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Cover: Beech avenue, Wimborne
Lighting up p11
Hello dolly p14
Stour Santa stampede stand-by
The Santa-Stour River Fun Run returns to Wimborne on Sunday, December 14. Organised by Wimborne Rotary, the event aims to raise funds for Julia’s House children’s hospice and other Rotary-supported charities. The start will be at 10.00am from Wimborne Town Football Club, Ainsley Road, BH21 2FU, where free parking is available. Adults, teenagers, and children are all welcome and can choose from a 2.5kilometre or a 5kilometre course.
The route runs in part alongside the River Stour. Entry is £10 for adults and £5 for under-18s. Entrants should pre-book by registering at www. wimbornerotary.org/giving. There will also be limited places for those who turn up on the day, but pre-booking guarantees a place. Runners can choose to receive a free Santa suit, or festive hat, and a free mince pie and drink for all will be available at the finish. Whether entering as an individual, a family,
or as a team, runners are encouraged to fundraise for their own favourite charities by seeking their own sponsorship.
Organiser of the run, Rotarian Neil Hutchinson, said: “Once again we look forward to welcoming all levels of runners to this fun charity event. “We have secured several local sponsors for the run but welcome other local businesses which would like to become involved, either through sponsorship or by helping on the day.”
County aiming for £115m of roads funding
Dorset could receive a £115m funding boost for road improvements, Dorset Council has revealed following the publication of the council’s Highways Capital Programme Strategy which sets out its plan for improving roads over the next four years. Included in the plan is the recommendation to spend £1.5m of funding from the Department for Transport’s new Structures Fund for essential concrete repairs and structural maintenance for the A30 Shaftesbury Bridge. The strategy responds to feedback from Dorset’s latest Residents’ Survey, where 57% of people said improving road conditions was a top priority. The council says the investment is aimed to make roads safer, greener and more reliable for motorists.
Town gathers to pay respects
The annual Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service brought together residents, community groups. The parade, led by Mayor of Wimborne Minster, Cllr Jeff Hart, featured the Wessex Marching Band, with buglers from the Wimborne Quarterjacks Marching Band delivering a moving performance of the Last Post and Reveille.
The event was organised jointly by Wimborne Minster Town Council, the Wimborne Branch of the Royal British Legion, and Wimborne Minster Church. A sincere thank-you was extended to everyone who took part and special appreciation was given to the 280 NATO Signal Squadron, who travelled from Stafford to take part.
Residents honour fallen for Remembrance Day
Moors Manor Care Home in St Leonards commemorated Remembrance Day and joined together with their community to honour the fallen. The home arranged a special trip to Christchurch Priory to watch the Festival of Remembrance Concert which resulted in the residents being very moved by taking part in the event. As well as the trip, the homemarked Remembrance Day by wearing poppies
and watching the televised service from the Cenotaph. June, a resident at Moors Manor, said: “It’s lovely to keep the memories of those who fought alive and be able to be apart of such a special concert’’.
Shoebox joy for disadvantaged children
Members of Wimborne Rotary, together with family and friends, have been busy packing gifts into shoeboxes in support of the Wessex Rotary Shoebox Scheme. In total their efforts have resulted in no less than 75 boxes being delivered to the project.
With the involvement of other clubs in the Wessex region, gifts will reach large numbers of disadvantaged and displaced children in Romania, Moldova, Montenegro, and Ukraine (via Poland).
The filling and delivery of the shoeboxes was coordinated by Rotarian Dave Sumner, pictured above left, who said: “As always people have been very generous in donating gifts and their time to prepare the full shoeboxes.”
n And Wimborne Rotary has made a donation of £500 to the Friends of Victoria Hospital.
At a recent meeting Rotarians welcomed Anne Salter, chairman of the Friends together with Friends treasurer, Jenny Leeder. After hearing from Anne about recent projects and the work of the Friends, she briefly outlined the history to the charity which this year celebrates 90 years of supporting the community.
Wimborne Rotary president, Brian Dryden, is pictured presenting Jenny with the £500 donation.
Sites for sale
Up to 78 sites in Dorset could be sold as the council seeks to generate millions of pounds to invest into affordable homes and infrastructure.
A report has set out ambitious plans to generate £46.7m by selling off the sites that are ‘no longer needed’ such as small blocks of garages, vacant former offices, old school sites, and parcels of land, many in poor condition.
Firm awarded for sustainability strategy
Wimborne’s longestrunning independent home electronics store, Dacombes, has scooped two top honours at the prestigious ERT Awards - widely regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the UK’s electrical retail industry. The family-run business - with more than 100 years of heritage in the town - was crowned Best Sustainable Independent Electrical Retailer for the second consecutive year and applauded for its bold eco strategy and commitment to energy efficiency.
Judges praised Dacombes for its impressive transition to solar power, with 99 panels now installed on the showroom roof in Leigh Road.
During working hours, the business is fully self-sufficient in energy, powering hundreds of domestic appliances, televisions, and state-of-theart home cinemas.
The company has also invested in EV van chargers, a Tesla battery and uses a heat pump system for heating and cooling, alongside energy-efficient lighting and equipment throughout. It has also introduced an in-store digital price tag system, doing away with the need for ink and paper.
In a second triumph, Dacombes was named Best Independent Consumer Electronics Retailer in the Small Business category - a testament to its customerfirst ethos and resilience in a sector dominated by national chains.
Managing director Matt Renaut said: “These two awards are like receiving
two huge, big ticks for what we really care about as a business.
As an independent, customer service and highly-trained staff have always been at our core.
“Alongside this proud recognition is our eco strategy and commitment to moving Dacombes forward for another 100 years in the most sustainable way possible.”
The accolades didn’t stop there as Dacombes also received a Highly Commended nod in the Best Independent Kitchen Retailer Showroom category, thanks to its collaboration with fellow Wimborne business MK Interiors.
Judges were impressed by the fully-working in-store kitchens, which not only showcase design excellence but are also offered free of charge to local community groups for cookery classes and events.
The follies of our ways
In October, members and guests of the Wimborne Civic Society enjoyed an illustrated talk by Phil Broomfield on Dorset’s follies and grottoes, about the 16th-century fashion for wealthy landowners to build them with examples from around Dorset.
The next meeting of the Society will be on Tuesday, November 18, when Paul Cheetham will speak and show a variety of slides, with the title ‘Drowning in Dorset: The rise and decline of the water meadow’.
Paul is a visiting fellow of the Department of Archaeology at Bournemouth University and a knowledgeable and engaging speaker.
Wimborne Civic Society’s evening meetings with visiting speakers run until March, are open to all, and are held at 7.30pm on the third Tuesday of the month at Allendale House, Hanham Road, Wimborne. Non-members are most welcome to attend for a modest entry fee of £5.
Antony Wakeling Wimborne
Du vin for our quiz winners
The Wimborne-Valognes Twinning Association held their annual quiz night at the Royal British Legion in October, and a strong contingent of 10 teams battled it out for the Norman Payne Cup. This year, the Wimborne Warriers won the glory and took the cup home, together
with a bottle of wine for each team member. Thanks go to our quizmaster Phil Maul, and to the RBL for hosting this popular event. For more information about the activities of the Association, please visit our website at wvta.org.uk.
Damaris Eaton President
Fordingbridge Choral Society are pleased to announce our Winter Celebration concert on Saturday, November 29, at 7.00pm, taking place in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s Church in Fordingbridge.
The
The ticket price includes a free drink in the interval.
