What’s inside this issue...
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Cover: Beech avenue, Wimborne
Tragedy on county’s roads
A man and woman died after a crash near a Dorset landmark. Police were called to the B3082 Blandford Road, near Badbury Rings, right, last Sunday night after a crash believed to involve a single vehicle, a white Vauxhall Grandland.
A Dorset Police spokesman said “Emergency services attended and very sadly the occupants of the vehicle - a woman aged in her 50s and a man aged in his 30swere both pronounced dead at the scene.
“We are continuing to make enquiries as we seek to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
“I would urge any witnesses who have not already spoken to police to please make contact with us. “I would also ask anyone who was driving in the area around the relevant timeframe to please review any dashcam footage to see if they have captured anything to assist our investigation.
n A man injured in a Christchurch crash last week has died in hospital.
The man, in his 70s, was seriously injured when he was hit
by a bus in Somerford Road at 8.43am on Wednesday, December 3.
He was taken to hospital but died last Saturday morning.
A 36-year-old man from Poole was arrested on suspicion of driving offences and subsequently released as officers continue to investigate the collision.
Sergeant Mike Burt, of the Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: “We are continuing to carry out enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this collision, and I would urge any witnesses who have not spoken to police - as well as anyone with relevant dashcam footage - to please make contact with us.”
n And a family has paid tribute to a 17-year-old who died in a crash in Poole last month.
Zebedee Watson from North Dorset, died after the motorcycle he was riding was involved in a crash with a DAF truck at the Holes Bay roundabout on November 28.
The teenager has now been remembered by his family, who said: “Zebedee was a 17-year-old boy, he was full of life and had his whole future ahead of him.
“He had passed his driving test on November 19 and was so looking forward to driving his own car, his upcoming 18th birthday, and a promising future.”
Anyone who has not yet spoken to police and has information about the crash should contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting reference 55250175506, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Have a say on town’s future
Wimborne Minster Town Council is inviting residents, businesses, and community groups to help shape the future by taking part in a new Neighbourhood Plan Vision and Aims Survey.
The Neighbourhood Plan will set out a community-led framework for how Wimborne should evolve over the next 10-15 years. It will guide future development, protect the town’s character, and identify priorities for housing, green spaces, transport, infrastructure, and the local economy.
The survey mark an important early stage in the plan-making process. Responses will help the council understand what matters most to the community and ensure the emerging plan reflects local aspirations.
Councillor Simon Wheeler chairman of the neighbourhood plan steering group, said: “Every voice matters, and we encourage everyone to take a few minutes to share their views.”
The survey is available online via the council website and paper copies can be collected from the Town Hall and other venues. It is open until January 7, 2026.
Shoppers stunned as rubbish dumped in street
Shoppers were stunned to see rubbish tipped into the street as they browsed for bargains in Wimborne.
A bin lorry was forced to empty its contents after a fire started among the waste.
A Dorset Council spokesman said: “Our collection crew noticed smoke coming from the rear of our truck and ejected the contents before the vehicle was damaged”.
“The fire was extinguished and thankfully no one was hurt.
“The street was fully cleaned and swept.”
Although the cause of the fire is uncertain, it was ‘quite likely’ linked to the disposal of batteries in bins, which
can ignite when crushed.
“Please remember, batteries should never be placed in bins - always use a
battery bag for kerbside collection, or take batteries to a recycling centre,” the spokesman added.
Hospice volunteers awarded as ‘heroes’
Forest Holme Hospice charity’s recent annual Volunteer Celebration honoured six outstanding individuals with Hidden Heroes Awards in recognition of their contributions to the Poole-based hospice. Guests enjoyed an afternoon tea with home-made cakes, followed by an engaging and passionate talk from former AFC Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn, who reflected on the essential role volunteers play, by highlighting that, ‘Volunteers are big cogs in a small organisation - never underestimate your value.’
Six volunteers scooped Hidden Heroes Awards, with four present to collect theirs from Joe Langtree from
sponsor Room To Reward, who work with partner hotels to offer a well-deserved free hotel stay anywhere in the UK to acknowledge the dedication of inspirational people who do so much for charities.
Many of Forest Holme’s volunteers have channelled personal loss into something positive, choosing to give back to the hospice that supported their loved ones. Forest Holme CEO Hannah O’ Hare expressed sincere thanks to all those who volunteer their time and skills.
Pictured are four of the award winners with staff from Forest Holme, Room to Reward and Jeff Mostyn (second left).
The town lights up!
The festive spirit in Wimborne Minster shone brightly as thousands flocked to Wimborne Square for the eagerly awaited Christmas lights switch-on.
Crowds enjoyed a full day of free entertainment, from community choirs, a marching band and local dance school to a magical fake snow shower that delighted families.
Mayor of Wimborne Jeff Hart declared: “This is honestly the highlight of my mayoral calendar. “What a great afternoon and evening with so much free entertainment rounded off by Wimborne’s famous militia firing in the festivities with a musket salute on the Green.”
The High Street car park was transformed into a bustling Christmas market, funded by Wimborne BID and organised by Stir Events. Festive stalls, food, and drink encouraged visitors to linger longer and soak up the atmosphere. Adding to the sparkle, Wimborne BID unveiled its annual Christmas advert, A Match Made In Wimborne - a 90-second short film brimming with romance, comedy, and small-town charm, celebrating the magic of shopping local.
The film stars professional actress and TV presenter Rhiannon Duffin from Parkstone, alongside Shaftesbury business owner Jim Chetwode.
Come and sing
Carols in the Cornmarket will be held at the Minster on Friday, December 19, at 6.00pm.
Singers will be accompanied by the Broadstone Community Concert Band and choristers from the Minster.
A collection will be taken for Minster funds and the mayor’s charities.
We are grateful to Wimborne BID and Optique 2000 for their sponsorship of the event and to Radio Wimborne for providing the public address system.
Anthony Oliver
Two of Wimborne’s longest-running independent family-run businesses have joined forces in a landmark merger.
Holmans of Wimborne, established in 1948, is relocating to the multi-awardwinning Dacombes of Wimborne, founded more than a century ago. The merger represents nearly 180 years of trusted local trading, creating what is now the most dynamic, independent electrical retailer in Dorset, based at Dacombes’ state-of-the-art showroom on Leigh Road.
“Customers will now enjoy unrivalled choice, service and expertise under one roof,” said Gary Holman, executive director of Holmans.
Matt Renaut, managing director of Dacombes added: “We’re delighted to welcome the Holmans name - and many of the familiar faces - into our business.
“Employing some of their staff was key to ensuring the same great service continues as part of the Dacombes family.
“It will enhance our existing reputation in offering the best personal service,
installation expertise and home delivery when it comes to buying anything home electrical.”
Dacombes began life as E.T. Dacombe & Son, founded in 1920 in the Corn Market.
Holmans was founded in 1948, as Holman Radio, by William Holman. The Holmans shop at King Street is offering a massive relocation sale of all its stock until the end of December, giving customers a chance to grab a genuine bargain before the move.
Atmosphere is electric!
Brighten your January
What better way to brighten up the dark days of January than with a hearty dose of laughter, music and good old-fashioned pantomime fun?
This year, Castle Players are thrilled to present Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs: Babe in the Hood - a brand-new, fairy-tale mash-up written and directed by our very own Phil McMullen.
