What’s inside this issue...
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Cover: Beech avenue, Wimborne
‘Wisdom’ night raises £1000
questions the Old Oaks Team were declared the winners with a team from Nicholas O’Haras
up the rest of the teams. They chocolate eggs whilst the Oaks won the trophy and a bottle of ed wine for each team member.
Wimborne mayoress Barbara Hart drew the winning raffle tickets in a splendid raffle and the whole evening raising in excess of £1,000 towards Wimborne in Bloom funds.
High Sheriff’s award for healthcare project
A coffee cart project devised to help people leaving prison find their place back in the community has scooped a prestigious award.
Coffee Connexions, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation delivered in partnership by Dorset HealthCare and the probation service, has earned the High Sheriff of Dorset Award for helping to bring about some ‘remarkable transformations’.
01202 862323
outstanding contribution to rehabilitation, community safety and social inclusion across the county. It also acknowledges the significant impact Coffee Connexions has had on people facing complex challenges as they transition from prison back into the community.
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The coffee cart is run by Strive (Support, Treatment, Risk Management, Identity, Values and Enabling), the trust’s offender personality disorder service. The service provides supported, work-based training and placements for people coming out of prison, offering a vital bridge between custody and employment in the community.
Family Run Business
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Strive gives individuals who are facing mental health challenges the opportunity to work for the café, which operates from Poole Probation Office. They make and serve the coffee, while learning valuable customer service and teamwork skills on the job.
The award recognises its
Hannah Jenner, occupational therapist for Strive, said: “The first few months following release from prison are widely recognised as a high-risk period. “Without structure, purpose or the right support, individuals are more likely to disengage, reoffend or return to unsafe coping strategies. For those who have spent years in custody, the transition to community life can feel chaotic, isolating and overwhelming.
“While the coffee matters, the mission goes far beyond what’s served in a cup.
High Sheriff of Dorset Callum Bremner, (above centre presenting the award), said: “The café offers something simple yet profoundly important - a place to belong, a role to take pride in, and a reason to believe in a better future.”
Family Run Business
Have your say on road safety outside school
The headteacher of St John’s CE School in Wimborne has long been advocating for traffic calming on St John’s Hill due to repeated near misses and dangerous incidents involving vehicles, highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety. Residents, parents, and all road users are invited to share their views on safety along St John’s Hill outside the school.
Feedback will help to understand support for a proposed 20mph speed limit, aimed at improving safety for children, families, and pedestrians in the area. This is an important opportunity to help shape a safer environment for everyone who uses this road. You can complete the survey at forms.office.com/e/JjQGX 8X2nb. Gary Mason
Children nose how to have fun!
Schoolchildren wearing red noses and wigs filled a Bournemouth care home with laughter, as they shared games and jokes with residents for Comic Relief.
Pupils from Christchurch Junior School visited residents at Wickmeads care home in Tuckton, which is run by not-for-profit charity Care South, to play a range of board games while wearing
red wigs, novelty glasses and red noses.
The children also told some of their favourite jokes to the residents in honour of Comic Relief, commonly known as Red Nose Day.
Children from Christchurch Junior School head along to Wickmeads every month to read to the residents and play games to benefit from intergenerational relationships.
Charlotte Dadds, Year 4 leader for the school, said: “It’s wonderful to see the friendships building between our pupils and the Wickmeads residents. The board games and jokes really brought them all together to share a laugh and a smile. “We’re so pleased that we can enable our pupils to connect with older generations in such a fun way.”
Claus caper
collects £1500
The Great Santa Stour Fun Run, organised by Wimborne Rotary in December, saw 200 runners participate dressed in Santa suits. As a result of their enthusiasm and Christmas spirit, the runners raised £1,500 for local children’s hospice, Julia’s House. That money has now been presented to Charlie James, community fundraiser for Julia’s House.
Charlie came to a recent Wimborne Rotary lunchtime meeting and spoke about the work carried out at the hospice, explained how their new premises in Wimborne are progressing, and how their fundraising is always active and needed.
After her talk, Rotary president,
Brian Dryden, presented her with a cheque for £1500 and said:
“We’re pleased to have helped raise this amount for Julia’s House and I would thank all the runners for turning up to enable us to raise this impressive sum. “I would also thank all the volunteers, including those from Julia’s House, Wimborne Football Club and our sponsors for making the event possible”, he added.
Race brings joy and laughter
Ferndown’s Heathland House’s inaugural Race Across Dorset has been hailed a huge success, bringing together adventure, nostalgia and heartfelt moments as four teams of residents from the Cinnamon Luxury Care home battled it out across the county. After an energetic day of challenges, landmark visits and competitive spirit, Team Leonard, pictured, were crowned the winners with an impressive 59 points.
The oldest competitor, at 88 and a wheelchair user, Leonard Symonds was joined by his daughter Karen Lynch, with occasional ‘assistance’ from his grandson and even the family dog, who joined the fun at one point. Leonard’s triumph earned him a special
Soroptimists meet up with safeguarding minister Jess
Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips MP, third left, praised the campaigning work of Soroptimists on women’s safety when she met members at the Home Office last month.
They explained how their ‘Fresh Thoughts’ booklet, which started in Dorset with funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner, is being rolled out across England, with 10 more available, including Wiltshire, and many more in production. They told her: “All in one place, women fleeing domestic abuse can find information and signposting to all the national - and importantly, local - services they need; online safety, benefits, housing, family support and the justice system and the courts they might encounter.”
Copies are available free by contacting sigbibournemouth t@hotmail.co.uk.
prize - a trip on the Swanage Railway. He was presented with a medal and certificate by Louis Alexander, one of the world’s youngest professional adventurers. Louis is the first and only person to complete seven marathons across seven continents and swim marathon distances in all seven seas. Residents raced between Dorset landmarks gathering photographic and video evidence at each stop before racing back to Ferndown with the final stop a cocktail-making challenge at the Old Thatch pub near Wimborne.
The combined ages of the competitors totalled 249 years, proving that adventure has no age limit! Picture:
Boarding now for railway extravaganza
The Spetisbury Station Project will be holding its Railway Extravaganza on Sunday, July 12, at the old station in Spetisbury, writes Kev Mitchell. We will be remembering two anniversaries this year - 60 years since the closure of the Somerset & Dorset railway in March 1966, and 70 years since the closure of Spetisbury station in September 1956. We would like to appeal to anyone who travelled on or remembers the Somerset & Dorset line, especially around Spetisbury, to come along with their recollections, photographs or memorabilia to share with us. In addition to refreshments, railway books and DVDs for sale and the popular Blandford Ukulele Group, there will be displays by the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust and the North Dorset Railway. Entry is free but donations to Spetisbury Station Project help us maintain and improve the station site.
Merger of experience at Dacombes
Customers at Dacombes of Wimborne are now benefiting from more than 200 years of combined experience, following a landmark merger and the expansion of its team.
