The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 353

Shoplifting up, crime down: Police statistics

SHOPLIFTING is on the rise in Dorset despite the county remaining one of the safest places to live in the UK.

Statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released at the end of last month show the county has seen an 11.8% increase in shoplifting between July 1, 2024, and June 1, 2025 – an increase mirrored across the country.

But overall crime fell in Dorset by 2.7% in the same period with victim-based crime down 3.2% and violent crime by 2.7%.

Deputy chief constable Rachel Farrell said: “During this period, we have seen some marked decreases in crime,

including a 10.5% reduction in vehicle offences, a fall in residential burglary by 12.5% and business burglary down by 14.8%.”

She added: “Like other parts of the country, we have seen an 11.8% increase in shoplifting, just under a national increase of 12.8%.

“We remain resolute in our determination to work with local businesses, shopkeepers and partners to tackle shoplifting and target those responsible.

“While we continue to see improvements through Op Shopkeeper, our initiative for reducing these crimes, we are committed to doing all we can

to reduce this crime type and support our business community.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said work to bring down shoplifting offences was continuing.

“The work to bring down

shoplifting offences is focused and ongoing, and alongside the force I will continue to work with businesses and partners to build confidence, encourage reporting and importantly, get the results which matter and bring these offenders to justice,” he said.

Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said the force is working hard to reduce incidents of shoplifting

IMAGE: Dorset Police

Celebrity backing for football girls

THE youngsters in the Under 11 girls’ team at Swanage & Herston FC have received some high profile celebrity backing.

Broadcaster Jonathan Ross, who has a home in the town, popped in for a surprise visit to support the team – and took along an inspirational video message recorded for them by England and Arsenal star Chloe Kelly.

The club is fundraising for equipment and team building sessions and was set to hold a Halloween fundraiser on Friday, including a raffle with prizes from local businesses.

Jonathan, who took along his dogs, Pumpkin and Spooky, spent nearly two hours at the club, signed the girls’ boots and played table football with them.

He also chatted about the BBC television show Traitors, which he has been featuring in, posed for photos and said he would go along and watch a home game at Days Park in the future.

Sabrina Ramsay, from the club, who is organising the

fundraising with Sarah Atkins, contacted Ross through Instagram.

Sabrina and Sarah are seeking to raise awareness of ARFID eating disorder, Autism, ADHD and children’s mental health.

Sabrina said: “Some of the children have these special needs and we encourage them to participate without judgement.

“They can achieve whatever they put their minds to.

Ramsay, and Oliver Jones took over the team, which plays in the Dorset League, last season.

The girls were set to go to a Bournemouth Ladies match during half-term and a boot swap shop is being run for parents and carers of girls who are struggling financially.

A quiz night at Swanage British Legion and table top sales are planned to raise more funds.

“The team have gone from strength to strength full of confidence and have built wonderful friendships.”

Sabrina’s husband, Wesley

The club would like to thank its sponsors, Bournemouth Glass Company, Jones and Prior, The Fish Plaice and Nathan Streams.

Police appeal on business break-ins

POLICE are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward following a series of commercial burglaries in Lytchett Minster.

Burglars stole cash from tills and charity boxes at five businesses in the Courtyard Craft Centre.

They also attempted to break into a further four businesses but were unsuccessful.

The incident happened on Saturday, October 25, between 9pm and 11.30pm.

Police Constable Mike Rumsby, of Dorset Police, said: “We are carrying out detailed enquiries into these incidents, which have impacted a number of businesses in the Courtyard Craft Centre.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area on Saturday night to please get in touch.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who has captured relevant CCTV and would urge motorists who may have been driving in the area at the relevant time to please review any dashcam footage to see if they have captured anything that may assist us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55250158562.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

On the bench: Jonathan Ross, who has a home in Swanage, with the Under 11 Girls at Swanage & Herston FC

Jonathan Ross signed a variety of items at the club

on the run for good causes

SANTAS galore will be raising money for good causes in the Santa-Stour River Fun Run in Wimborne in the run up to the festive season.

Wimborne Rotary Club is organising the event which will coin in the cash Julia’s House children’s hospice and other Rotary-supported charities.

The event is on Sunday, December 14, with the start at 10am at Wimborne Town Football Club in Ainsley Road (BH21 2FU), where free parking is available.

Adults, teenagers and children are welcome and can choose either a 2.5km or 5km course with the route in part alongside the River Stour.

Entry is £10 adults and £5 under-18s, and entrants should pre-book by registering at www. wimbornerotary.org/giving Limited places will be

Ploughing match aids Julia’s House

THE day started dry for Wareham & Purbeck Vintage Ploughing Match which was a great bonus for the lots of spectators.

The tractor and trailer rides were popular as always with all ages.

The rain started – luckily –when everyone had finished ploughing but the prize-giving was a wash-out.

We managed to raise

available for those who turn up on the day, but pre-booking guarantees a place.

Runners can choose to receive a free Santa suit or festive hat, and a free mince pie and drink will be on offer at the finish.

Runners, whether entering as an individual, a family or a team, are encouraged to fundraise for their own favourite charities by seeking their own sponsorship.

Run organiser, Rotarian Neil Hutchinson, said: “Once again we look forward to welcoming all levels of runners to this fun charity event.

“We have secured several local sponsors for the run but welcome other local businesses which would like to become involved, either through sponsorship or by helping on the day.”

£1,204.51 for Julia’s House children’s hospice.

A big thank you to all our sponsors, businesses which donated raffle prizes, ploughmen and spectators.

Without you all the committee would not have managed to donate so much to such a worthy cause.

Last but not least, Mr & Mrs A White for letting us use their land at Compact Farm, Worth, and Robin Samways. Helen Selby Via email

Runners warm up for the 2024 Wimborne Rotary Santa-Stour Fun Run

Santas

Poppies by the thousand hung from church

THE Poppy Cascade at the Holy Rood Church in Wool was launched last week in time for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

The display hangs from the church tower, the highest point in the village at 13.2 metres high – the height of three double-decker buses – and features more than 5,000 poppies of different shapes, sizes and colours, including purple ones representing animals.

The cascade, created using an old tank camouflage net, was made by volunteers, supported by the village’s Guerrilla Gardeners, and installed by permission of the Rev Canon Richard Bartlett of the church.

Members of the community stepped forward in numbers after appeals through the Wool Community Facebook page, the LINK church magazine and posters, and word of mouth.

Monthly coffee mornings at

East Burton Village Hall became a hive of activity as many visitors learnt to crochet for the first time.

Then the poppies came flooding in via collection boxes in the Central supermarket, Amber Hardware and Holy Rood Church.

Work to attach the poppies to the 18-metres long net began in May with most months three or four morning sessions being held in the church.

This year is the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and individuals can show their appreciation for the poppy

Tops children visit pop-up museum

NURSERY children from Tops Wareham enjoyed a hands-on learning experience at the pop-up museum at OCLA Library.

Art, history and culture were brought to life through interactive elements and educational content.

Young visitors had the chance to examine real artefacts, study engaging visuals and participate in hands-

installation by giving to charities which support service personnel in time of need, including the Royal British Legion, Army Benevolent Fund and Help for Heroes.

The Guerrilla Gardeners aim to enhance the environment in Wool and beyond, including at the Braytown Triangle and the large metal footbridge near the railway crossing.

on activities.

Mia Hawkins, manager at Tops Wareham in Carey Road, said: “The children loved exploring the pop-up museum and were full of great questions.

“Experiences like this not only nurture children’s natural sense of wonder but also help them feel connected and develop a sense of belonging within the wider community”.

Youngsters at the

The Poppy Cascade at Holy Rood Church in Wool

Space to connect with nature at Wild Woodbury

NEW green space at Bere Regis will help to help protect Dorset’s heathlands.

The site, just outside the village, near the A35, is part of Wild Woodbury, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s (DWT) 170-hectare rewilding project.

The Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) will allow people to connect with nature and ease visitor pressure on internationally important heaths.

The space, funded through contributions from developers collected by Dorset Council, includes car parking, dog waste bins and walking paths through open glades and emerging woodland.

The area is currently grassland but is being allowed to return to its natural state, while maintaining walking paths.

A food forest is being planted with fruiting trees and bushes, and a large community table will provide a space for people to gather, share and learn.

Bere Regis Primary School and residents have helped shape the space’s design.

Information boards and handwritten chalk signs help visitors keep up to date and discover more about local nature and the rewilding project at Wild Woodbury.

Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council and cabinet

member for Climate, Performance and Safeguarding, said: “This is a brilliant example of how we can balance nature recovery with public access.

“It provides an alternative recreational area that helps protect nearby heathland, home to many of Dorset’s most treasured wildlife species.

“Dorset Wildlife Trust has done a tremendous job restoring Wild Woodbury. The SANG is an accessible way for people to experience and engage with the rewilding journey, without disturbing the delicate heathland and the wildlife it supports.

“Funding collected from developers when new homes or

A community open day is being held at Wild Woodbury this weekend

buildings are constructed, has enabled the creation of this valuable green space for the community.

“This is a great demonstration of how development and conservation can work together.”

DWT is holding a community open day at Wild Woodbury on Saturday, November 15, from 10am to 3pm. Visitors can help plant trees in the community forest, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with fellow nature lovers and explore the rewilding site to learn about the diverse range of species that call it home. Guided walks set off at 11am and 1pm.

PHOTO

Jack Clark DWT

Lessons in leadership and nature

STUDENTS from The Purbeck School have been learning about leadership and the environment thanks to a partnership with the National Trust.

The 12 youngsters, aged 11 to 14, have become the first in the UK to earn a Level 2 Environmental Leaders Award working with the Trust’s senior community and volunteering officer, Jill Bailey. They built leadership skills like teamwork, communication,

Public Notice

confidence, organisation and problem-solving over several months and explored some of Purbeck’s landscapes and worked on practical tasks. Jill said: “We need to support the next generation, so they come to understand, appreciate and protect the countryside. Although we live in the one of the most biodiverse places in the UK, it doesn’t mean all our young people are connected with nature.”

MARINE AND COASTAL ACCESS ACT 2009 APPLICATION FOR MLA/2025/00393

Marina Basin Dredging

Notice is hereby given that Mr Anthony Clarke, Ridge Wharf Yacht Centre, Barnhill Road, Wareham, BH20 5BG, has applied to the Marine Management Organisation under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, Part 4, for a marine licence to undertake dredging 0.75 metres of silt per cycle and depositing this sediment into the River Frome. This is 2500 cubic metres to be removed every third winter, over a 15 year licence span.

This is a total of 12,500 cubic metres.

Copies of the application and associated information may be viewed online in the Public Register at: www.gov.uk/ checkmarine-licence-register Representations in respect of the application should ordinarily be made by: - Visiting the MMO Public Register (www.gov.uk/check-marinelicenceregister) and accessing the Public Representation; section of case reference MLA/2025/00393. However, we will also accept representations via the following formats: - By email to marine.consents@marinemanagement.org.uk; or alternatively - By letter addressed to Marine Management Organisation, Tyneside House, Skinnerburn Road, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7AR

In all cases, correspondence must: - Be received within 28 days of the date of the first notice 10th November 2025 - Quote the case reference; and - Include an address to which correspondence relating to the representation or objection may be sent. The Marine Management Organisation will pass to the applicant a copy of any objection or representation we receive.

One of the first experiences for the students was going on a tractor-trailer ride with the Trust’s tenant farmer, Jake Hancock, who runs an environmentally-friendly farm near Corfe Castle. The ride took them across the heaths, learning about how Jake is using cattle and ponies for conservation grazing.

Jenny Bartlett from The Purbeck School, said: “Most of the group cited the tractor-trailer ride as the best nature experience they’d had in Purbeck. The group had loads of great questions and loved seeing how farming can help protect the environment.”

On World Ocean Day, they joined organisations at Studland Bay to promote awareness of seagrass meadows, coastal erosion and plastic pollution on beaches. A highlight was joining a beach clean with Oly Rush of charity Project Planet Earth, which raises awareness of plastic pollution in the oceans. Oly had already been into the school to talk about the problems of single use plastic.

Environmental Leader, Thorne, a student at The Purbeck School said: “The beach clean seemed to go really well, and people went away more educated about plastic pollution and the ocean. I also feel like I did well in using the wave machine to teach people about coastal erosion, by communicating clearly and being confident.”

The Level 2 leaders were also involved in planning, organising and delivering a Forest School transfer session

for Year 6 students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They paired up with the younger students and led them on a nature scavenger hunt, while talking with them about what it is like in Year 7 at school.

The course culminated in a presentation and panel discussion about environmental challenges in Purbeck. The students cited school trips, nature clubs and Duke of Edinburgh as the main ways they get involved with nature, but most said they would not know how to get a career in this sector.

The audience was made up of Purbeck organisations which are part of the Purbeck Nature Network, which includes Natural England, the National Trust, Wessex Wild, the RSPB, The Swanage School, The Purbeck School and Planet Purbeck.

