku

7 9 1 2

2 9 8 5 5 3 7 2 1 7 1 5 3 4 2 3 4 2 9 3 1 6 3 2 6 2 9 1

For the solutions turn to pages 56

Brain Chain 20

RESULT

+50%

×1/2

÷3

+46

-17

Puzzles 1

Brain Chain – Hard 60

+104

-42

×1/4

+50%

1

2

3

4

7

Arrow Word

8

Fashions

Pan heater

Sore; painful

Chop away at

Not closed

Computerbased video recorder

Biased information

12 12

13

1

Go

15

Stout pole on a ship

10

Windscreen cleaner

Decay

Help

16 US basketball league (inits)

Male or female

5

6

19 20

21

22

22

19

M S I L

7 9 10 11 12 14 16 18 19 20 21 22

7 9 10 11

16 18 19

21

L U R A

14

13

Have the courage

12 14

Cut

How many words can you find in this square? Make a word by starting on any letter and then tracing a path to adjacent letters, moving only to touching squares, excluding diagonally-touching squares. Every word must be at least three letters in length, and a letter square can’t be used more than once in a given word.

9

8

11 21

12 Alpine goat

Earlier

Word Square

18

4

Deceased singer, Winehouse

Movement of a dog’s tail

And not

17

17

3

19

Book size (abbr)

Wonder

Former

2

7

Pre-Roman inhabitant of Europe

Readily available (2,3)

14

13

14

16

Smear

11

16

‘I will return soon’ (inits)

6

11

Solve this crossword where all the clues are given within the grid.

Type of keyboard composition

5

9

10

10

3

8 Cryptic Crossword

7 RESULT

-34

2

20 21 22

15

Across Do Down Across 7 Language given1 aPlan label, not good, in tribe (7) by1Osc Pl of action in races organized Language given a label, not good, in tribe (7) 2 Go crazy when (4) Permit English actor to take off cap (5) English actor 9 Permit to take offupset cap (5) 2G Rush (3) impetuously to get breather in3gym Arrest Northern sailor (3) 10 Arrest Northern3sailor Ru 17 taken by press agency18person 4 Son with large enough specimen (6) Four directions 11 Four directions taken by press agency person 4 So 5 English worker accepting varied help, on in The Times, say (9) in The Times, say (9) 5 En with a trunk (8) Wash some hair in seconds (5) 12 Wash some hair6 in seconds (5) w Some were filling water jug (4) Role dame played expressing love for 14 Role dame played expressing love for 8 Number with present approaching –6orSo a gemstone (7) 20 gemstone 8 Nu long way off? (7,4) King overwhelmed by loss of power?

It’s a (7) 16 King overwhelmed by loss ofsymbols power?

It’s aby holy boo lo 13 Specialized shown grave offence (7) Speed shown by large badger-like animal (5) (7) country (8) grave offence 13 Sp the French, delicate Prevent civilized chap producing cleaning 18 Speed shown 15

by Among large badger-like animal joys (5) (8) co 17 chap Stop aproducing bishop withcleaning time in New York?

(6 material (9) 19 Prevent civilized 15 Am 18 Approve most of fee with condition over Secure ring-shaped rolls22 (not half) (3) material (9) 17 St year (6) Extremely fat Greek on old ship (5) rolls (3) magistrate 18(4)Ap 19 Party say(not heldhalf) up foreign Consider official lecturer (7)20 Secure ring-shaped 21 Extremely fat Greek on old ship (5) ye 20 Produced money reportedly (4)

T M U T

I C U L

Across Language given a label, not good, in tribe (7) Permit English actor to take off cap (5) Arrest Northern sailor (3) Four directions taken by press agency person in The Times, say (9) Wash some hair in seconds (5) Role dame played expressing love for gemstone (7) King overwhelmed by loss of power? It’s a grave offence (7) Speed shown by large badger-like animal (5) Prevent civilized chap producing cleaning material (9) Secure ring-shaped rolls (not half) (3) Extremely fat Greek on old ship (5) Consider official lecturer (7)