Wimborne’s longest established independent electrical retailers, was founded more than a century ago. The business has recently merged with Holmans of Wimborne, another respected family-run firm, bringing together almost 180 years of trusted local trading and a wealth of sales, product and technical expertise under one roof.
The merger has been strengthened by the arrival of three former Holmans employees.
Ben Todd, 35, joins as sales manager at Dacombes’ state-ofthe-art showroom. Ben entered retail straight from school, working for Kirby Vacuums and domestic appliance specialist Brian Dryden before gaining further experience at Currys in Bournemouth, where he became the store’s top sales adviser. He then spent 12 years with Holmans, rising to manager. He said: “It’s great to continue
to work for a business that genuinely cares about finding the right product for each customer, without call centres or hard selling. You can actually demonstrate appliances properly, so customers know exactly what they’re buying.”
Also joining the team is Andy Palmer, 54, who becomes warehouse manager, overseeing stock management and customer deliveries. Andy began his career with Rumbelows before spending more than 34 years at Holmans. He said: “Independent family businesses offer real career
stability. This move feels like the perfect fit.”
Completing the trio is Jakob Malodabry, 27, a showroom assistant training to become an installer, who said: “I love the training and support.
“There’s always someone who knows the answer.”
Matt Renaut, managing d irector of Dacombes, added: “The merger has brought real continuity for customers and fantastic experience to the business.
“Our new team members have fitted in brilliantly.”
Coffee morning for the Minster
A coffee morning being run by the Friends of Wimborne Minster will take place tomorrow, Easter Saturday morning, in Church House.
It will be a two-hour event starting at 10.00am and all are welcome.
Anthony Oliver Wimborne
Donkeys mark Palm Sunday
As part of the Sunday Services to mark Palm Sunday at Wimborne Minster the Procession took place from the Allendale Community Centre to the Minster for the 9.30am Parish Eucharist.
Then, before the Minster praise service which followed, two donkeys - three-year-olds Dusty Rosa and Dark Orchidpaid a visit to the Minster Green.
Anthony Oliver Wimborne
This afternoon sounds like fun
The Sounds Like Fun choir from Fordingbridge are joining Corfe Mullen choir, Cantilena Voices, to bring you an afternoon of uplifting music followed by tea and cakes on Sunday, May 10, in St Nicholas Church, Corfe Mullen at 3.30pm. The concert will include some classic pop songs, some songs from around the world and from musical theatre. Tickets are just £6 and are available on the
door or in advance from cantilenavoices.co.uk/events. There will be a fantastic raffle (cash preferred please) of hampers to raise funds for the Wardrobe Foundation, a local charity set up by women to provide clothing for women in need.
We look forward to welcoming you to what will be a wonderful afternoon of singing.
Sheila Dursley Corfe Mullen
As long as we have a concert
Verwood’s ladies’ choir, the Fayrewood Singers, present their spring concert, As Long As We Have Music, on April 25, at 3.30pm at Verwood Methodist Church. Tickets are £6 at the door or from choir members. Refreshments will
be available after the performance and money raised will be donated to the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.
Do come along and enjoy an afternoon of uplifting music!
Linda Pearson Verwood
Your email comments are very welcome, however we cannot publish them anonymously and we reserve the right to edit them as deemed necessary
Reflections on the Pandemic
Forest Holme Hospice
Charity has published a new booklet, Reflections From The Pandemic, capturing the lived experiences of hospice staff during one of the most challenging chapters in recent history.
The 24-page publication brings together reflections from both clinical and nonclinical colleagues across Forest Holme who, through a mix of professional insight and personal experience, share what it meant to care, adapt and endure extremely challenging circumstances during Covid 19 and the periods of national lockdown.
Staff contributions include accounts of nursing within communities under immense strain and working in hospital wards stretched beyond capacity.
The booklet can be read online at tinyurl.com/FHHPandemic Reflections and free copies are available from the hospice.
A greener Wimborne & better planet
u3a Wimborne and Planet Wimborne are joining forces to offer a new programme of environmental learning experiences designed to help local people explore environmental issues through learning, discussion and hands-on experience and to explore how small community actions can make a big difference.
The five-session series, Greener Wimborne, Better Planet, brings together the strengths of both organisations: u3a’s commitment to lifelong learning and Planet Wimborne’s leadership in local environmental action. Each session stands alone, lasts between two and three hours and blends expert insight with hands-on exploration. All sessions take place at the Reef, Colehill Lane, unless otherwise stated.
The series is free for u3a members and £10 for nonmembers and opens on April 20 with ‘What is
Planet Wimborne?’ - an engaging introduction to the organisation’s mission, its environmental awards and the network of green community groups it supports.
On May 11, ‘Let’s Talk Rubbish’ brings together Wimborne War on Waste and Win on Waste, who will share their expertise on the waste hierarchy. Participants will learn where individual and community efforts can have the greatest impact in reducing what we
throw away, with plenty of practical tips.
‘WildlifeFriendly Gardening’ is on May 18, led by Wilding Wimborne.
This examines the UK’s alarming decline in wildlife and highlights the simple, effective steps gardeners can take to help reverse it.
A visit to Wimborne Community Garden may be included.
June 1, ‘Arts and the Environment’ explores how creativity can inspire environmental awareness, particularly in Wimborne’s Town of Culture year, with contributions from Wimborne Contemporary Arts and Wimborne Community Theatre.
The series concludes on June 15 with ‘Walk on the Wild Side’, a guided exploration of Badbury Rings and the surrounding woodlands.
To book or receive further information, contact Horace Letchford, membership@ wimborneu3a.org.uk.
Lindsay races to life-changing weight loss
I change lives every day… Lindsay lost 6st 3lb with The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan.
When her dad was sadly diagnosed with cancer, Lindsay made him a promise - to lose weight and join him on a Race for Life.
Within a week she’d dropped an incredible 9lb, and she never stopped there.
Seven years on, she’s kept every pound off.
The best bit of all is her dad’s now in remission, and she’s still running strong too.
If you want to lose weight and change your life for the better, contact me today on 07904 331589. I will be here to support you every step of the way as your personal 1:1 UK Top 15 & Regional
Bazza’s bike blasts to
The Suzuki XR23 race bike on which Barry Sheene won the 1978 MCN Superbike Championship, sold for £106,200 at the Charterhouse auction of classic motorcycles at the Haynes Motor Museum on March 12.
George Beale of Charterhouse said: “The successful buyer was not expecting to attend the auction as a big trip to New Zealand had been planned, but this all changed with America and Iran so he came to us instead!”.
The bike was owned by Suzuki until 1986 when it was purchased
by the Charterhouse vendor who lives in Ireland and is reducing his collection due to advancing years.
The new owner of this historic race bike plans to parade the Suzuki at Goodwood this year which is celebrating the 50th anniversary of when Barry Sheene won his first world championship.
Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for their next specialist classic motorcycle sale at Haynes on June 18, for which they already have more than 50 machines consigned.
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.
