The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 343

EDITORIAL

ADVERTISING

Town lifeboat: They’re keeping it in the family

THE RNLI celebrated its lifesaving dads – and their sons – on Father’s Day last week.

Among them were Steve Williams and his son Felix, who volunteer at the station in Swanage.

Management and leadership coach, Steve, has been volunteering at the lifeboat station for 26 years, and is an all-weather lifeboat navigator, as well as the station’s training coordinator.

Steve said: “When out on a shout, we shift from father and son to crewmates.

“There’s a task to get done, and we work as a crew to get it

done.

“I remember when Felix was first picked for a shout with me, I realised then just how much commitment he had shown to become a fully qualified crew member.”

Felix started volunteering with Swanage RNLI six years ago, while working as a systems design engineer in Poole.

Felix said: “Having my dad and his pager as I grew up, I was always aware of the lifeboat and the service that they provided.

“It wasn’t until I started teaching at the local sailing club that I realised being a

Railway adventures on a smaller scale

THE Poole Model Railway Exhibition will be staged in a new, larger venue, at Corfe Hills School in Broadstone, when it is held this autumn.

Poole and District Model Railway Society says it has already booked exciting layouts in a variety of sizes, eras, scales and gauges.

The emphasis has been on quality ‘finescale’ layouts, some of which have featured in the model railway press and at major national and regional shows.

The exhibition will also

feature demonstrations of modelling techniques and trade stands selling new and secondhand trains, accessories and tools, and society stands.

The exhibition is on Sunday, October 19, from 10am-4.30pm, and entry is £8 adults – accompanied children under 16 free.

Light refreshments and free car parking will be available, and the event is wheelchair friendly.

Model Railway Solutions is sponsoring the event.

volunteer was something I could do and follow in my father’s footsteps.

“Being part of the crew and seeing what my father does and has done for over 20 years makes me proud every time it

is brought up.”

Wareham

Monday 8:00am - 6:30pm

Tuesday 8:00am - 6:30pm

Wednesday 8:00am - 6:30pm

Thursday 8:00am - 6:30pm

Friday 8:00am - 6:30pm

Saturday 8:00am - 12:30pm

Opening Times

97% of the RNLI’s frontline lifesavers are volunteers, including 5,700 volunteer lifeboat crew members at stations around the UK and Ireland.

Swanage Monday CLOSED

Tuesday 8:15am - 6:30pm

Wednesday 8:15am - 6:30pm

Thursday 8:30am - 1.00pm

Friday CLOSED

Saturday CLOSED

Steve Williams and his son Felix at Swanage lifeboat station

PHOTOS: Jamie Trumper

A COMMUNITY group at Sandford at risk of closure due to a lack of volunteers has been saved – thanks to a local care home.

The Open House group, which has been operating for 25 years, allows members of the community to come together every month for social interaction and activities.

But the main organiser is about to leave the area, and two other volunteers are retiring, so the future looked bleak for the group which regularly attracts more than 20 people to its sessions.

But its future has now been secured after the Pine Martin Grange Care Community in Sandford agreed to take over running the group.

And the group has come full circle because the sessions are now being held in the Sandford Heritage Hall, a refurbished Victorian school and church hall in the grounds of Pine Martin Grange.

Open House used to run from

the hall when it was a church 10 years ago, before it moved to Sandford St Martin’s Church.

Open House is now being overseen by Helen Mutton, activity coordinator at Pine Martin Grange.

Helen said: “We had regular visits to Open House as part of the activity programme at Pine

Martin Grange, so when we heard it was in danger of closing, we knew we had to step in to ensure this did not happen.

“Several of our residents attend Open House, including someone who went to school in the heritage hall, another who taught there and a gentleman

East Burton events – July 2025 Community group back from the brink

by Patricia Hook

THIS month, I am sending out my thanks to everyone who came to see the D ‘Urberville Players’ production Little Grimley – Saving the Planet.

We had a wonderful turnout and I believe everyone enjoyed what was a very funny, tongue-in-cheek look at global warming.

Look out for details of our next production which will probably be something festive in November or December. If the show has given you a

taste of the theatre and you would like to give it a go, please come along to our Tuesday sessions at the D’Urberville Hall at 7.30pm and see if you are inspired to join us.

At East Burton Village Hall, we have all the usual goodies, such as yoga, kickboxing, Mad Melodies, board games and fitness classes, and our coffee and cake morning is on Friday, July 11.

The Guerilla Gardeners are joining us with poppy-making

who played the organ, so it’s a venue not only literally on our doorstep but which has lots of special meaning and memories as well.

“We are delighted to be running Open House and are hoping to attract even more people from our local community to join us for coffee, cake, raffle, games and, more importantly, some social interaction.”

Lesley Milsom, the former organiser of Open House who is leaving the area, said: “There’s no doubt that if Pine Martin Grange hadn’t come forward then we would have to close after 25 years, which would have been incredibly sad, indeed.

“It’s an important community asset, so I am delighted it can now continue thanks to the home and Helen, in particular.”

Maureen Lever, who assists Lesley and will now work closely with Helen, said: “I have been involved with the church for 48 years, so it’s fantastic we have been able to keep the group running with the support of Pine Martin Grange.”

Anyone interested in joining Open House sessions in the Heritage Hall can contact Helen Mutton at Pine Martin Grange on 01929 768201.

lessons, so come along for a fun couple of hours, with delicious cake on the side, of course.

No gardening club presentation this month as we are having our annual barbecue on Thursday, July 24.

Remember, the hall can be hired for private/personal events or, if you wish to start a class, maybe tai chi, karate, art, drama, dancing or book club and so on, please get in contact on 01929 288020 or go to our website, ebvh.org.uk.

The accommodation is very flexible as the whole hall can be hired, or we can divide it in half – with a kitchen for each half – and there is a smaller meeting room.

Or, if you are considering holding an event and would like to take a look inside the hall, this can easily be arranged.

For any information about these events, hire rates, availability, booking and so on, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

Helen Mutton, from Pine Martin Grange, in the Heritage Hall at Sandford with members of the Open House group

Caring for carers: Beach hut break and new course

TWO new opportunities to support and celebrate carers and those they care for have been launched for Carers Week 2025.

Dorset Council is offering carers a chance to unwind by the sea in a beach hut and a course to build confidence through learning.

Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, Councillor Steve Robinson, said both initiatives would be invaluable.

He said: “Thanks to Swanage Town Council, the Beach Hut experience offers a peaceful, accessible space to enjoy a day out – alone or with up to four guests.

“Whether you bring a friend, family member or the person you care for, this is your chance to enjoy the marvellous Jurassic Coast in comfort.”

He added: “The 10-week training course is another fantastic opportunity to connect with other carers, gain practical knowledge and build confidence in a supportive environment.”

The Beach Hut experience is being run on a trial basis until March 2026.

Features include wheelchairaccessible access, nearby public

toilets, changing facilities and cold-water showers.

The course, which runs from September, is designed to help carers feel more confident, informed and supported in their role, and is available on a first come, first served basis.

It will cover a range of topics, from navigating the Health and Social Care system to looking after carers’ own health and wellbeing.

An optional first aid session, free for early sign-ups, will be on offer, funding permitting.

Plans are under way to expand the course to other areas across Dorset in the future.

To apply or register an interest in the Beach Hut experience, email dorset. carers@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

To sign up for the carers course, email adultcarersteam@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

EVENTS

Outdoor Markets

Saturday 28th June

Saturday 11th October

Outdoor Theatre & Music

Twelfth Night

Thursday 5th June

Wind in the Willows

Saturday 21st June

Jane Eyre

Saturday 2nd August

Big Bad Wolf

Saturday 16th August

Abba Tribute

Saturday 6th September

The Beach Hut experience offers a space to enjoy a day out alone or with up to four guests

A 10-week course, which runs from September, is designed to help carers feel more confident, informed and supported in their role

Trip to the tip will mean booking up first

USERS of Dorset Council’s Household Recycling Centres – HRCs, or ‘the tip’ – will have to book time slots when a new system comes into force this autumn.

The council says the booking system, already in use in some counties, will reduce waiting times and make for quicker visits.

“It works well in other places, and we are doing everything we can to help our residents keep Dorset as the top performing unitary council in the country for recycling,” said Councillor Jon Andrews, the council’s cabinet member for Place Services.

Tip users can book a slot online and after providing their name, address and vehicle registration will be offered a selection of bookable half-hour timeslots up to two weeks in advance.

Most bookings can be made

for the same day and are free of charge, and no limits will be imposed on the number of visits for most vehicles.

Slot bookings over the phone will be introduced later.

Those people unable to book online from day one can still take their waste to the tip where they will be given assistance with using the new system on site.

Many other councils, including Essex, Swindon, Suffolk, Kent and Gloucestershire, have already introduced a booking system.

“The current just-turn-upand-drop-off system at our HRCs has served us well over the years but is now showing its limitations,” said Cllr Andrews.

“Many of our sites, especially at Dorchester and Wimborne, experience long periods of queuing and crowding that cause frustration for visitors, nearby residents

and local businesses.

“This system will improve the overall customer experience by preventing these problems.

“We understand people will need to get used to something new, and there will be a period of adjustment for many people who have become accustomed to the current process.

“But a few extra minutes at home booking a slot before loading up your vehicle with waste will potentially save you much longer delays when you arrive at the HRC, leading to a better experience for everyone.”

Exemptions may be made for those unable to easily book a slot.

Cllr Andrews added: “We appreciate this will be a big

change for some, especially those who drop off small amounts of waste on a frequent basis.

“But the evidence is clear from our colleagues in other authorities that a new booking system is worth implementing.

“It will result in better traffic management, reduced queues and even better recycling rates as staff can help visitors separate their recyclables from their non-recyclable waste.”

Current arrangements, such as opening hours, types of waste accepted, vehicle permits, chargeable waste and so on will remain unchanged.

More information will be provided when the launch date is confirmed.

Lunch date with a rugby legend

A RUGBY World Cup winner delighted guests with anecdotes of his career at a Dorset Sporting Clubs lunch in Poole.

Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio was a keynote speaker at Rick Stein’s Sandbanks restaurant, where he spoke about his life on and off the pitch.

Fellow England World Cup winning alumni and Dorset Sporting Clubs organiser, Kyran Bracken, and Ellis Jones managing partner, Nigel Smith, joined him on the top table.

Dorset law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors, which has an office in Swanage, sponsored the event.

Nigel said: “Lawrence is an absolute legend of the game.

“It was a privilege to hear about his life and career as well as share his company at another enjoyable Dorset Sporting Clubs lunch.

“We are very grateful to Lawrence for being so generous with his time and to Dorset Sporting Clubs for the opportunity to support the event.”

In a glittering career, Dallaglio – pictured third right – gained 85 England

caps and was a key player in the 2003 World Cup victory over Australia.

PHOTO: Ellis Jones Solicitors

Dorset Council says the system works well in other areas

School head delighted at Ofsted report

THE headteacher of The Purbeck School in Wareham has welcomed the outcome of a recent Ofsted inspection.

The ungraded report is the first since the school joined the Wessex Multi Academy Trust.

Head, Adam Darley, said the ‘exceptional report’ builds on GCSE and A-level results that place the school in the top 10% nationally.

The report said: ““The culture of the school is one of personal care and ambition for all.

“The value of ‘kindness’

underpins the work of the school to sustain high standards.

“The school has the highest expectations for the personal development and academic achievement of pupils.

“As a result, pupils make exceptional progress through the curriculum, and outcomes are high.”

The report also said that pupils conduct themselves exceptionally well and praised the approach to pupils’ personal development and careers.

Mr Darley said: “We are incredibly proud that the

The Purbeck School’s headteacher, Adam Darley, said the ‘exceptional report’ built on the school’s exams successes

inspectors recognised the unique ethos of our school –where kindness, aspiration and perseverance go hand in hand.

“This report is a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of our staff, the enthusiasm and commitment of our students, and the support of our Purbeck families.

“We believe the report

reflects who we are as a school and the values we live by every day.

“It is a moment of celebration for our entire community.”

The report, which does not identify any areas for improvement, can be viewed at https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/ provider/23/148737.

Summer at the Village Inn

Alongside our ever popular range of

Trust ‘fills the gap’ along nature-friendly coastline

THE National Trust has acquired land in Swanage which will protect nature along 5.5 miles of coastline.

The trust acquired the narrow strip of land – about the size of 40 football pitches – that lies between Verney Farm and Belle Vue Farm to help restore nature and improve access for walkers.

The charity already owned land from Durlston Country Park in Swanage to Weston Farm in Worth Matravers and has been caring for the latest acquisition, the missing piece in the ‘coastal jigsaw’.

The land stretches inland to ancient track, the Priest’s Way, from the coastline, and incorporates two historic nautical mile markers.

This means an uninterrupted 5.5-mile (8.9km) coastal corridor can now be managed in nature-friendly ways.

The trust said it plans to declare this section of the coast inalienable, which means it will be protected forever.

David Brown, lead ecologist for the National Trust, said: “This was a fantastic, not-to-bemissed opportunity for us – the chance to join up the whole coastal landscape and encourage wildlife to spread, including rare wildflowers like early spider orchids and early gentians, and butterflies like the

skipper and Adonis blue.

