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Kate ‘thrilled’ to take on Mowlem role
THE Mowlem in Swanage has appointed Kate McGregor as its first executive director.
The theatre says the appointment marks a significant step forward in its ongoing transformation and commitment to delivering high-quality arts and cultural experiences.
Kate will head up The Mowlem team from July. Chair of trustees, Robin Sutcliffe, said: “Kate’s
appointment is the start of the next exciting phase of the Mowlem’s development.
“We are delighted that Kate has accepted this post as she will bring new perspectives of production, direction and fundraising to the Mowlem.
Kate said: “I am honoured to be appointed executive director of
Lidl sets sights on new stores
BUDGET supermarket giant Lidl is aiming to open a number of new stores in Dorset.
New plans from the retailer have detailed scores of towns and cities where it plans to open stores in the coming months.
In Dorset, it has picked out potential sites for new stores including in Swanage, Wareham, Wimborne, Corfe Mullen and Poole.
The chain also wants to open a branch in nearby Lymington.
The plans come as the German-based chain highlighted 43 communities where it hopes to continue
expanding in the coming months as part of a £500 million investment.
The Mowlem at a time when the connection between the arts and community is more important than ever.
“I grew up in Dorset and have been working in the arts and cultural sector for the past 18 years.
“I am committed to building on the strong foundations and positive momentum of The
Kate McGregor there are still so many parts of the country crying out for convenient access to a Lidl store.
“That’s why we welcome the measures proposed in the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill – they recognise the urgent need to remove barriers to development and support the kind of growth we at Lidl are working towards.
“Our latest site requirements
Mowlem to grow its vision and reach.
“I look forward to connecting with the Swanage community and supporting the theatre’s continued development – its iconic building, creative programming, outreach initiatives and long-term plans.
“It’s a privilege to lead this organisation in such a unique and beautiful setting, alongside a dedicated team.”
brochure reinforces the scale of our ambition for the future.
“New Lidl stores mean new jobs, new opportunities for British suppliers, and continued investment into local economies.
“We’re proud to be one of the fastest-growing supermarkets in the country, and with this investment, we’re taking another big step in our journey.”
Lidl now wants to hear from landowners and agents who may have sites suitable for the new supermarkets.
It is keen to hear about sites with easy access and strong pedestrian or traffic flow, suitable for stores ranging from 18,000 to 26,500 sq ft in size.
Richard Taylor, chief real estate officer at Lidl GB, said: “This level of investment is a clear sign of our ambition.
“As we enter our fourth decade in Great Britain and hurtle towards 1,000 stores,
Lidl wants to open stores in Swanage and Wareham –and other locations around Dorset PHOTO: Lidl GB
Swanage Green Seafront: Have your say on new proposals
NEW proposals have been unveiled for Swanage Green Seafront and the northern section of Shore Road, which would transform the area.
The plans, which build on feedback from a public consultation in 2023, include an enhanced and expanded event field achieved by filling in Walrond Road and an accessible seafront plaza with accessible toilets and a kiosk cafe.
Improvements to the Spa area, including new beach huts and accessible beach chalets, also feature in the proposals, along with additional landscape planting and improved accessibility throughout the area.
Significant stabilisation works are needed to tackle ground movement at the Green Seafront.
Now Dorset Coast Forum, Swanage Town Council and Dorset Council are inviting residents, local businesses and visitors to give their views on the new proposals.
Dorset Council is also seeking feedback on four options for the northern section
of Shore Road, which could see work carried out at the same time as the Green Seafront works.
The proposals are a full closure of Shore Road, partial closure with a one-way system, removing parking and maintaining the current layout.
Those who want to give their views are encouraged to compare the new plans with those in the ‘essential’ option floated in 2023.
The informal engagement runs until late June and results will be shared with Swanage Town Council and Dorset Council.
Further formal consultation related to planning permission and changes to traffic regulations would take place on the preferred options.
The stabilisation works are expected to begin in autumn 2026, although this is subject to change.
Tina Foster, mayor of Swanage, said: “Since the result of the last public consultation, we have been working to further develop proposals based upon the feedback you gave us.
“The officers and councillors have discussed the results and used these to shape this round of public engagement.
“One key aspect of the feedback concerned pedestrian safety and access on Shore Road.
“We are pleased to have been able to work closely with Dorset Council to develop the options.
“This has provided additional expertise and resources to achieve the best for Swanage.
“The seafront is really important, so please take the time to engage with us.
“The town council wants to hear from you. Thank you to everyone who engaged in the survey the first time, this has been hugely helpful, and we hope you will engage again.”
Councillor Jon Andrews, of Dorset Council, said: “Community input is vital as we move forward with these proposals for the Swanage Green Seafront and Shore Road.
“This is a great opportunity to influence major projects that will shape the future of
Swanage for generations.
“These projects are about creating a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
“I urge everyone to take part in this consultation – your voice matters, and together, we can create a Swanage that reflects our shared vision.”
Elaine Snow, project officer for the Dorset Coast Forum, said: “Swanage is a vibrant town with a unique green space right next to the beach.
“While stabilisation works are crucial, this consultation offers the community a valuable chance to shape the future of this beloved area.
“The new option reflects feedback from the 2023 consultation to include new features.
“We’re also seeking input on Shore Road proposals in line with public views from previous consultations, including the Seafront Masterplan.”
Engagement events will take place throughout May and June, including on Friday, May 30, a pop-up at Swanage Market (8am-11am) and the same day outside Co-op (12.30pm2.30pm).
Drop-in community events will also be held on Tuesday, June 3, at the Focus Centre from 10am-2pm, and Wednesday, June 4, at The Mowlem from 3.30pm-7.30pm.
Anyone who cannot get along to these events can share their thoughts via an online survey at www. dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/ swanage-green-seafrontstabilisation.
A new round of consultation is planned on Swanage Green Seafront and Shore Road PHOTO: Heidelberg
Signs of ground movement on walls around the Green Seafront PHOTO: Dorset Coast Forum
Skydive for good cause
LEWIS-MANNING Hospice
Care is inviting individuals with a head for heights to take part in a skydive fundraiser this summer.
The hospice is offering the chance of a tandem skydive from either 10,00ft or 15,000ft at Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury on Saturday, June 14.
Anyone who wants to take part will need to pay a registration fee of £50 for the 10,000ft jump and £100 for the 15,000ft jump.
Friends’ ‘London Marathon in the Purbecks’ raises more than £1,700
TWO women who ran their own marathon from Lulworth to Portland Bill, at the same time as the London Marathon was being held in the capital, were met at the finish line by the friend whose cancer battle inspired them.
Judith Baker and Jane Austin ran from Lulworth to Portland in honour of their friend Win Wood, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Their run, which took seven hours and 45 minutes, and involved 61,000 steps, has raised more than £1,700 so far for the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).
Jane, 58, is a retired programme lead manager in mental health for NHS Dorset and Judith, 57, is a customer ambassador at Dorchester South Station for South Western Railway.
Jane received a position in this year’s TCS London Marathon MyWay virtual event, which allows participants to run
their own 26.2-mile route anywhere, and still have it recorded on the official marathon app.
The women, who named themselves The Trotting Tits, started out from Dagger’s Gate, Lulworth, at around 10.15am on Sunday, April 27, and were met along the route for regular refreshment breaks supported by a team of friends and family.
Their friend, Win, who will shortly begin chemotherapy treatment, met them at Portland Bill for an emotional end of race celebration.
Judith said: “We are so overwhelmed by the support and encouragement we received before and during the run, both from our loved ones and the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation.
“People who had heard what we were doing cheered us on and even donated money along our route.
“Hugging Win at the finish line made all the effort worthwhile. #
“We are over the moon that our friendship has led to us being able to support this great local charity and in doing so help many other people, who like Win are fighting cancer.”
DCCF offers financial help to Dorset people who are struggling because of cancer.
Its non-returnable grants pay for patients’ household bills,
respite breaks, domestic care, transport and parking costs while undergoing treatment.
The women have launched a JustGiving page which is still active. To donate search ‘Judith Baker DCCF’ on the JustGiving website.
For details of how to support the DCCF or to apply for a grant, visit www.dccf.co.uk.
Nature and wildlife fair a big draw
SUSTAINABLE Wareham’s Nature and Wildlife Fair attracted nearly 200 visitors in just two hours at Wareham Town Hall.
Visitors crowded around the Birds of Poole Harbour live webcam showing an osprey nest, Forestry England’s wild boar skull and the Wild Seas Centre’s display of marine mammal bones and much more. The children’s activity table proved a helpful relief for busy parents to browse the tables while their youngsters created bug hotels and animal models.
Raffle prizes, all donated by the exhibitors, proved a big draw and enabled Sustainable Wareham to raise more than £150 for future events.
Other exhibitors were: National Trust (Purbeck); East Dorset Bat Rescue and Rehabilitation; Purbeck Safari; Purbeck Swift Group; Planet Purbeck; Holton Lee (Shaftsbury Millie College); Purbeck Natural History Forum; and Nature Buddies (Dorset National Landscape).
Next year’s event is planned for Saturday, April 25.
Finish line: Jane Austin (left), Win Wood and Judith Baker (right). Jane and Judith ran their own London Marathon from Lulworth to Portland Bill in honour of Win, who is battling cancer, and to raise funds for the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF)
Double Act wins drama award
A DRAMA group in Corfe Castle is celebrating after once again winning an award for one of its productions.
Double Act’s November production of This Secret Isle – written and directed by Peter Smith – won the NODA –National Operatic and Dramatic Organisation – District Achievement Award.
The award covers all of Dorset apart from Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Ferndown.
A group spokesperson said: “This is a well-deserved accolade for all those involved in the very successful play, but especially, of course, for Peter, who devised, researched, wrote – and rewrote! – and directed This Secret Isle, as well as having a major acting role in it.”
Double Act has already
started work on this year’s November production, Alice in Cuckoo Land, a Christmas pantomime by Peter Nuttall. Director, Paulette Stephens, said: “This colourful and lively production brings together some of Lewis Carroll’s best-loved characters intertwined with a
curious plot to stifle Christmas – can Santa Claus be rescued from the evil Queen of Hearts?
“This family favourite is brought to life with colourful sets and costumes, thrills and spills, and all the fun you expect from this successful amateur production company.
“There will, of course, be plenty of opportunities for audience participation, with games, music and songs for all to enjoy.
“The dates for this laughterfilled Christmas pantomime are November 27-29 with a matinée on the afternoon of the 29th.”
The Double Act drama group is preparing for its next November production, Alice in Cuckoo Land
PHOTO: David Watson
Pupils’ lesson in beach safety
YOUNGSTERS at St Mark’s Primary School in Swanage have been learning about sea safety, with warmer weather and visits to the beach in store.
Pupils attended a session on the beach in Swanage with staff from Land & Wave.
The company runs a community project to help school age children learn about staying safe at the beach.
Rosie Tanner, director of Land & Wave, said: “We want all children to enjoy the amazing shoreline they have on their doorstep.
“The Sea Safety Skills workshop is an excellent way to introduce a confidence around water, while being able to identify the risks.”
Pupils learned about how to call for help, beach flags and what to do to stay safe and when someone is in trouble.
