The New Stour & Avon - Issue 126 by The Blackmore Vale Limited

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

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

Contact Us

Advertising:

jane.toomer@blackmorevale.net 07714 289411

Editorial: newsdesk@stourandavon.net Postal enquiries to: 3 Alfred’s Way, Wincanton, BA9 9RU

Debi Thorne Sales director debi.thorne@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 07714 289409

Jane Toomer Senior account manager jane.toomer@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 07714 289411

Steve Belasco Editor steve.belasco@ stourandavon.net

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

Classified ads: classified@stourandavon.net 01963 400186 or online at stourandavon.net by Wednesday the week before publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday. Classified ads may be accepted after this, however these will be subject to available space.

Cover: Beech avenue, Wimborne

n Ringing changes p6

n Bikes you’ll like p11

n Hair today p19

Help with support and care services

The Diverse Abilities charity, which supports children and adults with physical and learning disabilities, aims to make the process easier for families interacting with the services involved in providing support and care. The charity has two free sessions planned for this year, on Wednesdays,

March 18 and June 24. The sessions are from 10.30am-11.30am, and are held at the Treehouse, Merritown Lane, Christchurch, BH23 6DT. The mornings will be a chance to meet professionals from the NHS, BCP Council and Diverse Abilities, as well as other charities and

organisations in the area. They are also a chance to speak with other parents and carers who may be experiencing similar situations and challenges. Those interested can register at diverseabilities. org.uk/transitionsdropin, where questions can also be submitted ahead of the events.

Town bank branch set to close

A Ringwood bank is set to close amid a raft of branches being axed by Lloyds.

The chain has announced 95 sites, made up of 53 Lloyds Bank branches, 31 Halifax and 11 Bank of Scotland outlets which will shut between May this year and March 2027.

The closures include the Lloyds Bank branch in Ringwood High Street. A Lloyds spokesman said the closures were coming as

more customers choose to bank online. He added: “Customers want the freedom to bank in the

way that works for them and we offer more choice and ways to manage money than ever before”.

Citizens Advice secures £20m in financial support

County residents are continuing to seek the help of Citizens Advice as demand remains high with benefits and debt-related issues. During 2025, the service helped residents gain more than £20million in financial outcomes.

This included welfare benefits gained, debts written off and access to other grants and support.

Citizens Advice in Dorset helped 14,300 residents with 79,000 issues. Benefits was the top issue, with more than 32,000 benefit-related enquiries.

Daniel Cadisch of Citizens Advice said: “Residents had a tough year coping with the high cost of living.

“Supporting people to maximise their income and manage finances allows them to feel more resilient and more confident to cope with rising household bills.”

Getting up steam

Sixty years after it was ‘closed’, Shillingstone Station will be letting off steam on March 7 and 8, with a steam loco and two traction engines. The weekend is the brainchild of Project 62, a group dedicated to restoring two ‘Yankee Tank’ steam locos which have been based at the station for the last 10 years. One is almost fully refurbished and will be steaming up in celebration, while the other is just starting a long restoration. Adding yet more steam, there will be two traction engines, provided by the Antell family, who have a long association with Shillingstone station. Entry is free, though donations are always very welcome.

10 years of discovering Wimborne

Wimborne kicks off its 2026 festival season this April with the return of Discover Wimborne, celebrating 10 years of bringing the town’s history, creativity, businesses and community together. Now a firm fixture in the local calendar, Discover Wimborne offers residents and visitors a month long programme of exciting events - many free of charge, making it easy for everyone to get involved.

From talks and guided walks to live music, exhibitions, theatre, craft workshops and hands on taster sessions, the festival showcases the depth and variety of what Wimborne has to offer. Families can also look forward to a full programme of Easter activities for all. Created, organised and funded by Wimborne BID (Business Improvement District), Discover Wimborne has gone from strength to strength over

the past decade.

In 2025, the festival featured nearly 200 events with at least one event happening every day in April, underscoring its impact as both a cultural highlight and a valuable driver of footfall for local businesses.

This April sees guided tours of Wimborne’s stately home Deans Court, rarely open to the public.

New for 2026, a first-ever Sports Festival will also take

place. Linked to Wimborne’s Town of Culture 2026 celebrations, the festival will shine a spotlight on local sporting organisations with opportunities to get active through taster sessions. There’s also a Town of Culture Youth Festival. Schools and youth organisations will be working with local businesses in a fringefestival-style take-over of art, sculpture, film, music, poetry and much more.

Walford Mill marks 40 years as a craft centre and will be celebrating with a series of workshops and activities. A free, comprehensive festival guide will be available from mid-March from the Museum of East Dorset Information Centre on the High Street and from participating businesses around the town. The full programme will also be available at wimborne. info.

Picture: WIMBORNE BID

Thinking caps on for theatre group fundraising quiz night

Wimborne Community Theatre invites local quiz groups and individuals to another fundraising quiz night with ploughman’s supper on Wednesday, March 4, to support the development of WCT’s next community theatre project on the theme of HOME, which will be part of Wimborne Town of Culture.

As always, WCT’s quiz promises to be a fun and entertaining evening of questions on a wide range of subjects from local interest topics, environmental, science and cultural themes, from easy to challenging, and everythintg in between. Come as an individual and join a group or come as a group of up to six people.

Entrance fee includes buffet served on your table, and there will be prizes and raffles.

For more information about the group, visit wimborne communitytheatre.co.uk or facebook.com/wimborne communitytheatre. n £8 on the door, cash or cheque.

Includes a ploughmans supper. Bar available. Reserve your place as soon as possible.

Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm.

Colehill Sports and Social Club, 108 Wimborne Road, Colehill, Wimborne BH21 2QR.

For further details and to book, contact Barbara Hart at barbarahart414@gmail. com or telephone 01202 884201.

New room to support neurodivergent

A new sensory-friendly waiting room has opened at Dorset HealthCare’s child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) clinic in Poole.

The sensory-adapted space has been created following feedback from local people and is aimed at neurodivergent children and young peopleincluding those with autism, ADHD or sensory processing differences - who may feel anxious or overwhelmed in busy clinical environments. Neurodivergent young people make up around 80 per cent of CAMHS patients, and traditional clinical waiting areas can be overwhelming, increasing anxiety and creating barriers to accessing care and, in some cases, stopping young people getting the care at all.

The new waiting room in the Shaftesbury Road clinic reflects this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week theme by creating a calm, welcoming, and inclusive environment, reducing anxiety and sensory overload, and helping young people feel safe and comfortable while waiting for appointments.

The room was opened by Poole MP Neil DuncanJordan. He said: “This fantastic initiative will bring real benefits for children, their families and the professionals involved.”