“Along with our tenant farmers and neighbouring landowners, we are already doing exciting work along this coastline to restore nature. This strip was the only gap, and it means we can now work at a much bigger scale.”

The steeply sloping ground next to the coast is already designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for the importance of its wildlife-rich grassland.

But the three fields inland from there have been more intensively managed and currently have far less value for nature.

David added: “These fields

are where we can really make a difference.

“The land will still be farmed, but in a more naturefriendly way. With appropriate management – like stopping chemical inputs and introducing a conservation grazing regime – we can restore the wildlife that’s missing.

“We are already seeing species recovering at Weston Farm where we have been managing for nature since 2022.”

Plans to make the area more accessible to walkers include widening the South West Coast Path to make it safer, as well as adding a new permissive route from the coast path inland to the Priest’s Way, which would

provide an alternative walk.

Tracey Churcher, general manager for the National Trust in Purbeck, said: “We manage land for nature and people, so improving access is a key aim for us.

“We added a similar inland route at Weston Farm in Worth Matravers, which is proving to be hugely popular.

“A new inland path would also offer different views, including looking down on the iconic mile markers.”

The acquisition was funded through legacies to the trust’s coastal campaign, Enterprise Neptune.

The campaign marks its 60th anniversary this year, having raised more than £114 million through donations.

This has enabled the charity to protect almost 900 miles of coastline in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The area is part of the proposed South Purbeck ‘Super’ National Nature Reserve, which will bring together multiple landowners in managing this coastline for nature and people.

Anyone wishing to support the National Trust’s coastal campaign is asked to visit the National Trust website at www. nationaltrust.org.uk and selecting ‘coast’.

Two seats to fill on town council

TWO vacant seats on Swanage Town Council need to be filled following the resignation of Councillor Debby Monkhouse (Swanage South) after six years’ service and the death of Bill Trite (Swanage North) in May.

The roles will be filled by co-option unless 10 people put themselves forward for each role, which would trigger an election.

Speaking about Cllr Monkhouse, Swanage Mayor Mike Bonfield, said: “I would like to thank you for your work during your time as a Swanage town councillor.

“Your knowledge and input into addressing the concerns of residents, especially in respect of local health services,

has been greatly appreciated.”

A Swanage Town Council spokesperson said: “An election will take place if 10 or more electors resident in the relevant ward request one by June 27, otherwise the vacancies will be filled by co-option.

“Electors can only call for

an election in the ward in which they live.

“If an election is called in either ward, it will take place not later than September 1.

“To request an election, electors must write to the Returning Officer, Electoral Services, Dorset Council, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XJ or by email to elections@dorsetcouncil. gov.uk.”

Lulworth

A National Trust ranger observes an early spider orchid spotted at the site PHOTO: National Trust/James Dobson

Ant and Dec’s holiday treat for hospice fundraiser

LONG-TIME Forest Holme Hospice supporter, Paul Payne, jetted off to Menorca for a well-earned break – thanks to ITV’s Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway – after raising £10,196 at his sixth annual charity golf day hosted at Knighton Heath Golf Club in Poole.

Paul was nominated by his son for his commitment to the Poole-based hospice, securing a coveted Place on the Plane during the final series of the popular television show, recognising his outstanding fundraising efforts.

Over the past six years, Paul’s charity golf events have raised £46,303 in support of Forest Holme Hospice, which provides specialist palliative

and end-of-life care for patients and families across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck.

This year’s event saw 43 teams hit the fairways for a packed day of golf, rounded off with a lively 19th hole celebration, complete with prize-giving, auction and charity

raffle.

Paul is already making plans for his seventh fundraiser and hopes to smash £50,000 in 2026.

Following the tournament, Paul joined Emma Ceo, from Knighton Heath, to visit Forest Holme Hospice and present a cheque to the nursing team and corporate and community fundraiser, Kirsty Perks.

“We are so grateful to Paul for his incredible dedication over the past six years,” Kirsty said.

“The funds raised from his golf days make a genuine difference to the lives of our patients and their families.

“We’d also like to thank all the players, sponsors, volunteers and everyone at Knighton Heath who helped make this year’s event such a success.

“Paul’s holiday prize was so well-deserved – a wonderful reward for someone who gives so much to others.”

Paul Payne delivers a cheque for £10,196.97 to Forest Holme

Lifeboat offers chance to remember loved ones

THOUSANDS of names are set to be added to a Swanage lifeboat as part of a campaign to help commemorate those who have died or celebrate loved ones still living.

Swanage Lifeboat Station is the latest to sign up to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) popular Launch a Memory campaign. This presents an opportunity for people to have their loved ones join the crew as they carry out life-saving missions in Swanage.

Up to 15,000 names can be added to the Shannon-class lifeboat’s decals – the lettering and numbering on the lifeboat. All that is required is a suggested donation of £75 and the name of the person.

Swanage RNLI’s Shannonclass lifeboat is the George Thomas Lacy and has been in service at Swanage since 2016.

Originally funded by a

generous legacy from George Lacy, the lifeboat has launched 337 times, aided 435 people and saved 18 lives since coming on service at the station.

The new campaign comes during a special year for the Swanage lifeboat community, as the station marks 150 years of lifesaving.

Dave Turnbull, volunteer coxswain at Swanage RNLI, said he is honoured that Swanage has been chosen as the home of the RNLI’s latest Launch a Memory lifeboat.

“Our Shannon-class lifeboat has kept people safe in the waters off Swanage for almost a decade now, and knowing that in the future she will carry the names of thousands of people’s loved ones makes it even more special,” he said.

“To become a Launch a Memory lifeboat station in our 150th year is just phenomenal,

the real icing on the cake to what is already a very significant year for us.

“It’s a wonderful way for people to remember and celebrate their loved ones and support the RNLI’s lifesaving work at the same time.”

This will be the eighth RNLI Launch a Memory lifeboat and the first in Dorset.

Faye Stammers, marketing manager at the RNLI, said: “We’re delighted to be able to invite members of the public to submit names for this special Launch a Memory lifeboat.

“We hope that it will be a fitting tribute to their loved one and bring comfort knowing that their name is alongside our crews when they receive a call for help.

“Everyone who supports the campaign will receive email updates about the lifeboat, keeping them informed of all major developments.

“We’re hoping our newest Launch a Memory campaign will be incredibly popular, as others have been, with so many people wanting to honour a loved one in this unique and special way.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the Swanage Launch a Memory lifeboat and add the name of a loved one should visit rnli.org/ launchamemory.

Those who donate a name to the campaign will also receive a commemorative digital certificate, as well as email updates about the vital work the lifeboat performs.

Exploring Purbeck – Studland

by Chris Slade retired

Dorset rights of way officer

THIS walk takes you for about seven miles through stunning countryside with interesting history, both natural and man-made.

Nearly all the area is Access Land, so you don’t have to stick to the paths but can wander freely.

Start at the church, which is Saxon in origin but was

modified by the Normans.

I don’t think stained glass had been invented then as the church has none.

Take the path leading north through the cemetery to meet a road taking you left, west, to a corner by a pond and a loo.

Go south down the road for a short distance, then take a path to the west which soon meets a bridleway that takes you first north then south west

uphill across heathland.

At the Fishing Barrow tumulus, turn right and head north east past the Agglestone Rock. Soon you’ll meet a bridleway that takes you north west across Godlingston Heath.

Then join a National Trust path that leads north to join a path that takes you east south east to join a road.

Turn left and walk along the

road, which is part of the Poole Harbour Trail, for a mile, then turn right and take a path across rather soggy heathland south east to join the South West Coast Path, which takes you south along the beach for over a mile.

When you reach the National Trust car park, weave your way up through it to join a road that takes you south, back to where you started.

Swanage Shannon-class lifeboat the George Thomas Lacy

Harrow House: Developer revises plans

EFFORTS to ensure a planned housing development in Swanage has more affordable housing have been rebuffed by a developer.

Harrow House International College (Swanage) Ltd submitted plans in July of last year to create 93 homes at the site of Harrow House International School.

for Peveril Ledge, Swanage Compiled by National Coastwatch Institution, Swanage

Swanage town councillors expressed concern about the number of affordable homes

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It sought to convert a school building into 14 flats and build 41 houses and 38 apartments on the school grounds – and provide a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace on an area of land on the northern side of Prospect Way.

The applicant has now

resubmitted plans, following feedback from Swanage Town Council and other stakeholders, which reduce the number of houses from 93 to 85.

The layout of the site has been redesigned to ‘promote connectivity and permeability’ and would see the creation of 46 apartments and 39 two-,

three- and four-bed houses –with just nine affordable units proposed.

The town council, in particular, raised concerns about the amount of affordable housing offered, with councillors saying they were ‘disappointed’ the affordable element in the plans was below what was previously discussed at the community engagement and below that set out in the Purbeck Local Plan.

affordable housing provision is not currently sufficiently viable.

“The applicant, therefore, proposes to secure nine x 80% discount market sale dwellings.”

The re-submitted plans make other changes to what was previously submitted.

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Peveril Ledge, Swanage Compiled by National Coastwatch Institution, Swanage

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Dorset Council requires at least 30% affordable housing provision for developments of 10 homes or more.

This would mean the developer is required to deliver at least 26 affordable homes at the proposed site, rather than the nine offered.

These include a community infrastructure levy agreement, a financial contribution to the Day’s Park Sports Facility to offset the loss of sports facilities and improvements to pedestrian crossings close to the proposed development.

Chapman Lily Planning added: “The site represents an opportunity to deliver a high quality new development within the built area boundary of Swanage, on a brownfield site.

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However, the applicant said that amount of affordable housing was not viable for them.

Chapman Lily Planning, on behalf of the applicant, said: “The applicant has carefully considered the ability of the proposed development to deliver affordable housing as part of the scheme and has made every effort to do so.”

“The proposal provides housing, including much-needed affordable homes, new public open space and landscaping, alongside ecological enhancements.

“The development will have good connectivity to the heart of Swanage and the facilities and amenities within the town.”

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04:00 09:31 16:21 21:46 FM 05:07 21:18 11-Jul 04:41 10:08 17:02 22:24 05:08 21:17 12-Jul 05:21 10:44 17:42 23:00 SP 05:09 21:17 13-Jul 06:00 11:20 18:20 23:38 05:10 21:16 14-Jul 06:38 11:58 18:59 05:11 21:15

01:08 06:40 13:32 19:02 NM 04:55 21:24

01:08 06:40 13:32 19:02 NM 04:55 21:24

00:16 07:17 12:38 19:40 05:13 21:14 16-Jul 00:57 07:59 13:22 20:25 05:14 21:13

07:39 14:28

00:13 07:01 12:30 19:24 04:59 21:23

07:46 13:14 20:10 05:00 21:23

It added: “This planning application demonstrates that a policy compliant-level of

SELF-TAUGHT artist Adilson Naueji is presenting his first solo exhibition, BH5 Boscombe Beyond Your Eyes, at Lighthouse Poole.

The portraits in the show celebrate the people and place

To view and comment on the resubmitted plans, search reference P/OUT/2024/03253 on the planning section of Dorset Council’s website.

of Boscombe, where Adi has lived with his family since coming to the UK seven years ago from Angola, where he grew up.

Adi’s exhibition runs until Wednesday, July 30.

Harrow House International College (above) closed in 2020

PHOTO: ACG Architects/Dorset Council

Charity choir reaches out for support

A ‘JOYFUL’ charity choir for people affected by cancer is at risk of closure unless new trustees and sponsorship can be found.

Rising Voices Wessex was formed in 2013 to bring together people recovering from cancer treatment and those affected by the experience of cancer in their family.

Male and female singers of all ages and backgrounds rehearse weekly at St John’s Church in Parkstone, Poole, and perform at fundraising concerts and events throughout the year.

Members of Rising Voices do not require singing ability or previous experience, just an interest in singing and music.

Chair of trustees, Noeline Young, said: “Since its formation, the choir has grown to become an important part of so many people’s lives, providing a weekly social event and a chance for those living with cancer to enjoy being ‘normal’ and have fun.

“However, we are now coming to the end of our lottery grant funding.

“We have reserves for the current financial year, but we are keen to ensure that the charity can continue to offer singing and music to improve health and wellbeing into 2026 and beyond.

“More benefactors and/or a donation of £12,000 to £15,000 a year would really make a huge difference and ensure that we can continue to be a place where people can come and forget about cancer, if only for a short while.”

Choir members Judy Toms and Lynne Burton met at Rising Voices Wessex in 2013.

“Both of us has had breast cancer, both of us found we were altos and now we are friends,” said Judy.

“The choir is a warm and accepting place to be,” said Lynne. “We don’t go out of our way to talk about cancer, but we all know that we can if we want to, and others are there to listen.

“It would be hugely upsetting for us all if it were forced to close.”

Choir member June Chappell joined the choir when it was first launched. She was nursing her husband through cancer at the time.

She said: “It started as a place to come and sing to relax and now it’s a huge part of my life.”

Gavin Carr is music director of the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and a patron of Rising Voices Wessex. He said: “Music is a great healer and singing brings joy to those struggling with cancer.

“Rising Voices Wessex needs help to bring the power of music to those who most need its healing properties now.

“We hope individuals, businesses and organisations will come forward to help the choir continue to spread joy, laughter and energy to as many people as possible.”