22 Consider official lecturer (7)

1 2 3 4 5 6 8 13 15 17 18 19 20

19 Pa 20 Pr

Down Plan of action in races organized by Oscar (8) Go crazy when upset (4) Rush impetuously to get breather in gym (6) Son with large enough specimen (6) English worker accepting varied help, one with a trunk (8) Some were filling water jug (4) Number with present approaching – or a very long way off? (7,4) Specialized symbols shown by holy books in country (8) Among the French, delicate joys (8) Stop a bishop with time in New York? (6) Approve most of fee with condition over year (6) Party say held up foreign magistrate (4) Produced money reportedly (4)

53

Local Services

heating and plumbing services

01202 612179

COMPUTER SERVICES 01202 814081

Work is carried out at your home or business (no call out charge) or in our workshops.

Apple Mac & Windows Laptops Towers Monitors Gaming PCs and laptops Printers Phone Lines New Equipment and Repairs Broadband and Networking iPhone & iPad SET-UP ANTI VIRUS AND INTERNET SECURITY All things computers... well almost!

Recruitment

Sous Chef Required We have a great opportunity for any chef looking to work with a great team with big ambitions.

You will be working alongside our head on a 4.5 day working week to manage daily kitchen activities, including overseeing staff, aiding with menu preparation, ensuring food quality and freshness, and monitoring ordering and stocking.

Provide the quality and consistency by following designated recipes.

SPIERSEstablished ELECTRONICS 1989

Call 01202 814081 or email sales@spiers-electronics.co.uk 3 Woodlinken Drive, Verwood, Dorset BH31 6BN

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HOUSE CLEARANCE PROFESSIONALS

Please contact Jamie or Kym on 01202 888565 Or please email: enquiries@thewimbornepig.com To start week commencing 10/05/21

Including sheds, Lofts and Garages.

01202 855 349 - Discounts for saleable items -

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ROOFING SYSTEMS & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

An established family business for over 100 years Local Authority & National Trust Contractor Flat Roofing Specialists with High Performance Polyester and Elastomeric Systems All Other Roofing Repairs Carried Out Insurance Backed Guarantees

Roofing tel: 01202 882777

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Helping hands wanted for cleaning farm holiday cottages. Near Milton Abbas. Call 01258 880558 or 07789 376588 CLASSIFIED ADS

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ABBEY DRAINAGE UNBLOCKING DRAINS

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Toilets Rodding High pressure jetting CCTV Surveys No dig relining Septic tank and water treatment plant installation All repairs and renewals No call out charge

01747 640188 07587 238563 54

We cover all of the Blackmore Vale area

CHRISTOPHER C BATTEN LTD SITUATIONS VACANT ESTATE AGENTS WEEKEND ADMINISTRATOR We are looking for a weekend administrator to join our busy, friendly team. Estate agency experience preferable. Every Saturday and alternate Sundays.

Apply in writing with CV to Mrs Joanne Batten, Christopher C Batten, 15 East Street, Wimborne, BH21 1DT or email joanne@chris-batten.uk

NE PLUMBING For all your plumbing needs

17 South Rd, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne BH21 3HY

24/7 No Call Out Fee

01202 699912 07414 897888

Nick Evans

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Home & Garden LOGS R US 1 ton pickup load of logs £90 Double load £150 Dumpy bag £60 All hardwood 07790 404593 01258 818081

CONCRETE RAILWAY SLEEPERS

For cow tracks / retaining walls.