The children used throw bags, rescue tubes and life jackets, and one of the highlights was watching a real rescue.
“St Mark’s Primary children were so engaged and eager to learn, and I was delighted to help highlight the risks as well as instil a sense of confidence by the seaside,” said lead instructor, Phil Harris.
“Living by the sea is such a wonderful privilege but it is important that the children understand it can pose dangers.”
VALUATION ROADSHOW
JUNE
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School head teacher, Mrs R Martin, said: “We would like to thank Land and Wave for providing our children with an engaging and informative day and as always our children did us proud.”
St Mark’s pupils will demonstrate their sea safety knowledge by taking part in a poster competition.
• PRINTS / BOOKS
• TOYS / GAMES
• ANTIQUE IVORY
• POSTCARDS
• OLD COINS
• JADE ITEMS
• SOVEREIGNS
St Mark’s Primary School pupils work with staff from Land & Wave and (left) using a throw line
‘Shedders’ work wonders with wood
THE Wareham Men’s Shed is seeking a home and a name for a stunning rocking horse it has created from two sheets of plywood.
The Shedders are asking any Purbeck charity or children’s group which would like the horse – free of charge – to apply for it via email.
And as a bit of fun, it is inviting the whole community to come up with a suitable name – other than Dobbin!
Project leader, Phil Stephens, said: “I suppose we could sell the horse to raise funds for our Shed but we would much rather give it away to a worthy cause
– an organisation that can use it for a child or children to ride, which after all is its purpose.”
Phil, an 82-year-old retired engineer, assembled a small team of Shedders to help him fashion the rocking horse at the group’s base at the Purbeck Connect day centre in Sandford Lane, Wareham.
Shapes of horse parts in various sizes were cut from the plywood sheets and bonded together to form a threedimensional body before countless hours of sanding smoothed off the rough edges.
The horse was given dappleeffect paintwork before being
Welcome Lounge points way to help
Welcome Lounge points way to help
A NEW opportunity for individuals to find ways to support their wellbeing is now open in Swanage.
A NEW opportunity for individuals to find ways to support their wellbeing is now open in Swanage.
The Welcome Lounge, based at the Focus Centre – a new Wellbeing and Family Hub for Swanage – is run by the local community, for the community.
The Welcome Lounge, based at the Focus Centre – a new Wellbeing and Family Hub for Swanage – is run by the local community, for the community.
Visitors can just pop in to chat to trained and friendly staff and volunteers, who will help them and their family find the services they need.
Visitors can just pop in to chat to trained and friendly staff and volunteers, who will help them and their family find the services they need.
Ali Tuckey, chief executive of the Swanage and Purbeck Development Trust, which owns and manages the Focus Centre on behalf of the local community, said: “We all need a bit of extra help sometimes and finding the services you need – whether that’s family support, mental health, housing, loneliness or employment – can be hard, especially in a place like Swanage.
Ali Tuckey, chief executive of the Swanage and Purbeck Development Trust, which owns and manages the Focus Centre on behalf of the local community, said: “We all need a bit of extra help sometimes and finding the services you need – whether that’s family support, mental health, housing, loneliness or employment – can be hard, especially in a place
“The Welcome Lounge will
on a heavy stand fabricated from planed and shaped lengths of ash wood.
A child’s saddle was made from an old full-size one bought at a car boot sale. And finishing touches included a leather bridle and reins with fastening, donated stirrups and real horse hair for the mane and tail.
Phil said: “I knew it would be a challenge involving several different skills, but I was given lots of help by the team and I think we are all a little proud of the result.”
If your charity, school or children’s group would like the rocking horse, or if you just want to suggest a name, email warehamshed@gmail.com.
like Swanage.
offer a friendly welcome, a listening ear and our trained staff and volunteers can help you find the services which are right for you.
“The Welcome Lounge will offer a friendly welcome, a listening ear and our trained staff and volunteers can help you find the services which are right for you.
“We don’t provide solutions or advice but can help you understand your options and support you to get the right help.”
“We don’t provide solutions or advice but can help you understand your options and support you to get the right help.”
Bob Foster, chair of trustees said: “We have learned from our own experiences and talking to people about their unmet needs, just how important it is to find early help.”
Bob Foster, chair of trustees said: “We have learned from our own experiences and talking to people about their unmet needs, just how important it is to find early help.”
To start with, the Lounge is open every Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 4pm, and people are invited to pop in and say hello or see what the friendly staff and volunteers in
To start with, the Lounge is open every Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 4pm, and people are invited to pop in and say hello or see what the friendly staff and volunteers in
Swanage and Purbeck Development Trust staff, volunteers and Partners
the Lounge can do to help.
the Lounge can do to help.
The Welcome Lounge is part of a wider movement across Dorset making wellbeing support easier to access. Through the Access Wellbeing programme, on Mondays, wellbeing coordinators are available to listen and help people connect to the right support.
The Welcome Lounge is part of a wider movement across Dorset making wellbeing support easier to access. Through the Access Wellbeing programme, on Mondays, wellbeing coordinators are available to listen and help people connect to the right support.
Andy Rammell, wellbeing coordinator at the Welcome Lounge, said: “At Access Wellbeing, we’re here to listen without judgement.
Andy Rammell, wellbeing coordinator at the Welcome Lounge, said: “At Access Wellbeing, we’re here to listen without judgement.
“Sometimes just having someone to talk to can make all the difference, and we can then guide people to the right support for whatever they’re facing.”
“Sometimes just having someone to talk to can make all the difference, and we can then guide people to the right support for whatever they’re facing.”
The Focus Centre already offers a range of other services, from health visitors, to mental health support, drug and alcohol support, an infant feeding group and lots more, with many new services starting later this year.
The Focus Centre already offers a range of other services, from health visitors, to mental health support, drug and alcohol support, an infant feeding group and lots more, with many new services starting later this year.
To find out more, or get involved, visit www.
To find out more, or get involved, visit www.
wellbeingswanage.org.uk or call 01929 465062.
wellbeingswanage.org.uk or call 01929 465062.
Swanage and Purbeck Development Trust staff, volunteers and Partners
mounted with metal swivels
Members of Wareham Men’s Shed team with their rocking horse
WEEKLY DELIVERIES OVER 400 OLIVE TREES, PALMS, SPIKEYS, VARIOUS SIZES. DIRECT FROM OVER 12 NURSERIES ACROSS ITALY, SPAIN AND HOLLAND
The largest range from Daro indoor cane funiture with more then 70 floor models on display. Various UK made cushions inc. Laura Ashley fabrics and replacement cushions. ALL READY FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
Borrow a book at the phone box
BOOK lovers in Swanage have a new source of reading matter – a new mini-library in an old phone box.
Town crier, Andrew Fleming, announced the opening of The Book Exchange, in the box at the corner of Ulwell Road and Whitecliff Road, and invited children to cut the ribbon.
Fiction, some non-fiction, and children’s titles are available, which users can borrow or swap.
The idea for the Book Exchange came from the Ulwell Road Book Group, which discovered that the Swanage and Purbeck Development Trust had purchased the phone box from BT.
Book club members worked with local people who were considering the best ways to use it to bring the Book Exchange to fruition. Geoff Brandon has painted and maintained the box,
New life for old milking parlour
PLANS for a former milking parlour in Purbeck to be turned into a community meeting space and a National Trust hub have been approved.
Dorset Council has given the National Trust the green light to convert the milking parlour at
Weston Farm in Worth Matravers into a primary hub for administration staff consisting of an educational resource room, office, seminar room and caravan site amenities.
Accessible showers/WCs, a
Marc Platteuw made the shelves and Sarah Wootten provided the artwork.
changing place and laundry area will also be provided for campsite guests.
The trust says the resource room will have washable floors and big sinks, lending itself to community-based art and craft activities such as painting, photography, flower arranging and a men’s shed.
A spokesperson said the new facility will not try to compete with the village hall but would serve to complement it, taking on ‘messier activities’ if needed.
The resource room would also act as a physical base for small group school visits to the site.
These groups include the Purbeck Goes Wild programme, which works with schools to help children and young people connect with and benefit from nature; and the charity My Time, which could use the resource room as a location for nature and arts activities for young carers from across Dorset.
“This can be a space where they learn about food, farming, sustainability, ecology and the natural environment as part of a ‘countryside classroom’,” a spokesperson said.
The resource room will also be used by National Trust volunteers to record data and process samples, as well as being a base for occasional family volunteering or walking activities, a location for campsite users to participate in nature-based workshops and a meeting point for ranger-led walks.
Original sections of the milking parlour are to be restored, with some of the contemporary outbuildings demolished to align with the original 19th century layout.
The educational resource room and camping amenities are to be contained within the larger, contemporary sections of the building.
The trust says the plans will revitalise a building which has been vacant for years.
“The new educational resource centre will act as an important hub space for groups within the local area, as well as acting as an accessible entrance point to the nature within Weston Farm and the wider Dorset National Landscape,” a spokesperson said.
“The proposal will re-utilise a building that is in a poor condition and has lay vacant for many years.”
Worth Matravers Parish Council said it is pleased to see the building is being restored to a usable standard.
“We look forward to the opportunities it will provide, particularly for local community use,” it added.
The milking parlour at Weston Farm in Worth Matravers PHOTO Peregrine Mears Architects
News from Wareham Town Council – April report
THE level crossing issue rumbles on with Wareham Town Council (WTC) bristling at a letter from Vikki Slade MP and Dorset Councillor Holloway hoping that a permanent solution will come from a meeting of Dorset Council’s cabinet.
Samantha Dallimore of Wareham Arc Landscape Recovery Project explained that the environmental initiative covered an area including Wareham Common, most of Wareham Forest, Lytchett Fields, Morden Bog, Gore Heath and Sandford Heath and depends on the collaboration of the landowners, whether farmers, estate owners, charities or businesses.
The aim is to improve the landscape for wildlife, reduce
the flow of nutrients into Poole Harbour, increase resilience to climate change and make more opportunities for people to visit.
The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has funded the two-year development phase.
During the following six months the team will put together a bid for funding for 20 years.
To find out more about Wareham Arc, join the Purbeck Partnership Volunteers undertaking tasks in habitat management or surveying.
The mayor reported on a successful Easter egg hunt at Hauses Field and her skydive, which was expected to raise £1,600 for the Air Training Cadets.
A family-friendly event took place on VE Day at the museum.
A TE Lawrence commemorative event will be held at the museum on Saturday, May 17.
The town crier competition is on Saturday, July 12, beside the River Frome, near South Bridge. Visitors are invited to go along and choose their favourite town crier outfit and voice.
Due to an unsuccessful bid for funding, the Shuttle bus to Blue Pool, Norden and Arne will run only on Wednesday and Saturday from the summer half-term to the end of August.
The town clerk will look into a new site near the bus stop for the two benches being removed from outside the Red Lion. The town council will buy new curtains for the council chamber, new flag poles for the town hall and a new cricket wicket for the recreation ground. The first and
last will avoid a loss of revenue and the second may avoid an accident.
The developer of the Old Gas Works site needed extra time so historic gas pipes could be removed. The roundel with the Wareham town crest will be restored and retained. Dorset Council has been alerted to problems navigating the narrow pavement en route to the level crossing.