The choir’s annual meeting took place earlier this month and trustees and members

discussed measures which could be taken to attract more support.

The choir can be contacted via email at admin@ risingvoices.org.uk or by texting 07500 676083, or to find out more visit www.risingvoices. org.uk or Facebook.

People can also donate to the choir via its JustGiving page, www.justgiving.com/ risingvoices-wessex

Rising Voices Wessex is also looking for people who can donate time by becoming trustees. The committee would particularly like to hear from people with expertise in accountancy/treasurer –finance reporting to the Charity Commission, fundraising, business management, IT/ computer skills or with a background in health care or music. Contact the chair of the trustees via email at noeline. rvw@btinternet.com for more information.

Sculpture park scoops another award

SCULPTURE by the Lakes, near Dorchester, has won another award.

The 24-acre botanic garden and art venue won Bronze in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards of Excellence.

The awards celebrate businesses that leave visitors with lasting memories and excel in customer service.

Sculpture by the Lakes, at Pallington Lakes alongside the River Frome,

boasts more than 120 pieces.

It took top spot in the Small Visitor Attraction and Casual Dining categories, and Silver in the Dog Friendly Business category, at this year’s Dorset Tourism Awards.

Simon Gudgeon, owner at Sculpture by the Lakes, said: “It’s an honour to have been selected among thousands of attractions to achieve VisitEngland’s prestigious award, which is

a hallmark of excellence in the UK tourism industry.

“We’re so grateful to our staff who work exceptionally hard to deliver a top quality, memorable visitor experience at Sculpture by the Lakes every day.

“With multiple awards achieved this year, we’re excited to embrace our busy summer season filled with new events and experiences and see what the next year brings.”

Simon and Monique Gudgeon, from Sculpture by the Lakes, at the VisitEngland Awards 2025

PHOTO: VisitBritain/ Christopher Orange

Rising Voices Wessex, which provides joy to people affected by cancer, could close unless new sponsorship can be found

‘Greener homes’ sought to inspire

GREEN-MINDED

householders are being invited to showcase their properties as part of the Dorset Greener Homes initiative this autumn.

The event highlights green and sustainable energy and the organisers are looking for householders willing to talk to visitors about their ecorenovation.

Many of the homes will have PV panels and battery storage, heat pumps, EV car chargers or solar heating.

But many showcase simple low-cost solutions, repurposing materials, cutting down waste, growing vegetables or creating biodiverse gardens.

Sam Wilberforce, who organises the open homes event, said: “The homes do not have to be perfect, and the work may not even be finished.

“What we need is people who can inspire visitors, share their experience and give unbiased and honest advice.”

Dorset Greener Homes is taking place for the fifth year on the last two weekends of September.

Anyone interested in participating should get in touch at dorsetgreenerhomes@gmail. com.

The event is one of Dorset Climate Action Network’s (DorsetCAN’s) main projects.

THE East Dorset and New Forest branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association is holding a ‘social walk’ to raise funds for the group and awareness of the disease.

The Walk to D’Feet MND event at Upton Country Park on Saturday, July 12, at 1.30pm includes walks of about 1km and 3km.

Secure Your Home. Safeguard Your Legacy. Discover the Power of a Living Trust

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Bill died peacefully on the 10th May 2025 and Cheryl would like to thank everyone who came to his funeral and for all the wonderful tributes paid to him. Cheryl would also like to thank all those who sent condolences and for all the kind messages and offers of help and support she herself received.

For a complimentary consultation, reach out to Oakwood Wills.

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Email: info@oakwoodwills.co.uk

The Late William Stanley Trite (Bill)

Looking Good, Lucy!

Lucy started at her local slimming world group in Swanage back in July 2024. She achieved her first half a stone in week 3 and since then she has embraced our healthy eating plan and gone on to lose 4 stone.

Lucy is feeling fantastic and has dropped 4 dress sizes going down from a size 22 to a size 14. With each dress size dropped her confidence has grown.. Lucy shared that she couldn’t have done this without the support from her consultant Trudy or her fellow members.. and she is really grateful that if she was struggling in between groups she could reach out to her consultant for support.

One of Lucy’s favourite food optimised meals is Spaghetti bolognaise and said her husband and 7 year old daughter also love It!

Lucy attends her slimming world Group Every Monday @ Swanage Primary School. Her consultant Trudy and fellow group members love helping her celebrate her success and on the occasional week when she needs help they are ready to do that too!

Fancy starting your weight loss journey. Have a goal

Slimming World

Swanage

Swanage Primary School, Mount Scar, BH19 2EY Mondays 5.30pm & 7pm Trudy 07486 454 046 Swanage The Mowlem, Shore Road, BH19 1DD Tuesdays 9am Trudy 07486 454 046

The D’Urberville Centre Wednesdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Fridays 9.30am & 11.30am Jane 07887 866 730

for summer.

Then come along to one of our Swanage Groups. Monday 5.30pm and 7pm - Swanage Primary School (parking available) Tuesdays 9am - The Mowlem, in the studio.

Paddling party proves the outdoors is for all

SIX visually impaired individuals have enjoyed an outdoors adventure kayaking in Studland Bay.

The Dorset Blind Association members paddled along the coastline to Old Harry Rocks on double sit-on kayaks with instructors from Land & Wave, who acted as sighted guides.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our instructors to develop a deeper understanding about how to provide a fantastic immersive adventure for people who are visually impaired,” said Rosie Tanner, director at Land & Wave.

“Adventure should be for everyone, and this trip showed the power of inclusive experiences in the great outdoors.”

This was the second event Land & Wave has delivered in collaboration with the blind association.

In 2024, the team took Amar Latif – blind adventurer, BBC One Show presenter and Celebrity MasterChef contestant – rock climbing at Dancing Ledge as part of a fundraising campaign for the charity.

Sam Baker, community relations officer, Dorset Blind Association, said: “Our members had an incredible day – many had never tried kayaking before, and to do so in such a beautiful setting with expert, supportive instructors was truly special.

“We’re so grateful to Land & Wave for making adventure accessible and creating unforgettable memories.”

Rosie added: “There were smiles, laughter and real connections being made out on the water.

“It was a reminder that the outdoors can – and should – be a space where everyone belongs.”

Dorset Blind Association members on board kayaks with instructors from Land & Wave at Old Harry Rocks

Arrow words Crossword

Across

8 Friend abroad, fighter in a circle (5)

9 Twist in prisoner wrong (7)

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.

Killer Sudoku Pro

10 New-fangled chain? It offers Italian wine (7)

11 More depraved country resident ignoring delay (5)

12 Original soprano with a person behind piano and organ (9)

14 Female singer taking part in promotion openly (3)

15 Bearer in regular places making slip (3)

Down

1 Bird of prey represented on calf (6)

2 Polite Arab taking in West in internal conflict (5,3)

3 Note number in retirement in a short time

4 Stint shown by offender in Sweden and Portugal (6)

5 Academic institution with poetic output world (8)

6 Function, we hear, for some bread (4)

16 Aid for tourists before row showing indication of course (9)

19 Runs by Russian river regarding the countryside (5)

21 Annual seller? (7)

23 Manager around 50 given award gets to flourish (7)

24 Preside over college musical (5)

Killer Sudoku Pro 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.

7 Renovated store around back of house, source of music (6)

13 One regularly appearing in rings? (8)

14 Old European capital housing popular liberal of an innovative kind? (8)

15 Dress in French republican given award

17 Notoriety in relatives I left out (6)

18 Complete new time to enter republic (6)

20 Course announced for English cricketer

22 Element of grouchiness that hurts (4)

National Coastwatch

Paddleboarder Jack sets safety example

IT’S always good to report a success story where everything falls into place. While on duty the other Saturday we received a phone call from Jack Galloway to let us know he was paddleboarding from Swanage to Highcliffe. Technically he was downwind stand up paddleboard (SUP) foiling and this article would have been finished much quicker if I hadn’t ‘Googled’ it and spent ages watching the YouTube videos about the sport!

Jack gave us his planned route, explained that he had a phone, a VHF radio, a personal locator beacon and was wearing a bright yellow buoyancy aid. The only thing we were able to add was to suggest he give Solent Coastguard a quick call on channel 16 to explain what he was doing.

We quickly picked Jack up and plotted his route across the bay. With the brisk southwesterly wind, Jack made steady progress across the Bay, much of the time up on the foil. His bright yellow buoyancy jacket made him stand out and easy to spot. As he approached Boscombe he went out of range but was quickly picked up by our team at Hengistbury Head, who tracked him to Highcliffe. After leaving Swanage at 10:00, he arrived at Highcliffe at 12:10, 10 minutes over his estimated journey time of two hours! To the best of his knowledge, it’s the first time someone’s crossed Poole Bay on a downwind SUP foil board. Well done, Jack, but, as you say, not a journey for the inexperienced or even experienced normal paddleboarder!

PADDLEBOARDING is one of the fastest growing watersports and can trace its roots back to the 1940s. It’s said that an Hawaiian

by Nick Reed

surfer, John Ah Choy, developed the technique as he got older and was unable to get up and down from his board. He would stand on his board and paddle out with a canoe paddle to catch the waves.

The advent of the inflatable SUP has meant that the sport has become much more accessible. It’s so easy to transport the board, in a big rucksack, to the sea, inflate it and paddle off. Sadly, this ease of use means that many people underestimate the skill and strength needed to propel the board in anything but calm water. Our local beach lifeguards have been involved in more than 11 incidents this year where paddle boarders have been blown offshore and had to be rescued.

advice about staying safe when paddle boarding and is worth reading. This can be summarised by the phrase ‘PLOT your paddle’: P –Personal Floatation Device; L – Leash; O – Offshore Winds; T – Telephone.

A buoyancy aid (PFD) will give you extra floatation in the water to help keep you afloat, but it will also help give you time to recover should you fall in – and chances are you will! Buoyancy aids come in different sizes, and it is important that you have the correct size as this will help when getting back on to the board.

There’s nothing more frustrating than having to swim after your board if you fall off. The leash will also help you stay connected to your board if you get into trouble and help you float. Choosing the correct leash is important – most boards come with an ankle leash but these may not be suitable for the environment you are planning to paddle in. If you are paddling in tidal or flowing waters such as rivers where there is a risk of entrapment or being caught on an object, then wear a quick release waist leash.

Offshore winds are winds that are blowing from the beach out to sea. With these winds the water looks idyllic and calm. However, this can be deceptive as the wind can quickly blow you and your paddleboard out to sea, which can make it extremely tiring and difficult to paddle back to shore. With the combination of the prevailing winds and the way Swanage faces, offshore winds can be a big problem in our Bay. Keep an eye out for the orange windsock at the lifeguard station to see which way the wind is blowing. They put this sock up when the wind is above force 4 and from the west.

You should always carry some way of contacting the authorities in an emergency. The simplest method is a mobile phone in a waterproof case. It’s best to carry it in your buoyancy aid pocket or around your neck so you can get it easily.

This is NCI St Alban’s Head and NCI Swanage listening on channel 65, NCI out.

Incidents like these, and others that have occurred recently, highlight the need to take a few simple precautions before going afloat. Always check the weather and tides and, if you are unfamiliar with the area, ask for local advice about conditions and hazards. The RNLI website has some great

PHOTO : RNLI/Nathan Williams

Jack Galloway crossed Poole Bay on his paddleboard from Swanage to Highcliffe in two hours 10 minutes PHOTO: Jack Galloway

Council falls short on school site

AS a former chair of governors of St Mary’s First School in Manor Road, Swanage, but writing in a totally personal capacity, and as father and grandfather of former pupils, I wholeheartedly support David Hollister’s condemnation of Dorset Council for backtracking on the promise to provide affordable housing on the site.

Speak to practically anyone in the Swanage district and they will tell you how it gets increasingly difficult, almost daily, for people who provide services vital to the community, and are of families who belong here, to find accommodation, whether renting or buying.

I know I speak for many who expected that at least the number promised in the Purbeck Local Plan would be honoured.

The issue of second and affordable homes in the Purbeck Area has, and will always be, highly controversial.

In a democratic society compromises have to be made – many felt the Manor Road site was a chance to shift the balance towards those in greatest need. It’s a tragedy it hasn’t happened.

Michael H C Baker Via email

Car key lost and found

I WISH to thank one of our local councillors.

I went to the local Costcutter shop at Herston, Swanage and on leaving I dropped my car key down a drain near the store.

Councillor Chris Tomes came to my rescue, as it would have been impossible for me to lift the drain cover on my own.

He appeared with rubber gloves and a stick, and with help from Darren and Michelle and the torch on a phone, they managed to retrieve the key from the drain.

Many thanks to them as I would have been really stuck without their help.

Rachael Aplin Via email

Winter Fool allowance!

When Labour cut the Fuel Allowance

I claimed I had to choose To pay for heating or eating

Or maybe loads of booze!

But the truth is, the Triple Lock Pension,

Free travel and Christmas ten quid

Have meant I’m not a poor pensioner

I’m more like a happy rich kid!

And now they’ve brought back the allowance, I’m happier still as I muse, ’Cos these days my one main decision Is where to go on my next cruise!

buoyed moorings along the River Frome, suitable for the mooring of vessels up to 10 meters in length.

