The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 369

A very special Special

A VOLUNTEER police officer who has become a familiar and trusted face in Wareham has been recognised for going above and beyond – clocking up an astonishing 756 hours of service in just a year.

Special Constable Paul Brown, who works closely with the Wareham Neighbourhood Policing Team, was named Special Constable of the Year at Dorset Police’s annual awards ceremony, which celebrates officers, staff and volunteers making an outstanding difference to communities.

Paul completed more than 130 duties over the past 12 months – volunteering more than three times the hours expected of special constables.

The ceremony also celebrated the work of officers and teams across Dorset.

Among those recognised was PC Mike Green and police dogs Gerri and Fuzz, who received the Sue Aldous Police Dog and Handler of the Year Award.

In one standout case, the team uncovered a concealed stash of £203,860 hidden inside a sophisticated compartment beneath a car’s back seats.

The discovery helped secure the conviction of an organised crime group leader who was later jailed for eight years.

Police praised his commitment, operational skill and strong community spirit, describing him as an ‘intrinsic part’ of the local policing team who can always be relied upon to step in and help.

Elsewhere, Dorchester Neighbourhood Policing Team won the Reducing Crime Award after a targeted problem-solving approach helped cut crime in the town by 40% over the past year.

Chief Constable Amanda

Pearson said the awards recognised the professionalism, dedication and compassion shown by officers, staff and volunteers every day.

She said: “Those teams and individuals recognised reflect the professionalism, commitment and passion to make a difference that underpins everything we do to keep Dorset

She also thanked families and friends for supporting police staff in what can often be a demanding and emotionally challenging role.

The force’s volunteer cadet leaders, Taxi Watch group, PCSO Samantha Murray and Sgt Jennifer Hussey were also among those honoured.

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Special constable

Paul Brown with chief constable

Amanda Pearson (left) and PC Mike Green and police dogs Gerri and Fuzz

PHOTOS: Dorset Police

Brief Encounter star celebrates 100th birthday

THE LAST surviving star of classic British film Brief Encounter has celebrated her 100th birthday in a Dorset care home.

Margaret Barton, who now uses her married name of Cave, was born in Finsbury Park, north London, in 1926.

She achieved worldwide recognition for her performance, aged 18, as railway cafe assistant Beryl Walters in the 1945 David Lean film.

The tearjerker, developed from a Noel Coward screenplay

and starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, is regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.

Margaret continued her acting career into the 1950s, before moving to Wimborne where she ran a tearoom.

On August 30, 2018, aged 92, she married Rob Cave, then aged 91. Their combined age of 183 was believed to make them Britain’s oldest newlyweds.

For the last three years she has lived at Streets Meadow, a Care Dorset residential care home in Wimborne.

At the party, Margaret commented on her birthday cake – baked into the shape of ‘100’ by Streets Meadow chefs – to say how lovely it was.

And town Mayor Jeff Hart arrived to say a few words to mark the occasion.

The crowning item was a congratulatory card from the King and Queen, which Margaret spent much time studying.

Brief Encounter was playing in the background throughout the event.

Margaret’s character Beryl appears in most of the famous cafe scenes, alongside prim manager Myrtle and ticket inspector Albert.

Street’s Meadows’ registered manager Tracy Rossiter said: “It was wonderful to have Margaret’s family attend and to have the Lord Mayor’s special visit.

“Margaret had a wonderful birthday morning and is one of our very special residents here at Streets Meadow. Her star quality definitely shone.”

Exercise class helps #Willdoes

MORE than 60 people rolled out their mats in a field outside Vagabond Pilates in Lytchett Matravers to help raise more than £700 for local youth charity #Willdoes.

The outdoor class attracted supporters from across Dorset, including Olympic cycling champion and #Willdoes ambassador Victoria Pendleton.

Lesley Paddy, founder of #Willdoes, said: “It was an amazing morning. I have been attending Vagabond Pilates for several months now and it’s really helped me.

“During lessons I focus and find peace, so to spend a morning with these incredible instructors in support of

#Willdoes meant so much to me.

“I really want to thank Vagabond Pilates for their support and everyone who turned up.”

Vagabond Pilates chief executive Millie Gough said: “It was a privilege to work alongside Lesley to raise awareness of such an important cause and help bring the local community together.”

Funds raised from the event will help #Willdoes continue its work supporting young people across Dorset.

#Willdoes was founded in memory of William Paddy, who died aged 14.

The Dorset charity supports

Picnic in the Park date

LYTCHETT Minster and Upton Town Council is hosting its free Picnic in the Park on Saturday (June 27).

Family fun includes live musical performances, falconry demonstrations, a climbing wall, bouncy castles, a Living Roman History tent and more.

The event is at Upton Recreation Ground from 1pm-5.30pm.

young people through grants and community initiatives, including its double-decker

HISTORIAN Dr Simon House will be giving a talk on My Dad the Underground Saboteur at Dorchester Townswomen’s Guild’s next meeting.

Dr House is an independent military historian who gives

outreach bus, helping provide opportunities and guidance to young people across the county.

talks about resistance movements and his father’s role in auxiliary units.

Visitors are welcome – entry £4 – at the meeting at Dorchester Community Church, Liscombe Street, Poundbury, on Monday, July 13, at 2pm.

Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton attended the fundraiser in a field outside Vagabond Pilates PHOTO: Folio Creative

Wimborne Mayor Jeff Hart visited Margaret Barton

‘Raggy’ the robot could be a boon for farmers

A SMART robot designed to tackle a poisonous plant that can kill horses and livestock is being put to work in Dorset this summer.

Nicknamed ‘Raggy’, the autonomous farm robot has arrived at Dorset Innovation Park near Winfrith for final testing before beginning field trials across farms and open land around the county.

Its mission is to spot and remove ragwort – a toxic yellow-flowering weed that poses a serious danger to grazing animals and creates a major headache for farmers and landowners.

Usually, ragwort must be pulled by hand, a slow and labour-intensive job that can also carry risks for people and the environment.

Raggy’s developers hope the robot could offer a safer, more efficient solution.

Firms urged to help students get work ready

MORE than 100 Dorset employers have been urged to play a bigger role in preparing young people for work, as major national changes transform how schools deliver work experience.

Business leaders, charities, schools and public sector organisations gathered at The BattleLab at Dorset Innovation Park to discuss how companies of all sizes can help inspire the county’s future workforce.

The conference, organised by Dorset Careers Hub, comes ahead of new rules which will see schools introduce workplace experiences from Year 7 from September.

Students have usually completed work placements in Year 10 but schools will now be expected to offer younger students opportunities including

Developed by South West firm Robotriks, alongside Dorset Council, Telint and Neutral Networks, the electric-powered machine uses advanced cameras and AI-powered technology to identify ragwort and remove it mechanically at the root.

But it is not about wiping the plant out entirely, as Ragwort

workplace visits, employer-led projects and shorter placements to help build confidence and skills earlier.

The event focused on practical ways employers can get involved, particularly smaller businesses that may think work experience is only for major organisations.

Katie McManus, deputy head of education, learning & development at Dorset County Hospital, said: “Opening our doors to the future workforce enables us to demystify healthcare as an industry and showcase the vast array of career opportunities and pathways that exist in the largest employer in Europe!

Project partners with Raggy the robot at BattleLab, Dorset Innovation Park

remove ragwort mechanically at the root,” he said.

“This approach reduces the need for harmful chemicals, supports healthier soils and protects animals and habitat.”

Dorset Council said its countryside rangers currently spend many hours manually removing ragwort from parks, reserves and open spaces.

Council leader Councillor Nick Ireland welcomed the trial. He said: “We are delighted this autonomous and environmentally sensitive solution is being tested, evaluated and developed on our land here in Dorset.”

also supports wildlife, including bees and butterflies, meaning control work is carefully targeted to areas where livestock are at risk.

Robotriks director Jake Shaw-Sutton said the robot was designed for “real-life farm conditions”.

“Raggy uses advanced machine vision and connected

Between trials, Raggy will be based at BattleLab, the NATOaccredited innovation hub at Dorset Innovation Park, which has become a testing ground for cutting-edge autonomous technology.

If successful, the robot could offer farmers a high-tech new weapon in the battle against one of the countryside’s most

Bindon Mill Open Garden

Sunday 28 June | 11am-4pm

Bindon Mill, Wool, Dorset, BH20 6BN £5 entry on the door | Refreshments available

“We are always keen to welcome young people onto our programmes and are proud that so many choose to pursue working in healthcare as a result.”Businesses were invited to pledge support, from hosting talks and site visits to offering short placements, helping create a growing work experience directory for Dorset schools.

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

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

Mining museum welcomes car enthusiasts

THE Purbeck Mining Museum hosted its largest ever adult visitor group when nearly 100 classic car enthusiasts were given guided tours around the visitor attraction at Norden.

The visit was part of the three-day Jurassic Coast Rally organised to mark the 50th anniversary of the Traction Owners Club and included participants from all corners of the UK as well as Ireland and France.

Swanage Tidal & Solar Predictions June '26

rally’s organisers, said: “Everyone really enjoyed the tours around the museum and were fascinated to see and hear all about an industry that has played such a significant role over many centuries in helping to shape the countryside, economy and communities in this area of the Purbecks.

Complied by the National Coastwatch Institution, Swanage from tidal data provided by the Channel Coast Observatory

The line-up of more than 40 pre-1957 Citroën cars and commercial vehicles made for an impressive sight in the car park at Norden Park next to the museum.

Gavin Davey, one of the

“It really is a hidden gem in the Isle of Purbeck. Everyone at the museum couldn’t have been more welcoming and hearing first-hand experience from a former miner provided real insight into the workings of a mine and the huge scale of mining operations in years gone by.”

Swanage Tidal & Solar Predictions April '26

Museum lead Peter Sills said:

Swanage Tidal & Solar Predictions June '26

Swanage Tidal & Solar Predictions April '26

“We welcome groups of all ages and always ensure we have volunteers on hand to cater for specific requirements and areas of interest.

“The visit of the Traction Owners Club was our largest adult visitor group to date.

“We split the group into three tour groups to ensure everyone had the opportunity to ask questions and to take in the atmosphere of an authentic and restored clay mine.”

The Purbeck Mining Museum is run entirely by volunteers and various roles and opportunities are available.

Volunteers are always given a warm welcome, even if they are only available for just a few hours every now and then. The museum is open most days throughout the summer until October.

Full details are on the museum’s website, www. purbeckminingmuseum.org

Complied by the National Coastwatch Institution, Swanage from tidal data provided by the Channel Coast Observatory

Complied by the National Coastwatch Institution, Swanage from tidal data provided by the Channel Coast Observatory June/July 2026

10:13 17:11 22:29

Lytchett Minster and Upton Town Council

appearance of the town.

Date HW LW HW LW HW Tide/Moon Sunrise Sunset 10:03 16:57 22:02 Springs 05:02 21:11 10:37 17:32 22:33 05:01 21:12 11:12 18:09 23:06 05:00 21:13 11:50 18:50 23:39 05:00 21:14 16:48 19:35 04:59 21:15

05:30 10:44 17:45 22:58 06:39 19:44

06:04 11:11 18:17 23:23 06:36 19:46

11:35 18:47 23:46 06:34 19:48

04:18 09:38 16:36 21:58 Full Moon 06:43 19:41

01:50 11:03 14:03 19:38 04:58 21:25

07:10 16:48 19:35 04:59 21:15

04:55 10:13 17:11 22:29

Swanage Tidal & Solar Predictions July '26 Complied by the National Coastwatch Institution, Swanage from tidal data provided by the Channel Coast Observatory

07:06 12:00 19:17 06:32 19:49

27-Jun 02:36 08:09 14:50 20:11 04:58 21:25

00:10 07:38 17:20 19:50 06:30 19:51

by Sebastian Lewis Community projects and support officer FOLLOWING discussions with Dorset Council’s parking enforcement team, patrols in the town, including traffic wardens, will be increased.

