The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 351

PHOTO: Andy Lyons

Family-run village pub closes doors

A PUB near Wareham loved by locals has closed with the pub operator looking for a new tenant.

Matthew and Zeta Estop, who managed the New Inn at Church Knowle, handed in the keys on October 1.

It is suggested they faced pressures to stay open in the winter months.

The pub, which dates back to the 17th century, had been in Matthew’s family for 41 years and has been a community hub for locals who used it to host parties and celebrations.

One regular told the Purbeck Gazette the community was saddened to hear of its closure, and that they were keen to see someone take on running it.

They said: “The pub had lovely Sunday lunches and was a focal point for the village.

“The whole village was so disappointed to see it close its doors and we’re sad to see Matthew and Zeta leave it as their family were part of the fabric of the village.”

They added that they doubt the pub would reopen during winter, but would welcome anyone who wants to make the pub their own.

Punch Pubs is now seeking a new tenant to take on the pub, which would coincide with renovations.

take over the New Inn as we are investing in rejuvenating the pub’s interior design and fixtures and fittings,” an advert read.

“We will enhance the pub’s customer appeal and create a more attractive external area.”

The dining room can seat about 120 guests and the pub boasts a spacious beer garden.

The advert added: “Taking the helm of the New Inn means being part of a historic community while running a well-established, thriving

“It’s more than just a pub –it’s a piece of local heritage that continues to bring joy to visitors and locals alike.”

The New Inn originally formed part of a 16th century working farm – and has made a name for itself for its selection of fresh fish.

It is surrounded by rolling hills and provides a welcome retreat for walkers.

A five-year-term has been proposed for the tenant.

For more information, visit www.punchpubs.com/pub/

The New Inn at Church Knowle is set to undergo a renovation of its interior PHOTO: Punch Pubs

Carnival hands over record sum to good causes

SWANAGE CARNIVAL 2025 DONATIONS

FRIENDS of MS Purbeck, £1,000; Friends of Swanage Library, £1,000; Swanage Linking Lives, £1,000; The Lexi May Trust, £1,000; Corfe Castle FC, £1,500; Herston Village Hall, £1,500; Mount Scar Cygnets Playgroup, £1,500; Swanage Cricket Club, £1,500; Swanage Skatepark Community Project, £1,500; Swanage Tennis Club junior fund, £1,500; Swanage Town & Herston FC, £1,500; Dementia Friendly Purbeck, £2,000; Girlguiding Swanage District HQ, £2,000; Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, £2,000; MYTIME Young Carers,

£2,000; National Coastwatch Institution (NCI), £2,000; PurbeckParkys (Parkinson’s Cafe), £2,000; Swanage Sea Rowing Club, £2,000; The Dorset Deaf Children’s Society, £2,000; Veterans Forge, £2,000. Annual charities: Swanage Community Defibrillator Partnership, £1,500; Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, £2,000. Chairman’s charity: Swanage Disabled Club, £4,000. Emergency services donations: Coastguard/ Lifeboat/Fire/Police Donations, £1,600.

celebrate a cracking week.

“Most importantly, though, we had the fantastic support of our lovely community who hosted our visitors with amazing hospitality, and I’m sure at times with a lot of patience.

“Genuinely, without the unwavering support from the people of Swanage who must endure the disruption, the noise and crowds, we really couldn’t host such an event, so on behalf of the entire committee we say a big thank you to the town.

SWANAGE Carnival has presented its largest ever sum to 23 organisations following this year’s spectacular.

£41,600 was handed over to representatives of chosen organisations during the event at the Mowlem Theatre.

The evening was filled with the usual fun and laughter and included a stand-up bingo session.

The money will benefit a variety of local and national organisations ranging from community groups and charities to emergency services.

The funds were raised over a week of carnival festivities, well supported by residents and visitors.

Carnival chair, Darren Strong, said: “I think we can safely say this year’s carnival was fantastic!

“We had all the ingredients we needed, starting with the theme that again the whole town embraced with decorated shop windows.

“We had the weather, which was perfect carnival weather!

“We also had tens of thousands of smiling visitors that joined in and helped us

“Of course, this year we can’t forget the amazing Red Arrows displaying across our stunning bay and town – as always, they were fantastic, and we must also say a big thank you to our anonymous couple who kindly sponsored the display.”

Darren delighted the audience when he spoke about the total raised for charity.

“I’m incredibly excited to let you all know we will be giving our biggest ever amount away,” he said.

“I’m very happy to say that the total amount we are giving away this evening is a staggering £41,600.”

Swanage Carnival is an annual summer highlight, attracting thousands of visitors to the town to enjoy air displays, parades, live music, fireworks and family activities.

The carnival committee is already planning next year’s event and another eight days of fun and entertainment from July 25-August 1.

Swanage Carnival is run entirely by volunteers with no paid staff and is funded mainly by sponsorship and donations.

Once all the costs are covered, any additional money raised is distributed to local charities and good causes.

For more information on Swanage Carnival and to stay updated on next year’s plans, visit www.swanagecarnival. com

Swanage Carnival has presented more than £41,000 to 23 organisations

PHOTO: Andy Lyons

Lineker’s cafe stop

FORMER Match of the Day host Gary Lineker surprised locals when he was spotted at a cafe in Corfe Castle.

Lineker, who was recently crowned best TV presenter at the National Television Awards, was at The Greyhound Inn. Lineker will be returning to television screens with a new game show, The Box, featuring

10 celebrities from the worlds of entertainment sports, music and politics.

The show has been described as a mix of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here and SAS: Who Dares Wins.

Lineker left the BBC’s Match of the Day football programme following a string of social media controversies.

Mowlem crowdfunder to fix its leaky roof

THE Mowlem Theatre in Swanage has launched a crowdfunder campaign to raise £10,000 to fix the venue’s leaky roof.

It is planned to add a permanent weather-proof layer to the flat roof at the 60-year-old building following a number temporary fixes.

The Raise the Roof Crowdfunder will welcome donations from £1 upwards, and

Children’s charity quiz

FANCY a spot of quizzing? The Dorchester Committee of the Children’s Society is organising a quiz night on Saturday, October 11, at St George’s Church Hall, Fordington, Dorchester (DT1 1LB).

a variety of rewards are on offer.

They include the opportunity to have a plaque with the donor’s name on a seat in the auditorium and Mowlem branded merchandise and experiences, including tote bags, umbrellas and backstage tours.

The Crowdfunder, which will finish on Friday, November 14, is live at www.crowdfunder.co. uk/p/raise-the-roof-mowlem

Entry is in teams of six, but if you don’t have a team, don’t worry, you can join a committee team.

Tickets are £10 each, including ploughman’s supper, and can be booked through Jane Culliford on 01305 264360. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.15pm start.

Quiz-goers should take their own drinks.

Hatton backs sheltered housing sector on visit

LOCAL MP Lloyd Hatton visited residents and staff at Woodlands sheltered housing scheme in Swanage to mark Starts at Home Day.

The annual event aims to highlight the value of sheltered housing and raise awareness and build political support for the sector in the UK.

Woodlands is managed by the not-for-profit Abbeyfield Living Society (ALS), which operates sheltered housing schemes, care homes and independent living complexes for older people across the country.

about the challenges sheltered housing providers face.

Government funding cuts over recent years have affected the quantity and quality of services the sector can provide for its residents.

Starts at Home Day is part of the National Housing Federation’s

#SaveOurSupportedHousing campaign aimed at encouraging government to increase funding for supported housing projects and making funds easier to obtain.

Starts at Home Day.

“Woodlands is a service that plays a vital role in supporting older people in our community.

across the country.”

ALS sheltered housing schemes give residents privacy in their own room but provide shared facilities such as a lounge, garden and dining room.

Solar & Tidal Predictions - Oct '25

Mr Hatton, Labour MP for South Dorset, toured the facilities, had lunch with residents and spoke with staff

Peveril Ledge, Swanage Compiled by National Coastwatch Institution, Swanage

One in three supported housing schemes closed their doors for good last year.

Mr Hatton said: “It was a pleasure to visit Abbeyfield Woodlands in Swanage to mark

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“Speaking with residents, it was clear they feel safe, supported and empowered to maintain their independence in a warm and welcoming environment.

“The sense of community, with social opportunities and connections to the local area, is a real strength of services like Abbeyfield Woodlands.

“In my conversations with staff, the challenges facing supported housing providers were made clear.

“I look forward to exploring how I can support organisations like Abbeyfield to ensure they can continue delivering highquality services in Swanage and

Two nutritious meals a day, along with optional activities, are provided, giving residents the chance to socialise and keep mentally and physically active.

The aim is to allow residents to maintain their independence as much as possible, with day-to-day tasks including housekeeping, laundry and gardening taken care of.

Residents also have the chance to engage with people and organisations in the local community through outings, inviting visitors in, partnering with other organisations and taking part in local initiatives.

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Tips set to close for maintenance work

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LOCAL ‘tips’ – Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) –will be closing for essential maintenance and deep cleaning this month.

Each site will close for two days to allow the work to be carried out safely.

Wareham HRC will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 14-15; and Swanage on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 21-22.

Wimborne will be closed on Thursday and Friday, October 16-17; and Portland on Thursday and Friday, October 30-31.

Residents can use any other Dorset Council recycling centre as an alternative during these closures or keep hold of their waste until their local site reopens.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: “We apologise for any inconvenience and thank residents for their understanding while this essential work is completed. Please plan your visits accordingly.”

For more information and to find your nearest HRC, visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ recycling-centres

Lloyd Hatton had lunch with residents on a visit to Woodlands

Inspectors upgrade maternity services

THE Care Quality Commission (CQC) has upgraded the rating of maternity services at Dorset County Hospital (DCH) from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘good’ following an inspection.

The inspection carried out in May followed up on improvements the CQC recommended at a previous inspection.

Inspectors found significant improvements had been made in several areas since their previous inspection and the requirements of their recommendations had been met.

The CQC has upgraded the service’s well-led and safe ratings to good.

The domains of effective, caring and responsive were not inspected and retain their

previous rating of good.

The overall rating for Dorset County Hospital has also been upgraded to good.

Chief nursing officer for DCH and Dorset HealthCare, Dawn Dawson, said: “I am delighted that our maternity service has been rated as ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission following their recent inspection.

“The rating reflects the way in which our dedicated, professional, compassionate teams provide safe, highquality care for our women and birthing people and their babies.

“We are not complacent and will continue to listen to feedback to build on the good practice already in place.”

Director of nursing for DCH, Jo Howarth, said: “We

are incredibly proud of our maternity teams for this well-deserved recognition.

“In a national climate where maternity services are being closely examined, this rating is a testament to the hard work and resilience of our staff, and their unwavering focus on delivering high-quality care to women and families in Dorset.

“We know this isn’t the case for all and remain committed to further enhancing maternity care and ensuring that every woman receives the safest and most supportive experience

possible”.

DCH director of Midwifery and Neonatal Services, Jo Hartley, said: “The improvements identified by the CQC team are a reflection of the dedication of everyone in the maternity team to ensure families using our service receive the highest quality of care.

“The support we have received from our maternity improvement advisor has been invaluable and we look forward to continuing our improvement journey.”

Members of the DCH maternity services team on the unit

How to make town better?: It’s over to you

LOCAL people are being encouraged to help shape the future of Swanage town centre.

A draft neighbourhood plan is being created for the town which gives individuals the power to help decide where and how new homes, shops and offices should be built.

If the plan is eventually approved following a referendum, it will be considered when Dorset Council decides planning applications.

It will also give communities greater access to funding, as towns would receive a larger share of the Community Infrastructure Levy – a fee paid for by developers to support additional infrastructure.

The share increases from 15% for communities without a plan to 25% once a plan is in place.

Swanage faces growing pressures, including an ageing population, demand for new housing and development and infrastructure challenges.

National government policy is also driving higher housing targets across Dorset.

Now people are being asked to complete a survey to explain what they love about the town,

what could be improved and who should be involved.

This information will help feed back into the neighbourhood plan.

Swanage Town Council has appointed Swanage Coast Forum to engage with the community and gather views to be included in the draft neighbourhood plan.

A spokesperson said: “Neighbourhood planning lets communities create legally binding plans or permissions that protect character areas, green spaces and community facilities, and shape where and how development happens in their area, provided they align with local and national policies and are approved by a local referendum.”

It added: “We have a unique opportunity to shape Swanage’s next chapter. A Neighbourhood Plan lets us decide where new homes, shops and offices should go and helps protect the character of our special town.”

The draft plan will be shared during a formal consultation planned for early 2026.

The neighbourhood plan has eight themes:

1 Swanage settlement –Assessing how sustainable

development principles can be applied, and modification of the settlement boundary to incorporate new housing allocations where necessary.

