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Cover: Beech avenue, Wimborne
n Museum mystery p4
n King of Cursus p21 n Housing Hewie p24
Refurb to create high-capacity medical hub
The Cranborne Practice has announced a significant investment in local healthcare infrastructure with the total refurbishment of its bungalow site at 131 Newtown Road. It will transform the existing space into a modern, highcapacity medical hub designed to meet the growing needs of the Verwood community.
The project represents a major milestone for the practice, which currently facilitates an average of 10,500 appointments per month. The expansion is a direct response to the community’s desire for more accessible, local care.
The new facility will provide capacity for at least 28,000 additional face-to-face
appointments each year, significantly reducing wait times; the refurb will convert the site into a fully-equipped clinical environment. Works should be completed by mid-summer during which the practice remains committed to maintaining its usual high standard of care across its existing sites.
Walk, jog or run the Jurassic Coast
Walkers, runners and explorers are invited to join the Diverse Abilities charity, to take on the Jurassic Coast Challenge on May 16 and 17. The challenge features a number of distance and the charity is inviting participants to choose their own challenge out of a choice of nine to do at their own pace with distances from 10km to 100km.
Francesca Potton of Diverse Abilities, said: “We’re really excited to be part of this challenge. “It’s great because you can pick the distance that suits you, whether you are taking on the challenge by yourself or as
Return of town’s Good Friday walk
The Good Friday Walk of Witness will be returning to the streets of Wimborne Minster this year.
The walk brings together all of the churches in the town and surrounding area, and Christians attached to no particular church.
The walk will begin at St John’s church, Leigh Road, at 10.30am and proceed towards the town centre, picking up the congregations of the Baptist church, St Catherine’s, the Methodist church and the Minster on route. Participants can join at any point.
The walk will end on Willow Green at 11.00 where there will be a service concluding at 11.30.
And the annual Service of Lights takes place on Tuesday, March 31, at 7.30pm at St Catherine’s Church, Wimborne.
This is an unusual service in that the congregation sit in the church in silence for an hour with no lighting as dusk falls. The service is open to all. John Rynne
Minster concert hailed ‘unusual’ and successful
The Armonico Consort Concert held in Wimborne Minster has been judged a great success.
More than 200 people enjoyed the event which was certainly very different than the normal concert held in the Minster with singers moving around the building as the evening progressed.
Christopher Monks is the artistic director of Armonico Consort which he founded along with a group of university colleagues in 2001 and who all shared a passion for music from the Renaissance to Baroque, coupled with the imagination to find new and unusual ways to present concerts.
Christopher said he was very pleased that the Minster Choir were able to be part of the whole experience and that the concert was a huge success.
Anthony Oliver
Strange afterlife of Tudor rebel
History, mystery, a dead body and a broken nose come together in a new, quirky exhibit at Wimborne’s Museum of East Dorset. The museum invites visitors to step closer to one of Wimborne’s most extraordinary and often overlooked historical figures with the launch of a new Cabinet of Curiosity, dedicated to Gertrude Courtenay, Marchioness of Exeter.
Best known for her fierce and faithful loyalty to Queen Katherine of Aragon and Princess Mary during the turbulent years of Henry VIII’s reign, the Marchioness was branded a traitor for her defiance.
Her refusal to abandon her faith or her queen led to her imprisonment in the Tower of London, where she spent 18 months under threat of execution.
Though eventually released, she lived the rest of her life in enforced obscurity until Mary I came to the throne.
She died in 1558, just months before Elizabeth I’s accession and was laid to rest in Wimborne Minster church where her tomb still stands opposite the Beaufort Tomb. The museum’s new display brings this dramatic story into sharp focus, pairing historical context with one of the most curious local accounts ever recorded. In 1914, Sir Ernest Kaye Fleming documented the
spoken testimony of William Symonds, a retired Wimborne draper who recalled events from his childhood.
According to Symonds, workmen once opened the Marchioness’s tomb - there appeared to be no reason save curiosity - and found her body in a remarkable state of preservation.
In a macabre prank, the body was propped upright to startle workers the next morning, only to collapse overnight, breaking the nose.
Locals flocked to see the remains, even cutting off locks of hair from the corpse. Many later repented and returned them to the tomb.
This strange, unsettling episode, part folklore, part eyewitness memory, now forms the heart of the display. You can see the Cabinet of Curiosity until mid-April. Normal museum entry applies and your entry ticket is valid for 12 months.
Pictured is museum trustee Vanessa Joseph and the Cabinet of Curiosity.
Charities weekend raises record £91,000
Bryanston School’s Upper Sixth Charities Weekend raised a record £91,000 this year for charities in the UK and overseas.
The weekend was organised by the A2 charity team and prefects, with events running across several days and involving pupils from across the school.
The programme included a dance show on Friday and Saturday evening, featuring pupils from Years 7-13. Across the weekend there was a full schedule of activities. A fun girls versus boys’ hockey match drew a large crowd, the dog show was lively and slightly chaotic, while a fashion show displayed the
Bookstall boost for war charity
Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions Club will be holding their monthly bookstall in Ringwood Town Centre on Meeting House Lane on Saturday, April 4. All the monies collected will be donated to New Forest For Ukraine.
The Lions Club will also be accepting donations of food, clothing, blankets, duvets, pillows, sleeping bags and toiletries.
Members of the club will be travelling to the New Forest For Ukraine Warehouse in Lymington to help package boxes of aid destined for and would welcome donations.
Pictured above is the club helping to package boxes at the warehouse last year.
Club president Alastair Ward said: “We’re humbled at the amazing work of NFFU in maintaining a steady stream of humanitarian aid to those struggling in and around Ukraine.”
Anyone wishing to know more about either organisation or how they can help or volunteer can find out more at their respective websites: newforestforukraine. org and randflions.org.uk
usual Bryanston creativity and imagination. There was also a pupil art exhibition, including a dome installation, along with live music and tea to round off the afternoon.
The largest portion of the fundraising came through JustGiving donations and the silent auction, which together raised £86,000.
The charities supported this year were MS Trust, Little Princess Trust, Child Action Lanka, Ayati, UNHCR, Milgis Trust and Child of Hope.
Jolly good show as pub serves up smiles
In Jolly Good Company is a dementia-friendly charity which provides uplifting ‘Jolly Days’ across Dorset, offering friendship, fun activities, entertainment and refreshments for hundreds of older people in the community. One of the charity’s popular gatherings takes place at Kingston Lacy allotments, where guests enjoy gardening, growing vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers, harvesting produce to take home, and most importantly sharing joy and laughter, tea and cake and companionship in a beautiful outdoor setting. The sense of community has
continued through the winter thanks to the kindness and support of Kat and Scott at the Green Man, a traditional familyrun pub in the heart of Wimborne.