The main work being performed is Sir Karl Jenkins’ celebrated piece Stella Natalis, first performed in 2009, and being full of exhilarating music of all stylistic and spiritual backgrounds in celebration of
wintertime and Christmas. Also included are shorter pieces by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Hubert Parry.
As Christmas will be approaching, we shall be very proud to give the premier performance of a new carol by Paul Carr called Yet One Voice Sings.
Please come along - we’d love to welcome you.
For details call our secretary on 01425 656348 or visit fordingbridgechoral.org.uk.
Colin Burt
Fordingbridge
NOTICE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Royal British Legion Club (Wimborne) Ltd will be held on Wednesday 3rd December 2024, 7pm at West Borough, Wimborne BH21 1LT. All members are invited to attend.
Political round-up
Seeing how fragile our world has become
Like many across Dorset and the UK, I spent last weekend at Remembrance services, laying tributes to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and way of life. These moments are more than ceremonial - they reflect our community bonds and are, in a non-partisan sense, political acts. They remind us that peace is not passive; it is something we must actively work to protect. There were concerns that our acts of Remembrance might fade. But in recent years attendance has surged. In towns and villages across Dorset, children in uniformed groups stand still, alongside their communities, observing the two-minute silence. These children will carry forward our collective memory. We learn about war not just from history books, but from those who lived through it. My son learned from our neighbour Margaret’s stories of bombers overhead, and we see its legacy in places like the Holton Heath
Cordite Factory and images of Kingston Lacy used as an American hospital. After the war, many helped rebuild Britain - through large-scale housing development, the formation of the NHS, and international efforts like the UN and Nato.
Some will have seen National Service and may have been sent to Korea and, of course, Dorset still has a large military presence. Our service personnel will have witnessed conflict through deployments to Northern Ireland, the Falklands and the Middle East. These lived experiences are woven into the fabric of our communities.
Through my work with the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme and conversations with defence ministers, I see how fragile our world has become. Today’s threats are not just military - they are environmental, technological, and ideological. Disinformation campaigns, cyber warfare, and climate-driven displacement of people are
Liberal Democrat
Mid-Dorset & North Poole VIKKI SLADE MP
reshaping global security. Dorset may seem far from the front lines, but we are not immune.
Climate change threatens Dorset’s coast, farming, and tourism - while elsewhere, the impact is existential. This week, world leaders gathered in Brazil for COP30. While some raise concerns at the carbon footprint of such summits, these meetings are vital. They remind leaders that behind every policy are real
people whose lives are at stake. The Government’s recent announcements on defence and climate resilience are welcome, but they must go further. We need investment not just in military hardware, but in community resilience. Dorset’s strategic location, its military heritage, and its vibrant civic life make it a key player in national security. Our ports, our training grounds, and our people matter.
Ukraine has shattered the illusion that future wars will be distant and digital. When rhetoric increases and diplomacy fails, it is ordinary people - our neighbours - who suffer.
Dorset has always stood up in times of crisis. We must do so again, by demanding leadership that prioritises peace, truth, and sustainability.
As Jimmy Carter once said: ‘We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other’s children.’
Let’s honour our fallen - not just with silence, but with action.
Questioning asylum hotels and crime links
Following the charging of a successful asylum seeker from Syria for the rape of one of my constituents in July, I have been inquiring of Dorset Police about the links between the three Bournemouth hotels which house asylum seekers and criminal activity.
In the first six months of 2025 there were 193 ‘occurrences’ compared with 243 in the whole of 2024.
Although these ‘occurrences’according to the police - include protest activity, car crime, onstreet drug dealing and nighttime economy assaults, they do not necessarily represent offending taking place at the hotels or by hotel residents. But the sharp increase indicates the burden on our police for which all Dorset residents ultimately have to pay.
n The extremely high cost of domestic energy is unacceptable.
The present government promised to reduce average
energy bills by £300 a year.
Instead, it has allowed prices to rise even higher. The House of Commons Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, of which I am a member, has been looking into energy costs but, sadly, has reached the wrong conclusions. Instead of demanding reduced bills for all, it has recommended a ‘social tariff’.
This was despite no agreement on how much a ‘social tariff’ would cost and how that cost would be funded.
As neither funding such a tariff from general taxation nor expecting other consumers to fund it through cross-subsidy would be acceptable, I voted against the proposal. Sadly, Labour and Liberal Democrat members supported it.
I also voted against transferring the debts of those customers who are in arrears with their energy payments to everyone else.
The best solution is to reduce prices for all. The committee
Conservative Christchurch & East Dorset
CHRIS CHOPE MP
is preparing another report on the extra policy costs which are included in all bills. I hope the committee will agree to recommend removing this burden on ordinary consumers which they currently suffer to cross-subsidise producers of solar and wind energy.
n The latest news on the campaign to reopen the GP surgery in Burton is disappointing.
The Health Minister, Stephen Kinnock, has commented on the petition which I presented to Parliament on behalf of Burton residents in September by refusing to address the direct question as to whether he will overrule the Integrated Care Board and allow the surgery to be back in use.
Instead of expressing the Government’s view on the merits of such a reopening, the Minister merely supplied a commentary setting out the ICB’s views which we already knew.
This is an insult to petitioners not least because of the promises made by the Government to improve access to GP services.
The good news is that the South Coast Medical Practice is pursuing its appeal to the NHS which I strongly support.
Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher
Welcome invasion of youth at Remembrance
Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day were another opportunity for my forces family to get together again this year, in solidarity, reflection and appreciation.
The Wimborne Town Council, Wimborne Minster and Royal British Legion, hosted what I believe was their best Remembrance Sunday to date. People lined the streets to watch the parade from the Wimborne British Legion Club to the Minster, where the standing room-only service, led by Reverend William French took place.
I had the double honour of attending with my fellow Royal Air Forces Association members and also laying the first-ever wreath in remembrance of the Commonwealth Armed Forces at our cenotaph on Minster Green.
Remembrance Sunday is a unique opportunity to repair and rebuild bridges.
Trustees and volunteers from community outreach charity Avon Valley Community Matters (AVCM) say they are proud to have supported 30 children and their carers and families during their recent Families Together event during half-term. Responding to a growing need for free holiday activities for parents and children, the team organises family events which include crafts, outdoor games, storytelling and a healthy lunch - usually
There was no better way to do this than commemorate and recognise the millions of servicemen and servicewomen from the Commonwealth and descendants of Commonwealth countries, who fought alongside and continue to serve in the British Armed Forces; defending the freedoms and way of life we all enjoy today. The wreaths remain at the cenotaph, so do go and view the many organisations that took part in the ceremony, as well as the Remembrance Garden.
Labour has been busy on the defence front too, announcing £1.2million to renovate war graves around the UK (many have fallen into disrepair), a £9billion investment in the building and renovation of armed forces housing over 10 years, the creation of a dedicated Forces Housing Service to deliver new opportunities of home ownership for both serving personnel and veterans,
£12million toward building new homes for homeless veterans and launching a new-build housing project, on Ministry of Defence land, of new homes for both military families and civilians.
A rollout of Valour support and advice centres has begun nationwide. Also, let’s not forget the £9billion deal signed
Bringing the family together
in Fordingbridge and, in the summer months, additional Picnics Together sessions in Woodgreen and Breamore. The events have become so popular that the recent free half-term session was fully booked.
Charity chairman trustee Sue Ledger said: “With the cost of living growing, it’s really difficult for families to find free local activities during the holidays. It’s joyful to see
with Türkiye to supply 20 new Typhoon fighter jets. These initiatives combined will create tens of thousands of new jobs and also apprenticeships for young people.