2 Housing mix – Reviewing the appropriate mix of dwelling types and tenures based on identified local housing needs.

3 Development sites –Seeking views on constraints and opportunities of potential development sites.

4 Town centre – Proposals to enhance the town centre and improve its vitality and viability.

5 Townscape character –Safeguarding existing designated areas of distinctive local character and inviting comments on report findings that identify the value of undesignated heritage assets and areas of special character in Swanage.

6 Open space and recreation – Safeguarding existing designated open spaces – that have not been classified as local green spaces – and identifying and seeking comments on potential new spaces, to ensure

sufficient locations throughout the parish for sport, recreation and leisure activities.

7 Local green spaces –Safeguarding existing designated local green spaces, seeking comments as to why these spaces are considered special, and identifying and seeking comments on potential new green spaces for protection.

8 Community facilities –Identifying what community facilities should be safeguarded and improved where needed and where possible.

The neighbourhood plan will link with the current Swanage Local Plan and the Purbeck Local Plan and will help define the town’s place in the upcoming Dorset Local Plan.

The survey closes on Sunday, October 19 – visit www. dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/ swanage-neighbourhood-plan/ surveys/swanageneighbourhood-plan-survey to view the survey.

Drop-in events include one at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Wednesday, October 15, from 10am-2pm.

Practical help to support new parents

A DORSET charity is working with families in the early years of a child’s life to aid bonding and form healthy habits.

Becoming a parent is one of life’s most important journeys – but it can also be one of the hardest.

Dorset-based charity

DorPIP (Dorset Parent Infant Partnership) works

with families during the first 1,001 days – from pregnancy through to a child’s second birthday.

This is a time of rapid development for babies, when the foundations for lifelong mental health and wellbeing are laid. Strong nurturing relationships between parents and their little ones

make all the difference, but many families struggle with the everyday pressures of parenthood.

DorPiP provides a safe, confidential space for parents to explore their experiences and feelings, always with a focus on strengthening the parent-infant bond.

It offers specialist parentinfant therapy, infant

massage courses and antenatal groups, and training for professionals helping those who work with families to better understand infant mental health.

If you or someone you know could benefit from some support, or if you would like to help in any way, visit www.dorpip.org. uk.

Residents are being asked to help shape the future of Swanage PHOTO: Dorset Coast Forum

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News from Wareham Town Council – September report

by Julie Bradshaw

RESIDENTS used public participation time to oppose the town council’s suggestion to increase its precept by £50 towards the purchase of the former National Westminster bank building. Speakers felt the consultation had not been sufficiently circulated so that the response represented too small a sample of the population. They questioned why the council would consider adding to council tax for an extra building instead of using existing properties when people were already struggling with the higher cost of living. When complete the new building would need more staff time, so costs would continue to rise. One objector proposed to start a petition.

Dorset Council’s street lighting policy will lead to the

introduction of more efficient lights with warmer tones. The policy allows local councils to pay the additional cost if they wish to substitute their choice of lighting furniture.

Dorset councillors Holloway and Ezzard, along with Cllr Shane Bartlett, cabinet member for Planning, were at the Quay on Saturday, September 27, to answer questions and take comments. The councillors have regular surgeries in the library – contact cllrberyl.ezzard@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and cllrryan.holloway@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Castle takes centre stage in arts festival

THOUSANDS of people from all over Dorset and beyond came together for Inside Out Dorset, the biennial festival of international outdoor arts.

10 days of performances and installations included the ‘Consequences Giant’, a huge contemporary artwork created by in a game of Consequences and inspired by the Cerne Giant.

It was unveiled at Cerne Abbas and went to Summerhouse Hill in Yeovil, and then to Corfe Castle during a weekend of performances by Catalan artists.

Artist Becca Gill’s Radical Ritual company created it with the help of community groups as part of the nationwide Nature Calling arts project aimed at connecting people with their local natural landscapes.

Inside Out, produced by Activate Performing Arts, saw the culmination of three national projects each using the arts to address global issues.

Events were also held at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest; Town Quay, Christchurch; and Weymouth as part of the festival.

Kate Wood and Bill Gee,

The town clerk extracted a lease of 30 years from Dorset Council for part of the Middle School site. Cllr Critchley said that to judge from the experience of Wareham Rugby Club a lease of this length would be insufficient to win grants enabling facilities for organised sports to be developed. Dorset Council will not grant a longer lease in case the site is needed for school expansion.

The Mayor voiced appreciation for the depth of knowledge within the Wareham Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group (NPSG) and for its detailed response to the proposed Dorset Local Plan. The NPSG favours brownfield sites rather than allowing the boundaries of existing towns and larger villages to spread. It considers that the Plan undervalues Dorset National

Landscape and Green Belt and that 500 homes around Wareham is too many because of the impact on infrastructure.

The town clerk reported a favourable response from the Police on the use of the Sward, the green area just north of the railway station roundabout, for a skate park.

The museum coordinator and town council administrator will be organising a Halloween event. The museum will be open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am-2pm after half-term.

October is the month to nominate a Volunteer of the Year. Forms can be downloaded from the council’s website or collected from the council office Monday-Friday 10am-1pm.

The public is welcome to attend council meetings which will be held next on Tuesdays October 28 and November 25 at 7.30pm in the council chamber. Further information is available on the council’s website, www. wareham-tc.gov.uk, by phoning the town council office on 01929 553006.

co-artistic directors of the festival, said: “We were so moved by the audience feedback to the performances and installations.

“Seeing the exceptional results of the work that many artists have made with hundreds of people from Dorset, Yeovil and the New Forest presented across these stunning sites over the past two weeks has been extraordinary.

“We want to thank everyone who has made it possible – all the groups that participated, the artists, funders, volunteers, partners, team and everyone who came out and joined us.”

Inside Out will celebrate its 20th anniversary when it returns in 2027.

The Consequences Giant on display at Corfe Castle

PHOTO: Simon Barnes

Landmark for Beryl e-bikes

RIDERS have taken more than 50,000 journeys across Dorchester, Portland and Weymouth on Beryl electric bikes since they launched in the area August last year.

190,000km (118,061 miles) have been travelled on the e-bikes in that time, with an average individual trip length of 3.5km (2.17 miles).

The scheme allows residents and visitors to explore the area in a clean, ‘green’ way and aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

121 e-bikes, operated by UK-based shared transport provider Beryl, along with Dorset Council, are available to hire from 30 Beryl bays across the three locations.

They can be hired via a Beryl app and picked up or dropped off at Beryl bays around the

three locations.

Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said: “We are delighted the scheme is proving popular in Dorchester, Portland and Weymouth, and that so many people are choosing this environmentally friendly way to travel around this beautiful area.

“The bikes support health and wellbeing, and their extra power makes hills and longer journeys easier, opening cycling to more people.

“Dorset Council has an important role to play in building a greener future for the county, and schemes like this help make cycling an option for more people, whether for commuting or leisure.”

Beryl chief executive and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “We are proud to celebrate this milestone of over 50,000

journeys across Dorchester, Portland and Weymouth since launching in August 2024.

“Our partnership with Dorset Council is clearly having a significant impact, demonstrating that by providing a well-planned, user-friendly and cost-effective e-bike share scheme, we can encourage more people to choose cycling.

“Reaching over 190,000 kilometres travelled is fantastic and shows that the scheme is delivering on its aim to make cycling more accessible and enjoyable for all, supporting the area’s journey towards a greener future.”

Users can pay for their

More than 50,000 journeys have been undertaken on Beryl e-bikes in Dorchester, Portland and Weymouth since they launched

journeys in a variety of ways, including Pay-As-You-Ride, Minute Bundle and various pass options.

The Beryl app is available for free download on the App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android users.

Electric and non-electric Beryl bikes are also available to hire from bays in Corfe Mullen and Upton, providing a link with the neighbouring Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP Council) bike, e-bike and e-scooter share scheme.

For more information on the scheme and to find your nearest Beryl bay, visit www.beryl.cc

M argaret Green Animal Rescue A brighter future

WOULD you like to support rescue animals in need and ensure they receive the love and care they so desperately deserve?

By making a regular donation to Margaret Green Animal Rescue, you will be helping us to look after many

vulnerable animals each year, and provide them with the food, comfort, shelter, veterinary treatment and rehabilitation they may need.

As we receive no Government funding, our charity relies on the incredible generosity of our supporters to

make sure we can give our rescue animals the best care possible, while they await their loving forever homes.

To set up a regular donation today, and to join us on this journey of animal rescue, please visit our website at www.mgar.org.uk/donate for

Help us to keep them safe

more information. Every penny will make such a big difference to our rescue animals, now and in the future.

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please email comms@mgar. org.uk and our team will be delighted to help.

can now find the clinic near Java Café and Chilled Red in Tilly Mead Courtyard (BH19 1DF), just down Commercial Road. Not far at all! The Wednesday FREE drop-in ear health assessment is still open due to popular demand. Every Wednesday 10am – 12noon.

Providing Gentle Ear Wax Removal to Purbeck while ensuring good quality care and safety as fully trained to the British Society of Audiologists (BSA) and National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Fully insured and DBS checked for your peace of mind.

Homes for key workers in pipeline

A BUILDING in Dorchester can now be demolished after plans were approved for dozens of affordable flats.

The Oak House building in Poundbury Road is set to be replaced with a four-storey building made up of 79 flats providing affordable homes for key workers.

The site is just an eightminute walk from Dorset County Hospital, and the development will have flexible tenancies.

The accommodation would support a wide range of households, including single people, couples and friends sharing, as well as those who have recently graduated and

those on training placements.

A mix of one- to three-bed flats have been proposed, with smaller studios for younger, car-free single occupants.

The development would consist of 32 one-bed studios, seven one-bed apartments, 28 two-bed apartments and 12 three-bed apartments.

Plans put together by ONE Creative environments on behalf of Prime (UK) Developments Ltd said: “The site currently holds permitted development rights for the existing building, which allows for certain modifications.

“However, the proposed design requires a new strategy to accommodate key workers.

“To realise this vision, the existing building will need to be demolished, making way for a new structure that will house 79 accommodation units.”

Prime said a community consultation in February resulted in ‘overwhelmingly positive’ comments about the plans.

The plans include a communal garden designed to foster relaxation, social interaction and a sense of community among residents.

BRITISH

The proposed development would ‘largely reflect’ the L-shape of the existing building with an extension on the western boundary, Prime said.

The decision notice said: “The proposal for 79 apartments provides a much-needed provision of affordable key worker dwellings in a sustainable location.”

Access off Miller’s Close will be retained.

To view the plans and the decision notice in full, visit the planning section on Dorset Council’s website and search reference P/FUL/2025/02576.

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A CGI mock-up of the proposed development IMAGES: One Creative environments

Your Health Matters Dorset HealthCare’s monthly round-up

New website makes it easier to find information you need

DORSET HealthCare’s new public website is now online, giving people all the information they need about NHS communitybased and mental health services across Dorset, including Purbeck.

Following Government guidelines and national best practice, the new site is more accessible, easy to use and patient-focused.

You will find a

streamlined layout, simple language and better functionality, making it simple to find the information you need.

The new site features:

n A more modern design, incorporating our new Trust branding.

n Enhanced security and accessibility.

n New, recent photos of Trust staff.

n Improved functionality

for mobile phone users, including automatic telephone links.

n A prominent button on every page for anyone needing urgent physical or mental health support.

n Better navigation around different areas of the site, including a new area for children, young people and families services.

n More streamlined pages, reducing the number of clicks to find what you need.

You will find details of all your local services in Purbeck there, including Wareham and Swanage hospitals, outpatient clinics, community nursing and much more.

Just go to www. dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk.

AUTUMN is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a pumpkin or maybe a few!

Norden Farm Shop is delighted to offer a large selection of authentic, locally sourced pumpkins, perfect for every need.

From extra-large showstoppers to a variety of unique shapes and sizes, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re planning to carve a spooky Jack-o’lantern, decorate your home or cook up a seasonal treat,

Norden Farm has you covered.

Open seven days a week, the shop is ready to welcome families and friends alike.

So why wait? Come on down with the family and pick your perfect pumpkins, fun and festive memories are included free of charge!

Norden Farm Shop, Corfe Castle, BH20 5DS.

Total Energy Services and Operation Christmas Child: donations now open!

Holly Lamb has been organising the Blackmore Vale & Stour and Avon (Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire) shoebox appeal for 6 years.

After being truly blown away by the support of our local community last year she is back accepting donations for the 2025 Operation Christmas Child Appeal.

Sending love and hope to ALL children

The Operation Christmas child shoeboxes go to millions of children in need across the world.

Currently Samaritan’s Purse in partnership with local churches are on the ground helping to provide humanitarian aid and assistance to people in areas of conflict and poverty. is perfect too.