Throughout the colder months, Jolly guests have been meeting twice a month for a welcoming ‘Jolly Brekkie Club.’
Kat and Scott have been offering Jolly guests a freshly-cooked, hearty breakfast with tea or coffee for the special price of £7.99 per person, pictured.
The Jolly Brekkie Club has proved to be a great success, with guests enjoying delicious food, friendly company and the comfort
of a cosy, quiet area in the pub. Kat, Scott and Carol ensured everyone felt right at home, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that perfectly reflects the spirit of In Jolly Good Company.
Sarah Rampton the founder of the charity said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Kat and Scott at the Green Man for their continued generosity and community spirit.”
In Jolly Good Company welcomes support from all businesses and community partners who share its mission of reducing loneliness and bringing joy and support to older people in the community.
For further information about Jolly Days with In Jolly Good Company, contact Sarah@ injollygoodcompany.com or call 07884 333117.
Talk by marine photographer
The next meeting of Canford & Merley WI will take place on Wednesday, April 8, gathering at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start at Merley Community Centre, Harrier Drive, Wimborne.
We are delighted to welcome Steve Belasco, a brilliant offshore photographer whose stunning work captures the dramatic coastline and waters of the Jurassic Coast within the Dorset and East Devon
World Heritage Site. Steve will be sharing his remarkable images and experiences photographing this unique and beautiful stretch of coastline.
Visitors are always very welcome, and we would love you to join us for what promises to be a fascinating evening.
For further details, please contact me on 07780 705702.
Hazel Clarke President
Memorable visit by TV star
The Verwood & District Horticultural Society enjoyed a full house and a memorable afternoon when award-winning gardener and TV presenter Sue Kent took to the stage with her warmth, honesty and infectious enthusiasm.
And the society holds its Spring
Show on Saturday, March 21. Further details are available on the website.
To join the society please contact me on 07508 577114 or visit verwood horticulturalsociety.co.uk.
Oliver Greensmith Verwood
Busy time ahead for Minster
As we approach Easter there is a busy time ahead for Wimborne Minster.
Starting off with Palm Sunday on March 29, there will be the Procession from the Allendale Centre at 9.20am to the Minster for the 9.30am Parish Eucharist. Then, ahead of the 11.15am Minster Praise Service there will be Donkeys on the Minster Green.
During the week from Monday to Wednesday, March 30 to April 1 at 8.00pm Compline will be sung by Candlelight.
On Maundy Thursday, April 2 at 7.30pm, Holy Communion with the stripping of the Altars Service will take place when we are joined by the Venerable Paul Taylor, former Archdeacon of Sherborne. On Good Friday, April 3, from noon-2.00pm The
Way Of The Cross and from 2.00pm - 3.00pm Solemn Liturgy. This will be followed at 3.15pm with the Bun Walk from the Minster to St Stephen’s Church, Pamphill. On Easter Saturday, April 4, at 10.00am the Friends of the Minster will be holding a coffee morning in Church House.
On Easter Sunday, April 5, will be the 6.00am Dawn Service and the lighting of the Easter bonfire followed by breakfast in Church House. Other services are the 8.00am Holy Communion, 9.30am Parish Eucharist, 11.15am Minster Praise with an Easter Egg Hunt and the day will conclude with Festal Evensong at 6.30pm. All are warmly welcome. Anthony Oliver Minster press officer
Your email comments are very welcome, however we cannot publish them anonymously and we reserve the right to edit them as deemed necessary
Care South named top care home group for sixth consecutive year
The team at residential and care at home provider, Care South, are celebrating after being rated as a top care home provider for the sixth consecutive year.
Care South, a not-for-profit provider of residential care homes and care at home, has been named one of the UK’s Top 20 Care Home Groups in the MidSize Large Group category at the Care Home Awards 2026.
It is the sixth year in a row that the award has been presented to Care South, to champion the high-quality care provided across its 14 care homes in Dorset, North Devon and Somerset. Care South also offers care at home services in Dorset and Somerset. Recognition is based on reviews from residents, relatives and loved ones on carehome.co.uk, where Care South achieves an average group rating of 9.8/10, with many of the individual homes rating even higher. All of Care South’s care homes are also rated ‘Good’ by CQC, the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
Reviews for Care South’s homes on carehome.co.uk include: ‘My father is very happy at the home. The care is amazing. The staff are attentive, friendly, and respectful. It is a truly happy community and environment. His room is comfortable and warm, with a lovely large window overlooking the garden, which lets in lots of natural light. This makes a big difference to his happiness, as his personal space is cosy, homely and a joy to spend time in, as are the communal rooms, dining room and conservatory. The food is also of a high quality and is plentiful.”
Another review for Care South reads: “I am so very impressed with the staff who are kind, caring, friendly and always genuine. They work very hard while managing to make everyone feel special. They are also kind and caring towards visitors. The kindness I have received has been exemplary. The home is absolutely spotless and everything is very tidy. I can’t speak highly enough of the home.”
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Simon Bird, CEO of Care South, said: “We are thrilled to be named as a Top 20 Care Home Group for the sixth consecutive year. This is a very proud collective achievement for all our care home teams who go above and beyond to ensure our homes are warm, welcoming places where residents feel cared for, respected and supported as individuals. We work closely with residents, their families and friends to listen and act on any feedback to ensure that we are always doing what is best for their loved ones. That’s why this accolade and recognition is so special –it’s from them. Food, Fun and Friendship, as well as outstanding care, let residents continue to live life to the full in our happy homes.”
For more information about the care services available, go to care-south.co.uk or call Care South on 01202 712410.
Photos: Care South’s Home Managers & Deputy Home Managers celebrate winning the Top 20 award
County’s finest chefs in fundraiser Top awards for Poole care home
Food lovers are in for an unforgettable evening this spring as Dorset’s most talented young chefs take to the stage for a spectacular live cookery demonstration in aid of Project Welcome, St Mary’s Church, Sturminster Marshall.
Taking place on Saturday, April 11, at 7.00pm, (bar open from 6.15pm), the event will be hosted at Moonacre, near Roundhouse Roundabout, Sturminster Marshall.
Dr George Williams, right, semi-finalist in MasterChef UK 2024, will present a cookery demo joined by an outstanding line-up of culinary talent: Christian Ørner of SALT Cø is a renowned private chef and celebrated chocolatier based in Poole
Gareth Rixon, head chef at John Lewis, Brownsea Island, is a barbecue and smoked-food specialist
Charlotte Roy is an awardwinning chef and BBC national radio food expert. After reaching the MasterChef UK quarterfinals as the only plant-based amateur contestant,
she trained professionally in Copenhagen and now works at Plates London, the UK’s only Michelin-starred plantbased restaurant, and Scully St James’s.
George said: “I’m thrilled to present a culinary event with such talented local chefs.
