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by Wednesday the week before publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday. Classified ads may be accepted after this, however these will be subject to available space.

Cover: Beech avenue, Wimborne

The big sleep p6

All hands on Shrek p23

Young hero sparks £400 fundraiser

POOLE care home

residents and staff raised nearly £400 at a fundraising afternoon tea to support children living with cancer.

Residents at Elizabeth House care home welcomed in the local community to raise money and awareness of local charity, Meredith’s Mission.

Meredith’s Mission was set up by Kate in 2024 in honour of her daughter Meredith who was diagnosed with a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of four, leading to more than two years of chemotherapy. During treatment, Meredith wore a range of brightly-coloured costumes and outfits to her appointments to bring a smile to the faces of the hospital staff and other patients. She was able to ring the bell to mark the end of her treatment in January this year.

Meredith and Kate were

guests of honour at the special fundraising afternoon tea with live music at the care home, where staff wore bright outfits as a tribute to Meredith’s fun spirit.

In total, the event raised £392 for the cause.

Kate said: “We’re so grateful for the money raised by the residents, their families and the

Welcome result for cookery demo

PROJECT Welcome has announced that more than £5,000 was raised following a special fundraising cookery demonstration held last month at Moonacre in Sturminster Marshall.

The Reverend Jane Williams, vicar of the Red Post Benefice, warmly welcomed 150 guests across the community, including MP Vikki Slade, for an inspiring and enjoyable event.

The evening took the form of live cookery demonstrations by four of Dorset’s most celebrated chefs and was hosted by Sturminster Marshall’s own Dr George Williams, a 2024 Master Chef semi-finalist.

community space at St Mary’s Church in the village.

said: “Residents, staff and visitors had such a wonderful afternoon of entertainment with Meredith invited as our guest of honour.

“She’s a real inspiration with her positive attitude and fun spirit despite the challenges she has faced, so the residents were thrilled to meet her.

The funds raised will directly support Project Welcome, an initiative dedicated to creating a more inclusive and welcoming

Plans for the project include the development of essential facilities such as a kitchen, and accessible toilets, helping to ensure the space can better serve local residents and community groups.

care home team at Elizabeth House, which will help us to continue supporting families going through some of their toughest times.

“It was incredible to see the community gather to raise money for our charity to support other children in Dorset facing cancer.”

Home manager Donna Moss

“At Elizabeth House, we’re proud to work with and support our local community and reading about Meredith’s personal experience of cancer made us keen to do our bit to help such a worthy cause.”

Elizabeth House hosts a Welcome Wednesday session every week from 2pm to 4pm which is open to the local community.

Visitors can enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere of the home over hot drinks, cakes and

Charity shortlisted in awards

HOME_START Wessex has been shortlisted for the Patron’s Award for Charity Organisations in the nationwide BQF UK Excellence Awards 2026.

The awards highlight the success of organisations and people that demonstrate excellence in innovation, leadership, sustainability, customer service, the community, and more.

The Patron’s Award recognises the people and organisations doing amazing work to support their communities and make a difference every day.

Home-Start Wessex offers friendship, practical support, and emotional advice to parents in Dorset with at least one child under five who are in crisis, providing specialist groups and one-to-one home visits.

Supported families are struggling for a variety of reasons, including poor mental health, postnatal depression, disability, domestic abuse, bereavement, isolation, financial hardship and multiple births. Over the last year, the charity has transformed 1,716 lives, helping a record 526 families.

Kathy Fryatt-Banks, chief executive, said: “Wow! We’re so incredibly proud to be one of just four finalists selected for this prestigious award.

“We’ve grown from supporting 10 families in 1995 to more than 500 in 2024.”

If you could spare a few hours a week to help local families through challenging times and make a difference in your community, contact office@homestartwessex.org.uk

No experience is needed.

Rotarian’s £20k legacy to centre

BOURNEMOUTH Rotary Club president Virginia Beck is pictured presenting the Multiple Sclerosis Centre in Dorset with a cheque for £20,000.

The sum was a legacy left to the Rotary club of Bournemouth from Rotarian Barrie Sindal with the proviso that it should all be given to one of our deserving charities in Bournemouth.

The Multiple Sclerosis

the county who are living with multiple sclerosis.

The donation is intended to help provide the centre with very much needed updated equipment for the gym and also new flooring.

Two full-time members of management are helped by 70 volunteers but more volunteers are always needed at the centre

Two full-time members of management are helped by 70

Marathon of fun at inaugural town leisure festival

Wimborne’s first Festival of Sport and Active Leisure came under starters orders, attracting around 600 visitors for a day of free, family-friendly outdoor activities.

As part of the Wimborne Town of Culture programme, the festival showcased the area’s thriving sporting community and encouraged residents of all ages to try something new.

More than 16 local sport groups and businesses took part, offering hands-on sessions ranging from wall-climbing, rugby and cricket to football, canoeing and a host of other activities.

A major highlight for families was the festival stamp card challenge, designed to inspire children to explore as many sports as possible.

Around 300 children completed their card, collecting stamps for each activity they tried, receiving a certificate to mark their achievement.

There was much praise from visitors, particularly for the festival’s atmosphere and variety.

For details of upcoming Town of Culture events, visit wimborne2026.com.

Pictures: ELIZA NADEN

‘Sleepy’ students raise £3k for the homeless

YEAR 12 (A3) students at Bryanston School spent the night sleeping out on their floodlit Astroturf to raise funds for YMCA Bournemouth, in support of those experiencing homelessness.

The A3 cohort collectively raised an impressive £3,000 through the initiative, now in its fifth year at Bryanston.

Support for the event continues to grow annually, reflecting a commitment among pupils to engage with important social issues.

YMCA Bournemouth works to raise awareness of homelessness in the local area, offering a range of support schemes to help those in need.

Its ‘Sleep Easy’ initiative encourages

young people to experience just one night outdoors ‘so that others do not have to,’ helping participants better understand the realities faced by many.

The event followed a series of fundraising and awareness activities,

including a whole-school 10km walk where pupils sold homemade cakes at checkpoints.

Earlier in the year, YMCA representatives visited the school to deliver an assembly on youth homelessness, which many pupils later cited as a key motivation for taking part.

The sleep-out was marked by a vibrant and positive atmosphere. Pupils constructed individual cardboard shelters, supplied by YMCA Bournemouth, and decorated them with flags, banners, fairy lights and colourful designs.

They then enjoyed games, along with pizza provided by sponsors Steele Raymond and hot chocolate and biscuits from the school’s catering team.

Iran regime is hardly innocent

Irecognise that many people may share Roland Britain’s views, (New Stour & Avon, May 1), about Trump and Netanyahu in their pursuit of war, especially in Iran. However, I believe such views need to be more nuanced, otherwise the Iranian regime -

with its penchant for exporting terrorism, its atrocious human rights actions, especially towards women, and its dubious nuclear intentions - is in danger of being cast by some as a totally blameless administration.

Chris Wilkinson Ferndown

Learn about the ‘Lacey’ ladies

Canford and Merley Women’s Institute warmly welcomes guest speaker David Beardsley on Wednesday, June 10, for a fascinating talk: The Formidable Ladies of Kingston Lacey. Discover the remarkable women behind one of Dorset’s most intriguing historic estates

in what promises to be an entertaining and insightful evening. The meeting will be at Merley Community Centre.

New members and visitors are invited from 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. For further details contact me on 07780 705702.

Hazel Clarke (President)

'Please drive buggies carefully'

Iwas shocked recently to be knocked down by an electric buggy on a Wimborne Minster pavement. The buggy ran over the side of my foot.

The disabled driver said: ‘Get out of my way!’ and drove off - I did not see the buggy until it was upon me.