To find out more, visit dorset healthcare.nhs.uk/CAMHS.

Charity shop

Families charity Home-Start

Wessex has opened its first family charity shop and support hub in Christchurch. The shop in Saxon Square is open six days a week, run by staff and volunteers. The charity is recruiting volunteers to assist in the shop, as well as volunteers to provide support to parents with young children. Contact office@homestart wessex.org.uk for more details.

Choral society hosting concert

Fordingbridge Choral Society is holding a concert on Saturday, March 28, starting at 7pm with pieces by Faure, Rameau and Cesar Franck. At 6.30pm there will be a free and informative talk on the lives and careers of these composers to set the scene. We will be accompanied by the talented soloists Amy Carson (soprano) and Tim Dickinson bass) with Graham Scott at the organ, and orchestration by the Edwards Ensemble, all under the musical direction of Nigel Edwards.

Ticket prices are £15 in advance and £18 at the door with under-18s free. Tickets can be obtained at Caxtons Decor in Salisbury Street, Fordingbridge or on ticketsource.co.uk/ fordingbridgechoral. For more details contact 01425 656348 or visit fordingbridgechoral. org.uk or Facebook. The price includes an interval drink. Colin Burt

Ringing the changes at church

The bells of St John the Baptist Church in Spetisbury have fallen silent and scaffolding has gone up as essential repair work begins on the church’s medieval tower, thanks to grants and a determined twoyear fundraising effort by parishioners.

The six bells will remain silent for around six months while a £100,000 programme of conservation work is carried out on the Grade 1-listed building.

Steve Priddy, treasurer of the Parochial Church Council said: “We’re tremendously grateful to Dorset Historic Churches Trust for their grant towards this project. “This and other grants, alongside generous donations, as well as intense ongoing voluntary fundraising efforts, has made our project financially viable.”

Church warden Molly Edwards added: “We’re thrilled that the work is

now under way and we look forward to the bells ringing again in the summer of 2026. “Church services and activities will continue as normal during the works.” To help secure the future of Dorset’s historic churches, visit www.dhct.org.uk

Pictures: STEPHEN NICHOLLS/ DEBBIE PRIDDY

Extraordinary decision on Aldi development

We were alarmed to read the simplistic comments by Councillors Spencer Flower and Alex Benton, as reported in the local press, in relation to the Aldi development at Canford Bottom.

Cllr Flower supports Aldi because ‘it is affordable’. Is he saying that shops in Wimborne are ‘not affordable’ for locals, even though the large Co-op has a promotion to match Aldi’s prices for ‘essentials?

The Co-op is one part of a thriving town centre where retailers, independents and cultural outlets work hard to encourage people to enjoy and support the local economy which is in line with Dorset Council’s own policy to ‘... encourage economic growth, diversify uses beyond retail (including leisure and community), and promote the repurposing of assets to create vibrant, mixed-use spaces...’. And let us remind Cllr Flower that Wimborne is situated on several bus routes; if services are considered too limited, perhaps it would be useful for the council to expand their reach. Why would councillors not petition for this instead of supporting Aldi?

As for the impact on the green belt - which Cllr Flower, says will be limitedCllrr Alex Brenton considers it a neglected corner.

What? It’s a roundabout and certainly not neglected by the motorists who pass through Canford Bottom every day, a traffic junction many residents use apprehensively.

Councillors, please explain how hundreds of Aldi customers driving from any direction, will not increase an already complicated junction. It seems these decisions are made mainly by councillors who don’t perhaps see congestion on the approach roads to the roundabout.

As for being ‘hidden from view’, a resident who lives opposite asked Aldi about whether the trees could be retained. She was told they would be removed to increase visibility from passing trade. So much for Aldi being a store for locals. And have councillors considered the impact on the ‘corner shops’ in the vicinity?

The prime beneficiary of all this will be Aldi, and companies involved with the development.

We would appreciate answers to these questions. Often only part of councillors’ thinking is reported in the media. Could they expand on their thinking to make sense of this extraordinary decision?

Gill and Tony Horitz Wimborne

Enjoy some time with older folk

Suzanne, Pauline and Georgina - our befriending co-ordinators - work tirelessly to match our wonderful volunteers to our clients and would love to meet some new volunteers.

Across the New Forest there are many older people waiting for a

befriender. Seeing someone like you for some company and conversation will make a big difference to their week.

You can apply online at hopenewforest.org/contact or email befriending@ hopenewforest.org.

Laura Davy HOPe New Forest

Group celebrates 10th

The New Steps Widows Group celebrates its 10th birthday this month. It was an initiative by the Dorset County Council POPPs group. A widowers group had been started and was a success, so the loca l organiser decided to see if there was any interest in starting a widows group; there was, and the group was duly launched. We were given a grant to pay for a meeting room, activities and speakers and after several months the group moved to the LibDem Centre in Park Lane. We have met there ever since and now meet there on the first Tuesday of each month. On the third Tuesday we meet at various places in Wimborne for tea, cakes and chatter.

Over the years we have had a lot of interesting speakers,

birthday

maiinly local charities or local people.

We have visited places and even met for Sunday Lunch at one time.

Several of our members are crafters and this has given us various interesting afternoons sewing, paper crafting and making cards.

Over the years we have had people join but then moved on when they were confident after losing their husband. There are still some of us who were original members. We are a friendly group but we are not a bereavement group as such but a group of older women who have lost their partner.

Anyone interested in joining will be most welcome.

Just call me on 07919 417008. Linda Brazier

Wimborne

Meet others with B12 deficiency

The Dorset B12 Deficiency Support Group meets on the second Friday of each month at the Angel Inn,188 Ringwood Rd, Ferndown, BH22 9AP, from 11.30am to 1.00pm. It is open to anyone affected by B12 deficiency - patients, family, and friends are welcome. We have friendly, informal discussions, share experiences and coping

strategies, with tips on managing symptoms and navigating care.

No medical jargon, just real people supporting each other.

Please contact me at dorsetb12deficiency@ gmail.com.

Further information can also be found at www.b12d. org.

Patricia Richardson Ferndown

‘I

can’t do this’... how wrong can you be?

“I can’t do this” he said; then fast forward to winning the Wellbeing Award at the 2025 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan Slimmer Awards!

After being disabled for half his life following a motorbike crash, Barry McCann knew he had to make a change. He was not just overweight, unhappy, and lacking interest in life, his physical health was being badly affected too.

Barry said “My transformation went beyond physical health too, my diabetes is now in remission and my blood tests are all healthy - I feel amazing.” With encouragement from his Consultant, he took action and soon saw results. He feels better, his clothes fit again, and his sister has even joined him on her own transformation too.