Jill Bailey said: “Their findings highlight that children aren’t as connected to nature as maybe their grandparents were, with fewer opportunities for careers in this field. The Trust is leading the way for nature restoration for the UK, so we want to match that with Purbeck offering one of the best career pathways into the sector.”

Carly Watson, career lead from The Purbeck School, added: “It’s been inspiring to see these young leaders stepping up for the planet. Not only are they making a real difference in their community, they’re growing their leadership and employability skills along the way.”

Jake Hancock hosted students from The Purbeck School at Middlebere Farm PHOTO: National Trust/Cathy Lewis

News from Wareham Town Council – October report

by Julie Bradshaw

RESPONDING to Councillor

Budd’s concern that plans for a skate park on the Sward would go ahead without sufficient consideration, particularly of the danger to children crossing the busy road between the bypass and station roundabouts, the town clerk agreed to update the September minutes to reflect that investigation was required.

At its September meeting, the Wareham Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group considered the Dorset Local Plan, Transport Plan and National Landscape Management Plan. The proposed housing sites at Worgret are in Green Belt on one side and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the other and cover an area larger than Wareham within the walls. The Plan takes no

PHOTO: Simon Barnes

account of the impact on roads, medical facilities and schools.

Wareham Community

Growers and town council staff were congratulated on receiving a Gold Award in the small town category of South and Southeast In Bloom competition and Lady St Mary’s churchyard also won an award.

The town council would respond to Dorset Council’s Draft Framework for Developing Towns, a plan which aims to promote economic growth and community engagement while

leaving each town to build on its individual strengths. The Mayor welcomed the framework providing that it incorporated flexibility for different sizes of towns and was realistic about resources.

Cllr Tighe relayed the enthusiasm of Purbeck School students who were proposing improvements to the town while the town clerk cautioned that the structure of the Youth Council had still to be set up.

The pumpkin trail organised by the museum had proved so popular that the goody bag prizes had run out early in half-term week. More will be ordered next year!

A modern lamp on a heritage lamppost on the Quay was only a temporary fix, said a Dorset Council officer. A council

CCTV camera was set on the wrong frequency so that one resident was tuning into Howards Lane car park rather than their favourite television programme.

Vikki Slade MP had written to the council relating a resident’s objection to paying an extra £50 town council tax for one year, maybe two, for a tourist information centre which would be of no benefit to her.

The Volunteer of the Year 2024-25 presentation and grant awards will take place in January.

Take time to admire the Christmas lights. Attend one of the next town council meetings which will be in the council chamber on Tuesdays November 25 and December 16 starting at either 7pm or 7.30pm, depending on whether a Planning and Transport meeting is held first. Further information is available on the council’s website, www. wareham-tc.gov.uk, or by phoning the town council office on 01929 553006.

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Hospice volunteers scoop garden Gold prize again

FOREST Holme Hospice was delighted to scoop the Gold prize in the Loving Care Homes category at the Poole in Bloom awards for the third year running.

two Bronze Awards in the Sensory Garden and Hanging Baskets & Containers categories awarded by Poole In Bloom secretary and judge, Jason Edwards.

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Poole In Bloom has now been running for several years, with its main event being the awards ceremony held annually at Compton Acres, and this year Forest Holme Hospice’s volunteer gardeners were once again presented with a plaque and certificate in recognition of their hard work in maintaining the hospice gardens all year round.

The team also brought home

Heidi Haagensen, volunteer manager at Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said: “This incredible recognition is all thanks to our dedicated volunteer gardeners who lovingly care for every corner of our gardens, from the peaceful sensory courtyard that our patients’ rooms overlook, to the tranquil rear garden and the beautiful wildlife garden along the side of the hospice.”

Heads up on hats talk

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Townswomen’s Guild will be hosting Susan Outhwaite, from Snooks the Hatters of Bridport, for a talk at Dorchester Community Church, Poundbury.

A Mad Hatter’s afternoon, on November 10 at 2pm, will feature insights into Susan’s world of millinery.

She will be bringing along plenty of hats for everyone to try on.

From 10ft x 6ft up to 15ft x 16ft

Forest Holme Hospice’s volunteer gardeners with judge Jason Edwards (centre)

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Your Health Matters

Dorset HealthCare’s monthly round-up

Protecting our future – school immunisations are crucial for children’s health

DORSET HealthCare is reminding parents and guardians of the vital importance of school immunisations in keeping children safe, healthy and able to learn.

Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as flu, measles, mumps, rubella and polio. These illnesses, while often preventable, can cause serious complications and pose a significant risk to unvaccinated children and those with compromised immune systems.

The trust’s school-age immunisation service (SAIS) provides routine childhood vaccinations to children and young people from reception age to year 11 in mainstream schools and up to age 25 in

some additional special educational needs (SEN) schools. These include:

n Influenza (flu – nasal and injection).

n Tetanus/diphtheria/polio (TdIPV) and meningitis ACWY (MenACWY).

n Human papillomavirus (HPV).

n Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Vaccinations are offered in schools and at a selection of community venues, ensuring all children receive the protection they need. With autumn well underway, parents/guardians across Dorset are being notified of vaccination opportunities for their children.

olds to have the nasal flu vaccine in one of the trust’s clinics if they attend with an older sibling. Please contact the school-age immunisation service if this offer is of interest. Simply email dhc. immsenquiries@nhs.net or phone 01425 891162.

And currently there’s an option for two- and three-year-

Nature Buddies help lift mood and ease stress

HELP is at hand for anyone who has ever wanted to spend more time outdoors but feels unsure about how to start.

The Nature Buddies Network is a Dorset-wide initiative designed to help people get outside and enjoy nature to improve health and wellbeing.

Nature Budddies can help those feeling isolated, anxious

or lacking the confidence to get outdoors alone.

Rachel Such, matron for Dorset HealthCare’s vaccination service, said: “Immunisation isn’t just about individual protection – it’s about community protection. When most children are vaccinated, it can significantly reduce the chances of outbreaks in schools and communities.

“School immunisation

The project matches trained volunteer Nature Buddies with people who could benefit from free, gentle and friendly support.

Nature Buddies can accompany individuals on a walk, help them visit local green spaces, support them to

try an outdoor activity or even take part in nature-based activities in a person’s home.

It has been proven that spending as little as two hours a week in nature can lift mood, ease stress, boost the immune system and improve physical wellbeing.

Nature can be a natural health service whether that is a stroll through a local park or

requirements are in place to ensure that children are protected in shared environments where diseases can spread rapidly. Keeping up to date with immunisations also helps prevent unnecessary school absences and ensures children stay healthy enough to engage fully in their education.”

Parents/guardians need to ensure consent has been given for their child to receive immunisations. Information will have been shared via a child’s school, but consent can be given by visiting Dorset HealthCare’s website, www. dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/ schoolageimms

simply sitting among trees. Anyone who could benefit from a Nature Buddy can visit https://www.dorset-nl.org.uk/ project/nature-buddies-network to find out more, or call Kate on 01305 228246 or email kate. townsend@dorsetcouncil.gov. uk

The Nature Buddies Network is managed by Dorset National Landscape in partnership with Volunteer Centre Dorset, and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Charlene Corral, immunisation nurse at Dorset HealthCare, vaccinates a child against flu

Opening party for the ‘Jollypolly’

A DORSET charity is celebrating after expanding the options for gardeners at Kingston Lacy allotments.

In Jolly Good Company, which works to combat loneliness and isolation, has opened a new polytunnel for its Step Outside gardening group.

The group offers members the chance to grow fruits, vegetables, flowers and more, or simply enjoy a cup of Dorset Tea, biscuits and a friendly chat in the Dorset countryside.

The new polytunnel provides a warm, dry space to meet and work when the weather is less kind, as well as extending the growing season and creating a perfect spot for nurturing seedlings and young plants all year round.

A ‘Jollypoly’ opening party was held to mark the occasion, with Jeff Hart, Mayor of Wimborne, going along to cut the ribbon and say a few words.

Plenty of homemade cakes, scones, shortbread and brownies were on offer to enjoy.

The afternoon was made extra special with live music from Sarah Pugh on the oboe and recorder, and to everyone’s delight, a robin in the nearby holly tree joined in the tune.

Sarah Rampton, founder of In Jolly Good Company, said: “It was lovely reminiscing with Sue and Robin Cook [former Wimborne Mayor and ex-Dorset councillor, respectively] about how the Step Outside Gardening Group was saved from closure back in 2018.

“Since then, so many people enjoyed this beautiful peaceful space and productive spot.

“The new polytunnel brings fresh life, more growth and further community spirit to our project.”

Special thanks went to head gardener, Anni Sax, and volunteer, Duncan Ray, fondly known as the ‘Jolly Volley’, for their hard work preparing everything for the big day.

The charity has also thanked the National Trust, Waitrose Wimborne and Ferndown and Merley Rotary, whose generosity helped fund the new structure.

Next on the list for the Step Outside group is the creation of a pond on the site to attract more wildlife into the space.

To find out more about the charity or get involved, visit www.injollygoodcompany.com

Members of In Jolly Good Company’s Step Outside Gardening Group have a new polytunnel to work in

M argaret Green Animal Rescue Road to recovery

WHEN we received an urgent call about a beautiful spaniel cross called Ruby, who desperately needed help, we knew we had to step in.

She was suffering from pyometra – a life-threatening womb infection that can only be treated with emergency surgery, which her owner couldn’t afford.

With our kennels already full, we faced a dilemma, but

we simply couldn’t let an otherwise healthy dog lose her life for financial reasons.

Ruby was rushed into theatre and underwent the pyometra surgery, which is far more complex than a normal spay. Thankfully, she pulled through and began her road to recovery with us.

Ruby’s story is exactly why our work matters. Without support from kind people like

Her owner could not afford it, but Spaniel cross Ruby could have died if she hadn’t have had emergency surgery

Water meadows talk at civic society

MEMBERS and guests at Wimborne Civic Society enjoyed an illustrated talk by Phil Broomfield on Dorset’s Follies and Grottoes.

He described the fashion from 16th century for wealthy landowners to build them, with examples from around Dorset.

The next meeting is on Tuesday, November 18, when Paul Cheetham will speak on ‘Drowning in Dorset: The Rise and Decline of the Water Meadow’, about the one-time agricultural importance of the county’s water meadows and why their use has declined.

Paul is a visiting fellow of the Department of Archaeology at Bournemouth University, an experienced field archaeologist, a former programme leader in Forensic Archaeology and a

knowledgeable and engaging speaker.

He spoke to the Civic Society once before, in 2018, about the geophysical survey around the Roman Fort at Lake Gates just outside Wimborne and went down particularly well.

Wimborne Civic Society’s meetings with visiting speakers run from September to March, are open to all and are held at Allendale House, Hanham Road, Wimborne, at 7.30pm on the third Tuesday of the month.

Members and nonmembers are welcome to attend for an entry fee of £2 for members or £5 for visitors. Visitors can join the society at the meeting – subscriptions cost £12.50 for a year’s membership for an individual or £20 for a couple.

you, dogs like her wouldn’t get this second chance.

However, emergency surgeries are costly and Ruby is just one of the many animals we have cared for this year.

By donating today, you’ll be helping us to fund lifesaving

Help us to keep them safe

treatment for vulnerable animals who have nowhere else to go.

To make a donation, please visit our website, www.mgar. org.uk/donate, to help our animals on their journey to a happy forever home.

Winter Fuel Payment scams warning

PENSIONERS in Purbeck are being warned about Winter Fuel Payment scams.

Thieves posing as government officials are exploiting OAPs’ worries about their Winter Fuel Payments, which are set to be distributed this month.

Those eligible for payments will have had a letter telling them how much they will be paid. This amount will automatically be sent to their bank accounts.

Payments will be made between mid-November and December 2025.

To receive payments individuals do not need to sign up or register; provide bank details; click links in emails or texts; or share personal information.

Phone scammers use common tactics to pressure victims to act.

They might claim to be from the Department for Work and Pensions, or DWP.

They will often tell them that they have to act immediately to avoid losing their payment.

If you feel rushed or stressed, hang up and take time to think.

Email and text scams may look like they come from official addresses and phone numbers, but thieves are able to clone and mask these.

Do not click links, scan QR codes or open attachments.

OAPs do not need to register, give any personal information or bank details to receive their Winter Fuel Payment.

If you think you may have been scammed, call your bank fraud department on 159.

If you have received a text and are concerned, you can call the Independent Age free helpline on 0800 3196789.

Solar & Tidal Predictions -

00:26 06:11 12:57 18:47 07:26 16:19

01:12 06:56 13:40 19:24 07:28 16:17

01:54 07:35 14:19 19:58 07:29 16:16

02:33 08:12 14:57 20:32 07:31 16:15

Hin business for successful furniture firm

usband and wife team Lucy and Mark first opened a furniture sales shop specialising in pine furniture in February 1995.