The town council will support the planning application for building a Men’s Shed at Wareham Rugby Club. The council chose the Family Hub as beneficiary of a donation from Healthmatic, the company which will replace Howards Lane toilets.
The next council meeting is the annual meeting on Tuesday, May 13, at 7pm. Further information is available on the council’s website, www. wareham-tc.gov.uk, or by phoning the town council office on 01929 553006.
Solar & Tidal Predictions - May '25
for Peveril Ledge, Swanage Compiled by National Coastwatch Institution, Swanage
01-May 06:39 12:04 19:01 05:41 20:28
02-May 00:28 07:26 12:54 19:52 NP 05:39 20:29
03-May 01:22 08:22 13:50 20:58 05:37 20:31
04-May 02:23 09:36 14:52 22:18 05:36 20:32
05-May 03:33 10:52 16:02 23:28 05:34 20:34
06-May 23:28 05:10 11:57 17:30 05:32 20:35
07-May 00:34 06:37 12:58 18:46 05:31 20:37
08-May 01:33 07:29 13:50 19:37 FM 05:29 20:39
09-May 02:20 08:09 14:35 20:19 SP 05:27 20:40
10-May 02:59 08:44 15:14 20:57 05:26 20:42
11-May 03:38 09:17 15:52 21:31 05:24 20:43
12-May 04:13 09:48 16:27 05:23 20:45
13-May 04:45 10:19 17:00 22:30 05:21 20:46
14-May 05:16 10:46 17:32 22:53 05:20 20:47
15-May 05:47 11:09 18:04 23:18 05:18 20:49
16-May 06:19 11:36 18:38 NP 05:17 20:50
17-May 23:49 06:55 12:11 19:16 05:16 20:52
18-May 00:28 07:36 12:56 20:03 05:14 20:53
19-May 01:19 08:28 13:54 21:01 05:13 20:55
20-May 02:31 09:33 15:10 22:19 05:12 20:56
21-May 04:05 10:57 16:30 23:46 05:11 20:57
22-May 23:46 05:19 12:13 17:39 05:09 20:59
23-May 00:50 06:19 13:12 18:38 NM 05:08 21:00
01:44 07:12 14:03 19:30 SP 05:07 21:01
02:32 08:00 14:52 20:19 05:06 21:02
Victorian theme for charter fair
VISITORS of all ages are invited to enjoy a fun day out at this year’s Wool Charter Fair.
The fair’s origins date back to 1280 when the monks and abbots of Bindon Abbey were allowed to hold a fair or market near Wool Manor.
This year’s event has a Victorian theme and visitors are being invited to wear appropriate costume if they care to.
The popular event will feature Dorset Weavers, Spinners & Dyers, Poole Bobbin Lace Circle, De Carillon Dutch Street Organ, a traditional cane maker, hurdle maker, home-made cakes from Wool WI and much more.
The fair is on Saturday, May 17, in the Millenium Square, outside the Catholic Church, and will run from 11.30am to about 4.30pm.
Country Challenge charity fundraiser
COUNTRY Challenge, a fundraiser in aid of Dorset charity Diverse Abilities, is returning for its sixth year at Purbeck Shooting School, near Wareham.
Teams are invited to take part in a tournament involving five activities – clay pigeon shooting, target rifles, archery, fly fishing and catapults – on Friday, June 20.
Purbeck Shooting School was established in 1955 and has been voted the Best Shooting Ground in the UK.
Demi Tarrant, events executive at Diverse Abilities, said: “This is a great way to get all the team together to try something new.
“Over the past five years we have seen teams learn new skills and get to know each other as a team.
“It doesn’t matter if you haven’t tried any of the activities before, it’s a great way to learn and have fun, while raising money for a good cause.”
Teams of four can enter from £550, which includes a bacon sandwich and lunch, and each activity comes with expert tuition to maximise chances of winning.
The money teams raise will help provide vital support at the charity, including days out for children attending the charity’s school holidays activities and equipment at Langside School Activities for adults who attend the Beehive, the charity’s activity and day centre.
Diverse Abilities is also seeking sponsors for the challenge – businesses will receive promotion on the day and in pre- and post-events communications, including printed material, social media and press releases.
To find out more, email events@diverseabilities.org.uk. Teams can be signed up for the Country Challenge at diverseabilities.org.uk/daevents/ country-challenge.
New sign language trail on Brownsea Island
THE National Trust has launched a British Sign Language (BSL) trail on Brownsea Island for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The self-guided tour takes guests on a journey through the island’s history, from a fort built by Henry VIII to the stories of its past and present owners.
The tour is accessible to everyone who has a mobile phone with internet connection, and BSL signs at points of interest include a QR code which links to a BSL video.
Maps featuring the location of signs are available at Reception.
Senior volunteer and community officer, Dania Schmitz-Vaughan, said: “We’re proud to be able to offer a brand-new historical guided walk in British Sign Language
(BSL).
“None of this would have been possible without the support of our local community and huge thanks go to our colleague, Debbie Moore, who used her journalistic skills to write the script.
“We also had the privilege of working with Remark!, a deaf-led BSL services and training organisation, which developed the BSL version of the tour.
“We have already received great feedback from visitors who have tried out the trail and we hope that many more people
Tim’s Ironman challenge for hospice charity
SUPERFIT Tim Goodson, deputy chair of the Board of Trustees at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, is set to take on the gruelling Ironman Les Sables D’Olonne-Vendée in France in June to raise funds for the hospice.
The Ironman challenge is one of the most demanding endurance races in the world, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile cycle and a 26.2-mile marathon run.
Tim, an executive officer at Dorset General Practice Alliance, is following an intense 30-week training programme to prepare for the race.
He said: “My training is
going well – I’m putting in the hours and gradually building up.
“It has long been an ambition of mine to complete a full Ironman, having previously completed a half-Ironman in Swansea in 2024. It’s going to be tough, but I’m up for it.
“I’m training with my friend and colleague Mark Orchard, who’s chief finance officer at Portsmouth and Isle of Wight Hospitals, and we’re motivating each other along the way.
“We have fully funded everything connected with the event ourselves, so 100% of donations will go to LewisManning Hospice Care.
The Seahorse landing craft offers an accessible crossing to the island for wheelchair users on selected dates
will enjoy the tour.”
Brownsea Island provides a range of accessible items and services, including the Seahorse landing craft which offers an accessible crossing to the island for wheelchair users on selected dates.
Tours of the island are available on Brownsea’s electric Squirrel Shuttle bus and all-terrain manual wheelchairs, and walking poles can be hired from Reception, enabling visitors with mobility issues to explore the island further.
To enhance the experience for visitors with sensory needs,
backpacks are available containing ear defenders, fidget toys, sunglasses, binoculars and more.
The packs have two themes, woodland and beach, with activities using senses to explore nature.
The Brownsea Island website has a downloadable access guide and map, and a visual story tour of the island explaining what to expect from a visit.
There is also a link to the AccessAble website containing detailed information about accessibility on the island.
“This is a charity helping people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across East Dorset, Poole, Purbeck, Bournemouth and West Hampshire.
“It’s a cause very close to my heart, and I’d love as many people as possible to get behind me and support this fantastic charity.”
Interest in Ironman races has always been significant, but especially so following the
achievement of former racing driver Billy Monger, who broke the Ironman record for a double amputee at the World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, in October 2024.
Supporters can help Tim reach his fundraising goal by donating via his dedicated fundraising page www. justgiving.com/page/timgoodson-2 or by sharing his challenge with friends, family and colleagues.
Signs include a QR code which links to a BSL video
Tim Goodson (right in the main picture) and Mark Orchard will be doing a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle and 26.2-mile marathon run
Tied wins
INDEPENDENT florist, Tied, in High Street, Swanage, has won Best Florist in Dorset, Somerset & Bristol at the 2025 Muddy Stilettos Awards.
The news comes just over a year after the shop opened its doors in February 2024.
The website’s awards, now in
across 35 counties in the UK.
Selina Kerley, founder and owner of Tied, said: “Being recognised as the best florist in the region is such an honour.
“The support from the Swanage community has been incredible and I’m so grateful to my amazing team, and to every customer and supporter of Tied.”
Selina is an experienced florist known for her thoughtful, seasonal designs and signature style.
She was also named one of the 100 Faces of Floristry
Secure Your Home. Safeguard Your Legacy. Discover the Power of a Living Trust
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For a complimentary consultation, reach out to Oakwood Wills.
Email: info@oakwoodwills.co.uk
Tel: 07832 331594 or Email: info@oakwoodwills.co.uk Advertising Feature
Selina Kerley, founder and owner of Tied in Swanage
Your Health Matters
Dorset HealthCare’s monthly round-up
Local work to help people with memory problems wins acclaim
AN NHS service which supports local people experiencing memory loss has earned national recognition.
Dorset HealthCare’s Memory Assessment Service (MAS) has been awarded the Memory Services National Accreditation Programme (MSNAP) accreditation by the Royal College of Psychiatrists
– recognising its commitment to helping diagnose and treat dementia patients.
The MAS covers all of Dorset, including Purbeck, working in partnership with charities Help and Care and Age UK, and receives more than 300 referrals each month.
Staff took part in a rigorous process to provide evidence
they meet the strict standards required by the accreditation, covering areas such as assessment and referrals, patient and carer experience, information for patients and carers, clinical environment, and staff training and development.
MAS service lead, Dr Ranjeev Jaswal, said: “This accreditation is a well-deserved long-term recognition of this incredible team where every member goes above and beyond to provide excellent care to our patients.
Nothe Forte’s amnesty to young adventurers
NOTHE Fort in Weymouth is looking to catch up with the legion of scallywags who trespassed there as youngsters between 1956 and 1979.
But there’s no need to worry – it just wants to hear about their tales of adventure to share them with visitors.
In return, Weymouth Civic Society will wipe the slate with a Certificate of Amnesty, absolving adventurers of any crimes of trespass and damage related to the site.
James Farquharson, chair at Nothe Fort said: “We know that the young people who entered Nothe Fort when it was officially closed had an absolute blast.
“The stories we sometimes hear are amazing and must have
been among the best days of their lives.
“All those scallywags are much older now. Climbing over walls is probably no longer on their to do list, but we really hope our Amnesty Project
“The accreditation assures our patients, their families and carers, frontline staff, commissioners and managers, that we provide excellent quality care and exceed quality standards, and shows we are committed to making continuous improvements.
“It also helps us to forge stronger links with our partners as we work towards a common goal of delivering the best care to our patients and their families.”
Anyone experiencing memory loss is advised to contact their GP in the first instance. Once some initial tests are completed to rule out certain causes, the person may then be referred to the MAS for a more in-depth assessment of their condition.
cloud.microsoft/e/b5Ccu6kU4w until May 27.
Selected stories will be used in a special Amnesty exhibition and contributors will receive invitations to a good-humoured VIP Amnesty event on Friday, July 18, to preview it.
captures glimpses of the youth and rebellion in everyone who shares their stories.”
Anyone who would like to share tales of their adventures can fill out an Amnesty Stores form online at https://forms.