“It promises to be an inspiring and entertaining evening showcasing professional techniques, creative ideas and delicious seasonal dishes.
“Guests will enjoy the rare opportunity to watch expert chefs at work up close while gathering inspiration for their
own kitchens in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere.
“Come hungry, bring friends and support a wonderful local cause.”
As well as a live cookery demonstration, guests will also enjoy a delicious supper included in the £30 ticket price, live music throughout the evening, a fully-stocked bar and opportunities for some lucky guests to sample the chefs’ food.
Tickets are £30, including supper, live music and free parking.
Contact: stellawarren@live. co.uk to book your spot.
A care home in Poole has been named one of the Top 20 care homes in the South West for the second consecutive year.
Marjorie House, on Crichel Mount Road in Lilliput, which is run by Care South, was recognised at the Care Home Awards 2026.
Recognition is based on reviews from residents, relatives and loved ones on carehome.co.uk, where Marjorie House is rated as 10 out of 10.
The home is also celebrating being rated ‘Good’ following its first CQC inspection since opening in September 2024. Care South has also been named as one of the UK’s top 20 care home groups in the Mid-Size Large Group category at the awards. It is the sixth year in a row that the company has received the honour, recognising the high-quality care provided in its 14 care homes
Fine pair of royal portraits
Two rare 17th-century portraits of King James I and King James VI are going under the gavel in the Charterhouse auction of pictures on Wednesday, April 1, in Sherborne.
Richard Bromell of Charterhouse said: “Whilst I am certain they were a good likeness, I’m not sure the royal family would be too impressed with being painted in a similar way today!”
Both portraits, estimated at £2,000 - £4,000 each, date to the early 17th century after they both died. Whilst we will never know exactly why they were painted, a possibility could have been for the original owners to show
allegiance for Scotland at a time of political strife.
The portraits come to Charterhouse with strong Somerset provenance, having previously hung on the walls of Edington House near Bridgwater, after which they were enjoyed by many descents ending up just a few hundred yards down the road from this architecturally and historically-important Grade II* listed country house.
Charterhouse are still accepting entries for this auction of pictures, books & country pursuits.
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.
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Political round-up
Water companies’ actions are disgusting
If you saw Dirty Business, I am sure you will share my disgust at the actions of the water companies featured - and at the regulatory failures that allowed those actions to continue.
Decades of under-investment by water companies, particularly since privatisation, combined with weaker oversight from successive governments, have left us with a system failing both the environment and the public. Instead of reinvesting profits into infrastructure, too much money has flowed to shareholders. Whether or not the precise health impacts of walking through or surfing in contaminated water are fully understood, it is unacceptable that untreated or partially-treated sewage continues to be discharged into our rivers and coastal waters.
The Government has recently passed the Water (Special Measures) Act, which strengthens regulators’ powers to block executive bonuses when companies fail environmental standards and introduces tougher
penalties for serious breaches. These steps are welcome, but are long overdue and only begin to address the crisis.
People rightly find it astonishing that water executives still receive huge pay packages as customers face rising bills and sewage spills are treated as normal.
If companies break the law or damage the environment, there must be real consequences - not just for the companies but for the individuals responsible.
For too long water companies have been allowed to report their own pollution incidents. Communities deserve clear, real-time information about what is being discharged into local waterways.
Closer to home, we have seen pollution affecting the River Stour when heavy rainfall overwhelms sewer systems, mixing storm water with waste water from homes and businesses. Too often infrastructure has failed to keep pace with housing growth, placing more pressure on already overstretched systems.
Liberal Democrat
Mid-Dorset & North Poole VIKKI SLADE MP
Residents have experienced sewage backing up into homes and gardens because pipes are damaged or overloaded. Fish deaths in rivers are also linked to agricultural and industrial run-off that has not been properly addressed. Protecting waterways requires stronger enforcement across all sources of pollution. Like many households, I was shocked when my latest water bill arrived. I encourage residents on low incomes - particularly those
with large families or medical conditions requiring additional water use - to check whether they qualify for the Water Sure scheme. Liberal Democrats are also calling for a single social tariff, so vulnerable households are not forced to restrict essential water use.
Tackling sewage pollution was a key Liberal Democrat priority at the last General Election and remains one today. Clean water is not a luxury - it is a basic human right and fundamental to public health and a healthy environment. In Parliament, I was proud to co-sponsor legislation to protect our chalk streams and support work to restore the River Allen. Waterways should be safe to swim, paddle and fish and if water companies continue to put profits before people and the environment, then stronger action will be unavoidable. If the current water system model cannot deliver that, then fundamental reform, including ending private ownership, must be firmly on the table.
Labour writes off £5bn council SEND 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.
I understand that the appetite for change after the last election was somewhat ravenous; the outcomes of the economic and austerity-led policies of the previous coalition and standalone 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 fixedright 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; allows councils to wipe the SEND debt slate clean and start afresh - building from the bottom up.
As with every aspect of the reinvigorating 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 changes 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 right 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 relevant to us in Dorset, another exciting piece of news was announced this month.
Osprey Quay School, a 75-place centre of specialist education or perhaps specialist education centres (I will call them that, as I have never liked the label ‘special schools’), 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 and to create personal space for each pupil.
The age range will be on 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
Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher
Citizen safety is government’s first priority
The absolute first responsibility of Government is to keep the citizens of our country safe from both external and internal threats.
Sufficient investment in our security and defence for this purpose should, therefore, be paramount.
To that end, Kemi Badenoch’s promise to boost defence spending to fund 6,000 more regular soldiers and 14,000 reservists is most welcome.
Putting it in context, a recent study has shown that a single year’s increase in benefits and pensions spending could have paid for the purchase of 15 frigates or 220 fighter planes. Our annual increase in the welfare budget is about £18billion, five times our expenditure on defence.
Reintroducing the child benefit cap to help pay for defence is a no-brainer.
Few could have imagined the extent to which Iran had armed itself to attack other countries and unleash a war of terror
against its opponents, both at home and abroad.
The pre-emptive action of the USA and Israel can now be seen to have been only just in time.
If Iran had been allowed to become a nuclear power it would have been able to hold the free world, and Israel in particular, to ransom.
Indecision and vacillation are not the qualities which we expect to see in our Prime Minister when members of our armed forces in the country’s sovereign base in Cyprus are under attack.
The initial refusal and subsequent delay in deploying HMS Dragon to the Mediterranean has, rightly, been ridiculed.
One commentator even joked that it was the only vessel being prevented from crossing the Channel by the Government!
More seriously, the Prime Minister’s inaction has generated alarm among
Cypriots about the impact of our sovereign bases there upon their safety.
It is humiliating that French and Spanish warships were the first to arrive to defend Cyprus.
n It has been a joy to participate in the celebrations
to mark the 250th anniversary of Adam Smith.