Packed with colourful characters, catchy songs and more silliness than ever, it’s the perfect family treat to kick off the new year. In this wonderfully topsy-turvy tale, Little Red Riding Hood, her no-nonsense Granny, and the Three Little Pigs all find themselves facing the Big Bad Wolf at the same time! Add in Hansel and Gretel, a wicked witch, and a handful of delightfully dodgy comedy characters, and you’ve got the recipe for a hilarious, magical adventure suitable for all ages. Performances are on January
23, 24, 30 & 31, at Lytchett Matravers Village Hall, with tickets available via castleplayers.com/tickets 07771 444376.
We do recommend booking early, as our pantomimes often sell out quickly.
Join the Castle Players!
As a friendly, local community theatre group, Castle Players are always delighted to welcome new members. Whether you fancy trying your hand at acting, helping backstage, assisting with costumes, make-up, set building, lighting, sound - or even just making tea and joining in the fun - there’s a place for everyone. No experience needed, just enthusiasm!
If you’d like to get involved, please contact info@ castleplayers.com, visit www. castleplayers.com or see our Facebook page.
We look forward to seeing you.
Linsey O’Neill
Lytchett Mataravers
Retired? Come and join us
The Probus Club of Wimborne held their annual Ladies’ lunch at the Remedy Oak Golf Club.
This is an opportunity for wives and partners to join in the club’s activities. The club is set up both for newly-retired men who would enjoy the fellowship the club offers and also those who are new to the area, often moving in retirement to be near children and grandchildren living in Dorset and looking for groups they can join. It meets every first Thursday
of the month at Broadstone Golf Club for a lunch and a talk from a wide range of external speakers . There are various visits and events held throughout the year.
More information can be obtained through the websitewimborneprobus.org. uk or by contacting the club’s secretary John Kent on 01202 693279.
New members are always welcome.
Barry Gibbs Wimborne
There’s always HOPe here
This year HOPe has helped more older people locally than ever before.
We have helped to ease the pain of loneliness for many through our befriending service and increasingly become ‘boots on the ground’ to support NHS and Social Services. We’re often called to desperate situations and provide a range of solutions that no one else can.
So, as you celebrate this festive time of year and look forward to the next one, please spare a thought for your older community members, many of whom have nothing and nobody, and help us to help them.
Please visit hopenewforest.org/ contact for more information.
Laura Davy HOPe New Forest
It’s busy at Wimborne Minster
Over the coming weeks there are school and other organisations holding carol services and concerts in Wimborne Minster leading up to the Shoppers Carol Service on December 20, at 11.00am. On Sunday 21st, the Minster’s service of nine lessons and carols takes place at 6.30pm. The crib service is at 3.00pm
Dash down to
Where are Dasher and Dancer, Comet and Prancer and all the rest of Santa’s reindeers? Hiding somewhere on Shillingstone Station, that’s where, part of the Christmas fun day on Sunday, December 14. Santa and Mrs Santa will be otherwise engaged, leaving their elves free to make plans of their own. Between 11am and 2pm they’ll be organising a ‘Hunt the Reindeer’ trail, with eight wooden reindeers hidden
on Christmas Eve followed by Midnight Communion at 11.00pm. On Christmas morning there are two services, holy communion at 8.00am and the parish eucharist at 9.30am. A warm welcome is extended to all to join us at this very busy time of the year.
Anthony Oliver Wimborne
Shillingstone
around the station, waiting to be found. They’ll also be inviting children - and their parentsto get creative at a Christmas crafts table, or join the elves for tale-telling in the Story Corner. The station will be open from 10am to 4pm and entry is free. The station is open at weekends and also on Wednesdays, including Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Hilary Daniels Shillingstone
Water way to raise charity cash!
Thanks to the generous support of Rotary Clubs, the business community, public donations on the day and online contributions via Just Giving, this year’s Christchurch River Pageant raised £2,835 for three local charities.
At a presentation hosted by the Christchurch Sailing Club, cheques were handed over to the three beneficiaries: The Bourne Water Dragons and Pink Champagne cancer survivor charities and Hengistbury Head Outdoors. Rotary presidents Jan Banks from Christchurch and Chris Bazell from Boscombe & Southbourne Rotary clubs presented cheques to the two Dragon boat teams and Rotary district governor Richard Burnett handed over a third cheque to Hengistbury Head Outdoors.
This year’s pageant organiser, Gerry Clarke, thanked everyone for helping to make this first event so successful and hoped to repeat the success next year. Saturday, September 5, 2026, has been suggested, so make a date in the calendar for another fun day out on the river followed by a family barbecue at the Hengistbury Head Outdoor Activity Centre. Help is needed with stalls and public entertainment activities as well as a variety of waterbased activities including rafts, paddleboards, canoes, boats and all other types of water craft.
Any local businesses or community groups that would like to support the event next year, are invited to get in touch via Facebook.
BOURNEMOUTH
The Musical Evening held in Wimborne Minster raised £1,000 on the night towards the Minster Makes Music Appeal and in support of young people. An additional £250 was promised by Ferndown Lodge 7860 Freemasons in memory of masons who lost their lives building the Minster and in support of the Minster Makes Music Appeal and young people. The event, sponsored by the Minster Press celebrating its 89th anniversary this year was organised by owner Chris Slocock.
Care South kicked off the festive season in style by welcoming the community to enjoy their Christmas lights displays.
The not-for-profit charity hosted its annual co-ordinated Christmas lights switch-on event which took place across Dorset, Somerset and North Devon, and care-at-home services covering Dorset and Somerset, as well as its head office in Poole.
Each year the lights switch-on sees residents, their relatives and loved ones, along with members of the local
Stylish light displays spread seasonal magic
pet from beginning to end with care and compassion every step of the way
community, gather for mulled wine and togetherness, with food, fun and friendship at the heart of everything we
Each care home will be hosting a range of events over the festive season including Christmas fayres, crafts, coffee mornings and live music for residents, their loved ones and visitors
• 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?
The homes also each hosted an Elf Day activity which saw the teams don Christmas jumpers and elf outfits to raise awareness of the Alzheimer’s
Group getting greener
• What are my options? Here for you and your pet when you need us.
it was now an appropriate time to look at formalising its status by forming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Dorset Pet Cremations can help answer all these questions.
on their current projects, and plans for the future at their recent annual meeting. Reports were given on the work and progress of the Repair Café and Blister Pack recycling scheme; the Community Garden and its remit to provide education to young people on gardening skills; the Community Fridge which recovers food that would otherwise be wasted; the Recycling Shed and its range of recycling resources; an update on the bathing status and water quality of the River Avon and the current status of the Ridan Composter and whether it will be still be used with the arrival of NFDC food bin collections.
The group has existed in an informal style since 2019, and the steering committee proposed to the meeting that
The main reason is for the acquisition of a Woodland in the centre of Fordingbridge in order to create a space for use by the community. This status would enable the group to apply for a range of sources of funding to develop the woodland, and also to expand some of the other projects already under way. Those present at the meeting agreed to pursue the option of becoming a CIO and a group is to be formed to organise the application.
Modern & contemporary art going under hammer
The Charterhouse first auction of the New Year - of pictures, books and Decorative Art - on Friday, January 2, has two collections of modern and contemporary art going under their gavel.
Richard Bromell of Charterhouse said: “The art market continues to remain strong with collectors keen to buy works by leading modern and contemporary artists.”
Gillian Ayres. She is best known for her abstract pictures using vibrant colours.