During the late 80s and 90s, pine was the furniture of choice.

From those early years, their initial business concept continued to grow and evolve.

Now celebrating 30 years in business, A World of Furniture stocks many top brands such as G Plan, La-Z-Btoy, Alstons, Sherborne, Silentnight, Sleepeezee and Highgrove.

The company has made looking after the environment and sustainability one of its top priorities in the last 20 years.

It has been awarded and recognised as a leader in the world of business-based ‘environmentalists’.

Lucy and Mark currently employ more than 25 staff, ‘all of whom are absolutely amazing,’ Mark says. He adds: “Lucy and I are so thankful for the opportunities and some success.”

“The furniture business and our daughters have shaped our lives. Life is a great leveller and we have faced many hurdles. I’m hopeful that, with the introduction of more furniture brands and our own brands, 2025 will be an improvement over the previous year. 2025 and beyond will see us ‘serving up’ more fantastic furniture and the growth of our mattress collection and recycling service.”

PUZZLES ISSUE 353

The Wessex Event Company presents... Bryanston Christmas Fair

The Wessex Event Company presents... Bryanston Christmas Fair

Sudoku 3D puzzle

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.

Sudoku Pro

Across

1 Claim without justification a quantity of money in the Home Counties (6)

4 Remove suspicion from inspector with second gun, say (6)

9 Bust-up excluding a polymathic comedian (3)

10 Manly trio working in ordinary state (9)

11 Prominent feature with a country in Asia (5)

12 Celebrated characteristic of popular restaurant? (7)

14 Function society held among transport people – entrepreneurial types? (11)

Killer Sudoku Pro

Down

1 Act upon dubious fact about iron (6)

2 Needles kept among rusty links (5)

3 Title many presented as wrong way of thinking (9)

5 First person put up poster for Cretan mountain (3)

6 English novelist largely skilful and friendly

7 Bay is choppy in Middle East perhaps (5)

8 Statue, say, gained by exciting male round Germany – an athletic award? (6,5)

13 Challenge meant to alter formal declaration

17 Break down in lane, say, after crashing (7)

18 Offer in section of hospital to remain (5)

20 Inspire enthusiasm in jaded male with suit? About time! (9)

22 Drink broth sparing nothing (3)

23 Some former miners in fur (6)

24 Good man keeping bay, say, in thoroughfare (6)

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.

15 Metal found shortly in middle of hut? (7)

16 Source of drink confusing to a pet (6)

17 Part of supermarket is swamped by drink

19 Paper lacking leader is matter under discussion (5)

21 Vase hidden by furniture (3)

We offer the highest quality residential, nursing and dementia care and would be delighted to welcome you for a tour of our award winning home.

At Pine Martin Grange, everything is included. From professional hairdressing and delicious, chef-cooked meals to coffee, cake and even trips out, our ladies and gentlemen enjoy a truly worry-free lifestyle. Entertainment, activities and refreshments are all part of our all-inclusive offering, setting us apart from other homes. As a luxury, award-winning care home in Wareham, we’re proud to offer exceptional care, comfort, companionship and peace of mind, where every detail is taken care of.

Please feel free to contact us on 01929 768204 or visit www.dormycare.co.uk

All Things Christmas

FESTIVE ARTISAN FESTIVE ARTISAN MARKET

NORDEN, CORFE CASTLE, BH20 5DT

Sat 22 & Sun 23 November

Sat 29 & Sun 30 November

Sat 6 & Sun 7 December

10am - 4pm Free Admission

Handcrafted Gifts by Local Makers

Complimentary Festive Drink

Wander through a winter gathering of Purbecks finest artisans. Sip something warm, browse something beautiful, and find unique gifts for your family and friends.

Robin Claridge Silver Jewellery

Mike Topham

Humorous wire pictures

David Hyde

Metal Garden Sculptures

Tim Rose Ceramic & Pastels

Julie Burns Appliqué Cushions & Xmas Decorations

Emily Clarke Vintage Textiles

Phil Hill, Luca Ciaramella & Stan Davis

Abstract Art

Look for our flags on A351 at Norden

Weekdays by Appointment Tele: 07889 247981 ///painting.blossom.perfumes.

Come and visit Norden for our Christmas Market

Christmas is coming and here in Norden, 1 mile north of Corfe Castle, a group of Purbeck Arts members have come together to bring colour and creativity to your search for innovative and lovely gifts for your family and friends. You don’t need to leave Purbeck, and no parking fees! You even get to enjoy a complimentary warming festive drink in our country setting as you leisurely browse a fabulous range of gifts made locally by our artisans.

Silver Jewellery / Ceramics / Humorous Wire Pictures / Applique Cushions / Lampshades and Bunting made from Vintage Textiles / Pastel Paintings of local scenes / Abstract Art / amazing fabric Christmas wreaths / Metal Garden Sculptures and so much more.

Also introducing 14 year old home schooled Luca Ciaramella, a young artist in full flight, always experimenting and always evolving, producing inspirational work using a spectrum of art methods to create spray painted pictures and upcycled retro pieces.

Christmas Fair at Bryanston School 22nd & 23rd November

After four years of running our hugely successful Bryanston Summer Fair, Wessex Events invite you to join us at our second Bryanston Christmas Fair on the 22nd and 23rd November.

With over 90 stands inside and out, selling food, drink, crafts and homeware gifts, this is the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping.

New this year will be our wooden reindeer making workshops

Local musicians Phil Smith, Shelley Edwards and Max Ellmore will be playing and singing throughout the weekend.

We also have our Street Food Area, where you can enjoy mid morning snacks and lunches, including Bratwurst, Thai Street Food, Dorset Lamb burgers and Crepes. All washed down with coffee, tea, soft drinks or gluwein. There is also lots for children to enjoy. Our children’s entertainment area will include a Frozen themed room, where kids can meet, and have their pictures taken with Elsa and Anya, who will be joined by Superheroes. They can also enjoy our craft room where they can make Christmas decorations, or have their face painted. In association with our sponsorship partner, Meyers Estates, our children’s areas will be raising money for this years charity.

As well as parking on site we are also running a Shuttle bus from Marsham car park, Blandford Town Centre starting at 10.00am and running all day.

The cost of entry is just £4 for Adults, with children under 16 free,

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

We would like to thank our sponsors , Taylor Wimpey. The Blackmore Vale Group and Meyers Estate Agents, for their support of this event.

All Things Christmas

Get ready for Christmas in Swanage

Swanage Railway

Throughout December

Enjoy the magical family experiences of the Father Christmas Yuletide Express and Christmas Carol Trains, plus the luxurious festive experience of the Christmas Belle. For more information visit www.swanagerailway.co.uk/events

Christmas on Swanage Pier

From 5th to 23rd December

The amazing ‘Lighting Up Lives’ is back! Visit Father Christmas with his real-life reindeer and donkeys. Plus live music and much much more! For more information visit www.swanagepiertrust.com

Artisans on the Beach

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 22nd November to 21st December

A unique location for a Christmas Fair. Local handcrafted items presented for sale by the Artisans themselves from the Swanage Beach Huts.

Durlston at Christmas

Throughout December

Lots of festive activities throughout December including the Crazy Christmas Activity Trial, Christmas Parkrun, Glass Engraving and a Christmas Craft drop-in. For more information and to book, visit www.durlston.co.uk

Swanage Christmas Lights Switch On

Saturday 29th November 3pm-4.30pm

Come and join in the fun as we switch on our festive lights.

Christmas Street Market

Saturday 6th December 10am-4pm

A traditional Christmas Street market run by the Rotary Charity.

And Don’t Forget...

Swanage is famous for its wide range of independent shops selling items you won’t find anywhere else.

Why not make a day of it and sample one of our cafes, restaurants, or pubs, or maybe just have fish and chips on our award winning beach.

For more information, please see visit-dorset.com/Swanage or for a full list of daily events over the Christmas period please contact: Swanage Information Centre 01929 766018 or welcome@swanage.gov.uk

Check out our Facebook page: Christmas in Swanage

Local, unique hand-crafted gifts presented for sale by the crafters themselves from the Swanage Beach Huts

Friday, Saturday and Sunday leading up to Christmas

Saturday 22nd November to Sunday 21st December

Proud suppliers or Grass Fed Isle of Purbeck Angus Beef, Purbeck Pork and Dorset Lambs. Orders being taken until Christmas Eve

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.

A Village Christmas to Remember at The Village Inn, Ulwell

Fresh from winning a Silver Award in the Family Business category at the Local Business Awards, The Village Inn at Ulwell is set to sparkle this December with festive cheer, live music and exceptional dining — the perfect place to celebrate Christmas with family and friends.

The Village Inn continues to build on its reputation for warm hospitality, great food, and a welcoming community spirit. Throughout December, guests can enjoy a delicious Christmas Party Menu featuring dishes such as Wild Boar Pâté with plum and brandy, Local Purbeck Venison Pie, and indulgent White Chocolate & Blackberry Brûlée Tart.

Special menus will also be served on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, with highlights including Roast Turkey with all the trimmings, Teriyaki Salmon, and Sweet Potato, Chestnut & Cranberry Loaf — all rounded off with homemade mince pies.

To make the season even more magical, the Village Inn will host a line-up of live festive music, including performances by Kelly Lorraine (13th Dec), Swing Easy Too (14th Dec), Sundrunk (20th Dec), and Karen G (21st Dec).

Families, couples, and groups are all welcome to enjoy the friendly festive atmosphere, roaring fires, and great local food that make The Village Inn a true Purbeck favourite. Book now on 01929 427644 or email bookings@thevillageinn.co.uk

Join us this Christmas for great food, good company, and a generous helping of festive spirit — it’s what the season’s all about.

6

Walking the dogs: A pleasant autumn day in Swanage PHOTO: Robin Boultwood

The deadly game of Q-Ships and U-Boats

AS November arrives, there is a sense of transition between seasons. The clocks have recently gone back, making the days noticeably shorter, and preparations for Christmas are becoming more pronounced. At the Lookouts, our own festive preparations are under way as we get ready to participate in the upcoming Christmas tree festivals in Langton Matravers and Swanage. Additionally, requests for volunteers to help at the Swanage Christmas market, scheduled for Saturday, December 6, have been posted on our noticeboard.

Alongside these preparations, we are also preparing to take part in the town’s annual Remembrance Parade, on Sunday, November 11. On November 11, at exactly 11am, our watchkeepers will pause for the two minutes silence. This act of remembrance, observed across the nation, is a poignant tribute to all those who have served and lost their lives in conflicts, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.

This time of year invites reflection, particularly on what life would have been like at the Lookouts during significant moments in history, such as the Second World War. At Swanage, the coastguards who vigilantly kept watch over the sea would have shared their duties with soldiers stationed to man the guns and searchlights safeguarding the approach to Poole Harbour. The skies and waters would have been busy, especially before D-Day, as Studland was a key training ground, with a constant movement of vessels and aircraft marking the urgency of those days.

During this period, all coastguards operated under the

by Nick Reed

command of the Royal Navy. The team stationed at St Albans played a crucial part in monitoring the approaches to Portland Harbour. Their responsibilities extended beyond maritime observation, as they also shared their site with scientists and personnel from the radar research station at RAF Worth Matravers, highlighting the collaborative efforts essential to national defence.

AMONG those veterans whose actions inspire us is Chief Petty Officer

Ernest Pitcher VC. Born in Cornwall, Pitcher moved to Swanage in infancy when his father transferred to the Coastguard Station at Peveril Point. He entered the Royal Navy at the age of 15 and became one of the first Q-ship recruits in 1915.

significant risk, and casualties among crews were high.

As the war progressed, Pitcher was steadily promoted and achieved the rank of petty officer. Taking part in several Q-Ship engagements, his performance under fire led to commendations, including a Mention in Despatches and the Distinguished Service Medal.

On August 8, 1917, Pitcher was aboard HMS Dunraven, under the command of Captain Gordon Campbell. Campbell was one of the deadliest Q-Ship skippers and had destroyed three U-Boats in previous actions, winning the VC for one of them.

hidden and concealed so as not to give the game away, even lifting live ammunition off the burning deck onto their knees to prevent it exploding in the heat.

Before Dunraven had a chance to spring its trap, another shell made a direct hit on Pitcher’s turret and blew it sky-high. Despite the devastation, the gun crew survived. Pitcher and another crew member were blown into the air but landed on mock railway trucks constructed from wood and canvas, which cushioned their fall.

Dunraven ran up the White Ensign and unmasked her guns, but UC-71 dived and slammed a torpedo into her. Ablaze and sinking, Campbell sent away a second ‘panic party’ and stayed aboard with a skeleton crew, hoping to lure UC-71 close enough to destroy. UC-71 surfaced and fired into Dunraven for 20 minutes to finish her off. Campbell could not bring his remaining guns to bear and had to endure the punishment. By afternoon, Allied destroyers arrived and began towing her to safety, but Dunraven could not be saved. She sank in the early hours of the next day.