The Canadian Conservative Party leader, Pierre Poilievre, was in London to promote his vision of Canzuk which would bring together Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom in a new alliance to promote the values of freedom.
n It is always a delight to be able to visit and see the work of small local charities.
One, Shades Of Different based in St Leonard’s, is a good example.
The charity runs regular monthly music therapy sessions at Braeside Village Hall and I am most grateful for being hosted at one such session where I could see first hand the tangible benefits for those participating.
If you would like to find out more about Shades Of Different or obtain their CD, ‘Where Difference Is Good’, please contact Erika Petrie at epetrie35@gmail.com.
Conservative Christchurch & East Dorset
CHRIS CHOPE MP
Cooking... with Martha Legg
Speedy pad Thai noodle salad
As readers will know, we like Asian food and are looking forward to taking a trip to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore later this year.
To get us in the mood, and because we figured it would be really healthy, we found this recipe and decided to try it. Until I went to the Chinese supermarket, I didn’t know there were so many different types of rice noodles! In the end, I chose the ones that looked most like the picture I had seen.Luckly for me, the instructions were in English! The sauce looked quite complicated but I got all the jars of seasoning ready before I started putting it together. As we cook Asian food quite often, we did have all the required bits and bobs (there’s nothing worse than starting to cook something and then realising that you don’t have a key ingredient).
It tasted very spicy, even though I left the sriracha out, as I know that it’s very hot.
We’d had a chicken roast on
Sunday, so we had plenty of shredded chicken, I think that I put more in than it said. The pad Thai noodles just had to be soaked in water, and then added to the pan with the vegetables and the sauce. It was all mixed together and then served on a plate, with some peanuts on the side.
Martin wasn’t a fan of the sauce to start with, but mixed in with the pad Thai, etc, it grew on him. The same with the peanuts, we found that it was better if you mixed them in with all the rest of the dish.
Ingredients
60g dry rice noodles
1 heaped tsp peanut butter
1 tsp each tamarind paste, honey, fish sauce, sriracha (I left this out - too hot!!
1 lime, zest and juice
1 tsp water (plus more if needed)
100g cooked shredded chicken
2 spring onions, chopped
Handful cherry tomatoes, halved
1 carrot, julienned or grated
Handful of coriander leaves
1 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped
Method
Soak the rice noodles according to pack instructions, then drain. Whisk together the peanut butter, tamarind paste, honey, fish sauce, sriracha, lime zest and juice, and 1 tsp water until smooth.
It was a tasty dish, with lots of different flavours and textures, we’ll definantly have it again
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, spring onions, tomatoes, carrot, and coriander, then toss through the sauce until everything is well coated. Add the noodles, mixing again and loosening with a splash of water if needed.
Serve topped with the chopped peanuts.
Spring and Easter at Salamander
This spring Salamander have some great new products in store and offers from top brands plus their spring events during Discover Wimborne month. This is a special year for Salamander in Wimborne as it marks 30 years of trading in the town.
We begin the celebration of 30 years of Salamander in Wimborne with an evening event on April 30 exploring cooking trends from 30 years ago with our local chef Colm Mckavanagh. Tickets are available in store or phone or email to reserve yours. Salamander also has everything you need for cooking in your Easter home and some great ideas for gifts including our ever-popular Easter tins that you can fill with your own favourite chocolates or other delicacies. Spring offers This month Salamander has some great new offers on a wide range of KitchenAid products, and Magimix processors and blenders plus Nespresso coffee pod machines plus great offers on
specially-selected pans sets, New in
Brighten your kitchen with some beautiful new designs from Sara Miller and Emma Bridgewater in cake and biscuit tins as well as colourful new textiles from Ulster Weavers. There are also some interesting new ceramics from Portmeirion including the new water garden designs and William Morris Strawberry thief. Salamander have also been exploring alternatives to nonstick fry pans and have some interesting new products, ranging from uncoated stainless steel to pre seasoned pans, pans you season at home and new ceramic and eco ranges, See them all in store.
Visit Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre this Easter!
Looking for a fun and inspiring day out with the family this Easter? Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre offers the perfect mix of adventure, fresh air and fascinating wildlife.
Home to over 260 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes, Monkey World gives visitors the chance to see incredible primates up close while learning about the important work being done to rescue, rehabilitate and protect them. From playful gibbons and lively marmosets, to impressive orang-utans and cheeky chimpanzees, every primate has their own unique story.
Families can explore 65 acres of beautiful woodland, follow winding pathways through the park and kids can enjoy the huge Great Ape Play Area – the largest in outdoor play area in Dorset!
O ver the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, children can also take part in a free Easter Trail around the park, and the first 100 children in the park each day (3rd-6th April) will get a FREE Easter egg!
Monkey World is a memorable day out that combines fun with learning, and best of all, every visit directly supports the rescue and rehabilitation of the primates who call Monkey World home.
Book online for the best prices at www.monkeyworld.org/EasterBMV
Get ready for the Seasonal Opening of Wimborne Model Town!
J
eff Hart (Town Mayor), Chris Brown (Town Crier) and the Militia will attend and formally open the Model Town for the 2026 season.
Special Guest will be Brian Holloway. Brian is a valued volunteer, now acting as a steward. Brian made and installed the iron gates in 1989, and they were officially opened when the Model Town moved from its original site to the new site at King Street.
The gates have been removed, sand blasted and repainted during the winter workshops to bring them back to their original appearance. This is in addition to the usual winter programme, where the model shopfronts are renovated and repainted, maintenance work is carried out and the gardens are cared for by volunteers.
Brian Holloway and his parents, Douglas and Beryl, were a part of the original band of volunteers. Without their hard work, dedication and determination, the Model Town would have been bulldozed in the 1980’s. The model buildings were catalogued, cut into sections and transported to the King Street site on the Hanham Estate, which had to be levelled. Douglas Holloway laid the concrete plinths on which the buildings were reconstructed.
While working as a tenant farmer at Grange Farm on the Gaunts Estate, Brian turned his hand to metalwork, building trailers to order and producing other ironwork. It was from here that he designed and built the entrance gates to the Model Town. He also made the gates to the kitchen garden and crazy golf, and railings that remain in the Railway Room and around the fishpond. He brought the finished work to town by trailer, towed by his tractor. Brian remembers helping dig out the river system, which is still in operation now.
The Gate lettering was designed so that Brian could use sawn cross sections of pipe to form the letters O and D, and this set the scale of the name plates. The upright struts were made from solid rods, and the quality of the workmanship has stood the test of time.
Douglas and Beryl Holloway donated a fountain which marks the entrance
to the Model Town. It was opened by the Mayor, Cllr Pat Hymers.