My point in writing is to ask all buggy drivers on pavements

to travel at normal walking speed and to use a warning bell or horn when necessary. I am sure that most buggy drivers do so and that my experience was a dangerous exception.

My thanks go to the two people who came up afterwards to ask whether I was all right.

Anne Whittle

Wimborne

Bus connection for Blandford

In response to Val Davies’ letter (New Stour & Avon, May 1) it is possible to catch the Little Green Bus service 88 and alight at Millmoor in Sturminster Marshall.

The X8 bus comes through about five minutes later to give a connection to Blandford.

Unfortunately, the connection in the other direction at the shop in Sturminster Marshall misses by about five minutes and to get back to Wimborne you have to continue on the X8 into Poole and change to the 3 or 4.

Peter Impett Wimborne

Enjoy the folk festival with us

WIMBORNE

Methodist Church is always a popular venue for things to do at the Folk Festival, and we raise money for various charities.

This year, we are due to have dancers and musicians performing on the forecourt across the weekend along with Mad 4 Animals on the Sunday from 11am to 12.30pm, so do take your children to see some unusual creatures.

We will be open on both days for good value refreshments (coffee etc all day and lunches noon-2pm). There will also be

ice cream. The home-made cakes are always popular so go along and be tempted. Then why not browse the other stalls - jigsaws, paperback books and gifts.

There will be plenty of seating for just resting, eating, watching the various activities or chatting with friends.

We look forward to welcoming you at our church at 4a King Street over the weekend of June 13 and 14.

All we need then is for the sun to shine!

Joy

Morling Wimborne Methodist Church

Time to reflect, refresh, renew

FEELING frayed or frazzled? Take time to reflect, refresh, and renew at ‘the Quiet Space’.

In our busy, fast-paced lives, it’s easy to feel stretched thin - whether it’s the demands of work, family, or the constant hustle of day-to-day responsibilities. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, perhaps it’s time to take a step back and give yourself the space to recharge.

With this in mind, Crowe Hill Methodist Church have introduced the Quiet Space, a new series designed to offer you the opportunity to pause, reflect, and find balance. Each meeting is dedicated to exploring a specific aspect of well-beingphysical, mental, spiritual, and relational - allowing you to focus on what truly matters.

The Quiet Space is an opportunity to slow down and reconnect in a peaceful and supportive environment. Whether you’re seeking clarity in your spiritual journey, looking to nurture your relationships, or simply needing a moment to unwind, the Quiet Space offers a gentle, guided time of personal reflection that will help you feel refreshed and renewed.

Join us for an enriching

experience where you can: n Reflect on your current state of wellbeing n Relax and unwind in a peaceful, supportive setting n Renew your energy, mind, and spirit through guided meditation and reflection. Each session will focus on a different aspect of personal wellbeing, providing you with valuable tools and insights to help you lead a healthier, more balanced life.

Come and join us at the Quiet Space on Monday, June 1, at 7.30pm or Thursday, June 21, at 2pm, because everyone deserves a moment of peace in the chaos of life.

Find out more about the dates and themes for each session at crowehill.org.uk. or call 07835 567404. Crowe Hill Church is at BH24 3DQ. We look forward to welcoming you into this peaceful space of reflection, refreshment, and renewal.

Brian Skelley Ringwood

“I feel very secure and thoroughly and utterly spoilt.”

Mary, care home resident

At Care UK’s Ferndown Manor in Ferndown, every resident is supported to live their life the way they choose. Our experienced team takes pride in offering quality residential, nursing, dementia and respite care.

Mary, a Care UK care home resident, shares how the home’s quality care has made her feel cared for and secure after a life-changing fall shook her confidence.

‘They’re trained to a very high level’ Mary moved into a Care UK care home after experiencing a life-changing fall. She recalls being met with tender care and concern. “I feel safe with the care team and other colleagues. I trust them implicitly,” she says. “They set very high standards of honesty, and I also feel that they’re trained to a very high level.”

Care UK’s approach to quality care is marked by some of the highest quality ratings of the UK’s larger care providers, and its status as the most awarded care home group. In Mary’s experience, high-quality care has been the standard from day one. “It’s wonderful having a team around me to know that if I’m in trouble they will come.” But beyond this, a warm, family feeling is what makes it feel like home.

“The team become friends, which is wonderful because you leave your home, and life is totally different,” Mary says. “They’re all so friendly and caring.”

‘A wonderful, safe feeling’

At 88, Mary lives with COPD and has difficulty walking, but she manages well because of the dedicated team’s round-the-clock support. “It’s a wonderful, safe feeling. At home, there wouldn’t be anyone around because I was alone. Here, I get a wonderful feeling of security.”

Mary’s family feel she is in good hands too. Her two children who live abroad

don’t have to worry about her living alone anymore, and her daughter who lives nearby is also kept up-to-date and enjoys popping into the home frequently. “Everybody is incredibly happy that I’m here.”

Trust us to care

Our approach to quality care is based on best practice and the latest evidence, so you can trust your loved one is safe and comfortable.

Care UK is a leading independent care home provider with some of the highest quality ratings of the UK’s larger care providers, and over 40 years’ experience of delivering highquality care to older people.

For more information about Ferndown Manor in Ferndown, call 01202 618669 or visit careuk.com/ferndown-manor

70% of adults in the UK have no Will

The UK is suffering from “wills apathy”, with more than 30 million adults failing to make provisions for when they die.

Dying intestate (without a Will) means the government will decide who gets what from your estate. Not having a Will could also result in Inheritance Tax being due before the estate is released. Grieving families may be forced to take out loans in order to release the assets.

But drawing up a Will doesn’t have to be a daunting or expensive process, a single Will costs £225 and a double Will is £375.

So what should I consider when making my Will?

Executors – the person(s) who will carry out your wishes and apply for Probate. You must trust them implicitly.

Guardians – the person(s) who you trust to bring up your children should the worst happen to both parents.

Gifts – Often sentimental items that you want specific people to have.

Age of Inheritance – legally you can inherit at 18, is this too young? Maybe 21 or 25 would be better.

Funeral Requests – Buried, cremated, ashes scattered at sea etc.

Summer Fair at Bryanston

The Wessex Event Company are delighted to be holding our 5th Summer Fair in the beautiful house and grounds at Bryanston School on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May this year.

Bring the whole family for a fabulous day out, there is something for everyone.

After being inspired by over 100 artisan foods, crafts, plants, garden furniture and accessories, why not chill out in our two Street Food Areas, where you can enjoy mid morning snacks, lunches and afternoon treats, including Pizzas, Bratwurst, Thai, Falafels, Dorset Lamb burgers, Greek BBQ, Mac and Cheese, Hot Potatoes, Ice Cream, Churros and Crepes, all washed down with coffee, tea, soft drinks or something slightly stronger from the Outpost Bar. While you sit and eat and relax you will be entertained by fabulous local musicians.

Our popular workshops will again be taking place over the weekend, with Children’s Chocolate Lolly making and new this year Forest School and Pottery painting workshops for all ages., pluss flower arrsnging demonstrations on both days.

There will also be the ever popular falconry displays, classic cars and live fire shows.

There is so much for children to enjoy. Our children’s entertainments will include a climbing wall, cave, bouncy castle, rides, games and face painting., and new this year axe throwing and archery (both in a secure, supervised area}. We also have a Circus Skills Workshop, on both days for children to participate in and learn some of magic of the circus, Andy the Magic Man, Rugby Tots, Craft Area, Alpaca walking and meet the Disney Princesses and Superheroes.

The cost of entry is just £5 for Adults, with children under 16 just £1, making this one of the most affordable, family friendly, value for money days out you will find in the area this summer.

So come early, stay late and enjoy a wonderful day out in the most beautiful of settings.