GS WINDOWS
£2,075
£2,755
£3,450
£4,140
£4,820
£5,515 £6,205
Political round-up
Learning the machinations of Parliament
Since becoming the Member of Parliament for Mid-Dorset and North Poole, I have come to appreciate just how little I previously knew about the workings of Parliament. And if I was not aware, it is clear why so many people see it as remote.
People often ask why the House of Commons chamber sometimes looks so empty and the reality is that while most MPs spend much of the week in Westminster, much of our work takes place outside the main chamber.
Many of us sit on committees (I am a member of the Justice Selection Committee) or join all party groups that meet during the day. We also meet with charities and organisations, see constituents visiting Parliament and take part in debates held in the Grand Committee Room, better known as Westminster Hall.
While the Government largely sets the agenda for the main chamber, Westminster Hall
debates are decided differently. E-petitions that receives more than 100,000 signatures are typically debated on a Monday, while the rest of the week is for backbench business - with topics chosen either by a special committee or by ballot. These debates do not directly change the law, but they require a government minister to attend and formally respond. They are therefore a valuable way for MPs to highlight local concerns or explore issues that affect specific groups of people. The tone is often more collaborative as MPs work together, constructively, on topics that matter to their constituents. I have secured such a debate on the need to modernise the DVLA, prompted by the many residents contacting me about delays, errors, or lost medical reports relating to their driving licences. Despite most organisations having moved to digital processes long ago, the DVLA still posts letters to GPs and appears to have no system
Liberal Democrat
Mid-Dorset & North Poole
VIKKI SLADE MP
for following up on missing replies. This leaves drivers with suspended licences for months at a time.
Other constituents need specialist medical tests, only to find themselves caught between the DVLA and local NHS Trusts arguing over who should fund them. In the meantime, some of these drivers cannot work or travel. My casework team spends many hours each week tracking down missing
paperwork and asking the agency to speed up decisions. Earlier this year, the Government’s Road Safety Strategy proposed changes to driver licensing, such as stricter eye tests for older drivers and minimum learning periods for younger drivers. As legislation is drafted, I think there is a real opportunity to push for a thorough overhaul of DVLA processes as well - particularly how information is shared between the agency and the NHS.
To help strengthen my case, I am asking local people to share their recent experiences with the DVLA. Your stories will help me highlight where the system works - and where it urgently needs improvement. And, as always, if you need support with the DVLA or any other government agency, I am here to help. My role is to be your voice in Westminster, and it is often your experiences that drive the most meaningful change.
Science isn’t weird - it’s really cool again!
There is no better way to celebrate British Formula 1 innovation and our Grand Prix successes, International Women’s Day, Lent, Holi and Ramadan, than to spend a day with 50 engaged students at a Motorsport UK Race for Diversity STEM Immersive Workshop Day and attend the BCP and Arts for Survival Women’s Community Impact Awards, BCP Indian Community Holi celebration, Co-op Party Community Iftar - and give up chips, chocolate and wine for 40 days!
Thank you to Evelkah Powell, all the members of the Community Impact Awards organising committee, Poonam Paranjpe and Hijari Pirani for including me in their work and passion for community service. Evelkah welcomed me into her world at the Williams Atalassian HQ STEM Experience Centre in Oxford, to see her STEM initiative in action.
All 10 teams were amazing. So proud of Table 10, who came out of the pits a little slow, but fought their way up to a fourthplace finish! And well done to Table 1 who finished top of the podium!
Congratulations to the whole learning centre team - Kay Sellick, Georgina Phillips CDLP, Abby R, Neve Gascoigne Matt Jones and Jac Cowie, whose infectious enthusiasm, professionalism and F1 engineering and history knowledge, was a sight to be beholden.
Very interesting to hear Jac’s insights into the world of professional formula 1 gaming racing (were you aware there was such a thing?) and also experience the simulator rooms. Being up close and personal with the new Williams Atalassian 2026/27 drive was crazy and just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better I get to watch Matt
Green - the rapping science teacher - videoing his latest TikTok/Instagram rap tutorial on velocity and speed to my alltime favourite tune!
Our chancellor’s 2025 spending review contained an £86bn investment boost for our fastest growing sectors; from tech
and life sciences, to advanced manufacturing and defence and there is also a sharp focus on STEM provision in the schools’ Curriculum and Assessment Review, within the overall schools’ budget of £63.7bn. Our children need to fall in love with a combination of sciences and learning tech skills if we are to fill the jobs required for us to lead in a high-tech world. Science is not weird - Motorsport UK Race for Diversity STEM Workshops and Matt are making it cool again!
If only I had a science teacher like Matt Green, the Motorsport UK initiative, racing team pioneer Carol Glenn and Labour’s £86bn investment in STEM when I was at school! I joked at Williams Atalassian HQ, that if I had them in my day, I would have my own F1 team by now!
To be honest, deep down I believe that to be true!!
Dorset Labour CANDICE JOHNSON-COLE
We should be grateful to US and Israel
The revelation that Iran has intercontinental ballistic missiles with sufficient range to hit London should be a wake-up call for everyone.
One such missile targeted towards the pacific military base at Diego Garcia was, fortunately, intercepted but the Prime Minister was unable to confirm that the UK has the ability to intercept missiles targeting the UK.
We should be full of gratitude to Israel and the United States for having acted before Iran achieved the capacity to arm those missiles with nuclear warheads.
For decades the West has been hoodwinked by Iran into believing that it has peaceful intentions despite the clearest evidence of its supplying arms for terrorist activity by Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has forced up the price of oil and gas as supplies
have been severely reduced. The impact on the UK is dire especially for those dependent on heating oil, the cost of which has doubled.
The price of diesel and petrol at the pumps has risen substantially, with diesel prices particularly rising faster than petrol because of our dependence on importing that refined product.
Faced with these realities, the Government has been slow in its response with net zero zealots such as Ed Miliband at odds with almost everybody in the energy industry, whether in renewables or hydrocarbons.
So far ‘the tinkerers’ are winning, with the Government trumpeting financial assistance for some while reaping windfall tax dividends from the price rises in oil and gas. For example, the Government will profit by an extra £190million from VAT on heating oil.
As the price doubles, so does the yield of VAT from that oil.
If this isn’t the Government profiteering at the expense of the consumer, what is?
A similar story can be told in respect of petrol and diesel. As pump prices go up, so does the Government’s income from the 20% VAT which it charges on every litre.
That windfall is currently estimated to be in excess of £1billion.
Yet the Government continues to resist Conservative demands for the duty increase planned for this autumn to be scrapped.
Ministers are equally pigheaded in refusing to lift restrictions on gas ad oil production in the North Sea. Why is it preventing Rosebank, Britain’s largest oil field, producing millions of barrels a day which would improve our energy security and reduce dependence on overseas supplies?
n With Easter approaching, together with a new financial year, my inbox is full of complaints about the cost of living and the breakdown in so many public services. Details of how to contact me or attend a surgery can be accessed at www.chrischope. com.
