The New Stour & Avon - Issue 112

What’s inside this issue... Meet the team

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Cover: Beech avenue, Wimborne

Striding out to raise £10,000 for Parkinson’s

The 150 walkers who took part in Walk for Parkinson’s at Moors Valley have raised more than £10,000 for Parkinson’s UK’s Nurse Appeal.

Holly Young from Broadstone, whose dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020, took on the walk in his honour - describing the day as both emotional and uplifting.

She said: “As the years have passed, we’ve watched my dad gradually decline physically and mentally - but what’s stood out is his resilience, and the unwavering strength of my mum as his carer.

“They’ve both been a true inspiration. “Parkinson’s UK has provided a lifeline - whether it’s through expert care from their Parkinson’s nurse, local support groups, or giving us hope through research.

“Taking part in the walk felt like a way to give something back.”

Holly also brought some extra joy to the event as her business, Traditional Games Hire Dorset, offered pre- and post-walk entertainment for attendees. Holly added: “A highlight was seeing a gentleman in a wheelchair light up while playing Cornhole - it reminded us

why we were all there. The atmosphere, the sea of blue shirts, and messages on people’s backs were deeply moving.

“We even met someone walking for herself. What a warrior!”

All the funds raised will go toward Parkinson’s UK’s Nurse Appeal, which is aiming to raise £9m to help ensure everyone with Parkinson’s can access the specialist care they need.

Right now, more than 30,000 out of the 166,000 people in the UK diagnosed with Parkinson’s don’t have access to a Parkinson’s nurse.

Ruth Wright, community fundraiser for the south west at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Parkinson’s UK estimates that around 166,000 people in the UK are living with Parkinson’s, including approximately 1270 people in Dorset.

“The amazing efforts of everyone who took part in Walk for Parkinson’s will help us provide initial funding for new nurses and other specialists people with Parkinson’s urgently need.”

Pictured left are Holly with mum Christine and husband Andy and, right, Holly’s dad Khoon Ming.

To find out more about fundraising for Parkinson’s UK, visit: parkinsons.org. uk/fundraising.

Cast off and make a splash at river pageant

Christchurch Rotary in association with the Boscombe & Southbourne Rotary Club has announced details of their new river pageant on the River Stour in Christchurch on Saturday, August 16, in aid of three good causes: Hengistbury Head Outdoor Activity Centre, Pink Champagne and Bourne Water Dragon cancer survivor charities.

The Pageant features a parade of water craft

including motorboats, fishing boats, Ribs, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and novelty floats, finishing with two local team dragon boats in action.

Participants are invited to dress up and decorate their entry in a theme portraying the history of Christchurch - think pirates, smugglers, Saxons, Vikings and D-Day landings.

Prizes will be awarded for the most attractive entries in

various classes.

Community groups, including Scouts, Sea Cadets, stand-up paddleboarders, canoeists and kayakers have been invited to take part and local traders, companies and businesses are welcome to come and wave their corporate flags and support the cause!

The parade starts at noon from Tuckton Tea Gardens, just downstream from Tuckton Bridge, where there will be a variety of stalls and shore based activities from 11am, including water safety demonstrations, a multimedia presentation on the history of Christchurch and a spectacular dragon dance in support of the two dragon boat teams.

The parade ends at the Town Quay shortly after 1pm and will

followed by a prizegiving ceremony for the winners of the best-dressed entries. Rotary says the event is an opportunity to have fun and enjoy the river and at same time raise money for local charities and encourage people to engage with the Hengistbury Head Outdoor Activity Centre which is now being developed for all the local community.

The organiser of the pageant, Rotarian Gerry Clarke, said: “We’re appealing to local businesses to get behind this innovative new project and help us raise money for the charities.

“If you can provide a prize, make a donation, or help in any other way, we would be pleased to hear from you.”

For more information email: 3gclarke@

Simon steps out to support caring charities

Ouch Learning and Development, based in Wimborne, has launched a new summer campaign, Walk the Camino to raise funds for Mytime Young Carers and Dorset Wildlife Trust, two charities that reflect the personal journey of MD Simon Cassin.

As a former young carer, Simon experienced how time in nature can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Now, he’s walking to help others access those same opportunities and to support the protection of the wild spaces that make them possible.

As part of the campaign, Simon and

Wreath ceremony to mark VJ Day 80 years on

At noon on Friday, August 15, the mayor of Wimborne, along with local dignitaries and veterans, will gather at the War Memorial on Minster Green for a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. The event will begin with a moment of solemn reflection, during which wreaths will be laid at the foot of the historic Grade II-listed war memorial, honouring local service personnel from the World Wars.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, the mayor said: “This anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Far East campaigns. “We are honoured to pay tribute to their memory here in our town, 80 years on.”

Following the wreathlaying, attendees are invited to join for refreshments at the Royal British Legion branch in Wimborne Minster, providing an opportunity for community members, veterans, and representatives to come together in respectful commemoration.

his partner Kirsty will walk the 800km Camino Francés, a historic pilgrimage route across northern Spain. Their goal is to raise funds and awareness for young carers and environmental conservation.

Simon said: “From 13 to 16, I was a young carer for my mum, who had multiple sclerosis. “A social worker arranged a week of outdoor activities that changed my life and I’ve never looked back.”

Mytime Young Carers provides vital support and opportunities for children who care for family members. They offer a break and a chance to build friendships and confidence through outdoor activities.

Dorset Wildlife Trust works to protect and restore local wildlife and wild spaces. Learn more at ouchlandd.co.uk/blog.

Fitness and fun at beach fundraiser

Family-run Bridge Health & Wellbeing in Christchurch has helped raise more than £750 for Chill Dorset from a Beach Pilates and Sea Dip fundraising event on Avon Beach.

Everyone was invited to a pilates class on the beach, led by Louise O’Connell, cofounder and pilates teacher at Bridge, followed by a sea dip led by Jo Cox, lead volunteer at Chill Dorset.

The class was completely free and open to all abilities. All donations on the day and via the Just Giving page went to Chill Dorset, which is based at Avon Beach.

The team were hoping to raise £750, which would enable eight people to attend the course fully funded and the total raised so far is £760.

Chill Dorset is a not-forprofit organisation dedicated to providing sea swimming courses as a form of therapy for adults with long-term

mental or physical health conditions, including anxiety, depression and cancer. Trained coaches offer structured and supportive gentle courses to introduce people to the therapeutic benefits of spending time in the sea.

Bridge Health & Wellbeing has supported Chill Dorset through a range of

fundraising activities over the past 18 months.

Louise said: “We were keen to support a small, local charity which is making a difference to people right here in Christchurch.

“Chill operates from Avon Beach, which is just minutes from our clinic.

“Thankfully, the sun shone and we were delighted to

see so many people attend. Everyone enjoyed the sunshine and pilates on the sand, followed by a lovely sea dip with the Chill team and lifeguards, who freely volunteered their time.

“Our thanks also go to the Beach Hut Cafe, which also donated on the day, with tea and coffee money going directly to Chill.”

Big plane-pull charity event is now boarding

Could you pull a plane and raise much-needed funds to support local families?

Families charity Home-Start Wessex has launched an appeal for local people to help pull a plane and raise money to support their work with families in Dorset. The charity is putting together a team of 20 to pull a Boeing 737 at this year’s Dorset Plane Pull, the UK’s only charity event of its kind. Home-Start Wessex offers friendship, practical support and emotional advice to parents in Dorset with at least one child under five when they are in crisis, providing specialist groups and one-to-one home visits. Dorset Plane Pull is the country’s most unique fundraising event. Teams of 20 enter to pull a Boeing 737 weighing in at 35,000kg a distance of 50 metres. Since its founding in 2009, the event has raised more than £340,000 for charities. More

than 5,980 pullers from 299 teams have picked up a rope and completed the challenge.

This year’s event takes place on August 25 and is hosted by European Skybus Ltd on the Aviation Business Park at Bournemouth Airport.

Darren Lewis of Home-Start Wessex said: “The plane pull is a fantastic event to take part in and a massive achievement for anyone who completes it.

“In just one or two minutes of immense hard work, you could make a life-changing difference to local families.

“No specific training is required. Pullers just need to be fit and healthy, without any known heart problems, back issues or currently pregnant.

“Bring your trainers and come and do something amazing this August.”

If you’re up for the challenge, get in touch with Darren by emailing darren@ homestartwessex.org.uk.

New venue for larger Poole Model Railway Exhibition

Poole and District Model Railway Society are pleased to announce that the 2025 Poole Model Railway Exhibition will move to a new, larger venue this year. We have already booked some exciting layouts in a variety of sizes, eras, scales and gauges, with the emphasis on quality ‘finescale’ layouts, some of which have featured in the model railway press and at major national and regional shows. There will also be demonstrations of modelling techniques and trade stands selling new and second-hand trains, accessories and tools and society stands. There is an increased number of traders and more layouts. All in all this will be a

quality exhibition - make sure you don’t miss it! Sunday, October 19, 10am to 4.30pm.

Corfe Hills School, Higher Blandford Road, Broadstone. Admission is £8 adult - with accompanied children under 16 free.

Cash or card taken on door. The venue is wheelchair friendly and there will be light refreshments and a free car park. For more information, please contact me via richard_syms@btinternet. com.

Richard Syms Publicity officer

Join us for education and fun

Canford and Merley WI would like to invite you to join us to share friendship, education and fun. We meet on the second Wednesday of each month, at 7pm for 7.30pm at Merley Community Centre, Harrier Drive, Wimborne. Our next fun meeting is on

Wednesday, August 13, at 7.30pm when we will be resurrecting ‘Call my bluff’. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Me on 07780 705702 for more details. We look forward to seeing you!

Hazel Clarke

Canford and Merley WI

Children’s hospice charity, Julia’s House, has received planning permission to make a small extension to its Dorset hospice, so it can provide additional space and facilities to meet the growing need for its specialist care, especially for children at the end of their life.

Due to start in September, the building works will extend the hospice’s end-of-life Mermaid Suite and improve facilities in other areas of the building. Julia’s House was behind the recent Great Tail Trail across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, which featured giant mermaid tails, specially chosen to represent the Mermaid Suite. The trail helped to raise awareness of the vital support the hospice provides for local families as well as generate funds to for its future care. The extension will provide a private entrance to the Suite and increase the space to enable families to stay together as a family and

make special memories, transforming a family’s experience and closeness at a time when being able to spend time with each other is so important.

In addition to the extension, the second floor of the hospice will be improved to feature a larger bathroom with a more easily accessible bath and specialist equipment enabling access between the bathroom and bedroom, giving more privacy, space and independence for older children.

The entrance to the hospice will also be improved with a new external ramp leading up to the main front door.

Pictured is Sandy, the mermaid’s tale returning to the hospoce and the Mermaid Suite.

Get on your bike and take steps to boost trust

Saturday, September 13, is the date to get your bike out of the shed or get walking to explore Dorset’s architectural heritage and beautiful countryside and help repair Dorset’s historic church buildings.