The Holloways are a local farming family, and Brian’s maternal grandfather, Herbert Stanley Neate, also ran a grocery store in the Cornmarket. The model of the shop can be seen at the Model Town.
A brief timeline of Brian’s life:
• Born December 1943 at Park View Nursing Home, Gaunts Common. His future wife, Chris, was born there 17 days earlier, and Brian’s mother met her mother there.
• Lived at Holt Lodge Farm, where his father had the tenancy. While there, Brian’s father Douglas happened upon a secret platoon of American soldiers, encamped in preparation for D Day.
• The family moved to Grange Farm on the Gaunts Estate in 1947 as tenant farmers. There was no electricity or water supply.
• Brian married Chris in 1966. They lived in a cottage at Grange Farm.
• They took on a joint tenancy with Douglas of Sturts Farm, West Moors, an 80 acre farm. Brian and Chris’ two daughters were born here.
• They returned to Grange Farm in 1983, taking over the tenancy from his father, who lived in a bungalow on the farm. During this time, Brian and Douglas worked on establishing the Model Town, and Brian built the gates.
• They surrendered the tenancy in 1992 when the owner, Sir Richard Glyn, wished to turn it into a golf course. This was never built.
Brian worked for C&O Tractors in Blandford, selling mowers and agricultural machinery, until he retired aged 67 years. Since then, he has lived in Canford Bottom and is now settled in Corfe Mullen.
H op I nto EASTER
Power up your Easter! Super museum adventure lands in Wimborne as Marion Mania looks set to sweep the nation
With excitement building around the release of the brand new Super Mario film, ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ - families are already rediscovering their love for one of the world’s most iconic gaming characters and this Easter, Wimborne’s award-winning Museum of East Dorset is inviting visitors to step into that spirit of adventure for themselves.
Events officer Amy Webster explained: “The museum’s Super Museum Adventure launches a vibrant, interactive trail and activity programme inspired by the playful exploration found in classic video game worlds. It’s designed to spark imaginations, get families moving and offer brilliant value for money throughout the Easter holidays.”
Visitors can hunt for hidden coins, collect stars, test their skills and unlock their inner adventurer as they journey through the museum’s historic rooms and beautiful garden. The trail brings a burst of colour and energy to the museum, echoing the fun and curiosity that has made Mario and his twin brother Luigi a household name since 1985.
Along the way, families can enjoy hands on craft activities, a fancy dress station and playful challenges that bring the museum’s stories to life in a fresh, family friendly way. To ‘power up’ visitors can collect stars by completing various challenges.
On select dates, visitors can also join the museum’s Mario gaming sessions on a Nintendo Wii in the Garden Room - a nostalgic treat for grown ups who grew up with Mario and a fun introduction for younger players discovering him for the first time thanks to the new film. Gaming slots can be booked upon arrival.
This special Easter programme, which runs from Saturday 21st March until Saturday 18th April, is suitable for all ages, offering affordable, accessible fun for families looking for a great value day out and repeat visits with one entry ticket giving year-round access to the museum.
All profits from Super Museum Adventure support the running of the Museum of East Dorset, helping to preserve its heritage and continue its work at the heart of Wimborne’s community.
The museum also offers free sensory packs with ear defenders and fidget toys for visitors with special needs. The museum is also disability-friendly with wheelchair access on all levels and free loan of braille guides, perching stools, mobility and walking aids. Event Details
Dates: Saturday 21 March – Saturday 18 April
Location: Museum of East Dorset, 23–29 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1HR
Booking & Information: museumofeastdorset.co.uk Tel: 01202 882533
Photos: Enter the world of the Mario Brothers at the Museum of East Dorset Credit: Museum of East Dorset
Home & Garden
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•
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• Landscaping
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Wonderful Windows and Doors with Marc Wadey
M.WADEY
PVCU SERVICES has been established for over 25 years in the supply and installation of UPVC Fascias, Soffit, Guttering and Pvcu windows, Doors and Conservatories.
Starting out initially working for a well-known national company and several local companies but most seemed to lack the attention to detail for the customers benefits.
We prefer to think ‘you buy from us’ rather than ‘we sell to you. Our window and door supplier manufacture locally in Wallisdown and have been in production since 1994.
Using a local, well-established supplier allows us to offer a great range of products that can be supplied within 10 working days in most cases.
We never sell in your home.
All quotations are sent via email giving you the time necessary to make an informed decision in your own time.
All work is supplied with a written guarantee and certificates where applicable.
We install Aluminum Bi-Fold doors, Composite Doors, Upvc Windows and Doors.
We are Approved Installers Morley Integrated Blinds, Roof Lanterns and Conservatories.
Established for over 25 years
Marc Wadey Pvcu Services has been established locally for over 25 years in the supply and installation of: Pvcu & Aluminium windows & doors (including composite & Bi-fold)
We are Approved Installers of Morley Integrated Blinds, Roof Lanterns and Conservatories. Fascias, Soffit, Guttering & Conservatories
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Events
Show preparations in hand
After another successful monthly meeting, when Mitch Perkins shared some fascinating knowledge about hedgehog-friendly spaces in our gardens and explained how we are able to transform them into a hedgehog haven, the Wimborne Gardening Club is now preparing for its Spring Show. This will take place on Saturday, April 11, in Wimborne’s Allendale Community Centre with the doors opening at noon. There are classes for everyone from daffodils and tulips to cookery, floral art, photography, handicrafts and for juniors. Schedules are available in various venues around he town, including both
the Allendale Centre and Allendale House and also on the club’s website at wimbornegardeningclub. co.uk.
Closing date for entries is Wednesday, April 8. Everyone is encouraged to enter, both members and non-members.
There is no monthly meeting in April, the next being on Monday, May 11, when David Bassil will talk on creating hanging baskets. Meetings are held in the St. Catherines Church Hall, Lewens Lane (Rodway’s Corner) and commence at 7.30pm. The next outing for the club is a coach trip to RHS Wisley on Tuesday, May 19, and again the details are on the website.
Anthony Oliver
Chance to enjoy Verdi’s tragic masterpiece
Hurn Court Opera returns to the Regent in Christchurch and the Coade Hall, Bryanston, on April 16 and 18 with Giuseppe Verdi’s achingly-beautiful masterpiece, La Traviata.
La Traviata tells the story of Violetta, a high-class courtesan in Paris and her passionate love affair with the young nobleman, Alfredo. This tragic tale explores the full
spectrum of human emotion - love, envy, jealousy, loyalty and hatred - and continues to resonate with audiences through its timeless portrayal of the struggle between personal desire and society’s expectations.