Have fun after school at the Nature Nook
Diverse Abilities has launched a new nature-based after-school club for children with SEN and their families. Designed for children aged six and above, the sessions encourage families to enjoy the outdoors together through a mix of guided nature activities and self-led play.
There is no requirement to be registered with Diverse Abilities services to attend, ensuring the club remains open and inclusive to the wider community. Each session is crafted to help young people explore and learn through nature. Activities include:
Safe tool usage
Fire lighting demonstrations
Interactive games and sensory tasks
Access to freeplay areas including a mud kitchen and wishing tree.
All activities are facilitated by a highlyexperienced outdoor learning lead who specialises in supporting children with SEN.
Alex Bradford, outdoor learning lead, said: “We’ve had so much interest in offering specific SEN sessions in our
Nature Nook, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming children and their families to learn and play in a safe outdoor environment at our after-school clubs.”
The club runs every Wednesday during term time, from 3.45pm to 5.15pm from Wednesday, April 15.
Each session is £10 per child, with free parking available at the Treehouse.
Families booking six or more sessions can use code CLUBTERM to receive one session free.
Parents or carers are required to stay for the duration, and siblings are welcome when booked in advance. Children under one year old may attend at no charge.
Find out more and book your place at diverseabilities.org.uk/afterschool
Conservative Christchurch & East Dorset
CHRIS CHOPE MP
Cooking... with Martha Legg
Smashed potato & peach salad with whipped goats’ cheese and basil
Last summer we were on the hunt for salads that are a bit different and this one and it seemed easy. The trouble with these salads, is that Martin eats them and then says, ‘what’s for the main course’!
He’ll sometimes make himself a cheese sandwich, which kind of defeats the object of the salad!
I am not a great lover of just salad leaves, tomatoes, cucumber, etc, so I do like these salads with lots of different ingredients.
I found it quite hard to whip the goats’ cheese, and didn’t even try to whip feta! I found the dressing a bit bitter and not very nice, I think I may have overdone the olive oil and it might taste better with some ground nut oil. You can serve this with fish or meat, whatever you have to hand. We have been going to the beach a lot, me mainly walking and Martin to sit and drink coffee! I have to say that sitting
Pottery guru’s talk at library
Corfe Mullen Library is hosting an illustrated talk by local collector Beth Wilson, who will explore her collection of 1930s ceramics and the stories behind the women who created them.
A new talk, ‘Potter around Pots - the Pottery Ladies and 1930 ceramics’ is at Corfe Mullen Library on Thursday, April 16, from 3.30pm-4.30pm.
The talk briefly looks at the history of the industry, the life of the ‘Pottery Ladies’ and other factories around at the time. Beth will also talk about what remains of the industry in the 21st century. There will be a display of 1930s china and a chance to ask questions.
Free refreshments available.
n Free event - all welcome Booking is essential.
To reserve a place email corfemullenlibrary@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk, call 01202 659755 (Dorset Council customer services) or drop in to the library to book in person.
at Fishermans Walk or sitting outside the Café Oriel has been delightful the last couple of weeks.
Martin loves this time of year as a retired teacher.
If we do see a school-aged child, Martin asks me why they are not at school! How am I supposed to know?
Loving this retirement!
Ingredients: Salad
500g salad potatoes
1 pointed red pepper, diced 220g cherry tomatoes, halved
4 ripe flat peaches, diced
3 heaped tbsp Greek yoghurt 120g soft goats’ cheese (or swap for feta!)
Zest of 1 lemon
Basil dressing
25g bunch fresh basil
75ml extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove
Juice of 1 lemon
25g chives 12
Salt & black pepper
Method
Microwave the potatoes for 4 minutes until soft (or boil until fork-tender). Lightly crush each one using the base of a glass or a spatula. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then roast or air-fry at 200C, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. While the potatoes cook, halve the tomatoes, dice the red pepper and peaches.
In a bowl, whip together the goats’ cheese, Greek yoghurt, lemon zest, salt and pepper until light and smooth. Blend all the dressing ingredients until vibrant and green. Season. Toss the warm, crispy potatoes with the veg and a few torn basil leaves. Spoon onto a serving plate or platter. Finish with dollops of whipped goats’ cheese and a generous drizzle of the basil dressing.
Packed programme from trust
East Dorset Heritage Trust, based in Wimborne, has just put the finishing touches to their new programme of events and courses and would love you to get involved!
If you fancy doing something different this spring and summer the guide boasts lots of interesting things to do. There is a programme of talks which include ‘Murder at Villa Madeira’, ‘A Ship, A Gate and a Country Estate’ or how about ‘Married to the Mob?’ or ‘Auction Highs and Lows’? Plus, there are coach trips to Pennard House in Somerset or St Mary’s House in Sussex too.
If you love being out in the fresh air, you can join guided walks through the stunning countryside of
Wiltshire or North and East Dorset.
Or a guided walk around Poole Park plus a Geology walk at Portland, to discover the mysteries of Chesil Beach.
If that’s not your thing, then you could try your hand at needle felting or crochet. There are also pottery-
throwing courses or a painting course.
And there are lino print or gel print workshops, lots of willow weaving and sea glass art or even pipe cleaner lilies.
The programme is full of things to do to suit everyone including modern languages, such as Italian, French and Spanish, creative writing and poetry or literature appreciation courses too.
There are also pone-to-one IT sessions.
Gift vouchers are available for everything on offer, so you can even buy a gift of a talk or course or workshop. There really is something for everyone.
Call in and pick up a copy to kick-start your summer. For more, email: info@edht. org.uk, visit edht.org.uk or call 01202 888992.
Beyond the Smile
Losing a Tooth? You Could Leave with a New One the Same Day!
Losing a tooth can feel unsettling.
Many people worry about how they’ll look, how they’ll eat and speak, and whether they’ll have to live with a gap or a denture for months. The good news is that dentistry has moved on - and in many cases, there is now a much more comfortable and reassuring option.
Looking after your looks and your health
At Sturminster Dental Care, some patients may be suitable for a treatment that allows a replacement tooth to be fitted on the same day that a problem tooth is removed. This means you can often leave the practice with a fixed temporary tooth in place, rather than a visible gap or removable denture.
This treatment is carefully planned using modern 3D scans and equipment and is carried out by our implant surgeon, Mr AJ Haasbroek (pictured below), who has extensive experience in implant surgery and same-day tooth replacement techniques.
Traditionally, replacing a tooth with an implant can take nine months or longer, often involving six or more visits, with time spent wearing a denture or living with a space. With this newer approach, many suitable patients can complete treatment in around four months, with fewer visits and without ever being left without a tooth.
O f course, this method isn’t right for everyone, and a full assessment is always needed. But for many people, it offers a calmer, quicker and more confident way to move from a failing tooth to a natural-looking fixed replacement. If you would like to find out whether this treatment may be suitable for you, please contact:
Sturminster Dental Care
01258 473397
www.sturminsterdentalcare.co.uk
Or speak with your own dentist about a referral. ADVERTISING FEATURE
Visiting a dentist regularly is one of the simplest ways to protect both your oral health and your overall well-being.