Included in the auction there are works by Damien Hirst. Charterhouse have two sets of his 2022 Empresses series of giclee prints. Purchased directly from HENI they come complete with certificates and original packaging and are estimated at £8,000-£10,000 per set. From 1988 there is a painting by
Acquired by the Somerset owner directly from the artist 37 years ago this large abstract painting is estimated at £13,000-£16,000. Viewing for the auction at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne starts on Monday, December 29, and they are also on charterhouse-auction.com where live internet bidding is available.
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 Gary Southwell guitar commissioned by Julian Bream.
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Political round-up
Compassion and fairness should guide our politics
What we needed from the recent Budget was a sense of direction and optimism. While the previous Government left public services on the brink and debt soaring, this was never going to make us all feel better off - but Rachel Reeves missed a trick.
I welcome the decision to scrap the two-child benefit cap. In my constituency alone, 1,460 children will benefit. No child should be disadvantaged simply because they were born into a larger family, and I applaud the Chancellor for recognising that principle. I hear the view that this will reward those who have children that they cannot afford, but many children in poverty have working parents.
The impact of some of those children being dragged into crime - particularly county lines and exploitation - care, or of missing school is high financially and in lost opportunity. Work is the best way out of poverty and last year’s Jobs Tax has made it worse. The
Chancellor could have exempted new jobs, or part-time roles to boost the economy. Had the Government listened to the Liberal Democrats, they would have cut VAT for hospitality. This sector accounted for half of last year’s job losses, and provides many flexible and youth jobs. A targeted VAT reduction, funded by a modest bank tax or digital services levy, would help them through dark winter days, boost consumer confidence, support the high street and tackle youth unemployment. Instead, the Government chose inaction. Students and graduates were also let down. With high interest rates and a frozen repayment threshold they will feel poorer for longer. For a generation facing tougher employment opportunities and out-of-reach house prices, coupled with working much longer to fund public services and pensions, this was a kick in the teeth. Poor funding for schools, colleges, and lifelong learning will shortchange the next
Liberal Democrat Mid-Dorset & North Poole
VIKKI SLADE MP
generation.
Healthcare was ignored. In Wimborne, GP surgeries are under immense pressure, serving a growing and ageing population. Yet this Budget offered nothing to provide us with more doctors,dentists or fund surgery building projects. If we want a healthy society, we must invest in local care.
Having talked about the importance of growth since
taking power, the Budget barely mentioned it. Renegotiating with Europe for a bespoke Customs Union could cut red tape, unlock trade, and raise £25billion a year - without rejoining the EU. This pragmatic step would boost our economy and improve lives. The Budget did bring welcome relief as we move into the coldest part of the year, with money off energy bills, frozen fuel duty and a boosted state pension, along with special treatment on tax thresholds and savings rules for the over 65s but the budget lacked a real sense of purpose. I will keep pressing for policies that invest in young people, protect the elderly, support businesses, and deliver equality of opportunity - because that is how we build a stronger, fairer Britain.
As we approach Christmas and look to 2026, let us remember that compassion and fairness should guide our politics. I wish everyone peace, joy, and hope for a brighter year ahead.
Energy costs set to be far higher in April
The latest attack on what we hold dear has manifested itself with the admission by the Government that it is intent on restricting rights to jury trial. My suggestion to the minister in the House of Commons was that if there are to be restrictions they should only apply to foreign nationals. Far too many Court hours are being wasted by foreign nationals who ‘play the system’ to delay deportation orders being made against them. n The International Energy Agency’s forecasts are respected across the world. It is, therefore, disappointing that Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, does not accept their latest forecast that global average temperatures will reach 2.9 degrees centigrade above pre-industrial levels by 2100 and that nothing can now be done to prevent the temperature increase exceeding 2.5 degrees centigrade by 2050.
These facts demonstrate the utter futility of continuing to pretend that climate change can be avoided by the UK outlawing fossil fuels and sacrificing our economic prosperity on the ideological altar of net zero.
Ed Miliband said in the House of Commons that he accepted my demand for greater investment in measures of adaptation and resilience to the consequences of climate change.
But he refused to accept that such investment is now more important than forcing net zero on an unwilling public. The national security threat from net zero is also a serious issue.
When visiting Nato Headquarters outside Brussels last month, it became apparent to me that the Government’s net zero policies undermine and threaten our defence and security.
Access to fossil fuels is essential for our armed forces.
Conservative Christchurch & East Dorset CHRIS CHOPE MP
Without easy access to liquid fuels they cannot operate successfully in defence of our country.
In addition to national security, what matters most to households and businesses is that they have access to inexpensive sources of energy.
The Government seems to recognise this with its gesture in the Budget to reduce energy bills by £150 next April by removing some eco subsidies. The cruel reality, however, is that our energy bills in April and beyond will continue to rise because of the massively increased subsidies on wind, solar, biomass and transmission costs which consumers are forced to fund.
Be under no illusion, therefore, that energy bills will be far higher than now in April 2026, albeit £150 lower than they otherwise would have been.
n Sadly, sleight of hand over energy costs was not the only deception in the Budget. Everyone not on welfare will be far worse off because of the stealth tax rises.
These have now been revealed as being even higher than necessary. No wonder the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer are under pressure to resign.
Why not gift a little time this Christmas?
OK, hands up if you love this time of year?
Christmas Day is almost upon us, we’re putting up decorations, turning on the lights, wrapping gifts and visiting Christmas markets and church carol concerts; minced pies, mulled wine and egg nogg aplenty!
As a child on Christmas Day one year, I was being openly obtuse and impatient with my Mum’s lack of organisation and delay in starting the present opening, when she turned the tables on us, put the presents in bin liners and marched us down to a nearby church. We had to sit through a marathon service (those who know, know!) and at the end of it, donate our presents to Children in Need!
Life was not easy growing up, but sitting in church that day gave me time to think about how lucky I was.
From that day, volunteering
became a constant in my life. I adore Christmas, but if you are on your own, homeless, financially pressured, struggling with mental health or bereavement, surviving domestic abuse, have health issues, experienced pregnancy loss or being faced with other challenges, Christmas can be a difficult time.
Since being elected last year, the Labour Party Government has invested billions in mental health hubs, domestic violence services, homeless support, local authority emergency grants for households, lifting the two-child cap on Universal Credit and increasing the state pension through the triple lock. Voluntary organisations like Dorset Mind, the Samaritans, St Mungo’s, Crisis and Citizen’s Advice also provide support, funded by the Government and donations. When you are in crisis, it is hard to navigate the world and you
can miss out on the support that is available to you - and that is where we all come in!
Have neighbours that you think might be alone this Christmas? Know parents with young children who are ‘non-stop’? Are there homeless people in your town?
Make a point of speaking to people. Ask ‘what will you be doing over Christmas? Are your family coming? Will you be OK? How are you doing?’. Familiarise yourself with organisations that provide support and signpost those in need.
The Samaritans (T:116123) 24/7, Volunteer Centre Dorset (T: 01305 269214), the Salvation Army (T: 01202 841726), Citizen Advice (T: 0808 223 1133) and Silver Line Age UK (T: 0800 470 8090) 24/7, are great, because between them, they know all the help that is available locally to us in Dorset.
For safeguarding concerns, contact Dorset Council (T: 01305 221000, Option 1). So please give the gift of volunteering some of your time this Christmas - I definitely will be!
Merry Christmas everyone - see you in the New Year!
Dorset Historic Churches Trust has announced that more than £100,000 was been raised in this year’s Ride + Stride.
Hundreds of participants took to the roads and footpaths across Dorset, visiting churches and chapels, many of which opened their doors to offer a warm welcome, refreshments and encouragement along the way.