Ride & Stride is an annual event where participants are sponsored to travel between churches.

The money raised is shared between Dorset Historic Churches Trust and a church of your choice.

Whether you are a church goer, a history lover, you enjoy exploring new places or simply want to support the church at the centre of your community, everyone is welcome to take part.

You can join in in any way you like: cycling, walking, running, horse riding or using your bus pass. Whether you visit a couple of churches or aim to break the record for the number of churches visited in one day, make 2025 - the year of the Trust’s 65th

anniversary- the year you sign up and help keep Dorset’s heritage alive. For information on how to take part and online registration, visit www.dhct.org. uk.

The Trust has for 65 years grant-aided maintenance work for churches and chapels of all Christian denominations in Dorset.

Grants awarded over the last five years average more than £120k per year. The priority has always been to assist with weatherproofing (roofs and stonework).

In recent years, significant funds have been granted to assist communities to adapt their cherished church buildings for wider use.

Golden moment at Shillingstone station

A major milestone has been reached at Shillingstone Station, near Blandford, when a 400 metre rail extension was finally joined to existing track with the insertion of a traditional ‘golden screw’. Joining the tracks was the culmination of a project which started four years ago, when North Dorset Railway (NDR) was granted planning consent. Work began in earnest in September 2021, but the first job was to divert the trailway, the public path that runs along most of the length of the old railway between Sturminster Newton and Blandford Forum, to a safer route alongside.

That was completed in the summer of 2022, allowing work to start at last on preparing the track bed.

That involved major earthmoving, to shift a spoil heap at one end and rebuild an embankment at the other. It was a mammoth task - the reinstatement of the embankment alone used 2,000 tonnes of material - and took two years. In November last year tracklaying could finally begin, starting at the far end of the northern extension and working back towards the station, and good progress was made through the winter. The linking bridge was stripped down to its original Victorian brickwork and checked, and by March this year the track crossed the bridge, about a third of the way.

Blessed with a dry spring, and now with the station in sight, there was no stopping the determined band of volunteers making up the ‘Permanent Way’ team.

On the last Saturday of June, in 26-degree heat, a team of 12 set the

final sleepers in place, and cut rails to length.

Operations manager Phil Jacques placed the final ‘golden’ screw and it was driven home.

He then thanked the team for their incredible effort.

It’s not the end of the work, of course; there is still much to do, not least a mountain of paperwork, but it’s a major step towards North Dorset Railway’s aim to start carrying passengers in 2026.

The last spike joining the tracks of America’s first transcontinental railroad in 1869 was solid gold, giving rise to the tradition (at which time Shillingstone Station was already six years old!).

School’s out... votes for 16-year-olds are in!

Both Parliament and schools have broken up for the Summer - a muchanticipated time of rest and recouperation for MPs, their staff, teachers and parents.

I’m sorry, I’m sorry - I jest, I could not resist that one!! Contrary to popular belief, the work does not stop now for any of those groups of people.

Yes the school-run is on hold for six weeks, but then arises the issue of you working full time, so now you need childcare, or six weeks of activities to keep your kids busy during the day from Monday to Friday.

MPs are in Parliament Monday to Thursday and already spend Thursday to Sunday working in their constituencies so, after a short summer break, they’re all back in their constituencies over the summer, working on

casework, doing visits, conducting meetings with community groups, businesses and organisations and planning for the next session in the Commons. Their staff are on statutory holiday entitlement too, the same as the rest of us, so they’re not chilling for six weeks straight either.

Before you know it the summer recess and school holidays are over!

Of course, teachers and their trade unions have been telling us this forever and it is not until you get involved in the education system - or if you know a teacher - that you get a real understanding of the amount of work they have to do during the school holidays and after hours during term time.

I met many of their 16/17 year olds pupils campaigning in Dorset during the election last year.

A group I spoke to one Saturday night outside my treasured local kebab shop came to mind last week when I was in the Strategy For Elections: Urgent question and debate last Thursday. Some people are concerned that 16/17 year olds cannot handle the responsibility of voting; that they are more

interested in TikTok and Instagram. I beg to differ. How many of you over-40’s reading this did not register and use your vote last year? One of the most engaging political discussions I had during the election campaign was with the ‘kebab boys’ that night and, if they’re old enough to drive, pay taxes, have children, give blood, join the first stage of the armed forces, be interested enough in politics to engage with a parliamentary candidate like me, plus register to vote and sort out ID, then I am confident that they deserve the right to play a part in democracy and have their say in the ballot box. People, never judge a book by its cover - we can all learn something from those teenagers you pass in the street!

Now - please pass me my shades...

Parliament spending valuable time on trivia

As the Parliamentary recess at the end of July approaches, speculation is rife as to the fate of many Bills which seem unlikely to be enacted before the end of the first session of this Parliament.

Normally, this session would be expected to end in October with a King’s Speech setting out the Government’s legislative intent in early November. But rumours abound that the Government is going to extend the current session until spring 2026. This has implications for Private Members’ Bills, including that to change the law on assisted suicide.

For all its boasts about modernisation, the Government has not even announced the dates of when Parliament will be sitting beyond this November.

What is the need for this secrecy? It is symptomatic of a government in disarray.

My Bank of England (Inflation

Targets) Bill was due for discussion on July 11 but was blocked by the Government. At a meeting with Treasury Minister Emma Reynolds I explained to her the need for sanctions against the Bank of England for failing to meet the inflation target set by the Government. Our discussion was disturbing because it confirmed my suspicion that this Government is only paying lip service to the two per cent inflation target. The Minister confirmed her expectation that inflation would remain above target until at least January 2027 and that she was not putting any pressure on the Bank of England to put things right sooner. Inflation destroys savings, pushes up interest rates and undermines the currency. The benefit for the Government, however, is that it also reduces the value of Government debt thereby creating a conflict of interest.

That is why we need a truly independent Bank of England. My Bill would penalise the bank if it failed to stand up to the Treasury and insist on the importance of adhering to the two per cent inflation target. While the Government prevented discussion of

inflation, it has been keen to facilitate Bills which are trivial and undeserving of Parliamentary time. One such Bill makes it easier to extend pub opening hours if England is successful in international sporting events. The Government had the gall to congratulate itself on helping the hospitality industry in this way while ignoring the fact that its increases in employers’ National Insurance are forcing more pubs to close every day. Another Bill being praised by the Government would create a new criminal offence of illegally entering a football stadium. As I pointed out in the House of Commons, most of my constituents would far prefer Parliament to be debating how to stop foreigners illegally entering into the United Kingdom. Sadly, it serves the Government’s purpose to divert Parliament into spending its valuable time on trivia.

Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher

The major issues MPs have been addressing

As I write this article, MPs are approaching the final full week of the summer term. I am preparing my last parliamentary speeches and finalising plans for the upcoming recess.

There’s a common misconception that when Parliament is in recess, MPs are on holiday.

While I will be taking a couple of weeks for a family break, the remainder of the summer will be filled with meetings, constituency visits, and working with my team to resolve individual constituent issues.

I’ll also be conducting my Village Tour to ensure our smaller communities are not overlooked. In addition, I’ll be holding pop-up surgeries in supermarkets and libraries, alongside scheduled advice sessions.

If you need assistance, please email or write to me so I can triage your concern and begin helping.

Before term ends, I want to reflect on some of the major issues MPs have been addressing.

The Government’s early months have been challenging, with

some significant missteps. While U-turns have addressed certain issues, they have also raised concerns about public confidence.

The new Government has inherited huge challenges from the previous administrationincluding overcrowded prisons, an overstretched NHS, an asylum backlog, and increasing demand for care services.

The House of Commons has completed its work on several key Bills, including those on Planning & Infrastructure, Crime & Policing, Assisted Dying, Puppy Smuggling, and Universal Credit.

These Bills have been amended and passed, and are now with the Lords for further scrutiny before receiving Royal Assent. Recently, the Government launched several major reviews. Two particularly significant initiatives are the Strategic Defence Review and the NHS Ten Year Plan.

In today’s uncertain world, there is cross-party agreement on the need to increase military spending and modernise our

Liberal Democrat

Mid-Dorset & North Poole

VIKKI SLADE MP

armed forces to address threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and space warfare.

Over the past year, I’ve spent considerable time with the military, learning about the lives of our sailors and marines. In September, I’ll begin working with the Army, spending time with regiments and deployments to better understand both the evolving threats and the daily lives of service personnel, their families, and veterans.

As our population lives longer but faces more health challenges, the NHS must undergo significant transformation to continue serving us from cradle to grave. The Ten Year Plan outlines some promising changes, but we now need a clear roadmap to 2035. Supporting documents, such as the cancer strategy and plans for social care, have unfortunately been delayed.

Locally, I’ve been advocating for improved GP and dental services, children’s medicine, pharmacy access, and end-of-life care.

As I review the Plan in the coming weeks, I expect to raise further questions with NHS Dorset and relevant ministers when Parliament resumes in September.

Having just marked my first anniversary as your MP, I want to thank everyone who has supported me.

It’s a true privilege to serve, represent, and support you. I hope everyone enjoys a restful summer and makes the most of everything our beautiful county has to offer.

Dan’s on his bike for endurance fundraiser

Dan Avey-Hebditch is set to undertake the ultimate UK endurance cycling challenge from Land’s End to John O’Groats (Lejog), the two furthest points apart on the UK mainland, in support of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation.

The challenge starts on Thursday, September 4, in tribute to John, who would have been 40 this year.

John Thornton from Ferndown, was a young officer in the Royal Marines. He was killed whilst serving in Afghanistan in 2008 at just 22 years old. Lejog is a famous endurance challenge from the tip of south-west England to the tip of north-east Scotland, typically covering around 850 miles and taking an average of around 14 days. Dan’s ride extends the usual Lejog route by more than 200 miles and thousands of feet elevation gain to a total of 1040 miles and more than 40,000 feet of climbing, across 40 counties, including a diversion to visit John’s unit - 40

Commando Royal Marines.

Dan will be riding the entire route solonearly 200 miles per day - in six days. By comparison, celebrities and former elite athletes James Cracknell and Lewis Moody completed the standard route together in eight days.

Before the start at Lands End, Dan will

be riding 100 miles from Ferndown Upper School where John had been a pupil, to the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, Devon, where John completed his training. Dan and John share a deep bond from their youth in Dorset, attending the same schools and engaging in RAF cadet activities from parachuting and flying to leadership courses and Duke of Edinburgh awards, which shaped their paths into uniformed service and inspired Dan’s commitment to the Foundation. The Foundation actively supports young people locally, helping them make the most of opportunities to develop and follow their ambitions and dreams, whether in sport, academically, the arts, the community, or in their future careers. Dan and John’s journey is a testament to the importance of young people believing in themselves and following their dreams.

To support Dan, visit justgiving.com and search for Dan.