We would like to thank our sponsors Meyers Estate Agents, The Blackmore Vale Magazine and Holt Recruitment for their continued support of our events.

Rotarians celebrate 50 years

MORE than 100 people attended a dinner in the Great Hall at Canford School to celebrate 50 years of Rotary in Ferndown.

Rotarians and friends from the local area and as far afield as Dublin joined Ferndown and Parley Rotarians to celebrate the occasion and honor the founder members of the Club.

Keith Adams, president, said the club was determined to organize an event which would be a fitting tribute to the 32 Founder members.

The importance of the occasion was such that the most senior figure in Rotary Great Britain and Ireland, Heather Stuart, travelled from Scotland to deliver congratulations.

special memento to mark his 50 years as a Rotarian.

Guests included Sheila Smith, the widow of the founder president John Smith, and Bill Field a founder member.

Bill, who is still a very active member, was presented with a

The evening highlighted how Rotary has given 50 years of service to the local community, in addition to donations aiding those suffering disasters internationally. Wilma Merrell

23rd & 24th May

10am - 5pm

Amazing automobilia!

AVAST single owner collection of automobilia and enamel signs in Somerset is being sold by Charterhouse on May 27.

Richard Bromell of Charterhouse said:

“The owner has spent 30 years building up his collection but with a new business venture about to start he took the tough decision to let us auction the entire collection.”

The collection, estimated to total £60,000-£70,000, includes enamel signs, petrol pumps and pump globes, vintage oil and petrol cans, garage forecourt items, lamps, car steering wheels, grills, badges and other parts, model vehicles, advertising wares, pedal cars and also a 1949 Land Rover

from the first year of production.

Viewing for the collection is onsite at the owner’s property: Moorhouse Farm, Holford, nr Bridgwater, TA5 1SP, on May 26, 10am-4pm, with the auction at the Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, at 10am on

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

B. Curtis Farm Shop & Butchery: A New Chapter Built on Family Heritage

For many years, the name B. Curtis has stood for proper butchery, exceptional service and quality produce. Now, we are proud to bring that same heritage to a new setting with the opening of B. Curtis Farm Shop & Butchery at Holme for Gardens, near Wareham.

This new shop is not simply another farm shop. It is a butchery-led food destination, built around the skills, standards and values that have shaped our business for generations. At its heart will be traditional craft butchery, with carefully selected locally sourced meats, handmade sausages, gourmet burgers, homemade pies, ready meals and a full range of everyday essentials for customers who care about what they eat.

One of the centrepieces of the new shop will be our glass-fronted Himalayan salt dry-ageing room, designed to showcase beef ageing at its best. It reflects what we have always believed: that great food starts with care, time and attention to detail.

Alongside the butchery, customers will find deli produce, cooked meats, cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables, bakery

items, barista coffee, cakes, sauces, sides, wines and local beers — all chosen to help complete a proper meal.

For us, this new venture is about building on our past while creating something exciting for the future. We want the shop to feel welcoming and inspiring, whether customers are picking up dinner, planning a Sunday roast, calling in after visiting the garden centre, or looking for something special.

Dorset’s first Himalayan Salt Dry-Ageing Room

We are proud of where we have come from, and even more excited about where we are going. B. Curtis Farm Shop & Butchery is our next chapter — rooted in heritage, driven by quality, and created for people who care about food.

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Killer Sudoku Pro

6 Comfort food (5)

7 Tell where student could be? (6)

9 Clear short film in part of hospital (7)

10 A trap around area once more (5)

11 Nurse figure with daughter (4)

13 Manual that’s diverted former schoolgirl (6)

15 Bread from India and Cyprus in French city (5)

16 Volume on walkway in elongated hollow (6)

17 Creature that’s not identified still on island (4)

20 Game starts to excite really formidable competitor (5)

22 Lawyer holding independent place with award – and qualification (7)

23 Second ruse upset cat (6)

24 Fool curtailed way of speaking over time (5)

Down

1 Rogue in a role to defend government concerning areas? (8)

2 Greek that is beginning to feel sadness

3 Obscure filthy place overlooked by major route (5)

4 A fine fellow, a bishop, left yard in a friendly fashion (7)

5 Huge creature in Oregon and California

6 Response to stimulus clubs put first – or artistic skill? (10)

8 Resident maybe like a brother and worker

12 Lecturer certainly not of a priestly type

13 Some factual component in a play (3)

14 A jogging accessory? (8)

15 Most close attention in comfortable home

18 Dress in a party by the Royal Navy (5)

19 Special lubricant brings damage (5)

21 Develop good argument (4)

Killer Sudoku Pro:

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.

The state of politics: What comes next?

ALTHOUGH elections took place last week, most people locally did not have the chance to vote. Coverage has focused on the rise of Reform UK and the Green Party, but there is another story of note: The continued growth of the Liberal Democrats, both nationally and here in our communities.

Recent gains, including control of Portsmouth and Stockport and new councils in East and West Surrey, show our inclusive message is cutting through, alongside the polarising approach at either end of the political spectrum.

Closer to home, this is reflected in Broadstone, where we won six of eight seats, and in Poole, where all of those newly-elected are either Liberal Democrats or Reform councillors. All of this points to something bigger. Our electoral system was built in a two-party era but today, voters have at least five parties to choose from, and feel pushed to vote against

something rather than for what they believe in.

As the Representation of the People Bill makes its way through Parliament, there is an opportunity to update our democracy. The Bill includes positive measures like automatic voter registration and extending the vote to 16-year-olds, as in Scotland and Wales.

It also recognises that fairer systems of proportional representation can workextending this to mayoral contests. As MPs, we need to push the Government to include this in all elections. Alongside how we vote, we must change how politics is funded. Liberal Democrats believe politics should be open, fair, and rooted in the communities we serve. We rely on volunteers giving

their time.

Candidates are typically funded through small donations, quizzes, coffee mornings, in contrast to parties where huge donations come from a handful of sources, sometimes with less visibility. That raises questions about fairness, influence, and accountability - questions we need to address through stronger rules on donations and loopholes for foreign or crypto funding.

Perhaps the most serious challenge we face is trust.

During the Brexit campaign, complex issues were made simple by politicians, leaving people unsure what to believe.

During Covid, when families followed the rules, seeing those in power exploit them had a lasting impact.

Moments like this shape

whether people feel politics works for them.

Now, with the rise of AI, misinformation can spread faster and further than ever. Some exploit that confusion deliberately, deepening division and mistrust, turning people on each other. If we lose confidence in what we see and hear, it becomes harder to make informed choices - and easier for division to take hold.

Because, despite everything, there is real hope.

We have seen repeatedly how strong our communities are, how people step up and pull together when it matters most. Our spirit is embedded in our communities, not just in the flags we wave.

The future of our politics is not fixed. While the current PM is faltering, the next government will not be formed for several years, and the result is not inevitable. We must choose fairness, reject misinformation, and build a society and political system that works for everyone.

Better race relations will combat fear

GROWING up, all primary schools in London had an annual visit to the Commonwealth Institute in Kensingtonproviding an opportunity to learn the part of English and British history that included the Americas, Caribbean, Africa, Asia and Australia and their people.

The Institute was closed in 2002, demolished, and is now the UK Design Museum!

When the Equality and Human Rights Committee (EHRC) was created in October 2007, the Commission For Racial Equality (CRE) was abolished and eaten up by the EHRC; it swallowed and fully digested the responsibility for UK race relations education and race relations.

Along with the Commonwealth Institute

disappearing, I believe this created a vacuum and increase of misinformation and mistrust of non-white people.

The, ‘..but you’re alright’ narrative does not wash with me. I was born in England, was educated in England, married and raised my family in England and will die and go to heaven via god’s England departure lounge!