While most patients prefer dentists within 5-10 miles, many will travel 1 hour or more for trusted care or specialist treatment.
Modern preventive dentistry is moving beyond aesthetics to play a critical role in overall health. Dentists can spot early signs of issues like cavities, gum disease, or infections before they become painful or expensive to treat.
With growing evidence linking oral health to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and dementia, dentists are becoming frontline health professionals rather than just tooth specialists.
Through expert interviews, patient case studies, and recent research, the article will show how early intervention, digital diagnostics, and patient education are reshaping dental care—and why this shift matters now more than ever.
Dentist offer a wide range of services
General Dentistry
- Check ups and oral examinations
- Professional cleaning (scale and polish )
- Fillings – Repair cavities (tooth decay)
- Fluoride treatments –strengthens enamel and prevents decay
Cosmetic Dentistry
- Teeth whitening – Brightens discoloured teeth
- Veneers – Thin coverings placed on front of teeth
- Bonding – Repairs chips and gaps
- Smile makeovers – Combination of cosmetic treatments
Restorative Dentisty
- Crowns – Caps placed over damaged teeth
- Bridges – Replace one or more missing teeth
- Dentures – Removable replacement teeth
- Dental Implants – Permanent artificial tooth roots
Emergency Dental care
- Toothache relief
- Broken or knocked out teeth
- Abscess treatment
Specialist treatments
- Root Canal Treatment – Saves infected teeth
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Oral Surgery – Tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal.
Beyond the Smile smile brighter
with mydentist Wimborne
Come
• Accepting new patients
•
•
• Ample
Tracey cruises to record-breaking reduction
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Tracey, who attends Slimming World in Colehill, was recently presented with the group’s highest weight loss award. Here’s her story:
‘I joined Slimming World in May 2023 at my heaviest and felt completely devastated. As an emotional eater, food had become my comfort, but deep down I knew something had to change. I was constantly aching, in pain, and unhappy in myself - and I knew I deserved better so I joined my local Slimming world group. From the very beginning, taking things one week at a time made all the difference. Gradually, the weight started to come off, and with it, my confidence began to grow.
It hasn’t always been easy, and I still believe in enjoying life - including holidays and the occasional treat. On those weeks the scales didn’t go my way I didnt dwell on it, I’d come back to group, step on the scales, draw a line under it, and refocus.
I love Slimming World food, its just healthy eating. My favourite is Steak and Jacket potato or Slimming World Friendly
Quiche and I love the Slimming World meals from Iceland too, especially the new Crumbles with lots of Strawberrys and Yoghurt. The support I’ve received at Slimming World Colehill with Karen has been
incredible. The group is so motivating, and there’s no judgment - just encouragement and understanding. Karen is a fantastic consultant who genuinely cares - always offering support and checking in between sessions. So far, I’ve lost an amazing 7st 1lb - a truly life-changing achievement. I still have more weight to lose, but I now feel confident, positive, and determined that I will reach my goal.’
Health & Wellbeing
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plus 2 weeks free* when you join today!
membership plus 2 weeks free* when you join today!
WIMBORNE
Wimborne Community Centre
41-44 Kings Street
Tuesdays 7:30am, 9am, 10:30am, 4pm, 5:30pm & 7pm
Louise 07902 566149
STURMINSTER MARSHALL
Sturminster Marshall Memorial Hall
Churchill Close BH21 4BQ
Wednesdays 5:30pm
Janet 07534 613183
CORFE MULLEN
The Royal British Legion
Wednesdays 9am, 11am, 3:30pm, 5:15pm & 7pm
Lucy 07749 983274
BROADSTONE
The Royal British Legion
Fridays 8:30am & 10am
Lucy 07749 983274
COLEHILL
St Michaels Church Centre
Colehill Lane
Thursday 6pm
Saturday 7:30am & 9am
Karen 07957 234839
CREEKMOOR
Christ Church, Northmead Drive
Tuesdays 5:30pm & 7pm Sue 07561 530220
WEST MOORS
Pinehurst Community Church
90 Pinehurst Road
Wednesdays 3:30pm, 5:30pm & 7pm
Thursdays 9am & 10:30am
Karen 07795 820310
BLANDFORD
Corn Exchange
Tuesday 7pm
Sarah 07880 730481
BLANDFORD
Corn Exchange
Wednesdays 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 5:30pm & 7pm
Tracey 07776 309982
BLANDFORD
Methodist Church, The Close
Thursdays 5:30pm & 7:30pm
Tracey 07776 309982
CANFORD HEATH
Canford Heath Community Centre
Mitchell Road
Monday 5.30pm & 7pm
Wednesday 9am & 10:30am
Sue 07561 530220
FERNDOWN
Ferndown Royal British Legion Church Road
Fridays 9am & 10:30am
Sophie 07818 506511
FERNDOWN
Ferndown Village Hall Church Road
Tuesday 5.45pm & 7pm
Liz 07415 654293
CASTLEPOINT
St Edmund Campion Church
Thursdays 5:30pm & 7:00pm
Belinda 07971 356743
CASTLEPOINT
St Edmund Campion Church
Thursdays 9:00am & 10.30am
Debbie 07931 480464
ST LEONARDS & ST IVES
St Leonards & St Ives
Ex Services Club, 12 School Lane
Mondays 6pm & 7:30pm
Sophie 07818 506511
CHRISTCHURCH
Twynham Church 99 Barrack Road
Mondays 5:30pm & 7pm
Gill 07707 031305
VERWOOD
Verwood Memorial Hall
Ringwood Rd
Tuesday 7.30am & 9am
Wednesday 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7pm
Debbie 07931 480464
VERWOOD
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Vicarage Rd
Thursdays 6pm
Debbie 07931 480464
*Offer available 29th March to 18th April 2026. Visit our website for terms and conditions.
*Offer available 29th March to 18th April 2026. Visit our website for terms and conditions.
Home
& Garden
Birthday charity is a blooming marvel
Chestnut Nursery, the charitable garden centre in Poole, has launched a special celebration to mark 25 years of achievements.
The ‘little garden centre with a big heart’, run by the charity Plants and Minds, supports adults with life-impacting mental health conditionsknown as team members, enhancing wellbeing via its highly-successful horticultural therapy programme.
Manager Andy Verreck said: “On behalf of Plants and Minds, I’d like to thank our team members, colleagues, volunteer friends, customers and supporters for making Chestnut the success it is today.
“From a seedling of a project to a state-of-the-art charitable garden centre, Chestnut has evolved into a thriving community for adults with mental health challengesand the first port of call for gardeners seeking quality plants and gardening accessories.
“The nursery is bursting at the
Outdoor Furniture
Crafted to suit every outdoor setting and designed to help you make the most of your garden, our outdoor furniture and cooking collection brings together a wide variety of styles, sizes and seating options to match your lifestyle and space.