Speaking of young people, there was a massive increase of young people at the Remembrance Parade, service and wreath laying.
Sharing an honest history of our country in war and peacetime, is fundamental to building a caring and harmonious society, for now and for generations to come. So well done to 149 Poole Squadron Air Cadet Cameron Shilton-Hewett, who seamlessly escorted our viceLord Lieutenant Charlotte Townshend - many applied and you were chosen and to the family, who ensured all three generations of their family shared the experience of Remembrance - I hope to see them again at many more. How was the cake?!!
I salute you all!
with organisation CoCreate, joined the AVCM team to help families create beautiful handcrafted lanterns.
so many during our Families
Together sessions where all ages gather to create, socialise and share a meal together.”
With crafts funded by Culture In Common, an organisation which helps to connect residents of the New Forest through inclusive arts and cultural activities, the theme of the half term event was ‘Celebration of Light’. Community artist Melinda McCheyne, who works
If you haven’t made your Lantern yet, there is still time... The team will be putting on another free workshop from 3pm-5pm on November 28 at the Fordingbridge Scout Hut, followed by a short story in the Salvation Army Garden, before processing through Fordingbridge with the parade - part of the town’s late-night shopping and Christmas Lights Switch on. Find out more and sign up at avonvalleycommunity matters.eventbrite.com.
Dorset Labour CANDICE JOHNSON-COLE
Introducing Christchurch Marina Court, the crown jewel of Regency Living. Nestled within over 2 acres of picturesque countryside in Dorset, this tranquil collection of brand new residential Park Bungalows is suitable for those aged 45+.
Sitting near the natural harbour of Christchurch, these inviting homes provide a vibrant community atmosphere with essential amenities just minutes away.
The Residence Plus The Avanti
Antiques & Collectibles
Nearly 100 20th-century dolls from a Somerset collection could sell for £10,000 when they go under the Charterhouse gavel in their auction of dolls, model trains, cars and other toys on Thursday, November 27, in Sherborne. Richard Bromell of Chartehouse said: “When you mention a collection of dolls you generally think of the porcelain ones from the late 19th century onwards. “However, this collection has focused mainly on felt and other similar rare dolls from the early to mid-20th century.”
Dolls in the collection include Lenci, Norah Wellings, Chad Valley, Kathe Kruse and other manufacturers.
From characterful googlyeyed Art Deco dolls through to dolls from the hugely popular Magic Roundabout children’s TV programmes in the 1960/70s onwards are all being sold.
Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their busy programme of specialist auctions with coins, medals & stamps, wine, port & whisky, model trains, cars & dolls and pictures, prints & books.
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.
A fine gold mounted humidor by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Ferndown Manor care home, 110 Golf Links Road, Ferndown
Christmas fair
Saturday 6th December, 2pm - 4pm
Get festive at Ferndown Manor’s Christmas fair and stock up on unique presents for your family and friends. Browse the local crafts stalls, take part in our tombola and enjoy refreshments.
Christmas carols with Winton Salvation Army
Monday 8th December, 5pm - 7pm
Join us as we step into Christmas 2025 with traditional Christmas carols. Gather around the Christmas tree and sing festive favourites with the Winton Salvation Army. Enjoy mince pies, hot chocolate, and mulled wine, as we rekindle the magic of Christmases past.
To attend please call 01202 618793 or email sara.muslin@careuk.com
Christmas in Wimborne
Celebrate Christmas in Wimborne
christmas events
29th November
Christmas Lights Switch-On day and Christmas Market from 1pm
6th December
Support local businesses for Small Business Saturday
13th December
Save the Children Parade from 2pm
19th December
Carols in the Corn Market at 6pm
Wimborne Christmas Market returns with seasonal stalls and festive fare
WDon’t miss Wimborne’s festive celebrations.
imborne’s seasonal celebrations will see the return of the town’s Christmas Market on Saturday 29th November, running from 11am to 6pm in the High Street Car Park and parts of the main high street just off Wimborne Square.
www.wimborne.info
Create a bespoke food gift this Christmas for loved ones and friends.
At Fluffetts HOME, we have an array of hamper boxes and gift bags waiting to be filled with exquisite local produce.
Let us help you create a delicious and thoughtful gift that you know will be enjoyed and loved. Alongside our award-winning free-range eggs, you can choose from the jams, marmalades, honeys, chutneys, pickles, relishes, oils, balsamic vinegars, cheeses, meats and beautiful gifts that we stock - all made by producers in the local counties.
There is something to suit everyone and every budget. By shopping at Fluffetts HOME, you are supporting local farmers and local producers.
Fully funded by Wimborne BID and organised and managed by Dorset-based Stir Events, the market will feature a host of tempting stalls offering festive gifts and seasonal fare. Expect a merry mix of mulled wine, food stalls including sizzling Bratwurst sausages and a treasure trove of artisan gifts, local food and drink. There are also seasonal treats perfect for stocking fillers or why not indulge in some self-gifting?
The market is timed to coincide with Wimborne’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On, which takes place at 5pm. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy the market before and after the switch-on ceremony.
Fiona Pawsey, Chair of Wimborne BID, said: “Wimborne BID is delighted to fund the Christmas Market, helping to add even more magic to Wimborne’s famous Christmas Lights Switch-On celebrations. Grab your festive jumper or Christmas hat, grab a cup of mulled wine and join in the fun.”
The event is free to attend and aims to support local businesses while offering residents and visitors a festive day out in the heart of Wimborne.
Wimborne sparkles! Enjoy a free festive day to light up your Christmas
Wimborne’s Christmas elves are already busy in the town preparing for the town’s magical Christmas Lights Switch-On Day on Saturday 29th November.
Work is underway to install over 25,000 LED bulbs and 2000 metres of string and rope lighting to decorate the town. A huge real Christmas tree will be arriving soon too to take centre stage in the town square for this much-loved, free annual event which attracted thousands last year.
From 11am the merriment begins with a Christmas Market in the High Street car park, brimming with seasonal treats to eat and drink, gifts galore and plenty of sparkle. Whether you’re ticking off your Christmas shopping list or just soaking up the atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to feel the magic.
The grand lights switch on will be at 5pm followed by the chance to warm up your vocal chords and sing some carols. Wimborne’s famous militia will officially welcome the festive season in with a spectacular gunfire salute on the Minster Green to round off the day.
There will also be a host of entertainment with live music and performances in Wimborne Square throughout the day starting with the rousing sounds of the Quarterjacks of Wimborne marching band at 1pm. These will be followed by Sweet Charity Choir, Allenbourn Middle School Choir, Wimborne Musical Theatre, Vivamente Voices, Just Sing Choir, Footlight Performance Academy and rounding off with the joyful Love Soul Choir.
Wimborne BID vice chair Sam Devlin said: “This beautiful town really lends itself to Christmas and Wimborne BID is thrilled to support the Lights SwitchOn event alongside Wimborne Minster Town Council.”
This annual event signals the start of Christmas festivities in the town with Save the Children Christmas Parade on Saturday 13th December and Carols in the Cornmarket on Friday 19th December.
© Wimborne BID
A trail of elf mischief and magic
awaits this December at Wimborne’s Museum of East Dorset ADVERTISING FEATURE
Tinvites families to celebrate the season with a joyful mix of festive mischief from some naughty elves on the shelf, creative crafts and magical moments with Father Christmas himself.