That’s money that goes towards that spent by every government of every colour; money spent on all the people of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland regardless of race, religion, ability and sexual orientation.

bang the drum of their cause the loudest, or who are deemed politically savvy. Being part of UK democracy and elections is for everyone, regardless of status and background.

The overall turnout for the recent BCP town council elections was 40.42%.

Not bad. However, in one ward it was as low as 25.99%.

My ancestors, however, came to England from another country for a better life and they were not initially welcomed here either. I grew up hearing stories of how my grandparents and their friends were targeted and attacked, some fatally, by teddy boys and skinheads.

I pay my taxes in England.

So even though I am born and bred in England, I will never consider myself ‘better than’ any other migrant that comes to this country and due to the woeful asylum and immigration system left by the last government, when I say ‘migrant’, I mean all migrants.

n I often write here about how important it is to get yourself registered to vote and to use your vote. Voting should not be left only to those that

So, if you are frightened, unhappy, or perhaps shocked by some of the results, as I am, only you can do something about that on your ballot paper in the future. Next year it will be Dorset’s turn to elect our local councillors and I suspect there’ll be a few BCP town council by-elections in between! I again stress, now’s the time to get registered so you can vote next time around!

See bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ elections.

Liberal Democrat Mid-Dorset & North Poole

Vikki Slade MP

Dorset Labour Candice Johnson-Cole

Many successes of the Conservative party

Why is the Government so unpopular? It has failed to deliver on its promises thereby disappointing its supporters, it has also shown itself to be incompetent and indecisive thereby emboldening its opponents.

Significant credit must be given to the Conservative Party, as the official Opposition, for having held the Government to account nationally for its failings. The Conservatives forced the Government to withdraw its legislation to surrender sovereignty over the Chagos Islands while paying Mauritius an extortionate sum.

The long-running scandal relating to the impunity of grooming gangs was going to be kicked into the long grass by the Government until the Conservatives forced them into setting up a statutory inquiry. A not dissimilar cover-up was in evidence in relation to the appointment of Peter

Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States. It was the Conservative Motion in Parliament which embarrassed the Government into agreeing to reveal the Mandelson files.

pressure.

The Government’s decision to restore winter fuel payments for pensioners after they had been withdrawn was another success for the Conservatives.

Fortunately, that was significantly watered down by the Conservatives. Other successes in Opposition have included making the Sentencing Council end its two-tier justice sentencing guidelines and enabling successful school academies to be able to set their own pay and conditions in the best interests of their pupils.

While that process is still not complete, the damage done to the Government’s creditability is evident to all.

It was the Conservatives who led the campaign for the banning of social media for the under-16s and for the banning of mobile phones in schools. Likewise, the ill-considered vindictive family farm tax designed to destroy the ability of farmers to hand on their businesses to their children was modified because of Opposition

Join town group for outdoor show

WIMBORNE

Community Theatre is offering creative people living in the area an exciting opportunity to be part of new inclusive, site-specific community theatre production. Staged in a rarely-visited part of the Kingston Lacy estate from September 21-27, the Home Show will be a Landmark project within Wimborne’s programme as the chosen Dorset Town of Culture 2026. The show is being devised by WCT members working with professional theatre practitioners and writers to create something imaginative, exciting and shared by the community.

It will combine research into people’s own stories of home life and what they like about Wimborne as a hometown (or not) with local history, real and imagined.

Directed by Merley-based Dorset-born Rohan Gotobed, the production is suitable for emerging professional theatre artists, (performers or backstagers), amateur actors seeking something new or different, local makers and stitchers - in short, anyone wanting to feel part of a friendly but challenging community ensemble. Act now... come to the WCT practical workshop on May 20.

If you join the group then,

So, also, were the modest changes made in mitigating the worst effects of the Employment Rights Bill so six months’ probationary periods for employees are still in place.

Other successes include forcing the Government to create a child cruelty register to protect children and to insulate women and girls from intimate image abuse.

The Government was hell bent on forcing pension funds to make investments at the direction of the Government.

Locally, because the Conservatives chose not to contest most of the town council seats in Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone, Reform has been the principal beneficiary. It is, therefore, a matter of regret local people were denied the electoral opportunity of expressing their appreciation for the success of the Conservatives in Westminster in holding the Starmer government to account. Although the main beneficiaries in the short term may be left-wing Labour, hopefully, the longer-term picture will be more positive.

Wimborne Community Theatre performing Secrets of the Stour Picture: CHRIS MCCORMACK

you will get the chance to participate free in an exciting residential weekend course on May 29 and 30 with the nationally and internationallyacclaimed Wildworks, on how to make exciting theatre in the landscape.

Wildworks has been described as ‘the UK’s leading landscape theatre company’, and is

collaborating with the community theatre on this new show. Wildworks is an offshoot from the equally-legendary Kneehigh Theatre of Cornwall. Cost is £40 for adults, £25 for concessions, per year. Other concessions are available for people on low incomes. See wimbornecommunitytheatre. co.uk for more details.

Conservative Christchurch & East Dorset Chris Chope MP

Law firm’s ‘stark reminder’ for landlords

SENIOR lawyers at a south coast legal firm are urging landlords and letting agents to stay compliant as one of the biggest shake-ups in English tenancy law comes into force.

The Renters’ Rights Act, which became law on May 1, is designed to strengthen tenant security while placing greater responsibilities on landlords and agents.

Experts from Ellis Jones Solicitors say the various reforms to compliance duties amount to the most comprehensive overhaul of landlord and tenant law in more than 30 years. They are in the process of hosting a series of in-person seminars for landlords and agents, with events already held in Bournemouth and Dorchester and one due in London in June.

Among the most significant changes are the abolition of

fixed-term tenancies and so-called ‘no fault’ Section 21 evictions, so tightening the scope for landlords to recover possession.

There are also new rules around rent increases, with a two-month notice period required and rises limited to one a year.

Other changes affect rental bidding, arrangements for

allowing tenants’ pets in rental properties, the extension of the Decent Homes Standard to private rentals, and the introduction of an Ombudsman redress scheme.

Also going live are restrictions on how much rent a landlord can ask for in advance. Until this month, there was no limit, with multiple months’ rent not uncommon as a

condition for securing a home. Now, landlords can only request one month’s rent in advance, alongside a security deposit of up to five or six weeks’ rent.

Conor Maher at Ellis Jones, who is presenting at the seminars, said: “With the Act now in force, it’s a stark reminder to landlords and letting agents that they must observe strict compliance from this month on.

"They should also be aware that civil penalties are expanding alongside a new obligation on local authorities to report on their enforcement activity.

“Financial penalties for non-compliance now range from £7,000 to £40,000.

“While all this may seem somewhat daunting, it need not be if you act on the right advice and take the relevant steps to ensure compliance.”

Hot stuff as tub specialist scoops awards

WIMBORNE-BASED

hot tub retailer

Hyperion Hot Tubs has returned home with two national awards after attending the Sundance Spas UK Dealer Conferencelast month at the stunning Stanbrook Abbey in Worcestershire.

The annual conference brings together Sundance dealers from across the UK to celebrate outstanding performance and achievements.

Hyperion Hot Tubs, Dorset’s only authorised Sundance retailer, was recognised with not one, but two awards on the night, Top Swim Spa Retailer Award 2025 and Outstanding 880 Series Sales Award 2025.

Owner, Terry Marsh, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled. These awards are a real

reflection of the hard work the whole team puts in - and more importantly, the trust our customers in Dorset place in us. To be recognised at a national level means a great deal.”

Hyperion operates one of the largest indoor hot tub and swim spa showrooms in the south of England, just outside Wimborne, where customers can wet-test products before they buy.

The business has built a loyal local following and consistently holds a five-star rating on both Google and Trustpilot.