For his actions during this engagement, Petty Officer Pitcher was awarded the Victoria Cross by ballot of the gun crew, a rare and significant honour. Pitcher was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre and the Médaille Militaire.

Q-Ships were vessels disguised as merchant ships designed to present easy targets for German U-boats. They were actually well armed and when a U-boat surfaced, the Q-ship dropped the camouflage hiding its armament and opened fire. This assignment involved

Patrolling the entrance to the English Channel, Dunraven was spotted by UC-71. The submarine surfaced and opened fire. Campbell launched his ‘panic party’ – men rowing away to sell the illusion the ship was abandoned – and waited for UC-71 to get close enough to ambush.

A shell from submarine’s gun struck the Dunraven’s deck where Pitcher’s gun was disguised. This started a fire that threatened to set off the ammunition below. Pitcher and his crew held their positions,

Retiring from the Navy in 1929, Pitcher returned to Swanage where he worked in a local school before becoming the landlord of the Royal Oak, in Herston. When the Second World War broke out, he rejoined the Navy, serving at Portland and Yeovilton. Sadly, by now his health began to deteriorate and he died in 1947. He is buried in Northbrook Cemetery, Swanage, next to his wife and daughter.

This is St Alban’s Head NCI and Swanage NCI remembering the sacrifice of previous generations. NCI out.

Chief Petty Officer Ernest Pitcher VC (left) his headstone and HMS Dunraven

Playwright opens for cricket society

by Paul Pearson

DORSET Cricket Society’s 23rd season opened with an entertaining afternoon with former county cricketer, retired headmaster and playwright

James Graham-Brown.

James attended Sevenoaks School and excelled at cricket, joining Kent’s ground staff where Les Ames, former England cricketer and Kent club secretary/manager, encouraged him to continue his education while playing for Kent’s second 11.

James made his senior debut for Kent in 1974, playing in the winning team in the 1975

Gillette Cup final.

He could not drive in those early Kent days and was driven to Kent games by cricket legend Colin Cowdrey, who drove a Daimler, MCC 307!

After six years he moved on to Derbyshire but soon changed career, becoming a teacher at Bournemouth School for Boys.

He then moved to headteacherships at Truro and Bath, continuing to play Minor Counties cricket.

As a headmaster James started to write plays using the

Good weights all round for juniors

by Graham Howard, DDAS junior secretary

EIGHT juniors from Dorchester and District Angling Society fished round 10 of the 2025 junior points championship at Whitemoor Lakes, near Wimborne.

The sun warmed competitors after the recent rain and, although water conditions were much cooler, the fish were on form to give everyone a good day of fishing.

Even the lowest weights were close to 10lb, so the weigh-in was a close call for the minor points placings with all the juniors catching plenty of fish.

Josh Roe planned his match well and achieved a convincing victory over main championship rival Austin Scott-Kennedy with a winning weight of 46lb 14oz.

Scott-Kennedy kept his title

chances alive in second with a weigh of 31lb 14oz, although his championship lead has now been reduced to just seven points with two matches remaining.

Third was newcomer, Dougie Francis, fishing in his first ever match. Dougie fished extremely well to put a tidy 23lb 8oz on the scales, good enough for 17 championship points.

The last rounds of the championship are at Viaduct Fishery and Harbourbridge Lakes with the season set to go down to the last match again.

For fishery information, go to whitemoorlakes.co.uk

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

nom de plume of Dougie Blaxland to give him some anonymity from his pupils!

Many of his plays had a sporting background and a hidden meaning.

He has written more than 30 plays which have been performed across the UK.

The Professional Cricketer’s Association approached him to write two plays to help the mental health of cricketers who had retired or given up the game because of injury.

They were about former England cricketers Colin Milburn, When The Eye Has Gone, and Chris Lewis, The

Long Walk Back.

The play for Milburn was performed at all 18 county cricket grounds before going on tour, with the play for Lewis first performed at HM Portland Prison.

Lewis attended all the plays on tour and took part in question and answer sessions after each.

Another notable play was Getting the Third Degree about the footballer Laurie Cunningham, with racism as the subject.

The Big Issue requested a play about homelessness, which became Unknown, and Hands Up For Jonny Wilkinson’s Right Foot was about a 1900s Cornish rugby player who suffered social and racial prejudice.

A long Q and A rounded off a wonderful afternoon’s entertainment.

Josh Roe achieved 1st place with 46lb 14oz

Telling It Like It Is

Motorists beware car parks fraud

DO you park and shop in Poole? If so, you need to be aware that fraudulent QR codes have been placed on pay machines and tariff signs at Dear Hay Lane car park and Seldown car park. Poole Police said: "QR codes are 2D barcodes, once scanned via a smartphone they redirect you to a website.

"Fraudsters are utilising these barcodes to phish for information for financial gain, it's called 'QR Code Phishing'. The fraudster places a QR code on a parking meter which then directs the user to a malicious website pretending to be a method of payment for the car park. These particular stickers falsely used the Ring Go logo."

I don’t know whether the fraudsters have reached Purbeck yet. But no doubt they’ll get here in time. So, we urge you to not scan the codes and instead resort to the 'legitimate' payment methods displayed. Shame they’re taking away the good old-fashioned idea of using money!

THE saga of Poole’s Twin Sails bridge continues. The bridge has been plagued by issues since it opened – seems like it’s about six months out of 12.

Very disappointing to see the long-awaited repairs to the Twin Sails Bridge will be funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy – the charge local authorities place on developments to fund new

by David Hollister

infrastructure like schools, roads and parks. Feels like poor design and/or manufacture, so surely accountability must be with the designers and builders, not out of the public purse. But no, let's cancel repairs to schools, surgeries, road improvements and so on to cover the failure and shame of what can only be described as the council's vanity project. Maybe the clue is in the name ‘twin sails’ – what do sails do in the wind?

So, do you shop and park in Poole? Seems to me that Swanage and Wareham are better bets!

SWANAGE’S

Emporium, in Kings Road East, which raises funds for The Loft and its community hub, took over the former Tawny’s wine bar in summer 2025 but was forced to close down suddenly when concerns were raised about the condition of the building. This led on to months of renovation work and it is planned to open a new community cafe fairly soon. The Emporium team – Howard Tizard and Trevor Linger and a band of dedicated volunteers and staff – has worked tirelessly to improve the space, installing new ceilings, electrics, lighting and a fire alarm system. Lesser people would have been deterred by the huge amount of work the council’s safety people required, including hanging cables, plumbing issues and so on – but

not Howard and Trevor, they just got stuck in and now it’s done.

The Emporium has now reopened, with access from Kings Road to its new upper floor on the High Street, almost doubling the shop floor space, allowing more room to display house clearance goods.

The team have now been fully approved by the fire officer to open the shop, all the electrics and fire alarm system have been checked and signed off, which approvals they were waiting for before they could let people come through. Howard said: “We reopened for the weekend of the blues festival and it was buzzing, there were so many people about, which was a bonus for us, and The Emporium has been a lot busier than before. We missed the high season, but the High Street is becoming a much livelier area after Selina moved in with her flowers at Tied and the guys at The Narrows created a real buzz – it seems to have become the grown up part of Swanage!”

FOR almost 60 years, The Mowlem has stood strong in the face of everything the weather can throw at it, hosting community groups, movies, charitable occasions, supporting local causes and has been a meeting place for the people of Swanage and beyond. But now, it has a major problem. The roof has been leaking for a while – and it's getting worse. As leaky roofs usually do!

Temporary repairs have been affected, but now it needs doing properly and finally.

They have done all they could with temporary fixes, but they’re no longer enough. Without urgent repairs, they face the very real possibility of cancelling shows, damaging key equipment or even closing the building.

Executive director, Kate McGregor, said: “The work we need to do is really vital. If we don't manage to raise money to do it, it's going to be really tricky for us to continue our work.”

The fundraiser, labelled ‘Raise the Roof’, has already exceeded the halfway mark on its donation

page on Crowdfunder.

When they set their target at £10,000, they expected it would be a big challenge and take the full six weeks to reach. They never imagined they’d hit their goal with 28 days still to go. The original £10,000 crowdfunder was intended as part of a wider fundraising effort, but thanks to the public’s generosity, they’re now able to aim even higher.

So, they have lifted the crowdfunder target to £15,000 – it will give those who still want to contribute the chance to do so, and to help The Mowlem get even closer to achieving its goal.

Kate said: “Please keep spreading the word – we still have lots of lovely rewards to give out! And thank you once again for making this such an extraordinary time for the Mowlem."

AND finally. We live in strange and unusual times. This so-called Christian country no longer appears to be run on Christian principles. How does our daily prayer go? “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Well, I am no supporter of Andrew – the idiot formerly known as ‘Prince‘– who has been well and truly hoisted by his own petard. He really got what was coming to him, he lost his title, his honours, his home and his birthright. We should be grateful that this didn’t happen in the lifetime of his mother, the lovely Queen Elizabeth ll. Virginia Giuffre has received £12 million and doubtless the sale of her books and her stories will drag in a good deal more. But at what point does ‘Telling It like It Is’ become vindictive?

In my view – ‘Telling It Like It Is’ – it’s time to stop. He has nothing left to lose. It all went down the drain with his honour and dignity. Let him retire to his tiny house in Norfolk, by courtesy of his brother, the King. Never forget – but forgive him his many trespasses as we ourselves would beg to be forgiven.

Enough is enough.

Victory on ferry company toll hikes

WHEN we first heard about the Studland-Sandbanks ferry company’s plan to hike tolls and introduce a new toll for simply using Ferry Road, the mood across Purbeck was clear – this is completely unacceptable.

It was unfair to try to restrict access to the road approaching the ferry and unaffordable for the ferry company to look to slash the discounts offered for frequent users. The increased cost here would hit local people the hardest, making it more expensive to live, work and move around Dorset. For many of us, the Studland-Sandbanks ferry is not a luxury, but an essential service.

So, we spoke up. And I’m proud to say that our voices

have made a real difference. After months of campaigning, hundreds of objections and an Inquiry that put our concerns under the spotlight, this Labour Government has delivered a final decision that is much fairer and more affordable.

The Labour Government has scrapped the ferry company’s proposals to introduce a new toll when using Ferry Road. This means Ferry Road will remain free for everyone to access and enjoy. I am so pleased that local people will continue to be able to easily visit the beaches and unique nature around Studland. And this positive decision will help to protect local businesses in the area also.

On the issue of tolls for using the ferry, the outcome is

also encouraging. Instead of the ridiculous 75% toll hike put forward by ferry bosses for pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists, the rise has been set at 18% by the Government. That means tolls will move from £1 to £1.18. Still an increase, but far from the hike we feared.

After months of campaigning, I successfully made the case to protect the discount when bulk buying tickets for the ferry service.

The ferry company was looking to reduce this discount significantly, but the Government agreed with my campaign that these unaffordable proposals must also be scrapped. Maintaining this discount will go some way to keeping the cost down when using the ferry.

Looking ahead, the Department for Transport has hinted that future decisions concerning the StudlandSandbanks ferry service could be transferred to Dorset Council, which would certainly help to ensure greater public oversight of this important service.

Together, we have made sure that the ferry service remains more affordable and accessible for everyone. I am thrilled there will be no new toll on Ferry Road, and no changes to the discount when bulk buying tickets. This is good news for our part of the world. I will always stand up for local people, so we get a fair deal.

LLOYD HATTON Labour MP for South Dorset

Local Plan and second homes issue

AT the time of writing, the public consultation on the draft Dorset Local Plan has just closed and there have been high levels of engagement across Dorset. In some areas, such as Verwood and Dorchester, attendance at public meetings was so high that people were turned away at the door and repeat meetings needed to be arranged. The Swanage drop-in event was perhaps more low key by comparison but was well-attended, reflecting a good level of local interest.

The more measured response in Purbeck may well be a reflection of the relatively lesser impact on the area than others across Dorset. Proposed developments are limited to the bigger local centres of Swanage – 400-plus houses, Wareham –600-plus, and Wool – 800-plus – and while each of these would undoubtedly have an impact on the local areas they are significantly smaller than developments planned elsewhere to meet the Government’s target to build 3,246 houses a year. We already

know that some proposed housing sites will likely be deemed unsuitable for development and therefore excluded from the final plan submitted to government at the end of 2026, thus further reducing the Purbeck allocations.

Smaller developments will be encouraged on the edges of the larger villages such as Corfe Castle and Langton Matravers, but these are likely to be contained by the environmental protections afforded by the Dorset National Landscape and SSSI designations.

Of course, building houses should not be viewed in a purely negative light. Housing availability in Purbeck is a perpetual issue that has yet to be solved at any scale. We need the right housing – at the right prices – built in the right areas to service local demand and fuel economic growth, supported by appropriate infrastructure and services. For the Dorset Local Plan to service this need there are critical elements that need further development prior to the

next public consultation in mid-2026:

- Development of policies regarding the provision of truly affordable housing that reflects local need – not just as a percentage of total houses.