Students emerge victorious from dragons’ jaws

During the final week of term, Bryanston’s Design & Technology department held the finals of their Dragons’ Den project, with 51 pairs of pupils delivering their final pitches to showcase their problem-solving products. The top eight pairs qualified for the final and had to convince the school’s very own Dragons, Mr Payne, Mrs Ings, Mrs Dales and Mr Jones (not Peter!) why they should be chosen for support to take their ideas through to market.

Following some very impressive presentations, this year’s top three were:

Third: Max M and Tom W with their 3D Printed Bryanston Fidget spinners, which will be offered as a small gift to all prospective parents and pupils.

Second: Edward H with his rotating pot plant, that enables any indoor plant to slowly spin to enable more vertical growth and distribution of light.

First: Oz G and Penelope K-P with their 3D printed, tailored Smart Rings that enable their users to store an array of personal links and files, accessible via a contactless chip.

Head of design & technology

Here for you and your pet when you need us.

pet from beginning to end with care and compassion every step of the way

Chris Mills, said: “It was wonderful to see so many impressive young entrepreneurs at the final this year, who presented clearly and responded well under questioning from our panel of Dragons.

and technologists in Year, lies at the heart of the school’s Entrepreneur & Innovation pillar.

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

• 100% Individual Cremation Service

• Collection service from home or your vets

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

• Farewell Room for your final goodbyes

• Your own pets’ ashes within 3 days

• Where will my pet be taken?

• Keepsakes, Urns, Caskets & Ashes Jewellery

• When will I receive my pets’ ashes back?

• What are my options?

Dorset Pet Cremations can help answer all these questions.

“This open ended, problemsolving project for design

“Well done especially to Max, Tom, Ed, Oz and Penelope for impressing the Dragons... we look forward to supporting them to take their ideas to market.”

Antiques & Collectibles

Pumped up at auction

A collection of rare glass petrol pump globes from a West Country collector, are entered into the Charterhouse specialist auction of automobilia on Wednesday, September 24.

Richard Brommell of Charterhouse said: “These globes once stood atop petrol pumps on garage forecourts. “Lit up at night they were beacons for motorists looking to fill up with their cars’ favourite fuel and guided them safely to a pump.”

Today, these are rare survivors. Made of glass, many globes were damaged or simply thrown away after a forecourt renewed

or upgraded its petrol pumps. Ideal to decorate a study, mancave or in a barn to complement a collection of classic & vintage cars, globes from the collection are estimated at £500- £1,000 each.

Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for this specialist auction of glass petrol globes, fuel pumps, enamel signs and automobilia.

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

Community spirit shines at West Moors Westival

West Moors came alive last month as Westival returned to Fryer Field for its sixth year - drawing thousands despite the scorching summer heat, writes Nadine Hancock

Great Dorset Chilli Festival repeats the heat!

E stablished in 2011, this 14th edition of the ever-popular chilli festival showcases artisan food from around Dorset, the West Country and beyond. Whether you love chilli or just can’t take the heat, with a total of over 125 tradestands there’s something for everyone at the Great Dorset Chilli Festival.

“We’ve had some exciting new producers begging us for a pitch this year” says a festival spokesman, “and we’ve only selected the best of these to maintain quality and value for our visitors”.

The much-loved event once again delivered a day of family-friendly fun, community connection, and local pride.

There are chilli plant competitions, a chilli sauce competition, and of course the crowd-pleasing chilli eating competitions. This year the chilli and curry cook-off competitions have seen more entries than ever before. The cook-off sees 15 teams compete to cook the best pot of chilli, live in front of the visitors over a 4-hour period, and visitors can try each one.

Dorset chefs Mark Hartstone of La Fosse in Cranborne and Mat Follas MasterChef 2009 will be demonstrating recipes in the Talk Tent, and chilli plant growing expert Matt Simpson of Simpson’s Seeds will be sharing tips. Dr Tim Woodman returns this year to discuss the pioneering work exploring the medicinal benefits of capsaicin, the compound found in chillies that makes them ‘hot’.

More than 65 stalls lined the field, showcasing everything, from handcrafted goods and delicious treats to tombolas and games run by local businesses, charities, and community groups. The atmosphere was buzzing, with smiles all around.

Live music includes bands Sixteen String Jack, Old Baby Mackerel and festival favourites The Mother Ukers on the music stage, whilst up at the Cider Tent there’s stompin’ bluegrass from Big Joe Bone and well-known blues tracks from Rob Berry Blues. Putting smiles on faces with familiar Mexican tunes, Pablo returns with his roving 3-piece Mariachi band. Enjoy the music with some delicious international streetfood and a local cider, ale or a rum cocktail, or perhaps a glass of bubble tea or a Dorset-roasted coffee.

The chilli festival is great value for families, plus the children will love watching the chilli eating competition which takes place each afternoon at 4.00pm, and you can keep them entertained all day with the bouncy castles, circus skills workshops, facepainting, pocket money toys and falconry displays. For best value visitors should aim to buy their tickets in advance via the chilli festival website. Children under 11 years enter free of charge, and ticket prices for children aged 11-15 years remain unchanged since 2016 at just £2.50 for online tickets.

Reduced price online tickets are selling fast at www.greatdorsetchillifestival.co.uk/tickets at £9.50 per adult until Tuesday 29th July. Full price tickets available at the gate.(£12 per adult)

Dates: Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025

Times: 10.00am to 5.00pm

Location: the beautiful Stock Gaylard deer park at Lydlinch, near Sturminster Newton DT10 2BG Free parking

Dogs welcome No camping

Live music soundtracked the lively atmosphere, with energetic pop-rock covers from Chill and a soulful performance by singersongwriter Charlotte Geary. Families flocked to the shaded craft tent hosted by Know Wander, offering

free creative activities for children. For thrill-seekers, Steamship Circus provided circus skills including tightrope walking and aerial hoop, while South Coast Adventures drew crowds to their climbing wall. Entertainment highlights included Krazy Kev’s ever-popular magic show, jaw-dropping bike stunts from Urban Display, and a chance to meet birds of prey courtesy of the Falcon Crest. Sadly, it was too warm for

the ferrets this year, but we hope they’ll return in 2026! The Wheel Display was the biggest yet, with 110 shiny vehicles on show. The award for ‘The Car I’d Most Like to Take Home’ went to James Thorpe for his quirky custom ‘Bedzuki’ pickup, Doreen. The cash raffle saw four lucky winners walk away with prizes, including £500 for the main winner and a hamper filled with goodies donated by West Moors councillors.

extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the day possible - from volunteers and sponsors to the Wessex 4x4 Response Team, who did a stellar job managing the parking. We’re already looking forward to Westival 2026!

Photo by Rob House

Food & Drink

Cooking... with Martha Legg

Slow cooker sticky hoisin chicken

My husband found this recipe and thought that it might be a good alternative to a takeaway, as they have got so expensive. Even when we were in Tenerife, a takeaway was not a cheap option.

We preferred the breakfasts and we had several places that served up just what we wanted. In El Mediano we used to go and sit on the front and have either crosiants or ham and cheese toasted sandwich.

In Los Abrigos, it was always a cheese and onion toasted sandwich.

In San Blas, Martin often had a full English, (you can tell we were English people abroad!), and I would have beans on toast with a couple of hash browns on the side. Back to the ‘fakeaway’.

This was such an easy recipe to prepare, and with it being cooked in the slow cooker, was perfect for a Saturday evening.

You know the feeling when you have done the food shopping, done the housework and then you just want to sit down and relax. I’m not sure why I leave those chores to the weekend as I am retired! I think old habits die hard.

On Saturday nights, we try and find something good to watch on TV.

It’s made slightly difficult as we cancelled our TV licence as we don’t watch live TV. It’s not our ‘date night’ but pretty close. Last week, we started watching a film, which neither of us liked, then a new series, which we didn’t like and then went back to one we had watched before!

We have started having to have the subtitles on as Martin struggles to hear, especially if the actors have an accent... which is rich coming from him with his West Country accent!

He still makes me repeat words with ‘r’s in

them, like dark and hark, as he laughs at the way I pronounce them!

It keeps him amused!

Ingredients:

Serves 4

600g chicken thighs / or breasts

1 onion

1 red chilli

1 red bell pepper

1 tbsp minced ginger

1 tbsp minced garlic

2 tbsp cornflour

1 tsp olive oil

50ml soy sauce

50ml chicken stock

1 tbsp honey

4 tbsp hoisin sauce

Method:

Add the chicken and cornflour to a bowl, season well and mix together until the chicken is nicely coated.

Add 1 tsp to a medium heat pan and cook off the chicken for 3-5 minutes until lightly brown.

Add the chicken and the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker, season well mix together and cook for 2 hours on high or 3-4 hours on low.

Garnish with sesame seeds, fresh coriander and sticky rice.

Festival tea & cake afternoon raises £500

On a bright, warm and sunny afternoon more than 50 people enjoyed tea and cake in the garden of Anthony and Christine Oliver in Wimborne, writes Anthony Oliver.

The event was held to raise funds towards the cost of the flowers for the flower festival to be held in Wimborne Minster from Friday to Monday, September 26 to 29.

The splendid sum of £491 was raised.

Christine said afterwards, how grateful she was to all who supported the occasion, all those who made the delicious cakes, all who donated prizes for the raffle, all those who gave donations because they were unable to attend and all the helpers which made the event run so smoothly.

The festival, entitled ‘the Delights Of Dorset’, will have more than 60 tableaux and smaller arrangements, which are being staged by flower clubs from across Dorset together with the Minster’s own flower arrangers. Advance tickets, at £7.50 each can be purchased from Carnival Flowers, Poole Road, Wimborne, or the

Parish Office, Church House, next to the Minster. The final fundraising event towards the cost of the flowers will be a Charity Antiques Valuation Day in Church House, next to the Minster, on Tuesday, September 16, from 10.00am until 1.00pm when you can bring along your treasures for a valuation at £5.00 an item. No booking is required.

Half a century of steam, engineering & passion

Wimborne District Society of Model Engineers has just celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The club opened in 1975 in the grounds of Cobham Sports and Social club and runs a miniature railway on the edge of Wimborne. It has around 100 members who are all model engineering and railway enthusiasts aged from eight to 89.

The club operates a variety of locomotives in different gauges, ranging from live steam to modern image diesels.

They have Gauge 1 and 16mm garden railways and a 5-inch ground level track that visitors can ride on.

Members volunteer their time to support the club that has become a popular, local family attraction.

The railway is open to

visitors on the first and third Sunday of each month from Easter to Hallowe’en.

It has always operated on a donation-only basis and relies on these donations to support the maintenance and safe running of the club.

The Society celebrated its Golden Jubilee at the end of May by gathering more than 50 items of live steam on their site.

The display was made up of traction engines, steam locomotives and even a steam car and represented 50 years of club activities.

The birthday weekend was opened by the Mayor of Wimborne and the town crier and was a huge success.

The club wishes to say a big thank-you to all members and visitors who have helped keep the society going for 50 years. Visit wimbornedsme.co.uk.

62,000

Weight loss injections: Your questions answered

The 1:1 Diet is the perfect complementary solution to the common side effects. Top nutritionist Mark Gilbert sets the record straight once and for all.