European Ceramics & Glass; Pictures, Books & Prints; and Antique Furniture & Objects

Saturday 21st March 2026

For a full list of our specialist sales please see our website

SOLD FOR £22,500

For free verbal valuations please contact

Head Office & Salesrooms:

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

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

February Auction Programme

Lifetime Airgun & Militaria Collection 25th

Coins, Militaria, Stamps, Models & Toys 26th

Antiques, Interiors & Collectors 27th

Viewing, all lots & live bidding online

Specialist Valuation Days in Sherborne

Chinese & Japanese Ceramics 23rd

Coins, Medals, Militaria & Stamps 24th

Fishing & other Country Pursuits 25th

Jewellery, Watches, Gold & Silver 26th

Classic Motorcycle Auction 12th March

Classic Car Auction 26th March

Volumes on Napoleon attract huge interest

Semley Auctioneers’ January sale of Pictures, Books & Prints included three ‘grangerised’ books relating to Napoleon Buonaparte.

‘Grangerising’ is a term used when books are disbound and rebound with the addition of blank pages which are then filled with related material such as letters, prints or drawings. Finely bound by Chivers of Bath they comprised two volumes entitled ‘Napoleon In Caricature’, and ‘Napoleon In Exile’, each embellished with numerous contemporary prints. There was interest from both institutes and collectors, in the room, on the telephones and from online bidders.

The two-volume ‘Napoleon In Caricature’ brought just shy of £22,000, while the singlevolume brought £13,500. The sale also included the 17thcentury manuscript recipe and remedy book (pictured) which included several pages of bookkeeping.

It made fascinating reading as an insight into the life of a comfortable household in 1670. This book, too, was keenly contested, finally selling to a European collector for £17,500. Following on from the success of the watercolours and prints of India in the second quarter of the 19th century, by Anne Clark, wife of a surgeon for the East India Company - which sold last November, bringing £18,000 for six framed watercolours, £25,000 for a folio of unframed

watercolours, and £10,000 for a folio book of prints - the family of the vendor discovered further sketchbooks and journals which had belonged to Anne and her husband Hezekiah. Catalogued in four lots the first comprised two albums and a set of mica paintings which brought an inclusive £10,000. A small sketch book by Anne, dedicated to her son James, brought another £10,000, while three sketchbooks containing both Indian and European subjects made an inclusive £7,500. The quartetto ended with the group of seven manuscript journals of Hezekiah covering his voyages to India and China as a surgeon on board East India ships.

A private UK collector was the eventual winner, parting with £19,000.

Elsewhere in the sale a group of three Chinese yellow ground bowls, all with damages, brought a healthy £15,000. Entries are now being accepted for the April sale of Jewellery, Watches, Coins & Silver, and for all Semley Auctioneers’ other specialist sales, listed on their website www.semleyauctioneers.com. Enquiries should be directed to Paul Strange or Simon Pearce at the Semley Shaftesbury office, on 01747 855122, or Kath Barber at the Wimborne office on 01202 842900, or Rose Halton at the South Kensington, London office on 0207 591 0159.

‘Napoleon in Caricature’Two early century ‘grangerised’ folio volumes

Joe’s classic collection comes under hammer

The collection of more than 40 classic and vintage motorcycles amassed by the late Joe Skinner are included in the Charterhouse specialist auction of classic & vintage motorcycles on March 12 at the Haynes Motor Museum. “Joe has been a long-term client of Charterhouse, having attended most of our classic bike auctions over the past 25 years,” said George Beale of Charterhouse. “Sadly, he passed away at the end of 2025 and his wife called us to auction the collection to let new custodians enjoy his machines.”

Motorcycles in Joe’s collection date from the 1930s but most are from the 1950/60s.

They feature mainly British and Italian bikes he restored from barn find projects and others he bought to ride and

show straight away.

Living near Taunton, Joe was well known in the West Country and was regularly seen at classic bike shows from Shepton Mallet to Stafford. Over the years he won numerous trophies and rosettes for his bikes at shows. Further entries are now being invited for this auction.

The late Joe is pictured above with a Triumph.

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

Political round-up

Unfair system is failing children in poverty

It’s only fair that wherever a child lives, both parents should support their upbringing. In an ideal world, families could sort this out themselves. But when that isn’t possible, the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is supposed to step in, make fair decisions, and ensure no child is pushed into poverty.

Sometimes contact isn’t safe, or possible, and that’s not for anyone else to judge. What matters is that when one parent is doing the day-to-day caring, the system should back them; right now, too often, it doesn’t. Every week mothers and fathers contact me at breaking point. Let down by ex-partners who have walked away from their responsibilities, they are then failed by a system designed to support them. Instead, many experience delays, excuses and loopholes deployed by parents avoiding payment.

Carers tell me about absent parents hiding income or declaring suspiciously-low profits while enjoying luxury holidays.

Others use the system to continue controlling their ex-partner. Meanwhile, the parent caring for the child is left choosing between heating and school shoes. The CMS was introduced to replace a court-based system which was expensive and slow. It should provide an accessible alternative and a formal route where contact isn’t safe. But in practice, the way payments are calculated is often manipulated. When parents move between jobs, payments take months to adjust. For the self-employed, CMS relies on HMRC profits, not actual income. If a child lived with that parent, they would be paying for their needs - regardless of the success of the business. Yet the CMS accepts these figures at face value, even when a parent’s lifestyle clearly tells a different story.

In the most troubling cases, nonresident parents receive income through relatives, claim benefits to lower their payments, or use legal aid to fight custody battles - while contributing little or

Liberal Democrat

Mid-Dorset & North Poole

VIKKI SLADE MP

nothing towards caring for their children.

Where domestic abuse has taken place, the CMS can become another tool for harm. Abusers delay, evade, or use the system to force ongoing contact. Some parents face false allegations and retaliatory claims, and when money is unpaid, enforcement is often inconsistent or slow. Last year, the House of Lords concluded that the CMS is not fit for purpose. Charities report

children going without essentials and family life under strain. The system is causing real harm and is a factor in continued child poverty.

I’ve raised these issues many times in Parliament, sharing stories from families who deserve better. Reforming the CMS is one of my priorities this year, and I’m working cross-party to push for change. Minister Jess Phillips has agreed to meet me, and I’m committed to securing improvements.

The Government is making progress on wider child wellbeing issues through measures like expanding free school meals and funded childcare. But they must also act for children caught in the crossfire of relationship breakdown - and replace the CMS with a system fit for the 21st century.

If you need help with a CMS issue - or anything else - please get in touch by email or phone. And for campaign updates, please sign up to my newsletter at vikkislade.uk/newsletter.