The annual sponsored Ride + Stride for Churches is
the Trust’s principal source of funds and all proceeds directly benefit Dorset’s historic churches. Thanks to the funds raised this year, the Trust will be able to offer a high level of vital grants to help preserve and repair places of worship throughout the countymany of which face urgent structural challenges and limited resources. Pictured are Ride + Stride participants ready for the off at St Mary, Sturminster Marshall. Fundraiser tops £100k
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Food & Drink
Cooking... with Martha Legg
Mincemeat cookies
I am going to mention the dreaded C word!! That’s right Christmas!! I am not a fan of Christmas, or the runup to it, adverts that start as soon as the children go back to school and before Hallowe’en!
We usually try and go away before Christmas, but this year our plans were thwarted by a couple of typhoons, so we’ve had to endure all the build up.
This year, after having a chat with the granddaughters, we decided that maybe Father Christmas would like something else other than mince pies to go with his sherry this year.
I usually make mincemeat slices as my pastry is not up to bake-off standard!! My dad once made mince pies and the pastry was so short that it just crumbled in the mouth.
He only did it the once, I don’t know why, as they were delicious. So, I found this recipe for mincemeat cookies and decided to give it a go. I followed the instructions and I particularly liked the bit where it said ‘chill for 20 minutes’! Then I read ‘in
Citizens Advice bus is in need of more volunteers
Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck is looking for volunteers to help on their Advice Bus, providing free, confidential advice to residents whilst bringing vital support and guidance to those who need it most.
Outreach adviser Tracey Brightman said: “Our Advice Bus reaches rural communities, providing essential help to residents who may not be able to access our offices and outreach locations.”
“Demand has been steadily increasing as it’s become an essential service to many. Due to this increase we’re in need of new volunteers.” Volunteers come from a range of backgrounds.
For details, visit edpcitizens advice.org.uk/volunteer.
the fridge’!So I just sat on the sofa for 20 minutes after having put the mixture in the fridge. It’s nice to have a rest, while you are cooking. I could have done the washing up, I suppose! I cooked them in the oven for the time specified, but they came out a bit too soft, so I had to put them in for a further 10 minutes. I’m not sure if it’s my oven or the instructions were wrong, but they were better the second time I took them out.
The biscuits are very sweet, two lots of sugar plus the mincemeat mix makes it a bit sweeter.
They do taste very Christmassy and I’m sure Father Christmas will enjoy them!!
Ingredients:
125g softened butter
100g dark brown soft sugar
50g golden caster sugar
½ heaped tsp fine sea salt
1 medium egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
5 tbsp mincemeat
220g plain flour
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
Method
Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 Beat the butter with both types of sugar and the salt.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract and mincemeat.
Stir in the flour and bicarbonate of soda, then chill for 20 mins.
Scoop tablespoons of the mixture onto two lined baking sheets, leaving a bit of space between each so they can spread. Bake for 10-12 mins, or until the cookies are just firm around the edges but still soft in the middle - they will firm up as they cool. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool.
Choirs charity brunch raises £225
The town mayor’s Charity Choirs Brunch - held at the Olive Branch in Wimborne - brought the community together for a morning of music, celebration, and charitable giving.
The event proved a resounding success, raising £225 in support of the mayor’s chosen charities: Millstream Theatre Group and Dorset Community Action.
Choirs from St James First, Wimborne First, St Michael’s Middle, Queen Elizabeth and Beaucroft schools delighted attendees with a series of uplifting performances.
The morning concluded with a finale by local choir Jubilate, whose harmonies provided a fitting end to the community celebration.
Mayor Jeff Hart expressed his sincere thanks to all participating schools,
choir leaders, families, and supporters who contributed to the vibrant atmosphere and the fundraising effort. Special appreciation was also extended to the Olive Branch for hosting the event and helping create such a welcoming setting.
“This event highlighted the wonderful talent of our local young people and the strong
community spirit we enjoy here in Wimborne,” Cllr Hart said.
Funds raised will support the work of Millstream Theatre Group, empowering people with learning disabilities through performing arts and Dorset Community Action, helping both charities continue their vital work for the community.
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T: 01202 985192
E: info@amazinglandscaping.co.ukk
W: www.amazinglandscaping.co.uk
Unit 9 ~ Wentworths Yard ~ Leigh Road ~ Wimborne ~ Dorset~
Gardeners’ World star to speak at society meeting
The Verwood & District Horticultural Society is delighted to welcome Sue Kent, one of the presenters from BBC Gardeners’ World, for an inspiring talk at Verwood Memorial Hall in February next year. Sue will share her remarkable journey - from her early career as a sports massage therapist with a unique approach (she’s qualified to work using her feet!) and her role at the 2012 Paralympics, to her unexpected debut on Gardeners’ World after submitting a short video during lockdown. Her passion and creativity have since led her to become a regular presenter on the show.
In addition, Sue will offer fascinating insights into the design, planning, and construction of the show garden she created for the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Festival. Saturday, February 28, 3pm. n Verwood Memorial Hall - Ringwood Rd, Verwood, BH31 7AA. Tickets £12 (society members £8).
Book tickets by emailing your details to verwoodhorticultural society @gmail.com. Refreshments will be available before the start, so please arrive from 2pm. verwoodhorticultural society.co.uk.
Ollie Greensmith
Nursery boosts support for county suppliers
a new department that’s dedicated to artisan foody gifts - and supporting local suppliers. Based in Poole, the ‘little garden centre with a big heart’, run by mental health charity Plants And Minds, branched out into edible gifts in the run-up to Christmas, when customers are searching for stocking fillers that promise a taste sensation.
Up to 75% of the produce in Chestnut’s new foodies’ paradise is sourced from suppliers in Dorset and the South West, providing a standout new range for customers who are keen to track down unique, hand-crafted produce. Unlike many garden centres, Chestnut does not have a café or offer any catering facilities, and all food items are sold for consumption off-site. The nursery supports adults
with life-impacting mental health conditions - known as Team Members - enhancing their wellbeing via a year-round programme of horticultural therapy.
Staff, team members and volunteer Friends of the Nursery rallied to create the
new food gift area in time for Chestnut’s first Black Friday event.
Chestnut can be found at 75 Kingland Road, Poole, and is open 9am-4pm Monday to Saturday; 10am to 4pm Sunday with free parking. Visit chestnutnursery.org.uk.
574244 or 0775 9508304 and ask for Wendy
Farming & Environment
This is the final column from us here at High Mead for 2025 and what better time to look back at all our achievements throughout the year.
Looking back through the photos we can say we have had another amazing year. We had six lambs born in the spring which was a first for us.
The animal team worked tirelessly throughout our lovely hot summer to ensure the animals were all fed and watered.
The horticulture team had to work extra hard keeping all our fruit and vegetables alive and watered during our hot summer and their hard work paid off as we were able to keep the Farm Shop fully stocked with our own homegrown produce for approximately six weeks in the summer.
The wood bay has been busy all summer making kindling and for the first time ever we are actually over-run with kindling - at £6 a bag it’s a bargain so when you call in to get your milk pick up a bag of kindling too - just remember to return the empty bags please.
We have been able to offer Corporate Days to local companies throughout the year and for their time we have been rewarded with new sturdy fencing in many of the animal pens.
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
Waldorf School attended in the summer and helped with painting animal houses and brightening up the farm with their colour schemes.
Our annual Spring Fayre, which is our only fundraising event, was the most successful yet - thank you to everyone who supported us by attending, spending the day with us and enjoying our special
throughout the year too which were also well attended.