Contact Ricky or Robert at Liquiline Limited 01258 830324 www.liquiline.co.uk

GREENHOUSES

Supplied/Erected Alloy/Ten Colours Spares-Repairs-Glass Chris Abrams 01258 452632

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS

£145 double load £85 half load 01258 880892 07980 036250

LES BENHAM Garden property maintenance All hedge/Tree work/ Rubbish clearance Gravel driveways/ Pressure washing Patio and Fencing work Fully insured/ Free quotes 01258 458849/ 07788 907343 lesbenham@yahoo. co.uk / check a trade

THE LOG SHED Seasoned Hardwood Cut and Split, Half or Full Load, Free Delivery

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All trees, hedges, fencing, gravel paths/ driveways, pressure cleaning, concrete bases, free quotations, fully insured 07545 619735 / 01258 721376

Well Rotted Manure

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Grass cutting and hedge cutting. All garden maintenance 01258 817541

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All aspects of garden work covered.

Hedges and shrubs, trimmed, shaped, lowered or removed and more…

Fully insured, Quality Service. For free quotes and advice call 07435 220238 / 01258 858888

Motors MOTORBIKES WANTED Non runners and unwanted Phone Keith on 07966 213344

SCREENED TOP SOIL FOR SALE – DELIVERED – TEL 01258 861046

OLD BYGONES & COLLECTIBLES Rural, garden & agricultural items bought & sold

VEHICLES/TRUCKS FOR SALE

As a whole. OFFERS invited 4 x Scania, P cab, year 2000, chassis cab with demount kit 8.9litre, Approx. 500k km – 4x2 1 x Scania year 1996, P cab, chassis cab with demount kit 8.9litre, 4x2 Mercedes 7.5ton, 815, 2003, 238k km Mercedes 7.5ton, 815, 2004, 238k km Renault master 2005, 112k km – non runner Peugeot 307 S HDI, 120k km – non runner 2 x Scania P270, 2003, 71k km 4x2 -12m box body MAN 6871cc, 1997 10m box body, tail lift 1 x step frame box artic trailer – scrapper 1 x small box draw bar trailer 2 x high cube, ally step frame artic trailers More information and photos are available on request after initial offer has been made and acknowledged. Any unreasonable offers will not be acknowledged Please email transport@overs.co.uk

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55

Points of View

How was it for you?

Now we turn the magazine over to a new columnist, known only as TeeBee. Each issue we’ll feature her musings on life, the universe and everything.

Starting this issue with the wide varieties of lockdown personalities…

How were Lockdown numbers one, two and three for you? I don’t mean professionally, but personally? It seems to me that the experience of being ‘stuck’ in one place, with the same people, probably doing the same things has given full rein to people’s personal traits.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the personalities you might have encountered…

profession – they have baked cakes, made jams, been for long walks in the countryside and organised virtual get-togethers with family one night, and Zoomed with friends in a virtual gin/cheese/real ale/ hot cross buns/banoffee pie/ tasting session on another night. Oh, and they’ve probably joined in with local pub virtual quiz nights every weekend.

Clapping for the NHS on the doorstep every Thursday evening, these people have seen their immediate neighbours more in the last three months than in the whole of the 20 years before the pandemic.

They have also discovered more about the village in which they live, wonderful walks without taking the car out, sweet little paths crossing scenic

Personality One Those who are happy in their family’s company and who have a comfortable home, with plenty to eat, plenty to do around the house and in the garden.

If they haven’t been working from home, ie, furloughed – that magical word previously unknown outside of the military

streams and wildflowers abounding. Selfie time!

– See we have been good and stayed in our glorious boundaries.

Personality Two Similar to Personality One, but with young children.

Spending quality time with the kids – apart from home schooling them all the numerous lessons that have been sent home from school.

Far better to make tents/ wigwams in the lounge with sheets, blankets and clothes airers. And that is the time to take a photo to let everyone know what a fun parent you are.

Personality Twos take the children out on long walks that involve mum or dad carrying a toddler, a bike and three coats. Why? Because it looked gloomy when you left home and

now it’s 25 degrees. Then the elder child is bellowing “Hurry up, I need a wee!” at the top of their voice from half a road away.