From Monday 1st December the elves are back and they’re causing merry mayhem throughout the museum! Families are invited to follow the Elf on the Shelf Trail, spotting cheeky elves hidden in unexpected places throughout the museum galleries. Alongside the trail, free festive crafts will be available to spark creativity and add a sprinkle of seasonal cheer. There’s a festive fancy dress box to delve into and share your photos on the museum social media channels.
This year the multi-award-winning museum has a special Story Time with Father Christmas. Enjoy an enchanting experience in the museum’s cosy grotto, where Father Christmas will share his favourite festive tales. Each child can enjoy story time, a photo opportunity and the chance to choose a special gift to take home.
The festive journey begins before meeting Father Christmas with a chance to indulge in a range of festive crafts—including writing a letter to the big man himself. It’s the perfect way to make any day more magical.
These special Father Christmas visits take place on Saturday 6th and Saturday 20th December with a special session aimed at under 5’s on Wednesday 3rd December. Session times are 2pm–3pm, 2.45pm–3.45pm, and 3.30pm–4.30pm. Tickets cost £15 per child which includes museum entry for the whole day, festive crafts, grotto visit, a special gift to take home.
After your visit, you can relax in the museum Tearoom with a delicious selection of festive treats and warming drinks (extra charges apply).
All profits go directly towards supporting the museum’s ongoing work. Book online now via www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk
Festive Frolics and Elf Shenanigans await at the Museum of East Dorset
Hold onto your tinsel — the elves are in town! This December, the Museum of East Dorset invites families to dive into a whirlwind of festive mischief, magical moments and merry mayhem as our cheeky Elf on the Shelf Trail brings family festive fun to Wimborne.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
From Monday 1st December, the museum galleries will be sprinkled with elf-sized surprises. These naughty little visitors have taken up residence in the most unexpected places — and they’re up to no good! Families are challenged to spot the elves, follow their trail and uncover their playful antics as they explore the museum.
Alongside the trail, there’s free festive crafts to ignite creativity and add a dash of seasonal sparkle. Whether it’s glitter, glue, or giggles, there’s something for every little elf-in-training.
And if you’re feeling fancy the museum’s popular dressing-up corner is bursting with seasonal costumes for children to dive into. Snap a photo of your little ones in their jolly get-up and share your elf-tastic adventures on the museum social media channels. Whether you’re a seasoned elf on the shelf spotter or new to the trail, this is a family-friendly celebration of all things festive, imaginative and joyfully mischievous.
Free with museum entry which entitles you to an annual pass valid for 12 months from date of issue so you can visit multiple times.
THE STOCKS INN
From 1st-24th December
2 Courses for £30 | 3 Courses for £35 Service Charge not Included
All party sizes catered for. Full menu available to view on our website.
Menu available through pre-booking only
his December, the Museum of East Dorset
Christmas in Wimborne
ENGLISH SCENT
Handmade in Wimborne, England Ethical, Sustainable, Trustworthy, Pure
We have great Christmas presents:
• Perfumes
• Christmas Candles
• Advent Candles
• Wax Burners and Wax Melts
• Car Diffuser Gift Sets
• Skincare and Haircare Gifts
• Bespoke Reed Diffusers - you choose your vessel, scent and reeds
• Gifts for your Dog
Shop smart with English Scent
Not sure what to buy for a friend or loved one?
Why not give them a gift card?
Physical and digital options available.
Embracing Nature and Family in Skincare and Home Scents ADVERTISING FEATURE
In a world where the pursuit of beauty often comes at a premium, a small family business in Wimborne, Dorset, stands out by offering natural and ethical skincare and haircare products at truly affordable prices. This family-run enterprise, free from the exorbitant costs associated with London-based businesses, is redefining the standards of quality and affordability in the beauty industry.
The company prides itself on creating home scents that are not only pleasant but also potent. Their double-scented products, crafted with a long-lasting and clean-burning natural wax blend, natural wicks, and reusable, recyclable containers, ensure that your home is enveloped in divine aromas that linger long after the candle has been extinguished.
Rooted in the heart of Wimborne, where the family has raised their children, this business is a true family affair. Their youngest son actively participates in the operations while pursuing his studies, embodying the spirit of collaboration and dedication that defines this enterprise.
Led by an expert beauty therapist with years of experience, the company understands the unique needs of mature skin and hair. Using the finest natural ingredients sourced both locally and globally, their skincare and haircare products deliver spectacular and life-changing results. Customers with specific concerns are encouraged to reach out, as the team is committed to providing personalised solutions.
Recently, the business has expanded its reach by opening its first store at 44 High Street in Wimborne, inviting customers to experience their products firsthand. For those unable to visit, their online shop remains a convenient option.
The success of this family business is a testament to the unwavering support of their loyal customers, who are cherished as the company’s most valuable asset. As they continue to grow, the commitment to quality, affordability, and community remains at the forefront of their mission, making them a beacon of hope and inspiration in the beauty industry.
Foodie gifts at The East Street Deli
E
stablished in June 2020 by owners, Claire and Simon Warren, The East Street Deli in Wimborne is packed full of charcuterie, antipasti, sweet treats, coffee, store cupboard essentials, wine, craft beers and ciders. It also has a great range of refillables and an eco-friendly homeware section. However, it’s the extensive range of cheeses that it’s famous for. There are over 50 cheeses in the counter to choose from, at any one time.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Whilst small and compact, this beautiful deli has become a destination for foodie gifts and they offer hampers and gift boxes year-round to suit a wide range of budgets and these are particularly popular at Christmas. There are pre-made hampers available, customers can create their own bespoke versions or if you provide details of your budget, they will create them for you.
In 2025, The East Street Deli won the ‘Outstanding Customer Service’ Award at the Wimborne Business Awards and was shortlisted for ‘Delicatessen of the year’ at the national Farm shop and Deli awards.
With a passion for high quality good food and priding themselves on offering the very best customer service, this is retailing as it should be. The aim at the deli is to make everyone feel welcome and to provide everyone with an ‘old school’ personal service and experience.
Christmas in Wimborne
“Proud
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Christmas magnificence at Kingston Lacy
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38 High Street, Wimborne, BH21 1HT 07514 417 556
oin a magical Christmas ball at Kingston Lacy, where the mansion has been spectacularly decorated to welcome guests to a woodland-themed festive party. From entrance hall to servants’ hall, the whole house is full of hustle and bustle as guests arrive, stories unfold and dancing begins. Amid the twinkling lights and glistening trees, you can join the dance, while outside there’s a secret waiting to be discovered…
Visit the house for a visual feast, the café for festive treats and the gardens for winter beauty.
Don’t forget to book your little ones (up to age 12) for Storytelling with Santa; a snuggly story, an early gift and the chance to take a picture with the big man himself.
There’s also bubble magic with Squidge and Pop, origami crafts, a festive post box for your letter to Santa, and a free shuttle minibus form Wimborne on selected dates. Find all the details on the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy
© National Trust Images/ Shaun Fellows
Getting Ready for Christmas: The Season of Joy and Juggling
The Christmas season is upon us once again — that magical time of year when streets shimmer with lights, shops play familiar carols, and calendars quickly fill with parties and gatherings. It’s the season of joy, but also, for many, a season of juggling — between shopping lists, social plans, and the search for that perfect festive balance. For retailers, the Christmas rush began weeks ago. Shelves are lined with glittering decorations, and shoppers move in a mix of excitement and mild panic. Each gift wrapped and every meal planned is an act of love — yet, amidst the hustle, it’s easy to lose sight of the meaning behind it all.