Part two

What are the side effects of weight loss injections?

Like many medications, weight loss injections also may have mild initial symptoms while your body adjusts to the changes. The most common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. In some cases, side effects can also include gallbladder and kidney problems, pancreas inflammation and depression. As always, if you experience any of these while on the weight loss drugs, make sure you reach out to your GP. Are weight loss injections only for people with Type 2 diabetes?

Many of the weight loss injections were initially developed to help those with Type 2 diabetes. This is because they work by lowering blood sugar and increasing insulin production, helping to prevent your liver from releasing too much sugar. More recently, some of these medications have also been licensed for weight management.

How long do the weight-loss drugs take to work and why?

These drugs start on a very low dosage, because if they are started at the full dose, then they can cause unacceptable levels of nausea, stomach upset and vomiting. The dosage is then gradually increased, over several weeks, to eventually achieve the desired effect.

To put this in perspective, on The 1:1 Diet, multiple studies show that people

lose, on average, at least 1½ stone in the first eight weeks. Using Mounjaro (semaglutide used for weight loss), it takes 20 weeks to lose this amount of weight.

Want to achieve sustainable weight loss while getting the nutrition your body deserves?

Call Nicki Edwards The Cambridge Lady. As your 1:1 Diet Consultant she’ll be more than happy to discuss your options.

‘Pole position’ for race ace at cancer charity

Poole-based MacLaren driver Sam Bird has accepted an invitation to become a Patron of the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

Formula E Ace Sam, 38, is a long-standing supporter and Ambassador of the charity which gives financial assistance to families facing hardship because of a cancer diagnosis.

Currently preparing for the London E-Prix (July 2527) he said: “I first became aware of the work of the DCCF through my mother Diane, who is a Trustee of the charity, and supporting its events has grown to become an important part of my life here in Dorset.

“Through the DCCF I’ve met many people struggling to

cope with the dual pressures of a cancer diagnosis and financial hardship.

“I’ve also seen how hard this small but very passionate charity works to take away some of that pressure, and the huge difference that

makes to peoples’ lives.

“I’m honoured to accept this position, and the chance to raise awareness and funds for the work supporting local families living in the shadow of cancer.”

Since it was formed in

2012, the DCCF and its’ fundraisers have gifted more than £800,000 in non-returnable grants to enable local cancer patients to meet the rising cost of accommodation, transport to and from hospital, utility bills and respite breaks. Sam and his partner, television personality and charity ambassador Jess Impiazzi are regulars at DCCF events and took part in its Enduro 60 Karting event held at South Coast Karting, Chapel Gate in Christchurch, in November 2024. Sam joins fellow DCCF Patrons Jeff Mostyn and Harry Redknapp. To support the DCCF, or to apply for help, visit www. dccf.co.uk.

100,000 milestone for community refill shop

Fordingbridge’s awardwinning community refill shop, the Green Gram, is celebrating a major sustainability milestone this Plastic Free July - saving more than 100,000 plastic containers from landfill since opening its doors in May 2022.

Plastic Free July is a key initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation, a small not-for-profit organisation committed to ending global plastic waste.

The Green Gram, which offers refills of food, cleaning products and toiletries, has seen a surge in community support and awareness, with customers increasingly choosing

to shop plastic-free. The milestone coincides with the global Plastic Free July campaign, which encourages individuals and organisations to reduce single-use plastic waste.

Jo Anderson, manager at the

Green Gram, says: “We’re thrilled to have reached this incredible milestone.

“It’s a testament to the commitment of our customers and volunteers who are helping us make a real difference.

“Every refill counts - and together we’ve saved more than 100,000 containers from ending up in landfill.

“That’s something to be proud of.”

The Green Gram is also using this moment to call for new volunteers to join its growing team.

With the shop’s continued

expansion and increasing footfall, more helping hands are needed to support its mission and day-to-day operations.

Wendy Reid, outreach coordinator, added: “We’re always looking for passionate people who want to make a difference.

“Whether you can spare a few hours a week or just want to get involved in your community, we’d love to hear from you. Volunteering with us is rewarding, fun and a great way to meet likeminded people.”

Alongside Jo and Wendy, the shop is volunteer-run and operates as a Community Benefit Society, meaning it is owned by its members for the benefit of the local community. Volunteers help with everything from serving customers and restocking to outreach and events.

If you’re interested in volunteering or want to learn more about the Green Gram, visit www.thegreengram.org, email team@thegreengram. org, or telephone 01425 837600.

How chiropractic can help you move better

Movement is essential to a healthy, active life - but when your body isn’t functioning properly, even simple motions like bending, walking, or lifting can become painful and limiting. Chiropractic care focuses on optimising the way your body moves by addressing issues in the spine, joints, and nervous system.

Whether you’re recovering from injury, dealing with chronic stiffness, or just want to move more freely, chiropractic treatment can play a key role in restoring function and improving overall mobility.

At the heart of chiropractic care is the belief that proper alignment of the spine and musculoskeletal system allows the body to heal and move efficiently. Misalignments in the spine or joints can restrict movement, cause pain, and interfere with the nervous system. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques such as spinal adjustments, joint mobilisation, and soft tissue therapies to restore alignment, reduce inflammation, and ease muscular tension.

One of the biggest benefits of

chiropractic care is the improvement in range of motion. By freeing up restricted joints and relieving tight muscles, many patients find they can move more comfortably and with less effort. Whether you’ve been struggling to turn your head fully, bend over without discomfort, or raise your arms overhead, chiropractic care may help restore those movements naturally. Improved posture is another key benefit. Modern lifestyles - especially desk work and screen time - often lead to poor posture, which contributes to stiffness, headaches, and back pain.

Chiropractors assess posture and movement patterns, offering corrections and exercises to help patients stand, sit, and move in healthier ways. Better posture not only reduces discomfort, but also helps prevent future injuries. Chiropractic care can also support athletic performance and injury prevention. Athletes and active individuals often use chiropractic adjustments to stay mobile, speed up recovery after workouts and keep their joints functioning optimally. When the body moves efficiently, there’s less strain on muscles and a lower risk of overuse injuries.

In short, chiropractic care is more than just pain relief - it’s about helping your body move the way it was designed to. By addressing root causes of dysfunction and supporting the body’s natural biomechanics, chiropractic care empowers you to move freely, feel better, and live more actively.

If you’re feeling stiff, sore, or limited in your movement, a visit to Wimborne Wellness Centre could be the first step toward a more mobile you.

Care home resident Betty turns 107

The secret to reaching 107 is keeping active, according to a centenarian at a Bournemouth care home.

Betty, who lives at Wickmeads care home in Southbourne, was joined by her daughters, Leonie and Stephanie, and son Richard and their partners for tea and birthday cake to mark her special day. She was delighted to receive a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla, as well as flowers and cards from her loved ones and the Wickmeads team.

According to online records, Betty is the oldest living resident in Dorset, and one of the top 100 oldest residents in the UK.

Speaking about her mother’s special birthday, Leonie said: “I feel very emotional. She’s just amazing. We were all so proud of mum, and now she’s 107!

“She was always very active and a very determined character.

“She was also a very community-minded member

David Allen BSc DO

The British School of Osteopathy

Manipulative Therapist, Exercise & Dietary

Advice Treating the Whole Person

Headaches | Jaw pain

Neck Pain | Whiplash Injuries

Frozen Shoulder | Trapped Nerve

Shoulder Blade Pain

Rib/Chest Pains | Disc Problems

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Tennis Elbow | Low Back Pain

Repetitive Strain Injury

Pelvis/Sacro-iliac Joint Conditions

Pregnancy Pains | Groin Pain

Hand/Wrist Pain | Hip Pain

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Sciatica (Nerve Injuries)

Osteoarthritis | Pulled Muscles

Housemaids Knee (Bursitis)

Trauma/Post-operative rehabilitation

Tendinitis | Sports Injuries

Shin Splints | Strained Ligaments

Ankle Injuries | Foot/Toe Pain

Plantar Fascitis

of All Saints Church nearby.”

Betty’s other daughter, Stephanie, added: “Mum used to walk us down to the beach after school and she tried to go in the sea every day. She was always busy, never had a car, never smoked and never ate ultra-processed food.”

Betty is believed to be singer Cliff Richard’s oldest fan, having received a special video message from her idol to celebrate her 106th birthday last year.

She has previously seen Cliff perform in Bournemouth as well as travelling abroad to see him sing in Paris and Brussels.

Tracey Walker,

home

manager for Wickmeads, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Betty’s family here to celebrate her 107th birthday.

“She’s an inspiration to all and loves it when we have live singers here, as well as when our local nursery comes in to play games with the residents, which always makes her smile.

“It’s a privilege for our team to be part of Betty’s milestone celebration.” Wickmeads features a dedicated activities team who organise a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships.

Pilot scheme reduces hospital stays in towns

People in the north and east of the county are seeing a reduction in the amount of time they spend in hospital thanks to a new pilot scheme. A programme was implemented by partners in the Dorset Health and Care system to improve urgent and emergency services across the county in autumn of last year. The aim is to reduce how long people stay in acute and community hospital beds across Dorset. Members of Dorset Council’s Health and Well Being Board heard that the programme is on track to

support residents to spend 63,000 fewer days in hospital next year.

Following a pilot across several trial wards in Dorset County Hospital, the average

length of stay for people waiting to be discharged from a bed has fallen by two days since April.

The pilot was then rolled out at Blandford Community Hospital and Wimborne’s Victoria Community Hospital, with patients seeing a reduction in the time they spend in hospital beds. In Wimborne, there were 13 patients who had a medical reason to remain in hospital for more than 30 days; through the work of the pilot, this has been reduced to zero through rehabilitation and reablement support.

Help vulnerable young folk enjoy summer

With the school holidays upon us, the Youth Adventure Trust is making an urgent appeal to the public to help unlock the final 9,959 hours of outdoor adventure for vulnerable young people across the South West.

The campaign comes at a time of growing concern over the mental health and wellbeing of young people in the UK.

For children already facing challenges such as poverty, abuse, bereavement, and social exclusion, the pressures of the modern world - exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, digital isolation, and cuts to support services - are placing extraordinary strain on their development.

The Trust’s Unlocking Adventure appeal aims to fund 56,000 hours of outdoor activity for 290 young people

this summer. To date, 46,041 hours have been funded.

Every £4.63 donated unlocks one more hour - enough to provide a safe, structured and supportive experience that helps a young person build resilience, confidence and skills.

Mark Davey, chief executive of the Trust, said: “This isn’t just about days outside- it’s about critical, life-affirming support for young people who are navigating serious personal challenges.

“Many of the young people we work with have grown up believing they are incapable or unworthy of success.

“Our outdoor programmes challenge that belief by showing them what they can achieve - on a cliff face, in a forest, or simply by trusting others for the first time.

“They leave with more than just

memories. They gain confidence, resilience and skills. At a time when statutory services are under huge pressure, we are stepping in to provide what many families simply cannot.”