- Tie in with the Dorset Council Economic Growth Framework for Market Towns – Wareham, Wool – and Coastal Towns – Swanage – to increase the draw to working-age population and stimulate economic growth.

- Policy support in favour of small-scale rural development by community-led schemes, such as Community Lands Trusts, as well as by local builders/craftsmen.

- Further details on the provision of infrastructure and services to accompany housing, including investment in transport infrastructure.

- Clarity on the protection from development of environmental designations such as the Dorset National Landscape and SSI – including Heathlands.

Of greatest concern,

however, is that in superseding the Purbeck Local Plan – passed by Dorset Council in 2024 –developments in Purbeck will lose the protections of the ‘Second Homes’ or ‘Primary Residence’ policy that specifies that new housing developments within the Dorset National Landscape should be sold only as permanent homes, not second homes or short-term rentals. This policy is not intended to deter second home owners –there are plenty of existing Purbeck properties waiting to be snapped up – but it is to ensure that we are not just building houses but creating sustainable communities. I will be urging Dorset Council to give due consideration to retaining this policy for the entire Dorset National Landscape and consider its application elsewhere along coastal regions.

CLLR BEN WILSON Ward member for South East Purbeck; portfolio holder for Corporate Development & Transformation

Food & Drink

Confidence in food safety is on the rise

NEARLY 19 out of 20 people are confident the food they buy is safe to eat, according to a Food Standards Agency survey.

The latest Food and You 2 survey, conducted between October 2024 and February 2025, found that 94% of respondents were confident in the safety of what they purchase.

This is a higher proportion than in the previous three surveys, which found that between 88-90% of respondents were confident.

This is the highest level of public confidence in food safety recorded since the Food and You 2 project began in 2020.

Public confidence has also grown in other key areas.

86% of respondents said they were confident that the information on food labels is accurate, up from 81-83% in the previous three surveys.

35% of respondents to the Food Standards Agency survey said they had started eating more fruit and vegetables

Consumer confidence in the food supply chain has also risen to 77% of respondents in the latest survey, up from between 68-72% in the previous three surveys.

FSA chief executive, Katie Pettifer, said: “These findings show that the public has strong confidence in food safety, which is very encouraging to see.

“Our job is to protect people by making sure food is safe and what it says it is, and this trust reflects the hard work across the food system.

“We’ll keep working closely with industry, local authorities

and wider government to maintain and strengthen this trust.”

The report found that 83% of respondents were confident the FSA can be relied upon to protect the public from foodrelated risks, up from 78-79% in the previous three surveys.

81% were confident the FSA takes appropriate action if a risk is identified and 77% were confident the FSA is committed

to communicating openly with the public about food-related risks.

Other notable findings in the report include:

n The most common changes to eating habits reported by respondents were that they had eaten less processed food (47%), started eating more fruit and/or vegetables (35%) and started minimising food waste (35%).

n 70% of respondents reported that they always wash their hands before preparing or cooking food, and 92% reported that they always wash their hands immediately after handling raw meat, poultry or fish.

n 65% of respondents reported that they always check use-by dates before they cook or prepare food and 60% of respondents correctly reported that their fridge temperature should be between 0-5 degrees Celsius.

Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, 80% of respondents were classified as food secure and 20% of respondents were classified as food insecure.

Meanwhile, 3% of respondents reported that they had used a food bank or other emergency food provider in the last 12 months.

Real ale lovers’ favourite pubs

REAL ale group West Dorset

CAMRA has announced that the Thimble Inn, Piddlehinton, has won its 2025 Beer Drinkers’ Pub of the Year award given to the pub that consistently serves the best well-kept cask conditioned real ale.

Campaign for Real Ale members judge pubs throughout the year through a national beer scoring system via the CAMRA website Whatpub?

Every month the scores are presented at CAMRA branch meetings and over the past year the Thimble Inn has stood out as consistently good.

Licensee, Emma-Jayne Trawicki, said: “We are

incredibly grateful to have been chosen as CAMRA’s Beer Drinkers’ Pub of the Year.

“Our team work tirelessly to make The Thimble a welcoming environment where everyone can come and enjoy a good pint.

“It is fantastic that we have been recognised by CAMRA for this.”

The award was announced in conjunction with the launch of CAMRA’s The Good Beer Guide 2026 and national Cask Ale week.

West Dorset CAMRA spokesperson, Rich Gabe, said: “Overall beer quality in West Dorset is getting consistently better year by year and this

award is a reflection of the good cellarmanship at the Thimble Inn.

“This is only the second year we have presented this award and there was a lot of strong competition.”

Other pubs in West Dorset to make the 2026 Good Beer Guide include Pursuit of Hoppiness, Ropemakers, Tiger Inn and The Woodman in Bridport; and the Rock Point in Lyme Regis.

Dorchester has The Bakers Arms, Copper St Brewery Tap and Tom Browns with guide regular The Digby Tap in Sherborne.

Weymouth has The Doghouse Micro and The

Dolphin Hotel with The George Inn, Portland.

The Fox Inn at Corscombe, and Winyards Gap Inn, Chedington, heading towards the Crewkerne/Somerset border, and The Three Horseshoes at Burton Bradstock, along the Weymouth to Bridport coast road, also feature.

Last year’s winner, The Sailor’s Return at Chaldon Herring, keeps its place in the guide for selling excellent consistent beer.

The CAMRA Good Beer Guide is the only guide that promotes pubs on beer quality alone – publicans cannot pay to be included in the publication.

Meditations in nature: The incredible power of water

by Susanna Curtin

IN the words of a friend of mine, ‘I am a westerling’ –someone whose natural inclination is to ‘head west’. The western fringes of our glorious Isles have always called me to their realms for they are governed by their magnificent sunsets, high remote moorlands, temperate rainforests and wild jagged coastlines carved out by the ravages of the North Atlantic Ocean. So it is with a happy heart that I headed west to Devon and Cornwall for a few days, and to places I have long associated with happy times spent with loved ones.

However, on my journey home from Cornwall, I decide to take a short detour to visit Lydford Gorge, a secret wonderland hidden on the edge of Dartmoor. It is a place I have heard so much about but not yet visited until now. The gorge at Lydford is the deepest river gorge in the south west and was formed 460,000 years ago when the River Lyd ‘captured’ a smaller parallel river called the Burn. This rerouted the Lyd and provided it with a shorter and steeper path to follow. The force of the newly combined Lyd and Burn gave it enormous erosive powers that have created whirlpools, potholes and waterfalls. This is all amid a vibrant green, temperate rainforest that makes it feel like Tolkien’s Middle Earth and contributes to the myths and legends of Alfred the Great, the

Vikings, a bandit gang called the Gubbins, fairies, pixies and a ghost of a white lady.

Having donned my walking boots and paid my entrance fees, I begin to enjoy the wooded paths that descend into the gorge. The cliffs that tower above its surface are not the granite that I imagined, but sandstones, mudstones and limestones – softer rocks that have succumbed to the incredible forces of the river that has invaded them over millennia. Following the recent rains, this deep river valley is dripping with the sound of trickling water, either flowing in small waterfalls or as constant drops that edge their way through the thick green mosses, lichens and vegetation that cling to the hillsides. Behind these curtains of greenery, the rocks have been polished silky smooth by the streams that continually stroke their surface. Around and above me are ancient oak trees and towering beeches that stretch towards the light from the shade of the valley floor – their leaves carpeting the path in orange, russet hues.

As I descend further and turn a corner, I am greeted by the cascading White Lady waterfall, a 30-metre delight created by a small tributary of the River Lyd. Approaching this famous spot, I can feel the temperature drop from the cool spray filling the air. Getting closer, the sound of smashing water against the smooth black rock dominates my consciousness. What is it

about waterfalls, I wonder, that make them so captivating? I instinctively move closer, mesmerised by the constant sound over which nothing can compete. For a moment, I am totally awestruck by this natural phenomenon and the tiny rainbow that hovers above it.

The humidity from this waterfall and the deep gorge have created a microclimate of temperate rainforest characterised by high rainfall and humidity, and low variations in temperature. Our rainforests in the UK are part of the Coastal Temperate Rainforest biome which makes up less than 1% of the planet. It is globally rare and only occurs where there is an oceanic climate. As a habitat, it is more threatened than tropical rainforest. But here in the UK, it can be found in small pockets along our western seaboard. This unique habitat can contain more than 200 species of bryophytes, that is, plants that live on trees such as mosses, ferns and liverworts, and 100-200 species of lichen and fungi. But one of the most endearing things about them is that the trees are often totally covered in a luxurious, huggable, furry moss that

engenders a verdant green light and a spiritual calmness. Before leaving Lydford Gorge, I make my way to the last and most exciting of its landmarks, the Devil’s Cauldron. This is the deepest part of the ravine where the river twists and turns, then plunges and dives through narrow gaps and into deep potholes. The rock faces are covered with life and constantly drip with water. Although the path here is steep, narrow and slippery, the drama calls you forward along the trail where the river turns from a quiet stream into a raging torrent that thunders through a deep narrow passage. I am here alone in this dank place and for a moment I feel like I have been cast to the Underworld. As I look above me, only a tiny patch of light is visible beyond the dark, dripping, green mossy cliffs. Shuddering, I turn tail and make my way out of these fusty depths marvelling at the incredible power of water to hollow out such a deep narrow gorge and a bubbling cauldron. Leaving this incredible place behind, thoughts of home are very appealing.

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

The Devil’s Cauldron, Lydford Gorge, (left) and the White Lady waterfall (above)

Health & Wellbeing

Nutrient-rich nettles make a delicious soup

by Fiona Chapman

WITH the onset of autumn, comes a new crop of nettles, much to my husband’s annoyance, who thought that one strim would get rid of them all. This is nature telling us we should be making the most of these autumn flushes of green things to make our bodies strong for the winter months. Nettles are full of nutrients that the body needs, including iron, magnesium, calcium, selenium, chlorophyll and vitamins A, B, C, E and K, to name a few. They are incredibly good for us and strengthen the blood. They are also brilliant for those who

suffer hay fever, as they have anti-histamine properties.

I thought I should make the most of this abundance and made a delicious nettle and pea soup and thought I would share the recipe.

One large onion and four cloves of garlic chopped and cooked gently in a splash of olive oil. Add one de-seeded and chopped chilli. Once nice and translucent, add a tablespoon of turmeric –extremely good for inflammation in the body as well as strengthening the blood and an antioxidant – and a good lot of black, freshly ground

pepper. (This is needed, along with the oil, to increase the bioavailability of the curcumin in the turmeric). Add one peeled and chopped organic celeriac and two tins of organic coconut oil with filtered water to make sure the celeriac is well covered. Cook until the celeriac is soft. Add a colander full of freshly picked – with gloves – and washed nettle tops and half a small packet of peas. Drop in a couple of organic vegetable stock cubes to give a bit of body. Cook until the nettles are soft, but not too long otherwise you lose the lovely green colour of the nettles and peas. Then blitz the whole lot up with a good pinch or so of

Himalayan sea salt.

This makes a thick and sustaining soup that is incredibly good for strengthening the body and blood. I toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds as well and popped them on top. You could add goat’s cheese and let it melt in, or parmesan, to give an added bit of flavour and protein. It also makes you chew the soup. I find I can gulp soup down with lots of air, which can make for a very uncomfortable tummy, so something to slow intake down helps enormously! n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com).

Nettles are in plentiful supply at this time of year

Time: Friend or foe?

by Nicole Asghar

WHY is it that time is often seen as the enemy? As something to fight against, something that steals our youth, or appeal, and value. Society tells us that to stay relevant, we must be able to update and renew, conditioning us to believe that age, in any form, equals decline. Ideas become irrelevant, properties cautious and people uninteresting. How have we got this so wrong? What if time isn’t our foe, but our most loyal friend, one that reveals new approaches, ideas and, of course, wisdom. We don’t question the beauty of an ancient oak tree, its roots intertwined with history. Our eyes widen at the beauty of a vintage car passing by, our tastebuds respond to the depth of flavour in an older wine. We treasure the worn pages of a favourite book, the crackle of an old record or a family recipe passed down through generations, seasoned with memory and love. Time doesn’t

diminish these things – it refines them.

So why do we struggle to see the same beauty in ourselves, in each other? Our preoccupation – or, in fact, neural predisposition – with novelty can leave us dissatisfied, always reaching for the next thing instead of appreciating what has been shaped and softened by years gone by.

To see time as a friend, we might need to slow down and listen. Sit with someone who has lived a little longer. Ask questions. Explore old music without wincing at the sound quality! To read something written before your time, and wander through antique shops or historic towns. These experiences show us that the phrase ‘wisdom comes with age’ only happens with a perception shift, an openness and a desire to look beyond the smooth and shiny.