The showroom is located at Unit 8-9, Uddens Trading Estate, Wimborne, BH21 7LL.

For more information, visit hyperionhottubs.co.uk or call 01202 985125.

2007 (07) Alfa Romeo 159 Lusso 3.2V6 JTS Q4 4x4 4dr. 260bhp, 4-wheel drive, not perfect as its old, invoices for ££££’s spent, collector or enthusiast item, 98,500 miles

2023 (72) Mercedes-Benz V-Class V220 2.0CDi Sport Automatic 6

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

£6500

2019 (19) Ford Focus 1.0T Titanium X 5dr. Top of the range, massive spec, 68,000 miles Due in soon

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

2015 (65) Ford Focus 1.0T Zetec 5dr. £20 tax, cambelt kit replaced, 1 owner & only 20,800 miles

£6750

Seat MPV 5dr. Luxury travel, 6 seats, massive spec plus extras, 44,900 miles £39500

2019 (19) Mitsubishi ASX 1.6 Juro 5dr. High seating, big boot, high spec, 82,500 miles £8450

2006 (06) Mercedes-Benz CLK200 1.8 Kompressor Sport Automatic Convertible 2dr. 163bhp, petrol, 5 speed auto gearbox, recent new roof & shocks absorbers, full history, 15 stamps, heated leather, electric roof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, park sensors, MOT June 25, private sale on behalf of a customer, 77,500 miles ...........................................................................................................£4250

2019 (19) Suzuki Ignis 1.2 SZ3 5dr. Small & compact, low running costs, 50,500 miles

£7450

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

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

2011 (61) Vauxhall Meriva 1.7CDTi SE Automatic 5 Seat MPV 5dr. High seating. cambelt replaced, old so not perfect, clearance bargain, MOT August, 79,500 miles

£1650

Due in soon

2014 (63) Ford Focus 1.0T Zetec 5dr. £20 tax, cambelt replaced at Ford in 2023, only 49,200 miles

2012 (62) Ford S-Max 1.6TDCi Titanium 7 Seat MPV 5dr. High seating, big boot, flat fold rear seats, cambelt replaced, 74,800 miles, selling for a client

2018 (18) Ford Transit Connect T200 1.5TDCi Van 5dr. 100bhp, material lined, bulkhead delete, 2 seats, no vat to pay, 58,300 miles

£4950

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

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

£8750

2018 (18) Ford Transit Connect T200 1.5TDCi Van 5dr. Ply lined, 2 seats, no vat to pay, 139,500 miles

£5850

2015 (15) Hyundai i40 1.7CRDi S Estate 5dr. £35 tax, upto 65mpg, great spec load lugger, 65,200 miles

£6250

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

2017 (67) Kia Picanto 1.25 GT Line S 5dr. Top of the range, massive spec, 68,300 miles

2016 (66) Mazda 3, 2.0 SE-L Nav Automatic 5dr. 120bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, sign recognition, heated seats, hill hold, 75,900 miles...................................£8450

£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

2023 (23) Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSi Black Edition 5dr. High seating, decent boot, high specification, 21,800 miles ................................ .£15950

2019 (69) Volkswagen Golf 1.6TDi Match Estate 5dr. High spec, cambelt kit replaced, 76,800 miles ................................................... £9950

2017 (17) Vauxhall Astra 1.4 SRi 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, cruise control, pre-collision assist, sign recognition, hill hold, Bluetooth, 63,600 miles ..............................................£6950

2016 (66) Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDi R-Line 5dr. Stunning car, high seating, big boot, massive spec, cambelt kit replaced, only 54,600 miles. .... £15850

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

Terry Marsh with the awards

Home & Garden

Springing into action

IN view of the very early spring, where most spring bulbs were over, it was great to see such a lot of lovely colourful exhibits at West Parley Garden Club spring show. Our homemade cake class was well supported too and one entry in particular, of an allotment, pictured above, deserved special mention

On May 26 Ian Condon will give a talk ‘How I Started Bee Keeping’ while on June 30, Bryan Madders will be talking about ‘Sylvias and other flowering perennials’.

Doors open at 7pm for 7.30 at the MS centre, Church Lane. n Visitors are very welcome. For more information contact Mike Power on 07803 276251 or Jo on 01202 855232.

Mike Power

Sensory gardens open for national scheme

DIVERSE Abilities, Dorset’s Disability

Charity will be opening the gates to the Sensory Garden and Nature Nook at the Treehouse as part of the National Garden Scheme on Wednesday, June 17, from 10am-4pm.

Located in Hurn, the gardens at the Treehouse are fully accessible, and have been specially designed to engage all the senses, enabling people of all abilities to enjoy and explore nature.

The garden is designed to delight every sense, with striking and colourful flowers, soft leaves and grasses, edible herbs, rustling leaves, beautiful scented plants and the sound of water.

Along the winding path are musical instruments, whilst in the outdoor learning nature

nook visitors will discover a wishing tree, mud kitchen, fire pit, story-telling throne and produce grown by children the charity supports.

The sensory garden and nature nook has been specifically designed for the children, adults and families that the charity supports, meaning they can benefit from:

Mental health & relaxationproviding calming, therapeutic environment that lowers stress and anxiety levels

Stimulation & engagement - to safely explore the garden

Cognitive & memory benefits - engaging with different textures, scents and colours

Social interaction - these spaces encourage social engagement, offering a shared space for families and the people supported by the charity

Return of coffee morning

by Anthony Oliver

AFTER a year’s absence Wimborne in Bloom will once again run a Spring Coffee Morning.

It will take place on Saturday, May 23, at the home of the founders of Wimborne in Bloom, Anthony and Christine Oliver, 34 Park Lane, Wimborne, from 10.00am to noon.

There will also be a raffle, a bring and buy stall and a plant sales table. All are welcome.

Wimborne in Bloom celebrates its 34th anniversary later this year and the proceeds from the coffee morning will go towards the planting up of the flower towers and planters situated around the town

Wimborne in Bloom is run as a voluntary organisation by a small committee.

New helpers are always welcome and contact details can be found at wimborneinbloom.org.uk.

Education opportunities - the sensory garden and nature nook are living classrooms and spaces for exploration, imagination and adventure. The open garden day provides a rare opportunity for the public to experience a space that plays a vital role in supporting children and adults with disabilities across Dorset.

As well as enjoying the garden itself, visitors will be able to relax with tea or coffee and cake, available throughout the day.

Tickets will be available on the day, costing £5 for adults with free entry for children. Find out more at diverseabilities.org.uk/daevents/ open-garden

MORE than 450 participants from all over the south coast took part in Forest Holme Hospice Charity’s inaugural Sunset Walk, coming together for a special evening in memory of loved ones.

Starting at Branksome Dene Community Room, people of all ages gathered to walk in support of the hospice to the top of Evening Hill to watch the sun set over Sandbanks and Poole Harbour.

The event was sponsored by Marjorie House, part of Care South, with staff and residents from Marjorie House also taking part in the walk.

Claire Cooper, events and challenges manager at Forest Holme, said: “It was incredibly special to see so many people come together for our very first Sunset Walk. The atmosphere was both emotional and uplifting, with people taking time to reflect, connect, share stories and support one another along the way.

“For many, it was a deeply personal experience, as well as a way to support the hospice.”

Rapid Relief donated bottles of water to

BOURNEMOUTH Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and Marjorie House care home have joined forces for a new partnership which will see BSO musicians visit monthly, bringing live music to care home residents, families and staff.

Music At Marjorie House is a 12-month programme of monthly live concerts delivered by the BSO’s professional musicians at Care South’s newest home which provides residential and dementia care near Evening Hill, Poole.

Performances will include duets, classical pieces, and music inspired by the residents’ musical tastes and interests.