The Mayor of Ferndown chose us for his charitable organisation this year and has hosted many events including comedy nights in a bid to raise money for us.
We recently launched Men’s Shed Ferndown at the Farm - this is on every Saturday morning 10am to 1pm and we can offer a variety of activities for independent men to share skills and knowledge whilst using the facilities at the Farm.
We were donated a minibus from Montacute School and this has enabled us to take our
Co-farmers out on trips such as Longleat and the Tank Museum. We have also been able to use this to take our Volunteers out on trips which is our way of saying thank you to all of them for giving their time so generously. Finally, we would like to say a huge thank-you to all of you who read this column - it is lovely to get feedback from you all saying that you enjoy reading about us and all the adventures we get up to!
Happy Christmas and here’s to a healthy and prosperous 2026.
Wrapping up yet another busy year
We thought it only right to dedicate this 2025 wrap-up to Daisy, who is coming to the end of a year of cancer treatment, writes Helen Rogers, vet and director. My first draft of this article was rather sombre and I was politely told to re-write it by both Jo and Ellie!
Honest feedback is always the best policy and that is one thing you can rely on within the FMLH team! We recently had a farmer ring us to fact check the rumour that we had sold to a corporate! This was a very simple question to answer, NO, we have not! We remain staunchly independent, celebrating the talent and potential we have within our team, and looking forward to complimenting the current team of directors with new additions in the future. The rush of calls that we normally see in the Spring was sent into the stratosphere this year by bluetongue. Hats off to the team in the office who fielded all the calls, rapidly adapting to amendments to policy; ever encroaching zone boundaries and the packaging and posting of so many blood samples! Results from the recent national annual
unvaccinated farms testing positive in Dorset alongside three of eleven sampled in Somerset. One of my regular farms sold up in this period which required a monumental effort coordinating blood. sampling and paperwork to ensure that the herd could complete the sale despite the blue tongue restrictions It was a true team effort, calling upon most of our clinical team and slotted into our everyday work with good humour and a determination to see it through. It was a great example of how invested we are on the farms we deliver services too, willing them to succeed but also knowing the importance of helping our farmers deliver their goals. Cooling cows and calves effectively continues to be a real focus for us. We are, as always, incredibly grateful for all your support. Wishing you a very merry (and uneventful) Christmas and New Year.
Part II next issue
It’s that time of year again...
High streets will be getting crowded, trolleys will be overflowing, office parties will soon be in full swing, and the annual pantomime calling for “He’s behind you!” Little ones tugging parents, wideeyed, to visit Santa, add a special kind of magic - and mild chaos - to the season.
Yet amid the frenzy, there’s joy in every moment. The perfect gift to be found, laughter shared at a party, and the family bellowing boos and cheers at the panto - all remind us why we love this season. Christmas isn’t just shopping bags and glitter - it’s about connection. Kindness, laughter, and shared moments last far longer than any sale or spectacle. So, embrace the chaos, enjoy the parties, cheer at the panto, and marvel at the wonder in children’s eyes - this is what makes Christmas truly magical.
Celebrate Christmas and New Year with the BSO!
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are gifting a whole host of festive fun fit for all the family, so gather the ones you love and celebrate Christmas with the orchestra at Lighthouse, Poole this year.
Enjoy a traditional celebration with Messiah (17 Dec), upbeat fun with star of the West-End singer Jenna Lee-James for this year’s Last Night of the Christmas Proms (20 Dec), two heartwarming sing-alongs with Celebration of Christmas Carols (23 Dec) and a glitzy beginning to 2026 with New Year’s Day Viennese Gala (1 Jan).
With concerts across the county, too, BSO On Your Doorstep brings chamber ensembles to a venue near you. These intimate performances will be coming to Sturminster Newton, Poole, Blandford Forum, Winfrith Newburgh and Wimborne soon.
And, don’t forget, the BSO’s glorious symphonic sound continues throughout their 2025/26 Season. Joined by world-class soloists and conductors, Wednesday nights at the Lighthouse offer you magical midweek escapes.
Find out more about any of the above at bsolive.com or phone 01202 669925.
Handel’s Messiah
Lighthouse, Poole
Wednesday 17 December, 7.30pm
Celebrate Christmas as it has been for hundreds of years with this perennial favourite that really needs no introduction.
Celebration of Christmas Carols
Lighthouse, Poole
Tuesday 23 December, 3pm & 7pm
Alongside the Bournemouth Symphony and Youth Choruses, join us as we merrily play and sing our way through yuletide.
New Year’s Day Viennese Gala
Lighthouse, Poole Thursday 1 January, 3pm
Welcome the New Year in style. Joyous waltzes, polkas and marches from Johann Strauss II and more!
Xana started The 1:1 Diet right at the end of November and even stuck to Plan on Christmas Day! By March, she’d hit her goal weight-just in time for summer holidays. Xana is now loving feeling confident at so many Christmases since too.
This festive season it’s all about unwrapping the healthier, happier you. With one-to-one expert support (that’s me!), premium, high-quality nutrition, and a plan tailored around you. Every layer you unwrap takes you closer to real transformationforever.
Start now and imagine where you could be in just a few weeks.
Nicki Edwards -The Cambridge Lady 07904 331589 www.one2onediet.com/NickiE nickijedwards@icloud.com ADVERTISING FEATURE Xana lost 3½ stone! The
Feel your best before Christmas with The 1:1 Diet. You’ll have expert, one-to-one guidance, scientifically proven nutrition, and a trusted plan built on over 40 years of success to help you thrive through the season with confidence.
This isn’t about gimmicks or quick fixes. It’s about unwrapping the healthier, happier version of yourself, with real results that last. Contact me today
weight loss and/or timeframes are particular to this slimmer. Everyone’s weight loss journey is unique to them.
Christmas and New Year rubbish and recycling
Remember:
• We will collect up to two extra sacks of rubbish beside your bin on your first rubbish collection after Christmas Day.
Bin collection days
These are the dates to put out your bins over Christmas. You can now put any items made of carton or foil in your recycling bin.
Wednesday
Refer to your calendar or visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/bin-day to check your collection days.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
• Extra recycling, including glass and food, will be collected on your recycling collection day, provided it is separated correctly and in a suitable sturdy container (no bags) that can be easily lifted.
• Please put your glass box out on your recycling collection day before Christmas, even if it’s not full. This gives more space over the festive period, preventing heavy containers.
See what can be recycled at the kerbside at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/which-bin
Recycle more
This Christmas, don’t let all your waste go to landfill. If you live in Dorset*, you can recycle:
• All cooked and uncooked food waste
• Wrapping paper**, cardboard and Christmas cards (no glitter)
• Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays
• Glass bottles and jars (Please keep glass separate)
• Carton and foil***
We’ll collect extra recycling in your own boxes. Thank you for recycling!
If you live in Dorset*, check for changes to your collection
* Doesn’t include Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole. Check your council website for details.
** Scrunch your wrapping paper! If it stays scrunched, it can be recycled. If it doesn’t, or it’s foil-based or glittery, it should go in the rubbish bin.
*** Rinse foil trays and wipe sheet foil clean. Scrunch sheet foil or wrappers together into a tennis-sized ball.
Donation brings vital support to families
Diverse Abilities has received a donation of £5,303 from the Christchurch Magdalen Trust which provides charitable funds to help Christchurch residents who are in need or have an illness or disability. The donation will be used to support Christchurch families attending the Coping With CHAOS short-break programme at the Treehouse in Hurn, at the former Adventure Wonderland site. The programme is designed to offer inclusive play and activity sessions for children and young people from birth to 18, while also supporting their families. Sessions run during school holidays, weekends, and evenings, with additional drop-in options for younger children and those who are homeschooled.