• Business opportunity

• 50 well maintained moorings that can take vessels up to 10 meters, to be let as a whole

• Moorings currently let at £865 per annum on individual annual basis, with 12 live agreements

• Located within 4.5 miles by water to Poole Harbour, 1.8 miles by water from Wareham, a popular Dorset tourist location

• Please enquire to Carter Jonas, Kings Worthy for more details and particulars

Tieren Price | 01962 833 399

tieren.price@carterjonas.co.uk

Laura Harris | 01962 790 630

laura.harris@carterjonas.co.uk

Martin Hobdell Swanage

Chris Tomes searches for the car key lost down a drain

Telling It Like It Is

Waste sites: If it’s not broke, don’t fix it...

by David Hollister

THE recent huge power cut which stretched right across the Iberian Peninsula and left locals and holidaymakers unable to access their spending money brought home to us once again how incredibly difficult it would be if electronic money was all there was and if actual cash were to disappear completely. Cash is totally anonymous. It leaves no trail – no-one has a record of what you spend and no-one knows how much money you have spent on what. No one else has control of it, there is no need for the retailer to know who you are or where you live, and no-one has to authorise a cash payment. When using electronic payments, however small, someone somewhere has a file on you!

I freely admit I use my cards much more than I ought to. It’s so convenient and all too often retailers now refuse to accept cash, although it’s a legitimate currency. Time and again, it’s the junior staff who refuse cash, because their superiors and employers have made this a rule and when you pursue the matter you find that these regulations come from the very top. Big Brother has gradually got his claws into us, and he is watching every move we make and every penny we spend. Scary, isn’t it!

JUST as scary is the proposed imposition of pre-booking at all recycling centres in Dorset. I have no idea if demand management is an issue at the sites specifically referenced at Wimborne and Dorchester, but on-site experience tells me that that it’s totally unnecessary in Swanage and from the Facebook responses from Wareham ratepayers it seems the same is probably true there.

The staff at Swanage suggest that this scheme could come into operation by the autumn and will consist of a barrier controlled by ANPR cameras with set time spots for off-loading your recycling. It’s not the fault of the brilliant guys on site. They are going to get a lot of flak they don’t deserve, but just like junior retail staff who are told not to accept cash, they are governed by people in ivory towers who don’t care one iota about convenience.

I understand that the contract between the county council and the current Household Recycling Centres (HRC) operators is coming to an end, and this is what is brought this farce about. I’m also most unhappy about how this has been handled. The communication so far has been virtually negligible and there’s been little or no public consultation. Unfortunately, this sort of thing only damages

Dorset Council’s reputation. A reputation that is already suffering from incompetence and dictatorial behaviour at many levels. Planning. Policing. Public Works. Road closures. There’s still time to hold a public consultation – if the council dares – and let us see what we, the ratepayers, have to say. Our own councillor, Gary Suttle, has come out in print and made it clear that he’s unhappy about this erosion of one of the very few rights that is still open to us. We need to know that this decision isn’t written in stone and that it will be democratically debated. We need to back Gary and add all our voices to his efforts to keep the council’s grubby hands off our HRC.

Swanage has a modern recycling centre that’s well laid out and we don’t suffer the problems they are allegedly trying to fix. In fact, this system will severely impact the way the locals deal with their waste and lead to a reduction in recycling efficiency and potentially an increase in fly-tipping.

Have a look at the county council’s website setting out the rationale behind this decision but, more important, setting out the decision that has already been made with little or no reference to those of us who use it or who pay for it. It says “later this year we will be introducing a booking system at all of our Household Recycling Centres (HRCs). The system is designed to make visits more efficient, convenient and user-friendly. With a simple online process, residents will be able to reserve their preferred date and time slot in advance. Note the phraseology. “Will be introducing”. Not a word about choice. “If you don’t have internet access, you can ask someone to make the booking for you.”

This is a done deal, a stitch-up and offers no alternatives. But they do suggest that data from bookings can be used to identify peak hours, to ‘optimise service delivery’ and all the usual smoke-and-mirrors BS of which we have come to expect more

and more from our council officers and, right to the point, it’s the thin end of the wedge which will lead to charges being made. Guarantee that in five years with this system there will be ‘fees’ to pay just to dump your rubbish. Dorset Council says “more information will be provided when the launch date is confirmed” in other words, once it’s too late to back out of any ‘done deals’. Or maybe the bigger picture here is that this move is mostly about building up evidence that the site is not used enough to warrant its continuation. My guess, we’ll all be driving to Wareham within three years.

Councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services, says: “The current just-turn-up-anddrop-off system at our HRCs has served us well over the years but is now showing its limitations.

“Many of our sites, especially at Dorchester and Wimborne, experience long periods of queuing and crowding that cause frustration for visitors, nearby residents and local businesses. This system will improve the overall customer experience by preventing these problems”

Jon, this isn’t Dorchester or Wimborne, it’s not ‘one size fits all’. It’s Swanage and Wareham. They say: “we are doing everything we can to help our residents keep Dorset as the top performing unitary council in the country for recycling”. And rightly so – we users – and the amazing staff – are justifiably proud of our record.

No, Jon, you are not doing everything. If it works – which it does – don’t fix it.

You can protest at: cllrjon. andrews@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. Support Gary at: cllrgary. suttle@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

AND finally: It would seem that the National Express service from Swanage will be withdrawn soon. This is a very disappointing development. Has anyone else heard anything about this? More in our next edition!

Better bus services in the pipeline

OVER the past year or two a pressing issue that has been raised repeatedly with me is the state of local bus services. In short, there is room for improvement!

Growing up in Weymouth, I took the bus 10 miles up the road to sixth-form. It was a reliable bus service and meant I could get to class every day. So I know that reliable services really matter. Yet, in recent years, we’ve seen routes cut, services reduced and the reliability of bus services deteriorate – leaving many people isolated and unable to access essential amenities and services.

In Winfrith Newburgh and Lulworth locals have told me they do not have a proper bus service to Wareham and Wool train stations, making it difficult to travel by train. Even more troubling, there is no direct bus to hospitals in Poole or

Dorchester from these villages. And in Swanage many young people feel trapped because the services available are so limited. Poor quality bus services make it difficult to travel to college, school or part-time work. It’s unacceptable – and it is holding young people back.

That’s why I’m proud to back the Labour Government’s new Bus Services Bill, the biggest step forward for public transport in a generation. After 14 years of decline under the Tories, we’re finally putting power back in the hands of local communities – where it belongs. The Bus Services Bill gives us the opportunity to end the postcode lottery of Britain’s broken buses.

rural communities stranded. South Dorset knows this more than most. Instead, the Bus Services Bill will hand local leaders – and not distant bosses and shareholders – the powers needed to set routes, fares and services. This means that Dorset Council will have a much bigger role delivering our bus services in future. The landmark legislation finally ends the nonsense of whole communities having no say on their local bus services.

fair share of investment, and I am calling on Dorset Council to make the most of the new legislation.

Reliable buses should not be a nice-to-have luxury or put on for tourists in the summer months only. In towns and villages across the county passengers rely on buses to go about their daily lives. For many, they are the only affordable way to get to work, school, hospital, the train station, town centre or to see family and friends.

For too long, private bus companies have been free to cut routes, chop and change bus services, hike fares and leave

Labour’s Bus Services Bill also grants Dorset Council new powers to deliver services in-house, rather than relying on private companies alone. And crucially, it is backed up with new investment for bus services, stops and stations.

I will be pushing hard to make sure South Dorset gets its

The Bus Services Bill is our opportunity to change direction and deliver better buses for many more communities. Looking ahead, I will be pushing Dorset Council to be bold and get on with delivering better buses in South Dorset. It’s time to crack on!

LLOYD HATTON Labour MP for South Dorset

Swanage seafront – have your say

THE sun is shining and the children are splashing in the sea. Sandcastles are stacked across the sand, surrounded by buckets and spades, towels and tubs of lotion and beach reads. There are many wonderful things about living in Purbeck all through the year, but this is the season when it all comes alive. Every day the kids have things to look forward to – festivals, carnivals and village fetes, late-night fireworks over Swanage Bay, sunlit walks and days at the beach.

But can we take the future for granted? However lovely the coast may be in the summer, it is facing significant threats from climate change – including flooding, heatwaves and rising sea levels. For Dorset coastal communities like Swanage, this is going to pose an increasing challenge in the decades to

come.

We can already see the visible impact of these changes in the landslips, occurring with growing frequency and taking out chunks of the South West Coast Path. There’s no magic wand we can wave at these issues, instead we’ll need different solutions for different places. In some, we can invest, putting structures in place to protect what we have; in others, nature will take its course. At Middle Beach in Studland, the National Trust has chosen the latter, and in the last few weeks it’s been announced that the sea defences will be removed over the autumn.

investments in clean energy also bring significant economic benefits, incomes and jobs to places across the UK. So I’m keen to see that as we adapt to these challenges, we can also invest and improve.

As someone who works in sustainability and local energy, my job is to make sure that

One example is the recently reopened and improved sections of coastal path including at Houns Tout, which closed following from the landslip in 2024 which took out that iconic climb with its breathtaking views. The seafront is the visual, social and economic heart of Swanage. But if we are to keep it thriving, we also need to adapt and invest. As part of this challenge, I’ve been following the consultation on the future of Shore Road. These proposals have been driven by

the necessity of managing an unstable section of seafront, but at the same time offer an exciting opportunity, improving access to Swanage’s wonderful beaches and creating better, greener public spaces to be used for recreation, events and community activities. This is the kind of double win we need –adapting to the climate challenge, while investing in and improving the spaces around us.

I’ve responded to the consultation already. I’m keen on the full investment proposals and the potential they offer for Swanage and its economy. The town council wants to hear from as many voices as possible – so I’d urge people to respond before the deadline on June 29.

POPPY MALTBY Lib Dem Purbeck campaigner on climate and energy

Lloyd Hatton Poppy Maltby

Purbeck Gazette reader Robin Brasher, from Swanage, took this recent photo of the Sandbanks Ferry with the obelisk in

5

Health & Wellbeing

Three bottles of wine a night but now ex-jockey is helping others make a fresh start

A FORMER amateur jockey who turned to alcohol is volunteering at the Bournemouth charity which finally gave him hope.

Billy McLaughlin, 64, won at both Goodwood and Ludlow, and worked as a trainer for racehorse owners.

But his experiences growing up in Belfast during The Troubles and the tragic death of his brother led to him spiralling into the depths of alcoholism and homelessness.

He said: “My parents both died when I was just a toddler. I had three brothers and a sister, and we were all basically brought up by family friends. I once counted, and I lived at 15 places by the time I was 15.

“I was 15 when I ran away to the Irish countryside. I ended up knocking on the door of a horse trainer and asking for a job.

“I lied that I was 16 and I think he liked I called him ‘Sir’ because he gave me a chance.

“I hadn’t grown up with horses, but I had always liked them, and I started looking after and learning about them.”

Seven years later and ‘older and wiser’, Billy returned to Belfast to live with his brother and his wife.

“I finally found the family I had dreamed of. But then my brother died in a freak accident, falling down the stairs while carrying his baby, and my life literally shattered.

“As a child during the Northern Irish Troubles I had seen some terrible things, including a man being shot in the throat.

“I think these memories and the loss of my brother sparked something which put me in a downward spiral.”

Billy moved to the United States, working for horse trainers in North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

“I had a knack for training difficult horses but was drinking more and more,” he said.

“From there I moved to Wales, met my wife, and had a son. But looking back I always had depression and immersed myself in my work to cope.

“I had started riding horses as an amateur jockey when I was 32, which was old by industry standards.

“I raced across the UK for different trainers and one of my best highlights was winning at Goodwood in 1992 in a

seven-furlong handicap race. That was my first win in England on the flat.

“At Ludlow I rode a horse called Spin the Coin in a steeplechase.

“It was an exciting time in many ways, but my drinking and my depression was getting worse.

“After jockeying I continued to work for trainers at racetracks all over the country. My wife and I split up and I started living in a flat in Newmarket, drinking three bottles of wine a night, but waking up and going to work.

“A couple of times I cut my wrists. I was so desperate to escape the alcohol.

“I knew I had to go to rehab, but I kept on applying and couldn’t get accepted.

“Then, in 2016 Racing Welfare stepped in and I got my chance at a rehab here in Dorset.

“I committed myself to it, going to extra meetings each week, I wanted desperately to be cured.”

When rehab finished Billy

was homeless and was given a place at Hope HTS.

Hope was set up in 2009 to get people off the streets and into supported accommodation.

The charity, in St Swithuns Road, has since supported more than 2,700 homeless people to access safe accommodation, support and counselling.

“Hope has changed everything for me,” Billy added. “It’s given me a safe place to live, the chance to be well and now I’m returning the favour in whatever ways I can.

“I started working on the garden and helping to get rooms ready for new residents, with new bedding and emergency welcome packs, as many people arrive here with absolutely nothing.

“I also collect unwanted food and clothing from local businesses, which is shared among the residents.

“There are always jobs to be done here. I turn up every morning and collect a list and it makes me feel good about life and myself, because I know how lucky I am to be alive.

“I still have a good relationship with my son and ex-wife in Wales, and I soon hope to have move out and live close by to Hope, so I can come back and help out as well as helping my new neighbours.

“When I see other people who are struggling, I tell them – there is Hope.”