The charity’s long-term, outdoor-based youth development programmes have proven success in supporting mental health, building emotional strength and reducing isolation.

Delivered free to participants, it is one of the few interventions of its kind available to 11 to 16-year-olds in the region.

The public is urged to act by donating, sharing the campaign, or encouraging their networks to get involved.

To donate and help unlock the final hours of summer adventure, visit: youthadventuretrust.org.uk/unlockingadventure.

Town open gardens day a big blooming success

Wimborne in Bloom Open Gardens Day last month was a great success.

Twenty gardens were open; visitors paid £8.00 at the first visited which then covered the visit to all the gardens. Teas were available at five of the gardens.

John Allen, the committee member who co-ordinated the day said: “There were more than 450 visitors and it was a warm and sunny day.

“More than £5,500 was raised for Wimborne in Bloom funds, all of which will go towards

the provision of plants for the flower towers, planters and hanging baskets around the centre of town and the watering thereof until the end of summer.”

John also reiterated grateful thanks to Christopher Batten Estates Agents for their continued support of the event”.

Wimborne in Bloom’s next event is the annual Duck Race on August Bank Holiday Saturday, August 23. Tickets will be on sale in the days running up to the Race.

Re-introducing lost trees in the landscape

by Niki Harper Trees for Wimborne

The native black poplar is a truly magnificent and undoubtedly Britain’s grandest native tree: Its straight but leaning trunk often reaches 100 feet tall and can be six feet across, making it iconic in the landscape; the trunk is thickly fissured and often covered with massive bosses and burrs.

This titan of the tree world belongs next to rivers and streams, and in wetlands at the edges of rivers.

Sadly, the native black poplar is the UK’s most endangered large tree. Growing alongside willows, it would have once provided an incredibly rich habitat and a haven for insects, birds and mammals.

The species is now almost solely dependent on human intervention for its continued survival.

With the clock ticking for many older specimens, Trees for Wimborne embarked on a project to reintroduce the species along the Stour catchment.

We have searched the Stour catchment for the remaining trees and now have saplings, both male and female which will be available for planting out on suitable sites this coming winter.

Pictured are saplings being grown by Trees for Wimborne for planting out, a young black poplar planted near the Stour and a very old black poplar near Sturminster Newton.

If you are a landowner (or know of one) who might be interested, please get in touch with treesforwimborne@gmail. com.

Home & Garden

Town is now looking blooming marvellous

Christchurch Business Improvement District (BID) has announced a vibrant transformation of the town centre, marked by eyecatching, colourful additions aimed to brighten the town and uplift the community for the summer season.

Christchurch BID has brought the project to life thanks to funding through the Town Centre Improvement Fund, administered by BCP Council.

Louise Berkhauer, joint operations manager, said: “We worked closely with the councils to get these projects off the ground so were delighted to successfully secure grant funding to enable improvements to the flower pedestals and install

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the vibrant banners along Bargates.

“Projects of this nature that involve improvement to public spaces are complex and require months of planning and organisation to gain permissions from multiple stakeholders. We think the new installations really lift the area and hope that our businesses, residents and visitors to the town agree”.

The town centre has been enhanced with the installation of welcoming lamppost banners along Bargates, framing the thoroughfare leading to Christchurch High Street. The banners add a splash of color and vibrancy, inviting visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of the town.

Christchurch BID has also replaced the wrought-iron planters which required maintenance and repair, with larger, sustainable alternatives, providing increased space for a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Complementing these improvements, local businesses have installed their own annual hanging baskets - organised on their behalf by Christchurch BID - creating a continuously colorful display that enhances the town’s visual appeal.

great use, improving the colour and investing in street furniture that will last well into the future.”

BID director Chris Guest added: “Louise has been working hard on these town rejuvenation projects for nearly a year; who’d have thought organising planters and banners would be such a challenge and involve so many permissions from so many people?

“I’m incredibly relieved and proud that these projects have come into fruition and local businesses can see the work that the BID team, and other organisations involved, contribute too.

“Ninety five per cent of the effort that goes in from the BID team is not seen until the final result appears in our town.

info@amazinglandscaping.co.uk www.amazinglandscaping.co.uk

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Basket & Blooms Nursery, 392 Christchurch Road, West Parley, BH22 8SW Call 01202 985192 or Text 07520 666876

The initiative aims to make Christchurch a picturesque and inviting destination filled with the rich, vibrant colours of seasonal planting. Visitors are encouraged to experience the sights and smells of a blossoming Christchurch.

Cllr Richard Herrett, BCP Council, Wallisdown & Winton West said:

“I’m delighted to see Christchurch BID putting the improvement fund to

“We hope that everyone agrees that Christchurch is looking blooming marvellous and we hope to see as many people enjoying our town across the warm summer months and for years to come.”

Home &

Time to nominate county’s top recyclers

Win on Waste is excited to announce that nominations are now open for Dorset’s top recyclers in 2025. After our successful event in 2023which also celebrated our 10th birthday - this year we will be rewarding local recyclers across seven categories at an event on Saturday, September 27. This year’s event coincides with #RecycleWeek, a national initiative to encourage people to increase and improve their recycling, at home or at work.

It is so important to recognise dedicated recyclers who are giving so much of their time to help the environment and also encourage others to refuse, reuse and recycle - there are so many incredible local people making a difference, so now it’s your turn to nominate them.

Stacey Woods, Win on Waste business manager said: “The standard of nominations at the previous event was incredibly high, and we‘ve been amazed and, in many cases, humbled

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when we’ve seen exactly how much they’ve achieved, and how much they are valued by their communities”. She added: “We’d love to see lots of nominations for new and old projects at the Recycling Awards this year”. These are the categories:

l Adult recycler (18+)

l A team of recyclers from a private/

statutory/voluntary organisation (where its main business is recycling)

l A team of recycling volunteers (a group of individuals who come together to recycle)

l The No 1 recycler (a person who has really gone the extra mile)

l Young recycler (age 17 and under)

l A private/statutory/voluntary organisation whose employees recycle (but not where its main business is recycling)

l School or college

To nominate, you can download the nomination form from www. winonwaste.org, complete and either email or post it back by the closing date of Sunday, August 10.

Please do check with the nominee before you submit a nomination - some contact information is required, so you must be sure that they are happy for you to give it.

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Farming & Environment

A day at the farm

with Sharon Boden

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

It’s been a busy fortnight again at the farm but, despite the heat, everyone has been working tirelessly making sure that the animals are fed and watered and that the plants are watered twice daily and harvesting is done daily now.

The horticulture team always try to grow the usual vegetables but we always try to introduce new varieties too; blue banana squash, purple runner beans, purple French beans, three varieties of courgettes, cucumberswhite wonder, crystal lemon, market more. In addition to this we are continually harvesting our tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, cabbages and cauliflower; today we dug up our first harvest of potatoes. Not only are we selling locally-grown, pesticide-free veg, we also have our own frozen pork as well as meat from New Forest Bacon. We’re open Monday to Saturday, 9am-4pm, so please if you are passing, stock up and support us at

the same time as enjoying food that actually has flavour !!

We Brits know that we have a penchant for talking about the weather, but I feel that we are justified in talking about it at the moment. We are on four acres and after the dry spell we are struggling this year - a first. We rotate our farm animals

grass is just not growing. We are a small-scale farm so goodness knows how the farmers are coping with their crops and animals in this weather and the shortage of grass and much needed rain; as I type this there are hints that we may be having a bit of rain over the weekendwe will all be doing our rain dance if this happens!!

The animal team are making preparations for the next breeding season for our sheep, and the lambs have been weaned - another thing I have learned since being here is that when planning growing food or planning a breeding season you have to plan so far in advance, it’s a wonder we know what is the current season! Finally we have our midyear Open Day. This is a free event on Saturday, July 26from 10am-4 pm and we will be

selling teas, coffees, cakes and hot dogs and craft packs, alongside the Farm Shop, and a large range of plants. This is an opportunity for you all to come and visit the animals and see all of our amazing fruit and vegetables growing - there will be plenty of staff and Volunteers around to chat to. We look forward to seeing on 26th!

&

Corfe Mullen’s Holme Bush Inn is buzzing!

Corfe Mullen’s Holme Bush Inn celebrated its relaunch as new owners Ant Elleray and Kat Scott opened its doors to locals and visitors alike.

As well as opening up to a busy summer trade, the historic inn has also opened up one of its 12 acres to make a new home for 25,000 honeybees.

Holme Bush Inn’s idyllic position in the Dorset countryside makes it the perfect home for its busy new residents who are all part of a bold new vision from Ant and Kat who want to ‘create a warm, family-friendly hub that’s as full of heart as it is full of flavour’.

Ant explained: “When we took on Holme Bush, we fell in love with the beautiful countryside that comes with it. It was really important to us that, as well as using some of the space for a campsite, we also give something back.

“Bees are essential for pollinating and keeping the countryside alive. We all know that bee numbers are declining due to habitat loss and pesticides so we wanted to give them a helping hand, but we have absolutely no idea how to look after bees!

“So I did some research and came across Bournemouth-based Bee Mission 500 who are on a mission to build 500 beehives and need people like us with land to put them on.

“They come out and look after them and we get to keep some of the honey, so it’s a win, win!”

The honey produced on-site will find its way into the kitchen, with plans to feature it in desserts and specials.

“It doesn’t get more local than honey from your own hive,” added Ant. “It’s our way of letting nature sweeten the experience.”

The new hives will eventually home up to 75,000 honeybees.

Serge Seliukov, Bee Mission’s resident

beekeeper, said: “Anyone visiting Holme Bush Inn or staying at the campsite will probably not even notice the bees.

“While 75,000 sounds like a lot of bees, in reality it’s not that many and they won’t bother anyone.

“They’ll be heading to the river where’s

there’s lots of wildflowers which is why it’s a great spot for them with plenty of food. This variety of bees are bred to be very gentle and polite, so they won’t be disturbing anyone with their ‘buzziness’.”t

A key part of the success of this programme is also making sure there is enough pollen to go around for all natural pollinators.

Serge added: “We’re working with bee conservationists to ensure that we also help the wild pollinators.

“We’re planning on planting lots of wild meadows and gardens on our own land and encourage the communities in Dorset and Hampshire around our hives to plant as many wildflowers as possible.”

Bee Mission 500 doesn’t stop at helping bees - it helps people experiencing homelessness in Bournemouth too.

Amy Foster from Bee Mission explained: “All the profits from selling the honey goes back into supporting other projects. One of these projects is cooking three hot, healthy, homemade meals every week and delivering them to people living on the streets in Bournemouth town centre.”

Kat added: “We want to create a space that’s buzzing with life - quite literally. “We’re hoping to expand with more animals, outdoor facilities, and even a children’s play park in the near future.”

The team is dreaming big. From beekeeping education and ecoinitiatives to future plans for outdoor saunas and wellness features, they’re laying the groundwork for a venue that offers more than just great food and drink - it’s a buzz-worthy destination in its own right.