Since relocating to the Treehouse in April 2024, the charity’s services have become significantly more accessible to Christchurch families.
There is no statutory funding for this area of the charity’s work, so the money donated by the Trust will allow the charity to deliver the sessions. The sessions are a lifeline to families who may otherwise feel isolated, exhausted and alone as they navigate
bringing up a child with disabilities. Sessions are provided for families to attend together, accessing activities that they may be unable to offer elsewhere due to accessibility, fear of judgement or just needing an extra pair of hands. There are also sessions for the children to attend alone with support from the charity’s Short Break Crew, giving the child independence and parents the knowledge they are being well looked after.
Clare Rochford, short breaks manager at Diverse Abilities said: “These sessions are a lifeline for families who often feel isolated and overwhelmed while raising a child with disabilities. “Thanks to the Christchurch Magdalen Trust, families in Christchurch can now enjoy inclusive, supportive experiences together at the Treehouse.”
To explore the full range of sessions available at the Treehouse, visit diverseabilities.org.uk/thetreehouse
Lottery grant for autistic women’s club
Dorset-based The Autistic Women’s Club, has been awarded a £3,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund which will help to provide peer-led support to more than 100 autistic women and nonbinary people.
To recognise this, the club is hosting a special community celebration at the Factory Space, Bournemouth, tomorrow, Saturday, December, 13, from 2pm-5pm, when anyone is welcome to attend.
The celebration will include
a chance to meet members and take part in a wreathmaking session, giving a flavour of the creative and inclusive atmosphere fostered by the group. There will also be an opportunity to hear more about how the funding will support growth and outreach in the coming year.
The club is one of many organisations that has been supported by the Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.
Becs Tridgell and Mimi Lloyd-Hopkins, founders of the Autistic Women’s Club, said: “We’re so thrilled to be awarded this grant.
“We started this group to provide something that we
both desperately needed - a safe and supportive space where autistic women and non-binary people can be themselves and find a community where they’re accepted just as they are.
“We can’t wait to welcome our local community along in December to experience firsthand the impact this funding will have.”
Member Jemma said that what she enjoys most about the group is ‘feeling like I’m in a safe place where everyone “gets it” and I don’t have to pretend to be neurotypical.’
For more information, contact: Becs Tridgell, cofounder, on 07815 553992 or theautisticwomensclub@ gmail.com.
Best ever Christmas gift …11 & 1/2 Stones Loss...!!
Our weight loss journey started DIY style January 2023 trying a couple of different meal replacement programs but found the meals all tasted the same and artificial! Then Christmas 2024 we struggled regaining the weight we had lost - and more. A friend of ours was doing the 1:1 Diet with Nicki and was looking and feeling amazing. She told us how well it works and how it works for her, so after some discussion we decided to give it a go.
Neither of us are getting any younger. I was not only on blood pressure tablets but all sorts really including pain killers for various aches and pains. I certainly was finding it increasingly difficult to do
everyday things, look after our pony and horses, let alone climbing in and out of lorries. Phil had taken up endurance motorbike riding and found it really difficult to complete the laps or compete, without being out of breath and extremely tired.
I finally got around to emailing Nicki in February 2025 and within a week we were on the start of our journey. We’re both in our 50’s. I’m 5’2” and weighed in at 16 Stones 11lbs with a BMI in ‘heart attack alley’ at 41.2, Phil was 16 Stones 4lbs with a BMI in ‘diabetic avenue’ at 31.8.
Doing it together has made it much easier, the products looked and tasted like they said on the packet! At our second weigh-in we were both delighted and encouraged at losing 7 lb each. Phil looses faster than me, which Nicki said he probably would because he’s a man! But this was OK, with Nicki’s encouragement (she is so passionate about the 1:1 Diet even if she is as mad as a box of frogs!), we’ve plodded on and slowly but surely the weight has kept coming off. Of course we have been tempted, but with Nicki holding us accountable and family behind us we’ve happily stuck with it.
Weight loss has its downfalls. It gets quite expensive buying smaller clothes on a regular basis along the way (which is fun!). Phil was a 38” waist, wearing XXL now comfortably wears 28/30” waist and size M! He’s also learning with Nicki’s support to maintain his 5 Stones loss. I was a size 20/22, currently size 12, soon to be a size 10! I’ve lost over 6 1/2 Stones and have about 1 Stone to go. Phil had to buy a whole new endurance
motorbike outfit as it literally fell off him plus a new helmet, his old one spun round! We also feel the cold a lot as, as Nicki says, we’ve eaten our 15 Tog duvet and are now walking round in a 3.5 Tog!
We’re eating a lot healthier, our whole attitude to food has changed, we still go out but not quite as often and don’t eat as much. We look at the menu before we go and decide what we’re going to have so that we can stay in control. We used to be out every Saturday and had 2-3 take-aways a week. We’re a lot more active, I run with my pony and Phil runs with our dog. Phil’s endurance riding is faster and a lot easier. We’re really enjoying life a lot more.
Without Nicki’s help we would still be eating out, having take-aways and piling on the lbs.
2016 (65) Audi A5 Coupe 1.8TFSi S Line Nav 2dr. Sat nav, park sensors, cruise control, leather, heated seats, road sign assist, Bluetooth, 92,900 miles.................................................................................£8650
small exterior with a spacious interior, 76,900 miles ....................................£6450
2017 (17) Ford Ka+ 1.2 Zetec 5dr. £35 tax, 56mpg, park sensors, cruise control, Bluetooth, 29,300 miles....................................................................£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. X pack, leather, 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
2021 (21) Ford Puma 1.0T ST Line X MHEV 5dr. 155bhp, sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, main beam assist, road sign assist, Bluetooth, partial leather, 47,800 miles..................................................................................£13250
2018 (68) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi ST Line SUV 5dr. Sat nav, Bluetooth, road sign assist, cruise control, parking sensors & auto park, reverse camera, partial leather, 61,800 miles...............................................................................................£11750
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
2014 (14) Ford Transit 2.2TDCi 350 L2 H2
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
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
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
2024 (74) Suzuki Swift 1.2 Ultra MHEV Automatic 5dr. Sat nav, parking sensors, reverse camera, adaptive cruise control, heated seats, main beam assist, road sign assist, blind spot assist, 10,500 miles..........................................£17950
2012 (12) Toyota Aygo 1.0 Go 5dr. Bargain clearance, MOT
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 assist, sign recognition, hill hold, Bluetooth, 63,600 miles ..............................................£6950
2016 (66) Vauxhall Mokka 1.6CDTi SE 4x4 SUV 5dr. 136bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive, high seating, big boot, heated leather seats, heated steering wheel, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, hill hold, performance & economy, upto 60mpg, 65,500 miles ....................................£7250
Christmas farewell to Viva Voce
be filling the air when awardwinning Viva Voce perform their very last concert on Sunday, December 21, at 2pm in Broadstone Memorial Hall. Their performances have always attracted excellent reviews and regular audiences. This will be a cherished ‘final opportunity’ to hear the renowned choir led by director Jean Chambers, making the afternoon all the more special. Over the years, Viva Voce has
funds for many local charities. This year proceeds will benefit the charity Nordoff Robbins. With a programme containing a mix of carols, contemporary pieces, and audience participation this concert is intended to leave everyone ‘feeling festive’ and full of seasonal goodwill. Tickets can be purchased either on the door or through ticket source.co.uk/viva-voce. Ticket prices include refreshments.