This couple’s evenings are spent eating, drinking and dozing over the TV watching a Netflix box set.

Personality Three These ones have been working every day from home and are envious of those who are sunbathing in the garden, taking the dog on long walks and catching up with chores that they have long neglected.

Worse still, there seems to be twice as much work as before, (if you can remember that there was a before).

New programmes have to be installed on the computer for an endless stream of online virtual meetings.

And it’s impossible to try to

XX-XX) pages52-53 (Frompages solutions From Puzzle solutions Sudoku Sudoku 3 6 7 1 6 9 9 4 8 3 1 5 2 8 5 7 4 2

1 3 8 4 2 5 7 7 6 3 9 9 1 6 5

2 5 7 9 5 6 1 4 8 3 9 7 6 1 3 8 4

Crossword Crossword 9 8 1 4 3 1 7 6 6 2 4 3 5 7 8 5 2 9

6 9 2 7 6 8 9 5 5 7 1 3 4 3 1

8 5 4 3 5 7 1 9 3 4 2 1 6 2 7 8 9 6

7 1 9 6 8 3 5 7 2 9 6 4 4 5 3 2 1 8

5 7 3 9 2 8 4 5 1 8 2 9 4 6 7 3

4 6 5 1 2 3 7 6 9 8 8 1 2 9 5 7

S H G R O FA O M I K M S E O E D

Brainchain Chain Brain 20 9

56 82

30 45

15

5 19

51 11

34 38

U U FI S U LU LS A L AL S V C C C U A R L N L U E N M EK M B A S O O U C CI R F N A O RESULT O TL O L FF S

F D L E E O O E W M P E U E R S T G E C O K O P

E I B C T E H N A A E S U N T E A EI D N H A F FI N U D R L O E LI L E D O Y L W C Y B

E S I R T E S

D MI O U O O N U G C A U R L E C R A LL A S R S I S U T I I N B R A E C L O A K U Y C L EI

F R Y E I O G H E W U S R T E E L

T H R A TI L R S

S I Y R E P N

T

Any problems with these these puzzles?

Email puzzles? Email newsdesk@stourandavon.net newsdesk@blackmorevale.net

Arrow words S G Bridges H 2 M O 2 P 3 S

2 R A 4 N N 1 3 S E

L W R O T T O 1 J O 3 B I O 2T I S C 3 E S 2 B S S P A 2 4 I N U 2I T 5 J K E R 4 A 1 U D E A 6 A 7 B O N 5 D D G N O C C H I 4 K 3 C 2 3 E R A M

Points of View

concentrate while the kids are arguing about whose turn it is to use the laptop to do their ‘homework’.

Personality Four Avoid them at all costs, as they are in the centre of a fight or flight episode, petrified of catching covid and privately thinking that

the end of the world is definitely nigh.

On one hand they’re telling you how life is precious and how we all need to work together.

Then, on the other, they’re more than happy to flout regulations – sticking it to ‘The Man’ by not wearing a mask while shopping.

They’ll tell you you’re all sheep because you follow one set of rules but not theirs. Because theirs are the right ones. Obviously.

As time through the pandemic has trundled on, unfortunately there have been more and more Personality Fours popping up. So how do you deal with

them? Just remember that you are too nice to respond.

No point in two people being irrevocably rude, is there? Which means that you remember it among some of the less-enjoyable memories of lockdown and it makes staying in at home seem even more attractive.

TeeBee

Puzzle solutions Word Square cult, cultural, lira, multiculturalism, mural, rat, rum, rut, sir, sum, tar, tumult

Cryptic Crossword S C E N A R I O D O G E

Brain Chain – Hard 60

26

130

88

22

33

S P A T A L A A U A B N E G I N S E O U T R A G A R E T E R G I E R O S S N T RESULT

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

T O A C C A T T A

S H T O P H Y B R E L T O W E S P S A R W A G O I A O N T A P N O G E N D P R I O R A

W E B C A M I B E X

N T R Y D A R E 57

Planning Woolsbridge Industrial Estate, Three Legged Cross

Detailed plans have now been submitted to Dorset Council for the 27 industrial units at Woolsbridge Industrial Park off Ringwood Road, Three Legged Cross, which were approved in outline

by East Dorset District Council in 2017.