Where do the shoe boxes go?

Over 220 million children have received a shoebox in over 170 countries around the world.

Gift ideas...

• Toys - stuffed animals, dolls, musical items, etc.

• Hygiene items - hairbrush, flannel, toothbrush, soap, etc.

• Educational: pencils, notepads, coloured pencils, paints, etc.

• Clothing: hats, gloves, mittens, leggings, socks, tops, etc.

Please DO NOT donate toothpaste, lotions, liquids, sweets /food or war related items

How can you help?

Simply drop any donations into our Blandford office and we will do the rest.

Shielding Your Home from Care Costs with a Living Trust

How a Living Trust Protects Your Estate

Safeguard Your Hard-Earned Assets from 40% Inheritance Tax, Looming

Protection from Care Costs

Care Fees, & Potential Family Disputes.

Advertising Feature

Placing your main residence into a living trust can provide effective protection against potential future care costs. If you were to require long-term care, the property held within the trust is ring-fenced, ensuring that it is safeguarded and that your intended inheritance is preserved for your loved ones.

Asset Protection

Inheritance Tax Planning: Are you concerned about losing 40% of your already taxed hard earned wealth to the government? Our bespoke legal strategies, meticulously crafted using trusts and wills, ensure your assets stay where they belong – in your family’s hands. Fully compliant with UK law, we shield your estate from the grasp of inheritance taxes, giving you peace of mind and financial security.

Transferring ownership of your home—and potentially other assets—into a living trust can help to shield those assets from a variety of risks. These include potential claims from creditors, the financial ramifications of divorce or remarriage, and claims associated with care costs. By utilising a living trust, you can ensure that your estate remains secure and less exposed to unforeseen claims.

Inheritance Tax Planning

Care Fees Protection: With average care fees hitting £2,000 per week and typical stays ranging from 3 to 7 years, these expenses can quickly deplete most estates. Our custom-tailored solutions offer a lifeline. While many believe protection is impossible, we’ve developed a tailored legal strategy fully compliant with UK law to safeguard your assets, including protection against care fees.

A living trust can also play a central role in estate planning, especially in terms of minimising inheritance tax liabilities. Assets placed within a trust may be excluded from your taxable estate upon your passing, which can reduce the amount of inheritance tax your beneficiaries may be required to pay.

Trust Administration and Control

Upon establishing a living trust, you typically appoint yourself as the trustee. This means you continue to maintain control over your assets, managing and using them as you see fit. Should you decide to move house, the trust remains in place and extends its protection to your new home.

Personalised Advice

Wills: Don’t leave your loved ones squabbling over vague wills! Oakwood Wills specializes in drafting crystal-clear documents that leave no room for ambiguity. No more family feuds. Just smooth, conflictfree asset distribution that honours your final wishes. Lasting Power Of Attorneys: Statistics don’t lie – the chances of incapacity rise with age. With our Lasting Power of Attorneys services, you can appoint trusted individuals to make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf. No more court approvals, no more uncertainty in times of crises – just peace of mind knowing your interests are in safe hands. For a complimentary consultation, reach out to Oakwood Wills.

Karen steps to it on Memory Walk

Memory Walk around Hamworthy Park.

The effectiveness and suitability of a living trust will depend on your personal circumstances. Oakwood Wills offers a complimentary consultation in the comfort of your own home. For further information, you can call 07832 331594 or email info@oakwoodwills.co.uk.

THE activities lead at Upton Bay care home at Hamworthy took part in the World Alzheimer’s Day Memory Walk to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Tel: 07832 331594 or Email: info@oakwoodwills.co.uk

Karen said: “Taking part in this challenge has been a huge amount of fun and everyone at the home has been behind us all the way.

Karen Grant – pictured –who walked 12 miles and raised £240 in Bournemouth, received support from residents, their relatives and staff who completed their own

“It’s for such an important cause. I’m very glad to be able to do my bit to raise further awareness and money for the charity.”

Home captures musical memories in interactive book

A CARE home in Wareham has published an interactive book containing residents’ musical memories – and a local charity is set to benefit from sales.

Magical Musical Memories is a compilation of songs chosen by the men and women who live at Pine Martin Grange Care Community in Sandford Road. Their favourite songs are included with others picked by residents at four other care homes owned by care home group, Dormy Care Communities.

Those who buy the book will be able to read why a song has special memories for residents and listen to it on YouTube by pointing their smartphone camera at the QR reader on each page.

From classical music by greats such as Mozart and Beethoven to more modern songs by the likes of Queen, Tom Jones and Cyndi Lauper, the book includes residents’ favourite songs and any anecdotes/stories about them.

They were collated following interviews conducted with people who live in Pine Martin Grange, as well as Bramshott Grange Care Community in Hampshire, Brockington House Care Community in Hereford, Glenburnie Lodge Care Community in Wenvoe, Wales, and Foxhunters Care Community in Abergavenny, Wales.

The book comes after a study by Anglia Ruskin university in Cambridge revealed how music can reduce stress in people living with dementia, and after former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and the daughter of singer Tony Christie revealed how music had helped prompt memories for their loved ones.

Manju Reji, home director at Pine Martin Grange Care Community, said: “We are thrilled to have been able to produce this book showcasing the musical memories of the ladies and gentlemen from Pine Martin Grange.

“From the songs that we danced to at our first school dance, to the albums that became the soundtrack of our lives, each memory is a testament to the ways in which music has shaped who we are and the moments that have defined us.

“Music has the unique ability to transport us back to a specific time and place, stirring up memories that we may have long forgotten and through the recollections of these wonderful people, these memories will now live on forever.”

Among the residents at Pine Martin Grange whose musical memories have been captured in the book are John Deadman,

who selects Lady in Red by Chris de Burgh as it reminds him of a dress his late wife used to wear; Tina Leeming chooses Amazing Grace in memory of her mum Grace; and Val Straw opts for Gilbert & Sullivan’s Three Little Maids From School Are We because she sang this a lot when she was in an operatic society.

The coffee table-style book priced £15 is available from Pine Martin Grange on 01929 768305. It can take card payments over the phone and post the book out.

Pine Martin Grange will be selecting a local charity to receive a donation from some of the proceeds of the book.

Rotarians strut their stuff on charity catwalk

WIMBORNE Rotary members took to the catwalk to raise money for Dorset families affected by cancer.

The Rotarians held a fashion show at Merley House and donated £400 from the proceeds to Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

Wimborne Rotary president, Brian Dryden, presented the donation to the charity’s co-founder and chair Eve and Chris Thomas at a group lunch meeting held at the Willett Arms, Wimborne.

Brian said: “Our charity

fashion show was organised by our member Joy Dennett with the help of her friend Ingrid Sumner.

“Some of our own members and their partners had a chance to join the models on the catwalk.

“We also had a very successful raffle, and the show raised more than £1,000 for local charities.”

Brian added: “Joy is a long-time supporter of the DCCF and suggested the charity could be a beneficiary of the event – a suggestion which all our members were

very keen to support.”

The DCCF, set up by three Dorset nurses in 2012, helps people undergoing cancer

The show raised £1,000 for local charities, including the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation

treatment to meet the cost of items such as accommodation, household bills and hospital transport.

In the picture (from left) Manju Reji, home director at Pine Martin Grange, with residents Joan Kings and Mary Green, whose musical memories are included in the book, and Jacqui Orrells, from Dormy Care Communities

Ferry ride to autumn wildlife delights

TIME is running out to visit Brownsea Island this year with a little over a fortnight before it closes for the 2025 season.

Despite its modest size, just one-and-a half miles long and three-quarters of a mile wide, the island is rich in history, wildlife and natural beauty.

Autumn is a great time to visit, as the island’s red squirrels become more active foraging for food to store for the winter.

Brownsea is one of the few places in southern England where the squirrels can still be seen in the wild.

To help visitors spot them, the National Trust is running free daily guided red squirrel walks at 10.45am and 1.15pm until Friday, October 24, subject to volunteer availability.

Reader’s Picture

Visitors are advised to check ahead by calling the island team on 01202 492164.

Birdwatchers will find waders and wildfowl in large numbers.

Brownsea lagoon plays host to many species of birds, including spoonbill, avocet and godwit feeding and flocking in mesmerising formations.

Families visiting during

October half-term can take part in a Mystical Wood Quest Trail, exploring the folklore behind some of the trees.

Bushcraft Taster Sessions will run throughout the day on Friday, October 31 – booking is recommended.

General manager, Paddy Stennings, said: “At this time of year, the wildlife on Brownsea is second to none.

“Come and spend the day exploring, soak up the views and treat yourself to one of our famous National Trust scones!”

The final ferry departs from the island on Sunday, November 2, at 5pm.

The island is home to a colony of red squirrels PHOTO: National Trust/Jess Dibden

Autumn colours at Brownsea Island. The island shuts for the season on November 2 PHOTO: National Trust/Michelle Collier

A breezy day at Knoll Beach, Studland PHOTO: Robin Boultwood

From Amy to Wubbo, it’s storm season

ANNIVERSARIES

seem to be a consistent theme running through this year’s articles and we’re pleased to congratulate Dorset Coast Forum (DCF) on reaching its pearl anniversary. Founded in 1995, the Forum is an independent coastal partnership that brings together individuals and organisations to collectively deliver on a complete range of social, environmental and economic opportunities relevant to the Dorset coast, its communities and its seas. This partnership approach is one of the Forum’s key strengths, allowing it to facilitate discussion between individuals and organisations, often with different sets of needs, to identify common goals and establish a way forward, where everyone feels involved. Although the organisation is hosted by Dorset Council, it is independent and is well respected by all its stakeholders. The Forum was one of the first to be established and the model has since been rolled out across the country.

To celebrate its anniversary, DCF has created a Coastal Life Stories exhibition. Earlier in the year, people were asked to nominate coastal champions –people or organisations whose efforts and passion has made the Dorset coast a better place, and I’m pleased to say the watchkeepers at St Alban’s Head were nominated and selected to be part of the exhibition. The exhibition is a unique celebration of the people, landscapes and communities that shape the Dorset coastline and brings together a diverse collection of personal accounts, photographs

by Nick Reed

and artefacts that capture the essence of life by the sea. The exhibition is moving around the county and will be in the visitor centre at Durlston Country Park Tuesday to Wednesday, October 7-15. It will then move to The Wild Chesil Centre, Monday to Friday, October 20-24, before finishing at Gather in the Dolphin Centre, Poole, Tuesday to Friday November 11-14.

WE’RE now firmly in the grip of autumn, that season of ‘mists and mellow fruitfulness’. The start of autumn varies depending on whether you use the meteorological or astronomical dates, but for me it started last week when I had to wear my uniform jumper for the first time when going on duty.

Meteorological autumn officially begins on September 1 and is when the Met Office releases the list of names storms are going to be called. As I draft this article, it seems that first named storm of the season, Amy, will hit the north of the country over the weekend. The storm has been influenced by

the convergence of the remains of hurricanes Humberto and Imelda in the tropical Atlantic.

The names are selected from a shortlist of suggestions from the public in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands, collectively known as the Western Storm Naming Group. More than 50,000 names were proposed to the three meteorological agencies for this season’s storms. The final selection includes some of the most popular choices, such as Amy, but more personal reasons lay behind the names chosen. My favourite is – or will be –Storm Dave, named after ‘my beloved husband who can snore three times louder than any storm’! One of the Irish nominations is Fionnuala, suggested by someone who said: ‘My daughter’s name... Good strong name! What you’d expect from a storm.’

Swanage Carnival for its extremely generous donation to both stations. At the end of September, watchkeepers attended the presentation evening, at the Mowlem, where a staggering £41,600 was distributed to 23 local charities and organisations. This is the most that has been distributed by the carnival and is a tribute to the generosity of visitors who came to carnival week and the huge band of volunteers who make the week happen.

Sadly, unlikely to be used, is the intriguingly named ‘Wubbo’, a tribute to Wubbo Ockels, the first Dutch citizen to travel into space.

AS well as anniversaries, another theme running through the last few articles has been a thank you to various organisations for their support. We’d like to thank

Donations from organisations like the carnival and the Fish and Food Festival help keep the two NCI stations in Purbeck running. In common with several other community groups, we do not receive any direct funding and rely on our own fundraising efforts to raise the money to allow us to function. At Swanage, our secondhand ‘bookstore’, in the display room under the Lookout, makes a major contribution to coffers. With a busy summer, the number of books has gone down, and we could do with our shelves refilling. If you have decent quality old books lying around, we would be very grateful for them. Either drop them off at the Lookout, or if you contact the station, a watchkeeper should be able to pick them up from you.