What might it be like if we begin to see time as something to trust?

‘Trust in the process’ is often said in the therapy world, and it can be incredibly challenging for various reasons. So perhaps, for today, we simply start by being open to a perception shift, away from novelty-seeking and ‘inviting in the new’, and towards cherishing what has come before this moment. Out with the new and in with the old?

If you have any thoughts on

this topic, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to get in touch. n Nicole Asghar is a Dorsetbased therapist working online and around Bournemouth. Specialising in neurodivergence, trauma, yoga and nervous system regulation, she helps clients reconnect with themselves and with others. Get in touch via nicole@ ourluminousminds.com or www. ourluminousminds.com

Therapy farm gets a helping hand

AN animal charity in Purbeck that strives to improve visitors’ wellbeing has received a helping hand from a care home provider.

Purbeck Animal Assisted Learning Services (PAALS) allows individuals of all ages to experience the healing power of nature and animals through hands-on experiences, and not-for-profit charity Care South has donated £900 to support its work.

Residents from Dorset House care home in Hamworthy, and other homes Care South runs, have visited the therapy farm and met horses, goats, sheep and pigs.

Care South’s Community Fund donation was presented to Cheryl Dennett, who runs PAALS, by Care South chief executive, Simon Bird, and

lifestyle and activities lead, Charlotte Mitchell, alongside residents and the team at Dorset House.

Cheryl said: “We are so grateful to Care South for this generous donation. Our work is all about improving wellbeing through meaningful connections with animals and nature.

“It is wonderful to see the way residents’ faces light up as soon as they see the animals and then they talk about how relaxed they feel as they stroke and brush our horses.

“The support from Care South helps us continue to offer these experiences to people of all ages and abilities.”

Mr Bird said: “We are delighted to support Cheryl and the team at PAALS through our community fund.

“Our residents have had

wonderful experiences at the farm, and it is clear to see the joy and comfort interaction with animals brings them.

“At Care South, we are keen

to help residents engage with their local community, and as many of them love animals, this is a perfect activity for them to enjoy.”

The Care South team and residents hand a cheque to PAALS PHOTO: Care South

Look beyond the smooth and shiny, wisdom does come with age

Winter jasmine a real ‘toughie’

by Sally Gregson

AS we adapt to the cold, dark months ahead, it’s good to welcome flowers that brave the November weather with a smile on their faces. And, justifiably, they are widely grown. Winter jasmine bears sunshine yellow flowers on bare green stems through the darkest months into February. It’s good to plant it where it is seen by everyone every day.

Not only is winter jasmine, Jasminum nudiflorum, a real ‘toughie’, but it will be happy to grow wherever it finds itself, providing it’s not too shaded. Little bits can be taken off larger plants and dug into any unsuspecting corner, whatever the type of soil – thin poor sand or heavy clay. You need never be without it.

However, bringing a little

discipline to such a happy-golucky plant only increases its appeal. It has a great desire to grow upwards but lacks any means of remaining vertical – no twining branches, no thorns, nor any perpendicular

strength. If it’s grown against a wall it will need to be kept upright with wires or tied into a trellis. Alternatively, it can look very beautiful if allowed to trail over the sides of a large pot or the edge of a low wall.

Winter jasmine can become bare in places if it is not pruned after flowering from time to time. Once the spring has warmed up, cut back the long, flowered stems to encourage the plant to produce side shoots. These will flower the following winter.

There is a golden variegated form. Jasminum nudiflorum Aureum which is a little less vigorous, and the variegation brings out the colour of the flowers very well. Whereas winter jJasmine is very easy to propagate simply by digging out rooted shoots and planting, or potting them up separately, it is important to ensure that stems of J. nudiflorum ‘Aureum’ are typically variegated. They do not ‘variegate up’, that is, green shoots will not become variegated as the plant roots and grows.

It is a pleasant task to keep on top of winter jasmine, and it will provide its jaunty flowers for weeks. A little jug of sunny yellow blossom on the kitchen table will always bring a smile to the lips on a dark winter morning.

Starting a vegetable plot

by Sally Gregson

THERE are countless books and innumerable websites devoted to growing vegetables. So much so that it can be quite daunting. Where to start? What to plant? How much work and effort will a vegetable garden take? And have you got the time? Regardless of the answers, once you have tasted fresh vegetables grown within feet of your kitchen, you will be converted.

It’s wisest to begin small and grow, rather than start by clearing an enormous area. A few vegetables planted in the border could provide a welcome addition to any meal. But it does help to prepare the places you are going to use, and to sow and grow plants that will both be welcomed by the family and be easy to

grow. Now, in autumn, is the time to clear the spaces between the perennials, checking there are no hidden bulbs below the surface. Rake in some garden compost, then sit back and browse the seed catalogues. Alternatively, if a bigger area is required, the same preparations need to be done.

The organic method of discouraging weeds is to cover the area with sheets of plain cardboard

Clean the area of perennial weeds – the docks, dandelions, nettles and any other unwanted bullies. Ensure their roots are taken out completely so they don’t get the wrong idea. And throw the debris away, not on the compost heap. Try to ensure these persistent weeds don’t have a chance to set seed or you might be shocked at their opportunism.

Once the area has been weeded, the organic method of discouraging them is to cover the area with sheets of plain cardboard. Large boxes can be dismantled and laid out on the ground, robbing any seedlings of light. By spring, the cardboard will have decomposed and the ground beneath should be ready to grow vegetables.

Seed merchants advertise their wares online from the onset of winter. Their seeds are stored correctly – not in a greenhouse with its extremes of temperature. And they have a will to grow once they are sown in the ground at the right time or in a heated propagator a little earlier. There is a great art to growing vegetables and success brings its own rewards.

Winter jasmine braves the November weather with a smile on its face

Thinking of planting a tree?

Now’s the time to do it

A TREE in a garden is often the focal point and so of huge importance.

If you’re thinking of planting a tree, this is a great time of year to do it.

A fear for those who only have a small space is that it won’t fit, but a good number of varieties are suitable for such a spot.

In choosing a tree for a small garden, it is important to me that it has multiple features, and it has to look good for a long time during the year.

My list of wants would include flowers, interesting foliage, fruit or berries and interesting bark.

Many trees flower in spring, including the Flowering Mays or Hawthorns.

Whereas a number will have pink or red flowers, or even double pink, my favourite is Crataegus orientalis, which has single white flowers.

It also has silvery foliage and then as the autumn comes round so the fruit begins to colour up into wonderful yellows, oranges and reds.

They remind me of a frosted Christmas decoration as the effect is dramatic and evokes all the warm thoughts of a perfect autumn and winter.

The tree will only ever grow to about 10 feet, so perfect for the smaller space.

With early clusters of white spring flowers in abundance, the Amelanchier is also useful where space is limited.

Several varieties are available and range from the loose-branched Amelanchier canadenisis to the neat upright Robin Hill.

The flowers appear just before the bronze young leaf growth.

Autumn colours from the foliage are assisted by red fruits.

Some large shrubs also can be useful – particularly those that are upright in growth.

One such is the winterflowering Viburnum fragrans – also known as Farreri.

This tall slim shrub colours up nicely in the autumn and then, after the leaves have fallen, pink and white flowers appear.

These are highly scented, giving an extra boost to the winter garden.

When planting, give the tree a good start with a large planting hole, plenty of compost and a few spoonfuls of

Rootgrow. A low stake is preferred to allow the tree to move, which will encourage the formation of a good root system.

MIKE BURKS, managing director of The Gardens Group

ALL ASPECTS OF LANDSCAPING, 07920-514403. WWW.LYONSLANDSCAPES.CO.UK

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‘Little to no improvement’ in road death stats

NEW figures released by the Department for Transport show that 1,602 people were killed on Britain’s roads last year.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at The AA, said: “Every death and serious injury on our roads is a tragedy.

“Sadly, the figures show little to no improvement to reduce the number of people injured on our roads, and highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive road safety strategy.

Motoring Councils make

“Motorcyclist fatalities rose by 8% in a year, while pedestrian deaths increased by 1%.

“More needs to be done to help protect vulnerable road users to ensure they get to their destinations safely.”

The figures also show that fatal and serious injuries for young drivers and their passengers remain disproportionately high when compared to other drivers.

The 2024 Young Driver Factsheet said: “In 2024,

£1.189 billion

from parking

NEW official figures show that councils made £1.189 billion in profit from off-street and

on-street parking – up from £1.043 billion last year and £0.896 billion just before covid.

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passenger casualties accounted for 21% of all KSI – killed or seriously injured – casualties from a collision involving at least one younger car driver.

“By comparison, for collisions involving other aged car drivers, passenger KSI casualties accounted for 14% of all KSI casualties in 2024.”

Rural roads remain a particular risk for young drivers, with 49% killed or seriously injured on them, compared to 42% for other drivers.

Total income, revealed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, shows that drivers across the UK forked out £2.338 billion to English councils for parking.

That compares with £2.075 billion last year and £1.758 billion in 2019-20.

London councils hauled in £1.065 billion in income, making up 46% of the total in England.

One in six (17%) of younger drivers involved in a serious crash was not wearing their seatbelt, compared to 6% for those aged 50 and above.

Mr Cousens added: “These figures highlight the continued concern about young, novice drivers and their passengers.

“Implementing certain changes, such as limiting new drivers under the age of 21 from carrying peer-aged passengers for a short term of six months after passing their test could save lives.”

An AA spokesperson said the cost of parking seems to have gone from a reasonable charge to a full-on local tax

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They made £0.638 billion in profit, making up 54% of the surplus across England.

AA Head of Roads Policy, Jack Cousens, said: “Making £1.2 billion in profit, from an income haul of £2.3 billion, out of people’s pockets and potential consumer spending is where we are now with so many English city and town councils and their unrestrained costs and fines.

“Originally, council parking charges were supposed to cover the cost of controlled and ordered provision.

“The benefits were to encourage shoppers and other visitors into town and city centres and stimulate commercial activity.

reward for successful parking and commercial policies.

“Anything above that is tax. [The Transport Committee highlighted to Parliament in 2009’s ‘Taxes and charges on road users’ report that “Taxes are compulsory, unrequited payments, whereas charges are paid in return for a service”. Para 23, House of Commons - Taxes and charges on road users - Transport Committee].

“For too many councils, particularly in cities, the cost of parking seems to have gone from a reasonable charge to a full-on local tax.

“Why? Because there is next to nothing holding them back.

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“On-street charges might encourage turnover of spaces and permits were supposed to protect residents’ parking from hogging by outsiders.

“Charges were supposed to cover the cost of providing and enforcing this parking, with some profit from fines and

“They create new ways and reasons to plunder more money from people with cars, often on low incomes travelling in for work.

“Residents feel hostage to permit costs so high that households often rip up their front gardens and turn them into parking.”

Antique selfies!

by Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham

BEFORE photographs and selfies, people had another way to capture an image — the cameo! These delicate carvings were once the height of fashion, often showing graceful profiles or classical scenes.

Each one was carefully hand-carved from materials like shell, coral or agate, with the design standing out in relief against its background. No two were ever the same, which makes antique cameos so charming today.

Intaglios, which are sometimes mistaken for cameos, are the opposite — instead of being raised, the image is engraved into the surface. Originally, these were used to make wax seals for letters, leaving a neat little impression of a crest, figure or symbol.

Over time, people began wearing them set into rings or pendants as a mark of individuality and style.

We’re very lucky to have seen some beautiful intaglios at Heirlooms like the one you can see pictured.

Both cameos and intaglios became treasured keepsakes during the 18th and 19th centuries, often brought home from Italy by travellers on the ‘Grand Tour’. Today, they still have a romantic appeal — small, wearable works of art that tell a story from another age.

Whether you find one in a family jewellery box or at an antique fair, take a closer look. Behind each tiny carving lies the skill of the artist and a glimpse into the world of the person who once wore it.

That’s the true magic of antique jewellery – history you can hold in your hand.

Asian Art sale an autumn highlight

DUKE’S Auctioneers once again invites collectors and connoisseurs to its much anticipated Asian Art sale, a highlight of the autumn calendar.

This curated event showcases an exquisite range of works spanning centuries of craftsmanship from China, Japan, India and beyond.

From delicate jade carvings and porcelain treasures to fine bronzes and scroll paintings, each piece reflects the enduring artistry of Asia’s cultural heritage.

Duke’s reputation for presenting museum quality works continues to grow, following the success of previous sales.

Highlights from past years include a Qianlong period imperial vase that achieved a remarkable £380,000.

Currently consigned is a magnificent gilt-bronze Shiva, the Hindu deity of destruction and recreation, estimated at £20,000-£30,000.

The auction on Thursday, November 20, promises new discoveries for seasoned collectors and first-time buyers alike.

Duke’s Asian Art sale, with provenance, rarity and beauty at its core, offers an opportunity to engage with history and to acquire a piece of it.