The development on the 2.73-acre site includes seven terraces/blocks and a single detached unit to match those currently under construction to the north.

The new buildings, with a gross internal area of around 2,689 sq m, provide various sized self-contained starter units for industrial and business uses. There will be no buildings on a central section crossed by overhead powerlines, where four units on either side are proposed with external service yards and storage space to make efficient use of the land.

The site is accessed off the new estate spine road that has been constructed under planning approval 3/16/1298/FUL which is an adopted highway around 7.3 metres wide, and parking will be provided adjacent to each individual unit to include 92 parking spaces and storage for 16 cycles.

Level pedestrian access from the site entrance to the building through the staff parking area will enable easy access for all users, including those in wheelchairs.

The new buildings run parallel to the new estate road with two new access points as an extension to the units current being constructed and make best use of the strip of land running down the southeast boundary.

58

The silver cladded steel frame building with traditional mono pitched roof matches the design of adjacent units, the main entrance being highlighted by a covered canopy.

Comments remain open on the application number 3/21/0810/RM until May 19 Other applications submitted recently in East Dorset include…

47 Wareham Road, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne BH21 3JU Single storey rear extension, extend existing single garage to a double with pitched roof and extend existing rear dormer.

Comments to May 16 3/21/0187/HOU

23 Northleigh Lane, Colehill, Wimborne BH21 2PH Rear extension to include a balcony.

Comments to May 16 3/21/0212/HOU 2 Crescent Walk, West Parley, Ferndown BH22 8PZ Front dormer to side bay.

Two dormers and roof light on rear elevation.

Comments to May 17 3/21/0442/HOU Stapehill Farm, Uddens Drive, Hampreston, Wimborne BH21 7BE Erection of a dwelling for family member.

Comments to May 14 3/21/0288/FUL 54 Bramley Road, Ferndown BH22 9JJ Erect a detached selfcontained annexe.

Comments to May 1 3/21/0244/HOU

7 Ryan Close, Ferndown BH22 9TP Remove rear UPVC conservatory and replace with extension.

Comments to May 15 3/21/0121/HOU 321 Ringwood Road, Ferndown BH22 9AD Increase the height of the dwelling from 5.4m to 8.1m with the addition of another storey at first floor level.

Comments to May 12 3/21/0756/PNHH Weston, Cranborne Road, Alderholt, Fordingbridge SP6 3DT Single storey rear extension to measure 7.28m in length, with a maximum height of 4m and a height to eaves of 2.35m.

Comments to May 12 3/21/0759/PNHH 11 Chapel Close, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne BH21 3SH Form new living accommodation on the first floor by raising the existing ridge height and the formation of dormers and gable ends.

Comments to May 20 3/21/0222/HOU Moorfields, Farnham, Blandford Forum DT11 8DH Change of use of agricultural land to use for residential purposes using existing residential access to form a parking area ancillary to Moorfields.

Comments to May 17 3/20/1892/FUL 10 Mountbatten Drive, Ferndown BH22 9EL Single storey side and rear extensions. (Demolish

conservatory and outbuilding.)

Comments to May 7 3/21/0143/HOU Unit 7, Crane Way, Three Legged Cross, Wimborne BH21 6FA Raise roof to provide second floor accommodation above existing first floor. Three storey extension with balcony to east elevation.

Roof lights to north, east and south elevations.

Dormer window to west elevation. New windows and doors to all elevations.

Comments to May 15 3/21/0337/FUL Moorcroft, Davids Lane, Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2AW New double garage, utility room, home office, master bedroom, and single storey rear extension.