The sessions are designed to spark joy, stimulate memories, and enhance social connection for residents, their families and the care home team.

The intimate, curated performances take place in Marjorie House and the series began with a taster session featuring cellist Judith Burgin and accordion player Hugh Nankivell.

Dougie Scarfe OBE, CEO of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, said: “The BSO exists to bring music into people’s lives, including those beyond the concert hall, and this partnership with

keep everyone hydrated en route, before participants returned to the Branksome Dene community room to enjoy refreshments from Pizza With Love.

The event has so far raised more than £16,000 supporting Forest Holme Hospice in continuing to provide compassionate palliative and end of life care.

Supportive community walk into the sunset Orchestra partnership is music to the ears

Claire added: “We’re so grateful to everyone who took part, our wonderful volunteers, staff and residents at Marjorie House for their support, plus Rapid Relief, and Pizza With Love, all of whom played a part in making the evening such a success.

“We look forward to doing it again next year.”

Marjorie House is a perfect example of how our musicians work in the community.

“We have a hard-earned and longstanding reputation for our creative health work, of which dementia-friendly music-making is a big part, and it give us the opportunity to take exceptional music into new settings to enrich the cultural lives of people of all ages.”

The BSO is a registered charity known for its community engagement.

Its award-winning BSO Participate

programme builds connections, improves health and wellbeing and enriches creativity and learning throughout the south west in association with a series of specialist partners.

Each year, the programme creates more than 50,000 opportunities for adults, children and young people, to learn, experience and create music, including dementia-friendly concerts, interactive schools’ performances and many more settings.

Mirela’s dedicated care for Elizabeth House residents honoured with Mayor’s award

Acherished member of the team at Elizabeth House care home has won an award for making a positive impact on the lives of the residents.

Mirela Toma, Activities Lead at Elizabeth House, on Dolbery Road South in Poole, was presented with the Individual Contribution Award as part of the Mayor of Poole’s awards ceremony at St James Church in Poole. Mirela was joined at the event by a resident and staff from the care home, which is run by not-for-profit charity Care South, alongside residents and colleagues from Alexandra House care home in Parkstone.

During the presentation, the Mayor of Poole, Councillor Mark Howell, shared some of Mirela’s career highlights, including leading charity events with residents, both in the home and in the community, as well as introducing a weekly crafts session with children from a local nursery. He added: “I’ve visited Elizabeth House a few times over the past year and I am incredibly impressed by Mirela’s enthusiasm for the role.”

Mirela said: “I feel so honoured to receive this award from the Mayor of Poole, who has been very supportive of the home during his mayoral year. Helping our residents to have fun and keep enjoying their hobbies, while having the opportunity to try new things is something that brings me great joy. It’s a privilege to be part of such a wonderful team, and to share so many special moments with our residents.”

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Mirela’s role at the care home sees her lead a varied programme of activities, events, trips out on the home’s minibus and partnerships with the local community. Mirela has also worked in various other roles within Care South over the past 10 years, including using her skills as a fully trained chef to support the home’s in-house kitchen team.

Elizabeth House provides residential, respite, and dementia care. It features a dedicated activities team which organises a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships.

Care South is a leading provider of high quality residential and care at home services across the south of England. The notfor-profit charity has care homes in Dorset, north Devon and Somerset, and care at offices covering Dorset and Somerset.

Mirela Toma presented with the Individual Contribution Award by the Mayor of Poole and Sheriff of Poole.

Mirela (centre) pictured with resident Yvonne and the Elizabeth House team.

Farming

HAVING been invited to look around the farm, I was struck by its simple, rustic charm and how the organised haphazardness instils a sense of wellbeing.

There are always projects on the go, from building sheds with donated timber, to converting old caravans into accommodation for our goats.

I spend most of my time in the ‘yard’ area - where the workshops are located - and the wood bay, where we convert donated pallets into kindling which is sold in the farm shop for a reasonable £6 a bag.

In July the shop is celebrating the fifth anniversary of moving into proper premises,

South

A day at the farm

with Steve Wardman

Volunteer Steve’s journey to the farm began in Yorkshire as an engineering apprentice. He then served 10 years in the Royal Navy, including on aircraft carriers. After 30 years as a boiler inspector, working in London and Derby he relocated to Dorset nearly 30 years ago. He’s now lost his accent but you may hear the occasional cheery ‘ayup!’ down on the farm....

and so am I. Not my birthday, but five years on the farm!

I call the yard the ‘brown side’ of the farm. I tend to leave the ‘green side’ to our animals and horticultural teams whose sterling work fulfils the therapeutic ethos for our co-farmers.

Some of them like to spend their days in the mechanical workshop where they dismantle donated scrap washing machines, gas boilers and all manner of electrical items.

The parts are then segregated into bins for steel, alloy, wiring and precious metals like brass and copper.

I tend to have a little joke with them by saying,

‘Remember how you take it apart so you can put it back together again’. The look on their faces is priceless! When I have enough scrap metal, I take it to a local recycling facility and the proceeds return directly to the farm.

I don’t take washing machine inner drums, we modify them and sell them in our farm shop as fire pits. I started collecting scrap metal four years ago and raised just over £500. The following year was £1,500, so then it became an annual challenge and my target was £2,500, which I exceeded by £200! So guess what? They increased my target.

By the end of this June, I’m hoping for £3,000. We will update results in a future issue. If any readers would like to bring any old washing machines, tumble driers, microwaves, cookers, gas boilers, etc, we’ll gratefully receive them but unfortunately, no fridges/freezers as we can’t recycle them.

In conclusion, I would recommend the farm as a quiet, peaceful and wonderful location in which to shed the stresses of the world outside.

n If you’re interested in volunteering here on the farm, come and experience it for yourself.

You won’t be disappointed!

west farmers take a trip to Houses of Parliament

SOUTH west farmers were in the halls of power recently during a tour of the Palace of Westminster.

The NFU South Member Develops group was in the capital for a trip sponsored by South Devon MP Caroline Voaden.

After looking around the Houses of Parliament the group visited the NFU’s London office, where Scott Pepe, the NFU’s

head of external affairs, talked about the work his team does on behalf of members and current lobbying activity across a range of policy areas.

They also keep the government up to date with the effect price rises and market volatility caused by the conflict in the Middle East are having on the industry and international trade.

The day concluded with a session looking at how to lobby effectively, including tips and tricks on how to engage with policy makers and improve advocacy for the industry. There was also a session about effective meeting chairing.

Member Develops aims to inspire a new and engaged group of the next generation of NFU members and leaders.

Responsible antibiotic use on farms

Protecting Herd Health and the Future of Farming

by Jade Mowlem, Vet

We all want healthy, productive animals and sustainable businesses.

Antibiotics are an important part of the toolkit to help us achieve this goal.

Why responsible use matters

Antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial infections such as mastitis, metritis, and pneumonia. However, overuse or misuse can contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where bacteria evolve and are able survive treatments that were once effective.

This is a growing global concern, affecting both human and animal health.

On farms, the consequences of AMR include reduced treatment success, increased costs, and potential restrictions on medicine use.

There is also increasing scrutiny from milk buyers,

assurance schemes, and consumers, all of whom expect high standards of antibiotic stewardship.

Understanding antibiotic categories

Not all antibiotics are equal.

In the UK antibiotics are grouped into categories based

on their importance to human medicine, which helps to guide responsible use.

Category D (‘Prudence’) antibiotics are considered first-line treatments and should be used first where appropriate. These include amoxicillin (eg Redymox) and oxytetracycline (eg Alamycin).

Many intramammary tubes

also fall into this category such as Ubropen and Orbenin Extra DC.