With a new hive settling in and summer just around the corner, the Holme Bush Inn is the place to bee!

Farming & Environment

Almost 100 new homes approved at Upton

The western edge of Upton is set to see almost 100 new homes built following the approval of plans.

Plans put together by New Masterplanning on behalf of applicant Wyatt Homes look to create a neighbourhood of 92 homes at Policeman’s Lane bordered by the A35 to the west and the new Frenches Green housing development to the north.

The development would provide ‘much needed’ homes within Purbeck, the applicant

said, with 40% of the homes (37)classed as affordable. The plans will deliver six one-bed apartments, 17 twobed apartments, 22 two-bed houses, 40 three-bed houses, five four-bed houses and two five-bed houses.

A potential wildlife habitat could also be created near the proposed attenuation pond to the south-west of the site.

Vehicular and pedestrian access will be created via a new junction to the north of the site that will connect the

existing Frenches Green estate through Osprey Close which connects back to Policeman’s Lane.

A suitable alternative natural green space - the Frenches Farm Natural Greenspace - has already been created, which future residents will be able to access through Watery Lane. Concerns were raised over the potential impact on local infrastructure - particularly schools - the impact on traffic, and suggestions that the access point would be inadequate.

Is your milking parlour holding you back?

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

As all dairy farmers will know, it is a requirement for your milking parlour to undergo a static parlour test with your technician.

This test is designed to ensure the parlour is set up correctly, it checks that the vacuum and pulsators are capable of operating within acceptable levels and that the equipment is safe to use. Much like taking your car to an MoT.

Just like an MoT couldn’t detect a problem that only occurred when you were driving your car - for example, the speedometer not working, a static parlour test can’t either. In real terms, this means that it doesn’t measure the actual vacuum level and pulsator function that your cows experience when they are being milked, and that is where dynamic

parlour testing (DPT) using a VaDia device comes in.

The VaDia device is attached to a cluster while milking continues as normal. The machine measures the vacuum level and pulsation at the teat end. A trace is developed

farmoffice@friarsmoorlivestockhealth.co.uk

which shows the vacuum level at the teat end and how this varies with high and low milk flow.

This is then used to determine:

How efficiently the cows are milking

Are they letting their milk down in good time?

The level of vacuum reserve available

Is the vacuum functioning efficiently when all the cows are being milked?

How well ACRs settings are suited to the cows

Are the units coming off at the right time?

As the vet is in the parlour throughout milking, we combine a DPT and an assessment of the milking routine, parlour hygiene and cow behaviour.

This also gives the opportunity to score cows’ teats for teat end damage and oedema. This can be extended to include a Bactoscan investigation where the wash routine is evaluated and any areas for improvement can be identified.

The information we gain from a DPT and parlour assessment can help us to work with you to increase cow comfort and promote good cow flow in the parlour, reduce milking times and increase milk yields, as well as reducing spread of contagious mastitis within the parlour.

Are you experiencing any of the following in your herd?

High levels of teat end damage

Teat swelling soon after clusters come off often combined with high levels of clinical mastitis in heifers

Cows not milking out properly

Squawking and liner slip

Mastitis always affecting the same quarters

A large number of persistently high cell count

cows

Persistent problems with high bulk milk cell counts or Bactoscan

Then why not chat to your routine vet about whether this test could benefit your herd?

Sofa so good! Best seats in house available

For 20 years they’ve been the best seats in the house, but now the distinctive foyer sofas and benches at Lighthouse Poole are in need of new homes. Thanks to a significant personal donation from businessman and renowned patron of the arts Spyros Niarchos, the popular town centre arts venue is investing in new seating for its first-floor foyer.

As a result, the existing single colour four-person sofas and benches, as well as a corner unit, are being offered to community groups and charities - for free.

Martyn Balson, head of operations at Lighthouse, said: “The project has been prompted by feedback from customers calling for more seating to be available before shows in our Concert Hall and Theatre.

“Our donor wanted to help Lighthouse with something that would benefit the entire community, including audiences and other building users.

“The existing furniture has done very well over the last 20 years, but it needs updating as we make Lighthouse more

everyone using the space.

“We’d like to thank our colleagues at So Furniture for their help and support with this project.”

The sofas and benches will be replaced with new chairs and tables that will create a significant number of additional seats.

It’s hoped the existing bucket chairs

more seating on the second floor ready for the start of the autumn season in September.

The 11 sofas, five benches and a corner unit will be available on a collectiononly basis for groups to pick up from August.

To find out more and to apply, email hr@lighthousepoole.co.uk.

It’s a ‘blockbuster’ summer at museum

The iconic world of Minecraft is breaking out of the screen and into Wimborne as the Museum of East Dorset offers up a host of pixelated playtime with its summer activities programme ‘Minecraft Adventures at the Museum’.

From character hunts to crafty clay creations, families can dive into a pixel-powered holiday filled with creativity and exploration.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, there’s something for everyone in this immersive experience.

As part of the Minecraft Adventures, the museum Garden Room has been converted into a Mob Arena on occasional days throughout the summer.

On August 13 and 26 the museum will be hosting a special Minecraft Adventures Clay Activity Morning from 10.30am until 12.30pm.

The Minecraft adventures and clay workshop are included

free with the normal entrance price which also entitles you to a year’s annual pass to the museum so you can return anytime over 12 months. No booking is required, but early arrival is recommended. And who doesn’t love the

Minecraft Adventures at the Museum

Get set for a summer of fun as Wimborne’s award-winning museum celebrates the hit adventure game and film, Minecraft.

Create your own player skin

Go sandbox mining

Seek out your favourite Minecraft mobs

Dress up as a creeper, Enderdragon and more

FREE Minecraft Adventures Clay Activity Morning 13 August 10.30am until 12.30pm th 26 August 10.30am until 12.30pm th

FREE ANNUAL PASS WITH EVERY ADMISSION TICKET

chance to play with slime?

Explore slime making and create your very own slime mix at two special summer workshops.

This children’s workshop is aimed at children aged 6 to 16 years old and for all abilities, including those with SEND. It is £25 and there are some funded places available.

Minecraft Adventures run from July 21 until September 6. This price includes the workshop, a delicious hot pizza lunch from Piccolo Mondo, access to the museum and other fun hands-on activities. Booking essential for these workshops via museum website.

So grab your sword, ready your pickaxe, and step into the blocky world of Minecraft this summer at the Museum

of East Dorset. Will you mine diamonds, find treasure, or even face the fearsome Enderdragon?

Wishing you a very happy 21st Birthday Katie

Enjoy your special day With lots of love Mum and Dad, Rosie and all the furries.

xxx

Congratulations receiving a 1st degree honours in Forensic Science

So very proud of you. x

Get ready to stomp down on the Quomps!

After the success of last year’s event, Christchurch’s free-entry smooth jazz festival, Stompin’ On The Quomps, is back with a great programme and new features.

The programmers have lined up some top talent to perform at the event with a nine-band programme that includes returning Stompin’ favourites Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion, Soldoro and trumpeter Andy Urquhart.

Andy’s Fusion 5 will feature Bournemouth rock legends Paul and Jeremy Stacey who wowed the crowds last year.

New names include popular West African-influenced groovers Thokozile, Jazz-rockers Second Line and Sheffieldbased singer and bass player Nicola Farnon who brings legendary jazz guitarist Jim Mullen (Brian Auger, Average White Band, Morrissey Mullen) to the Quomps.

Filling the ‘headline slot’ is a band that few will have heard of and many will enjoy. The Jazz Dynamos take popular

songs by the likes of The Police, David Bowie, and Dolly Parton and give them a sophisticated jazz treatment. As usual, closing the show is the irrepressible 18-piece Taverners Big Band under the direction of Christchurch saxist Ben Dwyer.

Stompin’ is free to enter but visitors are encouraged to make a donation and buy raffle tickets. Stompin’ can only survive with financial donations from the public.

Dive into an ocean safari

This summer, Wimborne makes a splash with a brandnew Ocean Safari Trail - a free, interactive experience, funded by Wimborne BID, that blends seaside wonders with augmented reality magic, perfect for children and families.

Blending outdoor exploration with clever technology and unforgettable fun, young explorers are encouraged to embark on a deep-sea discovery around town by hunting for hidden seashell markers along the trail.

Prepare to be amazed as beautifully decorated seashells reveal incredible augmented reality sea creatures!

Learn fascinating ocean facts while meeting the underwater residents who leap into view with clever tech.

Watch as magnificent creatures like Sea Otters and

Jellyfish come to life right before your eyes, ready for selfies and videos!

The Ocean Safari is split into two unique mini-trails.

‘The Sunlit Reef’ route introduces you to the colourful characters of the shallow waters, while ‘The Deep Blue Mysteries’ route plunges you into the strange and wonderful world of the deep sea.

To take part, simply scan the QR code at any of the 10 stops around town or visit highstreetsafari.com/ oceansafari#Wimborne on your smart device.

Saturday, August 2, 11.20am-10pm, the Quomps, Christchurch Quay. Full band details are at www.stompin. org

Are you ready for a at Brownsea Island? 24th July to 31st August

Enjoy: Bushcraft Fridays and Saturdays, Wild Wednesdays, Minibeast Mondays, Hapa Zome Tuesdays, and Treasure Island day

Picture: WIMBORNE BID

Find out what’s on at nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/ brownsea-island/events

NICE: Marvin Muoneke and, right, Nicola Farnon

Welcome return for smash-hit musical

Bill Kenwright’s awardwinning production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers makes a welcome return to Lighthouse Poole to play a week’s run from Tuesday to Saturday, October 7 to 11. Vivienne Carlyle leads the cast as Mrs Johnstone; her performance earned her nightly standing ovations in the West End and has garnered widespread acclaim since she joined the national tour last year. Continuing as the twin brothers, Mickey and Eddie, are Sean Jones and Joe Sleight with Gemma Brodrick reprising her role as Linda.

Making a welcome return after time away from the production are Kristofer Harding as the Narrator, Paula Tappenden as Mrs Lyons and Danny Knott as Perkins. Joining the cast for the autumn tour are Michael Gillett (Sammy), Francesca Benton-Stace (Donna Marie/ Miss Jones), and Latesha Karisa (Brenda).

Also continuing with the tour are Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons), Dominic Gore (Neighbour), Alex Harland (Policeman/Teacher) and Graeme Kinniburgh (Postman/Bus Conductor). Written by award-winning

playwright Willy Russell, few musicals have been received with such acclaim. Considered ‘one of the best musicals ever written’ (Sunday Times), Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, and it has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it ‘brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval’ (Daily Mail).

The production has also achieved global success with sell-out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Japan. It has won four awards for Best Musical in London and received seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway. This epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play, performed at a Liverpool

comprehensive school in 1981, before opening at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983.

In March this year, Bill Kenwright’s production returned to the city of its birthplace for a two-week run marking the 100th anniversary of the Liverpool Empire Theatre, in a recordbreaking season.

The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Blood Brothers tells the moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences. October 7 to 11, 7.45pm (2.30pm Wed, Thurs, Sat mats). Over-12s.