The parties, too, are a hallmark of the holidays. Offices and communities come alive with laughter and music, as friends and colleagues take a well-deserved break to celebrate another year gone by. These gatherings remind us that Christmas is not just about what we buy, but about who we share it with.
Still, it’s worth remembering that preparation doesn’t have to mean perfection. The best celebrations are not always the most extravagant, but the most heartfelt. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a small get-together with friends, or a simple act of giving, the warmth of the season lies in togetherness.
So as we head into the rush of shopping, wrapping, and celebrating, let’s also make time to slow down — to savor a cup of cocoa, to share a laugh, and to appreciate the people who make our holidays meaningful. After all, Christmas isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a feeling — one best shared, not stressed over.
Allendale Community Centre
Everyone is welcome in the heart of Wimborne, the place to be for live events and activities all year around. There’s something to satisfy every taste, from live stage shows to craft fairs, exercise classes and activity groups for all ages.
Wimborne Minster Market is here every Friday morning for all your seasonal shopping needs and our Christmas Craft Fair on 22nd November offers over 60 stalls packed with great gift ideas. Join us in The Allendale Café this festive season for a delectable selection of refreshments and live music. Enjoy the nation’s favourite tribute to Simon & Garfunkel on 29th November, before Santa comes to town from Friday 12th to Wednesday 24th December for the Best Every Christmas Panto. Finally, Dirty/DC return on 27th December. Book your tickets now!
Remember, tickets make great presents too! Tickets and information are available at www.theallendale.org or call 01202 887247.
Stagecoach Wimborne and Ringwood
Stagecoach Wimborne and Ringwood are having a wonderful Autumn term and are gearing up for Christmas! Not only will EVERY student take part in end of term demonstrations, but ALL children have been invited to spread Christmas cheer in some local community performances!
You can catch Stagecoach at the St Ives Christmas Fayre on the 28th November, at the Allendale Centre Christmas market on the 22nd November, at Castlepoint on the 6th December and at the Ringwood Furlong Centre on Saturday 20th December! We truly believe that these local performances where every student is invited to perform will help to boost confidence and enhance their communication skills, helping our students in every day situations.
On the 28th February 2026, we will be performing in our very own Stagecoach Charity Gala evening at the Bournemouth Pavilion where again EVERY student over 6 years old is invited to take part!
We offer weekly Performing Arts classes to children aged 4-18 years, with an expert team of teachers. Stagecoach performing Arts believe in instilling creative courage for life, no matter what your child’s age or ability. High quality teaching and student inclusion is the upmost priority. We believe in making special memories that the children will treasure forever in an environment where they feel safe and valued. Contact wimborne@stagecoach.co.uk to join a FREE 2 week trial and let us help find your child’s confidence today!
Christmas in Wimborne
Santa still Rocks Around the Christmas Tree after Four Stone Weight Loss
W
e all know Santa loves a mince pie or three, but when Santa Tihomirova saw herself under the Christmas tree, she decided it was time to seek help from The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan.
The 30-year-old decided that, while her namesake may be happy to keep piling on the pounds, she needed to take serious action. She felt unhappy in herself and unhappy with herself.
Santa said: “Christmas is a time of great temptation and it’s all too easy to overindulge on sweet treats, roast dinners and snacks.
“I had really lost control of my eating habits. Weight pilled on over a period of time, eating all the wrong things. I tried a couple of diets that didn’t really work and I couldn’t stick to them anyway. I ate way too much over the Christmas break too, even when I wasn’t hungry – mostly because the food was there! I made a New Year’s resolution in the January to be four stone lighter by the following Christmas.
“In January, I’d reached my heaviest weight of 13st 5lb so I decided to call my local The 1:1 Diet Consultant after realising that I needed extra support on my weight loss journey.
“I couldn’t have picked a better Consultant. She really understood me and didn’t put me under any pressure and let me make decisions I was comfortable with. I started on Step 1 of the Plan in the January aiming to have reached my goal by the next Christmas.
“In my first week I lost 5 1/2lb, which was so exciting! Each week a little bit more weight would come off, normally 3lb per week or more. I soon started to feel so excited about my new body – I’d lost just over a stone in four weeks!
“Having my Consultants support has been incredible. As soon as we met, I knew she would do everything she could to help me reach my goals.
“ The ease of the Plan helped me remain dedicated and in control of what I was eating. The range of products also made sure that I wasn’t getting bored of
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being on Plan either as there are so many options to choose from.
“I quickly started to notice the health benefits as my weight started to reduce - I found I had more energy and started to feel so much more confident in my own skin. I was even sleeping better!
“ When the nation went into lockdown at the beginning of March, I remained dedicated to The 1:1 Diet.
“Being on Plan definitely came with its challenges as I have young children and a very supportive husband, but I was around food all the time . Dedication and a positive mindset is crucial if you want to succeed and meet your targets.
“My BMI has dropped solely due to my weight loss from the ‘obese’ to the ‘healthy’ category. I am now size 8, healthy and fit, weighing 9st 7lb, and I love the way I look!
“I’m so excited to be entering this Festive Season as the person I’ve always wanted to be – I definitely won’t be overindulging on mince pies and sherry this Christmas!”
Inspired to start your own weight loss story?
Contact: Nicki Edwards - The Cambridge Lady today!
07904 331589
nickijedwards@icloud.com
Sno place like Swaffield’s!
WAFFIELD’S is a vintage gentlemen’s barber and ladies’ salon in the heart of Wimborne. We welcome customers old and new to come and enjoy the experience of our highly qualified staff in a warm and friendly setting. Swaffield’s will take you back in time into a traditional era whilst still delivering modern and contemporary styling. The bustle of hour historic market town makes Wimborne a lovely place to visit. Make a day of it and enjoy endless options for a tea or coffee with some excellent local boutique clothing stores alongside some well known retailers before or after you visit our salon. Our closest car is park is 1 minutes walk away alongside Co-Op near the Olive branch pub that is easily accessed via level pavements . Alternatively, there is a much larger pay and display located near the Allendale Centre which is a short 5 minute walk away.
As Christmas comes closer, Salamander has some great offers and ideas for gifts for those of you who shop early not to mention everything you need for cooking and baking in your Chstmas home. Plus there a very special prize draw courtesy of Le Creuset – superb Cast Iron Wok with lid.. Call in and sign up for the Newsletter in store for full details. Salamander’s Newsletter is issued each month and includes, offers, cooking tips, recipes ideas, details on new products and in store events as well as their monthly prize draw You can also pick up a copy of their Christmas Gift Ideas and essentials booklet in store with a voucher for £5 off your next purchase if you spend over £50 and £10 off your next purchase if you spend over £100. Full details in store. Also don’t forget if you cant decide what to buy salamander has Gift Vouchers available in multiples of £5, £10 and £25.
Great Offers from Top Brands
This month Salamander has some great offers from top brands including KitchenAid, Le Creuset, Cole and Mason, Dartington, Prestige, Magimix, Scanpan, Sage Coffee Machines, and more. During Black Friday week 21st – 28th November there will also be some one only / when there gone there gone offers in store too.
Salamander Events
November ends with a special evening event focussing on Thanksgiving on Thursday 27 Nov with Danae from Lifetime brands including a demonstration of making and tasting her speciality Pumpkin Pie plus some great finger food and special offers on the night. In December their evening Mini Food Walks and in store pre–Xmas Evening Events are on Thurs 11th and Wed 17th December, Call in, phone or e mail for details and to reserve your place.