Category C (‘Caution’) antibiotics can be used but only when there are no suitable Category D options. Examples include gamithromycin (eg Zactran), and cefalonium (eg Cepritect). Products such as Synulox also fall into this category.

Category B (‘Restrict’) are critically-important groups of antibiotics used in human medicine. Use in animals should be restricted to mitigate risk to public health. Examples include marbofloxacin (eg Marbocyl) and ceftiofur (eg Excenel). These should only be used when necessary and always guided by culture and sensitivity testing. We do not stock any of these drugs.

Category A (‘Avoid’) products are reserved for human use ONLY.

Category D antibiotics should always be used unless there is evidence for the individual farm that it is not effective. Higher category drugs should be reserved for specific cases where they are truly needed.

Cooking... with Martha Legg

Easy

garlic black pepper beef

THIS is another recipe from Martin. He looked at the title, which said ‘easy’ and thought that it would be good to make!

I think the easy bit was the cooking, as he seemed to be in the kitchen for ages doing all the preparation!

I would recommend buying some good-quality beef as we bought some uncut stewing steak, and even after marinading it, it was a little tough. Possible better if it had been cooked in a slow cooker.

As the weather gets colder, we feel that we need something to warm us up, but are trying to avoid lots of potatoes and gravy. We still prefer Asian food, even though our trip to Vietnam was cancelled... we still hope to go to India later on this year.

Martin’s daughter and family took us out for a meal as a thank-you for having the children.

Not that she needs to thank us, I would have them as often as possible! They took us to a Chinese restaurant in Southampton.

The children has been there before, and tucked in to all the offerings, and used chop sticks!

Martin was okay with most of it, except for the tofu which he doesn’t like at all.

The children have never been what I call

fussy eaters - I tend to always give them macaroni cheese as it’s something I know they will eat, but I alternate it with pizza and fish fingers.

I haven’t given them fish finger sandwiches yet, which is a particular favourite with Martin, although I might try them with my Mum’s famous, egg, cheese and potato pie, my favourite go-to food, when I am feeling a bit down.

Ingredients:

500grms beef - would suggest steak

strips or beef skirts

1 onion, chopped chunky

2 peppers (red and green)

Spring onions cut chunky

4 garlic cloves, finely sliced

100ml chicken stock (beef stock is too rich)

2 tbsp light soy sauce

1 tbsp dark soy sauce

2 tbsp honey

Black pepper

Marinade:

1 tsp ginger/ garlic puree

2 tbsp dark soy sauce

1 tsp rice vinegar

2 tbsp cornflour

Black pepper

Method:

Add beef strips to a bowl with the marinade ingredients. Leave to marinate for 1-2 hours (or ideally overnight). Add some oil to a pan and sear your marinated beef, then add your vegetables and the rest of the sauce mixture (stock, soy, honey and black pepper)

Give that a good stir and leave to simmer for 10 minutes on a medium heat. While that is cooking, prepare your rice. Serve the beef with your cooked rice and get stuck in!

Care home chefs lead baking masterclass

CHEFS from Care South’s care homes led a bread-baking masterclass to help with upskilling the next generation of catering trainees.

Mark Wardman, catering operations manager at Care South, led the workshop for trainees at the Crumb Project in their fully-equipped training kitchen in Bournemouth.

Mark was joined by head chefs Adam Csurai and Bert Lyons who also shared their skills and knowledge with the trainees.

The Crumbs Project empowers adults with disabilities, neurodivergences, or mental health conditions by providing hospitality-based ‘training for independence’ that creates pathways to employment and inclusion.

Mark, Adam and Bert hosted

a live demonstration to show how to use a bread mix in four different ways, to make hot cross buns, bao buns, bread rolls, and a tear and share loaf.

The trainees then recreated the dishes with the chefs’ assistance.

Lee Whalley, head of operations at the Crumb Project, said: “We were thrilled to welcome Care South’s chefs to lead a masterclass for our catering trainees, many of whom will be seeking employment or volunteering opportunities after completing their training.

“Sessions like this help build practical skills, confidence and real kitchen experience, boosting employability.

“It’s fantastic to strengthen our partnership with Care South

and continue creating meaningful pathways into work for our trainees and supporting their long-term career development goals.”

Mark said: “It was a pleasure to work with the trainees and share the skills we use in our

kitchens every day.

“Opportunities like this help to build confidence, experience and a sense of achievement, and go on to support the next generation of chefs who may work in kitchens across Dorset.”

Shrektacular show earmarked for town!

YOU can join Shrek live on stage this June at the Tivoli Theatre, as Wimborne Musical Theatre Society members get ready to stage their next major musical production.

Shrek The Musical tells the story of a grumpy but loveable ogre’s hilarious adventure to rescue the feisty Princess Fiona and reclaim his swamp!

Along the way, he’s joined by the fast-talking Donkey, faces off with the villainous Lord Farquaad, and discovers that true love and friendship really does come in all shapes and sizes.

Filled with dazzling costumes, laugh-out-loud moments, and a whole host of quirky fairytale creatures, it’s the show that proves being different is truly what makes you special.

Shrek The Musical is adapted from the storyline of the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and features audiencefavourite songs like I’m A Believer, Freak Flag, and I

Know It’s Today.

Director Duncan Trew said:

“We’re delighted to be bringing this iconic and uplifting story to

life in Wimborne and it’s fantastic to be working alongside such a gifted cast and crew.”

“This extends to our two junior cast teams - local young performers who are truly shining in their roles and are sure to steal the spotlight.”

The show will be run from June 25 to 27 at Wimborne’s

Tivoli Theatre, with evening performances Thursday to Saturday, plus a matinee on Saturday. Book on 01202 885566 or online at attivoliwimborne.co.uk. Tickets are £22 for adults and £18 for under-16s.

Witchampton’s wonderful gardens await

WITCHAMPTON is preparing for one of Dorset’s most cherished weekends over the late May Bank Holiday (Sunday and Monday, May 24 and 25), when the village opens its gates and welcomes visitors.

Witchampton is a place where history and landscape sit easily together - its roots stretching back to Roman times - and it is considered to be one of the county’s best preserved villages.

Around 18 gardens - from sweeping riverside lawns to intimate cottage plots, some also in the National Gardens Scheme - will be on show. Expect clever planting, unexpected gems, and the chance to take home something lovely from the ever-popular plant stall.

The village will be alive with music and colour: The Blandford Stour Valley Band, the Anonymous Morris dancers, and the Witchampton Ukulele Orchestra are all performing.

The Little Owls Forest School returns with its much-loved scarecrow trail, last time boasting more than 50 wonderfully-eccentric creations. On Monday at 6pm, the church hosts a folk concert with discounted £10 tickets for garden visitors.

Celebrated artists Felice Hodges and Claire Hankinson will open their studios for Dorset Arts Week and a special ‘Witchampton’ scented candle will be on sale.

Teas and cakes await at the village hall and in Newtown, while the Witchampton Club provides cold beer and hot food.

Visitors will find free parking, a pedestrianised village centre, and a shuttle bus linking car parks and gardens.

Sunday 24 & Monday 25 May

Spend the day at Westival, the best festival

WESTIVAL returns to West Moors on Saturday, July 11, and everyone is warmly invited to be part of the fun.

Organised by West Moors Town Council and supported by local business, Westival is a true community celebration.