Writing off £5bn special education debt

When out campaigning for the 2024 general election, there were two main subjects brought up to me in Dorset (and no, immigration wasn’t one of them!) - the cost of living and Special Educational Needs education (SEND). Being in government is far more difficult than being in opposition and I think any PM, minister or MP would testify to that fact.

I understand that the appetite for change after the last election was somewhat ravenous; the outcomes of the economic and austerityled policies of the previous coalition and stand-alone governments fed that. We all had to and still are living with the consequences of the decisions made and I get why people want everything fixed - right now!

There’s no quick fix but after only 16 months of a Labour government, we have fantastic news for Dorset in relation

to the provision of SEND services.

As of February 2026, the Treasury has written off the £5billion SEND provision debt accrued by local authorities to 2025.

Along with delivering the Local Government Finance Settlement funding - that for the first time gives councils financial stability year on year - this allows councils to wipe the SEND debt slate clean and start afresh; building from the bottom up.

As with every aspect of the re-invigorating and rebuilding of our public services in the UK, there will probably be some changes to how SEND is delivered and the white paper will outline what those are. This why it’s so important for everyone who has had experiences of centres of specialist education, mainstream school-setting specialist education and home schooling, needs to take part

in the consultations being organised by your local MPs and councillors and via the www.gov.uk website, so your experiences can be heard, as the white paper is being drawn up in the heart of the Department for Education. To bring my point home and

make the commitment our Labour government has to specialist education provision in Dorset, another exciting piece of news was announced this month.

Osprey Quay School, a 75-place centre of specialist education (I will call them that, as I have never liked the label ‘special schools’, or perhaps specialist education centres) will be delivered by Dorset Council using government funding.

You may feel 75 places doesn’t sound like many, but in my experience, that is just the right number to prevent the school from feeling too busy while creating personal space for each pupil.

The age range will be at the older end of the school age too; a much needed increase in places for our young students.

A Labour education pledge being delivered.

Dorset Labour CANDICE JOHNSON-COLE

Helping protect the free world from tyranny

Although hard to believe, it is only 19 months, since the General Election. Does our country really deserve another three years of this ghastly government?

The Mandelson affair has triggered the worst political crisis in more than 50 years. The roots of Labour’s infatuation with Mandelson go back at least 30 years, throughout which period his serial dishonesty is well documented.

But how did it come about that, after every fall, Mandelson was rehabilitated and even promoted - most recently to the highest diplomatic posting in Washington?

I sought to answer this conundrum when speaking in the House of Commons debate calling for full disclosure of documents relating to that appointment.

My conclusion was that Mandelson fulfilled an enforcement role to ensure the survival of the New Labour project, not dissimilar to that

which the head of the Stasi performed.

Longstanding MPs such as Richard Burgon and Jeremy Corbyn share my opinion. I drew attention to Mandelson’s conduct when he lobbied a Home Office Minister in the Blair government to grant citizenship to the Hinduja brothers, which had been refused in 1990.

As Shadow Minister for the Millennium Dome I had raised questions about the £1million donation by the Hindujas to that project.

Typically, Mandelson denied any direct contact but later a reopened inquiry established that he did. The inquiry alone cost £200,000. Despite that finding, Mandelson was successively appointed to the European Commission, and made Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Secretary.

For the Prime Minister to accept the resignation of his second chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney (do you remember the first, Sue Gray?), for advising

him to appoint Mandelson to Washington without accepting his own failure of judgment in following that advice, goes to the rotten heart of the current government.

This issue will not go away until the Prime Minister leaves office. n Celebrations to mark the 250th

anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence are well under way.

Already this year we have welcomed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, held a reception for the new US Ambassador and hosted an event for members of the Texas State Legislature.

All these events have been under the auspices of the British American Parliamentary Group, of which I am privileged to be an officer.

By reinforcing the vital special relationship between our two nations, we help to protect the freedom of the free world against tyranny.

We cannot afford, however, to take this relationship for granted, which is why Freedom 250 is so important.

n I was recently pleased to join Royal Air Force air cadets and members of the Air Training Corps at a rain-soaked parade and service of dedication and thanksgiving in Ferndown to mark their 85th anniversary.

Food & Drink

Cooking... with Martha Legg

Lemon Chicken Orzo

This is another of my favourite one-pot recipes. It’s very similar to Marry Me Chicken, but with no tomatoes.

I used crème fraiche (light) and peas instead of spinach, just because we prefer it. Martin has to follow a recipe to the letter and is not very good at using substitutes. Having made Marry Me Chicken loads of times, (it’s one of our favourites) I knew that my substitutions would work.

When we were away in Tenerife, I used passata and cream cheese to make a sauce for pasta, which worked very well. It is more difficult when you are away, as some things are not where you expect them to be in a supermarket. I thought crème fraiche would be near the cream; no, it was with cream cheese! (Very confusing when you don’t speak Spanish!)

We had this on a Tuesday, as I managed to do most of the prep before we went to babysit the children. Not many more Tuesdays left now! My only criticism of it, was that it was a bit bland. I put in the correct amount of lemon juice and peel, but I think it could do with a lot more. It’s a very difficult balance, you don’t want it to be so sharp that it takes your

tongue off, but it needs to have some flavour. I am trying to think of other recipes that I could use chicken and orzo with.

Ingredients: Serves 4

650g Chicken breasts, skinless and boneless and chopped

1 tbsp olive oil

3 garlic cloves, I use lazy garlic

1 tsp oregano

250g orzo

650ml hot chicken stock, 150ml double cream

4oz spinach

1 lemon, zest and juice

100g Parmesan, grated

Freshly-ground black pepper

Method

In a large, deep frying pan, heat the oil over a medium heat. When it’s hot, carefully add the chicken pieces. Cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally until all sides are starting to colour

Reduce the heat and add the garlic and oregano. Stir for 3-5 minutes until the garlic is softened

Add the orzo, stock, lemon zest and plenty of pepper, give everything a good stir and put the lid on

Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until both the chicken and orzo are cooked through, stirring occasionally. (If the mixture becomes too dry before the orzo or chicken is cooked, add a splash of water.)

Turn the heat to the lowest setting, add the cream, spinach and lemon juice - continue to stir very well for 1-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the cream is heated through. Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan.

Happy New Year from Salamander!

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Winter offers and sale specials whilst stock lasts include Kitchen Aid: One only Kitchen Aid 175 Artisan mixer in Juniper with extra bowl, bowl cover and flex edge beater in additions to the standard items rrp £599 Offer Prize £449 plus free KitchenAid Cookbook. Plus one only KitchenAid cordless stick blender with 50% off plus 30% off selected KitchenAid Tools and Gadgets.