Weymouth Civic Society will present confessors with a personal Certificate of Amnesty at the preview.
The Nothe Fort team will invite anyone who completes the form to a story recording session on Monday, June 2.
A derelict Nothe Forte was a magnet for youngsters
Landmark year for NCI’s highest station
ANNIVERSARIES
seem to be like buses at the moment. You wait ages for one and then three come along at once! Last month we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Swanage station opening while this month it’s St Alban’s Head’s turn. It’s also the 150th anniversary of Swanage’s lifeboat station being founded. Thanks largely to the efforts of Graham Roff, St Alban’s Head opened in mid-May 1995 and was the fourth station to begin operation. Run initially as a sub-station of Swanage, it became a station in its own right later that year. Its location, perched 354ft – 107.9m – above sea level, makes it the highest NCI station in the country.
St Alban’s Head is also the most southerly point on the Purbeck coast, which gives the lookout magnificent views to the Isle of Wight in the east and Portland Bill in the west. As well as giving watchkeepers excellent views of the sea, the lookout position also allows it to monitor the sea cliffs between St Alban’s and Anvil Point, now very popular with the climbing fraternity.
by Nick Reed
Like Swanage, the St Alban’s Head lookout can trace its history back to the 1800s when it was a coastguard station. Initially based at Chapman’s Pool, the Coastguard, then a branch of the Navy, moved to St Aldhelm’s Head in 1895 where the four cottages and the original lookout were built. The building at the south end of the complex – which looks like a garage – housed ‘the Cart’. This contained all the necessary lifesaving apparatus. In an emergency, it was drawn by two horses or, failing that, 20 members of the lifesaving apparatus team.
The Coastguard cottages not only housed the coastguards but their families. However, due to the remoteness of the site, a posting to St Alban’s wasn’t popular and new cottages were built closer to the village of Worth Matravers in about 1950. The present lookout building was built in the 1970s. When the Coastguard Service closed its visual lookouts in 1994, the station was returned to the Encombe Estate, which still owns it.
Covid put paid to the station’s 25th anniversary celebrations but in 2021 the institution’s patron, HRH The Princess Royal, visited to unveil a plaque commemorating the station’s silver anniversary. With a tight schedule and the track out to the lookout being rather bumpy, she chose to arrive by helicopter. The station’s height may give magnificent views but also means it can be prone to low cloud and mist, and there were some anxious moments on the day, with lots of crossed fingers, while the watchkeepers and assembled guests waited for the cloud to lift!
wasn’t until mid-September that the station was officially opened.
The lookout is leased back to the NCI on a rent of ‘one crab per annum if demanded’. Paying the rent, in an inventive and amusing way, taxes the watchkeepers’ brains annually!
There have been some notable events over the last 30 years. In 2012 the station was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS). The QAVS – now known as the KAVS – is awarded to voluntary groups for their contribution to their communities and is often referred to as the MBE for voluntary groups.
In 2016 the station played host to the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the armed trawler HMT Arfon, just off St Alban’s Head. Organised by local dive skippers, Martin and Bryan Jones, relatives of the men who lost their lives gathered to pay their respects and unveil a display panel about the wreck.
THIS year sees the 150th anniversary of the founding of the RNLI station in Swanage. Following the wreck of the Wild Wave at Peveril Point, in January 1875, distinguished Swanage resident John Charles Robinson began a campaign to base a lifeboat in Swanage. Support grew, helped by prominent locals such as George Burt and Lord Eldon, and in May 1875 the lifeboat committee was formed. It
With Swanage and St Alban’s Head only having 30 years of service under our belt, we’re very much the junior partners in, what is, a close working relationship with the RNLI. This was demonstrated recently when both stations were able to assist Solent Coastguard, and both Swanage lifeboats, locate a group of kayakers in distress.
AN ideal time to find out more about the stations and wish us ‘Happy Birthday’ will be the Whitsun weekend. Both stations will be offering their usual refreshments over this period. The ‘Hatch’ at St Alban’s Head will be open during the day – 10.30am3.30pm – between Saturday, May 24, and Monday, May 26. ‘Tea and cakes’ will be served up at the Swanage lookout on Sunday, May 25, and Monday, May 26.
This is Swanage NCI and St Albans Head NCI listening on channel 65 and looking forward to continuing our partnership with the RNLI. NCI out.
The St Alban’s Head and Swanage NCI stations will be serving refreshments over the Whitsun weekend
The NCI’s patron, HRH The Princess Royal, unveils a plaque at St Alban’s Head in 2021 commemorating the station’s silver anniversary PHOTOS: NCI
The St Alban’s Head lookout is 354ft – 107.9m – above sea level
Discover Purbeck’s Hidden Cycling Gem: The Rempstone Estate Trails
Tucked between Purbeck Park and Studland Bay lies one of Dorset’s best-kept secrets — a flat, scenic network of cycling trails that wind gently through the Rempstone Estate. Ideal for families and leisure cyclists, the routes offer a peaceful escape with stunning views across Poole Harbour and the surrounding countryside.
Ross Kempson, owner of Cyclexperience, opened a bike hire hub at Purbeck Park (formerly Norden) in 2008, building on the success of his New Forest-based business. “I’d always assumed the area was too hilly,” he admits, “but after a few days exploring the trails with my son, I realised how accessible and beautiful they really are.”
The bike hire unit operates seasonally from April to October. Visitors can book bikes online at www.cyclex.co.uk, with suggested routes also available on the site. The free Cyclexperience app tracks your progress and helps plan your ride.
A favourite among visitors is the ‘Bike to the Beach’ route, following the National Cycle Network to Studland Bay. For those seeking more of a challenge, e-bikes make light work of the ‘Over the Hills’ route to Kimmeridge, perfect for fossil hunting. The ‘Steamy Swanage’ ride offers a gentler journey, which pairs beautifully with a steam train trip to or from town. Looking to buy? Cyclexperience offers quality ex-rentals or new bikes delivered direct from their New Forest base to Purbeck Park.
Monthly Memberships
Three hours for the price of two - £40
Five hours for the price of three - £60
Hand built sauna with stunning sea views
Great place to spend time with family and friends
Direct access to the sea
Community sauna (up to 5)
Gift voucher
• Private sauna (up to 10)
• Available for exclusive use
• Special events
Twice the fun!
Choose an adventure activity on the Jurassic Coast, an epic water experience across two action-packed lakes, tackling the Mud Trail challenge, or an adventurous outdoor activity. There’s a fun-filled experience waiting for you whatever you decide!
Whether treating the family to a selection of outdoor adventure experiences or booking an away day for your employees, Cumulus Outdoors will help you create an unforgettable experience, you’ll leave with smiles on your faces and memories to cherish.
Set within 18 acres of picturesque woodland, Dorset Adventure Park offers a range of fun and challenging activities that appeals to all ages.
Voted Europe’s Best Waterpark* the park boasts two beautiful lakes surrounded by lush greenery in the shadow of historic Corfe Castle, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Purbeck countryside while having the time of your life!
Rated as one of the best places to visit in Dorset - enjoy a fun-filled wild day out that you’ll never forget.
* Source: Time Out London 2022, #1 of 582 parks across 29 countries
Beach Gardens - Tea on the GreenA lovely place to relax
Beach
Gardens Sports Park, located just a short distance from Swanage Beach, is the perfect place to relax this summer.
Beach Gardens offers an 18-hole putting green, tennis courts to hire by the hour, free table tennis and free basketball court.
Tea on the Green is set within a tranquil oasis of stunning trees, plants and wildlife. There is a beautiful decking area with spectacular views of the park and across Swanage Bay.
This year we have a beautiful new awning to complement our decking area, some welcome shade when ordering ice creams in the summer months!
The kiosk is proud to be dementia friendly and accessible.
There is something for everyone in this designated ‘Green Flag’ park.
All necessary sports equipment can be hired from Tea on the Green kiosk. There is ample free parking around the area, and we are just 2 minutes’ walk from Swanage Beach. Just follow the signs.
We are open until 2nd November, weather dependant. Opening times are Monday to Thursday 10am-5.30pm and Friday to Sunday 9am-5.30pm. Last putting is 4.30pm.
A family putting ticket is only £12.50.
Tea on the Green kiosk serves a wide variety of Fairtrade teas and coffees and soft drinks and light refreshments. We strive to use less single use plastic where possible and source all our food as locally as we can. We are also a free water refill point. Come and try one of our locally produced ice creams, fruit lollies and cakes. A warm welcome and fun time is guaranteed for everyone. ADVERTISING FEATURE
The Tudor Hall, built by Sir William Martyn in 1485, lies at the heart of the house, with 20 more rooms, large and small, to explore. Surrounding the old house are the award-winning gardens, the most formal are the four-walled gardens, created in the Elizabethan style. The Great Court is home to our world-famous giant yew pyramids, and the three other walled gardens have rich deep herbaceous borders. Beyond the formal walls, the gardens open into more natural compartments, with mature trees, ponds and fountains.
The 1-acre Edwardian kitchen garden provides fruit and vegetables for the popular restaurant. The gardens are open all year round, and in the summer provide a fabulous location for outdoor theatre and music.
Visit www.athelhampton.com for more information and discounted admission tickets.
Have your say on Swanage Seafront
MAJOR stabilisation works are essential to address ongoing ground movement across the Swanage Seafront. We are being asked for our opinions again – it’s a bit of a codicil to the survey which took place in 2023, centring mainly on the Shore Road proposals because much of the area between Walrond Road and the Ocean Bay (Bull & Boat) corner is apparently doomed to collapse if nothing is done.
So, if you live in Swanage and are able to attend, make a date to go to – and take part in – the forthcoming engagement activities including: Friday, May 30 – pop-up at Swanage Market, 8am-11am; and then on the same day outside Co-op, 12.30pm-2.30pm; or Tuesday, June 3, at the Focus Centre from 10am-2pm; and Wednesday, June 4, at The Mowlem from 3.30pm-7.30pm.
Please go with an open mind because the figures involved are still eye-watering.
Swanage Town Council has so far not answered pleas from local organisations to release the funds it has been squirrelling away against this major upgrade to the seafront, it’s believed.
In particular Swanage Skate Park, which has managed to obtain a promise of £20,000 towards resurfacing, as and when other funding is in place.
The town council spent £27,000 in removing the old skate park equipment and Tarmacking over an area covering half of the park in King George’s.
I recall the wise words of my woodwork master at school –‘think twice, cut once’.
I would be interested to see a proper budget for the seafront restoration plan, maybe before the work is ‘signed off’, and it is hoped this will be available at
by David Hollister
the ‘engagement activities’ so we can see for ourselves exactly how much will be spent on the pit props and how much on consultations with ‘experts’ telling the council where they should be placed.
I know I am in a minority when I speak out against the closure of Shore Road, but I maintain it should be part of a properly thought out ‘one-way’ system rather than just barricading it against all traffic and hoping that De Moulham Road would be able to cope with the cars, buses, lorries and everything else entering and leaving Swanage. The closure of Shore Road is a recipe for disaster.
But then look at all the other road schemes that have been foisted upon us. For example, the Langton turn off the main Valley Road which is impassable for buses and HGVs without taking up both lanes and climbing the pavements on the ‘refuge’.