00:13 07:55 17:36 20:26 04:59 21:16

05:30 10:44 17:45 22:58 06:39 19:44 05-Apr 06:04 11:11 18:17 23:23 06:36 19:46

28-Jun 03:18 08:49 15:32 20:44 04:59 21:25

08:14 18:05 20:31 06:28 19:52

29-Jun 03:56 09:26 16:10 21:18 Full Moon 04:59 21:25

05:58 09:00 19:00 06:26 19:54

06:35 11:35 18:47 23:46 06:34 19:48

30-Jun 04:31 10:01 16:47 21:53 05:00 21:25

06-Jun 00:13 07:55 17:36 20:26 04:59 21:16 05:28 18:27 21:23 04:58 21:17 06:25 19:20 22:27 04:58 21:18 02:51 20:14 23:36 Neaps 04:57 21:19

02:51 10:43 20:14 23:36 Neaps 04:57 21:19

11-Apr 01:42 06:41 13:20 20:03 Neaps 06:23 19:56

05:06 10:36 17:22 22:30 05:00 21:24

04:21 11:51 21:09 00:40 04:57 21:19

10-Jun 04:21 11:51 21:09 00:40 04:57 21:19

12-Apr 01:53 07:18 13:38 20:56 06:21 19:57

07:06 12:00 19:17 06:32 19:49 08-Apr 00:10 07:38 17:20 19:50 06:30 19:51

05:39 12:54 18:39 01:00 04:57 21:20

05:40 11:11 17:59 23:07 Springs 05:01 21:24

11-Jun 05:39 12:54 18:39 01:00 04:57 21:20

13-Apr 02:05 07:05 13:59 20:19 06:19 19:59

01:34 06:42 13:50 19:18 04:56 21:21

Do you feel passionate about your local area? Have good knowledge of the town and its surroundings? Have experience in building, planning or design? Maybe some useful expertise about the environment, architecture or accessibility?

06:17 11:48 18:39 23:45 05:02 21:24

12-Jun 01:34 06:42 13:50 19:18 04:56 21:21

14-Apr 02:24 07:26 14:29 20:06 06:17 20:00

00:33 08:14 18:05 20:31 06:28 19:52 10-Apr 05:58 09:00 19:00 06:26 19:54

13-Jun 02:24 07:36 14:41 20:01 04:56 21:21

06:56 12:26 19:20 05:02 21:23

13-Jun 02:24 07:36 14:41 20:01 04:56 21:21

15-Apr 02:52 08:01 15:03 20:31 06:15 20:02

11-Apr 01:42 06:41 13:20 20:03 Neaps 06:23 19:56

Compiled from CCO data for Swanage Pier - E&O excepted - not for navigation NM = New Moon + FM = Full Moon + NP = Neap tides + SP = Spring Tides All times are local Time

00:20 07:38 17:17 20:05 05:03 21:23

14-Jun 03:12 08:29 15:31 20:47 04:56 21:22

14-Jun 03:12 08:29 15:31 20:47 04:56 21:22

16-Apr 03:25 08:39 15:40 21:03 06:13 20:04

12-Apr 01:53 07:18 13:38 20:56 06:21 19:57

15-Jun 04:00 09:20 16:20 21:35 New Moon 04:56 21:22

The aim is to deter motorists from parking on pavements, cycleways, zig-zags and double yellow lines, especially in Poole Road, Dorchester Road and school entrances/exits.

15-Jun 04:00 09:20 16:20 21:35 New Moon 04:56 21:22

17-Apr 04:02 09:17 16:18 21:39 New Moon 06:11 20:05

13-Apr 02:05 07:05 13:59 20:19 06:19 19:59

16-Jun 04:47 10:12 17:09 22:24 Springs 04:56 21:23

18-Apr 04:40 09:56 16:58 22:15 06:09 20:07

14-Apr 02:24 07:26 14:29 20:06 06:17 20:00

16-Jun 04:47 10:12 17:09 22:24 Springs 04:56 21:23

17-Jun 05:36 11:03 17:58 23:12 04:56 21:23

19-Apr 05:21 10:34 17:39 22:50 Springs 06:07 20:09

15-Apr 02:52 08:01 15:03 20:31 06:15 20:02

17-Jun 05:36 11:03 17:58 23:12 04:56 21:23

18-Jun 06:24 11:54 18:48 23:59 04:56 21:24

18-Jun 06:24 11:54 18:48 23:59 04:56 21:24

20-Apr 06:03 11:13 18:22 23:22 06:05 20:10

16-Apr 03:25 08:39 15:40 21:03 06:13 20:04

00:47 08:23 18:02 20:53 05:04 21:22 07-Jul 06:10 09:11 18:50 21:47 05:05 21:22 08-Jul 07:02 10:06 19:42 22:48 05:06 21:21 09-Jul 08:00 11:07 20:37 23:55 Neaps 05:07 21:21 10-Jul 05:18 12:15 18:15 01:00 05:08 21:20

19-Jun 07:14 12:46 19:40 04:56 21:24

19-Jun 07:14 12:46 19:40 04:56 21:24

21-Apr 06:48 11:50 19:08 23:46 06:03 20:12

17-Apr 04:02 09:17 16:18 21:39 New Moon 06:11 20:05

20-Jun 00:42 08:05 17:28 20:34 04:56 21:24

20-Jun 00:42 08:05 17:28 20:34 04:56 21:24

22-Apr 07:37 12:26 20:02 06:01 20:13

18-Apr 04:40 09:56 16:58 22:15 06:09 20:07

01:02 06:33 13:23 18:59 05:09 21:19 12-Jul 02:03 07:30 14:25 19:47 05:10 21:18

It is also hoped that the tiny minority of householders who park on grass verges outside their homes will cease to do so.

If you’d like to help influence things like housing placement and the general development of our local area, email town clerk Kate Osborne at clerk@ lytchettminsterandupton-tc.gov. uk and apply to join the Neighbourhood Plan Working Group.

23-Apr 00:07 08:36 18:00 21:12 05:59 20:15

19-Apr 05:21 10:34 17:39 22:50 Springs 06:07 20:09

21-Jun 01:10 09:00 18:21 21:33 04:56 21:25

13-Jul 02:58 08:25 15:20 20:39 05:11 21:18

24-Apr 05:56 09:53 19:14 22:43 05:57 20:17

20-Apr 06:03 11:13 18:22 23:22 06:05 20:10

14-Jul 03:49 09:18 16:11 21:31 05:12 21:17

21-Apr 06:48 11:50 19:08 23:46 06:03 20:12

08:50 12:12

25-Apr 07:16 11:17 20:29 Neaps 05:55 20:18 26-Apr 00:04 05:49 12:27 21:33 05:53 20:20

22-Apr 07:37 12:26 20:02

21-Jun 01:10 09:00 18:21 21:33 04:56 21:25 22-Jun 06:28 09:59 19:18 22:41 04:56 21:25 23-Jun 07:33 11:05 20:19 23:53 04:57 21:25 24-Jun 08:50 12:12 21:22 00:57 Neaps 04:57 21:25 25-Jun 10:04 13:11 22:17 04:57 21:25

15-Jul 04:37 10:08 16:59 22:20 New Moon 05:13 21:16 16-Jul 05:23 10:54 17:45 23:05 Springs 05:14 21:15 17-Jul 06:08 11:38 18:30 23:47 05:15 21:14

01:04 06:30 13:23 22:32 05:51 20:21 28-Apr 01:52 07:12 14:10 19:45 05:49 20:23

29-Apr 02:34 07:54 14:52 20:19 05:47 20:25

30-Apr 03:14 08:33 15:31 20:53 05:45 20:26

10:01 16:47 21:53 05:00 21:25

This is an offence under section 137 of the Highways Act 1980 because the grass verge –along with the pavement – is considered to be part of the highway and therefore ‘belongs’ to Dorset Council.

Such parking degrades the grass and causes congestion and has a negative impact on the

All council meetings are on Tuesdays from 6.30pm at the council offices in Moorland parade. Members of the public are entitled to attend meetings and can speak at the beginning of each meeting.

Meetings are: amenities, July 7; full town council, July 14; environment/planning: July 21.

One of the three groups from the Traction Owners Club who enjoyed guided tours around the Purbeck Mining Museum near Norden as part of the club’s Jurassic Coast Rally

Joe’s running barefoot for Tanzania trip

A YOUNGSTER from Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester is planning to run a half marathon – barefoot – to help fund a trip to Tanzania.

Joe de Figueiredo Cowell, 13, will be doing the 13.1-mile run in Tolpuddle to raise sponsorship for a Camps International trip in August 2027.

Barefoot shoe brand nacktshoes.com is sponsoring his training and he will be sporting a T-shirt with local business sponsors when he does the run.

Joe has family links with Tanzania as his maternal grandparents were married and lived there for a time.

He will be running his half marathon in Tolpuddle, his grandmother’s final home, on Saturday, July 4, at 10am.

Joe has never run a half marathon distance before and started training last year, but that was interrupted when he dislocated a knee playing football.

He re-started running at the beginning of March and alternates between running in Southover woods in barefoot shoes and totally barefoot around the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival Field.

Protect Your Home Before It’s Too Late

You have worked hard for your home, savings and family security. The question is: are they properly protected?

A professionally drafted Will makes sure your wishes are followed, your loved ones are provided for, and your estate passes smoothly to the people you choose. Without one, your family could face unnecessary delay, cost and disagreement.

Lasting Powers of Attorney are just as vital. If illness, accident or age-related incapacity strikes, LPAs allow people you trust to manage your finances, property and health decisions immediately, without the stress and expense of applying to court.

Many homeowners are unaware that their property could be used to fund care costs later in life. A living trust may help protect your home and preserve your estate for your family.

He says local people have been very encouraging and supportive.

Many homeowners are unaware that their property could be used to fund care costs later in life. A living trust may help protect your home and preserve your estate for your family. By placing your property into a trust, it can be ring-fenced, reducing exposure to care fees, creditor claims, or unexpected life events such as divorce. It can also help minimise inheritance tax, allowing more of your estate to pass to your loved ones.

Importantly, you remain in

By placing your property into a trust, it can be ring-fenced, reducing exposure to care fees, creditor claims, or unexpected life events such as divorce. It can also help minimise inheritance tax, allowing more of your estate to pass to your loved ones. Importantly, you remain in

Joe will be using the festival field for the half marathon and hopes to make his run a community event.

He would like anyone, young or older, to go along and run some laps with him – wearing shoes, of course! Refreshments will be available.

control. As trustee, you continue managing your assets as normal, and if you move home, the trust continues.

control. As trustee, you continue managing your assets as normal, and if you move home, the trust continues.

For homeowners, a Living Trust can offer an additional layer of protection. When set up correctly and for genuine estate-planning reasons, it can help protect your home from probate delays, family disputes, remarriage, divorce, creditors and, where deliberate deprivation has not occurred, future care-cost assessment.

Oakwood Wills offers free home no obligation consultation, providing clear, friendly advice tailored to your situation, so you can plan with confidence and peace of mind.

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Joe de Figueiredo Cowell

How superstar inspired behind the scenes look at theatre

A VIDEO of a screw being placed on a plinth in the Main Gallery at Lighthouse Poole has been seen by more than 2.8 million TikTok viewers after music megastar Ed Sheeran shared it to his following.

Technician Leah Fry posted the video on her personal TikTok account last year and was surprised to see it achieve millions of views almost overnight thanks to the multiple chart-topping hit maker who saw it and reposted it.

“It was just something silly I made at work one day, so to see

it reach that far was a bit of a shock,” said Leah.

“However, it did set me thinking – what would happen if I shared some of the things we do at work?”