Pans and Pan sets: Up to 40% off 3-piece pan sets from top brands including Scanpan, Circulon and Stellar and up to 30% off selected frying pans, saute pans and more.

Le Creuset: We have some great offers including 33% off any 2 mills, 25% off traditional and Kone kettles 20% selected iconic enamelled cast iron and 3 ply stainless steel and a special prize on a flexible 30cm Cast Iron Shallow casserole with a lid that doubles as a grill pan. Coffee Machines and grinders: Offers on Pod Machines from Nespresso, barista style machines from Sage and Burr

Grinders from Baratazza and Wilfa Fondue Sets: We have 40% off superb Swiss cast iron fondue sets - great for chocolate, cheese, vegetable or meat broth fondues. Thus is a wonderful time to explore different home-made soups which are all easy to make, healthy and excellent value too. Salamander has everything you need, including large simple jugs and economical stick blenders, power blenders which have many other uses too and the Hamilton Beach all in one soup maker which is currently 30% off rrp. This combines a heater and blender.

Salamander ended 2025 with some superb events including their Pre Xmas Food walks and in-store events. The fully subscribed evening events in early December visited Fluffetts, East Street Deli, Majestic Wine, and Thirsty Bird.

The first event also enjoyed a taste of Flaming Peaches special burger with camembert and chorizo and their superb rosemary and parmesan fries!

Bryanston Prep Goes Against the Grain with Growth and Opportunity

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Bryanston Prep Goes Against the Grain with Growth and Opportunity

At a time when many independent schools are navigating headwinds, Bryanston Prep is moving confidently against the grain. This term has begun with a welcome rise in pupil numbers, with a strong cohort of new joiners quickly becoming part of a warm, ambitious community. The momentum is reassuring for families and reflects the long-term strength of the Bryanston educational brand, supported by clear leadership and sustained demand.

Demand is particularly strong in the early years, with only limited places remaining in Reception for September entry and a growing Nursery. This success is driven in part by the popularity of the Forest School programme and the much-loved Pony Care toddler groups, which introduce children to outdoor learning, responsibility and confidence from the very start.

Demand is particularly strong in the early years, with only limited places remaining in Reception for September entry and a growing Nursery. This success is driven in part by the popularity of the Forest School programme and the much-loved Pony Care toddler groups, introduce children to responsibility confidence from the very start.

Town Rotarians honoured

Bryanston Prep’s appeal lies in the breadth and ambition of its offer. Pupils are encouraged to think creatively and independently, with entrepreneurship sitting alongside academic and cocurricular excellence. Children benefit from first-class specialist sports coaching and personalised sports pathways. Equally in creative arts, they can perform on professional stages, and thrive in outstanding art, design and technology facilities supported by specialist staff.

Two members of Wimborne Rotary have recently been honoured in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the work of Rotary.

exemplifying the ideal of ‘Service above Self.’

With new Head Dominic Floyd in post, literacy and reading have a renewed focus, while equestrian provision continues to flourish. From September, boarding will relocate to the senior school campus, offering prep boarders a vibrant community, exceptional facilities and expert support.

President Brian Dryden handed the awards to David Sumner and Chris Mogg at a recent ceremony.

The Paul Harris Fellow Award is one of the highest honours bestowed by Rotary International and recognises individuals for their outstanding contributions to the organisation and for

Presenting David and Chris with their commemorative certificates and lapel badges, Brian said: “It gives me great pleasure to present these awards to you and to acknowledge the service which you have given through your membership of Wimborne Rotary”.

Pictured is David Sumner, Wimborne Rotary President, centre, with Brian Dryden and Chris Mogg.

D aily transport from Dorchest er, Ri n gwood, Sandbanks and Salisbury

Home & Garden

National Garden Scheme gardens open

MANOR FARM, HAMPRESTON

Wimborne BH21 7LX

Guy & Anne Trehane. 2½m E of Wimborne, 2½m W of Ferndown. From Canford Bottom r’about on A31, take exit B3073 Ham Lane. ½m turn R at Hampreston Xrds. House at bottom of village. Sat 28 Feb (10-1), Sun 1 Mar (14). Light refreshments. Adm £7, children free.

Traditional farmhouse garden designed and cared for by 3 generations of the Trehane family for over a 100 years. Garden is noted for its herbaceous borders and rose beds within box and yew hedges. Mature shrubbery, water and bog garden. Excellent plants as usual for sale at openings inc

hellebores in March. The garden is due to be featured in June edition of the English Garden Magazine.

THE OLD VICARAGE

East Orchard, Shaftesbury SP7 0BA.

Tina Wright, 01747 811744, tina_lon@msn. com. 4½m S of Shaftesbury, 3½m N of Sturminster Newton. Car park open from around 1pm to 1.30pm for opening at 2pm. Fri 13, Sun 15 Mar,. Adm £5, children free.Teas, with places to shelter if wet. Visits also by arrangement.

1.7 acre established garden and wildlife garden, with hundreds of different snowdrops, crocus and many other bulbs and winter flowering shrubs. A stream meanders down to a pond and

there are lovely reflections in the swimming pond, the first to be built in Dorset. The wildlife garden has been planted with several unusual trees. Plus a 1.3 acre field under development but almost completed. Special features inc grotto, old Victorian man pushing his lawn mower (which his owner purchased brand new in 1866). Pond dipping, swing and other children’s attractions. Cakes inc gluten free, and vegans are also catered for. Not suitable for wheelchairs if very wet.

ATHELHAMPTON

HOUSE GARDENS

Athelhampton, Dorchester DT2 7LG (pictured) Giles Keating, 01305 848363, hello@athelhampton. house, www.athelhampton.co.uk. For NGS: Fri 20 Mar, Adm £12.50, children free. Light refreshments in the Coach House at Athelhampton. Coffee, lunches & afternoon tea. Entry ticket is for the garden only, at a lower price than normal. Tickets for the house sold separately. For other opening times and information, phone, email or visit garden website.

Community talk at garden club

More than 40 members of Wimborne Gardening Club heard a very informative illustrated talk by Jane Bensen, founder of the Wimborne Community Garden who shared her inspirational stories and her experiences cultivating a thriving initiative. Members were reminded about the Spring Show on April 11, in the Allendale Community Centre. Schedules

are in various venues around the town.

Members also heard about the coach outing to the RHS Garden at Wisley on May 19. More details at the meeting on Monday, March 2, at 7.30pm in St Catherines Church Hall, when Mitch Perkins will share some fascinating knowledge and give advice on how to transform our gardens into a hedgehog haven! All welcome. Anthony Oliver

for charity - March

The award-winning gardens at Athelhampton surround the Tudor manor house and date from 1891. The Great Court with 12 giant yew topiary pyramids is overlooked by two terraced pavilions.