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

Sunset (above) from the St Alban’s Head Lookout (left)

Eligibility criteria includes

Swanage recognise season’s stars

SWANAGE Cricket Club have recognised some of their top performers of the season at their presentation evening.

Trophy winners were:

Men's 1stXI: Batsman of the Year, Ben Hodder; Bowler of the Year, Ben Hodder; Fielder of the Year, Tom Wells.

Women's 1stXI: Batter of the Year, Lily Wood; Bowler of the

CRICKET

Year, Eden Crook; Fielder of the Year, Hannah Attride.

Men's 2ndXI: Batsman of the Year, John Lewis (again); Bowler of the Year, Andrew Hancock; Fielder of the Year, Sam Wells.

Women's 2ndXI: Batter of the Year, Kirsty Wilcox; Bowler

River match poses different challenge

by Graham Howard DDAS junior secretary

DORCHESTER Juniors made their annual trip to the River Stour, this time to the Upper Colber stretch at Sturminster Newton.

Seven Juniors fished on a slightly breezy day that gave a little rain.

It is one of the shallower parts of the river, but the anglers still found depths of 10 or 11 feet, something the juniors are not used to.

Long rigs and long poles can be awkward for those more familiar with depths less than half of those on the river.

Breezy conditions made the challenge more difficult, but everyone caught a few fish, some making their first trip to a river.

of the Year, Faye Stacey; Fielder of the Year, Kirsty Wilcox. Men's 3rdXI: Batsman of the Year, Geoff Willcocks; Bowler of the Year, Bradley Bulpitt; Fielder of the Year, Josh Gould. Sunday XI: Batsman of the Year, James Harding; Bowler of the Year, Alan Marks; Fielder of the Year, Harrison Bedford. Under-19s: Batsman of the

Jack Copp finished 2nd with 3lb 10oz

who managed 4lb 7oz of roach and perch to take the win in his first ever match.

Seasoned junior angler, Jack Copp, claimed second with 3lb 10oz, with third going to championship leader Austin Scott-Kennedy with 2lb 15oz.

Special thanks to Sturminster & Hinton AA for allowing us to fish their river, landowner John Hanham for

Year, Freddie Long; Bowler of the Year, Sid Nash; Fielder of the Year, Tom Wells.

Most Improved (Male): Bradley Bulpitt.

Most Improved (Female): Hannah Attride.

Junior 'Heartbeat' of the Club Award: Bradley Bulpitt and Faye Stacey (shared).

The club would like to thank all the captains, volunteer ground staff, barmen and women and so on; Nigel Dawe for scoring, allowing the 1stXI to play with 11; and Tatty King for umpiring, to give the 2ndXI captain one less thing to worry about.

Austin Scott-Kennedy finished 3rd with 2lb 15oz

allowing access to his fields, Simon Dennis for expert help and support, and Ian Paulley for preparing the river for the youngsters to fish.

For more information about the junior section, email Juniors.sec@d-das.com, visit www.ddasjuniors.co.uk or www.d-das.com For venue information visit www.s-haa. co.uk

Cricket club’s multiple winners, Ben Hodder, Tom Wells, Hannah Attride and Bradley Bulpitt.

One of those first timers was eight-year-old Seth Hopkins from New Milton

Seth Hopkins came 1st with 4lb 7oz

Good season for re-formed Studland

by Phil Winton

SUMMER 2025 was a highly successful one for the newly re-formed Studland Cricket Club.

Now a social team, the current incarnation springs from the former Corfe Castle Veterans’ Cricket team who, in both guises, have now been active for well over a decade.

Their primary ethos is to take the game seriously while still having fun.

We have more than 30 players of all ages and both genders on our books, many of whom had limited experience of the game before joining us.

Most games are 16 to 20 overs and played midweek with a few longer format games on Sundays.

CRICKET

This year we played 22 games with 13 wins and 9 losses.

The team also acquired sponsorship for new team shirts and we thank Old Harry Bar, The Priory Wareham, The Salt Pig and Studland Bay House for their generosity.

All of this was organised by Mike Ferguson. The whole team also thank Pat Ward for his unerring commitment, passion and organisation.

Our season concluded with an enjoyable team presentation evening at the Knoll House Hotel, which provided excellent hospitality.

End of season awards went to team captain Ashley Hayes – top batsman with 373 runs; Tom Birch – top wicket taker with 18 wickets and Captain’s Player; and Phil Winton for

Swans ride into a storm

Chippenham 2nd 5

Swanage & Wareham 38 by Ron Butler

GALE force winds made play difficult when Swanage & Wareham travelled to Chippenham 2nd following Storm Amy.

Swans started with the wind at their backs, and after an initial three-quarters move which failed, an-other move five minutes later by the backs saw winger Rory Ferguson score out wide.

From the restart, Swans’ full back passed to centre George Crouch who went on a crossfield run, avoiding several potential tackles, to score out wide after 10 minutes (0pts10pts).

Swans started to concede a few penalties and were on the back foot for a few minutes, but from a scrum the ball came back to centre Ed Dimascio who

RUGBY

spotted a gap and broke through to score close to the posts. Crouch converted (0-17) after 20 minutes.

From the restart, the ball was passed to the backs and along to Rory Ferguson who scored his sec-ond, and Swans bonus point, try.

Swans conceded at least four penalties to take Chippenham up to Swans’ line and the hosts scored out wide (5-24) after 30 minutes.

Five minutes later, from a scrum, Swans went blind to Ollie Dillon who cut inside to score close to the posts. Crouch added the extras, making the half-time score Chippenham 2nd 5 Swans 31.

Playing against the gale force wind, Swans could not play the game as they like to, and the hosts had some penalties which

Simon

Player’s Player. Rhys Smith took the coveted ‘most ducks’ award.

We are grateful to the Ferguson family for use of what must be one of the most

they kicked deep into Swans territory.

Swans then made ground but another penalty took them backwards.

This continued until 65 minutes when Swans were given a couple of penalties taking them into the host’s 22.

From a scrum, the ball came back to centre Ed Dimascio who

picturesque cricket grounds in England and we look forward to the 2026 season, including participation in the proposed Purbeck Evening Cricket League.

broke through the Chippenham de-fence to score close to the posts. Crouch converted, leaving the final score Chippenham 2nd XV 5 Swanage & Wareham 38. Swans: Sowane Waqanidrola, Rory

Training for sponsoring the

THE Dexter Sports Luna Wolves Under 15 girls football team have been kitted out with away strips and training gear for the new season thanks to sponsorship from Shoots Training.

Daniel Moss, from Dexter Sports Club in Poole, said: “A massive thank you to Shoots

Under 15 girls.

“The girls are thrilled with the new kits and training gear, and it’s given them a real confidence boost as we head into the new season.”

Luna Wolves are proving popular with a second team launched to expand opportunities for girls locally.

In the picture (back, from left) Don van Staden, Pat Ward, Phil Winton, Matt Coggins, Vic Parkin, Paul Selby, Ashley Hayes (Captain), Mike Trim, Tim Nelson. Front: Mark Elliott, Rhys Smith, Thomas Birch, Peter Honeywill, George Chubb, Jamie Elm, John Gavigan. Not pictured:

Goldsack, Bryn Jones, Cleay Perham, David Lovell, James Penneck, Simon Whitbread, Josh van Staden. Lana Perham

Dexter Sports Luna Wolves

Ferguson, George Crouch, Ed Dimascio, Ollie Dillon, Will Slack, Ollie Peters, Joel Andrews, Jack Young, Nick Audley, Kian Salina, Joe Towers, Tom Holland, Lee Hardy, Paul Gregory – Sam Chapman, Luke Tokatokavanua, Conor Capper.

Sudoku 3D puzzle

Across

7 Disclose comeback of Eastern European opposed to journalist (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.

9 Din is found in revolutionary period (5)

10 Supplement commercial director (3)

11 Store shortly out here was renovated (9)

12 Church member that’s respected articles in Spain and Germany (5)

Sudoku Pro

14 Doctor entering two rivers is more agile (7)

16 Rates to vary for kitchen accessory (7)

18 Purchase the whole of British university? Certainly! (3,2)

Killer Sudoku Pro

19 Work is bound to come from such? (9)

Down

1 A radio employee with a bit of money nearby (8)

2 Enthusiastic French lawyer with papers

3 Fine cow and daisy, say (6)

4 Song then played in the morning (6)

5 Verse is followed by posh friend by sight?

6 Lake in former empire (4)

8 Print phrase that’s represented business

13 Disadvantage shown in section of hospital? (8)

15 Newspaper worker about to face caretaker

17 Nonsense put about line in peal of bells

20 Large market removing a tree (3)

21 Victor by pub first off is noisy (5)

22 Exact summary on Spain (7)

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.

18 US composer, one known for cutting style

19 Cover with slabs part of steep avenue (4)

20 Means for covering food counter (4)

Telling It Like It Is

620 homes plans: Townsfolk need to have their say

COUNCILLOR

Shane

Bartlett, cabinet member for planning and emergency planning, was at the Swanage planning consultation to explain more about the Local Plan. As a result, various changes will be put to the county planners. It was good to see Cllr Gary Suttle in attendance, standing up for his electorate. Also Swanage councillor John Lejeune doing likewise. Here’s hoping that Beryl Ezzard and Ryan Holloway can do the same for Wareham!

A council proposal has been made to build 620 houses on the outskirts of Wareham – 120 to the west of the Westminster Industrial Estate and 500 to the north and south of Worgret Road (A352) to the west of the town. Clearly the planners are prepared to ignore public opinion – after all it was the same county planners who put forward a housing plan for Swanage that unfortunately included three parcels of land that belonged to third parties who immediately came out in print confirming they had no intention of selling their plots or allowing development.

Necessitating a public apology and egg on certain council officers’ faces! So, my advice to all landowners in Wareham is – check the proposals carefully and make sure it’s not your back

by David Hollister

gardens that are – oops! –included in their plans.

The Westminster Road proposal is over Greenbelt land, as is the proposal on the north side of the Worgret Road. The proposal for the south side of the Worgret Road is on an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Wareham Medical Surgery is already stretched and an addition of about 1,400 or more new patients on its roll would be unsustainable. What happened to the proposed new medical centre on the old Middle School site? Local schools will need to budget for about another 300 or more pupils – this will need expansion of the schools.

Waste collection will increase by 620 houses, resulting in an increase in waste collection routes. Is the current sewage treatment works capable of handling another 620 houses? Upgrades to water and electricity infrastructure would be required. I hope that all new houses will be fitted with heat pumps and solar panels on their roofs. And that gas will not be an option.

At least 620 new jobs will be required in the area – these are not likely to be instantly available. So, there will be increased traffic into Poole and other areas daily on roads which are frequently jammed. Car parking in Wareham is already full during peak periods.

This is too big to go through ‘on the nod’. So, Wareham, speak up before it’s too late, you can stop it – or at least delay it –right now.

REGULAR readers will be well aware I have no intention of owning an electric car. After the furore about two years ago when half the population became convinced that the purchase of another fossil-fuelled car would make a huge contribution to ‘climate change’, a good many motor manufacturers decided – somewhat driven by breastbeating and virtue-signalling –that they would desist from making petrol- and dieselpowered cars in 2035. Or was it mad Ed Milliband and his ‘net zero’ philosophy which is disappearing faster than the Labour majority?

With a petrol or diesel engine, the fossil fuel is burned under the bonnet, emitting greenhouse gases from the tailpipe. But with an electric car, the fossil fuels are burned far away where you can’t see them, emitting greenhouse gases where you can’t detect them, to power a battery that poisons the children who make them, so that you can impress your friends with your green credentials. That’s my reason for rejecting electric cars.

Now the motor industry is beginning to see sense and to realise that whatever the ‘law’ says, there will always be a substantial body of people who will simply reject electric cars out of hand and who will fight to retain the freedom of personal choice, as indeed did our forebears who fought so bravely in two world wars.

The UK government originally planned to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 but later delayed this to 2035. This means new fossilfuel vehicles can still be sold and driven beyond 2030.

If buying a diesel, maybe you should consider Personal Contract Purchase to reduce your risk, as you can hand the car back if its value falls significantly more than

expected.

Volkswagen, Toyota, Renault-Nissan and HyundaiKia were not among signatories to the COP26 summit pledge to only sell zero-emissions cars and vans by 2035. Toyota has just announced that an emissionsfree non-electric car will be produced well before 2035. That, in my opinion, is the way to go. Porsche has washed its hands of this unwelcome imposition.

Ford, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz have decided to go down the non-fossil-fuel route and are busy developing their range of EVs.

What a shame they are all singing from different songbooks! I’m sure that without the assistance of a government clearly hell-bent on the destruction of our motor industry, they would have combined their technological skills to present us with a proper and meaningful solution to climate change.