And so, the Lighthouse TekTok account was born. Over the last few months, Leah and her colleague, senior technician (lighting) Sam Coombs have attracted 264 followers and 208,000 views for their unofficial posts from backstage and behind the scenes at the arts centre.

Leah said: “It’s growing all

the time; we get a couple of new followers every day and loads of people commenting – it’s surprising what they engage with.

“Often people will say it’s their local theatre, then we point out that it’s not, we’re in Poole, but sometimes they just will not have it!”

Unsurprisingly, more than 90% of followers are in the UK and over 75% are aged 18-34.

“It’s how you reach people

today,” said Sam. “If you want to engage young people about what goes on in technical theatre, then this is where you’ll find them.

“We’re not trying to be educational as such, but we make sure we give the right information, show how things are done properly and ask the companies if we can make videos and share them.”

Examples of Lighthouse TekTok videos include a time lapse of a get in on the Bon Jovi Experience, changing a par can lamp, exploring the fly tower, panto from the wings and what it sounds like to work under the stage during a performance. So, what else can we look forward to?

“We need to do a time lapse of the Concert Hall floor –people are absolutely fascinated by that floor,” said Leah.

“Honestly, my brain is storming at the minute, but I feel we can definitely fly a drone through Lighthouse. That is happening at some point!”

70 years of model railway club

POOLE and District Model Railway Society was formed originally as the Bournemouth Model Railway Society on August 31, 1956.

The society’s aims were to encourage the individual modeller in any scale to build models to British Railway Modelling Board (BRMSB) standards, to develop interest in all forms of mechanical transport and to create a model railway layout for exhibition purposes.

The society’s continued expansion led to the waiting room of Bournemouth West Station – now demolished –being used as a club room.

This was in 1957 and, around this time, the society’s first OO gauge layout was started.

Owing to the cramped surroundings, another move was made to the old Parcels Office at Branksome Station in Poole. However, as the station was

Poole & District Model Railway Society is 70 years old – the group’s publicity officer, Richard Syms, goes back through the years

devoid of electricity and had only gas lighting, power for the layout was by means of a petroldriven generator charging four 6-volt batteries.

Lights were 12-volt motor car headlamp bulbs.

At the annual meeting in April 1962, it was decided that a change of name was appropriate, as the society was now firmly established in Poole.

Accordingly, the Poole and District Model Railway Society was born out of the old society.

Once again, space was at a premium and another move was

made to a clubroom in an old BR Signalling Department building on Sterte Road, next to Poole Railway Station, just before Christmas 1962.

Later. the society’s current OO gauge layout, Sterte Bay was started and was first exhibited in Wimborne in January 2020.

The Sterte Road clubroom was eventually vacated in early 2020 and society meetings were peripatetic – when the Covid pandemic permitted a gathering of any sort – often taking place in the bar of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution College overlooking Poole Harbour.

Eventually, in February 2023, the society moved into a room at The Old Boys Motorcycle Workshop in Christchurch Road in Pokesdown, Bournemouth.

The new arrangements were short-lived, however, and, due to a leasing problem, an alternative venue was found in

Lagland Street, just off Poole High Street, where the society took up residence at the start of July 2024.

The present clubroom is large enough to accommodate a number of layouts in O, OO and N gauges, in addition to our multi-gauge DC/DCC test track, much used by members for testing new acquisitions.

There are also facilities for light refreshments and hot drinks. New members are welcome and meetings are usually held on both Tuesday and Thursday each week.

The society also organises a model railway exhibition annually in October at a school in the north of Poole.

For more information, visit the group’s website at https:// pdmrs.com.

Enquiries to pdmrs. vicechairperson@yahoo.co.uk or pdmrs.secretary@yahoo. co.uk

Leah Fry at Lighthouse Poole

Vehicle pollution takes toll on heathland habitats

RARE heathland habitats across Dorset are being damaged by pollution from busy roads, a major new study has revealed, with treasured landscapes now facing targeted rescue efforts.

Conservation volunteers spent months tracking pollution levels at protected heathland sites and uncovered worrying evidence that traffic fumes are taking a toll on fragile ecosystems teeming with rare wildlife.

The investigation, led by Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, found that heaths near major routes including the A338, A35 and Alderney/Wallisdown roads are

among the worst affected.

Tiny monitoring tubes placed across 14 heathland sites revealed ammonia pollution exceeded safe levels for sensitive species such as lichens and mosses everywhere tested.

Experts said excess nitrogen pollution is already overwhelming some heathland habitats.

Dorset’s lowland heath is one of the UK’s rarest landscapes, home to reptiles, rare birds, insects and unique plant life but it is highly vulnerable to pollution.

Now councils are launching a fightback.

Heathland sites have been ranked as high, medium or low risk, with restoration projects

Charity reaches out in plane pull call

FAMILIES charity Home-Start Wessex has launched an appeal for local people to pull a plane and raise money for its work with families in Dorset.

The charity is putting together a team of 20 to pull a Boeing 737 at this year’s Dorset Plane Pull, the UK’s only charity event of its kind.

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

Dorset Plane Pull sees teams of 20 pull a Boeing 737 weighing in at 35,000kg 50 metres.

Since the first event in 2009, the plane pull has raised more

already underway at Upton Heath, Avon Heath and Matchams View.

Measures include cutting back invasive scrub, removing nutrient-heavy vegetation and scraping away topsoil to give struggling heath plants a better chance of survival.

Dorset Council leader and cabinet member for climate Nick Ireland said: “With the valued help of conservation volunteers and strong support from our team and heathland partners, we’ve gained a much clearer understanding of how air

pollution is affecting Dorset’s heaths.

“This insight allows us to take practical, targeted action to protect these special landscapes for wildlife and future generations.”

Cllr Andy Hadley, from BCP Council, added: “Moving away from fossil fuel vehicles is key to improving air quality for both people and wildlife.”

The findings will also be used to assess the environmental impact of future housing and road developments near protected sites.

than £400,000 for charities, with over 6,560 pullers from 328 teams picking up a rope and completing the challenge.

The Dorset Plane Pull website says the quickest a team has ever completed the pull is 25.70 seconds!

This year’s event is on August 31 and is hosted by European Skybus on the Aviation Business Park at Bournemouth Airport.

“The plane pull is a fantastic event to take part in and a massive achievement for anyone who completes it,” said Darren Lewis, community fundraising and events officer at Home-Start Wessex.

“In just one or two minutes of immense hard work, you could make a life-changing difference to local families.

“No specific training is required. Pullers just need to be fit and healthy, without any known heart problems, back issues or currently pregnant. Bring your trainers and come and do something amazing this August.

“With more people in crisis, more families becoming homeless and more single parents than ever before, our service is in high demand.

“There are still hundreds of families we need to help. We know we can make a huge difference if we have enough funds to continue our work.”

Over the last year, HomeStart Wessex has transformed

The 20-strong Home-Start Wessex team will pull a 35,000kg Boeing 737 50 metres

1,716 lives, helping a record 526 families. Its reach covers the Purbecks, Swanage, Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport, the whole of the BCP Council area, including Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, across the borders of Hampshire and Wiltshire, going as far north as Cranborne and Fordingbridge, and as far east as New Milton – an area with a population of more than 650,000, including many pockets of high-level deprivation.

Anyone who would like to take part should email Darren at Home-Start Wessex at darren@ homestartwessex.org.uk

Conservation volunteers from across Dorset stand alongside air quality monitoring officer Tim Newman (centre) with the test tubes they installed to capture air quality data PHOTO: Dorset Council

Ride + Stride to help churches

KEEN cyclists, adventurous walkers, history lovers and those simply looking for a fun day out with family will be taking part in this year’s Ride + Stride, which raises money for the repair of Dorset’s churches.

Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DHCT) organises the event and the money raised is shared between DHCT and a church of the individual’s choice.

Usually people walk or cycle between churches, sponsored by family and friends, but there are many ways to take part. Those joining in could even ride a

horse or electric scooter – or catch the bus!

Many of Dorset’s churches will be open on the day, so anyone taking part can plan their own route, set their own pace and make the day as relaxed or adventurous as they like.

The event is open to people of all ages and abilities, and participants can visit one church or several.

The annual sponsored Ride + Stride, this year on Saturday, September 12, is DHCT’s principal source of funds.

“Without the support of Ride

East Burton Village Hall and Wool events – July

by Patricia Hook

THE monthly coffee morning at East Burton Village Hall is on Friday, July 10, 10am-noon, and I hope to see you there. Please come and say hello and enjoy more home-made goodies with a cup of tea or coffee. We are also providing homemade gluten-free cakes. No charge, we just ask for a donation to hall funds.

The writing class at East Burton Village Hall is well proving popular. For details, see the EBVH noticeboard or email lucylastic@me.com or WhatsApp on 07773 251411. All other activities at the village hall take place as usual during July.

The D’Urberville Players are meeting as usual at the D’Urberville Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesdays and would love you to join them. We desperately need a lighting person, with some experience of theatre lighting. Visit our Facebook page and look out for posters displayed throughout the area. We need all kinds of people to help out, from greeting

+ Stride, many of our historic churches simply couldn’t carry out the repairs so desperately needed to keep them safe, opening and welcoming to their communities,” said DHCT chair His Honour David Grant.

“Ride + Stride is a wonderful opportunity to spend time

outdoors, explore churches you have never visited before and support an important cause. However you choose to take part, we’d love you to join us.”

To register as a participant or for more information visit www. dhct.org.uk and click on Ride + Stride.

audience members, back stage, props and so on to actors. Come along and say hello and see if there is anything that interests you.

Wool Community Cinema is continuing its successful monthly film showings and its next offering, on Sunday, July 5, will be Gone with the Wind. As it is a long film, it will be shown at 2pm with cream teas available during a short intermission. Cream teas need to be pre-booked at a cost of £4. The film charge is the normal £6. You can pay on the door or via ticketsource.com/ wool-community-cinema. Alternatively, phone or email woolcommunitycinema@ gmail.com to book and pay for your cream tea.

Wool Community Library is taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge, which starts on Saturday, July 4, and runs until the end of August. The theme is Read to the Beat. Information is still awaited on this, but it is open to all children in the area. Children receive a prize after reading

two books and a medal after reading six. Youngsters can put stars on a star chart in the library for every book they read. For further information, contact Wool Community Library. Posters will be displayed throughout the area.

At the end of National Volunteers’ week in June, to highlight the support Wool Community Library can offer all volunteer organisations, a volunteers tea party was held and volunteers from 16 organisations took part. A good time was had by all and everyone found it very informative. The Friends of Wool Library are always looking for volunteers to join them as trustees and would love to hear from you if you are interested.

Wool WI had an interesting talk on Wareham by Heather Scharnhorst, of Wareham Tours, and Helen Baggott entertained us with a talk entitled Travels with My Great Aunt when she gave a presentation of marvellous old postcards, with histories of the senders and/or recipients. If you would like to come and see what we get up to, we meet at the Kids of Wool Building, attached to the D’Urberville

Centre at 7pm on the second Monday of each month. We would love to see you there to enjoy a talk, a natter, a cup of tea, a raffle and an update on the upcoming events we organise. These include walks, rambles, lunch and supper clubs, sewing bees, book clubs, cinema and theatre trips and visits to institutions like the RNLI etc. Informative, supportive and friendly is how we would describe ourselves. Please come and support a Cancer Research fundraising event at Manor Farm, Wool, on Wednesday, June 24, 10.30am12.30pm.

Wool Carnival is on Saturday, July 4, at the D’Urberville Field. Look out for posters around the area advertising times and so on. Wool Carnival Committee organises regular bingo evenings at the D’Urberville Centre and dates and times can be viewed on its Facebook page and on posters around the villages.