Comments to May 16 3/21/0309/HOU 65 Lake Road, Verwood BH31 6BX Two storey rear extension including extended ground floor footprint, extension of existing roof and new mono pitched roof to single storey extension to include rooflights. Along with internal alterations to habitable space.

Comments to May 16 3/21/0243/HOU 78 Sandy Lane, St Leonards and St Ives, Ringwood BH24 2LG Demolish the existing bungalow, sever plot and erect second detached bungalows. New and amended vehicle accesses.

Comments to May 2 3/20/2299/FUL

Property

Lockdown easing boosts Dorset Market The last couple of weeks have been extremely busy for our local estate agents as there is a frantic scramble to beat the June 30 changes to the Stamp Duty holiday.

The extended stamp duty holiday means that no tax is levied on the first £500,000 on purchases completed by June 30. This will be tapered until 30th September so that stamp duty will not be payable on residential purchases up to £250,000.

East Dorset has always been an attractive destination for anyone seeking the tranquillity of rural life, coupled with easy access to the coast.

Good road and rail networks connect the area to London and other metropolitan centres, and in a

West Moors – Price Guide £750,000. Contact Hearnes in Ferndown 01202 890890 for more information

post-covid world, East Dorset will be able to offer the perfect environment for the optimum work/life balance.

The demand for property from new buyers is currently outstripping the supply of

fresh properties coming to the market.

Julian Tucker of Hearnes in Ferndown said: “Since the lockdown restrictions have been lifted, we are undertaking a lot more

We are back

valuations and taking more properties onto the market.

“However, despite this, demand still seems to be outstripping supply which is causing property prices to continue to rise.”

His colleague at Hearnes’ Wimborne office, Mark Stylianou, reported: “Although some restrictions are still in place, we are finding more out-of-area buyers coming down to view, making the market even more buoyant with multiple offers being made on the same property.”

May, June and July are traditionally the busiest months for our Dorset agents, so I anticipate a lively summer!

Words: Andrew Kelley

Just Like the Old Days

PASTIMES of Sherborne (near the Abbey)

Thirty years of dealing in antique and collectible toys.

Top prices paid for all types of model railway, die cast cars, early Action Man and Star Wars, Scalextric, Meccano, unmade Airfix kits etc. Those magical names; Hornby, Dinky, Triang, Spot-On, Corgi, Subbuteo, Britains, Timpo plus plus plus Telephone; 01935 816072 Mobile; 07527 074343 Covid safe for house visits, please call to arrange an appointment

59

Property

WIMBORNE | PRICE £575,000 Well presented and versatile family home • Four bedroom, two reception rooms • Spacious sitting room with wood burner • Stunning Master bedroom with en suite • Good size plot • Ground floor bedroom and wet room

MERLEY/WIMBORNE | PRICE £555,000 Superb brand new four bedroom detached family home • Stunning kitchen/lifestyle room with bifold doors • Underfloor heating to ground floor • Contemporary fitted bathroom and En-suite • 10 year builders warranty • Off road parking, enclosed garden with patio and lawn

WIMBORNE | PRICE £475,000 Charming spacious Edwardian style semi detached home • Three double bedrooms • Character features throughout • Superb kitchen/family room • NO FORWARD CHAIN

CHARLTON MARSHALL | PRICE £390,000 Modern and well presented three bedroom detached home • Good size sitting room • Superb kitchen/diner with rear aspect • Master bedroom with En-suite • Off road parking and garage

COLEHILL | PRICE £360,000 Well proportioned three bedroom detached bungalow • NO FORWARD CHAIN • Sought after location • Ideal for modernisation • Off road parking and garage

WIMBORNE TOWN CENTRE | GUIDE PRICE £300,000 Character three bedroom three storey Grade II Listed town house • Spacious sitting/dining room • Modern kitchen with access to garden • Delightful walled courtyard garden