PARLIAMENT must be recalled to debate Digital ID. For Starmer to release this vile change with no proper parliamentary oversight is outrageous. We are talking about the erosion of a huge chunk of our personal freedoms without a proper debate, a referendum or even a snap election. They say that Digital ID will only affect people who want to work. Except that we already have a system which, if used properly, will have the same effect. It’s called ‘National Insurance’. But the Government will steam-roller Digital ID through at huge cost to an already empty public purse, and claim credit for it.

So – resist and don’t comply! They are trying to slowly get us to hand over our power and then it will be too late. Right now, they don’t have power, so they are gently trying to get us to give it away. Hence the manipulation ‘we’re doing it to stop the boats’ – they aren’t. Right now, we are bigger in numbers. Let’s vote to keep it that way.

Town may become dormitory suburb

I WRITE to object to the proposed development for the town of Wareham.

I am aware that the Government has directed that the presumption, when considering planning proposals, should be that local objections should be discounted.

However, the county council’s responsibility is to the citizens of Dorset and therefore, instead of trying to satisfy central government’s demands, it should be fighting to preserve the character and life of the county and its environment.

In seeking to satisfy the Government’s demands, the local plan resorts to platitudes, making pious assertions about ‘enhancing’ the environment and the settlements also, somehow, to make them ‘fairer’.

Quite what that means is anyone’s guess.

Section 4: Housing Delivery Strategy of the local plan options concludes – using the ‘standard method’ – that more than 55,000 homes will be needed in the county in the 17 years from 2026 to 2043 at a rate of 3,246 a year.

If this huge number were to be built it would totally overwhelm the current provisions for water, sewage, waste disposal, power supply, education, transport and medical services.

It is disturbing that there is no section of the local plan options paper that deals with these considerations – the presumption appears to be that the new developments will be tacked on to the existing infrastructure.

That some building is necessary is not disputed but it has to be placed and scaled so that it can be absorbed into existing settlements without fatally changing their character and overloading their services.

All those considerations apply to the proposals for Wareham which would extend the town boundaries out to the west, distorting the character of the town and certainly not ‘enhancing’ it.

Indeed, the areas suggested for development would stretch local services well beyond their limit as well as invading the green belt in an area of outstanding natural beauty and destroying good agricultural land.

And this is the burden of my objections – that the proposed development would do nothing to enhance the town but would change the character to that of a dormitory suburb.

More alarmingly, it would set a precedent for future ill-conceived developments that would have even less regard for the environment and character of the town.

John Neimer via email

Mayor highlights organisations

AS Mayor of Lytchett Minster and Upton, I would like to draw your attention, with a big thank you, to three organisations based in our town which in their different ways offer an invaluable service to our community, helping to make our town what it is.

Firstly, congratulations to South Lytchett Camping and Caravan Park, which has once again regained its prestigious 5-star and Gold rating.

We should be proud that this family-run business is considered to be one of the best in the country, which brings great kudos to this town.

Meanwhile, Upton in Bloom continues to provide an unrivalled opportunity for residents of all ages to participate in community events.

The 2025 Horticultural Show saw a greater volume of entries than ever before, with an even

higher standard, while young people have the chance to demonstrate their literacy skills in the forthcoming schools poetry competition for five-11 year olds.

Finally, I hope you have noticed the contribution made by the Beacon Association Community Arts Group, a small group of volunteers who make Upton a brighter, more joyful place with their various mural art boards around the town, their beautiful art garden next to the Triangle Shopping Parade and, of course, the wonderful postbox toppers.

The Deputy Mayor and myself were delighted to have our images immortalised on one that now greets visitors to the council offices.

Ray Griffin Mayor

Lytchett Minster and Upton

Charity offering energy support

FOR many, the sight of crisp leaves and the promise of cosy sofa nights by the fire brings comfort.

But for people struggling to keep their homes warm –especially with the energy cap rise on October 1 – this time of year can feel more uncertain.

That’s why I’m writing from the palliative care and bereavement support charity, Sue Ryder, to highlight how we’re helping more people this winter to get the support they need.

Sue Ryder staff and

volunteers are working in partnership with teams from energy network SGN across the south east, signposting people to advice and information on staying safe and warm at home.

This includes help reducing energy bills, managing debt, understanding carbon monoxide risks and signing up to the free Priority Services Register (PSR), which offers extra help during power cuts and loss of gas supplies.

As a palliative and bereavement support charity, the partnership is particularly poignant.

People at the end of their lives often rely on medical devices and need warm homes – essentials that can lead a terminally ill person’s energy bill to rise by 75% after their diagnosis.

As we enter the colder months, now is the time to check on ourselves and those around us because no one should face hardship today or in their final days.

The PSR is free to sign up for people, including those of pensionable age, who have a disability, are chronically ill, have recently been bereaved, are pregnant or have young children under five.

To find out if you are eligible and to register, visit sueryder. org/priority

To find out more about staying safe and warm, visit sueryder.org/safeandwarm

Laura Tosh

Sue Ryder Safe and Warm programme manager

Sue Ryder is signposting people to advice and support to help them stay safe and warm this winter

Food & Drink

Food club proves healthy eating is for everyone!

PEOPLE with visual and hearing impairments have helped the Friendly Food Club (FFC) to produce a range of accessible cooking sessions, now ready for roll-out across Dorset.

The healthy cooking charity hosted short courses with Dorset Blind Association (DBA) and stABILITY in Weymouth, and Millbrook Health Care’s profoundly deaf group in Dorchester, to better understand the barriers they face when cooking.

FFC lead tutor, Andria Glasgow, said the results had been ‘tremendously helpful’.

“Many of us take cooking for granted, but for people with impairments it can be difficult, dangerous and even impossible,” she said.

“We have met people who have suffered burns simply from testing whether their tea was hot.

“One lady had even set her hair alight bending close to see whether the gas was on.

“With the help of Dorset Blind Association and Millbrook Health Care we have learned first-hand what is helpful, what isn’t and the steps we can implement to help.”

Helpful additions include

choosing plain instead of visually-confusing patterned tablecloths, using large print recipe cards and enabling cooks to perform hand-washing with a bowl at their cooking station.

“The right equipment and technology is also key,” said Andria.

“Rice cookers, talking scales, visual timers and smoke alarms, and brightly coloured, non-slip cutting boards are all very helpful.

“One of the most popular tools we have found is a simple knife with a safety guard, which enabled a blind person to feel confident to chop carrots for the very first time.”

Carole is a member of Dorset Blind Association and took part in the pilot.

She said: “I didn’t always have limited sight, so not being able to feel safe cooking, especially for my grandchildren, is upsetting.

“I was able to explain things that can be dangerous for me and what helps.

“I have also really enjoyed being part of this fun group and having the Friendly Food Club ladies on hand to support me if I need it.

“I now hope to join more of their sessions.”

Caryn Mitchell, hearing lead at Millbrook Health Care, said: “Our profoundly deaf group completed three sessions with the FFC tutors Andria and Janice in Dorchester, and were animated and more engaged than I have seen them before. Every second was a joy to watch.

“We supported communication, but thanks to the way the sessions were delivered and how visual the course was, they were able to immerse themselves completely.

“As a result, we now have clients with a better understanding of healthier eating and how to use their own air-fryers.”

Angie Lambert is co-owner of stABILITY in Weymouth, a day provision for young adults with special needs.

She said: “Most of our members live with parents or carers and have never really needed to cook – although they might have wanted to.

“As a result of their cooking sessions with Mark from the FFC, they now use knives safely and cook with hot pans.

“They also know how to use equipment like air-fryers. It has transformed how they feel about cooking and their ability to cook and enjoy it.”

Andria Glasgow added: “Alongside helping us to develop accessible cooking sessions, we have been delighted to see participants find joy and new-found confidence in healthy cooking, which is what the Friendly Food Club is all about.

“We are now looking for financial backing so we can offer more of these sessions for free, across the county, and would love to hear from businesses and community groups which could help.”

For more information on the Friendly Food Club’s cooking sessions and to find out more about how organisations can host or sponsor a session, email Liz@thefriendlyfoodclub.org.

Most would pay for higher welfare

MORE than half of south west shoppers would pay more for British higher welfare labelled products rather than settle for cheaper alternatives, a survey has revealed.

A YouGov poll carried out for RSPCA Assured found that 65% would buy British products.

The findings come as RSPCA Assured supported last month’s Back British Farming

Day by urging those who eat meat, fish, eggs or dairy to choose trusted higher welfare labels.

This includes free-range, organic and RSPCA Assuredlabelled products.

Charlotte Thomas, regional assessment manager at RSPCA Assured, said: “Every time you choose a product with a higher welfare label, you help ensure farmed animals live better lives.

“With this one simple choice, you’re saying no to cages, no to fast-growing chickens, no to inadequate enrichment and bedding, no to routine antibiotic usage and more.

“You’re also protecting those British farmers who adhere to higher welfare standards from unfair competition from cheaper, lower welfare imports.”

Higher welfare farming ensures animals live free from unnecessary stress and suffering and goes beyond minimum legal standards, provides enriched environments, space to move, access to veterinary care, freedom to express natural behaviours and more.

More than 1,800 RSPCA Assured-labelled products are available in supermarkets and on menus across the UK.

Blind and partially sighted members of Dorset Blind Association (DBA) with Friendly Food Club tutor Janice Southern (centre)

Striking the planning balance

AS a Member of Parliament, I split my week half and half between Westminster and Dorset, working to support local issues and influence national policy. The needs of the local community and the views of local residents and businesses are always in my mind as I navigate the different priorities of different groups.

The Draft Local Plan is currently under consultation and highlights the challenge of this balancing act. The Government has set a mandatory target of close to 50,000 new homes across the Dorset Council area over the next 17 years. If the council fails to meet this, it risks losing control over where homes are built – developers could apply to build anywhere. Yet many residents feel development has already gone too far, pointing to new housing without the necessary schools,

GP surgeries, or infrastructure.

My inbox reflects the complexity of the issue. Families in overcrowded, damp homes need better options.

Landlords worry that new standards will make renting unviable. Campaigners want to protect our landscapes. Young people want a future where they can rent or buy in their own community. In all this, we must find a middle ground.

We do need more homes— but not at the scale being proposed. What we need are homes that suit local needs: affordable, cheap to run and in the right places. Some villages are losing their young families, threatening the future of rural schools. People want better public transport, but long, winding bus routes through every hamlet would be counterproductive to those who need reliable transport for work.

We must think strategically—identifying those sites that minimise harm, and making sure the new development brings real benefits to existing communities. Councils are being asked to deliver these plans without the funding to build homes for local people or the powers to prevent holiday lets from swallowing up much needed homes.

Even if the local plan is adopted, we wont see many of these homes built. Either because developers are just getting their site allocated as an insurance policy for the future or because it simply wont make economic sense to build the homes due to a lack of construction professionals, raw materials or the ability to access finance.

A consultation is not a vote. This isn’t the moment to just say no; change is inevitable and

embracing the consultation thinking about the community we want 15 years from now is probably the best advice I can give. Think about places with thriving shops, schools full of local children close enough to walk, multi-generational neighbourhoods, open spaces for everyone to use. We all have a choice to create that future.

Saying “no” to all development isn’t realistic. If we don’t act locally, decisions will be made in Whitehall. I would rather Dorset shape its own future and I will continue to push the Government to improve the Planning Bill through colleagues in the house of lords, and the Community Empowerment Bill as part of the committee taking it through the House of Commons.

VIKKI SLADE Lib Dem MP

for Mid Dorset & North Poole

Countdown To Christmas

Christmas Parties

2 Course Menu

£21.95 pp

3 Course Menu

£27.95 pp

63 East Street Corfe Castle, Dorset BH20 5EE Tel: 01929 480208 |

Thefestive season is fast approaching, and here in Purbeck, we’re already feeling the magic begin to sparkle!

Our Countdown to Christmas feature is here to help you make the most of this special time of year. From finding the perfect locally sourced gifts and delicious festive food, to discovering the best seasonal events and community celebrations across the area. Whether you’re planning your Christmas dinner, looking for inspiration to decorate your home, or simply want to soak up the local festive spirit, we’ve got you covered. Support local businesses, celebrate tradition, and make this Christmas one to remember!

Our

Order your Christmas food online from Jurassic

Coast Farm Shop

Our Christmas range is packed full of awardwinning food to make it a perfect Christmas.

We work closely with local producers and awardwinning suppliers to bring you the freshest and best products available, from centre piece free range Turkeys and award-winning Aberdeen Angus Beef let us make your Christmas a real treat.

We have a selection of Hams, Game and all the Trimmings including our Handmade Pigs in Blankets.

To complete your Christmas dinner why not shop our wide range of fresh vegetables. For those who still have room we have a selection of Local Cheeses from Dorset, Hampshire, and Somerset.