Tickets and information 01202 280000.

www.lighthousepoole.co.uk.

Wimborne Craft Fair returns to Allendale

The popular Wimborne Craft Fair will return to the Allendale Community Centre in Wimborne on Saturday, October 25, with doors open at 11.00am until 4.00pm.

The Fair, organised annually by Wimborne Rotary, promises an interesting and varied display of locallymade arts and crafts which are all for sale. Entrance is free of charge to

Tea party a platform for success

The Spetisbury Station Project Summer Tea Party was another success thanks to glorious weather conditions. Visitors enjoyed chilled Pimms, cream teas and other tasty treats whilst listening to the ever-popular Blandford Ukulele Group. As part of this year’s Railway 200 nationwide events, information was also on hand from the North Dorset Railway from Shillingstone and the North Dorset Trailway, which provides nearly 14 miles of traffic-free sustainable travel along the former Somerset & Dorset railway from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury. Nearly £400 was raised, which will go towards maintaining and improving the former station for visitors.

The Project has also teamed up with the Blackmore Vale Line Community Rail Partnership as part of Railway 200, and is one of 120 venues across the region where free limited-edition postcards are available to collect and can be exchanged for gifts. Further details at spetisburystationproject. wordpress.com.

the public who are invited to donate to Rotary supported charities on leaving. With 30 tables available

in the Allendale’s Minster Hall for crafters to display their skills, bookings are already coming in from local

crafters. Those wanting to take part should now contact Rotarian Chris Mogg at crmogg@gmail.com.

Chris says: “Due to the limitations on space in the hall we had to turn away some local crafters last year “We have already had a great deal of interest from local crafters and I’d recommend securing your space sooner rather than later”.

Arrow words

Wordsearch

Fast-moving Animals

Crossword

(2-3)

Fasten (3)

Extended family (9)

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Heartache (7)

Supply (5)

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A person’s sense of selfimportance (3)

Certainty missing Northern supplier of bread? (5)

7 Handy place for keeping bread? (6)

7 Handy place for keeping bread? (6)

9 Drink when consuming fish producing disturbance (5-2)

Killer Sudoku Pro

Down

1 Musical state? (8)

1 Musical state? (8)

2 Short statement of aims (5)

2 Short statement of aims (5)

3 Steal second bit of tissue (5)

9 Drink when consuming fish producing disturbance (5-2)

10 Something gripping about alto’s latest means of expression (5)

10 Something gripping about alto’s latest means of expression (5)

11 School getting backing of celebrity (4)

11 School getting backing of celebrity (4)

13 Artist is in case of picture getting approval (6)

15 Noble term for originality ahead of time (5)

13 Artist is in case of picture getting approval (6)

16 Rough set of lessons, it’s said (6)

17 In this way, paper is moderate (4)

15 Noble term for originality ahead of time (5)

20 Fashion figure (5)

16 Rough set of lessons, it’s said (6)

17 In this way, paper is moderate (4)

22 ME citizen is earl I confused (7)

20 Fashion figure (5)

22 ME citizen is earl I confused (7)

23 Fellow about to cut a dry figure, overpaid executive (3,3)

24 Item in a setting, say, in court (5)

23 Fellow about to cut a dry figure, overpaid executive (3,3)

24 Item in a setting, say, in court (5)

4 One’s bound to be in this condition? (7)

3 Steal second bit of tissue (5)

5 Dutch priest in shop selling foreign food? (4)

4 One’s bound to be in this condition? (7)

6 A cake’s best after work making one a nervous wreck (6,4)

5 Dutch priest in shop selling foreign food?

8 Ordinary person using a crossing? (10)

6 A cake’s best after work making one a nervous wreck (6,4)

12 Scholar taken with East and West (3)

13 Stratagem to overlook nothing for work (3)

8 Ordinary person using a crossing? (10)

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13 Stratagem to overlook nothing for work

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19 A hike in pay to happen (5)

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

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

No retirement for historic churches trust!

Dorset Historic Churches Trust celebrated its 65th birthday at Milton Abbey in July with a reception for 120 guests including architects, builders and clergy, as well as those interested in the maintenance of the county’s historic church buildings.

Since the Trust’s foundation in 1960, it has given away more than £2.5m for maintenance and restoration of Dorset churches.

In 2024, £130,000 was awarded to 26 different projects; neither the national church nor the Government directly fund any of these.

Dr Tim Connor, a Trustee, said the concept of ‘historic’ may change through times, but the need to repair our heritage only grows. It is to help with this task that the Trust exists.

Other speakers included David Burnett, founder of the Dovecote Press, who

Puzzle solutions

considered the romance of Dorset churches, and the bishop of Ramsbury, who is a Church of England leading bishop for buildings. He emphasised the way that churches are buildings of hospitality and sanctuary for everyone. The chairman of the Trustees, the Hon David Grant, thanked the Abbey for allowing the event to take place and Milton Abbey School for providing

catering and facilities, as well as Sir Andrew Graham and his team for planning the occasion.

HM Lord Lieutenant, Michael Dooley, attending in his official capacity as the President of the DHCT, thanked everyone for coming and wished the Trust another 65 successful years, expressing the hope that everyone present would continue to work together for the benefit of our wonderful churches.

The Trust’s main source of income is the annual sponsored Ride+Stride (on September 13th this year).

Pictured are, from left, Dr Tim Connor, David Burnett, Andrew Rumsey the Bishop of Ramsbury, Michael Dooley, David Grant and Ian Bromilow, chairman of the governors Milton Abbey School.

To learn more, visit www.dhct.org.uk.

Recruitment

Property Developments & Joinery

W: builders-south-west.co.uk

W: builders-south-west.co.uk

T: 01963824444

T: 01963824444

E: info@hhpltd.co.uk

E: info@hhpltd.co.uk

BENCH JOINER VACANCY

BENCH JOINER VACANCY

Experience in all aspects of traditional joinery & woodworking machinery. Ability to work alone & as a team. Full time, employed, weekly paid, workshop-based position (Wincanton)

Experiencein all aspects of traditionaljoinery & woodworking machinery. Abilitytoworkalone & as a team.

Full time, employed, weekly paid, workshop-based position (Wincanton),

Please apply through our Office or Website

Please apply through ourOffice or Website

* Call us on 01963 400186 or email adverts@stourandavon.net

*Based on our fortnightly rate for a 6x2 advert (Not including VAT)

Property Developments& Joinery Could this be your ideal part-time job?

A delightful prep school for day and boarding children aged 2-13, near Shaftesbury, Dorset

We are seeking to recruit the following roles:

SATURDAY RECEPTIONIST

We are seeking to appoint a warm and friendly Receptionist and Secretary with excellent communication and administration skills to work on Saturdays, term time only

An award-winning prep school for ages 2-13, situated between Gillingham and Shaftesbury, Dorset.

HOUSE MANAGER

FOOD SERVICE ASSISTANTS

We are seeking to appoint a House Manager, who will work with the boarding staff to ensure that our junior boarders feel safe, secure and at home, whilst also playing a pivotal part in making sure the house runs smoothly and efficiently.

We are seeking to appoint a number of Food Service Assistants We have different shifts/hours available during term time

BURSARY OFFICE ASSISTANT

KITCHEN PORTER

We are seeking to appoint a Kitchen Porter for Tuesday evenings (5-8pm) and Saturdays (10am-6pm)

We are looking for a proactive and capable Bursary Office Assistant to join the team. This is a hands-on, varied role that supports month-end and day-to-day transactional finance as well as general administration duties withing the Bursary.

For full details of the roles and application procedure, please visit our website; portregis com/vacancies or scan the QR code Early applications encouraged

For full details of the roles and application procedure, please visit our website; portregis.com/vacancies or scan the QR code. Early applications encouraged.

Port Regis (Charity No. 306218) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.The successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS and safer recruitment vetting checks.

Port Regis (Charity No: 306218) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children The successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS and safer recruitment vetting checks

We’re recruiting for part-time School Minibus Drivers in your area

We’re seeking drivers for our school services starting in September. Choose between part-time, split-shift term-time vacancies, and casual/relief shifts in your area. No previous experience is required as comprehensive training is provided. You will need a D1 entitlement on your licence (check reverse of photocard) or a PSV entitlement.

Dorset Community Transport is a charity providing minibus services throughout Dorset. Join us to make a difference to people in your community.

To find out more or apply, visit ectcharity.bamboohr.com/jobs

If you have questions, please call us on 01258 287 986.

insuring a quality finish and not waiting for other tradesmen. Established reputable company with excellent reviews and vetted by checkatrade. Relining existing woodburners, all building work undertaken from plastering/rendering/demolition and fireplace alterations even exterior painting or chimney/roof leak fixing.

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Based in Dorset, we are a team of individuals that have a vast number of years’ experience at carrying out small repairs through to full scale refurbishments.

Our expectation of quality is shared by all of our team members. We can provide all works throughout Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.

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This is the final element of what we do and we don’t just install but we troubleshoot and consult with our clients every step of the way.

Mila sets new record at Championships

by Peter Impett

Mila Desborough has set a new English Schools record at the Centenary Championships held at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium. Wimborne club member Mila threw 43m77, increasing the Under-15 age group record by nearly half a metre.

And Cranborne Middle School’s Mila still has another year in the age group.

Five other athletes from Wimborne AC competed for the county and all contributed points to the county’s total.

Elliott Trickey was fifth in the Junior Boys triple jump with a personal best 12m41, Jack Williams was sixth in the Senior Boys High Jump with 1m87 and Kayla Robbins was 10th in the Junior Girls high jump with 1m56 - all three of these

are from Queen Elizabeth School.

Ava Elliott Smith was sixth in her heat in a highlycompetitive Junior Girls 100 metres in 12.61 and Rosie Gollings was similarly sixth in her heat in the 300 metres in 41.90. The points accumulated by the 32 athletes selected meant that Dorset won group C for smaller counties both in the Junior Girls group and in the overall category.

Sport Skittles league celebrates centenary

The Poole and District Skittles Association celebrated their centenary at a presentation night held at the Hamworthy Club.

The Association has seen many alleys done away with and many pubs and clubs shut down, but the Association members still enjoy an active and competitive league.

Most players are still throwing the ball two-handed which is only found in Dorset and is known as the Dorset Flop.

Chairman Dave Connolly welcomed the life president, the president and all the players and their guests to this special evening. He asked everyone to enjoy the evening as they do when playing the game of skittles and also thanked the widows of players who have to do without their partners during the busy skittle year.

The evening started with a lighthearted quiz about skittle history and achievements, which was followed up by the well-presented and tasty hot fork buffet laid on by the Hamworthy club.The presentation of trophies followed.

Committee member Mark Deacon asked association president John Patterson if he would present the trophies as an

acknowledgement for his 45 years on the committee and 65 years of being involved with the Poole and District Skittle league as a player..Mark briefly spoke about the

winners of the various trophies as they collected their cups and highlighted a few coincidences.