From elegant dining and bistro sets to cosy lounges, corner suites, recliners, benches and even daybeds, each piece combines thoughtful design with durable, weather‑resistant materials for lasting comfort. Whether you’re entertaining, relaxing or simply enjoying the fresh air, our collection offers stylish solutions and great value that make refreshing your outdoor space a pleasure.
Explore our furniture range
StewartsGardenCentres www.stewarts.co.uk
Stewarts Christchurch, BH23 4SA
Stewarts Broomhill, Wimborne, BH21 7DF
Stewarts Abbey, Fareham, PO15 5RB
seams with springtime colour.”
Chestnut has also launched its Big 25 Challenge, a special appeal to raise funds to improve facilities on-site.
Including sponsored running, baking, walking, workout and reading challenges, every £25
raised will help Chestnut to grow.
Visit buytickets.at/ plantsandminds to find out more.
All funds raised will help Chestnut to restore its team members’ wellbeing, reduce
isolation, gain new skills and create opportunities for people to rebuild confidence in a safe, supportive, friendly and nonjudgemental environment.
Chestnut Nursery first opened on the former Poole Council Nursery site on the edge of Poole Park in 2001.
It has flourished into a horticultural haven that’s famed for home-grown plants that are lovingly nurtured on-site by team members, as well as unusual exotics.
Since the site was redeveloped in 2019, the number of team members who have successfully progressed into paid employment has increased by 300 per cent - while sales have risen by 150 per cent, securing the future of a project that had previously been financially unviable.
Chestnut Nursery can be found at 75 Kingland Road, Poole BH15 1TN.
Visit www.chestnutnursery.org. uk to find out more or call the nursery on 01202 685999.
Last call for spring show
Last call for anyone thinking of entering the Wimborne Gardening Club Spring Show on Saturday, April 11, in Wimborne’s Allendale Community Centre doors opening at noon. Closing date for entries is Wednesday, April 8. Please do not think it is only the professional who enter as everyone is encouraged to enter, both members and non-members alike. Visit wimbornegardening club.co.uk. Anthony Oliver
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Ambient afternoon
Do you enjoy the music of Robert Fripp or Brian Eno, chilling out to relaxing music in a garden setting?
If so, this is for you: An afternoon of ambient music in the Museum of East Dorset garden. The concerts are free to attend, and will include an exploration of the soundscape of garden ponds; a Soundhenge sound installation situated on the lawn and a series of performances featuring improvised shakuhachi, tape loops, Frippertronics and electronic keyboards.
Afternoon tea and cake will be available and performers will include Mosaicist with Geoff Hearn, Tim Cowie, James Osland, Andrew Heath, Grasslands, POND and Obelisks. n Sunday, April 26, 1.30pm to 5.30pm. Museum of East Dorset, High Street, Wimborne. Access at the back of the museum.
SHAFTESBURY EMPORIUM
Friday & Saturday, April 10 & 11, 9am-4.30pm, Town Hall. Lots of locally crafted & consumable items for sale. Free entry. Supporting DSAA & Weldmar Hospice, next events: May 8 & 9
Blandford Art Society
Ancient fair on village green
The May Fair will take place on Maypole Green, Sturminster Marshall, on Monday, May 4, from 11.00am.
A May Fair has taken place on this site (Maypole Green) since 1101AD and the dance started in the 13th century.
It is being organised by Sturminster Marshall First School and the parish council.
Different age groups will have their own dances and there will be an allcomers dance at the end.
Refugee Ukranian children took part in 2023 and many of those dancing this year have parents who did the same when they attended the school. Games and refreshments will be on offer
and Kings Street and Front Lane will be closed from 9.30am to 2.30pm with parking available in the Red Lion or Old School and at other signed spaces.
WOMEN TOGETHER IN RINGWOOD
invite women from across the local area to an uplifting and encouraging gathering on Saturday, April 18, 9am to 3pm, at St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Ringwood. Centred on the theme ‘El Roi - The God Who Sees’, the day will include worship, reflection and opportunities to connect. Tickets £10.00. Hope to see you there!
Members’ Exhibition 2026
Pimperne Village Hall
Newfield Rd, Pimperne DT11 8UZ
Please join us for the Preview Evening with drinks and nibbles
Friday, 24 April, 5pm - 7pm Saturday 25 April, 10am - 3pm. Free entry For more information, go to our website: www.blandfordartsociety.weebly.com
JUMBLE SALE
Saturday, April 11, noon, in aid of SVDR. Durweston Hall, DT11 0QA. Entry £1 includes raffle ticket.
Blandford Art Society, friendly local club
Members
of Blandford Art Society (BAS) are holding an art exhibition on April 2425th in Pimperne Village hall. Did you know painting and even going to exhibitions is good for you? Professor Daisy Fancourt in her book, Art Cure, writes “These activities improve our wellbeing and reduce the risk of dementia!”
BAS is a thriving art club with an interesting programme. There are twice weekly group sessions to encourage members to share experience and support each other: Tuesday afternoons in Nelson’s Alehouse in Blandford; and Wednesday evenings in Pimperne Village Hall. Beginners to experienced artists are welcome in both groups.
There’s usually an artist tutor for our monthly Thursday afternoon workshops in Pimperne Village hall. We welcome non-members to these sessions so it’s a chance to have a taster. See the programme and our activities here: https://blandfordartsociety.weebly.com and https://www.facebook.com/blandfordartsociety.
Feast your ears on these fiddlers An enormous crocodile to be here in a while
Born in Nettlebed on Valentine’s Day 1994 as a one-off special concert, Feast of Fiddles is a band of friends that puts on a show of huge dynamic range performed with passion, joy and a liberal dose of fun. This year fiddlers Phil Beer (Show of Hands), Garry Blakeley (Band of Two), Marion Fleetwood (Trad Arr, Sandy Denny Project), Mark Jolley (Banter), Tom Leary (Joe Brown) and Simon Swarbrick (Merry Hell) bring a large range of fiddle-playing styles to the rock back-line - all held together by legendary drummer Dave Mattacks. It’s not unheard of for past alumni to make guest appearances along the way so keep an eye open for tour news on the website.
This is live music entertainment like no other which is guaranteed to be enjoyed by even the most doubting of friends dragged along!
Hugh Crabtree, who originally
got the band together in 1994, said: “We’ve had a sad year following the death of Ian Cutler in June and the retirement of Brian McNeill at the end of the Spring Tour. But, we go on!
“Mark Jolley, who covered for Ian two years ago has also joined the band.”
The 2026 February & March tour band is Blakeley, Crabtree, Fleetwood, Harding, Jolley, Leary, Mattacks, Swarbrick and Vincent.
The line-up for the May dates will be Blakeley, Broughton, Crabtree, Fleetwood, Harding,
Leary, Price, Swarbrick and Vincent.
In May, past member Joe Broughton will join the fray for a trio of gigs and favourite dep drummer Simon Price will fill the drum stool.