If you know of any activity in the area which needs to be advertised, let me know and I will include it here. I am all about supporting local people and events. My email is patricia.hook125@gmail.com

Dorset Historic Churches Trust’s Ride + Stride organisers gather for the official launch of Ride + Stride 2026

Telling It Like It Is

Safe to cross –

I don’t think

so

IBELIEVE a number of places around Purbeck to be dangerous to trippers and residents alike. At the bottom of Corfe Castle, where the road turns off to Church Knowle and opposite the National Trust visitor centre, are dropped kerbs which lead pedestrians to believe it is a safe place to cross the road. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is not a pedestrian crossing, and I have seen numerous near misses – if it were a pedestrian crossing, the county council would have painted zebra lines on it or at least installed a Belisha beacon. As it is, it’s pot luck. I really don’t want to mow anyone down, but when someone gaily steps off the pavement in front of my car, I am relying on my rapid reactions, my ABS and the power of prayer.

So, I would urge County Highways to come and take a look at peak times, see what’s going on and see if it can provide something that is safe for pedestrians and motorists alike. As mentioned in the previous edition, we have the same problem in Corfe Castle on the Bankes Arms corner –I’m just surprised no-one has been seriously injured so far. When the roads were put down in the good old days, it was deemed necessary to paint white lines on them. Over the years, a great many white lines have faded to nothing and as darkness draws on, especially when it’s raining, again it’s an accident waiting to happen. If it was necessary to write the word ‘slow’ on a bend, or a blind brow, when the road was laid down, then nothing has changed over the years. Except for the fact that the markings are disappearing and, once again, someone’s going to get hurt, especially if they are not familiar with the road. Come on

by David Hollister

County Highways. Where are you? Come out from behind your desks and pick up a paintbrush.

E-SCOOTERS could soon be on trial through parts of Dorset as councillors are considering plans for a government-backed rental trial in several towns. Thankfully, not in Purbeck. I’m totally in favour of e-scooters but don’t see how they can be regulated and indeed why government-approved scooters are safer than the ones you can buy from Halfords. Councils waste so much money on cycle lanes, in favour of ‘active travel’, but no-one seems to think of the elderly and the children who are unable to ride bicycles or indeed to use E-scooters.

Supporters say the trial could help cut congestion, improve air quality and offer more travel options for short trips. The Government wants every new car sold by 2030 to be electric. And Mad Ed wants 60% of urban journeys to be on foot or on bikes.

Sooner or later, the great British public is going to realise that climate change, while serious, is not the beginning of the Armageddon that Mad Ed and his cohorts predict. And if by chance it is, the huge amounts of CO2 generated by Russia, India, China and the USA make our pathetic ‘savings’ like a cough in a thunderstorm. And there will be a revolution among normal everyday people just trying to get to work, take their kids to school on non-existent buses, to visit their relatives in hospital or move their tools from customer to customer. We all wish to be socially responsible but not if it costs us £35,000 to replace a car. The Government wants you

in an electric car by 2035 and it has absolutely no idea how that’s going to work.

An electric car costs £35,000 and that’s one of the cheap ones.

And charging? If you’ve got a driveway, fine. Plug it in overnight. Job done.

But 40% of households don’t have a driveway, so you’re obliged to charge it on the street.

That’s if there’s a charger near you. If it’s working. If no-one’s already on it. If you can figure out which of the numerous different apps this particular charger actually uses. And if the app on your phone cooperates. I wish you luck, but right now, I can’t afford £35,000. I can’t loiter with intent at a public charger for an hour or more, daytime or in the dark and wet. I just need to go about my business and go home.

Car manufacturers in Britain are deliberately hiding petrol cars from you. Because the Government has told them they must sell at least 33 electric cars for every 100 they register this year, and if they go over their petrol allowance, they pay a £12,000 fine for every single extra one. So, they are managing it the best way they can. By holding finished cars to go rusty, in great open-air car parks. It can only go on so long.

WAREHAM Town Council says the Howards Lane conveniences, which were closed in May, are out-dated and increasingly costly to maintain. The intention is to eventually replace the building with more suitable facilities, although plans for this have yet to be submitted. For elderly people like me, who need to use a public toilet frequently, the walk

down to the Quay is frighteningly long and occasionally embarrassing. Come on, council, get it together and realise that saving all the money in the world isn’t going to solve the problem of needing to go. Now.

ACADEMY group Coastal Learning Partnership (CLP) which runs St George’s in Langton Matravers, has launched a consultation to address the predicted reduction in the number of children at St George’s and at St Mark’s Primary School in Swanage –both Church of England schools. Supporters of both schools have launched their initial salvos. Will the CLP listen? Actually, it’s all down to money – let me explain.

I read that St George’s school site is owned by the diocese and under charity rules the site has to be sold to the highest bidder, probably a developer.

I also understand that the St Mark’s site is owned by Dorset Council and leased to the CLP, so if the school closes it then returns to Dorset Council and it would probably seek a new tenant.

No-one seems to have considered the potential influx of children into the proposed new housing developments at Harrow House and elsewhere in Swanage.

There is already a good deal of social media back-biting on behalf of both of these lovely schools. You all of you need to understand that both schools have their merits. And that turning on each other helps no-one. Watch this space with crossed fingers. And crossed legs…

Tune in and enjoy your local community radio station. Broadcast for the community, by the community.

Listen to David Hollister ‘Telling It Like It Is’ Monday-Thursday 5-6pm.

Sudoku 3D puzzle

Cryptic crossword

Across

8 Gale’s blowing around middle of July for flier off coast (7)

Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

Killer Sudoku Pro

9 Work on involuntary movement regarding sight (5)

10 Being averse to a large edible cow’s kidney, say (5)

11 Tiro’s cooked much of leading Italian dish (7)

12 Data pitiably manipulated – showing a flexible attitude? (12)

16 Greek character with tip, legal, within confines of locality for a great number (12)

Down

1 A huge number seen around southern suburb of Birmingham (5)

2 For cultivation, I’d offload with nothing lost spring flower (8)

3 Fellow for all to see having the reverse of magnetism – like a sated diner? (4,2)

4 Smear most of advertisement (4)

5 A snob, I remade Japanese art (6)

6 Declare short piece of data (4)

7 A hanger-on marks abbreviation (7)

13 Tool in a Western lake (3)

20 Fail getting low ball right away (2,5)

23 Accept a duke with German (5)

24 Manufacture only Northern man-made material (5)

25 Fool blocks ring – characterizing modern alarms? (7)

Killer Sudoku Pro Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

25 Fool blocks ring – characterizing modern alarms? (7)

14 One’s considered close hint (8)

15 Visualize statement by a 90s anti-drugs campaigner? (7)

17 Apprentice at home with depression (6)

18 Alter set of clothes (6)

19 Motionless apparatus for a whisky manufacturer (5)

21 Unattractive entrances to university grow larger yearly (4)

A huge number seen around southern suburb of Birmingham (5)

22 Bike trip in Isle of Wight town, we hear (4)

2 For cultivation, I’d offload with nothing lost spring flower (8)

3 Fellow for all to see having the reverse of magnetism – like a sated diner? (4,2)

4 Smear most of advertisement (4)

5 A snob, I remade Japanese art (6)

6 Declare short piece of data (4)

7 A hanger-on marks abbreviation (7)

13 Tool in a Western lake (3)

14 One’s considered close hint (8)

15 Visualize statement by a 90s anti-drugs campaigner? (7)

17 Apprentice at home with depression (6)

18 Alter set of clothes (6)

19 Motionless apparatus for a whisky manufacturer (5)

21 Unattractive entrances to university grow larger yearly (4)

22 Bike trip in Isle of Wight town, we hear (4)

Resignation sends a dire warning

THE resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey MP is not just another round of Westminster political turbulence. It is a monumental shift of national significance. It is excruciatingly obvious that this Labour government has lost control of one of its most fundamental duties – the defence of the nation.

Healey’s own words were damning. “You have been unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats.” I may not agree with his politics, but when a Defence Secretary of his stature feels compelled to walk away, the alarm bells aren’t just ringing, the system is in meltdown.

For many months, it has been obvious that defence simply is not a priority for this Labour government. Labour simply doesn’t get defence. Budgets

Reader’s Picture

have been squeezed. Procurement is in a state of freefall. Modernisation plans have been delayed, diluted or quietly shelved. Our allies are re-arming at pace and even the French are now taking a leading role within the European security sphere. Our enemies are probing for weakness. Yet the UK, a nation that has always taken its security seriously, is no longer a serious player.

After blocking publication for nearly a year, Labour has now confirmed it will not reach 3% of GDP on defence during this Parliament. Its current trajectory reaches just 2.68% by 2030. The gap amounts to billions of pounds that our Armed Forces urgently need to remain credible, capable and ready.

Healey’s resignation has only underscored what many Conservatives have warned for months – the Government lacks a strategic vision for national

security. Warm words and vague commitments are no substitute for hard investment and clear leadership. Our servicemen and women cannot operate on political rhetoric.

The Defence Committee’s response was equally stark. Chair Tan Dhesi MP described Healey as “a serious, committed and respected Defence Secretary” whose departure marks “a grave moment.” The Committee has been unequivocal – defence spending must accelerate to 3% of GDP by the end of this Parliament, and the long delayed Defence Investment Plan must be affordable, deliverable, fully funded and subject to proper parliamentary scrutiny.

These are not partisan demands. They are the minimum requirements for a country facing the most fractious global environment in a generation.

Conservatives have always

understood that national security is the first duty of government. It is the foundation upon which every freedom, every opportunity and every prosperity depends. When a Defence Secretary resigns because he cannot secure the resources required to keep Britain safe, the warning could not be clearer.

The country deserves better. Our Armed Forces deserve better. Conservatives under Kemi Badenoch MP are demanding better.

A government that cannot prioritise defence cannot claim to be safeguarding the nation’s future. Now is the moment for a renewed, unambiguous commitment to national security, backed by real resources and real resolve. Anything less would be a dereliction of duty.

BYRON QUAYLE Chair, South Dorset Conservative Association

School merger and £3m for courses

THE recently announced proposed merger of St George’s CofE Primary School in Langton Matravers has understandably caused concern and frustration across our community – and I share this frustration entirely!

The proposal to merge St George’s with St Mark’s Primary School in nearby Swanage was announced by the Coastal Learning Partnership, which is responsible for both schools.

I have already spoken with parents, former pupils and teachers who have all said the same thing – St George’s is a brilliant local school and an essential part of the Langton Matravers community.

Rightly, a consultation process will now take place, and my understanding is that no final decision has been made. I firmly believe it is critical that the voices of those directly affected and with first-hand knowledge – teachers, parents and the pupils themselves – are a key part of

the decision-making process.

Across Dorset, the number of primary school aged students is falling, and this is projected to continue over the coming years. Unlike other public services, the problem for many primary schools is not high demand but too many unfilled school places.

However, it is essential that St George’s Primary School is maintained for community use.

It may be the case that the school cannot continue with the current set-up – but several other options are available. For example, the school buildings could be repurposed as an infant’s school only, a new SEND school or a school-based nursery? All options should be on the table so we can ensure St George’s is not mothballed.

I will soon be sitting down with local people to discuss how we can protect this school – that way it can continue to serve families well into the future. And I will continue to make sure the concerns of local people are

heard loud and clear as part of the consultation process.

In other local news, we recently heard that nearly £3 million of new funding has been secured for Bournemouth University to deliver courses focussed on new defence technology – a direct result of investment from this Labour Government.

Working alongside the Member of Parliament for Bournemouth West, Jessica Toale, we have been campaigning for some time to have a new Defence Drone Centre set up at Dorset Innovation Park in Winfrith. So, this new funding will ensure that more young people get the skills and qualifications they need to go on to well-paid defence jobs at Dorset Innovation Park.

The new funding for Bournemouth University will mean Cyber Defence Intelligence and Autonomous Systems courses can now begin this September. And many

students will be based at Dorset Innovation Park, allowing close collaboration with the new Defence Drone Centre. This funding sits alongside £20m in funding from the Labour Government for researching and developing drone technology at the Winfrith site.