An exceptional cast of emerging opera stars and the Hurn Court Opera orchestra bring Verdi’s tragedy enthrallingly to life in 1930s Paris, as Violetta sacrifices everything for love. Featuring a memorable score of iconic melodies and emotional arias, and stunning art deco costumes designed and made by students from Arts University Bournemouth’s BA (Hons) degree in costume, La Traviata is fully staged and sung in Italian with English surtitles, making it perfect for seasoned opera fans as well as first-timers. Hurn Court Opera is a registered arts charity which exists to champion rising opera stars at the beginning of their careers.
It is almost entirely self-funded, relying on ticket sales, donations and sponsorship.
You could star at music fest (but be quick)
Upcoming local music acts have the opportunity to perform at Dorset’s Cursus Festival on Friday, May 22.
Organisers of the renowned small festival near Blandford have dedicated the opening slot to their friend and festival crew member Mick Bailey, right, who passed away in late 2024.
Mick was a huge promoter of live music and youth opportunities in his adopted town of Wimborne Minster over many years, and this initiative will allow that legacy to continue at a festival he enjoyed attending every year.
To apply to play, performers need to meet the following criteria: Be local to Wimborne Minster (roughly 10-mile radius)
Perform original, live music (no covers or tribute acts)
Have recorded material and at least one current social media account
Be available to play at 4pm on Friday, May 22 for 40 minutes.
Applications from all genres of music are encouraged, as Mick’s
tastes were eclectic! There is no lower age limit, however any performers under 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult.
The successful act will be decided by a panel of Mick’s friends from the local music scene, including town crier Chris Brown and Shelly Sims, publican at the Rising Sun.
The performer will receive a fee, small rider and weekend guest tickets for the festival.
Acts performing at the festival include Peat & Diesel, Land Of The Giants and the Hempolics, plus well-known local artists
such as Black Water County and Skimmity Hitchers.
Closing date for applications is Monday, March 23, with the successful act announced at the start of April.
Please send an application email, with links to website, biography, recordings, social media etc, to play@cursusfestival.com.
Kev Davis from festival promoter
Fuelled By Cider said: “Mick was a huge part of Cursus Festival from the early days and is greatly missed by many people. Giving an opportunity to upcoming local performers is a tribute of which we hope he would have approved!
“We look forward to hearing from lots of exciting local talent and announcing a winner.”
Sherborne’s Indoor Flea Market
2026 DATES:
• 11th April • 6th June • 3th August
7th November
1.30pm
REPAIR CAFÉ happens on second Wednesday each month from 10amnoon at the Saxon Bar, Fountain Roundabout, in Christchurch
DORSET CHAMBER CHOIR
singing Olivet to Calvary, music by JH Maunder, Broadstone United Reformed Church, BH18 9AB. Monday, March 30, at 7.30pm. Tickets £10, free under 18. dorsetchamberchoir.com. Also available from choir members, or at the door
Town festival celebrates 10 years
Wimborne marks a major milestone next month - the 10th Discover Wimborne festival, launching on April 1. What began as a small idea a decade ago has grown into a vibrant, month-long celebration of everything that makes Wimborne special. This year’s 10th anniversary programme brings together an incredible 150 events, 50 local businesses, and something happening every day in April.
Organised by Wimborne BID, Discover Wimborne shines a spotlight on the town’s rich history, creativity, culture and community spirit, offering
residents and visitors the chance to explore Wimborne in new and unexpected ways, with many of the events free to enjoy. From tours of Deans Court, to hands-on craft experiences, museum tours, wine and food tastings and even a food walk, the festival showcases the best of Wimborne’s heritage, hospitality and creativity.
Some of the other events include historic town walks, offers on dining, Tap Room events at Eight Arch Brewery, exhibitions at Walford Mill, free films at the Allendale, quizzes, bingo, live music and eco-friendly experiences with
Planet Wimborne, including a community plant swap.
This year also sees the launch of two new additions as part of the Town of Culture 2026.
The Wimborne Youth Festival will celebrate the town’s young talent with a vibrant mix of art, performance and sculpture and Willow Walk will host the first Festival of Sport and Active Leisure, a fun and inclusive showcase of local sport, fitness and leisure opportunities for all ages and abilities - with free entry.
The free guide is available now and the full programme is at www.wimborne.info.
An Annual Festival of Discovery in April
Grab your diary and get planning to enjoy a whole host of events in Wimborne Minster as the town comes together in April for Discover Wimborne.
Farming & Environment
A day at the farm with Lucie,
As many of you know, Sharon usually writes our High Mead Farm column, but this week it’s my turn to introduce myself.
I’m Lucie, the Animal Lead here at the farm, and I’m writing during what is probably the most exciting - and emotional - time of year for us: Lambing and kidding season.
Over the past couple of weeks we’ve been busy preparing the maternity ward, or as we like to call it, the ‘ewe-nit.’
The goats and guinea pigs who spend the winter sheltering there have been moved back outside so we can get everything ready for
our expectant sheep. Pens have gone up, fresh straw has been laid, and everything has been scrubbed and organised. One of the first mums to keep us on our toes this year was a ewe called Lottie. She developed something called twin lamb disease, which can happen late in pregnancy when a ewe doesn’t have enough energy for herself and the lambs she’s carrying. With many of our sheep expecting triplets this year, it puts extra strain on them.
To give Lottie the best chance, we made the decision to induce her. Two days later she began to
High Mead Farm Animal Lead
lamb. The water bag appeared, but then everything stalled. Normally a lamb is born front feet first with its nose resting on top - a bit like a tiny diver - but when I checked I found a breech lamb, meaning she needed help. Not all of the lambs survived, but one tiny ewe lamb arrived alive - our little miracle. She’s been named Wonky, thanks to her wonderfully wonky ears. She was very small and wobbly to begin with and needed help feeding, but within a couple of hours she was attempting those first shaky steps. She still occasionally topples over and needs a helping
hand getting back up. While the sheep keep us busy, we’re also waiting for Buttons, our pygmy goat, who is due to give birth around her second birthday. Fittingly, Buttons herself was born in this very same polytunnel.
Lambing season always brings highs and lows, but watching a tiny lamb like Wonky find her feet makes all the early mornings worthwhile.
If you’d like to follow along with lambing season - and plenty of lamb spam - you can find us on Instagram and Facebook @ highmeadfarm.
How testing prevented poor fertility problems
Part II
This is only possible if there is sufficient time left before the start of the service period.
If you have a team of bulls or rams, all breeding males should be tested regardless of how well they have performed in previous years.
Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security just because you have calves and lambs on the ground this year. Illness, fever or injury will have an effect on sperm viability, and we are not always aware of these occurring in rams or bulls.
Rams are more commonly run as a team compared to bulls, which allows us to use the data we generate in different ways. We can advise on optimal ram:ewe ratio for each male tested, allowing us to support sub-optimal rams by running them with other prime rams.
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A large estate in Wiltshire runs 850 mule x ewes with a mixture of Romney, Suffolk and Texel rams. They have been working with us to semen test all the rams in this flock prior to the mating season for the last 4 years. On average, we find 30% of these rams are subfertile.