WIMBORNE | PRICE OIEO £350,000 Well presented and deceptively spacious mid terrace home • Rear garden with river frontage • Three good sized bedrooms • Walking distance of town centre • Cul de sac location

WIMBORNE TOWN CENTRE | GUIDE PRICE: £250,000 Spacious second floor purpose built apartment with lift • Good size sitting room with balcony • Walking distance of town square • Off road parking and garage

Wimborne off ice, 6 Cook Row, Wimborne, BH21 1LB 01202 842922 | wimborne@hearnes.com | www.hearnes.com

60

Property

FERNDOWN | £625,000 Deceptively spacious 1,800sq ft detached chalet • Open plan lounge/kitchen/dining room • Four double bedrooms • En-suite to the master bedroom • Detached double garage • Can be offered with no onward chain

FERNDOWN | GUIDE PRICE £580,000 Substantially enlarged detached family home • 18ft Impressive lounge overlooking the front garden • 24ft Stunning, open plan kitchen/dining room • Family room • 15ft Impressive master bedroom with en-suite • Cul-de-sac location

WIMBORNE | GUIDE PRICE £500,000 Recently modernised in private road • Enjoying a semi-rural location • Modern kitchen & 20ft lounge • Conservatory • 110ft x 60ft Rear garden

FERNDOWN | £475,000 Superbly positioned detached bungalow • Three bedrooms • Dual aspect lounge • Family bathroom & separate cloakroom • Southerly aspect rear garden • Off road parking & garage

BOURNEMOUTH £425,000 Substantially enlarged family home • Three double bedrooms • 21ft Lounge with separate dining room • Modern kitchen/breakfast room • Family bathroom &g/f cloakroom • Off road parking & single garage

BOURNEMOUTH | GUIDE PRICE £400,000 Beautifully finished detached bungalow • 2Open plan kitchen/breakfast/sitting room • En-suite shower to g/f bedroom • 14ft Guest bedroom & g/f shower room • First floor bedroom & family bathroom • Landscaped rear garden & parking

FERNDOWN | £375,000 Spacious first floor apartment with a lift • Three double bedrooms • 19ft Lounge • Kitchen/breakfast room • Refitted en-suite & spacious bathroom • Single garage & ample visitor parking

FERNDOWN | OIEO £375,000 Conveniently located detached bungalow • Dual aspect kitchen • 19ft Lounge/dining room • Two double bedrooms, shower room & cloakroom • Secluded rear garden

Ferndown Off ice, 6 – 8 Victoria Road, Ferndown, BH22 9HZ 01202 890890 | ferndown@hearnes.com | www.hearnes.com

61

Property

Property Profile Symonds & Sampson’s property auctions frequently include tempting offers for purchasers – be it properties for renovation, investment or occasionally something to tempt a speculator.

One such lot is for sale in their Livestream auction on May 21. It comprises 4.68 acres (approx.) of grassland and mixed woodland situated in a secluded, rural location on a no-through lane to the east of the village of Horton.

‘Sundown’ is a temporary structure, inhabited until recently, and retained with expired planning consent.

The site enjoys far-reaching views towards Horton Tower and surrounding countryside.

But the million-dollar question of course is could a buyer get planning permission

for a dwelling? The guide is £95,000.

For those looking for firmer footings, a 0.20 acre building plot known as ‘Tulip Tree House’ on the outskirts of Stoborough, has approved plans for a stylish, contemporary open-plan detached house.

Situated in a small, leafy close, with Wareham, Poole Harbour and the Purbecks within striking distance, the guide for this wonderful opportunity to build your very own grand design is £225,000.

To find out more about the properties mentioned above, or to discuss this method of sale for your property, contact Mark Lewis on 01258 473766 or Meredith Holmes on 01202 843190.

Two views of the ‘Sundown’ auction lot on May 21. An incredible opportunity, but could you get planning permission?

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Property

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