This glorious Grade I architectural garden is full of vistas with spectacular planting, ponds with fountains and the River Piddle flowing past. Wheelchair map to guide you around the gardens. There are accessible toilets in the Visitor Centre. Please see our Accessibility Guide on our website.

MYRTLE COTTAGE

Woolland, Blandford Forum DT11 0ES.

Brian & Lynn Baker, 01258 817432, brian.baker15@btinternet. com. 7m W of Blandford Forum. Sun 22 Mar (10-5), Adm £5, children free. Tea, coffee & cake. Visits also by arrangement Mar to Sept.

A small to medium size

segmented cottage garden, sympathetic to wildlife with a wildflower meadow and pond, part flower, part fruit and vegetable, a mix for everyone. Interesting hostas in pots and numerous chilli plant varieties grown from seed in the greenhouse. Snake’s head fritillaries in March. Garden by Simon Goldsack, owner.

• All aspects of treework

• Stumps

• Firewood

• Hedges

• Fully insured 07590 189315

• Easy to operate

• 15 Colours

• Fully adjustable

• Safe for children and pets

• Maintenance free

• A-rated toughened units

• Argon gas filled

• Available in both windows and doors

MARC WADEY Pvcu Services has been established locally for over 25 years in the supply and installation of Pvcu and Aluminium windows, doors (including composite and Bi-fold).

• Locally manufactured products

• Written quotations

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

Proud members of Where reputation matters Fully adjustable blinds located inside the double glazed unit.

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

01202 574244 or 0775 9508304 and ask for Wendy marcanwend@icloud.com

Farming & Environment

Lungworm: How to create immunity

Part II

Cattle can develop natural immunity to lungworm, it will start to develop within 10 days post infection. However, having developed this immunity, cattle need to continually ‘top-up’ their immunity. If they fail to do this, lungworm larvae immunity can be lost in as little as six months and clinical signs seen again. In times of drought, this lack of top-up exposure is particularly common as the larvae burrow below ground or dessicate.

In 2025 we saw freshly calved autumn calvers develop lungworm, having been turned out onto clean grazing during drought conditions. Continuous but controlled exposure is therefore necessary for immunity to be sustained.

Vaccination a suitable solution?

Vaccination before turnout is an effective

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

protecting a herd against lungworm.

Continual exposure once vaccinated is essential to maximise the immunity generated from Huskvac and develop immunity to the adult stages. Careful grazing management is required when you invest in Huskvac.

The vaccine, Bovilis Huskvac (MSD Animal Health) contains live irradiated lungworm larvae that stimulates type 1 immunity.

To ensure longer-term protection, cattle need to be turned out on to low level infective pasture which allows a natural boost to their immunity. If you are a new or current user of Huskvac, please do contact your vet to discuss your grazing management and ensure that we maximise immune development post-vaccination.

The vaccine is now available until August.

2026 is off to a flying start for Symonds & Sampson’s Agricultural Auctions department., with online listings proving to be invaluable for both marketing lots to a national and even international audience.

We have recently conducted entire dispersal sales online rather than on-site, with impressive results. Auctioneer George Russo reports that, in an Online Sale, an unreserved piece of machinery or vehicle is more appealing to prospective purchasers as it is portrayed to be more genuine, being sold directly from the farm.

“Comprehensive listings include photos and videos, providing a reassuringly full description of the lots, providing ‘buyer confidence’ which has been reflected both in terms of numerical value, and also in terms of bidders being located from a far wider field than would be expected to attend a sale in person.

“Although Online Timed Auctions have their place and can still achieve good prices for our Vendors, we still firmly believe that a hybrid onsite auction with online bidding offers the full package and will our first option when a Vendor comes to us with a dispersal sale.”

Symonds & Sampson looks forward to several significant on-site dispersal sales at farms in Hampshire, Devon, Somerset, and Dorset this Spring, as well as the South Dorset Collective Sale on 19th March and a new Axminster Collective Sale in May. Further collective sales are in the pipeline, planned for the New Forest in the Summer.

The Agricultural Auctions team, Greg Ridout, Paul Heard, James Morrish, Harriet Andrews and George hold regular onsite livestock auctions, fodder sales, and sales of standing crops. If you have any machinery, equipment or items to sell, irrespective of size or location, they would be pleased to assist. Please contact George on 07494 588013.

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

Not only are we lucky enough to be successful sometime in applying for grants to boost funds for projects here, but two of our Volunteers have also raised money for us.

Co-farmers and their support workers and our Volunteers.

Jess grew her hair and split the proceeds between the Princess Trust and High Mead Farm - she raised £300 for us.

Mark, another Volunteer, swam 10km and raised more than £1,000 for us also - these monies will go directly towards animal enrichment and new pens or repairs.

This year we are going to be doing some slightly different columns.

We are inviting co-farmers, volunteers and other staff members to occasionally take on writing an article from their perspective, so hopefully you will be able to get a better understanding of how the people who attend the farm are able to benefit from attending here or what it means to be a Volunteer here... so watch this space!

The Co-farmers are enjoying their new space in the wood bay - larger items can be worked on in the dry and we can obviously accommodate larger numbers, making it a very sociable space to work and engage with fellow

The guinea pigs are still indoors in the shade tunnel and have had some enrichment in their pens this week - they have been given a guinea pig village. This means cardboard boxes have been turned into swimming pools (minus water), a gym, a pet store Guinea Pigs R Us, a pub and even a pilates studio - I’ve been told that some of them have been found in the pub before 10am!

The Mayor of Ferndown’s next fundraising event is another comedy night at the Barrington Centre, tonight, Friday, February 20 at 7.30pm for 8pm start. For those of you who have been before, you know it is a great evening hearing live comedy from comedians travelling the country. And for those of you who have not been before - give it a try but maybe don’t sit in the front row!

Finally, the Animal Team have been trying to provide more enrichment for the goats - all this rain has left their areas very damp and so some decommissioned fire hoses were sourced and the wood bay have made frames and raised beds from the hoses; the goats are loving them!

New music trail hitting the right note

Did you know that four multi-million-selling musical artists were all schoolfriends in Wimborne?

Or that a former mayor of Wimborne was once in a punk band?

Or that Wimborne was home to a classical composer who studied with Vaughan Williams?

And that more than one folk singer has celebrated Wimborne in song?

You can find the answers to all these questions, and more, on a new walking trail around the town...

SIGNS OF THE TIMES DAY CONFERENCE

February 21, Harmans Cross Village Hall, Swanage, BH19 3EB. 10.30-16.30. www.benotsilent.uk

The Wimborne Music Trail was launched in January in a packed Square Records with town mayor Cllr Jeff Hart and town crier Chris Brown in attendance and Dorset Phil performing.