For information on how to support the work of Hope HTS visit www.hopehts.com.

Billy McLaughlin is celebrated after riding Shaffaaf to victory at Goodwood in 1992, and Billy in action (left) on Shaffaaf

Billy McLaughlin at work tending the Hope HTS garden

Health & Wellbeing

REFUGEE Week began on June 16 and this year’s theme was community. Sometimes, when we talk about ‘community’, it’s easy to think of it as a place or a group of people who already know each other. But, in truth, community is a living, evolving relationship – it’s something we choose to nurture, especially when someone new arrives at the edges.

For me, the week is not just a calendar event – it’s a human reminder to hold space for the stories of people who have left behind family, homes, cultures and languages. Not because they wanted to, but because they had to. And in that journey of

displacement, there’s often fear, grief and uncertainty. But there’s also hope. There’s survival. There’s resilience. A chance for us to connect with others.

From a therapeutic perspective, we know that belonging requires connection. People need to feel seen, safe and accepted in order to begin healing. Community plays a vital role in that process – not through grand gestures, but through quiet, consistent presence. Bournemouth and Boscombe are just two places in Dorset that offer this stable and consistent presence.

The Old School House –TOSH – in Boscombe has an ongoing project that supports

refugees with art and creativity; and The International Care Network offers assistance and advice for refugees and asylum seekers. Both charities provide a chance for us to pause, reflect and make space for nurturing.

During the events that happen throughout Refugee Week, we’re invited not just to observe, but to practise openness. To examine where we may hold assumptions or discomfort, and gently ask ourselves where compassion fits in. This is not about guilt – it’s about growth. We all have the capacity to expand the boundaries of our empathy and events such as this can highlight this.

Dorset is a big county with a

big heart and I believe people can feel this when they visit, and when they integrate into the towns and cities within. I invite you to explore what your local community offers and how it might welcome those that are new here.

n Nicole Asghar is an integrative therapist working with adults and children online and in Bournemouth and Poole. She specialises in neurodivergence and trauma and enjoys using yoga and movement to help clients connect with themselves and others. Find out more at www. ourluminousminds.com or email nicole@ourluminous minds.com.

by Fiona Chapman

OUR daughter’s wedding was last week and as that was all about love, I thought I would write about herbs that are used for, or representative of, love. The first herb that springs to mind is the rose. Roses have been used for years to give as symbols of love and purity, but the petals of the beautiful damascena rose in a tea are also hugely beneficial to the digestive

and immune system, as they contain powerful antioxidants. Their fragrance is calming and soothing, and herbalists use the petals for those in need of a bit of love. They are a herbal hug. Lavender, because of its fragrance, is calming and conducive to creating a loving atmosphere. The deep purple colour is also a symbol of devotion, and lavender was and still is used in spells and amulets

to attract love. In a tea it is antibacterial and anti-fungal, as well as helping to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. I love lavender in a tea, but it is a strong flavour, so only a small amount is needed.

Basil, quite surprisingly, was another herb used for love, or as an aphrodisiac, particularly by the Romans as it enhances and increases blood flow. Tulsi, or holy basil, is a sacred plant in

Ayurveda medicine and encourages positive energy and is a bringer of blessings. Chamomile can be used for love – the flowers – or essential oil – can be put in the bath to relax and unwind. It is a sun herb, flowering in mid-summer, and represents the sun God and virility.

n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com).

Meditations in nature: Sun, sea and sand Iizards

by Susannah Curtin

I AM on a coastal expedition today and couldn’t be any happier. The sun is shining brightly and the sea is a turquoise blue, etched with the dazzling reflection of the sun’s rays that cast a diamond river towards the horizon. I am heading towards a cove where I have previously encountered sand lizards – one of the UK’s rarest and, I think, prettiest reptiles. Their usual habitat is either heathland or sand dunes, so it is rather strange that this little colony can be found on this rocky shoreline.

As I make my way along Dorset’s unique undulating and often challenging coast path, I am accompanied by the scratchy, irritable tune of whitethroats, one of our summer songbirds. They have a long tail, which they flick and stick up as they dart rapidly in and out of cover. The male has a grey head, a white throat, a brown back, a fawncoloured belly and is easily spotted as he likes to perch on top of a bush from where he sings his heart out. As well as the whitethroats, there are also the familiar sharp, loud, high notes of stonechats that sound like two stones being tapped together. The male stonechat is a very smart-looking little bird with his white collar, like he has dressed up for dinner.

Every now and then, I also look out towards the sea with my binoculars and scan the water for dolphins. They are regularly

spotted here, but, alas, not by me! I have better luck looking down at my feet for the occasional group of early spider orchids that appear along this stretch of coast. Spider orchids are primarily a Mediterranean plant and one of the earliest orchids to flower in the UK, despite them being at the most northerly reach of their territory. The only other place you can see them is in West Sussex and Kent. Eventually, I reach the path to the cove, hop over the style and make my way down the cliff to where I remember seeing sand lizards. On a small outcrop of rocks, I find a suitable place to sit and wait. But it is literally only a matter of minutes before I spot the first one, and then as my eyes get drawn in, there are more. In fact, this long, hot spell of dry spring weather has brought them out in abundance. I admire them through my binoculars before trying to get close enough to photograph them. Their delicate feet are particularly fascinating as they can quickly lift each foot off the ground if it gets too hot and sometimes, although not today, they can lie on their bellies with all four feet in the air.

Sand lizards are more stocky than our common lizards, and can reach up to 20cm in length. Both sexes have brown varied patterns down their backs with two strong dorsal stripes. The males have extremely striking, exotic green flanks which are particularly bright during the

Health & Wellbeing

breeding season in late April and May. Whenever I see them, they remind me of the European green lizards that I would encounter on my early travels around the eastern Mediterranean. However, once mating has taken place, their green flanks fade. In comparison to the males, female sand lizards usually have a brown or grey background colour which makes them much duller but far better camouflaged.

We are so lucky to have these exceptional looking lizards right here in Dorset, as they are very rare and highly protected, only occurring elsewhere in isolated places in Surrey, Hampshire and on the protected dunes of Merseyside. Indeed, Dorset has 70% of the UK population. They were once widespread, but habitat loss, especially of sandy heathlands and sand dunes, has played a part in their decline.

The UK has three species of lizard – common lizards, sand lizards and slow worms. The common lizard is our most widespread and commonly seen reptile as it favours many different habitats and likes to

sunbathe in the open. Whereas common lizards and slowworms give birth to live young –known as viviparity – sand lizards are the only native UK lizard species to lay eggs – that is oviparity. In late May or early June, females dig a burrow for their fertilised eggs in a patch of sand that is warmed by the sun. Between late August and September, the tiny, perfectly formed hatchlings emerge from the sand to begin a life that can last on average five to six years.

Sand lizards also like to partake in long basking sessions but close to vegetation so that they can escape the crows, kestrels and smooth snakes that prey on them. Their only defence once captured is to detach their tails, which continue to move in order to distract their attacker.

I spend a good few hours watching these fascinating creatures and just enjoying this dramatic stretch of coast. Yet even I cannot help snoozing for a while, as I take my own opportunity to bask in this beautiful warm sunshine.

n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. susanna@gmail.com).

Sand lizards like to partake in long basking sessions

Sport

Ben batters bowlers in huge run chase

SWANAGE’S ‘star’ all-rounder Ben Hodder played an extraordinary innings of 165 not out off just 140 balls – including 31 boundaries with seven maximums – to help his team record an incredible victory in the last over against Marnhull.

After losing the toss on a beautiful, sun-kissed afternoon at Day’s Park, unsurprisingly, Mark Stacey’s side found themselves in the field in their latest Premier Division 2 encounter.

The visitors got off to a flying start making use of the first 10-over Powerplay but when Stacey introduced his two main slower bowlers, Charlie Dyke and Pete Richards, the hosts built some pressure, especially as they both not only bowled with fantastic control but also claimed vital wickets.

The hosts were then hampered by the loss of a key bowler, who damaged his finger going for a catch.

Despite this, Swanage’s other change bowlers, James Harding and Harry Long, also bowled with great consistency. Harding took a brace of wickets as the visitors recorded 345-7 from their 60 overs.

In reply to this mammoth score, the hosts recovered from the loss of an early wicket with

Dolphins achieve rare ‘Hotshot’

THE Swanage Dolphins team achieved a perfect ‘Hotshot’ when they won their match against Pelham Sea Hawks at Swanage Bowling Club.

Team members Lesley

CRICKET

a half-century stand between Stacey and Hodder and despite Stacey being brilliantly caught for a quick-fire 32, Tom Wells maintained the momentum of the innings smashing 48 at a strike rate of more than 100.

Hodder was then joined by Dan Salmon, who played some ferocious shots, particularly square of the wicket. These three cameo innings had kept the hosts in with a chance, especially because they only had 50 overs to reach the huge total and despite losing two quick wickets Hodder remained.

He was then joined by Matt Beard and at this point 140 runs were still needed off 14 overs.

But together they managed to hit the required two boundaries an over and keep up with the required run rate.

The innings got to a point where the hosts needed 11 runs off the final seven balls when Hodder hit the biggest six of his innings.

Beard then scored his 35th run to get Hodder back on strike, and fittingly he drove the next ball straight back past the bowler to complete a phenomenal innings/run-chase.

The 2nd XI travelled to their Marnhull counterparts in

Fletcher, Brian Beeston and Tony Bell produced a flawless end, with all nine woods counting – a remarkable feat in bowls.

The prestigious award, sponsored by World Bowls for over 20 years, is highly regarded in the bowling community.

Brian, Lesley and Tony are pictured with their World Bowls Hotshot certificates.

Division

4.

The visitors batted first and recovered from a poor start (32-3) with a half-century partnership between Ben Allatt and Sam Wells.

However, when they were both dismissed in quick succession for 51 and 24 respectively, the game remained in the balance at 107-5.

Despite this, Michael Barry and Mike Nash firstly consolidated the innings and then flourished towards the final overs with an important stand of 77, until Nash, who also made 24 was dismissed.

But Barry remained undefeated on a run-a-ball 63 –which included smashing the last ball of the innings to the boundary – his ninth – to enable the visitors to reach a respectable 216-7 off their 40 overs.

In reply, the hosts got off to a brilliant start reaching 103-0, but despite this the game changed with the introduction of Andrew Hancock’s off-spin.

He not only broke this partnership but also bowled with fantastic changes of pace.

He went on to complete an incredible five-wicket haul and along with the returning Ryan Stearn and Wells helped restrict the hosts to 151 all out, after being 138-2 at one stage.

The 3rdXI were involved in – another – nail-biting finish on the Nursery Ground at Day’s Park in Division 5.

The hosts batted first and made a very respectable 237-6 from their 40 overs with the stand-out performers being Chris Wood (61), Geoff Willcocks (64 not out), Tony Fowle and Josh Gould.

In reply, Poole kept up with the run rate, despite excellent bowling by Mark Savage and Alan Marks, who claimed three and two wickets respectively.

Unfortunately for the hosts, one of Poole’s up and coming young ‘stars’ came out and hit the last ball of the match for six to register a three-wicket win in an exceptional game of cricket.

Ben Hodder scored 165 not out off just 140 balls against Marnhull

Bowlers coin in £738 for RNLI BOWLS

followed by a lively round of Play Your Cards Right.

by Trevor Bingham

WHAT a brilliant start to June!

Swanage Bowling Club club was buzzing on the first sunny Sunday of the month as captains Linda Wallis and Phil Cockman led their mixed teams onto the green.

More than 40 members and guests joined in, kicking off the fun with our traditional ‘spider’ competition – a great way to get everyone warmed up!

The main event was a

thrilling, close-fought match that kept everyone guessing until the very last bowl. Both teams displayed fantastic skill and teamwork, and in the end, we were delighted to announce an exciting draw. Well played, everyone!

Off the green, the good times continued. A delicious hog roast satisfied hungry bowlers,

The highlight of the afternoon was our grand raffle. We are incredibly grateful for the amazing support it received from the Swanage community.

Club treasurer, Jo-Anne Padley, said: “It was wonderful to have so many local businesses supporting the raffle for the RNLI.”

We rounded off the fundraising with an auction of fantastic artistic works.

Thanks to everyone’s incredible generosity and participation, we raised a phenomenal £738 for the RNLI.

Your contributions will make a real difference to this vital service in Swanage.

Club secretary, Barrie Tatman, summed it up, saying: “We really pushed the boat out for the RNLI today and the results certainly show it.” It was a memorable day of bowls, camaraderie and successful fundraising. A huge thank you to everyone who took part and contributed to such a worthy cause.

Rain puts a damper on contest

by Graham Howard, DDAS junior secretary

THE latest round of the Dorchester & District Angling Society Junior Championships took place at Revels fishery in torrential rain.

Seven juniors and their parents started the match in almost perfect conditions carp caught early on.

But it turned out to be a false dawn as the rain started to fall and the larger fish seemed to disappear.

The juniors got busy trying to catch smaller fish, as the rain fell harder and harder.

One or two caught carp towards the end, but for others,

the end could not come quickly enough.

Winner was Josh Roe with 14lb 12oz, second was Austin Scott-Kennedy, weighing 11lb

14oz, and third was Kenzie Toulson with 8lb.