Taken together, this extra funding for Dorset Innovation Park will not only strengthen national security but also help create well-paid jobs and apprenticeships for local people, attract new investment, and help small and large defence firms grow across Dorset.

With more and more defence firms choosing Dorset Innovation Park as a destination to invest and create well-paid jobs, this is great news for South Dorset! I will continue to bang the drum for Dorset Innovation Park at every opportunity.

LLOYD HATTON Labour MP for South Dorset

School closure would impact village

FIRST an apology – I might be starting to sound like a scratched record.

In the last edition of the Purbeck Gazette I wrote about the need to be building ‘the right houses in the right areas’, that is houses that families can afford to buy and live in. I mentioned that the future of St George’s Primary School in Langton Matravers depends on it. I knew when writing this that a consultation was to be launched regarding the future of the school, together with the nearby St Mark’s Primary School in Swanage, both Church of England schools operated under the same academy trust, Coastal Learning Partnership (CLP). As widely reported, the academy trust has expressed a preference to merge St George’s into the larger St Mark’s site by September 2027.

Like so many parents, carers,

grandparents and former pupils I have spoken to, my first concern is for the children, for their quality of education, but also the level of disruption that this change might mean. It is incumbent on CLP, the diocese, the school governors and Dorset Council to ensure that the children of both schools see only benefits from any decision made.

My second concern is for the village of Langton Matravers.

Many residents have fought over many years to ensure that Langton remains a diverse and thriving community. Not only have they fought for the future of St George’s – now and in the past – but also to ensure that ‘the right houses’ are built in Langton and that other institutions, such as the village shop, post office and pub, remained alive as long as possible.

To lose the school – and the school site – would mean the

loss of a major draw for families to the village, likely result in a further change in demographics and a shift towards an increasingly ageing population. Sadly, the loss of the school would also impact the St George’s church congregation. This is a familiar story across rural Dorset – and beyond – but it does not need to be an inevitability.

So, what can be done?

First, the consultation needs to be conducted in an open and honest manner and consider all the facts before making a recommendation to the Department for Education. Dorset Council is on the hook to make sure that this happens.

Second, all options need to be on the table, beyond St George’s current existence as a Church of England primary school. The potential for St George’s to continue in another format

should be considered, including the introduction of a specialist Special Educational Needs (SEND) unit, much needed in Dorset.

Third, should school options be exhausted, then further options for the St George’s building, which will revert to the ownership of the diocese need to be considered. These might include as a community or arts centre that serves the Langton Matravers and wider Purbeck communities.

Nothing should be considered an inevitability at this stage. I have been hugely encouraged by the energy of the St George’s parents and their numerous supporters. Their collective response to this situation is proof there is still a lot of life in our rural villages – and a lot of fight! BEN WILSON

Lib Dem councillor for South East Purbeck Ward

Flying start to a new year

SWANAGE Croquet Club have got their season off to a flying start and are unbeaten in their first four league matches played at Bon Accord Road.

These matches are played under a handicap system and the Swanage Higher Handicap team sit top of their league after beating clubs from Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth 12-8 and 13-7 respectively.

The Lower Handicap side also beat their counterparts from Budleigh Salterton 14-6 and drew at Dowlish Wake 10-10.

Both teams now face further round robin matches against other croquet clubs in the south

CROQUET

west region in an effort to reach the regional finals later in the year.

As the Lower Handicap team won their regional final last season, they will now play a team from Southport in July in this year’s National Federation Shield competition.

Club members also play social matches among each other on a daily basis.

Club chair Simon Parvin said: “It’s a great way to enjoy gentle exercise and good mental stimulation in fresh air and in good company.

“It’s also an easy game to pick up and we can provide all the equipment and instruction necessary.

“To find out more visit swanagecroquetclub.co.uk.”

5

Sandra Allen and Dave Morton (inset) in action

Swanage: The season so far

THE 1st XI at Swanage Cricket Club have won one of their four completed matches in Premier Two so far this season with two matches abandoned due to inclement weather.

The team’s batting highlight was Tom Wells’ majestic 75 at Poole Park in a very narrow defeat with the other main contributions from Harry Long, Coby Perry, Mike Salmon, Mark Stacey and Sam Wells.

The top bowlers have been Freddie Long, and Perry – the leading wicket-taker in the Division – both claiming six-wicket-hauls, against Marnhull and Poole

respectively. Charlie Dyke and Salmon have also done well.

The 2nd XI have won two of their three completed games in Division 3 but have had three fixtures abandoned.

Their batting highlights have been half-centuries for George Taylor, Ben Allatt, Chris Backhouse, Jernimain and Steve Ramsay. The other main contributions have come from John Lewis and Mike Nash.

The leading wicket-taker is Ramsay, but he has been ably supported by Andrew Hancock, James Harding, Jernimain, Josh

(G) and Nash.

The 3rd XI have lost all three of their completed matches, all against ‘strong’ 1st XI sides in Division 5, and have had two matches abandoned.

Their batting highlight was Tim Ives’s half-century against Lytchett, with useful contributions from David Alcock, Josh (G) and Geoff Willcocks.

The leading wicket-taker is Alan Marks with good support from Bradley, Danny, Josh (G), Josh (V-S), George and Liam.

The Women & Girls HardBall team have won one of their two games. The stand-out

batters have been Hannah Attride, Jo Roberts-Miller and Nala. The top bowlers have been Eden, Faye, Nala, Pam and Sophie (C).

The WAG’s Soft-Ball side have also won one of their two matches. The main contributors with the bat have been Amanda Braznell, Bev Lagden and Pam Sealey. Bev, Pam and Suki have all made useful contributions with the ball.

The Under-11s/13s and 15s have all been in action with some top performances by everyone, especially, Frankie, Henry, Jaxon, Noah, Ruby and Saaqib.

Superheroes on the green for Captain’s Day

THE ‘Caped Crusader’ and more took to the green as members of Swanage Bowls Club embraced the Superheroes theme on the annual Captain’s Day. Characters ranging from Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman to Cleopatra and Mary Anning bowled

BOWLS

under a fortunately kind sky, as the weather held out perfectly for the occasion. Following a competitive and enjoyable afternoon of bowls, the festivities continued off the green. Members and guests took

Isabella to represent England at Games

by Elizabeth Haynes

YEAR 12 Queen Elizabeth School, Wimborne, student

Isabella Haynes has been selected to represent England in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer. Born prematurely at 28 weeks, Isabella, 17, and her twin sister faced a difficult start to life.

Just a week after she was born, doctors noticed severe bruising on her right leg and it was decided it had to be amputated.

She learned to crawl, climb and play and as she grew older began using prosthetic legs that

SWIMMING

changed as she developed.

She has three prosthetic legs – an everyday high-tech leg to help her walk comfortably, one designed for wet conditions and swimming events, and a special running blade for sports.

Swimming was the perfect sport for Isabella as it was gentle on her body and helped avoid blisters caused by prosthetics.

After learning to swim for fun, she joined Swim Bournemouth Club at the age of eight and under the guidance

part in a large and successful raffle, followed by a freshly prepared paella feast, courtesy of local caterers Pantastic.

Live musical entertainment from Shaun rounded off the day, keeping the lively atmosphere going well into the evening.

of their coaches, her talent quickly became clear.

Isabella now trains 14 hours a week in the pool, alongside gym sessions, balancing both para-swimming and ablebodied competitions.

Her dedication earned recognition from Team England, which followed her progress through regional, national and international competitions in Brazil, Peru and Luxembourg.

Isabella has now been selected to represent England at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow in the 100m breaststroke and 100m backstroke.

Isabella said: “I’m very excited, proud of myself, grateful for all the support and honoured for being selected.”

The event raised funds for The Lexi May Trust, a local charity which supports children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses.

Swanage Bowls Club would like to thank everyone who attended, dressed up, donated prizes and helped organise the event.

Isabella Haynes, 17, goes to Queen Elizabeth School, Wimborne

Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: Beneath the shadow of Glastonbury Tor

by Susanna Curtin

RSPB Ham Wall opened in 1994 on land reclaimed from former commercial peat workings. It was designed to re-establish a thriving wetland habitat to attract bitterns. These are very shy, secretive birds that belong to the heron family. They have pale, buff-brown stripy plumage covered with dark streaks and bars that make them blend seamlessly into the reedbeds. Located just a few miles west of Glastonbury, the reserve is a watery wonderland due to the number of species that can be found here, but particularly, as it has been instrumental in bringing our bitterns back from the brink of extinction.

Having got here early, I am writing this from my favourite bird hide. It was here that I saw my very first bittern, and where I have had the most up-close and personal encounters with hobbies – the sleek, swift-like, summer visitors that slice through the air to snatch dragonflies on the wing. In the winter months, this same spot has also been the perfect place from which to enjoy dramatic starling murmurations, alongside hunting marsh harriers, hen harriers, great white egrets and glossy ibis. Despite choosing a busy Sunday for my visit, this perfectly placed open hide is strangely quiet today and I have managed to secure the best seat in the ‘house’, on which I am staying put. Although I am at my happiest while walking, I have learned, over the years, to sit quietly and wait to really appreciate the biodiversity of

this very special place. My bird list today is already testimony to the magic that such patience can bring.

My main reason for visiting today is to hear the bitterns, and already there have been a couple of males calling their profound, resonant, foghorn booms from deep inside the reeds. But scanning the skies with my binoculars, I have also seen some hobbies. These are super graceful, high-speed raptors. About the size of a kestrel, they are a cross between a peregrine falcon and a swift, and built entirely for aerial dominance. They have long, narrow, sickle-shaped wings that taper to sharp points, paired with a square, relatively short tail. Their upper wings are a dark slate-grey or blue-grey, and they have a brilliant white throat and cheeks, that are contrasted sharply by a dark crown and a

gleeful sight of the day; a great crested grebe with her two chicks riding safely on her back. Great crested grebes are among the UK’s most elegant waterbirds. With their distinctive black head plumes, rich chestnut neck frills, and vivid red eyes, they are unmistakable during the breeding season. Their courtship displays are among the most celebrated in the bird world as pairs perform elaborate rituals of synchronised head-shaking, mirroring each other’s movements and presenting gifts of water weed as part of their bonding display. But it is watching them with their young that leaves the strongest impression on me. In their first days of life, great crested grebe chicks ride on their parents’ backs. Nestled against their mother or father, they are safe from predators and the elements. Watching these two chicks peek out cautiously from the safety of their parent’s feathers is one of those quiet, memorable moments that reminds me why I love these birds so much.

thick, black-looking ‘moustache’ stripe extending down beside the beak, giving them the stern, hooded look common to many falcons. From underneath, they are heavily marked with brown streaks and have ‘rusty trousers’ on their thighs. However, their most remarkable feature is their confident flight. They are incredibly playful and aggressive aviators as they chase down dragonflies, martins or swifts with breathtaking ease, and eat them on the wing. As I scan over the water, my eyes are soon greeted to the marsh harriers, two males and one female, locked in some intricate aerial display. They have a totally different flight pattern to hobbies with beautiful long wings and finger-like wing tips that provide their lift and stability. And then, floating serenely on the water, the most

In time, I venture out from the hide and am rewarded with a bittern flying across the reedbed, followed by four great white egrets standing statuesque as they wait for fish. Shortly afterwards, a grass snake glides effortlessly over the water. Its head remains perfectly upright and motionless while the rest of its body ripples behind in graceful undulations.

The late afternoon air is filled with the songs of Cetti’s, sedge and reed warblers, along with the rich notes of blackcaps. As the evening visitors begin to arrive and take my place along the paths, I realise it is time to head home. The day has delivered not only everything I had hoped to see, but much more besides. As I leave, I find myself already planning a return visit.