2025 jazz fest reaches target
Swanage Jazz Festival succeeded in reaching its £25,000 appeal target and, as a result, the 2026 Festival will go ahead as planned between 10 and 12 July.
Director Paul Kelly said : “We’ve been amazed and uplifted by the generosity of our supporters.
“We’ve now secured the full target and are back on track.
“We’re now planning the 2026 Festival programme”.
Merry Christmas & a happy new year om all e businesses in Wimborne
Get ready to feast, folk & fest!
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Grab your diary - Wimborne is gearing up for a year packed with festivals, food, and fun. Whether you’re a foodie, a folkie, or simply love a good celebration, 2026 promises something for everyone, with five major festivals and a host of cultural events.
Discover Wimborne launches the festival season in April with a month-long programme of more than 100 events, many free, including workshops, live music, special promotions, talks and guided walks.
Organised by Wimborne BID with local businesses, it’s all about showcasing the town’s heritage, vibrant entertainment and range of events, choice of shops and eateries.
May brings two more festivals to the town. Wimborne’s own annual outdoor festival for families of all ages follows in May. Expect family entertainment, live music and fun with competitive ticket pricing.
Gullivers Bookshop has announced the return of their popular Wimborne Literary Festival in May with a host of literary-led speakers and activities that booklovers are sure to adore. Keep an eye on local press for full programme
details and event times.
Wimborne Minster Folk Festival takes place from June 12 to 14. This iconic annual festival transforms Wimborne’s streets into a lively, colourful extravaganza of morris dancing and live music plus street fairs and a procession.
September is time to tuck into the delicious offerings being served up by Wimborne’s very own food festival. Save the date of Saturday, September 19, - and some room in your tummy - as local producers and businesses offer pop-up tastings.
Organised by Wimborne BID and sponsored by Dacombes of Wimborne, this gastro celebration also takes over Willow Walk with its popular tasting tent with free cookery demonstrations by top
chefs and foodie experts. Wimborne Green Festival from October 10 to 17 rounds off the line-up with eco-focused talks, activities, and initiatives, organised by Planet Wimborne and supported by Wimborne BID. Adding to the excitement, Wimborne will proudly celebrate its Town Of Culture 2026 status with a programme of extraordinary cultural and community events. A £30,000 grant from the Arts Development Company, match-funded by Wimborne Town Council, will help bring this vision to life, with Wimborne BID contributing business expertise and ideas. For full details, visit wimborne.info and look out for updates in the New Stour & Avon each month.
WIMBORNE
Bournemouth’s Performing Arts Competition, a cornerstone of the region’s cultural calendar since 1927, has released the syllabus for its 2026 event as it plans for its 100th anniversary in 2027.
Each year, hundreds of actors, singers, dancers, and choirs from across the South West take part in the long-running competition. Individual performers of all ages in all disciplines can display their talents; with school and adult choirs given the opportunity to sing at the historic Christchurch Priory. Every participant receives written feedback from a professional adjudicator and a certificate, with medals and trophies awarded across categories.
Announcing the release of the new syllabus, the festival team behind the 2025 events said: “2026 is our 99th year of celebrating performance of all kinds in Bournemouth, and we are delighted that the competition remains such a popular event for so many. “We look forward to welcoming all our competitors - traditionally aged between 3 and 80!
SANTA’S
Get in the spotlight
“There is something for everyone at every level, so do read the syllabus and see what is for you.”
The 2026 competition events will take place in April, May, and July, hosted across the following venues:
The Freemason’s Hall, Boscombe - speech, drama, instrumental, and vocal classes
Christchurch Priory - school and adult choirs
Queen Elizabeth School, Wimborne - dance.
Looking ahead, the Festival is planning a spectacular programme for its 2027 centenary year, including
VISIT TO RINGWOOD
Saturday, December 20, 9.30am to 1.30pm.
At the Meeting House Square
Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions’ Santa and his Elves, plus our Cuddly Lion. Supporting Wessex Cancer Support, Life Lites and other Lions charities.
The Lions Book Stall will be giving away FREE Books! (small donations welcome)
BROADSTONE MUSIC SERIES presents Christmas Concert 2025,St Nicholas’ Church, 30 Wareham Road, Corfe Mullen, Dorset, BH21 3LE. Monday, December 22, 7pm formal performance.
JULIA’S HOUSE CHRISTMAS CAROLS
All Saints Church, Western Road, Branksome, Poole, BH13 7BP, Tuesday, December 16, from 7pm (doors open 6.15pm).Tickets cost £10 per adult, £5 per child and U5s go free. Carols everyone knows and loves, performed by local acoustic singer Shelley Edwards and joined by the Julia’s House choir. Mince pies and mulled wine included. All proceeds support children’s hospice, Julia’s House. Book at: www.juliashouse.org/Carols2025
a gala performance at the Bournemouth Pavilion. This event will welcome former competitors who have since forged successful careers in the performing arts.
For full details of this year’s festival - including dates, venues, and entry information - visit www. bournemouthperformingarts. info.
Head upstairs for biennial art exhibition
The Gallery Upstairs at Upton Country Park is hosting Poole & East Dorset Art Society’s highlyacclaimed biennial open exhibition.
It will feature selected work by the best of artists from within 30 miles of Poole.
The gallery is set in the old stables in beautiful parkland and gardens. Admission is free. There is a small car parking charge, and disabled access.
n Until Saturday, December 20, at the Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park, Poole, BH17 7BJ. 10am-4pm. Visit pedas.org.uk and thegalleryupstairs.org.uk.
Getting seasonal at the station
The old railway station in Spetisbury is hosting delicious seasonal refreshments including mulled wine, mince pies and hot dogs, and the chance to browse a selection of pre-owned railway books, DVDs and other gifts on Sunday, December 14, from 10am to 2pm. Live entertainment will be provided by the
Blandford Ukulele Group at 12.45pm. It’s all for a donation (cash preferred) to the station project. If wet, events will be in the village hall. Visit spetisburystation project.wordpress.com.
Aid exhibition raises £800
Charity supporters raised more than £800 at an exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of international development agency Christian Aid Wimborne Christian Aid Group organised a display of eight decades of images and campaign posters illustrating the organisation’s work around the world.
Copyright BlackmoreVale
They went on show at Wimborne Minster and coincided with a Simple Lunch and procession, attended by town mayor Jeff Hunt.
The next events will be a Christmas Eve bread and soup lunch and the annual quiz on Sunday, January 25, both at Wimborne Methodist Church.