Finally, our Pantry Range will complete your meal with a selection of Dorset sea salt, sauces, chutneys, and jams to accompany your meals.

Order your Christmas food online and we will deliver it straight to your door! jurassiccoastfarmshop.co.uk

Countdown To Christmas

B. Curtis Butchers – A Local Tradition of Quality

Proudly serving

Dorset since 1951, B. Curtis Butchers stands for true traditional craftsmanship, local sourcing and exceptional quality. We take pride in offering the best of the local area including Pork and grass-fed Angus Beef, reared in the Purbecks, just a few miles from our shop – tender, full of flavour, and true to our Dorset roots.

As the festive season approaches, we’re now taking Christmas Turkey orders. Our free-range turkeys are carefully sourced from trusted local farms, ensuring your Christmas table features the best Dorset has to offer.

Whether you’re planning a show-stopping roast, a festive feast, or simply want to enjoy premium, locally sourced meat, visit us in-store or online at www.bcurtis.co.uk to discover the difference tradition makes.

B. Curtis – your local butcher, serving quality and heritage for over 70 years.

suppliers or Grass Fed Isle of Purbeck Angus Beef, Purbeck Pork and Dorset Lambs. Orders

You will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a fantastic hamper, full of delights, with every tree purchase.

Get here early to choose from the very best Christmas trees!

Winner to be announced Friday 19th December on social media.

Wide selection of potted and sawn trees on display from 28th November.

Free delivery to the local area on all Christmas trees.

Health & Wellbeing

The chemistry of connection

by Nicole Asghar

HUMAN beings are social by nature. From our earliest days, our brains are wired to seek warmth, safety and belonging. Two key chemicals – dopamine and oxytocin – play a central role in how we connect, find joy and build resilience.

Dopamine is often called the ‘reward chemical’. It’s released when we anticipate or experience something pleasurable, like meeting a friend, achieving a goal or sharing laughter. It motivates us to repeat enjoyable experiences and strengthens the memory of positive social moments, encouraging us to seek them again.

Oxytocin, sometimes called the ‘bonding hormone’, is released through trust, touch and closeness. It lowers stress by calming the nervous system and reducing cortisol levels.

Oxytocin supports empathy, attachment and a sense of safety – helping us feel connected and cared for.

Together, dopamine and oxytocin form a powerful cycle – dopamine draws us toward connection by giving us pleasure in shared experiences, while oxytocin deepens bonds and provides emotional soothing. This combination improves mood, reduces loneliness and helps us find meaning in relationships.

As autumn arrives, the role of these chemicals can feel especially relevant. Shorter days

In autumn, when the world grows quieter and darker, leaning into relationships provides warmth and resilience

and colder weather naturally draw us indoors, inviting us to slow down and turn toward one another. Sharing meals, enjoying cosy evenings or simply sitting together can trigger dopamine’s joy and oxytocin’s comfort.

These seasonal rituals remind us that connection isn’t just emotional – it’s biological. Practical ways to support this chemistry include:

n Using physical touch, such as hugs, self-massage and warming the skin.

n Sharing celebrations or moments of gratitude with others.

n Offering eye gazing to those you love.

n Getting snuggly with candles, warm blankets and a hot meal inside you – make it carb-heavy and you’re increasing serotonin, too!

Science proves all these seemingly mundane and small

actions can release significant amounts of dopamine and oxytocin – enough to help us feel and notice the difference. Science is confirming what we instinctively know – connection supports our health and wellbeing.

In autumn, when the world grows quieter and darker, leaning into relationships provides both warmth and resilience. Dopamine and oxytocin are not just brain chemicals – they are nature’s way of reminding us that we are at our best when we are together. As we move towards colder months, reach out to those in need or to those you need and want to be close to. I feel it can make that transition into the darker months just a little more soothing…

n Nicole Asghar is an integrative therapist supporting clients online and near Bournemouth. She specialises in neurodivergence and trauma, yoga and nervous system regulation to support a reconnection with self and others. Get in touch via nicole@ ourluminousminds.com or www. ourluminousminds.com – she’d love to hear from you.

Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: Autumn reflections

by Susanna Curtin

WE are well and truly into autumn now. Mother nature is letting go of all the beauty and bounty of summer and is quietly painting a different realm, one that is adorned by the colourful autumn leaves that fall and flow along the ground beneath my feet as I stride out on this crisp late afternoon. The air is so clean and vibrant, and the light is crystal clear in the mellow, orange glow of a lowering sun, it is a perfect time for reflection. The thing I love most about autumn is that it is a time for slowing down. My springs and summers are always so busy. Diaries are full, plans are made, and hopes are fulfilled. But now, as the darkness encroaches on the day only too soon, it is an opportunity to hunker down, to gather the wood for the fire, to eat comforting and nourishing food, and to cosy up in the warmth of home. But, before I do that this evening, I want to watch the sun set over the Stour, so that I can harvest the calmness and wonder of the nature that surrounds me in this October charm.

I head out through the shimmering woodland and then down to the riverside path where I can follow the twists and turns of this silent waterway. The rustling reeds that line its banks are now bent and quietened as the throaty, squeaking grumblings of the reed warblers that once made them their home have left for Africa. Quiet, that is, until I disturb a starling roost. On sensing my approach, these socially gregarious beings make haste downstream in a panic to find an alternative place to sit out the coldness of the night ahead. I am so sorry that I have intruded upon their peaceful spot.

But on following them downstream, I eventually reach a place where the reeds part. Here, I take the opportunity to sit a while beside the riverbank to watch the moorhens and coots, and the family of swans that are slowly drifting past –the young cygnets are now large but still adorned with their soft grey down. It will be some time before they turn a majestic white like their parents. Just above the noise of distant farm machinery and the bleating sheep, my ears pick up the unmistakable

calmed and the water gently shimmers with shredded silver threads – the reflections of the waterside ash and willow trees creating a ghostly dance on its surface. For a moment, I am cast back into the times of Thomas Hardy’s Dorset, for this feels a ruined, time-scarred place. The old machinery of the once busy workings of the mill visibly rusting amid the nature that is slowly claiming it.

Beneath the darkening water, there are roach, dace, perch, pike and eels. They too will soon be hunkering down for the night by slowing their metabolism and finding a secure weedy hideaway or crevice until the morning returns. As the sky changes to crimson, and a faraway yaffle of a green woodpecker tells me it is time I went home and leave this place to the ghosts of yesteryear, I pick up my belongings and start walking. Continuing with my circular route through the farm and over the fields, and accompanied by several species of bats and the haunting cries of a tawny owl, I think about all there is to love about this time of year. There is the changing trees, the fiery colours, the warm, soft light, cosy jumpers, thick socks and boots, blankets, candles and log fires. It is a time for change, a season of letting go and slowing down, and a time to find stillness and peace.

high-pitched whistle of a kingfisher. This piercing call makes me duck lower to hide against the reeds, for I am sure that this jewel of a bird is coming my way. I wait in anticipation for just a moment and then there it is – a flash of iridescent blue, skimming low above the centre of the river. Then it’s gone.

The light through the thinning trees is already changing colour. I must make haste to the old mill, my last stop. By now, the breeze has

I think of all the poems that reflect this autumnal sentiment, and then of my favourite from Emily Bronte, which I leave below for you to enjoy on an evening such as this. Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;

Lengthen night and shorten day; Every leaf speaks bliss to me, Fluttering from the autumn tree. I shall smile when wreaths of snow, Blossom where the rose should grow;

I shall sing when night’s decay, Ushers in a drearier day.

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

The light through the thinning trees is changing colour by the mill pond

Home & Garden

Evergreens that shine through autumn’s gloom

by Sally Gregson

AS the mists of autumn coalesce and the fogs of winter become the norm, the garden takes on an altogether different character. Gone are the joyous flowers of summer, the chattering birds and the last butterflies. But amid all this apparent gloom, evergreens are brighter. It’s not a trick of the light. Variegated leaves have matured and their colours have deepened. And some of the best evergreen shrubs and climbers are those related to the ivies.

X Fatshedera lizei or Tree Ivies are looking especially good this autumn thanks to the months of summer sunshine that have ripened their foliage. And they flower enthusiastically well until Christmas. X Fatshedera leaves are dramatically large, and architectural. A single plant will grow quite slowly and fill a 2m space. And it thrives in quite dry shade beneath trees, preferring somewhere out of the wind to protect its 30cm wide, leathery leaves. In late autumn a mature plant will be covered in

creamy white balls full of fluffy, pollen-filled heads that are especially good for the late bees and pollinating insects. It is that rare thing, a bi-generic cross between a Fatsia and Hedera. It combines the easy ways of ivy with the far bigger leaves of a Fatsia. It does not invade the whole garden while your back is turned. But as a hybrid, it does not produce any seed, however semi-ripe summer cuttings root well and easily. It can also be grown in a cold greenhouse or unheated conservatory.

Its exotic appearance belies its relative toughness. While it would not be recommended for a frosty garden with damp, heavy soil, it thrives in a dry, shady spot sheltered from cold winds. One of its parents, Fatsia lizei, is even tougher, but its leaves are not as big. It might be suitable for a smaller woodland area. And Hedera, our native ivy, needs no introduction. There are some striking variegated forms of x Fatshedera such as x F. lizei Variegata with cream margins, and x F. lizei Annemieke with creamy white central veins and red stems. These might grow slightly more slowly, although x Fatshedera does not become too big for its engaging self.

How to protect plants on cold nights

by Sally Gregson

AS the nights get colder, gardeners’ thoughts are turning to winter frosts and the impact lower overnight temperatures might have on our gardens. Somerset gardens tend to heavy clay. And it is this type of soil most affected by autumnal frosts. Lighter, sandy soils shrug off the low temperatures more easily. So, many gardeners use a cold greenhouse to conserve one or two precious plants until spring. Grey-leaved plants, lavenders, teucrium, santolinas, are especially vulnerable to cold, and wet conditions. Plants such

as the lovely pink-flowered Convolvulus cneorum, and Melianthus major and Senecio Angel Wings, with their dramatically large silver leaves, all need some protection from the damp, cold winds and driving rain. It is a wise gardener who has taken a few ‘insurance’ cuttings from such plants to overwinter under glass. If you don’t have a frost-free greenhouse to cherish tender plants, it is worth pulling out the fleece to wrap them up overnight. Heating a greenhouse is an expensive luxury that most can ill afford.

Wrap up frost-tender plants in fleece overnight. And it is worth unwrapping the plants every morning if those cold nights are followed by warm, sunny days. The whole episode usually only lasts a few days before milder nights return.

Seedlings and young, newly rooted plants are especially vulnerable. For them, it may be worth investing in an electric propagator with a clear lid just to protect them overnight. And if there is no power in the greenhouse it would be judicious to move these trays onto a north-facing windowsill just for

a few days. And move them back into the greenhouse again as the cold weather ameliorates. Cold, bright days and sub-zero nights are to be welcomed – autumn colour is always much better. And very many traditional fruits such as apples and pears, need frosty nights to initiate flowering and fruiting. Many of our most loved shrubs also need a period of frost in winter. Hydrangeas initiate their flowers in the tips of their shoots in sub-zero temperatures. It’s worth covering the young shoots later in spring if a late frost is predicted, too.

Fatsia japonica appreciates partial to deep shade and a spot protected from strong winds but is reasonably hardy

Time to tidy up – or

AS much of the garden seemingly goes into decline in late autumn, there is a tendency to head out and tidy everything up in the shrub and herbaceous borders.

It’s your garden and you are entitled to do this but spare a thought for the wildlife that might still be enjoying such plantings.

The seed heads from late summer and autumn flowering are great food sources for birds and small mammals, and the debris is a place of refuge for many insects and larger creatures such as hedgehogs. By leaving the structure of these plants you will also be able to enjoy the wonderful features that occur with the autumn mists and then the early frosts.

Cobwebs formed between plants make extraordinary frameworks and are revealed in such conditions.

These displays may only be seen by early risers, but they can be quite spectacular.

Some important work does need doing, including the pruning of shrubs, such as buddleia, mallow and fruit, including raspberries.

Buddleia – the large, flowered type – and mallow flower on the growth they have made in the current year.

Because of this they make quite long growth which ends up waving around in the autumn and winter winds.

At the base of the plant where the trunk meets the ground this can cause a gap to appear into which water can collect and then freeze in the hard winter frosts leaving an ‘ice lolly’ effect.

This then suggests that the stems need hard pruning but if all the branches are removed it will expose the centre of the plant, where next year’s growth is gathering, to the cold in a tough winter.

The dilemma caused can be solved by a halfway house approach where the branches are pruned by about a third before the winter and then another third in early spring.