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

A great crested grebe with chicks riding on her back

Health & Wellbeing

Why are so many neurodivergent people in therapy?

by Nicole Asghar

THIS is a question I often get asked. The short answer is society often views difference as a disadvantage, so the messages we receive about ourselves are rarely positive, encouraging or kind.

I’m also asked by therapists why there are more referrals for autistic individuals nowadays. The short answer is we are, and we’re not. More people are diagnosed/self-identified now, meaning they can give language to their experiences, and autistics are struggling more than ever before because life is becoming increasingly demanding of our nervous systems, our cognition and our sensory systems.

Neurodivergent people have always existed. They were not ‘created’ recently due to advances in technology, people having children later in life or taking paracetamol. Autistic, ADHD, dyslexic and dyspraxic brains have always been part of humanity, needed for as long as we can remember.

There are theories that neurodivergent people were once advantageous to tribes. Many autistic people are night owls who enjoy quiet, uninterrupted time, perhaps serving as nightwatch in earlier times.

ADHDers are often creative, energetic and dynamic thinkers

– qualities that could have been highly rewarding at a time when tribal living required new solutions, new locations and adaptability.

In modern life, especially in the West, our systems are built on neuronormative standards – societal norms that narrowly define the ‘right’ way to think, function, move, feel and communicate.

We know that autistic and ADHD individuals do all of this differently – therefore, it is easy to understand why living in these nervous systems becomes exhausting, painful and often full of suffering.

Up to 66% of autistic adults have considered ending their life at some point, and autistic children have considerably more thoughts of wanting to die than their peers.

Neuronormative standards feel relentless, unforgiving and like a constant puzzle to solve.

This is where neuro-affirming therapy comes in.

Imagine stepping into a room that welcomes you, completely unmasked, where your experiences aren’t seen as ‘strange’, ‘different’ or ‘rude’.

Imagine being in a space where all the societal rules are put down.

Connecting with a neurodivergent therapist can feel like a sigh of relief, and for some, it is a lifeline.

CHIROPODY

Rachel Ciantar

Home Visits & Clinic

A good place to start finding a neuro-affirming therapist is through local support groups. Recommendations are always helpful, and the BACP directory shows if they specialise in neurodivergence.

All therapy should feel like a safe space, but if you are neurodivergent, we often need an extra layer of safety – we need relational safety, and that is often best found in other neurodivergent individuals. People often feel we speak the same language. A welcome

Autistic, ADHD, dyslexic and dyspraxic brains have always been part of humanity, needed for as long as we can remember

change. Help is out there – you are not alone.

If you need someone to talk to outside of therapy, Samaritans is open 24/7. The number to call is 116 123.

If you’d like to share your thoughts on this, I’d love to hear from you.

n Nicole Asghar is a Dorsetbased therapist working online and around Bournemouth. Specialising in neurodivergence, trauma and yoga. Get in touch via nicole@ourluminousminds. com or www.nicoleasghar.com

DORSET FOOT CLINIC

Home & Garden

Torbay Palms love the heat

by Sally Gregson

SO far, this summer is proving one of the hottest experienced in southern England. You could be forgiven for thinking our climate had switched to ‘sub-tropical’ instead of our customary mild and damp mixture of sunshine and showers. And maybe it will still conclude with continuous rain and thunderstorms. But in the meantime, raining or not, this summer we can enjoy the magnificent flowering of all our trees and shrubs.

These hot temperatures are just right for growing Torbay Palms, or cordyline. Cordyline australis is the toughest, and bears sword-shaped leaves in painterly shades of pink, cream and green. The variety C. australis Torbay Dazzler has strong, cream margins to the leaves, with a pink cast in the

centre. In a hot summer it will produce clouds of white flowers followed by little berries. In a warm, well-drained position it will make a small tree up to about 2m after 15 to 20 years. Sometimes, you find when moving to a new house, a cordyline is in the garden

Cordyline australis bears swordshaped leaves in painterly shades of pink, cream and green

the garden, and after a few years becomes a winter stalwart, producing lots of spear-like leaves in gorgeous shades of pink, purple, cream and green.

already. Often what has happened is that, years previously, a small one has been chosen as a house plant for a sunny window and has outgrown its allotted space and its pot. The outed, small tree then seems to have been elbowed into a sunny place in

All seems well. But after a cold, wet winter, cordylines can get untidy and unsightly. In an especially cold winter, a strong wind might damage the leaves and by spring the tree will need a little attention if it is to look good the following summer. Cordyline leaves are very slow to drop off naturally, resulting in a tall trunk with a collar of dead, brown leaves bent right back. Cut off all the damaged leaves at the point they emerge from the trunk with a pair of loppers, and it will emerge afresh from your attentions like a princess, looking happier and beautiful once more. It is just crying out for new companions.

Water thoughtfully in hot spells

by Sally Gregson

AFTER weeks of unseasonal high temperatures we may be forgiven for thinking we have moved to the tropics. And those hot days came just at the time when plants, re-emerging from a long winter, needed quieter sunshine and cooler temperatures. It may be very tempting to try to grow some seriously exotic vegetables and flowers, but common sense, that heartless teacher, would remind us gardeners that the weather could just as easily be unseasonally cold. It’s difficult to plan. We have to remain on our toes.

Perhaps the most appropriate course of action now is to prioritise the watering. This is especially true with vegetables. Very many of our favourite summer vegetables are made up mostly of water – courgettes and marrows, peas and beans of all shapes and sizes, and tomatoes and salad crops. It’s important to ensure they each get a good drink at the end of every hot day if they are to keep growing and cropping all summer.

Try to avoid feeding vegetables while there is so little rain. There is a danger that the dilution of soil water will be made stronger than the plant’s

own natural water and thus reverse the process of osmosis – where stronger solutions are diluted by the weaker – and the natural juices in the plants are pulled out by the water in the soil that has been made too concentrated by adding too much fertiliser.

And to ensure that the plants’ roots don’t move up to the surface to take advantage of the little water, try to give each plant a thoroughly good soak. Inverting a plant pot next to the point where it emerges from the soil, and pouring the water into

A gardener checks the moisture of the soil before watering

each inverted pot ensures it reaches the roots rather than evaporates on the surface. Don’t forget to water the compost heap too, if all your labours are not to be in vain. It too is a living entity which needs water, at least the microbes that do all the work need to be kept a little moist. And pick your crops little and often. Don’t let the poor plant struggle to keep itself alive to no avail. All those tender, young courgettes and beans will taste all the sweeter for your attentions.

Watering tips for hot summer days

WATERING could be key for gardeners this summer with dry spells tending to arrive earlier and last longer. A bit of care goes a long way when the ground is baked solid and plants are struggling, says the team at British Garden Centres. Catch every drop you can

IF you do not have a water butt, it’s the one thing worth sorting before the next dry spell. Most people think that to connect one, you have to do it to the house downpipe, but the shed and greenhouse are just as useful. Fix one to each, and you’ll have a decent reserve ready whenever a shower comes through, however brief.

Also, don’t forget to use grey water from bathwater, shower water and the final rinse from the washing machine, as this is also perfectly good for most garden plants. The main thing is not to leave it sitting in a bucket for days – use it within 24 hours and pour it at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves. Mulch to hold the moisture in

A layer of bark or compost mulch around the base of plants keeps moisture in the soil for longer and means you can go further between watering. It also keeps the soil temperature down, which plants appreciate in a heatwave. Containers benefit from mulching as pots dry out much faster than open ground, and anything that slows that process helps. Gravel also works well in sunnier spots as it stops water running off the surface before it has a chance to sink in. Saucers under pots do the same job, and it’s a simple thing like this that makes a noticeable difference.

Matching plants to conditions

MEDITERRANEAN plant

varieties like lavender, rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano need little water once they’re established. The same goes for ornamental grasses, sedum, verbena, eryngium, euphorbia, hebes, osteospermum and achillea. These are well-suited to the kind of summers we’re now having more regularly and are good for pollinators, too.

Look for a moisture-retaining compost and a slow-release fertiliser to help the soil hold onto water more effectively. It will help a healthier root system to become deeper and more established, which means plants cope with dry conditions without needing constant attention. Self-watering planters

THESE are worth knowing about if you have a lot of containers or tend to be away during the summer. They have a reservoir built into the base and a tube that lets plants draw up moisture as they need it. Garden centres stock a range of them, and they take a lot of the guesswork out of keeping pots going through a hot spell.

Lawns

TO keep lawns shipshape in summer, raise the cutting height on the mower as longer grass develops deeper roots and handles dry spells much better than closely cropped turf. If the lawn goes brown, it will almost always recover once rain returns. A dry spell makes it look worse than it is, but your lawn is not dead, it is simply dormant.

For patches that need reseeding, look for a mix with a higher proportion of fescue. It’s more drought-tolerant than most standard lawn seed.

National Garden Scheme Dorset –gardens open for charity in July

JULY is the month when thoughts turn to holidays and the open gardens next month have lots to amuse and entertain, with great open spaces to roam in. In many of the gardens, children go free and dogs are welcome.

NEW OPENIINGS

n 3 PARK FARM CLOSE, Martinstown, Dorchester DT2 9TW. Phil and Roelie Newman. Three miles south west of Dorchester. From the Dorchester A35 bypass at the Monkey Jump roundabout (west of Poundbury) follow signs to Martínstown. Garden is at the east edge of the village up a gravel drive. Postcode in SatNav works. Sunday, July 5 (1pm-5pm). Admission £5, children free. Home-made teas.

A quirky child friendly one-acre garden with distinct sections. Lower section consists of a large scale model canal with operational locks and a 1:20 model village. Visitors may operate boat and locks. The middle section has two large ponds surrounded by a ‘beach’ area, trees, shrubs and flower beds. The top section consists of a large wildflower maze and vegetable patch. Treasure trail for kids. Parking in driveway for wheelchair access. Some assistance might be needed to get up small slope. For other parking follow signs.

n 3 WILLOW HAMLET, 68-69 Whitehayes Road, Burton, Christchurch BH23 7PA. Suzanne Langley, 07796 876898, selangley@mail.com. Seven miles from Bournemouth. Look for signs off Whitehayes Road. Sunday, July 26, (noon-4pm).

Admission £5, children free. Cream teas. Visits also by

arrangement June 28 to July 25.

A vibrant garden with rich seasonal colour, extensive range of plants to cascading hanging baskets. Paths weave through borders to a pergola framed in wisteria and climbers, while mature trees and woodland planting shelter wildlife. Thoughtful seating areas invite visitors to pause, Admire the views, and enjoy the garden’s changing character. Paintings and sculptures throughout the garden. The garden opens onto a working art studio and gallery and paintings will be for sale.

SPECIAL EVENTS n STAFFORD HOUSE

West Stafford, Dorchester DT2 8AD. Lord and Lady Fellowes. Two miles east of Dorchester in Frome Valley. Follow signs to West Stafford from the west, first house on left before getting to the village, green park railings and gate. Friday, July 3 (10am-12.30pm). Admission £25, children free. Pre-booking essential, visit ngs.org.uk for information and booking. Home-made elevenses including cake and biscuits in a gardening theme. The gardens at Stafford House include a river walk and tree planting in the style of early 19 century Picturesque. Humphry Repton prepared landscape proposals for the garden and the designs were later implemented, they were also included in his famous Red Books. A limited

number of tickets have been made available for this private morning opening, hosted by Lord and Lady Fellowes. The head gardener, Pip Poulton, will give a talk and guided tour of the gardens and grounds including ongoing empathetic recent renovations. Special home-made elevenses will be served on the main terrace or underneath the turkey oak tree planted in 1633. There will then be the opportunity to explore the grounds and gardens, finishing at about 12.30pm.

n

LULWORTH

CASTLE

HOUSE, Lulworth Park, East Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5QS.