The shepherd for this flock is really pleased with the results; he says it allows him to place less fertile tups with 2 more fertile ones in a group mating setting and gives him the confidence to single-sire mate elite groups of ewes.
It has also led to a tighter lambing period, with reduced returns in second and third cycles. Over this time, the lambing percentage has increased across the flock by around 5%, and the barren rate for 2026 is just over 1%.
It has been an interesting exercise to see how different rams perform in subsequent breeding seasons, especially first-time breeding rams and older rams towards the end of their working lives.
One ram this year was found to be producing double-tailed
problem in terms of physical health and size of testicles; however, examination of a semen sample revealed a high percentage of sperm with this abnormality.
Should you wish to explore fertility testing services with your own flock or herd, contact your vet to discuss the options.
Pets
Have you the heart for handsome Hewie?
Meet Hewie, our handsome food-loving softie.
Hewie is a 3½-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier with a big personality and an even bigger heart!
He absolutely loves being the centre of attention and would be happiest as the only pet in the home, where he can soak up all the love for himself.
This charming boy is a huge foodie, which makes training both fun and rewarding - he’ll do just about anything for a tasty treat!
While Hewie is still learning his manners on the lead and can be strong at times, he’s a clever lad who just needs a confident owner to continue his training and help him reach his full potential.
With structure, patience, and lots of affection, he’ll make a wonderful and loyal companion.
If you’re looking for a fun, affectionate dog who will fill your life with love (and maybe a few goofy moments), Hewie could be the perfect match. If you are able to offer Hewie or any of his lovely friends a forever home or a foster home please contact our office
on 01202 875000, e-mail: admin@ waggytails.org.uk or visit our website www.waggytails.org.uk. We also have lots of other dogs looking for their forever homes.
Upcoming events:
Please do make a note in your diary and come to support us:
April 1: Spring Kinson
Community Centre
June 11: Corfe Mullen
Carnival
July 5: Broadstone
Family Fun Day
July 11: Westival, Fryers Field, West Moors
July 26: Chapman’s Garden Party, West Moors
Quiz Night: First Saturday of the month at Homelands Hall, Kings Avenue, Christchurch, BH23 1NA, starting at 6.45pm.
Handmade Card Stall: Every Friday as part of the Craft Fair at the Druit Hall, Christchurch.
Charity Stall at The Spire: March 28, June 20, September 26 and November 28, 10am to 2pm.
April 4: Presentations of dogs in our care: Kinson Community Centre, Pelhams Park, BH10 7LH. Start time 2.00pm sharp. Induction meeting will follow.
Take part in pier to pier charity dog walk
Bournemouth homelessness charity
Hope HTS has joined forces with Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs to hold a sponsored dog walk from Bournemouth to Boscombe piers and back, on Sunday, March 29.
The Hope & Hounds event is open to all dog owners and will also feature Easter egg prizes for Best Dressed Dog and Most Sponsorship Money Raised, and a craft competition for children. Hope, based in St Swithuns Road South, offers rough sleepers and other people affected by homelessness safe accommodation and support to get back into independent training, work and living.
Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs, based in New Road, Bournemouth, is a mental health charity which offers speciallytrained dogs to help young people with autism and Down syndrome gain confidence, independence, and improve their quality of life.
Julie Berti, CEO of Hope said: “Following successful sponsored walks in previous years, Hope & Hounds
is back by popular demand, and we are hoping dog owners, and their pets will join us for a fun walk in aid of two great causes carrying out vital work, helping vulnerable people in our community.”
Julie, who will be walking with her three dogs Toffee, Mario and Bella, added: “Walkers can sign up to take part in the event for £5, and we’re
hoping many owners will also choose to raise sponsorship for their pets. It’s easy to register on our website and all dogs will receive a special medal for taking part.”
Hope & Hounds will take place on Sunday March 29, from 2pm-4pm. To register, visit tinyurl.com/y22t2jpk.
Pictured are dog walkers and their pets in the Hope & Hounds event of 2019.
‘Smart’ m-ways spark nerves
There has been a sharp rise in the number of drivers who feel nervous or anxious when using so-called ‘smart’ motorways, compared to the same time last year, according to new research by the AA. ‘Smart’ motorways either have the hard shoulder permanently removed or converted into a running lane at peak times.
The survey of 12,705 drivers shows that the proportion reporting feelings of nervousness or anxiety on
‘smart’ motorways with no hard shoulder - relying instead on emergency refuge areas spaced around threequarters of a mile apart - has doubled, from 23% last year to 46% this year.
Motorways where the hard shoulder is only opened to traffic during busy periods also saw a significant increase in anxiety, with the number of drivers feeling nervous or anxious rising from 30% to 47% in the space of the last 12 months.
Are you thinking of selling your car or van?
Contact Jason at Crews Car Sales in Shaftesbury on 01747 854789.
We pay good prices and consider most vehicles, Quick, Easy, Same day payment and we complete all the paperwork for you.
In the modern era of internet scams, fraudulent buyers & sellers, legal implications, fluctuating vehicle values and your DVLA obligations as a registered keeper of a vehicle, it can be a difficult and sometimes worrying prospect to sell your vehicle privately.
Crews don’t charge fees for payment and they also complete all associated paperwork for you, even obtaining a refund on any un-used road fund licence (Tax) that is paid back directly to you from the DVLA.
Most vehicles will be considered for purchase but please remember, a nice clean & tidy vehicle with a good service history is always going to be worth more than a vehicle that requires a lot of work.
Crews will always be honest with valuations and will try to offer you the best possible deal.
The process is simple and easy, get in touch with Jason at Crews on 01747 854789, please have your vehicle registration number and current mileage available so that we can start the process of a valuation.
If you are pleased with your valuation guide price, the whole process can be completed very quickly once we have seen your vehicle and confirmed it’s value, so contact Crews today.
Crews can be easily found, located on a main road site at Five Square Motors, (Bosch Garage), Salisbury Road (A30), Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 8BU, we are just ¼ mile from the Royal Chase roundabout in Shaftesbury.