A gilt-bronze Shiva for sale at Duke’s this month

New help to ring the tills on county’s high streets

A NEW business initiative has been launched in Dorset to help independent businesses thrive on the high street.

Dorset Chamber is delivering the Supporting our High Streets Business Growth programme.

It is open to all independent retailers, shop owners, leisure and hospitality businesses, those in tourism and the visitor economy and other town centre businesses in the Dorset and BCP councils’ areas.

The free, online programme includes a self-assessment ‘health check’ to benchmark business strengths and identify areas for improvement; insights from industry specialists and successful retailers; practical

resources and nine workshops.

All sessions are from 6pm to 8pm to avoid clashing with opening hours.

Dorset Chamber chief executive, Ian Girling, said: “Independent retailers, leisure and hospitality businesses are the heartbeat of Dorset’s high streets.

“Rising costs, online competition and changing customer expectations are among the well-documented issues making it tough for businesses to stay strong and profitable.

“This new programme will equip them with vital tools and knowledge to stay competitive, strengthen their operations,

improve their skills, boost sales, drive growth and unlock new opportunities.

“We urge those on the high street to seize this valuable opportunity to capitalise on some of the best support and advice available from experts in their field, so they can not only survive but thrive, grow and future proof their businesses.”

Dorset Chamber is delivering the programme for Business Growth Dorset, which is managed by Dorset Council with core funding from the Department for Business & Trade.

The remaining sessions are:

n Essential Finance Management Skills – January 22

Two decades of driving a successful Dorset economy

DORSET’S brightest business brains have been honoured for two decades of supporting the local economy to grow and thrive.

The Dorset Business Mentors service – which sees successful business leaders help entrepreneurs to succeed – is 20 years old.

And to mark this milestone birthday, Dorset Council invited the mentors to a special thank you event at Coastland College’s Kingston Maurward Manor House.

Cllr Richard Biggs, cabinet member for Economic Growth, said: “For two decades exceptional business leaders have given up their precious time so they can support our local economy to grow.

“They do this by offering to be mentors to businesses, using their expertise to help entrepreneurs to succeed.

“Thanks to this help, we have seen many businesses take off and thrive – helping to create

n Digital Essentials for Small Businesses – January 29

n Excellence in Sales and Customer Service – February 5

n HR Legislation Update –February 26

n Legal Compliance and Security – March 5

n Developing Talent –Mentoring and Coaching –March 19

Attendees must be registered for the programme to be able to attend any of the sessions.

Business Improvement District (BID) managers and stakeholders can join in.

Among the speakers sharing their insights and experience will be Jeannette Walsh, owner of the successful and well established Truly Scrumptious sweet shop on Poole High Street. Visit https://dorsetchamber. co.uk/supporting-our-highstreets-business-growthprogramme-2025/ to register.

business mentor changed her life.

Gemma, who runs sports injury clinic Corefithealth, said her mentor, Julia Macmillan –who has been mentoring for 16 years – was the key to helping her succeed.

She said: “Julia has been my business mentor for two years now. I can’t express in words just how much my life has improved in those two years.

“I have gone from feeling lost in the world of business after having three children, to thriving in my work and home life.

“Julia’s a fantastic mentor and role model and been there for me every step of the way.”

jobs and wealth for our county.”

Since 2005, the service, which is supported by Dorset Council, grant funding and sponsorship, has helped more than 2,500 businesses to success.

And today, the service currently supports 130 Dorset businesses.

Dorset Business Mentors can offer an affordable annual rate for people to receive mentorship thanks to the funding and sponsorship it receives, as well as mentors giving their time for free.

Local businesswoman, Gemma Puzas, is proof of the service’s success and said her

The celebration event at Kingston Mauward was not only a moment to reflect on success stories like Gemma’s, but to also look ahead and discuss how the service can continue to evolve grow.

Rob Jones, senior investment director and Bournemouth office head at Rathbones, also gave attendees an insight into the current financial climate.

To find out more about the Dorset Business Mentor service go to dorsetbusinessmentors.uk

Dorset Business Mentors at Kingston Maurward Manor House. They were joined by Dorset Council’s chief executive, Catherine Howe (front row, far left); Rob Jones, senior investment director and Bournemouth office head at Rathbones (front row, second from left) and Cllr Richard Biggs (front row, fifth from left)

Chamber and law firm reach milestone

SWANAGE law firm Ellis

Jones Solicitors is celebrating 40 years of supporting local business as a member of Dorset Chamber.

Managing partner, Nigel Smith, marked the milestone with chamber chief executive, Ian Girling.

They reflected upon four decades of Ellis Jones’ commitment to the business community and help for the chamber to drive the local economy.

Ellis Jones has an office in the High Street in Swanage.

Mr Smith said: “Dorset Chamber plays a critical role in supporting the business community and we feel privileged to have played our part for the past 40 years.

“Supporting fellow businesses makes sound economic sense, so we are fortunate to have such a strong and proactive chamber in the county and we look forward to

many more years as a member.”

Dorset Chamber supports business and has nearly 700 members representing 37,000 employees.

Chief executive, Ian Girling, said: “Successful, wellestablished and committed businesses, such as Ellis Jones, are the lifeblood of our business community.

“To reach 40 years’ membership of the chamber is a tremendous achievement. We are immensely grateful for Ellis Jones’ support and look forward to building an even stronger working relationship.”

Ellis Jones reached the milestone after joining the chamber in 1985 – when Margaret Thatcher was PM, golfer Sandy Lyle won the Open and Live Aid was held at Wembley.

The firm, with 189 staff, including 24 partners, has eight offices across Dorset, Hampshire and London.

Blanchards Bailey Expands Dorset

Footprint with Launch of New Full-Service Weymouth Office

Dorset, 17 October

2025 – Blanchards Bailey LLP is pleased to announce the expansion of its services in Weymouth and Portland, with the relocation of its current office to a new premise at Granby Industrial Estate. This move reinforces the firm’s long-standing commitment to providing first-class legal services across Dorset and the Southwest.

The office launch forms a key part of the firm’s strategic five-year growth plan, focused on investing in local talent and enhancing the delivery of legal services tailored to the evolving needs of Dorset and the surrounding counties. By establishing a new, full-service office in Weymouth, Blanchards Bailey builds on its strong foundation in the county, which it has developed over the last century and most recently since its incorporation as an LLP in 2008.

Paul Dunlop, Managing Partner commented, “Weymouth is a pivotal location in our business, offering a unique blend of a flourishing business landscape and an exceptional quality of life. Our strong team will provide trusted legal services to residents and businesses in Weymouth and Portland as they enjoy all that the region has to offer.”

The new office will be led by Partners Lucy Mignot and Ben Jones, supported by a team of legal experts including Weymouth locals Meggie Crane, Lauren May and Julie Keogh, and will offer a full suite of legal services including Agricultural Law, Commercial and Business Law, Commercial Property, Employment Law, Family Law, Litigation, Residential Property, and Wills, Probate and Estate Planning. Each legal professional brings deep regional knowledge and legal expertise, ensuring clients benefit from advice that is both professionally sound and locally informed.

Paul emphasised, “This expansion allows us to further enhance our service offering across all legal practices. We have been deliberate in recruiting professionals with strong local ties – individuals who not only understand the legal landscape but are passionate about supporting Dorset’s communities and economy. Our investment in Weymouth is more than a business move; it’s an investment into the heart of our community.”

The new Blanchards Bailey Weymouth office will officially open its door in autumn at the following address:

Unit 1, Oxford Court, Cambridge Road, Granby Trading Estate, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9GH About Blanchards Bailey LLP

Blanchards Bailey LLP is a leading legal firm serving many of the largest and most successful owner-managed and family-owned businesses in Dorset as well as the surrounding counties of Somerset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire. The firm also attracts clients from London and other major conurbations.

Recognised for our expertise in key areas of law and various business sectors, the firm is committed to providing exceptional, proactive service. Our team delivers practical and clear advice in a friendly and approachable manner.

Blanchards Bailey has been ranked in The Legal 500 for 2025/2026 in several practice areas, including Contentious Trusts and Probate, Agriculture and Estates, Commercial Property, Employment, Trusts and Probate, Commercial Litigation and Family. Many of our lawyers, including the managing partner and partners, receive individually recommendations. For more information, please visit our website: https://blanchardsbailey.co.uk/

Ellis Jones managing partner Nigel Smith (left) and Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling (right)

Dorset’s best places to live

WAREHAM has been named as one of Dorset’s best towns to make a home in a new listing.

Lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos’ 2026 ‘best places to live’ guide features 260 city locations, towns and villages with the best schools, shopping and pubs.

Hero Brown, founder and editor-in-chief, said: “When people decide to move, they’re searching for more than just a house – they want a home, a lifestyle that works for them and their family, and if they’re strategic, a long-term investment too.

“Our 2026 Top 260 Best Places To Live guide will give them that extra reassurance they need to make their search easier in these difficult economic times.

“We’ve built our reputation on our first-hand knowledge of the most exciting, vibrant places to go and things to do outside London.

“Now, with Scotland and Wales added to the guide, and new information added on important considerations such as schools, culture and health and wellbeing, the 2026 list is a natural step for us to continue to expand our authority in this area.

“Combined with up to the minute listings of desirable properties, we think it’s a unique reference point in a turbulent yet hopefully resilient property market.”

Here’s what Muddy Stilettos says are the best eight places to live in Dorset in 2026 –complete with its reasons why.

n Beaminster

“THIS pretty Dorset town with a conservation area at its heart is surrounded by lush countryside and has a relaxed, arty vibe. Oh, and it’s just six miles from the coast.

“A laid-back, pretty town

with a bit of an arty feel, Beaminster has an attractive conservation area around the market square, is surrounded by lush countryside and not far from the sea. There’s a lot to like here.”

n Bridport

“SURROUNDED by stunning countryside and close to the sea, Bridport has a vibrant community, rich cultural scene and great indie businesses. Any more boxes left to tick?

“It has been called Londonby-the-sea – but don’t let that put you off. Bridport has a vibrant community, rich cultural scene, and indie shops and eateries. It’s surrounded by stunning countryside – oh and did we mention? It’s just a mile-and-a-half to the sea.“

n Canford Cliffs

“WALK through picturesque woods to a quiet, golden beach in this well-heeled, leafy suburb, with all the amenities of Poole and Bournemouth on your doorstep.

“Aside from the soft white sands, sparkling clean waters, restaurants, water sports and sailing? Situated along the eastern edge of Poole Harbour, Canford Cliffs ‘village’ is a quiet, well-heeled and leafy suburb of Poole with wooded ravines, picturesque walks to the nearby golden beach and some gorgeous properties – large family houses, apartments – old and new.”

n Cerne Abbas

“THIS tiny Dorset village in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty punches well above its weight, with great pubs, a good school – and, of course, a historic naked man.

“Well there’s the huge naked man carved into the hillside for starters. But apart from him –

fancy a tiny village in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Dorset Downs?

“Cerne Abbas has a main street lined with gorgeous historic buildings, three pubs and a brewery, a shop with a post office, a good state primary school, a church and – important – a duck pond.

“It’s eight miles from Dorchester for culture and half an hour from the beautiful Jurassic Coast. Any surprise Cerne Abbas has made it on to our list of top places to live in Dorset?“

n Lyme Regis

“IF it was good enough for Jane Austen… with Georgian streets, indie shops and cafes and a famous ancient harbour, Lyme Regis on the Jurassic Coast is a handsome gem.

“Georgian streets and old alleyways, loads of independent shops and eateries, excellent local schools, an ancient harbour – and even more ancient fossils – are all there for the taking in this seaside town on Dorset’s spectacular Jurassic Coast. Jane Austen was a visitor and her novel Persuasion was inspired by the town. If it was good enough for her…”

n Sherborne

“THIS medieval Dorset market town has a fab selection of indie shops, top notch restaurants, excellent schools and more than 200 clubs you can join.

“The picture postcard market town in north west Dorset has gorgeous medieval and

Georgian properties, an eclectic array of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, excellent schools, a magnificent abbey and not one but two castles.”

n Southbourne

“THIS Bournemouth ‘burb is buzzing with cool places to eat, drink and hang out, good schools and transport links, and brilliant beaches.

“A buzzing Bournemouth suburb, ‘Sobo’ is popular with young professionals and families alike. There are great places to eat, drink and hang out, good schools – including a girls’ and a boys’ grammar – efficient transport links – and if you fancy, you could spend every day on one of the UK’s best beaches.“

n Wareham

“MOVE to this charming walled town between two rivers on the Isle of Purbeck and the delights of the Jurassic Coast will be on your doorstep.

“Located between the Rivers Frome and Piddle – only in Dorset – and close to Poole Harbour, this sleepy historic market town with its picturesque quay, grid streets dating back to Roman times, Saxon walls and rows of Georgian cottages, is sometimes described as the gateway to the Isle of Purbeck.