Landscaping, Patios, Decking, Fencing, Gates & Driveways
Transform your garden with our expert design services! We offer free quotations for gardens of all sizes, focusing on cost-effective solutions that enhance beauty and security. Trust us to create an outdoor space that reflects your style and meets your needs. Let’s make your garden dreams a reality!
T: 01202 985192
E: info@amazinglandscaping.co.ukk
W: www.amazinglandscaping.co.uk
Unit 9 ~ Wentworths Yard ~ Leigh Road ~ Wimborne ~ Dorset~
FLAWLESS SKIN BLEMISH REMOVAL
AUTUMN IS THE PERFECT TIME TO CONSIDER GETTING RID OF THOSE PESKY SKIN BLEMISHES THAT IRRITATE US.
Many people see small sebaceous lumps and bumps under their sking, brown crusty looking growths on their torso or face, skin tages, dilated cappillaries and melia to name a few. Most people I speak to had no idea where to go to have them treated and removed. NHS does not offer this treatment to patients as they are deemed cosmetic, the trouble is they can really affect your confidence.
If you recognise any of these conditions and would like to remove them, help is at hand, just call for a free consultation where you will be advised of the type of blemish you have, the method used to remove the blemish and recovery time.
CONSULTATION FREE | PRICES START FROM £80
CONSULTATION NEEDED PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT
AVAILABLE VENUES: Station Hair, 146 Station Rd, West Moors, Ferndown, BH22 0JB Cloud Nine Beauty, 74 Victoria Rd, Ferndown, BH22 9JA FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: KAREN
07470 403439 blemishremoval@gmail.com
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
I start off this latest column with huge thanks to everyone who attended our last Open Day of 2025 last month. The weather was very kind to us and we had a good attendance. The Craft Room was able to offer spooky night-light jar-making which was understandably popular for the start of half-term and with Hallowe’en at the end of the week.
Talking of Hallowe’en, this year it fell on a Friday and as such Helen, one of our staff, arranged a party for all the co-farmers and their families - they were treated to spiced pumpkin soup and pulled pork baps with apple sauce, with live music to encourage dancing in the spookiest costumes. There were plenty of games and laughter and it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves.
We also had the official launch of Men’s Sheds Ferndown during the Open Day, with the Mayor of Ferndown, Councillor Lawrence Wilson - who chose us as his chosen local organisation to support for his Mayoral year - finding time from a very busy day, to be able to attend and officially open Men’s Sheds Ferndown. We are running the group every Saturday from 10am to 1,00pm at High Mead Farm and is an opportunity for men to meet, learn new skills as well as sharing skills and knowledge and chat over a hot drink in a workshop
or comfortable room.
If you are interested in finding out more about joining this group, please send an email to info@highmeadfarm.org.uk. We are excited to announce that our latest pork is back and the best flavour everalong with our usual sausages (mixed varieties including gluten-free) and bacon, we can offer small stuffed joints, tenderloin, belly strips and gammon steaks - please do come and buy some and in doing so you will be supporting Dorset produce - as they were born at Hill Barn Farm in Tolpuddle, reared at High Mead farm and butchered at Rawston Farm in the Tarrant Valley. We will also be selling pigs in blankets for Christmas. Yogi, our farm dog is always being locked in or locked out of rooms and has found that the cat flap is a perfect porthole to see what is going on behind the door!
Recently our newly-painted fox statue looked startled to see Yogi sticking his head through the flap!
Looking ahead to December, we have our Christmas Quiz at Bluebirds social club in Longham on Friday,December 5, starting at 7,00pm.
Entry is £5; bring your own nibbles. There is a subsidised bar and also our fantastic raffle hosted by Quizmaster Steve, our very own Volunteer and king of cheesy jokes!
Farming & Environment
Land transformed into thriving green space
A new Alternative Natural Recreational Green Space has opened up in Fordingbridge.
The 14-acre woodland has been transformed from previously inaccessible land at the Whitsbury Green development into a thriving natural space for the community to explore and enjoy.
Meandering trails now link the space to Fordingbridge, Whitsbury Green and the nearby play park, providing a scenic and sustainable addition to the local landscape.
The woodland was officially opened at a launch event that saw members of the Fordingbridge Girlguiding group join up with developer Pennyfarthing Homes who created the space. Tom Lane, assistant project ecologist
from consultancy EcoSupport, led the event. Tom curated a wilderness adventure tour for the children, guiding them through the woodland’s diverse habitats and wildlife.
The youngsters took part in handson activities, from spotting birds and insects to understanding how the new recreational green space helps biodiversity to thrive.
Using parasite diagnostic technology
Last year the practice invested in a new Ovacyte Worm Egg Counting (WEC) Machine, which uses AI to look at a sample, identify and count the number of worm eggs and Cocci present. Previously to this each sample was looked at through the microscope by one of the vets or lab techs and counted manually - quite a laborious process! When carrying out WECs we can detect a number of different worms: Strongyle-type, Nematodirus, Moniezia, and Cocci. Testing for Lungworm and Fluke can be done in house but are run differently. One good thing about such technology is the ease of data collection, allowing us to look for trends through the seasons, but also on individual farms. During the warmer months, when we would traditionally expect parasite burdens to be higher and of more significance, we would recommend a pooled WEC of each group of animals every 4-6 weeks and then treating if needed after discussion with your vet. This allows us to treat groups of animals as needed but also allows us to build up an idea which pasture is clean and dirty. As we try and reduce the number
of anthelmintic treatments needed - to reduce the likelihood of resistance developing, protect the environment and save some money! - understanding the “risk” of different pasture is increasingly important to develop a more holistic approach to parasite control.
(youngstock, arable rotation, etc) we can categorise them into high, medium or low-risk grazing. This can be represented visually by colour coding a map of the grazing you have available to help decide where certain groups of animals are going to graze next.
An example of this would be using a field not grazed by sheep in the last year and was
instead a new ley after forage or arable crop, to graze your most vulnerable animals - lambs. The graphs represent all WECs done over the last 14 months (note - alpaca and goat WECs will be included within the sheep graph) and as would be predicted we see significantly lower WECs over the colder winter period around about January/February. Part II next issue
friarsmoorlivestockhealth.co.uk
farmoffice@friarsmoorlivestockhealth.co.uk 01258 472314
friarsmoorlivestockhealth
Red Colours
Sudoku
Sudoku Pro
8 Friend abroad, fighter in a circle (5)
9 Twist in prisoner wrong (7)
10 New-fangled chain? It offers Italian wine (7)
11 More depraved country resident ignoring delay (5)
12 Original soprano with a person behind piano and organ (9)
12 Original soprano with a person behind piano and organ (9)
14 Female singer taking part in promotion openly (3)
14 Female singer taking part in promotion openly (3)
15 Bearer in regular places making slip (3)
15 Bearer in regular places making slip (3)
16 Aid for tourists before row showing indication of course (9)
16 Aid for tourists before row showing indication of course (9)
19 Runs by Russian river regarding the countryside (5)
21 Annual seller? (7)
19 Runs by Russian river regarding the countryside (5)
21 Annual seller? (7)
23 Manager around 50 given award gets to flourish (7)
24 Preside over college musical (5)
23 Manager around 50 given award gets to flourish (7)
24 Preside over college musical (5)
Killer Sudoku Pro:
Down
1 Bird of prey represented on calf (6)
Polite
2 Polite Arab taking in West in internal conflict (5,3)
3 Note number in retirement in a short time (4)
3 Note number in retirement in a short time
4 Stint shown by offender in Sweden and Portugal (6)
4 Stint shown by offender in Sweden and Portugal (6)
5 Academic institution with poetic output for the world (8)
6 Function, we hear, for some bread (4)
5 Academic institution with poetic output world (8)
6 Function, we hear, for some bread (4)
7 Renovated store around back of house, source of music (6)
13 One regularly appearing in rings? (8)
7 Renovated store around back of house, source of music (6)
13 One regularly appearing in rings? (8)
14 Old European capital housing popular liberal of an innovative kind? (8)
15 Dress in French republican given award (6)
17 Notoriety in relatives I left out (6)
14 Old European capital housing popular liberal of an innovative kind? (8)
15 Dress in French republican given award
18 Complete new time to enter republic (6)
17 Notoriety in relatives I left out (6)
20 Course announced for English cricketer (4)
18 Complete new time to enter republic (6)
22 Element of grouchiness that hurts (4)
20 Course announced for English cricketer
22 Element of grouchiness that hurts (4)
Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3×3 box.