Autumn raspberries, too, will need to be hard pruned after the fruiting finishes, which involves cutting all the hard ‘canes’ on which the fruit has been forming back to the ground.

This leaves the soft ‘spawn’ which will grow the following

spring and summer and to fruit once again late in summer and into autumn.

n Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group

Stables/field shelters, summerhouses, offices, workshops, agricultural 01935 891195

Property

The colour of money

NEW research suggests choosing the wrong colours for a property could cost homeowners thousands of pounds when trying to sell.

According to the findings, Brits will pay an average of 5% less for a home with an unappealing colour scheme.

With average UK house prices hovering around £270,000, this translates to a potential loss of about £13,500.

But the financial hit could be even worse, with almost a fifth of Brits believing a poorly chosen colour palette can knock over 10% off a property’s value.

So, what colours should be avoided?

The colours most likely to devalue homes:

1 Yellow

THE research, conducted by aluminium doors and windows manufacturer, Origin’s powder coating centre, found that Brits consider yellow to be the cheapest looking colour when incorporated into a property.

This is a concern for sellers, given that 10% of homes in Britain feature a yellow colour scheme, according to the study.

2 Pink

HEAVY use of pink can risk devaluing a home, with research showing that pink tones are considered the ‘tackiest’ way to decorate a home.

3 Neutrals

PLAYING it safe with beige could also impact a property’s price, with Brits dubbing a neutral palette the most ‘boring’. This is closely followed by grey, with the once coveted colour fast losing favour among homeowners.

The research also investigated which colour

palettes can aid a house sale.

The colours most likely to add value to homes:

1 White

WHITE was voted both the classiest and most expensivelooking colour, making it a great choice for those looking to maximise the value of their property.

2 Blue

FOR those who prefer a pop of colour, blue shades are a great option. The research found that blue is considered the most stylish colour to incorporate in a home.

It is also one of the most commonly used colours in British homes, with over a quarter of properties featuring blue colour schemes.

3 Red

RED has been a hit on social media in recent times and bold reds could add value to a property.

The colour was voted the most daring by Brits, making it

a great option for those looking to add some ‘wow factor’ to their property.

Ben Brocklesby, colour expert at Origin, said: “We’ve been studying colour for over 20 years to perfect our aluminium powder coating.

“Given our homes are usually our biggest financial asset, we were interested to find out more about the latest colour trends and how they are impacting the value of homes across Britain.

“It’s fascinating to see the stereotypes attached to certain colour palettes, particularly shades like pinks and neutrals which were used in so many homes but appear to be falling out of favour.

“However, it’s encouraging to see that Brits remain open to the use of bold colours both inside and outside their properties, with our research showing that blue and red tones are being coveted by styleconscious house buyers.”

Choosing the right external and internal colours for your house and furnishings can impact the sale price

Opals for October

by Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham OPAL is the birthstone for October and this vibrant gemstone has fascinated jewellery lovers for centuries with its enchanting play of colour – shifting flashes of blues, greens, reds and purples that seem to dance with the light.

Often described as ‘the queen of gems’, opals have long been associated with mystery, luck and creativity, making them a captivating choice in antique jewellery.

The use of opals in jewellery dates back to Roman times and they were among the first to prize the gemstone, believing it brought good fortune and symbolised love and hope.

Centuries later, during the Middle Ages, opals were considered powerful talismans thought to contain the virtues of all other gemstones combined.

Opals became especially fashionable in the 19th century, with the rise of the Victorian

Mummy mask a highlight of auction

A SPECTACULAR double helix of sister auctions is coming up at Duke’s Auctioneers – the Autumn Auction and Art & Design: Post 1880.

The Autumn Auction is on Wednesday, October 15, and features an array of distinctive period examples including furniture, textiles, silver, a magnificent array of Baroque oils and relics of antediluvian wonder.

A particular highlight is an Egyptian cartonnage mummy mask, hailing from the age of the Ptolemaic dynasty.

An Egyptian gilt cartonnage

is estimated to sell for £5,000-£10,000 in the autumn auction

era’s love for symbolic and romantic jewellery.

Queen Victoria herself adored opals and frequently wore them, and often gave them as gifts, including to her daughters as wedding presents.

This helped dispel superstitions that had circulated in parts of Europe about opals being unlucky.

Art Nouveau jewellers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries also embraced opals, using them in flowing, natureinspired designs that highlighted their ethereal glow.

Today, antique opal jewellery remains highly collectible, whether in delicate Victorian rings, ornate Edwardian pendants or striking Art Deco designs.

At the same time, opals continue to shine in contemporary jewellery, loved by modern designers for their individuality and rainbow-like play of colour.

This enduring appeal makes opals a gemstone that bridges the past and present with timeless beauty.

This Ozymandian relic is an archaeological triumph, surviving countless empires, ages, miles and hands, all while remaining in excellent condition.

Acquired by Albert Newall in South Africa in the 1950s, and thence by descent, its fine provenance and legacy hold it at an estimate of £5,000-£10,000.

Art & Design: Post 1880

takes place the following day, on Thursday, October 16, and includes a plethora of wonderful contemporary paintings from esteemed painters such as Edward Seago, Mary Newcomb, Charles Walter Simpson and many more. Both sales are now online. Explore the entire collections at www.dukes-auctions.com. Printed catalogues will be available alongside fully illustrated online versions.

A 15ct gold Edwardian opal and demantoid garnet bracelet

mummy mask

Business

New ‘special space’ for disabled entrepreneurs

LOCAL charity SAMEE has officially opened the doors to its new home, The SAMEE House, in Richmond Hill Gardens, Bournemouth.

The purpose-designed space supports disabled adults in launching their own businesses.

SAMEE (Support and Mentoring Enabling Entrepreneurship) is nationally and globally recognised for pioneering the UK’s first two-year supported selfemployment internship programme, offering intensive mentoring and training to adults with complex needs, including learning difficulties, long-term health conditions and neurodivergence.

The interns learn essential self-employment skills and gain relevant work experience ahead of them embarking on their journey into starting their own businesses.

Interns also complete the Steps Into Self Employment qualification – the UK’s first co-created Level 1 certificate in self-employment skills for disadvantaged young people.

Until now, SAMEE

THE entrepreneurial spirit of interns from Bournemouth’s multi award-winning SAMEE (Support and Mentoring Enabling Entrepreneurship) charity is on show in an exhibition at Lighthouse Poole.

Many Hands, Many Visions features work by participants in the SAMEE Supported Self-Employment Internship programme, which aims to equip disabled, neurodivergent or young people with long-term health

operated from hotel spaces.

With the opening of The SAMEE House, the charity now offers a permanent, inclusive environment tailored to its interns’ needs.

The Samee House, named by the interns because it makes them feel so at home and comfortable, features training rooms, one-to-one meeting spaces, an airy mezzanine for group meetings and a specially designed sensory room for quiet time.

The sensory room has bean bags, fish tanks, muted lighting, cuddly toys, lava floor

tiles and light-up rugs.

The House also has ‘Steve’s Place’ named after an inspirational mentor, Steve Harrison, who passed away recently.

Steve as so dedicated to the work of SAMEE he continued supporting interns even from his hospital bed.

Second-year intern Tyler Burt, 22, said: “The SAMEE House is so much better for us. It’s our own special space where we can learn and feel comfortable.”

The official opening was led by Bournemouth Mayor,

Councillor Jackie Edwards, with guests including Bournemouth East Labour MP Tom Hayes, representatives for Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale, David McArthur MBE from JobCentre Plus and SAMEE trustees.

MP Tom Hayes said: “This is such a unique space, combining learning with a supportive, community feel.

“Seeing the interns’ artwork, fashion items and marketing literature on display is a testament to their progress.”

Wayne Ingram, chief impact officer, said: “According to government statistics, only 31% of people with a neurodivergent condition are in employment.

“SAMEE is tackling a real and urgent need.”

One of SAMEE’s first success stories, Anton – who lives with ADHD and autism – launched a thriving gardening business just three months after joining the programme. He is now a SAMEE ambassador.

Founder and chief executive, Samantha Everard, said: “It’s always been our dream to have a space where vulnerable young adults can grow in confidence and independence.

“The SAMEE House is already proving to be that special place.”

conditions with the skills and confidence to launch their own businesses.

Visitors can expect an eclectic mix of art, fashion, jewellery, culinary creations, video content and even ventriloquism – all created from the interns’ business ideas.

Each intern has been hands-on in curating the event from designing promotional materials to producing the creative content on display.

Their journey is supported by the UK’s first co-created Level 1 qualification in self-employment skills for disadvantaged young people, Steps Into Self Employment.

Rob Amey, SAMEE young person lead, said: “The SAMEE team are excited and incredibly proud of this monumental step for the interns, particularly as they have been fully involved with planning the exhibition from the outset by organising publicity and promotion

material as well as creating the artworks, photography and creative pieces for the event.

“This exhibition is more than a showcase – it’s a testament to the transformative power of creativity, mentorship and inclusive opportunity.”

The free-to-enter exhibition on the top floor gallery runs until Saturday, October 18, and is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-8pm.

Bournemouth Mayor Jackie Edwards cuts the tape with Sam Everard PHOTO: SAMEE

Prepare for new tenants’ rights, says law firm

LANDLORDS need to prepare for one of the most comprehensive overhauls of tenancy law in decades, experts at a south coast law firm have urged.

Senior lawyers at Ellis Jones Solicitors say the Renters’ Rights Bill will affect every private landlord and letting agency in England if passed as expected in the next few months.

The firm, which recently held the latest in a series of seminars on the subject, believes reforms included in

the Bill represent a ‘significant shift’ towards tenant security with greater responsibilities placed on landlords and agents.

In presentations at Bournemouth’s West Hants Club to local landlords and agents, Ellis Jones colleagues and solicitor advocates Conor Maher and Dan Flynn outlined progress with the Bill and its implications for the private rented sector.

Conor, a Bournemouthbased senior associate and specialist in dispute resolution

Lighthouse set for another accolade

ARTS venue Lighthouse Poole is set to be recognised at this week’s Dorset Tourism Awards in the Business Events Venue category for the fourth year in a row.

It is a finalist in the category and is guaranteed gold, silver or bronze status, having won gold twice and silver last year.

“It’s a real privilege to be honoured in this way – we are incredibly grateful for the support of our industry colleagues,” said Lucy Funnell, corporate development executive at Lighthouse.

“Lighthouse works very hard across all its teams to make sure everyone who comes here has a great experience, whether they come to see a show, attend a conference, take part in a course or present a trade fair.”

Lighthouse has hosted a high quality and diverse arts and entertainment programme from international, national and regional artists over the last year.

It has also hosted meetings, conferences and events for a range of clients including The

and regulatory law, said: “The direction of reform is clear – a significant shift towards tenant security, transparency and regulatory oversight in the private rented sector.

“Landlords need to prepare now, not later, for the sweeping changes which will come into effect once the Bill passes its final legislative stages.”

Dan, a partner and specialist in dispute resolution, echoed Conor’s comments.

“We must emphasise the importance of early

Open University, Diverse Abilities, Tops Day Nurseries, LUSH, You Are The Media, RNLI, Forest Holme, Authentic Education, NHS Dorset and Bournemouth University.

“The awards are testament to the exceptional efforts of everyone at Lighthouse who works to create unforgettable experiences for all of our patrons,” added Lucy.

“Not only are we able to support business users deliver their events, our clients find that hosting events in an inspirational arts space offers them a welcome change of pace from their usual business environment.”

preparation,” Dan told the seminar.

“We urge all landlords and letting professionals to stay ahead of the curve.

“Understanding the legal shifts now and adopting and best practices in line with the expected reforms will minimise future disruption and potential legal exposure.”

Reforms under discussion included the abolition of fixed-term tenancies and Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, rules around bidding, transparency and rent increases, requirements for allowing tenants’ pets in rental properties, the extension of the Decent Homes Standard to private rentals and the introduction of an Ombudsman redress scheme.

The Dorset Tourism Awards Night is at Weymouth Pavilion on Thursday, October 16.

Motoring

Nearly 100 drivers a day caught drink-driving

ALMOST 100 drivers were convicted of drink-driving each day over a three-year period, according to new data.

Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart analysed information from the DVLA – obtained through a Freedom of Information request – which showed thousands of drivers were penalised for the offence between 2022 and 2024.

Drivers aged 25 to 39 were the most frequently penalised for drink-driving, with about 48,000 people in that age bracket receiving endorsements, followed by 40,000 drivers aged 40 to 65.

In contrast, 15,000 drivers aged 17 to 24 were penalised and 3,000 over-65s received

Drivers aged 25 to 39 were the most frequently penalised for drink-driving over a three-year period, according to new data

points on their licence.