He said the first time the Aggregate Shield was played for in 1924/25 was won by Wallisdown CC and 100 years later it has also been won by a Wallisdown team - the fifth time in the 100 years of the Shield a Wallisdown team had won the trophy. He also highlighted the winner of the

Handicap Cup which was Corfe Lads who last won the trophy 25 years ago in 2000. Before that the only time they had won the cup was in 1975.

Trophy winners of the division were CenTerry! 24, runners-up are the Centenary JB; Beer Cup winners are Wallisdown Lads, The Brian Batt Aggregate Shield winners are Wallisdown Lads, runnersup; Moordown Reds, Handicap K.O. Cup winners are Corfe Legion Lads, runnersup: Moordown Reds.

Singles winner was I. Penney of Wallisdown Lads, runner-up: A. Connolly of Wallisdown Lads; Pairs winners were C. Winwood & T. Winwood of Bluebirds A, runner-up; J. Taylor & I. Penney of Wallisdown Lads; Threes winners were J. Taylor, J. Nicholls & I. Penney of Wallisdown Lads, runners-up: D. Shear, S. Shear & R. Broomfield of Moordown Reds; Mixed Pairs winners were Mr S. Shear & Miss E. Gleave of Moordown Reds, runner-up were Mr. P. Luther & Miss T. Davis of Corfe Lads, Captains Cup winner was S. Marsh of Moordown Reds, runner-up was P. Luther of Corfe Lads; the 18 Cup was shared by M. Lee of Oakdale PHC & P. Russell of the Claypipe Lads.

Golf day raises £28,500 for young carers

A record-breaking £28,500 was raised at the MYTIME Young Carers Annual Corporate Golf Day at the Remedy Oak Golf Club in Wimborne.

The event, hosted in proud partnership with Unique Group, welcomed 84 guests in 21 teams to support young carers across Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

The third annual golf day marked the highest fundraising total to date. Guests enjoyed perfect weather and competition on the course, with the benefit of pro-golfer guest Matt Williams to help land the trickiest shots, a ‘Beat the Non-Golfer’ mini-game at Hole 13, a popular raffle, and a silent auction.

The day ended with a heartfelt speech from MYTIME Young

Carers CEO Krista Cartlidge before a celebratory dinner, during which Enterprise Mobility were crowned as the winning team.

The generosity of guests and partners will make an impact for young carers; an overlooked group facing extraordinary responsibilities of caring around the clock for a parent or family member, unpaid and under-supported. The funds raised will continue

and improve the work of MYTIME’s lifechanging programmes that offer young carers precious time to step away from adult pressures, gain personal development, and simply enjoy being young.

Krista said: “We were absolutely delighted to host another hugely successful Golf Day at Remedy Oak in proud partnership with Unique Group.

“The atmosphere was filled with generosity, kindness, and purpose. Thanks to everyone who took part, we’re able to

continue growing our vital work, ensuring young carers are recognised, supported and given the chance to thrive.

“We’re so grateful to Unique Group and Remedy Oak for helping us make such a meaningful impact once again.”

The milestone achievement was made possible by the generous support of Unique Group, along with contributions from sponsors including Frettens Solicitors, Midas Prosecco, Porsche Centre Bournemouth, Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, The Shirt Framing Service, and Harbour Hotels Group.

To secure a place for the 2026 event, visit mytimeyoungcarers. beaconforms.com/ form/821be327.

More excuses from fly fishers!

The temperature was the biggest obstacle for the Poole and Wimborne Fly Fishers as they made their way to Wiltshire and Manningford Trout Fishery, writes Gordon Wray

Sunlight and temperature have three main side effects: Fish usually stop feeding when the water temp hits around 15C, the sunlight makes the blanket weed in the lake grow like crazy and finally, anglers start complaining ‘they like it hot, but not this hot!’ Such were the conditions at Mannigford

that all three of these scenarios played out perfectly.

Some anglers took refuge in the shade, while some gave up and left empty-handed. For those who persevered, some great fish were eventually tempted although over half of us came away with nothing.

Victorious was Chris Morgan - not again Chris - with a four-fish bag of 18lb 8oz which included a 6lb 2oz rainbow.

Here’s Chris on the left receiving his prize from chairman Mike Slater.

Help beautiful Roxy to make music

Hello, my name is Roxy and I am a beautiful eight-month-old Cane Corso cross.

I love people and am super-friendly with everybody I meet. I love my cuddles and am happy to sit and get as many as I can. I do also love to play ball and have zoomies out on the field.

I have enjoyed meeting other dogs here although I am young and energetic and sometimes a bit of a klutz. I go for walks happily in a group. I know some basic commands and really love my treats so will enjoy learning and further training. I would like a home with somebody who has a super-large sofa and understands that, as a youngster, I will need further training and help with my lead work. I am very eager to please and responsive. If you are able to offer Roxy or any of her lovely friends a forever home or a foster home please contact our office on 01202 875000, e-mail: admin@ waggytails.org.uk or visit our website www.waggytails.org.uk. We also have lots of other dogs

August 25: Dorset Plane

September 7: Garden Party

September 13: True Lovers

Knot - Annual Dog Show October 19: Charity Auction, Hamworthy Club

Full details will be on our website prior to the event.

Don’t forget our shop at Turbury Road - we have a wide range of goods from clothes, pet items to homewares.

looking for their forever homes. Upcoming Events: Please do make a note in your diary and come to support us:

August 3: Cream Tea Picnic

August 17: Family Dog Show VDUB Festival

Waggy Tails Rescue is a registered charity based in Dorset, we rescue and rehome dogs that have been abandoned, neglected or otherwise in need of a new home.

We also find homes for other small furries that may be in our care. For more information, call 01202 875000 or visit www.waggytails.org. uk.

Family businesses urged to ensure survival

In the wake of a number of closures of long-standing Dorset family businesses, Elaine Wilkins, director at Antony Batty & Company in Bournemouth, has advised families to seek objective external perspectives to ensure their long-term survival.

Elaine said: “From agriculture to tourism and retail to heritage trades, family businesses are the lifeblood of Dorset and Hampshire’s local economies.

“Yet despite their strong roots and importance to the local economy, when a familyrun company faces financial difficulty, the challenges go far beyond the balance sheet, with impacts on relationships, succession plans, and even personal assets.”

She added: “Family-run businesses often begin with a vision passed down through generations.

“But familiarity can sometimes mean missed opportunities to adapt, and that is where risk and relationships can collide.

“We are seeing more family companies facing insolvency not because the business model is broken, but because they have been unable to navigate financial distress.”

Why the region’s family businesses matter:

Small and micro-businesses dominate both counties, with a

high proportion being familyrun, particularly in agriculture, construction, tourism, and retail.

The south-west region, which includes Dorset and Hampshire, has one of the highest concentrations of family-run agricultural and tourism enterprises in the UK.

In Dorset, self-employment rates are around 20 per cent,

well above the national average, highlighting a strong tradition of owner-managed firms, many of which are family businesses. But, as Elaine warned, tradition alone is not protection from financial difficulties.

She said: “We have seen too many businesses trip up because they did not adjust in time to the challenges they were facing.

“My message to family business owners would be: legacy is powerful, but agility is vital.

“Family businesses tend to be more personal, which can make restructuring and turnaround emotionally harder, but also more rewarding when it works.

“Too often, families delay seeking help or shy away from tough conversations. That can turn a temporary cashflow issue into a long-term crisis.

“Family businesses have so much going for them - loyalty, tradition and deep local roots. “But it takes more than heart to survive in today’s climate. “It takes forward planning and swift action too.”

Gold award for Bridge Health & Wellbeing

Family-run Bridge Health & Wellbeing in Christchurch is delighted to have won Gold in the Health and Wellbeing category of the BCP Gold Business Awards 2025. Organised by Marketing West, the BCP Awards celebrate the ‘Winners of the Winners’ from the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Business Awards.

The judges review the winners in each category from across the three town awards and determine the overall winners for BCP.

The BCP winners were crowned at a special ceremony at Bournemouth University, well attended by businesses and organisations from across the region.

Paul & Louise O’Connell, right, founders of Bridge Health & Wellbeing, said: “We’re extremely proud to have won Gold at the Awards, after winning Gold at the Christchurch Business Awards 2025.

“Special thanks must go to our brilliant team and everyone who nominated us.

“Since we opened our doors in 2019, the BCP community has been incredibly supportive, and we extend our congratulations to all the other winners.

“Despite the current economic challenges, many thriving

businesses are working so hard for the residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

“It‘s great to see them recognised and celebrated for their dedication to our community.”

Judges praised the feedback from Bridge Health & Wellbeing’s clients, highlighting

the positive impact the business has on the health and wellbeing of residents. Comments included ‘Prompt appointment, excellent diagnosis clearly explained, exercise programme supplied in a format I can understand, and it all worked!’. Since the Christchurch awards first began, Bridge Health & Wellbeing has won New Business of the Year in 2022, Outstanding Business of the Year in 2023, My Favourite Business Gold and Silver Family Business of the Year in 2024, as well as the East Dorset Gold Award in 2024.

From its state-of-the-art clinic they offer physiotherapy, chiropractic, sports massage, and rehabilitation services, as well as pilates, reformer pilates, yoga, and other wellbeing classes.

To find out more or book an appointment, visit www. bridgehw.com, call 01202 473800, or email info@ bridgehw.com.

REIDsteel boosts business development

Global structural steel firm

REIDsteel of Christchurch has strengthened its business development team with two high-calibre appointments.

The 130-strong firm has welcomed experienced industry professionals Chris Evans and Edith Gil as business development managers under strategic growth plans.

Chris joins the market leading company with a 35-year track record in business development and sales in the steel, metals, manufacturing and construction sectors.

Multi-lingual Edith comes with more than 30 years’ experience in business development and sales across multiple sectors worldwide.

They join as the business continues to grow, expand into new markets and widen its international reach.

The company, which has exported to more than 140 countries in 106 years of trading, designs, manufactures and supplies steel structures

including primary and secondary steel, cladding and glazing for the full building envelope.

Its steel structures include hangars, bridges, stadia, commercial and residential property and disaster-resistant buildings designed to withstand such natural events as hurricanes and tsunamis.

MD Simon Boyd said: “A very warm welcome goes to Edith and Chris.

“They are high-calibre, experienced and resultsorientated professionals with proven track records of success in business development across the UK, Europe and world.

“They represent an investment in the future of REIDsteel and

the company’s strategic growth plans as well as our ability to support even more partners and customers with a smooth and seamless service.

“We look forward to seeing Edith and Chris forge the next phases of their successful careers at the company.”

Chris will be focusing on business development in the UK and Europe, while Edith’s remit covers international business development.

Chris said: “I’m excited to start my new role and look forward to introducing many more partners and customers to REID’s exceptional range of steel structures.”

Edith said: “REIDsteel’s name is a hallmark of quality worldwide which gives me a great starting point in my new role.”

REIDsteel supplies steel structures from its headquarters in Christchurch, Dorset, UK, including those shipped worldwide.

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