I spoke to one of our local bus operators and he reminded me that a full public site meeting had been planned but was killed off by the Covid epidemic. And now seems to have been conveniently shelved.
Frankly, I am amazed that there hasn’t been a major accident on that junction yet, but I suppose nothing will be done until someone is seriously injured.
ISN’T it good to see that we have a pet food bank alongside the regular Swanage Foodbank at the URC in the High Street? For those in genuine need. Sorry, I still can’t get my head round the fact that about 57% of UK households – 16.2 million – house 38 million pets, when only 2,200
miles away we watch children starving to death because Israel won’t let the food relief lorries in.
PURBECK Sounds has been going now for nearly a year. Yet people still come up to me in the street and ask how they can ‘tune in’.
Well, it’s even more simple than using FM as we had when Purbeck Coast was on the pier. Purbeck Sounds Radio can be tuned in online through our website or by using a smart speaker.
It is not planned to obtain an FM license because the station is available worldwide on the internet. Purbeck Sounds can be accessed on devices like laptops, tablets and PCs. Additionally, it’s available on smart speakers like Alexa.
Okay, here we go. Type ‘Purbeck Sounds’ into your browser. No user names. No passwords. Just a big button on the screen ‘Press Here To Listen’. Press it. It really is that simple. Music and features 24-7.
A varied range of programmes from a varied range of presenters from our ‘young stars’ through to – shall we say – ‘senior presenters’ like me and the much-travelled Jeremy Hoare.
Or – ‘Alexa – enable Purbeck Sounds’ – just the once! And from then on ‘Alexa – Play
Purbeck Sounds’. Again, it really is that simple!
The website offers you ways to listen, how to contact us and gives potted biographies of our presenters. Really hope you can join us.
My own show is at 4pm Mondays through to Thursdays. That’s four hours a week. And watch out if you’re easily offended! The good news is that if you don’t like me, then there are 164 hours a week during which I’m not on air!
We will be ‘out and about’ during the summer, at various local events. Watch out for our banners and come along and have a chat.
AVERY useful Facebook page called ‘The Swanage Independent’ seems to come up with interesting and controversial stuff!
This week it suggested that in a town council meeting held behind closed doors, the future of the North Beach car park was discussed, and that councilappointed surveyors have been spotted on site.
I do hope this isn’t true. Accepting that this car park is not used much out of the holiday season, it’s still the best place to park to visit Swanage Town & Herston Football Club.
With the forthcoming renovations planned for the football club, it would be a crying shame to remove a more-than-adequate car park.
I do hope the Swanage Independent has – on this rare occasion – got it wrong and that someone from the council will step forward and confirm that no plans are afoot to develop it!
Across
1 Obstruction from bachelor with security device (5)
Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.
4 Anoint doctor entertained by excited male (6)
10 Dishonourable practices characterizing employment in a sewer (5,4)
11 Element of feeling in slippery creature (3)
12 Ward off an old soldier? About right (5)
13 Eavesdrop opening to embassy with a woman wearing equipment (6)
14 Retail again developed with a socially fairminded outlook? (11)
Killer Sudoku Pro
18 Official who examines score composed around November (6)
20 Silver base is shining (5)
Down
2 Substantial lecturer changing gear (5)
3 Credit unknown character with mostly oldfashioned clear quartz (7)
5 One manufacturing pen right away (5)
6 A male with Heather in Western country
7 Unintelligent revolutionary carrying large beer (4)
8 Perfect declaration by trader? (5)
9 Timely Roman confused in an instant fashion (11)
15 Alter work in confines of gallery in a significant way (7)
16 Engineers trailed by Croat working in nuclear facility (7)
23 Worker in area with conservationists (3)
24 A topic I’ll change regarding the governance of a state? (9)
25 How one might characterize Wall Street nevertheless (6)
26 Trial’s beginning in orderly fashion actually (5)
Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.
17 Bulge in finely dressed person (5)
19 Unusual number entering the Med, say, brown? (5)
21 See most of ring in pub (5)
22 Molten material in school available (4)
Election results reveal frustration
ONE year on from our local elections that saw the Conservatives lose control of Dorset Council, and the Parliamentary seat here in South Dorset not long after, the broader picture across the country remains sobering. The latest local election results nationwide reflect continued voter frustration – and we must not only hear that message but act on it. As Conservatives rooted in our communities, we have a duty to reflect honestly, lead boldly and deliver for you. That’s exactly what we did under Conservative leadership at Dorset Council – and it remains our commitment to you. National headlines often overshadow what truly matters to residents – strong local leadership, effective services and meaningful results. Our local Conservative councillors and activists remain focused on the real priorities of residents. They are not just representatives
– they are your neighbours, volunteers and champions of our towns, our villages and the countryside.
Locally, Conservatives are delivering where it matters. From securing extra funding for our communities to protecting services. Despite the Liberal Democrat administration in Dorchester funnelling funds away from key areas that matter to you. This work will continue notwithstanding a Labour MP and government whose actions threaten to undermine our rural economy, stifling enterprise through overreach and indifference.
We are the only party standing firmly for limited, effective government. We believe in personal responsibility, sustainable wealth creation and practical solutions backed by real-world competence. We are committed to restoring control over our borders, enforcing the rule of
law and ensuring the state serves the people – not the other way around.National politics may cast a long shadow, but local government remains the frontline of service. In South Dorset, Conservative values – pragmatism, accountability and a deep-rooted commitment to our community – are producing real, measurable outcomes.
We understand that trust must be earned, not assumed. That’s why we are deepening our engagement with residents, listening intently and responding with purpose and clarity. As local Conservatives have always done. Politics should serve people – not parties – and that is our guiding principle.
We deeply appreciate your support and do not take it for granted. These are challenging times, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to serving our communities across South Dorset. With your continued
backing, we will persist in holding the Liberal Democratcontrolled Dorset Council in Dorchester accountable. Additionally, we will continue to scrutinise our Labour MP and hold him to account for the actions he takes in Parliament.
If you believe in strong local leadership, practical solutions and a government that works for the people, we invite you to stand with us. South Dorset’s Conservatives are committed to delivering real results, defending our communities and championing the values that matter most. Whether you want to get involved, share your views, or simply show your support, your voice makes a difference. Join us today and help shape a stronger, safer and more prosperous future for South Dorset.
BYRON QUAYLE Chair, South Dorset Conservative Association
AS a secondary school teacher and headteacher, I worked with colleagues to make a difference – to ‘spark that bit of flint’ in every child, to reach out to parents and carers, improve the quality of our teaching, make learning relevant yet transformational. Despite OFSTED and dealing with the consequences of underfunding, I treasure memories of those days. When I retired, I still wanted to make a difference, as do so many others in Swanage, who give up their time freely to work as councillors, run community cafes, run beach cleans or support Rotary – and it was this that led me to support the work of Food for Thought Purbeck. A group of volunteers run two mobile larders every week, one based at St Mark’s Primary School, Swanage, and one outside the Focus Centre in Chapel Lane, also in Swanage.
The National Council for
Welcome Lounge ready to help Improving Dorset’s air quality
AS I mentioned in my last article, living in an outwardly idyllic Dorset can mask issues such as air pollution, which is a challenge that affects all of us, whether we live in Dorset’s towns or rural areas. From vehicle emissions to particulate pollution from wood-burning stoves, the issue is complex – but the Liberal Democrat led Dorset Council is taking decisive action to address it. As residents, we all have a role to play in making our environment healthier.
We often talk about carbon emissions, but air pollution also includes particulate matter –PM2.5 and PM10 – and nitrogen dioxide – NO2 – which are harmful to our health, particularly our hearts and lungs. While local NO2 pollution is largely caused by vehicle emissions, PM2.5 spreads further and can linger in the atmosphere, impacting communities far beyond where it
Voluntary Organisations calculates 14.2 million people in the UK volunteered at least once a month in 2021/22, valuing their contribution at £18 billion, or 0.8% of UK GDP. Research shows that volunteering enhances mental and physical wellbeing. Older volunteers in particular have a reduced risk of mortality, more optimism and feel less depressed and lonely.
I welcomed the chance, therefore, along with five others, to train as a volunteer for the Welcome Lounge, an exciting community project nurtured by the inspirational team at the Focus Centre, in Chapel Lane. The Centre, a wellbeing centre for all ages, serving Swanage and Purbeck, is the jewel in the crown of the Swanage and Purbeck Development Trust. Currently, the centre’s programme includes health visitor drop-ins, breastfeeding advice, drug and alcohol
services, social prescribing, Family Hub services, speech and language therapy and wraparound childcare through Explorers Childcare.
The Welcome Lounge, with its comfortable furniture, bright decor and trained assistants, will be open ultimately five days a week, with out of hours assistance as back up, subject to demand. The Lounge will provide the warm and friendly accessible drop-in space so essential for those seeking face-to-face guidance.
We have been trained how to listen, and how to signpost – giving clients information about organisations and services that will be able to help them and suit their needs. As Welcome Lounge assistants, volunteers will seek to empower clients to make the best choice for themselves.
We will be privileged to work alongside Mel Norris – who
together with his wife, Gerry, though sadly posthumously in her case – was recently awarded a Heart and Soul Award by Swanage Town Council for years of tireless community service. Among many other endeavours on behalf of their community, Mel and Gerry saved Swanage Community Hospital from closure, kept open the James Day Care Home and campaigned to ensure the retention of the Swanage Ambulance Car.
The Welcome Lounge opened on Tuesday, April 22. I was proud to be on duty for the first shift. For the time being our doors will be open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. All credit to the Development Trust and to Focus Centre chief executive Ali Tuckey and his hardworking team.
CHRIS BRADEY Vice-chair of Swanage and Rural Purbeck Labour Party
was produced.
In Dorset, traffic congestion and heating practices make managing air quality uniquely challenging. Many households have turned to wood-burning stoves – partly due to rising energy costs – but solid fuel burning is now the largest source of particulate matter emissions in the UK.
Some areas in Dorset are particularly affected by poor air quality including Boot Hill in Weymouth, which sees high NO2 levels due to vehicle acceleration, particularly from buses and lorries. Another is the High Street in Dorchester, which historically has had air quality concerns, and while it is improving, challenges remain.
Dorset Council is acting now. By this summer, 75% of its non-electric fleet – including waste collection trucks and highways lorries – will switch from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). This
cleaner fuel reduces carbon emissions by up to 90% and, unlike blended alternatives, Dorset Council is using pure HVO for maximum environmental benefits.
Importantly, the HVO supplied to Dorset contains no palm oil, reinforcing the council’s commitment to ethical sourcing. The transition requires minimal vehicle modifications, making it a cost-effective change that complements Dorset’s growing fleet of electric vehicles.
Transport isn’t the only issue. Wood-burning stoves and open fires contribute significantly to particulate pollution. Dorset Council’s Burn Better, Breathe Better campaign encourages cleaner burning through using seasoned or kiln-dried wood to reduce harmful emissions, avoiding burning treated wood or household waste, which releases toxins into the air, and regularly sweeping chimneys to improve efficiency and reduce
smoke pollution. Using a modern stove which emits fewer particulates such as Ecodesign Ready will help, too.