The walking tour will take you on a fascinating journey to discover Wimborne’s musical heritage - the musicians, venues and events that make Wimborne such a musically-exciting place. And more good news is that

the locations include several local hostelries to refresh you on your way round! Created by Adrian Newton from Wimborne Contemporary Arts, pictured, it’s Planet Wimborne’s first contribution to a series of 12 trails (one every month) being produced by a variety of local organisations as a contribution to Wimborne 2026 Town of Culture.

As well as lots of fascinating facts about people and places, the trail includes links to further information about the featured artists and music, plus tips for enjoying music sustainably.

To download a pdf file of the Wimborne Music Trail go to evergreenmusic.uk/ wimborne-music-trail.

SAIPAN (15)

Retirement Living

Living Well, Living Independently

Retirement today looks very different than it did a

generation ago. For many older adults, this stage of life is not about slowing down — it’s about redefining freedom, purpose, and community. Independent living is no longer simply a housing option; it is a lifestyle choice centered on autonomy, connection, and wellbeing.

Across the country, communities are rethinking what retirement can mean. Instead of isolation, older adults are choosing environments that encourage social engagement, lifelong learning, and active living. From walking clubs and book discussions to fitness classes and volunteer opportunities, retirement communities are fostering vibrant spaces where independence and support coexist.

The desire to remain independent is powerful. Studies consistently show that maintaining control over daily routines, finances, and social activities contributes significantly to overall health and happiness. Independent living communities are designed with this in mind — offering private residences combined with amenities that reduce the burdens of home maintenance, yard work, and repairs. Residents trade chores for choice.

Just as important is the sense of belonging. Loneliness can be one of the greatest challenges in later life, but thoughtfully designed communities provide built-in opportunities for connection. Shared meals, hobby groups, and neighborhood gatherings make it easier to form friendships and maintain an active social calendar.

Health and safety also remain priorities. While independent living does not provide the same level of care as assisted living, many communities offer wellness programs, transportation services, and emergency response systems that provide peace of mind without sacrificing autonomy.

Retirement is not an ending — it is a transition. It can be a time to pursue postponed passions, deepen relationships, and explore new interests. Independent living offers a framework that supports that exploration while honoring each individual’s desire for self-direction.

As families consider options for themselves or loved ones, the conversation should center not only on care needs, but on quality of life. Independence, dignity, and community are not luxuries; they are essential ingredients for aging well.

Retirement, at its best, is not about stepping back from life — it is about stepping fully into a new chapter, with confidence and choice.

vibrant community with:

- Spacious one & two bedroom apartments & elegant bungalows

- Beautifully preserved Grade II listed building

- Prime location in central Bournemouth - close to all amenities

- 24-hour on-site staff for peace of mind

- Delightful communal areas including a dining room

- Domestic weekly assistance

- A full calendar of social events

- FREE gated car parking

- Stunning private gardens

“I once felt quite lonely and isolated - the days seemed long and quiet. Since moving to Brompton Court, my life has been transformed.

I’ve met so many wonderful new friends and now feel a true sense of belonging within a warm and supportive community.”

Retirement Living

Shop for Spring at Purbeck Mobility

If you are thinking of

a new transportable scooter this year, we have demonstration models at our Wareham shop of the exciting Rascal Mobility lightweight aluminium range. The Rascal Mobility brand has been established for over 40 years and now, these modern and comfortable scooters, come with high quality UK made Lithium Phosphate batteries offering a unique lifetime warranty for the original purchaser.

Transportable scooters come in a range of styles from basic models, without suspension, to larger chassis styles with a potential range up to 20 miles (subject to user weight and battery size). We can also supply lightweight folding scooters from manufacturers such as Komfi-Rider, Monarch Mobility and Scooterpac.

As spring is rapidly approaching, why not call us to have your scooter or powerchair booked in for a fixed price service to make sure it is safe and ready to use. We can service and obtain parts for most leading brands and normally offer a same day turnaround.

We are open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm or call us on 01929 552623.

LOCAL PICK UPS

Arrow words

Crossword

Wordsearch

Across

Killer Sudoku Pro

Across

Down

1 Guy on stage produces dummy model (4-2)

4 Lavish drink sealed by another (4-2)

9 Dark sauce among delicious oysters (3)

10 Advertising stunt I term endlessly effective (9)

11 Speak unclearly and quietly and drink loudly? (5)

12 Part of passage in old plot of land (7)

14 Pub by meadow with a terrace offering cold drink (6,5)

17 Unusual poem and song recalled in large shops (7)

18 Kind boyband singer falling short (5)

20 Former partner not working with old firm over and by virtue of position (2,7)

22 Passionate entertainer missing soprano (3)

23 Diplomat probes Conservative reasoning (6)

20 Former partner not working with old firm over and by virtue of position (2,7)

22 Passionate entertainer missing soprano (3)

24 Subordinate son also say given backing (6)

23 Diplomat probes Conservative reasoning (6)

24 Subordinate son also say given backing (6)

Killer Sudoku Pro:

1 Treat improperly poetic character around island (6)

2 Wary young dog that’s tailless and aquatic rodent (5)

3 A French tree planted around university having minimal appeal (9)

5 See temperature in French department (3)

3 A French tree planted around university having minimal appeal (9)

5 See temperature in French department

6 Set of cards decline in bundle (7)

7 Sanctimonious group in trial version of programme (5)

6 Set of cards decline in bundle (7)

7 Sanctimonious group in trial version of programme (5)

8 Shot in snooker before game – source of illumination? (6,5)

13 Carry leather around river before motorcycling maybe (9)

8 Shot in snooker before game – source of illumination? (6,5)

15 Endorse apparently test (7)

16 Notice article and boil with anger (6)

13 Carry leather around river before motorcycling maybe (9)

15 Endorse apparently test (7)

17 Put in office English lecturer (5)

16 Notice article and boil with anger (6)

17 Put in office English lecturer (5)

19 Affectedly upper-class person twice over giving cry of excitement (5)

21 Bridge players removing old coat (3)

19 Affectedly upper-class person twice over giving cry of excitement (5)

21 Bridge players removing old coat (3)

Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3×3 box.

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

•

• Electric fire installation

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

Call now for a free survey

• Metal twin wall chimney installations

• False fireplaces & media walls

• Chimney take down rebuilds

• Hetas inspection repair to current regs

• Log burner flexi liner installations

• Fireplace alterations drone surveys

• Cherry picker & scaffold if required

• Thatch property wood burners

• Plastering rendering exterior decorating

CNC TUBE BENDER

As part of a growth strategy, Technical Tubes Ltd are currently looking for an experienced CNC Tube Bender to join our team with the ability to be able to set and operate a range of CNC Tube Benders as well as carry out inspection of bent tubes using a CMM. In addition you must also be familiar with associated operations such as Tube End forming and cutting post bending. This is an opportunity for the right person to develop their career and grow with the business.