No digit may be repeated in any dashed-line cage, and all the digits in each cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.
Black Friday
Did you know there’s a brilliant little garden centre in the heart of Poole?
Even better, there’s 10% off everything in store* at Chestnut Nursery during our Black Friday event, from Friday 28 November to Monday 1 December (*excludes gift vouchers and Christmas trees).
Chestnut is run by the charity Plants and Minds, with all proceeds supporting adults with life-impacting mental health conditions. You’ll be greeted by beautiful festive houseplants, gifts for gardeners and delicious artisan foodie treats – as well as top-quality shrubs, perennials, climbers, seeds, tools, gardening accessories and much more!
Whether you’re looking for stocking-fillers for greenfingered friends or bringing the family to choose a premium Nordmann Fir Christmas tree, you’ll love the festive atmosphere at Chestnut.
Chestnut Nursery is open seven days a week, with free parking for customers. Find us at 75 Kingland Road, Poole BH15 1TN.
Exploring Stour & Avon...
with retired Dorset rights of way officer CHRIS
Durweston’s northern parish boundary is the river Stour. It’s an undulating terrain with some wonderful views and also lots of nature to enjoy.
In 1991, according to a plaque, Durweston was the best kept small village in Dorset! That was a long time ago. Why haven’t they won again?
Start at the church, which is usually open, then follow the road to the south east along the Stour Valley Way. When you’ve passed the Bryanston Preparatory School’s playing field turn right and head south west along a bridleway.
Upon entering the next field turn left and head south east, mostly following the contour line along the side of a hill
and skirting Four Acre Coppice at the end of which turn right and head south west along the edge of a deep combe with a wood, the Hanging, alongside it. Continue in the same direction for well
over a mile having soon been joined by the woodland.
The bridleway then joins a road which, after a short distance, enables you to turn right, north west for a short distance then, having passed the Travellers’ Rest, turn right uphill along Milton Lane heading north east. At the top of the hill stop to enjoy the view. You can see as far as the Isle of Wight!
Leave Milton Lane and take a footpath heading north west which, after a field, takes you alongside Sutcombe Wood to join the Jubilee Trail bridleway.
Turn right and it takes you eastwards down a steep coombe alongside the wood, then through several fields back to the village at some attractive thatched cottages.
Turn right and cross Milton Lane and you’ll soon be back where you started.
Brain chain (hard)
DURWESTON
24
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Get ready for Christmas in Swanage
Swanage Railway
Throughout December
Enjoy the magical family experiences of the Father Christmas Yuletide Express and Christmas Carol Trains, plus the luxurious festive experience of the Christmas Belle. For more information visit www.swanagerailway.co.uk/events
Christmas on Swanage Pier
From 5th to 23rd December
The amazing ‘Lighting Up Lives’ is back! Visit Father Christmas with his real-life reindeer and donkeys. Plus live music and much much more! For more information visit www.swanagepiertrust.com
Artisans on the Beach
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 22nd November to 21st December
A unique location for a Christmas Fair. Local handcrafted items presented for sale by the Artisans themselves from the Swanage Beach Huts.
Durlston at Christmas
Throughout December
Lots of festive activities throughout December including the Crazy Christmas Activity Trial, Christmas Parkrun, Glass Engraving and a Christmas Craft drop-in. For more information and to book, visit www.durlston.co.uk
Swanage Christmas Lights Switch On
Saturday 29th November 3pm-4.30pm
Come and join in the fun as we switch on our festive lights.
Christmas Street Market
Saturday 6th December 10am-4pm
A traditional Christmas Street market run by the Rotary Charity.
And Don’t Forget...
Swanage is famous for its wide range of independent shops selling items you won’t find anywhere else.
Why not make a day of it and sample one of our cafes, restaurants, or pubs, or maybe just have fish and chips on our award winning beach.
For more information, please see visit-dorset.com/Swanage or for a full list of daily events over the Christmas period please contact: Swanage Information Centre 01929 766018 or welcome@swanage.gov.uk
Check out our Facebook page: Christmas in Swanage
Local, unique hand-crafted gifts presented for sale by the crafters themselves from the Swanage Beach Huts
Friday, Saturday and Sunday leading up to Christmas
Saturday 22nd November to Sunday 21st December
Christmas Fair at Bryanston School
22nd & 23rd November
After four years of running our hugely successful Bryanston Summer Fair, Wessex Events invite you to join us at our second Bryanston Christmas Fair on the 22nd and 23rd November.
With over 90 stands inside and out, selling food, drink, crafts and homeware gifts, this is the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping.
New this year will be our wooden reindeer making workshops
Local musicians Phil Smith, Shelley Edwards and Max Ellmore will be playing and singing throughout the weekend.
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We also have our Street Food Area, where you can enjoy mid morning snacks and lunches, including Bratwurst, Thai Street Food, Dorset Lamb burgers and Crepes. All washed down with coffee, tea, soft drinks or gluwein.
There is also lots for children to enjoy. Our children’s entertainment area will include a Frozen themed room, where kids can meet, and have their pictures taken with Elsa and Anya, who will be joined by Superheroes. They can also enjoy our craft room where they can make Christmas decorations, or have their face painted. In association with our sponsorship partner, Meyers Estates, our children’s areas will be raising money for this years charity.
As well as parking on site we are also running a Shuttle bus from Marsham car park, Blandford Town Centre starting at 10.00am and running all day. The cost of entry is just £4 for Adults, with children under 16 free, So come early, stay late and enjoy a wonderful Christmas shopping day in the most beautiful of settings.
We would like to thank our sponsors , Taylor Wimpey. The Blackmore Vale Group and Meyers Estate Agents, for their support of this event.