HVO is just a transitional step towards a future where all council vehicles are zero or ultra-low emission, and Dorset Council will be monitoring emissions carefully to track improvements in air quality. But air quality isn’t just about council policy – it’s about how we heat our homes, how we travel and how we work together as a community. By making small but significant changes, Dorset’s residents can help reduce pollution and improve health outcomes for everyone. With the Liberal Democrats providing strong leadership and collective action, Dorset is making real progress toward cleaner air and a healthier environment.
NICK IRELAND
Democrat Leader of Dorset Council
Health & Wellbeing
The man at the station: What VE80 can teach us about honour
by Kay Parkinson
EIGHTY years ago, a train pulled into Swanage Station. On board were children –frightened, exhausted, carrying small suitcases and even smaller scraps of hope. They were fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe, part of the Kindertransport rescue. Waiting for them was Trevor Chadwick, a local schoolteacher who played a vital role in saving hundreds of lives. He arranged papers, sat with children on their journeys and offered calm in the middle of chaos. His statue now stands at that same platform, a tribute honouring his courage.
This VE-Day, I want to invite you to pause. Not just to remember the past, but to gently notice the present. What are we carrying emotionally, mentally and quietly? What has been passed down, not in words, but
in silence? For many who lived through war, there was no space to speak of grief, fear or trauma. Back then, mental and emotional health wasn’t a conversation, you just got on with it, but that silence didn’t disappear. It found its way into homes, into relationships and into parenting. Often children grew up learning not to ask too much, not to feel too deeply, not to need too often.
And now, we feel the echoes, in the pressure to keep going, the discomfort of rest, the sense that struggle is failure or that strength means silence. These are survival patterns passed down through generations. They may have once helped people cope but they can become heavy, especially when we’re not sure why they’re there in the first place.
So, what if this VE-Day was
also an invitation to honour ourselves? Not as an act of indulgence, but of continuation, a way to carry forward the strength of the past while laying down its weight. What if honour today looked like honesty, softness, slowing down, choosing peace not just globally, but internally? Choosing emotional wellbeing is an act of honour, for ourselves, and those who never had the chance to name their pain. It’s how we build something better in their memory, not in rejection of what came before, but in response to it.
We may not be standing on platforms guiding frightened children to safety, but we can be present in other ways. We can show up for our families, our
communities and ourselves with gentleness. Trevor Chadwick showed us what quiet courage looks like, and we can follow his lead, not in grand gestures, but in the everyday decisions to live with care. Let’s honour those who came before by creating something softer for those who come next.
Remembering there is no shame in struggle and there is deep, steady honour in choosing to heal.
n Kay Parkinson is a therapist specialising in trauma, emotional neglect and the impact of shame on identity and self-worth. Kay’s work focuses on transforming shame through the lens of authentic honour. Visit www.placetotalktherapies. co.uk.
Children arrived at Swanage Station carrying small suitcases after fleeing Nazi-occupied mainland Europe
Meditations in nature: Goggle-eyed birds are making a comeback
by Susannah Curtin
MY quest on this sunny spring morning is to find one of our most scarce summer visitors. I have left Dorset for the rolling chalk hills of Wiltshire to explore an RSPB reserve on Salisbury Plain. I am always excited to visit somewhere new and usually I am happy to take whatever comes, leaving any lofty expectations at home. But today, I am on a mission. There is a strange bird that I have not encountered since I was with my two young boys on the Whitsunday Islands off the east coast of Australia where we had gone out one night to marvel at the Southern sky.
I will never forget that evening. The southern cross was bright above our heads and the stars swept all the way over the ocean to the horizon. We felt like we could just reach out and touch them. It was one of the best and most memorable night skies I have ever seen. But what made the night even more remarkable was the eerie, wailing cry of the stone curlews. I remember how we sat on a rock, huddled together as we took in our surroundings and captured this wild moment in our hearts. The next day we went back and found the strange-looking birds who had haunted us the night before – they were lanky, goggle-eyed
creatures with piercing, reptilian yellow eyes.
Ten species of stone curlew are found throughout the tropical and temperate parts of the world. The ones I am looking for today are European stone curlews which migrate to the UK in spring and summer from southern Europe and north-west Africa. Although they are categorised as waders, they prefer semi-arid, bare, open and stoney landscapes, choosing to nest in a simple scrape, making them particularly vulnerable to predators such as foxes, badgers, owls and harriers. Although mostly nocturnal, they can be seen during the day when they are feeding young.
Setting out along a grassy path adorned with thousands of pink blackthorn petals blown off by yesterday’s high winds, and lined with the deep blue flowers of bugle and ground ivy, I disturb a sleeping hare which makes me jump as he bounds out through the hedge across the open fields. Around me the air is thick with the melodic songs of blackcaps and whitethroats. When eventually I come to a viewing screen, I eagerly scan the ground for signs of birdlife. Alas, as hard as I look, I cannot find anything that resembles a stone curlew.
Health & Wellbeing
I decide to enjoy the rest of the reserve and follow each of the paths, noting the kestrels, red kites and buzzards soaring overhead. As I walk through a yellow hue of cowslips and oxlips, I meet an elderly gentleman who tells me he has lived in the nearby village since he was three, and he has never once seen a stone curlew. Taking my leave, I tell myself not to be deterred. After all, many people, unless they are shown, can miss the wildlife around them.
Just as I complete the circuit and reach the car park, I decide to have one last look for these elusive birds. As I make my way towards the viewing screen, good luck prevails. I pass a lady with beautiful purple hair and a large scope. She asks me whether I am here for the stone curlews? ‘Yes’ I say. She then explains in great detail where I should scan the ground. As I settle at the hide again, I look with renewed enthusiasm, and after 10 minutes, I spot one, and then another. Through the shimmering heat haze, I can just make out these mediumsized, upright birds on long gangly legs. Unfortunately, they are too far away to get all the detail through my binoculars, but they are unmistakable, despite being perfectly
camouflaged against the stoney ground. What a wonderful sight to behold.
Stone curlews were once common in spring and summer all the way between Yorkshire and Dorset, but now they can only be found in the Norfolk Brecklands and here on Salisbury Plain. By the mid1980s, only 150 pairs remained. Their decline was due to the disappearance of suitable places for them to nest, as they need light, free-draining soils where they have an abundant supply of insects to eat. When their favoured downlands and heathlands disappeared, they were forced to nest on arable land where their nests and chicks are vulnerable to the agricultural machines of intensive farming.
Today, with a great deal of effort and cooperation from farmers, agri-environment schemes and the creation of special nesting plots monitored by volunteers, they are making a comeback. In 2024 there were 350 pairs in the UK and a 90% success rate of fledglings.
As I drive home, I am so pleased that I made the effort to see these extraordinary birds. Perhaps next time I come, it will be for the great bustards, which also reside on the Plain. n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. susanna@gmail.com).
Stone Curlews declined to only 150 pairs in the mid-1980s
Step into spring: Vegetables to plant right now
NOTHING compares to the satisfaction of homegrown harvests – from unbeatable freshness to being costeffective, growing your own fruits and vegetables is extremely rewarding.
As spring takes hold, it is the perfect time to sow seeds for your kitchen garden or vegetable plot, says British Garden Centres.
n ONION sets can be planted mid-April after the last frost, with harvests ready by late summer. Onions need 90-100 days to grow into a good size for cooking.
Growing onions is straightforward with sets that are readily available in garden centres. Plant them in welldrained, fertile soil in a sunny location, spacing them 10-15cm apart in rows 30cm apart, ensuring their tips are showing above the soil surface. They are ready to harvest from late July to August when their tops yellow and fall over, then dry them before storage.
n COURGETTES are among the top choices for April planting. These are best started indoors from seed in early April, using seed tray modules or small pots. Once young seedlings begin to appear, pot on the larger ones into bigger pots and continue to grow them indoors until the frosts have passed.
Then you can plant them outside and space 90cm apart in well-composted soil. Cover the area with a plastic cloche until the seedlings are fully established, especially if still nippy at night. They will be ready to harvest when they reach about 10-12cm in length.
n CARROTS can be planted directly outdoors in April, as the soil is warming in the spring sunshine. Choose a sunny spot
with light, well-drained soil, and prepare it by removing stones and weeds to prevent forked roots. Avoid organic matter in the soil and sow seeds thinly in shallow drills about 1cm deep, spacing rows 15-30 cm apart. Make sure you protect seedlings from pests like slugs and carrot fly by using insectproof mesh or fleece. Successional sowing every few weeks will ensure a steady harvest throughout the season, with early varieties ready in about 10 weeks and main crops maturing in 14-16 weeks.
n SQUASH is another easy crop to grow in your garden or allotment. Sow your seeds 2.5cm deep in compost trays or pots. When the roots become visible through the bottom of your pot, it’s time to plant them into larger grow bags or directly into your vegetable patch.
When growing squash outdoors, plant them at least 1.2 metres apart, as the plants trail across the ground and take up a fair bit of space. Mix the soil with organic compost, as squash are heavy feeders, and they will be ready to harvest in autumn.
n BEETROOT is another excellent choice for April planting and will offer a continuous harvest through to autumn if sown every few weeks. Sow seeds in trays or pots about 1 inch deep in compost. When planting outdoors in late spring, place them 2.5cm deep in rows 20-30cm apart. The beetroot will emerge above the soil, allowing you to pick baby beets or harvest the leaves like spinach. For larger beets, allow about three months of growth from sowing.
n RUNNER BEANS are easy to grow in gardens or containers. Sow seeds indoors in April or outdoors in May to
early June, using multi-purpose compost. After the frost has passed, you can transplant any indoor grown seedlings outside, spacing them 30cm apart in rows 45cm apart. As they grow, you will need to provide support with canes or bamboo tepees. You can harvest the beans when they reach about 20cm long in the summer.
n LEEK varieties such as Below-Zero’s F1 Hybrid, Blauwgroene Winter Bandits, Musselburgh, Autumn Giant, Pandora and Lyon can be sown indoors in April. Once germinated, they can be planted outside during the warm spring and summer months and will endure winter conditions, ready for harvest from December to May. Start them in seed trays or pots on a sunny windowsill or greenhouse and plant outdoors when they reach about 20cm tall, using a dibber to create a hole 20cm deep and spacing them 15cm apart.
n PEAS are the perfect
vegetable to start this month. Sow them in a trench 15cm wide and 3-5cm deep, spacing them about 8cm apart in rows, and in well-drained soil. If your peas are tall, you will need stakes for support. Feed them a liquid tomato feed once the pods begin to form and enjoy your fresh harvest in late summer.
n STRAWBERRIES and RASPBERRIES can be planted from early spring indoors. Sow the seeds in moist compost in a seed tray with a lid to seal in moisture and place them somewhere bright and warm, like a greenhouse or windowsill. Once germinated, harden off and plant out once the frosts have passed.
For bare-root plants, ensure they are placed in direct sunlight and planted in welldrained soil for a sweet and tasty crop. Plant the plants 45cm apart with 75cm between each row in sandy, loamy soil that is at least 12 inches deep.
Motoring
The car’s the star at the castle
THOUSANDS of visitors are expected to flock to the Dorset Blind Association Motor Show at Lulworth Castle next weekend.