For more information, contact the junior secretary at juniors.sec@d-das.com or visit

ddasjuniors.co.uk.

Club information is available at www.d-das.com. Fishery information at Revels fishery and tackle shop on Facebook.

The sun shone on Swanage Bowls Club when they held a day of bowls, camaraderie and fundraising

Third-placed Kenzie Toulson with 8lb

Second placed Austin Scott-Kennedy with 11lb 14oz

Match winner Josh Roe with 14lb 12oz

Food & Drink

Survey highlights huge amount of food waste

HUNDREDS of thousands of tonnes of potatoes – nearly half of those purchased – are binned by households in the UK, according to a new report.

The Love Food Hate Waste campaign, in its long-running annual Household Food Management Survey, says an estimated 510,000 tonnes of potatoes, representing 46% of what is bought, are thrown away each year.

It said that fresh produce was the most binned food category with 21% of bread, milk, potatoes and chicken wasted.

This represented an increase, as the pressures of food price inflation, concerns about the cost of living and food availability in recent years had eased.

Love Food Hate Waste says one of the key reasons for food waste is the amount fresh produce that is sold packaged,

It is estimated UK households throw away 510,000 tonnes of potatoes each year, plus huge amounts of milk, bread and chicken

preventing shoppers being able to buy just what they need.

In the UK, only 19% of fresh produce is sold loose by large retailers.

Jackie Baily, senior campaign manager for Love Food Hate Waste, said: “We see fresh produce as the real

kitchen victim when it comes to food waste.

“Because most fruit and veg is sold packaged, we have to buy what we’re given, not what we need, and that means a lot goes to waste.

“As a result, our bins have a diet that most nutritionists

would envy.

“And we’re a long way from breaking our food waste habit because of this packaging.”

Love Food Hate Waste is keen to help people reduce the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables ending up in the bin through better access to loose produce.

It says an estimated 60,000 tonnes of food waste could be prevented if all apples, potatoes and bananas were sold loose, representing 8.2 million shopping baskets’ worth of food.

Love Food Hate Waste has put forward a range of recommendations to help reduce household food waste. These include making it easier to purchase the right amount of food through better access to loose produce, introducing smaller pack sizes at comparable prices and curbing in-store promotions that encourage over-purchasing for perishable foods such as impulse-driven multibuy offers.

The campaign also wants to improve individuals’ skills in meal planning and portion estimation.

Cider...with the alcohol taken out

AN INDEPENDENT craft cider producer nestled in the heart of the Purbeck Hills has launched a new alcohol-free tipple.

Purbeck Zero is the latest offering from The Purbeck Cider Company and joins its flagship Dorset range as a sparkling cider with zero alcohol.

The brew, made from Dorset

apples, is described as a refreshing craft cider that delivers all the rich tones of a

Purbeck Zero is made from 100% Dorset apples PHOTO: Purbeck Cider Company

traditional medium-sweet cider.

A spokesperson for The Purbeck Cider Company said: “It is pressed, fermented and matured like our conventional ciders, before the alcohol is extracted.

“True to our roots, Purbeck Zero is made from 100% single-pressed Dorset apples, giving a full-bodied taste and a well-rounded depth of flavour with subtle caramel and rich apple aftertones.

“A cider you can enjoy at any time, from post-sport

refreshment to a relaxing drink with friends and family.

“Naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly with no artificial additives.”

The Purbeck Cider Company has gone from one man’s vision for working the land to a family-run independent cider producer.

Joe Hartle founded it in 2006 and regenerating and planting new orchards has always been an important part of the company philosophy.

The farm now boasts 40 acres of cider apple and perry pear orchards.

The team is ‘fiercely passionate’ about using only British ingredients and employing traditional production methods and every stage of production is managed in house.

90 years of the driving test

DRIVING tests have been compulsory for 90 years, but only a third of drivers are sure they would pass a driving test retake.

New research, from the AA Driving School, launched to coincide with the anniversary, shows only 32% of drivers are very confident they would pass a retake of their practical test today.

Just 17% felt the same about a retake of their theory test.

As might be expected, younger drivers were more likely to feel very confident about passing a retake compared to those over 65 (40% against 30%).

When asked why they thought they would fail, in both the practical and theory tests, the top five reasons were:

Practical test: 1 bad habits (73%), 2 nerves (33%), 3 reversing manoeuvres (30%), 4 following a sat nav (25%), 5 mirrors/attitude to other road users/other (all 13%).

Theory test: 1 Highway Code knowledge (88%), 2 other area of theory (50%), 3 rules of the road (46%), 4 knowledge of road signs (38%), 5 hazard perception (32%).

Compulsory testing was brought in on June 1, 1935, for all drivers and riders who started driving on or after April 1, 1934. Prior to this, testing had been voluntary.

The driving test has changed considerably over time, as these comparisons show:

n Pass rate: 1935 – 63%, 2025 – 49%.

n Duration: 1935 – 30 minutes driving, 2025 – 40 minutes driving, 80 minutes theory test. Requirements: 1935 – hill start, emergency stop, Highway Code

knowledge, correct use of arm signals; 2025 – eyesight check, general driving ability, reversing vehicle, 20 minutes independent driving, ‘Show Me Tell Me’ questions, separate theory test.

n Number of examiners: 1935 – 250; 2025 – 1,627.

n Test centres: 1935 – none –candidates met examiners somewhere like a post office or train station; 2025 – about 320 centres offer practical car driving tests.

n Cost: 1935 – 7s 6D; 2025 –Practical £63 (weekdays), £75 (evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays), Theory – £23.

n Annual road deaths: 1935 – 7,343; 2025 – 1,607 (projected).

BSM, founded in 1910 before the compulsory driving test, is the UK’s oldest driving school, and is owned by the AA.

Emma Bush, managing director of AA Driving School, said: “The driving test was introduced to help stem the tide of rising road deaths.

“Safety has remained at its core and over time more features have been added to help ensure new drivers are as prepared as possible for life on the road.

“Learners today can take lessons with a qualified instructor on the motorway and must show they can follow directions from a sat nav or road signs.

“It’s a robust test, so it’s no wonder so many qualified drivers think they would struggle with a retest.

“With electric vehicles gaining popularity; autonomous vehicle technology evolving and an ever greater focus on road safety, the next 90 years will undoubtedly bring many more

The driving test came into being in 1935 when 7,343 deaths were recorded on the roads – the number projected for 2025 is 1,607

changes to the test and process of learning to drive.”

Another big change to the driving test is the recent increase in waiting times to book a slot.

New data, from a Freedom of Information request to the DVSA by AA Driving School, shows average waiting times for a driving test have reached a new high, with learners typically facing waits of 21.3 weeks.

The number of driving test centres showing the maximum

wait of 24 weeks has risen to 79% of test centres (as of April 7, 2025).

In just two months the number of test centres with 24-week waits rose from 183 in February 2025 to 253 at the start of April 2025, an increase of 38%.

There has been a small increase in the number of test centres with waits at or below the DVSA’s target of seven weeks, from 14 in February 2025 to 20 in April 2025.

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Home & Garden

How to care for tomatoes

by Sally Gregson

IT is definitely a sign that summer has really arrived when the home-grown tomatoes are ready for picking. There can be few more delicious scents than that of bruised tomato leaves as the fruit is picked. But they can be a little disappointing if they are too small or green. They are a high-maintenance crop which makes them very definitely a ‘hobby plant’.

Firstly, the decision has to be made whether to grow them in a frost-free greenhouse, or to try them outside in the garden soil in a sunny place. Usually, Bush Tomatoes are selected for outside fruiting – they are planted a little later than indoor varieties, but have terrific potential in a long, hot summer.

Perhaps global warming will provide more tomatoes this year.

They should be planted in deep holes, well-prepared with plenty of well-rotted horse manure or garden compost. Stake the plants well – all tomato plants are top heavy when they fruit. And as the summer progresses it is wiser to resist the temptation to let more than five trusses set on each plant. Usually, the production of trusses inhibits further growth. Keep them well watered regularly. Invert a deep plastic pot alongside so that when the tomato is watered, the moisture fills the pots and reaches the roots first.

Greenhouse tomatoes are just as easy to look after – they need

The natural look needs careful planning

by Sally Gregson

AT this point in the summer our hearts are drawn to the drifts of wild flowers in the fields and along the lanes. The simple self-sown flowers of our hedgerows are what makes this country so very beautiful for everyone – visitors and gardeners alike. And there are a few gardens that seem to replicate this semi-wildness very beautifully. Of course, the naturalness conceals quite a bit of thought and careful planning. First, it’s making sure those pernicious weeds are not going to grow in the areas we want for wild flowers. A spot of handweeding is the only way to

staking or tying to the greenhouse structure and regular watering, daily, or more often when the sun shines, for thin-skinned juicy fruits. The embryonic side-shoots should be carefully removed between finger and thumb as soon as they appear in the leaf axils where they join the main stem. Indoor tomatoes also need regular feeding. Use a

proprietary tomato food that is high in potash to promote lots of fruit, as soon as the fruit sets. And don’t overdose them –more food is not better. If the solution in the compost becomes too strong, the water can be drawn out of the plant and damage it. Follow the dose on the label. And soon you will be giving tomatoes to your grateful friends and neighbours.

ensure the eradication of nettle and dock seedlings, and the like. Having done so, canny gardeners will have spread the contents of the compost heap around the existing perennials. This simple act requires a lot of thought and forward planning. It is essential to keep the compost heap free of weed seeds and throw only seeding annuals that are wanted in the garden. These are what the Americans call ‘volunteers’ –seeds of self-sowing annuals such as Opium poppies in glorious shades of greylavender, Papaver ‘Amazing Grey’; or the deep purple forms of P. somniferum ‘Black

Beauty’; for example. All come more or less true from seed. It’s wise, however, when they flower, to pull out any that are a different colour. Short-lived perennials such as Oenothera odorata ‘Sulphurea’ and Gauara ‘Whirling Butterflies’ often pop up in unexpected places. And these are usually very welcome. If plants such as these are allowed a free rein, they will fill the summer garden with flower in between the perennials, all summer.

The trick is to be able to

recognise the weeds at the seedling stage and tweak them out before they get up to any mischief.

Another mistake is to cover the ground and the seedling volunteers with a mulch in the autumn and winter, just when the soil is crying out for treatment. In such a situation the wisest course of action is to mulch the border in autumn and then distribute the garden compost over the top in spring. It will be worth every care and effort.

Tomatoes are high maintenance and therefore a ‘hobby plant’

Something wild: Garden House at Buckland Monachorum

Succulents ideal for beginners

SUCCULENTS have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their unique shapes, varied colours and versatility.

They are well suited for beginner gardeners or those with busy lifestyles who prefer plants requiring minimal maintenance.

British Garden Centres has put together this guide on which succulents to plant and how to get the best out of them in an outdoor space.

The following examples among the best and easiest succulents for beginners.

n Jade plant: This is one of the easiest succulents to grow. It has thick, shiny leaves and can live happily indoors or outdoors. Jade plants don’t need much water and can handle a bit of neglect, making them perfect for busy people who want to include them in their succulent container garden.

n Aloe Vera: Known also for its medicinal properties, Aloe vera is not only easy to care for, it’s also useful as its gel can help soothe burns or skin irritation. It likes bright light and welldraining soil, and it’s forgiving if you forget to water it now and then.

n Echeveria: Echeverias are pretty rosette-shaped succulents that come in lots of colours and sizes, perfect for any succulent display. Their beautiful shape makes them a favourite for arrangements, so why not make a garden that will stand out with these amazing plants?

n Haworthia: Haworthias – like the Zebra Haworthia – are great for indoor spaces, especially if you don’t have a lot of light. They’re small, tough and safe for pets, but add a dimension to your succulent garden, too.

n Sempervivum: Also known as Hens and Chicks, these succulents are super hardy and can handle both hot and cold weather. They spread easily and are perfect for outdoor gardens

or pots and are probably one of the most loved succulents out there for displays.

n Sedum: Sedums, including the trailing ‘Donkey’s Tail,’ which lives up to its name, are very easy to look after and thrive on neglect. They grow quickly and are adaptable to different conditions, both inside and outside, so an ideal starter plant for your succulent journey. Choosing a container

WHEN planting a succulent garden, it is recommended to choose a container with holes at the bottom so water can drain away.

Inside your chosen container, add a layer of small stones or crocks at the bottom. This helps the water to flow out and keeps the soil from getting too soggy. Mix up your compost with grit or perlite so the soil will drain quickly, preventing your succulents from sitting in waterlogged conditions. Caring for your succulent garden

WHEN it comes to watering, less is more with succulents. Wait until the soil feels almost dry to touch, as overwatering can cause more harm than good to your succulents and cause rotting, so it’s always safer to hold back a little rather than risk giving them too much water.

Light is another important factor for happy succulents as they love being in bright, indirect sunlight, so try to place your garden somewhere that gets plenty of natural light. If cold snaps or frosts are forecast, cover with horticulture fleece or move indoors if you can. If you’re growing them indoors, turning the pot on your windowsill will help the plants grow evenly.

Succulents don’t need much plant food or fertiliser, but if you want to give them a little boost, use a feed just once or twice during the growing season in spring and summer.

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Home & Garden

Got ‘green fingers’? Then get inspired at open gardens...