Crabtree added: “It really is such a pleasure to be able to draw on so much talent.
“I guess it’s a result of 30+ years of Feast of Fiddles!”.
n Friday, May 8, 7.30pm Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne Tickets £27. Tel 01202 885566. tivoliwimborne.co.uk/events/ feast-of-fiddles.
The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees...
Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks, but they’re going to have to find a large amount of courage to stop this greedy brute.
The eagerly-anticipated and wickedly funny family musical based on Roald Dahl’s snappy classic The Enormous Crocodile will be at Lighthouse Poole from Thursday to Sunday, May 7 to 10.
The Enormous Crocodile the Musical was developed by Roald Dahl Story Company, Emily Lim, Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab, Suhayla El-Bushra and Tom Brady.
Age guidance: 3+ n Tickets and information 01202 280000. lighthousepoole.co.uk.
Farming & Environment
A day at the farm
We thought it would be good to look at the geography surrounding the farm. A Second Word War Observational Base came to light. The base was at Belle Vue, a section of woodland behind the Angel Inn.
There was a vertical entrance shaft with hatch cover and ring to open. Inside was a large (10x12sq ft) main chamber with ventilation shafts.
There was a 25ft-long escape tunnel with the exit hidden by trees and bushes behind a bank. After the war bits of the corrugated iron escape tunnel came to surface as children played in the wood.
In 2019, parts of the base came to the surface again, revealing a large and deep cavity with evidence of internal collapse.
It lay right below a regularly-used footpath through the area, heavily used as a community resource by the surrounding housing estates. Because of concern that the main chamber might collapse beneath walkers, the site was excavated by Dorset Council.
Slightly to the west of High Mead lies the pretty Hampreston, which is a historic Dorset village first recorded in 1086 as Hame in the Doomsday Book. Originally an agricultural settlement by the River Stour, its name combines Old English for ‘river meadow’ with ‘priest farm’.
Once a vast parish that included Ferndown and Longham, it is now a peaceful village defined by its 14th-century church, All Saints, and a long agricultural heritage.
A 10-minute walk will see you to Longham Lakes, two water storage reservoirs created from former gravel quarries. Planning permission for the site was granted in 1994.
Developed by Bournemouth Water (part of South West Water) to store water, the site now includes two lakes, with the first opening in
with Richard Boden High Mead Farm yard manager
2009 and the second in 2010.
It is now recognised as a very popular bird watching site with over 180 different sightings since its opening. The flood planes of the River Stour lie along from the lake heading toward Hampreston.
which are essentially a white heron - it was quite a sight!
n The blackthorn hedges and trees both on the Farm and surrounding area have seen spectacular blossom, resulting in them absolutely humming with bees, hopefully some from our High Mead hives.
At the time of writing we are delighted that our three ewes have had five lambs between them and that Buttons, our pygmy goat has had a baby girl who as yet is unnamed. Also, we’re really excited to have the Farm Shop reopen after a total refurbishment thanks to the amazing work of Scott from Stapehill Services who has been able assisted by our Co-farmer Will, as well as all the Volunteers. More to come in the next column.
01258 472314
farmoffice@friarsmoorlivestockhealth.co.uk
friarsmoorlivestockhealth
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.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
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
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
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 18,100 miles £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) Ford Fiesta 1.0T Titanium 5dr. Sat nav, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, road sign assist, hill holder, cambelt has been replaced, 81,500 miles Available soon £6750
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
2018 (18) Ford Transit Connect 200 1.5TDCi Van 5dr. Ply lined, 2 seats, cambelt replaced, clean & tidy small van, double rear doors, 1 rear side door, high mileage but well-kept van with no vat to pay, 139,500 miles .............................................................................................£5850
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
2017 (17) Honda Civic 1.5T Sport Automatic 5dr. Sat nav, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, hill holder, park sensors, reverse camera, Bluetooth, road sign assist, collision safety system, 40,800 miles £13250
2020 (69) Ford Transit 2.0TDCi Trend 350 MWB MR L2 H2 11 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 10 seat plus driver, 2 front seats, 9 rear seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, heated front seats, hill hold, cambelt replaced, 90,200 miles.........................£19500 + VAT = £23400
2018 (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
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2013 (13) Mercedes-Benz E220 2.1CDi SE Automatic Estate 5dr. Big luxury estate, big boot, heated leather, sat nav, cruise control, parking sensors, auto lights & wipers, Bluetooth, 118,500 miles £6250
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
2015 (65) Peugeot 308 1.2THP Allure Automatic 5dr. 130bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, park sensors, reverse camera, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, hill hold, only £35 a year road tax, 50+mpg economy, cambelt has been replaced, 69,500 miles..............................................................DUE IN SOON
2019 (19) Peugeot 2008 1.2 Signature 5dr. Small SUV, big boot, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, Bluetooth, hill holder, nav screening on audio, cambelt replaced, 32,900 miles £8250
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) 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
22019 (19) Suzuki Ignis 1.2 SZ3 5dr. Small & compact car, parking sensors, auto lights, good height seats & ground clearance, Bluetooth, 50,500 miles £7450
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
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
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
2011 (60) Kia Ceed 2, 1.6CRDi Estate 5dr. Bargain clearance, low mileage, £35 road tax, 60mpg, MOT December, practical estate car, not perfect, has a few marks on the bodywork, only 78,000 milesDue in soon
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
2018 (18) Kia Soul 2, 1.6 5dr. High seating, good sized boot, sat nav, parking sensors & reverse camera, cruise control, auto lights, Bluetooth, hill holder, road sign assist, only 29,500 miles ...............................£9350
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
Motoring
BUDGET REPAIRS
Felt Roofing Specialist
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PAINTING & DECORATING
Divorce: Considering pensions
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
On divorce, pensions might be the priority to think about, but given their potential value, they need to be carefully evaluated when considering the fair distribution of matrimonial financial assets.
It is important to obtain legal and financial advice.
There are different factors to consider:
• The type of pension, including ‘defined benefit’ and ‘defined contributions’
• The current pension values known as the ‘cash equivalent values’ (CEV)
• The calculation of potential future pension income on retirement, which can be different for men and women. There are also different types of pensions orders to consider with different benefits and risks:
Pension sharing - when a specific percentage of a pension is distributed from the ‘pension member’ to their spouse after their divorce has been finalised. The receiving spouse is then safeguarded if the pension member dies before them.
However, the receiving spouse might have to wait longer to receive their future pension benefit, especially if they are younger than the pension member.
Pension attachment - when the receiving spouse receives an amount of income directly from the pension as maintenance, which can be increased over time if appropriate. However, that payment from the pension fund will stop whenever the pension member dies, making additional life insurance a necessary options for the receiving spouse.
Offsetting - this could be when little or no actual pensions order is made. Instead, the receiving spouse gives up some or all of their potential pension order claims and in return receives a larger share of capital. For example, the receiving spouse might receive more than half the equity in a family home (so they are ‘capital rich’) whilst receiving little or no pension benefits (so they are ‘pension poor’).