James and Sara Weld. In the village of East Lulworth enter through the main entrance to Lulworth Castle and Park and follow the signs. Thursday, July 9 (10.30am-1pm). Admission £25, children free. Pre-booking essential, visit ngs.org.uk for information and booking. Light refreshments at the Weld Arms, set menu available for visitors.

Large coastal garden next to Lulworth Castle with views to the sea. Pleasure grounds surround a walled garden filled with roses and perennials, behind which sits a working kitchen garden. In front of the house the scented walk leads to a wildflower meadow, lavender labyrinth and Islamic garden with rills and fountains. A new wild white garden has been created over the past winter. A limited number of tickets have been made available for this special one-day event. Meet at the front the house on the main drive for an introductory talk on the gardens, followed by a guided tour. After visiting the garden a set menu lunch will be made available at the nearby Weld Arms from 1pm – not included in admission price. To

make a booking visit: https:// theweldarms.co.uk or phone 01929 400211.

EXISTING OPENINGS

n THE HOLLOW, SWANAGE, 25 Newton Road, Swanage BH19 2EA. Suzanne Nutbeem, 01929 423662, gdnsuzanne@ gmail.com. Half mile south of Swanage town centre. From town follow signs to Durlston Country Park. At top of hill turn right at red post box into Bon Accord Road. Fourth turn right into Newton Road. Every Wednesday, July 1 to August 26 (2pm-5pm). Admission £5, children free. Visits also by arrangement July 3 to August 25. Wander in a dramatic sunken former stone quarry, a surprising garden at the top of a hill above Swanage. Stone terraces with many unusual shrubs and grasses form beautiful patterns of colour and foliage attracting butterflies and bees. Pieces of medieval London Bridge lurk in the walls. Steps have elegant handrails. WC available. Exceptionally wide range of plants including cacti and air plants.

n THE OLD RECTORY, LITTON CHENEY,

Litton Cheney, Dorchester DT2 9AH. Richard and Emily Cave, 01308 482266, emilycave@rosacheney.com. Nine miles west of Dorchester, one mile south of A35, six miles east of Bridport. Park in village and follow signs. Sunday, July 5 (11am-5pm). Admission £8, children free. Tea, coffee and cake. Visits also by arrangement April 26 to September 30 for groups of up to 20.

Steep paths lead to beguiling four acres of natural woodland

Stafford House in West Stafford

with many springs, streams, two pools, one a natural swimming pool planted with native plants. Formal front garden, designed by Arne Maynard, with pleached crabtree border, topiary and soft planting including tulips, peonies, roses and verbascums. Walled garden with informal planting, kitchen garden, orchard and 350 rose bushes for a cut flower business.

Woodland garden, spring tulips, orchard blossom, walled garden.

n MANOR

FARM, HAMPRESTON,

Wimborne BH21 7LX. Guy and Anne Trehane. Two-and-a-half miles east of Wimborne, two-and-a-half miles west of Ferndown. From Canford Bottom roundabout on A31, take exit B3073 Ham Lane. Half mile turn right at Hampreston Crossroads. House at bottom of village. Sunday, July 12, (1pm-5pm). Homemade teas.

Admission £7, children free. Traditional farmhouse garden designed and cared for by three generations of the Trehane family for over 100 years. Garden is noted for its herbaceous borders and rose beds within box and yew hedges. Mature shrubbery, water and bog garden. Excellent plants as usual for sale at openings. The garden is due to be featured in June edition of The English Garden Magazine.

n BROOMHILL, Rampisham, Dorchester DT2 0PT.

David and Carol Parry, 07775 806 875, carol.parry2@ btopenworld.com. 11 miles north west of Dorchester. From Dorchester A37 Yeovil, nine miles left Evershot. From Yeovil A37 Dorchester, seven miles right Evershot. Follow signs. From Crewkerne A356, one-and-a-half miles after Rampisham Garage left Rampisham. Follow signs.

Park Farm Close in Martinstown is a quirky, child-friendly garden

Sunday, July 19, (2pm-5pm).

Admission £5, children free. Home-made teas. Visits also by arrangement June 1 to August 7 for groups of 10-plus. Light lunches can be provided if required.

A former farmyard transformed into a delightful, tranquil garden set in two acres. Clipped box, island beds and borders planted with shrubs, roses, grasses, masses of unusual perennials and choice annuals to give vibrancy and colour into the autumn. Lawns and paths lead to a less formal area with large wildlife pond, meadow, shaded areas, bog garden, orchard, vegetable and cutting garden. Gravel entrance, the rest is grass, some gentle slopes.

n ANNALAL’S GALLERY

25 Millhams Street, 25 Millhams Street, Christchurch BH23

1DN. Anna and Lal Sims, www.annasims.co.uk Town centre. Park in Saxon Square PCP – exit to Millhams Street via alley at side of church. Monday, July 27, (2pm-4pm).

Admission £3.50, children free. Enchanting 180 years old cottage, home of two Royal Academy artists. 32ft x 12½ft garden on three patio levels. Pencil gate leads to colourful scented Victorian walled

Home & Garden

drought tolerance and hardiness. 100-plus shrubs, both new and some over 100 years old. Vegetables yearround sustain a healthy lifestyle. Points of historical interest including an ancient side-handled quern, Roman padstones and a 15th century farmhouse. Garden is on a slope, main lawn and tea area are level but there are uneven, sloping paths.

n THE STABLES, Knitson, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20

garden. Sculptures and paintings hide among the flowers and shrubs. Unusual studio and garden room. Mural of a life-size greyhound makes the cottage easy to find and adds a smile to people’s faces.

n KNITSON

OLD FARMHOUSE,

Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5JB. Rachel Helfer, 01929 421681, rjehelfer@gmail.com Purbeck. Between Corfe Castle and Swanage. Follow the A351 three miles east from Corfe Castle. Turn left signed Knitson. After one mile fork right. Garden is on left after quarter mile. Wednesday, July 29, Thursday, July 30 (noon5pm). Combined admission with The Stables £8, children free. Hot and cold drinks, cakes, sweet/savoury pastries, cream teas available. Visits also by arrangement March to October for groups of up to 20. Mature cottage garden nestled under chalk downland. Herbaceous borders, rockeries, climbers and shrubs, evolved and designed over 60 years for year-round colour. Wildlife friendly, sustainable kitchen garden including 20-plus different fruits for selfsufficiency. Historical stone artefacts, ancient trees and shrubs are part of the integral design. Plants are selected for

5JB. Rebecca Charron. Situated in a hamlet, three miles east of Corfe Castle. Follow the A351 three miles east from Corfe Castle. Turn left signed Knitson onto single track road. After one mile fork right. Garden is on left after quarter mile. What3words: currently. accordion.panicking. Wednesday, July 29, Thursday, July 30 (noon-5pm). Combined admission with Knitson Old Farmhouse £8, children free. Home-made teas.

Much-loved garden planted in a contemporary style with deep borders filled with easy care colourful perennials interspersed with shrubs. The garden was established in 2016 on flat compacted sand that had been a horse dressage arena. The aim was to plant a garden full of flowers in a naturalistic style enabling it to fit into the surrounding landscape. In addition to the main garden, there is a working kitchen garden. Wildflower and grass areas and a water storage pond at the top of the adjoining field. Small area of five-year-old planted trees on the north side of the garden. Parking close to garden with gravel yard then short uphill slope to main garden area.

n Entries may be subject to change – for latest information check www.ngs. org.uk Tickets can be purchased on the day or in advance at www.ngs.org.uk

Motoring Mobiles at the wheel: What research shows

MORE drivers admit to using a handheld mobile phone to browse the internet, text or share to social media than at any point since 2018, new RAC research shows.

The proportion of drivers who admit to these dangerous and illegal activities while behind the wheel has now increased every year since the Covid pandemic to reach 15%, having last been that high in 2018 and then falling to a low of 7% in 2021.

20% of drivers also admit to checking messages or notifications, the highest level since 2016, and 12% say they have taken a photo or recorded a video with their phone while driving, up from 8% in 2024 and the highest rate since 2019.

The RAC’s research on the problem also found an increase in the percentage of drivers who say they have watched or

recorded a video or livestreamed while at the wheel in the past 12 months, up from 5% in 2024 to 9% this year.

The rate is highest among the under-25s, rising to 27% from 23% in 2024. Among those aged between 25 and 44, there has also been a sharp increase in admitted livestreaming, from 10% two years ago to 17% this year.

The only type of activity involving a handheld mobile that has seen a reduction this year is the proportion of drivers who admit to making or receiving voice calls – the figure now stands at 20%, down from 27% in 2024 and 23% in 2019.

Younger drivers are by far the most likely age group to engage in illegal mobile phone use.

Half – 49%, compared to 20% overall – say they have made or received a call without

More people than ever admit to watching or recording videos, livestreaming or even gaming while driving

a hands-free kit, and 39% have typed a message or social media post while behind the wheel, up from 27% in 2024 and 2025.

42% admit to making or receiving video calls while driving – the highest level the RAC has ever recorded – while 30% have taken a photo or filmed a video.

22% say they have played a game on their phone while driving, again a record high proportion.

and 36,813 in 2023.

RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “Our research shows there’s been a marked increase in the proportion of drivers – especially the young – admitting to using handheld mobile phones behind the wheel for all sorts of risky activities, including posting on social media and even livestreaming.

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In the RAC’s 2026 research, concern about the problem –compared to other common motoring issues like potholes and fuel prices – is down to 19%, having peaked at 41% in 2016 when it was drivers’ top motoring worry.

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When these figures were published in the RAC Report on Motoring 2016, they prompted the Government to take action, doubling the fine and penalty points for the offence to £200 and six licence points early the next year.

“So, in many ways, some drivers’ use of handheld phones while in the car is simply mirroring the ever-increasing range of tasks they’re using them for when they’re not driving.

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The latest government road casualty data covering 2024 shows that a driver using a mobile device was a factor in 340 road collisions in 2024, of which 20 were fatal.

In addition, the number of drivers in England and Wales convicted for using a handheld mobile phone while driving is at its highest level since 2016 – the figure now stands at 40,723 for 2024, up from 36,660 in 2017

“Worse still, more motorists than ever are admitting to illegally watching or recording a video or livestreaming on their phones, including more than a quarter of young drivers and almost a fifth of those aged 25 to 44.”

Mr Dennis added:“Despite pole-mounted cameras now being used to look down into vehicles to catch drivers using handheld phones and not wearing seatbelts, our figures suggest there isn’t much concern about being caught.”

Sister ships make double cruise call at Portland

IT was a double celebration when Portland Port welcomed two ships from the AIDA cruise line on the same day for the first time.

Sister vessels AIDAsol and AIDAluna made history as the first ships from AIDA to call simultaneously at the port.

The milestone came during Portland Port’s 30th anniversary year and as the cruise season gets underway. Coincidentally, it is also AIDA’s 30th anniversary this year.

Dignitaries from Portland Port and AIDA exchanged plaques to mark the occasion, while many of the ships’ 4,388 passengers headed off on excursions and complimentary shuttle buses.

Ian McQuade, Portland Port commercial director and chair of trade association Cruise Britain, said: “It was another first on a day to remember.

“We welcome AIDA’s ships and passengers on a regular basis but this was the first time that two of its vessels called together.

“It was a wonderful sight to see the sister ships sail into Portland Harbour and its passengers disembark, including many setting off on our

complimentary shuttle buses to stops on Portland and in Weymouth.

“AIDA has been a strong supporter as we have built the port’s cruise business to the point where we are hosting 52 separate calls this year with more than 100,000 passengers, injecting circa £10 million into the local economy.

“We are grateful for its support and we were thrilled to be able to celebrate the double call in our 30th anniversary year.”

The AIDAsol arrived at Portland from Fishguard in Wales on the penultimate stop of a nine-day round trip. The AIDAluna called at the port on a 14-day round-trip from Hamburg.