This is a full time position with working hours of 0700 - 1715 Monday to Thursday, with the benefit of a four day week. Occasional overtime is available as required and is paid at time plus 50%. Competitive salary dependant upon experience. If you are interested in this role, we would be delighted to discuss your application.

andy@technicaltubes.com | www.technicaltubes.com

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE: LICENSING ACT 2003

Notice is given that Jo Riggs, JLCreations, Unit 28, Broadstone Business Centre, 19b Moor Rd, BH18 8AX, has applied for a premises licence for off sales of alcohol Mon-Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Representations may be made in writing to the licensing team, BCP council, Town Hall Annexe, St Stephen’s Rd, Bournemouth, BH2 6LL, or email licensing@bcpcouncil.gov.uk within 28 days of this notice no later than 13/3/26. It is an offence under section 158 of the licensing act 2003 knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and is subject to an unlimited fine on summary conviction for the offence

Motoring

Would you Adam & EV it?

When local businesses Communities SUCCEED THRIVE

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

50,000 READERS PER ISSUE*

*Based on a conservative prediction of 2.5 readers per copy 01963 400186

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

EV drivers on trips away from home and base received a big end-of-year boost as off-peak ultra-rapid charging costs in December plunged on average 10% or 5p per kWh. Now typically at 45p/kWh, they are on par with or cheaper than all other charging speeds when it comes to the average cost for charging at off-peak times. This is against a background of falling pump prices that have seen the average petrol price drop 4p a litre (137.5p in early December to 133.5p last week) or 3%.

Wholesale petrol costs have fallen 7p a litre, worth 8.4p at the pump with VAT, but only half of that potential saving has so far been passed on to drivers. The final month of 2025, ultrarapid off-peak rates fell by 5p/ kWh with peak rates falling by 1p/kWh, according to The AA’s EV Recharge report for December 2025. It meant that those willing to charge their car at ‘unsocial’ hours, could add 80% battery for less than £20.

Elsewhere, off-peak rapid costs rose by 3p, pushing the average cost to 58p/kWh, whereas rapid peak rates, alongside fast, rapid and ultra-rapid flat rate costs increased by a penny. The average cost to add 80% battery at the fastest speed moved to £31.60.

Meanwhile, the road fuel trade’s failure to pass on more fully lower petrol and diesel wholesale costs has handed EV owners a significant pence-permile saving over their fossil fuel counterparts. For those charging up at home, the cost per mile is half that of petrol.

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

£7950

2019 (19) Mitsubishi ASX 1.6 Juro 5dr. Medium sized SUV, high seating & ground clearance, big boot, reverse camera, heated seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, Bluetooth, hill holder, 82,500 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

2019 (19) Peugeot 2008 1.2 Signature 5dr. Small SUV, big boot, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, Bluetooth, hill holder, cambelt kit has been replaced, 32,900 miles Due in soon £7650

£12450

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

2019 (19) Citroen Grand C4 Space Tourer 2.0HDi Flair Automatic 7 Seat MPV 5dr. 7 seats, flat fold seats, high seating, big boot, sat nav, park sensors, reverse camera, sunroof, electric tailgate, massage seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, hill holder, road sign assist, collision safety systems, 59,500 miles

2018 (18) Fiat Panda 4x4 0.9T Twin Air 5dr. Rugged 4-wheel drive, good ground clearance, Bluetooth, hill holder, city steering switch for extra light steering when needed, great performance & economy, 50,600 miles

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

£8950

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

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

£4950

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

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

£12650

2018 (18) Kia Ceed 1.6CRDi GT-Line 5dr. Sat Nav, reverse camera, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, hill holder, road sign assist, Bluetooth, 60+mpg, 46,500 miles

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

£9650

2019 (68) Kia Venga 4, 1.6 Automatic 5dr. High seating, sat nav, reverse camera, parking sensors, heated seats, heated steering wheel, sliding rear seats, adjustable boot floor, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, Bluetooth, sunroof, hill holder, 22,950 miles

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

£12250

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

2015 (15) Peugeot Partner Tepee 1.6HDi S 5 Seat MPV 5dr. High seats, big boot, tip tumble & removable rear seats, hill holder, AC, looks & drives like half its miles, very well cared for with full history including cambelt change, MOT October 2026, bargain clearance car, 157,500 miles £3250

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

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

2024 (74) Suzuki Swift 1.2 Ultra MHEV Automatic 5dr. Sat nav, parking sensors, reverse camera, cruise control, heated seats, main beam road sign & blind spot assist, auto lights, Bluetooth, hill holder, 10,500 miles £16950

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 WE BUY CARS & VANS SO IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL GIVE US A CALL, WE PAY GOOD PRICES & CONSIDER MOST VEHICLES

2023 (23) Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSi Black Edition 5dr. SHigh seats, park sensors, auto lights & wipers, collision safety systems, Bluetooth, hill holder, sliding rear seats, adjustable boot floor, 21,800 miles £15950

Exploring Stour & Avon...

with retired Dorset rights of way officer CHRIS SLADE

This walk is mainly on Tarmac as there are few footpaths that enable you to stay within the parish and I did my reconnaissance on a wet day. The clay soil does get rather soggy! Start at St Nicholas Church at the west end of the village.

It has more stones and flints than you’ll see elsewhere along the route as the clay soil supplied local bricks. From behind the church there’s a good view of the local manor: Edmondsham House and gardens (pictured), which are open occasionally.

Rejoin the road and turn left, heading east, crossing a stream that wends its way to join other tributaries of the Crane.

Having passed through the village, at

the top of the hill is the village pump. I wonder why the water supply was at the top of the hill rather than the bottom?

Maybe gravity hadn’t been invented then...

Close by is a phone box crammed with

books and copies of the New Stour & Avon magazine.

Continue along the road, which is full of ups and downs, for about a mile until, at Pinnocks Moor, you reach a junction with the Verwood to Alderholt road, which is much busier, so look out for traffic.

Turn left and in just over a furlong you’ll be at the Heavy Horse Centre. It’s sometimes open to the public. Go around the bend and look out for bats as soon you’ll be at the tiny Gotham City, now just a few farms and dwellings.

There’s a path that goes through Gotham Farm but there’s a council sign on it saying there’s no bridge on it so it’s not worth risking without wellies, so turn round and head back to your car to complete your walk of over four miles.

Cryptic crossword