5 Star Trustpilot Reviews
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 £7950
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2019 (19) Citroen C3 Aircross 1.2 Flair Automatic 5dr. High seating, sat nav, park sensors, reverse camera, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, hill holder, Bluetooth, cambelt replaced, only 19,000 miles
2019 (19) Peugeot 208 1.2 Tech Edition 5dr. Sat nav, reverse camera, park sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, hill holder, collision safety systems, sunroof, Bluetooth, cambelt replaced, 32,700 miles £8250
£10950
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
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
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 replaced, 32,900 miles £7850
£8950
2018 (18) Ford Focus 1.0T Zetec Edition Nav 5dr. Sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, Bluetooth, hill holder, cambelt replaced, great performance & economy, 64,800 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
£6950
2018 (18) Kia Rio 1, 1.25 5dr. 1 owner & only 10,500 miles, auto lights, Bluetooth, hill holder, air con, great opportunity for this low mileage car, only 10,500 miles
£8950
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
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
£9650
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
£12250
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
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
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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
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
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
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
2019 (19) Suzuki Ignis 1.2 SZ3 5dr. Small & compact car, parking sensors, auto lights, good height seats & ground clearance, Bluetooth, 50,500 miles £7450
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
2008 (08) Toyota Yaris 1.3 SR 5dr. Bargain clearance, MOT until November, not perfect, old and high mileage but it’s a bargain cheap runabout, sat nav, 131,800 miles £1650
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
2023 (23) Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSi Black Edition 5dr. High seats, park sensors, auto lights & wipers, collision safety systems, Bluetooth, hill holder, sliding rear seats, adjustable boot floor, 21,800 miles £15950
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
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Killer Sudoku Pro:
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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. Killer
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21
19 Horrible experience over Oscar in celebrity magazine (5)
21 Not join in online league on rule in Britain
22 Note a soft blouse finally revealing part neck (4)
Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3×3 box.
UNBLOCKING
Sport
Skilful Gareth bags a bottle
Rawlsbury is the ideal still water trout fishing venue. Just a few miles from Dorchester, it’s supremely peaceful with plenty of local wildlife to watch out for.
The Fly Fishers were there on the opening day of the Rawlsbury season at the invitation of the Wimborne and District Angling Club. The actiotn started quickly with a few anglers bagging up before lunch but regular readers will know that trout are fickle creatures and can turn off in an instant.
Those who persevered were regarded with some big fish with John Belk taking a five-pounder late in the day.
The winner was Gareth Jones who’s skilful angling
GARDENING ASSISTANT
An opportunity has arisen to join a small garden team in a very beautiful and extensive
in Somerset.
The successful applicant will either have varied experience and/or good horticultural instincts with an active desire to learn more. Salary will realistically reflect experience and potential.
Please contact Kay Brewer at: kayfbrewer@gmail.com
One of our staff team:
“This is a setting where we feel listened to, supported and valued. The children are at the heart of everything we do!”
One of our many happy parents:
“Thank you for making Nursery such a fun, safe and exciting place for our child!”
Does this sound like somewhere you would like to work?
As well as a beautiful working environment and a friendly, supportive team, we can offer competitive salaries and the chance to help us make Winterborne Stickland the centre of Early Years Excellence!
Having opened our doors for the first time in September 2025, we are now looking to build on our reputation for creative and exceptionally caring childcare and want to expand our team. Our Trustees and our staff are passionate about what we do and ambitious to achieve the very best outcomes for our children. We are looking for Early Years Practitioners trained to at least Level 3 – with additional salary incentives for anyone with Inclusion or Baby Room Leader experience.
We offer full-time, year-round childcare for little ones from 9 months up to and including pre-school
Society’s month of talks are a knockout
by Paul Pearson
February was a magical month for the Dorset Cricket Society with four successive meetings ‘on the spin’ and in the opinion of our members that was probably the best month for speakers in our society’s 23-year history!
To kick off, we welcomed the legendary boxing commentator, Portsmouth-born Ian Darke, pictured, who started out on his broadcasting with hospital radio, then onto BBC Radio Leicester. Moving then to BBC Radio working with the sports desk team covering matches and interviewing football managers and players.
This led to presenting Sports Report and then Ian was given
Puzzle soluttions
the opportunity of replacing Desmond Lynam as head of the BBC boxing commentary team. We learned of classic interviews with Ali and Tyson, with visits to Las Vegas and Madison Square Garden. Ian spoke about ‘that’ fight with Evander Holyfield and other nostalgic interviews.
Ian then moved to football commentating with Sky Sports but has now moved onto working with TNT for current Champions League football matches and has now been signed up for the 2026 World Cup matches in North America. Ian had a fountain of humorous stories on his commentating work.
Next, Jeff Mostyn former AFC Bournemouth chairman took
centre stage to tell the story of his life, as relayed in his new book, The Chairman - The Man Who Saved AFC Bournemouth Jeff retold how he realised school wasn’t for him but after starting out as a 16-year-old messenger boy at ICI he then followed up
with an apprenticeship. He then joined TSB Bank, becoming Salesperson of the Year many times. Later in life he set up his own business providing insurance advice to our British servicemen at home and abroad. After Jeff sold his business he received a call from long-time family friend, Kevin Bond, to persuade Jeff to invest in AFC Bournemouth and he became chairman. His life and times is retold in his new book. In retirement, now in his 80th year, Jeff is usually to be seen at AFCB home games. He continues with FA involvement and as ambassadors of his two local charities, Lewis Manning and Julia’s House. More next issue
Senior partner marks 50 years at solicitors
Harold G Walker Solicitors is celebrating an extraordinary milestone as senior partner Simon Nethercott marks 50 years with the Dorset-based firm.
Simon started his training in February, 1976, in Bournemouth, qualified in 1980 and was made partner in 1984, specialising in commercial property.
Simon is now senior partner and head of business and commercial at the firm.
Simon, who is passionate about football, was simultaneously offered a training contract at another firm in 1976.
His decision to join Harold G Walker was swayed by the fact that the firm’s founder, Harold Walker, was then chairman of AFC Bournemouth.
Reflecting on his early years, Simon said: “I’m the only one left at the firm who met Mr Harold, as he was called in the practice.
“When Mr Harold finally ‘hung up the quill’ in the early 1990s, he proposed me as his successor as honorary
solicitor for both the Bournemouth Football Association and the Hampshire Football Association, a role I still hold.”
In his earlier days, alongside his Commercial Property work, Simon also acted as a duty solicitor, attending local magistrates’ courts and police cells on behalf of clients.
Simon added: “I enjoyed criminal advocacy and was sad when the Government changed the Legal Aid regime.”
“By far the greatest satisfaction in the job has been maintaining long-term
relationships with clients and other professionals.
“I’m now acting for the grandchildren of clients I represented 40 years ago. “If you’d told me in 1976 that this was going to be my career for the next 50 years, I would have been delighted!”
Over the decades, Simon has worked across several Harold G Walker offices, including Bournemouth, Parkstone, Wimborne and Broadstone, and is now based at the Verwood office.
Simon continued: “It’s been a privilege being a partner of an established firm with Nicola Lowe, with whom I’ve been a partner for almost 20 years and who is the epitome of a good lawyer.”
Nicola said: “Congratulations to Simon for an extraordinary 50 years in the profession, marking a truly remarkable chapter in our firm’s history.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside him in what I can only describe as a professional marriage made in heaven.”
Simon and Nicola are pictured above.