Motoring
2017 (17) Ford KA+ 1.2 Zetec 5dr. 85bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, parking sensors, cruise control, hill hold, air con, Bluetooth, upto 56mpg economy, small exterior with a spacious interior, 76,900 miles ....................................£6450
2017 (17) Ford Ka+ 1.2 Zetec 5dr. £35 road tax, 56mpg economy, city pack, parking sensors, cruise control, Bluetooth, 1 owner & only 29,300 miles..................................................................................Available soon £7450
2012 (62) Ford Ka 1.2 Studio 3dr. 69bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, £35 yearly tax, 50+mpg, simple car with basic spec, cambelt replaced, MOT Nov 2025, private sale on behalf of a customer, 73,500 miles .......................................£2950
2014 (14) Ford EcoSport 1.5TDCi Titanium X Pack SUV 5dr. High seating, leather, X pack, parking sensors, cruise control, Bluetooth, £35 tax, cambelt kit replaced, 87,800 miles..................................................................................£5450
2014 (14) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium X AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 163bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4x4, high seats, leather, heated seats, heated screen, sat nav, park sensors, auto park, reverse camera, sunroof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, lane aid, sign recognition, hill hold, electric tailgate, cambelt replaced, 92,500 miles .........£7450
2014 (64) Ford B-Max 1.0T Zetec 5 Seat MPV 5dr. New cambelt wetbelt kit, high seating, big boot, sliding rear doors, park sensors, £35 tax, 1 owner & only 57,900 miles.................................................................................................£5250
2020 (69) Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0TDCi Titanium 320 L1 H1 Automatic 9 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, 8 seat plus driver, reversable seats for conference or forward facing, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, heated front seats, park sensors, cambelt replaced, 97,000 miles ............£21500 + VAT = £25800
2021 (21) Ford Puma 1.0T ST Line X MHEV 5dr. 155bhp, sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, main beam assist, road sign assistance, Bluetooth, partial leather, 47,800 miles..................................................................................£13250
New chapter at museum
Calling all bibliophiles, puzzle enthusiasts, and curious minds - mark your calendars for a literary treat in the heart of Wimborne.
The Museum of East Dorset’s second-hand bookshop is hosting a Grand Book Fair on Friday and Saturday, November 14 and 15, from 10am to 4pm in the Museum.
Admission is free and the atmosphere promises to be as welcoming as the pages of a well-loved novel.
Entrance to the fair is via the Museum main entrance on Wimborne High Street. Whether you’re hunting for gripping fiction, enlightening
non-fiction, or nostalgic hardbacks and paperbacks, there’s something for every reader.
n And the museum is decking the halls and joining the town’s festive celebrations with a magical Christmas Shopping Day Extravaganza on Saturday, November 29, from 10am-4pm. Everyone’s invited to go along, . Expect a joyful day - with no admission fee to the museumpacked with artisan stalls and supplier samples, the gift shop will be bursting with wonderful gift ideas from many Dorset producers, great raffle prizes and live music to enjoy.
WIMBORNE CHORAL SOCIETY
Conductor Colin Davey
Wimborne Chamber Orchestra
Mendelssohn’s St Paul Oratorio. Wimborne Minster, Saturday, November 29, 7.30pm. Tickets: £15.00, £12.00, £6.00 (Under-18s) From 07802 589662, Square Records, High St, Wimborne (cash), online or on the door. wimbornechoralsociety.org.uk.
2006 (06) Mercedes-Benz CLK200 1.8 Kompressor Sport Automatic Convertible 2dr. 163bhp, petrol, 5 speed auto gearbox, recent new roof & shocks absorbers, full history, 15 stamps, heated leather, electric roof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, park sensors, MOT June 25, private sale on behalf of a customer, 77,500 miles ...........................................................................................................£4250
2015 (65) Peugeot 308 1.2THP Allure Automatic 5dr. 130bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, park sensors, reverse camera, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, hill hold, only £35 a year road tax, 50+mpg economy, cambelt has been replaced, 69,500 miles..............................................................DUE IN SOON
2019 (19) Renault Captur 1.5DCi Iconic Automatic SUV 5dr. 90bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, hill hold, high seating, sliding rear seats, upto 67mpg economy, 20,300 miles .........................................................................................................£12250
2017 (17) Vauxhall Astra 1.4 SRi 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, cruise control, pre-collision
2020 (69) Ford Transit 2.0TDCi Trend 350 MWB MR L2 H2 11 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 10 seat plus driver, 2 front seats, 9 rear seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, heated front seats, hill hold, cambelt replaced, 90,200 miles.........................£19500 + VAT = £23400
2018 (68) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi ST Line SUV 5dr. High seating, big boot, sat nav, Bluetooth, road sign assist, cruise, park sensors & auto park, reverse camera, partial leather, 61,800
2014 (64) Kia Venga 3, 1.6 Automatic (Sat Nav) 5dr. 123bhp, petrol, 4 speed automatic gearbox, high seating, decent boot, sat nav, parking sensors & reverse camera, electric sunroof, partial leather, heated seats, cruise control, sign recognition, hill hold, only 38,800 miles........................................................£7850
2016 (66) Mazda 3, 2.0 SE-L Nav Automatic 5dr. 120bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, sign recognition, heated seats, hill hold, 75,900 miles...................................£8450
BID secures renewal in resounding victory
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Wimborne Minster is celebrating a major win for its town as local businesses have voted overwhelmingly in favour of renewing the Wimborne Business Improvement District (BID) for another five-year term. The ballot saw 74% of levy payers voting in favour by number and 77% in favour by Rateable Value.
The successful ballot result reflects strong confidence in the BID’s ongoing work to champion local enterprise, enhance the town’s appeal and deliver vibrant events that draw visitors to the town.
Over the past five years, Wimborne BID has played a pivotal role in boosting
footfall, supporting traders and delivering standout eventsfrom Wimborne’s epic ‘Summer of History’ last year to a new annual Wimborne Food Festival and the hugely popular town
BROADSTONE ART SOCIETY
are holding an online charity auction between Monday and Friday, November 17 and 21. Many choices of original art have been donated by local artists in support of Cancer Research UK. To view and bid, visit broadstoneartsociety.co.uk. All proceeds go to Cancer Research UK.
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Christmas advert - events that have helped put Wimborne firmly on the map.
With this renewed mandate, the BID team is poised to build on its success, investing in fresh initiatives to enhance the town’s charm, drive local prosperity, support local businesses and ensure Wimborne continues to thrive as a destination for residents and visitors alike. As part of the renewal process, Wimborne BID invited input from businesses across the town
to help shape its next five-year business plan.
This open consultation offered a vital opportunity for traders to voice their priorities, share ideas and influence how the BID can best support the town’s evolving needs.
“From boosting footfall to positioning Wimborne as a premier visitor destination, our refreshed business plan will be shaped by the insight and ambition of those who know the town best - our business community,” said a delighted Fiona Pawsey, chairman of Wimborne BID.
“Over the past 14 years, Wimborne BID has delivered real impact and this renewed vote of confidence reflects the dedication and collaboration of our local businesses and wider community. “Our motto is ‘Making it Happen’ - and that’s exactly what we’ll continue to do, delivering the support, events, and improvements that matter most to the town.”
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PROUD MEMBERS OF TRUST A TRADER
SPRAY FOAM REMOVAL FROM £995.00
If spray foam is fitted to your property it can mean that it may be unmortgageable, meaning when you come to sell your property the new owners may not be able to secure a mortgage due to the spray foam installed between your afters. If you have spray foam fitted in your roof, if left it can cause rafters and timbers to rot. The spray foam in your roof can be removed by our professional roofing team, rafters will be sanded down and wood filled and treated. Spray foam will be removed from your property and disposed of safely.
AND REPAIR LEAKS & MOT FROM £175.00
Do you have damp patches, stains on the ceiling, water coming into the property? DON’T DELAY! Call Worksmart today on 01202 927912 / 07958 662504. Someone will be with you within 12 hours.
I am a great believer in prevention is better than cure. So my team and I are offering a moss removal service which entails all moss removed and to re-point any defective cement works from ridge line and re-cement any broken gables.