The show, now in its ninth year, offers a mix of cars, entertainment, food and fun in a beautiful location.
More than 250 vehicles will be on display, from classic and vintage models to supercars and custom builds, and their passionate owners will be on hand to chat about their cars.
Visitors can also enjoy live music from The Bournemouth Carnival band, The Land Girls, Just Sing Choir and more.
There’s also free circus shows and workshops from Jamie Jigsaw; a dedicated
children’s zone with bouncy castles, rides and face painting; artisan stalls offering crafts, gifts and local produce; and street food and drinks catering to all tastes.
New for this year, local artist Alexander Dakers –zanderartwork – will be producing live car-themed artwork on-site.
Visitors will also have the
The Dorset Blind Association event is free of charge and includes lots of attractions for all the family
chance to win raffle prizes, given by local businesses.
The event is sponsored by Blue Sky Financial Planning, with additional support from Daizun Investments and new partners, Porsche Centre, Bournemouth.
Sam Baker, community relations officer at Dorset Blind Association, said: “The motor show is one of the most exciting days in our calendar.
“It’s more than a car show – it’s a feelgood, family-
friendly community event with something for everyone.
“It also helps raise vital funds so we can continue supporting blind and partially sighted people across Dorset.”
All proceeds support Dorset Blind Association, which has been providing life-changing services for local people with sight loss since 1918.
The show is on Sunday, May 18, and the showground is open at 10.30am-4pm. Entry is free, but donations would be welcomed.
M25 tops drivers’ poll for worst motorway
THE M25 has retained its crown as the UK’s worst motorway, according to a new poll of AA members.
Four out of 10 respondents (40%) said the London Orbital motorway was the worst motorway to drive on – in 2013 a similar poll found 30% detested the M25.
One AA member said: “It has a poor surface and is very noisy in places”.
Another said “the hold-ups around certain junctions, artificially caused by the auto-signage gantry boards”
adds to the frustration of driving on it.
Another driver added: “I have been horrified by aggressive drivers changing several lanes impulsively, at speed, without indicating. It feels as if the national speed limit has been abandoned there.
80mph is not only acceptable but essential and average.”
day, making it the UK’s busiest motorway.
The M6 came second in the poll (21%) with the M1 third (13%).
One respondent, speaking about the M6, said: “Dangerous. Always hold-ups or accidents.”
The M25 opened 50 years ago and was fully completed in 1986 – it is 117 miles long and carries about 200,000 vehicles a
Another added: “For a long time too many 50mph stretches adding to the length of journey. Also, lots of sections without hard shoulder, which makes me uncomfortable, and the fourth lane doesn’t really help as many people sit in middle lanes reducing capacity greatly.”
Nine of the top 10 disliked motorways have had sections converted to so-called ‘smart’ motorways over recent years.
This has led to years of
roadworks followed by more misery for drivers as emergency areas have been retrofitted to each section.
This frustration shows in the comments one respondent made: “Any smart motorway scares me. I count the miles until the end and heave a sigh of relief.”
Respondents were also asked to rate the condition of the UK’s motorways.
A third (32%) reported congestion as being poor and more than one in five (22%) said the condition of road surface was poor, although a similar number said the surface was excellent.
National Highways spends about £500,000 on maintenance of the motorway network each year.
Business grouping and council strengthen ties
DORSET Chamber and Dorset Council have joined forces to help boost business in the county.
The chamber has strengthened its ranks by welcoming the local authority as its latest Platinum Business Partner.
Dorset Council is the local authority for the unitary area of Dorset, providing about 450 different services to 380,000 residents.
Dorset Chamber, with nearly 700 members representing more than 37,000 employees, is the
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county’s leading business support organisation.
Its business partner programme is for members that wish to make a greater contribution to the organisation and the business community.
Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber chief executive, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Dorset Council as a platinum business partner.
“It is important for business and the local economy that there is a strong public-private relationship based on transparency, respect and open
Call Pete on: 01929 421989 or 07900 992110
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lines of communication. This strengthens our strategic relationship and our ability to work together to support business across Dorset.
“Dorset Council will be a valuable addition to our dedicated group of business partners who play a key role in helping the chamber drive the local economy and support its vision for a vibrant and prosperous Dorset business community that enhances the quality of life for all.”
Dorset Chamber, founded in 1949, works closely with its business partners on campaigns, events and support for the business community,
Dorset Council is the top tier of local government and recently appointed a new chief executive, Dr Catherine Howe, who will take up her post in the summer.
It is a major local employer with about 4,800 staff and has 82 elected councillors representing 52 wards.
The council supports economic development in Dorset through a number of initiatives and as an organisation spends more than 50% of its annual budget on buying
external goods, services and works from more than 6,000 suppliers locally – of which, 51% of which are based in Dorset.
Cllr Nick Ireland, Dorset Council’s leader, said: “It’s great that Dorset Council can build on its traditional partnership with Dorset’s Chamber of Commerce.
“We already collaborate on a range of projects, so I hope that becoming a business partner will present new opportunities for local businesses and will help us meet our key priority to grow Dorset’s economy.
“We are committed to creating a vibrant and thriving community where businesses can excel, and residents can benefit from increased job opportunities.
“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will bring to Dorset.”
Dorset Chamber is the county’s ‘voice of business’ and the only chamber in the county accredited to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), which gives it a top seat for lobbying government.
It is ranked as the leading chamber nationally with 120 five-star reviews on Google.
Dorset Council has two Premier Business Partners in the top tier of its membership: AFC Bournemouth and Lester Aldridge.
A celebration of craftsmanship
by
Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham ANTIQUE jewellery is more than something lovely to wear—it’s a testament to artistry, patience and precision. From the Victorian era through the Art Deco movement, each piece tells a story not only of the people who have worn it but of the skilled hands that brought it to life.
One of the most distinctive elements in antique jewellery is the use of marcasite – tiny, faceted iron pyrite stones set into silver. Popular in the 1920s-40s, marcasite offered an affordable alternative to diamonds. Each stone had to be cut and set by hand, often using a delicate bead setting technique that required immense precision.
Another example of antique craftsmanship is filigree work. This involves twisting fine threads of gold or silver into intricate lace-like patterns. Often seen in Edwardian pieces, filigree demonstrates a level of detail rarely found in modern
Find out what jewels and watches are worth
DUKE’S Auctioneers is offering a chance to have items valued, free of charge, at its salerooms in Copper Street, Dorchester, today (Monday, May 12).
The confidential valuations could answer questions about the cost and quality of your jewellery and watches.
Have you ever looked at a piece of jewellery or a beloved watch and found yourself wondering, ‘what’s this really worth?’.
It’s a question that often lingers, whether it’s an inherited heirloom, a gift from a special occasion or something you’ve simply collected over time.
Understanding the true value of these precious items can be informative for insurance purposes, estate planning or even simply satisfying curiosity.
Duke’s offers a discreet and complimentary opportunity to have those questions answered.
Its Fine Art premises in Brewery Square, Dorchester, will host a confidential valuation day for jewellery and watches today.
This is a chance to have treasured items assessed by experts in the field, without any obligation. Contact reception on 01305 265080 or at reception@ dukes-auctions.com to make an appointment.
mass-produced jewellery.
Millegrain detailing is created using a special tool – often called a millegrain wheel or beading tool – that rolls over the metal to form the little bumps. It was used to add a soft, elegant finish to rings, brooches and pendants, and it also subtly catches the light –giving a piece an extra shimmer without the need for additional stones. This was especially popular in the Edwardian and Art Deco eras.
Enamelling – where coloured glass powder is fused onto metal – added vibrant, lasting colour to antique pieces. Techniques like guilloché enamelling, which layers translucent enamel over engraved patterns, created a luminous, almost ethereal effect.
These traditional methods required not only technical skill but a deep understanding of materials and design. Antique jewellery was never just made – it was crafted with many years of experience, knowledge and love.
Duke’s sold this Tompion and Banger silver pocket watch for £6,200, inclusive of buyer’s premium
A lovely example of a marcasite pendant.
Swans land place in semi-finals
RFU Papa John’s South Plate quarter final Swanage & Wareham 37 Basingstoke 12 by Ron
Butler
SWANS’ three-quarters held sway in the second half, helping their side come out clear winners after a close contest in the first period.
Basingstoke were penalised on their own 22 at the start of the game and Swans’ fly-half Max Phillips made no mistake with his kick.
The visitor’s forwards were powerful and made progress up to Swans 22, but when they tried to run the ball, Swans winger Luke Tokatokavanua intercepted on the home 22 and ran clear to score close to the
RUGBY
posts. Phillips added the conversion (10 points-0) after 10 minutes.
Both sides had a few penalties, and one to Basingstoke took them into Swans’ 22, and from a line-out and after a few phases they scored a try halfway out. This was converted (10-7) after 25 minutes.
Swans gave away too many penalties, keeping the visitors in Swans’ half, but the home side managed to get into the Basingstoke 22 and from a scrum the ball came back to centre George Crouch who touched down from a few yards out (15-7) after 32 minutes.
Basingstoke came back at Swans with the visitor’s forwards making ground and with two minutes to go in the half scored a try out wide. That left the score at half-time Swans 15 Basingstoke 12.
In the second half Swans tried running the ball along the three-quarters and after 48 minutes a move along the backs and back inside saw George Crouch go in for his second try (20-12).
Swans secured the ball from the restart and moved the ball through several hands before getting it to winger Rory Ferguson who scored in the corner, giving Swans 25 points after 51 minutes.
Swans continued to move the
ball wide, with the visitors looking tired, and they were rewarded as a winger was tackled close to the try line and centre Ed Dimescio picked the ball up and scored (30-12) after 65 minutes.
Swans continued to play with some flair, and another move took them back into the Basingstoke 22, and from a scrum, Swans number 8 Stee Kaila powered over the try line under the posts. Phillips added the extras two minutes from the end of the game.
Firsts and Seconds make winning start
SWANAGE Cricket Club’s 1stXI travelled to Broadstone for their first T20 Group ‘round-robin’ match.
They won the toss and elected to field first, but the hosts got off to a powerful start despite an excellent spell of hostile seam bowling from Freddie Long.
At 99-1 in the 13th over, they looked set for an imposing total.
The game changed, however, with the introduction of Swans’ leg-spin ‘twins’ Ben Hodder and Sid Nash. They combined to reduce the hosts to a below-par score of 156-4, with Hodder claiming a brace of wickets.
In reply, the visitors
CRICKET
recovered from the loss of an early wicket with a matchwinning 108-run partnership between Mike Salmon and Tom Rutherford.
They smashed the ball to all four corners of the ground, hitting 12 and 11 boundaries respectively.
When Salmon, for 58, and Rutherford, for 48, were both removed in the ninth over with the score on 123, it was left to Hodder – 23 not out – to guide Swans to a convincing sixwicket win with six overs to spare.
n THE 2ndXI started their
Wessex Internet Division 4 campaign against Martinstown at Day’s Park.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the visitors were soon under pressure due to a phenomenal spell of swing bowling by Ryan Stearn, which helped reduce them to 19-3.