“With the 60 square mile peninsula’s stunning countryside and many of Dorset’s most iconic attractions, including the incredible Jurassic Coast, on your doorstep, what more could you want?”

Wareham is a ‘charming walled town’ PHOTO: Muddy Stilettos

David back as panto dame

HOT on the heels of its award-winning This Secret Isle and this summer’s Murder Walks, Double Act drama group is embracing the joy, laughter and utter mayhem only a pantomime can provide.

Expect a vibrant mix of fairytale favourites and fantastical new twists in Alice in Cuckoo Land, being staged at Corfe Castle Village Hall, an imaginative tale where nothing is quite what it seems.

The panto is a twist on Alice In Wonderland but with some Looking Glass characters and Santa Claus thrown in for good measure!

At the heart of this year’s panto is the dame, Old Mother Wobbly, played by David Wellstead, returning to his original theatrical family for this production.

David made his acting debut with Double Act in 2001 as Dog in its production of Pantomime Pie.

He grew up with the group and learnt his craft in many of Double Act’s shows, getting his first taste of being a Dame in Cinderella 2008 and perfecting his ‘Damehood’ in Aladdin in 2014 before going on to direct the group’s Agatha Crusty & the Village Hall

Murders in 2017.

More recently he has been expanding his repertoire and wowing audiences in Swanage as part of Swanage Drama Group.

Trying to contain and marshal all the craziness is first-time director Paulette Stephens, a longstanding member of the drama group.

In all his own words: ‘The man who invented the 80s’

FEW artists have had more impact on British music than Trevor Horn.

A record label boss and musician, a multi-millionselling producer and songwriter, the winner of multiple Brits, Grammys, Ivor Novello Awards and the recipient of a CBE for his services to music, Trevor Horn has led a truly extraordinary career.

He’s been the man behind the mixing desk for an extraordinary number of artists and, with good reason, was called ‘the man who invented the 1980s’.

From the Buggles and Seal to Grace Jones and Pet Shop Boys, Lisa Stansfield and Dollar to ABC and from Yes to Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Horn became the producer who left an indelible imprint on those with whom he worked.

He won Brits for Best British Producer in 1983, 1985 and 1992, while his work with Seal

on Kiss From A Rose won him a Grammy Award.

His father, John, a professional musician, was a key influence, playing double bass in the Joe Clarke Big Band. Inspired by his dad, Horn took up the double bass at the age of eight and by his early teens was filling in for his father, when John was running late.

Horn became obsessive about music and by the age of 14, he’d formed his first band, graduating to guitar.

Horn became the most in demand producer in Britain and worked with Yes, Simple Minds, Grace Jones, Pet Shop Boys, Paul McCartney and Rod Stewart, and in 1990 he produced Seal’s debut album.

Having written his entertaining memoir, Adventures In Modern Record, From ABC To ZTT, Horn is ready to go on the road – though this time, not armed with his trusty bass.

He’ll be playing a handful of UK theatres this autumn, recalling some of the remarkable artists with whom he’s worked, and reflecting on a career that – as his late wife once suggested – made him the best producer in the world.

He is at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne on Wednesday, November 12, at 7.30pm.

Alice in Cuckoo Land is being staged on Thursday to Saturday, November 27-29, at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets priced adults £10, children £5 and under-five free are available from Corfe Village Stores and online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ double-act-drama-group

Take five for funky soul-jazz sounds

THE SoundCellar 5 bring their funky soul-jazz sound to The Mowlem in Swanage this weekend.

The quintet will present a set that includes tunes by John Scofield, George Benson and Wes Montgomery, and deliver the perfect blend of melody and groove.

Collectively, the members of the band have worked with some of the biggest names on the UK jazz scene, including Jason Rebello, Jim Mullen, Alan Barnes, Mike Outram and Nigel Price.

Quintet members are Terry Quinney on saxophone, Rob Palmer on guitar, Pete Case on keyboards, Rodney Teague on electric bass and Andy Chapman on drums.

The SoundCellar 5 are on stage on Saturday, November 15, at 7.30pm.

Alice in Cuckoo Land is at Corfe Castle Village Hall

Trevor Horn is at The Tivoli

Friends reunited for family panto

A HAPPY reunion is in store for the cast of Dick Whittington, this year’s traditional family pantomime at Lighthouse Poole.

The panto, like last year’s smash hit Sleeping Beauty and national Panto Award winners Aladdin and Cinderella, is written and directed by CBeebies’ Chris Jarvis with production design by James Smith.

Poole-born West End star Bernadette Bangura, who is currently appearing in Moulin Rouge and was last at Lighthouse as Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray in 2022, stars as Fairy Bowbelles.

Chris will again play the Dame, Dolly Doughnuts, and be joined onstage by Sleeping Beauty cast members SarahLouise Young, whose bad fairy Carabosse was a hit last year, as the villainous King Rat; and Bournemouth-based student Corben Heward-Mills, who

was in the ensemble cast of Sleeping Beauty, playing Tommy the Cat.

Isabella Kibble, who played Rose in Sleeping Beauty, will be rejoining them as the object of Dick’s affections, Alice Fitzwarren.

“I’m thrilled to have been asked back by the team this year,” she said.

“I had an amazing time last year. It’s a really special building and this company is just wonderful to work for –really lovely.”

Isabella will play opposite promising young actor Kieran Morris in the title role, a part he has played before.

“It’s really exciting to find out how different this Dick Whittington is to the last time,” he said.

“It’s such a great story, though – small-town guy goes to live in a big city, encounters a problem and overcomes it to become a better person.

Films take a dive into the world’s oceans

THE Ocean Film Festival World Tour, a collection of short films celebrating the wonder and power of the sea, is stopping off at The Regent in Christchurch this week.

The films from around the world include freediving with marine life and extreme bodyboarding.

“The Ocean Film Festival is more than just a film event – it’s a celebration of our planet’s blue heart,” said tour director Nell Teasdale.

“With stunning cinematography and

compelling stories, the festival aims to inspire a deeper connection with the sea, offering a deep dive into the heart of our oceans and the lives of those who cherish them.”

The 2025 film line-up includes We the Surfers, about how surfing can change lives.

The films are introduced by a compere, and each screening sees a free prize giveaway to win ocean-related goodies.

“Whether you’re a seasoned ocean enthusiast, a

“The magic is what the writer overlays on top of that.”

Completing the cast is award-winning actor Robert Rees as Alderman Fitzwarren, Alice’s father.

“He’s quite fun, a bit bumbly, a bit pompous,” said Robert.

“He’s something fun and warm for the kids. He has a good relationship with Dame and, of course, a good relationship with Alice and Dick.

“He’s the glue that sticks everyone together. You need those characters in panto, it’s lovely fun.”

Dick Whittington follows the traditional story about the poor young man who travels to London to make his fortune having been told its streets are paved with gold.

With the help of Tommy the Cat, he gets a job with Alderman Fitzwarren, a wealthy merchant, and falls in

love with Alice, his boss’s daughter.

After falling foul of the wicked King Rat, he is forced to leave town but turns back when called by the bells of Bow.

What follows is a great adventure across the seas as Tommy helps Dick clear his name, defeat King Rat and win the hand of Alice, thereby securing his fortune.

The panto promises lavish costumes and sets, magical special effects, spectacular musical numbers and lots of family comedy.

Dick Whittington runs from Thursday, December 11, to Sunday, January 4.

VOCAL harmony group

The Overtones are bringing some seasonal sparkle to Bournemouth Pavilion tomorrow – Tuesday, November 11 – as they stop off on their Christmas Party tour. They will be serving up a heartwarming blend of timeless Christmas classics, as well as Soul, Motown, Doo-wop, Disco and Pop hits.

The four-piece group have played iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the London Palladium over the 15 years they have performed.

weekend surfer or someone who marvels at the mysteries of the deep, this festival promises an unforgettable cinematic journey,” Nell added.

The Ocean Film Festival

was created in Australia and this is the 12th year it has toured in the UK.

It visits the Regent Centre on Wednesday, November 12. For tickets, go to www. oceanfilmfestival.co.uk. Aquaballet is one of the films being screened as part of the Ocean Film Festival

Arts & Entertainment

Grammy winner keeping it short and sweet

GRAMMY AWARDWINNING violinist Nicola Benedetti will perform a personal and fun programme when she visits Lighthouse Poole on her first solo tour of the UK and Ireland in over 10 years.

Nicola will share a selection of shorter works – romantic, virtuosic and some Celtic and folk-inspired – and will be joined on stage by close colleagues including Brazilian guitarist Plínio Fernandes and accordionist Samuele Telari.

The repertoire will include Paganini’s Caprice Nos 1 and 24; Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasie and Navarra, and Wieniawki’s Polonaise arranged by Steve Goss; Ponce’s Estrellita and Maxwell-Davis’ Farewell to Stromness arranged by Paul Campbell; Bloch’s Prayer and Debussy’s Beau Soir arranged by Simon Parkin; Maria Teresa von Paradis’ Sicilienne arranged by Juliette Pochin; Jay Unger’s Ashokan

Farewell; plus new commissions and arrangements of traditional Scottish music by piper Brìghde Chaimbeul.

Benedetti said: “It has been over 10 years since my last full tour of the UK, and having recently come off maternity leave, I am particularly excited to perform in so many beautiful venues, reconnect with audiences I haven’t seen in some time, and play for and chat to people in a fun and personal setting.”

Nicola Benedetti is a Grammy Award winner – Best Classical Instrumental Solo, 2020 – two-time winner of Best Female Artist at the Classical BRIT Awards, and in 2021 was recognised as BBC Music Magazine’s Personality of the Year for her online support of young musicians during the pandemic.

A long-time leader in music education, she established the Benedetti Foundation in 2019, delivering transformative experiences through mass

music events.

She was made an MBE in 2013, received the Queen’s Medal for Music in 2017 and was appointed a CBE two years later.

Since October 2022, she has been festival director of the Edinburgh International Festival, becoming the first

woman – and first Scot – to hold the position.

An Evening with Nicola Benedetti and Friends is at Lighthouse Poole on Saturday, November 29, at 7.30pm.

Tickets and information are available at www. lighthousepoole.co.uk or on 01202 280000.

Artists’ winter exhibition

WIMBORNE Art Club is holding its annual winter exhibition at Pamphill Village Hall, Wimborne.

The exhibition showcases the work of the club’s members and includes crafts, cards and paintings, all for sale.

Coffee, tea and mince pies will be available.

The exhibition runs on Friday, November 21, (1-4pm), and Saturday and Sunday, November 22-23 (10-4pm).

Entrance and parking is free of charge.

A painting by Jackie Wedgery

Violinist Nicola Benedetti

PHOTO: Craig Gibson

Arts & Entertainment

Songs, stories and silliness with 80s star

IT’S more than 40 years since Nik Kershaw first exploded on to the UK pop scene as a chart-topping solo artist.

A string of global hits, including Wouldn’t It Be Good, The Riddle and I Won’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me, saw him spend 62 weeks on the UK singles chart in 1984 and 1985.

He also performed a memorable set at the iconic Live Aid concert at Wembley in front of an estimated global audience of 1.9bn.

But it’s not just as a solo artist that Nik has enjoyed global success – he’s also written and produced best-selling songs for a string of top artists including Elton John, Sya, Gary Barlow, Ronan Keating, Lulu, Bonnie Tyler and more.

He wrote the Chesney Hawkes’ smash The One and Only, which spent five weeks at number one in 1991 and cracked the top 10 in the USA.

“The royalties from that single put my kids through university and private school,” he jokes.

Kershaw has a dry wit and self-deprecating humour and promises songs, stories and silliness on his intimate theatre tour.

Musings & Lyrics stops off at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne on Saturday, November 15, at 7.30pm and coincides with the launch of his new book of the same name which tells the stories behind every song from his nine studio albums.

Tickets are available from www.tivoliwimborne. co.uk or phone the box office on 01202 85566.

Ethereal ice music tribute to nature

ICE music pioneer, Terje Isungset, and his quartet are set to bring their ethereal and beguiling sound to Lighthouse Poole.

The concert, featuring ice harp, ice horn, iceophone, ice percussion and ice bass, and the voice of Amalie Holt Kleive, is a tribute to nature.

It is based on music from Terje’s albums Winter Songs and Beauty of Winter, alongside newer material from the Ice Quartet album released a year ago.

Terje, one of Europe’s most accomplished and innovative percussionists, is known for his skills in

teasing out interesting sounds from natural materials such as stone and wood.

He decided to utilise the natural acoustic properties of ice when he performed the world’s first ice music concert inside a frozen waterfall in Lillehammer, Norway, in 2000.

In 2006, he teamed up with Pål Knutsson Medhus to develop the world’s first Ice Music Festival in Geilo, Norway.

Terje Isungset and the ice quartet are in Poole on Wednesday, November 19, at 7.45pm.

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