Drivers caught over the limit face automatic licence

revocation, potential imprisonment and unlimited fines.

frightening number of lives lost on the UK’s roads every year.

“It’s simply unacceptable that an estimated 260 people a year lose their lives as a result of drink-drivers. It remains the case that the proportion of road deaths where drink-driving was a cause is at a similar level to the late 1980s. Drugs, too, are playing an increasing role in fatalities and are now behind a record number of fatal collisions.

“A new approach to tackling these repugnant crimes is desperately needed. We hope this will be a key part of the Government’s forthcoming road safety strategy.

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A DR20 endorsement for drink-driving also remains on a driving licence for 11 years, and a repeat offence within a decade triggers a longer disqualification period.

The research by IAM RoadSmart estimated the total financial burden of a drinkdriving conviction could reach £80,000, including factors such as loss of income, legal fees, driving fines, alternate transport cost and increased insurance costs in the future.

“We’ve consistently been calling for a change in approach when it comes to reducing alcohol-related road deaths, as it’s clear the status quo isn’t working.

“RAC research shows drivers are supportive of courts being given the powers to mandate the fitting of alcohol interlocks –‘alcolocks’ – to offenders’ vehicles to prevent them driving drunk again. This has the potential to reduce drink-drive casualties, especially among habitual offenders.

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The data also revealed an increase of 15% in convictions compared to its findings five years ago.

Fatalities linked to drinkdriving have also climbed over the past decade, peaking in 2022 at the highest level in 13 years.

After Government statistics showed the number of drinkdrive fatalities has increased by 7% since 2013, RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis, said: “These disturbing figures show the twin evils of driving under the influence of drink and drugs are behind a

“Since 2022 we have urged the Government to consider mandating all new vehicles have interfaces that allow alcolocks to be fitted easily.

“We are also supportive of police being given the powers to immediately disqualify any driver who fails a drink or drugs test at the roadside.”

The fascinating world of fungi

THE Secret Fungi Festival is set to return to Careys Secret Garden at Wareham.

The event, now in its second year, is a multi-day celebration of the fascinating world of fungi.

It brings together mycologists, mushroom growers, artists, educators and entertainment for a joyful, educational and immersive fungi-themed experience.

The event promises new talks, interactive workshops and fungi-inspired food and drink.

Leading voices in the fungi world will cover everything from mycology to

30 years of making music

MUSICIANS Leon Hunt and Jason Titley first met back in the early 1990s before going on to form a band, ‘progressive’ Bluegrass outfit, Daily Planet.

Now they are back as a duo and will be playing Studland Village Hall this month as part of rural arts charity Artsreach’s autumn season.

Five-string banjo-wizard Leon Hunt has played alongside

some of the world’s top musicians from across several musical styles, backgrounds and disciplines for over a decade.

Jason Titley is one of the most rhythmically engaging ‘flat pick’ guitarists around. His 2014 critically acclaimed solo album, Still Rolling, featured a who’s who of the acoustic scene’s finest from the

demonstrations include mushroom growing, foraging and mushroom art.

A themed market and local traders will offer artisan goods, wild food products, ethical crafts and mushroom-inspired creations.

Live music and performance includes acoustic sets, storytelling and surprise performances.

For children, familyfriendly fungi trails, nature crafts and educational fun is on offer.

Local artists will be producing fungi art and installations, and a woodfired kitchen and bar and other vendors will be serving mushroom-based delights.

medicine in talks and on panels.

Hands-on workshops and

USA and UK.

Leaning heavily on American and British traditional music, their own compositions take on musical references from just about everywhere else.

Expect an evening of superb musicianship and funny anecdotes from their 30 years

The Secret Fungi Festival 2025 runs from Friday to Sunday, October 24-26, 10am-4pm.

making music together as they perform in Studland on Sunday, October 19.

They will also be at halls at Hinton Martell on Friday, October 17; and Piddletrenthide on Saturday, October 18.

Tickets and full details are available online at www. artsreach.co.uk

Fabulous Cherubim Music Trust Concerts

Careys Secret Garden is set to hold its second Secret Fungi Festival

Leon Hunt and Jason Titley are at Studland Village Hall

Arts & Entertainment

Star-studded line-up for literary festival

BRIDPORT Literary Festival has another star-studded line-up this year, with speakers and books to suit all tastes, in venues in and around the town.

Bestselling novelist Andrew O’Hagan, foreign correspondent Lyse Doucet in conversation with Lindsey Hilsum, Slow Horses creator Mick Herron in conversation with Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall, actor Martin Clunes, broadcaster John Suchet on Beethoven, historian Tracy Borman and retail guru Mary Portas join politicians, gardeners, poets, nature writers, biographers, artists, children’s authors and young people for the 21st BridLit.

Chair of trustees, Stuart Rock, said: “This is a poignant BridLit after the unexpected and profoundly sad loss of our festival director, Tanya Bruce-Lockhart, earlier this year.

“Tanya co-founded the festival 21 years ago, nurturing and expanding it to become a much-loved event in Bridport and far beyond.

“Her verve, energy, exacting standards and wicked sense of humour are greatly missed by

us all.”

He said this year’s programme was ‘very much Tanya’s, reflecting her belief that with books and reading matter, no one should feel excluded’.

As ever, internationally known names are alongside local talent, with new voices alongside the well-established, at the event from Sunday to

Saturday, November 2-8. Brochures will be available at Bridport Tourist Information Centre and other local outlets, with tickets now on general sale. More information can be found on the festival website – bridlit.com.

Adrian Turpin OBE takes over as BridLit’s new director in 2026.

He was creator and strategic

director of Wigtown Book Festival in Scotland and has an exceptional track record of running and growing a world-class literary festival.

He joined Wigtown Book Festival in 2006, previously working as a writer and editor on national newspapers, including The Independent and Sunday Times.

Under his leadership, the event moved from three to 10 days and has increased its audience to 27,000 visitors a year.

In 2024, it was named Best Festival or Cultural Event in The Thistles, Scotland’s national event awards.

The next event before the main festival is an appearance by worldwide best-selling author, Alexander McCall Smith, who is at the Electric Palace on Thursday, October 23, where he will be in conversation with Nikki May at 7pm.

The master storyteller will entertain with tales from the latest 44 Scotland Street novel, Bertie’s Theory of Ice Cream, and discuss In the Time of Five Pumpkins, the new novel in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series.

Tickets priced £16 are available via the Electric Palace website – electricpalace. org.uk – or from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, either in person or on the phone – 01308 424901.

Journey through life of reggae icon

A SLICE of the Edinburgh Fringe will be coming to West Stafford when Duane Forrest performs his show Bob Marley – How Reggae Changed the World.

The Toronto-based singersongwriter will present a captivating, award-winning music-storytelling show.

Duane has a deep personal

connection to his Jamaican roots and a profound admiration for Bob Marley, and will be taking audiences on a journey through the history, cultural impact and timeless songs of the reggae icon.

Through storytelling, live music and audience interaction, he shares how reggae transformed his life and became

a global phenomenon, all while capturing the essence of Bob Marley’s music.

Duane Forrest is at West Stafford Village Hall on Monday, October 19, at 7.30pm, in conjunction with Artsreach.

Tickets priced £12.50, £6 under 18s, are available from Gwen on 07979 010332 or www.artsreach.co.uk

Duane Forrest is paying tribute to the great Bob Marley

Arts & Entertainment

MAKING a Killing, a razor-sharp dark comedy by Ben Kernow, is coming to the Mowlem Theatre in Swanage next month.

Set against the backdrop of Renaissance Nuremberg, this powerful two-actor production explores the complex relationship between seasoned executioner, Frantz Schmidt,

and his new apprentice, Claus Kohler.

As the two men navigate a world where duty, morality and power collide, their fates become dangerously entwined, forcing each to confront fundamental questions about justice, corruption and the cost of survival.

The play draws inspiration

from the historical document The Journal of Master Franz Schmidt, Public Executioner of Nuremberg (1573–1617), and strips bare the humanity and contradictions of those who kill for a living.

This bold and biting production holds up a mirror to the contemporary world, making uncomfortable

The executioner and his apprentice… Wonderful world of Wonka new year treat

THE Swanage School will brighten up the dark days of winter when it brings Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the Mowlem Theatre in Swanage.

The show will be its 10th annual production and follows a sell-out four-show production of Footloose earlier this year.

The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory – but only to a lucky few.

Young Charlie Bucket and

four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world, including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka’s army of curious Oompa-Loompas.

The team at The Swanage School said: “At auditions, when main roles were cast, exactly 100 students signed up to be in the show – the most ever – and that doesn't include

Early music by candlelight

RENOWNED lutenist Matthew Nisbet will present After Sunset Fadeth, a historically-informed programme of early music by candlelight, at St Peter’s Church, Dorchester.

Matthew will perform on a variety of lutes and baroque guitar, introducing these beautiful period instruments and the music written for them.

The concert will be performed without an interval and last about 75 minutes.

The concert is on Friday, November 14, at 7pm and tickets priced £10 are available

online at www.ticketsource.co. uk/st-peters-church-dorchester

For more information, visit www.musicatstpetersdorchester.

parallels impossible to ignore.

Making a Killing is produced by Ha Hum Ah Productions, a Cornwall-based theatre and film company known for creating bold, imaginative and accessible stories.

The play is being performed on Wednesday, November 12, and tickets are £18 general, £16 Friends of the Mowlem, plus booking fee.

Tickets and further information are available at www.themowlem.com/event/ making-a-killing-14

The play is suitable for ages 14-plus.

the new Year 7s who auditioned in September.

“We are so excited to be bringing another fantastic show to the Mowlem for the town to enjoy!”

Next year, for the first time, the school will be staging five shows with a live band from February 25-28 at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2pm.

Lutenist Matthew Nisbet will be at St Peter’s Church, Dorchester

Arts & Entertainment

Chapter 2 for town’s book event

SWANAGE Literary Festival, which is set to return to the Mowlem Theatre for a second year, is building on the success of last year’s event and grown bigger.

A Poetry and Performance event in The Studio will provide a lively start on Friday, November 7.

The programme includes a poetry workshop, monster storytelling, ‘Poems in the Head’ and a range of performance poetry.

Organisers say the evening promises to be entertaining and thought provoking.

A wide range of authors will discuss their books and writing processes during a full day of events, with the emphasis on community, on Saturday, November 8.

The writers include Steve Couch – whose presentation will be accompanied by musician Olly Hopper-Pay – and Felice Hardy and Emma Simpson, both of whom draw on moving, personal experiences and histories.

The Dorset landscape forms the backdrop for Joanna Quinn’s and Alice May’s books, which explore the impact of the Second World War, and Dr Andrew Norman makes a personal journey retracing the steps of the heroine in The Hand of Ethelberta.

Alex Stone closes the day with an insight into her psychological thrillers, also set in the local area.

The authors will talk about their books, what prompted them to write and their future publications.

Both days include free children’s activities in Swanage Library.

Linda Webber will be reading

her book The Cute Green Octopus and the Sparkly Flip Flop on Friday at 11.15am, and on Saturday, Nick Jubber is running a Make your Monster workshop at 11am.

Festival-goers will have the opportunity to buy books and have them signed by the authors.

Swanage Bookshop is supporting the festival and stocking a wide range of the authors’ books in its shop in Station Road before the event.

Local schools have been invited to take part in a Design a Bookmark competition for their favourite book and Swanage Library will display entries with winners being announced at the festival. Swanage WI has kindly donated prizes.

Festival tickets are available from The Mowlem Theatre at www.themowlem.com

CBEEBIES star Justin Fletcher is bringing his new live theatre tour, Justin Time To Rock, to Lighthouse Poole on Thursday, October 30, at 11am and 2.30pm.

Spotlight Diary

Diary entries are £6 plus VAT per entry. The deadline for the October 27 issue is NOON on Thursday, October 16. Call us on 01963 400186 or email adverts@blackmorevale.net. Please call prior to attending events listed to ensure they are still on.

OCTOBER 2025

WEDNESDAY

16:30 CHESS IN PURBECK

New to CHESS? Returning to CHESS? Playing online and want to play over-the board? From 8 to 80, beginners to seasoned club players we have something for you… CHESS at Swanage Library- the first Wednesday of every month from 4.30pm - all welcome CHESS at Purbeck Chess Club - every Monday (except bank holidays) from 7pm at Corfe Castle Village Hall - from September to May - beginners upwards For more details contact Nick on 07443-033536

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

SUNDAY

10.00 SUNDAY, 10:00, CAREY HALL TABLE TOP SALE, 26th October 10-12; £5 per table; book at hirecareyhall@gmail.com or 07931 628461, Carey Hall, Mistover Road, Wareham BH20 4BY

Swanage Literary Festival is at The Mowlem next month

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