They recovered, reaching 71, but when off-spinner Andrew Hancock was introduced into the attack, the innings stalled again after he claimed two quick wickets.
Despite another partnership in the visitor’s lower order, they collapsed from 132-5 to 149 all out. Swans’ entire bowling attack of Jernimain Barry, Josh
Gould and Sam Wells all took wickets. Fittingly, Stearn claimed the final wicket and finished with a four-wicket haul. In reply, the hosts recovered from the loss of two quick wickets thanks to a matchwinning half-century partnership between John Lewis and Wells.
But when Wells was dismissed for an enterprising 22 and Lewis fell shortly after for a majestic 66, which included 10 boundaries, Swans were wobbling slightly at 130-6. However, the hosts suffered no more alarms and reached their target to record a fourwicket victory.
Good rudd in juniors’ ‘no carp’ contest
by Graham Howard DDAS junior secretary
DORCHESTER & District
Angling Society juniors gathered on Charlotte’s Lake at Harbourbridge Lakes in Chickerell for round three of the junior points championship.
ANGLING
The event was a silverfish only match, meaning the usual target species, carp, were not allowed.
The action was frantic as the juniors caught some of the countless small roach and rudd that inhabit the lake.
The key to the day was to maintain a steady supply of bait to the ravenous fish, while trying to locate some of the
larger specimens.
The winner with some impressive-looking rudd, some over 1lb, was Josh Roe with 12lb 2oz.
Josh earned 25 points and now lies just two points behind second-placed angler, Josiah Wells-Parkes.
Jo managed a good weight of 11lb 14oz on the pole, a
method he is still getting to grips with.
Third went to newly crowned silverfish champion, Alec Campbell, who was not far off a win with 11lb 7oz.
For more information about DDAS Juniors, visit ddasjuniors.co.uk or contact the junior secretary at juniors. sec@d-das.com.
Swans: Will Slack, Rory Ferguson, George Crouch, Ed Dimescio, Ollie Dillon, Max Phillips, Ollie Peters, Tony Crouch, Jack Young, Nick Audley, George Slack, Duncan McDermid, Tom Holland, Kian Salina, Stee Kaila – Steve Waterman, Jay Phillips, Joel Andrews, Jonny Blackmore, Luke Tokatokavanua, Chris Perters.
Museum turns spotlight on TE Lawrence
THE 90th anniversary of the death of TE Lawrence will be marked in a commemorative event at Wareham Town Museum this weekend.
Lawrence is known by the epithet Lawrence of Arabia for his role in the Arab Revolt of 1916-18 against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War.
He died in Wool Military Hospital on Bovington Camp on May 19, 1935, following a motorcycle accident near his home at Clouds Hill.
TE Lawrence continues to intrigue people today, and the museum holds documents, photographs and artefacts
related to him.
The commemorative events get under way with a screening of the documentary Who Killed Lawrence of Arabia on Friday, May 16, at 6.30pm and a question and answer session with the director, Mark JT Griffin.
This feature-length documentary provides an in-depth investigation into the motorcycle crash which ended Lawrence’s life.
A special art exhibition by Luz Rivara will be on display throughout the day on Saturday, May 17, and rare photographs from the museum’s collection will go on show in A Glimpse
into Lawrence’s World at 12.30pm.
The life and legacy of TE Lawrence will be the focus of talks throughout Saturday. n 1pm – Archaeology, TE Lawrence and the Arab Revolt in Jordan, 1916-18 with Professor Nicholas Saunders.
n 2.30pm – Unmasking Lawrence of Arabia: The Man Behind the Legend with Martin Gething, National Trust.
n 4pm – Empire, Oil and the Ottoman Railways: The World Lawrence Rode Into with Roger Holehouse OBE, National Trust.
n 6.30pm – Lawrence’s Legacy with Dr Andrew Norman.
The events will be held in the Corn Exchange and are free to attend, although donations to the museum would be welcome.
To book, visit www. eventbrite.co.uk and search Wareham Town Museum –booking is not required for the art exhibition or photographs.
Trail a treat for art fans
THE Open for Art Trail, featuring more than 60 artists in 27 venues, is set to be staged again this year in Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland and neighbouring communities.
The event, organised biennially by Artwey CIC, runs
from Saturday, May 17, to Sunday, June 1.
A free brochure including a suggested route and recommended refreshment stops is available from local pick-up points.
Venue signage – provided by
Meet the Calendar Girls
WIMBORNE Drama
Productions will present a comedy-drama about friendship, loss and courage when it performs Calendar Girls at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne.
The show is based on the hit film and the true story of women’s institute members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for charity.
When Annie’s husband, John, dies of leukaemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to
raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room.
They manage to persuade four fellow WI members to pose nude with them for an ‘alternative’ calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer, Lawrence.
But when media interest in the women’s charitable venture grows, the Calendar Girls find themselves exposed in ways they had never expected, revealing more than they had
sponsors DOMVS estate agents – will also help guide arts fans along the trail.
For more details, visit www. artwey.com/openforartdorset, or follow the Open For Art Facebook page @ openforartdorset.
ever planned.
The show is directed by Sali Pike and will be staged from
Thursday to Saturday, May 22-24, at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.
Lawrence of Arabia in about 1918
Calendar Girls cast members Tracey Nicholls, Heather Birchenough, Bethan Morris, Lesley James, Julie Sissons and Leah Jane
Hilly Longman, chair of Artwey
Take five: Ceramic artists on show
THE work of five accomplished ceramicists is set to go on show in a new exhibition, 5 Joys of Clay, at Walford Mill, Wimborne.
Elaine King’s delicate and intricately textured forms draw inspiration from organic patterns, capturing the subtle details of the natural world.
David Pointer’s sculptural works explore the elemental forces of erosion and time, blending rugged textures with smooth, fluid contours.
Dan Sandham, a finalist on
Dan Sandham, a finalist on Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throw Down, will be coming to Walford Mill, Wimborne
Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throw Down, brings a dynamic approach to thrown forms, balancing precision
with expressive energy.
Julie Massie’s work explores the colours and fragility of the Dorset Coastline with her unique porcelain wall art that stimulate the senses, especially touch, sight and sound.
Jane Staniland’s figurative ceramics tell stories of our time through finely crafted forms, expressing the emotions and joy of activity and nature.
Pieces will range from functional ware to abstract sculpture and visitors will have the chance to engage with the artists through live demonstrations and workshops.
The exhibition runs from Wednesday, May 21, to Sunday, June 1, open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5pm and 11am-4pm Sunday.
THE sound of Swing is on the way to the Regent in Christchurch with The Clare Teal 5.
Jazz vocalist and long-time Radio 2, Radio 3 and Jazz FM broadcaster Clare Teal is returning with a new show with her band.
This year she is celebrating 25 years of touring, and she will be delving into her 22-album back catalogue with new arrangements of old favourites. That includes her breakthrough album Orsino’s Songs (2002), featuring California Dreamin’, plus material from her major label debut album Don’t Talk (2004), which reached the top 20. Teal’s live shows are always interspersed with her warm and witty storytelling, and she and her band promise an evening of inspirational, uplifting music. They will be in Christchurch on Saturday, May 24, at 7.30pm.
Arts & Entertainment
Songs for spring –and a special soloist
THE Belvedere Singers are delighted to welcome a very special soloist to their spring concert in Swanage.
Miro Treharne – previously Miro Vosper – is a mezzosoprano who has been involved since her early schooldays with musical groups in Swanage. The connection to the
Belvedere Singers is strong. She was a singing pupil with the Belvedere’s former music director, Helen Attfield, and has been performing at the choir’s concerts since she was a very young singer. This May, Miro will perform three songs from Schumann’s 12 Gedichte von Justinus
Spotlight Diary
Diary entries are £6 plus VAT per entry. The deadline for the May 26 issue is NOON on Thursday, May 15. Call on 01963 400186 or email adverts@blackmorevale.net. Please call prior to attending events listed to ensure they are still on.
MAY 2025
TUESDAY
10:00 WAREHAM CROQUET CLUB
Wareham Recreation Ground
Tuesdays & Thursdays – 10 am start Come and meet members of our sociable club. You’ll be amazed how much you enjoy yourself Guidance given. Equipment provided. All you need are flat shoes and enthusiasm!
Enquiries: 01929 550190
SATURDAY
18.30 WHIST DRIVE at St Mary’s Church, Rectory Classroom, Swanage. Every Saturday. Tea and coffee provided. Very friendly group. Contact Richard: 01929 553516
Kerner; Le Temps des Lilas from Chausson’s Poème de l’Amour et de la Mer; and the UK premier of the song cycle Crossings, written by the choir’s music director Clive Watkiss, and his daughter, Arabella Watkiss.
Miro is currently studying at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and this September she will further her musical studies at The Royal Academy of Music.
She has performed as a soloist with established organisations on numerous occasions, including in Music For A While with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and regularly performs song recitals at the
Old Naval College, St James Piccadilly and the Polish Hearth Club.
Miro has a particular interest in English Song. Along with collaborative pianist Pietro Iacopini, she was winner of the English Song Duo Competition in 2023 and the Elisabeth Schumann Lieder Competition in 2024.
The choir will perform its usual eclectic mixture of choral works, including Ubi Caritas by Ole Gjeilo; As Torrents in Summer by Edward Elgar; some beautiful madrigals; and lighter pieces inspired by Flanders and Swann, and Gilbert and Sullivan. There will be something for everyone.
The concert is at St Mary’s Church, Church Hill, Swanage BH19 1HU on Saturday, May 17, at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £9 on the door or from choir members; under-18s free.
A retiring collection will be held for Swanage Dementia Friendly Group.
Follow the choir on Facebook, The Belvedere Singers, or go to its website, www.belvederesingers.org.uk.
Mowlem show fundraiser
LOTS of local talent will be on show in a fundraising evening for The Mowlem in Swanage.
A Night at The Mowlem will feature sketches from Swanage Drama Company, a musical number from The Swanage School, a medley of songs from Swanage Musical Theatre, and special guests.
Exciting prizes will be on offer in a raffle and an after-
show party will be held in the Showbar with DJ Flying G.
All proceeds from the event on Saturday, May 24, at 7.30pm will go towards upgrading The Mowlem’s microphones, as the existing ones are showing their age.
Tickets, priced £14 adults and £12 under-18s, are available from The Mowlem’s box office or online at www. themowlem.com.
PEDAS group exhibition
MEMBERS of Poole and East Dorset Art Society (PEDAS) are set to present an exhibition of new work at The Gallery Upstairs at Upton Country Park.
Creative Perspectives runs from Friday, May 16, to Monday, June 2, 10am-4.30pm, and admission is free.
Pictured is Still Life in Coloured Pencils by Helen Talbot.
The Belvedere Singers (above) and soloist Miro Treharne (right) will be performing at St Mary’s Church
Local Services
Local Services
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Specialist in Purbeck Stone Walling Construction General Building, Extensions, Renovations, Roofing, New Builds and all types of Ground Work. Also available for Plumbing, Electrics & Carpentry.
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Specialist in Purbeck Stone Walling, General Building, Extensions, Renovations, Roofing, New Builds and all types of Ground Work. Also available for Plumbing, Electrics & Carpentry.