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1 Church with test regarding band of singers (6)
1 Church with test regarding band of singers (6)
5 Insect I see by retired US lawyer in California (6)
5 Insect I see by retired US lawyer in California (6)
8 Poster showing programme of entertainment (4)
8 Poster showing programme of entertainment (4)
9 How some litter is found incidentally (2,3,3)
9 How some litter is found incidentally (2,3,3)
10 Discovery made by international bloc about Cambodia and Austria (6)
10 Discovery made by international bloc about Cambodia and Austria (6)
11 Greek island with area for Indian food (6)
12 Parasites left by diamonds (4)
11 Greek island with area for Indian food (6)
14 Club not right to make charge (3)
12 Parasites left by diamonds (4)
14 Club not right to make charge (3)
15 Stake held by Asian temporarily (4)
15 Stake held by Asian temporarily (4)
16 By the sound of it, lavatory is dislodged (6)
18 I, say, love to eat after one (6)
16 By the sound of it, lavatory is dislodged (6)
18 I, say, love to eat after one (6)
20 Inexperienced side restricted healthy drink (5,3)
20 Inexperienced side restricted healthy drink (5,3)
22 Bachelor facing trouble gets security (4)
23 Wait on a nurse carrying first of tablets (6)
22 Bachelor facing trouble gets security (4)
24 Team beginning to exercise by Scottish loch (6)
23 Wait on a nurse carrying first of tablets (6)
24 Team beginning to exercise by Scottish loch (6)
Killer Sudoku Pro:
2 Excited sound of surprise, we hear, in Japanese poem (5)
2 Excited sound of surprise, we hear, in Japanese poem (5)
3 Take the place of rector, priest and first woman (7)
3 Take the place of rector, priest and first woman (7)
4 Professional in charge of public titles? (9)
4 Professional in charge of public titles? (9)
5 Divided economy (3)
6 The very best addition to coffee maybe (5)
5 Divided economy (3)
7 Determined late group (4,3)
6 The very best addition to coffee maybe
7 Determined late group (4,3)
11 Cadet say lacking bit of authority in suspect association (9)
11 Cadet say lacking bit of authority in suspect association (9)
13 Come into popular woman’s site essentially (7)
15 A university backed offer by the French –characterized by spoken words? (7)
13 Come into popular woman’s site essentially (7)
17 Award extremists in state with a large pot? (5)
19 One entering body of church is ingenuous (5)
15 A university backed offer by the French characterized by spoken words? (7)
21 Regular characters in Strand? A little bit (3)
17 Award extremists in state with a large pot?
19 One entering body of church is ingenuous
21 Regular characters in Strand? A little bit
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.
Special Offer on LPAs
I’m separated from my partner and would like to take our son on holiday abroad, but my ex is causing problems - what can I do?
Renters rights act explained
It’s here, it’s the law, and it’s something all landlords need to be familiar with.
The Renters Rights Act received Royal Assent on October 27, and whilst some of the finer details of the legislation are yet to be confirmed, the first phase comes into effect on May 1, 2026, reforming tenancies as we know them.
Symonds & Sampson will be hosting seminars in January, where landlords are invited to hear partner and head of lettings, Rachael James, speaking on aspects of the Act, including:
• The Abolition of Section 21
• Grounds for possession
• Default Periodic Tenancy structure
• Rent Review procedures
• Deposits
• The new Rights for Tenants
• Property standard requirements
• Audit requirements
Property for sale
Our seminars in the summer were sell-outs, as landlords and clients gathered to hear Rachael outline the proposals within the Bill.
In a third series of seminars in January, she will provide clarity on the details and how, on a local level, landlords can ensure that they are fully compliant. She will also provide an update on the changing face of the letting market in the region, where an imbalance between demand and supply can offer attractive returns for buy-to-let landlords.
The seminars are taking place in Blandford and Yeovil in January; they are open to all and free to attend.
Places are limited, so please book early to secure your place.
Symonds & Sampson
House. End terrace, two-bedroom, nice condition. £230,000. Bearwood, BH11 9TJ. 07979 302651.
If you are named as a person with whom a child lives under a Child Arrangements Order or a Residence Order then you are allowed to take a child out of England and Wales for up to 28 days without the consent of anyone with parental responsibility provided there is no Court Order in place which prevents you from removing the child from the jurisdiction, and it does not interfere with the time the child spends with another person under a court order. If you do not have either a Child Arrangements Order to provide for the child to live with you or a Residence Order then you do require the permission of anyone else with parental responsibility before
Local Services
you can take a child abroad. If your ex-partner refuses to give you their consent then it is possible to seek the permission of the Court to remove the child for a temporary period by applying for what a Specific Issue Order to request the Court’s permission to take a child on holiday abroad.
A Court will grant permission if it can be demonstrated that it is in the best interests of the child to go on the holiday. It is a legal requirement to attempt mediation with the other person with parental responsibility to try to reach an agreement before any Court application is made. It is also a criminal offence for a person to take or send a child out of the country without the appropriate consent from anyone else with parental responsibility for the child.
THE FIREPLACE DOCTOR IS YOUR GAS FIRE SAFE?
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Overall, three in five (61%) consumers say they are now more likely to spend money at a business that is independent or local to their area, and 44% are more likely to spend money at a business that has supported local charities, such as food banks. More than one-third (35%) say they started using more local stores and services to support their community during the pandemic.*
*Source Deloitte
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*Based on a conservative prediction of 2.5 readers per copy 01963 400186
Puzzle solutions, Issue 121, November 28, 2025
World’s weirdest Christmas decorations
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and households around the world have dusted off their decorations.
But it’s not all tinsel and fairy lights.
Despite being one of the busiest times of the year for moving, with people wanting to be in their new homes in time for the King’s Speech, Armishaws Removals have found a few festive minutes to look at some of the more unusual Christmas decorations.
Xmas Odyssey
It was the Greeks who put the ‘X’ in Xmas (the Greek word for Christ is Χριστός) and in many parts of this famously-nautical nation, they decorate boats or karavaki, rather than Christmas trees.
Spider Webs
Forget candy canes, in Ukraine trees are adorned with glittering spider webs. Folklore tells of a family, too poor to decorate their tree, waking on Christmas morning to find it glistening in beautiful webs. Not one for arachnophobes who, will probably be too busy worrying
On The Move
where the spiders have gone!
Poodolph The Red Faced…
In Spain’s Catalonia region, traditional nativity scenes are adorned with an extra figurine, El Caganer (The Pooper), a man squatting and... well, doing something you certainly wouldn’t adorn with tinsel.
Yule Log
This is no ordinary festive branch. Another Catalonian refinement, Tió de Nadal is a simple log, with a smiling face, wrapped in a red blanket that, when beaten with a stick, defecates sweets. Because nothing says ‘Christmas’ like
a sweetie-pooping plank.
Bit of a Pickle
Germany has given the world so many Christmas traditions, but one that hasn’t gone global is the Christmas pickle. Hung on the Christmas tree, the first child to find the pickle gets to open the first present.
So Sweet
In Norway children weave little paper baskets called julekurver, which they hang on their tree to be magically filled with sweets.
The Goat
Sweden and Norway both decorate their homes with goats.
Stemming from a pagan ritual whereby a goat was sacrificed to the gods to mark the winter solstice, after killjoy Christians banned the bloodlust, people began weaving goats out of straw and placing them in their homes instead.
Kiss-le-toe
Mistletoe was so revered by Pagans that it could only be cut by Druids. It was a symbol of peace and those meeting beneath were forbidden from fighting. Today peace and love is
celebrated when two people meet underneath it, they must exchange a kiss (but only if both parties are consenting, ho-ho-no means no).
Remembrance Day
Portuguese families set an empty space at the dining table on Christmas Day to remember relatives that have passed. Noche de Rábanos
On December 23 the Mexican town of Oaxaca celebrate Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) by carving festive animals, decorations and entire nativity scenes using radishes. She Sells Tree Shells
Residents in countries that celebrate Christmas during their summer months, such as Australia and Barbados, often decorate and hang seashells on their tree.
A Shoe!
German children leave a boot or shoot outside their door. If they’ve been good, they wake to find their shoe full of sweets, if they’ve been naughty, they’ll find nowt but a stick.
nYou can find more weird and wonderful home facts at Armishaws.com/blog