Dorset Volunteer Ambassadors helped welcome passengers at Portland and the Weymouth Ukuleleans serenaded them as they returned from trips before the Nothe Fort Artillery Volunteers fired a three-gun salute to mark the ships’ departures.

Double celebration: Crew from the AIDAsol and AIDAluna with Portland Port staff on the quayside with ships behind on the port’s deepwater berths

and beyond to Stonehenge, Salisbury and Bath.

Most of the remaining guests avail themselves of the port’s complimentary shuttle bus service, either choosing to stay on Portland or travel into Weymouth.

Ian said: “Cruising continues to grow in popularity.

“A great deal of work is dedicated behind the scenes to attracting and accommodating cruise ships, which provides a valuable boost to local businesses in off-peak months as well as at the height of the season.

“Feedback from cruise lines

and passengers is consistently positive about the area, the warm welcome they receive and the attractions on offer.”

The £10m injected into the local economy annually is based on statistics from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) trade body for spend per head of passenger.

It includes expenditure in shops, bars, cafes, tourism attractions along with transport and tours.

In addition, further expenditure comes from the crew that are given time off when in port along with berthing revenues through the port itself and businesses in the local supply chain.

Portland Port opened a £26m deepwater berth in 2023, allowing it to welcome larger vessels, including ships up to 350m in length on opposite berths on the same day.

The port opened as a commercial business in 1996 following its closure as a Royal Naval Base.

Typically, about 45% of visiting cruise guests go on an organised excursion to various attractions throughout Dorset,

Antiques & Collectibles

Time to entertain

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

FEW antique objects capture the imagination quite like automatons. These extraordinary mechanical creations combine art, engineering and entertainment in a way that still feels magical today.

Long before electricity and digital technology existed, skilled craftsmen were creating moving figures and animated scenes powered entirely by intricate clockwork mechanisms.

Automatons became especially popular during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Designed to surprise and delight, they could feature singing birds, musicians playing instruments, dancing figures or beautifully detailed miniature scenes that moved at the turn of a key.

Some were incorporated into clocks, jewellery boxes and luxury decorative objects, while others were created purely as theatrical mechanical displays.

What makes antique automatons so fascinating is not only their movement, but the incredible craftsmanship behind them.

Every tiny gear, spring and mechanism was made by hand with remarkable precision.

Many pieces were also richly decorated with gold, enamel, gemstones, silk or hand-painted details, making them works of art as well as feats of engineering.

Today, automatons are highly sought after by collectors because they offer something genuinely unique and enchanting.

The glorious clock you can see was brought into us for servicing by a client whose aunt remembered the clock working when she was a child.

It is an antique copy of a bird cage automaton dating from the early 20th century, probably 1910-30, where the bird rotates on the globe and the little bird on the floor of the cage moves from side to side, creating the ticking sound.

We were delighted to get it

working again and restored to its original beauty.

Automatons remind us of a time when luxury objects were

Collected interiors and antiques

A COLLECTION assembled with passion, vision and an eye for history is set to go under the hammer as Duke’s Auctioneers presents Priory Works, Bridport: Collected Interiors and Antiques.

The sale showcases the collection of Michelle and Stuart, who spent years acquiring antiques, decorative objects and curiosities intended to form the opening stock of a new antiques destination at Priory Works.

Despite ambitious plans, prolonged planning challenges and changing personal

designed not simply to be owned, but to amaze, entertain and spark conversation for generations to come.

circumstances meant the project could not be realised.

For Stuart the collection represents a significant chapter after retirement. For Michelle, a lifelong enthusiast of social history and antiques, it marks the culmination of a long-held dream.

The auction offers collectors the chance to acquire pieces chosen for their craftsmanship, character and stories.

Michelle, now established within Bridport’s antiques community, plans to continue her journey with a smaller venture in the town.

The auction is at Duke’s Dorchester Fine Art Saleroom on Wednesday, August 12, with viewing and collection in Bridport.

A beautiful example of a bird cage automaton

Soap villain, panto baddie

CORONATION Street star

James Cartwright, currently at the centre of one of the soap’s biggest and most talked-about storylines, is coming to the seaside when he plays the wicked Abanazar in Aladdin, Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre’s pantomime this winter.

James, who is making his panto debut, is known to millions of viewers as the menacing Theo Silverton in the soap.

He said: “I can’t wait to be part of it. Bournemouth is such a beautiful place, and to be

here over Christmas, performing for local families and visitors alike, feels really special.

“Pantomime has such a brilliant tradition, and I’m super excited to dive into that world.”

James joins the already announced Jamie Steen, who is playing Widow Twankey and Bournemouth favourite Noel Brodie, who returns for his 12th year, as Wishee Washee. Producer Martin Dodd, of UK Productions, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome James Cartwright to Aladdin at the

Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre this festive season, where he’ll be casting his spell as the wicked Abanazar.

“Known to many as the very dangerous Theo Silverton in Coronation Street, James brings a commanding stage presence and a sharp edge to his performances – perfect for a larger-than-life villain.

“Audiences can expect plenty of magic, mischief and deliciously dastardly moments – after all, when you’ve made your mark on The Cobbles, you know exactly how to set the stage for a truly spellbinding turn as our panto baddie!”

Aladdin runs from Saturday, December 5, to Sunday, January 3.

An accessible captioned performance will take place on Monday, December 21, with a

relaxed performance on Wednesday, December 30, both open to all.

Festival promises to mix and match

ARTISTS from nine countries – as far afield as Australia, Brazil, Vietnam, Hungary and South Africa – will bring musical traditions from across the world to Abbotsbury next month.

The Tree of Strings Festival will transform Abbotsbury’s historic spaces, including its 14th century barn, a tiny hilltop chapel and an ancient village church, with live-scored 1929 silent film Drifters, contemporary chamber music and late-night Latin rhythms.

The inaugural festival, led by cellist and artistic director Adrian Brendel, unites an international group of musicians for a genre-defying programme.

From its samba and tangoinspired opening night celebrations to the closing strains of Schubert’s String Quintet, the weekend’s events span centuries of classical and contemporary music.

Tree of Strings is curated

around collaboration, with musicians appearing across the weekend in different combinations. Each concert places something unexpected alongside familiar repertoire, inviting audiences to encounter different musical styles.

“Classical music comes alive when it’s allowed to converse with other traditions – with

contemporary ideas, with jazz and folk influences, and with the spirit of improvisation,” said Adrian.

“At this year’s festival, you could spend an afternoon absorbed in the piano music of Beethoven and Brahms, explore Hungary’s rich musical heritage, trace Dorset’s own folk traditions, and then hear

Mendelssohn’s thrilling Octet before a late-night performance where jazz, folk and classical meet in the hands of Trio Miré.”

The festival, from Friday to Sunday, July 3-5, will also platform Tree of Strings Young Artists including Bournemouthbased cellist Hugo Svedberg, Elmore Quartet and Vietnamese pianist Khanh Nhi Luong.

James Cartwright is swapping Coronation Street for Aladdin

Khanh-Nhi-Luong and Hugo Svedberg will be performing at the Tree of Strings Festival

Musical with a message

WIMBORNE Musical Theatre Society (WMTS) is set to present Shrek the Musical at the town’s Tivoli Theatre.

The show tells the story of a grumpy but loveable ogre’s hilarious attempts to rescue the feisty Princess Fiona and reclaim his swamp.

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

The show is filled with dazzling costumes, laugh out loud moments and a host of quirky fairytale creatures – and proves being different is what makes someone special.

Shrek the Musical features favourite songs like I’m a Believer, Freak Flag and I Know it’s Today.

Director Duncan Trew said: “We are delighted to be

bringing this iconic and uplifting story to life in Wimborne and it’s fantastic to be working alongside such a gifted cast and crew.

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

“Rehearsals have been an absolute joy, and we cannot

Gilbert & Sullivan at the village hall

OPERA in a Box is bringing Gilbert & Sullivan’s everpopular The Pirates of Penzance to Lytchett Matravers Village Hall.

The touring company aims to bring opera to a wide audience and features singers who have performed with companies including Bath Opera, Bristol Opera and Welsh National Youth Opera, and in venues from The Theatre Royal, Bath to Glyndebourne.

apprentice mistakenly bound to a band of tender-hearted pirates, as he navigates duty, love and cowardly policemen.

The Pirates of Penzance follows Frederic, a young

The much-loved comic opera is celebrated for its score and wordplay, and delights in its own absurdity while delivering memorable tunes.

The Pirates of Penzance is at Lytchett Matravers Village Hall on Saturday, July 4, at 7.30pm.

Further information and tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk

wait for audiences to share in the fun!”

Direction is assisted by Hilary Baker, with musical direction from Matt Timms and choreography by Suzi de Villiers and Kiera Rickford.

The cast features more than 40 talented children and adults, including Jack Hosking-Ellis, Selina Rumbold, David Swain, Alan Colclough, Lauren

Ferger-Andrews, Jemma Cable and Charlotte Squibb.

WMTS will stage evening performances from Thursday to Saturday, June 25-27, plus a Saturday matinee.

To book, phone the box office on 01202 885566 or visit www.tivoliwimborne. co.uk

Tickets are £22 adults and £18 under 16s.

PURBECK Young Musicians will be in concert at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Swanage.

The event will feature some of the group’s best musicians as well as combined inter-school string, brass, vocal and woodwind ensembles.

The concert is on Tuesday, June 30, at 7pm and tickets are £5 on the door – children free.

Life in midlife mined for laughs

COMEDIAN, writer and broadcaster Cally Beaton – QI, Live at the Apollo – brings her new show to The Mowlem, Swanage, this autumn.

The show had a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival last year and is a quick-witted,

unexpected and unapologetic insight into life in midlife. It combines Cally’s razorsharp stand-up and storytelling with extracts from her provocative, stereotype-busting book.

Cally’s story of radical reinvention took her from boardroom meetings to centre stage, sparked by a chance conversation with the late comedian Joan Rivers. Cally Beaton –pictured – is at The Mowlem Won Thursday, November 19.

Members of the cast of Shrek being staged at the Tivoli Theatre

Spotlight Diary

Diary entries are £6 plus VAT per entry. The deadline for the July 6 issue is NOON on Thursday, June 25. Call us on 01963 400186 or email adverts@blackmorevale.net.

Please call prior to attending events listed to ensure they are still on.

JUNE 2026

FRIDAY

14:00 BINGO AT CAREY HALL, Mistover Road, Wareham BH20 4BY. 5 minutes from Wareham Railway station bus stop. Every Friday. Contact Marian: 07748 316512

SATURDAY

18.30 WHIST DRIVE at St Mary’s Church, Rectory Classroom, Swanage. Every Saturday. Tea and coffee provided. Very friendly group. Contact Richard: 01929 553516

SUNDAY

10.00 CAREY HALL TABLE TOP SALE

Sunday 28 June. Carey Hall, Mistover Road, Wareham BH20 4BY, 5 minutes’ walk from 40,X54 bus stop at Wareham Railway Station. Open 9.00 for sellers. £5 per table, preferably booked at careyhallwareham@gmail.com or 07931 628461.

Events

SPETISBURY CHURCH & VILLAGE, FETE and Dog Show, Saturday 27th June, 12 – 4 p.m. At Spetisbury Manor DT11 9EB, Everyone welcome, £1 adults, children under 16 free

THE PILGRIM SINGERS PRESENT, SUMMERTIME AND ALL THAT JAZZ. A Charity Concert in aid of Food for Families in the Sudan, in the Balsam House Gardens, Wincanton, BA9 9HT, Sunday 5th July 3pm, open for picnics from 1pm, Tickets £15 (under 18s free), Available: on the door, from choir members, Wincanton Post Office,, or contact 01963 33695, Strawberries & Cream and Pimm’s included, Marquee cover

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