Lauren Williams Trainee solicitor
Local Services
When local businesses CommunitiesTHRIVE SUCCEED
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.*
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April Free Legal Advice Clinics
The Hub On The Heath
Buy a hot drink and get free legal advice 10, Adastral Square, Canford Heath, Poole BH17 8SA
Thursday, 16th April 2026
From 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Esca Café Bar Christchurch
Buy a hot drink and get free legal advice 127b Barrack Rd, Christchurch, BH23 2AW
Thursday 23rd April 2026
Please note that some clinics offer limited legal services. You can visit our website or call us on 01202 203200 for full details
From 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Wimborne Manor
2 Lonsdale Road, Wimborne, BH21 2GA
Thursday 24th April 2026
From 2 pm to 5 pm
Contact Your Friend In Law Today
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Jumbo 3D Sudoku
Across
1 Throw out some destitute victims (5)
1 Throw out some destitute victims (5)
4 Brilliant red vehicle left in group (7)
4 Brilliant red vehicle left in group (7)
9 Gift in party before race (8)
9 Gift in party before race (8)
10 Indifferent couple of identical notes (2-2)
10 Indifferent couple of identical notes (2-2)
Killer Sudoku Pro
Down
Down
11 Service provided for mountain peaks (6)
11 Service provided for mountain peaks (6)
12 Like Napoleon formerly on Elba to the French? (5)
13 Record in ground is challenged (4)
12 Like Napoleon formerly on Elba to the French? (5)
13 Record in ground is challenged (4)
15 Criticism normal on reflection (3)
15 Criticism normal on reflection (3)
16 Colour not good for spike (4)
16 Colour not good for spike (4)
17 Argument in France and Norway producing stern look (5)
19 Terrible miser detaining husband in French city (6)
17 Argument in France and Norway producing stern look (5)
21 Child is holding new brand (4)
19 Terrible miser detaining husband in French city (6)
21 Child is holding new brand (4)
22 Annoy educated woman in complicated rite (8)
23 Surprise beginning by the French (7)
22 Annoy educated woman in complicated rite (8)
24 Tightly knit group round musical instrument (5)
23 Surprise beginning by the French (7)
24 Tightly knit group round musical instrument (5)
Killer Sudoku Pro:
2 Stringed instrument I love with lecturer in Virginia (5)
2 Stringed instrument I love with lecturer Virginia (5)
3 Refined clubs with young woman in charge
3 Refined clubs with young woman in charge (7)
5 Retro company reconfigured as modern (12)
5 Retro company reconfigured as modern
6 Tiro’s cooked Swiss dish (5)
6 Tiro’s cooked Swiss dish (5)
7 European at the back of boat coming from Asia? (7)
8 Discriminating flier defiant after disruption (12)
7 European at the back of boat coming from Asia? (7)
14 Lay on informal starters to lunch in court (7)
8 Discriminating flier defiant after disruption
14 Lay on informal starters to lunch in court
16 Braced framework that is large in Italian city I removed (7)
18 Goods supplied in sequence (5)
16 Braced framework that is large in Italian removed (7)
18 Goods supplied in sequence (5)
20 Second rental property erected – or resting place for drivers? (5)
20 Second rental property erected – or resting place for drivers? (5)
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.
Exploring Stour & Avon...
with retired Dorset rights of way officer
Start at the church which, unusually, has solar panels on the roof. Many more churches should follow suit! The church is usually open and has a cafe attached.
Cross the road and join a footpath along an alley heading west which soon takes you to open moorland, Access Land, crossing the Great Barrow.
Soon you come to a junction with a bridleway which is part of the Ferndown, Stour and Forest Trail, which takes you north north west, passing a school playing field. When you reach a road, cross it and continue north along a street with lots of bungalows. When you come to a bend, join a footpath on your left which
Puzzle solutions
takes you onto bogland where you’ll be glad you’re properly shod and are carrying a stick!
It’s interesting but challenging. It is fairly short and you soon rejoin a road
which you cross to take a road leading east, at the end of which turn right, then left, to continue east to enter the Slop Bog Nature Reserve.
If you have time you might like to explore the nature reserve.
Otherwise continue east along the path. While doing so I turned on the Merlin App on my portable telephone and it detected the voices of robin, song thrush, blackbird, chaffinch, great tit, blue tit, goldcrest, siskin, firecrest and dunnock.
At the end of the path turn right and join a road that takes you south west for half a mile untll you meet a main road which you can cross by pedestrian traffic lights to enter Church Road which takes you south south east for half a mile back to where you started. You’ll have walked about four miles.
Brain chain (hard)
FERNDOWN
Tips to boost your spring clean decluttering
‘Why the hell have we still got this?’ It’s one of spring’s most common phrases, as decluttering home-owners sift through the archaeology of their lives, uncovering items they last used when Love Island was just a smitten atoll. If you need to declutter but don’t know where to start, here are our top tips…
Stop staring, start doing! The hardest step is simply getting started.
‘I’ll do it next Bank Holiday’, ‘I just need a plan’ ‘Maybe if I leave it long enough pixies will come and take it away for me?’.
No more prevarication, now’s the time to dive in and get it done.
Is it useful or sentimental? It’s natural to hold on to things of sentimental value. Sometimes we hoard with
no plan, so ask yourself, are you going to display it, use it, repair it, upcycle it... If the answer’s ‘no’, let it go.
No more excuses
‘But xxx gave me this’, ‘But this reminds me of’, ‘But it might be useful in a zombie apocalypse’.
We all find reasons not to let go. Apply the rule above, say goodbye and move on.
90/90 Rule
Have you used that item in the last 90 days? Are you going to use it in the next 90 days? If the answer is ‘no’ then it may be best to set it free, to be loved again.
One man’s junk...
Placing items on ebay, Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, can give them a second lease of life without adding to landfill. You could even make a few pennies to redecorate that room.
Reduce now, replace later Some of your ‘treasures’ can probably be replaced later on if needed, then you can enjoy the luxury of new and improved when the time comes. Some, you’ll simply never need.
You don’t wear it well Clothes and shoes can be a
major cause of clutter. Simple test, if you haven’t worn something in the last year, there’s probably a reason. They can have a good life with a new owner.
Fly my pretties, fly!
Do the rubbish bag dash
Grab five rubbish bags. Your challenge is to stuff them with stuff that needs to go. No pausing, quick, simple decisions; keep it/dump it. It’s easy once you get started. Five bags done. Take a breather, have a cuppa, grab the next five bags. Look at you go!
Bring in reinforcements
Get a friend to help. They don’t have the same emotional attachment, so can help you make clear decisions to lighten that load (of old junk).
n For more home tips and storage advice, head to Armishaws.com/blog.
21st DECEMBER
21st DECEMBER
22nd DECEMBER
22nd DECEMBER MONDAY 23rd DECEMBER