Taking place from noon to 4pm on Fryer Field, the afternoon is set to be packed with entertainment, activities and festival fun for all ages. Entry and parking are free, making it the perfect day out for families, friends and neighbours

to enjoy together. This year’s programme features a mix of returning favourites and brand-new attractions:

n Live music from party band the Audio All Stars and the Bournemouth Carnival Band in full Spiderman outfits

n A Motors & More showcase of more than 100 vehicles

n Goats and small animal petting with Blandford Animal Sanctuary

n Spectacular aerial displays from Phoenix Aerial

n A creative kids crafts tent run by Know Wander

POOLE & EAST DORSET ARTS SOCIETY ‘INTO THE LIGHT’

EXHIBITION

May 22 - June 8, The Gallery Upstairs (above the tearooms), Upton Country Park BH17 7BJ. 10am-4.30pm. Lift for wheelchair access. Free entry to exhibition, small car park charge ‘Into the Light’ is an illuminating exhibition that sees PEDAS members address the challenge of generating light in their art. Part of Dorset Art Weeks. thegalleryupstairs.org.uk.

n Magical mayhem and family entertainment from Krazy Kev

n A ‘levelled-up’ mountain bike show from Urban Displays

n Birds of prey flying displays and handling experiences with the Falcon’s Crest

n A climbing wall and new bouldering cave courtesy of South Coast Adventures. Alongside the headline attractions, visitors can enjoy all the classic festival favourites including a huge range of stalls

and a wide selection of food and drink.

Visit the council tent and pick up tickets for the cash raffle, where three winners will receive £500, £300 or £200. Free parking is available via Bond Avenue off Station Road, with disabled parking located in the Pavilion car park. Follow the signs from Station Road, where marshals will be on hand to guide you. For details, visit westmoors-tc.gov.uk.

Picture: LOTUS PHOTOGRAPHY

Roarsome fun planned at town museum

FAMILIES are invited to become intrepid explorers this month as Wimborne’s Museum of East Dorset unleashes a celebration of all things prehistoric with an action-packed Dinosaur Adventure, running until Saturday, June 6.

Young explorers can enjoy a host of hands-on, creative and curiosity-fuelled activities designed to bring the age of dinosaurs vividly to life - all included with normal museum admission.

Little palaeontologists will be able to build their own binoculars before setting off on a dinosaur hunt through the museum. Budding scientists can investigate dinosaurs’ teeth while others can roll up their sleeves to construct a model dinosaur skeleton piece by piece. Kids can even try to ‘Stomp like a Dinosaur’ in a fun

challenge wearing oversized foam dino feet!

One of the highlights is the chance to take part in an archaeological dig! Using special tools, children can uncover models of prehistoric dinosaur skulls, teeth, fossils, and even a replica skeleton fossil. Step into a dinosaur’s footsteps by exploring a life-size footprint, helping children imagine the incredible size of these giants. There will also be plenty of dressing up fun, encouraging imaginative play and memorable photo opportunities.

The adventure continues throughout the museum and in the museum garden.

Thanks to a creative collaboration with seven Wimborne schools the garden has been transformed into a dinosaur discovery trail. Schools were sent dinosaur

cutouts of all shapes and sizes to decorate and families are invited to hunt them out throughout the museum and gardens.

Admission is free with normal museum entry.

OPEN GARDENS & CHURCH , Sunday 24th May, 2pm-5pm, Manor Farm & Droop Farm, Hazelbury Bryan, DT10 2ED. Entry £5pp (children free). All proceeds to St Mary & St James’ Church. Regrettably no dogs.

FREE ENTRY

Dorchester Vegan MegaMarket 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday 16th and 17th May, 2026. Maumbury Rings, Dorchester, DT1 1TY. Not just for vegans! email: wdveganevents@gmail.com

WOODLANDS METHODIST CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY May 17, with cream teas from 4-6pm followed at 6pm with a service led by the Wellow Wood Worship Group. Everyone welcome. Flower and arts & crafts event on May 30 & 31 at Woodlands Methodist Chapel & Woodlands Parish Church ALL WELCOME

Recruitment

GROUNDWORKERS WANTED!

Farwell Contracting are looking to recruit a new team member to help with our upcoming volume of work. We are looking for someone who has good knowledge of groundworks and landscaping and also the ability to drive plant and machinery.

The successful applicant will need to meet the following criteria:

- Work well with others. No attitudes or big Ego’s! we work in small teams and so it is important that our staff are friendly and supportive to each other.

- Live locally to Blandford Forum

- Provide references of previous employment/experience

- Have plant experience. We are looking for someone that can operate excavators to a good standard as well as dumpers, rollers etc. We can help with plant certification if needed.

- Be prepared to get stuck in with manual work such as concrete laying, drainage, tarmac etc.

- Be honest and reliable.

- Have a clean driving license

What we offer:

- Employed or self employed position

- Good rate of pay (paid weekly)

- Company vehicle (depending on circumstance)

- Training and plant qualifications

- Local, bespoke work, avoiding the large housebuilding sites!

- A small friendly firm where you are a vital part of the team and not just a number

- The chance to learn new skills and progress within the industry

If you think that this is the right opportunity for you or you would like more information then please get in touch via email at admin@farwellcontracting.co.uk or Speak to Jan on (01258) 450800.

Please NO agencies! We manage our own recruitment and do not use agency assistance.

Fly Gareth does the double

JOHN O’Gaunt Fishery is a real favourite for the Wimborne Fly Fishers. It’s set well back from the small town of King’s Somborne in Hampshire and is as peaceful and picturesque as you could imagine.

We had an excellent turn-out and despite the sunshine there was still a wintery feel to the northerly wind, a reminder that although we’re officially into spring, there’s still a bite to the weather.

As regular readers will know, trout are a cold water species and were well up for the fight.

While most anglers bagged up pretty quickly there were a few who struggled to complete. No such problem for expert angler Gareth Evans, whose bag of 17lb 2oz included the day’s biggest fish at 6lb 6oz.

Attaboy Gareth! Gordon Wray

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Contact Tim 07799 367732 eves (after 7pm please).

Local Services

£9,000 Heat Pump Grant Brings New Opportunity for Rural Homes

Rural homeowners whose homes run on oil or LPG are set to benefit from an increase in government support for low-carbon heating, as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant rises from £7,500 to £9,000 for air source heat pumps.

Analysis by Nesta (an independent research and innovation foundation), published this week, found that with the higher £9,000 grant, households using heating oil that switch to a heat pump could save over £650 per year on their energy bills.

The increase is set to come into effect from July 2026 and run until March 2027.

Local expertise supporting the transition

Local family-run company Total Energy Services, based in the heart of the Blackmore Vale have been installing heating systems for over 30 years. As an MCS-accredited installer, the team is qualified to design and install renewable systems that meet government standards and enable customers to access the grant.

They have carried out air source heat pump installations across a wide range of properties — from older rural homes to modern new builds — helping homeowners understand what works best for their individual property.

To support homeowners who are considering the switch, Total Energy Services is currently offering complimentary, no-obligation home surveys, providing tailored advice, system recommendations and clear quotations.

A balanced approach to rural heating Rob, owner of Total Energy Services, commented: “The grant increase to £9,000 is a positive step for rural, off-grid homes and will make heat pumps more accessible. That said, there still needs to be a balanced approach, with options like renewable liquid fuels (HVO) playing an important role in the transition. Giving homeowners a range of practical, lower-carbon options is key to achieving a successful transition.”

Exploring your options

With the increased funding now available, many homeowners who may have previously ruled out a heat pump could find it a more realistic option.

As with any major home upgrade, the right solution depends on the property — including insulation levels, existing heating systems and individual household needs. Seeking professional advice is the best way to understand what’s suitable.

Book your complimentary heat pump survey

If you’re considering making the switch — or simply want to understand what the new £9,000 grant could mean for your home — now is the ideal time to take the first step.

Total Energy Services is currently offering complimentary, noobligation heat pump surveys for homeowners. We offer honest, practical advice on whether a heat pump is the right fit for your home.

With grant funding at its highest level and potential long-term savings available, early enquiries are already increasing. Booking a survey now ensures you can explore your options with no pressure, and be ready to take advantage of the available support.