Numerous gardens are open in the Purbeck Gazette area or nearby for the National Garden Scheme charity next month

n NEW GARDENS

n 11 School Lane (NEW), Studland, Swanage BH19 3AJ

DELIGHTFUL coastal cottage garden, close to Old Harry Rocks, located in a quiet leafy lane in Studland. A varied and established garden, lovingly restored and developed over the last 10 years, including a kitchen garden, areas of lawn surrounded by herbaceous borders, roses and flowering shrubs, old stone pathways, an old bothy, fernery, shrubbery, orchard and small pond.

Open: Saturday, July 12, and Sunday, July 13, (11am-4pm).

Admission: £5, children £2.50. Tea, coffee and cake in the garden. Lunches available at Manor Farm Tearooms.

n Karmacations (NEW), Buckland Newton, Dorchester DT2 7RP

‘MAGICAL’ sums up Karmacations, a new Japaneseinspired oasis tucked away in the magnificent West Dorset countryside. The Garden of Tranquility is full of surprises, stories, scenery and sculptures with royal connections. Highlights include a stunning metal bridge, charming tea house, lucky torii gate, gilded stepping stones, Buddha Island and Ancient Meadow. Enchanting installations include a Kominka Pavilion for reflection, sensory waterfall and a restored rickshaw for those who just want to have fun!

Open: Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, (noon-5pm).

Admission: £8, children £4. Light refreshments. Dogs on short leads welcome. Visits also by arrangement.

n COMBINED OPENING – THE STABLES AND KNITSON OLD FARMHOUSE

n The Stables (NEW), Corfe Castle, Wareham

BH20 5JB

MUCH-LOVED garden

planted in a contemporary style with deep borders filled with easy-care colourful perennials interspersed with shrubs. The garden was established in 2016 on flat compacted sand that had been a horse dressage arena. The aim was to plant a garden full of flowers in a naturalistic style enabling it to fit into the surrounding landscape.

n Knitson Old Farmhouse, Corfe Castle, Wareham MATURE cottage garden nestled under chalk downland. Herbaceous borders, rockeries,

climbers and shrubs evolved and designed over 60 years for year-round colour. Wildlifefriendly, sustainable kitchen garden includes more than 20 different fruits for selfsufficiency. Historical stone artefacts, ancient trees and shrubs are part of the integral design. Level lawn for tea but also uneven sloping paths. Plants are selected for drought tolerance and hardiness.

Combined opening: Thursday, July 17, and Friday, July 18, (noon-5pm).

Combined admission: £8, children free.

Hot and cold drinks, cakes, sweet and savoury pastries, cream teas available. Dogs on short leads welcome. Visits also by arrangement.

n RETURNING GARDENS

n The Hollow, Swanage BH19 2EA

WANDER in a dramatic sunken former stone quarry, a surprising garden at the top of a hill above Swanage. Stone terraces with many unusual shrubs and grasses form beautiful patterns of colour and foliage attracting butterflies and bees. Pieces of medieval London Bridge lurk in the walls. Exceptionally wide range of plants including cacti and air plants.

Open: Every Wednesday, July 2 to August 27 (2pm-5pm).

Admission: £4, children free. Visits also by arrangement.

n The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney, Dorchester DT2 9AH STEEP paths lead to beguiling four acres of natural woodland with many springs, streams and two pools, one a natural swimming pool planted with native plants. Formal front garden, designed by Arne Maynard, with pleached crabtree border, topiary and soft planting including tulips, peonies, roses and verbascums. Walled garden with informal planting, kitchen garden, orchard and 350 rose bushes for a cut flower business.

Open: Sunday, July 6

Home & Garden

(11am-5pm).

Admission: £8, children free. Dogs on short leads welcome. Home-made teas. Visits also by arrangement.

n Broomhill, Rampisham, Dorchester DT2 0PT

A FORMER farmyard transformed into a delightful, tranquil garden set in two acres. Clipped box, island beds and borders planted with shrubs, roses, grasses, masses of unusual perennials and choice annuals to give vibrancy and colour into the autumn. Lawns and paths lead to a less formal area with large wildlife pond, meadow, shaded areas, bog garden and late summer border. Orchard and vegetable garden.

Open: Sunday, July 13, (2pm-5pm).

Admission: £5, children free. Dogs on short leads welcome. Home-made teas. Visits also by arrangement.

n Manor Farm, Hampreston, Wimborne BH21 7LX

TRADITIONAL farmhouse garden designed and cared for by three generations of the Trehane family through over 100 years of farming and gardening at Hampreston. Garden is noted for its herbaceous borders and rose

beds within box and yew hedges. Mature shrubbery, water and bog garden. Excellent plants for sale at openings.

Open: Sunday, July 13, (1pm-5pm).

Admission: £5, children free. Home-made teas. Visits also by arrangement.

n 22 Avon Avenue, Avon Castle, Ringwood

BH24 2BH

JAPANESE-THEMED water garden featuring granite sculptures, ponds, waterfalls, azaleas, rhododendrons, cloud topiary and a collection of goldfish and water lilies. Children must be under parental supervision due to large, deep-water pond. No dogs please. Featured on Meridian Tonight, Daily Mail, The Observer and Bournemouth Echo.

Open: Sunday, July 13, (noon-5pm).

Admission: £5.

Tea, coffee and home-made cakes.

n Langebride House, Long Bredy DT2 9HU

LOVELY herbaceous borders surround the house, including peonies and roses in the summer. An old walled kitchen garden at the back, filled with fruit trees and vegetables. A number of magnificent trees in

grounds, underplanted with copper beech, magnolias and hydrangeas. Partial wheelchair access if wet weather.

Open: Sunday, July 20, (1pm-5pm).

Admission: £6, children £3. Home-made teas.

n 1C Rectory Road, Poole BH15 3BH

AN unusual character house and garden. With a passion for maximalist design the house and garden have been designed and built by the owner over the last seven years. Both garden and house are full of objet d’art spanning centuries – there are curiosities to see in every corner.

Open: Sunday, July 20, (11am-4pm).

Admission: £5, children free.

Tea, coffee and cake.

n SPECIAL EVENT (pre-booking essential) Evening garden lecture with open garden

n Venue: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne Minster BH21 1HR

BEHIND the Museum of East Dorset is a tranquil walled garden tucked away in the centre of Wimborne. Colourful herbaceous borders and heritage orchard trees line the path which stretches 100 metres

down to the mill stream and, through the evening, guests are free to explore the tranquil walled garden.

This year three evening garden lectures are taking place at the museum from 6pm-8pm. The third and final lecture is presented by Neil Lucas, owner of Knoll Gardens, Hampreston, on Friday, July 11. Neil is the UK’s leading authority on ornamental grasses, with his planting style centred on the principle of ‘right plant, right place’. Over the last three decades he has created a stunning naturalistic garden that thrives in the ever-changing climate and being low maintenance, is environmentally friendly, too. This is an opportunity to learn first-hand the challenges Neil has faced to create these amazing gardens.

Open evening: Friday, July 11 (6pm-8pm).

Admission: £15.

Pre-booking essential. Visit [www.ngs.org.uk](http://www. ngs.org.uk) for information and booking.

n Entries may be subject to change – for latest information check www.ngs. org.uk](http://www.ngs.org. uk.

Tickets can be purchased on the day or in advance via the website.

1C Rectory Road in Poole (left) is an unusual character house and garden. Karmaccations at Buckland Newton is a Japanese-inspired oasis

Business

Apprenticeship awards recognise rising stars

WINNERS were hailed for their ‘inspirational achievements’ when the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards were announced.

They claimed honours in five categories at a ceremony with dignitaries, organisers, guests, employers, and education and training providers.

Dorset Chamber and Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN) held the annual celebration of success with sponsorship from manufacturing firm Superior.

The winners were:

n Supported Internship Award: Alfie Blake – BCP Council/ SWRAC

n Intermediate Apprenticeship Award: Morgan Simpson –Nusura Thai Fire Kitchen/ Bournemouth and Poole College

n Advanced Apprenticeship Award: Jack Lant – Poole

Accident Repair/RWC Training and Skillnet

Winners and dignitaries at the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards. From left are Dorset Chamber chief executive, Ian Girling; Sarah Matthias, from University Hospitals Dorset; Aleasha Ellis, from Bluebird Care; Alfie Blake, from BCP Council; Morgan Simpson, from Nusura Thai Fire Kitchen; Jack Lant, from Poole Accident Repair Centre; Sonnaz Nooranvary, from House of Sonnaz; Richard Jenkins, from Dor-set and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN); and Superior managing director, Tim Brown.

n Higher Level Apprenticeship Award: Aleasha Ellis – Bluebird Care/t2 group

n Degree Level Apprenticeship Award: Sarah Matthias –University Hospitals Dorset/ Bournemouth University

The ceremony was held at manufacturing business and longstanding awards sponsor

Superior in Ferndown. Former apprentice and upholstery expert from television programme The Repair Shop, Sonnaz Nooranvar, presented the awards and shared her own experience about becoming an apprentice at 17. She urged employers to

support this valuable training route. She was accompanied by fellow presenters Dorset Chamber chief executive, Ian Girling; Superior managing director, Tim Brown MBE; Richard Jenkins, of Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN); Cllr Mike Cox, deputy leader of BCP Council; and Cllr Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council.

Dorset Chamber chief executive, Ian Girling, said: “Congratulations to all of our very worthy winners.

“They impressed the judges with their inspirational achievements in a field of incredibly strong entries that demonstrates the great depth of talent we have among our apprentices in Dorset.

“The ceremony was a fitting celebration of all of our apprentices and their employers who recognise the value of nurturing the next generation and giving them opportunities to progress their careers.

“My thanks go to everyone who entered, judges, sponsors, employers, training providers and all who contributed to the success of this year’s awards.”

Gift shop changes hands in 25th year

WIMBORNE’S longestrunning, independent gift shop, Present Company, is celebrating its silver anniversary in the town under new ownership.

Town entrepreneur Daniel Lee, who also owns the successful Card Gallery, also on Wimborne’s High Street, has wrapped up a deal to buy the business, which is a popular go-to for gifts.

He said: “Having run the Card Gallery here in Wimborne for four years, I know the town is vibrant, busy and thriving.

“With that evidence, when Present Company came up for sale just a few doors down, it seemed a good gamble and a brilliant opportunity to expand into a market that complements

my greetings card business.”

The original Present Company team of manager Angela Hudson and four part-timers will continue to work at the busy gift emporium.

Angela said: “Aside from a ‘year’s hiatus’ I’ve been working here since the very first day the shop opened its doors in 2000, and I’m so excited to be back in the shop that I love.”

Daniel added: “Continuity is key for me.

“Angela and her team are well-known and much liked by customers.

“Their knowledge of the gift industry and excellent customer service skills are such an asset.

“They are also great fun and

Daniel Lee, who has taken over Present Company, also owns the Card Gallery in Wimborne’s High Street

there is always a lot of laughter during our busy working days.”

Customers can expect to see an injection of new gift ranges and accessories including sunglasses, hats, baby-grows and ceramics.

Daniel added: “We want to expand our ranges with unique gifts at affordable prices that are not stocked anywhere else in the town while still offering the kids pocket-money toys that the shop is famous for.”

Law firm bats for cricket club

REGIONAL law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors has secured naming rights for Wimborne Cricket Club’s ground as part of a major new sponsorship deal.

The Dorset Cricket Premier League side’s home is now known as The Ellis Jones Leaze under the five-year agreement.

The law firm has also become main sponsor of the club and has renewed its long-standing kit sponsorship of the club’s six adult teams and 19 youth sides.

It is the first naming rights agreement and the biggest sponsorship deal in Wimborne Cricket Club’s history.

The support comes as Wimborne seek to retain their T20 crown and challenge for the Dorset Premier League once again following their runner-up finish last year.

Ellis Jones has 178 staff, including 25 partners, in eight offices –including two in the Wimborne area in East Street in the town centre and at Brooke House, Oakley Hill.

firm’s branding is on players’ kits.

Ellis Jones has sponsored Wimborne since 2018. The club can trace its roots to 1793 as Hanham’s Cricket Club.

It moved to The Leaze from its previous home at Rowlands Hill in Wimborne in 2010.

Jim Williams, chair of Wimborne Cricket Club, said: “The new sponsorship deal is the largest in the club’s history and is the first time we have awarded naming rights.

“The club is thriving in many different ways and we are blessed with a wonderful clubhouse and surrounding grounds.

“We have an extremely positive relationship with the Deans Court estate and are always indebted to their ongoing support.

Nigel Smith, managing partner, said: “Our partnership with Wimborne Cricket Club goes from strength to strength.

“It made perfect sense to step up our support with the new sponsorship deal and ground naming agreement to assist the club in its long-term development and important role in grassroots sport.

“It is a club whose community values and progressive culture match our own and we wish it the very best of luck for the coming season.”

Signs at the ground have been renewed, a new boundary board has been installed with the Ellis Jones name and the

bodies.

The firm sponsors a number of clubs and community groups.

They include Brockenhurst FC, Swanage Cricket Club and West Hants Club.

“Ellis Jones has been a key part of our success since first becoming a sponsor and its continued commitment will allow us to continue to invest and enhance our cricketing provision both on and off pitch.

“Our key priorities this year are to develop the women’s and girls’ sections of the club as well as increasing the diversity of club membership.

“We are incredibly appreciative for the support and generosity of Ellis Jones and hope the new sponsorship deal and naming rights are good omens for another great season.”

Ellis Jones’ sports law department provides a wide range of legal services for amateur, semi-professional and professional sports men and women, teams, clubs, organisations and governing

Ellis Jones has signed a new deal for ground naming rights, kit sponsorship and main sponsorship of the club

Ellis Jones managing partner, Nigel Smith, and partner and head of Employment Law, Kate Brooks, cut a ribbon with players and officials from Wimborne Cricket Club to rename the ground

Antiques & Collectibles

Cartier, Rolex, Omega and more

DUKE’S upcoming auction promises a treasure trove of luxury for discerning collectors.

The Fine Jewellery, Watches, Accessories, Wines and Spirits auction showcases a carefully curated selection, highlighted by prestigious

Advertiser’s announcements

brands like Omega, Tudor, Rolex, Breitling, Cartier and Tiffany & Co.

Beyond the allure of timepieces, the auction features exquisite antique jewellery, boasting a dazzling array of precious gemstones including sapphires, diamonds, rubies and emeralds.

Rounding out the offerings are timeless fountain pens and a sophisticated range of aged wines and spirits, catering to a diverse range of refined tastes.

The auction is taking place over Wednesday and Thursday, June 25-26, in Duke’s Dorchester Fine Art saleroom.

Bid and watch live on its website, www.dukes-auctions. com.

A Burma no heat sapphire and diamond cluster ring comes to auction with a pre-sale estimate of £3,000 - £5,000

A Russian wedding ring featuring three interlocking bands in 18ct yellow, white and rose gold

Gold standard

by Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham GOLD has been prized for thousands of years, not only for its beauty but for its durability and symbolism.

In antique jewellery, the type and quality of gold used often reflected the fashion, technology and cultural values of the era.

I love discovering different coloured gold jewellery when doing valuations as it gives me so much insight into the history of the piece.

I’m not just looking at the hallmarks but also the colour of the gold which can tell me when the piece is likely to date from.

Yellow gold is the most traditional and recognisable form.

Made by mixing pure gold with copper and silver, its warm, rich tone was especially popular during the Georgian and Victorian periods.

It was used in everything from mourning rings to intricate lockets, and its timeless appeal continues today.

Rose gold, with its subtle pink hue, became fashionable

during the Romantic period of the 19th century.

The colour comes from a higher copper content, which also makes it slightly more durable.

It was often used in sentimental jewellery such as engagement rings and lovers’ tokens, symbolising warmth and affection.

White gold didn’t become widely used until the early 20th century, particularly in the Art Deco period.

It offered a modern alternative to platinum, which was expensive and difficult to source during wartime.

With its sleek, silvery finish, white gold suited the clean lines and geometric designs of the era.

It is currently a very popular choice for wedding rings and bands.

Each piece of antique jewellery made with different gold alloys tells a story – not just of the wearer, but of the time in which it was made, reflecting changing tastes, technologies and traditions through the centuries.

Arts & Entertainment

A family lost, a family found...

A POWERFUL and true story of families lost and found comes to Dorchester in July.

Not for Keeps, being performed by Dorchester Drama, was written by local writer Vince Jones and is based on his own story as the unexpected result of a romantic wartime liaison.

Vince, who lives in Martinstown, near Dorchester, is one of about 22,000 children fathered by American GIs in the UK during the Second World War.

His mother, Mary Vera Carpenter, was married to a soldier who was away fighting in the Far East, and her lover, Thomas Irving Sampson, was also married.

Mary’s husband disowned her and the young son they already had and petitioned for divorce when he returned from the war.

Mary gave up Vince for adoption when he was six months old.

Vince, who was born Robert Irving Carpenter, has set Not for Keeps in two time frames – the 1940s, when he was given up for adoption, and the 1990s, when he reconnected with his mum.

He said: “Mum never forgot the day she gave me up for adoption and it makes a very powerful scene in the play.

“When the woman took me, she had to wrench me from mum’s arms and mum said that as I was carried away down the corridor I looked back at her all the way.”

It would be 51 years before mother and son met again. Vince’s adoptive mother, Iris, never hid the fact he wasn’t her birth son and in 1994 he started

searching for his family, scrolling through years of microfiche records in Portsmouth.

His past started fitting together and it was when he met his cousin, Brenda – the daughter of Mary’s sister, Peggy – for the first time that the first contact with his birth mother was made.

Brenda contacted Peggy, who wrote to Mary, letting her know

about her adopted son, describing him as ‘a smashing chap’. Not long after, they met.

“I always imagined I’d finally meet mum in an old people’s home, where she’d be sitting looking out of a window, but, in fact, we met at her sister, Peggy’s, house, with lots of other people bustling about and coming in and out. It was remarkably ordinary, really,” said Vince.

Vince also discovered he has four half-siblings and a large extended family in the US, who he is now in regular contact with and has been to visit. They always Wsuspected there might be other children somewhere as their father was quite the ladies’ man and had a ‘black book’ of names that everyone joked about.

Vince said: “I never met my dad and I would have never looked for him if his wife was still alive.”

During the war, Thomas worked as radio operator in a B17 Flying Fortress plane, flying missions over Europe. It was his job to keep a tally of planes that were shot down and the men lost.

As a ‘reward’ for surviving 24 missions, he changed jobs and continued as a radio operator, but this time at Heathfield in West Sussex where he liaised with the French resistance before returning to the US.

Vince, who is well known locally for his plays, started writing his story in 2016 with encouragement from Mark Tattersall at Dorchester Arts and playwright Stephanie Dale. He offered it to Fran Sansom at Dorchester Drama and the play is being directed by Sean Colledge.

Vince said: “It is about such a personal subject I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to direct it myself, but it was also hard to let go of the play because I had ideas of how I wanted it to look on the stage.

“I have seen many Dorchester Drama productions and been impressed with their work, so I’m looking forward to seeing it brought to life.”

Not for Keeps is at Dorchester Arts, High East Street, Dorchester on Friday, July 4, at 7.30pm and Saturday, July 5, at 2pm and 7pm.

Tickets are £14 plus concessions from the box office on 01305 266926 and online at www.dorchesterarts.org.uk.

Mary Vera Carpenter, Vince Jones’s mum, pictured around the time she met his father

Vince Jones’s two mums – Mary (right) and his adoptive mother, Iris

Vince Jones’s father, Thomas Irving Sampson, at the time he was stationed in England

Bindon Mill Open Garden

in aid of Horatio’s Garden South West

Sunday 29 June | 11am-4pm

Singers joining forces with trumpeter

ONE of the foremost choral groups in the UK is set to give a concert at St Mary’s Church in Swanage.

The award-winning Gesualdo Six, directed by Owain Park, is a British vocal ensemble made up of some of the UK’s finest consort singers.

The group – pictured –praised for its imaginative programming and impeccable blend, was formed in 2014 and usually presents more than 100 concerts a year worldwide, including major festivals.

In Swanage, the group will join forces with trumpeter

Matilda Lloyd to present a programme that explores different shades of light through music.

Works from the Golden Age of polyphony by Tallis and White will be juxtaposed with modern compositions by Roxanna Panufnik, Alec Roth and Deborah Pritchard.

Highlights include Sir James MacMillan’s In splendoribus sanctorum, a meditative and atmospheric setting from the composer’s Strathclyde Motets, alongside Richard Barnard’s Aura, co-commissioned by the artists.

Tickets for the concert on Thursday, July 3, at 6.30pm are priced £25 and £20, available at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Discover the expertly designed gardens of Bindon Mill, set on the River Frome

Wildlife flourishes here, with garden birds living alongside the impressive hydro-electric Archimedes screw. Keep an eye out for kingfishers, swans, and ducks, which are also frequently spotted in this serene setting.

Visit the stunning riverside gardens of Bindon Mill, home to wildlife, historic ruins, and a working Archimedes screw. Enjoy stalls with plants, metalwork, and preserves, all in aid of Horatio’s Garden.

Bindon Mill, Wool, Dorset, BH20 6BN £5 entry on the door | Refreshments available Scan here to find out more

We kindly ask that dogs are kept on leads. Thank you!

Plus, don’t miss the chance to explore the ruins of Bindon Abbey and the interesting riverside garden. We will also have stalls with plants, metal sculptures and home-made preserves on sale!

Take time out to enjoy some light refreshments which will include home-made cream teas and delicious cakes along with a selection of savoury food. Mrs Sally Weld will be on hand to answer any questions about the Mill and grounds. All in support of Horatio’s Garden.

Comedian back on home turf

COMEDIAN Jessica Fostekew is bringing her new show to The Mowlem in Swanage next year.

Iconic Breath, an Edinburgh Best Show Award Nominee, is billed as “the silliest of comedy for the scariest of days”.

Jessica, who grew up in the Langton Matravers and attended The Purbeck School in Wareham, is well known for her television appearances and podcasts.

She has appeared on BBC’s QI, Live at the Apollo, Celebrity University Challenge

Firm favourites at opera festival

THREE of the world’s greatest operas, featuring star soloists, a full chorus and orchestra, will be staged at Bryanston School, near Blandford this summer.

The annual Dorset Opera Festival features more than 240 professional musicians and volunteers from all over the world.

In 2024, it celebrated its 50th anniversary, and this year marks another anniversary – 20 years at its current host venue, Bryanston.

The operas chosen this year are all firm favourites.

Rigoletto by Verdi featuring Pavarotti’s favourite aria – La Donna è Mobile (All

Jazz Festival returns!

Jazz returns to Swanage with the 34th Swanage Jazz Festival featuring an array of top quality talent, young and old.

Headline acts in the 37 band ticketed programme include international tenor saxist Andy Sheppard, the grand dame singer Elaine Delmar, Afro-beat groovers Soothsayers and Ian Bateman’s Tribute to Louis Armstrong.

The Festival also prides itself on bringing in new rising stars and this year those include pianist Sultan Stevenson and singers Emily Masser and Maddie Martin. As well as the best contemporary Jazz there is a full New Orleans programme as well.

In addition there is a free Festival Fringe in local bars and hotels and the Sandpit Field Jazz Village with free live music from local big bands, interactive jazz for 5 – 10 year olds and Jazz Yoga.

Single Concert tickets can be had for £20 or you can buy day or weekend stroller tickets. Full details are available at www. swanagejazzfestival.co.uk

and Richard Osman’s House of Games, along with Travel Man on C4 and World’s Most Dangerous Roads on Dave.

Jessica is known from her two BBC R4 series of Sturdy Girl Club plus podcasts The Guilty Feminist and Hoovering, and Gladiators

fan-podcast Contender Ready, which Jess co-hosts with Olympic weightlifter Emily Campbell.

Jessica Fostekew is at The Mowlem on Saturday, May 16, 2026, and tickets are available at the box office and online at www.themowlem.com.

Women are Fickle), Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana and a sad but glorious opera by Puccini, Suor Angelica, a poignant story about a young woman

sent to a monastery after giving birth to a child out of wedlock.

The festival runs from Tuesday to Saturday, July 22-26.

FESTIVAL FRINGE IN PUBS AND HOTELS

Jazz Festival Village on Sandpit Field Free family-friendly Jazz including Youth Big Bands, Fingers &

Dorset Opera Festival 2023 Le nozze di Figaro – Jamie Groote

PHOTO: Julian Guidera

Spotlight Diary

Diary entries are £6 plus VAT per entry. The deadline for the July 7 issue is NOON on Thursday, June 26. Call on 01963 400186 or email adverts@blackmorevale.net. Please call prior to attending events listed to ensure they are still on.

JUNE 2025

MONDAY

13:00 NEW ADULT BEGINNERS LATIN AMERICAN & BALLROOM LINE DANCE CLASS (you dance solo)

1pm-2pm at Langton Matravers Village Hall

Contact: Purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com

Donna Diebelius F.I.S.T.D : 07518 056149

18:00 NEW ADULT BEGINNERS MODERN LINE DANCE CLASS

6pm-7pm at St Edward’s Church hall, Rempstone Rd, Swanage

Contact: purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com

Donna 07518 056149

Events

HALL FOR HIRE

AVAILABLE WEEKENDS IN CAREY, WAREHAM FOR EVENTS, PARTIES, SALES, ETC.

PARKING, KITCHEN, REASONABLE RATES PLAYGROUND ALONGSIDE 01931 628 461 hirecareyhall@gmail.com www.careyhall.co.uk

SPETISBURY CHURCH & VILLAGE, FETE AND DOG SHOW, Saturday

28th June, 12 – 4 p.m. At Spetisbury Manor DT11 9EB, Everyone welcome, come and join, the fun! £1 adults, children under 16 free

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

14:00 NEW ADULT BEGINNERS LATIN AMERICAN & BALLROOM DANCE CLASS (you dance with a partner) 2pm-3pm at Langton Matravers Village hall

Contact: purbeckdancestudio@gmail.com

Donna: 07518 056149

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

coins and stamps, costume jewellery. Cash paid. Tel Mr Jones 01202-733550.

Local Services

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Andy Smith 07743 440 906

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Tel: 01929 554249 Fax: 01929 552294

Mobile: 07973 388190

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